BrightSpire Capital (BRSP) 10-Q2024 Q1 Quarterly report

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” or “potential” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases which are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, and may cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.

Among others, the following uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements:

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive, and many of these risks are heightened as a result of the numerous adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge you to carefully review the disclosures we make concerning risks in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” herein.

The following table presents assets and liabilities of securitization vehicles and certain real estate properties that have noncontrolling interests as variable interest entities for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary.

BrightSpire Capital, Inc. (the “Company”) is a commercial real estate (“CRE”) credit real estate investment trust (“REIT”) focused on originating, acquiring, financing and managing a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of CRE debt investments and net leased properties predominantly in the United States. CRE debt investments primarily consist of first mortgage loans, which the Company expects to be its primary investment strategy. Additionally, the Company may selectively originate mezzanine loans and make preferred equity investments, which may include profit participations. The mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments may be in conjunction with the Company’s origination of corresponding first mortgages on the same properties. Net leased properties consist of CRE properties with long-term leases to tenants on a net-lease basis, where such tenants generally will be responsible for property operating expenses such as insurance, utilities, maintenance capital expenditures and real estate taxes. The Company will continue to target net leased equity investments on a selective basis.

The Company was organized in the state of Maryland on August 23, 2017 and maintains key offices in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California. The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, beginning with the taxable year ended December 31, 2018. The Company conducts all activities and holds substantially all assets and liabilities through the Company’s operating subsidiary, BrightSpire Capital Operating Company, LLC (the “OP”).

Although global markets showed signs of stabilization and inflationary pressure may be moderating due to increased interest rates through the fourth quarter of 2023, CRE value uncertainties, aftershock of COVID-19 and geopolitical unrest continue to contribute to market volatility. Generationally high interest rates have continued to negatively impact transaction activity in the real estate market and correspondingly the loan financing and refinancing opportunities. While the Federal Reserve is expected to begin lowering interest rates in 2024, current expectations have shifted to anticipating fewer interest rate cuts during the year than originally anticipated and that such interest rate cuts may not occur until later in the year than originally anticipated. To the extent certain of the Company’s borrowers are experiencing significant financial dislocation as a result of economic conditions, the Company has and may continue to use interest and other reserves and/or replenishment obligations of the borrower and/or guarantors to meet current interest payment obligations for a limited period. The market for office properties was particularly negatively impacted by COVID-19 and continues to experience headwinds driven by the normalization of work from home and hybrid work arrangements and elevated costs to operate or reconfigure office properties. These factors have largely resulted in lower demand for office space and driven rising vacancy rates. Given the uncertainty in the office market, there is risk of future valuation impairment or investment loss on the Company’s loans secured by office properties. Similarly, these trends may impact the Company’s ability to manage debt covenant tests, maturity dates and/or seek suitable refinancing opportunities on certain of the Company’s office property equity investments, which may adversely impact valuation assessments and cash flow generated by such investments.

While macroeconomic conditions continue to be challenged, the Company cannot predict whether they will in fact improve or even intensify. Due to the inherent uncertainty of these conditions, their impact on the Company’s business is difficult to predict and quantify.

The significant accounting policies of the Company are described below. The accounting policies of the Company’s unconsolidated ventures are substantially similar to those of the Company.

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. However, the results of operations for the interim period presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024, or any other future period. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in, or presented as exhibits to, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as certain disclosures that would substantially duplicate those contained in the audited consolidated financial statements have not been included in this interim report.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The portions of equity, net income and other comprehensive income of consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable to the parent are presented separately as amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements.

The Company consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest by first considering if an entity meets the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, or if the Company has the power to control an entity through a majority of voting interest or through other arrangements.

At each reporting period, the Company reassesses whether changes in facts and circumstances cause a change in the status of an entity as a VIE or voting interest entity, and/or a change in the Company’s consolidation assessment.

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has identified certain consolidated VIEs. Assets of each of the VIEs, other than the OP, may only be used to settle obligations of the respective VIE. Creditors of each of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.

Consolidated VIEs include the Investing VIEs (as defined and discussed below) and certain operating real estate properties that have noncontrolling interests. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the noncontrolling interests in the operating real estate properties represent third party joint venture partners with ownership ranging from 5.0% to 11.0%. These noncontrolling interests do not have substantive kick-out nor participating rights.

