May 6, 2021 - 10-Q: Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________________________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 1-13991

MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

__________________________________________________________________

Maryland

13-3974868

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Vanderbilt Ave., 48th Floor

New York

10017

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(212) 207-6400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

_____________________________________________

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last period)

____________________________________________________________________

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


Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	MFA	New York Stock Exchange
7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share	MFA/PB	New York Stock Exchange
6.50% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share	MFA/PC	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No o

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

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

441,281,610 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding as of April 29, 2021.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

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		Page

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2020	1

	Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020	2

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020	3

	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020	4

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020	6

	Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	7

	Note 1. Organization	7

	Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	7

	Note 3. Residential Whole Loans	18

	Note 4. Securities, at Fair Value	24

	Note 5. Other Assets	29

	Note 6. Financing Agreements	32

	Note 7. Collateral Positions	36

	Note 8. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	36

	Note 9. Other Liabilities	37

	Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies	37

	Note 11. Stockholders’ Equity	37

	Note 12. EPS Calculation	42

	Note 13. Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans	42

	Note 14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments	44

	Note 15. Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities	51

	Note 16. Subsequent Events	53

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	54

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	75

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	80

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	81

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	81

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	81

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	82

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	82

Item 5.	Other Information	82

Item 6.	Exhibits	83

Signatures		85

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
	(Unaudited)
Assets:
Residential whole loans:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value ($2,366,285 and $2,704,646 pledged as collateral, respectively) (1)	$	3,932,300	$	4,195,332
Residential whole loans, at fair value ($889,100 and $827,001 pledged as collateral, respectively) (1)	1,320,199		1,216,902
Allowance for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value	(63,244)		(86,833)
Total residential whole loans, net	5,189,255		5,325,401
Securities, at fair value ($350,115 and $399,999 pledged as collateral, respectively)	350,115		399,999
Cash and cash equivalents	780,714		814,354
Restricted cash	5,150		7,165
Other assets	392,726		385,381
Total Assets	$	6,717,960	$	6,932,300

Liabilities:
Financing agreements ($2,974,578 and $3,366,772 held at fair value, respectively)	$	3,995,982	$	4,336,976
Other liabilities	179,712		70,522
Total Liabilities	$	4,175,694	$	4,407,498

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 10)

Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 7.5% Series B cumulative redeemable; 8,050 shares authorized; 8,000 shares issued and outstanding ($200,000 aggregate liquidation preference)	$	80	$	80
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 6.5% Series C fixed-to-floating rate cumulative redeemable; 12,650 shares authorized; 11,000 shares issued and outstanding ($275,000 aggregate liquidation preference)	110		110
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 874,300 and 874,300 shares authorized; 446,114 and 451,714 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	4,461		4,517
Additional paid-in capital, in excess of par	3,825,606		3,848,129
Accumulated deficit	(1,361,664)		(1,405,327)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	73,673		77,293
Total Stockholders’ Equity	$	2,542,266	$	2,524,802
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	6,717,960	$	6,932,300

(1)Includes approximately $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion of Residential whole loans, at carrying value and $311.6 million and $382.3 million of Residential whole loans, at fair value transferred to consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Such assets can be used only to settle the obligations of each respective VIE.

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

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)	2021		2020
Interest Income:
Residential whole loans held at carrying value	$	45,340	$	83,486
Securities, at fair value	16,459		58,581
Other interest-earning assets	—		2,907
Cash and cash equivalent investments	54		486
Interest Income	$	61,853	$	145,460

Interest Expense:
Asset-backed and other collateralized financing arrangements	$	26,050	$	77,859
Other interest expense	4,020		5,900
Interest Expense	$	30,070	$	83,759

Net Interest Income	$	31,783	$	61,701

Reversal/(Provision) for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans	$	22,750	$	(150,711)
Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit and Valuation Losses	$	54,533	$	(89,010)

