Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corp - FORM 10-Q

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corp - FORM 10-Q - May 11, 2015

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 001-36099

CHERRY HILL MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

N/A

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


Maryland		46-1315605
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

301 Harper Drive, Suite 110 Moorestown, New Jersey		08057
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(877) 870 – 7005

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

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

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

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

As of May 11, 2015, there were 7,509,543 outstanding shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation.

CHERRY HILL MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION			3

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION			5

Item 1.	Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)		5

	Consolidated Balance Sheets		5

	Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)		6

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)		7

	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity		8

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		9

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		10

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		39

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		55

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		59

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION			60

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		60

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		60

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		60

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		60

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		60

Item 5.	Other Information		60

Item 6.	Exhibits		60

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we”, “our” or “us”) makes forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). For these statements, the Company claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in such Sections. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When the Company uses the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “could,’’ “would,” “may,” “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, the Company intends to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking:

•

the Company’s investment objectives and business strategy;

•

the Company’s ability to obtain future financing arrangements;

•

the Company’s expected leverage;

•

the Company’s expected investments;

•

the Company’s ability to execute its prime mortgage loan strategy and its ability to finance this asset class;

•

the Company’s ability to acquire MSRs and create its own Excess MSRs from the MSRs it may eventually acquire;

•

the Company’s ability to complete the acquisition of Aurora Financial Group Inc. (“Aurora”) and obtain the anticipated benefits of owning a licensed servicer;

•

estimates or statements relating to, and the Company’s ability to make, future distributions;

•

the Company’s ability to compete in the marketplace;

•

market, industry and economic trends;

•

recent market developments and actions taken and to be taken by the U.S. Government, the U.S. Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”);

•

mortgage loan modification programs and future legislative actions;

•

the Company’s ability to maintain its qualification as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);

•

the Company’s ability to maintain its exemption from qualification under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”);

•

projected capital and operating expenditures;

•

availability of investment opportunities in mortgage-related, real estate-related and other securities;

•

availability of qualified personnel;

•

prepayment rates; and

•

projected default rates.

The Company’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to it or are within its control. If any such change occurs, the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the Company’s forward-looking statements. These risks, along with, among others, the following factors, could cause actual results to vary from the Company’s forward-looking statements:

•

the factors discussed under “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014;

•

the Company’s ability to obtain required consents in connection with the Aurora acquisition;

•

general volatility of the capital markets;

•

changes in the Company’s investment objectives and business strategy;

•

availability, terms and deployment of capital;

•

availability of suitable investment opportunities;

•

the Company’s dependence on its external manager, Cherry Hill Mortgage Management, LLC (“the Manager”), and the Company’s ability to find a suitable replacement if the Company or the Manager were to terminate the management agreement the Company has entered into with the Manager;

•

changes in the Company’s assets, interest rates or the general economy;

•

increased rates of default and/or decreased recovery rates on the Company’s investments;

•

changes in interest rates, interest rate spreads, the yield curve, prepayment rates or recapture rates;

•

limitations on the Company’s business due to compliance with the REIT requirements; and

•

the degree and nature of the Company’s competition, including competition for its targeted assets.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. These forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company is not obligated, and does not intend, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2014

(in thousands — except share data)


	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
Assets
RMBS, available-for-sale	$	429,615		$	416,003
Investments in Excess MSRs at fair value		84,561			91,322
Cash and cash equivalents		13,672			12,447
Restricted cash		10,273			6,947
Derivative assets		81			342
Receivables from unsettled trades		—			309
Receivables and other assets		4,535			4,556

Total Assets	$	542,737		$	531,926
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Repurchase agreements	$	373,868		$	362,126
Derivative liabilities		7,085			4,088
Dividends payable		3,830			3,830
Due to affiliates		749			769
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		600			795

Total Liabilities	$	386,132		$	371,608
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	$	—		$	—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 7,509,543 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014		75			75
Additional paid-in capital		148,258			148,258
Retained earnings (deficit)		(1,443	)		4,799
Accumulated other comprehensive income		9,125			6,641

Total CHMI Stockholders’ Equity	$	156,015		$	159,773
Non-controlling interests in operating partnership		590			545

Total Stockholders’ Equity	$	156,605		$	160,318

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	542,737		$	531,926

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

(in thousands — except per share data)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Income
Interest income	$	6,472		$	6,011
Interest expense		1,235			947

Net interest income		5,237			5,064
Other income (loss)
Realized gain (loss) on RMBS, net		307			(349	)
Realized gain (loss) on derivatives, net		(1,242	)		(72	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net		(2,542	)		(3,443	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments in Excess MSRs		(2,762	)		670

Total Income		(1,002	)		1,870
Expenses
General and administrative expense		721			453
Management fee to affiliate		690			679

Total Expenses		1,411			1,132

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes		(2,413	)		738
Provision for corporate business taxes		21			4

Net Income (Loss)		(2,434	)		734
Net (income) loss allocated to noncontrolling interests		22			(4	)

Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Stockholders	$	(2,412	)	$	730
Net income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock
Basic	$	(0.32	)	$	0.10
Diluted	$	(0.32	)	$	0.10
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
Basic		7,509,543			7,502,505
Diluted		7,509,543			7,506,680

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Net income (loss)	$	(2,434	)	$	734
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized gain (loss) on RMBS		2,791			3,006
Reclassification of net realized (gain) loss on RMBS in earnings		(307	)		349

Other comprehensive income (loss)		2,484			3,355

Comprehensive income (loss)	$	50		$	4,089
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	(A)		20

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	50		$	4,069

(A)	de minimis ($458.00 rounds to $0.00).

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

(Unaudited)

(in thousands — except share data)


	Common Stock Shares		Common Stock Amount			Additional Paid-in Capital		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings (Deficit)			Non- Controlling Interest in Operating Partnership			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance, December 31, 2013		7,500,000	$	75		$	148,078	$	(5,033	)	$	17,695		$	307		$	161,122
Issuance of common stock		9,543		—	(A)		67		—			—			—			67
Net Income		—		—			—		—			730			4			734
Other Comprehensive Income		—		—			—		3,355			—			—			3,355
LTIP-OP Unit awards		—		—			—		—			—			50			50
Distribution paid on LTIP-OP Units		—		—			—		—			—			(16	)		(16	)
Common dividends declared		—		—			—		—			(3,755	)		—			(3,755	)

Balance, March 31, 2014		7,509,543	$	75		$	148,145	$	(1,678	)	$	14,670		$	345		$	161,557

Balance, December 31, 2014		7,509,543	$	75		$	148,258	$	6,641		$	4,799		$	545		$	160,318
Issuance of common stock		—		—			—		—			—			—			—
Net Loss		—		—			—		—			(2,412	)		(22	)		(2,434	)
Other Comprehensive Income		—		—			—		2,484			—			—			2,484
LTIP-OP Unit awards		—		—			—		—			—			102			102
Distribution paid on LTIP-OP Units		—		—			—		—			—			(35	)		(35	)
Common dividends declared		—		—			—		—			(3,830	)		—			(3,830	)

Balance, March 31, 2015		7,509,543	$	75		$	148,258	$	9,125		$	(1,443	)	$	590		$	156,605

(A)	de minimis ($95.00 rounds to $0.00).

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$	(2,434	)	$	734
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Change in fair value of investments in Excess MSRs		2,762			(670	)
Accretion of premium and other amortization		677			355
Realized (gain) loss on RMBS, net		(307	)		349
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives, net		2,542			3,443
Realized (gain) loss on derivatives, net		1,242			72
LTIP-OP Unit awards		102			50
Changes in:
Receivables from unsettled trades		309			7,239
Other assets		21			168
Due to affiliate		(20	)		69
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		(195	)		1,249

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	4,699		$	13,058
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchase of RMBS		(72,544	)		(34,927	)
Acquisition of Excess MSRs		—			(1,513	)
Proceeds from sale of RMBS		52,142			11,594
Purchase of derivatives		(528	)		(478	)
Sale of derivatives		—			(72	)
Principal paydown of Excess MSRs		3,999			4,602
Principal paydown of RMBS		8,906			4,108

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	(8,025	)	$	(16,686	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Repayments of repurchase agreements		(344,575	)		(468,508	)
Margin deposits under repurchase agreements		(3,326	)		605
Borrowings under repurchase agreements		356,317			477,187
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs		—			67
LTIP-OP Units distributions paid		(35	)		(16	)
Dividends paid		(3,830	)		(3,375	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$	4,551		$	5,960

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	1,225		$	2,332
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period		12,447			10,375

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$	13,672		$	12,707
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest expense	$	517		$	242
Dividends declared but not paid	$	3,830		$	3,755

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

Note 1 — Organization and Operations

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”) was organized in the state of Maryland on October 31, 2012 to invest in residential mortgage assets in the United States. Under the Company’s charter, at December 31, 2012, the Company was authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. On June 6, 2013, the Company amended and restated its charter and increased its authorized capitalization. Accordingly, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company was authorized to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of common stock and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, each with a par value of $0.01 per share. The Company commenced operations on or about October 9, 2013.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries, Cherry Hill Operating Partnership LP, Cherry Hill QRS I, LLC, Cherry Hill QRS II, LLC, CHMI Insurance Company, LLC and CHMI Solutions, Inc. (“CHMI Solutions”) (formerly, CHMI Solutions, LLC).

On October 9, 2013, the Company completed an initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 6,500,000 shares of common stock and a concurrent private placement of 1,000,000 shares of common stock. The IPO and concurrent private placement resulted in the sale of 7,500,000 shares of common stock, at a price per share of $20.00. The net proceeds to the Company from the IPO and the concurrent private placement were approximately $148.1 million, after deducting offering-related expenses payable by the Company. The Company did not conduct any activity prior to the IPO and the concurrent private placement. Substantially all of the net proceeds from the IPO and the concurrent private placement were used to invest in excess mortgage servicing rights on residential mortgage loans (“Excess MSRs”) and residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS” or “securities”), the payment of principal and interest on which is guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or a U.S. government sponsored enterprise (“Agency RMBS”).

Prior to the IPO, the Company was a development stage company that had not commenced operations other than the organization of the Company. The Company completed the IPO and concurrent private placement on October 9, 2013, at which time the Company commenced operations.

Prior to the IPO, the sole stockholder of the Company was Stanley Middleman. On December 4, 2012, Mr. Middleman made a $1,000 initial capital contribution to the Company in exchange for 1,000 shares of common stock, and, on October 9, 2013, the Company repurchased these shares from Mr. Middleman for $1,000.

The Company is party to a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with Cherry Hill Mortgage Management, LLC (the “Manager”), a Delaware limited liability company which is controlled by Mr. Middleman. For a further discussion of the Management Agreement, see Note 7.

The Company was taxed for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a Subchapter C corporation for the two month period from October 31, 2012 (date of inception) to December 31, 2012. On February 13, 2013, the Company elected to be taxed for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a Subchapter S corporation effective January 1, 2013, and, as such, all federal tax liabilities were the responsibility of the sole stockholder. In anticipation of the IPO, the Company elected to revoke its Subchapter S election on October 2, 2013. The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT, as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, commencing with the year ended December 31, 2014. As long as the Company continues to comply with a number of requirements under federal tax law and maintains its qualification as a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes to the extent that the Company distributes its taxable income to its stockholders on an annual basis and does not engage in prohibited transactions. However, certain activities that the Company may perform may cause it to earn income that will not be qualifying income for REIT purposes.

Note 2 — Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company consolidates those entities in which it has an investment of 50% or more and has control over significant operating, financial and investing decisions of the entity. The consolidated financial statements reflect all necessary and recurring adjustments for fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented herein.