The Company’s previous investments in securitization financing entities (“Investing VIEs”) included subordinate first-loss tranches of securitization trusts, which represented interests in such VIEs. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not hold any tranches of any securitization trusts, with the exception of its securitization bonds payable, net. Refer to Note 7, “Debt” for further discussion.

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not hold, and had no remaining obligations to, any unconsolidated VIEs.

Allocation of net income or loss is generally based upon relative ownership interests held by equity owners in each investment entity, or based upon contractual arrangements that may provide for disproportionate allocation of economic returns among equity interests, including using a hypothetical liquidation at book value (“HLBV”) basis, where applicable and substantive. HLBV uses a balance sheet approach, which measures each party’s capital account at the end of a period assuming that the subsidiary was liquidated or sold at book value. Each party’s share of the subsidiary’s earnings or loss is calculated by measuring the change in the party’s capital account from the beginning of the period in question to the end of period, adjusting for effects of distributions and new investments.

The Company reports consolidated comprehensive income (loss) in separate statements following the consolidated statements of operations. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity resulting from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The components of OCI include gain (loss) on derivative instruments used in the Company’s risk management activities used for economic hedging purposes (“designated hedges”) and gain (loss) on foreign currency translation.

Fair value is based on an exit price, defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Where appropriate, the Company makes adjustments to estimated fair values to appropriately reflect counterparty credit risk as well as the Company’s own creditworthiness.

The estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities are categorized into a three-tier hierarchy, prioritized based on the level of transparency in inputs used in the valuation techniques, as follows:

Where the inputs used to measure the fair value of a financial instrument fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the financial instrument is categorized within the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to its fair value measurement.

The fair value option provides an option to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial instruments. Gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The fair value option may be elected only upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including when the Company enters into an eligible firm commitment, at initial recognition of the financial instrument, as well as upon a business combination or consolidation of a subsidiary. The election is irrevocable unless a new election event occurs.

Short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash is held with major financial institutions. Certain cash account balances exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits of $250,000 per account and as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts in excess of the insurance limits. The Company monitors the financial stability of these financial institutions and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk in cash and cash equivalents.

Restricted cash consists primarily of borrower escrow deposits, tenant escrow deposits and real estate capital expenditure reserves.

The Company originates and purchases loans held for investment. The accounting framework for loans held for investment depends on the Company’s strategy whether to hold or sell the loan or whether the loan was credit-impaired at the time of acquisition.

Loans that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for investment. Originated loans are recorded at amortized cost, or outstanding unpaid principal balance plus exit fees less net deferred loan fees. Net deferred loan fees include unamortized origination and other fees charged to the borrower less direct incremental loan origination costs incurred by the Company. Purchased loans are recorded at amortized cost, or unpaid principal balance plus purchase premium or less unamortized discount. Costs to purchase loans are expensed as incurred.

The Company has debt investments in its portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provision. Contractual PIK interest, which represents contractually deferred interest added to the loan balance that is due at the end of the loan term, is generally recorded on an accrual basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. The Company will generally cease

accruing PIK interest if there is insufficient value to support the accrual or management does not expect the borrower to be able to pay all principal and interest due.

Loans that the Company intends to sell or liquidate in the foreseeable future are classified as held for sale. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value less disposal cost, with valuation changes recognized as impairment loss. Loans held for sale are not subject to Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) reserves. Net deferred loan origination fees and loan purchase premiums or discounts are deferred and capitalized as part of the carrying value of the held for sale loan until the loan is sold, therefore included in the periodic valuation adjustments based on lower of cost or fair value less disposal cost.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no loans classified as held for sale.

Real estate held for investment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.

about the highest and best use of its real estate investments and its intent and ability to hold them for a reasonable period that would allow for the recovery of their carrying values. If such assumptions change and the Company shortens its expected hold period, this may result in the recognition of impairment losses. Based upon the analysis, if the carrying value of a property exceeds its undiscounted future net cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess of the carrying value of the property over the estimated fair value of the property. In evaluating and/or measuring impairment, the Company considers, among other things, current and estimated future cash flows associated with each property, market information for each sub-market, including, where applicable, competition levels, foreclosure levels, leasing trends, occupancy trends, lease or room rates, and the market prices of similar properties recently sold or currently being offered for sale, and other quantitative and qualitative factors. See Note 4, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” and Note 12, “Fair Value” for further detail.