Other Income, net:
Impairment and other losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets	$	—	$	(419,651)
Net realized loss on sales of securities and residential whole loans	—		(238,380)
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on securities measured at fair value through earnings	101		(77,961)
Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings	49,809		(52,760)
Other, net	3,607		(2,011)
Other Income/(Loss), net	$	53,517	$	(790,763)

Operating and Other Expense:
Compensation and benefits	$	8,437	$	8,899
Other general and administrative expense	6,792		4,575
Loan servicing, financing and other related costs	7,299		11,280
Costs associated with restructuring/forbearance agreement	—		4,468
Operating and Other Expense	$	22,528	$	29,222

Net Income/(Loss)	$	85,522	$	(908,995)
Less Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement	$	8,219	$	5,215
Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities	$	77,303	$	(914,210)

Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Common Share	$	0.17	$	(2.02)
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Common Share	$	0.17	$	(2.02)

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

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)	2021		2020
Net income/(loss)	$	85,522	$	(908,995)
Other Comprehensive (Loss):
Unrealized (losses)/gains on securities available-for-sale	(3,855)		124,410
Reclassification adjustment for securities sales included in net income	—		(23,953)
Reclassification adjustment for impairments included in net income	—		(344,269)
Derivative hedging instrument fair value changes, net	—		(50,127)
Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk	235		—
Reclassification adjustment for losses related to hedging instruments included in net income	—		1,594
Other Comprehensive (Loss)	(3,620)		(292,345)
Comprehensive income/(loss) before preferred stock dividends	$	81,902	$	(1,201,340)
Dividends required on preferred stock	(8,219)		(5,215)
Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities	$	73,683	$	(1,206,555)

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

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)	Preferred Stock 6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Share			Preferred Stock 7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Share			Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Total
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Balance at December 31, 2020	11,000	$	110	8,000	$	80	451,714	$	4,517	$	3,848,129	$	(1,405,327)	$	77,293	$	2,524,802
Net Income	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		85,522		—		85,522
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	—	—		—	—		559	6		376		—		—		382
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)	—	—		—	—		(6,159)	(62)		(25,074)		—		—		(25,136)
Equity based compensation expense	—	—		—	—		—	—		1,686		—		—		1,686
Change in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards	—	—		—	—		—	—		489		—		—		489
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.075 per share)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(33,521)		—		(33,521)
Dividends declared on Series B Preferred Stock ($0.46875 per share)	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(3,750)		—		(3,750)
Dividends declared on Series C Preferred Stock ($0.40625 per share)	—			—	—		—	—		—		(4,468)		—		(4,468)
Dividends attributable to dividend equivalents	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(120)		—		(120)
Change in unrealized gains on MBS, net	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(3,855)		(3,855)
Derivative hedging instrument fair value changes and amortization, net	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		—		—
Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		235		235
Balance at March 31, 2021	11,000	$	110	8,000	$	80	446,114	$	4,461	$	3,825,606	$	(1,361,664)	$	73,673	$	2,542,266

(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2021 includes approximately $799,000 (213,123 shares) surrendered for tax purposes related to equity-based compensation awards.

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

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
				Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)	Preferred Stock 6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Share			Preferred Stock 7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Share			Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Total
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
Balance at December 31, 2019	—	—		8,000	$	80	452,369	$	4,524	$	3,640,341	$	(631,040)	$	370,047	$	3,383,952
Cumulative effect adjustment on adoption of new accounting standard ASU 2016-13	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(8,326)		—		(8,326)
Net loss	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		(908,995)		—		(908,995)
Issuance of Series C Preferred Stock, net of expenses	11,000	110		—	—		—	—		265,919		—		—		266,029
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses	—	—		—	—		1,106	7		680		—		—		687
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)	—	—		—	—		(337)	—		(2,652)		—		—		(2,652)
Equity based compensation expense	—	—		—	—		—	—		1,266		—		—		1,266
Change in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards	—	—		—	—		—	—		1,059		—		—		1,059
Change in unrealized losses on securities, net	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(243,812)		(243,812)
Derivative hedging instruments fair value changes and amortization, net	—	—		—	—		—	—		—		—		(48,533)		(48,533)
Balance at March 31, 2020	11,000	$	110	8,000	$	80	453,138	$	4,531	$	3,906,613	$	(1,548,361)	$	77,702	$	2,440,675

(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2020, includes approximately $2.7 million (337,026 shares) surrendered for tax purposes related to equity-based compensation awards.