Emerging Growth Company Status

On April 5, 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”) was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, reduce certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. Because the Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company,” it may, under Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies until such standards would otherwise apply to private companies. The Company has elected to take advantage of this extended transition period until the first to occur of the date that it (i) is no longer an “emerging growth company” or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opts out of this extended transition period. As a result, the financial statements may not be comparable to those of other public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards. Until the date that the Company is no longer an “emerging growth company” or affirmatively and irrevocably opts out of the extended transition period, upon issuance of a new or revised accounting standard that applies to the financial statements and that has a different effective date for public and private companies, the Company will disclose the date on which adoption is required for non-emerging growth companies and the date on which it will adopt the recently issued accounting standard.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make a number of significant estimates and assumptions. These include estimates of fair value of RMBS, Excess MSRs, derivatives and credit losses including the period of time during which the Company anticipates an increase in the fair values of securities sufficient to recover unrealized losses on those securities, and other estimates that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. It is likely that changes in these estimates (e.g., valuation changes due to supply and demand, credit performance, prepayments, interest rates, or other reasons) will occur in the near term. The Company’s estimates are inherently subjective in nature. Actual results could differ from the Company’s estimates and differences may be material.

Risks and Uncertainties

In the normal course of business, the Company encounters primarily two significant types of economic risk: credit and market. Credit risk is the risk of default on the Company’s investments in RMBS, Excess MSRs and derivatives that results from a borrower’s or derivative counterparty’s inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of investments in RMBS, Excess MSRs and derivatives due to changes in interest rates, spreads or other market factors. The Company is subject to the risks involved with real estate and real estate-related debt instruments. These include, among others, the risks normally associated with changes in the general economic climate, changes in the mortgage market, changes in tax laws, interest rate levels, and the availability of financing.

The Company also is subject to significant tax risks. If the Company were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, the Company would be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax), which could be material. Unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, the Company would also be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost.

Investments in RMBS

Classification – The Company classifies its investments in RMBS as securities available for sale. Although the Company generally intends to hold most of its securities until maturity, it may, from time to time, sell any of its securities as part of its overall management of its portfolio. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, to the extent impairment losses, if any, are considered temporary. Unrealized losses on securities are charged to earnings if they reflect a decline in value that is other-than-temporary, as described below.

Fair value is determined under the guidance of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). The Company determines fair value of its RMBS investments based upon prices obtained from third-party pricing providers. The third-party pricing providers use pricing models that generally incorporate such factors as coupons, primary and secondary mortgage rates, rate reset period, issuer, prepayment speeds, credit enhancements and expected life of the security. In determining the fair value of RMBS, management’s judgment is used to arrive at fair value that considers prices obtained from third-party pricing providers and other applicable market data. The Company’s application of ASC 820 guidance is discussed in further detail in Note 9.

Investment securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. At disposition, the net realized gain or loss is determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investment and is included in earnings. All RMBS sold in the three month period ended March 31, 2015, and in the year ended December 31, 2014, were settled.

Revenue Recognition – Interest income from coupon payments is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount of the RMBS and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts associated with the purchase of the RMBS are accreted into interest income over the projected lives of the securities using the interest method. The Company’s policy for estimating prepayment speeds for calculating the effective yield is to evaluate historical performance, consensus on prepayment speeds, and current market conditions. Adjustments are made for actual prepayment activity. Approximately $1.3 million and $1.3 million in interest income was receivable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and has been classified within “Receivables and other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet.

Impairment – The Company evaluates its RMBS, on a quarterly basis, to assess whether a decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis is an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). The presence of OTTI is based upon a fair value decline below a security’s amortized cost basis and a corresponding adverse change in expected cash flows due to credit related factors as well as non-credit factors, such as changes in interest rates and market spreads. Impairment is considered other-than-temporary if an entity (i) intends to sell the security, (ii) will more likely than not be required to sell the security before it recovers in value, or (iii) does not expect to recover the security’s amortized cost basis, even if the entity does not intend to sell the security. Under these scenarios, the impairment is other-than-temporary and the full amount of impairment should be recognized currently in earnings and the cost basis of the security is adjusted. However, if an entity does not intend to sell the impaired security and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell before recovery, the OTTI should be separated into (i) the estimated amount relating to credit loss, or the credit component, and (ii) the amount relating to all other factors, or the non-credit component. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized currently in earnings, with the remainder of the loss recognized in other comprehensive income. The difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted into interest income in accordance with the effective interest method.

Investments in Excess MSRs

Classification – Upon acquisition, the Company elected the fair value option to record its investments in Excess MSRs in order to provide users of the financial statements with better information regarding the effects of prepayment risk and other market factors on the Excess MSRs. Under this election, the Company records a valuation adjustment on its investments in Excess MSRs on a quarterly basis to recognize the changes in fair value in net income as described below. In determining the valuation of Excess MSRs, management used internally developed models that are primarily based on observable market-based inputs but which also include unobservable market data inputs (see Note 9).

Revenue Recognition – Excess MSRs are aggregated into pools as applicable. Each pool of Excess MSRs is accounted for in the aggregate. Interest income for Excess MSRs is accreted into interest income on an effective yield or “interest” method, based upon the expected excess mortgage servicing amount over the expected life of the underlying mortgages. Changes to expected cash flows result in a cumulative retrospective adjustment, which will be recorded in the period in which the change in expected cash flows occurs. Under the retrospective method, the interest income recognized for a reporting period would be measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis at the end of the period and the amortized cost basis at the beginning of the period, plus any cash received during the period. The amortized cost basis is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows using an effective yield, which is the yield that equates all past actual and current estimated future cash flows to the initial investment. The difference between the fair value of Excess MSRs and their amortized cost basis is recorded on the income statement as “Unrealized gain (loss) on investments in Excess MSRs.” Fair value is generally determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using discount rates that incorporate the market risks and liquidity premium specific to the Excess MSRs and, therefore, may differ from their effective yields. Approximately $2.4 million and $2.7 million in Excess MSR cashflow was receivable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and has been classified within “Receivables and other assets” on the consolidated balance sheet.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Derivative transactions include swaps, swaptions, treasury futures and “to-be-announced” securities (“TBAs”). Swaps and swaptions are entered into by the Company solely for interest rate risk management purposes. TBAs and treasury futures are used for duration risk and basis risk management purposes. The decision of whether or not a given transaction/position (or portion thereof) is economically hedged is made on a case-by-case basis, based on the risks involved and other factors as determined by senior management, including restrictions imposed by the Code on REITs . In determining whether to economically hedge a risk, the Company may consider whether other assets, liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions already offset or reduce the risk. All transactions undertaken as economic hedges are entered into with a view towards minimizing the potential for economic losses that could be incurred by the Company. Generally, derivatives entered into are not intended to qualify as hedges under GAAP, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The Company’s derivative financial instruments contain credit risk to the extent that its bank counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. The Company reduces such risk by limiting its counterparties to major financial institutions. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one party resulting from this type of credit risk is monitored. Finally, the Company’s interest rate swaps are required to be cleared on an exchange, which further mitigates, but does not eliminate, credit risk. Management does not expect any material losses as a result of default by other parties.

Classification – All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and measured at fair value. Due to the nature of these instruments, they may be in a receivable/asset position or a payable/liability position at the end of an accounting period. Derivative amounts payable to, and receivable from, the same party under a contract may be offset as long as the following conditions are met: (i) each of the two parties owes the other determinable amounts; (ii) the reporting party has the right to offset the amount owed with the amount owed by the other party; (iii) the reporting party intends to offset; and (iv) the right to offset is enforceable by law. The Company reports the fair value of derivative instruments gross of cash paid or received pursuant to credit support agreements, and fair value may be reflected on a net counterparty basis when the Company believes a legal right of offset exists under an enforceable master netting agreement. For further discussion on offsetting assets and liabilities, see Note 8.

Revenue Recognition – With respect to derivatives that have not been designated as hedges, any net payments under, or fluctuations in the fair value of, such derivatives have been recognized currently in “Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, net” in the consolidated statements of income. These derivatives may, to some extent, be economically effective as hedges.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Substantially all amounts on deposit with major financial institutions exceed insured limits. Restricted cash represents the Company’s cash held by counterparties as collateral against the Company’s derivatives and/or borrowings under its repurchase agreements.

Due to Affiliate

This represents amounts due to the Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. For further information on the Management Agreement, see Note 7.

Income Taxes

As long as the Company qualifies as a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its taxable income to the extent it annually distributes at least 90% of its net taxable income to stockholders and does not engage in prohibited transactions.

The Company intends to comply with all requirements to continue to qualify as a REIT. The majority of states also recognize the Company’s REIT status. For the taxable years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company qualified to be taxed as a REIT for US federal income tax purposes.

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. ASC 740 requires the recording of deferred income taxes that reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the Company’s assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, including operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company assesses its tax positions for all open tax years and determines if it has any material unrecognized liabilities in accordance with ASC 740. The Company records these liabilities to the extent it deems them more-likely-than-not to be incurred. The Company records interest and penalties related to income taxes within the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income (loss). The Company has not incurred any interest or penalties.

Realized Gain (Loss) on RMBS and Derivatives, Net

The following table presents gains and losses on sales of RMBS and derivatives for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Realized gain (loss) on RMBS, net
Gain on RMBS	$	307		$	—
Loss on RMBS		—			(349	)

Net realized gain (loss) on RMBS		307			(349	)
Realized gain (loss) on derivatives, net		(1,242	)		(72	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net		(2,542	)		(3,443	)

Total	$	(3,477	)	$	(3,864	)

The gain and loss on RMBS presented above represent the amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) in earnings.

Repurchase Agreements and Interest Expense

The Company finances its investments in RMBS with short-term borrowings under master repurchase agreements. The repurchase agreements are generally short-term debt, which expire within one year. Borrowings under repurchase agreements generally bear interest rates of a specified margin over one-month LIBOR and are generally uncommitted. The repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at their contractual amounts, as specified in the respective agreements. Interest is recorded at the contractual amount on an accrual basis.

Dividends Payable

Because the Company is organized as a REIT under the Code, it is required by law to distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, which it does in the form of quarterly dividend payments. The Company accrues the dividend payable on the accounting date, which causes an offsetting reduction in retained earnings.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period resulting from transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners. For the Company’s purposes, comprehensive income represents net income, as presented in the consolidated statements of income, adjusted for unrealized and realized gains or losses on RMBS, which are designated as available for sale.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition – In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 606, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted as of one year prior. Management is evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09; however, it is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or earnings per share.

Transfers and Servicing – In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures, which amends ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. ASU 2014-11, which affects all entities that enter into repurchase-to-maturity transactions or repurchase financings, requires two accounting changes. First, ASU 2014-11 changes the

accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting. Second, for repurchase financing arrangements, ASU 2014-11 requires separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which will result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. ASU 2014-11 also requires disclosures for certain transactions comprising (1) a transfer of a financial asset accounted for as a sale and (2) an agreement with the same transferee entered into in contemplation of the initial transfer that results in the transferor retaining substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial asset throughout the term of the transaction. For those transactions outstanding at the reporting date, the transferor is required to disclose additional information by type of transaction. ASU 2014-11 also requires certain disclosures for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings. The accounting changes in ASU 2014-11 are effective for public business entities for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. For public business entities, the disclosure for certain transactions accounted for as a sale is required to be presented for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and the disclosure for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required to be presented for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015, with early adoption prohibited. Adoption of ASU 2014-11 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or earnings per share.

Stock Compensation – In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period, which amends ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in ASC 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. As indicated in the definition of vest, the stated vesting period (which includes the period in which the performance target could be achieved) may differ from the requisite service period. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Currently, management does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or earnings per share.

Going Concern – In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which amends ASC Subtopic 205-40, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 provides guidance in GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued and to provide related footnote disclosures of the relevant facts and circumstances. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. Currently, management does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2014-15 will have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or earnings per share.