Real estate is classified as held for sale in the period when (i) management approves a plan to sell the asset, (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to usual and customary terms, (iii) a program is initiated to locate a buyer and actively market the asset for sale at a reasonable price, and (iv) completion of the sale is probable within one year. Real estate held for sale is stated at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less disposal cost, with any write-down to fair value less disposal cost recorded as an impairment loss. For any increase in fair value less disposal cost subsequent to classification as held for sale, the impairment loss may be reversed, but only up to the amount of cumulative loss previously recognized. Depreciation is not recorded on assets classified as held for sale. At the time a sale is consummated, the excess, if any, of sale price less selling costs over carrying value of the real estate is recognized as a gain.

If circumstances arise that were previously considered unlikely and, as a result, the Company decides not to sell the real estate asset previously classified as held for sale, the real estate asset is reclassified as held for investment. Upon reclassification, the real estate asset is measured at the lower of (i) its carrying amount prior to classification as held for sale, adjusted for depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the real estate been continuously classified as held for investment, and (ii) its estimated fair value at the time the Company decides not to sell.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company classified one property as held for sale. Refer to Note 4, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” and Note 12, “Fair Value” for further detail.

The Company receives foreclosed properties in full or partial settlement of loans held for investment by taking legal title or physical possession of the properties. Foreclosed properties are generally recognized at the time the real estate is received at foreclosure sale or upon execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Foreclosed properties are initially measured at fair value. If the fair value of the property is lower than the carrying value of the loan, the difference is recognized as current expected credit loss reserves and the cumulative reserve on the loan is charged off. Fair value of foreclosed properties is generally based on a discounted cash flow, third party appraisals, broker price opinions, comparable sales or a combination thereof.

A noncontrolling, unconsolidated ownership interest in an entity may be accounted for using one of (i) equity method where applicable; (ii) fair value option if elected; (iii) fair value through earnings if fair value is readily determinable, including election of net asset value (“NAV”) practical expedient where applicable; or (iv) for equity investments without readily determinable fair values, the measurement alternative to measure at cost adjusted for any impairment and observable price changes, as applicable.

Fair value changes of equity method investments under the fair value option are recorded in earnings from investments in unconsolidated ventures. Fair value changes of other equity investments, including adjustments for observable price changes under the measurement alternative, are recorded in other gain (loss), net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The Company accounts for investments under the equity method of accounting if it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an entity, but does not have a controlling financial interest. The equity method investment is initially recorded at cost and adjusted each period for capital contributions, distributions and the Company’s share of the entity’s net income or loss as well as other comprehensive income or loss. The Company’s share of net income or loss may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in an entity if the governing documents prescribe a substantive non-proportionate earnings allocation formula or a preferred return to certain investors. For certain equity method

investments, the Company records its proportionate share of income on a one to three month lag. Distributions of operating profits from equity method investments are reported as operating activities, while distributions in excess of operating profits are reported as investing activities in the statement of cash flows under the cumulative earnings approach.

Evaluation of impairment applies to equity method investments and equity investments under the measurement alternative. If indicators of impairment exist, the Company will first estimate the fair value of its investment. In assessing fair value, the Company generally considers, among others, the estimated fair value of the investee, which is based on significant assumptions including the estimated timing and probabilities of the future cash flows of the unconsolidated joint venture, utilizing discount rates and capitalization rates.

For investments under the measurement alternative, if carrying value of the investment exceeds its fair value, an impairment is deemed to have occurred.

For equity method investments, further consideration is made if a decrease in value of the investment is other-than-temporary to determine if impairment loss should be recognized. Assessment of Other Than Temporary Impairment involves management judgment, including, but not limited to, consideration of the investee’s financial condition, operating results, business prospects and creditworthiness, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery of its carrying value. If management is unable to reasonably assert that an impairment is temporary or believes that the Company may not fully recover the carrying value of its investment, then the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.

Investments that are other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to their estimated fair value. Impairment loss is recorded in earnings from investments in unconsolidated ventures for equity method investments and in other gain (loss), net for investments under the measurement alternative.