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

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)	2021		2020

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income/(loss)	$	85,522	$	(908,995)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
(Gains)/losses on residential whole loans and real estate owned, net	(35,893)		217,920
(Gains)/losses on securities, net	(100)		170,550
Impairment and other losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets	—		419,651
Accretion of purchase discounts on residential whole loans and securities	(16,436)		(12,114)
Amortization of purchase premiums on residential whole loans and securities, and amortization of terminated hedging instruments	6,791		15,266
(Reversal of provision)/provision for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans and other financial instruments	(23,967)		150,711
Net other non-cash losses included in net income	5,212		7,689
Increase in other assets	(1,939)		(37,811)
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities	4,975		(9,653)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	24,165	$	13,214

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of residential whole loans, loan related investments and capitalized advances	$	(184,707)	$	(1,119,464)
Principal payments on residential whole loans and loan related investments	425,300		508,855
Purchases of securities	—		(162,607)
Proceeds from sales of securities and other assets	—		1,009,316
Principal payments on securities	58,896		539,882
Purchases of real estate owned and capital improvements	(217)		(5,606)
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned	50,619		52,042
Additions to leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures	(4,415)		(176)
Net cash provided by investing activities	$	345,476	$	822,242

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Principal payments on financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions	$	(821,716)	$	(12,903,818)
Proceeds from borrowings under financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions	663,926		12,216,862
Principal payments on other collateralized financing agreements	(521,259)		(37,418)
Proceeds from borrowings under other collateralized financing agreements	437,915		—
Payment made for other collateralized financing agreement related costs	(1,371)		—
Principal payment on redemption of Senior notes	(100,000)		—
Payments made for settlements and unwinds of Swaps	—		(88,405)
Proceeds from issuance of series C preferred stock	—		275,000
Payments made for costs related to series C preferred stock issuance	—		(8,912)
Proceeds from issuances of common stock	376		687
Payments made for the repurchase of common stock through the share repurchase program	(20,933)		—
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(8,219)		—
Dividends paid on common stock and dividend equivalents	(34,015)		(90,749)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(405,296)	$	(636,753)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	(35,655)	$	198,703
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	$	821,519	$	134,664
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	785,864	$	333,367

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Interest Paid	$	29,554	$	80,158

Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Transfer from residential whole loans to real estate owned	$	20,068	$	50,693
Dividends and dividend equivalents declared and unpaid	$	33,640	$	—
Payable for unsettled residential whole loan purchases	$	112,202	$	—
Receivable for unsettled residential whole loan and securities sales	$	—	$	419,583

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

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2021

1. Organization

MFA Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in Maryland on July 24, 1997 and began operations on April 10, 1998. The Company has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company must comply with a number of requirements under federal tax law, including that it must distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income to its stockholders. The Company has elected to treat certain of its subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”). In general, a TRS may hold assets and engage in activities that the Company cannot hold or engage in directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business (see Note 2(m)).

