2Q15 Form 10-Q

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549
FORM 10-Q
  x
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015
or
  o
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number: 1-9819
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia
52-1549373
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
 
 
4991 Lake Brook Drive, Suite 100, Glen Allen, Virginia
23060-9245
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
 
(804) 217-5800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes           x           No           o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes           x           No           o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer
o
Accelerated filer
x
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o

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

On August 4, 2015, the registrant had 53,476,309 shares outstanding of common stock, $0.01 par value, which is the registrant’s only class of common stock.



DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 (unaudited) and December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 (unaudited) and June 30, 2014 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2015 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015 (unaudited) and June 30, 2014 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 










i


PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in thousands except share data)
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
ASSETS
(unaudited)
 

Mortgage-backed securities (including pledged of $3,797,011 and $3,265,979, respectively)
$
3,852,883

 
$
3,516,239

Mortgage loans held for investment, net
29,858

 
39,700

Investment in limited partnership
10,733

 
4,000

Cash and cash equivalents
56,463

 
43,944

Restricted cash
57,880

 
42,263

Derivative assets
20,804

 
5,727

Receivable for securities sold
96,168

 

Principal receivable on investments
10,584

 
7,420

Accrued interest receivable
21,315

 
21,157

Other assets, net
12,354

 
7,861

Total assets
$
4,169,042

 
$
3,688,311

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY


 
 

Liabilities:
 

 
 

Repurchase agreements
$
3,402,964

 
$
3,013,110

FHLB advances
108,076

 

Payable for unsettled mortgage-backed securities
4,014

 

Non-recourse collateralized financing
8,788

 
10,786

Derivative liabilities
48,240

 
35,898

Accrued interest payable
2,067

 
1,947

Accrued dividends payable
14,878

 
15,622

Other liabilities
4,762

 
3,646

 Total liabilities
3,593,789

 
3,081,009

 


 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 

 
 

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 8.5% Series A Cumulative Redeemable; 8,000,000 shares authorized; 2,300,000 shares issued and outstanding ($57,500 aggregate liquidation preference)
55,407

 
55,407

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 7.625% Series B Cumulative Redeemable; 7,000,000 shares authorized; 2,250,000 shares issued and outstanding ($56,250 aggregate liquidation preference)
54,251

 
54,251

Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized;
54,084,611 and 54,739,111 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
541

 
547

Additional paid-in capital
758,230

 
763,935

Accumulated other comprehensive income
4,691

 
21,316

Accumulated deficit
(297,867
)
 
(288,154
)
 Total shareholders' equity
575,253

 
607,302

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
4,169,042

 
$
3,688,311


1


See notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

2


DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
 (amounts in thousands except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
24,196

 
$
26,995

 
$
47,923

 
$
53,897

Mortgage loans held for investment, net
331

 
723

 
703

 
1,462

 
24,527

 
27,718

 
48,626

 
55,359

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 


 
 
Repurchase agreements and FHLB advances
5,506

 
6,548

 
10,852

 
14,159

Non-recourse collateralized financing
36

 
24

 
61

 
46

 
5,542

 
6,572

 
10,913

 
14,205

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Net interest income
18,985

 
21,146

 
37,713

 
41,154

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
17,090

 
(23,074
)
 
(8,233
)
 
(36,496
)
Loss on sale of investments, net
(1,491
)
 
(477
)
 
(183
)
 
(3,784
)
Fair value adjustments, net
20

 
88

 
59

 
119

Equity in income of limited partnership
711

 

 
733

 

Other (expense) income, net
(99
)
 
137

 
(88
)
 
212

General and administrative expenses:
 
 
 
 


 
 
Compensation and benefits
(2,351
)
 
(2,329
)
 
(4,467
)
 
(4,881
)
Other general and administrative
(2,403
)
 
(1,490
)
 
(4,544
)
 
(3,057
)
Net income (loss)
30,462

 
(5,999
)
 
20,990

 
(6,733
)
Preferred stock dividends
(2,294
)
 
(2,294
)
 
(4,588
)
 
(4,588
)
Net income (loss) to common shareholders
$
28,168

 
$
(8,293
)
 
$
16,402

 
$
(11,321
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 


 
 
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale investments
$
(42,027
)
 
$
33,114

 
$
(18,722
)
 
$
57,080

Reclassification adjustment for loss on sale of investments, net
1,491

 
477

 
183

 
3,784

Reclassification adjustment for de-designated cash flow hedges
857

 
1,608

 
1,914

 
3,896

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
(39,679
)
 
35,199

 
(16,625
)
 
64,760

Comprehensive (loss) income to common shareholders
$
(11,511
)
 
$
26,906

 
$
(223
)
 
$
53,439

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares-basic and diluted
54,574

 
54,711

 
54,687

 
54,669

Net income (loss) per common share-basic and diluted
$
0.52

 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.30

 
$
(0.21
)
See notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3


DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
($ in thousands)
 
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
109,658

 
$
547

 
$
763,935

 
$
21,316

 
$
(288,154
)
 
$
607,302

Stock issuance

 

 
78

 

 

 
78

Granting and vesting of restricted stock

 
3

 
1,472

 

 

 
1,475

Amortization of stock issuance costs

 

 
(19
)
 

 

 
(19
)
Common stock repurchased

 
(8
)
 
(6,680
)
 

 

 
(6,688
)
Adjustments for tax withholding on share-based compensation

 
(1
)
 
(556
)
 

 

 
(557
)
Net income

 

 

 

 
20,990

 
20,990

Dividends on preferred stock

 

 

 

 
(4,588
)
 
(4,588
)
Dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 
(26,115
)
 
(26,115
)
Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 
(16,625
)
 

 
(16,625
)
Balance as of June 30, 2015
$
109,658

 
$
541

 
$
758,230

 
$
4,691

 
$
(297,867
)
 
$
575,253

See notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4


DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
($ in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
20,990

 
$
(6,733
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Increase in accrued interest receivable
(158
)
 
(774
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
120

 
(778
)
Loss on derivative instruments, net
8,233

 
36,496

Loss on sale of investments, net
183

 
3,784

Fair value adjustments, net
(59
)
 
(119
)
Amortization of investment premiums, net
74,737

 
66,650

Other amortization and depreciation, net
2,847

 
5,055

Stock-based compensation expense
1,475

 
1,355

Other operating activities
18

 
598

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities
108,386

 
105,534

Investing activities:
 

 
 

Purchase of investments
(1,000,070
)
 
(298,699
)
Principal payments received on investments
236,598

 
253,263

Proceeds from sales of investments
233,238

 
95,932

Principal payments received on mortgage loans held for investment, net
9,825

 
2,889

Payment to acquire interest in limited partnership
(6,000
)
 

Net payments on derivatives not designated as hedges
(10,968
)
 
(5,951
)
Other investing activities
(135
)
 
(5
)
Net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by investing activities
(537,512
)
 
47,429

Financing activities:
 

 
 

Borrowings under (repayments of) repurchase agreements and FHLB advances, net
497,930

 
(133,912
)
Principal payments on non-recourse collateralized financing
(2,035
)
 
(858
)
Increase in restricted cash
(15,617
)
 
(17,362
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs
59

 
107

Cash paid for repurchases of common stock
(6,688
)
 

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation
(557
)
 
(505
)
Dividends paid
(31,447
)
 
(32,926
)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) financing activities
441,645

 
(185,456
)
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
12,519

 
(32,493
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
43,944

 
69,330

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
56,463

 
$
36,837

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Activity:
 

 
 

Cash paid for interest
$
8,842

 
$
10,861

See notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

Dynex Capital, Inc., ("Company”) was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia on December 18, 1987 and commenced operations in February 1988. The Company primarily earns income from investing on a leveraged basis in mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or U.S. Government sponsored agencies ("Agency MBS") and MBS issued by others ("non-Agency MBS").

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Dynex Capital, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, “Dynex” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Article 10, Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all significant adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim periods or for the entire year ending December 31, 2015. The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC.

Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the accounts of its majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIE") for which it is the primary beneficiary. As a 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. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company consolidates certain trusts through which it has securitized mortgage loans as a result of not meeting the sale criteria under GAAP at the time the financial assets were transferred to the trust. Additional information regarding the accounting policy for the Company's securitized mortgage loans is provided below under "Mortgage Loans Held for Investment, Net".

Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates used by management include, but are not limited to, fair value measurements of its investments, other-than-temporary impairments, contingencies, and amortization of premiums and discounts. These items are discussed further below within this note to the consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the corresponding provisions of state law. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet certain tests including investing in primarily real estate-related assets and the required distribution of at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income to stockholders after consideration of its net operating loss carryforward ("NOL") and not including taxable income retained in its taxable subsidiaries. As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax on the amount of its income or gain that is distributed as dividends to shareholders.


6


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


The Company assesses its tax positions for all open tax years and determines whether the Company has any material unrecognized liabilities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740. The Company records these liabilities, if any, to the extent they are deemed more likely than not to have been incurred.

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

The Company did not have any potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the three or six months ended June 30, 2015 or June 30, 2014.

Holders of unvested shares of the Company's issued and outstanding restricted common stock are eligible to receive non-forfeitable dividends. As such, these unvested shares are considered participating securities as per ASC Topic 260-10 and therefore are included in the computation of basic net income (loss) per share using the two-class method. Upon vesting, restrictions on transfer expire on each share of restricted stock, and each such share of restricted stock is converted to one equal share of common stock.

Because the Company's 8.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and 7.625% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) are redeemable at the Company's option for cash only and may convert into shares of common stock only upon a change of control of the Company, the effect of those shares is excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per common share.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists of cash the Company has pledged to cover initial and variation margin with its counterparties.

Mortgage-Backed Securities
 
The Company designates its investments in MBS as available-for-sale ("AFS"). All of the Company’s MBS are recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in unrealized gain (loss) on the Company's MBS are reported in other comprehensive income ("OCI") until each security is collected, disposed of, or determined to be other than temporarily impaired. Although the Company generally intends to hold its AFS securities until maturity, it may sell any of these securities as part of the overall management of its business. Upon the sale of an AFS security, any unrealized gain or loss is reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") into net income as a realized "gain (loss) on sale of investments, net" using the specific identification method.

The Company’s MBS pledged as collateral against repurchase agreements and derivative instruments are included in MBS on the consolidated balance sheets with the fair value of the MBS pledged disclosed parenthetically.

Interest Income, Premium Amortization, and Discount Accretion. Interest income on MBS is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance (or notional balance in the case of interest-only, or "IO", securities) and their contractual terms.  Premiums and discounts on Agency MBS as well as any non-Agency MBS rated 'AA' and higher at the time of purchase are amortized into interest income over the expected life of such securities using the effective yield method and adjustments to premium amortization are made for actual cash payments as well as changes in projected future cash payments. The Company's projections of future cash payments are based on input and analysis received from external sources and internal models, and includes assumptions about the amount and timing of credit losses, loan prepayment rates, fluctuations in interest rates, and other factors. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and makes any necessary adjustments to its cash flow projections and updates the yield recognized on these assets.

The Company holds certain non-Agency MBS that had credit ratings of less than 'AA' at the time of purchase or were not rated by any of the nationally recognized credit rating agencies. A portion of these non-Agency MBS were purchased at

7


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


discounts to their par value, which management does not believe to be substantial. The discount is accreted into income over the security's expected life, which reflects management's estimate of the security's projected cash flows. Future changes in the timing of projected cash flows or differences arising between projected cash flows and actual cash flows received may result in a prospective change in the effective yield on those securities.

Determination of MBS Fair Value. The Company estimates the fair value of the majority of its MBS based upon prices obtained from third-party pricing services and broker quotes. The remainder of the Company's MBS are valued by discounting the estimated future cash flows derived from cash flow models that utilize information such as the security's coupon rate, estimated prepayment speeds, expected weighted average life, collateral composition, estimated future interest rates, expected losses, and credit enhancements as well as certain other relevant information. Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of MBS fair value measurements.

Other-than-Temporary Impairment. MBS is considered impaired when its fair value is less than its amortized cost. The Company evaluates all of its impaired MBS for other-than-temporary impairments ("OTTI") on at least a quarterly basis. An impairment is considered other-than-temporary if: (1) the Company intends to sell the MBS; (2) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the MBS before its fair value recovers; or (3) the Company does not expect to recover the full amortized cost basis of the MBS. If either of the first two conditions is met, the entire amount of the impairment is recognized in earnings. If the impairment is solely due to the inability to fully recover the amortized cost basis, the security is further analyzed to quantify any credit loss, which is the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected on the MBS and its amortized cost. The credit loss, if any, is then recognized in earnings, while the balance of impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Following the recognition of an OTTI through earnings, a new cost basis is established for the security. Any subsequent recoveries in fair value may be accreted back into the amortized cost basis of the MBS on a prospective basis through interest income. Please see Note 2 for additional information related to the Company's evaluation for OTTI.

Mortgage Loans Held for Investment, Net

The Company originated or purchased mortgage loans from 1992 through 1998, and these mortgage loans are reported at amortized cost. A portion of these loans is pledged as collateral to support the repayment of one remaining class of a securitization financing bond issued by the Company in 2002. The associated securitization financing bond is treated as debt of the Company and is presented as "non-recourse collateralized financing" on the consolidated balance sheet. Securitized mortgage loans can only be sold subject to the lien of the respective securitization financing indenture. An allowance has been established for currently existing and probable losses on the Company's mortgage loans held for investment.

Investment in Limited Partnership

The Company is a limited partner with a less than 50% interest in a limited partnership for which it does not have substantive participating or kick-out rights that overcome the general partner's presumption of control. The Company accounts for its investment in this limited partnership using the equity method of accounting, which requires initially recording an investment in the equity of an investee at cost and subsequently adjusting the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the investor's share of the earnings or losses, capital contributions and distributions, and other changes in equity.

Repurchase Agreements
 
Repurchase agreements are accounted for as secured borrowings under which the Company pledges its securities as collateral to secure a loan, which is equal in value to a specified percentage of the estimated fair value of the pledged collateral. The Company retains beneficial ownership of the pledged collateral. At the maturity of a repurchase agreement, the Company is required to repay the loan and concurrently receives back its pledged collateral from the lender or, with the consent of the lender, the Company may renew the agreement at the then prevailing financing rate. A repurchase agreement lender may require the Company to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the fair value of the collateral pledged. Repurchase agreement financing is recourse to the Company and the assets pledged. Most of the Company’s repurchase agreements are based on the September 1996 version of the Bond Market Association Master Repurchase Agreement, which generally provides that the lender,

8


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


as buyer, is responsible for obtaining collateral valuations from a generally recognized source agreed to by both the Company and the lender, or, in an instance when such source is not available, the value determination is made by the lender.

Derivative Instruments

The Company's derivative instruments, which currently include interest rate swaps and Eurodollar futures, are accounted for at fair value and recognized accordingly as either derivative assets or derivative liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. All periodic interest costs and changes in fair value, including gains and losses recognized upon termination, associated with derivative instruments are recorded in "gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" on the Company's consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Please refer to Note 5 for additional information regarding the Company's accounting for its derivative instruments.

Although MBS have characteristics that meet the definition of a derivative instrument, ASC Topic 815 specifically excludes these instruments from its scope because they are accounted for as debt securities under ASC Topic 320.

Share-Based Compensation

Pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Stock and Incentive Plan ("SIP"), the Company may grant share-based compensation to eligible employees, directors or consultants or advisers to the Company, including stock awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares, and restricted stock units. The Company's restricted stock currently issued and outstanding under this plan may be settled only in shares of its common stock, and therefore are treated as equity awards with their fair value measured at the grant date and recognized as compensation cost over the requisite service period with a corresponding credit to shareholders' equity. The requisite service period is the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for an award, which is equivalent to the vesting period specified in the terms of the time-based restricted stock award. None of the Company's restricted stock awards have performance based conditions. The Company does not currently have any share-based compensation issued or outstanding other than restricted stock.

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, there are various lawsuits, claims, and other contingencies pending against the Company. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates whether to establish provisions for estimated losses from those matters in accordance with ASC Topic 450, which states that a liability is recognized for a contingent loss when: (a) the underlying causal event has occurred prior to the balance sheet date; (b) it is probable that a loss has been incurred; and (c) there is a reasonable basis for estimating that loss. A liability is not recognized for a contingent loss when it is only possible or remotely possible that a loss has been incurred, however, possible contingent losses shall be disclosed. If the contingent loss (or an additional loss in excess of any accrual) is at least a reasonable possibility and material, then the Company discloses a reasonable estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, if such reasonable estimate can be made. If the Company cannot make a reasonable estimate of the possible material loss, or range of loss, then that fact is disclosed. As of June 30, 2015, the Company does not have any contingencies for which it believes a probable loss has been incurred.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The Company does not believe there are any recently issued accounting pronouncements which will have a material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations upon their effective date.