In a business combination or asset acquisition, the Company may recognize identifiable intangibles that meet either or both the contractual-legal criterion or the separability criterion. Finite-lived intangibles are amortized over their useful life in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the intangible is being consumed if readily determinable, such as based upon expected cash flows; otherwise, they are amortized on a straight-line basis. The useful life of all identified intangibles will be periodically reassessed and if useful life changes, the carrying amount of the intangible will be amortized prospectively over the revised useful life.

The estimated fair value of the above- or below-market component of acquired leases represents the present value of the difference between contractual rents of acquired leases and market rents at the time of the acquisition for the remaining lease term, discounted for tenant credit risks. Above- or below-market operating lease values are amortized on a straight-line basis as a decrease or increase to rental income, respectively, over the applicable lease terms. This includes fixed rate renewal options in acquired leases that are below-market, which are amortized to decrease rental income over the renewal period. Above- or below-market ground lease obligations are amortized on a straight-line basis as a decrease or increase to rent expense, respectively, over the applicable lease terms. If the above- or below-market operating lease values or above- or below-market ground lease obligations are terminated, the unamortized portion of the lease intangibles are recorded in rental income or rent expense, respectively.

Deferred leasing costs represent management’s estimate of the avoided leasing commissions and legal fees associated with an existing in-place lease. The net amount is included in intangible assets and amortized on a straight-line basis as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable lease.

Sale accounting for transfers of financial assets requires the transfer of an entire financial asset, a group of financial assets in its entirety or if a component of the financial asset is transferred, that the component meets the definition of a participating interest with characteristics that mirror the original financial asset.

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. If the Company has any continuing involvement, rights or obligations with the transferred financial asset (outside of standard representations and warranties), sale accounting requires that the transfer meets the following sale conditions: (1) the transferred asset has been legally isolated; (2) the transferee has the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred asset; and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred asset through an agreement that provides for (a) both an entitlement and an obligation by the Company to repurchase or redeem the asset before its maturity, (b) the unilateral ability by the Company to reclaim the asset and a more than trivial benefit attributable to that ability, or (c) the transferee requiring the Company to repurchase the asset at a price so favorable to the transferee that it is probable the repurchase will occur.

If sale accounting is met, the transferred financial asset is removed from the balance sheet and a net gain or loss is recognized upon sale, taking into account any retained interests. Transfers of financial assets that do not meet the criteria for sale are accounted for as financing transactions, or secured borrowing, including the Company’s master repurchase facilities.

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and included in other assets or accrued and other liabilities on a gross basis on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The accounting for changes in fair value of derivatives depends upon whether or not the Company has elected to designate the derivative in a hedging relationship and the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company has economic hedges that have not been designated for hedge accounting.

Changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as accounting hedges are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in other gain (loss), net.

For designated accounting hedges, the relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the accounting hedges as well as the methods to assess the effectiveness of the derivative prospectively and retrospectively, are formally documented at inception. Hedge effectiveness relates to the amount by which the gain or loss on the designated derivative instrument exactly offsets the change in the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. If it is determined that a derivative is not expected to be or has ceased to be highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued.

At the end of each quarter, the Company reassesses the effectiveness of its net investment hedges and as appropriate, designates the portion of the derivative notional amount that is in excess of the beginning balance of its net investments as undesignated hedges.

Release of accumulated other comprehensive income related to net investment hedges occurs upon losing a controlling financial interest in an investment or obtaining control over an equity method investment. Upon sale, complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign subsidiary, or partial sale of an equity method investment, the gain or loss on the related net investment hedge is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings. Refer to Note 13, “Derivatives” for further discussion on the Company’s derivative and hedging activity.

Financing costs primarily include debt discounts and premiums as well as deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal and other third-party costs associated with obtaining financing. Costs related to revolving credit facilities are recorded in other assets and are amortized to interest expense using the straight-line basis over the term of the facility. Costs related to other borrowings are recorded net against the carrying value of such borrowings and are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed to other gain (loss), net when the associated facility is repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financing transactions, which do not close, are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not occur.

