UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 Washington, D.C. 20549
 ___________________
 FORM 10-K
 ___________________
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2024

 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 001-32216
 NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 Maryland
 47-0934168

 (State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 90 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016
 (Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
 ( 212) 792-0107
 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 Title of Each Class
 Trading Symbols
 Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

 Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 NYMT

 8.000% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference
 NYMTN

 7.875% Series E Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference
 NYMTM

 6.875% Series F Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference
 NYMTL

 7.000% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference
 NYMTZ

 9.125% Senior Notes due 2029

 NYMTI

 9.125% Senior Notes due 2030

 NYMTG

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No

 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No

 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 No

 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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No

 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 definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

 Large Accelerated Filer 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.

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 USC. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

 If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

 Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No

 The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 28, 2024 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $ 521,167,750 based on the closing sale price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 28, 2024.

 The number of shares of the registrant's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding on February 14, 2025 was 90,567,445.

 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 Document

 Where
Incorporated

 1. Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled for June 2025 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by no later than April 30, 2025.

 Part III, Items 10-14

 NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.

 FORM 10-K

 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2024

 Item 1.
 Business

 Item 1A.
 Risk Factors

 Item 1B.
 Unresolved Staff Comments

 Item 1C.

 Cybersecurity

 Item 2.
 Properties

 Item 3.
 Legal Proceedings

 Item 4.
 Mine Safety Disclosures

 Item 5.
 Market For Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 Item 6.
 [ Reserved ]

 Item 7.
 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 Item 7A.
 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 Item 8.
 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 Item 9.
 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 Item 9A.
 Controls and Procedures

 Item 9B.
 Other Information

 Item 9C.
 Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions t hat Prevent Inspections

 Item 10.
 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 Item 11.
 Executive Compensation

 Item 12.
 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 Item 13.
 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 Item 14.
 Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 Item 15.
 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 Item 16.
 Form 10-K Summary

 Item 1. BUSINESS

 Certain Defined Terms

 In this Annual Report on Form 10-K we refer to New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, as "we," "us," "Company," or "our," unless we specifically state otherwise or the context indicates otherwise, and we refer to our wholly-owned taxable real estate investment trust ("REIT") subsidiaries as "TRSs" and our wholly-owned qualified REIT subsidiaries as "QRSs." In addition, the following defines certain of the commonly used terms in this report:

 •"ABS" refers to debt and/or equity tranches of securitizations backed by various asset classes including, but not limited to, automobiles, aircraft, credit cards, equipment, franchises, recreational vehicles and student loans;

 •"Agency ARMs" refers to Agency RMBS comprised of adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS;

 •"Agency fixed-rate RMBS" refers to Agency RMBS comprised of fixed-rate RMBS;

 •"Agency RMBS" refers to RMBS representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of residential loans guaranteed by a government sponsored enterprise ("GSE"), such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), or an agency of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae");

 •"ARMs" refers to adjustable-rate residential loans;

 •"business purpose loans" refers to (i) short-term loans that are collateralized by residential properties and are made to investors who intend to rehabilitate and sell the residential property for a profit or (ii) loans that finance (or refinance) non-owner occupied residential properties that are rented to one or more tenants;

 •"CDO" refers to collateralized debt obligation and includes debt that permanently finances the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST, the Company's residential loans held in securitization trusts and a non-Agency RMBS re-securitization that we consolidate, or consolidated, in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP;

 •"CMBS" refers to commercial mortgage-backed securities comprised of commercial mortgage pass-through securities issued by a GSE, as well as PO, IO, or mezzanine securities that represent the right to a specific component of the cash flow from a pool of commercial mortgage loans;

 •"Consolidated Real Estate VIEs" refers to Consolidated VIEs that own multi-family properties;

 •"Consolidated SLST" refers to Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitizations, comprised of seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential loans, of which we own the first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs, that we consolidate in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP;

 •"Consolidated VIEs" refers to VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary, as 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 and that we consolidate in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP;

 •"excess mortgage servicing spread" or "excess MSR" refers to the difference between the contractual servicing fee with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae and the base servicing fee that is retained as compensation for servicing or subservicing the related mortgage loans pursuant to the applicable servicing contract;

 •"GAAP" refers to generally accepted accounting principles within the United States;

 •"IOs" refers collectively to interest only and inverse interest only mortgage-backed securities that represent the right to the interest component of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans;

 •"MBS" refers to mortgage-backed securities;

 •"Mezzanine Lending" refers, collectively, to preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments in multi-family properties;

 •"MSRs" refers to mortgage servicing rights that represent the contractual right to service residential loans;

 •"multi-family CMBS" refers to CMBS backed by commercial mortgage loans on multi-family properties;

 •"non-Agency RMBS" refers to RMBS that are not guaranteed by any agency of the U.S. Government or GSE;

 •"non-QM loans" refers to residential loans that are not deemed "qualified mortgage," or "QM," loans under the rules of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau;

 •"POs" refers to mortgage-backed securities that represent the right to the principal component of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans;

 •"RMBS" refers to residential mortgage-backed securities backed by adjustable-rate, hybrid adjustable-rate or fixed-rate residential loans;

 •"second mortgages" refers to liens on residential properties that are subordinate to more senior mortgages or loans; and

 •"Variable Interest Entity" or "VIE" refers to an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties.

 General

 We are an internally-managed REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets. Our objective is to deliver long-term stable distributions to our stockholders over changing economic conditions through a combination of net interest spread and capital gains from a diversified investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio includes credit sensitive single-family and multi-family assets, as well as more traditional types of fixed-income investments that provide coupon income, such as Agency RMBS.

 We intend to focus on our core portfolio strengths of single-family and multi-family residential assets, which we believe will deliver better risk-adjusted returns over time. Our targeted investments include (i) residential loans, including business purpose loans, (ii) Agency RMBS, (iii) non-Agency RMBS, (iv) structured multi-family property investments such as preferred equity in, and mezzanine loans to, owners of multi-family properties and (v) certain other mortgage-, residential housing- and credit-related assets and strategic investments in companies from which we purchase, or may in the future purchase, our targeted assets. Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and the maintenance of our exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), we also may opportunistically acquire and manage various other types of mortgage-, residential housing- and other credit-related or alternative investments that we believe will compensate us appropriately for the risks associated with them, including, without limitation, CMBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, MSRs, excess mortgage servicing spreads, securities issued by newly originated securitizations, including credit sensitive securities from these securitizations, ABS and debt or equity investments in alternative assets or businesses.

 We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and have complied, and intend to continue to comply, with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"), with respect thereto. Accordingly, we do not expect to be subject to federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that we currently distribute to our stockholders if certain asset, income, distribution and ownership tests and record keeping requirements are fulfilled. Even if we maintain our qualification as a REIT, we expect to be subject to some federal, state and local taxes on our income generated in our TRSs.

 Our Investment Strategy

 Our strategy is to own and manage a portfolio of primarily mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets that include elements of credit risk and/or interest rate risk. We intend to continue, subject to market conditions, to focus on assets, many of which we have originated or sourced through proprietary channels, that we believe will deliver more attractive risk-adjusted returns over time. In particular, we seek investment opportunities in markets where we believe we have a competitive advantage due to operational barriers to entry. We define credit assets as (i) residential loans, including business purpose loans, (ii) non-Agency RMBS, (iii) structured multi-family property investments and (iv) other mortgage-, residential housing- and credit-related assets that contain credit risk. In pursuing credit assets, we target assets that we believe will provide an attractive total rate of return, as compared to assets that strictly provide net interest spread. We also own and manage a leveraged portfolio of Agency securities primarily comprised of Agency fixed-rate RMBS and Agency ARMs, and we may pursue opportunistic acquisitions of other types of assets that meet our investment criteria.

 In light of current market and financing conditions, we are presently focused on acquiring assets with less price sensitivity to credit deterioration, such as Agency RMBS, and shorter duration assets that generate higher portfolio turnover, such as business purpose loans, that will better enable us to reposition our portfolio in a volatile and changing interest rate environment. Selecting assets with lower credit exposure, either through agency guarantees, structure or collateral quality, can also reduce the overall risk profile of the portfolio and raise our interest income levels. We expect to allocate more capital to investments in single-family credit assets relative to multi-family credit assets in 2025 and subsequent years, with multi-family assets becoming a smaller part of our balance sheet. Since our inception in 2003, we have benefited from being able to flexibly move in and out of new niche investment opportunities as market conditions permit. As a result, we may pursue opportunistic acquisitions of other types of assets not described above that meet our investment criteria. We also may manage for third parties investments that fall within our area of expertise that are not a focus of our Company or are less suitable to being owned in a REIT. In these cases, we may agree to invest in these assets akin to a "general partner"-like capital contribution as part of the agreement to manage the assets.

 Prior to deploying capital to any of the assets we target or determining to dispose of any of our investments, our management team will consider, among other things, the availability of suitable investments, the amount and nature of anticipated cash flows from the asset, our ability to finance or borrow against the asset and the terms of such financing, the related capital requirements, the credit risk, prepayment risk, hedging risk, interest rate risk, fair value risk and/or liquidity risk related to the asset or the underlying collateral, the composition of our investment portfolio, the background experience and track record of our partners (if applicable), REIT qualification, the maintenance of our exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act and other regulatory requirements and future general market conditions. In periods where we have working capital in excess of our short-term liquidity needs, we may invest the excess in more liquid assets until such time as we are able to re-invest that capital in assets that meet our underwriting and return requirements. Consistent with our strategy to produce returns through a combination of net interest spread and capital gains, we will seek, from time to time, to sell certain assets within our portfolio when we believe the combination of realized gains on an asset and/or reinvestment potential for the related sale proceeds are consistent with our long-term return objectives.

 Our investment strategy does not, subject to our investment guidelines, continued compliance with applicable REIT tax requirements and the maintenance of our exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, limit the amount of our capital that may be invested in any of these investments or in any particular class or type or geographic concentration of assets. Thus, our future investments may include asset classes or types different from the targeted or other assets described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our investment and capital allocation decisions depend on prevailing market conditions, among other factors, and may change over time in response to opportunities available in different economic and capital market environments. As a result, we cannot predict the percentage of our capital that will be invested in any particular investment at any given time.

 For more information regarding our portfolio as of December 31, 2024, see Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" below.

 Investment Portfolio

 Our portfolio is substantially comprised of investments in two asset categories: single-family and multi-family residential investments.

 Single-Family Investments

 We have deep experience managing different whole loan strategies across the credit spectrum. We generally seek to acquire pools of single-family residential loans through proprietary sourcing channels from select mortgage loan originators and secondary market institutions, including through bulk purchases and/or flow arrangements, which may occur through originators in which we hold an equity investment. We do not directly service the mortgage loans we acquire, and instead contract with fully licensed third-party subservicers to handle substantially all servicing functions.

 Set forth below is a description of the investments that substantially comprise our single-family investment portfolio.

 Residential Loans. Our portfolio of residential loans consists of (i) short-term business purpose loans with terms generally of 12 to 24 months that are collateralized by residential properties and made to investors who intend to rehabilitate and sell the property for a profit, or "business purpose bridge loans," (ii) business purpose loans that finance (or refinance) non-owner occupied residential properties that are rented to one or more tenants, or "business purpose rental loans," (iii) performing residential mortgage loans that consist of GSE-eligible mortgage loans, non-QM loans that predominantly meet our underwriting guidelines, loans originally underwritten to GSE or another program's guidelines but are either undeliverable to the GSE or ineligible for a program due to certain underwriting or compliance errors, and investor loans generally underwritten to our program guidelines, (iv) seasoned re-performing, non-performing and other delinquent mortgage loans secured by first liens on one- to four-family properties, which were purchased at a discount to the aggregate principal amount outstanding, which we believe provides us with downside protection while we work to rehabilitate these loans to performing status and (v) second mortgages that had combined loan-to-value ratios of 95% at origination and predominantly met our underwriting guidelines. In connection with our acquisitions of residential loans, we or a third-party due diligence firm perform an independent review of the mortgage file to assess the state of mortgage loan files, the servicing of the mortgage loan and compliance with existing guidelines, as well as our ability to enforce the contractual rights in the mortgage. We also obtain certain representations and warranties from each seller with respect to the mortgage loans, as well as the enforceability of the lien on the mortgaged property. In addition, as part of our process, we focus on selecting a servicer with the appropriate expertise to mitigate losses and maximize our overall return on these residential loans. This involves, among other things, performing due diligence on the servicer prior to their engagement, assigning the appropriate servicer on each loan based on certain characteristics and monitoring each servicer's performance on an ongoing basis.

 Agency RMBS. Our leveraged Agency RMBS portfolio is primarily comprised of Agency fixed-rate RMBS and Agency ARMs, the principal and interest of which are guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The Agency fixed-rate RMBS have been primarily backed by 15-year and 30-year residential fixed-rate mortgage loans, while the Agency ARMs have primarily included interest reset periods up to 120 months. We also own Agency IOs that represent the right to receive the interest portion of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. In managing our portfolio of Agency RMBS, we expect to employ leverage through the use of repurchase agreements to generate risk-adjusted returns, subject to general and capital market conditions, among other factors.

 Non-Agency RMBS. Our non-Agency RMBS are collateralized by residential credit assets. The non-Agency RMBS in our investment portfolio may consist of the senior, mezzanine or subordinated tranches in the securitizations. The underlying collateral of these securitizations are predominantly residential credit assets, which may be exposed to various macroeconomic and asset-specific credit risks. These securities have varying levels of credit enhancement which provide some structural protection from losses within the securitization from which the securities are issued. We undertake an in-depth assessment of the underlying collateral and securitization structure when investing in these assets, which may include modeling defaults, prepayments and loss across different scenarios.

 Single-Family Rental. We also participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Choice Vouchers program administered by local public housing agencies ("PHAs") in which we acquire and then rent single-family rental homes to families that are eligible. We target PHAs with programs that help families with children move into high-opportunity neighborhoods with low poverty, high-performing schools, low crime and strong community resources in various markets, including Chicago, IL, Baltimore, MD and Houston, TX. The goal of the program is to promote better health and life satisfaction for these families. As of December 31, 2024, we owned 526 single-family rental properties, the majority of which are located in Illinois and Maryland.

 Multi-Family Investments

 We seek to position our multi-family credit investment platform in the marketplace as a real estate investor focused on debt and equity transactions. We do not seek to be the sole owner or day-to-day manager of properties. Rather, we intend to participate at various levels within the capital structure of the properties, typically (i) as a "capital partner" by lending to or co-investing alongside a project-level sponsor that has already identified an attractive investment opportunity, or (ii) through a subordinated security of a multi-family loan securitization. We generally focus on middle market multi-family apartment communities with approximately 150 to 600 units located in secondary and tertiary markets that might benefit from strategic value-added improvements. In general terms, we expect that the multi-family credit investments we fund going forward will principally be in the form of preferred equity investments in, and mezzanine loans to, owners of multi-family properties. We anticipate allocating less capital to multi-family investments going forward.

 With respect to our preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments (collectively, "Mezzanine Lending") and joint venture equity investments where we participate as a capital partner, we have generally pursued multi-family properties with unique or compelling attributes that provide an opportunity for value creation and increased returns through the combination of better management or capital improvements that we believe will lead to net cash flow growth and capital gains and which may benefit from the expertise of our asset management team.

 As a capital partner, we generally seek experienced property-level operators or real estate entrepreneurs who have the ability to identify and manage strong investment opportunities. We generally require our operating partners to maintain a material investment in every multi-family property in which we make a preferred equity investment or to which we provide mezzanine financing.

 Preferred Equity. We currently own, and may originate in the future, preferred equity investments in entities that directly or indirectly own multi-family properties. Preferred equity is not secured, but holders have priority relative to the common equity on cash flow distributions and proceeds from capital events. In addition, as a preferred holder we may seek to enhance our position and protect our equity position with covenants that limit the entity's activities and grant to the preferred holders the right to control the property upon default under relevant loan agreements or under the terms of our preferred equity investments. Occasionally, the first-mortgage loan on a property prohibits additional liens and a preferred equity structure provides an attractive financing alternative. With preferred equity investments, we may become a special limited partner or member in the ownership entity and may be entitled to take certain actions, or cause a liquidation, upon a default. Under the typical arrangement, the preferred equity investor receives a stated return, and the common equity investor receives all cash flow only after that return has been met. Our preferred equity investment may also have minimum profit hurdles or other mechanisms to protect and enhance returns in the event of early repayment. Preferred equity typically has loan-to-value ratios of 70% to 90% when combined with the first-mortgage loan amount. We expect our preferred equity investments will have mandatory redemption dates that will generally be coterminous with the maturity date for the first-mortgage loan on the property, and we intend to hold these investments until the mandatory redemption date.

 Mezzanine Loans. We have made in the past, and may make in the future, mezzanine loans that are senior to the operating partner's equity in, and subordinate to a first-mortgage loan on, a multi-family property. These loans are secured by pledges of ownership interests, in whole or in part, in entities that directly or indirectly own the real property. In addition, we may require other collateral to secure mezzanine loans, including letters of credit, personal guarantees or collateral unrelated to the property.

 We may structure our mezzanine loans so that we receive a fixed or variable interest rate on the loan. Our mezzanine loans may also have prepayment lockouts, prepayment penalties, minimum profit hurdles or other mechanisms to protect and enhance returns in the event of premature repayment. We expect these investments will typically have terms from three to ten years. Mezzanine loans typically have loan-to-value ratios between 70% and 90% when combined with the first-mortgage loan amount. As of December 31, 2024, we did not own mezzanine loans.

 Joint Venture Equity. As of December 31, 2024, we owned joint venture equity investments in entities that own multi-family properties. Joint venture equity is a direct common equity ownership interest in an entity that owns a property. In this type of investment, the return of capital to us is variable and is made on a pro rata basis between us and our operating partners. Due to certain control provisions, we consolidate certain joint ventures into our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. As a result, the real estate assets held by these entities, and the corresponding mortgages payable that finance the real estate assets, are included in our consolidated balance sheets.

 In December 2021, we entered into a joint venture that presently owns 10 multi-family properties in six states, including Texas, Florida and Kentucky. We are a co-manager of the joint venture and, as of December 31, 2024, owned an approximate 27% common equity interest in the joint venture. We also held approximately $139.4 million of preferred equity interests in this joint venture as of December 31, 2024. Pursuant to the terms of the operating agreement for the joint venture, subject to certain conditions, the other investors in the joint venture have the ability to sell their ownership interests to us, at their election, on an annual basis at the current fair value of the interests in the joint venture.

 In September 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a strategic repositioning of our business through the opportunistic disposition over time of certain joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties and reallocation of the returned capital from such investments to our targeted assets. Since then, we have disposed of our joint venture equity investments in 15 multi-family properties, generating net gains attributable to us of approximately $16.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, we have reduced exposure in this disposal group of multi-family investments to $19.5 million over two multi-family properties.

 We do not anticipate making additional joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties that make us a majority or significant minority common equity owner in the future in light of the strategic repositioning of our business discussed above. However, we may make additional protective capital contributions to our existing joint venture equity investments in accordance with agreements to which we are a party and we may agree to make common equity investments in multi-family properties akin to a "general partner"-like capital contribution in connection with one or more agreements to manage third party investments in multi-family properties.

 Other Investments

 Although it represents a significantly smaller portion of our overall investment portfolio, we also own and/or have invested in ABS, an equity investment in an entity that originates residential loans and an equity investment in an entity that owns and manages single-family rental properties.

 We have made, and may in the future make, investments in the debt and/or equity of other entities engaged in single-family loan-related businesses, such as loan originators. As of December 31, 2024, we owned a 50% equity interest in an entity that originates residential loans. In connection with investments in loan originators, we have entered into and may in the future enter into flow agreements that allow or will allow us to purchase new loans from the loan originators in which we invest in accordance with the parameters set forth in the applicable flow agreement.

 In the future, we may also acquire investments that are structured with terms that reflect a combination of the investment structures described above. We also may invest, from time to time, based on market conditions, in other multi-family investments, structured investments in other property categories, equity and debt securities issued by entities that invest in residential and commercial real estate or in other mortgage-, real estate- and credit-related assets, and certain alternative investments not described here, subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and the maintenance of our exclusion from regulation as an investment company under the Investment Company Act or otherwise.

 Our Financing Strategy

 We employ leverage as part of our financing strategy and strive to maintain and achieve a balanced and diverse funding mix to finance our assets and operations. To achieve this, we rely primarily on a combination of short-term and longer-termed repurchase agreements and structured financings, including CDOs issued by securitizations and longer-termed senior and subordinated debt. Our approach to leverage is based on the type of asset, underlying collateral and overall market conditions with the intent of obtaining more permanent, longer-term financing for our more illiquid assets. Currently, our maximum leverage ratios for each eligible investment are (i) 15:1 in the case of more liquid Agency securities, (ii) between 4:1 and 6:1 in the case of our more illiquid assets, such as our non-Agency RMBS and (iii) 8:1 in the case of our residential loans. Our target total debt leverage ratio should not be greater than 4:1. This target may be adjusted from time to time by our Board of Directors depending on the composition of our overall portfolio, market conditions and such other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

 As of December 31, 2024, our Company recourse leverage ratio, which represents our total recourse debt divided by our total stockholders' equity, was approximately 3.0 to 1. Our Company recourse leverage ratio does not include debt associated with the CDOs or other non-recourse debt, such as mortgages payable on real estate and non-recourse repurchase agreement financing. Our portfolio recourse leverage ratio, which represents our outstanding recourse repurchase agreements divided by our total stockholders' equity, was approximately 2.9 to 1 as of December 31, 2024. We monitor all at-risk or short-term borrowings to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to satisfy margin calls and liquidity covenant requirements.

 We rely on repurchase agreements to fund the purchase of investment securities, a portion of our residential loans and single-family rental properties. The repurchase agreements have terms ranging from 30 days to 24 months and bear interest rates that are linked to the Secured Overnight Funding Rate ("SOFR"), a short-term market interest rate used to determine short term loan rates. In most cases under repurchase agreements, the financial institution that serves as a counterparty will generally agree to provide us with financing based on the market value of the assets that we pledge as collateral, less a "haircut." The market value of the collateral represents the price of such collateral obtained from generally recognized sources or the most recent closing bid quotation from such source plus accrued income. Many of our repurchase agreements require us to deposit additional collateral pursuant to a margin call if the market value of our pledged collateral declines as a result of market conditions or due to principal repayments. Interest rates and haircuts will depend on the underlying collateral pledged.

 Our financings for residential loans and investment securities may also include longer-term structured debt financing, such as CDOs where the assets we intend to finance are contributed to a special purpose entity ("SPE") and serve as collateral for the financing. We issue CDOs through securitizations for the primary purpose of obtaining longer-term non-recourse financing on these assets. Securitizations provide less or no exposure to collateral repricing determinations of financing counterparties or rapid liquidity reductions in repurchase agreement financing markets.

 Pursuant to the terms of any longer-term debt financings we utilize, our ability to access the cash flows generated by the assets serving as collateral for these borrowings may be significantly limited and we may be unable to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of or modify such assets until the financing has matured. As part of our longer-term master repurchase agreements that finance certain of our credit assets, such as residential loans, we have provided a guarantee with respect to certain terms of some of these longer-term borrowings incurred by certain of our subsidiaries and we may provide similar guarantees in connection with future financings.

 We may consolidate certain multi-family joint venture equity investments and certain preferred equity investments on which a default has occurred into our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. As a result, the real estate assets held by these entities, and the corresponding mortgages payable that finance the real estate assets, are included in our consolidated balance sheets. We have no obligation for repayment of the mortgages payable but, with respect to certain of the mortgages payable, we may execute a guaranty related to commitment of bad acts, and our equity investment may be lost or reduced to the extent a lender forecloses on the property.

 For more information regarding our outstanding financing instruments at December 31, 2024, see Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" below.

 Our Hedging Strategy

 We enter into derivative financial instruments in connection with our risk management activities. These derivative instruments may include interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, credit default swaps, futures and options contracts such as options on credit default swap indices, equity index options, swaptions and options on futures. We may also pursue forward-settling purchases or sales of Agency RMBS where the underlying pools of mortgage loans are "To-Be-Announced," or TBAs, purchase options on U.S. Treasury futures or invest in other types of mortgage derivative securities.

 We use interest rate swaps to hedge the variable cash flows associated with our variable-rate borrowings. Interest rate swaps generally involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty, based on SOFR, in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the interest rate swap without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order to manage our position with regard to our liabilities, we may also enter into interest rate swaps which involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making variable-rate payments, based on SOFR, over the life of the interest rate swap without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The variable rate we pay or receive under our swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics and cash flows of our financing arrangements.

 We may use TBAs, swaptions, futures and options on futures to hedge market value risk for certain of our strategies. We have utilized TBAs as part of our Agency RMBS strategy to enhance the overall yield of the portfolio. In a TBA transaction, we would agree to purchase or sell, for future delivery, Agency RMBS with certain principal and interest terms and certain types of underlying collateral, but the particular Agency RMBS to be delivered is not identified until shortly before the TBA settlement date. We typically do not take delivery of TBAs, but rather settle with our trading counterparties on a net basis prior to the forward settlement date. Although TBAs are liquid and have quoted market prices and represent the most actively traded class of RMBS, the use of TBAs exposes us to increased market value risk. We currently do not hold TBAs.

 We have U.S. Treasury future contracts that obligate us to sell or buy U.S. Treasury securities for future delivery. We have purchased credit default swap index contracts under which a counterparty, in exchange for a premium, agrees to compensate us for the financial loss associated with the occurrence of a credit event in relation to a notional value of an index. We may purchase equity index put options that give us the right to sell or buy the underlying index at a specified strike price. We may also purchase credit default swap index options that allow us to enter into a fixed rate payor position in the underlying credit default swap index at the agreed-upon strike level.
 In connection with our hedging strategy, we utilize model-based risk analysis to assist in projecting individual asset price and cash flow sensitivities over a variety of different interest rates and market scenarios, such as shifts in interest rates, changes in prepayments and other factors impacting the valuations of our assets and liabilities.

 As it relates to the variable-rate mortgages payable in our Consolidated Real Estate VIEs, the joint venture entities may be required by the lender to enter into interest rate cap contracts. In addition, with respect to one of our financings under repurchase agreements, the lender has, in the past, required us to enter into an interest rate cap contract. These interest rate cap contracts are with a counterparty that involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from the counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium.

 Competition

 We believe that our principal competitors in the business of acquiring and holding mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets of the types in which we invest are financial institutions, such as banks, specialty finance companies, insurance companies, institutional investors, including mutual funds and pension funds, hedge funds and other mortgage REITs. Some of these entities may not be subject to the same regulatory constraints (i.e., REIT compliance or maintaining an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act) as we are. In addition, many of these entities have greater financial resources and access to capital than we have. The existence of these entities, as well as the possibility of additional entities forming in the future, may increase the competition for the acquisition of residential mortgage assets, resulting in higher prices and lower yields on such assets.

 Human Capital

 As of December 31, 2024, we had 70 full-time employees located in offices in New York, New York, Charlotte, North Carolina and Woodland Hills, California. We do not currently employ any temporary or seasonal employees and we do not expect such hiring to become a significant part of our workforce in the future. Our employees include investment portfolio and finance professionals, asset management and servicing professionals, accountants, analysts, administrative staff and our corporate management team. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset and recognize that our achievements and growth as a business are made possible by the recruitment, hiring, training, development and retention of our dedicated employees. As part of our ongoing business, we evaluate and modify our internal processes to improve employee engagement, productivity and efficiency, which benefits our operations. Moreover, our employees are offered regular opportunities to participate in professional development programs and opportunities that may improve employee engagement, effectiveness and well-being.

 We are committed to maintaining workplaces that are inclusive and free from discrimination or harassment based on age, disability, race, ethnicity, gender identification or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy, marital and familial status and other statuses protected by law. We conduct annual required trainings for our employees, including those designed to prevent harassment and discrimination and direct compliance with ethics and laws and we monitor employee conduct, compliance and progress in this regard. We also strive to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of qualified talent that is available in the markets in which our offices are located. As of December 31, 2024, women comprised 29% of our total workforce, while 33% of our employees self-identify as being ethnically diverse. In addition, 100% of our named executive officers are diverse based on gender or ethnicity and 71% of our Board of Directors is diverse based on gender, race or ethnicity. Our executive leadership has over 20 years of experience. Additionally, our Compensation Committee will take into account our ESG performance when assessing the performance of our Chief Executive Officer under the qualitative component of our executive compensation program.

 We strive to provide pay, benefits and services that help meet the varying needs of our employees. Our general total compensatory packages include market-competitive pay, performance-based annual bonus compensation paid in a combination of cash and stock, time- and performance-based long-term incentive compensation for key employees, employer-funded health insurance, paid time off, and family leave. In addition, we pride ourselves on understanding and offering our employees great flexibility to meet their personal and family needs. We have a hybrid workplace policy which is a flexible model where employees work partly from the office and partly remotely. We believe that by supporting, recognizing, developing and investing in our employees, we are able to attract and retain a highly qualified and talented workforce.

 Governmental Regulation

 Our operations are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by U.S. and other governmental authorities, and may be subject to various laws, rules and regulations and judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements and restrictions, which, among other things: (i) regulate lending activities; (ii) establish maximum interest rates, finance charges and other charges; (iii) require disclosures to customers; (iv) govern secured transactions; and (v) set refinancing, loan modification, servicing, collection, foreclosure, repossession, eviction and claims-handling procedures and other trade practices. Some of the laws, rules and regulations to which we are or may be subject are intended primarily to safeguard and protect consumers, rather than stockholders or creditors. Although we do not directly originate or service residential loans, we must comply with various federal and state laws, rules and regulations as a result of owning MBS, residential loans and MSRs, including, among others, rules promulgated under The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999.

 In our judgment, existing statutes, rules and regulations have not had a material adverse effect on our business, although we do incur significant ongoing costs to comply with them. In recent years, legislators in the United States and in other countries have said that greater regulation of financial services firms is needed, particularly in areas such as risk management, leverage, and disclosure. While we expect that additional new legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas will be adopted and existing legislation and regulations may change in the future, it is not possible at this time to forecast the exact nature of any future legislation, regulations, judicial decisions, orders or interpretations, nor their impact upon our future business, financial condition, or results of operations or prospects.

 Operating and Regulatory Structure

 REIT Qualification

 We have elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our shares. We believe that we are organized to comply with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, and that our manner of operation enables us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.

 We generally need to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary taxable income each year (subject to certain adjustments) to our stockholders in order to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. Our ability to make distributions to our stockholders depends, in part, upon the performance of our investment portfolio.

 As a REIT, we generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which we lost our REIT qualification. Accordingly, our failure to qualify as a REIT could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and our ability to pay distributions, if any, to our stockholders.

 Investment Company Act Exclusion

 We conduct our operations so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are required to register as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act. We and certain of our subsidiaries rely upon the exemption from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. We have in the past and may in the future conduct our operations so that we are not considered an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act.

 We and our subsidiaries that invest in residential mortgage loans (whether through a consolidated trust or otherwise) rely upon the exemption from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, which is available for entities "primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate." This exemption generally requires that at least 55% of our and each of these subsidiaries' assets be comprised of qualifying real estate assets and at least 80% of our and each of their portfolios be comprised of qualifying real estate assets and real estate-related assets under the Investment Company Act. We classify our assets and those of our subsidiaries relying on the Section 3(c)(5)(C) exemption from the Investment Company Act based upon no-action positions taken by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff and interpretive guidance provided by the SEC and its staff. Mortgage loans that are fully and exclusively secured by real property are generally qualifying real estate assets for purposes of the exemption. Substantially all of our residential mortgage loans are fully and exclusively secured by real property with a loan-to-value ratio of less than 100%. As a result, we believe our residential mortgage loans that are fully and exclusively secured by real property meet the definition of qualifying real estate assets.

 Under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act, a company is deemed to be an investment company if it is engaged, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and owns or proposes to acquire "investment securities" having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. "Investment securities" does not include, among other things, U.S. government securities and securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that (i) are not investment companies and (ii) are not relying on the exceptions from the definition of investment company provided by Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act.

 If we or one or more of our subsidiaries fail to maintain an exclusion or exception from the Investment Company Act, we could, among other things, be required either (a) to substantially change the manner in which we conduct our operations to avoid being required to register as an investment company, (b) to effect sales of our assets in a manner that, or at a time when, we would not otherwise choose to do so, or (c) to register as an investment company, any of which could negatively affect the value of our common stock, the sustainability of our business model, and our ability to make distributions.

 Corporate Offices

 We were formed as a Maryland corporation in 2003. Our corporate headquarters are located at 90 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10016 and our telephone number is (212) 792-0107. We also maintain offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Woodland Hills, California.

 Access to Our Periodic SEC Reports and Other Corporate Information

 Our internet website address is www.nymtrust.com. We make available free of charge, through our internet website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments thereto that we file or furnish pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

 We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our executive officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and to our other employees. We have also adopted a Code of Ethics for senior financial officers, including the principal financial officer. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K relating to amendments to or waivers from any provision of either of these Code of Ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and other persons performing similar functions by posting such information on our website at www.nymtrust.com, under "Governance Documents". Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the charters of our Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are available on our website and are available in print to any stockholder upon request in writing to New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., c/o Secretary, 90 Park Avenue, Floor 23, New York, New York, 10016. Information on our website is neither part of, nor incorporated into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in future filings with the SEC or in press releases or other written or oral communications issued or made by us, statements which are not historical in nature, including those containing words such as "will," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "continue," "intend," "could," "would," "should," "may," or similar expressions, are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and, as such, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions.

 Forward-looking statements are based on estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions of management of the Company at the time of such statements and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Actual results and outcomes could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

 • changes in our business and investment strategy;

 • inflation and changes in interest rates and the fair market value of our assets, including negative changes resulting in margin calls relating to the financing of our assets;

 • changes in credit spreads;

 • changes in the long-term credit ratings of the U.S., Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae;

 • general volatility of the markets in which we invest;

 • changes in prepayment rates on the loans we own or that underlie our investment securities;

 • increased rates of default, delinquency or vacancy and/or decreased recovery rates on or at our assets;

 • our ability to identify and acquire our targeted assets, including assets in our investment pipeline;

 • our ability to dispose of assets from time to time on terms favorable to us;

 • changes in our relationships with our financing counterparties and our ability to borrow to finance our assets and the terms thereof;

 • changes in our relationships with and/or the performance of our operating partners;

 • our ability to predict and control costs;

 • changes in laws, regulations or policies affecting our business;

 • our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future;

 • our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT for federal tax purposes;

 • our ability to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act;

 • impairments in the value of the collateral underlying our investments;

 • our ability to manage or hedge credit risk, interest rate risk, and other financial and operational risks;

 • our exposure to liquidity risk, risks associated with the use of leverage, and market risks; and

 • risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy, the availability of investment opportunities and the conditions in markets for residential loans, mortgage-backed securities, structured multi-family investments and other assets in which we invest.

 These and other risks, uncertainties and factors, including the risk factors and other information described herein, as updated by those risks described in our subsequent filings with the SEC under the Exchange Act, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements we make. All forward-looking statements 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 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.

 Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

 Summary of Risk Factors

 Below is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in our securities speculative or risky. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary and other risks that we face can be found below and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC before making an investment decision regarding our securities.

 Risks Related to Our Business
 • Declines in the market values of assets in our investment portfolio may adversely affect periodic reported results and credit availability.
 • We may experience losses if we inaccurately estimate the loss-adjusted yields of our investments in credit sensitive assets.
 • Interest rate increases may decrease the availability of certain of our targeted assets.
 • Interest rate mismatches between the interest-earning assets held in our investment portfolio and the borrowings used to fund the purchases of those assets may reduce our net income or result in a loss during periods of changing interest rates.
 • Our portfolio of assets may at times be concentrated in certain asset types or secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of real estate sectors or geographic areas, which increases our exposure to economic downturns and risks associated with the real estate and lending industries in general.
 • Our portfolio of business purpose loans exposes us to risks that are different from the risks involved with our traditional investments in residential mortgage loans.
 • Our investments may include subordinated tranches of RMBS, CMBS and ABS, which are subordinate in right of payment to more senior securities that have greater risk of loss than other investments.
 • Prepayment rates can change, adversely affecting the performance of our assets.
 • We have experienced and may experience in the future increased volatility in our GAAP results of operations as we have elected fair value option for the majority of our investments.
 • The failure of third-party service providers to perform a variety of services on which we rely may adversely impact our business and financial results.
 • Our preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments involve greater risks of loss than more senior loans secured by income-producing properties.
 • Declining real estate valuations and impairment charges to real estate assets have adversely affected our earnings and financial condition in the past and may adversely affect our earnings and financial condition in the future.
 • Our investments in multi-family properties are subject to the ability of the property owner to generate net income from operating the property as well as the risks of delinquency, default and foreclosure.
 • Our operating partners could subject us to liabilities in excess of those contemplated or prevent us from taking actions which are in the best interests of our stockholders.
 • Our real estate and real estate-related assets are subject to risks particular to real property.
 • Due diligence as a part of our acquisition or underwriting process may be limited, may not reveal all of the risks associated with such assets and may not reveal other weaknesses in such assets, which could lead to material losses.
 • The lack of liquidity in certain of our assets may adversely affect our business.
 • The use of models in connection with the valuation of our assets subjects us to potential risks in the event that such models are incorrect, misleading or based on incomplete information.
 • Our investments in residential loans are difficult to value and are dependent upon the borrower's ability to service or refinance their debt.
 • Competition may prevent us from acquiring assets on favorable terms or at all.
 • System failures and other operational disruptions in our information and communications systems and those of our third-party service providers could significantly disrupt our business.

 Risks Related to Debt Financing and Our Use of Hedging Strategies
 • Our access to financing sources may not be available on favorable terms or at all.
 • The repurchase agreements that we use to finance our investments may require us to provide additional collateral, which could reduce our liquidity and harm our financial condition.
 • We leverage our equity, which can exacerbate any losses we incur on our current and future investments and may reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
 • If we are unable to leverage our equity to the extent we currently anticipate, the returns on certain of our assets could be diminished, which may limit or eliminate our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
 • We directly or indirectly utilize non-recourse securitizations and recourse structured financings and such structures expose us to risks that could result in losses to us.

 • If a counterparty to our repurchase transactions defaults on its obligation to resell the pledged assets back to us at the end of the transaction term or if we default on our obligations under the repurchase agreement, we may incur losses.
 • Our use of repurchase agreements to borrow funds may give our lenders greater rights in the event that either we or a lender files for bankruptcy.
 • Negative impacts on our business may cause us to default on certain financial covenants contained in our financing arrangements.
 • Hedging against interest rate and market value changes as well as other risks may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Risks Associated With Adverse Developments in the Mortgage, Real Estate, Credit and Financial Markets Generally
 • Difficult conditions in the mortgage, real estate, and financial markets and the economy generally may cause us to experience losses in the future.
 • We cannot predict the effect that changes in government policies, laws or regulations or the U.S. political environment will have on our business and the markets in which we operate.
 • The downgrade, or perceived potential downgrade, of the credit ratings of the U.S. and the failure to resolve issues related to U.S. fiscal and debt policies may materially adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
 • Changes in laws and regulations affecting the relationship between Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and the U.S. Government may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

 Risks Related To Our Organization, Our Structure and Other Risks
 • We may change our investment, financing, or hedging strategies and asset allocation and operational and management policies without stockholder consent.
 • Maintenance of our Investment Company Act exemption imposes limits on our operations.
 • The accrual of dividends on certain of our series of preferred stock at a floating rate in the future could adversely affect our ability to make cash distributions at our intended levels, or at all, or otherwise materially adversely affect our earnings, cash flows or financial condition.
 • Mortgage loan modification programs and future legislative action may adversely affect the value of, and the returns on, our targeted assets.
 • We could be subject to liability for potential violations of predatory lending laws, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
 • Our business is subject to extensive regulation.
 • Certain provisions of Maryland law and our charter and bylaws could hinder, delay or prevent a change in control which could have an adverse effect on the value of our securities.
 • The stock ownership limit imposed by our charter may inhibit market activity in our common stock and may restrict our business combination opportunities.

 Tax Risks
 • Failure to remain qualified as a REIT would adversely affect our operations and ability to make distributions.
 • REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our liquidity.
 • Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates on dividend income from regular corporations.
 • Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego or liquidate otherwise attractive investments.
 • The failure of certain investments subject to a repurchase agreement to qualify as real estate assets would adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
 • We could fail to continue to qualify as a REIT if the IRS successfully challenges our treatment of our mezzanine loans.
 • We may incur a significant tax liability as a result of selling assets that might be subject to the prohibited transactions tax if sold directly by us.
 • Our qualification as a REIT could be jeopardized as a result of our interests in joint ventures or preferred equity.
 • We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could reduce the market price of our common stock.

 Set forth below are the risks that we believe are material to stockholders and prospective investors. You should carefully consider the following risk factors and the various other factors identified in or incorporated by reference into any other documents filed by us with the SEC in evaluating our Company and our business. The risks discussed herein can materially adversely affect our business, liquidity, operating results, prospects, financial condition and/or ability to make distributions to our stockholders, and may cause the market price of our securities to decline. The risk factors described below are not the only risks that may affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or not presently deemed material by us, also may materially adversely affect our business, liquidity, operating results, prospects, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Risks Related to Our Business

 Declines in the market values of assets in our investment portfolio may adversely affect periodic reported results and credit availability, which may reduce our earnings, book value and the market value of our securities and, in turn, may constrain our liquidity and cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 The market value of our investment portfolio may move inversely with changes in interest rates. We anticipate that increases in interest rates will generally tend to decrease our net income and the market value of our investment portfolio. Changes in the market values of assets in our investment portfolio where the Company elected the fair value option will be reflected in earnings and changes in the market values of assets in our investment portfolio where the Company did not elect the fair value option will be reflected in stockholders' equity. As a result, a decline in market values of assets in our investment portfolio may reduce our earnings, book value and the market value of our securities.

 A decline in the market value of our interest-bearing assets may adversely affect us, particularly in instances where we have borrowed money based on the market value of those assets. If the market value of those assets declines, the lender may require us to post additional collateral to support the loan, which would reduce our liquidity and limit our ability to leverage our assets. In addition, if we are, or anticipate being, unable to post the additional collateral, we may have to sell the assets at a time when we might not otherwise choose to do so. In the event that we do not have sufficient liquidity to meet such requirements, lending institutions may accelerate indebtedness, increase interest rates and terminate or make more difficult our ability to borrow, any of which could result in a rapid deterioration of our financial condition and cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Moreover, if we liquidate the assets at prices lower than the amortized cost of such assets, we will incur realized losses.

 The market values of our investments may also decline without any general change in interest rates or in combination with a change in interest rates for a number of reasons, such as increases in defaults, actual or perceived increases in voluntary prepayments for those investments that we have that are subject to prepayment risk, a reduction in the liquidity of the assets and markets generally and widening of credit spreads, adverse legislation or regulatory developments and adverse global, national, regional or local economic, market or geopolitical conditions and developments including those relating to pandemics and other health crises and natural disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the market disruption related to the 2008 financial crisis. If the market values of our investments were to decline for any reason, the value of your investment could also decline.

 Our efforts to manage credit risks may fail.

 As of December 31, 2024, 49% of our total investment portfolio was comprised of what we refer to as "credit assets." Despite our efforts to manage credit risk, there are many aspects of credit risk that we cannot control. Our credit policies and procedures may not be successful in limiting future delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures or losses, particularly in relation to declining economic conditions or significant market disruptions, or they may not be cost effective. Our underwriting process, due diligence efforts or hedging strategies, if any, may not be effective or sufficient. Loan servicing companies or our operating partners may not cooperate with our loss mitigation efforts or those efforts may be ineffective. Service providers to securitizations, such as trustees, loan servicers, bond insurance providers, and custodians, as well as our operating partners and their property managers, may not perform in a manner that promotes our interests. Delay of foreclosures could delay resolution and increase ultimate loss severities, as a result.

 The value of the properties we own interests in or that are collateralizing or underlying the loans, securities or interests we own may decline, particularly if we experience a significant or prolonged economic downturn and/or interest rates rise. The frequency of default and the loss severity on our assets upon default or otherwise may be greater than we anticipate or price into the assets at acquisition. Credit sensitive assets that are partially collateralized by non-real estate assets may have increased risks and severity of loss. If property securing or underlying loans or other investments becomes real estate owned as a result of foreclosure, we bear the risk of not being able to sell the property and recovering our investment and of being exposed to the risks attendant to the ownership of real property.

 If our estimates of the loss-adjusted yields of our investments in credit sensitive assets prove inaccurate, we may experience losses.

 We expect to value our investments in many credit sensitive assets based on loss-adjusted yields taking into account estimated future losses on the loans or other assets that we are investing in directly or that underlie securities owned by us, and the estimated impact of these losses on expected future cash flows. Our loss estimates may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from our estimates. In the event that we underestimate the losses relative to the price we pay for a particular investment, we may experience material losses with respect to such investment.

 An increase in interest rates may cause a decrease in the availability of certain of our targeted assets and could cause our interest expense to increase, which could materially adversely affect our ability to acquire targeted assets that satisfy our investment objectives, our earnings and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 A higher interest rate environment, which we have experienced since 2022, generally results in a reduction in the demand for mortgage loans due to the higher cost of borrowing and new construction redevelopment or renovation. A reduction in the volume of mortgage loans originated or in new construction, redevelopment or renovation of multi-family properties may affect the volume of targeted assets available to us, which could adversely affect our ability to acquire assets that satisfy our investment and business objectives. We also expect that higher interest rates will cause our targeted assets that were issued, originated or acquired prior to an interest rate increase to experience, as certain of them did in 2024, a decline in their fair value and/or provide yields that are below prevailing market interest rates. If higher interest rates or interest rate volatility cause us to be unable to acquire a sufficient volume of our targeted assets with a yield that is sufficiently above our borrowing cost, our ability to satisfy our investment objectives and to generate income and make distributions to our stockholders will be materially and adversely affected.

 In addition, a portion of the RMBS and residential loans we invest in may be comprised of ARMs that are subject to periodic and lifetime interest rate caps. Periodic interest rate caps limit the amount an interest rate can increase during any given period. Lifetime interest rate caps limit the amount an interest rate can increase over the life of the security or loan. Our borrowings typically are not subject to similar restrictions. Accordingly, in a period of rapidly increasing interest rates, the interest rates paid on our borrowings could increase without limitation while interest rate caps could limit the interest rates on our securities backed by ARMs or residential loans comprised of ARMs in our portfolio. This problem is magnified for securities backed by or residential loans comprised of ARMs and hybrid ARMs that are not fully indexed. Further, certain securities backed by or residential mortgage loans comprised of ARMs and hybrid ARMs may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in a portion of the interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. As a result, the payments we receive on securities backed by or residential mortgage loans comprised of ARMs and hybrid ARMs may be lower than the related debt service costs. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Interest rate fluctuations will also cause variances in the yield curve, which may reduce our net income. The relationship between short-term and longer-term interest rates is often referred to as the "yield curve." If short-term interest rates rise disproportionately relative to longer-term interest rates (a flattening of the yield curve), our borrowing costs may increase more rapidly than the interest income earned on our interest-earning assets. Additionally, to the extent cash flows from investments that return scheduled and unscheduled principal are reinvested, the spread between the yields of the new investments and available borrowing rates may decline, which would likely decrease our net income. It is also possible that short-term interest rates may exceed longer-term interest rates (a yield curve inversion), as they did from the middle of 2022 into the third quarter of 2024, in which event our borrowing costs may exceed our interest income and we could incur significant operating losses.

 Interest rate mismatches between the interest-earning assets held in our investment portfolio and the borrowings used to fund the purchases of those assets may reduce our net income or result in a loss during periods of changing interest rates.

 A significant portion of the assets held in our investment portfolio have a fixed coupon rate, generally for a significant period, and in some cases, for the average maturity of the asset. At the same time, certain of our borrowings provide for a payment reset period of as short as 30 days. In addition, the average maturity of our borrowings generally will be shorter than the average maturity of the assets currently in our portfolio and certain other targeted assets in which we seek to invest. We use swap agreements and interest rate caps as a means for attempting to fix the cost of certain of our liabilities over a period of time; however, these agreements would not be sufficient to match the cost of all our liabilities against all of our investments. In the event we experience unexpectedly high or low prepayment rates on the assets in our portfolio, our strategy for matching our assets with our liabilities is more likely to be unsuccessful which may result in reduced earnings or losses and reduced cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 Our investment portfolio may at times be concentrated in certain asset types or secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of real estate sectors or geographic areas, which increases, with respect to those asset types, property types or geographic locations, our exposure to economic downturns and risks associated with the real estate and lending industries in general.

 We are not required to observe any specific diversification criteria. As a result, our investment portfolio may, at times, be concentrated in certain asset types that are subject to higher risk of delinquency, default or foreclosure, or secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of real estate sectors or geographic locations, which increases, with respect to those asset types, sectors or geographic locations, our exposure to economic downturns and risks associated with the real estate and lending industries in general, thereby increasing the risk of loss and the magnitude of potential losses to us and our stockholders if one or more of these asset or property types perform poorly or the states or regions in which these properties are located are negatively impacted.

 As of December 31, 2024, 29.0%, 26.6% and 8.2% of the outstanding balance of our Mezzanine Lending investments were made on properties located in Florida, Texas and Arizona, respectively, and 44.7%, 31.1% and 10.0% of our joint venture equity investments owned multi-family properties located in Texas, Florida and Kentucky, respectively. Our direct and indirect investments in multi-family properties are subject to the ability of the property owner to generate net income from operating the property, which is impacted by numerous factors and developments, including many risks that affect real estate generally. See "-Our investments in multi-family properties are subject to the ability of the property owner to generate net income from operating the property as well as the risks of delinquency, default and foreclosure" and "-Our business is subject to risks particular to real property and real estate-related assets." To the extent any of these factors materially adversely impact the multi-family property sector or the geographic regions in which we invest, the market values of our multi-family assets and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

 Similarly, as of December 31, 2024, approximately 41.9% of our total investment portfolio was comprised of residential loans and non-Agency RMBS, and 42.4% was comprised of Agency RMBS. Moreover, as of December 31, 2024, significant portions of the properties that secure our residential loans, including loans that secure Consolidated SLST, were concentrated in California, Florida, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois among other states. California is particularly susceptible to earthquake and wildfire risks while Florida and Texas are susceptible to hurricane, wind and flood risks. To the extent that our portfolio is concentrated in any region, or by type of asset or real estate sector, downturns or developments relating generally to such region, type of borrower, asset or sector may result in defaults or losses on a number of our assets within a short time period, which may materially adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. See "-Our business is subject to risks particular to real property and real estate-related assets."

 Residential loans are subject to increased risks of loss.

 We acquire and manage residential loans, including performing, re-performing, non-performing and business purpose loans and loans that may not meet or conform to the underwriting standards of any GSE. Residential loans are subject to increased risks of loss. Unlike Agency RMBS, the residential loans we invest in generally are not guaranteed by the federal government or any GSE. Additionally, by directly acquiring residential loans, we do not receive the structural credit enhancements that benefit senior securities of RMBS. A residential loan is directly exposed to losses resulting from default. Therefore, the value of the underlying property, the creditworthiness and financial position of the borrower and the priority and enforceability of the lien will significantly impact the value of such mortgage. In the event of a foreclosure, we may assume direct ownership of the underlying real estate. The liquidation proceeds upon sale of such real estate may not be sufficient to recover our cost basis in the loan, and any costs or delays involved in the foreclosure or liquidation process may increase losses.

 A certain portion of the loans we own or seek to acquire have been purchased by us at a discount to par value. These residential loans sell at a discount because they generally constitute riskier investments than those selling at or above par value. The residential loans we invest in may be distressed or purchased at a discount because a borrower may have defaulted thereupon, because the borrower is or has been in the past delinquent on paying all or a portion of his obligation under the loan, because the loan may otherwise contain credit quality that is considered to be poor, because of errors by the originator in the loan origination underwriting process or because the loan documentation fails to meet certain standards. In addition, non-performing or sub-performing loans may require a substantial amount of workout negotiations and/or restructuring, which may divert the attention of our management team from other activities and entail, among other things, a substantial reduction in the interest rate, capitalization of interest payments, and a substantial write-down of the principal of the loan. However, even if such restructuring were successfully accomplished, a risk exists that the borrower will not be able or willing to maintain the restructured payments or refinance the restructured mortgage upon maturity. Although we typically expect to receive less than the principal amount or face value of the residential loans that we purchase, the return that we in fact receive thereupon may be less than our investment in such loans due to the failure of the loans to perform or reperform. An economic downturn would exacerbate the risks of the recovery of the full value of the loan or the cost of our investment therein.

 Finally, residential loans are also subject to "special hazard" risk (property damage caused by hazards, such as earthquakes or environmental hazards, not covered by standard property insurance policies), and to bankruptcy risk (reduction in a borrower's mortgage debt by a bankruptcy court). In addition, claims may be asserted against us on account of our position as a mortgage holder or property owner, including assignee liability, responsibility for tax payments, environmental hazards and other liabilities. In some cases, these liabilities may be "recourse liabilities" or may otherwise lead to losses in excess of the purchase price of the related mortgage or property.

 Our investments in a mortgage loan originator exposes us to additional risks.

 As of December 31, 2024, we owned a 50% equity interest in an entity that originates residential loans. Unlike our investments in residential mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), our investments in the loan originator are unsecured and not collateralized by any property of the originator. In addition, we do not manage the loan originator in which we have made investments, and because none of our investments give us a controlling stake in the loan originator, our ability to influence the business and operations of the originator is limited, in some instances significantly so. Also, because the loan originator is a private closely-held enterprise, there are significant restrictions on our ability to sell or otherwise transfer our investments (which are generally illiquid). In the event that the loan originator in which we have made investments should experience a significant decline in its business and operations or otherwise not be able to respond adequately to managerial, compliance or operational challenges that it may encounter, we may be required to write-down all or a portion of the applicable investment, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and our book value.

 Our portfolio of business purpose loans exposes us to risks that are different from the risks involved with our traditional investments in residential mortgage loans.

 As of December 31, 2024, approximately 25.9% of the asset value of our total investment portfolio is comprised of business purpose loans. Business purpose loans are directly exposed to losses resulting from default and foreclosure. Therefore, the value of the underlying property, the creditworthiness and financial position of the borrower and the priority and enforceability of the lien will significantly impact the value of such mortgages. Whether or not a loan is originated in accordance with our underwriting standards for such loans, there can be no assurance as to the adequacy of the protection of the terms of the loan, including the validity or enforceability of the loan and the maintenance of the anticipated priority and perfection of the applicable security interests. Furthermore, claims may be asserted that might interfere with enforcement of our rights. In the event of a foreclosure, we may assume direct ownership of the underlying real estate. The liquidation proceeds upon sale of such real estate may not be sufficient to recover our cost basis in the loan, resulting in a loss to us. Moreover, in the case of business purpose loans made to a borrower who then rents the property to a tenant, local, state or federal government eviction proceeding requirements may delay foreclosure or liquidation proceedings or cause us to incur additional expense. Any costs or delays involved in the completion of a foreclosure of the loan or a liquidation of the underlying property will further reduce the proceeds and thus increase the loss.

 Business purpose loans we own are subject to similar risks as those described above with respect to residential mortgage loans to the extent business purpose loan borrowers do not timely remit payments of principal and interest relating to their mortgage loans. In addition, if tenants who rent their residence from a multifamily or business purpose loan borrower are unable to make rental payments, are unwilling to make rental payments, or a waiver of the requirement to make rental payments on a timely basis, or at all, is available under the terms of any applicable forbearance or waiver agreement or program (which rental payment forbearance or waiver program may be available as a result of a government-sponsored or -imposed program or under any such agreement or program a landlord may otherwise offer to tenants), then the value of business purpose loans we own will likely be impaired, which would negatively impact our business.

 A portion of our business purpose loan portfolio currently is, and in the future may be, delinquent and subject to increased risks of credit loss for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation, because the underlying property is too highly-leveraged or the borrower experiences financial distress. Indeed, loans similar to business purpose bridge loans performed poorly during the 2008 financial crisis due, in large part, to high leverage and borrower distress and it is likely these types of loans may perform poorly in an economic downturn or in an environment of decreasing real estate prices.

 Additionally, business purpose bridge loans on properties in transition may involve a greater risk of loss than traditional mortgage loans and this risk may be heightened during periods of rising interest rates or declining home values. This type of loan is typically used for acquiring and rehabilitating or improving the quality of single-family residential investment properties and generally serves as an interim financing solution for borrowers and/or properties prior to the borrower selling the property or stabilizing the property and obtaining long-term permanent financing. The typical borrower of these business purpose bridge loans has often identified an undervalued asset that has been under-managed or is located in a recovering market. If the market in which the asset is located experiences a downturn or fails to improve according to the borrower's projections, or if the borrower fails to improve the quality of the asset's management or the value of the asset or the borrower's expenses exceed expectations due to rising costs, rising interest rates or otherwise without a corresponding increase in asset value or income to be derived from the property, the borrower may not receive a sufficient return on the asset to satisfy the transitional loan, and we bear the risk that we may not recover some or all of our investment. In addition, borrowers often use the proceeds of a conventional mortgage to repay a business purpose bridge loan. Business purpose bridge loans therefore are subject to risk of a borrower's inability to obtain permanent financing to repay the loan. Business purpose bridge loans are also subject to risks of borrower defaults, bankruptcies, fraud, and other losses. In the event of any default under business purpose bridge loans that may be held by us, we bear the risk of loss of principal and non-payment of interest and fees to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the mortgage collateral and the principal amount and unpaid interest of the transitional loan. To the extent we suffer such losses with respect to these loans, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.

 Our investments may include subordinated tranches of RMBS, CMBS and ABS, which are subordinate in right of payment to more senior securities and have greater risk of loss than other investments.

 Our investments include or may include subordinated tranches of RMBS, CMBS and ABS, which are subordinated classes of securities in a structure of securities collateralized by a pool of assets consisting primarily of residential mortgage loans, multi-family or other commercial mortgage loans and auto loans, respectively. Accordingly, the subordinated tranches of securities that we own and invest in, such as certain non-Agency RMBS and ABS, are the first or among the first to bear the loss upon a restructuring or liquidation of the underlying collateral and the last to receive payment of interest and principal. Additionally, estimated fair values of these subordinated interests tend to be more sensitive to changes in economic conditions and increases in defaults, delinquencies and losses than more senior securities. Moreover, subordinated interests generally are not actively traded and may not provide holders thereof with a liquid investment, particularly during periods of market disruption. Numerous factors may affect an issuing entity's ability to repay or fulfill its payment obligations on its subordinated securities, including, without limitation, the failure to meet its business plan, a downturn in its industry, rising interest rates, negative economic conditions or risks particular to real property. As of December 31, 2024, our portfolio included approximately $142.8 million of subordinated, first loss non-Agency RMBS. In the event any of these factors cause the securitization entities in which we own subordinated securities to experience losses, the market value of our assets, our business, financial condition and results of operations and ability to make distributions to our stockholders may be materially adversely affected.

 Prepayment rates can change, adversely affecting the performance of our assets.

 The frequency at which prepayments (including both voluntary prepayments by the borrowers and liquidations due to defaults and foreclosures) occur on the residential loans we own and those that underlie our RMBS and some of the multi-family real estate investments and loans we originate or acquire is difficult to predict and is affected by a variety of factors, including the prevailing level of interest rates as well as economic, demographic, tax, social, legal, legislative and other factors. Generally, borrowers tend to prepay their mortgages when prevailing mortgage rates fall below the interest rates on their mortgage loans.

 In general, "premium" assets (i.e., assets, such as Agency RMBS, whose market values exceed their principal or par amounts) are adversely affected by faster-than-anticipated prepayments because the above-market coupon that such premium assets carry will be earned for a shorter period of time. Generally, "discount" assets (assets whose principal or par amounts exceed their market values) are adversely affected by slower-than-anticipated prepayments. Because our portfolio is comprised of both discount assets and premium assets, our portfolio may be adversely affected by changes in prepayments in any interest rate environment. Although we estimate prepayment rates to determine the effective yield of our assets and valuations, these estimates are not precise and prepayment rates do not necessarily change in a predictable manner as a function of interest rate changes.