NOTE 2 – MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
The majority of the Company's MBS are pledged as collateral to cover initial and variation margins for the Company's repurchase agreements, Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances, and derivative instruments. The following tables provide detail by type of investment for the Company’s MBS designated as AFS as of the dates indicated:

9


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


 
June 30, 2015
 
Par
 
Net Premium (Discount)
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gain
 
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
WAC (1)
RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
$
1,741,996

 
$
90,244

 
$
1,832,240

 
$
7,703

 
$
(16,671
)
 
$
1,823,272

 
3.05
%
Non-Agency
73,896

 
(62
)
 
73,834

 
136

 
(88
)
 
73,882

 
3.55
%
 
1,815,892

 
90,182

 
1,906,074

 
7,839

 
(16,759
)
 
1,897,154

 
 
CMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
952,322

 
16,331

 
968,653

 
13,749

 
(15,499
)
 
966,903

 
3.45
%
Non-Agency
214,220

 
(8,384
)
 
205,836

 
6,521

 
(422
)
 
211,935

 
4.22
%
 
1,166,542

 
7,947

 
1,174,489

 
20,270

 
(15,921
)
 
1,178,838

 
 
CMBS IO (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency

 
426,897

 
426,897

 
9,258

 
(494
)
 
435,661

 
0.72
%
Non-Agency

 
338,247

 
338,247

 
3,888

 
(905
)
 
341,230

 
0.61
%
 

 
765,144

 
765,144

 
13,146

 
(1,399
)
 
776,891

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Total AFS securities:
$
2,982,434

 
$
863,273

 
$
3,845,707

 
$
41,255

 
$
(34,079
)
 
$
3,852,883

 
 
(1)
The current weighted average coupon ("WAC") is the gross interest rate of the pool of mortgages underlying the security weighted by the outstanding principal balance (or by notional balance in the case of an IO security).
(2)
The notional balance for Agency CMBS IO and non-Agency CMBS IO was $11,198,955 and $9,572,727, respectively, as of June 30, 2015.
 
December 31, 2014
 
Par
 
Net Premium (Discount)
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gain
 
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
 
WAC (1)
RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
$
2,086,807

 
$
113,635

 
$
2,200,442

 
$
8,473

 
$
(22,215
)
 
$
2,186,700

 
3.09
%
Non-Agency
22,432

 
(17
)
 
22,415

 
107

 
(74
)
 
22,448

 
3.83
%
 
2,109,239

 
113,618

 
2,222,857

 
8,580

 
(22,289
)
 
2,209,148

 
 
CMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
301,943

 
18,042

 
319,985

 
15,288

 
(76
)
 
335,197

 
5.21
%
Non-Agency
210,358

 
(8,520
)
 
201,838

 
6,679

 
(479
)
 
208,038

 
4.33
%
 
512,301

 
9,522

 
521,823

 
21,967

 
(555
)
 
543,235

 
 
CMBS IO (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency

 
426,564

 
426,564

 
12,252

 
(79
)
 
438,737

 
0.80
%
Non-Agency

 
319,280

 
319,280

 
6,069

 
(230
)
 
325,119

 
0.72
%
 

 
745,844

 
745,844

 
18,321

 
(309
)
 
763,856

 
 



 
 
 


 


 
 
 


 
 
Total AFS securities:
$
2,621,540

 
$
868,984

 
$
3,490,524

 
$
48,868

 
$
(23,153
)
 
$
3,516,239

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The current weighted average coupon ("WAC") is the gross interest rate of the pool of mortgages underlying the security weighted by the outstanding principal balance (or by notional balance in the case of an IO security).
(2)
The notional balance for the Agency CMBS IO and non-Agency CMBS IO was $10,460,113 and $7,868,896, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.


10


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


The Company's sale proceeds including MBS sales pending settlement as of June 30, 2015 were $226,884 and $329,406 for three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $36,133 and $95,932 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. The following table presents the gross realized gains (losses) of those sales included in "gain (loss) on sale of investments, net" on the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
($ in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Gross realized gains on sales of MBS
$
1,361

 
$
471

 
$
3,134

 
$
690

Gross realized losses on sales of MBS
(2,852
)
 
(948
)
 
(3,317
)
 
(4,474
)
Loss on sale of investments, net
$
(1,491
)
 
$
(477
)
 
$
(183
)
 
$
(3,784
)

The following table presents certain information for those Agency MBS in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
# of Securities
 
Fair Value
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
# of Securities
Continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency MBS
$
1,052,413

 
$
(17,343
)
 
68
 
$
322,741

 
$
(879
)
 
24
Non-Agency MBS
212,569

 
(1,349
)
 
39
 
111,778

 
(625
)
 
24
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency MBS
$
886,126

 
$
(15,321
)
 
73
 
$
1,321,323

 
$
(21,491
)
 
113
Non-Agency MBS
1,348

 
(66
)
 
5
 
18,037

 
(159
)
 
5

Because the principal related to Agency MBS is guaranteed by the government-sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which have the implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, the Company does not consider any of the unrealized losses on its Agency MBS to be credit related. Although the unrealized losses are not credit related, the Company assesses its ability and intent to hold any Agency MBS with an unrealized loss until the recovery in its value. This assessment is based on the amount of the unrealized loss and significance of the related investment as well as the Company’s current leverage and anticipated liquidity. Based on this analysis, the Company has determined that the unrealized losses on its Agency MBS as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were temporary.

The Company also reviews any non-Agency MBS in an unrealized loss position to evaluate whether any decline in fair value represents an OTTI. The evaluation includes a review of the credit ratings of these non-Agency MBS and the seasoning of the mortgage loans collateralizing these securities as well as the estimated future cash flows which include projected losses. The Company performed this evaluation for the non-Agency MBS in an unrealized loss position and has determined that there have not been any adverse changes in the timing or amount of estimated future cash flows that necessitate a recognition of OTTI amounts as of June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

NOTE 3 – REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
    
The Company finances its purchases of investments primarily using repurchase agreements which bear interest at a floating rate based on a spread to London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR").The Company’s repurchase agreement borrowings outstanding as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized in the table below by the fair value and type of securities pledged as collateral:

11


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


 
 
June 30, 2015
Collateral Type
 
Balance
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Fair Value of
Collateral Pledged
Agency RMBS
 
$
1,786,642


0.40
%
 
$
1,856,421

Non-Agency RMBS
 
57,775

 
1.61
%
 
69,906

Agency CMBS
 
740,454

 
0.36
%
 
807,758

Non-Agency CMBS
 
168,920

 
1.04
%
 
194,021

Agency CMBS IO
 
360,837

 
0.94
%
 
420,519

Non-Agency CMBS IO
 
280,125

 
1.06
%
 
332,530

Securitization financing bond
 
8,211

 
1.54
%
 
8,999

 
 
$
3,402,964

 
0.56
%
 
$
3,690,154


 
 
December 31, 2014
Collateral Type
 
Balance
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Fair Value of Collateral Pledged
Agency RMBS
 
$
1,977,338


0.39
%
 
$
2,064,704

Non-Agency RMBS
 
17,594

 
1.57
%
 
21,787

Agency CMBS
 
253,857

 
0.36
%
 
291,103

Non-Agency CMBS
 
114,895

 
1.15
%
 
140,216

Agency CMBS IOs
 
372,609

 
0.92
%
 
430,638

Non-Agency CMBS IOs
 
266,983

 
1.04
%
 
315,149

Securitization financing bond
 
9,834

 
1.51
%
 
11,000

 
 
$
3,013,110

 
0.55
%
 
$
3,274,597


As of June 30, 2015, the weighted average remaining term to maturity of our repurchase agreements was 27 days. The following table provides a summary of the original term to maturity of our repurchase agreements as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
Original Term to Maturity
 
June 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Less than 30 days
 
$
127,899

 
$
250,635

30 to 90 days
 
2,437,689

 
617,399

91 to 180 days
 
388,951

 
904,830

181 to 364 days
 
335,570

 
1,030,569

1 year or longer
 
112,855

 
209,677

 
 
$
3,402,964

 
$
3,013,110


As of June 30, 2015, shareholders' equity at risk did not exceed 10% for any of the Company's counterparties. The Company had $271,576 of its repurchase agreement balance as of June 30, 2015 outstanding under a term repurchase facility with Wells Fargo Bank National Association. This facility has an aggregate maximum borrowing capacity of $300,000 and is scheduled to mature on August 6, 2016, subject to early termination provisions contained in the master repurchase agreement. The facility is collateralized primarily by CMBS IO, and its weighted average borrowing rate as of June 30, 2015 was 1.04%.


12


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


As of June 30, 2015, the Company had repurchase agreement amounts outstanding with 21 of its 32 available repurchase agreement counterparties. The Company's counterparties, as set forth in the master repurchase agreement with the counterparty, require the Company to comply with various customary operating and financial covenants, including, but not limited to, minimum net worth, maximum declines in net worth in a given period, and maximum leverage requirements as well as maintaining the Company's REIT status. In addition, some of the agreements contain cross default features, whereby default under an agreement with one lender simultaneously causes default under agreements with other lenders. To the extent that the Company fails to comply with the covenants contained in these financing agreements or is otherwise found to be in default under the terms of such agreements, the counterparty has the right to accelerate amounts due under the master repurchase agreement. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of June 30, 2015.

Please see Note 6 for the Company's disclosures related to offsetting assets and liabilities.

NOTE 4 – FHLB ADVANCES

On May 19, 2015, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Mackinaw Insurance Company, LLC ("Mackinaw") was approved for membership in the FHLB of Indianapolis ("FHLBI"). As a member of the FHLBI, Mackinaw has access to a variety of products and services offered by the FHLB system, including short-term secured advances. The Company accounts for FHLB advances as short-term borrowings collateralized by Agency MBS. FHLB advances are carried at their amortized cost, which approximates their fair value due to their short-term nature. As of June 30, 2015, Mackinaw had $108,076 in outstanding advances with a borrowing rate of 0.22% and Agency MBS with a fair value of $113,991 pledged as collateral. The Company's maximum borrowing capacity with the FHLB was $575,000 as of June 30, 2015. As of June 30, 2015, the Company's FHLB advances were all due within 30 days.

As a condition to membership in the FHLBI, the Company is required to purchase and hold a certain amount of FHLBI stock, which is based, in part, upon the outstanding principal balance of FHLB advances. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had stock in the FHLBI totaling $4,864, which is included in "other assets, net" on its consolidated balance sheet. FHLBI stock is considered a non-marketable, long-term investment, is carried at cost and is subject to recoverability testing under applicable accounting standards. This stock can only be redeemed or sold at its par value and only to the FHLBI.

NOTE 5 – DERIVATIVES

     The Company utilizes derivative instruments to economically hedge a portion of its exposure to market risks, primarily interest rate risk. The Company primarily uses pay-fixed interest rate swaps and Eurodollar contracts to hedge its exposure to changes in interest rates and uses receive-fixed interest rate swaps to offset a portion of its pay-fixed interest rate swaps in order to manage its overall hedge position. The objective of the Company's risk management strategy is to mitigate declines in book value resulting from fluctuations in the fair value of the Company's assets from changing interest rates and to protect some portion of the Company's earnings from rising interest rates. Please refer to Note 1 for information related to the Company's accounting policy for its derivative instruments.
    
The table below summarizes information about the Company’s derivative instruments treated as trading instruments on its consolidated balance sheet as of the dates indicated:  
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
Trading Instruments
 
Fair Value
 
Notional
 
Fair Value
 
Notional
Interest rate swaps
 
$
20,804

 
$
1,305,000

 
$
(4,249
)
 
$
885,000

Eurodollar futures (1)
 

 

 
(43,991
)
 
14,000,000

Total
 
$
20,804

 
$
1,305,000

 
$
(48,240
)
 
$
14,885,000



13


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
Trading Instruments
 
Fair Value
 
Notional
 
Fair Value
 
Notional
Interest rate swaps
 
$
5,727

 
$
440,000

 
$
(3,002
)
 
$
485,000

Eurodollar futures (1)
 

 

 
(32,896
)
 
16,600,000

Total
 
$
5,727

 
$
440,000

 
$
(35,898
)
 
$
17,085,000

(1)
The Eurodollar futures aggregate notional amount represents the total notional of the 3-month contracts with expiration dates from 2015 to 2020. The maximum notional outstanding for any future 3-month period did not exceed $1,300,000 as of June 30, 2015 or as of December 31, 2014.

The following table summarizes the contractual maturities remaining for the Company’s outstanding interest rate swap agreements as of June 30, 2015:
Remaining Maturity
 
Pay-Fixed Interest Rate Swaps
 
Pay-Fixed
Weighted-Average Rate
 
Receive-Fixed Interest Rate Swaps
 
Receive-Fixed
Weighted-Average Rate
37-48 months
 
$
345,000

 
1.13
%
 
$

 
%
49-60 months
 
835,000

 
1.77
%
 
300,000

 
1.24
%
61-72 months
 

 
%
 

 
%
73-84 months
 
75,000

 
1.77
%
 

 
%
85-96 months
 
125,000

 
1.98
%
 

 
%
97-108 months
 

 
%
 

 
%
109-120 months
 
485,000

 
2.96
%
 
25,000

 
2.71
%

The table above contains forward-starting interest rate swaps with a combined notional value of $800,000 and a weighted average pay-fixed rate of 2.38% which will not be effective until 2016.

The following table summarizes the volume of activity related to derivative instruments for the period indicated:
For the six months ended June 30, 2015:
Beginning of Period Notional Amount
 
Additions
 
Settlement, Termination, Expiration or Exercise
 
End of Period Notional Amount
Receive-fixed interest rate swaps
$
275,000

 
$
50,000

 
$

 
$
325,000

Pay-fixed interest rate swaps
650,000

 
1,735,000

 
(520,000
)
 
1,865,000

Eurodollar futures
16,600,000

 

 
(2,600,000
)
 
14,000,000

 
$
17,525,000

 
$
1,785,000

 
$
(3,120,000
)
 
$
16,190,000


The table below provides detail of the Company's "gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net" by type of interest rate derivative for the periods indicated:

14


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
Type of Derivative Instrument
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Receive-fixed interest rate swaps
 
$
(1,746
)
 
$

 
$
2,782

 
$

Pay-fixed interest rate swaps
 
16,263

 
(11,694
)
 
2,900

 
(20,702
)
Eurodollar futures
 
2,573

 
(11,380
)
 
(13,915
)
 
(15,794
)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
 
$
17,090

 
$
(23,074
)
 
$
(8,233
)
 
$
(36,496
)

There is a net unrealized loss of $663 remaining in AOCI on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2015 which represents the activity related to these interest rate swap agreements while they were previously designated as cash flow hedges, and this amount will be recognized in the Company's net income as a portion of "interest expense" over the remaining contractual life of the agreements. The Company estimates the portion of existing net unrealized loss on discontinued cash flow hedges expected to be reclassified to net income within the next 12 months is $1,491.

Many of the Company's interest rate swaps were entered into under bilateral agreements which contain various covenants related to the Company’s credit risk. Specifically, if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including those circumstances whereby repayment of the indebtedness has not yet been accelerated by the lender, or is declared in default of any of its covenants with any counterparty, then the Company could also be declared in default under the bilateral agreement. Additionally, these agreements allow those counterparties to require settlement of its outstanding derivative transactions if the Company fails to earn net income excluding derivative gains and losses greater than one dollar as measured on a rolling two quarter basis. These interest rate agreements also contain provisions whereby, if the Company fails to maintain a minimum net amount of shareholders’ equity, then the Company may be declared in default on its derivative obligations. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under bilateral agreements on June 30, 2015.
Please see Note 6 for the Company's disclosures related to offsetting assets and liabilities.