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted in accordance with these SEC rules and regulations. Management believes that the disclosures included in these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial condition of the Company at March 31, 2021 and results of operations for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 should not be construed as indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although the Company’s estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects them to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could differ from those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition. Management has made significant estimates in several areas, impairment, valuation allowances and loss allowances on residential whole loans (see Note 3), MBS, CRT securities and MSR-related assets (collectively, “Securities, at fair value”) (see Note 4) and Other assets (see Note 5), valuation of Securities, at fair value (see Notes 4 and 14), income recognition and valuation of residential whole loans (see Notes 3 and 14), valuation of derivative instruments (see Notes 5(c) and 14) and income recognition on certain Non-Agency MBS (defined below) purchased at a discount (see Note 4). In addition, estimates are used in the determination of taxable income used in the assessment of REIT compliance and contingent liabilities for related taxes, penalties and interest (see Note 2(m)). Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company has one reportable segment as it manages its business and analyzes and reports its results of operations on the basis of one operating segment: investing, on a leveraged basis, in residential mortgage assets.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. In addition, the Company consolidates entities established to facilitate transactions related to the acquisition and securitization of residential whole loans completed in prior years. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2021

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

Residential whole loans included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are primarily comprised of pools of fixed- and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans acquired through consolidated trusts in secondary market transactions. The accounting model utilized by the Company is determined at the time each loan package is initially acquired and is generally based on the delinquency status of the majority of the underlying borrowers in the package at acquisition. The accounting model described below for Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans that are held at carrying value is typically utilized by the Company for Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans where the underlying borrower has a delinquency status of less than 60 days at the acquisition date. The Company also acquires Purchased Performing Loans that are typically held at carrying value, but the accounting methods for income recognition and determination and measurement of any required credit loss reserves (as discussed below) differ from those used for Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans held at carrying value. The accounting model described below for residential whole loans held at fair value is typically utilized by the Company for loans where the underlying borrower has a delinquency status of 60 days or more at the acquisition date. The accounting model initially applied is not subsequently changed.

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

Residential Whole Loans at Carrying Value

Purchased Performing Loans

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

An allowance for credit losses is recorded at acquisition, and maintained on an ongoing basis, for all losses expected over the life of the respective loan. Any required credit loss allowance would reduce the net carrying value of the loan with a corresponding charge to earnings, and may increase or decrease over time. Significant judgments are required in determining any allowance for credit loss, including assumptions regarding the loan cash flows expected to be collected, the value of the underlying collateral and the ability of the Company to collect on any other forms of security, such as a personal guaranty provided either by the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. Income recognition is suspended, and interest accruals are reversed against income, for loans at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful (i.e., such loans are placed on nonaccrual status). For nonaccrual loans other than Fix and Flip loans, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. For nonaccrual Fix and Flip loans, interest income is recorded under the cash basis method as interest payments are received. Interest accruals are resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or it is legally discharged. Modified loans are considered “troubled debt

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2021

restructurings” if the Company grants a concession to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty (including the interpretation of this definition set forth in OCC Bulletin 2020-35).

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

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

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans

The Company has elected to account for these loans as credit deteriorated as they have experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination and were acquired at discounted prices that reflect, in part, the impaired credit history of the borrower. Substantially all of these loans have previously experienced payment delinquencies and the amount owed may exceed the value of the property pledged as collateral. Consequently, these loans generally have a higher likelihood of default than newly originated mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios (“LTVs”) of 80% or less to creditworthy borrowers. The Company believes that amounts paid to acquire these loans represent fair market value at the date of acquisition. Loans considered credit deteriorated are initially recorded at the purchase price on a net basis, after establishing an initial allowance for credit losses (their initial cost basis is equal to their purchase price plus the initial allowance for credit losses). Subsequent to acquisition, the gross recorded amount for these loans reflects the initial cost basis, plus accretion of interest income, less principal and interest cash flows received. These loans are presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at carrying value, which reflects the recorded cost basis reduced by any allowance for credit losses. Interest income on such loans purchased is recorded each period based on the contractual coupon net of amortization of the difference between their cost basis and unpaid principal balance (“UPB”), subject to the Company’s nonaccrual policy.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2021