Changes in Presentation

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss), for the three month period ended March 31, 2014, has been revised to present the reclassification of approximately $349,000 of net realized loss on RMBS in earnings in accordance with the authoritative guidance.

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss), for the three month period ended March 31, 2014, has been revised to present the comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and the comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders in accordance with the authoritative guidance.

The summary financial data by segment table, as presented in Note 3, for the three month period ended March 31, 2014, has been revised to present the reclassification of approximately $4,000 from other operating expenses to provision for corporate business taxes, within “All Other”, in accordance with the authoritative guidance.

These changes in presentation have no impact on the other consolidated financial statements or related footnote disclosures.

Note 3 — Segment Reporting

The Company conducts its business through the following segments: (i) investments in RMBS; and (ii) investments in Servicing Related Assets. “All Other” consists primarily of general and administrative expenses including fees to the directors, and management fees pursuant to the Management Agreement (see Note 7). For segment reporting purposes, the Company does not allocate interest income on short-term investments or general and administrative expenses.

Summary financial data on the Company’s segments is given below, together with a reconciliation to the same data for the Company as a whole (dollars in thousands):


	Servicing Related Assets			RMBS			All Other			Total
Income Statement
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Interest income	$	3,220		$	3,252		$	—		$	6,472
Interest expense		—			1,235			—			1,235

Net interest income		3,220			2,017			—			5,237
Other income		(2,762	)		(3,477	)		—			(6,239	)
Other operating expenses		—			—			1,411			1,411
Provision for corporate business taxes		—			—			21			21

Net income (loss)	$	458		$	(1,460	)	$	(1,432	)	$	(2,434	)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Interest income	$	3,685		$	2,326		$	—		$	6,011
Interest expense		—			947			—			947

Net interest income		3,685			1,379			—			5,064
Other income		670			(3,864	)		—			(3,194	)
Other operating expenses		—			—			1,132			1,132
Provision for corporate business taxes		—			—			4			4

Net income (loss)	$	4,355		$	(2,485	)	$	(1,136	)	$	734
Balance Sheet
March 31, 2015
Investments	$	84,561		$	429,615		$	—		$	514,176
Other assets		2,446			11,662			14,453			28,561

Total assets		87,007			441,277			14,453			542,737
Debt		—			373,868			—			373,868
Other liabilities		—			7,316			4,948			12,264

Total liabilities		—			381,184			4,948			386,132
GAAP book value	$	87,007		$	60,093		$	9,505		$	156,605
December 31, 2014
Investments	$	91,322		$	416,003		$	—		$	507,325
Other assets		2,713			8,920			12,968			24,601

Total assets		94,035			424,923			12,968			531,926
Debt		—			362,126			—			362,126
Other liabilities		—			4,319			5,163			9,482

Total liabilities		—			366,445			5,163			371,608
GAAP book value	$	94,035		$	58,478		$	7,805		$	160,318

Note 4 — Investments in RMBS

The following is a summary of the Company’s RMBS investments as of the periods indicated, all of which are classified as available for sale and are, therefore, reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income except for securities that are OTTI. There were no OTTI securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Summary of RMBS Assets

As of March 31, 2015


Asset Type	Original Face Value		Book Value		Gross Unrealized					Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Weighted Average
Asset Type	Original Face Value		Book Value		Gains		Losses			Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Rating	Coupon			Yield			Maturity (Years)^(C)
RMBS
Fannie Mae	$	286,894	$	281,174	$	6,327	$	(54	)	$	287,447		36	(B)		3.84	%		3.44	%		23
Freddie Mac		139,500		132,245		2,995		(11	)		135,229		16	(B)		3.66	%		3.46	%		23
CMOs		25,964		7,071		71		(203	)		6,939		4	Unrated		4.22	%		11.78	%		14

Total/Weighted Average	$	452,358	$	420,490	$	9,393	$	(268	)	$	429,615		56			3.79	%		3.58	%		23

As of December 31, 2014


Asset Type	Original Face Value		Book Value		Gross Unrealized					Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Weighted Average
Asset Type	Original Face Value		Book Value		Gains		Losses			Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Rating	Coupon			Yield			Maturity (Years)^(C)
RMBS
Fannie Mae	$	267,516	$	263,924	$	4,674	$	(10	)	$	268,588		33	(B)		3.89	%		3.51	%		24
Freddie Mac		144,064		138,333		2,143		—			140,476		17	(B)		3.75	%		2.99	%		23
CMOs		25,964		7,105		—		(166	)		6,939		4	Unrated		4.18	%		12.65	%		14

Total/Weighted Average	$	437,544	$	409,362	$	6,817	$	(176	)	$	416,003		54			3.85	%		3.49	%		23

(A)	See Note 9 regarding the estimation of fair value, which approximates carrying value for all securities.

(B)	The Company used an implied AAA rating for the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securities.

(C)	The weighted average maturity is based on the timing of expected principal reduction on the assets. No individual security matures within 10 years.

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company pledged Agency RMBS investments with a carrying value of approximately $394.0 million and $380.7 million, respectively, as collateral for repurchase agreements. At March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any securities purchased from and financed with the same counterparty that did not meet the conditions of ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, to be considered linked transactions and, therefore, classified as derivatives.

Unrealized losses that are considered other-than-temporary are recognized currently in earnings. During the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not record any OTTI charges. Based on management’s analysis of these securities, the performance of the underlying loans and changes in market factors, management determined that unrealized losses as of the balance sheet date on the Company’s securities were primarily the result of changes in market factors, rather than issuer-specific credit impairment. The Company performed analyses in relation to such securities, using management’s best estimate of their cash flows, which support its belief that the carrying values of such securities were fully recoverable over their expected holding period. Such market factors include changes in market interest rates and credit spreads, or certain macroeconomic events, which did not directly impact the Company’s ability to collect amounts contractually due. Management continually evaluates the credit status of each of the Company’s securities and the collateral supporting those securities. This evaluation includes a review of the credit of the issuer of the security (if applicable), the credit rating of the security (if applicable), the key terms of the security (including credit support), debt service coverage and loan to value ratios, the performance of the pool of underlying loans and the estimated value of the collateral supporting such loans, including the effect of local, industry and broader economic trends and factors. In connection with the above, the Company weighs the fact that all of its investments in Agency RMBS are guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government sponsored entities.

These factors include underlying loan default expectations and loss severities, which are analyzed in connection with a particular security’s credit support, as well as prepayment rates. The result of this evaluation is considered when determining management’s estimate of cash flows and in relation to the amount of the unrealized loss and the period elapsed since it was incurred. Significant judgment is required in this analysis. The following tables summarize the Company’s securities in an unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

RMBS Unrealized Loss Positions

As of March 31, 2015


Asset Type	Original				Gross							Weighted Average
Asset Type	Face Value		Book Value		Unrealized Losses			Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Rating			Coupon			Yield			Maturity (Years)^(C)
Less than Twelve Months	$	39,258	$	21,064	$	(268	)	$	20,796		5		(B	)		3.24	%		5.81	%		19
Twelve or More Months		—		—		—			—		—					—	%		—	%		—

Total/Weighted Average	$	39,258	$	21,064	$	(268	)	$	20,796		5					3.24	%		5.81	%		19

As of December 31, 2014


Asset Type	Original				Gross							Weighted Average
Asset Type	Face Value		Book Value		Unrealized Losses			Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Rating			Coupon			Yield			Maturity (Years)^(C)
Less than Twelve Months	$	35,404	$	16,946	$	(176	)	$	16,770		5		(B	)		3.78	%		7.21	%		23
Twelve or More Months		—		—		—			—		—					—	%		—	%		—

Total/Weighted Average	$	35,404	$	16,946	$	(176	)	$	16,770		5					3.78	%		7.21	%		23

(A)	See Note 9 regarding the estimation of fair value, which is equal to carrying value for all securities.

(B)	The Company used an implied AAA rating for the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securities, other than CMOs, which are unrated.

(C)

The weighted average maturity is based on the timing of expected principal reduction on the assets. The Company does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases which may be maturity.

Note 5 — Investments in Excess MSRs

In October 2013, the Company entered into an agreement (“MSR Agreement 1”) with Freedom Mortgage Corporation (“Freedom Mortgage”) to invest in Excess MSRs with Freedom Mortgage. Freedom Mortgage originated the mortgage servicing rights on the related pool of residential fixed rate Ginnie Mae-eligible FHA and VA mortgage loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance (“UPB”) of approximately $10.0 billion (“MSR Pool 1”). Freedom Mortgage is entitled to receive an initial weighted average total mortgage servicing amount of approximately 28 basis points (“bps”) on the performing UPB, as well as any ancillary income from MSR Pool 1. Pursuant to MSR Agreement 1, Freedom Mortgage performs all servicing functions and advancing functions related to MSR Pool 1 for a basic fee (the amount representing reasonable compensation for performing the servicing duties) of 8 bps. The remainder, or “excess mortgage servicing amount,” is initially equal to a weighted average of 20 bps.

The Company acquired the right to receive 85% of the excess mortgage servicing amount on MSR Pool 1 and, subject to certain limitations and pursuant to a loan replacement agreement (the “MSR Pool 1—Recapture Agreement”), 85% of the Excess MSRs on future mortgage loans originated by Freedom Mortgage that represent refinancings of loans in MSR Pool l (which loans then become part of MSR Pool 1) for approximately $60.6 million. Freedom Mortgage has co-invested, pari passu with the Company, in 15% of the Excess MSRs. Freedom Mortgage, as servicer, also retains the ancillary income and the servicing obligations and liabilities. If Freedom Mortgage is terminated as the servicer, the Company’s right to receive its portion of the excess mortgage servicing amount is also terminated. To the extent that Freedom Mortgage is terminated as the servicer and receives a termination payment, the Company is entitled to a pro rata share, or 85%, of such termination payment.

In October 2013, the Company entered into an agreement (“MSR Agreement 2”) with Freedom Mortgage to invest with Freedom Mortgage in another pool of Excess MSRs. Freedom Mortgage acquired the mortgage servicing rights from a third-party seller on a pool of residential Ginnie Mae-eligible VA hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans with an outstanding principal balance of approximately $10.7 billion (“MSR Pool 2”). Freedom Mortgage is entitled to receive an initial weighted average total mortgage servicing amount of 44 bps on the performing UPB, as well as any ancillary income from MSR Pool 2. Pursuant to MSR Agreement 2, Freedom Mortgage performs all servicing functions and advancing functions related to MSR Pool 2 for a basic fee (the amount representing reasonable compensation for performing the servicing duties) of 10 bps. Therefore, the remainder, or “excess mortgage servicing amount” is initially equal to a weighted average of 34 bps.

The Company acquired the right to receive 50% of the excess mortgage servicing amount on MSR Pool 2 and, subject to certain limitations and pursuant to a loan replacement agreement (the “MSR Pool 2—Recapture Agreement”), 50% of the Excess MSRs on future mortgage loans originated by Freedom Mortgage that represent refinancings of loans in MSR Pool 2 (which loans then become part of MSR Pool 2) for approximately $38.4 million. Freedom Mortgage has co-invested, pari passu with the Company, in 50% of the Excess MSRs. Freedom Mortgage, as servicer, also retains the ancillary income and the servicing obligations and liabilities. If Freedom Mortgage is terminated as the servicer, the Company’s right to receive its portion of the excess mortgage servicing amount is also terminated. To the extent that Freedom Mortgage is terminated as the servicer and receives a termination payment, the Company is entitled to a pro rata share, or 50%, of such termination payment.

Upon completion of the IPO and the concurrent private placement, the Company also entered into a flow and bulk Excess MSR purchase agreement related to future purchases of Excess MSRs from Freedom Mortgage. On February 28, 2014, pursuant to the flow and bulk Excess MSR purchase agreement, the Company purchased from Freedom Mortgage Excess MSRs on mortgage loans originated by Freedom Mortgage during the first quarter of 2014 with an UPB of approximately $76.8 million. The Company acquired an approximate 85% interest in the Excess MSRs for approximately $567,000. The terms of the purchase include recapture provisions that are the same as those in the Excess MSR acquisition agreements the Company entered into with Freedom Mortgage in October 2013.