NOTE 6 – OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The Company's derivatives and repurchase agreements are subject to underlying agreements with master netting or similar arrangements, which provide for the right of offset in the event of default or in the event of bankruptcy of either party to the transactions. The Company reports its assets and liabilities subject to these arrangements on a gross basis. The following tables present information regarding those assets and liabilities subject to such arrangements as if the Company had presented them on a net basis as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
Offsetting of Assets
 
Gross Amount of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amount Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Balance Sheet (1)
 
Net Amount
Financial Instruments Received as Collateral
 
Cash Received as Collateral
June 30, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
$
20,804

 
$

 
$
20,804

 
$
(2,848
)
 
$
(17,956
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 


Derivative assets
$
5,727

 
$

 
$
5,727

 
$
(1,073
)
 
$
(4,521
)
 
$
133



15


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


 
Offsetting of Liabilities
 
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amount Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Balance Sheet (1)
 
Net Amount
Financial Instruments Posted as Collateral
 
Cash Posted as Collateral
June 30, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
$
48,240

 
$

 
$
48,240

 
$
(4,249
)
 
$
(43,991
)
 
$

Repurchase agreements
3,402,964

 

 
3,402,964

 
(3,402,964
)
 

 

 
$
3,451,204

 
$

 
$
3,451,204

 
$
(3,407,213
)
 
$
(43,991
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
$
35,898

 
$

 
$
35,898

 
$
(2,494
)
 
$
(32,994
)
 
$
410

Repurchase agreements
3,013,110

 

 
3,013,110

 
(3,013,110
)
 

 

 
$
3,049,008

 
$

 
$
3,049,008

 
$
(3,015,604
)
 
$
(32,994
)
 
$
410

(1)
Amount disclosed for collateral received by or posted to the same counterparty include cash and the fair value of MBS up to and not exceeding the net amount of the asset or liability presented in the balance sheet. The fair value of the actual collateral received by or posted to the same counterparty may exceed the amounts presented.

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and also requires an entity to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity's own credit standing, when measuring fair value of a liability. ASC Topic 820 established a valuation hierarchy of three levels as follows:
 
Level 1 – Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date.
Level 2 – Inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs either directly observable or indirectly observable through correlation with market data at the measurement date and for the duration of the instrument’s anticipated life.  
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent management’s best estimate of how market participants would price the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model.  
The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities presented on its consolidated balance sheets, segregated by the hierarchy level of the fair value estimate, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated:

16


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


 
June 30, 2015
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices in Active Markets
 
Level 2 - Observable Inputs
 
Level 3 - Unobservable Inputs
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
3,852,883

 
$

 
$
3,813,929

 
$
38,954

Derivative assets
20,804

 

 
20,804

 

Total assets carried at fair value
$
3,873,687

 
$

 
$
3,834,733

 
$
38,954

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative liabilities
$
48,240

 
$
43,991

 
$
4,249

 
$

Total liabilities carried at fair value
$
48,240

 
$
43,991

 
$
4,249

 
$

 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices in Active Markets
 
Level 2 - Observable Inputs
 
Level 3 - Unobservable Inputs
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
3,516,239

 
$

 
$
3,472,282

 
$
43,957

Derivative assets
5,727

 

 
5,727

 

Total assets carried at fair value
$
3,521,966

 
$

 
$
3,478,009

 
$
43,957

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative liabilities
$
35,898

 
$
32,896

 
$
3,002

 
$

Total liabilities carried at fair value
$
35,898

 
$
32,896

 
$
3,002

 
$


The Company did not have assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

The Company's derivative assets and liabilities include interest rate swaps and Eurodollar futures. Interest rate swaps are valued using the income approach with the primary input being the forward interest rate swap curve, which is considered an observable input and thus their fair values are considered Level 2 measurements. Eurodollar futures are valued based on closing exchange prices on these contracts. Accordingly, these financial futures are classified as Level 1.

Agency MBS, as well a majority of non-Agency MBS, are substantially similar to securities that either are currently actively traded or have been recently traded in their respective market. Their fair values are derived from an average of multiple dealer quotes and thus are considered Level 2 fair value measurements. The Company’s remaining non-Agency MBS are comprised of securities for which there are not substantially similar securities that trade frequently, and their fair values are therefore considered Level 3 measurements. The Company determines the fair value of its Level 3 securities by discounting the estimated future cash flows derived from cash flow models using assumptions that are confirmed to the extent possible by third party dealers or other pricing indicators. Significant inputs into those pricing models are Level 3 in nature due to the lack of readily available market quotes. Information utilized in those pricing models include the security’s credit rating, coupon rate, estimated prepayment speeds, expected weighted average life, collateral composition, estimated future interest rates, expected credit losses, and credit enhancement as well as certain other relevant information. Significant changes in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly different fair value measurement. Level 3 assets are generally most sensitive to the default rate and severity assumptions.

The table below presents information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement for the Company's Level 3 non-Agency CMBS and RMBS as of June 30, 2015:

17


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


 
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (1)
 
Prepayment Speed
 
Default Rate
 
Severity
 
Discount Rate
Non-Agency CMBS
20 CPY
 
2.0
%
 
35.0
%
 
9.1
%
Non-Agency RMBS
10 CPR
 
1.0
%
 
20.0
%
 
6.5
%
(1)
Data presented are weighted averages.

The activity of the instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs is presented in the following table for the period indicated:
 
Level 3 Fair Value
 
Non-Agency CMBS
 
Non-Agency RMBS
 
Total assets
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
42,033

 
$
1,924

 
$
43,957

Unrealized loss included in OCI
(108
)
 
(10
)
 
(118
)
Principal payments
(4,942
)
 
(130
)
 
(5,072
)
Accretion
187

 

 
187

Balance as of June 30, 2015
$
37,170

 
$
1,784

 
$
38,954


The following table presents a summary of the recorded basis and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of the dates indicated:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Recorded Basis
 
Fair Value
 
Recorded Basis
 
Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
3,852,883

 
$
3,852,883

 
$
3,516,239

 
$
3,516,239

Mortgage loans held for investment, net(1)
29,858

 
25,460

 
39,700

 
35,024

Derivative assets
20,804

 
20,804

 
5,727

 
5,727

Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Repurchase agreements (2)
$
3,402,964

 
$
3,402,964

 
$
3,013,110

 
$
3,013,110

FHLB advances (2)
108,076

 
108,076

 

 

Non-recourse collateralized financing (1)
8,788

 
8,442

 
10,786

 
10,366

Derivative liabilities
48,240

 
48,240

 
35,898

 
35,898

(1)
The Company determines the fair value of its mortgage loans held for investment, net and its non-recourse collateralized financing using internally developed cash flow models with inputs similar to those used to estimate fair value of the Company's Level 3 non-Agency MBS.
(2)
The carrying value of repurchase agreements and FHLB advances generally approximates fair value due to their short term maturities.

NOTE 8 – SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Preferred Stock

The Company has 2,300,000 shares of its 8.50% Series A Preferred Stock and 2,250,000 shares of its 7.625% Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2015 (collectively, the "Preferred Stock"). The Preferred Stock has no maturity and will remain outstanding indefinitely unless redeemed or otherwise repurchased or converted into common stock pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Stock. Except under certain limited circumstances intended to preserve the Company's REIT status, upon the occurrence of a change in control as defined in Article IIIA, Section 7(d) of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation,

18


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


or to avoid the direct or indirect imposition of a penalty tax in respect of, or to protect the tax status of, any of the Company’s real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMIC”) interests or a REMIC in which the Company may acquire an interest (as permitted by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation), the Company may not redeem the Series A Preferred Stock prior to July 31, 2017 or the Series B Preferred Stock prior to April 30, 2018. On or after these dates, at any time and from time to time, the Preferred Stock may be redeemed in whole, or in part, at the Company's option at a cash redemption price of $25.00 per share plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. The Series A Preferred Stock pays a cumulative cash dividend equivalent to 8.50% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share each year and the Series B Preferred Stock pays a cumulative cash dividend equivalent to 7.625% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share each year. Because the Preferred Stock is redeemable only at the option of the issuer, it is classified as equity on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company announced that it will pay its regular quarterly dividends on its Preferred Stock for the second quarter on July 15, 2015 to shareholders of record as of July 1, 2015.
    
Common Stock

The following table presents a summary of the changes in the number of common shares outstanding for the periods presented:
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Balance as of beginning of period
54,739,111

 
54,310,484

Common stock issued under DRIP
9,688

 
6,543

Common stock issued under stock and incentive plans
263,829

 
471,210

Common stock forfeited for tax withholding on share-based compensation
(67,296
)
 
(59,150
)
Common stock repurchased during the period
(860,721
)
 

Balance as of end of period
54,084,611

 
54,729,087

 
The Company had 7,416,520 shares of common stock that remain available to offer and sell through its sales agent, JMP Securities LLC, under its "at the market", or "ATM" program, as of June 30, 2015.
    
The Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan ("DRIP") allows registered shareholders to automatically reinvest some or all of their quarterly common stock dividends in shares of the Company’s common stock and provides an opportunity for investors to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, potentially at a discount to the prevailing market price. Of the 3,000,000 shares reserved for issuance under the Company's DRIP, there were 2,440,457 shares remaining for issuance as of June 30, 2015. The Company declared a second quarter common stock dividend of $0.24 per share payable on July 31, 2015 to shareholders of record as of July 6, 2015. There was no discount for shares purchased through the DRIP during the second quarter of 2015.
    
Of the $50,000 authorized by the Company's Board of Directors for the repurchase of its common stock through December 31, 2016, approximately $43,311 remains available for repurchase at the Company's option as of June 30, 2015.

2009 Stock and Incentive Plan. Of the 2,500,000 shares of common stock authorized for issuance under its 2009 Stock and Incentive Plan, the Company had 999,096 available for issuance as of June 30, 2015. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 was $782 and $1,475, respectively, compared to $683 and $1,355, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.
  
The following table presents a rollforward of the restricted stock activity for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014 (1)
 
2015
 
2014 (1)
Restricted stock outstanding as of beginning of period
696,819

 
723,964

 
731,809

 
520,987

Restricted stock granted
32,555

 
29,175

 
263,829

 
457,538

Restricted stock vested
(32,777
)
 
(17,916
)
 
(299,041
)
 
(243,302
)
Restricted stock outstanding as of end of period
696,597

 
735,223

 
696,597

 
735,223


19


NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
(amounts in thousands except share and per share data)


(1) Amounts shown for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 have been adjusted from amounts previously disclosed to correct computational errors relating to vesting terms on grants made in the first quarter of 2013.

The combined grant date fair value of the restricted stock issued by the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 was $250 and $2,167, respectively, compared to $250 and $3,703, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. As of June 30, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s outstanding restricted stock remaining to be amortized into compensation expense is $4,987 which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated events and circumstances occurring as of and through the date this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was filed with the SEC and has determined that there have been no significant events or circumstances that qualify as a "recognized" or "nonrecognized" subsequent event as defined by ASC Topic 855.



20


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited financial statements and the accompanying notes included in Item 1. “Financial Statements” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. References herein to “Dynex,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” include Dynex Capital, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. In addition to current and historical information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to our future business, financial condition or results of operations. For a description of certain factors that may have a significant impact on our future business, financial condition or results of operations, see “Forward-Looking Statements” at the end of this discussion and analysis.
    
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Company Overview

We are an internally managed mortgage real estate investment trust, or mortgage REIT, which invests in residential and commercial mortgage securities on a leveraged basis. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "DX". We also have two series of preferred stock outstanding, our 8.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock") which is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "DXPRA", and our 7.625% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock") which is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "DXPRB". Our objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our shareholders over the long term that are reflective of a leveraged, high quality fixed income portfolio with a focus on capital preservation. We seek to provide returns to our shareholders primarily through regular quarterly dividends and also through capital appreciation.

We were formed in 1987 and commenced operations in 1988. From our inception through 2000, our operations largely consisted of originating and securitizing various types of loans, principally single-family and commercial mortgage loans and manufactured housing loans. Since 2000, we have been investing in Agency and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and are no longer originating or securitizing mortgage loans. MBS consist of residential MBS (“RMBS”) and commercial MBS (“CMBS”), including CMBS interest-only ("IO") securities. Agency MBS have a guaranty of principal payment by an agency of the U.S. government or a U.S. government-sponsored entity ("GSE") such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Non-Agency MBS have no such guaranty of payment.

Our primary source of income is net interest income, which is the excess of the interest income earned on our investments over the cost of financing these investments. We invest our capital pursuant to our Operating Policies as approved by our Board of Directors which include an Investment Policy and Investment Risk Policy. For more information see Part I, Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 under “Company Overview - Operating Policies and Restrictions.”

RMBS. Our Agency RMBS investments include MBS collateralized by adjustable-rate mortgage loans ("ARMs"), which have interest rates that generally will adjust at least annually to an increment over a specified interest rate index, and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage loans ("hybrid ARMs"), which are loans that have a fixed rate of interest for a specified period (typically three to ten years) and then adjust their interest rate at least annually to an increment over a specified interest rate index. Agency ARMs also include hybrid Agency ARMs that are past their fixed-rate periods or within twelve months of their initial reset period. We may also invest in fixed-rate Agency RMBS from time to time.

We also invest in non-Agency RMBS, which do not carry a principal guarantee from the U.S. government or a GSE. Non-Agency RMBS are collateralized by non-conforming residential mortgage loans and credit tranched into different classes of securities with payments to junior classes subordinate to senior classes. We generally invest in senior classes of non-Agency RMBS that are of higher credit quality and which may include unrated securities that have sufficiently high collateralization to protect our investment from most credit events.

CMBS. Our Agency and non-Agency CMBS are collateralized by first mortgage loans and are primarily fixed-rate securities but also include securities with rates that reset monthly based on an index rate, such as LIBOR. Loans underlying CMBS

21


generally are geographically diverse, are fixed-rate, mature in ten to twelve years and have amortization terms of up to 30 years. The majority of the loans collateralizing our CMBS are secured by multifamily properties. Typically these loans have some form of prepayment protection provisions (such as prepayment lock-out) or prepayment compensation provisions (such as yield maintenance or prepayment penalty). Yield maintenance and prepayment penalty requirements are intended to create an economic disincentive for the loans to prepay.

CMBS IO. A portion of our Agency and non-Agency CMBS includes IO securities which represent the right to receive interest payments (but not principal cash flows) based on the unpaid principal balance of the underlying pool of mortgage loans. As these securities have no principal associated with them, the interest payments received are based on the unpaid principal balance of the underlying pool of mortgage loans, which is often referred to as the notional amount. CMBS IO securities generally have some level of prepayment protection in the form of lock-outs, prepayment penalties, or yield maintenance associated with the underlying loans similar to CMBS described above.

Factors that Affect Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition

The performance of our investment portfolio, including the amount of net interest income we earn and fluctuations in investment values, will depend on multiple factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, the absolute level of interest rates, changes in expectations with regard to future interest rates, the relative steepness of interest rate curves, actual and estimated future prepayment rates on our investments, competition for investments, economic conditions and their impact on the credit performance of our investments (including multifamily, residential and commercial mortgage markets), and market required yields as reflected by market credit spreads. In addition, the performance of our investment portfolio, the cost and availability of financing and the availability of investments at acceptable return levels could be influenced by actions and policy measures of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, the Federal Housing Finance Administration, the U. S. Department of the Treasury (the "Treasury"), and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve") and could also be influenced by other central banks around the world.

Our business model may also be impacted by other factors such as the availability and cost of financing and the state of the overall credit markets. Reductions in the availability of financing for our investments could significantly impact our business and force us to sell assets that we otherwise would not sell, potentially at losses depending on market conditions. Recent regulatory developments impacting large U.S. domiciled banks and their broker dealer subsidiaries have in some instances reduced their capacity to lend. Broadly, U.S. and international regulators are seeking to force regulated financial institutions to hold more capital against their assets, including reverse repurchase agreements. We have not yet seen a reduction in the availability of financing. We also maintain a diverse set of counterparties including broker dealer subsidiaries of non-U.S. domiciled banks and independent dealers to attempt to mitigate this risk. Other factors also impacting our business include changes in regulatory requirements, including requirements to qualify for registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and REIT requirements.