 The adverse effects of prepayments may impact us in various ways. First, certain investments, such as IOs and MSRs, may experience outright losses in an environment of faster actual or anticipated prepayments. Second, particular investments may under-perform relative to any hedges that we may have constructed for these assets, resulting in a loss to us. In particular, prepayments (at par) may limit the potential upside of many RMBS to their principal or par amounts, whereas their corresponding hedges often have the potential for unlimited loss. Furthermore, to the extent that faster prepayment rates are due to lower interest rates, the principal payments received from prepayments will tend to be reinvested in lower-yielding assets, which may reduce our income in the long run. Therefore, if actual prepayment rates differ from anticipated prepayment rates, our business, financial condition and results of operations and ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be materially adversely affected.

 Some of the multi-family real estate investments and loans we may originate may allow the borrower to make prepayments without incurring a prepayment penalty and some may include provisions allowing the borrower or operating partner to extend the term of the loan or instrument beyond the originally scheduled maturity. Because the decision to prepay or extend such a multi-family loan or instrument is typically controlled by the borrower, we may not accurately anticipate the timing of these events, which could affect the earnings and cash flows we anticipate and could impact our ability to finance these assets.

 We have experienced and may experience in the future increased volatility in our GAAP results of operations as we have elected fair value option for the majority of our investments.

 We have elected the fair value option accounting model for the majority of our investments and certain of our liabilities. Changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option are recorded in our consolidated statements of operations each period, which have resulted in volatility in our financial results from period to period in the past. There can be no assurance that such volatility in periodic financial results will not occur during 2025 or in future periods.

 In connection with our operating and investment activity, we rely on third-party service providers to perform a variety of services, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and carry out contractual covenants and terms, the failure of which by any of these third-party service providers may adversely impact our business and financial results.

 In connection with our business of acquiring and holding loans, engaging in securitization transactions, and investing in non-Agency RMBS, we rely on third-party service providers, principally loan servicers, to perform a variety of services, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and carry out contractual covenants and terms. For example, we rely on the mortgage servicers who service the mortgage loans we purchase as well as the loans underlying our non-Agency RMBS to, among other things, collect principal and interest payments on such loans and perform loss mitigation services, such as workouts, modifications, refinancings, foreclosures, short sales and sales of foreclosed property. Both default frequency and default severity of loans may depend upon the quality of the servicer. If a servicer is not vigilant in encouraging the borrowers to make their monthly payments, the borrowers may be far less likely to make these payments, which could result in a higher frequency of default. If a servicer takes longer to liquidate non-performing assets, loss severities may be higher than originally anticipated. Higher loss severity may also be caused by less competent dispositions of real estate owned properties. Finally, in the case of the non-Agency RMBS in which we invest, we may have no or limited rights to prevent the servicer of the underlying loans from taking actions that are adverse to our interests.

 Mortgage servicers and other service providers, such as our trustees, bond insurance providers, due diligence vendors, and document custodians, may fail to perform or otherwise not perform in a manner that promotes our interests. For example, any loan modification legislation or regulatory action currently in effect or enacted in the future may incentivize mortgage loan servicers to pursue such loan modifications and other actions that may not be in the best interests of the beneficial owners of the mortgage loans. As a result, we are subject to the risks associated with a third party's failure to perform, including failure to perform due to reasons such as fraud, negligence, errors, miscalculations, or insolvency.

 In the ordinary course of business, our loan servicers and other service providers are subject to numerous legal requirements and proceedings, federal, state or local governmental examinations, investigations or enforcement actions, which could adversely affect their reputation, business, liquidity, financial position and results of operations. Residential mortgage servicers, in particular, have experienced heightened regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions, and our mortgage servicers could be adversely affected by the market's perception that they could experience, or continue to experience, regulatory issues. Regardless of the merits of any such claim, proceeding or inquiry, defending any such claims, proceedings or inquiries may be time consuming and costly and may divert the mortgage servicer's resources, time and attention from servicing our mortgage loans or related assets and performing as expected. In addition, it is possible that regulators or other governmental entities or parties impacted by the actions of our mortgage servicers could seek enforcement or legal actions against us, as the beneficial owner of the loans or other assets, and responding to such claims, and any related losses, could negatively impact our business.

 The remedies available to us to resolve delinquent loans may not fully compensate us for any losses incurred and may result in lengthy and expensive legal processes.

 Delinquent loans may require a substantial amount of workout negotiations or restructuring, which may entail, among other things, a reduction in the interest rate or capitalization of past due interest. However, even if restructurings are successfully accomplished, risks still exist that borrowers will not be able or willing to maintain the restructured payments or refinance the restructured mortgage upon maturity.

 If restructuring is not successful, we may find it necessary to foreclose on the underlying property, and the foreclosure process may be lengthy and expensive, including out-of-pocket costs and increased use of our internal resources. Borrowers may resist mortgage foreclosure actions by asserting numerous claims, counterclaims and defenses against us including, without limitation, numerous lender liability claims and defenses, even when such assertions may have no basis in fact, in an effort to prolong the foreclosure action and exert negotiating pressure on us to agree to a modification of the loan or a favorable buy-out of the borrower's position. In some states, foreclosure actions can sometimes take several years or more to litigate. Foreclosure may create a negative public perception of the related mortgaged property, resulting in a decrease in its value. Even if we are successful in foreclosing on a loan, the liquidation proceeds upon sale of the underlying real estate may not be sufficient to recover our cost basis in the loan, resulting in a loss to us. Furthermore, any costs or delays involved in the completion of a foreclosure of the loan or a liquidation of the underlying property will further reduce the proceeds and thus increase the loss. Any such reductions could materially and adversely affect the value of the loan and could, in aggregate, have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 Any costs or delays involved in the completion of a foreclosure or liquidation of the underlying property of the residential loans we own may further reduce proceeds from the property and may increase our loss.

 We may find it necessary or desirable from time to time to foreclose on some of the residential mortgage loans we acquire and the foreclosure process may be lengthy and expensive. Borrowers may resist mortgage foreclosure actions by asserting numerous claims, counterclaims and defenses against us including, without limitation, numerous lender liability claims and defenses, even when such assertions may have no basis in fact, in an effort to prolong the foreclosure action and force us into a modification of the loan or a favorable buy-out of the borrower's position. In some states, foreclosure actions can sometimes take several years or more to litigate. Moreover, during a crisis or significant geopolitical, economic, market or other disruption, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, actions may be taken by federal, state and local governments and regulators to make foreclosure more difficult, and in some cases, unavailable.

 At any time prior to or during the foreclosure proceedings, the borrower may file for bankruptcy, which would have the effect of staying the foreclosure actions and further delaying the foreclosure process. Foreclosure may create a negative public perception of the related mortgaged property, resulting in a decrease in its value. Even if we are successful in foreclosing on a mortgage loan, the liquidation proceeds upon sale of the underlying real estate may not be sufficient to recover our cost basis in the loan, resulting in a loss to us. Furthermore, any costs or delays involved in the completion of a foreclosure of the loan or a liquidation of the underlying property will further reduce the proceeds and thus increase the loss. Any such reductions could materially and adversely affect the value of the residential loans in which we invest and, therefore, could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Our preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments involve greater risks of loss than more senior loans secured by income-producing properties.

 We own and make preferred equity investments in entities that own multi-family property. We have made in the past, and may originate in the future mezzanine loans, which are loans secured by a pledge of the ownership interests of either the entity owning the multi-family property or a pledge of the ownership interests of the entity that owns the interest in the entity owning the multi-family property. These types of assets involve a higher degree of risk than senior mortgage lending secured by income-producing real property, because the loan may become unsecured or our equity investment may be effectively extinguished as a result of foreclosure by the senior lender. In addition, mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments are often used to achieve a very high leverage on large commercial projects, resulting in less equity in the property and increasing the risk of loss of principal or investment. If a borrower defaults on our mezzanine loan or debt senior to our loan, or in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, our mezzanine loan or preferred equity investment will be satisfied only after the senior debt, in the case of a mezzanine loan, or all senior and subordinated debt, in the case of a preferred equity investment, is paid in full. Where senior debt exists, the presence of intercreditor arrangements, which in this case are arrangements between the lender of the senior loan and the mezzanine lender or preferred equity investor that stipulate the rights and obligations of the parties, may limit our ability to amend our loan documents, assign our loans, accept prepayments, exercise our remedies or control decisions made in bankruptcy proceedings relating to borrowers or preferred equity issuers. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our investment, which could result in significant losses.

 Declining real estate valuations and impairment charges to real estate assets have adversely affected our earnings and financial condition in the past and may adversely affect our earnings and financial condition in the future.

 We periodically evaluate real estate assets for indicators of impairment, which include, among other indicators, deteriorating operational performance, declining market conditions, legal and environmental concerns, and our ability and intent to hold each asset. If impairment indicators exist for long-lived assets to be held and used, such as real estate held by our joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties or our single-family rental properties, we may record an impairment of real estate to reduce the carrying value of such asset to its estimated fair value. Real estate assets that are held for sale or in disposal group held for sale, such as those owned by certain of our joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties, are recorded at the lower of their net depreciated carrying amount or estimated net fair value. In the event that the estimated net fair value of a real estate asset is determined to be less than its net depreciated carrying amount, an impairment of real estate is recorded on our consolidated statements of operations for the amount of the difference. Subsequent decreases, if any, in the net fair value of the real estate assets held for sale are recorded as impairments of real estate. Further, if real estate or joint venture equity investments are determined to no longer meet the criteria to be accounted for as held for sale, they are returned to held and used at the lower of (a) their carrying amount before they were classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the assets remained in their previous classification, or (b) their fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell the real estate or joint venture equity investment, and downward adjustments, if any, are reported in loss on reclassification of disposal group in the consolidated statements of operations.

 We determine the fair value of real estate assets based upon discounted cash flow analyses using property financial information and assumptions regarding market rent, revenue and expense growth, capitalization rates and return rates. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. A worsening real estate market may cause us to reevaluate the assumptions used in our estimation of fair value and/or impairment analysis.

 For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized net impairment losses of approximately $48.9 million and $89.5 million, respectively. Also in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized losses on reclassification of disposal group of approximately $14.6 million and $16.2 million, respectively. These losses have a direct, adverse impact on our net income because recording an impairment loss or loss on reclassification of disposal group results in an immediate negative adjustment to net income. Impairment charges, such as those incurred in 2024 and 2023, adversely affected our financial condition, results of operations, book value, cash available for distribution, including cash available for us to pay distributions to our stockholders, and per share trading price of our common stock. Such impairment charges could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition in the future.

 Our investments in multi-family properties are subject to the ability of the property owner to generate net income from operating the property as well as the risks of delinquency, default and foreclosure.

 Our investments in multi-family properties are subject to risks of delinquency, default and foreclosure on the properties that underlie or back these investments, and risk of loss that may be greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the security of a single-family residential property. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan or obligation secured by, and the return on an equity interest in an entity that owns, an income-producing property typically is dependent primarily upon the successful operation of such property. If the net operating income of the subject property is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan or recapitalize the property, on a timely basis or at all, or our ability to receive adequate returns on our investment, may be impaired. Similarly, the single-family rental properties we own are subject to the risk that the tenant will be unable to pay rent timely or at all. Net operating income of an income-producing property can be adversely affected by, among other things:

 • tenant mix;

 • the performance, actions and decisions of operating partners and the property managers we or they engage in the day-to-day management and maintenance of the property;

 • property location, condition, and design;

 • competition, including new construction or rehabilitation of competitive properties;

 • a surge in homeownership rates;

 • changes in laws that increase operating expenses or limit rents that may be charged;

 • changes in specific industry segments, including the labor, credit and securitization markets;

 • declines in regional or local real estate values or economic conditions;

 • declines in individual property or regional or local rental or occupancy rates;

 • increases in interest rates, overall financing costs, real estate tax rates, construction costs, energy costs and other operating expenses;

 • costs of remediation and liabilities associated with environmental conditions;

 • the potential for uninsured or underinsured property losses; and

 • the risks particular to real property, including those described in "-Our business is subject to risks particular to real property and real estate-related assets."

 In the event of any default under a loan held directly by us, we will bear a risk of loss to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the outstanding principal and accrued interest of the mortgage loan, and any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow from operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Similarly, the mezzanine loan and preferred and joint venture equity investments we own may be adversely affected by a default on any of the loans or other instruments that underlie those securities or that are secured by the related property. See "- Our investments may include subordinated tranches of RMBS, CMBS and ABS, which are subordinate in right of payment to more senior securities and have greater risk of loss than other investments."

 In the event of the bankruptcy of a commercial mortgage loan borrower, the commercial mortgage loan to such borrower will be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the underlying collateral at the time of bankruptcy (as determined by the bankruptcy court), and the lien securing the commercial mortgage loan will be subject to the avoidance powers of the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession to the extent the lien is unenforceable under state law. Foreclosure of a commercial mortgage loan can be an expensive and lengthy process, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Actions of our operating partners could subject us to liabilities in excess of those contemplated or prevent us from taking actions that are in the best interests of our stockholders, which could result in lower investment returns to our stockholders.

 We make preferred equity investments in, and may in the future originate mezzanine loans to, owners of multi-family properties as part of our investment strategy and presently own joint venture equity investments in owners of multi-family properties. We consider such owners (or other owners in the case of joint venture equity investments) to be our operating partners with respect to the acquisition, improvement or financing of the underlying properties, as the case may be. We may also make indirect investments in properties through other arrangements. Such investments may involve risks not otherwise present when acquiring real estate directly, including, for example:

 • operating partners may share or control certain approval rights over major decisions;

 • our operating partners may have economic or business interests or goals that are or become inconsistent with our business interests or goals;

 • we may be limited in our ability to dispose of or refinance properties on a timely basis without financial penalty or at all;

 • our operating partner in a property might become insolvent, bankrupt or otherwise refuse or be unable to meet its obligations to us or the venture, which we have experienced in recent years;

 • we may incur liabilities as a result of an action taken by one of our operating partners;

 • one of our operating partners may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives, including our policy with respect to maintaining our qualification as a REIT;

 • disputes between us and our operating partners may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and directors from focusing their time and effort on our business;

 • our operating partners obtain blanket property casualty and business interruption insurance insuring properties we own jointly and other properties in which we have no ownership interest and as a result, claims or losses with respect to properties owned by our operating partners but in which we have no interest could significantly reduce or eliminate the insurance available to properties in which we have an interest;

 • our operating partners may not perform their property oversight responsibilities; and

 • we rely on our operating partners to provide us with accurate financial information regarding the performance of the properties underlying our preferred equity, mezzanine loan and joint venture investments on a timely basis to enable us to satisfy our annual, quarterly and periodic reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and our operating partners and the entities in which we invest may have inadequate internal controls or procedures that could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and other requirements under the federal securities laws.

 Actions by one of our operating partners or one of the property managers of the multi-family properties in which we invest, which are generally out of our control, might subject us to liabilities in excess of those contemplated and thus reduce our investment returns. If we have a right of first refusal or buy/sell right to buy out an operating partner, we may be unable to finance such a buy-out if it becomes exercisable or we may be required to purchase such interest at a time when it would not otherwise be in our best interest to do so. If our interest is subject to a buy/sell right, we may not have sufficient cash, available borrowing capacity or other capital resources to allow us to elect to purchase the interest of our operating partner that is subject to the buy/sell right, in which case we may be forced to sell our interest as a result of the exercise of such right when we would otherwise prefer to keep our interest. Pursuant to the operating agreement for one of our joint venture investments, third party investors have the ability to sell their ownership interests to us at their election once a year subject to annual minimum and maximum amount limitations and we are obligated to purchase such interests for cash. We may not have sufficient cash, available borrowing capacity or other capital resources to allow us to finance the purchase of such interests, which may cause us to breach our obligations under the operating agreement, or we may be required to purchase such interest at a time when it would not otherwise be in our best interest to do so. Finally, we may not be able to sell our interest in a venture if we desire to exit the venture without our operating partner's consent.

 Our business is subject to risks particular to real property and real estate-related assets.

 We own assets secured or backed by, or closely connected to, real estate, and to a lesser extent real estate assets, and expect in the future to continue to acquire, own and manage these assets. Real estate and real estate-related assets are subject to various risks, including:

 • acts of God, including earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters, which may result in uninsured losses;

 • acts of domestic or international war or terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances, including the consequences thereof, such as materially negative impacts on U.S. economic and market conditions;

 • adverse changes in global, national, regional and local economic, market or political conditions, including those relating to pandemics and health crises;

 • changes in federal, state or local governmental laws and regulations, fiscal or tax policies, zoning ordinances and environmental legislation and the related costs of compliance with federal, state or local laws and regulations, fiscal policies and ordinances; and

 • adverse developments or conditions resulting from or associated with climate change.

 The occurrence of any of the foregoing or similar events may result in damage to or destruction of the underlying assets and may materially adversely affect the financial, capital, credit and/or real estate markets in which we operate, generally, or real estate or rental markets more locally, any of which could reduce the returns on, or fair values of, our assets or impair our ability to finance our business on favorable terms or at all. Consequently, the occurrence of any of the foregoing could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 To the extent that due diligence is conducted as part of our acquisition or underwriting process, such due diligence may be limited, may not reveal all of the risks associated with such assets and may not reveal other weaknesses in such assets, which could lead to material losses.

 As part of our acquisition or underwriting process for certain assets, including, without limitation, residential loans, direct and indirect multi-family property investments, non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, ABS or other mortgage-, residential housing- or other credit-related assets, we may conduct (either directly or using third parties) certain due diligence. Such due diligence may include (i) an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the asset's or underlying asset's credit profile, (ii) a review of all or merely a subset of the documentation related to the asset or underlying asset or (iii) other reviews that we may deem appropriate to conduct. There can be no assurance that we will conduct any specific level of due diligence, or that, among other things, the due diligence process will uncover all relevant facts, the materials provided to us or that we review will be accurate and complete or that any purchase or our projection for that purchase will prove successful, which could result in losses on these assets, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 The lack of liquidity in certain of our assets may adversely affect our business.

 Many of the assets we own or acquire may be subject to legal, contractual and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. For example, certain of our assets may be securitized and are held in a securitization trust and may not be sold or transferred until the note issued by the securitization trust matures or is repaid. Similarly, our joint venture equity and Mezzanine Lending investments may require the consent of our operating partner or a lender to transfer or sell our investment and may also be less attractive to a buyer due to certain contractual provisions. Moreover, because many of our assets are subordinated to more senior securities or loans or depend on the ability of a borrower, tenant or operating partner to meet their contractual obligations, any potential buyer of those assets may request to conduct due diligence on those assets, which may delay the sale or transfer of those assets. In addition, investments in MSRs are highly illiquid and may be subject to numerous restrictions on transfers, including without limitation the receipt of third-party consents. The illiquidity of certain of our assets may make it difficult for us to sell such assets on a timely basis or at all if the need or desire arises. If we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have previously recorded our assets, as was the case in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant turmoil in our markets. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions may be relatively limited, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 The use of models in connection with the valuation of our assets subjects us to potential risks in the event that such models are incorrect, misleading or based on incomplete information.

 As part of our risk management process, models may be used to evaluate, depending on the asset class, home price appreciation and depreciation by county or region, prepayment speeds and frequency, cost and timing of foreclosures, as well as other factors. Certain assumptions used as inputs to the models may be based on historical trends. These trends may not be indicative of future results. Furthermore, the assumptions underlying the models may prove to be inaccurate, causing the model output also to be incorrect. In the event models and data prove to be incorrect, misleading or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon expose us to potential risks. For example, by relying on incorrect models and data, we may buy certain assets at prices that are too high, sell certain assets at prices that are too low or miss favorable opportunities altogether, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and growth prospects.

 Valuations of some of our assets are subject to inherent uncertainty, may be based on estimates, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may differ from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these assets existed.

 While the determination of the fair value of our assets generally takes into consideration valuations provided by third-party dealers and pricing services, the final determination of exit price fair values for our assets is based on our judgment, and such valuations may differ from those provided by third-party dealers and pricing services. Valuations of certain assets may be difficult to obtain or may not be reliable (particularly as related to residential loans, as discussed below). In general, dealers and pricing services heavily disclaim their valuations as such valuations are not intended to be binding bid prices. Additionally, dealers may claim to furnish valuations only as an accommodation and without special compensation, and so they may disclaim any and all liability arising out of any inaccuracy or incompleteness in valuations. Depending on the complexity and illiquidity of an asset, valuations of the same asset can vary substantially from one dealer or pricing service to another. Our results of operations, financial condition and business could be materially adversely affected if our fair value determinations of these assets are materially higher than could actually be realized in the market.

 Our investments in residential loans are difficult to value and are dependent upon the borrower's ability to service or refinance their debt. The inability of the borrower to do so could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations.

 The difficulty in valuation is particularly significant with respect to our less liquid investments such as our re-performing loans ("RPL"s) and non-performing loans ("NPL"s). RPLs are loans on which a borrower was previously delinquent but has resumed repaying. Our ability to sell RPLs for a profit depends on the borrower continuing to make payments. An RPL could become a NPL, which could reduce our earnings. Our investments in residential whole loans may require us to engage in workout negotiations, restructuring and/or the possibility of foreclosure. These processes may be lengthy and expensive. If we foreclose on underlying properties, we, through a designated servicer that we retain, will have to manage these properties and may not be able to sell them.

 We may work with our third-party servicers and seek to help a borrower to refinance an NPL or RPL to realize greater value from such loan. However, there may be impediments to executing a refinancing strategy for NPLs and RPLs. For example, a number of mortgage lenders have adjusted their loan programs and underwriting standards, which has reduced the availability of mortgage credit to prospective borrowers. This has resulted in reduced availability of financing alternatives for borrowers seeking to refinance their mortgage loans. In addition, the value of some borrowers' homes may decline below the amount of the mortgage loans on such homes resulting in higher loan-to-value ratios, which may leave the borrowers with insufficient equity in their homes to permit them to refinance. With prevailing mortgage interest rates having risen in a meaningful way from their recent low levels, these risks may be exacerbated. The effect of the above would likely serve to make the refinancing of NPLs and RPLs potentially more difficult and less profitable for us.

 Competition may prevent us from acquiring assets on favorable terms or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities. Our net income largely depends on our ability to acquire our targeted assets at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs. In acquiring our targeted assets, we compete with other REITs, investment banking firms, savings and loan associations, banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, private investors, lenders and other entities that purchase mortgage-related assets, many of which have greater financial resources or access to opportunities than us. Greater demand for the assets we target for investment tends to increase prices and reduce the estimated yield on the asset. Additionally, many of our potential competitors are not subject to REIT tax compliance or required to maintain an exclusion from the Investment Company Act. During much of 2021, increased demand for the assets we targeted resulted in reduced levels of investment by us which negatively impacted our net earnings during those periods. As in the recent past, we may not in the future be able to acquire sufficient quantities of our targeted assets at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Maintaining cybersecurity and data security is important to our business and a breach of our cybersecurity or data security could result in serious harm to our reputation and have a material adverse impact on our business and financial results.

 When we acquire residential loans or make investments in multi-family or single-family rental properties, we often times come into possession of borrower non-public personal information that an identity thief could utilize in engaging in fraudulent activity or theft. In some cases, we share this information with third parties, such as loan sub-servicers, property managers, outside vendors, third parties interested in acquiring such loans from us, or lenders extending credit to us collateralized by such loans.

 While we have security measures in place to protect this information and prevent security breaches, these security measures may be compromised as a result of third-party action, including intentional misconduct by computer hackers, cyber-attacks, "phishing" attacks, service provider or vendor error, or malfeasance or other intentional or unintentional acts by third parties and bad actors, including third-party service providers. Furthermore, borrower data, including personally identifiable information, may be lost, exposed, or subject to unauthorized access or use as a result of accidents, errors, or malfeasance by our employees, independent contractors, or others working with us or on our behalf. Our servers and systems, and those of our service providers, operating partners and the companies in which we invest from time to time, may be vulnerable to computer malware, break-ins, denial-of-service attacks, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems, which could result in someone obtaining unauthorized access to borrowers' data or our data, including other confidential business information. We have further developed and enhanced our cybersecurity systems and processes that are intended to protect this type of data and information but they may not be effective in preventing unauthorized access in the future and such unauthorized access could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. Furthermore, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to, or to sabotage, systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. We may also experience security breaches that may remain undetected for an extended period.

 We may be liable for losses suffered by individuals whose identities are stolen as a result of a breach of the security of the systems that we or third parties, operating partners, companies in which we invest and service providers of ours store this information on, and any such liability could be material. Even if we are not liable for such losses, any breach of these systems could expose us to material costs in notifying affected individuals and providing credit monitoring services to them, as well as regulatory fines or penalties. In addition, any breach of these systems could disrupt our normal business operations and expose us to reputational damage and lost business, revenues, and profits. Any insurance we maintain against the risk of this type of loss may not be sufficient to cover actual losses, or may not apply to the circumstances relating to any particular breach.

 Security breaches could also significantly damage our reputation with existing and prospective business partners, borrowers, and third parties with whom we do business. Any publicized security problems affecting our businesses and/or those of such third parties may negatively impact the market perception of our products and discourage market participants from doing business with us. These risks may increase in the future as we continue to increase our reliance on the internet and use of web-based product offerings and on the use of cybersecurity.

 We are highly dependent on information and communication systems and system failures and other operational disruptions could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Our business is highly dependent on communications and information systems. For example, we rely on our proprietary database to track and manage the residential loans in our portfolio. Any failure or interruption in the availability and functionality of our systems or those of our third-party service providers and other operational disruptions could cause delays or other problems in our trading, investment, financing, hedging and other operating activities which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 We have made and may in the future make investments in companies that we do not control.

 Some of our investments currently and may in the future include, debt instruments and/or equity securities of companies or investment vehicles that we do not control. The entities in which we invest could be thinly capitalized, highly leveraged, dependent on a small number of key individuals, subject to regulatory concerns, underperform expectations, or face other obstacles that could adversely affect the business and results of operations of any such entity. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our investments in these entities could be lost in their entirety, and our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could suffer as a result.

 Moreover, as a non-controlling equity investor in a residential loan originator, our investment in the loan originator, business and reputation could be negatively impacted if such originator fails to comply with federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations or receives negative media or marketing attention related to its operations.

 Risks Related to Debt Financing and Our Use of Hedging Strategies

 Our access to financing sources, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all, may be limited, and this may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 We depend upon the availability of adequate capital and financing sources on acceptable terms to fund our operations, meet financial obligations, and finance asset acquisitions. However, the capital and credit markets have experienced unprecedented levels of volatility and disruption in recent years that have generally negatively impacted the availability of credit from time-to-time. Continued volatility or disruption in the credit or finance markets or a downturn in the global economy could materially adversely affect one or more of our lenders and could cause lenders to be unwilling or unable to provide us with financing, to increase the costs of that financing or make the terms less attractive, or to become insolvent. Such volatility or disruption could also limit or halt our access to securitization financing.

 Although we finance some of our assets with longer-term financing, we have also historically relied on access to short-term borrowings in the form of repurchase agreements to finance our investments. Because our repurchase agreements typically have terms of one year or less, our repurchase agreement counterparties may respond to market conditions in a manner that makes it more difficult for us to renew or replace on a continuous basis our maturing short-term financings and such counterparties have imposed and may in the future impose more onerous conditions when rolling such financings. If we are not able to renew or roll our existing repurchase agreements or arrange for new financing on terms acceptable to us, or if we default on our financial covenants, are otherwise unable to access funds under our financing arrangements, or if we are required to post more collateral or face larger haircuts on our financings, we may have to dispose of assets at significantly depressed prices and at inopportune times, which could cause significant losses, and may also force us to curtail our asset acquisition activities. If we are faced with a larger haircut in order to roll a financing with a particular counterparty, or in order to move a financing from one counterparty to another, then we would need to make up the difference between the two haircuts in the form of cash, which could similarly require us to dispose of assets at significantly depressed prices and at inopportune times, which could cause significant losses.

 Issues related to financing are exacerbated in times of significant dislocation in the financial markets. It is possible that our financing counterparties will become unwilling or unable to provide us with financing, and we could be forced to sell our assets at an inopportune time when prices are depressed or markets are illiquid, which could cause significant losses. Indeed, we experienced these types of conditions during the height of the market disruption caused by COVID-19 and incurred significant losses. In addition, if the regulatory capital requirements imposed on our financing counterparties change, they may be required to significantly increase the cost of the financing that they provide to us, or to increase the amounts of collateral they require as a condition to providing us with financing. Our financing counterparties also have revised, and may continue to revise, their eligibility requirements for the types of assets that they are willing to finance or the terms of such financings, including increased haircuts and requiring additional cash collateral, based on, among other factors, the regulatory environment and their management of actual and perceived risk, particularly with respect to assignee liability. Moreover, the amount of financing that we receive under our repurchase agreements will be directly related to our counterparties' valuation of our assets that collateralize the outstanding repurchase agreement financing. In general, this could potentially increase our financing costs and reduce our liquidity or require us to sell assets at an inopportune time or price.

 Finally, securitization financing has been limited from time to time in the recent past. A prolonged decline in securitization activity may limit borrowings under warehouse facilities and other credit facilities that are intended to be refinanced by such securitizations. Moreover, other forms of longer-term financing have historically been difficult for mortgage REITs to access or contain less favorable terms. Consequently, depending on market conditions at the relevant time, we may have to rely on additional equity issuances to meet our capital and financing needs, which may be dilutive to our stockholders, or we may have to rely on less efficient forms of debt financing that restrict our operations or financing or consume a larger portion of our cash flow from operations, thereby reducing funds available for our operations, future business opportunities, cash distributions to our stockholders and other purposes. We cannot assure you that we will have access to such equity or debt capital on favorable terms (including, without limitation, cost and term) at the desired times, or at all, which may cause us to curtail our investment activities and/or dispose of assets, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 The repurchase agreements that we use to finance our investments may require us to provide additional collateral, which could reduce our liquidity and harm our financial condition.

 We use repurchase agreements to finance a portion of our investments. In certain cases, these repurchase agreements allow the lender, to varying degrees, to revalue the collateral to values that the lender considers to reflect the market value. In these cases, when a lender determines that the value of the collateral has decreased, it may initiate a margin call, in which case we may be required by the lending institution to provide additional collateral or pay down a portion of the funds advanced, but we may not have the funds available to do so. Typically, repurchase agreements grant the repurchase agreement counterparty the absolute right to reevaluate the fair market value of the assets that cover the amount financed under the repurchase agreement at any time. If a repurchase agreement counterparty determines in its sole discretion that the value of the assets subject to the repurchase agreement financing has decreased, it has the right to initiate a margin call. These valuations may be different than the values that we ascribe to these assets and may be influenced by recent asset sales at distressed levels by forced sellers. A margin call requires us to transfer additional assets to a repurchase agreement counterparty without any advance of funds from the counterparty for such transfer or to repay a portion of the outstanding repurchase agreement financing. We would also be required to post additional collateral if haircuts increase under a repurchase agreement. In these situations, we could be forced to sell assets at significantly depressed prices to meet such margin calls and to maintain adequate liquidity or to otherwise reduce the amount of leverage we use to finance our business, which could cause significant losses. In the event we do not have sufficient liquidity to meet such requirements, lending institutions can accelerate our indebtedness, increase our borrowing rates, liquidate our collateral at inopportune times or prices and terminate our ability to borrow. Significant margin calls could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, business, liquidity, and ability to make distributions to our stockholders, and could cause the value of our securities to decline. As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, we observed a mark-down of a portion of our assets by our repurchase agreement counterparties during the first quarter of 2020, resulting in us having to pay cash and securities to satisfy margin calls that were well beyond historical norms. Disruptive events, including events similar to these, could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity and could lead to significant losses, a rapid deterioration of our financial condition and possibly require us to file for protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

 We leverage our equity, which can exacerbate any losses we incur on our current and future investments and may reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 We leverage our equity through borrowings, generally through the use of repurchase agreements, longer-term structured debt, such as CDOs and other forms of secured debt, or corporate-level debt, such as senior unsecured notes and convertible notes. We may, in the future, utilize other forms of borrowing. The amount of leverage we incur varies depending on the asset type, our ability to obtain borrowings, the cost of the debt and our lenders' estimates of the value of our portfolio's cash flow. The return on our investments and cash available for distribution to our stockholders may be reduced to the extent that changes in market conditions cause the cost of our financing to increase relative to the income that can be derived from the assets we hold in our investment portfolio. Further, the leverage on our equity may exacerbate any losses we incur.

 Our debt service payments will reduce the net income available for distribution to our stockholders. We may not be able to meet our debt service obligations and, to the extent that we cannot, we risk the loss of some or all of our assets to sale to satisfy our debt obligations. Although we have established target leverage amounts for many of our assets, there is no established limitation, other than as may be required by our financing arrangements or our investment guidelines, on our leverage ratio or on the aggregate amount of our borrowings. As a result, we may still incur substantially more debt or take other actions which could have the effect of diminishing our ability to make payments on our indebtedness when due and further exacerbate our losses.

 If we are unable to leverage our equity to the extent we currently anticipate, the returns on certain of our assets could be diminished, which may limit or eliminate our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 If we are limited in our ability to leverage our assets to the extent we currently anticipate, the returns on these assets may be negatively impacted. We have historically used leverage to increase the size of our portfolio in order to enhance our returns. The capital and credit markets have experienced unprecedented levels of volatility and disruption in recent years that has generally negatively impacted the availability and/or terms of financing from time-to-time. If we are unable to leverage our equity to the extent we currently anticipate due to unavailability or less attractive terms or otherwise, the returns on our portfolio could be diminished, which may limit or eliminate our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 We directly or indirectly utilize non-recourse securitizations and recourse structured financings and such structures expose us to risks that could result in losses to us.

 We sometimes utilize non-recourse securitizations and recourse structured financings of our investments in residential loans or investment securities to the extent consistent with the maintenance of our REIT qualification and exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act in order to generate cash for funding new investments and/or to leverage existing assets. Some securitizations are treated as financing transactions for GAAP, while others are treated as sales. In a typical securitization, we convey assets to an SPE, the issuer, which then issues one or more classes of notes secured by the assets pursuant to the terms of an indenture. In exchange for conveying assets to the SPE, we may receive the ownership certificate or residual interest in the securitization and we frequently retain a subordinated interest in the securitization. To the extent that we retain the most subordinated economic interests in the issuer, we would continue to be exposed to losses on the assets for as long as those retained interests remained outstanding and therefore able to absorb such losses. Furthermore, our retained interests in a securitization could be less liquid than the underlying assets themselves, and may be subject to U.S. Risk Retention Rules and similar European rules. There can be no assurance that we will be able to access the securitization markets in the future or be able to do so at favorable rates to finance the assets we accumulate as part of our investment strategy. The inability to consummate longer-term financing for the credit sensitive assets in our portfolio could require us to seek other forms of potentially less attractive financing or to liquidate assets at inopportune times or prices, which could adversely affect our performance and our ability to grow our business.

 In addition, under the terms of the securitization or structured financing, we may have limited or no ability to sell, transfer or replace the assets transferred to the SPE, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to sell the assets opportunistically or during periods when our liquidity is constrained or to refinance the assets. Under the terms of these financings, some of which have terms of up to forty-five years, we agree to receive no cash flows from the assets transferred to the SPE until the debt issued by the SPE has matured or been repaid, which could reduce our liquidity and our cash available for distribution to our stockholders. As part of our financing strategy, we have in the past and may in the future guarantee certain terms or conditions of these financings, including the payment of principal and interest on the debt issued by the SPE, the cash flows for which are typically derived from the assets transferred to the entity. If an SPE defaults on its obligations and we have guaranteed the satisfaction of that obligation, we may be materially adversely affected.

 In connection with our securitizations, we generally are required to prepare disclosure documentation for investors, including term sheets and offering memoranda, which contain information regarding the securitization generally, the securities being issued, and the assets being securitized. If our disclosure documentation for a securitization is alleged or found to contain material inaccuracies or omissions, we may be liable under federal securities laws, state securities laws or other applicable laws for damages to the investors in such securitization, we may be required to indemnify the underwriters of the securitization or other parties, or we may incur other expenses and costs in connection with disputing these allegations or settling claims. Such liabilities, expenses, and/or losses could be significant.

 We will typically be required to make representations and warranties in connection with our securitizations regarding, among other things, certain characteristics of the assets being securitized. If any of the representations and warranties that we have made concerning the assets are alleged or found to be inaccurate, we may incur expenses disputing the allegations, and we may be obligated to repurchase certain assets, which may result in losses. Even if we previously obtained representations and warranties from loan originators or other parties from whom we originally acquired the assets, such representations and warranties may not align with those that we have made for the benefit of the securitization, or may otherwise not protect us from losses (e.g., because of a deterioration in the financial condition of the party that provided representations and warranties to us).

 If a counterparty to our repurchase transactions defaults on its obligation to resell the pledged assets back to us at the end of the transaction term or if we default on our obligations under the repurchase agreement, we may incur losses.

 When we engage in repurchase transactions, we generally sell RMBS, residential loans or certain other assets to lenders (i.e., repurchase agreement counterparties) and receive cash from the lenders. The lenders are obligated to resell the same asset back to us at the end of the term of the transaction. Because the cash we receive from the lender when we initially sell the asset to the lender is less than the value of that asset (this difference is referred to as the "haircut"), if the lender defaults on its obligation to resell the same asset back to us we would incur a loss on the transaction equal to the amount of the haircut (assuming there was no change in the value of the asset), plus additional costs associated with asserting or enforcing our rights under the repurchase agreement. Certain of the assets that we pledge as collateral are currently subject to significant haircuts. Further, if we default on one of our obligations under a repurchase transaction, the lender can terminate the transaction and cease entering into any other repurchase transactions with us. Moreover, our repurchase agreements frequently contain cross-default provisions, so that if a default occurs under any one agreement, the lenders under our other agreements may also be entitled to declare a default, which could exacerbate our losses and cause a rapid deterioration of our financial condition. Any losses we incur on our repurchase transactions through our default or the default of our counterparty could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings and thus our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

 Our use of repurchase agreements to borrow funds may give our lenders greater rights in the event that either we or a lender files for bankruptcy.

 Our borrowings under repurchase agreements may qualify for special treatment under the bankruptcy code, giving our lenders the ability to avoid the automatic stay provisions of the bankruptcy code and to take possession of and liquidate our collateral under the repurchase agreements without delay in the event that we file for bankruptcy. Furthermore, the special treatment of repurchase agreements under the bankruptcy code may make it difficult for us to recover our pledged assets in the event that a lender files for bankruptcy. Thus, the use of repurchase agreements exposes our pledged assets to risk in the event of a bankruptcy filing by either a lender or us.

 Negative impacts on our business may cause us to default on certain financial covenants contained in our financing arrangements.

 The repurchase agreements that finance a portion of our investment portfolio and certain of our other existing financing arrangements, including our senior unsecured notes, and those we enter into in the future, contain or may contain financial covenants. Negative impacts on our business, including those caused by significant market disruptions or an economic downturn, have and/or may make it more difficult to meet or satisfy these covenants, and we cannot assure you that we will remain in compliance with these covenants in the future.

 If we fail to meet or satisfy any of these covenants, we would be in default under these agreements, which could result in a cross-default or cross-acceleration under other financing arrangements, and the financing counterparties could elect to declare the repurchase price or principal and interest due and payable (or such amounts may automatically become due and payable), terminate their commitments, require the posting of additional collateral and enforce their respective interests against existing collateral. A default also could significantly limit our financing alternatives, which could cause us to curtail our investment activities or dispose of assets when we otherwise would not choose to do so. As a result, a default on any of our financing agreements could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Hedging against interest rate, credit and market value changes as well as other risks may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Subject to compliance with the requirements to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we may engage in certain hedging transactions to limit our exposure to changes in interest rates and credit markets and therefore may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, interest rate caps, Eurodollars and U.S. Treasury futures to seek to hedge the interest rate risk associated with our portfolio. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, at any point in time we may choose not to hedge all or a portion of these risks, and we generally will not hedge those risks that we believe are appropriate for us to take at such time, or that we believe would be impractical or prohibitively expensive to hedge.

 Even if we do choose to hedge certain risks, for a variety of reasons we generally will not seek to establish a perfect correlation between our hedging instruments and the risks being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. Our hedging activity will vary in scope based on the composition of our portfolio, our market views, and changing market conditions, including the level and volatility of interest rates. When we do choose to hedge, hedging may fail to protect or could materially adversely affect us because, among other things:

 • we may fail to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the instruments used in the hedging strategy and the performance of the assets in the portfolio being hedged;

 • we may fail to recalculate, re-adjust and execute hedges in an efficient and timely manner;

 • the hedging transactions may actually result in poorer overall performance for us than if we had not engaged in the hedging transactions;

 • interest rate hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of volatile interest rates;

 • available hedges may not correspond directly with the risks for which protection is sought;

 • the durations of the hedges may not match the durations of the related assets or liabilities being hedged;

 • many hedges are structured as over-the-counter contracts with counterparties whose creditworthiness is not guaranteed, raising the possibility that the hedging counterparty may default on their payment obligations; and

 • to the extent that the creditworthiness of a hedging counterparty deteriorates, it may be difficult or impossible to terminate or assign any hedging transactions with such counterparty.

 The use of derivative instruments is also subject to an increasing number of laws and regulations, including the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations. These laws and regulations are complex, compliance with them may be costly and time consuming, and our failure to comply with any of these laws and regulations could subject us to lawsuits or government actions and damage our reputation. For these and other reasons, our hedging activity may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Risks Associated with Adverse Developments in the Mortgage, Real Estate, Credit and Financial Markets Generally

 Difficult conditions in the mortgage, real estate and financial markets and the economy generally have caused and may cause us to experience losses in the future.

 Our business is materially affected by conditions in the residential and commercial mortgage markets, the residential and commercial real estate markets, the financial markets and the economy generally. Furthermore, because a significant portion of our current assets and our targeted assets are credit sensitive, we believe the risks associated with our investments will be more acute during periods of economic slowdown, recession or market dislocations, especially if these periods are accompanied by declining real estate values and increasing delinquencies and defaults. In recent years, concerns about the health of the global economy generally and the residential and commercial mortgage markets specifically, as well as inflation, energy costs, changes in monetary policy, perceived or actual changes in interest rates, the health of the banking system, U.S. budget debates, geopolitical issues, global pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the availability and cost of credit have contributed to increased volatility and uncertainty for the economy and mortgage, real estate and financial markets. The residential and commercial mortgage markets were materially adversely affected by changes in the lending landscape during the financial market crisis of 2008 and again by the significant market disruption in March and April 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the severity of which, in each case, was largely unanticipated by the markets, and there can be no assurance that such adverse markets will not occur in the future, particularly in light of current economic uncertainty.

 In addition, an economic slowdown, elevated interest rates or general disruption in the mortgage markets may result in decreased demand for residential and commercial property, which would likely further compress homeownership rates and place pressure on home price performance, while potentially forcing commercial property owners to lower rents on properties with excess supply or experience higher vacancy rates. We believe there is a strong correlation between home price growth rates and mortgage loan delinquencies. Moreover, to the extent that a property owner has fewer tenants or receives lower rents, such property owners may generate less cash flow on their properties, which reduces the value of their property and increases significantly the likelihood that such property owners will default on their debt service obligations. If the borrowers of our mortgage loans, the loans underlying certain of our investment securities or the multi-family properties that we finance or in which we invest, default or become delinquent on their obligations, we may incur material losses on those loans or investments. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect both our net interest income and earnings and our ability to acquire our targeted assets in the future on favorable terms or at all. In addition, the deterioration of the mortgage markets, the residential or commercial real estate markets, the financial markets and the economy generally may result in a decline in the market value of our assets or cause us to experience losses related thereto, which may adversely affect our results of operations or book value, the availability and cost of credit and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 We cannot predict the effect that changes in government policies, laws or regulations or the U.S. political environment will have on our business and the markets in which we operate.

 The U.S. Government and the Federal Reserve took significant actions to support the economy and the continued functioning of the financial markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through multiple relief bills. From the first quarter of 2022 into the third quarter of 2024, the U.S. Government and the Federal Reserve took significant actions in response to the current inflationary environment in the U.S. including, among other things, implementing numerous increases to the target range for the federal funds rate in 2022 and 2023 and holding the target range of the federal funds rate at such elevated levels, creating a great deal of volatility in markets. There can be no assurance as to how, in the long term, these and other actions by the U.S. Government or the Federal Reserve will affect the efficiency, liquidity and stability of the financial and mortgage markets or whether they will be successful in reducing inflation to acceptable and sustainable levels without creating an economic recession. There can be no assurance as to how, in the long term, these and other actions by the U.S. Government or the Federal Reserve will affect our business and the efficiency, liquidity and stability of financial and mortgage markets.

 Moreover, uncertainty with respect to the actions discussed above combined with uncertainty surrounding legislation, regulation and government policy at the federal, state and local levels have introduced new and difficult-to-quantify macroeconomic and political risks with potentially far-reaching implications. There has been a corresponding meaningful increase in uncertainty with respect to interest rates, inflation, foreign exchange rates, trade volumes and trade, fiscal and monetary policy. The potential for changes in policy and regulation is heightened by the change in the U.S. presidential administration at the start of 2025. New legislative, regulatory or policy changes could significantly impact our business and the markets in which we operate. In addition, disagreements over the federal budget and federal debt limits have increasingly led to the actual or near shutdown of the U.S. Government. To the extent changes in the political environment have a negative impact on our business or the financial and mortgage markets, our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be materially and adversely impacted.

 The downgrade, or perceived potential downgrade, of the credit ratings of the U.S. and the failure to resolve issues related to U.S. fiscal and debt policies may materially adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

 In August 2011, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. from "AAA" to "AA+" due, in part, to concerns surrounding the burgeoning U.S. Government budget deficit. More recently, Fitch Ratings downgraded the U.S.'s long-term credit rating in August 2023 from "AAA" to "AA+" due primarily to expected fiscal deterioration and the erosion of governance that has led to repeated debt limit standoffs. The impact of any further downgrades to the U.S. Government's sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions and would likely impact the credit risk associated with some of the targeted assets in our portfolio or those we may seek to acquire. A downgrade of the U.S. Government's credit rating or a default by the U.S. Government to satisfy its debt obligations likely would create broader financial turmoil and uncertainty, which would weigh heavily on the global banking system and these developments could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise and a reduction in the availability of credit, which may negatively impact the value of the assets in our portfolio, our net income, liquidity and our ability to finance our assets on favorable terms.

 The federal conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and related efforts, along with any changes in such conservatorship or laws and regulations affecting the relationship between Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and the U.S. Government, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.

 Payments on the Agency RMBS in which we invest are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are GSEs, but their guarantees are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Ginnie Mae, which guarantees MBS backed by federally insured or guaranteed loans primarily consisting of loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (the "FHA") or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA"), is part of a U.S. Government agency and its guarantees are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

 In September 2008, in response to the deteriorating financial condition of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the U.S. Government placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (the "FHFA"), their federal regulator. Shortly after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed in federal conservatorship, the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury noted that the guarantee structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac required examination and that changes in the structures of the entities were necessary to reduce risk to the financial system. The future roles of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be significantly reduced, and the nature of their guarantees could be considerably limited relative to historical measurements or even eliminated. The substantial financial assistance provided by the U.S. Government to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the mortgage-related operations of other GSEs and government agencies, such as the FHA, VA and Ginnie Mae, has stirred debate among many federal policymakers over the continued role of the U.S. Government in providing such financial support for the mortgage-related GSEs in particular, and for the mortgage and housing markets in general. To date, no definitive legislation has been enacted with respect to a possible unwinding of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or a material reduction in their roles in the U.S. mortgage market, and it is not possible at this time to predict the scope and nature of the actions, if any, that the U.S. Government will ultimately take with respect to these entities.

 Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae could each be dissolved, and the U.S. Government could determine to stop providing liquidity support of any kind to the mortgage market. If Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae were eliminated, or their structures were to change radically, or the U.S. Government significantly reduced its support for any or all of them which would drastically reduce the amount and type of MBS and residential loans available for purchase, we may be unable or significantly limited in our ability to acquire certain of our targeted assets, which, in turn, could negatively impact our ability to maintain our exclusion from regulation as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Moreover, any changes to the nature of the guarantees provided by, or laws affecting, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae could materially adversely affect the credit quality of the guarantees, could increase the risk of loss on purchases of MBS issued by these GSEs and could have broad adverse market implications for the MBS they currently guarantee and the mortgage industry generally. Any action that affects the credit quality of the guarantees provided by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae could materially adversely affect the value of the MBS and other assets that we own or seek to acquire. In addition, any market uncertainty that arises from any such proposed changes, or the perception that such changes will come to fruition, could have a similar impact on us and the values of the MBS and other assets that we own.

 Risks Related To Our Organization, Our Structure and Other Risks

 We may change our investment, financing, or hedging strategies and asset allocation and operational and management policies without stockholder consent, which may result in the purchase of riskier assets, the use of greater leverage or commercially unsound actions, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 We may change our investment strategy, financing strategy, hedging strategy and asset allocation and operational and management policies at any time without the consent of our stockholders, which could result in our purchasing assets or entering into financing or hedging transactions in which we have no or limited experience with or that are different from, and possibly riskier than the assets, financing and hedging transactions described in this report. A change in our investment strategy, financing strategy or hedging strategy may increase our exposure to real estate values, interest rates, prepayment rates, credit risk and other factors and there can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively identify, manage, monitor or mitigate these risks. A change in our asset allocation or investment guidelines could result in us purchasing assets in classes different from those described in this report. Our Board of Directors determines our operational policies and may amend or revise our policies, including those with respect to our investments, such as our investment guidelines, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions or approve transactions that deviate from these policies without a vote of, or notice to, our stockholders. Changes in our investment strategy, financing strategy, hedging strategy and asset allocation and operational and management policies could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Moreover, while our Board of Directors or a duly designated committee thereof periodically reviews our investment guidelines and our investment portfolio, our directors do not approve every individual investment that we make, leaving management with day-to-day discretion over the portfolio composition within the investment guidelines. Within those guidelines, management has discretion to significantly change the composition of the portfolio and utilize leverage. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, the directors may rely primarily on information provided to them by our management. Moreover, because our management has great latitude within our investment guidelines in determining the types and amounts of assets in which to invest and leverage to employ on our behalf, there can be no assurance that our management will not make or approve investments that result in returns that are substantially below expectations or result in losses, which would materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Maintenance of our Investment Company Act exemption imposes limits on our operations.

 We have conducted and intend to continue to conduct our operations so as not to become regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. We believe that there are a number of exclusions under the Investment Company Act that are applicable to us. To maintain the exclusion, the assets that we acquire are limited by the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Investment Company Act. On August 31, 2011, the SEC published a concept release entitled "Companies Engaged in the Business of Acquiring Mortgages and Mortgage Related Instruments" (Investment Company Act Rel. No. 29778). This release suggests that the SEC may modify the exclusion relied upon by companies similar to us that invest in mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, although no such action has been taken at this time. If the SEC acts to narrow the availability of, or if we otherwise fail to qualify for, our exclusion, we could, among other things, be required either (a) to change the manner in which we conduct our operations to avoid being required to register as an investment company or (b) to register as an investment company, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and the market price of our common stock.

 The accrual of dividends on certain of our series of preferred stock at a floating rate in the future could adversely affect our ability to make cash distributions at our intended levels, or at all, or otherwise materially adversely affect our earnings, cash flows or financial condition.

 Dividends on our Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock accrue cumulatively at a fixed rate for a specified period of time (the "Fixed Rate Period"). At the conclusion of the Fixed Rate Period, dividends on our Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock, accrue cumulatively at a floating rate equal to a benchmark rate plus a spread, as set forth in the Articles Supplementary classifying and designating such series of preferred stock. The Fixed Rate Period for the Series E Preferred Stock concluded on January 14, 2025. The Fixed Rate Period for the Series D Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock conclude on October 14, 2027 and October 14, 2026, respectively.

 As the rate at which dividends accrue on our Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock converts from a fixed rate to floating rate, the dividend rate could fluctuate in an unpredictable manner. Based on current interest rate levels, the floating dividend rate exceeds, or may materially exceed, the fixed rate in effect during the Fixed Rate Period for the applicable series. The floating rates on the Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock subject us to interest rate risk and could significantly increase the cost of dividends on such preferred stock. Such increased dividend costs could affect our ability to make cash distributions to our stockholders at our intended levels, or at all, or otherwise materially adversely affect our earnings, cash flows and financial condition.

 Additionally, following the Fixed Rate Period for each of our Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock, we may redeem such series of preferred stock at our option, in whole or in part, at any time. Should we choose to redeem a series of our preferred stock at the conclusion of its Fixed Rate Period to avoid additional or unpredictable dividend expenses or for other strategic reasons, we may be forced to raise additional funds or sell assets at unfavorable times or on unfavorable terms to us.

 Mortgage loan modification programs and future legislative action may adversely affect the value of, and the returns on, our targeted assets.

 The U.S. Congress and various state and local legislatures have considered in the past, and in the future may adopt, legislation, which, among other provisions, would permit limited assignee liability for certain violations in the mortgage loan origination process, and would allow judicial modification of loan principal in certain instances. We cannot predict whether or in what form the U.S. Congress or the various state and local legislatures may enact legislation affecting our business or whether any such legislation will require us to change our practices or make changes in our portfolio in the future. Any loan modification program or future legislative or regulatory action, including possible amendments to the bankruptcy laws, which results in the modification of outstanding residential mortgage loans or changes in the requirements necessary to qualify for refinancing mortgage loans with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae, may adversely affect the value of, and the returns on, our assets which, in turn, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 We could be subject to liability for potential violations of predatory lending laws, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Residential mortgage loan originators and servicers are required to comply with various federal, state and local laws and regulations, including anti-predatory lending laws and laws and regulations imposing certain restrictions on requirements on high cost loans. Failure of residential mortgage loan originators or servicers to comply with these laws, to the extent any of their residential mortgage loans become part of our investment portfolio, could subject us, as an assignee or purchaser of the related residential mortgage loans, to reputational harm, monetary penalties and the risk of the borrowers rescinding the affected residential mortgage loans. Lawsuits have been brought in various states making claims against assignees or purchasers of high cost loans for violations of state law. Named defendants in these cases have included numerous participants within the secondary mortgage market. Moreover, as a non-controlling equity investor in a residential loan originator, our investment in the loan originator, business and reputation could be negatively impacted if such originator fails to comply with such federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations or receives negative media or marketing attention related to its operations. If loans in our portfolio or those originated by entities in which we have or have previously made an investment are found to have been originated in violation of predatory or abusive lending laws, we could incur losses that would materially adversely affect our business.

 Our business is subject to extensive regulation.

 Our business and many of the assets that we invest in, particularly residential loans and mortgage-related assets, are subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental authorities, self-regulatory organizations and the securities exchange on which our capital stock is listed for which we incur significant ongoing compliance costs. The laws, rules and regulations comprising this regulatory framework change frequently, as can the interpretation and enforcement of existing laws, rules and regulations. Some of the laws, rules and regulations to which we are subject, including the Dodd-Frank Act and various predatory lending laws, are intended primarily to safeguard and protect consumers, rather than stockholders or creditors. We are unable to predict whether United States federal, state or local authorities, or other pertinent bodies, will enact legislation, laws, rules, regulations, handbooks, guidelines or similar provisions that will affect our business or require changes in our practices in the future, and any such changes could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 Certain provisions of Maryland law and our charter and bylaws could hinder, delay or prevent a change in control which could have an adverse effect on the value of our securities.

 Certain provisions of Maryland law, our charter and our bylaws may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing transactions that involve an actual or threatened change in control. These provisions include the following, among others:

 • our charter provides that, subject to the rights of one or more classes or series of preferred stock to elect one or more directors, a director may be removed with or without cause only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast by our stockholders generally in the election of directors;

 • under our charter, our Board of Directors has authority to issue preferred stock from time to time, in one or more series and to establish the terms, preferences and rights of any such series, all without the approval of our stockholders;

 • the Maryland Business Combination Act; and

 • the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act.

 Although our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution exempting us from application of the Maryland Business Combination Act and our bylaws provide that we are not subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, our Board of Directors may elect to make the "business combination" statute and "control share" statute applicable to us at any time and may do so without stockholder approval.

 The stock ownership limit imposed by our charter may inhibit market activity in our common stock and may restrict our business combination opportunities.

 In order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, not more than 50% in value of the issued and outstanding shares of our capital stock may be owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code to include certain entities) at any time during the last half of each taxable year (other than our first year as a REIT). This test is known as the "5/50 test." Attribution rules in the Internal Revenue Code apply to determine if any individual or entity actually or constructively owns our capital stock for purposes of this requirement. Additionally, at least 100 persons must beneficially own our capital stock during at least 335 days of each taxable year (other than our first year as a REIT). To help ensure that we meet these tests, our charter restricts the acquisition and ownership of shares of our capital stock. Our charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes our directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT and provides that, unless exempted by our Board of Directors, no person may own more than 9.9% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our capital stock or more than 9.9% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of common stock. The ownership limits contained in our charter could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control of our company under circumstances that otherwise could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then current market price for our common stock or would otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

 Tax Risks

 Failure to qualify as a REIT would adversely affect our operations and ability to make distributions.

 We have operated and intend to continue to operate so to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our continued qualification as a REIT will depend on our ability to meet various requirements concerning, among other things, the ownership of our outstanding stock, the nature of our assets, the sources of our income, and the amount of our distributions to our stockholders. In order to satisfy these requirements, we might have to forego investments we might otherwise make. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our investment performance. Moreover, while we intend to continue to operate so to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, there can be no assurance that we will so qualify in any taxable year.

 If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and we do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We might be required to borrow funds or liquidate some investments in order to pay the applicable tax. Our payment of income tax would reduce our net earnings available for investment or distribution to stockholders. Furthermore, if we fail to qualify as a REIT and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we would no longer be required to make distributions to stockholders. Unless our failure to qualify as a REIT were excused under the U.S. federal income tax laws, we generally would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we lost our REIT status.

 REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our liquidity.

 In order to qualify as a REIT, we generally are required each year to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding any net capital gain and without regard to the deduction for dividends paid. To the extent that we distribute at least 90%, but less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to corporate income tax on our undistributed REIT taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which certain distributions paid by us with respect to any calendar year are less than the sum of (i) 85% of our ordinary REIT income for that year, (ii) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for that year, and (iii) 100% of our undistributed REIT taxable income from prior years.

 We have made and intend to continue to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the nondeductible excise tax. However, differences in timing between the recognition of REIT taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the nondeductible excise tax.

 Certain of our assets may generate substantial mismatches between REIT taxable income and available cash. Such assets could include mortgage-backed securities we hold that have been issued at a discount and require the accrual of taxable income in advance of the receipt of cash. As a result, our taxable income may exceed our cash available for distribution and the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of our net taxable income could cause us to:

 • sell assets in adverse market conditions;

 • borrow on unfavorable terms; or

 • distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements.

 Further, our lenders could require us to enter into negative covenants, including restrictions on our ability to distribute funds or to employ leverage, which could inhibit our ability to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement.

 We may satisfy the 90% distribution test with taxable distributions of our stock or debt securities. Revenue Procedure 2017-45 authorized elective cash/stock dividends to be made by publicly offered REITs (i.e., REITs that are required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act). Pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2017-45, the IRS will treat the distribution of stock pursuant to an elective cash/stock dividend as a distribution of property under Section 301 of the Internal Revenue Code (i.e., a dividend), as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is available in cash and certain other parameters detailed in the Revenue Procedure are satisfied. Although we have no current intention of paying dividends in our own stock, if in the future we choose to pay dividends in our own stock, our stockholders may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash that they receive.

 Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates on dividend income from regular corporations.

 The maximum U.S. federal income tax rate for dividends payable to domestic stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, are generally not eligible for the reduced rates. Rather, ordinary REIT dividends constitute "qualified business income" and thus a 20% deduction is available to individual taxpayers with respect to such dividends, resulting in a 29.6% maximum U.S. federal income tax rate (plus the 3.8% surtax on net investment income, if applicable) for individual U.S. stockholders. However, to qualify for this deduction, the stockholder receiving such dividends must hold the dividend-paying REIT stock for at least 46 days (taking into account certain special holding period rules) of the 91-day period beginning 45 days before the stock becomes ex-dividend, and cannot be under an obligation to make related payments with respect to a position in substantially similar or related property. Without further legislative action, the 20% deduction applicable to ordinary REIT dividends will expire on January 1, 2026. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends could cause investors who are taxed at individual rates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs, including our common stock.

 Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego or liquidate otherwise attractive investments.

 To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must continually satisfy various tests regarding the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. In order to meet these tests, we may be required to forego investments we might otherwise make. We may be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution, and may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source of income or asset diversification requirements for qualifying as a REIT. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our investment performance.

 Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively.

 The REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code substantially limit our ability to hedge our assets and liabilities. Any income that we generate from transactions intended to hedge our interest rate or currency risks will be excluded from gross income for purposes of the REIT 75% and 95% gross income tests if (i) the instrument hedges risk of interest rate or currency fluctuations with respect to indebtedness incurred or to be incurred to carry or acquire real estate assets, (ii) the instrument hedges risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the REIT 75% or 95% gross income tests, or (iii) the instrument was entered into to "offset" certain instruments described in clauses (i) or (ii) and certain other requirements are satisfied (including proper identification of such instrument under applicable Treasury Regulations). Income from hedging transactions that do not meet these requirements is likely to constitute non-qualifying income for purposes of both the REIT 75% and 95% gross income tests. Our aggregate gross income from non-qualifying hedges, fees, and certain other non-qualifying sources cannot exceed 5% of our annual gross income. As a result, we might have to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. Any hedging income earned by a TRS would be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax at regular corporate rates. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear.

 The failure of certain investments subject to a repurchase agreement to qualify as real estate assets would adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.

 We have entered, and intend to continue to enter, into repurchase agreements under which we will nominally sell certain of our investments to a counterparty and simultaneously enter into an agreement to repurchase the sold investments. We believe that for U.S. federal income tax purposes these transactions will be treated as secured debt and we will be treated as the owner of the investments that are the subject of any such agreement notwithstanding that such agreement may transfer record ownership of such investments to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It is possible, however, that the IRS could successfully assert that we do not own the investments during the term of the repurchase agreement, in which case our ability to continue to qualify as a REIT could be adversely affected.

 We could fail to continue to qualify as a REIT if the IRS successfully challenges our treatment of our mezzanine loans.

 We have made in the past and may in the future originate or acquire, mezzanine loans, which are loans secured by equity interests in an entity that directly or indirectly owns real property, rather than by a direct mortgage of the real property. In Revenue Procedure 2003-65, the IRS established a safe harbor under which loans secured by a first priority security interest in ownership interests in a partnership or limited liability company owning real property will be treated as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and interest derived from those loans will be treated as qualifying income for both the 75% and 95% gross income tests, provided several requirements are satisfied. Although Revenue Procedure 2003-65 provides a safe harbor on which taxpayers may rely, it does not prescribe rules of substantive tax law. Moreover, our mezzanine loans typically do not meet all of the requirements for reliance on the safe harbor. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge our treatment of such loans as qualifying real estate assets, which could adversely affect our ability to continue to qualify as a REIT. We have invested, and will continue to invest, in mezzanine loans in a manner that will enable us to continue to satisfy the REIT gross income and asset tests.

 We may incur a significant tax liability as a result of selling assets that might be subject to the prohibited transactions tax if sold directly by us.

 A REIT's net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of assets held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. There is a risk that property held by partnerships or limited liability companies in which we have an interest, property received upon foreclosure of a mortgage by us and/or certain MBS could be treated as held by us primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Although a safe harbor to the characterization of the sale of real property by a REIT as a prohibited transaction is available, we cannot assure you that we can comply with the safe harbor or that we will be able to avoid owning property that may be characterized as held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Consequently, we may choose not to engage in certain sales of property or may contribute those assets to one of our TRSs and conduct the marketing and sale of those assets through that TRS. No assurance can be given that the IRS will respect the transaction by which those assets are contributed to our TRS. Even if those contribution transactions are respected, our TRS will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income tax and may incur a significant tax liability as a result of those sales.

 Our qualification as a REIT could be jeopardized as a result of our interests in joint ventures or preferred equity.

 We own preferred equity investments treated as partnership interests for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as well as certain non-managing member interests in partnerships and limited liability companies that are joint ventures, and we intend to continue to invest in preferred equity investments in the future. If a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize our qualification as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we may be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership or limited liability company could take an action which could cause us to fail a gross income or asset test, or subject us to the prohibited transactions tax, and that we would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of our interest in the partnership or limited liability company or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT unless we were able to qualify for a statutory REIT "savings" provision, which could require us to pay a significant penalty tax to maintain our REIT qualification.

 The partnerships and limited liability companies in which we hold an interest may be limited in their ability to provide services to tenants by the REIT rules or such services may have to be provided through a TRS.

 As a REIT, we generally cannot provide services to tenants other than those that are customarily provided by landlords, nor can we derive income from a third party that provides such services, including with respect to tenants at properties held by a partnership or limited liability company in which we hold an interest. If certain noncustomary services cannot be provided to tenants, we may be at a disadvantage to competitors that are not subject to the same restrictions. However, such non-customary services may be provided to tenants, and we may share in the revenue from such services, if we do so through a TRS, though income earned by such TRS will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax.

 The "taxable mortgage pool" rules may increase the taxes that we or our stockholders may incur, and may limit the manner in which we effect future securitizations.

 Our securitizations have, and could in the future, result in the creation of taxable mortgage pools ("TMPs"), for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, so long as we own (or a subsidiary REIT of ours owns) 100% of the equity interests in a TMP, we generally will not be adversely affected by the characterization of the securitization as a TMP. A subsidiary REIT of ours currently owns 100% of the equity interests in a TMP created by one of our securitizations. To the extent that we (as opposed to our subsidiary REIT) own equity interests in a TMP, certain categories of stockholders, however, such as foreign stockholders eligible for treaty or other benefits, stockholders with net operating losses, and certain tax-exempt stockholders that are subject to unrelated business income tax, could be subject to increased taxes on a portion of their dividend income from us that is attributable to the TMP, known as "excess inclusion income." In addition, to the extent that we (as opposed to our subsidiary REIT) own equity interests in a TMP, and our common stock is owned by tax-exempt "disqualified organizations," such as certain government-related entities and charitable remainder trusts that are not subject to tax on unrelated business income, we may incur a corporate level tax on a portion of our income from such TMP. However, we believe that we have structured our securitizations such that the above taxes will not apply to us or our stockholders.

 However, because our subsidiary REIT is, in part, owned by a TRS of ours, that TRS will be subject to tax on any dividend income from our subsidiary REIT, including any excess inclusion income allocated to it.

 In addition, in certain instances, we may be precluded from selling equity interests in our securitizations to outside investors, or selling any debt securities issued in connection with these securitizations that might be considered to be equity interests for U.S. federal income tax purposes. These limitations may prevent us from using certain techniques to maximize our returns from securitization transactions.

 If our subsidiary REIT failed to qualify as a REIT, we could be subject to higher taxes and could fail to remain qualified as a REIT.

 We indirectly own 100% of the common interests in a subsidiary that has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our subsidiary REIT is subject to the various REIT qualification requirements and other limitations described herein that are applicable to us. If our subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) such subsidiary REIT would become subject to U.S. federal income tax and applicable state and local taxes on its taxable income at regular corporate rates and (ii) the indirect interests we hold in such subsidiary REIT would cease to be a qualifying asset for purposes of the asset tests applicable to REITs. If our subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that we would fail certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs, in which event we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions. We have made a "protective" TRS election with respect to our subsidiary REIT and may implement other protective arrangements intended to avoid such an outcome if our subsidiary REIT were not to qualify as a REIT, but there can be no assurance that such "protective" TRS elections and other arrangements will be effective to avoid the resulting adverse consequences to us.

 Moreover, even if the "protective" TRS election were to be effective in the event of the failure of our subsidiary REIT to qualify as a REIT, such subsidiary REIT would be subject to U.S. federal income tax and applicable state and local taxes on its taxable income at regular corporate rates and we cannot assure you that we would not fail to satisfy the requirement that not more than 20% of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more TRSs. In this event, we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we or such subsidiary REIT could avail ourselves or itself of certain relief provisions.

 The failure of excess MSRs held by us to qualify as real estate assets, or the failure of the income from excess MSRs to qualify as interest from mortgages, could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.

 We may hold excess MSRs. In certain private letter rulings, the IRS ruled that excess MSRs meeting certain requirements would be treated as an interest in mortgages on real property and thus a real estate asset for purposes of the 75% REIT asset test, and interest received by a REIT from such excess MSRs will be considered interest on obligations secured by mortgages on real property for purposes of the 75% gross income test. A private letter ruling may be relied upon only by the taxpayer to whom it is issued, and the IRS may revoke a private letter ruling. Consistent with the analysis adopted by the IRS in such private letter rulings and based on advice of counsel, we intend to treat any excess MSRs that we acquire that meet the requirements provided in the private letter rulings as qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% gross asset test, and we intend to treat income from such excess MSRs as qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Notwithstanding the IRS's determination in the private letter rulings described above, it is possible that the IRS could successfully assert that any excess MSRs that we acquire do not qualify for purposes of the 75% REIT asset test and income from such MSRs does not qualify for purposes of the 75% and/or 95% gross income tests, which could cause us to be subject to a penalty tax and could adversely impact our ability to qualify as a REIT.

 We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could reduce the market price of our common stock.

 At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws or regulations governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws or regulations may be amended. We cannot predict when or if any new U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective and any such law, regulation or interpretation may take effect retroactively. We and our stockholders could be adversely affected by any such change in, or any new, U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation.

 Prospective stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to potential changes to the tax laws and any other regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on investment in our common stock.

 General Risk Factors

 We may incur losses as a result of unforeseen or catastrophic events, including the emergence of a pandemic, terrorist attacks, acts of violence or war, extreme weather events or other natural disasters.

 The occurrence of unforeseen or catastrophic events, including the emergence of a pandemic, such as COVID-19, or other widespread health emergency (or concerns over the possibility of such an emergency), terrorist attacks, acts of violence or war, extreme terrestrial or solar weather events or other natural disasters, could create economic and financial disruptions, and could lead to materially adverse declines in the market values of our assets, illiquidity in our investment and financing markets and our ability to effectively conduct our business.

 We face possible risks associated with the effects of climate change and severe weather.

 We cannot predict the rate at which climate change will progress. However, the physical effects of climate change could have a material adverse effect on our operations. To the extent that climate change impacts changes in weather patterns, properties in which we hold a direct or indirect interest could experience severe weather, including, without limitation, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe winter storms, and flooding due to increases in storm intensity and rising sea levels, among other effects. Over time, these conditions could result in decreased property values which in turn could negatively affect the value of the assets we hold. Relatedly, geographical concentrations in our portfolio, to include mortgages, mortgage securities, and investments in real properties, may present certain vulnerabilities to the impacts of localized weather conditions resulting from climate change, such as increased coastal flooding or prolonged droughts, which can contribute to, among other things, heightened wildfire risk. There can be no assurance that climate change and severe weather will not have a material adverse effect on our operations, the properties that we invest in or underlie our assets, the residential homes we acquire through foreclosure, or our business.

 There are also increasing financial risks linked to climate change which could impact our portfolio and the availability of the assets we target for investment. With increasing attention and activism concerning the need to shift toward renewable energy sources as a result of climate change, it is possible that less capital will be allocated to originating our targeted assets or the terms for these assets may become less attractive to us in the future, which may limit and/or reduce our opportunities for investment, which, in turn, could reduce the diversification of our portfolio and adversely affect our earnings. Relatedly, to the extent that climate change impacts meteorological conditions potentially leading to damage and reductions in the value of our properties or the collateral underlying our assets, this may result in increased interest rates for mortgages paired with decreased adequate insurance coverage for the properties we choose to invest in or that underlie our assets. These climate-related financial risks could, in turn, lead to reductions in our revenues and increased rates of default or delinquency and/or decreased recovery rates on our assets, any of which could cause a decline in the market value of our common stock and negatively impact our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

 We are dependent on certain key personnel.

 We are a small company and are substantially dependent upon the efforts of our Chief Executive Officer, Jason T. Serrano, our President, Nicholas Mah, and certain other key individuals employed by us. The sudden loss of Messrs. Serrano or Mah or any key personnel of our Company could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

 Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk.

 The investments we make in accordance with our investment strategy result in a higher degree of risk or loss of principal than many alternative investment options. Our investments may be highly speculative and aggressive, and therefore, an investment in our securities may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.

 The market price and trading volume of our securities may be volatile.

 The market price of our securities may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume in our securities may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. Some of the factors that could result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our securities include, among other things: actual or anticipated changes in our current or future financial performance or capitalization; actual or anticipated changes in our current or future dividend yield; and changes in market interest rates and general market and economic conditions. We cannot assure you that the market price of our securities will not fluctuate or decline significantly.

 We have not established a minimum dividend payment level for our common stockholders and there are no assurances of our ability to pay dividends to common or preferred stockholders in the future.

 We intend to pay quarterly dividends and to make distributions to our common stockholders in amounts such that all or substantially all of our taxable income in each year, subject to certain adjustments, is distributed. This, along with other factors, should enable us to qualify for the tax benefits accorded to a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. We have not established a minimum dividend payment level for our common stockholders and our ability to pay dividends may be harmed by the risk factors described herein. For example, due to the significant market disruption in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business, liquidity and markets, we temporarily suspended dividends on our common stock and preferred stock in March 2020. We subsequently announced in June 2020 that we were reinstating the payment of quarterly dividends on our common stock and preferred stock effective with the second quarter 2020 dividends. All distributions to our common stockholders and preferred stockholders will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our REIT status and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time. There are no assurances of our ability to pay dividends to our common or preferred stockholders in the future at the current rate or at all.

 Future offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to our common stock and preferred stock upon our liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities, which would dilute our existing stockholders and may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and, in certain circumstances, our preferred stock.

 We may seek to increase our capital resources by making offerings of debt or additional offerings of equity securities, including commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes, convertible notes and classes of preferred stock or common stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our preferred stock and common stock, with holders of our preferred stock having priority over holders of our common stock. Additional offerings of equity or other securities with an equity component, such as convertible notes, may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our equity securities or other securities with an equity component, or both. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, holders of our securities bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our securities and diluting their stock holdings in us.

 Your interest in us may be diluted if we issue additional shares.

 Current stockholders of our company do not have preemptive rights to any common stock issued by us in the future. Therefore, our common stockholders may experience dilution of their equity investment if we sell additional common stock in the future, sell securities that are convertible into common stock or issue shares of common stock or options exercisable for shares of common stock. In addition, we could sell securities at a price less than our then-current book value per share.

 An increase in interest rates may have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

 One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our securities is our dividend rate (or expected future dividend rates) as a percentage of our common stock price, relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates increase, prospective investors may demand a higher dividend rate on our shares or seek alternative investments paying higher dividends or interest. As a result, interest rate fluctuations and capital market conditions can affect the market price of our securities independent of the effects such conditions may have on our portfolio.

 Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 None.

 Item 1C. CYBERSECURITY

 We, together with our third-party vendors, employ information technology including networks, systems, and applications to support our business and decision-making across the Company, including supporting the flow of information across our business processes. Our information technology infrastructure is susceptible to cybersecurity threats. We monitor our information technology systems, including through the use of information security procedures and risk management systems, and implement initiatives aimed at improving our cybersecurity measures. Our process for assessing, identifying, managing and addressing information security risks include:

 • Internalization of Information Security Management. We have internalized our information security oversight by hiring a full time Head of Information Technology that has over 20 years of experience in managing information technology and guiding organizations through technology strategy, cybersecurity risk mitigation, information technology process improvement initiatives and digital transformations. He also possesses relevant experience in improving a company's cybersecurity posture and data privacy policies. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems and oversees all of our information security initiatives, assesses cybersecurity risks, provides cybersecurity plans, identifies opportunities for the implementation of additional cybersecurity measures and provides cybersecurity training to our employees and executives.

 • Third-Party Consultant. We engage a third-party information security consultant to assist in managing our risk posture. This consultant conducts periodic tests and analyses of our defensive and detective information security controls, including annual penetration tests and risk assessments as well as regular vulnerability scans and assessments. The consultant also provides live, interactive annual information security training to our employees and executive officers and monitors the effectiveness of such training through quarterly phishing campaigns. The consultant also assists us in managing cybersecurity risks associated with third-party service providers by administering a due diligence questionnaire for the Company's third-party service providers that includes a cybersecurity risk assessment and provides guidance for remediation of security gaps.

 • Current Plans and Procedures. The Company has implemented and maintains an incident response plan ("IRP") and a Business Continuity Plan ("BCP"). The IRP establishes the organization, actions and procedures for recognizing and responding to information security incidents; assessing incidents; notifying the appropriate individuals, regulators or organizations about any incident; organizing the Company's response activities; escalating the Company's response efforts to named executive officers and the Board of Directors based on the severity of the incident; and supporting the business recovery efforts made in the aftermath of any incident. The IRP is designed to minimize the operational and financial impacts of an information security incident and is designed to be activated when a local incident responder determines that an incident has occurred. Similarly, our BCP provides details on information security incident response and subsequent business recovery actions.

 • Risk Identification and Mitigation. The Company aims to identify and mitigate information security risks by using the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (the "NIST Framework") as a guide to help us identify and mitigate information security risks relevant to our business. The Company seeks to identify potential risks through various software programs which perform asset and patch management; monitor desktops, laptops and servers; map networks and inventories; and audit file servers. The Company aims to protect itself from potential risks through the implementation of software programs which provide protective measures such as single sign-on, multi-factor identification, content filtering, disk encryption, regular patches and inside threat protection. The Company has implemented a suite of software programs to detect information security events, plans to respond to information security events in accordance with the IRP and BCP, and aims to take proactive steps to recover from information security events through its Disaster Recovery Plan ("DRP"). The DRP prioritizes the swift recovery of information technology systems, data, and infrastructure and the efficient restoration of servers and applications to their normal operational state in the event of a significant disaster.

 • Insurance. We maintain a breach response insurance policy.

 • Enterprise Risk Assessment. The Company completes an annual enterprise risk assessment that includes cybersecurity risks and mitigants. The results of the enterprise risk assessment are shared with the Board of Directors on an annual basis.

 • Implemented Programs for a Hybrid Work Environment. We have implemented initiatives relating to mobile device management, cloud storage services, endpoint protection, and identity and access management. For example, we have implemented a service that focuses on mobile device management and mobile application management, as well as data classification and file server data loss protection measures. We have further implemented endpoint protection and endpoint detection and response which provides visibility that is designed to identify unauthorized systems and applications.

 • Ongoing Monitoring. Our information security procedures are designed to evolve as information security risks and considerations change over time.

 Our Board of Directors exercises oversight of information security risk primarily through the Audit Committee. T he Head of Information Technology provides information security updates to named executive officers and briefs our Board of Directors and Audit Committee on relevant information security issues on a quarterly basis. We also make available periodic cybersecurity training for members of our Board of Directors.

 As of the date of this Report, though the Company and our service providers have experienced certain cybersecurity incidents, we are not aware of any previous cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company. However, we acknowledge that cybersecurity threats are continually evolving and the possibility of future cybersecurity incidents remains. Despite the implementation of our security measures, we cannot guarantee that a significant cyberattack will not occur. A successful attack on our information technology systems could have significant consequences for our business. While we devote resources to our security measures to protect our systems and information, these measures cannot provide absolute security. No security measure is infallible. For further discussion, please see the risk factors titled "Maintaining cybersecurity and data security is important to our business and a breach of our cybersecurity or data security could result in serious harm to our reputation and have a material adverse impact on our business and financial results" and "We are highly dependent on information and communication systems and system failures and other operational disruptions could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders" in Part I, Item "1A. Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Item 2. PROPERTIES

 The Company has residential properties (or real estate owned) that it acquires, from time to time, through or in lieu of foreclosures on mortgage loans, or in connection with its investments in single-family rental homes and consolidated multi-family properties.

 See Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Balance Sheet Analysis—Equity Investments in Multi-Family Entities" for a discussion of consolidated multi-family properties and Part IV, Item 15. "Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules—Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation" for additional information on our single-family rental homes and consolidated multi-family properties, both in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 As of December 31, 2024, our principal executive and administrative offices are located in leased space at 90 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016. We also maintain offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Woodland Hills, California.

 Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 We are at times subject to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we do not believe that any of our current legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition or cash flows.

 Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 Not applicable.

 Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol "NYMT". As of December 31, 2024, we had 90,574,996 shares of common stock outstanding and there were approximately 140 registered holders of record of our common stock, which does not reflect the beneficial ownership of shares held in nominee name, which we are unable to estimate.

 We intend to pay regular quarterly dividends to holders of shares of our common stock. Future distributions will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings and financial condition, capital requirements, maintenance of our REIT qualification, restrictions on making distributions under Maryland law and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant.

 Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2024 with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance. The Company has no such plans that were not approved by security holders.

 Plan Category
 Number of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
 Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
 Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plan

 Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 2,440,418
 $
 —
 5,093,685

 Performance Graph

 The following line graph sets forth, for the period from December 31, 2019 through December 31, 2024, a comparison of the percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company's common stock compared to the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and the FTSE National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Mortgage REIT ("FTSE Nareit Mortgage REITs") Index. The graph assumes (i) that the value of the investment in the Company's common stock and each of the indices was $100 as of December 31, 2019 and (ii) the reinvestment of all dividends.

 12/19
 12/20
 12/21
 12/22
 12/23
 12/24

 New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.
 100.00
 63.89
 70.69
 56.00
 53.07
 42.78

 Russell 2000
 100.00
 119.96
 137.74
 109.59
 128.14
 142.93

 FTSE Nareit Mortgage REITs
 100.00
 81.23
 93.93
 68.94
 79.52
 79.80

 The foregoing graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Annual Report on Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act or under the Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise by deemed "filed" with the SEC or deemed "soliciting material" under those acts.

 Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 Common Stock

 In February 2022, the Board of Directors approved a $200.0 million common stock repurchase program. In March 2023, the Board of Directors approved an upsize of the common stock repurchase program to $246.0 million. The program, which expires on March 31, 2026, allows the Company to make repurchases of shares of common stock, from time to time, in open market transactions, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases of the Company's common stock under the common stock repurchase program may be made at times and in amounts as we deem appropriate, using available cash resources. The timing and extent to which we repurchase our common stock will depend upon, among other things, market conditions, the share price of the Company's common stock, liquidity, regulatory requirements and other factors, and common stock repurchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. Shares of the Company's common stock repurchased by us under the common stock repurchase program are cancelled and, until reissued by us, are deemed to be authorized but unissued shares of the Company's common stock.

 During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock pursuant to the common stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2024, $189.7 million of the approved amount remained available for the repurchase of shares of the Company's common stock under the common stock repurchase program.

 Preferred Stock

 In March 2023, the Board of Directors approved a $100.0 million preferred stock repurchase program. The program, which expires on March 31, 2026, allows the Company to make repurchases of shares of preferred stock, from time to time, in open market transactions, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its preferred stock pursuant to the preferred stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2024, $97.6 million of the approved amount remained available for the repurchase of shares of preferred stock under the preferred stock repurchase program.

 Item 6. [RESERVED]

 Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 General

 We are an internally-managed REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets. Our objective is to deliver long-term stable distributions to our stockholders over changing economic conditions through a combination of net interest spread and capital gains from a diversified investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio includes credit sensitive single-family and multi-family assets, as well as more traditional types of fixed-income investments that provide coupon income, such as Agency RMBS.

 Reverse Stock Split

 On March 9, 2023, we effected a one-for-four reverse stock split of our common stock (the "Reverse Stock Split"). Accordingly, all references made to common share or per common share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the Reverse Stock Split.

 Executive Summary

 Beginning in the second quarter of 2023, after significantly curtailing our investment activity and pipeline in 2022 in anticipation of a recession to conserve capital, preserve liquidity and limit what we believed was material credit risk from investments underwritten to peak real estate valuations in 2022, we began stabilizing our investment portfolio holdings through greater investment activity. Since that time, we have focused, in large part, on acquiring assets with less price sensitivity to credit deterioration that could expand our interest income levels, like Agency RMBS. We believe that Agency RMBS is a compelling asset class to invest in over the near term, as the sector is trading at attractive spread levels resulting from volatility in interest rates. Recognizing that a recession call was premature, but still concerned about market liquidity due to, among other things, growing commercial real estate risks, we also remained selective in adding credit-related assets in our portfolio. Specifically, we have targeted low duration, high-coupon business purpose loans while remaining selective on credit profile and worked to optimize financing of the loans we acquire. During this time, we continued to drive higher business purpose loan acquisition volumes through ongoing partnerships with numerous originators. Over the course of the past seven quarters, we have experienced solid momentum in our portfolio acquisition activities and increased adjusted interest income, a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure, by more than 60% year-over-year. On a net basis, our investment portfolio increased by approximately $3.6 billion between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2024, with repayments received from our short-duration business purpose loans, opportunistic sales of residential loans and investment securities, redemptions of our Mezzanine Lending investments, return of capital from our joint venture equity investments and impairments offsetting some of our investment activity.

 In September 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a strategic repositioning of our business through the opportunistic disposition over time of our joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties and reallocation of the returned capital from such investments to our targeted assets. In 2023, joint venture entities in which we held a common equity interest sold five multi-family properties, representing total net equity investments of $43.2 million and recognizing a net gain attributable to the Company totaling $1.7 million. Throughout most of 2023 and continuing into 2024, certain of the multi-family properties held by our joint venture equity investments experienced declines in estimated fair value primarily due to widening cap rates and lower net operating income driven, in large part, by higher interest and operating expenses at the properties which resulted in significant impairment losses. We exited ten additional joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties in 2024, received net proceeds of $23.0 million and realized $14.3 million of net gains attributable to us. As of December 31, 2024, we have reduced exposure in this disposal group of multi-family investments to $19.5 million over two multi-family properties. We anticipate allocating less capital to multi-family investments going forward.

 We intend to focus on our core portfolio strengths of single-family and multi-family residential assets, which we believe will deliver better risk-adjusted returns over time. Our targeted investments include (i) residential loans, including business purpose loans, (ii) Agency RMBS, (iii) non-Agency RMBS, (iv) structured multi-family property investments such as preferred equity in, and mezzanine loans to, owners of multi-family properties and (v) certain other mortgage-, residential housing- and credit-related assets and strategic investments in companies from which we purchase, or may in the future purchase, our targeted assets. Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and the maintenance of our exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we also may opportunistically acquire and manage various other types of mortgage-, residential housing- and other credit-related or alternative investments that we believe will compensate us appropriately for the risks associated with them, including, without limitation, CMBS, collateralized mortgage obligations, MSRs, excess mortgage servicing spreads, securities issued by newly originated securitizations, including credit sensitive securities from these securitizations, ABS and debt or equity investments in alternative assets or businesses.

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company's Recourse Leverage Ratio and Portfolio Recourse Leverage Ratio (as defined in footnotes 4 and 5 to the table under "— Capital Allocation") increased to 3.0x and 2.9x, respectively, from 1.6x and 1.5x, respectively, as of December 31, 2023, primarily due to the financing of highly liquid U.S. Treasury securities and Agency RMBS. As of December 31, 2024, 62% of our debt, excluding mortgages payable on real estate and Consolidated SLST CDOs, is subject to mark-to-market margin calls, with 44% of that debt collateralized by Agency RMBS, 10% collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and 8% collateralized by residential credit assets. The remaining 38% has no exposure to collateral repricing by our counterparties. Although we expect our leverage to move higher as we access additional liquidity and grow our investment portfolio further, we intend to continue to focus on procuring longer-term and non-mark-to-market financing arrangements for certain parts of our credit portfolio. We believe that this will allow us to better manage our liquidity risk and better insulate our business from extreme market dislocations. To this end, we completed a non-Agency RMBS re-securitization and five new, non-recourse securitizations of residential loans and redeemed two existing residential loan securitizations during the year ended December 31, 2024. We also completed the issuance of $60.0 million of our 9.125% Senior Notes due 2029 in an underwritten public offering in the second quarter of 2024. We received $57.5 million in net proceeds from the issuance and utilized the proceeds to purchase Agency RMBS.

 In January 2025, we completed the issuance of $82.5 million of our 9.125% Senior Notes due 2030 in an underwritten public offering, receiving $79.3 million in net proceeds which were also used to purchase Agency RMBS. In February 2025, we completed a new securitization of residential loans resulting in approximately $74.2 million of net proceeds to us after deducting expenses associated with the transaction and redeemed a residential loan securitization with an outstanding balance of approximately $54.4 million at the time of redemption.

 We expect to continue to opportunistically dispose of assets from our portfolio and generate higher portfolio turnover in order to pursue investments across the residential housing sector with a focus on acquiring assets capable of growing our interest income. We expect to remain selective in acquiring single-family and multi-family residential credit assets and remain committed to prudently managing our liabilities. Our investment and capital allocation decisions depend on prevailing market conditions, among other factors, and may change over time in response to opportunities available in different economic and capital market environments.

 Historical Financial Information

 The following tables set forth our selected historical operating and financial data. The selected historical operating and balance sheet data for the years ended and as of December 31, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 have been derived from our historical financial statements. Prior year information has been conformed to current year financial statement presentation.

 The information presented below is only a summary and does not provide all of the information contained in our historical consolidated financial statements, including the related notes. You should read the information below in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements, including the related notes (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

 Selected Statement of Operations Data:

 2024
 2023
 2022
 2021
 2020

 $
 $
 $
 $
 206,866
 $
 350,161

 192,134
 129,419
 79,284
 223,068

 Net interest income
 127,582
 127,093

 Net loss from real estate

 (42,841)
 (31,302)
 (113,579)
 (17,583)
 (344)

 Other (loss) income

 (42,236)
 (39,431)
 (262,169)
 156,511
 (360,211)

 General and administrative expenses

 48,672
 49,565
 52,440
 48,908
 42,228

 Portfolio operating expenses

 30,688
 23,952
 40,888
 26,668
 11,572

 Debt issuance costs

 —
 —
 —
 —

 Net (loss) income attributable to Company's common stockholders
 (340,577)
 144,176
 (329,696)

 Basic (loss) earnings per common share
 $
 $
 $
 (3.61)
 $
 1.52
 $
 (3.55)

 Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
 $
 $
 $
 (3.61)
 $
 1.51
 $
 (3.55)

 Dividends declared per common share
 $
 0.80
 $
 1.20
 $
 1.60
 $
 1.60
 $
 0.92

 Weighted average shares outstanding-basic
 94,808
 92,751

 Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted
 95,242
 92,751

 Selected Balance Sheet Data:

 As of December 31,

 2024
 2023
 2022
 2021
 2020

 $
 $
 $
 3,525,080
 $
 3,575,601
 $
 3,049,166

 99,559
 200,844
 724,726

 87,534
 120,021
 163,593

 179,746
 239,631
 259,095

 623,407
 1,131,819
 692,968
 1,017,583
 50,532

 Assets of disposal group held for sale
 1,151,784
 —
 —

 Total assets (1)

 9,217,282
 7,401,328
 6,240,745
 5,658,301
 4,655,587

 737,023
 554,259
 405,531

 Collateralized debt obligations
 2,978,444
 1,870,517
 2,102,717
 1,522,221
 1,623,658

 159,196
 97,384
 96,704
 —

 Convertible notes
 —
 —
 —
 137,898
 135,327

 Mortgages payable on real estate, net

 394,707
 709,356
 36,752

 Liabilities of disposal group held for sale
 883,812
 —
 —

 Total liabilities (1)

 7,806,148
 5,773,202
 4,376,634
 3,226,519
 2,348,014

 Redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs
 63,803
 66,392
 —

 Company's stockholders' equity

 1,767,216
 2,341,031
 2,301,202

 Total equity
 1,398,775
 1,600,065
 1,800,308
 2,365,390
 2,307,573

 (1)Our consolidated balance sheets include assets and liabilities of Consolidated VIEs, as the Company is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. Assets and liabilities of the Company's Consolidated VIEs for each of the balance sheet dates presented are included in the following table (dollar amounts in thousands):

 As of December 31,

 2024
 2023
 2022
 2021
 2020

 Consolidated VIEs

 Assets
 $
 3,988,584
 $
 3,816,777
 $
 4,261,097
 $
 2,940,513
 $
 2,150,984

 Liabilities
 $
 3,477,211
 $
 3,076,818
 $
 3,403,257
 $
 2,235,665
 $
 1,667,306

 Portfolio Update

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, we continued to expand our investment securities and residential loan portfolios. Our investment activity was offset primarily by prepayments, redemptions, distributions and/or sales. The following table presents the activity for our investment portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Acquisitions(1)

 Repayments (2)

 Sales
 Transfers (3)(4)

 Fair Value Changes and Other (5)

 $
 2,329,443
 $
 1,892,892
 $
 (1,102,231)
 $
 (162,883)
 $
 —
 $
 (81,155)
 $
 2,876,066

 Investment securities

 1,500,039
 (295,325)
 —
 —
 (57,226)

 24,493
 53,286
 (1,286)
 (5,284)
 —
 (1,522)

 —
 657,609
 —
 —
 —
 (35,564)

 Total investment securities available for sale
 2,210,934
 (296,611)
 (5,284)
 —
 (94,312)

 Consolidated SLST (6)

 157,154
 9,857
 (18,243)
 —
 —
 (260)
 148,508

 Total investment securities

 2,170,971
 2,220,791
 (314,854)
 (5,284)
 —
 (94,572)
 3,977,052

 Preferred equity investments, mezzanine loans and equity investments
 242,908
 —
 (30,163)
 —
 (10,917)
 (2,144)
 199,684

 Equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties (7)

 211,214
 7,611
 (25,824)
 —
 (9,344)
 (32,447)
 151,210

 Equity investments in disposal group held for sale (3)

 36,815
 1,890
 (23,331)
 3,515
 9,344
 (8,729)
 19,504

 Single-family rental properties
 151,885
 2,244
 —
 (5,292)
 —
 (6,591)
 142,246

 —
 9,470
 —
 —
 10,917

 Total investment portfolio
 $
 5,143,236
 $
 4,134,898
 $
 (1,496,403)
 $
 (169,944)
 $
 —
 $
 (225,022)
 $
 7,386,765

 (1)Includes draws funded for business purpose bridge loans and existing equity investments and capitalized costs for single-family rental properties.
 (2)Includes principal repayments and return of invested capital.
 (3)In September 2022, the Company announced a repositioning of its business through the opportunistic disposition over time of the Company's joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties and reallocation of its capital away from such assets to its targeted assets. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities related to certain joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties are included in assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Balance Sheet Analysis—Equity Investments in Multi-Family Entities" for a reconciliation of equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties and disposal group held for sale to the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
 (4)Includes in-kind distribution of mortgage servicing rights received from the Company's equity investment in an entity that originates residential loans.
 (5)Primarily includes net realized gains or losses, changes in net unrealized gains or losses (including reversals of previously recognized net unrealized gains or losses on sales or redemptions), net amortization/accretion/depreciation, transfers within investment categories and net loss from real estate attributable to the Company.
 (6)Consolidated SLST is primarily presented on our consolidated balance sheets as residential loans, at fair value and collateralized debt obligations, at fair value. A reconciliation to our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 $
 $

 Deferred interest (a)

 (5,573)
 (3,969)

 Less: Collateralized debt obligations, at fair value
 (811,591)
 (593,737)

 Consolidated SLST investment securities owned by NYMT
 $
 148,508
 $
 157,154

 (a)Included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 (7)See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Balance Sheet Analysis—Equity Investments in Multi-Family Entities" for a reconciliation of equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties and disposal group held for sale to the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

 Current Market Conditions and Commentary

 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 are driven by numerous factors including changes in interest rates and the supply and demand for mortgage, housing and credit assets in the marketplace, our ability to identify and acquire assets on favorable terms, our ability to dispose of assets from time to time on favorable terms, the ability of our operating partners, tenants and borrowers of our loans and those that underlie our investment securities to meet their payment obligations, the terms and availability of adequate financing and capital, general economic and real estate conditions (both on a national and local level), the impact of government actions in the real estate, mortgage, credit and financial markets, and the credit performance of our credit sensitive assets.

 Financial markets experienced modest positive performance in the fourth quarter of 2024 and strong positive performance for the full year 2024, spurred in part by economic growth and the Federal Reserve's first cuts to the target range for the federal funds rate in approximately four and a half years. Mortgage-related markets were challenged in 2024 as borrowers remained sensitive to higher interest rates and origination volumes were down by some measures as compared to 2023, among other considerations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished the fourth quarter of 2024 up 0.51% and grew 12.88% for the full year 2024. The Nasdaq Composite Index finished the fourth quarter of 2024 up 6.17% and grew 28.64% for the full year 2024. However, interest rate and monetary policy uncertainty, mixed inflation data and geopolitical instability have cautioned some economic outlooks. We anticipate that due to uncertainty related to inflation, interest rates, monetary policy, the U.S. debt limit and the implementation of the new U.S. presidential administration's policies, markets and the pricing for many of our assets will continue to experience volatility in 2025.

 The market conditions discussed below significantly influence our investment strategy and results:

 Select U.S. Financial and Economic Data. The U.S. economy grew modestly in 2024 with real gross domestic product ("GDP") increasing by 2.8% for full year 2024, as compared to the GDP growth of 2.9% recorded for full year 2023. GDP grew at a 2.3% annualized rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the annualized 3.1% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024, annualized 3.0% GDP growth in the second quarter of 2024 and annualized 1.6% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2024. The fourth quarter 2024 GDP increase marks eleven straight quarters of GDP growth. While GDP grew in 2024, inflation remains persistently above the Federal Reserve's target of two percent, and job growth remains robust, uncertainty about how the Federal Reserve may adjust its monetary policy or the target range for the federal funds rate in response to such macroeconomic trends may limit or undermine business activity and the potential for future GDP growth, which could negatively impact the value of credit investments.

 After moderating in the first half of 2024, the U.S. labor market tightened during the third quarter of 2024 and remained tight in the fourth quarter of 2024 in contrast to many market commentators' expectations. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% at the end of December 2024, finishing flat to the unemployment rate of 4.1% as of the end of September 2024 and up 30 basis points from the unemployment rate of 3.8% as of the end of December 2023. The number of unemployed persons increased by 0.6 million year-over-year to 6.9 million as of December 2024. There continues to be a wide disparity between the number of available job openings, 8.1 million as of the end of November 2024, and the number of unemployed persons, resulting in a competitive labor market and rising wages. As of December 2024, average hourly earnings for all employees on non-farm payrolls rose 3.9% year-over-year.

 After raising the target range for the federal funds rate a total of 5.25% in 2022 and 2023, bringing the range to its highest level in over 22 years, and holding the range at that target for 14 months, the Federal Reserve cut the target range by 50 basis points in September 2024 (the first such cut since March 2020), 25 basis points in November 2024 and 25 basis points in December 2024. In connection with its cuts to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Federal Reserve acknowledged that inflation has made progress toward the Federal Reserve's target of two percent but remains somewhat elevated. In considering additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Federal Reserve stated that it will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks to the Federal Reserve's dual mandate of achieving maximum employment and inflation at a rate of two percent over the longer run. Changing expectations with respect to the Federal Reserve's actions regarding the target range for the federal funds rate after quarter end contributed to an uncertain interest rate environment. Particularly, some market commentators have suggested that persistently elevated inflation and continued robust employment readings in recent months may mean that the Federal Reserve is likely to make fewer or smaller cuts to the target range for the federal funds rate in 2025. Higher interest rates tend to put pressure on our investments, mortgage borrowers, tenants, our operating partners and economic growth generally.

 The fears of an economic recession in the U.S. that were prevalent in 2023 receded in connection with the consistent U.S. GDP growth seen in 2024, although some economists and market commentators have expressed expectations for U.S. GDP growth to slow in 2025. The National Bureau of Economic Research defines a recession as "a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and that lasts more than a few months." An economic recession or stagnating economic growth may put pressure on the ability of our operating partners, joint ventures, tenants and borrowers to meet their obligations to us, and would likely adversely impact the value of our assets, among other things, any of which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 Single-Family Homes and Residential Mortgage Market. Throughout 2024, the residential real estate market remained competitive for home buyers. Data released by the S&P Dow Jones Indices for their S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price NSA Indices for October 2024 showed that, on average, home prices increased 4.2% for the 20-City Composite over October 2023. Additionally, according to the National Association of Realtors ("NAR"), existing home sales in November 2024 increased 4.8% month-over-month and 6.1% year-over-year. NAR also reported that the median existing-home sales price for all housing types in November 2024 was $406,100, up 4.7% from $387,800 in November 2023. According to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, privately-owned housing starts for single-family homes averaged a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,003,000 and 1,009,917 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively, as compared to 948,500 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Overall, existing home inventory for sale at the end of November 2024 amounted to 3.8 months of supply, down from 4.2 months of supply in October 2024 but up from 3.5 months of supply in November 2023, according to the NAR. According to Freddie Mac, the weekly average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was up 0.44% year-over-year to 7.04% as of January 16, 2025. Declining single-family housing fundamentals may adversely impact the overall credit profile and value of our existing portfolio of single-family residential credit investments and the value of our single-family rental properties, as well as the availability of certain of our targeted assets.

 Rental Housing. According to data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, starts on multi-family homes containing five or more units averaged a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 355,667 and 336,583 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively, as compared to 459,417 for the year ended December 31, 2023. According to RealPage Analytics, rents for professionally managed apartments grew a modest 50 basis points in 2024 as a near-historic number of new apartment units were completed. The CoStar Group notes that the majority of the weakest-performing geographic markets in 2024 from an asking rent growth perspective were located in the Southeast and Texas, where oversupply conditions remain challenging and where a significant amount of our multi-family investments are concentrated. Weakening multi-family housing fundamentals, including, among other things, increasing supply of apartments and declining rents in the markets or submarkets in which we invest, increasing interest rates, widening capitalization rates and reduced liquidity for owners of multi-family properties, may cause our operating partners to fail to meet their obligations to us and/or contribute to reduced cash flows from and/or valuation declines for multi-family properties, and in turn, many of the multi-family investments that we own.

 The prior presidential administration issued statements and implemented policies aimed at establishing certain rights and protections for tenants and limiting the actions of real property owners and managers. However, certain political commentators expect that the current administration will reverse or cease the implementation of such positions and policies. Policies, regulations or laws implemented to establish tenant rights and protections and/or limit the actions of real property owners and managers could lead to increased costs, decreased revenue and reduced operational flexibility for multi-family and single-family rental properties, which could contribute to reduced cash flows from and/or valuation declines for multi-family and single-family rental properties, and in turn, many of the multi-family investments and single-family rentals that we own.

 Credit Spreads. Investment grade and high-yield credit spreads both tightened over the course of the fourth quarter of and full year 2024. At the end of 2024, investment grade spreads tightened 10 basis points and 22 basis points as compared to the start of the fourth quarter of 2024 and the start of 2024, respectively. At the end of 2024, high-yield credit spreads tightened 11 basis points and 47 basis points as compared to the start of the fourth quarter of 2024 and the start of 2024, respectively. Tightening credit spreads generally increase the value of many of our credit sensitive assets, while widening credit spreads tend to have a negative impact on the value of many of our credit sensitive assets.

 Financing Markets. For the first time since June 2022, the Treasury curve uninverted at the end of August 2024, marking the end of the longest inverted Treasury curve on record. This normalization of the Treasury curve was driven in part by investors' expectations of the Federal Reserve's cuts to the target range for the federal funds rate. Inversions and subsequent normalizations of this spread are generally considered to be indicators of a recession in the near term, although some market commentators have cautioned against August 2024's uninversion being such an indicator. Further, a January 2025 survey of economists by the Wall Street Journal indicated that the respondents believed that the probability of a recession in the next twelve months is at 22%, the lowest probability indicated by the Wall Street Journal's survey since January 2022. On December 31, 2024, the spread between the 2-Year U.S. Treasury yield and the 10-Year U.S. Treasury yield closed at 33 basis points, as compared to a negative 35 basis point spread on December 29, 2023. This spread is important as it is indicative of opportunities for investing in levered assets. Increases in interest rates raise the costs of many of our liabilities, while overall interest rate volatility generally increases the costs of hedging and may place downward pressure on some of our strategies.

 Monetary Policy and Recent Regulatory Developments. The Federal Reserve took a number of actions to stabilize markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. From March 2020 until March 2022, the Federal Reserve implemented an asset purchase program aimed at providing liquidity to the U.S. Treasury and Agency RMBS markets. Under the Federal Reserve's asset purchase program, the Federal Reserve's balance sheet grew from about $4.2 trillion in assets at the start of March 2020 to about $8.9 trillion in assets at the end of the program in March 2022. On June 1, 2022, the Federal Reserve shifted course and began shrinking its balance sheet by reducing its holdings of U.S. Treasuries and Agency RMBS by $47.5 billion per month. In September 2022, the Federal Reserve increased its efforts to reduce its balance sheet by doubling the amount of U.S. Treasuries and Agency RMBS it rolls off its balance sheet to $95 billion each month. On June 1, 2024, the Federal Reserve reduced from $60 billion to $25 billion the amount of U.S. Treasuries it rolls off its balance sheet each month while continuing to reduce its holdings of Agency RMBS by $35 billion per month. As of January 13, 2025, the Federal Reserve held about $6.8 trillion in assets. Sales or reductions in the pace of purchasing of Agency RMBS by the Federal Reserve could create headwinds in the market for Agency RMBS where increased supply could drive prices lower and interest rates higher.

 From March 2020 to March 2022, the Federal Reserve maintained a target range for the federal funds rate of 0% to 0.25% in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and to foster maximum employment and price stability. Then, from March 2022 through July 2023, the Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate eleven times to bring the target range for the federal funds rate to 5.25% to 5.50% where it remained until September 19, 2024 when the Federal Reserve implemented a 50 basis point cut to the target range. When announcing the 50 basis point rate cut in September 2024, the Federal Reserve stated that inflation had made progress toward the Federal Reserve's objective of achieving an inflation rate of two percent over the longer run and that, in light of this progress on inflation and considering the risks to the Federal Reserve's second objective of achieving maximum employment, a cut to the target range was appropriate. On each of November 8, 2024 and December 19, 2024, the Federal Reserve again cut the target range to the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, bringing the total cuts to the target range in 2024 to 100 basis points. The Federal Reserve noted in its December 2024 statement that any future cuts to the target range for the federal funds rate will depend on a careful assessment of incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks to its dual mandate of achieving maximum employment and an inflation rate of two percent. As reflected on the "dot plot" included in the projection materials from the Federal Reserve's December 2024 meeting, most Federal Reserve officials indicated that an additional 50 basis points in cuts to the target range for the federal funds rate by the end of 2025 would be appropriate. However, recent economic data along with the Federal Reserve's December 2024 statement emphasizing the consideration that will be given to evolving economic data has cautioned some market commentators' expectations of the number and extent of further cuts to the target range for the federal funds rate in 2025.

 Uncertainty exists regarding the U.S. debt limit, which is the statutory maximum amount of money that the U.S. government may borrow to meet its existing obligations. The U.S. government reached the debt limit in the middle of January 2025 and the U.S. Treasury began taking "extraordinary measures" to keep the U.S. from breaching its obligations. The U.S. Congress must approve any increases to or suspensions of the U.S. debt limit. If the U.S. debt limit is not increased or suspended before the effectiveness of such extraordinary measures is exhausted, which some estimate will be sometime around the middle of 2025, the U.S. government may default on its obligations causing severe economic consequences. A default of the U.S. government on its obligations may also cause yields on U.S. Treasuries, and interest rates broadly, to rise, among other things. A weakened economy and/or higher interest rates may put pressure on the ability of our operating partners, tenants and borrowers to meet their obligations to us, and would likely adversely impact the value of our assets, among other things, any of which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 In September 2008, the U.S. Government placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into the conservatorship of the FHFA in order to preserve and conserve their assets and property and restore them to a sound and solvent condition so they can continue to fulfill their statutory missions. In President Trump's first term, his administration sought to end the conservatorships of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but so far into his second term, President Trump's administration has not explicitly expressed its intentions with respect to the conservatorships. However, many market and political commentators believe President Trump may seek to end the conservatorships of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Together, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee a significant amount of the nearly $13 trillion U.S. Home loan market. If the conservatorships of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were ended, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may need to hold additional capital against riskier loans which may, in turn, cause Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to charge borrowers higher mortgage rates or to lessen the amount of their lending, among other things. We invest in Agency RMBS and other mortgage-related assets that may be guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Higher interest rates tend to put pressure on our investments, mortgage borrowers, tenants, our operating partners and economic growth generally. For further discussion, please see the risk factor titled "The federal conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and related efforts, along with any changes in such conservatorship or laws and regulations affecting the relationship between Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and the U.S. Government, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders" in Part I, Item "1A. Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 The scope and nature of the actions the Federal Reserve and other governmental authorities will ultimately undertake are unknown and will continue to evolve. There can be no assurance as to how, in the long term, these and other actions, as well as the negative impacts from ongoing geopolitical instability and uncertainty surrounding inflation, interest rates and the outlook for the U.S. and global economies, will affect the efficiency, liquidity and stability of the financial, credit and mortgage markets, and thus, our business. Greater uncertainty frequently leads to wider asset spreads or lower prices and higher hedging costs.

 Full Year 2024 Summary

 Earnings and Return Metrics

 The following table presents key earnings and return metrics for the year ended December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data):

 $

 Net loss attributable to Company's common stockholders per share (basic)
 $

 Undepreciated loss (1)

 $
 (91,759)

 Undepreciated loss per common share (1)

 $
 (1.01)

 Comprehensive loss attributable to Company's common stockholders
 $
 (103,781)

 Comprehensive loss attributable to Company's common stockholders per share (basic)
 $

 Yield on average interest earning assets (1) (2)

 6.54
 %

 $

 $

 Net interest income
 $

 Net interest spread (1) (3)

 1.33
 %

 Book value per common share at the end of the period
 $
 9.28

 Adjusted book value per common share at the end of the period (1)

 $
 10.35

 Economic return on book value (4)

 (10.88)
 %

 Economic return on adjusted book value (5)

 (11.93)
 %

 Dividends per common share
 $
 0.80

 (1)Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. A reconciliation of the Company's non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measure is included in "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" elsewhere in this section.
 (2)Calculated as the quotient of our adjusted interest income and our average interest earning assets and excludes all Consolidated SLST assets other than those securities owned by the Company.
 (3)Our calculation of net interest spread may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies who may use a different calculation.
 (4)Economic return on book value is based on the periodic change in GAAP book value per common share plus dividends declared per common share, if any, during the period.
 (5)Economic return on adjusted book value is based on the periodic change in adjusted book value per common share, a non-GAAP financial measure, plus dividends declared per common share, if any, during the period.

 Key Developments During Full Year 2024

 Investing Activities

 • Purchased approximately $2.2 billion of investment securities, including $1.5 billion of Agency RMBS with an average coupon of 5.69%.

 • Purchased approximately $1.9 billion of residential loans with an average gross coupon of 9.93%.

 • Sold three multi-family apartment communities held by joint venture equity investments which generated a net gain attributable to the Company's common stockholders of approximately $12.3 million.

 • Sold or distributed equity interests in joint venture equity investments that owned ten multi-family apartment communities which generated a gain on de-consolidation attributable to the Company's common stockholders of approximately $5.7 million.

 Financing Activities

 • Completed five securitizations of residential loans and a re-securitization of our investment in certain subordinated securities issued by Consolidated SLST, resulting in approximately $1.3 billion in net proceeds to us after deducting expenses associated with the transactions. We utilized a portion of the net proceeds to repay approximately $865.4 million on outstanding repurchase agreements related to residential loans and investment securities. We also redeemed two residential loan securitizations with an outstanding balance of approximately $193.3 million at the time of redemption.

 • Completed the issuance of $60.0 million of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2029 in an underwritten public offering at par, resulting in approximately $57.5 million in net proceeds to us after deducting the underwriters' discount and commissions and offering expenses.

 • Repurchased 587,347 shares of common stock for approximately $3.5 million at an accretive average repurchase price of $5.95 per common share.

 Subsequent Developments

 • On January 14, 2025, we completed the issuance of $82.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our 9.125% Senior Notes due 2030 in an underwritten public offering. The total net proceeds to us from the offering of the notes, after deducting the underwriters' discount and commissions and offering expenses, were approximately $79.3 million.

 • In February 2025, we completed a new securitization of residential loans resulting in approximately $74.2 million of net proceeds to us after deducting expenses associated with the transaction and redeemed a residential loan securitization with an outstanding balance of approximately $54.4 million at the time of redemption.

 • On February 19, 2025, we announced that our Board of Directors approved extensions of our common stock repurchase program, under which $189.7 million of the approved amount remained available for repurchase, and our preferred stock repurchase program, under which $97.6 million of the approved amount remained available for repurchase. The expiration dates of both stock repurchase programs were extended from March 31, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 Capital Allocation

 The following provides an overview of the allocation of our total equity as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We fund our investing and operating activities with a combination of cash flow from operations, proceeds from common and preferred equity and debt securities offerings, including senior unsecured notes and subordinated debentures, short-term and longer-term repurchase agreements and CDOs. A detailed discussion of our liquidity and capital resources is provided in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" elsewhere in this section.

 The following tables set forth our allocated capital by investment category at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands).

 At December 31, 2024:

 Total

 $
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $

 Consolidated SLST CDOs
 (811,591)
 —
 —
 (811,591)

 3,206,499
 —

 —
 —

 —
 74,774
 38,718

 Equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties (1)

 —
 151,210
 —
 151,210

 Equity investments in disposal group held for sale (2)

 —
 19,504
 —
 19,504

 Single-family rental properties
 142,246
 —
 —
 142,246

 —
 —

 Total investment portfolio carrying value
 6,399,895
 331,680
 660,763
 7,392,338

 Liabilities:

 (3,377,161)
 —
 (635,064)
 (4,012,225)

 Collateralized debt obligations

 Residential loan securitization CDOs

 (2,096,096)
 —
 —
 (2,096,096)

 Non-Agency RMBS re-securitization

 (70,757)
 —
 —
 (70,757)

 —
 —
 (159,196)
 (159,196)

 —
 —
 (45,000)
 (45,000)

 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (3)

 115,926
 —
 208,948
 324,874

 Cumulative adjustment of redeemable non-controlling interest to estimated redemption value

 —
 (40,675)
 —
 (40,675)

 Other
 138,012
 (1,864)
 (34,691)
 101,457

 Net Company capital allocated
 $
 1,109,819
 $
 289,141
 $
 (4,240)
 $

 Company Recourse Leverage Ratio (4)

 3.0
 x

 Portfolio Recourse Leverage Ratio (5)

 2.9
 x

 (1)Represents the Company's equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties that are not in disposal group held for sale. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Balance Sheet Analysis—Equity Investments in Multi-Family Entities" for a reconciliation of equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties and disposal group held for sale to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 (2)Represents the Company's equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties that are held for sale in disposal group. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Balance Sheet Analysis—Equity Investments in Multi-Family Entities" for a reconciliation of equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties and disposal group held for sale to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 (3)Excludes cash in the amount of $6.6 million held in the Company's equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties and equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties in disposal group held for sale. Restricted cash of $161.6 million is included in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets in other assets.

 (4)Represents the Company's total outstanding recourse repurchase agreement financing, subordinated debentures and senior unsecured notes divided by the Company's total stockholders' equity. Does not include non-recourse repurchase agreement financing amounting to $11.0 million, Consolidated SLST CDOs amounting to $811.6 million, residential loan securitization CDOs amounting to $2.1 billion, non-Agency RMBS re-securitization CDOs amounting to $70.8 million and mortgages payable on real estate, including mortgages payable on real estate of disposal group held for sale, totaling $460.0 million as they are non-recourse debt.
 (5)Represents the Company's outstanding recourse repurchase agreement financing divided by the Company's total stockholders' equity.

 At December 31, 2023:

 Total

 $
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $

 Consolidated SLST CDOs
 (593,737)
 —
 —
 (593,737)

 —
 —

 —
 —

 —
 109,962

 Equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties (1)

 —
 211,214
 —
 211,214

 Equity investments in disposal group held for sale (2)

 —
 36,815
 —
 36,815

 Single-family rental properties
 151,885
 —
 —
 151,885

 Total investment portfolio carrying value
 4,656,268
 453,783
 5,147,205

 Liabilities:

 (2,471,113)
 —
 —
 (2,471,113)

 Residential loan securitization CDOs
 (1,276,780)
 —
 —
 (1,276,780)

 —
 —
 (98,111)
 (98,111)

 —
 —
 (45,000)
 (45,000)

 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (3)

 139,562
 —
 175,468
 315,030

 Cumulative adjustment of redeemable non-controlling interest to estimated redemption value
 —
 (30,062)
 —
 (30,062)

 Other
 74,716
 (1,352)
 (34,921)
 38,443

 Net Company capital allocated
 $
 1,122,653
 $
 422,369
 $
 34,590
 $

 Company Recourse Leverage Ratio (4)

 1.6
 x

 Portfolio Recourse Leverage Ratio (5)

 1.5
 x

 (1)Represents the Company's equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties that are not in disposal group held for sale. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Balance Sheet Analysis—Equity Investments in Multi-Family Entities" for a reconciliation of equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties and disposal group held for sale to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 (2)Represents the Company's equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties that are held for sale in disposal group. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Balance Sheet Analysis—Equity Investments in Multi-Family Entities" for a reconciliation of equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties and disposal group held for sale to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 (3)Excludes cash in the amount of $21.3 million held in the Company's equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties and equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties in disposal group held for sale. Restricted cash of $143.5 million is included in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets in other assets.
 (4)Represents the Company's total outstanding recourse repurchase agreement financing, subordinated debentures and senior unsecured notes divided by the Company's total stockholders' equity. Does not include non-recourse repurchase agreement financing amounting to $149.7 million, Consolidated SLST CDOs amounting to $593.7 million, residential loan securitization CDOs amounting to $1.3 billion and mortgages payable on real estate, including mortgages payable on real estate of disposal group held for sale, totaling $1.2 billion as they are non-recourse debt.
 (5)Represents the Company's outstanding recourse repurchase agreement financing divided by the Company's total stockholders' equity.

 Results of Operations

 The following discussion provides information regarding our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, including a comparison of year-over-year results and related commentary. A number of the tables contain a "change" column that indicates the amount by which results from the year ended December 31, 2024 are greater or less than the results from the year ended December 31, 2023. Unless otherwise specified, references in this section to increases or decreases in 2024 refer to the change in results for the year ended December 31, 2024 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. For a discussion related to our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, please refer to Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024 and is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

 The following table presents the main components of our net loss for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data):

 2024
 2023

 $
 $
 $
 142,620

 192,134
 125,291

 Net interest income
 17,329

 Net loss from real estate

 (42,841)
 (31,302)
 (11,539)

 Total other loss

 (42,236)
 (39,431)
 (2,805)

 General and administrative expenses
 48,672
 49,565
 (893)

 Portfolio operating expenses
 30,688
 23,952
 6,736

 Debt issuance costs

 —

 Loss from operations before income taxes

 (92,917)
 (77,724)
 (15,193)

 Income tax expense
 1,036

 Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests
 31,924
 29,134
 2,790

 (62,029)
 (48,665)
 (13,364)

 Preferred stock dividends
 (41,756)
 (41,837)

 Gain on repurchase of preferred stock

 —
 (467)

 (13,750)

 Basic loss per common share

 $
 $
 $
 (0.15)

 Diluted loss per common share

 $
 $
 $
 (0.15)

 Interest Income and Interest Expense

 Interest income increased in 2024 primarily due to increased investments in Agency RMBS and business purpose loans. The increase in interest expense in 2024 was due primarily to an increase in financing obtained to fund investing activity through repurchase agreements and securitizations as well as issuance of the 9.125% Senior Notes due 2029.

 Net Loss from Real Estate

 The following table presents the components of net loss from real estate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 Income from real estate
 $
 132,639
 $
 171,774
 $
 (39,135)

 Expenses related to real estate:

 Interest expense, mortgages payable on real estate
 (60,232)
 (90,221)
 29,989

 Depreciation expense on operating real estate
 (37,444)
 (24,620)
 (12,824)

 Amortization of lease intangibles related to operating real estate
 (2,378)
 —
 (2,378)

 Other real estate expenses

 (75,426)
 (88,235)
 12,809

 Total expenses related to real estate
 (175,480)
 (203,076)
 27,596

 Net loss from real estate

 $
 (42,841)
 $
 (31,302)
 $
 (11,539)

 The increase in net loss from real estate in 2024 was primarily attributable to a reduction in rental income as a result of the sale or de-consolidation, since December 31, 2023, of certain multi-family real estate assets owned by entities in which we had joint venture equity investments.