On March 31, 2014, pursuant to the flow and bulk Excess MSR purchase agreement, the Company purchased from Freedom Mortgage Excess MSRs on mortgage loans originated by a third party originator with an aggregate UPB of approximately $159.8 million. Freedom Mortgage purchased the MSRs on these mortgage loans from a third party on January 31, 2014. The Company acquired an approximate 71% interest in the Excess MSRs for approximately $946,000. The terms of the purchase include recapture provisions that are the same as those in the Excess MSR acquisition agreements the Company entered into with Freedom Mortgage in October 2013.

On June 30, 2014, pursuant to the flow and bulk Excess MSR purchase agreement, the Company purchased from Freedom Mortgage Excess MSRs on mortgage loans originated by Freedom Mortgage during the second quarter of 2014 with an aggregate UPB of approximately $98.1 million. The Company acquired an approximate 85% interest in the Excess MSRs for approximately $661,000. The terms of the purchase include recapture provisions that are the same as those in the Excess MSR acquisition agreements the Company entered into with Freedom Mortgage in October 2013.

The mortgage loans underlying the Excess MSRs purchased in 2014 are collectively referred to as “Pool 2014,” and the recapture provisions, which are identical, are collectively referred to as the “Pool 2014—Recapture Agreement.”

The following is a summary of the Company’s Excess MSRs (dollars in thousands):

Servicing Related Assets Summary

As of March 31, 2015


	Unpaid Principal Balance		Amortized Cost Basis^(A)		Carrying Value^(B)		Weighted Average Coupon			Weighted Average Maturity (Years)^(C)		Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Income (Loss)^(D)
Pool 1	$	8,383,623	$	45,811	$	49,267		3.51	%		26.7	$	(2,990	)
Pool 1 - Recapture Agreement		—		2,900		671							60
Pool 2		8,217,552		22,013		32,174		2.77	%		27.7		510
Pool 2 - Recapture Agreement		—		2,554		849							(413	)
Pool 2014		299,463		1,962		1,600		3.68	%		28.1		71
Pool 2014 - Recapture Agreement		—		—		—							—

Total	$	16,900,639	$	75,240	$	84,561		3.15	%		27.2	$	(2,762	)

As of December 31, 2014


	Unpaid Principal Balance		Amortized Cost Basis^(A)		Carrying Value^(B)		Weighted Average Coupon			Weighted Average Maturity (Years)^(C)		Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Income (Loss)^(D)
Pool 1	$	8,715,747	$	47,741	$	54,187		3.51	%		27.0	$	(2,889	)
Pool 1 - Recapture Agreement		—		2,900		611							(371	)
Pool 2		8,475,975		24,025		33,676		2.77	%		27.8		2,011
Pool 2 - Recapture Agreement		—		2,554		1,262							(1,882	)
Pool 2014		308,562		2,019		1,586		3.71	%		28.4		(433	)
Pool 2014 - Recapture Agreement		—		—		—							—

Total	$	17,500,284	$	79,239	$	91,322		3.16	%		27.4	$	(3,564	)

(A)	The amortized cost basis of the recapture agreements is determined based on the relative fair values of the recapture agreements and related Excess MSRs at the time they were acquired.

(B)	Carrying value represents the fair value of the pools or recapture agreements, as applicable (see Note 9).

(C)	The weighted average maturity represents the weighted average expected timing of the receipt of cash flows of each investment.

(D)	The portion of the change in fair value of the recapture agreement relating to loans recaptured as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is reflected in the respective pool.

The tables below summarize the geographic distribution for the states representing 5% or greater of the underlying residential mortgage loans of the Excess MSRs:

Geographic Concentration of Servicing Related Assets

As of March 31, 2015


	Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance
California		12.9	%
Texas		10.1	%
Florida		7.0	%
Virginia		6.5	%
North Carolina		5.7	%
Georgia		5.4	%
Washington		5.2	%
All other		47.2	%

Total		100.0	%

As of December 31, 2014


	Percentage of Total Outstanding Unpaid Principal Balance
California		13.3	%
Texas		10.1	%
Florida		6.9	%
Virginia		6.5	%
North Carolina		5.7	%
Georgia		5.3	%
Washington		5.1	%
All other		47.1	%

Total		100.0	%

Geographic concentrations of investments expose the Company to the risk of economic downturns within the relevant states. Any such downturn in a state where the Company holds significant investments could affect the underlying borrower’s ability to make the mortgage payment and, therefore, could have a meaningful, negative impact on the Company’s Excess MSRs.

Note 6 — Equity and Earnings per Share

Equity Incentive Plan

During 2013, the board of directors approved and the Company adopted the Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (“2013 Plan”). The 2013 Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, stock awards, stock appreciation rights, performance units, incentive awards and other equity-based awards, including long term incentive plan units (“LTIP-OP Units”) of the Company’s operating partnership, Cherry Hill Operating Partnership, LP (the “Operating Partnership”).

The following tables present certain information about the Company’s 2013 Plan as of the dates indicated:

Equity Incentive Plan Information

As of March 31, 2015


	Number of Securities Issued or to be Issued Upon Exercise		Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity compensation Plans Approved By Shareholders				1,421,607
LTIP-OP Units		68,850
Shares of Common Stock		9,543

As of December 31, 2014


	Number of Securities Issued or to be Issued Upon Exercise		Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity compensation Plans Approved By Shareholders				1,421,607
LTIP-OP Units		68,850
Shares of Common Stock		9,543

LTIP-OP Units are a special class of partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. LTIP-OP Units may be issued to eligible participants for the performance of services to or for the benefit of the Operating Partnership. Initially, LTIP-OP Units do not have full parity with the Operating Partnership’s common units of limited partnership interest (“OP Units”) with respect to liquidating distributions; however, LTIP-OP Units receive, whether vested or not, the same per-unit distributions as OP Units and are allocated their pro-rata share of the Company’s net income or loss. Under the terms of the LTIP-OP Units, the Operating Partnership will revalue its assets upon the occurrence of certain specified events, and any increase in the Operating Partnership’s valuation from the time of grant of the LTIP-OP Units until such event will be allocated first to the holders of LTIP-OP Units to equalize the capital accounts of such holders with the capital accounts of the holders of OP Units. Upon equalization of the capital accounts of the holders of LTIP-OP Units with the other holders of OP Units, the LTIP-OP Units will achieve full parity with OP Units for all purposes, including with respect to liquidating distributions. If such parity is reached, vested LTIP-OP Units may be converted into an equal number of OP Units at any time and, thereafter, enjoy all the rights of OP Units, including redemption/exchange rights. Each LTIP-OP Unit awarded is deemed equivalent to an award of one share under the 2013 Plan and reduces the 2013 Plan’s share authorization for other awards on a one-for-one basis.

The board of directors approved a grant of 37,500 LTIP-OP Units upon the completion of the Company’s IPO on October 9, 2013 (the “grant date”). Of the total 37,500 LTIP-OP Units granted, 7,500 were granted to the Company’s independent directors, which vested immediately, and 30,000 LTIP-OP Units were granted to the Company’s executive officers and certain employees of Freedom Mortgage, which vest ratably over the first three year anniversaries of the grant date. The fair value of each LTIP-OP Unit was determined based on the offering price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date (IPO date) of $20.00. The aggregate grant date fair value of the total 37,500 LTIP-OP Units was $750,000.

On June 10, 2014, the Company granted 31,350 LTIP-OP Units to ten individuals who regularly perform services for the Company through the Manager. The LTIP-OP Units vest ratably over the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The fair value of each LTIP-OP Unit was determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date of $19.33. The aggregate grant date fair value of the total 31,350 LTIP-OP Units was approximately $606,000.

As of March 31, 2015, 17,500 LTIP-OP Units have vested. The Company recognized approximately $101,000 and $50,000 in share-based compensation expense in the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. There was approximately $737,000 of total unrecognized share-based compensation expense as of March 31, 2015, related to the 51,350 non-vested LTIP-OP Units. This unrecognized share-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized ratably over the remaining vesting period of up to three years. The aggregate expense related to the LTIP-OP Unit grants is presented as “General and administrative expense” in the Company’s consolidated income statement.

On January 27, 2014, the Company granted each of the independent directors pursuant to the 2013 Plan 530 shares of common stock (for a total of 1,590 shares), which were fully vested on the date of grant, and 2,651 restricted shares of common stock (for a total of 7,953 shares) which were subject to forfeiture in certain circumstances within one year from the grant date. They are no longer subject to forfeiture and are vested.

As of March 31, 2015, 1,421,607 shares of common stock remain available for future issuance under the 2013 Plan.

Non-Controlling Interests in Operating Partnership

Non-controlling interests in the Operating Partnership in the accompanying consolidated financial statements relate to LTIP-OP Units in the Operating Partnership held by parties other than the Company.

Certain individuals own LTIP-OP Units in the Operating Partnership. An LTIP-OP Unit and a share of common stock of the Company have substantially the same economic characteristics in as much as they effectively share equally in the net income or loss of the Operating Partnership. Holders of LTIP-OP Units that have reached parity with OP Units have the right to redeem their LTIP-OP Units, subject to certain restrictions. The redemption is required to be satisfied in shares of common stock, cash, or a combination thereof, at the Company’s option, calculated as follows: one share of the Company’s common stock, or cash equal to the fair value of a share of the Company’s common stock at the time of redemption, for each LTIP-OP Unit. When an LTIP-OP Units holder redeems an OP Unit (as described above), non-controlling interest in the Operating Partnership is reduced and the Company’s equity is increased.

As of March 31, 2015, the non-controlling interest holders in the Operating Partnership owned 68,850 LTIP-OP Units, or approximately 0.9% of the Operating Partnership. Pursuant to ASC 810, Consolidation, changes in a parent’s ownership interest (and transactions with non-controlling interest unit holders in the Operating Partnership) while the parent retains its controlling interest in its subsidiary should be accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amount of the non-controlling interest will be adjusted to reflect the change in its ownership interest in the subsidiary, with the offset to equity attributable to the Company.

Earnings per Share

The Company is required to present both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the additional dilutive effect of common stock equivalents during each period. In accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, if there is a loss from continuing operations, the common stock equivalents are deemed anti-dilutive and earnings (loss) per share is calculated excluding the potential common shares.

The following table presents basic earnings per share of common stock for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

Earnings per Share Information


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Numerator:
Net income attributable to common stockholders and participating securities for basic earnings per share	$	(2,434	)	$	734
Net income allocable to common stockholders	$	(2,412	)	$	730
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		7,509,543			7,502,505
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding		7,509,543			7,506,680
Basic and Dilutive:

Basic earnings per share	$	(0.32	)	$	0.10
Diluted earnings per share	$	(0.32	)	$	0.10

There were no participating securities or equity instruments outstanding that were anti-dilutive for purposes of calculating earnings per share for the periods presented.

Note 7 — Transactions with Affiliates and Affiliated Entities

Manager

The Company has entered into a management agreement with the Manager, pursuant to which the Manager provides for the day-to-day management of the Company’s operations (the “Management Agreement”). The Management Agreement requires the Manager to manage the Company’s business affairs in conformity with the policies and the investment guidelines that are approved and monitored by the Company’s board of directors. The Management Agreement will remain in full force until October 9, 2016 and provides for automatically renewing one-year terms thereafter subject to certain termination rights. The Manager’s performance is reviewed annually and may be terminated by the Company for cause without payment of a termination fee, or may be terminated without cause with payment of a termination fee, as defined in the Management Agreement, equal to three times the average annual management fee amount earned by the Manager during the two four-quarter periods ending as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter prior to the effective date of the termination, upon either the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the board of directors or the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common stock. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager, under the supervision of the Company’s board of directors, formulates investment strategies, arranges for the acquisition of assets, arranges for financing, monitors the performance of the Company’s assets and provides certain advisory, administrative and managerial services in connection with the operations of the Company. For performing these services, the Company pays the Manager a quarterly management fee equal to the product of one quarter of the 1.5% Management Fee Annual Rate and the Stockholders’ Equity, adjusted as set forth in the Management Agreement, calculated and payable quarterly in arrears.