As discussed above, investing in mortgage-related securities on a leveraged basis subjects us to a number of risks including interest rate risk, prepayment and reinvestment risk, credit risk, market value risk and liquidity risk, which are discussed in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" within this Item 2 and in Part I, Item 3 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of Part I, and in Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Please see these Items for a detailed discussion of these risks and the potential impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

Highlights of the Second Quarter and First Six Months of 2015 and Outlook for Third Quarter of 2015

Comprehensive loss to common shareholders was $(11.5) million, or $(0.21) per common share, for the second quarter of 2015, and our book value declined $0.43 to $8.53 per common share as of June 30, 2015. Comprehensive loss to common shareholders and the decline in book value per common share were impacted primarily by spread widening in hybrid ARMs and increasing interest rates during the second quarter, particularly in the 5-10 year part of the yield curve, which caused our net unrealized gain on MBS, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), to decline $40.5 million. This decline was partially offset by an increase of $18.9 million in the fair value of our derivative instruments, which consist of interest rate swaps and Eurodollar futures and are intended to hedge against our book value and net interest income exposure to changing interest rates. Net income to common shareholders, which includes changes in fair value of derivative instruments but does not

22


include changes in unrealized gain (loss) on MBS, increased to $28.2 million, or $0.52 per common share for the second quarter of 2015 compared to a net loss to common shareholders of $(11.8) million for the first quarter of 2015.
    
Core net operating income, a non-GAAP measure which excludes changes in unrealized gain (loss) of MBS and derivative instruments as well as certain other items, was $11.6 million, or $0.21 per common share, for the second quarter of 2015. Core net operating income declined from $0.23 per common share in the first quarter of 2015 due to an increase in premium amortization on Agency RMBS of $1.8 million, or $0.03 per common share, from faster prepayment speeds as well as an increase in net periodic interest costs related to hedging activity and an increase in operating expenses during the second quarter of $0.5 million, or $0.01 per common share. Partially offsetting the additional Agency RMBS premium amortization was an increase of approximately $0.7 million, or $0.01 per common share, in net prepayment compensation on CMBS and CMBS IO received during the quarter. Actual prepayment speeds on the Company's Agency RMBS as measured by constant prepayment rate, or CPR, were 16.7% during the second quarter of 2015 versus 12.4% during the first quarter of 2015 as the decline in interest rates in the first quarter of 2015 led to faster prepayment speeds in the second quarter.

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, comprehensive loss to common shareholders was $(0.2) million and book value per common share declined $0.49, or 5%. For the first six months of 2015, the two-year U.S. Treasury rate had a high of 0.73% and a low of 0.41%, and the ten-year U. S. Treasury rate had a high of 2.48% and a low of 1.64%. The high degree of volatility in U.S. interest rates was driven by general economic uncertainty and global interest rates, particularly in the Eurozone and was also accompanied by widening in spreads in both Agency and non-Agency MBS. The combination of these two factors caused declines during the six months ended June 30, 2015 in both our MBS prices (a net unrealized loss of $18.5 million) and derivative instruments (a net change in fair value of $5.6 million), negatively impacting our comprehensive income and more than offsetting the net interest income earned on our investments. Core net operating income during the six months ended June 30, 2015 declined to $24.0 million, or $0.44 per common share, compared to $27.9 million, or $0.51 per common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The decline was driven largely by lower net interest income from a smaller earning asset base and higher general and administrative expenses.

Overall leverage increased to 6.2 times total shareholders’ equity as of June 30, 2015 from 5.0 times as of December 31, 2014 and 5.7 times as of March 31, 2015. This increase in leverage is due to an increase in our repurchase agreement borrowings and lower total shareholders' equity. Our repurchase agreement borrowings increased in order to finance investment purchases during the first six months of 2015. Our total shareholder's equity declined primarily because the decline in net unrealized gain on MBS, which resulted from increases in interest rates and spread widening across our portfolio, lowered our AOCI from December 31, 2014 to June 30, 2015. Additionally, additional paid-in capital declined as a result of share repurchases during the first six months of the year.

The table below provides quarterly information on weighted average effective yields by type of investment as well as cost of funds and other information. Weighted average effective yields are derived by dividing annualized interest income by the average amortized cost of the related assets, and cost of funds are derived by dividing annualized interest expense by the daily average balance of the related liabilities.

23


 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30, 2015
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2014
Effective yield:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RMBS
1.82%
 
1.88%
 
1.87%
 
1.82%
 
1.85%
CMBS
3.38%
 
3.70%
 
4.09%
 
4.45%
 
4.66%
CMBS IO
3.86%
 
3.83%
 
3.94%
 
4.14%
 
4.21%
All other investments
4.24%
 
4.13%
 
4.68%
 
5.16%
 
5.17%
Total effective yield
2.63%
 
2.62%
 
2.64%
 
2.73%
 
2.79%
Cost of funds
(0.66)%
 
(0.69)%
 
(0.72)%
 
(0.70)%
 
(0.75)%
GAAP net interest spread
1.97%
 
1.93%
 
1.92%
 
2.03%
 
2.04%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total effective yield (from above)
2.63%
 
2.62%
 
2.64%
 
2.73%
 
2.79%
Effective borrowing rate (1)
(0.77)%
 
(0.66)%
 
(0.67)%
 
(0.80)%
 
(0.87)%
Adjusted net interest spread (1)
1.86%
 
1.96%
 
1.97%
 
1.93%
 
1.92%

(1)
Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Please refer to the discussion regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures and to the corresponding reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures provided in "Results of Operations" within this Item 2.

As we move into the second half of 2015, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (the "FOMC") is likely to begin monetary policy tightening as it begins to move the targeted Federal Funds Rate higher from its current range of 0.0-0.25%. Currently, the market is pricing in four increases of 0.25% in the Federal Funds rate through 2016 and over six 0.25% increases through 2017. We believe global market conditions, including the economic slowdown in China and weakness in Japan and the Eurozone, will ultimately impact the ability of the FOMC to raise rates and should keep longer term rates in the U.S. low for the foreseeable future. We continue to maintain a positive duration gap (i.e., we are more sensitive to an increase in interest rates than a decrease in interest rates) in the expectation that global economic conditions may limit the number of interest rate increases by the FOMC. Our duration gap as currently positioned exposes us to a steeper yield curve from long-term rates rising faster than short-term rates. Reducing our duration gap, however, would expose us to risk from a sudden downward movement in interest rates, an event which we deem has a reasonable probability of occurring given the weakness in global economic conditions.

As we have noted before, if the FOMC raises the Federal Funds Rate in 2015, we expect our borrowing costs to rise and our net interest income and net interest spread to decline. A decline in our net interest income could result in a reduction of our common stock dividend depending, among other things, on the outlook for future increases in the Federal Funds rate.

From an investment point of view, we continue to focus on multifamily Agency CMBS, Agency and non-Agency CMBS IO as well as selectively investing in RMBS with an anticipated focus on re-performing and non-performing loan securitizations ("RPL/NPL securities"). We currently see less value in hybrid ARMs given the lack of supply which has increased prices and reduced available yields on this investment. From a financing point of view, with our wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary becoming a member of the FHLB system this quarter, we expect that we will expand our business with the FHLBI as a potential source of stable and lower cost financing for our high credit-quality investments. We also expect to expand our business in the next several quarters with private, direct providers of repurchase agreement financing. These providers are generally seeking to lend against high credit-quality collateral such as Agency MBS.

Trends and Recent Market Impacts

There are a number of key macroeconomic factors, conditions, and prospective trends that may impact our business. Factors, conditions, and trends that had significant developments during the first six months of 2015 are discussed below.

Interest rates remained volatile during the second quarter of 2015, more than reversing all of the declines that occurred in the first quarter of 2015. After rallying during the first quarter from 2.17% to 1.92%, the 10-year U.S. Treasury sold-off in the

24


second quarter from 1.92% to 2.35%. During the second quarter of 2015, the difference between the 2-year U.S. Treasury and the 10-year U.S. Treasury, increased from 136 basis points to 170 basis points. Generally, a steeper yield curve as measured by the difference between the yield on the 2-year U.S. Treasury bonds versus the 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds suggests positive economic activity and market concerns about the potential risks of inflation. As noted above, market participants anticipate that the FOMC will begin to raise the Federal Funds Rate later this year. While the U.S. is showing positive signs of economic growth, other large and important economies around the world are experiencing weak growth and central banks in these economies are generally easing monetary conditions. The impact on longer term rates in the U.S. from the FOMC activity is unknown at this time and interest rates are likely to remain volatile for the foreseeable future.

Regulatory impacts on financial institutions, many of which are our trading and financing counterparties, continue to pose a threat in our view to the overall liquidity in the capital markets. In particular, higher capital requirements under U.S. banking regulations adopted in 2013 and 2014 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act’s limitations on the proprietary trading activities of large U.S. financial institutions could result in reduced liquidity in times of market stress.  While the Federal Reserve continues to reinvest principal payments received on its Agency RMBS portfolio, it is unlikely that this activity will provide enough liquidity to the market in times of stress, which could result in volatile asset prices.  Further, the impact on market liquidity from the FOMC actions noted above are unknown given the reduced market liquidity.



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based in large part upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates and judgments on historical experience and assumptions believed to be reasonable under current facts and circumstances. Actual results, however, may differ from the estimated amounts we have recorded. The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations also consider certain non-GAAP measures as described in "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Part I, Item 2.
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, and which may result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. Our accounting policies that require the most significant management estimates, judgments, or assumptions, or that management believes includes the most significant uncertainties, and are considered most critical to our results of operations or financial position relate to fair value measurements, amortization of investment premiums, and other-than-temporary impairments. Our critical accounting policies are discussed in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 under “Critical Accounting Policies”. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2015.


25


FINANCIAL CONDITION
    
The following table presents our assets (net of associated financing in the case of investments) as a percentage of our shareholders' equity as of the dates indicated:
 
June 30, 2015

March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

September 30, 2014

June 30, 2014
RMBS
26
%
 
27
%
 
35
%
 
35
%
 
37
%
CMBS
28
%
 
34
%
 
29
%
 
25
%
 
26
%
CMBS IO
23
%
 
24
%
 
20
%
 
17
%
 
21
%
Other investments (1)
4
%
 
4
%
 
3
%
 
3
%
 
4
%
Other, net (2)
19
%
 
11
%
 
13
%
 
20
%
 
12
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
(1) Other investments include mortgage loans held for investment, net and investment in limited partnership.
(2) Other, net consists of derivative assets and liabilities and non-investment assets and liabilities.

RMBS

Our RMBS are collateralized substantially by ARMs and hybrid ARMs. Activity related to our RMBS for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows:
($ in thousands)
Agency RMBS
 
Non-Agency RMBS
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
2,186,700

 
22,448

 
$
2,209,148

Purchases

 
67,693

 
67,693

Principal payments
(198,268
)
 
(16,297
)
 
(214,565
)
Sales
(158,566
)
 

 
(158,566
)
Net (amortization) accretion
(11,368
)
 
23

 
(11,345
)
Change in net unrealized loss
4,774

 
15

 
4,789

Balance as of June 30, 2015
$
1,823,272

 
$
73,882

 
$
1,897,154


Our investment in RMBS as of June 30, 2015 has decreased since December 31, 2014 as principal payments and sales have outpaced purchases. Sales of Agency RMBS have consisted of certain lower yielding Agency ARMs that were at or near their interest rate reset periods and would have reset to lower coupon interest rates given the expected rates over the near term. We significantly increased our non-Agency RMBS portfolio by purchasing senior tranches of non-performing loan securities with short durations ranging between one and two years. Though not rated, these investments have substantial credit enhancement within the securitization structure, and we believe that they offer an attractive return profile with relatively stable cash flows. These non-Agency RMBS were purchased at or near par and had a weighted average yield of 3.56% for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

As of June 30, 2015, approximately 97% of our variable-rate Agency RMBS portfolio resets based on one-year LIBOR, which was 0.77% as of June 30, 2015. The following table presents the reset margin and weighted average coupon (“WAC”) by weighted average months to reset ("MTR") for the variable-rate portion of our Agency RMBS portfolio based on par value as of the dates indicated:

26


 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
Par Value
 
Reset Margin
 
WAC
 
Par Value
 
Reset Margin
 
WAC
0-12 MTR
$
351,767

 
1.81
%
 
2.69
%
 
$
486,638

 
1.77
%
 
2.75
%
13-36 MTR
341,722

 
1.80
%
 
3.63
%
 
286,741

 
1.84
%
 
3.87
%
37-60 MTR
211,399

 
1.79
%
 
3.07
%
 
399,643

 
1.79
%
 
3.22
%
61-84 MTR
495,840

 
1.79
%
 
3.21
%
 
268,864

 
1.80
%
 
3.54
%
85-120 MTR
325,008

 
1.62
%
 
2.60
%
 
627,772

 
1.69
%
 
2.75
%
ARMs and Hybrid ARMs
1,725,736

 
1.76
%
 
3.06
%
 
2,069,658

 
1.77
%
 
3.10
%
Fixed
16,260

 


 
2.50
%
 
17,149

 
 
 
2.51
%
Total
$
1,741,996

 
 
 
3.05
%
 
$
2,086,807

 
 
 
3.09
%


CMBS

Our Agency CMBS are collateralized primarily by fixed rate mortgage loans secured by multifamily properties. Our non-Agency CMBS are collateralized by fixed rate mortgage loans secured by income producing properties such as office, retail, hotel, and multifamily. Both Agency and non-Agency CMBS will generally have some form of prepayment protection provisions (such as prepayment lock-outs) or prepayment compensation provisions (such as yield maintenance or prepayment penalties) to prevent early voluntary prepayment of principal.

Activity related to our CMBS for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows:
($ in thousands)
Agency CMBS
 
Non-Agency CMBS
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
335,197

 
$
208,038

 
$
543,235

Purchases
767,276

 
12,999

 
780,275

Principal payments
(16,060
)
 
(9,137
)
 
(25,197
)
Sales
(99,709
)
 

 
(99,709
)
Net (amortization) accretion
(2,839
)
 
135

 
(2,704
)
Change in net unrealized gain
(16,962
)
 
(100
)
 
(17,062
)
Balance as of June 30, 2015
966,903

 
211,935

 
1,178,838


Our CMBS portfolio has more than doubled since December 31, 2014 primarily due to our purchases of recently issued Agency CMBS, which are generally backed by loans on multi-family properties. In the current low yield environment, we believe these bonds offer more compelling risk-adjusted returns given their limited prepayment and extension risks when compared to RMBS, stable cash flow profile, and lower spread risk.
 
The following table presents the par value, amortized cost, and weighted average months to estimated maturity of our CMBS investments as of June 30, 2015 by year of origination:

27


 
 
June 30, 2015
CMBS by year of origination:
 
Par Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Months to Estimated Maturity (1)
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
2000 and prior
 
$
51,106

 
$
43,169

 
37
2001 to 2005
 
24,863

 
26,592

 
57
2006 to 2008
 
42,651

 
44,855

 
31
2009 to 2012
 
267,533

 
278,661

 
47
2013 to 2014
 
110,799

 
111,194

 
54
2015
 
669,590

 
670,018

 
126
 
 
$
1,166,542

 
$
1,174,489

 
92
(1)
Months to estimated maturity is an average weighted by the amortized cost of the investment.

The geographic diversification of the collateral underlying our non-Agency CMBS has not changed significantly since December 31, 2014.

CMBS IO

The majority of our CMBS IO investments are collateralized primarily by fixed rate mortgage loans. Agency CMBS IO are exclusively collateralized by multifamily properties and non-Agency CMBS IO are secured by income producing properties such as office, retail, and hotel. Both types of CMBS IO have some form of prepayment protection (such as prepayment lock-outs) or prepayment compensation provisions (such as yield maintenance or prepayment penalties). Our CMBS IO investments are investment grade-rated with the majority rated 'AAA' by at least one of the nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations.

Activity related to our CMBS IO for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows:
($ in thousands)
Agency CMBS IO (1)
 
Non-Agency CMBS IO (1)
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
438,737

 
$
325,119

 
$
763,856

Purchases
65,598

 
85,651

 
151,249

Sales
(27,911
)
 
(43,402
)
 
(71,313
)
Net premium amortization
(37,354
)
 
(23,281
)
 
(60,635
)
Change in net unrealized gain
(3,409
)
 
(2,857
)
 
(6,266
)
Balance as of June 30, 2015
$
435,661

 
$
341,230

 
$
776,891

(1)
Amounts shown for CMBS IO represent premium only and exclude underlying notional balances.