 Expenses related to real estate decreased due to a decrease in interest expense on mortgages payable and a decrease in operating expenses due to the aforementioned sales or de-consolidation of multi-family real estate assets. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense and amortization of lease intangibles as a result of the return of certain multi-family real estate assets owned by entities in which we have joint venture equity investments to held and used since December 2023.

 Other Loss

 Realized Losses, Net

 The following table presents the components of realized losses, net recognized for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 Residential loans and real estate owned

 $
 (28,133)
 $
 (12,738)
 $
 (15,395)

 Investment securities

 (1,218)
 (14,321)
 13,103

 Total realized losses, net

 $
 (29,351)
 $
 (27,059)
 $
 (2,292)

 Net realized losses related to our residential loan portfolio increased in 2024, primarily as a result of increased losses incurred on foreclosed properties and recognized on the sale of residential loans and a decrease in net realized gain from payoffs of residential loans. We also recognized net realized losses of $1.2 million on write-downs of non-Agency RMBS in 2024.

 In 2023, we recognized net realized losses of $14.3 million related to investment securities primarily attributable to the sale of ABS, CMBS and non-Agency RMBS.

 Unrealized (Losses) Gains, Net

 The following table presents the components of unrealized (losses) gains, net recognized for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 $
 1,285
 $
 69,790
 $
 (68,505)

 2,902
 (10,016)
 12,918

 CDOs at fair value

 (1,484)
 —
 (1,484)

 Senior unsecured notes at fair value

 (310)
 —
 (310)

 Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments
 (4,717)
 1,079
 (5,796)

 Investment securities

 (88,822)
 36,343
 (125,165)

 —

 Total unrealized (losses) gains, net

 $
 (90,530)
 $
 97,196
 $
 (187,726)

 We recognized net unrealized losses in 2024 primarily due to an increase in interest rates, which impacted the pricing of our investment securities and residential loans. The net unrealized losses on our investment securities were more than offset by unrealized gains on our derivative instruments, as discussed below. The unrealized losses on residential loans were more than offset by the reversal of unrealized losses as a result of foreclosures, payoffs and sales during the year.

 We recognized net unrealized gains in 2023, primarily due to credit spread tightening that impacted the pricing of our residential loans. Net unrealized gains on our investment securities for the year ended December 31, 2023 included unrealized gains recognized on Agency RMBS purchased in 2023.

 Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments, Net

 The following table presents the components of gains (losses) on derivative investments, net for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments

 $
 83,899
 $
 (29,373)
 $
 113,272

 Realized gains on derivative instruments

 12,097
 2,995
 9,102

 Total gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net

 $
 95,996
 $
 (26,378)
 $
 122,374

 We recognized $96.0 million in net gains on derivative instruments in 2024, primarily due to increases in interest rates which resulted in higher valuations of our interest rate swaps. We also recognized net realized gains on derivative instruments resulting from net payments received on instruments, partially offset by losses realized on contract terminations in 2024.

 We recognized $26.4 million in net losses on derivative instruments in 2023, primarily due to decreases in fair value of interest rate swaps entered into during the year and lower valuations of interest rate caps. This was offset by gains realized upon termination of interest rate cap contracts in connection with sales of multi-family properties and repayment of related mortgages payable in our joint venture equity investments in disposal group held for sale.

 Income from Equity Investments

 The following table presents the components of income from equity investments for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 Preferred return on preferred equity investments accounted for as equity
 $
 12,775
 $
 19,308
 $
 (6,533)

 Unrealized (losses) gains, net on preferred equity investments accounted for as equity

 (4,863)
 1,154
 (6,017)

 Loss from unconsolidated joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties

 (4,382)
 (3,291)
 (1,091)

 Income from entity that originates residential loans

 12,481
 11,867

 Total income from equity investments
 $
 16,011
 $
 17,785
 $
 (1,774)

 The decrease in income from equity investments in 2024 was primarily due to 1) decreases in preferred return on preferred equity investments accounted for as equity as a result of redemptions that have occurred since December 31, 2023 and 2) unrealized losses recognized on preferred equity investments accounted for as equity and unconsolidated joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties as a result of property performance and wider cap rates during the current period. The decrease in total income from equity investments was partially offset by an increase in income from an entity that originates residential loans due to increased origination volume and profitability in 2024.

 Impairment of Real Estate

 The following table presents impairment of real estate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 $
 (48,875)
 $
 (89,548)
 $
 40,673

 In 2024, we recognized impairment losses on certain multi-family real estate assets due to lower valuations driven by a decrease in net operating income estimates and wider cap rates. We also recognized impairment losses on certain single-family rental properties transferred to held for sale as a result of the remeasurement of those assets to estimated fair value less costs to sell in 2024.

 The decrease in impairment of real estate in 2024 can be attributed to slowing cap rate widening as compared to 2023 as well as the sale or de-consolidation of certain multi-family real estate assets since December 31, 2023.

 Loss on Reclassification of Disposal Group

 The following table presents loss on reclassification of disposal group for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 $
 (14,636)
 $
 (16,163)
 $
 1,527

 One joint venture equity investment was reclassified from disposal group held for sale in 2024. As a result of this transfer, we adjusted the carrying value of the long-lived assets in the Consolidated Real Estate VIE to the lower of the carrying amount before the assets were classified as held for sale adjusted for depreciation and amortization expense that would have been recognized had the assets been continuously classified as held and used and the fair value of the assets at the date of the transfer and recognized an approximately $14.6 million loss on reclassification of disposal group.

 In 2023, nine joint venture equity investments were reclassified from disposal group held for sale, resulting in a loss on reclassification of disposal group of approximately $16.2 million.

 Other Income

 The following table presents the components of other income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 Gain on sale of real estate

 $
 27,835
 $
 4,763
 $
 23,072

 Gain on de-consolidation of joint venture equity investments in Consolidated VIEs

 6,115
 —
 6,115

 Servicing fee income

 —

 Preferred equity and mezzanine loan premiums resulting from early redemption

 (194)

 Loss on extinguishment of collateralized debt obligations and mortgages payable on real estate

 (2,864)
 (796)
 (2,068)

 Provision for uncollectible receivables

 (3,207)
 —
 (3,207)

 Miscellaneous income

 (211)

 Total other income
 $
 29,149
 $
 4,736
 $
 24,413

 The net increase in other income in 2024 is primarily due to gains recognized on the sales of both certain multi-family properties and our membership interests in consolidated joint venture equity investments.

 Expenses

 The following tables present the components of general, administrative and portfolio operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 General and Administrative Expenses

 Salaries, benefits and directors' compensation
 $
 34,798
 $
 36,609
 $
 (1,811)

 Professional fees
 5,891
 4,748
 1,143

 Other
 7,983
 8,208
 (225)

 Total general and administrative expenses
 $
 48,672
 $
 49,565
 $
 (893)

 The decrease in general and administrative expenses in 2024 is primarily related to decreases in salary and stock compensation expenses, partially offset by increases in legal and tax advisory fees.

 2024
 2023

 Portfolio operating expenses
 $
 30,688
 $
 23,952
 $
 6,736

 The increase in portfolio operating expenses in 2024 is primarily related to the growth in our residential loan portfolio as well as an increase in expenses related to our non-performing residential loan portfolio..

 2024
 2023

 Securitization transaction costs

 $
 9,855
 $
 —
 $
 9,855

 Senior unsecured notes transaction costs

 2,480
 —
 2,480

 Total debt issuance costs

 $
 $
 —
 $

 We elected the fair value option with respect to CDOs and senior unsecured notes issued by the Company after January 1, 2024. Accordingly, costs associated with the issuance of debt subject to the fair value election are expensed as they are incurred and are included in debt issuance costs in 2024.

 Comprehensive Loss

 The main components of comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are detailed in the following table (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023

 NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

 $
 $
 $
 (13,750)

 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 Increase in fair value of available for sale securities

 —
 (144)

 Total
 —
 (144)

 Reclassification adjustment for net loss included in net loss

 1,822
 (1,818)

 TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 1,966
 (1,962)

 COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

 $
 (103,781)
 $
 (88,069)
 $
 (15,712)

 Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company's newly purchased investment securities are presented at fair value as a result of a fair value election made at the time of acquisition. Changes in the market values of investment securities where the Company elected the fair value option are reflected in earnings instead of in OCI. As of December 31, 2024, all of the Company's investment securities are accounted for using the fair value option.

 Analysis of Changes in GAAP Book Value

 The following table analyzes the changes in GAAP book value of our common stock for the year ended December 31, 2024 (amounts in thousands, except per share):

 Amount
 Per Share(1)

 Beginning Balance
 $
 1,025,502
 90,675
 $
 11.31

 Common stock issuance, net (2)

 6,068

 (3,493)
 (587)

 Balance after share activity
 1,028,077
 90,575
 11.35

 (10,613)
 (0.12)

 Dividends and dividend equivalents declared
 (73,073)
 (0.81)

 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

 Investment securities available for sale (3)

 —

 Ending Balance
 $
 840,610
 90,575
 $
 9.28

 (1)Outstanding shares used to calculate book value per common share for the year ended December 31, 2024 are 90,574,996.
 (2)Includes amortization of stock based compensation.
 (3)The net increase relates to the reclassification of unrealized loss to net loss during the period.

 The following table analyzes the changes in GAAP book value of our common stock for the year ended December 31, 2023 (amounts in thousands, except per share):

 Year Ended December 31, 2023

 Amount
 Per Share(1)

 Beginning Balance
 $
 1,210,091
 91,194
 $
 13.27

 Common stock issuance, net (2)

 8,825

 (8,615)
 (938)

 Preferred stock repurchases

 —

 Balance after share activity
 1,210,410
 90,675
 13.35

 14,175
 0.16

 Dividends and dividend equivalents declared
 (111,014)
 (1.23)

 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

 Investment securities available for sale (3)

 1,966
 0.02

 Ending Balance
 $
 1,025,502
 90,675
 $
 11.31

 (1)Outstanding shares used to calculate book value per common share for the year ended December 31, 2023 are 90,675,403.
 (2)Includes amortization of stock based compensation.
 (3)The net increase relates to the reclassification of unrealized losses to net loss in relation to the sale of investment securities and unrealized gains on our investment securities resulting from changes in pricing.

 Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 In addition to the results presented in accordance with GAAP, this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted interest income, adjusted interest expense, adjusted net interest income (loss), yield on average interest earning assets, average financing cost, net interest spread, undepreciated loss and adjusted book value per common share. Our management team believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered with our GAAP financial statements, provide supplemental information useful for investors as it enables them to evaluate our current performance and trends using the metrics that management uses to operate our business. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies, who may use different calculations. Because these measures are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Our GAAP financial results and the reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP should be carefully evaluated.

 Adjusted Net Interest Income (Loss) and Net Interest Spread

 Financial results for the Company during a given period include the net interest income earned on our investment portfolio of residential loans, investment securities and preferred equity investments and mezzanine loans, where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to and accounted for as loans (collectively, our "interest earning assets"). Adjusted net interest income (loss) and net interest spread (both supplemental non-GAAP financial measures) are impacted by factors such as our cost of financing, including our hedging costs, and the interest rate that our investments bear. Furthermore, the amount of premium or discount paid on purchased investments and the prepayment rates on investments will impact adjusted net interest income (loss) as such factors will be amortized over the expected term of such investments.

 We provide the following non-GAAP financial measures, in total and by investment category, for the respective periods:

 • adjusted interest income – calculated as our GAAP interest income reduced by the interest expense recognized on Consolidated SLST CDOs,
 • adjusted interest expense – calculated as our GAAP interest expense reduced by the interest expense recognized on Consolidated SLST CDOs and adjusted to include the net interest component of interest rate swaps,
 • adjusted net interest income (loss) – calculated by subtracting adjusted interest expense from adjusted interest income,
 • yield on average interest earning assets – calculated as the quotient of our adjusted interest income and our average interest earning assets and excludes all Consolidated SLST assets other than those securities owned by the Company,
 • average financing cost – calculated as the quotient of our adjusted interest expense and the average outstanding balance of our interest bearing liabilities, excluding Consolidated SLST CDOs and mortgages payable on real estate, and
 • net interest spread – calculated as the difference between our yield on average interest earning assets and our average financing cost.

 These measures remove the impact of Consolidated SLST that we consolidate in accordance with GAAP and include the net interest component of interest rate swaps utilized to hedge the variable cash flows associated with our variable-rate borrowings, which is included in gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. With respect to Consolidated SLST, we only include the interest income earned by the Consolidated SLST securities that are actually owned by the Company as the Company only receives income or absorbs losses related to the Consolidated SLST securities actually owned by the Company. We include the net interest component of interest rate swaps in these measures to more fully represent the cost of our financing strategy.

 We provide the non-GAAP financial measures listed above because we believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors and management with additional detail and enhance their understanding of our interest earning asset yields, in total and by investment category, relative to the cost of our financing and the underlying trends within our portfolio of interest earning assets. In addition to the foregoing, our management team uses these measures to assess, among other things, the performance of our interest earning assets in total and by asset, possible cash flows from our interest earning assets in total and by asset, our ability to finance or borrow against the asset and the terms of such financing and the composition of our portfolio of interest earning assets, including acquisition and disposition determinations.

 The following tables set forth certain information about our interest earning assets by category and their related adjusted interest income, adjusted interest expense, adjusted net interest income (loss), yield on average interest earning assets, average financing cost and net interest spread for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Single-Family (8)

 Multi-
Family
 Total

 Adjusted Interest Income (1) (2)

 $
 357,481
 $
 $
 6,553
 $
 374,789

 Adjusted Interest Expense (1)

 (237,399)
 —
 (22,620)
 (260,019)

 Adjusted Net Interest Income (Loss) (1)

 $
 120,082
 $
 $
 (16,067)
 $
 114,770

 Average Interest Earning Assets (3)

 $
 5,484,729
 $
 92,421
 $
 154,196
 $
 5,731,346

 Average Interest Bearing Liabilities (4)

 $
 4,594,623
 $
 —
 $
 400,627
 $
 4,995,250

 Yield on Average Interest Earning Assets (1) (5)

 6.52
 %
 11.64
 %
 4.25
 %
 6.54
 %

 Average Financing Cost (1) (6)

 (5.17)
 %
 —
 (5.65)
 %
 (5.21)
 %

 Net Interest Spread (1) (7)

 1.35
 %
 11.64
 %
 (1.40)
 %
 1.33
 %

 Year Ended December 31, 2023

 Single-Family (8)

 Multi-
Family
 Total

 Adjusted Interest Income (1) (2)

 $
 220,385
 $
 $
 $
 234,154

 Adjusted Interest Expense (1)

 (142,742)
 —
 (12,799)
 (155,541)

 Adjusted Net Interest Income (Loss) (1)

 $
 77,643
 $
 $
 (12,737)
 $
 78,613

 Average Interest Earning Assets (3)

 $
 3,692,131
 $
 120,687
 $
 1,264
 $
 3,814,082

 Average Interest Bearing Liabilities (4)

 $
 2,684,304
 $
 —
 $
 197,986
 $
 2,882,290

 Yield on Average Interest Earning Assets (1) (5)

 5.97
 %
 11.36
 %
 4.91
 %
 6.14
 %

 Average Financing Cost (1) (6)

 (5.32)
 %
 —
 (6.46)
 %
 (5.40)
 %

 Net Interest Spread (1) (7)

 0.65
 %
 11.36
 %
 (1.55)
 %
 0.74
 %

 Year Ended December 31, 2022

 Single-Family (8)

 Multi-
 Family

 Total

 Adjusted Interest Income (1) (2)

 $
 213,770
 $
 13,499
 $
 5,974
 $
 233,243

 Adjusted Interest Expense (1)

 (94,664)
 (152)
 (9,458)
 (104,274)

 Adjusted Net Interest Income (Loss) (1)

 $
 119,106
 $
 13,347
 $
 (3,484)
 $

 Average Interest Earning Assets (3)

 $
 3,354,923
 $
 135,769
 $
 13,820
 $
 3,504,512

 Average Interest Bearing Liabilities (4)

 $
 2,333,020
 $
 5,520
 $
 150,194
 $
 2,488,734

 Yield on Average Interest Earning Assets (1) (5)

 6.37
 %
 9.94
 %
 43.23
 %
 6.66
 %

 Average Financing Cost (1) (6)

 (4.06)
 %
 (2.75)
 %
 (6.30)
 %
 (4.19)
 %

 Net Interest Spread (1) (7)

 2.31
 %
 7.19
 %
 36.93
 %
 2.47
 %

 (1)Represents a non-GAAP financial measure.
 (2)Includes interest income earned on cash accounts held by the Company.

 (3)Average Interest Earning Assets for the respective periods include residential loans, multi-family loans and investment securities and exclude all Consolidated SLST assets other than those securities owned by the Company. Average Interest Earning Assets is calculated based on the daily average amortized cost for the respective periods.
 (4)Average Interest Bearing Liabilities for the respective periods include repurchase agreements, residential loan securitization and non-Agency RMBS re-securitization CDOs, Convertible Notes, senior unsecured notes and subordinated debentures and exclude Consolidated SLST CDOs and mortgages payable on real estate as the Company does not directly incur interest expense on these liabilities that are consolidated for GAAP purposes. Average Interest Bearing Liabilities is calculated based on the daily average outstanding balance for the respective periods.
 (5)Yield on Average Interest Earning Assets is calculated by dividing our adjusted interest income relating to our portfolio of interest earning assets by our Average Interest Earning Assets for the respective periods.
 (6)Average Financing Cost is calculated by dividing our adjusted interest expense by our Average Interest Bearing Liabilities.
 (7)Net Interest Spread is the difference between our Yield on Average Interest Earning Assets and our Average Financing Cost.
 (8)The Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary of Consolidated SLST and has consolidated Consolidated SLST into the Company's consolidated financial statements. Our GAAP interest income includes interest income recognized on the underlying seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential loans held in Consolidated SLST. Our GAAP interest expense includes interest expense recognized on the Consolidated SLST CDOs that permanently finance the residential loans in Consolidated SLST and are not owned by the Company. We calculate adjusted interest income by reducing our GAAP interest income by the interest expense recognized on the Consolidated SLST CDOs and adjusted interest expense by excluding, among other things, the interest expense recognized on the Consolidated SLST CDOs, thus only including the interest income earned by the SLST securities that are actually owned by the Company in adjusted net interest income (loss).

 Our adjusted net interest income increased in 2024 as compared to the prior year. Adjusted interest income increased by approximately $140.6 million primarily due to 1) an increase in interest earning assets driven by increased investment in Agency RMBS and 2) an increase in yield on residential loans due to continued investment in business purpose loans. Adjusted interest expense increased by approximately $104.5 million as a result of increased financing obtained through repurchase agreements and securitizations as well as the issuance of the 9.125% Senior Notes due 2029 to fund investment activity.

 Net interest spread increased during 2024, primarily due to an increase in yield on Average Interest Earning Assets resulting from our continued investment in higher yielding business purpose loans. The increase in net spread was also the result of a decrease in the cost of financing due to the benefit of our in-the-money interest rate swaps.

 Our adjusted net interest income decreased in 2023 as compared to the prior year. While adjusted interest income remained relatively flat, our adjusted interest expense increased in 2023, primarily due to additional repurchase agreement and securitization financings and an increase in the cost of financing due to base interest rate movements partially offset by the benefit of our interest rate swaps.

 Net interest spread decreased in 2023 due to a combination of a decrease in yield on Average Interest Earning Assets and an increase in our cost of financing. The decrease in our yield on Average Interest Earning Assets was primarily due to 1) portfolio run-off of higher yielding business purpose loans, 2) an increase in business purpose loans held in non-accrual status, 3) the sale of certain higher yielding ABS in the second half of 2022 and 4) investment in lower yielding Agency RMBS in 2023. The previously described increase in cost of financing combined with the decrease in yield to reduce net interest spread in 2023.

 A reconciliation of GAAP interest income to adjusted interest income, GAAP interest expense to adjusted interest expense and GAAP total net interest income (loss) to adjusted net interest income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is presented below (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Years Ended December 31,

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Total
 Total
 Total

 GAAP interest income

 $
 383,972
 $
 $
 6,553
 $
 $
 244,891
 $
 $
 $
 $
 238,915
 $
 13,499
 $
 5,974
 $

 GAAP interest expense
 (290,483)
 —
 (26,942)
 (317,425)
 (176,890)
 —
 (15,244)
 (192,134)
 (119,809)
 (152)
 (9,458)
 (129,419)

 GAAP total net interest income (loss)

 $
 93,489
 $
 $
 (20,389)
 $
 $
 68,001
 $
 $
 (15,182)
 $
 $
 119,106
 $
 13,347
 $
 (3,484)
 $

 GAAP interest income
 $
 383,972
 $
 $
 6,553
 $
 $
 244,891
 $
 $
 $
 $
 238,915
 $
 13,499
 $
 5,974
 $

 Adjusted for:

 Consolidated SLST CDO interest expense
 (26,491)
 —
 —
 (26,491)
 (24,506)
 —
 —
 (24,506)
 (25,145)
 —
 —
 (25,145)

 Adjusted interest income
 $
 357,481
 $
 $
 6,553
 $
 374,789
 $
 220,385
 $
 $
 $
 234,154
 $
 213,770
 $
 13,499
 $
 5,974
 $
 233,243

 GAAP interest expense
 $
 (290,483)
 $
 —
 $
 (26,942)
 $
 (317,425)
 $
 (176,890)
 $
 —
 $
 (15,244)
 $
 (192,134)
 $
 (119,809)
 $
 (152)
 $
 (9,458)
 $
 (129,419)

 Adjusted for:

 Consolidated SLST CDO interest expense
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Net interest benefit of interest rate swaps
 26,593
 —
 4,322
 30,915
 9,642
 —
 2,445
 12,087
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Adjusted interest expense
 $
 (237,399)
 $
 —
 $
 (22,620)
 $
 (260,019)
 $
 (142,742)
 $
 —
 $
 (12,799)
 $
 (155,541)
 $
 (94,664)
 $
 (152)
 $
 (9,458)
 $
 (104,274)

 Adjusted net interest income (loss) (1)

 $
 120,082
 $
 $
 (16,067)
 $
 114,770
 $
 77,643
 $
 $
 (12,737)
 $
 78,613
 $
 119,106
 $
 13,347
 $
 (3,484)
 $

 (1)Adjusted net interest income (loss) is calculated by subtracting adjusted interest expense from adjusted interest income.

 Undepreciated Loss

 Undepreciated loss is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure defined as GAAP net loss attributable to Company's common stockholders excluding the Company's share in depreciation expense and lease intangible amortization expense, if any, related to operating real estate, net for which an impairment has not been recognized. By excluding these non-cash adjustments from our operating results, we believe that the presentation of undepreciated loss provides a consistent measure of our operating performance and useful information to investors to evaluate the effective net return on our portfolio. In addition, we believe that presenting undepreciated loss enables our investors to measure, evaluate, and compare our operating performance to that of our peers.

 A reconciliation of net loss attributable to Company's common stockholders to undepreciated loss for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is presented below (amounts in thousands, except per share data).

 2024
 2023
 2022

 $
 $
 $
 (340,577)

 Add:

 Depreciation expense on operating real estate
 12,026
 8,714
 28,916

 Amortization of lease intangibles related to operating real estate
 —
 —
 50,083

 Undepreciated loss

 $
 (91,759)
 $
 (81,321)
 $
 (261,578)

 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

 Undepreciated loss per common share

 $
 (1.01)
 $
 (0.89)
 $
 (2.77)

 Adjusted Book Value Per Common Share

 Adjusted book value per common share is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure calculated by making the following adjustments to GAAP book value: (i) exclude the Company's share of cumulative depreciation and lease intangible amortization expenses related to real estate held at the end of the period for which an impairment has not been recognized, (ii) exclude the cumulative adjustment of redeemable non-controlling interests to estimated redemption value and (iii) adjust our amortized cost liabilities that finance our investment portfolio to fair value.

 Our rental property portfolio includes fee simple interests in single-family rental homes and joint venture equity interests in multi-family properties owned by Consolidated Real Estate VIEs. By excluding our share of cumulative non-cash depreciation and amortization expenses related to real estate held at the end of the period for which an impairment has not been recognized, adjusted book value reflects the value, at their undepreciated basis, of our single-family rental properties and joint venture equity investments that the Company has determined to be recoverable at the end of the period.

 Additionally, in connection with third party ownership of certain of the non-controlling interests in certain of the Consolidated Real Estate VIEs, we record redeemable non-controlling interests as mezzanine equity on our consolidated balance sheets. The holders of the redeemable non-controlling interests may elect to sell their ownership interests to us at fair value once a year, subject to annual minimum and maximum amount limitations, resulting in an adjustment of the redeemable non-controlling interests to fair value that is accounted for by us as an equity transaction in accordance with GAAP. A key component of the estimation of fair value of the redeemable non-controlling interests is the estimated fair value of the multi-family apartment properties held by the applicable Consolidated Real Estate VIEs. However, because the corresponding real estate assets are not reported at fair value and thus not adjusted to reflect unrealized gains or losses in our consolidated financial statements, the cumulative adjustment of the redeemable non-controlling interests to fair value directly affects our GAAP book value. By excluding the cumulative adjustment of redeemable non-controlling interests to estimated redemption value, adjusted book value more closely aligns the accounting treatment applied to these real estate assets and reflects our joint venture equity investment at its undepreciated basis.

 The substantial majority of our remaining assets are financial or similar instruments that are carried at fair value in accordance with the fair value option in our consolidated financial statements. However, unlike our use of the fair value option for the assets in our investment portfolio, certain CDOs issued by our residential loan securitizations, certain senior unsecured notes and subordinated debentures that finance our investment portfolio assets are carried at amortized cost in our consolidated financial statements. By adjusting these financing instruments to fair value, adjusted book value reflects the Company's net equity in investments on a comparable fair value basis.

 We believe that the presentation of adjusted book value per common share provides a useful measure for investors and us as it provides a consistent measure of our value, allows management to effectively consider our financial position and facilitates the comparison of our financial performance to that of our peers.

 A reconciliation of GAAP book value to adjusted book value and calculation of adjusted book value per common share as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is presented below (amounts in thousands, except per share data).

 Company's stockholders' equity
 $
 $

 Preferred stock liquidation preference
 (554,110)
 (554,110)

 GAAP book value
 840,610
 1,025,502

 Add:

 Cumulative depreciation expense on real estate (1)

 20,837
 21,801

 Cumulative amortization of lease intangibles related to real estate (1)

 4,620
 14,897

 Cumulative adjustment of redeemable non-controlling interest to estimated redemption value

 40,675
 30,062

 Adjustment of amortized cost liabilities to fair value
 30,619
 55,271

 Adjusted book value
 $
 937,361
 $
 1,147,533

 Common shares outstanding
 90,575
 90,675

 GAAP book value per common share (2)

 $
 9.28
 $
 11.31

 Adjusted book value per common share (3)

 $
 10.35
 $
 12.66

 (1)Represents cumulative adjustments for the Company's share of depreciation expense and amortization of lease intangibles related to real estate held as of the end of the period presented for which an impairment has not been recognized.
 (2)GAAP book value per common share is calculated using the GAAP book value and the common shares outstanding for the periods indicated.
 (3)Adjusted book value per common share is calculated using the adjusted book value and the common shares outstanding for the periods indicated.

 Critical Accounting Estimates

 We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect 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. These estimates are based, in part, on our judgment and assumptions regarding various economic conditions that we believe are reasonable based on facts and circumstances existing at the time of reporting. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions utilized in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are prudent and reasonable. Although our estimates contemplate conditions as of December 31, 2024 and how we expect them to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive loss at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income, expenses and other comprehensive income (loss) during the periods presented.

 Changes in the estimates and assumptions could have a material effect on these consolidated financial statements. Accounting policies and estimates related to specific components of our consolidated financial statements are disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. In accordance with SEC guidance, the estimates that we believe are most critical to an investor's understanding of our financial results and condition and which require complex management judgment are discussed below.

 Valuation of Financial Instruments

 Residential Loans

 The Company's acquired residential loans are recorded at fair value, which is determined using valuations obtained from a third party that specializes in providing valuations of residential loans. For performing and re-performing loans, estimates of fair value are derived using a discounted cash flow model, where estimates of cash flows are determined from scheduled payments for each loan, adjusted using forecast prepayment rates, default rates and rates for loss upon default. For non-performing loans, asset liquidation cash flows are derived based on the estimated time to liquidate the loan, expected liquidation costs and home price appreciation. 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 estimation of cash flows used in pricing models is inherently subjective and imprecise. Changes to cash flow model assumptions, including prepayment speeds, default rates, rates for loss upon default, liquidation costs, home price appreciation and discount rates may significantly impact the fair value estimate of residential loans, as well as unrealized gains and losses recognized on these assets.

 Investment Securities Issued by Consolidated SLST

 The Company invests in first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs issued by Consolidated SLST. The investment securities that we own in Consolidated SLST are generally illiquid and trade infrequently. The fair valuation of these investment securities is determined based on an internal valuation model that considers expected cash flows from the underlying loans and yields required by market participants. The significant assumptions used in the measurement of these investments are projected losses within the pool of loans and a discount rate. The discount rate used in determining fair value incorporates default rate, loss severity, prepayment rate and current market interest rates.

 The estimation of cash flows used in pricing models is inherently subjective and imprecise. Significant changes in model assumptions, including projected losses, discount rate, prepayment speeds, default rate and loss severity may significantly impact the fair value estimate of investment securities that we own in Consolidated SLST, as well as unrealized gains and losses recognized on these assets.

 The Company's valuation methodologies are described in "Note 17 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments" included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Refer to Item 7A., "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Fair Value Risk" for a quantitative interest rate sensitivity analysis of our investment portfolio.

 Revenue Recognition

 Investment Securities Issued by Consolidated SLST

 Interest income on first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs issued by Consolidated SLST is recognized based on the securities' effective yield. The effective yield on these securities is based on management's estimate of the projected cash flows from each security, which incorporates assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, management reviews and, if appropriate, adjusts its cash flow projections based on input and analysis received from external sources, internal models, and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses, and other factors. Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in the yield (or interest income) recognized on these securities.

 The estimation of cash flows used in determining effective yield is inherently subjective and imprecise. Changes in the underlying cash flow assumptions, including prepayment speeds and timing and amount of credit losses, may significantly impact the calculation of effective yield and the interest income recognized for these securities.

 Variable Interest Entities and Consolidation Reporting Requirements

 A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The Company consolidates a VIE when it is the primary beneficiary of such VIE.

 Determining whether an entity has a controlling financial interest in a VIE requires significant judgment related to assessing the purpose and design of the VIE and determination of the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. We must also identify explicit and implicit variable interests in the entity and consider our involvement in both the design of the VIE and its ongoing activities. To determine whether consolidation of the VIE is required, we must apply judgment to assess whether we have the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and whether we have either the rights to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses 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.

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we owned 100% of the first loss subordinated securities of Consolidated SLST. Consolidated SLST represents Freddie Mac-sponsored residential mortgage loan securitizations of which we own the first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs. We determined that the Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitization trusts, which we collectively refer to as Consolidated SLST, are VIEs and that we are the primary beneficiary of Consolidated SLST. As a result, we are required to consolidate Consolidated SLST's underlying residential loans including their liabilities, income and expenses in our consolidated financial statements.

 The Company also invests in joint venture equity investments that own multi-family apartment communities, which the Company determined to be VIEs and for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the Company consolidated the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of these VIEs in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with non-controlling interests for the third-party ownership of the joint ventures' membership interests. The Company accounted for the initial consolidation of the joint venture investments as asset acquisitions, as substantially all of the fair value of the assets within the entities are concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets.

 The Company records its initial investments in income-producing real estate at fair value. The purchase price of acquired properties is apportioned to the tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities acquired at their respective estimated fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, the Company utilizes a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective real estate, its own analysis of recently-acquired and existing comparable properties, property financial results, and other market data. The Company also considers information obtained about the real estate as a result of its due diligence, including marketing and leasing activities, in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company considers the value of acquired in-place leases and utilizes an amortization period that is the average remaining term of the acquired leases.

 The estimation of fair value for purposes of allocating the purchase price of investments in real estate requires significant judgment based on the available sources. The allocation may significantly impact the carrying value of intangible assets and liabilities consolidated as asset acquisitions, as well as the amount and timing of depreciation and amortization expense recognized in relation to these assets and liabilities over time.

 Real estate held for sale (including real estate in disposal group held for sale) is recorded at the lower of the net carrying amount of the assets or the estimated net fair value. The Company assesses the net fair value of real estate held for sale in each reporting period that the assets remain classified as held for sale. The Company utilizes market assumptions and a discounted cash flow analysis using property financial information and assumptions regarding market rent, revenue and expense growth, capitalization rates and return rates to estimate fair value of real estate assets.

 The third-party owners of certain of the non-controlling interests in Consolidated VIEs have the ability to sell their ownership interests to the Company, at their election. The Company has classified these third-party ownership interests as redeemable non-controlling interest and determines the fair value of the redeemable non-controlling interest utilizing market assumptions and discounted cash flows. The Company applies a discount rate to the estimated future cash flows from the multi-family apartment properties held by the applicable Consolidated VIEs that are allocatable to the redeemable non-controlling interest.

 The estimation of cash flows used in pricing models for real estate held for sale and redeemable non-controlling interest is inherently subjective and imprecise. The estimation of fair value requires significant judgment based on the available sources and may affect any impairment recognized on real estate in the Company's statements of operations or, with respect to redeemable non-controlling interest, the Company's book value.

 A discussion of significant accounting policies is included in "Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Balance Sheet Analysis

 As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $9.2 billion of total assets. Included in this amount is approximately $969.7 million of assets held in Consolidated SLST and $620.6 million of assets related to Consolidated Real Estate VIEs, both of which we consolidate in accordance with GAAP. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $7.4 billion of total assets. Included in this amount is approximately $757.8 million of assets held in Consolidated SLST and $1.5 billion of assets related to Consolidated Real Estate VIEs, both of which we consolidate in accordance with GAAP. For a reconciliation of our actual interests in Consolidated SLST, see "Portfolio Update" above. For a reconciliation of our investments in Consolidated Real Estate VIEs, see "Equity Investments in Multi-Family Entities" below.

 Residential Loans

 The following table presents the Company's residential loans, which include acquired residential loans held by the Company and residential loans held in Consolidated SLST, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Acquired residential loans
 $
 2,876,066
 $
 2,329,443

 Total
 $
 $

 Acquired Residential Loans

 The Company's acquired residential loans, including performing, re-performing, and non-performing residential loans and business purpose loans, are presented at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings and presented in unrealized (losses) gains, net on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

 The following table details our acquired residential loans by strategy at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Number of Loans
 Unpaid Principal
 Weighted Average FICO
 Weighted Average LTV (1)

 Weighted Average Coupon

 Re-performing residential loan strategy
 3,484
 $
 461,101
 $
 435,674
 54%
 5.2%

 Performing residential loan strategy
 2,630
 610,203
 525,267
 58%
 4.2%

 Business purpose bridge loan strategy
 2,321
 1,176,555
 1,157,085
 65%
 10.5%

 Business purpose rental loan strategy
 3,418
 769,843
 758,040
 73%
 6.8%

 Total
 11,853
 $
 3,017,702
 $
 2,876,066

 Number of Loans
 Unpaid Principal
 Weighted Average FICO
 Weighted Average LTV (1)

 Weighted Average Coupon

 Re-performing residential loan strategy
 4,687
 $
 626,316
 $
 601,239
 60%
 5.1%

 Performing residential loan strategy
 2,803
 642,320
 548,736
 62%
 4.0%

 Business purpose bridge loan strategy
 1,720
 919,990
 896,988
 65%
 9.6%

 Business purpose rental loan strategy
 1,111
 311,663
 282,480
 68%
 5.1%

 Total
 10,321
 $
 2,500,289
 $
 2,329,443

 (1)For second mortgages (included in performing residential loan strategy), the Company calculates the combined loan-to-value ("LTV"). For business purpose bridge loans, the Company calculates LTV as 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.

 Characteristics of Our Acquired Residential Loans:

 Loan to Value at Purchase (1)

 50% or less
 9.0
 %
 13.6
 %

 >50% - 60%
 9.7
 %
 10.9
 %

 >60% - 70%
 21.7
 %
 22.4
 %

 >70% - 80%
 38.0
 %
 29.5
 %

 >80% - 90%
 12.7
 %
 11.8
 %

 >90% - 100%
 4.7
 %
 6.0
 %

 > 100%
 4.2
 %
 5.8
 %

 Total
 100.0
 %
 100.0
 %

 (1)For second mortgages, the Company calculates the combined LTV. For business purpose bridge loans, the Company calculates LTV as 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.

 FICO Scores at Purchase

 550 or less
 5.6
 %
 9.1
 %

 551 to 600
 4.8
 %
 7.9
 %

 601 to 650
 5.3
 %
 8.3
 %

 651 to 700
 14.6
 %
 15.6
 %

 701 to 750
 27.5
 %
 24.0
 %

 751 to 800
 34.5
 %
 28.0
 %

 801 and over
 7.7
 %
 7.1
 %

 Total
 100.0
 %
 100.0
 %

 Current Coupon

 3.00% or less
 5.4
 %
 7.6
 %

 3.01% - 4.00%
 11.6
 %
 16.5
 %

 4.01% - 5.00%
 14.2
 %
 20.9
 %

 5.01% - 6.00%
 5.9
 %
 9.3
 %

 6.01% - 7.00%
 7.6
 %
 7.2
 %

 7.01% - 8.00%
 11.5
 %
 8.1
 %

 8.01% and over
 43.8
 %
 30.4
 %

 Total
 100.0
 %
 100.0
 %

 Delinquency Status

 Current
 91.2
 %
 88.0
 %

 31 – 60 days
 1.6
 %
 2.2
 %

 61 – 90 days
 1.1
 %
 1.0
 %

 90+ days
 6.1
 %
 8.8
 %

 Total
 100.0
 %
 100.0
 %

 Origination Year

 2007 or earlier
 13.8
 %
 22.4
 %

 2008 - 2016
 2.7
 %
 4.4
 %

 2017 - 2020

 11.3
 %
 15.7
 %

 2021

 10.9
 %
 19.3
 %

 2022

 10.5
 %
 21.4
 %

 2023

 8.2
 %
 16.8
 %

 2024

 42.6
 %
 —

 Total
 100.0
 %
 100.0
 %

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had an investment in an entity that originates residential loans. The Company purchased $307.8 million, $80.8 million and $260.6 million of residential loans from the entity during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 The Company owns first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs issued by Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitizations. In accordance with GAAP, the Company has consolidated the underlying seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential loans of the securitizations and the CDOs issued to permanently finance these residential loans, representing Consolidated SLST.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company invested in a subordinated security issued by a Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitization, resulting in the initial consolidation of $285.1 million of residential loans and $275.2 million of CDOs in the VIE. Our investment in Consolidated SLST as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was limited to the RMBS comprised of first loss subordinated securities and IOs issued by the respective securitizations with an aggregate net carrying value of $148.5 million and $157.2 million, respectively. For more information on investment securities held by the Company within Consolidated SLST, refer to "Investment Securities" section below.

 The following table details the loan characteristics of the underlying residential loans that back our first loss subordinated securities issued by Consolidated SLST as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands, except current average loan size):

 Current fair value
 $
 $

 Current unpaid principal balance
 $
 1,111,633
 $
 892,546

 Number of loans
 7,246
 5,813

 Current average loan size
 $
 153,413
 $
 153,543

 Weighted average original loan term (in months) at purchase

 Weighted average LTV at purchase
 %
 %

 Weighted average credit score at purchase

 Current Coupon:

 3.00% or less
 5.1
 %
 2.5
 %

 3.01% – 4.00%
 35.4
 %
 38.5
 %

 4.01% – 5.00%
 40.6
 %
 39.5
 %

 5.01% – 6.00%
 11.2
 %
 11.8
 %

 6.01% and over
 7.7
 %
 7.7
 %

 Delinquency Status:

 Current
 68.2
 %
 72.6
 %

 31 - 60
 15.3
 %
 12.9
 %

 61 - 90
 6.0
 %
 5.0
 %

 90+
 10.5
 %
 9.5
 %

 Origination Year:

 2005 or earlier
 27.5
 %
 31.1
 %

 2006
 14.4
 %
 15.7
 %

 2007
 19.8
 %
 21.5
 %

 2008 or later
 38.3
 %
 31.7
 %

 Geographic state concentration (greater than 5.0%):

 California
 11.7
 %
 10.7
 %

 New York

 10.8
 %
 10.0
 %

 9.1
 %
 10.3
 %

 New Jersey
 6.8
 %
 7.6
 %

 Illinois
 6.3
 %
 7.2
 %

 Residential Loans, Real Estate Owned and Single-Family Rental Property Financing

 Repurchase Agreements

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company had repurchase agreements with six third-party financial institutions to fund the purchase of residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties. As of December 31, 2024, the Company's only repurchase agreement exposure where the amount of collateral at risk was in excess of 5% of the Company's stockholders' equity was to Atlas SP at 6.08%. The amount at risk is defined as the fair value of assets pledged as collateral to the financing arrangement in excess of the financing arrangement liability.

 The following table presents detailed information about these repurchase agreements and associated assets pledged as collateral at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Maximum Aggregate Uncommitted Principal Amount
 Outstanding
 Repurchase Agreements (1)

 Net Deferred Finance Costs (2)

 Carrying Value of Repurchase Agreements
 Carrying Value of Assets Pledged (3)

 Weighted Average Rate
 Weighted Average Months to Maturity (4)

 $
 2,775,000
 $
 496,410
 $
 (796)
 $
 495,614
 $
 659,183
 6.70
 %
 9.64

 $
 2,225,000
 $
 611,055
 $
 (2,005)
 $
 609,050
 $
 805,082
 7.87
 %
 13.89

 (1)Includes non-mark-to-market repurchase agreements with an aggregate outstanding balance of $15.0 million, a weighted average rate of 7.09%, and weighted average months to maturity of 8 months as of December 31, 2024. Includes non-mark-to-market repurchase agreements with an aggregate outstanding balance of $179.1 million, a weighted average rate of 8.19%, and weighted average months to maturity of 14 months as of December 31, 2023.
 (2)Costs related to the repurchase agreements, which include commitment, underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees, are reflected as deferred charges. Such costs are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the term of the agreement using the effective interest method, or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.
 (3)Includes residential loans and real estate owned with an aggregate fair value of $524.6 million and single-family rental properties with a net carrying value of $134.6 million as of December 31, 2024. Includes residential loans with an aggregate fair value of $658.3 million and single-family rental properties with a net carrying value of $146.7 million as of December 31, 2023.
 (4)The Company expects to roll outstanding amounts under these repurchase agreements into new repurchase agreements or other financings, or to repay outstanding amounts, prior to or at maturity.

 The following table details the quarterly average balance, ending balance and maximum balance at any month-end during each quarter in 2024, 2023 and 2022 for our repurchase agreements secured by residential loans (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Quarter Ended
 Quarterly Average
Balance
 End of Quarter
Balance
 Maximum Balance
at any Month-End

 $
 386,047
 $
 496,410
 $
 496,410

 September 30, 2024
 656,976
 566,621
 812,828

 June 30, 2024
 521,269
 505,542
 576,119

 March 31, 2024
 437,826
 456,038
 456,038

 559,118
 611,055
 611,055

 September 30, 2023
 469,393
 505,477
 505,477

 June 30, 2023
 524,264
 481,947
 579,475

 March 31, 2023
 579,271
 562,371
 609,885

 December 31, 2022
 833,517
 688,487
 1,076,747

 September 30, 2022
 1,324,819
 1,163,408
 1,554,993

 June 30, 2022
 1,386,714
 1,566,926
 1,566,926

 March 31, 2022
 682,867
 783,168
 783,168

 Collateralized Debt Obligations

 Included in our portfolio are residential loans that are pledged as collateral for CDOs issued by the Company or by Consolidated SLST. The Company had a net investment in Consolidated SLST and other residential loan securitizations of $149.8 million and $215.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a net investment in Consolidated SLST and other residential loan securitizations of $158.4 million and $315.2 million, respectively.

 The following tables present a summary of Consolidated SLST CDOs and CDOs issued by the Company's residential loan securitizations as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Weighted Average Interest Rate (1) (2)

 Consolidated SLST (4) (5)

 $
 867,004
 $
 3.49
 %
 2059 - 2064

 Residential loan securitizations at fair value (4)

 $
 1,281,896
 $
 5.72
 %
 2029 - 2069

 $
 850,547
 $
 842,764
 4.35
 %
 2027 - 2062

 Weighted Average Interest Rate (1)

 Consolidated SLST (4)

 $
 652,933
 $
 2.75
 %
 2059

 $
 1,292,015
 $
 1,276,780
 4.00
 %
 2026 - 2062

 (1)Weighted average interest rate is calculated using the outstanding face amount and stated interest rate of notes issued by the securitization and not owned by the Company.
 (2)Certain of the Company's CDOs contain interest rate step-up features whereby the interest rate increases if the outstanding notes are not redeemed by expected redemption dates, as defined in the respective governing documents. As of December 31, 2024, CDOs with an aggregate outstanding face amount of $1.5 billion contain an interest rate step-up feature whereby the interest rate increases by either 1.00%, 1.50%, 2.00%, or 3.00% on defined dates ranging between 24 months and 48 months after issuance, if the notes are not redeemed before such dates.
 (3)The actual maturity of the Company's CDOs is primarily determined by the rate of principal prepayments on the assets of the issuing entity. The CDOs are also subject to redemption prior to the stated maturity according to the terms of the respective governing documents. As a result, the actual maturity of the CDOs may occur earlier than the stated maturity.
 (4)The Company has elected the fair value option for CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST and residential loan securitizations completed after January 1, 2024 (see Note 17). See Note 7 for unrealized gains or losses recognized on CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $1.3 million in net unrealized losses on residential loan securitizations at fair value, which is included in unrealized (losses) gains, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
 (5)During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company invested in a subordinated security issued by a Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitization, resulting in the initial consolidation of $285.1 million of residential loans and $275.2 million of CDOs in the VIE.

 Investment Securities

 At December 31, 2024, our investment securities portfolio included Agency RMBS, non-Agency RMBS and U.S. Treasury securities, which are classified as investment securities available for sale. Our investment securities also include first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs issued by Consolidated SLST. At December 31, 2024, we had no investment securities in a single issuer or entity that had an aggregate book value in excess of 5% of our total assets. The increase in the carrying value of our investment securities as of December 31, 2024 as compared to December 31, 2023 is primarily due to purchases of Agency RMBS, non-Agency RMBS and U.S. Treasury securities during the period partially offset by a decrease in the fair value of a number of our investment securities.

 The following tables summarize our investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Weighted Average

 Investment Securities
 Current Par Value
 Amortized Cost
 Gains
 Coupon (1)

 Yield (2)

 Outstanding Repurchase Agreements

 Available for Sale ("AFS")

 Fixed rate

 $
 2,943,583
 $
 2,949,038
 $
 11,733
 $
 (21,711)
 $
 2,939,060
 5.84
 %
 5.73
 %
 $
 2,662,475

 Adjustable rate

 131,817
 130,119
 (822)
 129,582
 5.47
 %
 5.40
 %
 124,096

 IO

 1,169,330
 83,878
 (16,551)
 68,170
 0.89
 %
 11.82
 %
 44,354

 Total Agency RMBS

 4,244,730
 3,163,035
 12,861
 (39,084)
 4.24
 %
 5.88
 %
 2,830,925

 Senior
 42,214
 42,214
 (9)
 42,365
 8.14
 %
 8.10
 %
 30,300

 Subordinated
 11,509
 10,869
 —
 (2,605)
 8,264
 5.19
 %
 5.95
 %
 2,940

 IO
 346,582
 13,120
 5,938
 —
 19,058
 1.52
 %
 28.86
 %
 —

 Total Non-Agency RMBS
 400,305
 66,203
 6,098
 (2,614)
 2.01
 %
 14.02
 %
 33,240

 652,792
 657,659
 —
 (35,614)
 4.16
 %
 4.13
 %
 635,064

 Total - AFS
 $
 5,297,827
 $
 3,886,897
 $
 18,959
 $
 (77,312)
 $
 4.04
 %
 5.98
 %
 $
 3,499,229

 Subordinated
 $
 242,088
 $
 181,716
 $
 4,945
 $
 (52,134)
 $
 134,527
 4.60
 %
 6.02
 %
 $
 17,382

 IO
 129,478
 14,634
 —
 (653)
 13,981
 3.50
 %
 8.54
 %
 —

 Total Non-Agency RMBS
 371,566
 196,350
 4,945
 (52,787)
 148,508
 4.21
 %
 6.23
 %
 17,382

 Total - Consolidated SLST
 $
 371,566
 $
 196,350
 $
 4,945
 $
 (52,787)
 $
 148,508
 4.21
 %
 6.23
 %
 $
 17,382

 Total Investment Securities
 $
 5,669,393
 $
 4,083,247
 $
 23,904
 $
 (130,099)
 $
 3,977,052
 4.05
 %
 5.94
 %
 $

 Weighted Average

 Investment Securities
 Current Par Value
 Amortized Cost
 Gains
 Coupon (1)

 Yield (2)

 Outstanding Repurchase Agreements (3)

 Available for Sale ("AFS")

 Fixed rate

 $
 1,756,343
 $
 1,761,138
 $
 21,581
 $
 (1,829)
 $
 1,780,890
 5.74
 %
 5.64
 %
 $
 1,602,695

 Adjustable rate
 149,052
 147,460
 1,741
 —
 149,201
 5.48
 %
 5.35
 %
 137,084

 IO

 1,139,828
 52,623
 6,813
 (203)
 59,233
 0.76
 %
 14.81
 %
 31,657

 Total Agency RMBS
 3,045,223
 1,961,221
 30,135
 (2,032)
 4.34
 %
 5.79
 %
 1,771,436

 Senior

 —
 (4)
 3.65
 %
 3.60
 %
 —

 Subordinated
 8,164
 7,526
 —
 (4,281)
 3,245
 4.61
 %
 7.39
 %
 —

 IO
 375,563
 14,571
 6,646
 —
 21,217
 1.63
 %
 27.42
 %
 —

 Total Non-Agency RMBS
 383,762
 22,132
 6,646
 (4,285)
 24,493
 1.70
 %
 20.27
 %
 —

 Total - AFS
 $
 3,428,985
 $
 1,983,353
 $
 36,781
 $
 (6,317)
 $
 3.64
 %
 6.20
 %
 $
 1,771,436

 Subordinated
 $
 238,017
 $
 189,962
 $
 —
 $
 (49,684)
 $
 140,278
 4.44
 %
 4.01
 %
 $
 55,881

 IO
 139,914
 17,937
 —
 (1,061)
 16,876
 3.50
 %
 7.43
 %
 —

 Total Non-Agency RMBS
 377,931
 207,899
 —
 (50,745)
 157,154
 4.09
 %
 4.32
 %
 55,881

 Total - Consolidated SLST
 $
 377,931
 $
 207,899
 $
 —
 $
 (50,745)
 $
 157,154
 4.09
 %
 4.32
 %
 $
 55,881

 Total Investment Securities
 $
 3,806,916
 $
 2,191,252
 $
 36,781
 $
 (57,062)
 $
 2,170,971
 3.74
 %
 5.80
 %
 $
 1,827,317

 (1)Our weighted average coupon was calculated by dividing our annualized coupon income by our weighted average current par value for the respective periods.
 (2)Our weighted average yield was calculated by dividing our annualized interest income by our weighted average amortized cost for the respective periods.
 (3)Outstanding repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2023 do not include $34.7 million of repurchase agreement financing for CDOs repurchased from our residential loan securitizations. Repurchased CDOs are eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP.

 As of December 31, 2024, Agency RMBS with a fair value of $33.4 million were pledged as initial margin for outstanding interest rate swaps.

 As of December 31, 2024, Consolidated SLST subordinated bonds with a fair value of $114.0 million were held in a non-Agency RMBS re-securitization (see "Investment Securities Financing—Collateralized Debt Obligations" below).

 Investment Securities Financing

 Repurchase Agreements

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $3.5 billion outstanding under repurchase agreements with third-party financial institutions to fund a portion of its investment securities available for sale and certain securities owned in Consolidated SLST. These repurchase agreements are short-term financings that bear interest rates typically based on a spread to SOFR and are secured by the investment securities which they finance. Upon entering into a financing transaction, our counterparties negotiate a "haircut", which is the difference expressed in percentage terms between the fair value of the collateral and the amount the counterparty will advance to us. The size of the haircut represents the counterparty's perceived risk associated with holding the investment securities as collateral. The haircut provides counterparties with a cushion for daily market value movements that reduce the need for margin calls or margins to be returned as normal daily changes in investment security market values occur. The Company expects to roll outstanding amounts under its repurchase agreements into new repurchase agreements or other financings, or to repay outstanding amounts, prior to or at maturity.

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no repurchase agreement exposure where the amount of investment securities at risk was in excess of 5% of the Company's stockholders' equity. As of December 31, 2024, the weighted average interest rate for repurchase agreements secured by investment securities was 4.84%.

 The following table details the quarterly average balance, ending balance and maximum balance at any month-end during each quarter in 2024, 2023 and 2022 for our repurchase agreements secured by investment securities (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Quarter Ended
 Quarterly Average
Balance
 End of Quarter
Balance
 Maximum Balance at any Month-End

 $
 3,328,795
 $
 $

 September 30, 2024
 2,772,203
 3,045,597
 3,045,597

 June 30, 2024
 2,202,770
 2,447,851
 2,447,851

 March 31, 2024
 2,078,041
 2,057,361
 2,126,993

 1,851,577
 1,862,063
 1,870,941

 September 30, 2023
 1,184,714
 1,490,996
 1,490,996

 June 30, 2023
 492,473
 664,459
 664,459

 March 31, 2023
 131,174
 226,778
 226,778

 December 31, 2022
 50,077
 50,077
 50,077

 September 30, 2022
 53,159
 53,159
 53,159

 June 30, 2022
 132,712
 129,331
 138,301

 March 31, 2022
 116,766
 144,852
 144,852

 Collateralized Debt Obligations

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company completed a re-securitization of its investment in certain subordinated securities issued by Consolidated SLST, which we refer to as our non-Agency RMBS re-securitization. The Company engaged in the re-securitization transaction primarily for the purpose of obtaining non-recourse, longer-term financing on a portion of its investment in Consolidated SLST. The Company remains economically exposed to the subordinated positions in the portion of Consolidated SLST transferred to the securitization and continues to consolidate Consolidated SLST.

 The following table presents a summary of CDOs issued by our non-Agency RMBS re-securitization as of December 31, 2024:

 Interest Rate (1)(2)

 Non-Agency RMBS re-securitization at fair value (4)

 $
 70,867
 $
 7.38
 %
 2064

 (1)Interest rate is calculated using the outstanding face amount and stated interest rate of notes issued by the securitization and not owned by the Company.
 (2)The Company's non-Agency RMBS re-securitization CDOs contain an interest rate step-up feature whereby the interest rate increases if the outstanding notes are not redeemed by an expected redemption date, as defined in the governing documents. As of December 31, 2024, CDOs with an aggregate outstanding face amount of $70.9 million contain an interest rate step-up feature whereby the interest rate increases by 3.00% beginning July 2027, if the notes are not redeemed before such date.
 (3)The actual maturity of the Company's CDOs is primarily determined by the rate of principal prepayments on the assets of the issuing entity. The CDOs are also subject to redemption prior to the stated maturity according to the terms of the governing documents. As a result, the actual maturity of the CDOs may occur earlier than the stated maturity.
 (4)The Company has elected the fair value option for CDOs issued by its non-Agency RMBS re-securitization (see Note 17). For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $0.2 million in net unrealized losses on its non-Agency RMBS re-securitization, which are included in unrealized (losses) gains, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Mezzanine Lending
 The Company's Mezzanine Lending strategy may include preferred equity in, and mezzanine loans to, entities that have multi-family real estate assets. A preferred equity investment is an equity investment in the entity that owns the underlying property and mezzanine loans are secured by a pledge of the borrower's equity ownership in the property. We evaluate our Mezzanine Lending investments for accounting treatment as loans versus equity investments. Mezzanine Lending investments for which the characteristics, facts and circumstances indicate that loan accounting treatment is appropriate are included in multi-family loans on our consolidated balance sheets.

 Mezzanine Lending investments where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to an equity investment are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are included in equity investments on our consolidated balance sheets. The Company records its equity in earnings or losses from these Mezzanine Lending investments under the hypothetical liquidation of book value method of accounting due to the structures and the preferences it receives on the distributions from these entities pursuant to the respective agreements. Under this method, the Company recognizes income or loss in each period based on the change in liquidation proceeds it would receive from a hypothetical liquidation of its investment.

 During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company reconsidered its evaluation of its variable interest in a VIE that owned a multi-family apartment community and in which the Company holds a preferred equity investment. The Company determined that it gained the power to direct the activities, and became primary beneficiary, of the VIE and consolidated the VIE into its consolidated financial statements.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company negotiated a short-term maturity extension on one preferred equity investment that included an increase in preferred return rate to a current market rate. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company reduced the fair value of one defaulted preferred equity investment to zero as a result of developments with respect to the property, its financing and market conditions. This investment represents 1.8% of the total investment amount of the Mezzanine Lending portfolio. Also during the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company evaluated the hypothetical liquidation value of one preferred equity investment and its preferred equity investment in a Consolidated VIE and ceased further preferred return accruals. These two investments represent 17.3% of the total investment amount of the Mezzanine Lending portfolio.

 The following tables summarize our Mezzanine Lending portfolio as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Count
 Fair Value (1) (2)

 Investment Amount (2)

 Weighted Average Preferred Return Rate (3)

 Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)

 Preferred equity investments
 $
 159,628
 $
 169,518
 12.80
 %
 3.8

 Preferred equity investment in Consolidated VIE (4)

 16,967
 16,991
 13.84
 %
 7.0

 Total

 $
 176,595
 $
 186,509
 12.90
 %
 4.1

 Count
 Fair Value (1) (2)

 Investment Amount (2)

 Weighted Average Preferred Return Rate (3)

 Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)

 Preferred equity investments
 $
 200,034
 $
 200,690
 12.40
 %
 4.2

 Preferred equity investment in Consolidated VIE (4)

 11,706
 11,732
 13.50
 %
 8.0

 Total
 $
 211,740
 $
 212,422
 12.46
 %
 4.4

 (1)Preferred equity investments in the amounts of $86.2 million and $95.8 million are included in multi-family loans on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Preferred equity investments in the amounts of $73.4 million and $104.2 million are included in equity investments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 (2)The difference between the fair value and investment amount consists of any unrealized gain or loss.
 (3)Based upon investment amount and contractual preferred return rate.
 (4)Represents the Company's preferred equity investment in a Consolidated VIE that owns a multi-family apartment community. A reconciliation of our preferred equity investment in the Consolidated VIE to our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is shown below (dollar amounts in thousands):

 $
 $
 1,300

 53,508
 54,439

 Lease intangible, net (a)

 —
 2,378

 4,939
 4,722

 58,839
 62,839

 Mortgage payable on real estate, net

 45,120

 1,823
 2,403

 46,943
 47,545

 Non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIE
 (5,071)
 3,588

 Preferred equity investment in Consolidated VIE
 $
 16,967
 $
 11,706

 (a)Included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 Mezzanine Lending Characteristics

 The following tables present characteristics of our Mezzanine Lending portfolio summarized by geographic concentrations of credit risk exceeding 5% of our total investment amount as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 State
 Count
 Investment Amount
 % Total
 Weighted Average Coupon
 Weighted Average LTV (1)

 Weighted Average DSCR (2)

 $
 54,115
 29.0
 %
 13.1
 %
 %
 0.89x
 (3)

 Texas
 49,619
 26.6
 %
 12.4
 %
 %
 1.08x

 Arizona
 15,201
 8.2
 %
 14.0
 %
 %
 1.84x

 13,045
 7.0
 %
 14.0
 %
 %
 0.51x
 (4)

 South Dakota
 10,583
 5.7
 %
 15.0
 %
 %
 1.80x

 South Carolina
 9,645
 5.2
 %
 13.0
 %
 %
 1.47x

 Other
 34,301
 18.3
 %
 11.7
 %
 %
 1.30x

 Total
 $
 186,509
 100.0
 %
 12.9
 %
 %
 1.18x

 State
 Count
 Investment Amount
 % Total
 Weighted Average Coupon
 Weighted Average LTV (1)

 Weighted Average DSCR (2)

 $
 55,753
 26.3
 %
 13.0
 %
 %
 1.27x

 Texas
 42,854
 20.2
 %
 11.9
 %
 %
 1.21x

 Utah
 21,970
 10.3
 %
 12.0
 %
 %
 N/A
 (5)

 Arizona
 17,811
 8.4
 %
 14.0
 %
 %
 0.45x
 (6)

 14,525
 6.8
 %
 11.0
 %
 %
 1.27x

 Other
 59,509
 28.0
 %
 12.5
 %
 %
 1.36x

 Total
 $
 212,422
 100.0
 %
 12.5
 %
 %
 1.24x

 (1)Represents the weighted average LTV utilizing combined senior and mezzanine loans and combined origination appraisal and capital expenditure budget.
 (2)Represents the weighted average debt service coverage ratio ("DSCR") of the underlying properties and excludes properties that are subject to a senior construction loan agreement.
 (3)DSCR affected by non-recurring expenses during the year ended December 31, 2024.
 (4)DSCR for this property affected by recent senior loan and Mezzanine Lending modifications.
 (5)Not applicable as the underlying property is subject to a senior construction loan agreement.
 (6)DSCR for this property affected by low occupancy as of December 31, 2023.