The Manager is a party to a services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Freedom Mortgage, pursuant to which Freedom Mortgage provides to the Manager the personnel, services and resources as needed by the Manager to enable the Manager to carry out its obligations and responsibilities under the Management Agreement. The Company is a named third-party beneficiary to the Services Agreement and, as a result, has, as a non-exclusive remedy, a direct right of action against Freedom Mortgage in the event of any breach by the Manager of any of its duties, obligations or agreements under the Management Agreement that arise out of or result from any breach by Freedom Mortgage of its obligations under the Services Agreement. The Services Agreement will terminate upon the termination of the Management Agreement. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Manager will make certain payments to Freedom Mortgage in connection with the services provided. All of the Company’s executive officers and the officers of the Manager are also officers or employees of Freedom Mortgage. As a result, the Management Agreement between the Company and the Manager was negotiated between related parties, and the terms, including fees payable, may not be as favorable to the Company as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. Both the Manager and Freedom Mortgage are controlled by Mr. Stanley Middleman, who is also a shareholder of the Company.

The Management Agreement provides that the Company will reimburse the Manager for various expenses incurred by the Manager or its officers, and agents on the Company’s behalf, including costs of legal, accounting, tax, administrative and other similar services rendered for the Company by providers retained by the Manager. “Due to affiliates” consisted of the following for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Management Fee to Affiliate


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
Management fees	$	560	$	604
Expense reimbursement		130		75

Total	$	690	$	679

Other Affiliated Entities

See Note 5 for a discussion of the co-investments in Excess MSRs with Freedom Mortgage.

Note 8 — Derivative Instruments

Interest Rate Swap Agreements, Swaptions, TBAs and Treasury Futures

In order to help mitigate exposure to higher short-term interest rates in connection with its repurchase agreements, the Company enters into interest rate swap agreements. These agreements establish an economic fixed rate on related borrowings because the variable-rate payments received on the interest rate swap agreements largely offset interest accruing on the related borrowings, leaving the fixed-rate payments to be paid on the interest rate swap agreements as the Company’s effective borrowing rate, subject to certain adjustments including changes in spreads between variable rates on the interest rate swap agreements and actual borrowing rates. A swaption is an option granting its owner the right but not the obligation to enter into an underlying swap. The Company’s interest rate swap agreements and swaptions have not been designated as hedging instruments.

In order to help mitigate duration risk and basis risk management, the Company utilizes treasury futures and forward-settling purchases and sales of RMBS where the underlying pools of mortgage loans are TBAs. Pursuant to these TBA transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell, for future delivery, RMBS with certain principal and interest terms and certain types of underlying collateral, but the particular RMBS to be delivered is not identified until shortly before the TBA settlement date.

The following table summarizes the outstanding notional amounts of derivative instruments as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):


Non-hedge derivatives	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Notional amount of interest rate swaps	$	237,300	$	224,100
Notional amount of swaptions		105,000		105,000
Notional amount of TBAs, net		—		—
Notional amount of Treasury Futures		—		8,000

Total notional amount	$	342,300	$	337,100

The following table presents information about the Company’s interest rate swap agreements as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):


	Weighted Average Maturity		Notional Amount		Weighted Average Pay Rate			Weighted Average Receive Rate			Weighted Average Years to Maturity
March 31, 2015		2020	$	237,300		1.79	%		0.26	%		5.0
December 31, 2014		2020	$	224,100		1.84	%		0.23	%		5.4

The following table presents information about derivatives realized gain (loss), which is included on the consolidated statement of income for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Realized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives


		Three Months Ended March 31,
Non-Hedge Derivatives	Income Statement Location	2015			2014
Interest rate swaps	Realized gain/(loss) on derivative assets	$	(788	)	$	(65	)
Swaptions	Realized gain/(loss) on derivative assets		—			—
TBAs	Realized gain/(loss) on derivative assets		(109	)		(9	)
Treasury futures	Realized gain/(loss) on derivative assets		(345	)		2

Total		$	(1,242	)	$	(72	)

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Company has netting arrangements in place with all of its derivative counterparties pursuant to standard documentation developed by the International Swap and Derivatives Association, or ISDA. Under GAAP, if the Company has a valid right of offset, it may offset the related asset and liability and report the net amount. The Company presents interest rate swaps, swaptions and treasury futures assets and liabilities on a gross basis in its consolidated balance sheets. The Company presents TBA assets and liabilities on a net basis in its consolidated balance sheets. The Company presents repurchase agreements subject to master netting arrangements on a gross basis. Additionally, the Company does not offset financial assets and liabilities with the associated cash collateral on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that are subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements and can potentially be offset on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

As of March 31, 2015


	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets or Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet			Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet						Net Amount
			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet					Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Received (Pledged)			Net Amount
Assets
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
Swaptions		80		—			80		(80	)		—			—
TBAs		12		(11	)		1		(1	)		—			—
Treasury futures		—		—			—		—			(82	)

Total Assets	$	92	$	(11	)	$	81	$	(81	)	$	(82	)	$	—
Liabilities
Repurchase agreements	$	373,868	$	—		$	373,868	$	(370,762	)	$	(3,106	)	$	—
Interest rate swaps		7,085		—			7,085		—			(7,085	)		—
Swaptions		—		—			—		—			—			—
TBAs		11		(11	)		—		—			—			—
Treasury futures		—		—			—		—			—			—

Total Liabilities	$	380,964	$	(11	)	$	380,953	$	(370,762	)	$	(10,191	)	$	—

As of December 31, 2014


	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets or Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
							Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Received (Pledged)			Net Amount
Assets
Interest rate swaps	$	46	$	—	$	46	$	(46	)	$	—		$	—
Swaptions		291		—		291		(291	)		—			—
TBAs		—		—		—		—			—			—
Treasury futures		5		—		5		(5	)		(89	)

Total Assets	$	342	$	—	$	342	$	(342	)	$	(89	)	$	—
Liabilities
Repurchase agreements	$	362,126	$	—	$	362,126	$	(359,270	)	$	(2,856	)	$	—
Interest rate swaps		4,045		—		4,045		(43	)		(4,002	)		—
Swaptions		—		—		—		—			—			—
TBAs		43		—		43		(43	)		—			—
Treasury futures		—		—		—		—			—			—

Total Liabilities	$	366,214	$	—	$	366,214	$	(359,356	)	$	(6,858	)	$	—

Note 9 – Fair Value

Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets (i.e., observable inputs) and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency (i.e., unobservable inputs). Additionally, ASC 820 requires an entity to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when measuring fair value of a liability.

ASC 820 establishes a three level hierarchy to be used when measuring and disclosing fair value. An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Following is a description of the three levels:


Level 1		Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date under current market conditions. Additionally, the entity must have the ability to access the active market and the quoted prices cannot be adjusted by the entity.

Level 2		Inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means for substantially the full-term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3		Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent the assumptions that management believes market participants would use to price the assets and liabilities, including risk. Generally, Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that require significant judgment or estimation.

Following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies used to measure material assets and liabilities at fair value and details of the valuation models, key inputs to those models and significant assumptions utilized.

RMBS

The Company holds a portfolio of RMBS that are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company determines the fair value of its RMBS based upon prices obtained from third-party pricing providers. The third-party pricing providers use pricing models that generally incorporate such factors as coupons, primary and secondary mortgage rates, rate reset period, issuer, prepayment speeds, credit enhancements and expected life of the security. As a result, the Company classified 100% of its RMBS as Level 2 fair value assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Excess MSRs

The Company holds a portfolio of Excess MSRs that are reported at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Although Excess MSR transactions are observable in the marketplace, the valuation includes unobservable market data inputs (prepayment speeds, delinquency levels and discount rates). As a result, the Company classified 100% of its Excess MSRs as Level 3 fair value assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments as part of its economic hedging strategies. The Company executes interest rate swaps, swaptions, TBAs and treasury futures. The Company utilizes third-party pricing providers to value its financial derivative instruments. The Company classified 100% of the derivative instruments as Level 2 fair value assets and liabilities at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Both the Company and the derivative counterparties under their netting arrangements are required to post cash collateral based upon the net underlying market value of the Company’s open positions with the counterparties. Posting of cash collateral typically occurs daily, subject to certain dollar thresholds. Due to the existence of netting arrangements, as well as frequent cash collateral posting at low posting thresholds, credit exposure to the Company and/or counterparties is considered materially mitigated. The Company’s interest rate swaps are required to be cleared on an exchange, which further mitigates but does not eliminate, credit risk. Based on the Company’s assessment, there is no requirement for any additional adjustment to derivative valuations specifically for credit.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands).

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

As of March 31, 2015


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Carrying Value
Assets
RMBS
Fannie Mae	$	—	$	287,447	$	—	$	287,447
Freddie Mac		—		135,229		—		135,229
CMOs		—		6,939		—		6,939

RMBS total		—		429,615		—		429,615
Derivative assets
Interest rate swaps		—		—		—		—
Interest rate swaptions		—		80		—		80
TBAs		—		12		—		12
Treasury Futures		—		—		—		—

Derivative assets total		—		92		—		92
Excess MSRs		—		—		84,561		84,561

Total Assets	$	—	$	429,707	$	84,561	$	514,268
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Interest rate swaps		—		7,085		—		7,085
TBAs		—		11		—		11
Treasury Futures		—		—		—		—

Derivative liabilities total		—		7,096		—		7,096

Total Liabilities	$	—	$	7,096	$	—	$	7,096

As of December 31, 2014


	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Carrying Value
Assets
RMBS
Fannie Mae	$	—	$	268,588	$	—	$	268,588
Freddie Mac		—		140,476		—		140,476
CMOs		—		6,939		—		6,939

RMBS total		—		416,003		—		416,003
Derivative assets
Interest rate swaps		—		46		—		46
Interest rate swaptions		—		291		—		291
TBAs		—		—		—		—
Treasury Futures		—		5		—		5

Derivative assets total		—		342		—		342
Excess MSRs		—		—		91,322		91,322

Total Assets	$	—	$	416,345	$	91,322	$	507,667
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Interest rate swaps		—		4,045		—		4,045
TBAs		—		43		—		43
Treasury Futures		—		—		—		—

Derivative liabilities total		—		4,088		—		4,088

Total Liabilities	$	—	$	4,088	$	—	$	4,088

The Company may be required to measure certain assets or liabilities at fair value from time to time. These periodic fair value measures typically result from application of certain impairment measures under GAAP. These items would constitute nonrecurring fair value measures under ASC 820. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the periods presented.

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities

The valuation of Level 3 instruments requires significant judgment by the third-party pricing providers and/or management. The third-party pricing providers and/or management rely on inputs such as market price quotations from market makers (either market or indicative levels), original transaction price, recent transactions in the same or similar instruments, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows to determine fair value. Level 3 instruments may also be discounted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, with the amount of such discount estimated by the third-party pricing provider in the absence of market information. Assumptions used by the third-party pricing provider due to lack of observable inputs may significantly impact the resulting fair value and, therefore, the Company’s financial statements. The Company’s management reviews all valuations that are based on pricing information received from a third-party pricing provider. As part of this review, prices are compared against other pricing or input data points in the marketplace, along with internal valuation expertise, to ensure the pricing is reasonable.