The underlying notional balances of our Agency and non-Agency CMBS IO portfolios were $11.2 billion and $9.6 billion, respectively, as of June 30, 2015 compared to $10.5 billion and $7.9 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The following table presents the notional value, amortized cost, and weighted average months to estimated maturity of our CMBS IO investments as of June 30, 2015 by year of origination:

28


 
 
June 30, 2015
CMBS IO by year of origination:
 
Notional Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Months to Estimated Maturity (1)
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010
 
$
407,016

 
$
20,782

 
58
2011
 
2,787,589

 
55,386

 
68
2012
 
3,477,282

 
147,222

 
73
2013
 
7,613,864

 
168,384

 
92
2014
 
4,208,947

 
250,617

 
105
2015
 
2,276,984

 
122,753

 
113
 
 
$
20,771,682

 
$
765,144

 
93
(1)
Months to estimated maturity is an average weighted by the amortized cost of the investment.

The following table presents the geographic diversification of the collateral underlying our non-Agency CMBS IO by the top 5 states as of June 30, 2015:
 
June 30, 2015
($ in thousands)
Market Value of Collateral
 
Percentage
California
$
100,587

 
13.1
%
Texas
95,098

 
12.4
%
New York
72,089

 
9.4
%
Florida
64,097

 
8.4
%
Maryland
42,574

 
5.6
%
Remaining states (not exceeding 5.0% individually)
391,546

 
51.1
%
 
$
765,991

 
100.0
%


Derivative Assets and Liabilities
    
Our derivative assets and liabilities consist of interest rate swap agreements and Eurodollar futures, which we use to hedge our earnings and book value exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. Eurodollar futures represent forward starting 3-month LIBOR contracts and allow us to synthetically replicate swap curves and/or hedge specific points on the swap curve where we may have duration risk by shorting contracts at various points of the LIBOR curve. We use both pay-fixed and receive-fixed interest rate swaps to manage our overall hedge position. As of June 30, 2015, the weighted average notional amount of interest rate derivatives that will be effective for future periods are shown in the following table:

29


Effective Period
 
Pay-Fixed Interest Rate Swaps
 
Pay-Fixed
Weighted Average
Rate (1)
 
Receive-Fixed Interest Rate Swaps
 
Receive-Fixed
Weighted Average
Rate (1)
 
Eurodollar Futures
 
Eurodollar Futures
Weighted-Average
Rate (1)
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remainder of 2015
 
$
1,065,000

 
1.59
%
 
$
324,728

 
1.95
%
 
$

 
%
Effective 2016
 
1,472,104

 
1.65
%
 
325,000

 
1.95
%
 
1,026,298

 
1.83
%
Effective 2017
 
1,378,178

 
1.72
%
 
325,000

 
1.95
%
 
1,113,767

 
2.99
%
Effective 2018
 
1,305,000

 
1.76
%
 
325,000

 
1.95
%
 
681,027

 
3.74
%
Effective 2019
 
1,164,027

 
1.81
%
 
249,863

 
1.96
%
 
487,055

 
4.00
%
Effective 2020
 
768,975

 
2.20
%
 
50,000

 
2.29
%
 
194,604

 
4.56
%
Effective 2021
 
685,000

 
2.45
%
 
25,000

 
2.71
%
 

 
%
Effective 2022
 
613,082

 
2.53
%
 
25,000

 
2.71
%
 

 
%
Effective 2023
 
492,534

 
2.63
%
 
25,000

 
2.71
%
 

 
%
Effective 2024
 
485,000

 
2.64
%
 
17,896

 
2.71
%
 

 
%
Effective 2025
 
137,671

 
2.80
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
(1)
Weighted average rate is based on the weighted average notional outstanding.

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we added pay-fixed interest rate swaps with a notional of $1.6 billion, net of terminated instruments, at a net weighted average pay-fixed rate of 2.08%, of which $800.0 million are forward-starting. We also added receive-fixed interest rate swaps with a notional of $50.0 million at weighted average receive-fixed rate of 1.75% during the same period. In addition, we terminated $2.6 billion of Eurodollar futures with a weighted average rate of 0.96%. Subsequent to June 30, 2015, we terminated Eurodollar futures effective in 2016 and 2017 and added $1.3 billion in 18-month forward-starting interest rate swaps, which become effective in April 2016 and have a pay-fixed weighted average rate of 1.22%. Please refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as "Loss on Derivative Instruments, Net" within "Results of Operations" contained within this Part 1, Item 2 for additional information related to our derivative assets and liabilities.

Repurchase Agreements
 
Our repurchase agreement borrowings increased a net $389.9 million from December 31, 2014 to June 30, 2015 in order to finance our MBS purchases, net of principal payments, of $759.5 million since December 31, 2014. The combined weighted average original term to maturity for our repurchase agreements was 88 days as of June 30, 2015 which is 56 days shorter than at December 31, 2014. In the second quarter of 2015, the cost of longer maturity borrowings increased as our lenders anticipated the Federal Reserve would soon increase the Federal Funds rate, which would have resulted in an increase in the cost of our repurchase agreements. As such, we rolled our longer term borrowings at maturity into shorter term borrowings in order to minimize costs during the quarter.

The following table presents the amount pledged and leverage against the fair value of our non-Agency MBS investments by credit rating as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

30


 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
Fair Value
 
Amount Pledged
 
Related Borrowings
 
Fair Value
 
Amount Pledged
 
Related Borrowings
Non-Agency CMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AAA
$
90,297

 
$
79,450

 
$
71,012

 
$
73,553

 
$
8,133

 
$
7,279

AA
53,314

 
53,314

 
47,586

 
65,937

 
65,937

 
57,619

A
50,537

 
50,537

 
41,726

 
30,828

 
30,828

 
25,384

Below A/Not Rated
17,787

 
10,720

 
8,596

 
37,720

 
35,318

 
24,613

   
$
211,935

 
$
194,021

 
$
168,920

 
$
208,038

 
$
140,216

 
$
114,895

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Agency CMBS IO:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AAA
$
303,429

 
$
303,419

 
$
255,470

 
$
321,154

 
$
311,184

 
$
263,510

AA
35,051

 
26,361

 
22,329

 
1,057

 
1,057

 
1,005

Below A/Not Rated
2,750

 
2,750

 
2,326

 
2,908

 
2,908

 
2,467

 
$
341,230


$
332,530

 
$
280,125

 
$
325,119

 
$
315,149

 
$
266,982

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Agency RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Below A/Not Rated
$
73,882

 
$
69,906

 
$
57,775

 
$
22,448

 
$
21,787

 
$
17,594

 
$
73,882

 
$
69,906

 
$
57,775

 
$
22,448

 
$
21,787

 
$
17,594


Please refer to Note 3 of the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contained within Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as "Interest Expense, Cost of Funds, and Effective Borrowings Costs" within "Results of Operations" and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” contained within this Part 1, Item 2 for additional information relating to our borrowings.


31


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussions that follow provide information on certain items on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and include non-GAAP financial measures which management uses in its internal analysis of financial and operating performance. Please read the section "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" contained at the end of this section for additional important information.

Interest Income and Asset Yields

Interest income includes gross interest earned from the coupon rate on the securities, effects of premium amortization and discount accretion, and other interest income resulting from prepayment penalty income or other yield maintenance items. The following tables present information regarding interest income earned and effective yield on our MBS by collateral type for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Interest Income
 
Average
Balance (1)
 
Effective Yield (2)
 
Interest Income
 
Average
Balance (1)
 
Effective Yield (2)
RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
$
7,932

 
$
1,978,302

 
1.75
%
 
$
11,137

 
$
2,508,651

 
1.83
%
Non-Agency
687

 
75,436

 
3.63
%
 
166

 
14,664

 
4.48
%
 
8,619

 
2,053,738

 
1.82
%
 
11,303

 
2,523,315

 
1.85
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS:


 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
Agency
5,772

 
705,410

 
3.07
%
 
3,211

 
331,274

 
3.62
%
Non-Agency
2,312

 
207,530

 
4.46
%
 
5,114

 
364,961

 
5.59
%
 
8,084

 
912,940

 
3.38
%
 
8,325

 
696,235

 
4.66
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS IO:


 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
Agency
4,169

 
418,476

 
3.83
%
 
5,103

 
450,087

 
4.28
%
Non-Agency
3,324

 
331,801

 
3.89
%
 
2,264

 
220,115

 
4.06
%
 
7,493

 
750,277

 
3.86
%
 
7,367

 
670,202

 
4.21
%
 


 


 
 
 


 


 
 
Total MBS portfolio:
$
24,196

 
$
3,716,955

 
2.62
%
 
$
26,995

 
$
3,889,752

 
2.76
%


32


 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Interest Income
 
Average
Balance (1)
 
Effective Yield (2)
 
Interest Income
 
Average
Balance (1)
 
Effective Yield (2)
RMBS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency
$
18,370

 
$
2,057,763

 
1.79
%
 
$
23,032

 
$
2,572,087

 
1.82
%
Non-Agency
1,054

 
57,357

 
3.67
%
 
674

 
15,123

 
6.70
%
 
19,424

 
2,115,120

 
1.85
%
 
23,706

 
2,587,210

 
1.85
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS:


 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
Agency
9,368

 
562,895

 
3.21
%
 
6,081

 
324,685

 
3.63
%
Non-Agency
4,623

 
205,880

 
4.48
%
 
10,157

 
363,186

 
5.58
%
 
13,991

 
768,775

 
3.55
%
 
16,238

 
687,871

 
4.66
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMBS IO:


 


 


 


 


 
 
Agency
8,041

 
420,303

 
3.81
%
 
9,932

 
451,088

 
4.31
%
Non-Agency
6,467

 
326,170

 
3.92
%
 
4,021

 
191,694

 
4.12
%

14,508

 
746,473

 
3.86
%
 
13,953

 
642,782

 
4.25
%
 


 
 
 


 


 


 


Total MBS portfolio:
$
47,923

 
$
3,630,368

 
2.62
%
 
$
53,897

 
$
3,917,863

 
2.74
%
(1) Average balances are calculated as a simple average of the daily amortized cost and exclude unrealized gains and losses as well as securities pending settlement if applicable.
(2) Effective yields are weighted by average balance of the investments and based on annualized amounts. Recalculation of effective yields may not be possible using data provided because certain components of interest income use a 360-day year for the calculation while others use actual number of days in the year.

The following tables present the estimated impact of changes in average balances and average yields on interest income for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2015 vs. June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2015 vs. June 30, 2014
 
 
 
Due to Change in
 
 
 
Due to Change in
($ in thousands)
Increase (Decrease)
 
Average Balance
 
Effective Yield
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Average Balance
 
Effective Yield
RMBS
$
(2,684
)
 
$
(2,188
)
 
$
(496
)
 
$
(4,282
)
 
$
(4,406
)
 
$
124

CMBS
(241
)
 
2,510

 
(2,752
)
 
(2,247
)
 
1,865

 
(4,112
)
CMBS IO
126

 
829

 
(703
)
 
555

 
2,159

 
(1,604
)
Total
$
(2,799
)
 
$
1,151

 
$
(3,951
)
 
$
(5,974
)
 
$
(382
)
 
$
(5,592
)

Interest income from RMBS decreased $2.7 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014 primarily because of the decline in the average balance of RMBS as a result of reinvesting the majority of the principal payments and sale proceeds from Agency RMBS into CMBS and CMBS IO. In addition, interest income from RMBS decreased because additional amortization expense as a result of higher prepayment speeds during the second quarter of 2015 had an unfavorable impact of $1.0 million, or 5 basis points of effective yield, compared to an unfavorable impact of $0.6 million, or 2 basis points of effective yield, during the second quarter of 2014.

A larger percentage of our total interest income for the second quarter of 2015 resulted from CMBS and CMBS IO compared to the second quarter of 2014 because of the shift in our investment mix toward higher concentrations of CMBS and CMBS IO. These investments have limited prepayment risk, limited extension risk, stable cash flow, and lower spread risk, offering us better risk-adjusted returns given the lower yield and volatile investment environment we have been experiencing for an extended period of time. With respect to CMBS, interest income is lower for second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014 because our CMBS portfolio composition shifted toward Agency product and away from non-Agency product as well as declines in the yield for both Agency and non-Agency CMBS. The decline in the Agency CMBS yield is primarily related to the Agency

33


CMBS we purchased since June 30, 2014, which have yields lower than the average yield on Agency CMBS at June 30, 2014. The recently purchased Agency CMBS were acquired when rates and spreads were at lower levels than those existing when the investments existing at June 30, 2014 were acquired, which resulted in the lower yields on the more recently acquired securities. The decrease in the non-Agency CMBS yield is primarily related to the sale of certain securities during the second half of 2014, which we sold to reduce our exposure to the risk of credit spreads widening on those assets. With respect to CMBS IO, the impact of a larger average balance only slightly outweighed the impact of a lower effective yield, resulting in an increase in interest income of $0.1 million for second quarter of 2015 compared to second quarter of 2014. Effective yields for CMBS IO were lower for the second quarter of 2015 compared to the second quarter of 2014 because the yields on the CMBS IO purchased since June 30, 2014 were lower than the portfolio average yield as of June 30, 2014.

Interest income from RMBS decreased $4.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily because of the decline in average balance as noted above for the quarterly comparison.

Interest income from CMBS decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily because of lower effective yields as higher yielding non-Agency CMBS sold in the second half of 2014 were replaced by purchases of lower yielding Agency CMBS primarily in the first half of 2015. As mentioned above, the effective yield for the total CMBS portfolio was impacted by the shift in the composition of the CMBS portfolio toward Agency product and away from non-Agency product.

Interest income from CMBS IO increased for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 primarily because of an increase of $103.7 million in the average balance outstanding. Partially offsetting the benefit of a larger average balance, the effective yield for CMBS IO was approximately 39 basis points lower for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Similar to its quarterly comparison above, effective yields for CMBS IO were lower for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 because the yields on the CMBS IO purchased since June 30, 2014 were lower than the portfolio average yield as of June 30, 2014.

The following tables present information regarding net premium amortization by collateral type for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Net Premium Amortization
 
Average Balance of Unamortized Premium, Net
 
Net Premium Amortization
 
Average Balance of Unamortized Premium, Net
RMBS
$
6,269

 
$
101,535

 
$
7,649

 
$
135,971

CMBS
1,487

 
8,447

 
975

 
2,943

CMBS IO
$
29,902

 
750,277

 
26,085

 
670,203

 
$
37,658

 
$
860,259

 
$
34,709

 
$
809,117

 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Net Premium Amortization
 
Average Balance of Unamortized Premium, Net
 
Net Premium Amortization
 
Average Balance of Unamortized Premium, Net
RMBS
11,345

 
$
106,065

 
$
15,639

 
$
141,026

CMBS
2,704

 
9,105

 
1,683

 
2,186

CMBS IO
60,636

 
746,473

 
49,683

 
642,782

 
$
74,685

 
$
861,643

 
$
67,005

 
$
785,994


The rate at which we amortize the premiums we pay for our investments is impacted by the current and forecasted constant prepayment rate ("CPR"). The following table provides the actual CPRs for our Agency RMBS for the periods indicated:

34


 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30, 2015
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2014
Agency RMBS
16.7
%
 
12.4
%
 
12.5
%
 
15.3
%
 
14.1
%

As mentioned above, our projected prepayment speed on our Agency RMBS increased, resulting in approximately $1.0 million of additional premium amortization expense for the second quarter of 2015. Our actual CPR increased during the second quarter of 2015 due to the impact of falling rates during the first quarter of 2015.

We also recorded $0.4 million and $1.2 million in additional premium amortization expense during the second quarter of 2015 for our CMBS and CMBS IO portfolios, respectively, but these expenses were offset by yield maintenance and other prepayment compensation income of $0.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
    
Interest Expense, Cost of Funds, and Effective Borrowing Cost

The following table summarizes the components of interest expense as well as average balances and cost of funds for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
($ in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Interest expense on repurchase agreement borrowings
$
4,643

 
$
4,940

 
$
8,932

 
$
10,263

Interest expense on FHLB advances
6

 

 
6

 

Amortization of de-designated cash flow hedges (1)
857

 
1,608

 
1,914

 
3,896

Non-recourse collateralized financing and other interest expense
36

 
24

 
61

 
46

Total interest expense
$
5,542

 
$
6,572

 
$
10,913

 
$
14,205




 


 


 


Average balance of repurchase agreements
$
3,301,590

 
$
3,454,884

 
$
3,201,915

 
$
3,475,909

Average balance of FHLB advances
9,667

 

 
4,860

 

Average balance of non-recourse collateralized financing
9,503

 
11,767

 
10,074

 
11,988

Average balance of borrowings
$
3,320,760

 
$
3,466,651

 
$
3,216,849

 
$
3,487,897

Cost of funds
0.66
%
 
0.75
%
 
0.67
%
 
0.81
%
(1) Amount recorded in accordance with GAAP related to the amortization of the balance remaining in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2013 as a result of our discontinuation of cash flow hedge accounting.