 Equity Investments in Multi-Family Entities

 The Company owns joint venture equity investments in entities that own multi-family properties. The Company determined that these joint venture entities are VIEs and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of all but two of these VIEs, resulting in consolidation of the VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary, including their assets, liabilities, income and expenses, in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. We receive a preferred return and/or pro rata variable distributions from these investments and, in certain cases, management fees based upon property performance. We also will participate in allocation of excess cash upon sale of the multi-family real estate assets.

 In September 2022, the Company announced a repositioning of its business through the opportunistic disposition over time of the Company's joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties and reallocation of the returned capital from such investments to its targeted assets. Accordingly, the Company determined that certain joint venture equity investments met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and the assets and liabilities of the respective Consolidated VIEs are included in assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. See Note 9 for additional information. The Company's net equity in consolidated joint venture equity investments ("Consolidated JVs") and disposal group held for sale totaled $153.7 million and $236.3 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 A reconciliation of our net equity investments in Consolidated JVs and disposal group held for sale, including one preferred equity investment in a Consolidated VIE, to our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is shown below (dollar amounts in thousands):

 $
 4,151
 $
 15,612

 481,161
 979,934

 Lease intangible, net (1)

 —
 2,378

 Assets of disposal group held for sale (2)

 16,696
 34,657

 $
 620,621
 $
 1,458,598

 Mortgages payable on real estate, net (3)

 $
 $

 Liabilities of disposal group held for sale (2)

 10,621
 21,797

 $
 474,292
 $
 1,192,242

 Redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs
 $
 $

 Less: Cumulative adjustment of redeemable non-controlling interest to estimated redemption value

 (40,675)
 (30,062)

 Non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs
 1,887
 17,150

 Non-controlling interest in disposal group held for sale
 2,044
 3,178

 Net equity investment (4)

 170,714
 248,029

 Less: Net equity in preferred equity investment in Consolidated VIE (5)

 (16,967)
 (11,706)

 Net equity investment in Consolidated JVs and disposal group held for sale

 $
 153,747
 $
 236,323

 (1)Included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 (2)See Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale.
 (3)See Note 15 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our mortgages payable on real estate.
 (4)The Company's net equity investment as of December 31, 2024 consists of $151.2 million of net equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties (including its preferred equity investment in a Consolidated VIE) and $19.5 million of net equity investments in disposal group held for sale. The Company's net equity investment as of December 31, 2023 consists of $211.2 million of net equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties (including its preferred equity investment in a Consolidated VIE) and $36.8 million of net equity investments in disposal group held for sale.
 (5)See "Mezzanine Lending" above for description of preferred equity investment in Consolidated VIE.

 Unconsolidated Multi-Family Joint Venture Equity Investments

 The Company owns equity interests in two additional joint venture entities that own multi-family apartment communities. The Company determined that these joint venture entities are VIEs but that the Company is not the primary beneficiary, resulting in the Company recording its equity investments at fair value. We receive variable distributions from these investments on a pro rata basis and management fees based upon property performance. We also will participate in allocation of excess cash upon sale of the multi-family real estate assets. The following tables summarize our unconsolidated multi-family joint venture equity investments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 State

 Texas
 70%
 $
 1,338

 State

 Texas
 70%
 $
 5,720

 Joint Venture Equity Investments in Consolidated Multi-Family Properties not in Disposal Group Held for Sale

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company's net joint venture equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties not in disposal group held for sale of $134.2 million consists of a combined preferred equity and common equity investment in one joint venture entity that does not meet the criteria to be classified as disposal group held for sale. The joint venture entity has third-party investors that have the ability to sell their ownership interests to us, at their election once a year subject to annual minimum and maximum amount limitations, and we are obligated to purchase, subject to certain conditions, such interests for cash, representing redeemable non-controlling interests of approximately $12.4 million as of December 31, 2024.

 The geographic concentrations in joint venture equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties exceeding 5% of our joint venture equity investments in consolidated multi-family properties not in disposal group held for sale as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are shown below (dollar amounts in thousands):

 State
 Total Equity Ownership Interest
 Net Equity Investment (1)

 Percentage of Total Net Equity Investment

 Texas
 70%

 $
 50,505
 54.7
 %

 50%

 $
 15,868
 17.2
 %

 Kentucky
 70%

 $
 11,310
 12.2
 %

 Alabama
 70%

 $
 7,106
 7.7
 %

 65%

 $
 5,557
 6.0
 %

 State
 Total Equity Ownership Interest
 Net Equity Investment (1)

 Percentage of Total Net Equity Investment

 50% - 95%

 $
 56,607
 33.4
 %

 Texas
 70%

 $
 49,727
 29.4
 %

 65% - 70%

 $
 18,131
 10.7
 %

 South Carolina
 67% - 70%

 $
 13,561
 8.0
 %

 Alabama
 70% - 80%

 $
 11,737
 6.9
 %

 Kentucky
 70%

 $
 10,979
 6.5
 %

 (1)Represents our joint venture equity investment in consolidated multi-family properties net of redeemable non-controlling interest at its estimated redemption value.

 Property Data for Joint Venture Equity Investments in Multi-Family Properties not in Disposal Group Held for Sale

 The following table provides summary information regarding our joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties that are not in disposal group held for sale as of December 31, 2024.

 Market
 Occupancy %
 Units
 Rent per Unit (1)

 LTV (2)

 Collierville, TN
 93.2
 %
 $
 1,545
 84.4
 %

 Dallas, TX
 90.5
 %
 1,908
 88.3
 %

 Houston, TX
 91.8
 %
 1,206
 77.5
 %

 Little Rock, AR
 94.6
 %
 1,377
 89.4
 %

 Louisville, KY
 93.7
 %
 1,491
 84.1
 %

 Montgomery, AL
 94.8
 %
 1,063
 71.5
 %

 San Antonio, TX
 89.2
 %
 1,282
 82.4
 %

 St Petersburg, FL
 99.1
 %
 2,543
 77.5
 %

 Webster, TX
 92.9
 %
 78.1
 %

 Total Count/Average
 92.7
 %
 3,247
 $
 1,483
 82.0
 %

 (1)Represents average monthly rent per unit.
 (2)Represents the weighted average LTV of the underlying properties utilizing combined maximum senior committed mortgage amount and preferred equity balances, if any, and the combined origination appraisal and capital expenditure budget or the most recent appraisal, as applicable.

 Property Data for Joint Venture Equity Investments in Multi-Family Properties in Disposal Group Held for Sale

 The following table provides summary information regarding the multi-family properties in the disposal group held for sale as of December 31, 2024.

 Market
 Occupancy %
 Units
 Rent per Unit (1)

 LTV (2)

 Fort Myers, FL
 91.7
 %
 $
 1,560
 77.3
 %

 Tampa, FL
 92.3
 %
 1,581
 77.6
 %

 Total Count/Average
 92.0
 %
 $
 1,571
 77.5
 %

 (1)Represents average monthly rent per unit.
 (2)Represents the weighted average LTV of the underlying properties utilizing maximum senior committed mortgage amount and combined origination appraisal and capital expenditure budget.

 Equity Investment in Entity that Originates Residential Loans

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had an investment in an entity that originates residential loans. The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method and has elected the fair value option. The following table summarizes our ownership interest in the entity that originates residential loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Strategy

 Constructive Loans, LLC

 Residential Loans
 50%
 $
 38,718
 50%
 $

 Derivative Assets and Liabilities

 The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company enters into derivative financial instruments in connection with its risk management activities. These derivative instruments may include interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, credit default swaps, futures and options contracts such as options on credit default swap indices, equity index options, swaptions and options on futures. The Company may also pursue forward-settling purchases or sales of Agency RMBS where the underlying pools of mortgage loans are "To-Be-Announced," or TBAs, purchase options on U.S. Treasury futures or invest in other types of mortgage derivative securities. The Company elected not to apply hedge accounting for its derivative instruments.
 The Company and Consolidated Real Estate VIEs may be required by lenders on certain repurchase agreement financing and variable-rate mortgages payable on real estate to enter into interest rate cap contracts. These interest rate cap contracts are with a counterparty that involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from the counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. During the period these contracts are open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as gains or losses on derivative instruments.

 The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge the variable cash flows associated with our variable-rate borrowings. Interest rate swaps generally involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty, based on SOFR, in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the interest rate swap without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in order to manage its position with regard to its liabilities, the Company may also enter into interest rate swaps which involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making variable-rate payments, based on SOFR, over the life of the interest rate swap without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The variable rate the Company pays or receives under its swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics and cash flows of the Company's financing arrangements.
 The Company has U.S. Treasury future contracts that obligate the Company to sell or buy U.S. Treasury securities for future delivery. The Company has purchased credit default swap index contracts under which a counterparty, in exchange for a premium, agrees to compensate the Company for the financial loss associated with the occurrence of a credit event in relation to a notional value of an index. The Company may purchase equity index put options that give the Company the right to sell or buy the underlying index at a specified strike price. The Company may also purchase credit default swap index options that allow the Company to enter into a fixed rate payor position in the underlying credit default swap index at the agreed-upon strike level.

 Debt

 The Company's debt as of December 31, 2024 included senior unsecured notes and subordinated debentures.

 2029 Senior Notes

 On June 28, 2024, the Company completed the issuance of $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 9.125% Senior Notes due 2029 (the "2029 Senior Notes") in an underwritten public offering. The 2029 Senior Notes were issued at par, bear interest at a rate equal to 9.125% per year and mature on July 1, 2029, unless earlier redeemed.

 2026 Senior Notes

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.75% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Senior Notes") outstanding. The 2026 Senior Notes were issued at par and carry deferred charges resulting in a total cost to the Company of approximately 6.64%. The Company's 2026 Senior Notes, which mature on April 30, 2026, contain various covenants including the maintenance of a minimum net asset value, ratio of unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness and senior debt service coverage ratio and limit the amount of leverage the Company may utilize and its ability to transfer the Company's assets substantially as an entirety or merge into or consolidate with another person.

 Subordinated Debentures

 As of December 31, 2024, certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries had trust preferred securities outstanding of $45.0 million with a weighted average interest rate of 8.54% which are due in 2035. The securities are fully guaranteed by us with respect to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, redemption or repayment. These securities are classified as subordinated debentures in the liability section of our consolidated balance sheets.

 Balance Sheet Analysis - Company's Stockholders' Equity

 The following table provides a summary of the Company's stockholders' equity at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 8.000% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
 $
 147,745
 $
 147,745

 7.875% Series E Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
 177,697
 177,697

 6.875% Series F Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
 138,418
 138,418

 7.000% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
 71,585
 71,585

 Common stock

 Additional paid-in capital
 2,289,044
 2,297,081

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 —
 (4)

 Accumulated deficit
 (1,430,675)
 (1,253,817)

 Company's stockholders' equity
 $
 $

 Liquidity and Capital Resources

 General

 Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements. Our short-term (the 12 months ending December 31, 2025) and long-term (beyond December 31, 2025) liquidity requirements include ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain investments, comply with margin requirements, fund our operations, pay dividends to our stockholders and other general business needs. Generally, our short-term and long-term liquidity needs are met by our existing cash balances and our investments and assets which generate liquidity on an ongoing basis through principal and interest payments, prepayments, net earnings retained prior to payment of dividends and distributions from equity investments. In addition, we may satisfy our short-term and/or long-term liquidity needs through the sale of assets from our investment portfolio, securities offerings or the securitization or collateralized financing of our assets.

 We continue to seek out assets and markets that provide compelling risk-adjusted returns through residential loan repurchase agreement financing with terms of one year or more or sustainable non-mark-to-market financing arrangements, including securitizations and non-mark-to-market repurchase agreement financing. Beginning in 2023 and through the year ended December 31, 2024, we have been expanding our holdings of Agency RMBS, which is more liquid than many if not all of the investments in our portfolio of credit investments. To expand our Agency RMBS portfolio, we have utilized mark-to-market repurchase agreement financing with terms of 30 days to 90 days. As of December 31, 2024, the Company's portfolio recourse leverage ratio of 2.9x, remains within our target range. As of December 31, 2024, 62% of our debt, excluding mortgages payable on real estate and Consolidated SLST CDOs, is subject to mark-to-market margin calls, with 44% collateralized by Agency RMBS, 10% collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and 8% collateralized by residential credit assets. The remaining 38% has no exposure to collateral repricing by our counterparties.

 We expect to continue to opportunistically dispose of assets from our portfolio and generate higher portfolio turnover in order to pursue investments across the residential housing sector with a focus on acquiring assets with less price sensitivity to credit deterioration that are capable of expanding our interest income, like Agency RMBS, and maintaining low duration credit exposure by purchasing high-coupon business purpose loans. We also intend to maintain a solid position in unrestricted cash and remain committed to prudently managing our liabilities. At December 31, 2024, we had $163.3 million of available cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash and cash equivalents held by Consolidated Real Estate VIEs), $170.2 million of unencumbered investment securities (including the securities we own in Consolidated SLST and CDOs repurchased from our residential loan securitizations) and $128.7 million of unencumbered residential loans.

 We historically have endeavored to fund our investments and operations through a balanced and diverse funding mix, including proceeds from the issuance of common and preferred equity and debt securities, short-term and longer-term repurchase agreements and CDOs. With respect to the multi-family properties in which we hold joint venture equity investments, the properties are encumbered by a senior mortgage loan. The type and terms of the ultimate financing used by us depends on the asset being financed and the financing available at the time of the financing. We have placed a greater emphasis on procuring, where appropriate, longer-termed and/or more committed financing arrangements for our credit investments, such as securitizations, term financings and corporate debt securities that provide less or no exposure to fluctuations in the collateral repricing determinations of financing counterparties or rapid liquidity reductions in repurchase agreement financing markets. Although we expect our leverage to continue to move higher as we access additional liquidity and grow our investment portfolio further, we intend to continue to focus on procuring longer-term and non-mark-to-market financing arrangements for certain parts of our credit portfolio.

 Based on current market conditions, our current investment portfolio, new investment initiatives, expectations to dispose of assets from time to time on terms favorable to us, leverage ratio and available and future possible financing arrangements, we believe our existing cash balances, funds available under our various financing arrangements and cash flows from operations will meet our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months. We will continue to explore additional financing arrangements to further strengthen our balance sheet and position ourselves for future investment opportunities, including, without limitation, additional issuances of our equity and debt securities and longer-termed financing arrangements; however, no assurance can be given that we will be able to access any such financing, or the size, timing or terms thereof.

 Cash Flows and Liquidity for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased by $1.6 million.

 Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 We generated net cash flows from operating activities of $14.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. Our cash flow provided by operating activities differs from our net income due to these primary factors: (i) differences between (a) accretion, amortization, depreciation and recognition of income and losses recorded with respect to our investments and (b) the cash received therefrom and (ii) unrealized gains and losses on our investments (including impairment of real estate and loss on reclassification of disposal group).

 Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, our net cash flows used in investing activities were $2.2 billion, primarily as a result of purchases of investment securities and residential loans. This was partially offset by principal repayments received on residential loans and investment securities, net proceeds from the sale of residential loans and real estate, net variation margin and payments received on derivative instruments and return of capital from equity investments.

 Although we generally intend to hold our assets as long-term investments, we may sell certain of these assets in order to manage our interest rate risk and liquidity needs, to meet other operating objectives or to adapt to market conditions. We cannot predict the timing and impact of future sales of assets, if any.

 Because a portion of our assets are financed through repurchase agreements or CDOs, a portion of the proceeds from any sales of or principal repayments on our assets may be used to repay balances under these financing sources. Accordingly, all or a significant portion of cash flows from principal repayments received from residential loans, including residential loans held in Consolidated SLST, and proceeds from sales or principal paydowns received from investment securities available for sale were used to repay CDOs issued by the respective Consolidated VIEs or repurchase agreements (included as cash used in financing activities). Additionally, a significant portion of cash flows from the sale of real estate held in Consolidated VIEs, if any, were used to repay outstanding mortgages payable on real estate held in Consolidated VIEs.

 Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, our net cash flows provided by financing activities were $2.2 billion. The main sources of cash flows from financing activities were proceeds received from repurchase agreements and proceeds from the issuance of CDOs and senior unsecured notes. This was partially offset by paydowns on and extinguishment of CDOs, payments made on Consolidated SLST CDOs, net payments made on mortgages payable on real estate and dividend payments on both common and preferred stock.

 Liquidity – Financing Arrangements

 As of December 31, 2024, we have outstanding short-term repurchase agreement financing on our investment securities, a form of collateralized short-term financing, with multiple financial institutions. The repurchase agreements we use to finance our investment securities are secured by certain of our investment securities and bear interest rates that move in close relationship to SOFR. Any financings under these repurchase agreements are based on the fair value of the assets that serve as collateral under these agreements. Interest rate changes and increased prepayment activity can have a negative impact on the valuation of these securities, reducing the amount we can borrow under these agreements. Moreover, these repurchase agreements allow the counterparties to determine a new market value of the collateral to reflect current market conditions and because these lines of financing are not committed, the counterparty can effectively call the loan at any time. Market value of the collateral represents the price of such collateral obtained from generally recognized sources or the most recent closing bid quotation from such source plus accrued income. If a counterparty determines that the value of the collateral has decreased, the counterparty may initiate a margin call and require us to either post additional collateral to cover such decrease or repay a portion of the outstanding amount financed in cash, on minimal notice, and repurchase may be accelerated upon an event of default under the repurchase agreements. Moreover, in the event an existing counterparty elected to not renew the outstanding balance at its maturity into a new repurchase agreement, we would be required to repay the outstanding balance with cash or proceeds received from a new counterparty or to surrender the securities that serve as collateral for the outstanding balance, or any combination thereof. If we were unable to secure financing from a new counterparty and had to surrender the collateral, we would expect to incur a loss. In addition, in the event a repurchase agreement counterparty defaults on its obligation to "re-sell" or return to us the assets that are securing the financing at the end of the term of the repurchase agreement, we would incur a loss on the transaction equal to the amount of "haircut" associated with the short-term repurchase agreement, which we sometimes refer to as the "amount at risk."

 At December 31, 2024, we had longer-term repurchase agreements with initial terms of up to two years with multiple third-party financial institutions that are secured by certain of our residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties. The outstanding financing under five of these repurchase agreements are subject to margin calls to the extent the market value of the collateral falls below specified levels. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Balance Sheet Analysis—Residential Loans, Real Estate Owned and Single-Family Rental Property Financing—Repurchase Agreements" for further information. During the terms of the repurchase agreements, proceeds from the residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties will be applied to pay any price differential, if applicable, and to reduce the aggregate repurchase price of the collateral. Repurchase of the residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties financed by the repurchase agreements may be accelerated upon an event of default. The repurchase agreements secured by residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties contain various covenants, including among other things, the maintenance of certain amounts of liquidity and stockholders' equity (as defined in the respective agreements). As of December 31, 2024, we had an aggregate amount at risk under repurchase agreements secured by residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties of approximately $162.8 million, which represents the difference between the carrying value of the collateral pledged and the outstanding balance of our repurchase agreements. Significant margin calls have had, and could in the future have, a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, business, liquidity and ability to make distributions to our stockholders. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources—General" above.

 As of December 31, 2024, we had assets available to be posted as margin which included liquid assets, such as unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, and unencumbered investment securities that could be monetized to pay down or collateralize a liability immediately. As of December 31, 2024, we had $163.3 million included in cash and cash equivalents and $170.2 million in unencumbered investment securities available to meet additional haircuts or market valuation requirements. The unencumbered investment securities that we believe may be posted as margin as of December 31, 2024 included $128.0 million of Agency RMBS and $42.2 million of non-Agency RMBS (including an IO security we own in Consolidated SLST and CDOs repurchased from our residential loan securitizations).

 At December 31, 2024, the Company had $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Senior Notes outstanding. The 2026 Senior Notes were issued at 100% of the principal amount and bear interest at a rate equal to 5.75% per year (subject to adjustment from time to time based on changes in the ratings of the 2026 Senior Notes by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations), payable semi-annually in arrears on April 30 and October 30 of each year, and mature on April 30, 2026, unless earlier redeemed. The Company has the right to redeem the 2026 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, prior to maturity, subject to a "make-whole" premium or other date-dependent multiples of principal amount redeemed. No sinking fund is provided for the 2026 Senior Notes. The Company's 2026 Senior Notes also contain various covenants including the maintenance of a minimum net asset value, ratio of unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness and senior debt service coverage ratio and limit the amount of leverage the Company may utilize and its ability to transfer the Company's assets substantially as an entirety or merge into or consolidate with another person.

 At December 31, 2024, the Company had $60.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2029 Senior Notes outstanding. The 2029 Senior Notes were issued at 100% of the principal amount and bear interest at a rate equal to 9.125% per year, payable quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2024, and mature on July 1, 2029, unless earlier redeemed. The Company has the right to redeem the 2029 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after July 1, 2026, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount redeemed. No sinking fund is provided for the 2029 Senior Notes.

 At December 31, 2024, we also had other longer-term debt which includes Company-sponsored residential loan securitization CDOs with a carrying value of $2.1 billion and non-Agency RMBS re-securitization CDOs with a carrying value of $70.8 million. We had 14 Company-sponsored securitizations with CDOs outstanding as of December 31, 2024. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for further discussion.

 The real estate assets held by our multi-family joint venture equity investments are subject to mortgages payable. We have no obligation for repayment of the mortgages payable but, with respect to certain of the mortgages payable, we may execute a guaranty related to commitment of bad acts and our equity investment may be lost or reduced to the extent a lender forecloses on the property.

 As of December 31, 2024, our Company recourse leverage ratio, which represents our total outstanding recourse repurchase agreement financing, subordinated debentures and senior unsecured notes divided by our total stockholders' equity, was approximately 3.0 to 1. Our Company recourse leverage ratio does not include outstanding non-recourse repurchase agreement financing, debt associated with CDOs or mortgages payable on real estate, including mortgages payable on real estate of disposal group held for sale. As of December 31, 2024, our portfolio recourse leverage ratio, which represents our outstanding recourse repurchase agreement financing divided by our total stockholders' equity, was approximately 2.9 to 1. We monitor all at risk or shorter-term financings to enable us to respond to market disruptions as they arise.

 Liquidity – Hedging and Other Factors

 Certain of our hedging instruments may also impact our liquidity. We may use interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, credit default swaps, futures and options contracts such as options on credit default swap indices, equity index options, swaptions and options on futures. We may also use TBAs or other futures contracts to hedge interest rate and market value risk associated with our investment portfolio.

 With respect to interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, futures contracts and TBAs, initial margin deposits, which can be comprised of either cash or investment securities, will be made upon entering into these contracts. During the period these contracts are open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by marking to market on a daily basis to reflect the market value of these contracts at the end of each day's trading. We may be required to satisfy variation margin payments periodically, depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. In addition, because delivery of TBAs extend beyond the typical settlement dates for most non-derivative investments, these transactions are more prone to market fluctuations between the trade date and the ultimate settlement date, and thereby are more vulnerable to increasing amounts at risk with the applicable counterparties.

 As it relates to the variable-rate mortgages payable in our Consolidated Real Estate VIEs, the joint venture entities may be required by the lender to enter into interest rate cap contracts. In addition, with respect to one of the Company's financings under repurchase agreements, the lender has, in the past, required the Company to enter into an interest rate cap contract. These interest rate cap contracts are with a counterparty that involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from the counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. During the period these contracts are open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as gains or losses on derivative instruments. The joint venture entities that own the multi-family properties may be required to enter into new interest rate cap contracts upon their expiration and may require the Company to contribute additional capital to the respective joint venture.

 Liquidity — Securities Offerings

 In addition to the financing arrangements described above under the caption "Liquidity—Financing Arrangements," we also rely on follow-on equity offerings of common and preferred stock, and may utilize from time to time debt securities offerings, as a source of both short-term and long-term liquidity. We also may generate liquidity through the sale of shares of our common stock or preferred stock in "at-the-market" equity offering programs pursuant to equity distribution agreements. The Company had no securities offerings during the year ended December 31, 2024.

 Preferred Stock and Common Stock Repurchase Programs

 In March 2023, the Board of Directors approved a $100.0 million preferred stock repurchase program. The program allows the Company to make repurchases of shares of preferred stock, from time to time, in open market transactions, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its preferred stock during the year ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, $97.6 million of the approved amount remained available for the repurchase of shares of preferred stock under the preferred stock repurchase program. The preferred stock repurchase program expires on March 31, 2026.

 In February 2022, the Board of Directors approved a $200.0 million common stock repurchase program. In March 2023, the Board of Directors approved an upsize of the common stock repurchase program to $246.0 million. The program allows the Company to make repurchases of shares of common stock, from time to time, in open market transactions, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 587,347 shares of its common stock pursuant to the common stock repurchase program for a total cost of approximately $3.5 million, including fees and commissions paid to the broker, representing an average repurchase price of $5.95 per common share. As of December 31, 2024, $189.7 million of the approved amount remained available for the repurchase of shares of the Company's common stock under the common stock repurchase program. The common stock repurchase program expires on March 31, 2026.

 Dividends

 For information regarding the declaration and payment of dividends on our common stock and preferred stock for the periods covered by this report, please see Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

 Our Board of Directors will continue to evaluate our dividend policy each quarter and will make adjustments as necessary, based on our earnings and financial condition, capital requirements, maintenance of our REIT qualification, restrictions on making distributions under Maryland law and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant. Our dividend policy does not constitute an obligation to pay dividends.

 We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the various requirements to maintain our REIT status and to minimize or avoid corporate income tax and the nondeductible excise tax. However, differences in timing between the recognition of REIT taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the REIT distribution requirements and to minimize or avoid corporate income tax and the nondeductible excise tax.

 In the event we fail to pay dividends on our preferred stock, the Company would become subject to certain limitations on its ability to pay dividends or redeem or repurchase its common stock or preferred stock.

 Commitment to Fund Business Purpose Loans

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company had commitments to fund up to $220.8 million of additional advances on existing business purpose loans. These commitments are generally subject to loan agreements with terms that must be met before we fund advances on the commitment.

 Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest

 Pursuant to the operating agreement for one of our joint venture equity investments, third party investors in this joint venture have the ability to sell their ownership interests to us, at their election once a year subject to annual minimum and maximum amount limitations, and we are obligated to purchase, subject to certain conditions, such interests for cash. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for further discussion of redeemable non-controlling interest.

 Summary of Material Contractual Obligations

 The Company had the following material contractual obligations at December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Less than 1 year
 1 to 3 years
 4 to 5 years

 More than 5 years
 Total

 Repurchase agreements (1)

 $
 4,000,909
 $
 48,323
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 4,049,232

 Subordinated debentures (1)

 3,972
 7,944
 7,954
 66,894
 86,764

 Senior unsecured notes (1)

 11,225
 113,825
 68,213
 —
 193,263

 Total contractual obligations (2)

 $
 4,016,106
 $
 170,092
 $
 76,167
 $
 66,894
 $
 4,329,259

 (1)Amounts include projected interest payments during the period. Projected interest payments are based on interest rates in effect and outstanding balances as of December 31, 2024.
 (2)We exclude our CDOs from the contractual obligations disclosed in the table above as this debt is non-recourse and not cross-collateralized and, therefore, must be satisfied exclusively from the proceeds of the residential loans and non-Agency RMBS held in securitization trusts. See Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our CDOs. We also exclude mortgages payable on real estate as they are non-recourse debt for which we have no obligation for repayment. See Note 15 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our mortgages payable on real estate.

 In addition, pursuant to the operating agreement for one of our joint venture equity investments, subject to certain conditions, third party investors in this joint venture have the ability to sell their ownership interests to us, at their election, and we are obligated to purchase such interests for cash.

 Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 This section should be read in conjunction with "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequent periodic reports filed with the SEC.

 We seek to manage risks that we believe will impact our business including interest rates, liquidity, prepayments, credit quality and market value. When managing these risks we consider the impact on our assets, liabilities and derivative positions. While we do not seek to avoid risk completely, we believe the risk can be quantified from historical experience. We seek to actively manage that risk, to generate risk-adjusted total returns that we believe compensate us appropriately for those risks and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we take.

 The following analysis includes forward-looking statements that assume that certain market conditions occur. Actual results may differ materially from these projections due to changes in our portfolio assets and borrowings mix and due to developments in the domestic and global financial, mortgage and real estate markets. Developments in the financial markets include the likelihood of changing interest rates and the relationship of various interest rates and their impact on our portfolio yield, cost of funds and cash flows. The analytical methods that we use to assess and mitigate these market risks should not be considered projections of future events or operating performance.

 Interest Rate Risk

 Interest rates are sensitive to many factors, including governmental, monetary or tax policies, domestic and international economic conditions, including inflation and deflation and political or regulatory matters beyond our control. Changes in interest rates affect, among other things, the value of the assets we manage and hold in our investment portfolio and the variable-rate borrowings and floating-rate preferred stock we use or issue to fund our operations and portfolio. Changes in interest rates also affect the interest rate swaps and caps, TBAs and other securities or instruments we may use to hedge our portfolio. As a result, our net interest income and adjusted net interest income are particularly affected by changes in interest rates.

 For example, we hold residential loans and RMBS, some of which may have fixed rates or interest rates that adjust on various dates that are not synchronized to the adjustment dates on our repurchase agreements. In general, the re-pricing of our repurchase agreements occurs more quickly than the re-pricing of our variable-interest rate assets. Thus, it is likely that our floating rate financing, such as our repurchase agreements, may react to interest rates before our residential loans or RMBS because the weighted average next re-pricing dates on the related financing may have shorter time periods than that of the residential loans or RMBS. Moreover, changes in interest rates can directly impact prepayment speeds, thereby affecting our net return on residential loans and RMBS. During a declining interest rate environment, the prepayment of residential loans and RMBS may accelerate (as borrowers may opt to refinance at a lower interest rate) causing the amount of liabilities that have been extended by the use of repurchase agreements to increase relative to the amount of residential loans and RMBS, possibly resulting in a decline in our net return on residential loans and RMBS, as replacement residential loans and RMBS may have a lower yield than those being prepaid. Conversely, during an increasing interest rate environment, residential loans and RMBS may prepay more slowly than expected, requiring us to finance a higher amount of residential loans and RMBS than originally forecast and at a time when interest rates may be higher, resulting in a decline in our net return on residential loans and RMBS. Accordingly, each of these scenarios can negatively impact our net interest income and adjusted net interest income. In addition, when we purchase residential loans at a discount to par value, and borrowers then prepay at a slower rate than we expected, the decreased prepayments would result in a lower yield than expected on the asset and/or may result in a decline in the fair value of the residential loans.

 We seek to manage interest rate risk in our portfolio by utilizing interest rate caps, interest rate swaps, swaptions, futures, options on futures and U.S. Treasury securities with the goal of optimizing earnings potential while seeking to maintain long term stable portfolio values. Certain of our consolidated multi-family properties with variable-rate mortgages payable have entered into interest rate cap contracts as required by the respective mortgage loan agreements. The Company may also be required by lenders on repurchase agreements for residential loans to enter into interest rate cap contracts.

 We utilize a model-based risk analysis system to assist in projecting interest rate-sensitive asset and liability portfolio performances over a scenario of different interest rates. Computation of the cash flows for interest rate-sensitive assets that may affect annualized adjusted net interest income are based on assumptions related to, among other things, prepayment speeds, slope of the yield curve, and composition and size of our portfolio. Assumptions for interest rate-sensitive liabilities relate to, among other things, anticipated interest rates, collateral requirements as a percentage of repurchase agreement financings and amounts and terms of borrowings. As these assumptions may not be realized, adjusted net interest income results may therefore be significantly different from the annualized adjusted net interest income produced in our analyses. We also note that the uncertainty associated with the estimate of a change in adjusted net interest income is directly related to the size of interest rate move considered.

 Based on the results of the model, the instantaneous changes in interest rates specified below would have had the following effect on adjusted net interest income based on our assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Changes in Interest Rates (basis points)
 Changes in Adjusted Net Interest Income (1) (2)

 +200
 $
 (80,917)

 +100
 $
 (40,271)

 -100
 $
 40,450

 -200
 $
 80,939

 (1)Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a reconciliation of the Company's non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measure.

 (2)Certain assumptions have been made in connection with the calculation of the information set forth in the 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 as of December 31, 2024. This analysis utilizes assumptions and estimates based on management's judgment and experience. Future purchases and sales of assets could materially change our interest rate risk profile.
 While this table reflects the estimated impact of interest rate changes on the static portfolio, we actively manage our portfolio and continuously make adjustments to the size and composition of our asset and derivative hedge portfolios and interest-bearing liabilities. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimated in the table.

 Interest rate changes may also impact our GAAP book value and adjusted book value as many of our assets and liabilities and related hedge derivatives, if any, are marked-to-market each quarter. Generally, as interest rates increase, the value of our mortgage-related assets decreases, and conversely, as interest rates decrease, the value of such investments will increase. Changes in interest rates would have the opposite impact on our liabilities at fair value. In general, we expect that, over time, changes in the net fair value of our portfolio attributable to interest rate changes may be offset, to the degree we are hedged, by changes in the value of our interest rate swaps or other financial instruments used for hedging purposes. However, the relationship between spreads on our assets and liabilities and spreads on our hedging instruments may vary from time to time, resulting in a net aggregate GAAP book value and adjusted book value increase or decline. The floating rates that become effective at the conclusion of the fixed rate period on our Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock subject us to interest rate risk and could significantly increase the cost of dividends on such preferred stock. Such increased dividend costs could have an impact on net aggregate GAAP book value and adjusted book value.

 Our net interest income, adjusted net interest income and the fair value of our assets and our financing activities could be negatively affected by volatility in interest rates, as was the case in 2024. A prolonged period of extremely volatile and unstable market conditions would likely increase our funding costs and negatively affect market risk mitigation strategies. Higher income volatility from changes in interest rates could cause a loss of future net interest income and adjusted net interest income and a decrease in current fair market values of our assets. Fluctuations in interest rates will impact both the level of income and expense recorded on most of our assets and liabilities and the market value of all or substantially all of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our net income, operating results, or financial condition.

 Liquidity Risk

 Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain investments, pay dividends to our stockholders and other general business needs. The primary liquidity risk we face arises from financing long-maturity assets with shorter-term financings. We recognize the need to have funds available to operate our business. We manage and forecast our liquidity needs and sources daily to ensure that we have adequate liquidity at all times. We plan to meet liquidity through normal operations with the goal of avoiding unplanned sales of assets or emergency borrowing of funds.

 We are subject to "margin call" risk on a significant portion of our repurchase agreements and certain derivative instruments. In the event the value of our assets pledged as collateral or the value of our derivative instruments suddenly decrease, margin calls could increase, causing an adverse change in our liquidity position. Additionally, if one or more of our repurchase agreement counterparties chooses not to provide ongoing funding, we may be unable to replace the financing through other lenders on favorable terms or at all.

 We also utilize longer-termed and/or more committed financing arrangements for certain of our credit investments, such as securitizations, term financings and corporate debt securities that provide less or no exposure to fluctuations in the collateral repricing determinations of financing counterparties or rapid liquidity reductions in repurchase agreement financing markets. These financings may involve greater expense relative to repurchase agreement funding. We provide no assurance that we will be able in the future to access sources of capital that are attractive to us, that we will be able to roll over or replace our repurchase agreements or other financing instruments as they mature from time to time in the future or that we otherwise will not need to resort to unplanned sales of assets to provide liquidity in the future. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources" and the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information about our liquidity and capital resource management.
 Prepayment Risk

 When borrowers repay the principal on their residential loans before maturity or faster than their scheduled amortization, the effect is to shorten the period over which interest is earned, and therefore, reduce the yield for residential mortgage assets purchased at a premium to their then current balance. Conversely, residential mortgage assets purchased for less than their then current balance, such as many of our residential loans, exhibit higher yields due to faster prepayments. Furthermore, actual prepayment speeds may differ from our modeled prepayment speed projections impacting the effectiveness of any hedges we may have in place to mitigate financing and/or fair value risk. Generally, when market interest rates decline, borrowers have a tendency to refinance their mortgages, thereby increasing prepayments. 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.

 Our modeled prepayments will help determine the amount of hedging we use to offset changes in interest rates. If actual prepayment rates are higher than modeled, the yield will be less than modeled in cases where we paid a premium for the particular residential mortgage asset. Conversely, when we have paid a premium, if actual prepayment rates experienced are slower than modeled, we would amortize the premium over a longer time period, resulting in a higher yield to maturity.

 In an environment of increasing prepayment speeds, the timing difference between the actual cash receipt of principal paydowns and the announcement of the principal paydowns may result in additional margin requirements from our repurchase agreement counterparties.

 We mitigate prepayment risk by constantly evaluating our residential mortgage assets relative to prepayment speeds observed for assets with similar structures, quantities and characteristics. Furthermore, we stress-test the portfolio as to prepayment speeds and interest rate risk in order to further develop or make modifications to our hedge balances. Historically, we have not hedged 100% of our liability costs due to prepayment risk.

 Credit Risk

 Credit risk is the risk that we will not fully collect the principal we have invested in our credit sensitive assets, including residential loans, non-Agency RMBS, preferred equity and mezzanine loan and joint venture equity investments, due to borrower defaults or defaults by our operating partners in their payment obligations to us. In selecting the credit sensitive assets in our portfolio, we seek to identify and invest in assets with characteristics that we believe offset or limit our exposure to defaults.

 We seek to manage credit risk through our pre-acquisition or pre-funding due diligence process, and by factoring projected credit losses into the purchase price we pay or loan terms we negotiate for all of our credit sensitive assets. In general, we evaluate relative valuation, supply and demand trends, prepayment rates, delinquency and default rates, vintage of collateral and macroeconomic factors as part of this process. Nevertheless, these procedures provide no assurance that we will not experience unanticipated credit losses which would materially affect our operating results. We also manage credit risk with credit default swaps on corporate bond indices for which the Company buys credit protection and pays periodic payments at fixed rates to credit protection sellers, in return for compensation for default (or similar credit event) by a reference index.

 Recent inflationary pressures have caused, and a possible economic recession or stagnation in the U.S. in the near future may cause, an increase in the credit risk of our credit sensitive assets. We would expect delinquencies, defaults and requests for forbearance arrangements to rise should savings, incomes and revenues of renters, borrowers, operating partners and other businesses become increasingly constrained from a slow-down in economic activity. Any future period of payment deferrals, forbearance, delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures or losses will likely adversely affect our net interest income and adjusted net interest income from multi-family loans, residential loans, and our RMBS investments and rental income and reduce the distributions we receive from our joint venture equity investments in multi-family apartment communities, the fair value of these assets, our ability to liquidate the collateral that may underlie these investments or obtain additional financing and the future profitability of our investments. Further, in the event of delinquencies, defaults and foreclosure, regulatory changes and policies designed to protect borrowers and renters may slow or prevent us from taking remediation actions or optimizing a resolution for or exit from the asset.

 We purchase certain residential loans at a discount to par, reflecting a perceived higher risk of default. In connection with our loan acquisitions, we or a third-party due diligence firm perform an independent review of the mortgage file to assess the state of mortgage loan files, the servicing of the mortgage loan, compliance with existing guidelines, as well as our ability to enforce the contractual rights in the mortgage. We also obtain certain representations and warranties from each seller with respect to the mortgage loans, as well as the enforceability of the lien on the mortgaged property. A seller who breaches these representations and warranties may be obligated to repurchase the loan from us. In addition, as part of our process, we focus on selecting a servicer with the appropriate expertise to mitigate losses and maximize our overall return on these residential loans. This involves, among other things, performing due diligence on the servicer prior to their engagement, assigning the appropriate servicer for each loan based on certain characteristics and monitoring each servicer's performance on an ongoing basis.

 Investments in non-Agency RMBS, CMBS and ABS also contain credit risk. These investments typically consist of either the senior, mezzanine or subordinate tranches in securitizations. The underlying collateral of these securitizations may be exposed to various macroeconomic and asset-specific credit risks. These securities have varying levels of credit enhancement which provide some structural protection from losses within the securitization. We undertake an in-depth assessment of the underlying collateral and securitization structure when investing in these assets, which may include modeling defaults, prepayments and losses across different scenarios. In addition, we are exposed to credit risk in our Mezzanine Lending and equity investments in owners of multi-family properties, including joint venture equity investments in multi-family apartment communities. The performance and value of these investments depend upon the applicable operating partner's or borrower's ability to effectively operate the multi-family properties that serve as the underlying collateral to produce cash flows adequate to pay distributions, interest or principal due to us or other investors or lenders. The Company monitors the performance and credit quality of the underlying assets in which it invests or that serve as collateral for its investments. In connection with these types of investments by us in multi-family properties, the procedures for ongoing monitoring include financial statement analysis and regularly scheduled site inspections of portfolio properties to assess property physical condition, performance of on-site staff and competitive activity in the sub-market. We also formulate annual budgets and performance goals alongside our operating partners for use in measuring the ongoing investment performance and credit quality of our investments. Additionally, the Company's preferred equity and equity investments typically provide us with various rights and remedies to protect our investment.

 Fair Value Risk

 Changes in interest rates, market liquidity, credit quality and other factors also expose us to market value (fair value) fluctuation on our assets, liabilities and hedges. For certain of our credit sensitive assets, fair values may only be derived or estimated for these investments using various valuation techniques, such as computing the present value of estimated future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. However, the determination of estimated future cash flows is inherently subjective and imprecise and extremely volatile periods or disruptions in the market, such as during the severe market disruption that occurred in 2020 or the current volatile market environment, make such estimates and assumptions inherently less certain. As a result, we believe our market value (fair value) risk has significantly increased. Minor changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies can have a material effect on these derived or estimated fair values.

 Our fair value estimates and assumptions are indicative of the interest rate and business environments as of December 31, 2024 and do not take into consideration the effects of subsequent changes. The following describes the methods and assumptions we use in estimating fair values of our financial instruments:

 Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques involve uncertainties and are significantly affected by the assumptions used and the judgments made regarding risk characteristics of various financial instruments, discount rates, estimate of future cash flows, future expected loss experience and other factors.

 Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates and the resulting fair values. Derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in an immediate sale of the instrument. Also, because of differences in methodologies and assumptions used to estimate fair values, the fair values used by us should not be compared to those of other companies.

 The table below presents the sensitivity of the fair value of our portfolio as of December 31, 2024, using a discounted cash flow simulation model assuming an instantaneous interest rate shift. Application of this method results in an estimation of the fair market value change of our assets, liabilities and hedging instruments per 100 basis point shift in interest rates.

 This analysis also takes into consideration the value of options embedded in certain of our assets including constraints on the re-pricing of the interest rate of assets resulting from periodic and lifetime cap features, as well as prepayment options. Assets and liabilities that are not interest rate-sensitive such as cash, payment receivables, prepaid expenses, payables and accrued expenses are excluded.

 Changes in assumptions including, but not limited to, volatility, mortgage and financing spreads, prepayment behavior, credit conditions, defaults, as well as the timing and level of interest rate changes will affect the results of the model. Therefore, actual results are likely to vary from modeled results.

 Fair Value Changes

 Changes in Interest Rates
 Changes in Fair Value (1)

 Percentage Change in Portfolio Fair Value (1)

 (basis points)
 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 +200
 $(163,842)
 (2.82)%

 +100
 $(63,153)
 (1.09)%

 Base
 —

 -100
 $91,842
 1.58%

 -200
 $123,573
 2.12%

 (1)Includes residential loans, Mezzanine Lending investments, investment securities, derivatives, mortgage servicing rights, residential loan securitizations, non-Agency RMBS re-securitization and senior unsecured notes at fair value.

 Although the use of a model to perform market value sensitivity analysis is widely accepted as a tool in identifying potential risk in a changing interest rate environment, it should be noted that the model does not take into consideration changes that may occur such as, but not limited to, changes in portfolio composition, financing strategies, market spreads, business volumes or overall market liquidity. Accordingly, we make extensive use of an earnings simulation model to further analyze our level of interest rate risk.

 Capital Market Risk

 We are exposed to risks related to the equity capital markets, and our related ability to raise capital through the issuance of our common stock, preferred stock or other equity instruments. We are also exposed to risks related to the debt capital markets, and our related ability to finance our business through credit facilities or other debt instruments. As a REIT, we are required to distribute a significant portion of our taxable income annually, which constrains our ability to accumulate operating cash flow and therefore may require us to utilize debt or equity capital to finance our business. We seek to mitigate these risks by monitoring the debt and equity capital markets to inform our decisions on the amount, timing, and terms of capital we raise. Based on the currently uncertain market environment, we expect the capital markets to remain volatile and uncertain at varying levels for the near future and this may adversely affect our ability to access capital to fund our operations, meet our obligations and make distributions to our stockholders.

 Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 Our financial statements and the related notes, together with the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, as required by this Item 8, are set forth beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

 Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 None.

 Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2024. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2024.

 Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability, preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) (the "COSO framework"). Based on our evaluation under the COSO framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.

 The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls. Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

 Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 None.

 Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

 Not applicable.

 Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 The information required by this item is included in our Proxy Statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the "2025 Proxy Statement") and is incorporated herein by reference.

 Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 The information required by this item is included in the 2025 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 Except as set forth below, the information required by this item is included in the 2025 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 The information presented under the heading "Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities — Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans" in Item 5 of Part II of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 The information required by this item is included in the 2025 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 The information required by this item is included in the 2025 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 (a)Financial Statements.

 See the accompanying Index to Financial Statement Schedule on Page F-1.

 (b)Exhibits.

 EXHIBIT INDEX

 Exhibits: The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed below.

 Exhibit
 Description

 3.1

 Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2023).

 3.2

 Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 22, 2022).

 3.3

 Articles Supplementary designating the Company's 7.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock") (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2013).

 3.4

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating 2,550,000 additional shares of the Series B Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2015).

 3.5

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the Company's 7.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series C Preferred Stock") (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2015).

 3.6

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the Company's 8.00% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series D Preferred Stock") (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2017).

 3.7

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating 2,460,000 additional shares of the Series C Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2019).

 3.8

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating 2,650,000 additional shares of the Series D Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2019).

 3.9

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the Company's 7.875% Series E Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series E Preferred Stock") (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2019).

 3.10

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating 3,000,000 additional shares of the Series E Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 27, 2019).

 3.11

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the Company's 6.875% Series F Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series F Preferred Stock") (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 6, 2021).

 3.12

 Articles Supplementary reclassifying and designating 6,600,000 authorized but unissued shares of the Series C Preferred Stock as additional shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 5, 2021).

 3.13

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating 2,000,000 additional shares of the Series F Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 11, 2021).

 3.14

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the Company's 7.000% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series G Preferred Stock") (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 23, 2021).

 3.15

 Articles Supplementary reclassifying and designating 6,000,000 authorized but unissued shares of the Series B Preferred Stock as additional shares of undesignated preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2021).

 3.16

 Articles Supplementary classifying and designating 2,000,000 additional shares of the Series G Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2022).

 4.1

 Form of Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-111668) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2004).

 4.2

 Form of Certificate representing the Series D Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2017).

 4.3

 Form of Certificate representing the Series E Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 15, 2019).

 4.4

 Form of Certificate representing the Series F Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 6, 2021).

 4.5

 Form of Certificate representing the Series G Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.11 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 23, 2021).

 4.6

 Indenture, dated January 23, 2017, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2017).

 4.7

 Indenture, dated as of April 27, 2021, between the Company and UMB Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2021).

 4.8

 Form of 5.75% Senior Notes due 2026 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2021).

 4.9

 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2024, between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2024).

 4.10

 Form of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2029 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2024).

 4.11

 Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 14, 2025, between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 14, 2025).

 4.12

 Form of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2030 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 14, 2025).

 Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities of the Company and its subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, copies of any such instruments.

 4.13

 Description of the Company's securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.*

 10.1

 The Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2017).

 10.2

 Amendment No. 1 to the New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2019).

 10.3

 Amendment No. 2 to the New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 2021).

 10.4

 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2009).

 10.5

 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Directors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2009).

 10.6

 Employment Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2021, between the Company and Jason T. Serrano (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 2021).

 10.7

 Employment Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2022, between the Company and Kristine R. Nario-Eng (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 2022).

 10.8

 Employment Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2022, between the Company and Nicholas Mah (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2022).

 10.9

 The Company's 2018 Annual Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2018).

 10.10

 The Company's Amended and Restated 2019 Annual Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2019).

 10.11

 Form of 2019 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2019).

 10.12

 The Company's 2020 Annual Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2020).

 10.13

 Form of 2020 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2020).

 10.14

 Form of 2020 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2020).

 10.15

 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Employees (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2020).

 10.16

 Form of 2021 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2021).

 10.17

 Form of 2021 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2021).

 10.18

 The Company's 2021 Annual Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2021).

 10.19

 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2022).

 10.20

 Form of 2022 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2022).

 10.21

 Form of 2022 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2022).

 10.22

 The Company's 2022 Annual Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2022).

 10.23

 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2023).

 10.24

 Form of 2023 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2023).

 10.25

 Form of 2023 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2023).

 10.26

 The Company's 2023 Annual Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2023).

 10.27

 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2024).

 10.28

 Form of 2024 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3, 2024).

 10.29

 Form of 2024 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3, 2024).

 10.30

 The Company's 2024 Annual Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3, 2024).

 10.31

 Form of 2024 Deferred Stock Unit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 1, 2024).

 10.32

 Form of 2025 Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement.*

 10.33

 Form of 2025 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.*

 10.34

 The Company's 2025 Annual Incentive Plan.*

 10.35

 Form of Indemnification Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2020).

 10.36

 Form of Change in Control Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 4, 2022).

 19.1

 Insider Trading Policy.*

 21.1

 List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.*

 23.1

 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Grant Thornton LLP).*

 31.1

 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 31.2

 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 32.1

 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**

 97.1

 Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2024).

 99.1

 Equity Distribution Agreement, dated August 10, 2021, by and between the Company and B. Riley Securities, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 11, 2021).

 99.2

 Equity Distribution Agreement, dated March 29, 2019, by and between the Company and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2019).

 99.3

 Amendment No. 1 to Equity Distribution Agreement, dated November 27, 2019, by and between the Company and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 27, 2019).

 99.4

 Amendment No. 2 to Equity Distribution Agreement, dated August 10, 2021, by and between the Company and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 11, 2021).

 99.5

 Amendment No. 3 to Equity Distribution Agreement, dated March 2, 2022, by and between the Company and JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 2022).

 101.INS

 101.SCH
 Taxonomy Extension Schema Document ***

 101.CAL
 Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document ***

 Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document ***

 101.LAB
 Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document ***

 101.PRE
 Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document ***

 Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 *Filed herewith.

 **Furnished herewith. Such certification shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 None.

 SIGNATURES

 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.

 Date:
 By:
 /s/ Jason T. Serrano

 Jason T. Serrano

 Chief Executive Officer

 (Principal Executive Officer)

 Date:
 By:
 /s/ Kristine R. Nario-Eng

 Kristine R. Nario-Eng

 Chief Financial Officer

 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 Signature
 Title
 Date

 /s/ Jason T. Serrano
 Chief Executive Officer and Director

 Jason T. Serrano
 (Principal Executive Officer)

 /s/ Kristine R. Nario-Eng
 Chief Financial Officer

 Kristine R. Nario-Eng
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 /s/ Steven R. Mumma
 Chairman of the Board

 Steven R. Mumma

 /s/ Eugenia R. Cheng

 Eugenia R. Cheng

 /s/ Michael B. Clement

 Michael B. Clement

 /s/ Audrey E. Greenberg

 Audrey E. Greenberg

 /s/ Steven G. Norcutt

 Steven G. Norcutt

 /s/ Lisa A. Pendergast

 Lisa A. Pendergast

 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 AND

 REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 For Inclusion in Form 10-K

 Filed with

 United States Securities and Exchange Commission

 Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 PAGE

 Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 248)

 F- 2

 Consolidated Balance Sheets

 F- 5

 Consolidated Statements of Operations

 F- 6

 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

 F- 7

 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

 F- 8

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 F- 10

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 F- 12

 Note 1. Organization

 F- 13

 Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 F- 14

 Note 3. Residential Loans, at Fair Value

 F- 25

 Note 4. Investment Securities Available For Sale, at Fair Value

 F- 27

 Note 5. Multi-family Loans, at Fair Value

 F- 30

 Note 6. Equity Investments, at Fair Value

 F- 31

 Note 7. Use of Special Purpose Entities (SPE) and Variable Interest Entities (VIE)

 F- 35

 Note 8. Real Estate, Net

 F- 43

 Note 9. A ssets and Liabilities of Disposal Group Held for Sale

 F- 46

 Note 10. Derivative Instruments

 F- 48

 Note 11. M ortgage Servicing Rights

 F- 53

 Note 12. Other Assets and Other Liabilities

 F- 54

 Note 13. Repurchase Agreements

 F- 55

 Note 14. Collateralized Debt Obligations

 F- 58

 Note 15. Debt

 F- 60

 Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies

 F- 64

 Note 17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 F- 65

 Note 18. Stockholders' Equity

 F- 76

 Note 19. Loss Per Common Share

 F- 81

 Note 20. Stock Based Compensation

 F- 82

 Note 21. Income Taxes

 F- 86

 Note 22. Net Interest Income

 F- 88

 Note 23. Other Income

 F- 89

 Note 24. S egment Reporting

 F- 90

 Note 25. Subsequent Events

 F- 91

 Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

 F- 92

 Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

 F- 95

 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 Board of Directors and Stockholders
 New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

 Opinion on the financial statements
 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (a Maryland corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and financial statement schedules included under Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"), and our report dated February 21, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion.

 Basis for opinion
 These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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

 Fair value measurements of Residential Loans held by the Company and residential loans held by securitization trusts
 As described further in Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements, the Company's residential loans, at fair value includes residential loans held by the Company and residential loans held by securitization trusts ("Residential Loans"). These consist of performing, re-performing and non-performing residential loans and business purpose loans, which are recorded at fair value, using a fair value option election on a recurring basis. The Company determines the fair value measurement after considering valuations obtained from a third party that specializes in providing valuations of residential loans. We identified the fair value measurement of Residential Loans as a critical audit matter.

 The principal considerations for our determination that the fair value measurement of Residential Loans was a critical audit matter are that the assets are priced using unobservable inputs. As such, the fair value measurement requires management to make judgments in order to identify and select the appropriate model and significant assumptions, which may include forecast prepayment rates, default rates, discount rates and rates for loss upon default and collateral values, among others. In addition, the fair value measurements of Residential Loans are highly sensitive to changes in the significant assumptions and underlying market conditions and are material to the financial statements. As a result, obtaining sufficient appropriate audit evidence related to the fair value measurement required significant auditor subjectivity.

 Our audit procedures related to the fair value measurement of Residential Loans included the following, among others. We tested the design and operating effectiveness of relevant controls performed by management relating to the fair value measurement of Residential Loans. We involved valuation specialists to test the reasonableness of property values used by management under the liquidation model for certain loans and we also involved valuation specialists to independently determine the fair value measurement of the Residential Loans and compared them to management's fair value measurement for reasonableness.

 Fair value measurements of certain interest only and first loss subordinated securities issued by Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitization entities ("Consolidated SLST") holding residential loans
 As described further in Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements, the Company owns investment securities, including interest only and first loss subordinated securities which are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Some of these investment securities result in the consolidation of the underlying securitization entities as required by Accounting Standards Codification 810, Consolidation. The Company has elected to account for the consolidated securitization entities as Collateralized Finance Entities ("CFEs") and has elected to measure the financial assets of its CFEs using the fair value of the financial liabilities issued by those entities, which management has determined to be more observable. The interest only and first loss subordinated securities issued by Consolidated SLST are priced individually by the Company utilizing market comparable pricing and discounted cash flow analysis valuation techniques. We identified the fair value measurement of these interest only and first loss subordinated securities in Consolidated SLST ("SLST Investments") as a critical audit matter.

 The principal considerations for our determination that the fair value measurement of the SLST Investments is a critical audit matter are that there is limited observable market data available for these SLST Investments. As such, the fair value measurement requires management to make judgments in order to identify and select the significant assumptions, which may include the discount rate, prepayment rate, collateral default rate and loss severity. In addition, the fair value measurements of the SLST Investments are highly sensitive to changes in the significant assumptions and underlying market conditions and are material to the financial statements. As a result, obtaining sufficient appropriate audit evidence related to the fair value measurement required significant auditor subjectivity.

 Our audit procedures related to the fair value measurement of SLST Investments included the following, among others. We tested the design and operating effectiveness of relevant controls performed by management relating to the fair value measurement of the SLST Investments. We also involved a valuation specialist to independently determine the fair value measurement of the SLST Investments and compared them to management's fair value measurement for reasonableness.

 /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2009.

 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 Board of Directors and Stockholders
 New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

 Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
 We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (a Maryland corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control— Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control— Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

 We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024, and our report dated February 21, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 Basis for opinion
 The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
 A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 (Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 ASSETS

 $
 $

 Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

 Multi-family loans, at fair value

 Equity investments, at fair value

 167,422
 187,107

 623,407
 1,131,819

 Assets of disposal group held for sale

 437,874
 315,357

 Total Assets (1)

 $
 9,217,282
 $
 7,401,328

 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 Liabilities:

 $
 $

 Collateralized debt obligations ($ 2,135,680 at fair value and $ 842,764 at amortized cost, net as of December 31, 2024 and $ 593,737 at fair value and $ 1,276,780 at amortized cost, net as of December 31, 2023)

 2,978,444
 1,870,517

 Senior unsecured notes ($ 60,310 at fair value and $ 98,886 at amortized cost, net as of December 31, 2024 and $ 98,111 at amortized cost, net as of December 31, 2023)

 159,196

 Mortgages payable on real estate, net

 Liabilities of disposal group held for sale

 147,612
 118,016

 Total liabilities (1)

 7,806,148
 5,773,202

 Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 16)

 Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

 Stockholders' Equity:

 Preferred stock, par value $ 0.01 per share, 31,500,000 shares authorized, 22,164,414 shares issued and outstanding ($ 554,110 aggregate liquidation preference)

 Common stock, par value $ 0.01 per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 90,574,996 and 90,675,403 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively

 Additional paid-in capital
 2,289,044
 2,297,081

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 —
 ( 4)

 Accumulated deficit
 ( 1,430,675)
 ( 1,253,817)

 Company's stockholders' equity

 Non-controlling interests
 4,055
 20,453

 Total equity
 1,398,775
 1,600,065

 Total Liabilities and Equity
 $
 9,217,282
 $
 7,401,328

 (1) Our consolidated balance sheets include assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities ("VIEs") as the Company is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, assets of consolidated VIEs totaled $ 3,988,584 and $ 3,816,777, respectively, and the liabilities of consolidated VIEs totaled $ 3,477,211 and $ 3,076,818, respectively. See Note 7 for further discussion.