Residential Whole Loans at Fair Value

Certain of the Company’s residential whole loans are presented at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets as a result of a fair value election made at the time of acquisition. For the majority of these loans, there is significant uncertainty associated with estimating the timing of and amount of cash flows that will be collected. Further, the cash flows ultimately collected may be dependent on the value of the property securing the loan. Consequently, the Company considers that accounting for these loans at fair value should result in a better reflection over time of the economic returns for the majority of these loans. The Company determines the fair value of its residential whole loans held at fair value after considering portfolio valuations obtained from a third-party that specializes in providing valuations of residential mortgage loans and trading activity observed in the market place. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings and presented in Net (loss)/gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Income received in cash or accrued, including coupon interest, on residential whole loans held at fair value is not included in Interest Income, but rather is included in Net (loss)/gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Cash outflows associated with loan-related advances made by the Company on behalf of the borrower are included in the basis of the loan and are reflected in unrealized gains or losses reported each period.

MSR-Related Assets

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

Term Notes Backed by MSR-Related Collateral

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

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

Corporate Loans

The Company has made or participated in loans to provide financing to entities that originate residential mortgage loans and own the related MSRs. These corporate loans are generally secured by certain MSRs, as well as certain other unencumbered assets owned by the borrower.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2021

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

Residential Mortgage Securities

Prior to the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the Company had invested in residential mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) that are issued or guaranteed as to principal and/or interest by a federally chartered corporation, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), or an agency of the U.S. Government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”) (collectively, “Agency MBS”), and residential MBS that are not guaranteed by any agency of the U.S. Government or any federally chartered corporation (“Non-Agency MBS”). The Company disposed of its investments in Agency MBS during 2020 and has substantially reduced its investments in Non-Agency MBS. In addition, the Company has investments in CRT securities that are issued by or sponsored by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The coupon payments on CRT securities are paid by the issuer and the principal payments received are dependent on the performance of loans in either a reference pool or an actual pool of loans. As the loans in the underlying pool are paid, the principal balance of the CRT securities is paid. As an investor in a CRT security, the Company may incur a principal loss if the performance of the actual or reference pool loans results in either an actual or calculated loss that exceeds the credit enhancement of the security owned by the Company.

Designation

MBS that the Company generally intends to hold until maturity, but that it may sell from time to time as part of the overall management of its business, are designated as AFS. Such MBS are carried at their fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings (except when an allowance for loan losses is recognized, as discussed below) and reported in AOCI, a component of Stockholders’ Equity.

Upon the sale of an AFS security, any unrealized gain or loss is reclassified out of AOCI to earnings as a realized gain or loss using the specific identification method.

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

In addition, the Company has elected the fair value option for certain of its CRT securities as it considers this method of accounting to more appropriately reflect the risk-sharing structure of these securities. Such securities are carried at their fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings for the period and reported in Other Income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition, Premium Amortization and Discount Accretion

Interest income on securities is accrued based on their outstanding principal balance and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts associated with Agency MBS and Non-Agency MBS assessed as high credit quality at the time of purchase are amortized into interest income over the life of such securities using the effective yield method. Adjustments to premium amortization are made for actual prepayment activity.

Determination of Fair Value for Residential Mortgage Securities

In determining the fair value of the Company’s residential mortgage securities, management considers a number of observable market data points, including prices obtained from pricing services, brokers and repurchase agreement counterparties, dialogue with market participants, as well as management’s observations of market activity (see Note 14).

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2021

Allowance for credit losses

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

Balance Sheet Presentation

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

(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with financial institutions and investments in money market funds, all of which have original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents may also include cash pledged as collateral to the Company by its financing counterparties as a result of reverse margin calls (i.e., margin calls made by the Company). The Company did not hold any cash pledged by its counterparties at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $780.7 million and $814.4 million, respectively. At March 31, 2021, the Company had $721.7 million of investments in overnight money market funds, which are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other government agency. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $752.4 million worth of investments in overnight money market funds. In addition, deposits in FDIC insured accounts generally exceed insured limits (see Notes 7 and 14).