The majority of the outstanding debt used to finance our investments are repurchase agreement borrowings. The following table presents the estimated impact of changes in the average balance of repurchase agreement borrowings and average borrowing rates on the decrease in interest expense for the comparative periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2015 vs. June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2015 vs. June 30, 2014
 
 
 
Due to Change in
 
 
 
Due to Change in
($ in thousands)
Decrease in Interest Expense
 
Average Balance
 
Average Borrowing Rate
 
Decrease in Interest Expense
 
Average Balance
 
Average Borrowing Rate
Repurchase agreements
$
(297
)
 
$
(219
)
 
$
(78
)
 
$
(1,331
)
 
$
(809
)
 
$
(522
)
    
The average balance of repurchase agreement borrowings were lower for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 due to the lower average balance of our investment portfolio for the three and six months ended June 31, 2015 versus the same periods in 2014. Our repurchase agreement borrowing rates were also lower for three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 because of the tighter spread environment, the continuing low interest rate environment, and the ample liquidity in the financing markets that has increased competition for borrowers among our repurchase agreement counterparties.


35


Our wholly owned subsidiary, which provides captive insurance services to the Company, became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI") during the second quarter of 2015. As a member, the subsidiary has access to various services offered by the FHLB including secured advances which we may use to finance certain of our investments. We had FHLB advances of $108.1 million outstanding as of June 30, 2015 at a weighted average borrowing rate of 0.22%.

Because we use derivative instruments as economic hedges of our interest rate risk exposure, management considers net periodic interest costs from effective derivative instruments to be an additional cost of financing investments. As such, management utilizes a non-GAAP financial measure "effective borrowing cost" which includes the net periodic interest costs of our effective derivative instruments excluded from GAAP interest expense. The tables below present the reconciliation of GAAP interest expense and cost of funds to our effective borrowing cost and rate for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
GAAP interest expense/cost of funds
$
5,542

 
0.66
 %
 
$
6,572

 
0.75
 %
Amortization of de-designated cash flow hedges (1)
(857
)
 
(0.10
)%
 
(1,608
)
 
(0.18
)%
Net periodic interest costs of derivative instruments
1,793

 
0.21
 %
 
2,672

 
0.30
 %
Effective borrowing cost/rate
$
6,478

 
0.77
 %
 
$
7,636

 
0.87
 %
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
GAAP interest expense/cost of funds
$
10,913

 
0.67
 %
 
$
14,205

 
0.81
 %
Amortization of de-designated cash flow hedges (1)
(1,914
)
 
(0.12
)%
 
(3,896
)
 
(0.22
)%
Net periodic interest costs of derivative instruments
2,655

 
0.16
 %
 
4,883

 
0.28
 %
Effective borrowing cost/rate
$
11,654

 
0.71
 %
 
$
15,192

 
0.87
 %
(1)
Amount recorded as a portion of "interest expense" in accordance with GAAP and is related to the amortization of the balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2013 related to the derivatives for which we discontinued cash flow hedge accounting.
    
The decline in our effective borrowing costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 was primarily related to the lower net periodic interest costs on our derivative instruments and to a lesser extent, lower interest expense from our repurchase agreements as a result of lower rates and a lower average balance. Our net periodic interest costs were lower for the respective periods because we held a lower net average notional balance of derivative instruments at a lower net pay-fixed rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Spread

The tables below present net interest income and related net interest spread pursuant to GAAP, and also present the non-GAAP measures "adjusted net interest income" and "adjusted net interest spread" for the periods indicated. "Adjusted net interest income" and "adjusted net interest spread" are calculated using the non-GAAP measure "effective borrowing cost/rate" reconciled in the table above, and therefore include net periodic interest cost of derivative instruments whereas GAAP net interest income and GAAP net interest spread do not.

36


 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
GAAP interest income
$
24,527

 
2.63
 %
 
$
27,718

 
2.79
 %
GAAP interest expense
5,542

 
0.66
 %
 
6,572

 
0.75
 %
Net interest income/spread
18,985

 
1.97
 %
 
21,146

 
2.04
 %
Amortization of de-designated cash flow hedges (1)
857

 
0.10
 %
 
1,608

 
0.18
 %
Net periodic interest costs of derivative instruments
(1,793
)
 
(0.21
)%
 
(2,672
)
 
(0.30
)%
Adjusted net interest income/spread
$
18,049

 
1.86
 %
 
$
20,082

 
1.92
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average interest earning assets (2)
$
3,749,528

 
 
 
$
3,944,154

 
 
Average balance of borrowings (3)
$
3,320,760

 
 
 
$
3,466,651

 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Amount
 
Yield
 
Amount
 
Yield
GAAP interest income
$
48,626

 
2.63
 %
 
$
55,359

 
2.77
 %
GAAP interest expense
10,913

 
0.67
 %
 
14,205

 
0.81
 %
Net interest income/spread
37,713

 
1.96
 %
 
41,154

 
1.96
 %
Amortization of de-designated cash flow hedges (1)
1,914

 
0.12
 %
 
3,896

 
0.22
 %
Net periodic interest costs of derivative instruments
(2,655
)
 
(0.16
)%
 
(4,883
)
 
(0.28
)%
Adjusted net interest income/spread
$
36,972

 
1.92
 %
 
$
40,167

 
1.90
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average interest earning assets (2)
$
3,664,061

 
 
 
$
3,973,039

 
 
Average balance of borrowings (3)
$
3,216,849

 
 
 
$
3,487,897

 
 
(1)
Amount recorded as a portion of "interest expense" in accordance with GAAP related to the amortization of the balance remaining in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2013 as a result of our discontinuation of cash flow hedge accounting.
(2)
Average balances are calculated as a simple average of the daily amortized cost and exclude unrealized gains and losses as well as securities pending settlement if applicable.
(3)
Average balances are calculated as a simple average of the daily borrowings outstanding for both repurchase agreement and non-recourse collateralized financing.

GAAP interest income in the tables above includes interest income from our other investments in addition to MBS. Total net interest income and adjusted net interest income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 decreased compared to the same periods in 2014 due to the lower average balance of interest-earnings assets that were also earning lower weighted average effective yields. Lower weighted average effective yields for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were partially offset by lower costs of funds and effective borrowing costs, resulting in a decrease to net interest spread and adjusted net interest spread of 7 basis points and 6 basis points, respectively, compared to net interest spread and adjusted net interest spread for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Net interest spread for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was unchanged compared to the same period in 2014 due to a 14 basis point decline in average yield on earning assets being offset by a 14 basis point decline in average cost of funds. Adjusted net interest spread for the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased compared to the same period in 2014 because the decrease in effective borrowing rate of 16 basis points, which was driven by lower costs associated with our derivative instruments, more than offset the reduction in weighted average effective yield of 14 basis points.

Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net

The following table provides information on the components of our "loss on derivative instruments, net" for the periods indicated:

37


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Type of Derivative Instrument
 
Net Periodic Interest Costs
 
Change in Fair Value (1)
 
Total
 
Net Periodic Interest Costs
 
Change in Fair Value
 
Total
Receive-fixed interest rate swaps
 
$
1,176

 
$
(2,922
)
 
$
(1,746
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

Pay-fixed interest rate swaps
 
(2,969
)
 
19,232

 
16,263

 
(2,672
)
 
(9,022
)
 
(11,694
)
Eurodollar futures
 

 
2,573

 
2,573

 

 
(11,380
)
 
(11,380
)
  Gain (loss) on derivative
       instruments, net
 
$
(1,793
)
 
$
18,883

 
$
17,090

 
$
(2,672
)
 
$
(20,402
)
 
$
(23,074
)

 
 
Six Months Ended

 
June 30,
($ in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Type of Derivative Instrument
 
Net Periodic Interest Costs
 
Change in Fair Value (1)
 
Total
 
Net Periodic Interest Costs
 
Change in Fair Value
 
Total
Receive-fixed interest rate swaps
 
$
2,372

 
$
410

 
$
2,782

 
$

 
$

 
$

Pay-fixed interest rate swaps
 
(5,027
)
 
7,927

 
2,900

 
(4,883
)
 
(15,819
)
 
(20,702
)
Eurodollar futures
 

 
(13,915
)
 
(13,915
)
 

 
(15,794
)
 
(15,794
)
Loss on derivative instruments, net
 
$
(2,655
)
 
$
(5,578
)
 
$
(8,233
)
 
$
(4,883
)
 
$
(31,613
)
 
$
(36,496
)
(1) Amount shown is net of realized gains (losses) from instruments terminated prior to their effective date.
    
We experienced a net gain on derivative instruments for the second quarter of 2015 primarily because of increases in the fair value of our pay-fixed interest rate swaps as a result of increasing interest rates during the second quarter of 2015. Conversely, we experienced a net loss on derivative instruments for the six months ended June 30, 2015 primarily because of a decline in the fair value of our Eurodollar futures as a result of an expected decrease in the 3-month LIBOR during 2016, 2017, and 2018, which was the period covered by the majority of our Eurodollar futures.

We experienced net losses on derivative instruments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 as a result of the overall decline in interest rates during the first half of 2014, primarily in the longer end of the Treasury and interest rate swap curves where the preponderance of our derivative instruments were economically hedging our interest rate risk.

The notional amount of derivative instruments we have outstanding from period to period fluctuate based on the composition of our investment portfolio and the current interest rate environment as well as management's expectation of future interest rates. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, we held an average effective notional amount of derivative instruments of $658.4 million and $520.6 million, respectively, compared to $744.0 million and $711.5 million for the same periods in 2014.

    

38


Loss on Sale of Investments, Net

Sales of our investments occur in the ordinary course of business as we manage our risk profile and as we allocate capital to preferred investment opportunities. The following tables provide information related to our loss on sale of investments, net for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Amortized cost basis sold
 
(Loss) gain on sale of investments, net
 
Amortized cost basis sold
 
(Loss) gain on sale of investments, net
Type of Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency RMBS
$
97,900

 
$
(1,875
)
 
$
11,691

 
$
(763
)
Agency CMBS
99,709

 
(822
)
 

 

Non-Agency CMBS

 

 
3,902

 
217

Agency CMBS IO

 

 
21,017

 
69

Non-Agency CMBS IO
30,766

 
1,206

 

 

 
$
228,375

 
$
(1,491
)
 
$
36,610

 
$
(477
)

 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
($ in thousands)
Amortized cost basis sold
 
(Loss) gain on sale of investments, net
 
Amortized cost basis sold
 
(Loss) gain on sale of investments, net
Type of Investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency RMBS
$
158,566

 
$
(2,196
)
 
$
68,492

 
$
(4,289
)
Agency CMBS
99,709

 
(822
)
 

 

Non-Agency CMBS

 

 
9,881

 
417

Agency CMBS IO
27,911

 
1,474

 
21,343

 
88

Non-Agency CMBS IO
43,403

 
1,361

 

 

 
$
329,589

 
$
(183
)
 
$
99,716

 
$
(3,784
)

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $4.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 due to increased legal and consulting expenses. General and administrative expenses were $9.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $7.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Compensation and benefits expenses decreased due to lower bonus expenses while other general and administrative expenses increased primarily due to increased legal and consulting expenses.


Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our operating results presented in accordance with GAAP, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management presents certain of this information because net income (loss) includes fair value adjustments on our derivatives but does not include corresponding fair value adjustments on investments. In addition, net interest income and net interest spread exclude the net periodic interest costs of our derivative instruments. Management believes these non-GAAP measures coupled with the GAAP measures more clearly explain our performance from period to period. Management uses these measures in its internal analysis of financial and operating performance and believes that it provides better transparency to our investors of management's view of our economic performance. Management also believes the presentation of

39


these measures, when analyzed in conjunction with the Company's GAAP operating results, allows investors to more effectively evaluate and compare our performance to that of our peers even though peer companies may present its non-GAAP measures on a different basis than we do. Because these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain items used to compute GAAP net income to common shareholders and GAAP interest expense, these non-GAAP measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, our GAAP results as reported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. In addition, because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of core net operating income, effective borrowing cost and rate, adjusted net interest income, and adjusted net interest spread may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures of other companies.

Schedules reconciling effective borrowing cost, adjusted net interest income, and adjusted net interest spread to their related GAAP financial measures are provided within "Results of Operations" within Part 1, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The following table presents a reconciliation of our GAAP net income (loss) to our core net operating income for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
GAAP net loss to common shareholders
$
28,168

 
$
(8,293
)
 
$
16,402

 
$
(11,321
)
Amortization of de-designated cash flow hedges (1)
857

 
1,608

 
1,914

 
3,896

Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net
(18,883
)
 
20,402

 
5,578

 
31,613

Loss on sale of investments, net
1,491

 
477

 
183

 
3,784

Fair value adjustments, net
(20
)
 
(88
)
 
(59
)
 
(119
)
Core net operating income to common shareholders
$
11,613

 
$
14,106

 
$
24,018

 
$
27,853

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core net operating income per common share
$
0.21

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.51

(1) Amount recorded as a portion of "interest expense" in accordance with GAAP related to the amortization of the balance remaining in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2013 as a result of our discontinuation of cash flow hedge accounting.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
 Our primary sources of liquidity include borrowings under repurchase arrangements, monthly principal and interest payments we receive on our investments, unencumbered Agency MBS, and unencumbered cash. Additional sources may also include FHLB advances, proceeds from the sale of investments, unencumbered non-Agency MBS, equity offerings, issuances of collateralized financings, and payments received from counterparties from interest rate swap agreements. We use our liquidity to fund our investment purchases and other operating costs, to pay down borrowings, to meet margin calls from our lenders, to make payments to counterparties as required under interest rate swap agreements, and to pay dividends on our common stock.
 
Our available liquid assets as of June 30, 2015 were $177.9 million compared to $215.8 million as of December 31, 2014. As of June 30, 2015, our liquid assets consisted of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $56.5 million, receivable for securities sold of $96.2 million, and unencumbered Agency MBS of $25.3 million. Generally, we seek to maintain enough liquidity to meet potential margin calls from lenders (as discussed further below), particularly in times of market stress. In addition to the $177.9 million of liquid assets as of June 30, 2015, we also had unencumbered non-Agency MBS of $30.6 million, which we may pledge to lenders as collateral for margin calls. We consider these assets to be less liquid than Agency MBS because they are less likely to be accepted as collateral by lenders during periods of market stress.

We continually monitor our current and forecasted available liquidity. Our liquid assets may fluctuate from period to period based on our investment activities and whether we have recently raised, but not yet deployed, equity capital. However, we seek to maintain sufficient liquidity based on the sensitivity analysis and debt-to-equity requirements discussed below, to support our operations and meet our anticipated liquidity needs.

We perform sensitivity analysis on our liquidity based on changes in the value of our investments due to changes in interest rates, credit spreads, lender haircuts and prepayment speeds. We also closely monitor our debt-to-invested equity ratio (which is the ratio of debt financing to invested equity for any investment) as part of our liquidity management process as well as our overall enterprise level debt-to-equity. We also monitor the ratio of our available liquidity to outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings, which fluctuates due to changes in the fair value of collateral we have pledged to our lenders. On an enterprise level

40


basis, our current operating policies limit our total liabilities-to-shareholders' equity to seven (7) times our shareholders' equity. At the individual investment level, our targeted leverage ranges from three (3) to ten (10) times our invested equity capital depending on the investment type. The maximum targets represent fixed limits for leveraging our investment capital. We may change our leverage targets based on market conditions and our perceptions of the liquidity of our investments.

Our total liabilities increased to 6.2 times shareholders' equity as of June 30, 2015 from 5.1 times as of December 31, 2014 due to an increase in our repurchase agreement and FLHB borrowings to partially finance investment purchases coupled with lower shareholder's equity resulting from declines in the unrealized gain (loss) of MBS and lower additional paid-in capital as a result of share repurchases.