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

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 2024
 2023
 2022

 NET INTEREST INCOME:

 $
 $
 $

 192,134
 129,419

 Total net interest income

 NET LOSS FROM REAL ESTATE:

 Rental income
 112,488
 141,057
 126,293

 Other real estate income
 20,151
 30,717
 15,363

 Total income from real estate
 132,639
 171,774
 141,656

 Interest expense, mortgages payable on real estate
 60,232
 90,221
 56,011

 Depreciation and amortization
 39,822
 24,620
 126,824

 Other real estate expenses
 75,426
 88,235
 72,400

 Total expenses related to real estate
 175,480
 203,076
 255,235

 Total net loss from real estate
 ( 42,841)
 ( 31,302)
 ( 113,579)

 OTHER LOSS:

 Realized (losses) gains, net

 ( 29,351)
 ( 27,059)
 26,625

 Unrealized (losses) gains, net

 ( 90,530)
 97,196
 ( 347,363)

 Gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net

 95,996
 ( 26,378)
 27,206

 Income from equity investments
 16,011
 17,785
 15,074

 ( 48,875)
 ( 89,548)
 ( 2,449)

 ( 14,636)
 ( 16,163)
 —

 29,149
 4,736
 18,738

 Total other loss

 ( 42,236)
 ( 39,431)
 ( 262,169)

 GENERAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING EXPENSES:

 General and administrative expenses
 48,672
 49,565
 52,440

 Portfolio operating expenses
 30,688
 23,952
 40,888

 Debt issuance costs

 —
 —

 Total general, administrative and operating expenses
 91,695
 73,517
 93,328

 LOSS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 ( 92,917)
 ( 77,724)
 ( 340,107)

 Income tax expense
 1,036

 NET LOSS

 ( 93,953)
 ( 77,799)
 ( 340,649)

 Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

 31,924
 29,134
 42,044

 NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY

 Preferred stock dividends

 Gain on repurchase of preferred stock

 —
 —

 NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

 $
 ( 103,785)
 $
 ( 90,035)
 $
 ( 340,577)

 Basic loss per common share

 $
 ( 1.14)
 $
 ( 0.99)
 $
 ( 3.61)

 Diluted loss per common share

 $
 ( 1.14)
 $
 ( 0.99)
 $
 ( 3.61)

 Weighted average shares outstanding-basic

 Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted

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

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
 (Dollar amounts in thousands)

 2024
 2023
 2022

 NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

 $
 ( 103,785)
 $
 ( 90,035)
 $
 ( 340,577)

 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 Increase (decrease) in fair value of available for sale securities

 —

 Reclassification adjustment for net loss included in net loss

 1,822
 —

 TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 1,966

 COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

 $
 ( 103,781)
 $
 ( 88,069)
 $
 ( 344,325)

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

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 For the Years Ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
 (Dollar amounts in thousands)

 Common Stock
 Preferred Stock
 Additional Paid-In Capital
 Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 Total Company Stockholders' Equity
 Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated VIE
 Total

 Balance, December 31, 2021
 $
 $
 538,221
 $
 2,359,421
 $
 ( 559,338)
 $
 1,778
 $
 2,341,031
 $
 24,359
 $
 2,365,390

 Net loss
 ($( 38,190) allocated to redeemable non-controlling interest)

 —
 —
 —
 —
 ( 3,854)
 ( 302,459)

 Preferred stock issuance, net
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 ( 42)
 —
 ( 44,357)
 —
 —
 ( 44,399)
 —
 ( 44,399)

 Stock based compensation expense, net
 —
 11,890
 —
 —
 11,895
 —
 11,895

 Dividends declared on common stock

 —
 —
 —
 ( 150,232)
 —
 ( 150,232)
 —
 ( 150,232)

 Dividends declared on preferred stock

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Dividends attributable to dividend equivalents
 —
 —
 —
 ( 2,621)
 —
 ( 2,621)
 —
 ( 2,621)

 Decrease in fair value of available for sale securities
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Increase in non-controlling interest related to initial consolidation of VIEs
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 16,293
 16,293

 Contributions from non-controlling interests
 —
 —
 ( 26)
 —
 —
 ( 26)

 Decrease in non-controlling interest related to distributions from Consolidated VIEs
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 ( 4,211)
 ( 4,211)

 —
 —
 ( 44,237)
 —
 —
 ( 44,237)
 —
 ( 44,237)

 Balance, December 31, 2022
 $
 $
 538,351
 $
 2,282,691
 $
 ( 1,052,768)
 $
 ( 1,970)
 $
 1,767,216
 $
 33,092
 $
 1,800,308

 Net loss ($( 17,067) allocated to redeemable non-controlling interest)

 —
 —
 —
 —
 ( 12,067)
 ( 60,732)

 ( 9)
 —
 ( 8,606)
 —
 —
 ( 8,615)
 —
 ( 8,615)

 Preferred stock repurchases
 —
 ( 2,906)
 —
 —
 ( 2,439)
 —
 ( 2,439)

 Stock based compensation expense, net
 —
 8,821
 —
 —
 8,825
 —
 8,825

 Dividends declared on common stock
 —
 —
 —
 ( 109,279)
 —
 ( 109,279)
 —
 ( 109,279)

 Dividends declared on preferred stock
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Dividends attributable to dividend equivalents
 —
 —
 —
 ( 1,735)
 —
 ( 1,735)
 —
 ( 1,735)

 Reclassification adjustment for net loss included in net loss
 —
 —
 —
 —
 1,822
 1,822
 —
 1,822

 Increase in fair value of available for sale securities
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Increase in non-controlling interest related to initial consolidation of VIEs
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 3,790
 3,790

 Contributions of non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Decrease in non-controlling interest related to distributions from Consolidated VIEs
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 ( 5,359)
 ( 5,359)

 —
 —
 14,175
 —
 —
 14,175
 —
 14,175

 Balance, December 31, 2023

 $
 $
 $
 2,297,081
 $
 ( 1,253,817)
 $
 ( 4)
 $
 $
 20,453
 $
 1,600,065

 Net loss ($( 16,926) allocated to redeemable non-controlling interest)

 —
 —
 —
 —
 ( 14,998)
 ( 77,027)

 ( 6)
 —
 ( 3,487)
 —
 —
 ( 3,493)
 —
 ( 3,493)

 Stock based compensation expense, net
 —
 6,063
 —
 —
 6,068
 —
 6,068

 Dividends declared on common stock
 —
 —
 —
 ( 72,596)
 —
 ( 72,596)
 —
 ( 72,596)

 Dividends declared on preferred stock
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Dividends attributable to dividend equivalents
 —
 —
 —
 ( 477)
 —
 ( 477)
 —
 ( 477)

 Reclassification adjustment for net loss included in net loss
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Increase in non-controlling interest related to de-consolidation of VIEs

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 1,730
 1,730

 Contributions of non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Decrease in non-controlling interest related to distributions from Consolidated VIEs
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 ( 3,646)
 ( 3,646)

 —
 —
 ( 10,613)
 —
 —
 ( 10,613)
 —
 ( 10,613)

 Balance, December 31, 2024

 $
 $
 $
 2,289,044
 $
 ( 1,430,675)
 $
 —
 $
 $
 4,055
 $
 1,398,775

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

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 (Dollar amounts in thousands)

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 Net loss

 $
 ( 93,953)
 $
 ( 77,799)
 $
 ( 340,649)

 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 Net amortization
 20,219
 27,500
 26,137

 Depreciation and amortization expense related to operating real estate
 39,822
 24,620
 126,824

 Realized losses (gains), net

 29,351
 27,059
 ( 26,625)

 Unrealized losses (gains), net

 90,530
 ( 97,196)
 347,363

 (Gains) losses on derivative investments, net

 ( 95,996)
 26,378
 ( 27,206)

 Gain on sale of real estate

 ( 27,835)
 ( 4,763)
 ( 17,132)

 Gain on de-consolidation of joint venture equity investments in Consolidated VIEs

 ( 6,115)
 —
 —

 48,875
 89,548
 2,449

 14,636
 16,163
 —

 Loss (gain) on extinguishment of collateralized debt obligations and mortgages payable on real estate

 2,864
 ( 2,214)

 Income from preferred equity, mezzanine loan and equity investments
 ( 26,796)
 ( 28,774)
 ( 30,162)

 Distributions of income from preferred equity, mezzanine loan and equity investments
 24,222
 26,076
 49,832

 Stock based compensation expense, net
 6,068
 8,825
 11,895

 Cash reclassified from (to) assets of disposal group held for sale

 3,215
 8,267
 ( 13,944)

 Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 ( 15,036)
 ( 16,747)
 ( 14,785)

 Net cash provided by operating activities
 14,071
 29,953
 91,783

 Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 Proceeds from sales of investment securities
 5,284
 64,690
 85,437

 Principal paydowns received on investment securities
 296,611
 56,459
 24,680

 Purchases of investment securities
 ( 2,210,935)
 ( 2,014,385)
 ( 24,879)

 Principal repayments received on residential loans
 1,147,168
 1,062,247
 1,361,040

 Proceeds from sales of residential loans
 162,883
 25,144
 —

 Purchases of residential loans
 ( 1,883,708)
 ( 612,784)
 ( 1,738,474)

 Principal repayments received on preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments
 5,100
 8,460
 29,050

 Return of capital from equity investments
 25,061
 74,275
 60,055

 Funding of preferred equity, mezzanine loan and equity investments
 ( 1,498)
 ( 52,400)
 ( 28,086)

 Funding of joint venture equity investments in Consolidated VIEs

 —
 —
 ( 177,570)

 Cash received from initial consolidation of VIEs
 —
 6,897

 Proceeds from sales of joint venture equity investments in Consolidated VIEs

 2,050
 —
 —

 Decrease in cash from de-consolidation of Consolidated VIEs

 ( 3,956)
 —
 —

 Net variation margin received (paid) for derivative instruments

 70,656
 ( 27,447)
 —

 Net payments received from derivative instruments

 29,691
 24,215
 1,881

 Net proceeds from sale of real estate
 157,203
 221,968
 100,666

 Purchases of and capital expenditures on real estate
 ( 24,647)
 ( 50,412)
 ( 209,372)

 Purchases of investments held in Consolidated SLST

 ( 9,857)
 —
 —

 Purchases of mortgage servicing rights

 ( 9,470)
 —
 —

 Purchases of other assets
 ( 2,071)
 ( 63)
 ( 100)

 Net cash used in investing activities

 ( 2,244,435)
 ( 1,219,931)
 ( 508,775)

 Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 Net proceeds received from repurchase agreements

 1,535,749
 1,730,366
 179,033

 Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes

 60,000
 —
 —

 Proceeds from issuance of collateralized debt obligations

 1,350,153
 —
 969,986

 Repurchases of common stock
 ( 3,493)
 ( 8,615)
 ( 44,399)

 Repurchases of preferred stock
 —
 ( 2,439)
 —

 Dividends paid on common stock and dividend equivalents
 ( 74,945)
 ( 128,801)
 ( 151,753)

 Dividends paid on preferred stock
 ( 41,894)
 ( 41,404)

 Repayment of convertible notes
 —
 —
 ( 138,000)

 Net distributions to non-controlling interests in Consolidated VIEs
 ( 11,893)
 ( 8,377)
 ( 10,815)

 Redemptions of redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIE
 ( 626)
 ( 485)
 ( 2,015)

 Payments made on and extinguishment of collateralized debt obligations
 ( 469,017)
 ( 204,649)
 ( 188,914)

 Payments made on Consolidated SLST CDOs
 ( 61,130)
 ( 46,476)
 ( 114,847)

 Net (payments made on) proceeds received from mortgages payable on real estate

 ( 54,296)
 ( 148,948)
 3,197

 Net cash provided by financing activities

 2,228,746
 1,139,682
 460,069

 Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

 ( 1,618)
 ( 50,296)
 43,077

 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - Beginning of Period
 330,642
 380,938
 337,861

 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - End of Period
 $
 329,024
 $
 330,642
 $
 380,938

 Supplemental Disclosure:

 Cash paid for interest
 $
 344,725
 $
 249,854
 $
 161,251

 Cash (refunds received) paid for income taxes

 $
 ( 32)
 $
 $
 2,674

 Non-Cash Investment Activities:

 De-consolidation of real estate held in Consolidated VIEs

 $
 622,708
 $
 —
 $
 —

 De-consolidation of mortgages payable on real estate held in Consolidated VIEs

 $
 629,763
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Consolidation of residential loans held in Consolidated SLST

 $
 285,057
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Consolidation of Consolidated SLST CDOs

 $
 275,200
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Consolidation of real estate held in Consolidated VIEs
 $
 —
 $
 54,439
 $
 664,437

 Consolidation of mortgages payable on real estate held in Consolidated VIEs
 $
 —
 $
 $
 524,217

 Transfer from residential loans to real estate owned
 $
 85,342
 $
 42,485
 $
 18,858

 Transfer from residential loans to real estate, net

 $
 2,640
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Distribution of mortgage servicing rights from equity investment

 $
 10,917
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Non-Cash Financing Activities:

 Dividends declared on common stock and dividend equivalents to be paid in subsequent period
 $
 19,844
 $
 21,716
 $
 39,503

 Dividends declared on preferred stock to be paid in subsequent period
 $
 10,435
 $
 10,435
 $
 10,493

 Mortgages and notes payable assumed by purchaser of real estate held for sale in Consolidated VIEs

 $
 24,073
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Reconciliation:

 $
 167,422
 $
 187,107
 $
 244,718

 Restricted cash included in other assets
 161,602
 143,535
 136,220

 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
 $
 329,024
 $
 330,642
 $
 380,938

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

 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 1. Organization

 New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries ("NYMT," "we," "our," or the "Company"), is an internally-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets. Our objective is to deliver long-term stable distributions to our stockholders over changing economic conditions through a combination of net interest spread and capital gains from a diversified investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio includes credit sensitive single-family and multi-family assets, as well as more traditional types of fixed-income investments that provide coupon income, such as Agency RMBS.

 The Company conducts its business through the parent company, New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., and several subsidiaries, including taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs"), qualified REIT subsidiaries ("QRSs") and special purpose subsidiaries established for securitization purposes. The Company consolidates all of its subsidiaries under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP").

 The Company is organized and conducts its operations to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, the Company will generally not be subject to federal income taxes on that portion of its income that is distributed to stockholders if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders by the due date of its federal income tax return and complies with various other requirements.

 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 Definitions – The following defines certain of the commonly used terms in these financial statements:

 "RMBS" refers to residential mortgage-backed securities backed by adjustable-rate, hybrid adjustable-rate, or fixed-rate residential loans;
 "Agency RMBS" refers to RMBS representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of residential loans guaranteed by a government sponsored enterprise ("GSE"), such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), or an agency of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae");
 "non-Agency RMBS" refers to RMBS that are not guaranteed by any agency of the U.S. Government or GSE;
 "IOs" refers collectively to interest only and inverse interest only mortgage-backed securities that represent the right to the interest component of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans;
 "POs" refers to mortgage-backed securities that represent the right to the principal component of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans;
 "ARMs" refers to adjustable-rate residential loans;
 "Agency ARMs" refers to Agency RMBS comprised of adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS;
 "Agency fixed-rate RMBS" refers to Agency RMBS comprised of fixed-rate RMBS;
 "ABS" refers to debt and/or equity tranches of securitizations backed by various asset classes including, but not limited to, automobiles, aircraft, credit cards, equipment, franchises, recreational vehicles and student loans;
 "CMBS" refers to commercial mortgage-backed securities comprised of commercial mortgage pass-through securities issued by a GSE, as well as PO, IO or mezzanine securities that represent the right to a specific component of the cash flow from a pool of commercial mortgage loans;
 "CDO" refers to collateralized debt obligation and includes debt that permanently finances the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST, the Company's residential loans held in securitization trusts and a non-Agency RMBS re-securitization that we consolidate, or consolidated, in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP;
 "business purpose loans" refers to (i) short-term loans that are collateralized by residential properties and are made to investors who intend to rehabilitate and sell the residential property for a profit or (ii) loans that finance (or refinance) non-owner occupied residential properties that are rented to one or more tenants;
 "Consolidated Real Estate VIEs" refers to Consolidated VIEs that own multi-family properties;
 "Consolidated SLST" refers to Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitizations, comprised of seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential loans, of which we own the first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs, that we consolidate in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP;
 "Consolidated VIEs" refers to VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary, as 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 and that we consolidate in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP;
 "MSRs" refers to mortgage servicing rights that represent the contractual right to service residential loans;
 "SOFR" refers to Secured Overnight Funding Rate; and
 "Variable Interest Entity" or "VIE" refers to an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties.

 Basis of Presentation – On March 9, 2023, the Company effected a one-for-four reverse stock split of its issued, outstanding and authorized shares of common stock (the "Reverse Stock Split"). Accordingly, all common share and per common share data for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been adjusted on a retroactive basis to reflect the impact of the Reverse Stock Split.

 The accompanying consolidated financial statements 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. Management has made significant estimates in several areas, including fair valuation of its financial instruments reported at fair value, real estate held by Consolidated VIEs and redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests in Consolidated VIEs. Although the Company's estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects those conditions to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially impact the Company's results of operations and its financial condition.

 Reclassifications – Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified on the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation. In particular, prior period disclosures have been adjusted for the aforementioned Reverse Stock Split.

 Additionally, prior period disclosures have been conformed to the current period presentation of net loss from real estate. Beginning in the third quarter of 2023, the components of net loss from real estate, inclusive of rental income and other real estate income and interest expense, mortgages payable on real estate, depreciation and amortization and other real estate expenses, are presented as total net loss from real estate on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Previously, rental income, other real estate income and total income from real estate was presented in other income (loss) and interest expense, mortgages payable on real estate, depreciation and amortization, other real estate expenses and total expenses related to real estate were presented in general, administrative and operating expenses on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

 Also beginning in the third quarter of 2023, unrealized gains (losses) and realized gains (losses) on derivative instruments are presented in gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Previously, unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments were presented in unrealized gains (losses), net and realized gains (losses) on derivative instruments were presented in realized gains (losses), net on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

 Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities – The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all its subsidiaries which are majority-owned, controlled by the Company or a VIE where the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation ( see Note 7).

 A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. The Company consolidates a VIE in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810") when it is the primary beneficiary of such VIE, herein referred to as a Consolidated VIE. As primary beneficiary, the Company 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 evaluates the initial consolidation of each Consolidated VIE, which includes a determination of whether the VIE constitutes the definition of a business in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"), by considering if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets within the VIE are concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or group of single identifiable assets. Upon consolidation, the Company recognizes the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any third-party ownership of membership interests as non-controlling interest as of the consolidation or acquisition date, measured at their relative fair values (see Note 7). Non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs is adjusted prospectively for its share of the allocation of income or loss and equity contributions and distributions from each respective Consolidated VIE. The third-party owners of certain of the non-controlling interests in Consolidated VIEs have the ability to sell their ownership interests to the Company, at their election, subject to certain conditions. The Company has classified these third-party ownership interests as redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs in mezzanine equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See "Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated VIEs" below for further discussion of redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs.

 Residential Loans – The Company's acquired residential loans, including performing, re-performing and non-performing residential loans and business purpose loans are presented at fair value on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets pursuant to a fair value option election in accordance with ASC 825, Financial Instruments ("ASC 825"). Changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Residential loans include seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential loans held in Consolidated SLST. Based on a number of factors, management determined that the Company was the primary beneficiary of Consolidated SLST and met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, has consolidated the securitizations, including their assets, liabilities, income and expenses in our financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within Consolidated SLST, which requires that changes in valuations be reflected on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In accordance with ASC 810, the Company measures both the financial assets and financial liabilities of a qualifying consolidated collateralized financing entity ("CFE") using the fair value of either the CFE's financial assets or financial liabilities, whichever is more observable. As the related securitization trusts are considered qualifying CFEs, the Company determines the fair value of the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST based on the fair value of its respective residential CDOs and the Company's investment in the respective securitizations (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable.

 Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the residential loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. Residential loans are considered past due when they are 30 days past their contractual due date, and are placed on nonaccrual status when delinquent for more than 90 days or when, in management's opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business. Interest accrued but not yet collected at the time loans are placed on nonaccrual status is reversed and subsequently recognized only to the extent it is received in cash or until it qualifies for return to accrual status. Loans are restored to accrual status only when contractually current or the collection of future payments is reasonably assured.

 Premiums and discounts associated with the purchase of residential loans are amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the related loan using the effective interest method. Any premium amortization or discount accretion is reflected as a component of interest income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Real estate owned property acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure of residential loans is initially recorded at fair value, and subsequently reported at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value (less estimated cost to sell). Changes in the fair value of a real estate owned property that has a fair value at or below its carrying amount are recorded in other loss on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Fair values are determined using available market quotes, appraisals, broker price opinions, comparable properties, or other indications of value.

 Investment Securities Available for Sale – The Company has elected the fair value option for all investment securities available for sale. The fair value option was elected for investment securities to provide stockholders and others who rely on our financial statements with a more complete and accurate understanding of our economic performance. Changes in fair value of investment securities subject to the fair value election are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 The Company generally intends to hold its investment securities until maturity; however, from time to time, it may sell any of its securities as part of the overall management of its business. As a result, our investment securities are classified as available for sale securities. Realized gains and losses recorded on the sale of investment securities available for sale are based on the specific identification method and included in realized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Interest income on our investment securities available for sale is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance and their contractual terms. Purchase premiums or discounts associated with Agency RMBS assessed as high credit quality at the time of purchase are amortized or accreted to interest income over the estimated life of these investment securities using the effective yield method.

 Interest income on certain of our credit sensitive securities that were purchased at a premium or discount to par value, such as certain of our non-Agency RMBS, CMBS and ABS that are of less than high credit quality, is recognized based on the security's effective yield. The effective yield on these securities is based on management's estimate of the projected cash flows from each security, which incorporates assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, management reviews and, if appropriate, adjusts its cash flow projections based on input and analysis received from external sources, internal models, and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses, and other factors. Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in the yield (or interest income) recognized on these securities.

 The Company accounts for investment securities that are of high credit quality (generally those rated AA or better by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, or NRSRO) at the date of acquisition in accordance with ASC 320-10, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities ("ASC 320-10"). The Company accounts for investment securities that are not of high credit quality (i.e., those whose risk of loss is more than remote) or securities that can be contractually prepaid such that we would not recover our initial investment at the date of acquisition in accordance with ASC 325-40, Investments - Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets ("ASC 325-40"). The Company considers credit ratings, the underlying credit risk and other market factors in determining whether the investment securities are of high credit quality; however, securities rated lower than AA or an equivalent rating are not considered of high credit quality and are accounted for in accordance with ASC 325-40. If ratings are inconsistent among NRSROs, the Company uses the lower rating in determining whether the securities are of high credit quality.

 In determining if a credit loss evaluation is required for securities that are impaired, the Company compares the present value of the remaining cash flows expected to be collected at the prior reporting date or purchase date, whichever is most recent, against the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected at the current financial reporting date. The Company considers information available about the past and expected future performance of underlying collateral, including timing of expected future cash flows, prepayment rates, default rates, loss severities and delinquency rates.

 Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company made a fair value election at the time of acquisition of newly purchased investment securities pursuant to ASC 825. As of December 31, 2023, investment securities where the fair value option had not been elected and which were reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") included non-Agency RMBS (collectively, "CECL Securities"). If the fair value of CECL Securities was less than amortized cost as of a balance sheet date, the Company evaluated the CECL Securities for impairment as a result of credit losses. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company determined that no allowance for credit losses was necessary. There were no CECL Securities as of December 31, 2024.

 Multi-Family Loans – Multi-family loans include preferred equity investments in, and mezzanine loans to, entities that have multi-family real estate assets. A preferred equity investment is an equity investment in the entity that owns the underlying property. Preferred equity is not secured by the underlying property, but holders have priority relative to common equity holders on cash flow distributions and proceeds from capital events. In addition, preferred equity holders may be able to enhance their position and protect their equity position with covenants that limit the entity's activities and grant the holder the exclusive right to control the property after an event of default.

 Mezzanine loans are secured by a pledge of the borrower's equity ownership in the property. Unlike a mortgage, this loan does not represent a lien on the property. Therefore, it is always junior and subordinate to any first lien as well as second liens, if applicable, on the property. These loans are senior to any preferred equity or common equity interests in the entity that owns the property.

 The Company has evaluated its preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments for accounting treatment as loans versus equity investments utilizing the guidance provided by the Acquisition, Development and Construction Arrangements Subsection of ASC 310, Receivables. Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments, for which the characteristics, facts and circumstances indicate that loan accounting treatment is appropriate, are stated at fair value. The Company elected the fair value option for its preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments because the Company determined that such presentation represents the underlying economics of the respective investment. Changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management's opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, but in all cases when payment becomes greater than 90 days delinquent. Loans return to accrual status when principal and interest become current and are anticipated to be fully collectible. Fees or expenses related to the multi-family loans are recorded in total other income (loss) on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Preferred equity investments where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to an equity investment are included in Equity Investments below.

 Equity Investments – Non-controlling, unconsolidated ownership interests in an entity may be accounted for using the equity method or the cost method. In circumstances where the Company has a non-controlling interest but either owns a significant interest or is able to exert influence over the affairs of the enterprise, the Company utilizes the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the initial investment is increased each period for additional capital contributions and a proportionate share of the entity's earnings or preferred return and decreased for cash distributions and a proportionate share of the entity's losses. Equity investments also include certain of the Company's multi-family preferred equity investments where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to an equity investment. The Company records its equity in earnings or losses from these multi-family preferred equity investments under the hypothetical liquidation of book value method of accounting due to the structures and the preferences it receives on the distributions from these entities pursuant to the respective agreements. Under this method, the Company recognizes income or loss in each period based on the change in liquidation proceeds it would receive from a hypothetical liquidation of its investment.

 The Company has elected the fair value option for all equity investments. The Company elected the fair value option for its equity investments in entities that own interests (directly or indirectly) in multi-family or residential real estate assets or loans or entities that originate residential loans because the Company determined that such presentation represents the underlying economics of the respective investment. The Company records the change in fair value of its investment in income from equity investments on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (see Note 6).

 Real Estate, Net – Upon the acquisition of real estate properties which do not constitute the definition of a business, the Company records its initial investments in income-producing real estate as asset acquisitions at fair value as of the acquisition date. The purchase price of acquired properties is apportioned to the tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities, if any, acquired at their respective estimated fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, the Company utilizes a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective real estate, its own analysis of recently-acquired and existing comparable properties, property financial results, and other market data. The Company also considers information obtained about the real estate as a result of its due diligence, including marketing and leasing activities, in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company considers the value of acquired in-place leases and utilizes an amortization period that is the average remaining term of the acquired leases.

 Rental revenue is recognized when earned from residents of the Company's real estate properties over the terms of the rental agreements, typically a duration of one year or less. The Company evaluates the collectability of amounts due from residents and recognizes revenue from residents when collectability is deemed probable. Other property revenues are recognized in the period earned.

 Real Estate - Capitalization and Depreciation – The Company's expenditures which directly relate to the acquisition, development, construction and improvement of properties are capitalized at cost. During the development period, which culminates once a property is substantially complete and ready for intended use, operating and carrying costs such as interest expense, real estate taxes, insurance and other direct costs are capitalized. Advertising and general administrative costs that do not relate to the development of a property are expensed as incurred.

 Betterments and certain costs directly related to the improvement of real estate after the development period are capitalized. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. The Company depreciates on a straight-line basis the building component of its real estate over a 30 -year estimated useful life, building and improvements over a 10 -year to 30 -year estimated useful life, and furniture, fixtures and equipment over a 5 -year to 7.5 -year estimated useful life, all of which are judgmental determinations.

 Real Estate - Impairment – The Company periodically evaluates its real estate assets for indicators of impairment. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions and legal and environmental concerns, as well as the Company's ability and intent to hold each asset. Future events could occur which would cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment is warranted. If impairment indicators exist for long-lived assets to be held and used, and the expected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then the Company will record an impairment loss for the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying amount. If the asset is to be disposed of, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset, net of selling costs, and its carrying amount.

 Held for Sale Determinations – The Company considers its real estate and joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties to be held for sale when the following criteria are met: (i) management commits to a plan to sell the investments, (ii) investments are available for sale immediately, (iii) the investments are actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to their current fair value, (iv) the sale of the investments within one year is considered probable and (v) significant changes to the plan to sell are not expected.

 When real estate assets are identified as held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating (amortizing) the assets and estimates the fair value, net of selling costs, of such assets. When consolidated joint venture investments are identified as held for sale, the Company transfers the related assets and liabilities to assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale. Real estate held for sale (including real estate in disposal group held for sale) is recorded at the lower of the net carrying amount of the assets or the estimated net fair value. If the estimated net fair value of the real estate held for sale is less than the net carrying amount of the assets, an impairment of real estate charge is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations with an allocation to non-controlling interest in the respective Consolidated VIEs, if any.

 The Company assesses the net fair value of real estate held for sale in each reporting period that the assets remain classified as held for sale. Subsequent changes, if any, in the net fair value of the real estate assets held for sale that require an adjustment to the carrying amount are recorded in impairment of real estate in the consolidated statements of operations with an allocation to non-controlling interest in the respective Consolidated VIEs, if any, unless the adjustment causes the carrying amount of the assets to exceed the net carrying amount upon initial classification as held for sale.

 If circumstances arise that the Company previously considered unlikely and, as a result, the Company decides not to sell any real estate or joint venture equity investments previously classified as held for sale, the assets and liabilities are reclassified to held and used. Real estate assets that are reclassified are measured at the lower of (a) their carrying amount before they were classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the assets remained in their previous classification, or (b) their fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell the real estate or joint venture equity investment and adjustments, if any, are reported in loss on reclassification of disposal group in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Real Estate Sales – The Company accounts for its real estate sales in accordance with ASC 610-20, Other Income - Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASC 610-20"), which applies to sales or transfers to noncustomers of nonfinancial or in substance nonfinancial assets that do not meet the definition of a business. Generally, the Company's sales of real estate would be considered a sale of a nonfinancial asset as defined in ASC 610-20. Under ASC 610-20, if the Company determines it does not have a controlling financial interest in the entity to which the real estate is transferred and the arrangement meets the criteria to be accounted for as a contract in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Company derecognizes the asset and recognizes a gain or loss on the sale of the real estate when control of the underlying asset transfers to the buyer. Gain or loss on sale of real estate is included in other income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations with an allocation to non-controlling interest in the respective Consolidated VIEs, if any.

 Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and overnight deposits. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in highly rated financial institutions, and at times these balances exceed insurable amounts.

 Intangible Assets – Intangible assets consisting of acquired trade name, acquired technology and acquired in-place leases with useful lives ranging from 5 months to 10 years are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The useful lives of intangible assets are evaluated on an annual basis to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining useful life. See Real Estate, Net for further discussion of acquired in-place lease intangible assets.

 Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company enters into various types of derivative financial instruments in connection with its risk management activities which are recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities at fair value in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). Changes in fair value are accounted for depending on the use of the derivative financial instruments and whether they qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The Company elected not to apply hedge accounting for its derivative financial instruments; accordingly, all changes in fair value are reported on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net.

 The Company is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Primarily to help mitigate interest rate risk, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements whereby one party pays a floating interest rate, based on SOFR, on a notional principal amount and receives a fixed-rate payment on the same notional principal, or vice versa, for a fixed period of time. The variable rate the Company pays or receives under its swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics and cash flows of the Company's financing arrangements. Interest rate swaps change in value with movements in interest rates.

 The Company has U.S. Treasury future contracts that obligate the Company to sell or buy U.S. Treasury securities for future delivery. The Company has purchased credit default swap index contracts under which a counterparty, in exchange for a premium, agrees to compensate the Company for the financial loss associated with the occurrence of a credit event in relation to a notional value of an index. The Company may purchase equity index put options that give the Company the right to sell or buy the underlying index at a specified strike price. The Company may also purchase credit default swap index options that allow the Company to enter into a fixed rate payor position in the underlying credit default swap index at the agreed-upon strike level.

 The Company elects to net the fair value of its derivative contracts by counterparty when appropriate. These contracts contain legally enforceable provisions that allow for netting or setting off of all individual derivative receivables and payables with each counterparty and therefore, the fair values of those derivative contracts are reported net by counterparty. All of the Company's interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and U.S. Treasury futures are cleared through two central clearing houses, CME Group Inc. ("CME Clearing"), which is the parent company of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc., or the Intercontinental Exchange ("ICE"). CME Clearing and ICE serve as the counterparty to every cleared transaction, becoming the buyer to each seller and the seller to each buyer, limiting the credit risk by guaranteeing the financial performance of both parties and netting down exposures. CME Clearing and ICE require that the Company post an initial margin amount determined by the respective central clearing house, which is generally intended to be set at a level sufficient to protect the exchange from the derivative financial instrument's maximum estimated single-day price movement. The Company also exchanges variation margin based upon daily changes in fair value, as measured by CME Clearing and ICE. The exchange of variation margin is treated as a legal settlement of the exposure under these contracts, as opposed to pledged collateral. Accordingly, the Company accounts for the receipt or payment of variation margin as a direct reduction of or increase in the carrying value of the related asset or liability.
 The receipt or payment of initial margin is accounted for separate from the derivative asset or liability, classified within restricted cash and included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Any additional amounts due from or due to counterparties in connection with the Company's derivatives, are included in other assets or other liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 The Company and Consolidated Real Estate VIEs may be required by lenders on certain repurchase agreement financing and variable-rate mortgages payable on real estate to enter into interest rate cap contracts that limit the indexed portion of the interest rate on the respective related financing to a strike rate based upon various SOFR tenors.
 Cash flow activity related to derivative instruments is reflected within the operating activities and investing activities sections of the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. Realized gains or losses, if any, and unrealized gains or losses, if any, on the Company's derivative instruments are included in the gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net line item within the operating activities section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The remaining cash flow activity related to derivative instruments is reflected within the net payments received from (made on) derivative instruments and net variation margin received (paid) for derivative instruments line items within the investing activities section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

 Mortgage Servicing Rights – The Company records MSRs at fair value upon initial recognition. The Company does not originate or directly service residential loans. Rather, servicing activities are carried out by duly licensed third-party subservicers who perform substantially all servicing functions for the loans underlying MSRs.

 The Company has elected the fair value option for all of its MSRs because the Company determined that such presentation provides users of its consolidated financial statements with relevant information regarding the effects of prepayment risk and other market factors on MSRs. Changes in the fair value of MSRs are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Servicing fee income is earned based upon a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal balance of the underlying residential loan and is recognized as revenue as the related loan payments are collected. Servicing fee income and other servicing-related income are included in other income (loss) on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Corresponding costs to service (including subservicing fees) are charged to expense as incurred and included in portfolio operating expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Repurchase Agreements, Residential Loans, Real Estate Owned and Single-family Rental Properties – As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company financed a portion of its residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties through repurchase agreements ( see Note 13). Amounts outstanding under the repurchase agreements generally bear interest rates of a specified margin over various tenors of SOFR or an interest rate floor, as applicable per the terms of the agreements. The repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at their contractual amounts, as specified in the respective agreements. Costs related to the establishment of the repurchase agreements which include underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees are reflected as deferred charges. Such costs are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method, or straight line-method if the result is not materially different, over the term of the respective agreement.

 Repurchase Agreements, Investment Securities – The Company finances, or has financed, certain of its investment securities available for sale, certain securities owned in Consolidated SLST and CDOs repurchased from our residential loan securitizations using repurchase agreements. Under a repurchase agreement, an asset is sold to a counterparty to be repurchased at a future date at a predetermined price, which represents the original sales price plus interest. The repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at their contractual amounts, as specified in the respective agreements. Borrowings under repurchase agreements generally bear interest rates of a specified margin over SOFR.

 Collateralized Debt Obligations – The Company records collateralized debt obligations used to permanently finance the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST, a portion of the Company's net investment in Consolidated SLST and the Company's residential loans held in securitization trusts as debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For financial reporting purposes, the loans and investment securities held as collateral for these obligations are recorded as assets of the Company. The Company has elected the fair value option pursuant to ASC 825 with respect to the CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST and CDOs issued by the Company after January 1, 2024. The Company elected the fair value option for CDOs issued by the Company after January 1, 2024 because the Company determined that such presentation represents the underlying economics of the respective financing. Changes in fair value of CDOs subject to the fair value election are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Interest expense on such CDOs is recorded based on the current stated interest rate and outstanding principal balance in effect and is included in interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In accordance with ASC 825, costs associated with the issuance of CDOs subject to the fair value election are recognized in earnings as they are incurred and are included in debt issuance costs on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Senior Unsecured Notes – On April 27, 2021, the Company issued its 5.75 % Senior Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Senior Notes") to originate new investments, repay outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The Company evaluated the call option feature of these notes for embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC 815 and determined that the call option feature should not be bifurcated from the notes.

 On June 28, 2024, the Company issued its 9.125 % Senior Notes due 2029 (the "2029 Senior Notes") for general corporate purposes, which included acquiring single-family residential assets. The Company evaluated the call option feature of these notes for embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC 815 and determined that the call option feature should not be bifurcated from the notes. The Company has elected the fair value option pursuant to ASC 825 with respect to the 2029 Senior Notes because the Company determined that such presentation represents the underlying economics of the respective financing. Changes in fair value of the 2029 Senior Notes are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (or other comprehensive income (loss), to the extent the change results from a change in instrument-specific credit risk). Interest expense on such 2029 Senior Notes is recorded based on the current stated interest rate and outstanding principal balance in effect and is included in interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In accordance with ASC 825, costs associated with the issuance of the 2029 Senior Notes are recognized in earnings as they are incurred and are included in debt issuance costs on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Convertible Notes – Prior to December 31, 2021, the Company issued its 6.25 % Senior Convertible Notes due 2022 (the "Convertible Notes") to finance the acquisition of targeted assets and for general working capital purposes. The Company evaluated the conversion features of the Convertible Notes for embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC 815 and determined that the conversion features should not be bifurcated from the notes. The Company redeemed the Convertible Notes at maturity for $ 138.0 million on January 15, 2022. None of the Convertible Notes were converted prior to maturity.

 Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated VIEs – The Company evaluates whether non-controlling interests are subject to redemption features outside of its control. The Company classifies non-controlling interests that are currently redeemable for cash at the option of the holders or are probable of becoming redeemable as redeemable non-controlling interest in mezzanine equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The third-party owners of certain of the non-controlling interests in Consolidated VIEs have the ability to sell their ownership interests to the Company for cash, at their election, subject to annual minimum and maximum amount limitations. As a result, the Company has classified these third-party ownership interests as redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs. The redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs is recorded at the greater of the carrying amount, adjusted for its share of the allocation of income or loss and equity contributions and distributions, or the redemption value, which is equivalent to fair value, of such ownership interests. Adjustments to redemption value, if any, are recorded to the Company's additional paid-in capital and redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs.

 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – The Company's comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company's common stockholders includes net income (loss), the change in fair value of its available for sale securities purchased prior to October 2019, adjusted by realized net gains (losses) reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for available for sale securities, reduced by dividends declared on the Company's preferred stock and charges related to redemptions of the Company's preferred stock, increased for gains on repurchases of preferred stock and increased (decreased) for net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs. See Investment Securities Available for Sale for discussion of the reporting of the change in fair value of available for sale securities purchased after September 2019.

 Employee Benefits Plans – The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan (the "Plan") for all eligible domestic employees. The Plan qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). The Company made no contributions to the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

 Stock Based Compensation – The Company has awarded restricted stock and other equity-based awards to eligible employees, officers and directors of the Company and individuals who provide services to the Company and as part of their compensation. Compensation expense for equity-based awards and stock issued for services are recognized over the vesting period of such awards and services based upon the fair value of the award at the grant date.

 The Company has granted Performance Share Units ("PSUs") to the Company's executive officers and certain other employees. The awards were issued pursuant to and are consistent with the terms and conditions of the Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the "2017 Plan"). The PSUs are subject to performance-based vesting under the 2017 Plan pursuant to a form of PSU award agreement (the "PSU Agreement"). Vesting of the PSUs will occur after a three-year period based on the Company's relative total stockholders' return ("TSR") percentile ranking as compared to an identified performance peer group. The feature in this award constitutes a "market condition" which impacts the amount of compensation expense recognized for these awards. The grant date fair values of PSUs were determined through Monte-Carlo simulation analysis. The PSUs also include dividend equivalent rights ("DERs") which entitle the holders of vested PSUs to receive payments in an amount equal to any dividends paid by the Company in respect of the share of the Company's common stock underlying the vested PSU to which such DER relates.

 The Company has granted Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") to the Company's executive officers and certain other employees. The awards were issued pursuant to and are consistent with the terms and conditions of the 2017 Plan and are subject to a service condition, vesting ratably over a three-year period. Upon vesting, each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock. The RSUs include DERs which entitle the holders of vested RSUs to receive payments in an amount equal to any dividends paid by the Company in respect of the share of the Company's common stock underlying the vested RSU to which such DER relates.

 The Company has granted Deferred Stock Units ("DSUs") to non-employee directors. The awards were issued pursuant to and are consistent with the terms and conditions of the 2017 Plan and are subject to the non-employee director's continued service on the Board of Directors through the day immediately preceding the annual meeting of the Company's stockholders in the year subsequent to the grant date. Upon vesting, each DSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock. The DSUs include DERs which entitle the holders of vested DSUs to receive payments in an amount equal to any dividends paid by the Company in respect of the share of the Company's common stock underlying the vested DSU to which such DER relates.

 Income Taxes – The Company operates in such a manner so as to qualify as a REIT under the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Requirements for qualification as a REIT include various restrictions on ownership of the Company's stock, requirements concerning distribution of taxable income and certain restrictions on the nature of assets and sources of income. A REIT must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders, of which 85% plus any undistributed amounts from the prior year must be distributed within the taxable year in order to avoid the imposition of an excise tax. Distribution of the remaining balance may extend until timely filing of the Company's tax return in the subsequent taxable year. Qualifying distributions of taxable income are deductible by a REIT in computing taxable income.

 Certain activities of the Company are conducted through TRSs and therefore are subject to federal and various state and local income taxes. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 ASC 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"), provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed in the financial statements. ASC 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company's tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are "more-likely-than-not" of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. In situations involving uncertain tax positions related to income tax matters, we do not recognize benefits unless it is more likely than not that they will be sustained. ASC 740 was applied to all open taxable years as of the effective date. Management's determinations regarding ASC 740 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, an ongoing analysis of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. The Company will recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations.

 Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to the Company's common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.

 Segment Reporting – ASC 280, Segment Reporting ("ASC 280"), is the authoritative guidance for the way public entities report information about operating segments in their annual financial statements. We are a REIT focused on the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets and currently operate in only one reportable segment.

 Adoption of Segment Reporting (Topic 280)

 On January 1, 2024, the Company adopted the annual disclosure requirements of ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures ("ASU 2023-07"). These amendments required initial and incremental segment disclosures for companies with a single reportable segment on an annual and interim basis. ASU 2023-07 is also effective for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. See Note 24 for the Company's Segment Reporting disclosure.

 Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2024-04, Debt — Debt Conversion and Other Topics ("ASU 2024-04"). ASU 2024-04 clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as an induced conversion. ASU 2024-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company redeemed its Convertible Notes on January 15, 2022.

 In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income — Expense Disaggregation Disclosures ("ASU 2024-03"). ASU 2024-03 requires a public business entity to disclose specific information about certain costs and expenses in the notes to financial statements. The effective date for ASU 2024-03, as amended by ASU 2025-01, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income — Expense Disaggregation Disclosures: Clarifying the Effective Date, is for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. The Company expects that the adoption of ASU 2024-03 will result in additional disclosures in its notes to consolidated financial statements.

 In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures ("ASU 2023-09"). ASU 2023-09 requires enhanced disclosures in connection with an entity's effective tax rate reconciliation and additional disclosures about income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company expects that the adoption of ASU 2023-09 will result in additional income tax disclosures in its notes to consolidated financial statements.

 In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions to GAAP requirements for modifications to debt agreements, leases, derivatives and other contracts, related to the expected market transition from LIBOR, and certain other floating rate benchmark indices, or collectively, IBORs, to alternative reference rates. ASU 2020-04 generally considers contract modifications related to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date nor a reassessment of a previous accounting determination. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 ("ASU 2022-06"), which allows ASU 2020-04 to be adopted and applied prospectively to contract modifications made on or before December 31, 2024. In light of the cessation of the publication of LIBOR after June 30, 2023, the Company's significant contracts that were indexed to LIBOR have been amended to transition to an alternative benchmark and any other unmodified agreements that incorporate LIBOR as the referenced rate have provisions in place that provide for identification of an alternative benchmark or specify an alternative benchmark, or by operation of law specify an alternative benchmark, to LIBOR upon its phase-out.

 3. Residential Loans, at Fair Value

 The Company's acquired residential loans, including performing, re-performing and non-performing residential loans, and business purpose loans, are presented at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets as a result of a fair value election. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings and presented in unrealized (losses) gains, net on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
 The following table presents the Company's residential loans, at fair value, which consist of residential loans held by the Company, Consolidated SLST and other securitization trusts, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Residential loans (1)

 Consolidated SLST (2)

 Residential loans held in securitization trusts (3)

 Total
 Residential loans (1)

 Consolidated SLST (2)

 Residential loans held in securitization trusts (3)

 Total

 Principal
 $
 652,642
 $
 1,111,633
 $
 2,365,060
 $
 4,129,335
 $
 891,283
 $
 892,546
 $
 1,609,006
 $
 3,392,835

 Discount

 ( 1,750)
 ( 24,303)
 ( 48,702)
 ( 74,755)
 ( 22,667)
 ( 7,418)
 ( 55,709)
 ( 85,794)

 Unrealized losses

 ( 18,626)
 ( 121,658)
 ( 72,558)
 ( 212,842)
 ( 41,081)
 ( 130,268)
 ( 51,389)
 ( 222,738)

 Carrying value
 $
 632,266
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $

 (1)Certain of the Company's residential loans, at fair value are pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (see Note 13).
 (2)The Company invests in first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs issued by Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitizations. In accordance with GAAP, the Company has consolidated the underlying seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential loans held in the securitizations and the CDOs issued to permanently finance these residential loans, representing Consolidated SLST. Consolidated SLST CDOs are included in collateralized debt obligations on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (see Note 14).
 (3)The Company's residential loans held in securitization trusts are pledged as collateral for CDOs issued by the Company. These CDOs are accounted for as financings and included in collateralized debt obligations on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (see Note 14).

 The following table presents the unrealized gains (losses), net attributable to residential loans, at fair value for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Consolidated SLST (1)

 Consolidated SLST (1)

 Consolidated SLST (1)

 Unrealized gains (losses), net

 $
 16,968
 $
 8,611
 $
 ( 15,683)
 $
 6,786
 $
 ( 8,086)
 $
 63,005
 $
 ( 115,269)
 $
 ( 124,834)
 $
 ( 174,401)

 (1)In accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 810, the Company determines the fair value of the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST based on the fair value of the CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST, including investment securities we own, as the fair value of these instruments is more observable (see Note 17). See Note 7 for unrealized gains (losses), net recognized by the Company on its investment in Consolidated SLST, which include unrealized gains (losses) on the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST presented in the table above and unrealized gains (losses) on the CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST.

 The Company recognized $ 2.2 million, $ 4.6 million and $ 10.0 million of net realized gains on the payoff of residential loans, at fair value during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company also recognized $ 1.0 million and $ 0.8 million of net realized losses on the sale of residential loans, at fair value during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company did not sell any residential loans during the year ended December 31, 2022.

 The geographic concentrations of credit risk exceeding 5% of the unpaid principal balance of residential loans, at fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are as follows:

 California
 23.0
 %
 11.7
 %
 20.2
 %
 22.4
 %
 10.7
 %
 18.4
 %

 10.4
 %
 9.1
 %
 12.2
 %
 15.5
 %
 10.3
 %
 11.0
 %

 New Jersey

 8.0
 %
 6.8
 %
 5.2
 %
 4.9
 %
 7.6
 %
 6.0
 %

 New York

 6.6
 %
 10.8
 %
 6.6
 %
 7.0
 %
 10.0
 %
 8.5
 %

 Texas

 6.2
 %
 4.4
 %
 7.9
 %
 8.1
 %
 3.9
 %
 7.1
 %

 Pennsylvania

 5.1
 %
 3.9
 %
 3.8
 %
 2.2
 %
 4.1
 %
 4.1
 %

 Illinois

 2.2
 %
 6.3
 %
 3.1
 %
 3.0
 %
 7.2
 %
 3.5
 %

 The following table presents the fair value and aggregate unpaid principal balance of the Company's residential loans and residential loans held in securitization trusts in non-accrual status as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Greater than 90 days past due
 Less than 90 days past due

 Unpaid Principal Balance
 Unpaid Principal Balance

 $
 159,558
 $
 183,067
 $
 8,098
 $
 8,749

 199,485
 220,577
 9,362
 9,948

 Formal foreclosure proceedings were in process with respect to residential loans with an aggregate fair value of $ 136.9 million and an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $ 156.8 million as of December 31, 2024.

 Residential loans held in Consolidated SLST with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $ 117.1 million and $ 84.6 million were 90 days or more delinquent as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In addition, formal foreclosure proceedings were in process with respect to $ 39.6 million of residential loans held in Consolidated SLST as of December 31, 2024.

 4. Investment Securities Available For Sale, at Fair Value

 The Company accounts for certain of its investment securities available for sale using the fair value election pursuant to ASC 825, where changes in fair value are recorded in unrealized (losses) gains, net on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company also had investment securities available for sale where the fair value option had not been elected, which we refer to as CECL Securities. CECL Securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) on the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The Company's investment securities available for sale consisted of the following as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Amortized Cost
 Amortized Cost

 Gains
 Gains

 Fair Value Option

 Fixed rate

 Fannie Mae
 $
 1,483,619
 $
 7,819
 $
 ( 7,991)
 $
 1,483,447
 $
 1,084,702
 $
 15,902
 $
 ( 723)
 $
 1,099,881

 Freddie Mac
 1,465,419
 3,914
 ( 13,720)
 1,455,613
 676,436
 5,679
 ( 1,106)
 681,009

 Total Fixed rate

 2,949,038
 11,733
 ( 21,711)
 2,939,060
 1,761,138
 21,581
 ( 1,829)
 1,780,890

 Adjustable rate

 Fannie Mae
 97,267
 ( 631)
 96,901
 110,036
 1,299
 —
 111,335

 Freddie Mac
 32,852
 ( 191)
 32,681
 37,424
 —
 37,866

 Total Adjustable rate

 130,119
 ( 822)
 129,582
 147,460
 1,741
 —
 149,201

 Interest-only

 Ginnie Mae

 78,627
 ( 16,092)
 63,378
 52,623
 6,813
 ( 203)
 59,233

 Freddie Mac

 5,251
 —
 ( 459)
 4,792
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Total Interest-only

 83,878
 ( 16,551)
 68,170
 52,623
 6,813
 ( 203)
 59,233

 Total Agency RMBS

 3,163,035
 12,861
 ( 39,084)
 1,961,221
 30,135
 ( 2,032)

 66,203
 6,098
 ( 2,614)
 22,097
 6,646
 ( 4,281)
 24,462

 657,659
 —
 ( 35,614)
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Total investment securities available for sale - fair value option
 3,886,897
 18,959
 ( 77,312)
 1,983,318
 36,781
 ( 6,313)
 2,013,786

 CECL Securities

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 ( 4)

 Total investment securities available for sale - CECL Securities
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 ( 4)

 Total
 $
 3,886,897
 $
 18,959
 $
 ( 77,312)
 $
 $
 1,983,353
 $
 36,781
 $
 ( 6,317)
 $

 Accrued interest receivable for investment securities available for sale in the amount of $ 22.4 million and $ 9.8 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is included in other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

 For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $ 88.8 million in net unrealized losses, $ 36.3 million in net unrealized gains and $ 22.6 million in net unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale accounted for under the fair value option, respectively.

 The Company's investment securities available for sale pledged as collateral against interest rate swap agreements and repurchase agreements are included in investment securities available for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets with the fair value of securities pledged disclosed in Notes 10 and 13, respectively.

 Realized Gain and Loss Activity

 The following tables summarize our investment securities sold during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Sales Proceeds
 Realized Gains
 Realized Losses
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)

 $
 5,284
 $
 $
 —
 $

 Total
 $
 5,284
 $
 $
 —
 $

 Year Ended December 31, 2023

 Sales Proceeds
 Realized Gains
 Realized Losses
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)

 ABS

 $
 $
 —
 $
 ( 41)
 $
 ( 41)

 CMBS

 30,419
 —
 ( 1,387)
 ( 1,387)

 33,676
 1,472
 ( 12,644)
 ( 11,172)

 Total

 $
 64,690
 $
 1,472
 $
 ( 14,072)
 $
 ( 12,600)

 Year Ended December 31, 2022

 Sales Proceeds
 Realized Gains
 Realized Losses
 Net Realized Gains (Losses)

 $
 24,374
 $
 $
 —
 $

 ABS

 36,215
 18,001
 —
 18,001

 U.S. Treasury Securities

 24,848
 —
 ( 31)
 ( 31)

 Total
 $
 85,437
 $
 18,375
 $
 ( 31)
 $
 18,344

 The Company recognized write-downs of fair value option non-Agency RMBS for a loss of $ 1.2 million and $ 1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company did not recognize any write-downs for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 Weighted Average Life

 Actual maturities of our investment securities available for sale are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities (with contractual maturities up to 39 years), as they are affected by periodic payments and prepayments of principal on the underlying mortgages. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, based on management's estimates, the weighted average life of the Company's investment securities available for sale portfolio was approximately 7.4 years and 6.9 years, respectively.

 The following table sets forth the weighted average lives of our investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Weighted Average Life

 0 to 5 years
 $
 604,459
 $
 283,554

 Over 5 to 10 years
 2,923,871
 1,727,269

 10+ years
 300,214
 2,994

 Total
 $
 $

 Unrealized Losses in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 The Company had no CECL Securities as of December 31, 2024. The Company evaluated its CECL Securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2023 and determined that no allowance for credit losses was necessary. The Company did not recognize credit losses for its CECL Securities through earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

 The following table presents the Company's CECL securities in an unrealized loss position with no credit losses reported, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2023 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Less than 12 Months
 Greater than 12 months
 Total

Value
 Gross
Value
 Gross
Value
 Gross

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $
 ( 4)
 $
 $
 ( 4)

 Total

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $
 ( 4)
 $
 $
 ( 4)

 Credit risk associated with non-Agency RMBS was regularly assessed as new information regarding the underlying collateral became available and based on updated estimates of cash flows generated by the underlying collateral. In performing its assessment, the Company considered past and expected future performance of the underlying collateral, including timing of expected future cash flows, prepayment rates, default rates, loss severities, delinquency rates, current levels of subordination, volatility of the security's fair value, temporary declines in liquidity for the asset class and interest rate changes since purchase.

 5. Multi-family Loans, at Fair Value

 The Company's multi-family loans consisting of its preferred equity in, and mezzanine loans to, entities that have multi-family real estate assets are presented at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as a result of a fair value election. Accordingly, changes in fair value are presented in unrealized (losses) gains, net on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Multi-family loans consist of the following as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Investment amount
 $
 90,485
 $
 95,434

 Unrealized (losses) gains

 ( 4,293)

 Total, at Fair Value
 $
 $

 For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $ 4.7 million in net unrealized losses, $ 1.1 million in net unrealized gains and $ 2.7 million in net unrealized losses on multi-family loans, respectively.
 The table below presents the fair value and aggregate unpaid principal balance of the Company's multi-family loan in non-accrual status as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Days Late

 Unpaid Principal Balance
 Unpaid Principal Balance

 90 +
 $
 —
 $
 3,363
 $
 4,753
 $
 3,363

 (1) As of December 31, 2024, the Company has reduced the fair value of the multi-family loan to zero as a result of developments with respect to the property, its financing and market conditions.
 The geographic concentrations of credit risk exceeding 5% of the total multi-family loan investment amounts as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are as follows:

 Texas
 36.1
 %
 32.6
 %

 14.4
 %
 15.2
 %

 11.6
 %
 10.5
 %

 Arkansas
 10.3
 %
 9.5
 %

 Louisiana
 8.8
 %
 7.5
 %

 North Carolina
 6.2
 %
 5.8
 %

 Indiana
 5.6
 %
 5.3
 %

 6. Equity Investments, at Fair Value

 The Company's equity investments consist of, or have consisted of, preferred equity ownership interests in entities that invest in multi-family properties where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to an equity investment (or multi-family preferred equity ownership interests), equity ownership interests in entities that invest in single-family properties or originate residential loans (or single-family equity ownership interests) and joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties. The Company's equity investments are accounted for under the equity method and are presented at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets as a result of a fair value election.

 The following table presents the Company's equity investments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Investment Name

 Multi-Family Preferred Equity Ownership Interests

 EHOF-NYMT Sunset Apartments Preferred, LLC
 57 %
 $
 21,411
 57 %
 $
 19,703

 Lucie at Tradition Holdings, LLC
 70 %
 21,821
 70 %
 19,442

 Hudson Bridge Apartments, LLC - Series A, Briar Hill Apartments, LLC, Kings Glen Apartments, LLC, Flagstone Apartments, LLC, Brookfield Apartments II, LLC - Series B, and Silber JBSM Properties, LLC (collectively)
 58 %
 9,322
 58 %
 9,882

 Tides on 27th Investors, LLC
 54 %
 10,245
 54 %
 17,937

 Rapid City RMI JV LLC

 50 %
 10,637
 50 %
 9,804

 Syracuse Apartments and Townhomes, LLC
 —
 —
 58 %
 21,642

 Palms at Cape Coral, LLC
 —
 —
 34 %
 5,832

 Total - Multi-Family Preferred Equity Ownership Interests
 73,436
 104,242

 Joint Venture Equity Investments in Multi-Family Properties

 GWR Cedars Partners, LLC

 70 %
 70 %
 1,897

 GWR Gateway Partners, LLC

 70 %
 1,197
 70 %
 3,823

 Total - Joint Venture Equity Investments in Multi-Family Properties
 1,338
 5,720

 Single-Family Equity Ownership Interests

 Constructive Loans, LLC (1)

 50 %
 38,718
 50 %

 Total - Single-Family Equity Ownership Interests
 38,718

 Total
 $
 $

 (1)The Company purchased $ 307.8 million, $ 80.8 million and $ 260.6 million of residential loans from this entity during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 The following table presents income from multi-family preferred equity ownership interests for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands). Income (loss) from these investments is presented in income from equity investments in the Company's accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Income (loss) from these investments during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 includes $ 4.9 million of net unrealized losses, $ 1.2 million of net unrealized gains and $ 3.6 million of net unrealized losses, respectively.