Property operating income includes the following:

When it is determined that the Company is the owner of tenant improvements, the cost to construct the tenant improvements, including costs paid for or reimbursed by the tenants, is capitalized. For tenant improvements owned by the Company, the amount funded by or reimbursed by the tenants are recorded as deferred revenue, which is amortized on a straight-line basis as additional rental income over the term of the related lease. Rental income recognition commences when the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use and the tenant takes possession of the leased space.

When it is determined that the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements, the Company’s contribution towards those improvements is recorded as a lease incentive, included in deferred leasing costs and intangible assets on the balance sheet, and amortized as a reduction to rental income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental income recognition commences when the tenant takes possession of the lease space.

Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the corresponding results of operations for such entities are translated using the average exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in stockholders’ equity. Upon sale, complete or substantially complete liquidation of a foreign subsidiary, or upon partial sale of a foreign equity method investment, the translation adjustment associated with the investment, or a proportionate share related to the portion of equity method investment sold, is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss into earnings.

Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is the U.S. dollar are remeasured using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the corresponding results of operations for such entities are remeasured using the average exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency remeasurement adjustments are recorded in other gain (loss), net on the consolidated statements of operations.

Disclosures of non-U.S. dollar amounts to be recorded in the future are translated using exchange rates in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.

Equity-classified stock awards granted to executive officers and independent directors are based on the closing price of the Class A common stock on the grant date and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards

for restricted stock awards. For performance stock units (“PSUs”) the fair value is based on a Monte Carlo simulation as of the grant date and the expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the measurement period, except when certain performance metrics are achieved. See Note 9, “Equity-Based Compensation” for further discussion.

The compensation expense is adjusted for actual forfeitures upon occurrence. Equity-based compensation is classified within compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations.

The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) using the two-class method. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing earnings allocated to common shareholders, as adjusted for unallocated earnings attributable to certain participating securities, if any, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is based on the weighted-average number of common shares and the effect of potentially dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period. The two-class method is an allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each share of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. The Company has certain share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends, which are considered participating securities for the purposes of computing EPS pursuant to the two-class method.

To the extent that the Company qualifies as a REIT, it generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of its distributions to stockholders. The Company believes that all of the criteria to maintain the Company’s REIT qualification have been met for the applicable periods, but there can be no assurance that these criteria will continue to be met in subsequent periods. If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax and potential interest and penalties, which could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations and amounts available for distributions to its stockholders. The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties is to classify these amounts as a component of income tax expense, where applicable.

The Company may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, U.S. federal income and excise taxes may be due on its undistributed taxable income. The Company also holds an investment in Europe which is subject to tax in its local jurisdiction.

The Company made joint elections to treat certain subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) which may be subject to taxation by U.S. federal, state and local authorities. In general, a TRS of the Company may perform non-customary services for tenants, hold assets that the Company cannot hold directly and engage in most real estate or non-real estate-related business.

Certain subsidiaries of the Company are subject to taxation by U.S. federal, state and local authorities for the periods presented. Income taxes are accounted for by the asset/liability approach in accordance with GAAP. Deferred taxes, if any, represent the expected future tax consequences when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. Such amounts arise from differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax laws and tax rates in the period during which such changes are enacted. A provision for income tax represents the total of income taxes paid or payable for the current period, plus the change in deferred taxes. Current and deferred taxes are recorded on the portion of earnings (losses) recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in TRSs. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are calculated based on temporary differences between the Company’s GAAP consolidated financial statements and the U.S. federal, state and local tax basis of assets and liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheet date. The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets (e.g., net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards) and recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company considers estimates of expected future taxable income, existing and projected book/tax differences, tax planning strategies available and the general and industry-specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently subjective, as it requires the Company to forecast its business and general economic environment in future periods. Changes in estimate of deferred tax asset realizability, if any, are included in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded income tax expense of $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

The CECL reserve for the Company’s financial instruments carried at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loans, loan commitments and trade receivables, represents a lifetime estimate of expected credit losses. Factors considered by the Company when determining the CECL reserve include loan-specific characteristics such as loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio, vintage year, loan term, property type, occupancy and geographic location, financial performance of the borrower, expected payments of principal and interest, as well as internal or external information relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

The general CECL reserve is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist for multiple financial instruments. If similar risk characteristics do not exist, the Company measures the specific CECL reserve on an individual instrument basis. The determination of whether a particular financial instrument should be included in a pool can change over time. If a financial asset’s risk characteristics change, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to continue to keep the financial instrument in its existing pool or evaluate it individually.