We have historically had ample sources of liquidity to fund our activities and operations. The ability to fund our operations in the future depends in large measure on the availability of credit through repurchase agreement financing and the liquidity of our investments. Credit markets in general are stable, and currently there is ample availability. However, these markets and the liquidity of our investments remain susceptible to extreme market volatility as was experienced in 2008 and 2009. In addition, in recent quarters U.S. financial regulatory agencies (such as the Office of Financial Research in the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve) have expressed some concern about the stability of repurchase agreement financing for mortgage REITs in a rising interest rate environment, and regulatory reform in the form of certain provisions of the Basel III capital framework (and supplemental bank capital rules) and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act could impact the overall availability of credit by restricting the number of repurchase agreement lenders and the credit made available by such lenders. In times of severe market stress, repurchase agreement availability could be rapidly reduced and the terms on which we can borrow could be materially altered, particularly given the focus on these markets by the federal financial and banking regulators. Competition from other REITs, banks, hedge funds, and the federal government for capacity with our repurchase agreement lenders could also reduce our repurchase agreement availability. While we do not anticipate such events in the near term, a reduction in our borrowing capacity could force us to sell assets in order to repay our lenders or could otherwise restrict our ability to operate our business.

Depending on our liquidity levels, the condition of the credit markets, and other factors, we may from time to time consider the issuance of debt, equity, or other securities, or sell investments, the proceeds of which could provide additional liquidity for our operations. While we will attempt to avoid dilutive or otherwise costly issuances, depending on market conditions, in order to manage our liquidity we could be forced to issue equity or debt securities which are dilutive to our capital base or our profitability.

Repurchase Agreements

The following table presents information regarding the balances of our repurchase agreement borrowings for the periods indicated:
($ in thousands)
Balance Outstanding As of Quarter End
 
Average Balance Outstanding For the Quarter Ended
 
Maximum Balance Outstanding During the Quarter Ended
June 30, 2015
$
3,402,964

 
$
3,301,590

 
$
3,447,628

March 31, 2015
3,185,843

 
3,101,133

 
3,239,247

December 31, 2014
3,013,110

 
3,043,298

 
3,137,204

September 30, 2014
3,150,254

 
3,352,599

 
3,469,491

June 30, 2014
3,447,050

 
3,454,884

 
3,496,521

March 31, 2014
3,485,544

 
3,497,167

 
3,580,997


     Our repurchase agreement borrowings are generally renewable at the discretion of our lenders without guaranteed roll-over terms. Given the short-term and uncommitted nature of most of our repurchase agreement financing, we attempt to maintain unused capacity under our existing repurchase agreement credit lines with multiple counterparties which helps protect us in the event of a counterparty's failure to renew existing repurchase agreements either with favorable terms or at all. As of June 30, 2015, we had repurchase agreement borrowings outstanding with 21 of our 32 available repurchase agreement counterparties at a weighted average borrowing rate of 0.56% compared to 0.55% as of December 31, 2014. Our repurchase agreement borrowings generally carry a rate of interest based on a spread to an index such as LIBOR.

For our repurchase agreement borrowings, we are required to post and maintain margin to the lender (i.e., collateral in excess of the repurchase agreement financing) in order to support the amount of the financing. This excess collateral is often referred to as a "haircut" (and which we also refer to as equity at risk). As the collateral pledged is generally MBS, the fair value of the collateral can fluctuate with changes in market conditions. If the fair value of the collateral falls below the haircut required

41


by the lender, the lender has the right to demand additional margin, or collateral, to increase the haircut back to the initial amount. These demands are typically referred to as "margin calls". Declines in the value of investments occur for any number of reasons including but not limited to changes in interest rates, changes in ratings on an investment, changes in actual or perceived liquidity of the investment, or changes in overall market risk perceptions. Additionally, values in Agency RMBS will also decline from the payment delay feature of those securities. Agency RMBS have a payment delay feature whereby Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announce principal payments on Agency RMBS but do not remit the actual principal payments and interest for 20 days in the case of Fannie Mae and 40 days in the case of Freddie Mac. Because these securities are financed with repurchase agreements, the repurchase agreement lender generally makes a margin call for an amount equal to the product of their advance rate on the repurchase agreement and the announced principal payments on the Agency RMBS. This causes a temporary use of our liquidity to meet the margin call until we receive the principal payments and interest 20 to 40 days later. 

The following table presents the weighted average minimum haircut contractually required by our counterparties for Agency and non-Agency MBS pledged as collateral for our repurchase agreement borrowings as of the dates indicated:
 
June 30, 2015
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2014
Agency MBS
6.4
%
 
6.6
%
 
6.8
%
 
6.8
%
 
6.6
%
Non-Agency MBS
14.7
%
 
15.9
%
 
16.0
%
 
16.9
%
 
18.5
%

The counterparties with whom we have the greatest amounts of equity at risk may vary significantly during any given period due to the short-term and generally uncommitted nature of the repurchase agreement borrowings. Equity at risk is defined as the amount pledged as collateral to the counterparty in excess of the borrowed amount outstanding. The following tables present the five counterparties with whom we had the greatest amounts of equity at risk as of June 30, 2015 and as of December 31, 2014:
 
June 30, 2015
($ in thousands)
Amount Outstanding
 
Equity at Risk
Well Fargo Bank, N.A. and affiliates
$
296,718

 
$
55,936

JP Morgan Securities, LLC
322,538

 
47,696

South Street Financial Corporation
556,567

 
32,581

Royal Bank of Canada
180,863

 
17,996

BNP Paribas
101,061

 
15,972

Remaining counterparties
1,945,217

 
117,009

 
$
3,402,964

 
$
287,190


 
December 31, 2014
($ in thousands)
Amount Outstanding
 
Equity at Risk
Well Fargo Bank, N.A. and affiliates
$
286,574

 
$
53,949

JP Morgan Securities, LLC
289,931

 
48,484

South Street Financial Corporation
608,000

 
36,483

Bank of America Securities LLC
181,593

 
15,711

Credit Suisse Securities LLC
103,078

 
13,258

Remaining counterparties
1,543,934

 
93,603

 
$
3,013,110

 
$
261,488


The following table discloses our repurchase agreement amounts outstanding and the value of the related collateral pledged by geographic region of our counterparties as of June 30, 2015:

42


($ in thousands)
Amount Outstanding
 
Market Value of Collateral Pledged
North America
$
2,325,268

 
$
2,509,582

Asia
502,514

 
528,013

Europe
575,182

 
652,560

 
$
3,402,964

 
$
3,690,155


Our repurchase agreement counterparties require us to comply with various operating and financial covenants. The financial covenants include requirements that we maintain minimum shareholders' equity (usually a set minimum, or a percentage of the highest amount of shareholders' equity since the date of the agreement), maximum decline in shareholders' equity (expressed as a percentage decline in any given period), and limits on maximum leverage (as a multiple of shareholders' equity). Operating requirements include, among other things, requirements to maintain our status as a REIT and to maintain our listing on the NYSE. Violations of one or more of these covenants could result in the lender declaring an event of default which would result in the termination of the repurchase agreement and immediate acceleration of amounts due thereunder. In addition, some of the agreements contain cross default features, whereby default with one lender simultaneously causes default under agreements with other lenders. Violations could also restrict us from paying dividends or engaging in other transactions that are necessary for us to maintain our REIT status.

We monitor and evaluate on an ongoing basis the impact these customary financial covenants may have on our operating and financing flexibility. Currently, we do not believe we are subject to any covenants that materially restrict our financing flexibility. We have one repurchase agreement lender which requires that we maintain our enterprise level leverage as of quarter end at less than 7 times our shareholders' equity.

FHLB Advances

As of June 30, 2015, our wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary, Mackinaw, had $108,076 in outstanding secured advances with a weighted average borrowing rate of 0.22% and a maximum borrowing capacity of approximately $575,000. We had Agency CMBS with a fair value of $113,991 pledged as collateral for these advances with a haircut requirement of 5%. As of June 30, 2015, our FHLB advances were all due within 30 days.

The ability to borrow from the FHLB is subject to the Company’s continued creditworthiness, pledging of sufficient eligible collateral to secure advances, and compliance with certain agreements with the FHLB. Each advance requires approval by the FHLB and is secured by collateral in accordance with the FHLB’s credit and collateral guidelines. The FHLB retains the right to mark the underlying collateral for FHLB advances to fair value. A reduction in the value of pledged assets would require the Company to provide additional collateral.

Please refer to Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" for additional information related to Mackinaw's membership in the FHLBI.
    
Derivative Instruments

Our derivative instruments require us to post initial margin at inception and variation margin based on subsequent changes in the fair value of the derivatives. The collateral posted as margin by us is typically in the form of cash or Agency MBS. Generally, as interest rates decline due to market changes, we will be required to post collateral with counterparties on our pay-fixed derivative instruments and receive collateral from our counterparties on our receive-fixed derivative instruments, and vice versa as interest rates increase. As of June 30, 2015, we had Agency MBS with a fair value of $1.9 million and cash of $57.9 million posted as credit support under these agreements.

Dividends

As a REIT, we are required to distribute to our shareholders amounts equal to at least 90% of our REIT taxable income for each taxable year after consideration of our tax NOL carryforwards. We generally fund our dividend distributions through our cash flows from operations. If we make dividend distributions in excess of our operating cash flows during the period, whether for purposes of meeting our REIT distribution requirements or other strategic reasons, those distributions are generally funded either through our existing cash balances or through the return of principal from our investments (either through repayment or sale). Our estimated NOL carryfoward available as of December 31, 2014 is approximately $90.0 million.


43


Contractual Obligations
 
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations by payment due date as of June 30, 2015:
($ in thousands)
 
Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations:
 
Total
 
< 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
> 5 years
Repurchase agreements (1)
 
$
3,404,369

 
$
3,404,369

 
$

 
$

 
$

FHLB advances (1)
 
108,442

 
108,442

 

 

 

Non-recourse collateralized financing (2)
 
8,932

 
2,357

 
3,166

 
1,803

 
1,606

Operating lease obligations
 
941

 
99

 
202

 
208

 
432

Total
 
$
3,522,684

 
$
3,515,267

 
$
3,368

 
$
2,011

 
$
2,038

(1) Includes estimated interest payments calculated using interest rates in effect as of June 30, 2015.
(2) Amounts shown are for principal only and exclude interest obligations as those amounts are not significant. Non-recourse collateralized financing represents securitization financing that is payable solely from loans and securities pledged as collateral. Payments due by period were estimated based on the principal repayments forecasted for the underlying loans and securities, substantially all of which is used to repay the associated financing outstanding.

Other Matters

As of June 30, 2015, we do not believe that any off-balance sheet arrangements exist that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our current or future financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. In addition, we do not have any material commitments for capital expenditures and have not obtained any commitments for funds to fulfill any capital obligations.


RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
There are no recently issued accounting pronouncements which have had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain written statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Statements in this report addressing expectations, assumptions, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, future events, developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, and future operating results are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions, and expectations as of the date of this report regarding future events and operating performance, taking into account all information currently available to us, and are applicable only as of the date of this report. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “plan” “may”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, “could” or similar expressions. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which are not historical facts and may be based on projections, assumptions, expectations, and anticipated events that do not materialize. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may include, but are not limited to:

Our business and investment strategy including our ability to generate acceptable risk-adjusted returns and our target investment allocations;
Monetary policy and regulatory initiatives of the Federal Reserve (including the FOMC) and other financial regulators;
Our financing strategy including our target leverage ratios and anticipated trends in financing costs, and our hedging strategy including changes to the derivative instruments to which we are a party, and changes to government regulation of hedging instruments and our use of these instruments;
Our investment portfolio composition and target investments;
Our investment portfolio performance, including the fair value, yields, and forecasted prepayment speeds of our investments;

44


Our liquidity and ability to access financing, including FHLB advances, and the anticipated availability and cost of financing;
Our use of and restrictions on using our tax NOL carryfoward;
The status of pending litigation;
The competitive environment in the future, including competition for investments and the availability of financing;
Estimates of future interest expenses, including related to the Company's repurchase agreements and derivative instruments;
The status of regulatory rule-making or review processes and the status of reform efforts and other business developments in the repurchase agreement financing market;
Market, industry and economic trends, how these trends and related economic data may impact the behavior of market participants and financial regulators; and
Interest rates.

Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Not all of these risks and other factors are known to us. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible to predict those events or how they may affect us. The projections, assumptions, expectations or beliefs upon which the forward-looking statements are based can also change as a result of these risks or other factors.  If such a risk or other factor materializes in future periods, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements.

While it is not possible to identify all factors, some of the factors that may cause actual results to differ from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements, or that may cause our projections, assumptions, expectations or beliefs to change, include the following:

the risks and uncertainties referenced in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, particularly those set forth under and incorporated by reference into Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”;
our ability to find suitable reinvestment opportunities;
changes in economic conditions;
changes in interest rates and interest rate spreads, including the repricing of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities;
our investment portfolio performance particularly as it relates to cash flow, prepayment rates and credit performance;
actual or anticipated changes in Federal Reserve monetary policy;
adverse reactions in financial markets related to the budget deficit or national debt of the United States government; potential or actual default by the United States government on Treasury securities; and potential or actual downgrades to the sovereign credit rating of the United States;
the cost and availability of financing, including the future availability of financing due to changes to regulation of, and capital requirements imposed upon, financial institutions;
the cost and availability of new equity capital;
changes in our use of leverage;
the quality of performance of third-party servicer providers of our loans and loans underlying our securities;
the level of defaults by borrowers on loans we have securitized;
changes in our industry;
increased competition;
changes in government regulations affecting our business;
changes in the repurchase agreement financing markets and other credit markets;
changes to the market for interest rate swaps and other derivative instruments, including changes to margin requirements on derivative instruments;
government initiatives to support the U.S financial system and U.S. housing and real estate markets; or to reform the U.S. housing finance system including by imposing standards for originating residential mortgage loans;
GSE reform or other government policies and actions;
ownership shifts under Section 382 that further limit the use of our tax NOL carryforward; and

45


exposure to current and future claims and litigation.


46


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We seek to manage various risks inherent in our business strategy, which include interest rate, prepayment, reinvestment, market value, credit, and liquidity risks. These risks can and do cause fluctuations in our book value per common share and comprehensive income. We attempt to manage these risks and earn an acceptable return for our shareholders as discussed below.

Interest Rate Risk

Investing in interest-rate sensitive investments on a leveraged basis subjects our results to interest rate risk primarily from the mismatch between interest-rate reset dates (or maturity) of our assets and the maturity of our liabilities. Borrowing costs on our liabilities are generally based on prevailing market rates and reset more frequently than interest rates on our assets. During a period of rising interest rates (particularly short term rates in a flattening yield curve environment), our borrowing costs will increase faster than our asset yields, negatively impacting our net interest income. The amount of the impact will depend on the composition of portfolio and on the effectiveness of our hedge instruments at the time, as well as the magnitude and the duration of the increase in interest rates. In addition, our adjustable rate assets may have limits or caps on the amount that an interest rate may reset while our liabilities do not have rate reset caps. Changes in interest rates, particularly rapid changes, may also negatively impact the market value of our investments which reduces our book value. In addition to the information set forth in the tables below, see "Market Value Risk" below for further discussion of the risks to the market value of our investments.

While having interest rate risk is a basic tenet of our investment strategy, we attempt to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates by investing in instruments that have short maturities/interest reset dates, entering into derivative instruments (such as interest rate swaps and Eurodollar futures) to hedge this risk and by managing our investment portfolio within interest rate risk tolerances set by our Board of Directors. Our current goal is to maintain a net portfolio duration (a measure of interest rate risk) within a range of 0.5 to 1.5 years. Our portfolio duration may drift outside of our target range at various times due to changes in market conditions, changes in actual or expected prepayment rates on our investments, changes in interest rates, changes in credit spreads, and activity in our investment portfolio. In addition, duration is driven by model inputs, and in the case of Agency RMBS, the most important inputs include anticipated prepayment speeds. Estimates of prepayment speeds can vary significantly by investor for the same security and therefore estimates of security and portfolio duration can vary significantly.

Effect of Changes in Interest Rates on Adjusted Net Interest Income and Market Value. The table below shows the projected sensitivity of our adjusted net interest income and the market value of our investments and derivative instruments carried at fair value as they existed as of June 30, 2015 based on an instantaneous parallel shift in market interest rates as set forth in the table below. In light of the low interest rate environment at June 30, 2015, and because we believe it is unlikely that absolute rates will move lower from rates at June 30, 2015, the only declining rate scenario that we present is a downward shift of 25 basis points. In order to include the impact of changes in interest rates on our effective derivative instruments, we are presenting the percentage change in adjusted net interest income (instead of net interest income) because net interest income does not include the net interest payments/receipts on these instruments.