 Investment Name
 2024
 2023
 2022

 EHOF-NYMT Sunset Apartments Preferred, LLC
 $
 2,722
 $
 2,579
 $
 1,939

 Lucie at Tradition Holdings, LLC
 3,355
 2,841
 2,008

 Hudson Bridge Apartments, LLC - Series A, Briar Hill Apartments, LLC, Kings Glen Apartments, LLC, Flagstone Apartments, LLC, Brookfield Apartments II, LLC - Series B, and Silber JBSM Properties, LLC (collectively)
 1,070
 1,234

 Tides on 27th Investors, LLC
 ( 3,320)
 2,513
 —

 Rapid City RMI JV LLC

 1,594
 —

 Syracuse Apartments and Townhomes, LLC
 2,422
 2,691
 1,816

 Palms at Cape Coral, LLC

 FF/RMI 20 Midtown, LLC
 —
 3,948
 2,904

 America Walks at Port St. Lucie, LLC
 —
 2,244
 3,140

 1122 Chicago DE, LLC
 —

 Bighaus, LLC
 —
 1,852

 Somerset Deerfield Investor, LLC
 —
 —
 1,944

 RS SWD Owner, LLC, RS SWD Mitchell Owner, LLC, RS SWD IF Owner, LLC, RS SWD Mullis Owner, LLC, RS SWD JH Mullis Owner, LLC and RS SWD Saltzman Owner, LLC (collectively)

 —
 —

 Walnut Creek Properties Holdings, L.L.C.
 —
 —
 ( 153)

 DCP Gold Creek, LLC
 —
 —

 Rigsbee Ave Holdings, LLC
 —
 —
 ( 174)

 Lurin-RMI, LLC
 —
 —

 Total Income - Multi-Family Preferred Equity Ownership Interests
 $
 7,912
 $
 20,462
 $
 18,670

 For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $ 0.2 million, $ 0.2 million and $ 2.9 million in premiums resulting from early redemption of multi-family preferred equity ownership interests included in equity investments, respectively, which are included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Income (loss) from single-family equity ownership interests and joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties that are accounted for under the equity method using the fair value option is presented in income from equity investments in the Company's accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The following table presents income (loss) from these investments for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Investment Name
 2024
 2023
 2022

 Single-Family Equity Ownership Interests

 Constructive Loans, LLC (1)

 $
 12,481
 $
 $
 ( 1,750)

 Morrocroft Neighborhood Stabilization Fund II, LP (2)

 —
 —
 ( 416)

 Total Income (Loss) - Single Family Equity Ownership Interests

 $
 12,481
 $
 $
 ( 2,166)

 Joint Venture Equity Investments in Multi-Family Properties (3)

 GWR Cedars Partners, LLC
 $
 ( 1,756)
 $
 ( 823)
 $
 ( 1,050)

 GWR Gateway Partners, LLC
 ( 2,626)
 ( 2,468)
 ( 380)

 Total Loss - Joint Venture Equity Investments in Multi-Family Properties

 $
 ( 4,382)
 $
 ( 3,291)
 $
 ( 1,430)

 (1)Includes net unrealized gains of $ 3.1 million and net unrealized losses of $ 5.2 million and $ 1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
 (2)The Company's equity investment was redeemed during the year ended December 31, 2022.
 (3)The Company's joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties were transferred to assets of disposal group held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company determined that these joint venture equity investments no longer met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and returned its equity investments in the joint venture entities to equity investments, at fair value (see Note 9). Includes net unrealized losses of $ 4.4 million, $ 3.3 million and $ 1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 Summary combined financial information for the Company's equity investments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, is shown below and includes summary financial information for the Company's joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties that are included in assets of disposal group held for sale as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Balance Sheets:

 $
 298,844
 $
 409,078

 265,319
 162,060

 40,969
 90,314

 $
 605,132
 $
 661,452

 Mortgages payable on real estate, net

 $
 201,682
 $
 295,451

 264,979
 172,118

 466,661
 467,569

 Members' equity
 138,471
 193,883

 Total liabilities and members' equity
 $
 605,132
 $
 661,452

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Operating Statements: (1)

 Rental income

 $
 31,220
 $
 21,299
 $
 23,237

 Real estate sales
 96,000
 —
 399,783

 Cost of real estate sales
 ( 85,497)
 —
 ( 277,740)

 11,204
 10,393
 5,787

 52,764
 34,870
 21,769

 Operating expenses
 ( 49,330)
 ( 33,883)
 ( 38,921)

 Income before debt service and depreciation and amortization
 56,361
 32,679
 133,915

 ( 33,235)
 ( 23,315)
 ( 11,892)

 Depreciation and amortization
 ( 15,328)
 ( 14,904)
 ( 14,779)

 Net income (loss)

 $
 7,798
 $
 ( 5,540)
 $
 107,244

 (1)The Company records income (loss) from equity investments under either the hypothetical liquidation of book value method of accounting or the equity method using the fair value option. Accordingly, the combined net income (loss) shown above is not indicative of the income (loss) recognized by the Company from equity investments.

 7. Use of Special Purpose Entities (SPE) and Variable Interest Entities (VIE)

 Financing VIEs

 The Company uses SPEs 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 securitized financial assets on improved terms. Securitization involves transferring assets to an 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 an 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 financing transactions, including residential loan securitizations and re-securitizations, which required the Company to analyze and determine whether the SPEs that were created to facilitate the transactions are VIEs in accordance with ASC 810 and if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary requiring consolidation.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company completed a re-securitization of its investment in certain subordinated securities issued by Consolidated SLST (see below) for which the Company received net proceeds of approximately $ 73.0 million after deducting expenses associated with the securitization transaction. The Company refers to this securitization as a non-Agency RMBS re-securitization. The Company engaged in the re-securitization transaction primarily for the purpose of obtaining non-recourse, longer-term financing on a portion of its investment in Consolidated SLST. The Company remains economically exposed to the subordinated positions in the portion of Consolidated SLST transferred to the securitization and continues to consolidate Consolidated SLST.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company completed five securitizations of certain residential loans for which the Company received net proceeds of approximately $ 1.3 billion after deducting expenses associated with the securitization transactions. The Company engaged in these transactions for the purpose of obtaining non-recourse, longer-term financing on a portion of its residential loan portfolio. The residential loans serving as collateral for the financings are comprised of performing, re-performing and non-performing and business purpose loans which are included in residential loans, at fair value on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company exercised its right to an optional redemption of two of its residential loan securitizations with an outstanding principal balance of $ 193.3 million at the time of redemption, returned the assets held by the trust to the Company and recognized $ 0.7 million of loss on the extinguishment of collateralized debt obligations, which is included in other income (loss) in the accompany consolidated statements of operations.

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company evaluated its residential loan securitizations and its non-Agency RMBS re-securitization and concluded that the entities created to facilitate each of the financing transactions are VIEs and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs (each a "Financing VIE" and collectively, the "Financing VIEs"). As of December 31, 2023, the Company evaluated its residential loan securitizations and concluded that the entities created to facilitate each of the financing transactions are VIEs and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. Accordingly, the Company consolidated the then-outstanding Financing VIEs as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 The Company invests in subordinated securities that represent the first loss position of the Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitizations from which they were issued and certain IOs issued from the securitizations. The Company has evaluated its investments in these securitization trusts to determine whether they are VIEs and if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary requiring consolidation. The Company has determined that the Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitization trusts, which we collectively refer to as Consolidated SLST, are VIEs and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs within Consolidated SLST. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of such VIEs in the accompanying consolidated financial statements (see Notes 2, 3 and 14). The Company has elected the fair value option on the assets and liabilities held within Consolidated SLST, which requires that changes in valuations in the assets and liabilities of Consolidated SLST be reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Consolidated SLST is comprised of two securitization trusts and one securitization trust as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company invested in a subordinated security issued by a Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitization, resulting in the initial consolidation of the VIE as shown below (dollar amounts in thousands):

 $
 285,057

 Collateralized debt obligations, at fair value

 ( 275,200)

 Net investment

 $
 9,857

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Consolidated SLST securities owned by the Company had a fair value of $ 148.5 million and $ 157.2 million, respectively (see Note 17). During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company completed a re-securitization of its investment in certain subordinated securities issued by Consolidated SLST. The Company's investments in Consolidated SLST were not included as collateral to any Financing VIE as of December 31, 2023.

 Consolidated Real Estate VIEs

 The Company owns joint venture equity investments in entities that own multi-family apartment communities, which the Company determined to be VIEs and for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the Company consolidates the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of these VIEs in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with non-controlling interests or redeemable non-controlling interests for the third-party ownership of the joint ventures' membership interests.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold its joint venture equity investments in nine multi-family properties, which resulted in the de-consolidation of the respective joint venture entities' assets and liabilities (see Note 9).

 During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company reconsidered its evaluation of its variable interest in a VIE that owned a multi-family apartment community and in which the Company held a preferred equity investment. The Company determined that it gained the power to direct the activities, and became primary beneficiary, of the VIE and consolidated this VIE into its consolidated financial statements.

 The Company accounted for the initial consolidation of the Consolidated Real Estate VIEs in accordance with asset acquisition provisions of ASC 805, as substantially all of the fair value of the assets within the entities are concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets.

 The following table summarizes the aggregate estimated fair value of the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests associated with the initial consolidation of Consolidated Real Estate VIEs and real estate acquisitions by a Consolidated Real Estate VIE during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no initial consolidation of Consolidated Real Estate VIEs or real estate acquisitions by a Consolidated VIE during the year ended December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Years Ended December 31,

 2023
 2022

 Cash (1)

 $
 $
 8,576

 Operating real estate (1) (2)

 54,439
 730,988

 Lease intangibles (1) (3)

 2,378
 41,892

 Other assets (1)

 4,722
 8,258

 61,641
 789,714

 Mortgages payable on real estate, net (1)

 570,682

 Other liabilities (1)

 2,403
 4,662

 47,545
 575,344

 Non-controlling interests (4)

 3,790
 16,293

 Net assets consolidated
 $
 10,306
 $
 198,077

 (1)In September 2022, the Company announced a repositioning of its business through the opportunistic disposition over time of the Company's joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties and reallocation of its capital away from such assets to its targeted assets. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities related to certain joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties is included in assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. See Note 9 for additional information.
 (2)For joint venture equity investments that are not held for sale, operating real estate is included in real estate, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 (3)For joint venture equity investments that are not held for sale, lease intangibles are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 (4)Represents third-party ownership of membership interests in Consolidated Real Estate VIEs.

 In analyzing whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the Financing VIEs, Consolidated SLST and Consolidated Real Estate VIEs, the Company considered its involvement in each of the VIEs, including the design and purpose of each VIE, and whether its involvement reflected a controlling financial interest that resulted in the Company being deemed the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. 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.

 The following table presents a summary of the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests of the Company's securitizations, Consolidated SLST and Consolidated Real Estate VIEs of as of December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands). Intercompany balances have been eliminated for purposes of this presentation:

 Other VIEs

 Financing VIEs
 Total

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 4,151
 $
 4,151

 —
 3,209,472

 Real estate, net held in Consolidated VIEs (1)

 —
 —
 481,161
 481,161

 Assets of disposal group held for sale (2)

 —
 —

 154,426
 4,065
 16,696
 175,187

 $
 2,398,226
 $
 969,737
 $
 620,621
 $
 3,988,584

 Collateralized debt obligations ($ 2,135,680 at fair value, and $ 842,764 at amortized cost, net)

 $
 2,166,853
 $
 $
 —
 $
 2,978,444

 Mortgages payable on real estate, net in Consolidated VIEs (3)

 —
 —

 Liabilities of disposal group held for sale (2)

 —
 —

 16,162
 8,313
 10,621
 35,096

 $
 2,183,015
 $
 819,904
 $
 474,292
 $
 3,477,211

 Redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs (4)

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $

 Non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs (5)

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 3,930
 $
 3,930

 Net investment (6)

 $
 215,211
 $
 149,833
 $
 130,040
 $
 495,084

 (1)Included in real estate, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 (2)Represents assets and liabilities, respectively, of certain Consolidated Real Estate VIEs included in disposal group held for sale (see Note 9).
 (3)Included in mortgages payable on real estate, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 (4)Represents redeemable third-party ownership of membership interests in Consolidated Real Estate VIEs. See Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated VIEs below.
 (5)Represents third-party ownership of membership interests in Consolidated Real Estate VIEs.
 (6)The net investment amount is the maximum amount of the Company's investment that is at risk to loss and represents the difference between the carrying value of total assets and total liabilities held by VIEs, less non-controlling interests, if any.

 The following table presents a summary of the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests of the Company's securitizations, Consolidated SLST and Consolidated Real Estate VIEs as of December 31, 2023 (dollar amounts in thousands). Intercompany balances have been eliminated for purposes of this presentation:

 Other VIEs

 Financing VIEs
 Total

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 15,612
 $
 15,612

 —
 2,256,768

 Real estate, net held in Consolidated VIEs (1)

 —
 —
 979,934
 979,934

 Assets of disposal group held for sale (2)

 —
 —

 98,451
 2,960
 37,035
 138,446

 $
 1,600,359
 $
 757,820
 $
 1,458,598
 $
 3,816,777

 Collateralized debt obligations ($ 593,737 at fair value, and $ 1,276,780 at amortized cost, net)

 $
 1,276,780
 $
 $
 —
 $
 1,870,517

 Mortgages payable on real estate, net in Consolidated VIEs (3)

 —
 —

 Liabilities of disposal group held for sale (2)

 —
 —

 8,421
 5,638
 21,797
 35,856

 $
 1,285,201
 $
 599,375
 $
 1,192,242
 $
 3,076,818

 Redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs (4)

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $

 Non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs (5)

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 20,328
 $
 20,328

 Net investment (6)

 $
 315,158
 $
 158,445
 $
 217,967
 $
 691,570

 (1)Included in real estate, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 (2)Represents assets and liabilities, respectively, of certain Consolidated Real Estate VIEs included in disposal group held for sale (see Note 9).
 (3)Included in mortgages payable on real estate, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 (4)Represents redeemable third-party ownership of membership interests in Consolidated Real Estate VIEs. See Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated VIEs below.
 (5)Represents third-party ownership of membership interests in Consolidated Real Estate VIEs.
 (6)The net investment amount is the maximum amount of the Company's investment that is at risk to loss and represents the difference between the carrying value of total assets and total liabilities held by VIEs, less non-controlling interests, if any.

 The following tables present condensed statements of operations for non-Company-sponsored VIEs for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands). The following tables include net (loss) income from assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale and intercompany balances have been eliminated for purposes of this presentation.

 Year Ended December 31,

 2024

 Total

 $
 39,194
 $
 —
 $
 39,194

 —

 Total net interest income
 12,703
 —
 12,703

 Income from real estate
 —
 121,463
 121,463

 Expenses related to real estate
 —
 163,762
 163,762

 Total net loss from real estate
 —
 ( 42,299)
 ( 42,299)

 Unrealized gains, net

 2,902
 —
 2,902

 Gains on derivative instruments, net

 —
 2,788
 2,788

 —
 ( 43,959)
 ( 43,959)

 —
 ( 14,636)
 ( 14,636)

 —
 26,031
 26,031

 Total other income (loss)

 2,902
 ( 29,776)
 ( 26,874)

 Net income (loss)

 15,605
 ( 72,075)
 ( 56,470)

 Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs
 —
 31,924
 31,924

 Net income (loss) attributable to Company

 $
 15,605
 $
 ( 40,151)
 $
 ( 24,546)

 Year Ended December 31,

 2023

 Total

 $
 34,061
 $
 —
 $
 34,061

 —

 Total net interest income
 9,555
 —
 9,555

 Income from real estate
 —
 160,407
 160,407

 Expenses related to real estate
 —
 192,018
 192,018

 Total net loss from real estate
 —
 ( 31,611)
 ( 31,611)

 Unrealized losses, net

 ( 10,016)
 —
 ( 10,016)

 Gains on derivative instruments, net

 —
 4,837
 4,837

 —
 ( 89,548)
 ( 89,548)

 —
 ( 16,163)
 ( 16,163)

 —
 2,728
 2,728

 Total other loss

 ( 10,016)
 ( 98,146)
 ( 108,162)

 Net loss

 ( 461)
 ( 129,757)
 ( 130,218)

 Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs
 —
 29,134
 29,134

 $
 ( 461)
 $
 ( 100,623)
 $
 ( 101,084)

 Year Ended December 31,

 2022

 Total

 $
 36,448
 $
 —
 $
 36,448

 —

 Total net interest income
 11,303
 —
 11,303

 Income from real estate
 —
 134,722
 134,722

 Expenses related to real estate
 —
 245,650
 245,650

 Total net loss from real estate
 —
 ( 110,928)
 ( 110,928)

 Unrealized losses, net

 ( 32,403)
 —
 ( 32,403)

 Gains on derivative instruments, net

 —
 27,230
 27,230

 —
 ( 2,449)
 ( 2,449)

 —
 16,308
 16,308

 Total other (loss) income

 ( 32,403)
 41,089
 8,686

 Net loss

 ( 21,100)
 ( 69,839)
 ( 90,939)

 Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs

 —
 42,044
 42,044

 $
 ( 21,100)
 $
 ( 27,795)
 $
 ( 48,895)

 Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated VIEs

 The third-party owners of certain of the non-controlling interests in Consolidated VIEs have the ability to sell their ownership interests to the Company, at their election. The Company has classified these third-party ownership interests as redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs in mezzanine equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The holders of the redeemable non-controlling interests may elect to sell their ownership interests to the Company at fair value once a year and the sales are subject to annual minimum and maximum amount limitations. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the maximum redeemable amount of non-controlling ownership interest was $ 6.8 million, of which non-controlling interest holders elected to sell $ 0.6 million to the Company.

 The following table presents activity in redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Years Ended December 31,

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Beginning balance
 $
 $
 63,803
 $
 66,392

 Contributions

 Distributions
 ( 8,809)
 ( 4,021)
 ( 7,083)

 Net loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs
 ( 16,926)
 ( 17,067)
 ( 38,190)

 Adjustment of redeemable non-controlling interest to estimated redemption value (1)

 10,613
 ( 14,175)
 44,237

 Redemption of redeemable non-controlling interest
 ( 626)
 ( 485)
 ( 2,015)

 Ending balance
 $
 $
 $
 63,803

 (1)The Company determines the fair value of the redeemable non-controlling interest utilizing market assumptions and discounted cash flows. The Company applies a discount rate to the estimated future cash flows from the multi-family apartment properties held by the applicable Consolidated VIEs that are allocatable to the redeemable non-controlling interest. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Significant unobservable inputs utilized in the estimation of fair value of redeemable non-controlling interest as of December 31, 2024 include a weighted average capitalization rate of 5.6 % (ranges from 5.0 % to 6.3 %) and a weighted average discount rate of 14.8 % (ranges from 13.9 % to 15.6 %).

 Unconsolidated VIEs

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company evaluated its investment securities available for sale and preferred equity, equity and other investments to determine whether they are VIEs and should be consolidated by the Company. Based on a number of factors, the Company determined that, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, it does not have a controlling financial interest and is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. The following tables present the classification and carrying value of unconsolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

 Total

 $
 —
 $
 22,892
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 22,892

 Preferred equity investments in multi-family properties
 —
 73,436
 —
 159,628

 Joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties

 —
 —
 1,338
 —
 1,338

 Other investments

 —
 —
 —
 2,000
 2,000

 Maximum exposure
 $
 $
 22,892
 $
 74,774
 $
 2,000
 $
 185,858

 Investment securities available for sale, at fair value
 Total

 $
 —
 $
 24,462
 $
 —
 $
 24,462

 Preferred equity investments in multi-family properties

 —
 104,242
 200,034

 Joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties

 —
 —
 5,720
 5,720

 Maximum exposure
 $
 $
 24,462
 $
 109,962
 $
 230,216

 8. Real Estate, Net

 The following is a summary of real estate, net, collectively, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Land
 $
 80,190
 $
 137,883

 Building and improvements
 581,283
 1,020,477

 Furniture, fixture and equipment
 16,866
 38,706

 Operating real estate

 $
 678,339
 $
 1,197,066

 Accumulated depreciation
 ( 61,834)
 ( 65,247)

 Operating real estate, net
 $
 616,505
 $
 1,131,819

 Real estate held for sale, net (1)

 $
 6,902
 $
 —

 Real estate, net (2)

 $
 623,407
 $
 1,131,819

 (1)Real estate held for sale, net is recorded at the lower of the net carrying amount of the assets or the estimated fair value, net of selling costs. Includes certain single-family rental properties as of December 31, 2024.
 (2)In September 2022, the Company announced a repositioning of its business through the opportunistic disposition over time of the Company's joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties and reallocation of its capital away from such assets to its targeted assets. Accordingly, the real estate, net related to certain joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties is included in assets of disposal group held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. See Note 9 for additional information.

 Multi-family Apartment Properties

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company owned joint venture equity investments in entities that own multi-family apartment communities, which the Company determined to be VIEs and for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the Company consolidated the joint venture entities into its consolidated financial statements (see Note 7).

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company determined that two of the multi-family apartment communities owned by an entity in which the Company holds a joint venture equity investment that is not in disposal group held for sale met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, transferred the properties held by the joint venture entity from operating real estate to real estate held for sale and recognized no loss. The entity subsequently sold these multi-family apartment communities for approximately $ 77.3 million, subject to certain prorations and adjustments typical in such real estate transactions, including the repayment or assumption of the related mortgages payable in the amount of approximately $ 44.2 million. The sales generated a net gain of approximately $ 16.3 million and recognition of loan costs of approximately $ 0.6 million, both of which are included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The sales also generated net income attributable to non-controlling interest of approximately $ 12.1 million, resulting in a net gain attributable to the Company's common stockholders of approximately $ 3.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the entity also distributed its ownership interest in one multi-family apartment community to the non-controlling interest. The distribution resulted in a net gain of approximately $ 0.5 million, which is included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, resulting in a net gain attributable to the Company's common stockholders of approximately $ 0.1 million. As of December 31, 2024, no multi-family apartment communities owned by this entity remain classified as held for sale.

 During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company became the primary beneficiary of a VIE that owns a multi-family apartment community and in which the Company holds a preferred equity investment. Accordingly, the Company consolidated the VIE into its consolidated financial statements (see Note 7).

 During the year ended December 31, 2022, one of the entities in which the Company held a joint venture equity investment sold its multi-family apartment community for approximately $ 48.0 million, subject to certain prorations and adjustments typical in such real estate transactions, and repaid the related mortgage payable in the amount of approximately $ 26.0 million. The sale generated a net gain of approximately $ 16.8 million and a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $ 0.5 million, both of which are included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, resulting in a net gain attributable to the Company's common stockholders of approximately $ 14.4 million.

 The multi-family apartment communities generally lease their apartment units to individual tenants at market rates for the production of rental income. These apartment units are generally leased at a fixed monthly rate with no option for the lessee to purchase the leased unit at any point.

 Operating real estate, net is periodically evaluated for impairment. The calculation of impairment amounts for multi-family apartment properties utilized fair values that were estimated based upon discounted cash flow analyses using property financial information and assumptions regarding market rent, revenue and expense growth, capitalization rates and equity return rates. Accordingly, the Company recognized a $ 15.8 million impairment of real estate during the year ended December 31, 2024.

 Single-family Rental Properties

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company owned single-family rental homes. These units are leased to individual tenants for the production of rental income and are generally leased at a fixed monthly rate with no option for the lessee to purchase the leased unit at any point.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company determined that certain single-family rental properties met the criteria to be classified as held for sale, transferred the properties from operating real estate to real estate held for sale and recognized a $ 4.8 million loss upon transfer, which is included in impairment of real estate on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Real estate held for sale, net is recorded at the lower of the net carrying amount of the assets or the estimated fair value, net of selling costs. Fair value for single-family rental properties held for sale was based upon local broker price opinions and automated valuation model data. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized a $ 4.9 million net impairment loss on single-family rental properties, inclusive of losses recognized upon transfer to real estate held for sale.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold single-family rental properties for proceeds of approximately $ 5.4 million and recognized a net gain on sale of approximately $ 0.1 million, which is included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Lease Intangibles

 Intangibles related to multi-family properties consist of the value of in-place leases and are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents the components of lease intangibles, net as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Lease intangibles
 $
 26,738
 $
 54,581

 Accumulated amortization
 ( 26,738)
 ( 52,203)

 Lease intangibles, net

 $
 —
 $
 2,378

 In September 2022, the Company announced a repositioning of its business through the opportunistic disposition over time of the Company's joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties and reallocation of its capital away from such assets to its targeted assets. Accordingly, the lease intangibles, net related to certain joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties are included in assets of disposal group held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. See Note 9 for additional information.

 Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 The following table presents depreciation and amortization expenses for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Depreciation expense on operating real estate
 $
 37,444
 $
 24,620
 $
 47,179

 Amortization of lease intangibles related to operating real estate
 2,378
 —
 79,645

 Total depreciation and amortization (1)

 $
 39,822
 $
 24,620
 $
 126,824

 (1)Amounts for the year ended December 31, 2022 include depreciation and amortization of multi-family properties that have been reclassified to assets held in disposal group held for sale.

 The estimated depreciation expense related to operating real estate is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Year Ending December 31,
 Depreciation Expense

 2025
 $
 23,514

 2026
 $
 23,514

 2027
 $
 21,592

 2028
 $
 21,327

 2029
 $
 20,905

 9. Assets and Liabilities of Disposal Group Held for Sale

 In September 2022, the Company announced a repositioning of its business through the opportunistic disposition over time of the Company's joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties and reallocation of its capital away from such assets to its targeted assets. Accordingly, the Company determined that certain joint venture equity investments met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and transferred either the assets and liabilities of the respective Consolidated VIEs or its equity investment in the joint venture entity to assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale.

 During the year ended December 31, 2023, five of the entities in which the Company held a joint venture equity investment sold their multi-family apartment communities for approximately $ 219.2 million, subject to certain prorations and adjustments typical in such real estate transactions, and repaid the related mortgages payable in the amount of approximately $ 173.6 million. The sales generated net gains of approximately $ 6.0 million and losses on extinguishment of debt of approximately $ 2.0 million, both of which are included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The sales also generated net income attributable to non-controlling interest of approximately $ 2.2 million, resulting in net gains attributable to the Company's common shareholders of approximately $ 1.7 million.

 In December 2023, the Company suspended the marketing of nine joint venture equity investments that were reported in assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale primarily due to unfavorable market conditions and a lack of transactional activity in the multi-family market. As such, the Company determined that these joint venture equity investments no longer met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and transferred either the assets and liabilities of the respective Consolidated VIEs or its equity investment in the joint venture entity to their respective categories or equity investments, at fair value, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023. As a result of this transfer, the Company adjusted the carrying value of the long-lived assets in these Consolidated VIEs and recognized an approximately $ 16.2 million loss on reclassification of disposal group in the year ended December 31, 2023.

 As of December 31, 2023, five joint venture equity investments were classified as disposal group held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 In March 2024, the Company suspended the marketing of one additional joint venture equity investment, determined that it no longer met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and transferred the assets and liabilities of the Consolidated VIE to their respective categories on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024. As a result of this transfer, the Company adjusted the carrying value of the long-lived assets in the Consolidated VIE and recognized an approximately $ 14.6 million loss on reclassification of disposal group during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, in response to productive negotiations with operating partners and increased transactional activity, the Company determined that eight joint venture equity investments met the criteria to be classified as held for sale and transferred the assets and liabilities of the respective Consolidated VIEs to assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As a result, the Company recognized a loss of approximately $ 3.7 million, which is included in impairment of real estate in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company sold its ownership interests in nine joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties which resulted in the de-consolidation of the joint venture entities' assets and liabilities and a gain on de-consolidation of approximately $ 5.6 million, which is included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, one of the entities in which the Company held a joint venture equity investment that is in disposal group held for sale sold its multi-family apartment community for approximately $ 56.4 million, subject to certain prorations and adjustments typical in such real estate transactions, and repaid the related mortgage payable in the amount of approximately $ 31.8 million. The sale generated a net gain of approximately $ 11.4 million and a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $ 1.6 million, both of which are included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The sale also generated net income attributable to non-controlling interest of approximately $ 1.1 million, resulting in net gain attributable to the Company's common stockholders of approximately $ 8.7 million.

 As of December 31, 2024, two joint venture equity investments are classified as disposal group held for sale. The following table presents the carrying values of the major classes of assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 $
 2,461
 $
 5,676

 111,032
 407,834

 5,120
 12,507

 Total assets of disposal group held for sale (1)

 $
 $

 Mortgages payable on real estate, net (2)

 $
 93,370
 $
 378,386

 3,695
 7,638

 Total liabilities of disposal group held for sale (1)

 $
 $

 (1)Assets and liabilities of the disposal group held for sale are in Consolidated VIEs because the Company is the primary beneficiary.
 (2)In March 2024, two entities in which the Company held joint venture equity investments entered into debt restructuring agreements with the respective senior lender for their mortgages payable. As part of the agreements, a portion of interest payments were deferred until the maturity date. The restructurings did not result in a change in the carrying amount of the mortgages payable and no gains were recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold its ownership interests in these entities, which resulted in the de-consolidation of the mortgages payable subject to the debt restructuring agreements as of December 31, 2024.

 Also included in the disposal group held for sale are non-controlling interests in Consolidated VIEs in the amount of $ 2.0 million and $ 3.2 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 Real estate, net included in assets of disposal group held for sale is recorded at the lower of the net carrying amount of the assets or the estimated fair value, net of selling costs. Fair value for real estate was based upon a discounted cash flow analysis using property financial information and assumptions regarding market rent, revenue and expense growth, capitalization rates and return rates. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized net impairment losses of $ 28.2 million for real estate, net in the disposal group held for sale, inclusive of losses recognized upon transfer into disposal group held for sale. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized net impairment losses of $ 89.5 million and $ 2.4 million, respectively. See Note 17 for descriptions of valuation methodologies utilized for other classes of assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale.

 The following table presents the pretax losses of the disposal group held for sale as of December 31, 2024 for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Pretax loss of disposal group held for sale
 $
 ( 59,170)
 $
 ( 124,183)
 $
 ( 53,813)

 Pretax loss of disposal group attributable to non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs
 6,712
 11,870
 5,784

 Pretax loss of disposal group attributable to Company's common stockholders
 $
 ( 52,458)
 $
 ( 112,313)
 $
 ( 48,029)

 10. Derivative Instruments

 The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company enters into derivative financial instruments in connection with its risk management activities. These derivative instruments may include interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, credit default swaps, futures and options contracts such as options on credit default swap indices, equity index options, swaptions and options on futures. The Company may also pursue forward-settling purchases or sales of Agency RMBS where the underlying pools of mortgage loans are "To-Be-Announced," or TBAs, purchase options on U.S. Treasury futures or invest in other types of mortgage derivative securities. The Company elected not to apply hedge accounting for its derivative instruments.
 The following table summarizes the Company's derivative instruments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Type of Derivative Instrument
 Consolidated Balance Sheet Location

 $
 $
 6,510

 —
 —

 —
 —

 Total derivative assets (1)

 $
 $
 6,510

 Credit default swaps

 $
 —
 $
 —

 —
 —

 Total derivative liabilities

 $
 —
 $
 —

 (1) Excludes interest rate cap contracts held by certain Consolidated VIEs included in other assets in disposal group held for sale.

 The Company elects to net the fair value of its derivative contracts by counterparty when appropriate and accounts for the receipt or payment of variation margin as a direct reduction of or increase in the carrying value of the related asset or liability.
 The following tables present a reconciliation of gross derivative assets and liabilities to net amounts presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Gross Amount of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)
 Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets
 Variation Margin
 Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in Balance Sheets

 Derivative assets

 $
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $

 63,942
 ( 10,134)
 ( 53,808)
 —

 ( 658)
 ( 294)
 —

 Total derivative assets
 $
 64,950
 $
 ( 10,792)
 $
 ( 54,102)
 $

 Derivative liabilities

 Credit default swaps

 $
 ( 9,120)
 $
 —
 $
 9,120
 $
 —

 ( 10,134)
 10,134
 —
 —

 ( 658)
 —
 —

 Total derivative liabilities
 $
 ( 19,912)
 $
 10,792
 $
 9,120
 $
 —

 Gross Amount of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)
 Gross Amounts Offset in Balance Sheets
 Variation Margin
 Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in Balance Sheets

 Derivative assets

 $
 6,510
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 6,510

 13,094
 ( 13,094)
 —
 —

 Total derivative assets
 $
 19,604
 $
 ( 13,094)
 $
 —
 $
 6,510

 Derivative liabilities

 $
 ( 40,541)
 $
 13,094
 $
 27,447
 $
 —

 Total derivative liabilities
 $
 ( 40,541)
 $
 13,094
 $
 27,447
 $
 —

 The use of derivatives exposes the Company to counterparty credit risks in the event of a default by a counterparty. If a counterparty defaults under the applicable derivative agreement, the Company may be unable to collect payments to which it is entitled under its derivative agreements and may have difficulty collecting the assets it pledged as collateral against such derivatives.

 The Company is required to post an initial margin amount for its interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and U.S. Treasury futures determined by CME Clearing and ICE, which is generally intended to be set at a level sufficient to protect the exchange from the derivative financial instrument's maximum estimated single-day price movement. The following table summarizes assets pledged as initial margin as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Initial Margin Collateral

 Consolidated Balance Sheet Location

 Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

 $
 33,399
 $
 —

 Restricted cash

 68,253
 53,458

 Total initial margin collateral

 $
 101,652
 $
 53,458

 Margin excess related to settlement of variation margin in the amount of approximately $ 11.1 million and $ 1.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, is included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Margin deficit related to settlement of variation margin in the amount of approximately $ 8.1 million as of December 31, 2024 is included in other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 The tables below summarize the activity of derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Notional Amount For the Year Ended December 31, 2024

 Type of Derivative Instrument
 Additions/Transfers In (1)

 Terminations/Transfers Out (1)

 $
 550,025
 $
 177,044
 $
 ( 681,927)
 $

 Options
 —
 ( 382)
 —

 2,778,015
 3,063,163
 ( 1,706,911)
 4,134,267

 Credit default swaps

 —
 400,000
 —
 400,000

 —
 905,050
 ( 498,950)
 406,100

 Notional Amount For the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 Type of Derivative Instrument
 December 31, 2022
 Additions/ Transfers In (2)

 Terminations

 $
 140,000
 $
 410,025
 $
 —
 $
 550,025

 Options
 —
 500,206
 ( 500,206)
 —

 —
 2,778,015
 —
 2,778,015

 (1)Includes transfers from or transfers to disposal group held for sale with respect to interest rate caps held by certain Consolidated Real Estate VIEs (see Note 9).
 (2)Includes an interest rate cap held by a preferred equity investment in a multi-family property that was consolidated during the year ended December 31, 2023 (see Note 7) and interest rate caps held by certain Consolidated VIEs that were transferred from disposal group held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2023 (see Note 9).

 The following tables present the components of realized gains (losses), net and unrealized gains (losses), net related to our derivative instruments, which are included in gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Type of Derivative Instrument
 Realized Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 Realized Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized Gains (Losses)
 Realized Gains (Losses)
 Unrealized Gains (Losses)

 Interest rate caps (1)

 $
 —
 $
 3,211
 $
 7,031
 $
 ( 1,926)
 $
 $
 26,282

 Options
 ( 2,261)
 —
 ( 4,036)
 —
 —
 —

 19,918
 81,255
 —
 ( 27,447)
 —
 —

 Credit default swaps

 ( 4,067)
 ( 861)
 —
 —
 —
 —

 ( 1,493)
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Total
 $
 12,097
 $
 83,899
 $
 2,995
 $
 ( 29,373)
 $
 $
 26,282

 (1)Includes interest rate caps held by certain Consolidated Real Estate VIEs included in other assets in disposal group held for sale.

 The following tables present information about our interest rate cap contracts related to certain repurchase agreement financing and variable-rate mortgages payable on real estate that are not included in disposal group held for sale as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Financing Type

 SOFR Strike Price

 Expiration Date

 Mortgage payable on real estate

 3.22
 %
 $
 January 1, 2025
 (1)

 (1)Replacement interest rate cap purchased in January 2025.

 Financing Type

 Weighted Average SOFR Strike Price

 SOFR Strike Price/Range

 Expiration Date/Range

 Repurchase agreement

 4.10
 %
 4.10
 %
 $
 111,000
 November 17, 2024

 Mortgages payable on real estate

 2.13
 %
 1.50 % - 3.22 %

 439,025
 January 9, 2024 - January 15, 2025

 The following tables present information about our interest rate swaps whereby we receive floating rate payments in exchange for fixed rate payments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Swap Maturities
 Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate
 Weighted Average Variable Interest Rate

 2025
 $
 1,377,250
 4.53
 %
 4.89
 %

 2026
 159,120
 4.10
 %
 4.53
 %

 2027
 622,123
 3.98
 %
 4.75
 %

 2028
 510,325
 3.90
 %
 4.93
 %

 2029
 614,585
 3.86
 %
 4.71
 %

 2033
 319,590
 4.00
 %
 4.83
 %

 2034
 178,224
 3.86
 %
 4.83
 %

 2044
 300,000
 3.34
 %
 4.80
 %

 Total
 $
 4,081,217
 4.09
 %
 4.82
 %

 Swap Maturities
 Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate
 Weighted Average Variable Interest Rate

 2025
 $
 1,476,370
 4.62
 %
 5.33
 %

 2026
 214,985
 4.19
 %
 5.33
 %

 2028
 674,804
 4.03
 %
 5.35
 %

 2033
 358,806
 4.04
 %
 5.34
 %

 Total
 $
 2,724,965
 4.36
 %
 5.34
 %

 The following tables present information about our interest rate swaps whereby we receive fixed rate payments in exchange for floating rate payments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Swap Maturities
 Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate
 Weighted Average Variable Interest Rate

 2028
 $
 9,550
 3.48
 %
 5.15
 %

 2033
 43,500
 3.64
 %
 5.01
 %

 Total
 $
 53,050
 3.61
 %
 5.04
 %

 Swap Maturities
 Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate
 Weighted Average Variable Interest Rate

 2028
 $
 9,550
 3.48
 %
 5.29
 %

 2033
 43,500
 3.64
 %
 5.33
 %

 Total
 $
 53,050
 3.61
 %
 5.33
 %

 Certain of the Company's derivative contracts are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association Master Agreements or other similar agreements which may contain provisions that grant counterparties certain rights with respect to the applicable agreement upon the occurrence of certain events, including a decline in the Company's stockholders' equity (as defined in the respective agreements) in excess of specified thresholds or dollar amounts over set periods of time, the Company's failure to maintain its REIT status, the Company's failure to comply with limits on the amount of leverage and the Company's stock being delisted from Nasdaq.

 11. Mortgage Servicing Rights

 The Company owned MSRs as of December 31, 2024 resulting from distributions of MSRs received from its equity investment in an entity that originates residential loans (see Note 6) and purchases of MSRs. The Company's MSRs are associated with business purpose loans and are reported at fair value pursuant to the fair value option election (see Note 17). The primary risks associated with the Company's MSRs are changes in interest rates and prepayment speeds.

 The following table presents activity related to MSRs for the year ended December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands). The Company did no t have MSRs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 $
 —

 MSRs received from equity investment

 10,917

 Purchases of MSRs

 9,470

 Changes in fair value due to:

 Changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in valuation model

 Other changes in fair value, including runoff

 ( 296)

 Balance at end of period

 $

 The following table presents the components of servicing fee income recognized during the year ended December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands). Servicing fee income is included in other income (loss) on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 Servicing fees

 $

 Prepayment fees

 Ancillary and other fee income (1)

 Servicing fee income

 $

 (1)Includes default interest and late fee collections.

 The Company recognized subservicing fee expenses in the amount of $ 0.1 million related to MSRs during the year ended December 31, 2024, which is included in portfolio operating expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 12. Other Assets and Other Liabilities

 Other Assets

 The following table presents the components of the Company's other assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Restricted cash (1)

 $
 161,602
 $
 143,535

 Accrued interest receivable
 62,075
 37,312

 Collections receivable from residential loan servicers
 50,294
 14,956

 Real estate owned
 47,651
 34,353

 Other receivables
 27,776
 11,445

 —

 Recoverable advances on residential loans
 17,391
 18,328

 Other assets in consolidated multi-family properties
 16,640
 28,923

 Receivables from derivative counterparties
 11,059
 1,148

 Deferred tax assets
 10,864
 4,510

 Operating lease right-of-use assets
 5,460
 6,581

 Derivative assets (2)

 6,510

 Lease intangibles, net in consolidated multi-family properties
 —
 2,378

 Other
 6,003
 5,378

 Total
 $
 437,874
 $
 315,357

 (1)Restricted cash represents cash held by third parties, initial margin for derivative contracts and cash held by the Company's securitization trusts.
 (2)Includes derivative assets held in Consolidated Real Estate VIEs.

 Other Liabilities

 The following table presents the components of the Company's other liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Accrued interest payable
 $
 41,015
 $
 23,653

 Dividends and dividend equivalents payable
 30,280
 32,151

 Unfunded commitments for residential and multi-family investments
 14,001
 6,587

 Accrued expenses
 11,141
 11,515

 Accrued expenses and other liabilities in consolidated multi-family properties
 10,621
 21,797

 Deferred tax liabilities
 9,282
 2,012

 Swap margin payable
 8,137
 —

 Advanced remittances from residential loan servicers
 7,029
 4,332

 Operating lease liabilities
 5,935
 7,102

 Deferred revenue
 5,817
 5,469

 Other
 4,354
 3,398

 Total
 $
 147,612
 $
 118,016

 13. Repurchase Agreements

 The following table presents the carrying value of the Company's repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Repurchase Agreements Secured By:

 Investment securities

 $
 $
 1,862,063

 Residential loans and real estate owned

 428,399
 534,754

 Single-family rental properties

 67,215
 74,296

 Total carrying value
 $
 $

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company had repurchase agreement exposure where the amount at risk was in excess of 5% of the Company's stockholders' equity with Atlas SP at 6.08 %. The amount at risk is defined as the fair value of assets pledged as collateral to the financing arrangement in excess of the financing arrangement liability.

 The financings under certain of our repurchase agreements are subject to margin calls to the extent the market value of the collateral subject to the repurchase agreement falls below specified levels and repurchase may be accelerated upon an event of default under the repurchase agreements. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had assets available to be posted as margin which included liquid assets, such as unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, and unencumbered securities that could be monetized to pay down or collateralize the liability immediately. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $ 163.3 million included in cash and cash equivalents and $ 170.2 million in unencumbered investment securities available to meet additional haircuts or market valuation requirements. The following table presents information about the Company's unencumbered securities at December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Unencumbered Securities

 $
 128,012

 Non-Agency RMBS (1) (2)

 42,155

 Total
 $
 170,167

 (1)Includes IOs in Consolidated SLST with a fair value of $ 14.0 million as of December 31, 2024. Consolidated SLST securities owned by the Company are eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP.
 (2)Includes CDOs repurchased from our residential loan securitizations with a fair value of $ 5.3 million as of December 31, 2024. Repurchased CDOs are eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP.

 The Company also had unencumbered residential loans with a fair value of $ 128.7 million at December 31, 2024.

 Residential Loans, Real Estate Owned and Single-family Rental Properties

 The Company has repurchase agreements with six financial institutions to finance residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties. The following table presents detailed information about the Company's financings under these repurchase agreements and associated assets pledged as collateral at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Maximum Aggregate Uncommitted Principal Amount
 Outstanding
 Repurchase Agreements (1)

 Net Deferred Finance Costs (2)

 Carrying Value of Repurchase Agreements
 Carrying Value of Assets Pledged (3)

 Weighted Average Rate
 Weighted Average Months to Maturity (4)

 $
 2,775,000
 $
 496,410
 $
 ( 796)
 $
 495,614
 $
 659,183
 6.70
 %
 9.64

 $
 2,225,000
 $
 611,055
 $
 ( 2,005)
 $
 609,050
 $
 805,082
 7.87
 %
 13.89

 (1)Includes non-mark-to-market repurchase agreements with an aggregate outstanding balance of $ 15.0 million, a weighted average rate of 7.09 %, and weighted average months to maturity of 8 months as of December 31, 2024.

 Includes non-mark-to-market repurchase agreements with an aggregate outstanding balance of $ 179.1 million, a weighted average rate of 8.19 %, and weighted average months to maturity of 14 months as of December 31, 2023.
 (2)Costs related to the repurchase agreements, which include commitment, underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees, are reflected as deferred charges. Such costs are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the term of the agreement using the effective interest method, or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.
 (3)Includes residential loans and real estate owned with an aggregate carrying value of $ 524.6 million and single-family rental properties with a net carrying value of $ 134.6 million as of December 31, 2024. Includes residential loans with an aggregate fair value of $ 658.3 million and single-family rental properties with a net carrying value of $ 146.7 million as of December 31, 2023.
 (4) The Company expects to roll outstanding amounts under these repurchase agreements into new repurchase agreements or other financings, or to repay outstanding amounts, prior to or at maturity.

 During the terms of the repurchase agreements, proceeds from the residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties will be applied to pay any price differential and to reduce the aggregate repurchase price of the collateral. The outstanding financings under the repurchase agreements with five of the counterparties with an aggregate outstanding balance of $ 481.4 million as of December 31, 2024 are subject to margin calls to the extent the market value of the collateral falls below specified levels and repurchase may be accelerated upon an event of default under the repurchase agreements.

 The Company's accrued interest payable on outstanding repurchase agreements secured by residential loans, real estate owned and single-family rental properties at December 31, 2024 and 2023 amounted to $ 2.5 million and $ 3.7 million, respectively, and is included in other liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

 The Company, as required by a repurchase agreement with one counterparty, entered into an interest rate cap contract that limited the indexed portion of the interest rate on the related repurchase agreement to a fixed rate (see Note 10). The interest rate cap requirement and the related interest rate cap contract expired in November 2024.

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company's repurchase agreements contain various covenants, including among other things, the maintenance of certain amounts of liquidity and total stockholders' equity as defined in the respective agreements. The Company is in compliance with such covenants as of December 31, 2024 and through the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Investment Securities

 The Company has entered into repurchase agreements with financial institutions to finance certain investment securities available for sale, securities owned in Consolidated SLST and CDOs repurchased from our residential loan securitizations. These repurchase agreements provide short-term financing that bear interest rates typically based on a spread to SOFR and are secured by the investment securities which they finance and additional collateral pledged, if any. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had amounts outstanding under repurchase agreements with nine counterparties and seven counterparties, respectively.

 The following table presents detailed information about the amounts outstanding under the Company's repurchase agreements secured by investment securities and associated assets pledged as collateral at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Outstanding Repurchase Agreements
 Fair Value of Collateral Pledged (1)

 Amortized Cost of Collateral Pledged (1)

 Outstanding Repurchase Agreements
 Fair Value of Collateral Pledged
 Amortized Cost of Collateral Pledged

 $
 2,830,925
 $
 2,975,400
 $
 2,995,820
 $
 1,771,436
 $
 1,894,052
 $
 1,869,415

 Non-Agency RMBS (2) (3)

 50,622
 67,352
 64,375
 90,627
 182,383
 232,997

 635,064
 633,833
 669,447
 —
 —
 —

 Balance at end of the period
 $
 $
 3,676,585
 $
 3,729,642
 $
 1,862,063
 $
 2,076,435
 $
 2,102,412

 (1)Collateral pledged includes restricted cash posted as margin in the amount of $ 11.8 million.
 (2)Includes first loss subordinated securities in Consolidated SLST with a fair value of $ 20.6 million and $ 140.3 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Consolidated SLST securities owned by the Company are eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP.
 (3)Includes CDOs repurchased from our residential loan securitizations with a fair value of $ 42.1 million as of December 31, 2023. Amounts included in amortized cost of collateral pledged for repurchased CDOs represent the current par value of the securities. Repurchased CDOs are eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP.

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the outstanding balances under our repurchase agreements secured by investment securities were funded at a weighted average advance rate of 96.0 % and 93.4 %, respectively, that implies an average "haircut" of 4.0 % and 6.6 %, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the weighted average "haircut" related to our repurchase agreement financing for our Agency RMBS, non-Agency RMBS, and U.S. Treasury securities was approximately 4.2 %, 27.9 %, and 1.3 %, respectively.

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the average days to maturity for repurchase agreements secured by investment securities were 26 days and 46 days, respectively, and the weighted average interest rates were 4.84 % and 5.66 %, respectively. The Company's accrued interest payable on outstanding repurchase agreements secured by investment securities at December 31, 2024 and 2023 amounted to $ 28.4 million and $ 13.6 million, respectively, and is included in other liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

 The following table presents contractual maturity information about the Company's outstanding repurchase agreements secured by investment securities at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Contractual Maturity

 Within 30 days
 $
 2,103,332
 $
 505,446

 Over 30 day to 90 days
 1,413,279
 1,263,000

 Over 90 days
 —
 93,617

 Total
 $
 $
 1,862,063

 14. Collateralized Debt Obligations

 The Company's collateralized debt obligations, or CDOs, are accounted for as financings and are non-recourse debt to the Company. See Note 7 for further discussion regarding the collateral pledged for the Company's CDOs as well as the Company's net investments in the related securitizations.

 The following tables present a summary of the Company's CDOs as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Weighted Average Interest Rate (1) (2)

 Consolidated SLST at fair value (4)

 $
 867,004
 $
 3.49
 %
 2059 - 2064

 Residential loan securitizations at fair value (4)

 1,281,896
 5.72
 %
 2029 - 2069

 850,547
 842,764
 4.35
 %
 2027 - 2062

 Non-Agency RMBS re-securitization at fair value (4)

 70,867
 7.38
 %
 2064

 Total collateralized debt obligations
 $
 3,070,314
 $
 2,978,444

 Weighted Average Interest Rate (1)

 Consolidated SLST at fair value (4)

 $
 652,933
 $
 2.75
 %
 2059

 1,292,015
 1,276,780
 4.00
 %
 2026 - 2062

 Total collateralized debt obligations
 $
 1,944,948
 $
 1,870,517

 (1)Weighted average interest rate is calculated using the outstanding face amount and stated interest rate of notes issued by the securitization and not owned by the Company.
 (2)Certain of the Company's CDOs contain interest rate step-up features whereby the interest rate increases if the outstanding notes are not redeemed by expected redemption dates, as defined in the respective governing documents. As of December 31, 2024, CDOs with an aggregate outstanding face amount of $ 1.6 billion contain an interest rate step-up feature whereby the interest rate increases by either 1.00 %, 1.50 %, 2.00 %, or 3.00 % on defined dates ranging between 24 months and 48 months after issuance, if the notes are not redeemed before such dates.
 (3)The actual maturity of the Company's CDOs is primarily determined by the rate of principal prepayments on the assets of the issuing entity. The CDOs are also subject to redemption prior to the stated maturity according to the terms of the respective governing documents. As a result, the actual maturity of the CDOs may occur earlier than the stated maturity.
 (4)The Company has elected the fair value option for CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST, residential loan securitizations completed after January 1, 2024 and a non-Agency RMBS re-securitization (see Note 17). See Note 7 for unrealized gains or losses recognized on CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $ 1.5 million in net unrealized losses on residential loan securitizations and a non-Agency RMBS re-securitization at fair value, which is included in unrealized (losses) gains, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 The Company's CDOs as of December 31, 2024 had stated maturities as follows:

 Year Ending December 31,
 Total

 2025

 $
 —

 2026

 —

 2027

 67,766

 2028

 —

 2029

 225,000

 Thereafter
 2,777,548

 Total
 $
 3,070,314

 15. Debt

 Senior Unsecured Notes

 On June 28, 2024, the Company completed the issuance of $ 60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 2029 Senior Notes in an underwritten public offering. The total net proceeds to the Company from the offering of the 2029 Senior Notes, after deducting the underwriters' discount and commissions and offering expenses, were approximately $ 57.5 million.

 On April 27, 2021, the Company completed the issuance and sale to various qualified institutional investors of $ 100.0 million aggregate principal amount of its unregistered 5.75 % Senior Notes due 2026 (the "Unregistered Notes") in a private placement offering at 100 % of the principal amount. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Unregistered Notes, after deducting offering expenses, were approximately $ 96.3 million. Subsequent to the issuance of the Unregistered Notes, the Company conducted an exchange offer wherein the Company exchanged its registered 5.75 % Senior Notes due 2026 (the "Registered Notes" and, together with the aggregate principal amount of Unregistered Notes that remain outstanding, the "2026 Senior Notes") for an equal principal amount of Unregistered Notes.

 The 2029 Senior Notes and the 2026 Senior Notes (collectively, the "Senior Unsecured Notes") are senior unsecured obligations of the Company that are equal in right of payment to each other and structurally subordinated in right of payment to the Company's subordinated debentures. No sinking fund is provided for the Senior Unsecured Notes.

 The following table presents a summary of the Senior Unsecured Notes as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2029 Senior Notes at fair value

 $
 60,000
 $
 $
 —
 $
 —

 2026 Senior Notes at amortized cost, net

 100,000
 98,886
 100,000

 Total Senior Unsecured Notes

 $
 160,000
 $
 159,196
 $
 100,000
 $

 2029 Senior Notes

 The 2029 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 9.125 % per year, payable in cash quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2024, and mature on July 1, 2029, unless earlier redeemed. The Company may redeem the 2029 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at the Company's option on or after July 1, 2026, at a redemption price equal to 100 % of the outstanding principal amount of the 2029 Senior Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.

 The Company has elected the fair value option with respect to the 2029 Senior Notes. None of the change in the fair value of the 2029 Senior Notes for the year ended December 31, 2024 was due to instrument-specific credit risk. Accordingly, the Company recognized $ 0.3 million in net unrealized losses on the 2029 Senior Notes, which are included in unrealized (losses) gains, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 2026 Senior Notes

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $ 100.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 2026 Senior Notes outstanding. Costs related to the issuance of the 2026 Senior Notes which include underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees, are reflected as deferred charges. The deferred charges, net of amortization, are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the amount of $ 1.1 million and $ 1.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method, resulting in a total cost to the Company of approximately 6.64 %.

 The 2026 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75 % per year, subject to adjustment from time to time based on changes in the ratings of the 2026 Senior Notes by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (a "NRSRO"). The annual interest rate on the 2026 Senior Notes will increase by (i) 0.50 % per year beginning on the first day of any six-month interest period if as of such day the 2026 Senior Notes have a rating of BB+ or below and above B+ from any NRSRO and (ii) 0.75 % per year beginning on the first day of any six-month interest period if as of such day the 2026 Senior Notes have a rating of B+ or below or no rating from any NRSRO. Interest on the 2026 Senior Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears on April 30 and October 30 of each year, and the 2026 Senior Notes will mature on April 30, 2026.

 The Company had the right to redeem the 2026 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to April 30, 2023 at a redemption price equal to 100 % of the principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes to be redeemed, plus the applicable "make-whole" premium, plus accrued but unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. The "make-whole" premium was equal to the present value of all interest that would have accrued between the redemption date and up to, but excluding, April 30, 2023, plus an amount equal to the principal amount of such 2026 Senior Notes multiplied by 2.875 %. After April 30, 2023, the Company has the right to redeem the 2026 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at 100 % of the principal amount of the 2026 Senior Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued but unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, plus an amount equal to the principal amount of such 2026 Senior Notes multiplied by a date-dependent multiple as detailed in the following table:

 Redemption Period
 Multiple

 April 30, 2023 - April 29, 2024

 2.875
 %

 April 30, 2024 - April 29, 2025

 1.4375
 %

 April 30, 2025 - April 29, 2026

 —

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company's 2026 Senior Notes contain various covenants including the maintenance of a minimum net asset value, ratio of unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness and senior debt service coverage ratio and limit the amount of leverage the Company may utilize and its ability to transfer the Company's assets substantially as an entirety or merge into or consolidate with another person. The Company is in compliance with such covenants as of December 31, 2024 and through the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Subordinated Debentures

 Subordinated debentures are trust preferred securities that are fully guaranteed by the Company with respect to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, redemption or repayment. Prior to July 2023, each of the Company's subordinated debentures incurred interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus an applicable spread, resetting quarterly. In light of the cessation of the publication of three-month LIBOR after June 30, 2023, and pursuant to the terms of each of the Company's subordinated debentures, as of December 31, 2024, the floating rate for each of the Company's subordinated debentures is equal to three-month CME Term SOFR plus both a tenor spread adjustment of 0.26161 % per annum and the applicable spread.

 The following table summarizes the key details of the Company's subordinated debentures as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 NYM Preferred Trust I
 NYM Preferred Trust II

 Principal value of trust preferred securities
 $
 25,000
 $
 20,000

 Interest rate
 Three-month CME Term SOFR plus tenor spread adjustment of 0.26161 % plus 3.75 %, resetting quarterly

 Three-month CME Term SOFR plus tenor spread adjustment of 0.26161 % plus 3.95 %, resetting quarterly

 Scheduled maturity
 March 30, 2035
 October 30, 2035

 As of February 21, 2025, the Company has not been notified, and is not aware, of any event of default under the indenture for the subordinated debentures.

 Convertible Notes

 As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $ 138.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.25 % Senior Convertible Notes due 2022 outstanding. The Company redeemed the Convertible Notes at maturity for $ 138.0 million on January 15, 2022. None of the Convertible Notes were converted prior to maturity.

 Costs related to the issuance of the Convertible Notes, which included underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees, were reflected as deferred charges. The underwriter's discount and deferred charges were amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method, resulting in a total cost to the Company of approximately 8.24 %.

 The following table presents interest expense from the Convertible Notes for the year ended December 31, 2022 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 For the Year Ended December 31, 2022

 Contractual interest expense
 $

 Amortization of underwriter's discount and deferred charges

 Total
 $

 Mortgages Payable on Real Estate

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company owned joint venture equity investments in entities that own multi-family apartment communities, which the Company determined to be VIEs and for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company also owned a preferred equity investment in a VIE that owns a multi-family apartment community and for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the Company consolidated the respective VIEs into its consolidated financial statements (see Note 7).

 During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2022, sales of consolidated multi-family apartment communities resulted in the repayment or assumption of the related mortgages payable (see Note 8).

 In February 2024, one entity in which the Company held a joint venture equity investment entered into a debt restructuring agreement with the senior lender for its mortgage payable. As part of the agreement, the required strike price of the interest rate cap agreement related to the respective mortgage payable increased and a portion of interest payments was deferred until the maturity date. The restructuring did not result in a change in the carrying amount of the mortgage payable and no gain was recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold its joint venture equity investment in the entity, which resulted in the de-consolidation of the mortgage payable subject to the debt restructuring agreement as of December 31, 2024.

 The consolidated multi-family apartment communities are subject to mortgages payable collateralized by the associated real estate assets. The Company has no obligation for repayment of the mortgages payable but, with respect to certain of the mortgages payable, it may execute a guaranty related to commitment of bad acts. The following table presents detailed information for these mortgages payable on real estate as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Maximum Committed Mortgage Principal Amount
 Outstanding Mortgage Balance
 Net Deferred Finance Cost
 Mortgage Payable, Net (1)

 Stated Maturity
 Weighted Average Interest Rate (2) (3)

 $
 368,158
 $
 368,158
 $
 ( 1,552)
 $
 2026 - 2032
 4.48
 %

 810,047
 789,053
 ( 4,632)
 2024 - 2032
 6.41
 %

 (1)In September 2022, the Company announced a repositioning of its business through the opportunistic disposition over time of the Company's joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties and reallocation of its capital away from such assets to its targeted assets. Accordingly, mortgages payable on real estate related to certain joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties are included in liabilities of disposal group held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. See Note 9 for additional information.
 (2)Weighted average interest rate is calculated using the outstanding mortgage balance and interest rate as of the date indicated.
 (3)For variable-rate mortgages payable, the applicable entities, as required by the loan agreements, entered into interest rate cap contracts with counterparties that limit the indexed portion of the interest rate to a fixed rate. See Note 10 for additional information.

 Debt Maturities

 As of December 31, 2024, maturities for debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Year Ending December 31,
 Total

 2025
 $
 —

 2026
 126,119

 2027
 —

 2028
 —

 2029
 282,865

 Thereafter
 164,174

 Total
 $
 573,158

 16. Commitments and Contingencies

 Outstanding Litigation

 The Company is at times subject to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 2024, the Company does not believe that any of its current legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations, financial condition or cash flows.

 Commitment to Fund Business Purpose Loans

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company had commitments to fund up to $ 220.8 million of additional advances on existing business purpose loans. These commitments are generally subject to loan agreements with terms that must be met before the Company funds advances on the commitment.

 Leases

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company has entered into multi-year lease agreements for office space accounted for as non-cancelable operating leases. Total property lease expense on these leases for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 amounted to $ 1.5 million, $ 1.7 million, and 1.7 million, respectively. The leases are secured by cash deposits in the amount of $ 0.6 million.

 As of December 31, 2024, obligations under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Year Ending December 31,
 Total

 2025
 $
 1,604

 2026
 1,617

 2027
 1,471

 2028
 1,226

 2029

 Thereafter
 —

 Total lease payments

 $
 6,699

 Less: imputed interest

 ( 764)

 Present value of lease liabilities

 $
 5,935

 17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 The Company has established and documented processes for determining fair values. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, then fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use inputs that are market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves.

 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, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

 a. Residential Loans Held in Consolidated SLST – Residential loans held in Consolidated SLST are carried at fair value and classified as Level 3 fair values. In accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 810, the Company determines the fair value of residential loans held in Consolidated SLST based on the fair value of the CDOs issued by the respective securitization and its investment in the securitization (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable.

 The investment securities (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP) that we own in the securitizations are generally illiquid and trade infrequently. As such, they are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair valuation of these investment securities is determined based on an internal valuation model that considers expected cash flows from the underlying loans and yields required by market participants. The significant unobservable inputs used in the measurement of these investments are projected losses within the pool of loans and a discount rate. The discount rate used in determining fair value incorporates default rate, loss severity, prepayment rate and current market interest rates. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

 b. Residential Loans and Residential Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – The Company's acquired residential loans are recorded at fair value and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value for residential loans is determined using valuations obtained from a third party that specializes in providing valuations of residential loans. The valuation approach depends on whether the residential loan is considered performing, re-performing or non-performing at the date the valuation is performed.