In connection with the above, the Company estimates the fair value of its Excess MSRs based on internal pricing models rather than quotations, and compares the results of these internal models against the results from models generated by third-party valuation specialists. The determination of estimated cash flows used in pricing models is inherently subjective and imprecise.

Changes in market conditions, as well as changes in the assumptions or methodology used to determine fair value, could result in a significant change to estimated fair values. It should be noted that minor changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies can have a material effect on these derived or estimated fair values, and that the fair values reflected below are indicative of the interest rate and credit spread environments as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and do not take into consideration the effects of subsequent changes in market or other factors.

The tables below present the reconciliation for the Company’s Level 3 assets (Excess MSRs) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

As of March 31, 2015


	Level 3 ^(A)
	Pool 1			Pool 2			Pool 2014			Total
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	54,798		$	34,938		$	1,586		$	91,322
Unrealized gain included in Net Income		(2,930	)		97			71			(2,762	)
Purchases and principal paydowns
Purchases		—			—			—			—
Proceeds from principal paydowns		(1,930	)		(2,012	)		(57	)		(3,999	)

Balance at March 31, 2015	$	49,938		$	33,023		$	1,600		$	84,561

As of December 31, 2014


	Level 3 ^(A)
	Pool 1			Pool 2			Pool 2014			Total
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	66,110		$	44,196		$	—		$	110,306
Unrealized gain included in Net Income		(3,260	)		129			(433	)		(3,564	)
Purchases and principal paydowns
Purchases		—			—			2,181			2,181
Proceeds from principal paydowns		(8,052	)		(9,387	)		(162	)		(17,601	)

Balance at December 31, 2014	$	54,798		$	34,938		$	1,586		$	91,322

(A)	Includes the recapture agreement for each respective pool.

The tables below present information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Excess MSRs classified as Level 3 fair value assets as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

Fair Value Measurements

As of March 31, 2015


	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input ^(A)	Range	Weighted Average
Pool 1	$	49,938	Discounted cash flow	Constant prepayment speed	9.5% - 18.5%		11.1	%
				Uncollected Payments	2.6% - 7.0%		6.2	%
				Discount rate	—		12.3	%
Pool 2	$	33,023	Discounted cash flow	Constant prepayment speed	11.5% - 21.1%		16.1	%
				Uncollected Payments	9.0% - 14.6%		13.1	%
				Discount rate	—		17.0	%
Pool 2014	$	1,600	Discounted cash flow	Constant prepayment speed	9.1% - 16.6%		11.9	%
				Uncollected Payments	3.3% - 6.2%		5.7	%
				Discount rate	—		11.8	%

TOTAL	$	84,561

As of December 31, 2014


	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input ^(A)	Range	Weighted Average
Pool 1	$	54,798	Discounted cash flow	Constant prepayment speed	6.2% - 12.8%		10.4 %
				Uncollected Payments	2.8% - 7.0%		6.3 %
				Discount rate	—		12.2 %
Pool 2	$	34,938	Discounted cash flow	Constant prepayment speed	11.9% - 21.9%		16.7 %
				Uncollected Payments	9.6% - 15.2%		13.7 %
				Discount rate	—		17.3 %
Pool 2014	$	1,586	Discounted cash flow	Constant prepayment speed	8.7% - 15.4%		12.3 %
				Uncollected Payments	2.7% - 6.0%		5.4 %
				Discount rate	—		11.8 %

TOTAL	$	91,322

(A)

Significant increases (decreases) in any of the inputs in isolation may result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. A change in the assumption used for discount rates may be accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the probability of uncollected payments and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In accordance with ASC 820, the Company is required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the consolidated balance sheet, for which fair value can be estimated. The following describes the Company’s methods for estimating the fair value for financial instruments.

•

RMBS available for sale securities, Excess MSRs, derivative assets and derivative liabilities are recurring fair value measurements; carrying value equals fair value. See discussion of valuation methods and assumptions within the “Fair Value Measurements” section of this footnote.

•

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash have a carrying value which approximates fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.

•

The carrying value of repurchase agreements that mature in less than one year generally approximates fair value due to the short maturities. The Company does not hold any repurchase agreements that are considered long-term.

Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies

The following represents commitments and contingencies of the Company as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

Management Agreement

The Company pays the Manager a quarterly management fee, calculated and payable quarterly in arrears, equal to the product of one quarter of the 1.5% Management Fee Annual Rate and the Stockholders’ Equity, adjusted as set forth in the Management Agreement as of the end of such fiscal quarter. The Company relies on resources of Freedom Mortgage to provide the Manager with the necessary resources to conduct Company operations. For further discussion regarding the Management Fee, refer to Note 7.

Legal and Regulatory

From time to time the Company may be subject to potential liability under laws and government regulations and various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Liabilities are established for legal claims when payments associated with the claims become probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be substantially higher or lower than the amounts established for those claims. Based on information currently available, management is not aware of any legal or regulatory claims that would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and, therefore, no accrual is required as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Commitments to Purchase/Sell RMBS

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company held forward TBA purchase and sale commitments, respectively, with counterparties, which are forward RMBS trades, whereby the Company committed to purchasing a pool of securities at a particular interest rate. As of the date of the trade, the mortgage-backed securities underlying the pool that will be delivered to fulfill a TBA trade is not yet designated. The securities are typically “to be announced” 48 hours prior to the established trade settlement date. At March 31, 2015, the Company is obligated to purchase approximately $12,000 of Fannie Mae securities and was obligated to sell approximately $11,000 of Fannie Mae securities. At December 31, 2014, the Company was not obligated to purchase any securities and was obligated to sell approximately $43,000 of Fannie Mae securities.

Acknowledgement Agreement

In order to have Ginnie Mae acknowledge our interest in Excess MSRs related to FHA and VA mortgage loans that have been pooled into securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, the Company entered into an acknowledgment agreement with Ginnie Mae and Freedom Mortgage. Under that agreement, if Freedom Mortgage fails to make a required payment to the holders of the Ginnie Mae-guaranteed RMBS, the Company would be obligated to make that payment even though the payment may relate to loans for which the Company does not own any Excess MSRs. The Company’s failure to make that payment could result in liability to Ginnie Mae for any losses or claims that it suffers as a result.

Management has determined, as of March 31, 2015, the risk of material loss to be remote and thus no liability has been accrued.

Note 11 – Repurchase Agreements

The Company had outstanding approximately $373.9 million and $362.1 million of repurchase agreements, with weighted average borrowing rates of 0.39% and 0.38%, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, after giving effect to the Company’s interest rate swaps. The Company’s obligations under these agreements had weighted average remaining maturities of 55 days and 63 days as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. RMBS and cash have been pledged as collateral under these repurchase agreements (see Notes 4 and 8, respectively).

The repurchase agreements had the following remaining maturities and weighted average rates as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

Repurchase Agreement Characteristics

As of March 31, 2015


	Repurchase Agreements		Weighted Average Rate
Less than one month	$	93,566		0.38	%
One to three months		214,236		0.39	%
Greater than three months		66,066		0.42	%

Total/Weighted Average	$	373,868		0.39	%

As of December 31, 2014


	Repurchase Agreements		Weighted Average Rate
Less than one month	$	78,988		0.38	%
One to three months		208,533		0.38	%
Greater than three months		74,605		0.38	%

Total/Weighted Average	$	362,126		0.38	%

Note 12 – Income Taxes

For the three month period ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014 the Company qualified to be taxed as a REIT under Code Sections 856 through 860. As a REIT, the Company is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its taxable income to its stockholders. To maintain qualification as a REIT, the Company must distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income to its stockholders and meet certain other requirements such as assets it may hold, income it may generate and its stockholder composition. It is generally the Company’s policy to distribute 100% of its REIT taxable income. To the extent there is any undistributed REIT taxable income at the end of a year, the Company can elect to distribute such shortfall within the next year as permitted by the Code.

Effective January 1, 2014, CHMI Solutions has elected to be taxed as a corporation for Federal income tax purposes; prior to this date, CHMI Solutions was a disregarded entity for Federal income tax purposes. CHMI Solutions has jointly elected with the Company, the ultimate beneficial owner of CHMI Solutions, to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”). CHMI Solutions files a separate tax return and is fully taxed as a standalone U.S. C-Corporation.

The state and local tax jurisdictions for which the Company is subject to tax-filing obligations recognize the Company’s status as a REIT, and therefore, the Company generally does not pay income tax in such jurisdictions. The Company’s TRS is subject to federal, state and local income taxes.

The components of the Company’s income tax expense are as follows for the periods indicated below:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014

Current federal income tax expense	$	—	$	—
Current state income tax expense		21		4
Deferred federal income tax expense		—		—
Deferred state income tax expense		—		—
Total Income Tax Expense	$	21	$	4

The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal rate to the effective rate, for the periods indicated below:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Computed income tax (benefit) expense at federal rate		(35.0	%)		35.0	%
State taxes, net of federal benefit, if applicable		0.9	%		0	%
Permanent differences in taxable income from GAAP pre-tax income		0	%		0	%
REIT income not subject to tax		34.1	%		(35.0	%)

Benefit from Provision for Income Taxes/Effective Tax Rate^(A)		0	%		0	%

(A)	The provision for income taxes is recorded at the taxable subsidiary level.

The Company’s consolidated balance sheets, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, contain the following current and deferred tax liabilities and assets, which are recorded at the taxable REIT subsidiary level:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
Income taxes (payable) receivable
Federal income taxes (payable) receivable	$	—	$	—
State and local income taxes (payable) receivable		—		—

Income taxes (payable) receivable, net		—		—

	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets (liabilities)
Deferred tax asset		146		146
Deferred tax liability		—		—

Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)		146		146

Total tax assets and liabilities, net	$	146	$	146

The deferred tax asset as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 primarily consisted of net operating loss carryforwards and acquisition related costs capitalized for tax purposes. CHMI Solutions’ federal and state net operating loss carryforwards at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were approximately $70,000 and $154,000, respectively, and are available to offset future taxable income and expire in 2035 and 2034, respectively. Management has determined that it is more likely than not that all of CHMI Solutions’ deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been established at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The deferred tax asset is included in “Receivables and other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Based on the Company’s evaluation, it has been concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s financial statements. Additionally, there were no amounts accrued for penalties or interest as of or during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s 2013 and 2012 federal, state and local income tax returns remain open for examination by the relevant authorities.

Note 13 – Business Combinations

On February 10, 2015, CHMI Solutions signed a definitive agreement to purchase the stock of Aurora Financial Group, Inc., (“Aurora”) a licensed mortgage origination and servicing company. Aurora is an approved issuer of Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) and an approved seller/servicer for Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Aurora, at December 31, 2014 owns servicing rights on approximately $700 million of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac RMBS. The acquisition is subject to the receipt of agency and regulatory approvals of change in control and is expected to close by the end of the second quarter 2015.

Note 14 – Subsequent Events

On April 20, 2015, the Company announced that it and its subsidiary, Cherry Hill QRS II, LLC, entered into a loan agreement with NexBank SSB, a state chartered bank pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to $25 million on or prior to July 14, 2015, for general corporate purposes. Each advance will bear interest at a fixed rate equal to 90-day LIBOR on the date of the advance plus 5.25%. The loan is secured by the pledge of the Company’s existing portfolio of Excess MSRs. The five year term loan is repayable monthly based on a 10-year amortization schedule with the remainder of principal due in April 2020. There have been no borrowings or accrued interest to date.

Item 2.

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

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

General

Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation (the “Company”, “we”, “our” or “us”) is a public residential real estate finance company focused on acquiring, investing in and managing residential mortgage assets in the United States. We were incorporated in Maryland on October 31, 2012, and we commenced operations on October 9, 2013 following the completion of our initial public offering (“IPO”) and a concurrent private placement. Our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CHMI.” We are externally managed by Cherry Hill Mortgage Management, LLC (the “Manager”), an SEC-registered investment adviser and an affiliate of Freedom Mortgage Corporation, or Freedom Mortgage (“Freedom Mortgage”).