The "percentage change in adjusted net interest income" includes the impact of changes in expected prepayment speeds on our investments and assumes that net proceeds received from pay downs on the investment portfolio are reinvested in MBS in amounts proportionate to the portfolio composition that existed as of June 30, 2015 and at yields consistent with those as of that date, adjusted for the parallel shift in the rates below. Changes in types of investments, future interest rates, credit spreads, the shape of the yield curve, the availability of financing, and/or the mix of our investments and financings including derivative instruments may cause actual results to differ significantly from the modeled results. There can be no assurance that assumed events used for the model below will occur, or that other events will not occur, that will affect the outcomes; therefore, the tables below and all related disclosures constitute forward-looking statements.

47


Parallel Shift in Interest Rates
 
Percentage change in market value (1)
 
Percentage change in adjusted net interest income
+100
 
(0.86)%
 
(22.35)%
+50
 
(0.39)%
 
(10.29)%
-25
 
0.16%
 
3.99%
(1)
Includes changes in market value of our investments and derivative instruments, but excludes changes in market value of our financings because they are not carried at fair value on our balance sheet. The projections for market value do not assume any change in credit spreads.

Management also considers changes in the shape of the interest rate curves in assessing and managing portfolio interest rate risk. Often interest rates do not move in a parallel fashion from quarter to quarter. The table below shows the projected change in market value of our investment portfolio net of hedges for changes in the shape of the U.S. Treasury curve (with similar changes to the interest rate swap curve and Eurodollar curves) as of June 30, 2015.
Basis point change in
 2-year yield
 
Basis point change in
 10-year yield
 
Percentage change in market value
0
 
+25
 
(0.05)%
+10
 
+50
 
(0.13)%
+10
 
+75
 
(0.22)%
+25
 
+75
 
(0.23)%
+25
 
+0
 
(0.01)%
+50
 
+0
 
(0.04)%
-10
 
-50
 
0.02%

Our adjustable rate investments have interest rates which are predominantly based on one-year LIBOR and contain periodic (or interim) and lifetime interest rate caps which limit the amount by which the interest rate may reset on the investment. The following table presents information about the lifetime and interim interest rate caps (where interim interest rate caps include both initial adjustments of interest rates which generally are 5% as well as periodic adjustments which generally are 2%) on our adjustable-rate Agency MBS portfolio as of June 30, 2015:
Lifetime Interest Rate Caps
 
Interim Interest Rate Caps
 
% of Total
 
 
% of Total
>7.4% to 10.0%
87.5
%
 
1.0%
1.9
%
>10.0% to 11.0%
8.5
%
 
2.0%
25.6
%
>11.0% to 12.1%
4.0
%
 
5.0%
72.5
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
100.0
%

Market Value Risk

Market value risk generally represents the risk of loss in value of our investment securities and derivative instruments due to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment rates, credit spreads, and other factors. Fluctuations in the market values of securities we hold impact our reported book value per common share. MBS in our investment portfolio and derivative instruments are reflected at their estimated fair value on our consolidated balance sheet. With respect to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments are recorded within "net income" while changes in the fair value of our investments (as indicated by changes in unrealized gain or loss on investments) are recorded within "other comprehensive income". As demonstrated in the tables above in the discussion of interest rate risk, in a rising interest rate environment, the fair value of our MBS tends to decrease; conversely, in a decreasing interest rate environment, the fair value of our securities tends to

48


increase. The fair value of our securities will also fluctuate due to changes in credit spreads (which represent the market's valuation of the perceived riskiness of assets relative to risk-free rates), changes in actual prepayments or expected prepayments, the perceived liquidity of the investment, actual or expected credit performance, and other factors. We attempt to manage market value risk by managing our exposure to these factors (although we may not actively attempt to manage market value risk from changes in credit spreads). For example, the types of derivative instruments we are currently using to hedge the interest rates on our debt tend to increase in value when our investment portfolio decreases in value, although not a one-to-one correlation. 

Fluctuations in credit spreads typically vary based on the type of investments. Though market conditions and technical factors such as FOMC monetary policy may impact Agency MBS credit spreads, they will generally have less volatility than non-Agency MBS. This is due to the fact that market participants generally view these securities, given their guarantee of principal by GSEs, as more liquid (i.e., more easily converted into cash) than non-Agency MBS. The table below is an estimate of the projected change in our portfolio market value given the indicated change in market credit spreads as of June 30, 2015:
Basis Point Change in Market Credit Spreads
 
Percentage change in market value of investments
+50
 
(2.2)%
+25
 
(1.1)%
-25
 
1.1%
-50
 
2.3%

Prepayment and Reinvestment Risk

Prepayment risk is the risk of an early, unscheduled return of principal on an investment. We are subject to prepayment risk from premiums paid on investments which we acquire. Purchase premiums on our investments are amortized as a reduction in interest income using the effective yield method under GAAP, adjusted for the actual and anticipated prepayment activity of the investment. An increase in the actual or expected rate of prepayment will typically accelerate the amortization of purchase premiums, thereby reducing the yield/interest income earned on such assets. Principal prepayments on our investments are influenced by changes in market interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic, government policy and other factors beyond our control.

Prepayment risk results from our RMBS, CMBS, and CMBS IO investments. The majority of the loans underlying our RMBS are ARMs or hybrid ARMs and do not have any specific prepayment protection. Prepayments on these loans generally accelerate in a declining interest rate environment, as the loans age, and as the loans near their respective interest rate reset dates, particularly the initial reset date. Our prepayment models anticipate acceleration of prepayments in these events. To the extent the actual prepayments exceed our modeled prepayments, or if we change our future prepayment expectations, we will record adjustments to our premium amortization which may negatively impact our net interest income and could impact the fair value of our RMBS.

As an indication of our prepayment risk on our RMBS portfolio, the following table summarizes information for our Agency RMBS portfolio regarding the net premium and weighted average coupon by months until interest rate reset ("MTR") or

49


until maturity in the case of fixed-rate securities as of the end of the past four quarters:     
 
June 30, 2015
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
($ in thousands)
Net Premium
 
WAC
 
Net Premium
 
WAC
 
Net Premium
 
WAC
 
Net Premium
 
WAC
0-12 MTR
$
20,752

 
2.69%
 
$
27,953

 
2.74%
 
$
31,428

 
2.75%
 
$
33,582

 
2.93%
13-24 MTR
8,262

 
4.02%
 
3,774

 
5.01%
 
4,985

 
4.27%
 
5,229

 
4.05%
25-60 MTR
24,738

 
3.26%
 
33,845

 
3.39%
 
36,502

 
3.41%
 
38,807

 
3.42%
> 60 MTR
36,501

 
2.97%
 
38,789

 
2.97%
 
40,729

 
2.98%
 
43,059

 
2.99%
Fixed rate
(9
)
 
2.50%
 
(9
)
 
2.50%
 
(9
)
 
2.51%
 
(10
)
 
2.50%
Total premium, net
$
90,244

 
3.05%
 
$
104,352

 
3.08%
 
$
113,635

 
3.09%
 
$
120,667

 
3.14%
Par balance
$
1,741,996

 
 
 
$
1,942,332

 
 
 
$
2,086,807

 
 
 
$
2,200,149

 
 
Premium, net as a % of par value
5.2
%
 
 
 
5.4
%
 
 
 
5.4
%
 
 
 
5.5
%
 
 

Loans underlying our CMBS and CMBS IO securities typically have some form of prepayment protection provisions (such as prepayment lock-outs) or prepayment compensation provisions (such as yield maintenance or prepayment penalties). Yield maintenance and prepayment penalty requirements are intended to create an economic disincentive for the loans to prepay; however, the amount of the prepayment penalty required to be paid may decline over time, and as loans age, interest rates decline, or market values of collateral supporting the loans increase, prepayment penalties may lessen as an economic disincentive to the borrower. Generally, our experience has been that prepayment lock-out and yield maintenance provisions result in stable prepayment performance from period to period. There are no prepayment protections, however, if the loan defaults and is partially or wholly repaid earlier as a result of loss mitigation actions taken by the underlying loan servicer. Historically, we have experienced low default rates on loans underlying CMBS and CMBS IO.

Because CMBS IO consist of rights to interest on the underlying commercial mortgage loan pools and do not have rights to principal payments on the underlying loans, prepayment risk on these securities would be particularly acute without these prepayment protection provisions. CMBS IO prepayment protection and compensation provisions vary by issuer of the security, (i.e. Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, or non-Agency). The majority of our Agency CMBS IO are issued by Freddie Mac and these securities generally have initial prepayment lock-outs followed by a defeasance period which on average extends to within six months of the stated maturities of the underlying loans. Non-Agency CMBS IO generally have prepayment protection in the form of prepayment lock-outs and defeasance provisions. The following table details the fair value of our CMBS IO portfolio by issuer as of the end of the periods indicated:
($ in thousands)
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Fannie Mae
$
26,560

 
$
28,765

Freddie Mac
409,101

 
408,698

Ginnie Mae

 
1,274

Non-Agency CMBS IO
341,230

 
325,119

 
$
776,891

 
$
763,856


We seek to manage our prepayment risk on our MBS by diversifying our investments, seeking investments which we believe will have superior prepayment performance, and investing in securities which have some sort of prepayment prohibition or yield maintenance (as is the case with CMBS and CMBS IO). With respect to RMBS, we will seek to invest in RMBS where we believe the underlying loans have favorable prepayment characteristics such as lower loan balances or favorable origination, borrower or geographic characteristics.

We are also subject to reinvestment risk as a result of the prepayment, repayment and sales of our investments. Yields on assets in which we invest now are generally lower than yields on existing assets that we may sell or which may be repaid, due to lower overall interest rates and more competition for these as investment assets. As a result, our interest income may decline in

50


the future, thereby reducing earnings per share. In order to maintain our investment portfolio size and our earnings, we need to reinvest our capital into new interest-earning assets. If we are unable to find suitable reinvestment opportunities, interest income on our investment portfolio and investment cash flows could be negatively impacted.
 
Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that we will not receive all contractual amounts due on investments that we own due to default by the borrower or due to a deficiency in proceeds from the liquidation of the collateral securing the obligation. We are also particularly exposed to credit risk on investments that we own at a premium. For investments owned at premiums, defaults on the underlying loan typically result in the complete loss of any remaining unamortized premium we paid.

We attempt to mitigate our credit risk by purchasing Agency MBS and higher quality non-Agency MBS. Agency MBS have credit risk to the extent that Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac fails to remit payments on the MBS for which they have issued a guaranty of payment. Given the improved financial performance and conservatorship of these entities and the continued support of the U.S. government, we believe this risk is low. For our non-Agency MBS, we seek to purchase investment grade securities (rated 'BBB' or better by a least one of the nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations) or securities that we believe are short-duration and which will have strong credit performance. We do not currently seek to purchase heavily discounted, credit sensitive MBS.

The majority of our non-Agency securities are CMBS and CMBS IO. The return we earn on these securities is dependent on the credit performance of the underlying commercial loans. In particular, since investments in CMBS IO pay interest from the underlying commercial mortgage loan pools, returns are more negatively impacted by liquidations of loans in the underlying loan pool. In order to manage our exposure to credit performance, we generally invest in securities with higher credit ratings and in securities where we have evaluated the credit profile of the underlying loan pool and can monitor its credit performance. With respect to non-Agency RMBS, we have been purchasing very short duration MBS backed by pools of re-performing or non-performing loans.

The following table presents information on our non-Agency MBS by credit rating as of June 30, 2015:
 
June 30, 2015
($ in thousands)
CMBS
 
 CMBS IO
 
RMBS
 
Total
 
Percentage
AAA
$
90,297

 
$
303,429

 
$

 
$
393,726

 
62.8
%
AA
53,314

 
35,051

 

 
88,365

 
14.1
%
A
50,537

 

 

 
50,537

 
8.1
%
Below A or not rated
17,787

 
2,750

 
73,882

 
94,419

 
15.0
%
 
$
211,935

 
$
341,230

 
$
73,882

 
$
627,047

 
100.0
%


 Liquidity Risk

We have liquidity risk principally from the use of recourse repurchase agreements to finance our ownership of securities. In general, our repurchase agreements provide a source of uncommitted short-term financing that finances a longer-term asset, thereby creating a mismatch between the maturity of the asset and of the associated financing. Our repurchase agreements are renewable at the discretion of our lenders and do not contain guaranteed roll-over terms. If we fail to repay the lender at maturity, the lender has the right to immediately sell the collateral and pursue us for any shortfall if the sales proceeds are inadequate to cover the repurchase agreement financing. In addition, repurchase agreements are collateral based and declines in the market value of our investments subject us to liquidity risk.

For further information, including how we attempt to mitigate liquidity risk and monitor our liquidity position, please refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Part 1, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


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ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures.

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2015 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 SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

Our management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2015 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various legal proceedings. Although the ultimate outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be ascertained at this time, and the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes, based on current knowledge, that the resolution of any of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, the resolution of any of the proceedings could have a material impact on consolidated results of operations or cash flows in a given future reporting period as the proceedings are resolved.

With respect to the putative class action lawsuit that was filed in June 2012 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania (the “Court”), and to which GLS Capital, Inc. and the Company are named defendants (as such lawsuit is described in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014), on May 14, 2015, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania affirmed the trial court's dismissal of the plaintiffs’ complaint in its entirety.

There have been no material changes during the three or six months ended June 30, 2015 for the legal proceedings discussed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 other than those disclosed above.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

Risks and uncertainties identified in our forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q together with those previously disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 or those that are presently unforeseen could result in significant adverse effects on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  See “Forward-Looking Statements” contained in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

If the membership of our wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary, Mackinaw, in the FHLB of Indianapolis is terminated, any advances outstanding to it from the FHLB of Indianapolis would need to be immediately repaid, which could result in material losses and have a material adverse effect on our business.

In September 2014, the Federal Housing Financing Authority ("FHFA") issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Request for Comments Involving Proposed Changes to Regulations Concerning Federal Home Loan Bank Membership Criteria (the "Proposed Rule"). If enacted, the Proposed Rule, among other things, would immediately terminate the membership of captive insurance companies that became members of the FHLB system after publication of the Proposed Rule, which would include Mackinaw. If the Proposed Rule is adopted, all advances previously made to our captive insurance subsidiary would be required to be promptly repaid to the FHLB. If the Company is unable to replace the advances with alternate financing, we may be forced to liquidate the collateral in order to repay the advances, which could result in material losses and have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, and further could have a material adverse effect on our business to the extent we are then relying on FHLB advances for liquidity. In addition, the Proposed Rule provides that the FHLBI would have up to five years to redeem FHLBI stock purchased by our subsidiary as a result of its membership and level of FHLB advances activity.

ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company has been authorized by its Board of Directors to repurchase up to $50 million of its outstanding shares of common stock through December 31, 2016. Subject to applicable securities laws and the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock designation and the Series B Preferred Stock designation, both of which are contained in our Articles of Incorporation, future repurchases of common stock will be made at times and in amounts as the Company deems appropriate, provided that the repurchase price per share is less than the Company's estimate of the current net book value of a share of common stock. Repurchases may be suspended or discontinued at any time.


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The following table summarizes repurchases of our common stock that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2015:
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ in thousands)
April 1, 2015 - April 30, 2015

 
$

 

 
$
49,868

May 1, 2015 - May 31, 2015
525,176

 
$
7.79

 
525,176

 
45,778

June 1, 2015 - June 30, 2015
320,788

 
$
7.72

 
319,405

 
43,311

Total
845,964

 
$
7.76

 
844,581

 
$
43,311

(1)
A portion of these shares were withheld from certain employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising upon the vesting of restricted shares. Accordingly, these shares are not included in the calculation of approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the $50 million repurchase plan authorized by the Company's Board of Directors.

ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITES

None.

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
        
None.

ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION

None.


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ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.
Description
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation, effective June 2, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Dynex's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed September 17, 2014).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws, amended as of December 12, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Dynex's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 4, 2014).
31.1
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

31.2
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

32.1
Certification of principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

101
The following materials from Dynex Capital, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language), filed herewith: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited), (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited), (iii) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited), (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited), and (v) Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
    


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SIGNATURES
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
DYNEX CAPITAL, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
August 10, 2015
/s/ Byron L. Boston
 
 
Byron L. Boston
 
 
Chief Executive Officer, President,
 
 
 Co-Chief Investment Officer, and Director
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
Date:
August 10, 2015
/s/ Stephen J. Benedetti
 
 
Stephen J. Benedetti
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)