(e) Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents the Company’s cash held by its counterparties in connection with certain of the Company’s Swaps and/or financing agreements that is not available to the Company for general corporate purposes. Restricted cash may be applied against amounts due to financing agreement and/or Swap counterparties, or may be returned to the Company when the related collateral requirements are exceeded or at the maturity of the Swap and/or financing agreements. The Company had aggregate restricted cash held as collateral or otherwise in connection with its financing agreements and/or Swaps of $5.2 million and $7.2 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (see Notes 5(c), 6, 7 and 14).

(f) Real Estate Owned (“REO”)

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

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2021

(g) Leases and Depreciation

Leases

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

Leasehold Improvements, Real estate and Other Depreciable Assets

Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related assets or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the useful life or the lease term. Furniture, fixtures, computers and related hardware have estimated useful lives ranging from five to eight years at the time of purchase. The building component of real estate held-for-investment is depreciated over 27.5 years.

(h) Loan Securitization and Other Debt Issuance Costs

Loan securitization related costs are costs associated with the issuance of beneficial interests by consolidated VIEs and incurred by the Company in connection with various financing transactions completed by the Company. These costs may include underwriting, rating agency, legal, accounting and other fees. Such costs, which reflect deferred charges (unless the debt is recorded at fair value, as discussed below), are included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the corresponding debt liability. These deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method. For certain financing agreements, such costs are amortized over the shorter of the period to the expected or stated legal maturity of the debt instruments. The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of these deferred costs and, in the event an impairment charge is required, such amount will be included in Operating and Other Expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

(i) Financing Agreements

The Company finances the majority of its residential mortgage assets with financing agreements that include repurchase agreements and other forms of collateralized financing. Under repurchase agreements, the Company sells assets to a lender and agrees to repurchase the same assets in the future for a price that is higher than the original sale price. The difference between the sale price that the Company receives and the repurchase price that the Company pays represents interest paid to the lender. Although legally structured as sale and repurchase transactions, the Company accounts for repurchase agreements as secured borrowings. Under its repurchase agreements and other forms of collateralized financing, the Company pledges its assets as collateral to secure the borrowing, in an amount which is equal to a specified percentage of the fair value of the pledged collateral, while the Company retains beneficial ownership of the pledged collateral. At the maturity of a repurchase financing, unless the repurchase financing is renewed with the same counterparty, the Company is required to repay the loan including any accrued interest and concurrently receives back its pledged collateral from the lender. With the consent of the lender, the Company may renew a repurchase financing at the then prevailing financing terms. Margin calls, whereby a lender requires that the Company pledge additional assets or cash as collateral to secure borrowings under its repurchase financing with such lender, are routinely experienced by the Company when the value of the assets pledged as collateral declines as a result of principal amortization and prepayments or due to changes in market interest rates, spreads or other market conditions. The Company also may make margin calls on counterparties when collateral values increase.

The Company’s repurchase financings collateralized by residential mortgage securities and MSR-related assets typically have terms ranging from one month to six months at inception, while the majority of our financing arrangements collateralized by residential whole loans have terms of twelve months or longer. Should a counterparty decide not to renew a financing arrangement at maturity, the Company must either refinance elsewhere or be in a position to satisfy the obligation. If, during the term of a financing, a lender should default on its obligation, the Company might experience difficulty recovering its

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2021

pledged assets which could result in an unsecured claim against the lender for the difference between the amount loaned to the Company plus interest due to the counterparty and the fair value of the collateral pledged by the Company to such lender, including accrued interest receivable on such collateral (see Notes 6, 7 and 14).

The Company has elected the fair value option on certain of its financing agreements. These agreements are reported at their fair value, with changes in fair value being recorded in earnings each period (or other comprehensive income, to the extent the change results from a change in instrument specific credit risk), as further detailed in Note 6. Financing costs, including “up front” fees paid at inception related to financing agreements at fair value are expensed as incurred. Interest expense is recorded based on the current interest rate in effect for the related agreement.

(j) Equity-Based Compensation

Compensation expense for equity-based awards that are subject to vesting conditions, is recognized ratably over the vesting period of such awards, based upon t

Form: 10-Q

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