Our principal objective is to generate attractive current yields and risk-adjusted total returns for our stockholders over the long term, primarily through dividend distributions and secondarily through capital appreciation. We intend to attain this objective by selectively constructing and actively managing a portfolio of excess mortgage servicing rights on residential mortgage loans (“Excess MSRs”) and residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS” or “securities”), and subject to market conditions, prime mortgage loans and other cashflowing residential mortgage assets such as mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs” and together with Excess MSRs, “Servicing Related Assets”).

We are subject to the risks involved with real estate and real estate-related debt instruments. These include, among others, the risks normally associated with changes in the general economic climate, changes in the mortgage market, changes in tax laws, interest rate levels, and the availability of financing.

We elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We operate so as to qualify to be taxed as a REIT.

Our asset acquisition strategy focuses on acquiring a diversified portfolio of residential mortgage assets that balances the risk and reward opportunities our Manager observes in the marketplace. Since the completion of our IPO and through March 31, 2015, we have allocated a majority of our equity capital, on an unleveraged basis, to Excess MSRs. In addition to our Excess MSRs, we also have invested in RMBS on a leveraged basis as part of our initial portfolio and our longer term strategy. We invested primarily in RMBS backed by whole pools of 30-year, 20-year and 15-year Fixed Rate Mortgages (“FRMs”) that offer, what we believe to be, favorable prepayment and duration characteristics. As the market for prime mortgage loans grows, we expect our portfolio to include this asset class as well. In addition, we may also invest opportunistically from time to time in other residential mortgage assets.

We finance our RMBS with what we believe to be a prudent amount of leverage, which will vary from time to time based upon the particular characteristics of our portfolio, availability of financing and market conditions. Our borrowings for RMBS currently consist of short-term borrowings under master repurchase agreements collateralized by our RMBS. We do not have a targeted debt-to-equity ratio for our RMBS. As of March 31, 2015, our debt-to-equity ratio for our RMBS was approximately 6.2:1. We are actively pursuing financing for any MSRs that we may acquire. Execution of our prime mortgage loan strategy is dependent on obtaining financing on attractive terms.

On April 20, 2015, we announced that we and our subsidiary, Cherry Hill QRS II, LLC, entered into a loan agreement with NexBank SSB, a state chartered bank pursuant to which we may borrow up to $25 million on or prior to July 14, 2015, for general corporate purposes. Each advance will bear interest at a fixed rate equal to 90-day LIBOR on the date of the advance plus 5.25%. The loan is secured by the pledge of our existing portfolio of Excess MSRs. The five year term loan is repayable monthly based on a 10-year amortization schedule with the remainder of principal due in April 2020

Our subsidiary, CHMI Insurance Company, LLC, is a licensed captive insurance company. It commenced operations on February 17, 2015. It subsequently has applied for membership in a Federal Home Loan Bank. The regulator of the Federal Home Loan Banks has proposed a regulation that would preclude most captive insurance companies from becoming members. There can be no assurances that membership in a Federal Home Loan Bank will be available or that financing will be available on attractive terms.

On February 10, 2015, CHMI Solutions, Inc. (“CHMI Solutions”) entered into a securities purchase agreement to acquire all of the outstanding voting stock of Aurora Financial Group Inc. (“Aurora”). Upon completion of the transaction, we will acquire Aurora’s MSR portfolio, which had an aggregate unpaid principal balance of approximately $721 million as of March 31, 2015.

Aurora is licensed to originate and service mortgage loans in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is an approved Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac /servicer and an approved Ginnie Mae issuer. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of agency and regulatory approvals of the change in control, and is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2015. No assurance can be given that the required approvals will be obtained or that the transaction will close on the anticipated timeframe, or at all.

Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we utilize derivative financial instruments (or hedging instruments) to hedge our exposure to potential interest rate mismatches between the interest we earn on our assets and our borrowing costs caused by fluctuations in short-term interest rates. In utilizing leverage and interest rate hedges, our objectives include, where desirable, locking in, on a long-term basis, a spread between the yield on our assets and the cost of our financing in an effort to improve returns to our stockholders.

We also operate our business in a manner that permits us to maintain our exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

Factors Impacting our Operating Results

The results of our operations are affected by a number of factors and primarily depend on, among other things, the level of our net interest income, the market value of our assets and the supply of, and demand for, Excess MSRs, RMBS and other residential mortgage assets in the marketplace. Our net interest income includes the actual interest payments we receive on our Excess MSRs, RMBS and other residential mortgage assets, if any, and is also impacted by the amortization of purchase premiums and accretion of purchase discounts. Changes in various factors such as prepayment speeds, estimated future cash flows and credit quality could impact the amount of premium to be amortized or discount to be accreted into interest income for a given period. Interest rates and prepayment rates vary according to the type of investment, conditions in the financial markets, competition and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty.

Changes in the Market Value of Our Assets

We hold our Excess MSRs as long-term investments. Our Excess MSRs are carried at their fair value with changes in their fair value recorded in other income or loss in our consolidated statements of operations.

Our RMBS are carried at their fair value, as available-for-sale in accordance with ASC 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt or Equity Securities, with changes in fair value recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a component of stockholders’ equity. As a result, we do not expect that changes in the market value of our RMBS assets will normally impact our operating results. However, at least on a quarterly basis, we assess both our ability and intent to continue to hold our RMBS as long-term investments. As part of this process, we monitor our RMBS assets for other-than-temporary impairment. A change in our ability and/or intent to continue to hold any of our RMBS assets could result in our recognizing an impairment charge or realizing losses while holding these assets.

Impact of Changes in Market Interest Rates on Servicing Related Assets

Our Excess MSRs are, and any MSRs that we acquire will be, subject to interest rate risk. Generally, in a declining interest rate environment, prepayment speeds tend to increase which in turn would cause the value of the Servicing Related Assets to decrease. Conversely, in an increasing interest rate environment, prepayment speeds tend to decrease which in turn would cause the value of the Servicing Related Assets to increase. To the extent we do not utilize derivatives to hedge against changes in the fair value of the Servicing Related Assets, our balance sheet, results of operations and cash flows are susceptible to significant volatility due to changes in the fair value of, or cash flows from, the Servicing Related Assets as interest rates change. The effects of such a decrease in values on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity are discussed below under “—Exposure of Servicing Related Assets to Prepayment Speed.”

Impact of Changes in Market Interest Rates on Assets Other than Servicing Related Assets

With respect to our business operations, increases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause:

•

the interest expense associated with our borrowings to increase;

•

the value of our assets to fluctuate;

•

the coupons on any adjustable-rate and hybrid RMBS we may own to reset, although on a delayed basis, to higher interest rates;

•

prepayments on our RMBS to slow, thereby slowing the amortization of our purchase premiums and the accretion of our purchase discounts; and

•

an increase in the value of any interest rate swap agreements we may enter into as part of our hedging strategy.

Conversely, decreases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause:

•

prepayments on our RMBS to increase, thereby accelerating the amortization of our purchase premiums and the accretion of our purchase discounts;

•

the interest expense associated with our borrowings to decrease;

•

the value of our assets to fluctuate;

•

to the extent we enter into interest rate swap agreements as part of our hedging strategy, the value of these agreements to decrease; and

•

coupons on any adjustable-rate and hybrid RMBS assets we may own to reset, although on a delayed basis, to lower interest rates.

Exposure of Servicing Related Assets to Prepayment Speed

Prepayment speeds significantly affect the value of the Servicing Related Assets. Prepayment speed is the measurement of how quickly borrowers pay down the unpaid principal balance (“UPB”) of their loans or how quickly loans are otherwise liquidated or charged off. The price we pay to acquire Servicing Related Assets will be based on, among other things, our projection of the cash flows from the related pool of mortgage loans. Our expectation of prepayment speeds is a significant assumption underlying those cash flow projections. If prepayment speeds are significantly greater than expected, the carrying value of the Servicing Related Assets could exceed their estimated fair value. If the fair value of the Servicing Related Assets decreases, we would be required to record a non-cash charge, which would have a negative impact on our financial results. Furthermore, a significant increase in prepayment speeds could materially reduce the ultimate cash flows we receive from the Servicing Related Assets and we could ultimately receive substantially less than what we paid for such assets.

We seek to reduce our exposure to prepayments through the structuring of our investments in Excess MSRs. For example, we have entered into recapture agreements whereby we will receive a new Excess MSR with respect to a loan that was originated by the servicer and used to repay a loan underlying an Excess MSR that we previously acquired from that same servicer. In lieu of receiving an Excess MSR with respect to the loan used to repay a prior loan, the servicer may supply a similar Excess MSR. We will seek to enter into such recapture agreements in order to protect our returns in the event of elevated voluntary prepayment rates. To the extent our counterparties, including Freedom Mortgage, are unable to achieve anticipated recapture rates, we may not benefit from the terms of the recapture agreements we have entered into, and the value of our Excess MSRs could decline. For a summary of the recapture terms related to our existing investments in Excess MSRs, see “—Our Portfolio—Excess MSRs.”

Impact of Interest Rates on Recapture Activity

The value, and absolute amount, of recapture activity tends to vary inversely with the direction of interest rates. When interest rates are falling, recapture rates tend to be higher due to increased opportunities for borrowers to refinance. As interest rates increase, however, there is likely to be less recapture activity. Since we expect interest rates to rise relative to what they had been in the past, which is likely to reduce the level of voluntary prepayments, we expect recapture rates to be significantly lower than what they had been in the past. However, since voluntary prepayment rates are likely to decline at the same time, we expect overall prepayment rates to remain roughly constant.

Exposure of Assets, Other than Servicing Related Assets, to Prepayment Speed

The value of our assets may be affected by prepayment rates on mortgage loans. If we acquire mortgage loans and mortgage related securities, including RMBS, we anticipate that the mortgage loans or the underlying mortgage loans will prepay at a projected rate generating an expected yield. If we purchase assets at a premium to par value, when borrowers prepay their mortgage loans faster than expected, the corresponding prepayments on our RMBS or other mortgage-related securities may reduce the expected yield on such securities because we will have to amortize the related premium on an accelerated basis. Conversely, if we purchase assets at a discount to par value, when borrowers prepay their mortgage loans slower than expected, the decrease in corresponding prepayments

on our RMBS or other mortgage-related securities may reduce the expected yield on such securities because we will not be able to accrete the related discount as quickly as originally anticipated. Prepayment rates may be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the availability of mortgage credit, the relative economic vitality of the area in which the related properties are located, the servicing of the mortgage loans, possible changes in tax laws, other opportunities for investment, homeowner mobility and other economic, social, geographic, demographic and legal factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. Based on our experience, we expect that over time any adjustable-rate and hybrid RMBS and mortgage loans that we own will experience higher prepayment rates than do fixed-rate RMBS and mortgage loans, as we believe that homeowners with adjustable-rate and hybrid mortgage loans exhibit more rapid housing turnover levels or refinancing activity compared to fixed-rate borrowers. In addition, we anticipate that prepayments on adjustable-rate mortgage loans accelerate significantly as the coupon reset date approaches.

Spreads on RMBS

The spread between the yield on our assets and our funding costs affects the performance of our business. Wider spreads imply greater income on new asset purchases but may have a negative impact on our stated book value. Wider spreads may also negatively impact asset prices. In an environment where spreads are widening, counterparties may require additional collateral to secure borrowings which may require us to reduce leverage by selling assets. Conversely, tighter spreads imply lower income on new asset purchases but may have a positive impact on stated book value of our existing assets. In this case we may be able to reduce the amount of collateral required to secure borrowings.