In measuring the general CECL reserve for financial instruments that share similar risk characteristics, the Company primarily applies a probability of default (“PD”)/loss given default (“LGD”) model for instruments that are collectively assessed, whereby the CECL reserve is calculated as the product of PD, LGD and exposure at default. The Company’s model principally utilizes historical loss rates derived from a commercial mortgage-backed securities database with historical losses from 1998 through March 2024 provided by a third party, Trepp LLC, forecasting the loss parameters using a scenario-based statistical approach over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of twelve months, followed by a straight-line reversion period of twelve-months back to average historical losses.

For determining a specific CECL reserve, financial instruments are assessed outside of the PD/LGD model on an individual basis. This occurs when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the full payment of principal and interest on the instrument. The Company records a reserve to reduce the carrying value of the instrument to the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the instrument’s effective rate or to the fair value of the collateral. The Company applies a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology to determine the fair value of the collateral where it is probable that the Company will foreclose or the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on the Company’s assessment at the reporting date, and the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Determining fair value of the collateral, including utilization of a practical expedient, may take into account a number of assumptions including, but not limited to, rents and cash flow projections, capitalization rates and discount rates. Such assumptions are generally based on current market conditions and are subject to economic and market uncertainties.

In connection with developing the CECL reserve for its loans held for investment, the Company determines the risk ranking of each loan as a key credit quality indicator. The risk rankings are based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, underlying real estate performance and asset value, values of comparable properties, durability and quality of property cash flows, sponsor experience and financial wherewithal, and the existence of a risk-mitigating loan structure. Additional key considerations include loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios, loan structure, real estate and credit market dynamics, and risk of default or principal loss. Based on a five-point scale, the Company’s loans held for investment are rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk, and the ratings are updated quarterly. At the time of origination or purchase, loans held for investment are ranked as a “3” and will move accordingly going forward based on the ratings which are defined as follows:

The Company also considers qualitative factors, including, but not limited to, economic and business conditions, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, lending terms, volume and severity of past due loans, concentration of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations in its determination of the CECL reserve.

The Company has elected to not measure a CECL reserve for accrued interest receivable as it is reversed against interest income when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Loans are charged off when all or a portion of the principal amount is determined to be uncollectible.

The Company may amend or modify a loan depending on the loan’s specific facts and circumstances. These loan modifications typically include additional time for the borrower to refinance or sell the collateral property, adjustment or waiver of performance tests that are prerequisite to the extension of a loan’s maturity, and/or deferral of scheduled principal payments. In exchange for a modification, the Company may receive a partial repayment of principal, a short-term accrual of capitalized interest for a portion of interest due, a cash infusion to replenish interest or capital improvement reserves, termination of all or a portion of the remaining unfunded loan commitment, additional call protection, and/or increase the loan coupon.

Loans that are 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest, or where reasonable doubt exists as to timely collection, are generally considered nonperforming and placed on nonaccrual status.

Loans are typically secured by direct senior priority liens on real estate properties or by interests in entities that directly own real estate properties, which serve as the primary source of cash for the payment of principal and interest. The Company evaluates its loans at least quarterly and differentiates the relative credit quality principally based on: (i) whether the borrower is currently paying contractual debt service in accordance with its contractual terms; and (ii) whether the Company believes the borrower will be able to perform under its contractual terms in the future, as well as the Company’s expectations as to the ultimate recovery of principal at maturity.

As of March 31, 2024, all loans were performing in accordance with the contractual terms of their governing documents and were categorized as performing loans, except for the Denver, Colorado multifamily senior loan, the Development Mezzanine Loan and the New York, New York Hotel mezzanine loan, as noted in “Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans” above. As of December 31, 2023, all loans were performing in accordance with the contractual terms of their governing documents and were categorized as performing loans, except for the Denver, Colorado multifamily senior loan, as noted in “Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans” above. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, no debt investment contributed more than 10.0% of interest income.

As of December 31, 2023, the weighted average risk ranking for loans held for investment was 3.2.