 For performing and re-performing loans, estimates of fair value are derived using a discounted cash flow model, where estimates of cash flows are determined from scheduled payments for each loan, adjusted using forecast prepayment rates, default rates and rates for loss upon default. For non-performing loans, asset liquidation cash flows are derived based on the estimated time to liquidate the loan, expected liquidation costs and home price appreciation. 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 independently calculates the fair value of residential loans based on discounted cash flows using an internal pricing model to validate all third-party valuations of residential loans. The Company has established thresholds to compare internally generated prices with independent third-party prices and any differences that exceed the thresholds are reviewed both internally and with the third-party pricing service. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the thresholds before a final price is established.

 c. Preferred Equity and Mezzanine Loan Investments – Fair value for preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments is determined by both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flows. The discounted cash flows are based on the underlying estimated cash flows and estimated changes in market yields. The fair value also reflects consideration of changes in credit risk since the origination or time of initial investment. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 d. Investment Securities Available for Sale – The Company determines the fair value of its Agency RMBS and non-Agency RMBS based on discounted cash flows utilizing an internal pricing model. The methodology considers the characteristics of the particular security and its underlying collateral, which are observable inputs. These inputs include, but are not limited to, delinquency status, coupon, loan-to-value ("LTV"), historical performance, periodic and life caps, collateral type, rate reset period, seasoning, prepayment speeds and credit enhancement levels. The Company also considers several observable market data points, including prices obtained from third-party pricing services or dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments, trading activity, and dialogue with market participants. Third-party pricing services typically incorporate commonly used market pricing methods, trading activity observed in the marketplace and other data inputs similar to those used in the Company's internal pricing model. The Company has established thresholds to compare internally generated prices with independent third-party prices and any differences that exceed the thresholds are reviewed both internally and with the third-party pricing service. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the thresholds before a final price is established.

 The Company determines the fair value of its U.S. Treasury securities using a third-party pricing service that compiles prices from various sources or using pricing models that consider observable market data to determine the fair value of identical or similar securities.

 The Company's investment securities available for sale are valued based upon readily observable market parameters and are classified as Level 2 fair values.

 e. Equity Investments – Fair value for equity investments is determined (i) by the valuation process for preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments as described in c. above or (ii) using weighted multiples of origination volume and earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization of the entity and the net asset value ("NAV") of the equity investment entity. These fair value measurements are generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 f. Derivative Instruments – The Company's interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and U.S. Treasury futures are classified as Level 2 fair values and are measured using valuations reported by the respective central clearing houses. The derivatives are presented net of variation margin payments pledged or received.

 The fair values of the Company's interest rate cap agreements are measured using models developed by either third-party pricing providers or the respective counterparty that use the market-standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts which would occur if floating interest rates rise above the strike rate of the caps. The floating interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the interest rate caps are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities. The inputs used in the valuation of interest rate caps fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 The Company obtains additional third-party valuations for interest rate swaps, credit default swaps, U.S. Treasury futures and interest rate cap agreements. The Company has established thresholds to compare different independent third-party prices and any differences that exceed the thresholds are reviewed both internally and with the third-party pricing services. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the thresholds before a final price is established.

 g. Mortgage Servicing Rights – The Company's MSRs are recorded at fair value and are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Although MSR transactions may be observable in the marketplace, the details of those transactions may not be representative of the Company's MSR portfolio. Accordingly, the fair value of the Company's MSRs is determined using valuations obtained from a third party that specializes in providing valuations of MSRs. The valuation incorporates both observable market data and unobservable market data including prepayment speeds, rates of default and discount rates as inputs to a discounted cash flow model.

 The Company independently calculates the fair value of its MSRs based on discounted cash flows using a pricing model to validate all third party-valuations of MSRs. The Company has established thresholds to compare internally generated prices with independent third-party prices and any differences that exceed the thresholds are reviewed both internally and with the third-party pricing service. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the thresholds before a final price is established.

 h. Collateralized Debt Obligations – CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST are classified as Level 3 fair values for which fair value is determined by considering several market data points, including prices obtained from third-party pricing services or dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments. The third-party pricing service or dealers incorporate common market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to the Treasury curve or interest rate swap curve as well as underlying characteristics of the particular security. They will also consider contractual cash payments and yields expected by market participants.

 Refer to a. above for a description of the fair valuation of CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST that are eliminated in consolidation.

 Fair value for CDOs issued by the Company's residential loan securitizations and non-Agency RMBS re-securitization is determined by the valuation process for investment securities available for sale as described in d. above and, as such, are classified as Level 2 fair values.

 i. Senior unsecured notes – The Company's 2029 Senior Notes are valued using pricing models that consider observable market data to determine the fair value of identical or similar securities and are classified as Level 2 fair values.

 Management reviews all prices used in determining fair value to ensure they represent current market conditions. This review includes surveying similar market transactions and comparisons to interest pricing models as well as offerings of like securities by dealers. Any changes to the valuation methodology are reviewed by management to ensure the changes are appropriate. As markets and products develop and the pricing for certain products becomes more transparent, the Company continues to refine its valuation methodologies. The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation 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 other 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 each reporting date, which may include periods of market dislocation, during which time price transparency may be reduced. This condition could cause the Company's financial instruments to be reclassified from Level 2 to Level 3 in future periods.

 The following table presents the Company's financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at

 Level 1
 Total
 Level 1
 Total

 Assets carried at fair value

 Residential loans:

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 632,266
 $
 632,266
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $

 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 —
 —
 —

 Investment securities available for sale:

 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 —
 —
 24,493
 —
 24,493

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 —
 —
 —

 Derivative assets:

 Interest rate caps (1) (2)

 —
 —
 —
 6,510
 —
 6,510

 Interest rate swaps (2) (4)

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 U.S. Treasury futures (2) (4)

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Mortgage servicing rights (2)

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Assets of disposal group held for sale (3)

 —
 —
 —
 2,960
 —
 2,960

 Total
 $
 —
 $
 3,828,667
 $
 4,062,425
 $
 7,891,092
 $
 —
 $
 2,023,287
 $
 3,327,211
 $
 5,350,498

 Liabilities carried at fair value

 CDOs:

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $

 Residential loan securitizations

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Non-Agency RMBS re-securitization
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Derivative liabilities:

 Interest rate swaps (2) (4)

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Credit default swaps (2) (4)

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Total
 $
 —
 $
 1,384,399
 $
 $
 2,195,990
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $

 (1)Excludes assets of disposal group held for sale (see Note 9).
 (2)Included in other assets or other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets.

 (3)Includes interest rate caps classified as Level 2 instruments in the amount of $ 0.1 million and $ 3.0 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 (4)All of the Company's interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and U.S. Treasury futures are cleared through central clearing houses. The Company exchanges variation margin for the derivative instruments based upon daily changes in fair value. Includes derivative liabilities of $ 19.9 million netted against derivative assets of $ 64.9 million and a net variation margin of $ 45.0 million as of December 31, 2024. Includes derivative liabilities of $ 40.5 million netted against derivative assets of $ 13.1 million and a variation margin of $ 27.4 million as of December 31, 2023. See Note 10 for additional information.

 The following tables detail changes in valuation for the Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Level 3 Assets:

 Total

 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 —
 $
 3,327,211

 Total gains/(losses) (realized/unrealized)

 Included in earnings

 15,562
 3,523
 ( 8,255)
 5,899
 16,179
 33,524

 Transfers out (1)

 ( 80,801)
 —
 ( 7,661)
 —
 —
 —
 ( 88,462)

 Transfer to securitization trust, net (2)

 ( 1,456,376)
 —
 1,456,376
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Paydowns/Distributions (3)

 ( 296,645)
 ( 77,768)
 ( 805,586)
 ( 15,499)
 ( 49,803)
 10,917
 ( 1,234,384)

 Sales
 ( 156,175)
 —
 ( 6,708)
 —
 —
 —
 ( 162,883)

 Acquisitions (4)

 1,779,166
 285,057
 113,726
 —
 —
 9,470
 2,187,419

 Balance at the end of period
 $
 632,266
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 4,062,425

 (1)Transfers out of Level 3 assets represents the transfer of residential loans to real estate owned, single-family rental properties and other assets.
 (2)During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company transferred certain residential loans into residential loan securitizations (see Note 7 for further discussion of the Company's residential loan securitizations).
 (3)Includes in-kind distribution of mortgage servicing rights received from the Company's equity investment in an entity that originates residential loans.
 (4)During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company purchased a first loss subordinated security issued from a securitization that it determined to consolidate as Consolidated SLST. As a result, the Company consolidated assets of the securitization (see Note 7).

 Year Ended December 31, 2023

 Equity investments in disposal group held for sale
 Total

 $
 1,081,384
 $
 827,582
 $
 1,616,114
 $
 87,534
 $
 179,746
 $
 9,010
 $
 3,801,370

 Total gains/(losses) (realized/unrealized)

 Included in earnings
 8,080
 ( 10,748)
 72,173
 11,863
 21,279
 ( 3,290)
 99,357

 Transfers out (1)

 ( 26,277)
 —
 ( 16,208)
 ( 10,306)
 —
 —
 ( 52,791)

 Transfer to securitization trust, net (2)

 ( 282,831)
 —
 282,831
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Transfer to disposal group held for sale

 —
 —
 —
 —
 5,720
 ( 5,720)
 —

 Funding/Contributions
 —
 —
 —
 21,924
 33,958
 —
 55,882

 Paydowns/Distributions
 ( 482,137)
 ( 61,974)
 ( 518,819)
 ( 15,223)
 ( 93,587)
 —
 ( 1,171,740)

 Sales
 ( 21,165)
 —
 ( 3,979)
 —
 —
 —
 ( 25,144)

 Acquisitions

 550,481
 —
 69,796
 —
 —
 —
 620,277

 Balance at the end of period
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 —
 $
 3,327,211

 (1)Transfers out of Level 3 assets represents the transfer of residential loans to real estate owned and the consolidation of a VIE previously classified as an equity investment (see Note 7).
 (2)During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company transferred certain residential loans into residential loan securitizations (see Note 7 for further discussion of the Company's residential loan securitizations).

 Year Ended December 31, 2022

 Equity investments in disposal group held for sale
 Total

 $
 1,703,290
 $
 1,070,882
 $
 801,429
 $
 120,021
 $
 239,631
 $
 —
 $
 3,935,253

 Total (losses)/gains (realized/unrealized)

 Included in earnings
 ( 111,879)
 ( 128,236)
 ( 162,518)
 9,531
 18,884
 ( 926)
 ( 375,144)

 Transfers out (1)

 ( 17,052)
 —
 ( 1,806)
 —
 —
 —
 ( 18,858)

 Transfer to securitization trust, net (2)

 ( 1,422,577)
 —
 1,422,577
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Transfer to disposal group held for sale

 —
 —
 —
 —
 ( 9,936)
 9,936
 —

 Funding/Contributions
 —
 —
 —
 —
 28,086
 —
 28,086

 Paydowns/Distributions
 ( 712,214)
 ( 115,064)
 ( 535,017)
 ( 42,018)
 ( 96,919)
 —
 ( 1,501,232)

 Acquisitions

 1,641,816
 —
 91,449
 —
 —
 —
 1,733,265

 Balance at the end of period
 $
 1,081,384
 $
 827,582
 $
 1,616,114
 $
 87,534
 $
 179,746
 $
 9,010
 $
 3,801,370

 (1)Transfers out of Level 3 assets represents the transfer of residential loans to real estate owned.
 (2)During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company transferred certain residential loans into residential loan securitizations (see Note 7 for further discussion of the Company's residential loan securitizations).

 The following table details changes in valuation for the Level 3 liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Level 3 Liabilities:

 Consolidated SLST CDOs

 Years Ended December 31,

 2024
 2023
 2022

 $
 $
 634,495
 $
 839,419

 Total losses/(gains) (realized/unrealized)

 Included in earnings
 3,784
 5,718
 ( 90,077)

 Acquisitions (1)

 275,200
 —
 —

 Paydowns
 ( 61,130)
 ( 46,476)
 ( 114,847)

 Balance at the end of period
 $
 $
 $
 634,495

 (1)During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company purchased a first loss subordinated security issued from a securitization that it determined to consolidate as Consolidated SLST. As a result, the Company consolidated liabilities of the securitization (see Note 7).

 The following table discloses quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of our Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value (dollar amounts in thousands, except input values):

 Valuation Technique
 Unobservable Input
 Weighted Average
 Range

 Assets

 Residential loans:

 Residential loans and residential loans held in securitization trusts (1)

 $ 2,698,518
 Lifetime CPR
 7.0 %
 —
 -
 44.0 %

 Lifetime CDR
 0.6 %
 —
 -
 24.0 %

 Loss severity
 10.8 %
 —
 -
 100.0 %

 Yield
 7.7 %
 5.9 %
 -
 41.4 %

 $ 177,548
 Liquidation model
 Annual home price appreciation/(depreciation)
 0.4 %
 —
 -
 9.2 %

 Liquidation timeline (months)
 -

 Property value
 $ 2,277,934
 $ 13,000
 -
 $ 14,200,000

 Yield
 7.6 %
 7.5 %
 -
 26.8 %

 Consolidated SLST (4)

 $ 965,672
 Liability price
 N/A

 Total
 $ 3,841,738

 Multi-family loans (1) (2)

 $ 86,192
 Discount rate
 12.5 %
 11.0 %
 -
 14.0 %

 Months to assumed redemption
 -

 Loss severity
 —

 Equity investments (1) (3)

 $ 74,774
 Discount rate
 15.3 %
 13.8 %
 -
 17.5 %

 Months to assumed redemption
 -

 Loss severity
 —

 Mortgage servicing rights (1)

 $ 21,003
 Lifetime voluntary prepayment rate

 10.4 %
 1.0 %
 -
 26.7 %

 Lifetime CDR
 2.2 %
 —
 -
 39.8 %

 Yield
 12.2 %
 12.0 %
 -
 14.0 %

 Liabilities

 Consolidated SLST CDOs (4) (5)

 $ 811,591
 Yield
 5.8 %
 4.9 %
 -
 13.0 %

 Collateral prepayment rate
 6.2 %
 —
 -
 7.2 %

 Collateral default rate
 1.3 %
 —
 -
 8.5 %

 Loss severity
 20.3 %
 11.5 %
 -
 78.9 %

 (1)Weighted average amounts are calculated based on the weighted average fair value of the assets.

 (2)As of December 31, 2024, the Company has reduced the fair value of one multi-family loan to zero as a result of developments with respect to the property, its financing and market conditions. Unobservable inputs do not include inputs related to this multi-family loan.
 (3)Equity investments do not include equity ownership interests in an entity that originates residential loans. The fair value of this investment is determined using weighted multiples of origination volume and earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization and NAV of the entity.
 (4)In accordance with the practical expedient in ASC 810, the Company determines the fair value of the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST based on the fair value of the CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST, including investment securities we own, as the fair value of these instruments is more observable. At December 31, 2024, the fair value of investment securities we own in Consolidated SLST amounts to $ 148.5 million.
 (5) Weighted average yield calculated based on the weighted average fair value of the CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST, including investment securities we own. Weighted average collateral prepayment rate, weighted average collateral default rate and weighted average loss severity are calculated based on the weighted average unpaid balance of the CDOs issued by Consolidated SLST, including investment securities we own.

 The following table details the changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, for our Level 3 assets and liabilities held as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Assets

 Residential loans (1)

 $
 ( 7,966)
 $
 $
 ( 57,892)

 Consolidated SLST (1)

 8,611
 ( 8,086)
 ( 124,834)

 Residential loans held in securitization trust (1)

 ( 10,005)
 56,576
 ( 219,647)

 Multi-family loans (1)

 ( 4,750)
 ( 1,737)

 Equity investments (2)

 ( 6,319)
 ( 7,958)
 ( 4,338)

 Equity investments in disposal group held for sale (2)

 —
 —
 ( 1,430)

 Mortgage servicing rights (1)

 —
 —

 Liabilities

 Consolidated SLST CDOs (1)

 $
 ( 5,709)
 $
 ( 1,930)
 $
 92,431

 (1)Presented in unrealized (losses) gains, net on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
 (2)Presented in income from equity investments on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

 The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

Hierarchy Level
Value
 Estimated
Value
 Estimated

 Financial Assets:

 Level 1
 $
 167,422
 $
 167,422
 $
 187,107
 $
 187,107

 Derivative assets
 6,510
 6,510

 Derivative assets in disposal group held for sale
 2,960
 2,960

 —
 —

 Financial Liabilities:

 Collateralized debt obligations:

 842,764
 818,482
 1,276,780
 1,237,531

 Residential loan securitizations at fair value

 —
 —

 Non-Agency RMBS re-securitization
 —
 —

 38,918
 32,137

 Senior unsecured notes:

 Senior unsecured notes at amortized cost, net

 98,886
 98,632
 94,952

 Senior unsecured notes at fair value

 —
 —

 Mortgages payable on real estate
 347,915
 761,194

 Mortgages payable on real estate in disposal group held for sale
 93,370
 93,370
 378,386
 377,735

 In addition to the methodology to determine the fair value of the Company's financial assets and liabilities reported at fair value, as previously described, the following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in arriving at the fair value of the Company's other financial instruments in the table immediately above:

 a. Cash and cash equivalents – Estimated fair value approximates the carrying value of such assets.

 b. Repurchase agreements – The fair value of these repurchase agreements approximates cost as they are short term in nature.

 c. Residential loan securitizations at amortized cost, net – The fair value of these CDOs is based on discounted cash flows as well as market pricing on comparable obligations.

 d. Subordinated debentures – The fair value of these subordinated debentures is based on discounted cash flows using management's estimate for market yields.

 e. Senior unsecured notes – The fair value of senior unsecured notes reported at amortized cost, net is determined using pricing models that consider observable market data to determine the fair value of identical or similar securities.

 f. Mortgages payable on real estate – The fair value of consolidated variable-rate mortgages payable approximates the carrying value of such liabilities. The fair value of consolidated fixed-rate mortgages payable is estimated based upon discounted cash flows at current borrowing rates.

 18. Stockholders' Equity

 (a)Preferred Stock

 The Company had 200,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock, par value $ 0.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), with 22,164,414 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company has four outstanding series of cumulative redeemable preferred stock: 8.00 % Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series D Preferred Stock"), 7.875 % Series E Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series E Preferred Stock"), 6.875 % Series F Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series F Preferred Stock") and 7.00 % Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series G Preferred Stock"). Each series of the Preferred Stock is senior to the Company's common stock with respect to dividends and distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

 In March 2023, the Board of Directors approved a $ 100.0 million preferred stock repurchase program. The program, which expires on March 31, 2026, allows the Company to make repurchases of shares of Preferred Stock, from time to time, in open market transactions, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its preferred stock during the year ended December 31, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 16,177 shares of Series D Preferred Stock, 68,348 shares of Series E Preferred Stock, 9,791 shares of Series F Preferred Stock and 26,264 shares of Series G Preferred Stock pursuant to the preferred stock repurchase program for a total cost of approximately $ 2.4 million, including fees and commissions paid to the broker, representing an average repurchase price of $ 20.29 per preferred share. The difference between the consideration transferred and the carrying value of the preferred stock resulted in a gain attributable to common stockholders of approximately $ 0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, $ 97.6 million of the approved amount remained available for the repurchase of shares of Preferred Stock under the preferred stock repurchase program.

 The following table summarizes the Company's Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Class of Preferred Stock
 Shares Authorized
 Shares Issued and Outstanding
 Liquidation Preference
 Contractual Rate (1)

 Optional Redemption Date (2)

 Fixed-to-Floating Rate Conversion Date (1)(3)

 Floating Annual Rate (4) (5)

 Fixed-to-Floating Rate

 Series D
 8,400,000
 6,107,318
 $
 147,745
 $
 152,683
 8.000
 %
 October 15, 2027
 October 15, 2027
 3M LIBOR + 5.695 %

 Series E
 9,900,000
 7,343,151
 177,697
 183,579
 7.875
 %
 January 15, 2025
 January 15, 2025
 3M LIBOR + 6.429 %

 Series F
 7,750,000
 5,740,209
 138,418
 143,505
 6.875
 %
 October 15, 2026
 October 15, 2026
 3M SOFR + 6.130 %

 Fixed Rate

 Series G
 5,450,000
 2,973,736
 71,585
 74,343
 7.000
 %
 January 15, 2027

 Total
 31,500,000
 22,164,414
 $
 $
 554,110

 (1)The Company's fixed rate preferred stock is entitled to receive a dividend at the contractual rate shown, per year on its $ 25 liquidation preference. Each series of fixed-to-floating rate preferred stock is entitled to receive a dividend at the contractual rate shown, respectively, per year on its $ 25 liquidation preference up to, but excluding, the fixed-to-floating rate conversion date.
 (2)Each series of Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company prior to the respective optional redemption date disclosed except under circumstances intended to preserve the Company's qualification as a REIT and except upon occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the Articles Supplementary designating the Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock, Series F Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock, respectively).
 (3)Beginning on the respective fixed-to-floating rate conversion date, each of the Series D Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a dividend on a floating rate basis according to the terms disclosed in footnotes (4) and (5) below.

 (4)Prior to July 2023, on and after the fixed-to-floating rate conversion date, each of the Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock were entitled to receive a dividend at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus the respective spread disclosed above per year on its $ 25 liquidation preference. In light of the cessation of the publication of three-month LIBOR after June 30, 2023, and pursuant to the Articles Supplementary for the Series E Preferred Stock and the applicability of the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act of 2021 to the Series E Preferred Stock, the calculation agent determined that three-month CME Term SOFR plus the applicable tenor spread adjustment of 0.26161 % per annum has replaced three-month LIBOR as the successor base rate for calculations of the dividend rate payable on the Series E Preferred Stock for dividend periods from and after the respective fixed-to-floating rate conversion date. Additionally, pursuant to the Articles Supplementary for the Series D Preferred Stock and the applicability of the LIBOR Act of 2021 to the Series D Preferred Stock, given all of the information available to the Company to date, the Company believes that three-month CME Term SOFR plus the applicable tenor spread adjustment of 0.26161 % per annum will automatically replace three-month LIBOR as the reference rate for calculations of the dividend rate payable on the Series D Preferred Stock for dividend periods from and after the respective fixed-to-floating rate conversion date.
 (5)On and after the fixed-to-floating rate conversion date, the Series F Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a dividend at a floating rate equal to three-month SOFR plus the spread disclosed above per year on its $ 25 liquidation preference.

 For each series of Preferred Stock, on or after the respective optional redemption date disclosed, the Company may, at its option, redeem the respective series of Preferred Stock in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price equal to $ 25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. In addition, upon the occurrence of a change of control, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Preferred Stock in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such change of control occurred, for cash at a redemption price of $ 25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends.

 The Preferred Stock generally do not have any voting rights, subject to an exception in the event the Company fails to pay dividends on such stock for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive). Under such circumstances, holders of the Preferred Stock voting together as a single class with the holders of all other classes or series of our preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and which are entitled to vote as a class with the Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote to elect two additional directors to the Company's Board of Directors 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 any series of the Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the series of Preferred Stock whose terms are being changed.

 The Preferred Stock has no stated maturity, is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and will remain outstanding indefinitely unless repurchased or redeemed by the Company or converted into the Company's common stock in connection with a change of control.

 Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of Preferred Stock will have the right (unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem the Preferred Stock) to convert some or all of the Preferred Stock held by such holder into a number of shares of our common stock per share of the applicable series of Preferred Stock determined by a formula, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions described in the applicable Articles Supplementary for such series.

 (b) Dividends on Preferred Stock

 The following table presents the relevant information with respect to quarterly cash dividends declared on the Preferred Stock commencing January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024:

 Cash Dividend Per Share

 Declaration Date
 Record Date
 Payment Date
 Series D Preferred Stock
 Series E Preferred Stock
 Series F Preferred Stock
 Series G Preferred Stock

 December 10, 2024
 January 1, 2025
 January 15, 2025
 $
 0.50
 $
 $
 $

 September 19, 2024
 October 1, 2024
 October 15, 2024
 0.50

 June 18, 2024
 July 1, 2024
 July 15, 2024
 0.50

 March 13, 2024
 April 1, 2024
 April 15, 2024
 0.50

 December 14, 2023
 January 1, 2024
 January 15, 2024
 0.50

 September 11, 2023
 October 1, 2023
 October 15, 2023
 0.50

 June 6, 2023
 July 1, 2023
 July 15, 2023
 0.50

 March 9, 2023
 April 1, 2023
 April 15, 2023
 0.50

 December 12, 2022
 January 1, 2023
 January 15, 2023
 0.50

 September 16, 2022
 October 1, 2022
 October 15, 2022
 0.50

 June 17, 2022
 July 1, 2022
 July 15, 2022
 0.50

 March 14, 2022
 April 1, 2022
 April 15, 2022
 0.50

 (c)Common Stock

 The Company had 200,000,000 authorized shares of common stock, par value $ 0.01 per share, with 90,574,996 and 90,675,403 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 On February 22, 2023, the Company announced that the Board of Directors approved the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split was effected as of 12:01 a.m., New York City time, on March 9, 2023 (the "Effective Time"). Accordingly, at the Effective Time, every four issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock were converted into one share of the Company's common stock, with a proportionate reduction in the Company's authorized shares of common stock, outstanding equity awards and number of shares remaining available for issuance under the 2017 Plan. In connection with the reverse stock split, the number of authorized shares of the Company's common stock was also reduced on a one-for-four basis, from 800,000,000 to 200,000,000. The par value of each share of common stock remained unchanged. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, each stockholder holding fractional shares as a result of the Reverse Stock Split was entitled to receive, in lieu of such fractional shares, cash in an amount based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on March 8, 2023. The Reverse Stock Split applied to all of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock and therefore did not affect any stockholder's ownership percentage of shares of the Company's common stock, except for de minimis changes resulting from the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares. All common share and per common share data included in these consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been adjusted on a retroactive basis to reflect the impact of the Reverse Stock Split.

 In February 2022, the Board of Directors approved a $ 200.0 million common stock repurchase program. In March 2023, the Board of Directors approved an upsize of the common stock repurchase program to $ 246.0 million. The program, which expires on March 31, 2026, allows the Company to make repurchases of shares of common stock, from time to time, in open market transactions, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 587,347 shares of its common stock pursuant to the common stock repurchase program for a total cost of approximately $ 3.5 million, including fees and commissions paid to the broker, representing an average repurchase price of $ 5.95 per common share. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 937,850 shares of its common stock pursuant to the common stock repurchase program for a total cost of approximately $ 8.6 million, including fees and commissions paid to the broker, representing an average repurchase price of $ 9.19 per common share. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased 4,157,403 shares of its common stock pursuant to the common stock repurchase program for a total cost of approximately $ 44.4 million, including fees and commissions paid to the broker, representing an average repurchase price of $ 10.68 per common share.

 As of December 31, 2024, $ 189.7 million of the approved amount remained available for the repurchase of shares of the Company's common stock under the common stock repurchase program.

 (d)Dividends on Common Stock

 The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its common stock with respect to the quarterly periods commencing January 1, 2022 and ended December 31, 2024:

 Period
 Declaration Date
 Record Date
 Payment Date
 Cash
Dividend
Per Share

 Fourth Quarter 2024
 December 10, 2024
 December 20, 2024
 January 23, 2025
 $
 0.20

 Third Quarter 2024
 September 19, 2024
 September 30, 2024
 October 28, 2024
 0.20

 Second Quarter 2024
 June 18, 2024
 June 28, 2024
 July 29, 2024
 0.20

 First Quarter 2024
 March 13, 2024
 March 25, 2024
 April 25, 2024
 0.20

 Fourth Quarter 2023
 December 14, 2023
 December 26, 2023
 January 26, 2024
 0.20

 Third Quarter 2023
 September 11, 2023
 September 21, 2023
 October 26, 2023
 0.30

 Second Quarter 2023
 June 6, 2023
 June 16, 2023
 July 26, 2023
 0.30

 First Quarter 2023
 March 9, 2023
 March 20, 2023
 April 26, 2023
 0.40

 Fourth Quarter 2022
 December 12, 2022
 December 27, 2022
 January 26, 2023
 0.40

 Third Quarter 2022
 September 16, 2022
 September 26, 2022
 October 26, 2022
 0.40

 Second Quarter 2022
 June 17, 2022
 June 27, 2022
 July 25, 2022
 0.40

 First Quarter 2022
 March 14, 2022
 March 24, 2022
 April 25, 2022
 0.40

 During 2024, aggregate dividends for our common stock were $ 0.80 per share. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the 2024 dividends were classified as return of capital in the amount of $ 0.80 per share and the January 2025 cash distribution in the amount of $ 0.20 per share, that was declared in December 2024, is treated as a 2025 distribution. During 2023, aggregate dividends for our common stock were $ 1.20 per share. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the 2023 dividends were classified as return of capital in the amount of $ 1.00 per share and the January 2024 cash distribution in the amount of $ 0.20 per share, that was declared in December 2023, is treated as a 2024 distribution. During 2022, aggregate dividends for our common stock were $ 1.60 per share. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the 2022 dividends were classified as ordinary income and return of capital in the amounts of $ 0.60 and $ 1.00, respectively, per share.

 (e)Equity Distribution Agreements

 On August 10, 2021, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the "Common Equity Distribution Agreement") with a sales agent, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock, par value $ 0.01 per share, having a maximum aggregate sales price of up to $ 100.0 million from time to time through the sales agent. The Company has no obligation to sell any of the shares of common stock issuable under the Common Equity Distribution Agreement and may at any time suspend solicitations and offers under the Common Equity Distribution Agreement.

 There were no shares of the Company's common stock issued under the Common Equity Distribution Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. As of December 31, 2024, approximately $ 100.0 million of common stock remains available for issuance under the Common Equity Distribution Agreement.

 On March 29, 2019, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the "Preferred Equity Distribution Agreement"), most recently amended on March 2, 2022, with a sales agent, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of its Preferred Stock, having a maximum aggregate gross sales price of up to $ 149.1 million from time to time through the sales agent. The Company has no obligation to sell any of the shares of Preferred Stock issuable under the Preferred Equity Distribution Agreement and may at any time suspend solicitations and offers under the Preferred Equity Distribution Agreement.

 There were no shares of Preferred Stock issued under the Preferred Equity Distribution Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. As of December 31, 2024, approximately $ 100.0 million of Preferred Stock remains available for issuance under the Preferred Equity Distribution Agreement.

 19. Loss Per Common Share

 The Company calculates basic loss per common share by dividing net loss attributable to the Company's common stockholders for the period by weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted loss per common share takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments, such as PSUs, RSUs, DSUs and Convertible Notes, and the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding.

 The Company redeemed the Convertible Notes at maturity in the amount of $ 138.0 million on January 15, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company's Convertible Notes were determined to be anti-dilutive and were not included in the calculation of diluted loss per common share.

 During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the PSUs and RSUs awarded under the 2017 Plan were determined to be anti-dilutive and were not included in the calculation of diluted loss per common share. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the DSUs awarded under the 2017 Plan were determined to be anti-dilutive and were not included in the calculation of diluted loss per common share.

 The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted loss per common share for the periods indicated (dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Basic Loss per Common Share:

 $
 $
 $

 Less: Preferred Stock dividends

 Plus: Gain on repurchase of Preferred Stock
 —
 —

 $
 ( 103,785)
 $
 ( 90,035)
 $
 ( 340,577)

 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 Basic Loss per Common Share

 $
 ( 1.14)
 $
 ( 0.99)
 $
 ( 3.61)

 Diluted Loss per Common Share:

 $
 $
 $

 Less: Preferred Stock dividends

 Plus: Gain on repurchase of Preferred Stock
 —
 —

 $
 ( 103,785)
 $
 ( 90,035)
 $
 ( 340,577)

 Weighted average common shares outstanding

 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

 Diluted Loss per Common Share

 $
 ( 1.14)
 $
 ( 0.99)
 $
 ( 3.61)

 20. Stock Based Compensation

 Pursuant to the 2017 Plan, as approved by the Company's stockholders, eligible employees, officers and directors of the Company and individuals who provide services to the Company are offered the opportunity to acquire the Company's common stock through equity awards under the 2017 Plan. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the 2017 Plan is 10,792,500.

 Of the common stock authorized at December 31, 2024, 5,093,685 shares remain available for issuance under the 2017 Plan. The Company's non-employee directors have been issued 301,472 shares under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2024. The Company's employees have been issued 1,475,184 shares of restricted stock under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024, there were 538,159 shares of non-vested restricted stock outstanding, 1,879,052 common shares reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding PSUs under the 2017 Plan, 450,600 common shares reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding RSUs under the 2017 Plan and 110,772 common shares reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding DSUs under the 2017 Plan.

 Of the common stock authorized at December 31, 2023, 6,249,922 shares were reserved for issuance under the 2017 Plan. The Company's non-employee directors had been issued 301,472 shares under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2023. The Company's employees had been issued 1,204,781 shares of restricted stock under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, there were 524,570 shares of non-vested restricted stock outstanding, 1,802,352 common shares reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding PSUs under the 2017 Plan and 351,974 common shares reserved for issuance in connection with outstanding RSUs under the 2017 Plan.

 (a)Restricted Common Stock Awards

 During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized non-cash compensation expense on its restricted common stock awards of $ 3.2 million, $ 3.7 million and $ 4.6 million, respectively. Dividends are paid on all restricted stock issued, whether those shares have vested or not. Non-vested restricted stock is forfeited upon the recipient's termination of employment, subject to certain exceptions.

 A summary of the activity of the Company's non-vested restricted stock under the 2017 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is presented below:

 2024
 2023
 2022

Restricted

Restricted

Restricted

 Non-vested shares as of January 1
 524,570
 $
 13.57
 526,074
 $
 16.34
 477,218
 $
 20.20

 Granted
 342,628
 8.23
 275,248
 12.36
 304,396
 14.36

 Vested
 ( 256,814)
 14.01
 ( 253,912)
 18.18
 ( 231,128)
 21.76

 Forfeited
 ( 72,225)
 10.04
 ( 22,840)
 12.79
 ( 24,412)
 15.68

 Non-vested shares as of December 31

 538,159
 $
 10.39
 524,570
 $
 13.57
 526,074
 $
 16.34

 Restricted stock granted during the period

 342,628
 $
 8.23
 275,248
 $
 12.36
 304,396
 $
 14.36

 (1)The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock at the grant date.

 At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had unrecognized compensation expense of $ 2.8 million and $ 3.9 million, respectively, related to the non-vested shares of restricted common stock under the 2017 Plan. The unrecognized compensation expense at December 31, 2024 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. The total fair value of restricted shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $ 2.1 million, $ 3.1 million and $ 3.3 million, respectively. The requisite service period for restricted stock awards at issuance is three years and the restricted common stock vests ratably over the requisite service period.

 (b)Performance Share Units

 During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company granted PSUs that had been approved by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors. Under the 2017 Plan, PSUs are instruments that provide the holder the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock once a performance condition has been satisfied. The awards were issued pursuant to and are consistent with the terms and conditions of the 2017 Plan.

 The grant date fair value of the PSUs was determined through a Monte-Carlo simulation of the Company's common stock total shareholder return and the common stock total shareholder return of its identified performance peer companies to determine the relative total shareholder return of the Company's common stock over a future period of three years. For PSUs granted, the inputs used by the model to determine the fair value are (i) historical stock price volatilities of the Company and its identified performance peer companies over the most recent three-year period and correlation between each company's stock and the identified performance peer group over the same time series and (ii) a risk free rate for the period interpolated from the U.S. Treasury yield curve on grant date.

 The PSUs include DERs which shall remain outstanding from the grant date until the earlier of the settlement or forfeiture of the PSU to which the DER corresponds. Each vested DER entitles the holder to receive payments in an amount equal to any dividends paid by the Company in respect of the share of the Company's common stock underlying the PSU to which such DER relates. Upon vesting of the PSUs, the DER will also vest. DERs will be forfeited upon forfeiture of the corresponding PSUs. The DERs may be settled in cash or stock at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The DERs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were settled in cash.

 A summary of the activity of the target PSU awards under the 2017 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is presented below:

 2024
 2023
 2022

Target

Target

Target

 Non-vested target PSUs as of January 1
 905,825
 $
 18.12
 786,577
 $
 23.06
 844,175
 $
 21.70

 Granted
 384,584
 5.72
 366,210
 13.41
 211,130
 19.47

 Vested
 ( 350,886)
 22.31
 ( 201,978)
 28.18
 ( 268,728)
 16.00

 Forfeited
 —
 —
 ( 44,984)
 ( 20.89)
 —
 —

 Non-vested target PSUs as of December 31

 939,523
 $
 11.48
 905,825
 $
 18.12
 786,577
 $
 23.06

 (1)The grant date fair value of the PSUs was determined through a Monte-Carlo simulation of the Company's common stock total shareholder return and the common stock total shareholder return of its identified performance peer companies to determine the relative total shareholder return of the Company's common stock over a future period of three years.

 The three-year performance period for PSUs granted in 2021 ended on December 31, 2023, resulting in the vesting of 441,973 shares of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2024 with a fair value of $ 3.6 million on the vesting date. The number of vested shares related to PSUs granted in 2021 was greater than the target PSUs of 350,886. The three-year performance period for PSUs granted in 2020 ended on December 31, 2022, resulting in the vesting of 161,577 shares of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2023 with a fair value of $ 2.0 million on the vesting date. The number of vested shares related to PSUs granted in 2020 was less than the target PSUs of 201,978. The three-year performance period for PSUs granted in 2019 ended on December 31, 2021, resulting in the vesting of 183,373 shares of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2022 with a fair value of $ 2.6 million on the vesting date. The number of vested shares related to PSUs granted in 2019 was less than the target PSUs of 268,728. Non-vested PSUs are forfeited upon the recipient's termination of employment, subject to certain exceptions.

 As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, there was $ 3.4 million, $ 4.9 million and $ 5.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested portion of the PSUs, respectively. The unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested portion of the PSUs at December 31, 2024 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years. Compensation expense related to the PSUs was $ 3.7 million, $ 4.7 million and $ 6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 (c)Restricted Stock Units

 During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company granted RSUs that had been approved by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors. Under the 2017 Plan, each RSU represents an unfunded promise to receive one share of the Company's common stock upon satisfaction of the vesting provisions. The awards were issued pursuant to and are consistent with the terms and conditions of the 2017 Plan. The requisite service period for RSUs at issuance is three years and the RSUs vest ratably over the requisite service period.

 The RSUs include DERs which shall remain outstanding from the grant date until the earlier of the settlement or forfeiture of the RSU to which the DER corresponds. Each vested DER entitles the holder to receive payments in an amount equal to any dividends paid by the Company in respect of the share of the Company's common stock underlying the RSU to which such DER relates. Upon vesting of the RSUs, the DERs will also vest. DERs will be forfeited upon forfeiture of the corresponding RSUs. The DERs may be settled in cash or stock at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The DERs that vested during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 were settled in cash.

 A summary of the activity of the RSU awards under the 2017 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is presented below:

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Non-vested RSUs as of January 1
 351,974
 $
 11.65
 263,708
 $
 16.11
 254,052
 $
 17.45

 Granted
 256,389
 8.53
 244,140
 10.24
 105,566
 14.88

 Vested
 ( 157,763)
 12.45
 ( 131,094)
 17.40
 ( 95,910)
 18.32

 Forfeited
 —
 —
 ( 24,780)
 14.80
 —
 —

 Non-vested RSUs as of December 31

 450,600
 $
 9.59
 351,974
 $
 11.65
 263,708
 $
 16.11

 (1)The grant date fair value of RSUs is based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock at the grant date.

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, 157,763 shares of common stock were issued in connection with the vesting of RSUs at a fair value of $ 1.3 million on the vesting date. During the year ended December 31, 2023, 131,094 shares of common stock were issued in connection with the vesting of RSUs at a fair value of $ 1.4 million on the vesting date. During the year ended December 31, 2022, 95,910 shares of common stock were issued in connection with the vesting of RSUs at a fair value of $ 1.4 million on the vesting date. Non-vested RSUs are forfeited upon the recipient's termination of employment, subject to certain exceptions.

 As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 there was $ 2.3 million, $ 2.1 million and $ 2.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested portion of the RSUs, respectively. The unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested portion of the RSUs at December 31, 2024 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. Compensation expense related to the RSUs was $ 2.0 million, $ 2.0 million and $ 2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 (d) Deferred Stock Units

 During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted DSUs that had been approved by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors to non-employee directors. Each DSU represents an unfunded promise to receive one share of the Company's common stock, subject to the non-employee director's continued service on the Board of Directors through the day immediately preceding the annual meeting of the Company's stockholders in the year subsequent to the grant date. Non-vested DSUs are forfeited upon the recipient's termination of service on the Company's Board of Directors.

 The DSUs include DERs which shall remain outstanding from the grant date until the earlier of the settlement or forfeiture of the DSU to which the DER corresponds. Each vested DER entitles the holder to receive payments in an amount equal to any dividends paid by the Company in respect of the share of the Company's common stock underlying the DSU to which such DER relates. Upon vesting of the DSUs, the DERs will also vest. DERs will be forfeited upon forfeiture of the corresponding DSUs. The DERs may be settled in cash or stock at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

 A summary of the activity of the DSU awards under the 2017 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2024 is presented below:

 Non-vested DSUs as of January 1
 —
 $
 —

 Granted

 110,772
 6.50

 Non-vested DSUs as of December 31

 110,772
 $
 6.50

 (1)The grant date fair value of DSUs is based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock at the grant date.

 As of December 31, 2024, there was $ 0.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested portion of the DSUs. The unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested portion of the DSUs at December 31, 2024 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.4 years. Compensation expense related to the DSUs was $ 0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 21. Income Taxes

 For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company qualified to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As long as the Company qualifies as a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its taxable income to the extent it annually distributes at least 100% of its taxable income to stockholders and does not engage in prohibited transactions. Certain activities the Company performs may produce income that will not be qualifying income for REIT purposes. The Company has designated its TRSs to engage in these activities. The tables below reflect the taxes accrued at the TRS level and the tax attributes included in the consolidated financial statements.

 The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is comprised of the following components (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Current income tax provision

 Federal
 $
 $
 $
 2,355

 State

 Total current income tax provision
 3,217

 Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

 Federal
 ( 136)
 ( 1,649)

 State
 ( 85)
 ( 1,026)

 Total deferred income tax provision (benefit)

 ( 221)
 ( 2,675)

 Total income tax provision
 $
 1,036
 $
 $

 The Company's effective income tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. federal rate as a result of state and local taxes, non-taxable REIT income, valuation allowance and other differences. A reconciliation of the statutory income tax provision to the effective income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands).

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Benefit at statutory rate

 $
 ( 12,808)
 21.0
 %
 $
 ( 10,204)
 21.0
 %
 $
 ( 71,422)
 21.0
 %

 Non-taxable REIT loss

 13,007
 ( 21.3)
 6,901
 ( 14.2)
 64,479
 ( 19.0)

 State and local tax provision (benefit)

 ( 0.1)
 ( 0.6)
 ( 78)
 —

 Other
 ( 462)
 0.8
 ( 3,366)
 6.9
 ( 6,057)
 1.8

 Valuation allowance
 1,208
 ( 2.0)
 6,448
 ( 13.3)
 13,620
 ( 4.0)

 Total provision
 $
 1,036
 ( 1.6)
 %
 $
 ( 0.2)
 %
 $
 ( 0.2)
 %

 Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

 The major sources of temporary differences included in the deferred tax assets (liabilities) and their deferred tax effect as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

 Deferred tax assets

 Net operating loss carryforward
 $
 9,671
 $
 7,128

 Capital loss carryover
 16,259
 19,597

 GAAP/Tax basis differences
 11,346
 2,989

 Deferred tax assets

 37,276
 29,714

 Less: Valuation allowance

 ( 26,412)
 ( 25,204)

 Net deferred tax assets (1)

 10,864
 4,510

 Deferred tax liabilities

 GAAP/Tax basis differences
 9,282
 2,012

 Deferred tax liabilities (2)

 9,282
 2,012

 Total net deferred tax asset

 $
 1,582
 $
 2,498

 (1)Included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 (2)Included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company, through wholly owned TRSs, had incurred net operating losses in the aggregate amount of approximately $ 43.6 million. The Company's carryforward net operating losses can be carried forward indefinitely until they are offset by future taxable income. Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, the Company, through its wholly-owned TRSs, had also incurred approximately $ 73.3 million in capital losses. The Company's carryforward capital losses will expire between 2025 and 2029 if they are not offset by future capital gains.

 As of December 31, 2024, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets as management does not believe that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized. The change in the valuation for the current year is an increase of approximately $ 1.2 million. We will continue to monitor positive and negative evidence related to the utilization of the remaining deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance continues to be provided.

 The Company files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state and local jurisdictions. The Company's federal, state and city income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and related tax authorities generally for three years after they were filed. The Company has assessed its tax positions for all open years and concluded that there are no material uncertainties to be recognized.

 Based on the Company's evaluation, the Company has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company's financial statements. To the extent that the Company incurs interest and accrued penalties in connection with its tax obligations, including expenses related to the Company's evaluation of unrecognized tax positions, such amounts will be included in income tax expense.

 22. Net Interest Income

 The following table details the components of the Company's interest income and interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023
 2022

 $
 50,266
 $
 54,188
 $
 113,134

 39,194
 34,061
 36,448

 129,905
 97,492
 80,116

 Total residential loans

 219,365
 185,741
 229,698

 163,977
 57,514
 15,825

 10,589
 10,519
 11,185

 Other

 7,349
 4,886
 1,680

 Total interest income

 183,285
 91,814
 51,432

 Collateralized debt obligations

 Residential loan securitizations
 91,884
 65,184
 43,384

 Non-Agency RMBS re-securitization
 2,221
 —
 —

 Total collateralized debt obligations

 120,596
 89,690
 68,529

 9,308
 6,476
 6,430

 4,236
 4,154
 2,590

 Convertible notes
 —
 —

 Total interest expense
 192,134
 129,419

 Net interest income
 $
 $
 $

 23. Other Income

 The following table details the components of the Company's other income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

 2024
 2023
 2022

 Gain on sale of real estate (1)

 $
 27,835
 $
 4,763
 $
 17,132

 Gain on de-consolidation of joint venture equity investments in Consolidated VIEs

 6,115
 —
 —

 Servicing fee income

 —
 —

 Preferred equity and mezzanine loan premiums resulting from early redemption
 3,950

 (Loss) gain on extinguishment of collateralized debt obligations and mortgages payable on real estate

 ( 2,864)
 ( 796)
 2,214

 Provision for uncollectible receivables (2)

 ( 3,207)
 —
 —

 Miscellaneous income (loss)

 ( 4,558)

 Total other income

 $
 29,149
 $
 4,736
 $
 18,738

 (1)See Notes 8 and 9 for description of nature of transactions out of which items arose.
 (2)During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a provision for uncollectible receivables for asset management expenses incurred related to a non-accrual multi-family loan that are in excess of anticipated redemption proceeds ( see Note 5).

 24. Segment Reporting

 The Company is in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets (the "investment portfolio") in the United States and derives its revenues from management of the investment portfolio. The Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The operating results of the Company's investment portfolio, which includes residential loans, investment securities, multi-family loans and equity investments, including joint venture equity investments in multi-family properties, are regularly reviewed, in the aggregate, by the CODM based upon total assets reported on the consolidated balance sheets and net income (loss) reported on the consolidated statements of operations. The CODM also considers significant, and regularly reviews, consolidated salaries and benefits expense in the amounts of approximately $ 33.3 million, $ 35.2 million and $ 38.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 The CODM utilizes the information reviewed to evaluate Company financial performance, benchmark Company results to those of its peers and monitor actual performance against projected performance. Net income (loss) is a key determinant of the Company's book value (calculated as the Company's stockholders' equity attributable to common stockholders divided by outstanding common shares), a measure that is used by the CODM to evaluate Company performance overall and with respect to its peers and which is a component of the calculation of management's compensation. Based upon the inputs discussed above, investment portfolio strategy and financing and capital and resource allocations rely on the determination of the CODM. Accordingly, the Company consists of a single operating and reporting segment and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are presented as a single reportable segment.

 25. Subsequent Events

 On January 14, 2025, the Company completed the issuance of $ 82.5 million in aggregate principal amount of its 9.125 % Senior Notes due in 2030 (the "2030 Senior Notes") in an underwritten public offering. The total net proceeds to the Company from the offering of the 2030 Senior Notes, after deducting the underwriters' discount and commissions and offering expenses, were approximately $ 79.3 million.

 On February 19, 2025, the Company's Board of Directors approved extensions of its common stock repurchase program, under which $ 189.7 million of the approved amount remained available for repurchase, and its preferred stock repurchase program, under which $ 97.6 million of the approved amount remained available for repurchase. The expiration dates of both stock repurchase programs were extended from March 31, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
 (Dollar amounts in thousands)

 Initial Cost to Company
 Gross Amount at Close of Period (1)

 Market
 Number of Properties
 Encumbrances
 Land
 Buildings and Improvements
 Total Adjustment to Basis (2)

 Land
 Buildings and Improvements
 Total
 Accumulated Depreciation
 Date of Construction
 Date Acquired
 Depreciable Period (Years)

 Operating Real Estate

 Multi-Family - Operating

 Collierville, TN
 $
 39,267
 $
 3,113
 $
 45,616
 $
 2,616
 $
 3,113
 $
 48,232
 $
 51,345
 $
 ( 5,795)
 2000
 2021
 -

 Corpus Christi, TX
 45,120
 4,900
 49,539
 4,900
 50,431
 55,331
 ( 1,823)
 1976
 2023
 -

 Dallas, TX
 29,906
 3,616
 40,497
 3,715
 3,616
 44,212
 47,828
 ( 5,078)
 2009
 2021
 -

 Dallas, TX
 26,063
 5,728
 34,635
 1,672
 5,728
 36,307
 42,035
 ( 4,274)
 2014
 2021
 -

 Houston, TX
 22,891
 6,406
 25,211
 1,522
 6,406
 26,733
 33,139
 ( 3,437)
 1993
 2021
 -

 Little Rock, AR
 25,361
 2,366
 27,229
 1,228
 2,366
 28,457
 30,823
 ( 3,369)
 1999
 2021
 -

 Louisville, KY
 41,576
 5,567
 52,819
 1,118
 5,567
 53,937
 59,504
 ( 5,928)
 2017
 2021
 -

 Montgomery, AL
 20,779
 3,367
 26,967
 1,254
 3,367
 28,221
 31,588
 ( 3,174)
 1988 - 1994

 2022
 -

 San Antonio, TX
 24,085
 3,116
 35,223
 3,116
 35,914
 39,030
 ( 4,087)
 2015
 2021
 -

 San Antonio, TX
 35,398
 6,827
 43,240
 2,851
 6,827
 46,091
 52,918
 ( 5,100)
 2014
 2021
 -

 St Petersburg, FL
 56,160
 9,823
 74,801
 4,299
 9,823
 79,100
 88,923
 ( 9,238)
 2014
 2021
 -

 Total Multi-Family - Operating
 $
 $
 54,829
 $
 455,777
 $
 21,858
 $
 54,829
 $
 477,635
 $
 532,464
 $
 ( 51,303)

 Single-Family Rental - Operating

 Chicago, IL
 $
 32,269
 $
 10,139
 $
 49,158
 $
 11,037
 $
 10,139
 $
 60,194
 $
 70,333
 $
 ( 5,917)
 1890 - 2010

 2021- 2022

 -

 Baltimore, MD
 18,015
 9,274
 24,979
 4,774
 9,250
 29,778
 39,028
 ( 2,410)
 1921 - 2006

 2021- 2022

 -

 Houston, TX
 11,800
 3,958
 18,076
 2,441
 3,958
 20,517
 24,475
 ( 1,784)
 1954 - 2021

 2021 - 2022

 -

 Atlanta, GA
 —
 3,219
 3,463
 4,107
 ( 125)
 2004 - 2019

 2023
 -

 Indianapolis, IN
 —
 1,624
 1,852
 ( 24)
 1913 - 1958

 2024
 -

 Pittsburgh, PA
 —
 2,050
 ( 583)
 1,655
 1,976
 ( 5)
 1940 - 1991

 2022
 -

 Tampa, FL
 2,053
 2,828
 3,283
 4,104
 ( 266)
 1951 - 2010

 2022
 -

 Total Single-Family Rental - Operating
 $
 64,137
 $
 25,573
 $
 101,291
 $
 19,011
 $
 25,361
 $
 120,514
 $
 145,875
 $
 ( 10,531)

 Total Operating Real Estate
 $
 430,743
 $
 80,402
 $
 557,068
 $
 40,869
 $
 80,190
 $
 598,149
 $
 678,339
 $
 ( 61,834)

 Real Estate Held for Sale

 Single-Family Rental - Held for Sale

 Indianapolis, IN
 —
 1,162
 ( 448)
 —
 1910 - 1930

 2024

 -

 Atlanta, GA
 —
 ( 148)
 —
 2004 - 2019

 2023

 -

 Baltimore, MD
 1,054
 1,389
 ( 35)
 1,404
 1,937
 —
 1947 - 1959

 2021 - 2022

 -

 Houston, TX
 1,002
 1,491
 ( 289)
 1,282
 1,565
 —
 1953 - 2004

 2021 -2022

 -

 Pittsburgh, PA
 —
 1900 - 2004

 2022

 -

 Chicago, IL
 —
 1949 - 1952

 2021 - 2022

 -

 Bedford, OH
 ( 22)
 —
 1949

 2022

 -

 Milwaukee, WI
 ( 32)
 —
 1970

 2022

 -

 Total Single-Family Rental - Held for Sale

 $
 3,079
 $
 1,608
 $
 6,229
 $
 ( 935)
 $
 1,344
 $
 5,558
 $
 6,902
 $
 —

 Total Real Estate, net

 $
 433,822
 $
 82,010
 $
 563,297
 $
 39,934
 $
 81,534
 $
 603,707
 $
 685,241
 $
 ( 61,834)

 Real Estate in Disposal Group Held for Sale

 Multi-Family - Disposal Group

 Fort Myers, FL
 $
 38,220
 $
 7,546
 $
 34,504
 $
 7,129
 $
 7,546
 $
 41,633
 $
 49,179
 $
 ( 1,865)
 1973 & 1979

 2021
 -

 Tampa, FL
 55,150
 10,152
 53,668
 7,019
 9,760
 61,079
 70,839
 ( 7,121)
 1971 & 1972

 2021
 -

 Total Multi-Family - Disposal Group
 $
 93,370
 $
 17,698
 $
 88,172
 $
 14,148
 $
 17,306
 $
 102,712
 $
 120,018
 $
 ( 8,986)

 Total Real Estate
 $
 527,192
 $
 99,708
 $
 651,469
 $
 54,082
 $
 98,840
 $
 706,419
 $
 805,259
 $
 ( 70,820)

 (1) The aggregate cost of consolidated real estate in the table above for U.S. federal income tax purposes was approximately $ 761 million as of December 31, 2024.
 (2) Consists of costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition and impairment charges.

 Notes to Schedule III (Dollar amounts in thousands)

 1.Reconciliation of Operating Real Estate

 2024
 2023
 2022

 $
 1,197,066
 $
 714,192
 $
 970,363

 Transfers in (1)

 2,640
 59,198
 —

 Acquisitions

 —
 —
 827,882

 Improvements
 6,238
 31,441
 49,468

 Reclassification to held and used

 65,458
 392,235
 —

 Reclassification to held for sale or disposal group held for sale
 ( 593,063)
 —
 ( 1,133,521)

 Balance at end of period
 $
 678,339
 $
 1,197,066
 $
 714,192

 (1)Transfers in represent transfers into operating real estate due to consolidation of a VIE (see Note 7) or from real estate owned or residential loans.

 2.Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation for Operating Real Estate

 2024
 2023
 2022

 $
 ( 65,247)
 $
 ( 21,224)
 $
 ( 3,890)

 Depreciation

 ( 37,444)
 ( 24,620)
 ( 47,179)

 Reclassification to held and used

 ( 1,266)
 ( 19,403)
 —

 Reclassification to held for sale or disposal group held for sale
 42,123
 —
 29,845

 Balance at end of period
 $
 ( 61,834)
 $
 ( 65,247)
 $
 ( 21,224)

 Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
 (dollar amounts in thousands)

 Asset Type
 Number of Loans
 Interest Rate
 Maturity Date
 Carrying Value (1)

 Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest (2)

 First lien loans

 0.00 % - 14.99 %

 09/03/2022 - 10/01/2064
 $
 4,018
 $

 2.00 % - 11.38 %

 02/03/2029 - 03/01/2064
 9,144
 1,313

 2.50 % - 8.13 %

 08/01/2027 - 11/01/2063
 13,960
 1,722

 Original loan amount over $299,999

 2.75 % - 8.63 %

 11/01/2035 - 10/01/2064
 44,515
 2,140

 Second lien loans

 0.00 % - 8.63 %

 06/01/2024 - 08/01/2062

 7.25 % - 7.25 %

 04/01/2047 - 04/01/2047
 —

 7.75 % - 7.75 %

 11/01/2049 - 11/01/2049
 —

 Business purpose loans

 5.63 % - 13.25 %

 01/12/2021 - 01/01/2055
 33,791
 3,772

 4.25 % - 13.25 %

 08/05/2020 - 01/01/2055
 81,157
 9,804

 6.32 % - 15.19 %

 12/10/2021 - 01/01/2055
 55,701
 9,751

 Original loan amount over $299,999
 6.06 % - 14.99 %

 09/01/2021 - 01/01/2055
 388,805
 90,805

 First lien loans

 1,244
 0.00 % - 14.29 %

 06/01/2025 - 04/01/2064
 59,984
 4,347

 1,880
 0.00 % - 14.75 %

 02/10/2025 - 06/01/2064
 191,063
 10,586

 1,040
 0.00 % - 13.00 %

 08/01/2025 - 09/01/2063
 183,310
 7,748

 Original loan amount over $299,999

 1,355
 1.88 % - 9.40 %

 03/01/2027 - 11/01/2063
 448,697
 20,186

 Second lien loans

 5.75 % - 8.75 %

 10/01/2032 - 06/01/2062
 3,727
 —

 6.25 % - 8.63 %

 11/01/2032 - 03/01/2050
 —

 6.75 % - 7.75 %

 03/01/2046 - 01/01/2050
 —

 Business purpose loans

 4.00 % - 14.19 %

 10/01/2023 - 08/01/2054
 100,115
 2,260

 1,396
 3.75 % - 13.65 %

 11/01/2023 - 08/01/2054
 213,140
 2,432

 3.50 % - 13.63 %

 03/01/2024 - 05/01/2064
 172,912
 2,913

 Original loan amount over $299,999
 1,147
 3.49 % - 13.99 %

 04/01/2023 - 05/01/2064
 869,504
 12,098

 First lien loans
 7,246
 1.38 % - 10.50 %

 03/01/2021 - 10/01/2064
 117,071

 $
 $
 300,138

 (1)The aggregate cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes of consolidated mortgage loans in the table above, excluding Consolidated SLST, is approximately $ 1.9 billion as of December 31, 2024. The Company invests in first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs issued by Consolidated SLST. Consolidated SLST carrying value in the table above represents the carrying value of the residential loans in the securitization that have been consolidated in accordance with GAAP.
 (2)Of this amount, approximately $ 6.2 million was acquired from controlled and other affiliates.

 Reconciliation of Balance Sheet Reported Amounts of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

 For the year ended December 31,

 (in thousands)
 2024
 2023
 2022

 Beginning balance
 $
 $
 3,525,080
 $
 3,575,601

 Additions during period:

 Purchases (1)

 2,177,949
 620,277
 1,733,265

 Accretion of purchase discount
 5,539
 6,689
 5,292

 Change in realized and unrealized gains
 10,378
 65,485
 ( 404,524)

 Deductions during period:

 Repayments of principal
 ( 1,179,999)
 ( 1,062,930)
 ( 1,362,294)

 Transfer to REO
 ( 85,342)
 ( 42,485)
 ( 18,858)

 Transfer to SFR

 ( 3,120)
 —
 —

 Cost of loans sold

 ( 162,883)
 ( 25,144)
 —

 Amortization of premium
 ( 5,087)
 ( 2,669)
 ( 3,402)

 Balance at end of period
 $
 $
 $
 3,525,080

 (1)The Company exercised its option to purchase 50 % of the issued and outstanding interests of an entity that originates residential loans during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company purchased $ 307.8 million, $ 80.8 million and $ 260.6 million of residential loans from the entity during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.