Extension Risk

Our Manager computes the projected weighted-average life of our assets based on assumptions regarding prepayment rates. In general, when we acquire RMBS backed by FRMs or hybrid ARMs, we may, but are not required to, enter into an interest rate swap agreement or other hedging instrument that effectively fixes all or a portion of our borrowing costs for a period close to the anticipated average life of the fixed-rate portion of the related assets. This strategy is designed to protect us from rising interest rates because the borrowing costs are fixed for the duration of the fixed-rate portion of the related assets.

If prepayment rates decrease in a rising interest rate environment, however, the life of the fixed-rate portion of the related assets could extend beyond the term of the swap agreement or other hedging instrument. This longer than expected life of the fixed-rate portion of the related asset could have a negative impact on our results of operations, as borrowing costs would no longer be fixed after the end of the swap agreement. This situation may also cause the market value of our RMBS backed by FRMs or hybrid ARMs to decline, with little or no offsetting gain from the related hedging transactions. In extreme situations, we may be forced to sell assets to maintain adequate liquidity, which could cause us to incur losses.

Credit Risk

We may become subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with our assets. Although we expect relatively low credit risk with respect to our portfolio of Excess MSR and Agency RMBS portfolio, we will be subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with our potential investment in other target assets, including MSRs, prime mortgage loans and non-Agency RMBS. Through our Manager, we seek to mitigate this risk by seeking to acquire high quality assets at appropriate prices given anticipated and unanticipated losses and employing a comprehensive review and asset selection process and careful ongoing monitoring of acquired assets. Nevertheless, unanticipated credit losses could occur which could adversely impact our operating results.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires the use of estimates that involve the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties. In accordance with SEC guidance, the following discussion addresses the accounting policies that we apply with respect to our operations. Our most critical accounting policies involve decisions and assessments that could affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as well as our reported amounts of revenues and expenses. We believe that all of the decisions and assessments upon which our financial statements are based were reasonable at the time made and based upon information available to us at that time. Our critical accounting policies and accounting estimates will be expanded over time as we diversify our portfolio and invest in asset classes other than Excess MSRs and RMBS. The material accounting policies and estimates that we expect to be most critical to an investor’s understanding of our financial results and condition and require complex management judgment are discussed below.

Classification of Investment Securities and Impairment of Financial Instruments

ASC 320-10, Debt and Equity Securities, requires that at the time of purchase, we designate a security as either trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity depending on our ability and intent to hold such security to maturity. Securities available-for-sale will be reported at fair value, while securities held-to-maturity will be reported at amortized cost. Although we may hold most of our securities until maturity, we may, from time to time, sell any of our securities as part of our overall management of our asset portfolio. Accordingly, we elect to classify substantially all of our securities as available-for-sale. All assets classified as available-for-sale will be reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. See “—Valuation of Financial Instruments.”

When the estimated fair value of a security is less than amortized cost, we consider whether there is an other-than-temporary impairment, or OTTI, in the value of the security. An impairment is deemed an OTTI if (i) we intend to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovering our cost basis, or (iii) we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security even if we do not intend to sell the security or believe it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovering our cost basis. If the impairment is deemed to be an OTTI, the resulting accounting treatment depends on the factors causing the OTTI. If the OTTI has resulted from (i) our intention to sell the security, or (ii) our judgment that it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovering our cost basis, an impairment loss is recognized in current earnings equal to the difference between our amortized cost basis and fair value. Whereas, if the OTTI has resulted from our conclusion that we will not recover our cost basis even if we do not intend to sell the security, the credit loss portion of the impairment is recorded in current earnings and the portion of the loss related to other factors, such as changes in interest rates, continues to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Determining whether there is an OTTI may require management to exercise significant judgment and make significant assumptions, including, but not limited to, estimated cash flows, estimated prepayments, loss assumptions, and assumptions regarding changes in interest rates. As a result, actual impairment losses could differ from reported amounts. Such judgments and assumptions are based upon a number of factors, including (i) credit of the issuer or the borrower, (ii) credit rating of the security, (iii) key terms of the security, (iv) performance of the loan or underlying loans, including debt service coverage and loan-to-value ratios, (v) the value of the collateral for the loan or underlying loans, (vi) the effect of local, industry, and broader economic factors, and (vii) the historical and anticipated trends in defaults, prepayments and loss severities for similar securities.

Valuation of Financial Instruments

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure, (“ASC 820”) defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets (i.e., observable inputs) and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency (i.e., unobservable inputs). Additionally, ASC 820 requires an entity to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when measuring fair value of a liability.


Level 1		Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date under current market conditions. Additionally, the entity must have the ability to access the active market and the quoted prices cannot be adjusted by the entity.

Level 2		Inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means for substantially the full-term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3		Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent the assumptions that management believes market participants would use to price the assets and liabilities, including risk. Generally, Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that require significant judgment or estimation.

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. We have used Level 2 for our RMBS and for our derivative assets and liabilities and Level 3 for our Excess MSRs.

When available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of an asset or liability. If quoted market prices are not available, we will consult independent pricing services or third party broker quotes, provided that there is no ongoing material event that affects the issuer of the securities being valued or the market. If there is such an ongoing event, or if quoted market prices are not available, we will determine the fair value of the securities using valuation techniques that use, when possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, such as interest rates.

Investments in Excess MSRs

Upon acquisition, we elected to record our investments in Excess MSRs at fair value. We made this election in order to provide the users of the financial statements with better information regarding the effects of prepayment risk and other market factors on the Excess MSRs. Under this election, we will record a valuation adjustment on our Excess MSR investments on a quarterly basis to recognize the changes in fair value in net income as described in “—Revenue Recognition on Investments in Excess MSRs” below.

The fair values of Excess MSRs are determined by projecting net servicing cash flows, which are then discounted to estimate the fair value. The fair values of Excess MSRs are impacted by a variety of factors, including prepayment assumptions, discount rates, delinquency rates, contractually specified servicing fees, and underlying portfolio characteristics. The underlying assumptions and estimated values are corroborated by values received from independent third parties. Changes in fair value of our Excess MSRs will be reported in other income or loss in our consolidated statements of income. For additional information on our fair value methodology, see “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 9. Fair Value.”

Revenue Recognition on Investments in Excess MSRs

Investments in Excess MSRs are aggregated into pools as applicable and each pool of Excess MSRs is accounted for in the aggregate. Income for Excess MSRs is accreted into income on an effective yield or “interest” method, based upon the expected excess servicing amount through the expected life of the underlying mortgages. Changes to expected cash flows result in a cumulative retrospective adjustment, which will be recorded in the period in which the change in expected cash flows occurs. Under the retrospective method, the income recognized for a reporting period is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis at the end of the period and the amortized cost basis at the beginning of the period, plus any cash received during the period. The amortized cost basis is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows using an effective yield, which is the yield that equates all past actual and current estimated future cash flows to the initial investment. In addition, our policy is to recognize income only on Excess MSRs in existing eligible underlying mortgages. The difference between the fair value of Excess MSRs and their amortized cost basis are recorded as “Unrealized gain (loss) on investments in excess mortgage servicing rights.” Fair value is generally determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using discount rates that incorporate the market risks and liquidity premium specific to the Excess MSRs, and therefore may differ from their effective yields.

Revenue Recognition on Securities

Interest income from coupon payments is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount of the RMBS and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts associated with the purchase of the RMBS are amortized into interest income over the projected lives of the securities using the interest method. Our policy for estimating prepayment speeds for calculating the effective yield is to evaluate historical performance, consensus prepayment speeds, and current market conditions. Adjustments are made for actual prepayment activity.

Repurchase Transactions

We finance the acquisition of our RMBS for our portfolio through repurchase transactions under master repurchase agreements. Repurchase transactions are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at their contractual amounts as specified in the respective transactions. Accrued interest payable is included in “Accrued expense and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet.

Repurchase transactions are treated as collateralized financing transactions. Securities financed through repurchase transactions remain on our consolidated balance sheet as an asset and cash received from the purchaser is recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as a liability. Interest paid in accordance with repurchase transactions is recorded in interest expense.

Income Taxes

Our financial results are generally not expected to reflect provisions for current or deferred income taxes. We believe that we operate in a manner that allows us to qualify for taxation as a REIT. As a result of our REIT qualification, we do not generally expect to pay federal corporate level taxes, although CHMI Solutions and any other domestic taxable REIT subsidiaries we form in the future will be required to pay federal corporate level taxes on their income. Many of the REIT requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. If we were to fail to meet the REIT requirements, we would be subject to federal, state and local income taxes.

Emerging Growth Company Status

On April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, reduce certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. Because we qualify as an “emerging growth company,” we may, under Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act, delay adoption of new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies until such standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of this extended transition period until the first to occur of the date that we (i) are no longer an “emerging growth company” or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of this extended transition period. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to those of other public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards. Until the date that we are no longer an “emerging growth company” or affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period, upon issuance of a new or revised accounting standard that applies to our financial statements and that has a different effective date for public and private companies, we will disclose the date on which adoption is required for non-emerging growth companies and the date on which we will adopt the recently issued accounting standard.

Results of Operations

We completed our IPO and a concurrent private placement on October 9, 2013, at which time we commenced operations. We completed our first full quarter of operations on March 31, 2014.

Presented below is a comparison of the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Results of Operations


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Income
Interest income	$	6,472		$	6,011
Interest expense		1,235			947

Net Interest Income		5,237			5,064
Other Income (Loss)
Realize gain (loss) on RMBS, net		307			(349	)
Realized gain (loss) on derivatives, net		(1,242	)		(72	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net		(2,542	)		(3,443	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on Excess MSRs		(2,762	)		670

Total Income		(1,002	)		1,870
Expenses
General and administrative expense		721			453
Management fee to affiliate		690			679

Total Expenses		1,411			1,132

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes		(2,413	)		738

(Benefit from) provision for corporate business taxes		21			4

Net Income (Loss)		(2,434	)		734
Net income allocated to LTIP—OP Units		22			(4	)

Net income (loss) Applicable to Common Stockholders	$	(2,412	)	$	730

Summary financial data on our segments is given below, together with a reconciliation to the same data for the Company as a whole for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Segment Summary Data

for


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Servicing Related Assets			RMBS			All Other			Total
Interest income	$	3,220		$	3,252		$	—		$	6,472
Interest expense		—			1,235			—			1,235

Net interest income		3,220			2,017			—			5,237
Other income		(2,762	)		(3,477	)		—			(6,239	)
Other operating expenses		—			—			1,411			1,411
Corporate business taxes		—			—			21			21

Net income (loss)	$	458		$	(1,460	)	$	(1,432	)	$	(2,434	)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Servicing Related Assets			RMBS			All Other			Total
Interest income	$	3,685		$	2,326		$	—		$	6,011
Interest expense		—			947			—			947

Net interest income		3,685			1,379			—			5,064
Other income		670			(3,864	)		—			(3,194	)
Other operating expenses		—			—			1,132			1,132
Corporate business taxes		—			—			4			4

Net income (loss)	$	4,355		$	(2,485	)	$	(1,136	)	$	734

Interest Income

Interest income for the three month period ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2014, increased by approximately $461,000. This increase was driven primarily by an increase of approximately $926,000 in interest income related to RMBS, offset by an approximate $465,000 decrease in interest income related to our Excess MSRs.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three month period ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2014, increased by approximately $288,000 as a result of additional repurchase agreement borrowings. Our investment in Excess MSRs is unlevered and incurs no interest expense.

Change in Fair Value of Investments in Excess MSRs

The fair value of our investments in Excess MSRs for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 decreased by approximately $2.8 million primarily due to a decrease in the fair value of MSR Pool 1 of approximately $2.9 million due to an increase in modeled prepay speed. The fair value of MSR Pool 2 increased by approximately $97,000 for the quarter.

Change in Fair Value of Derivatives

The fair value of derivatives for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 decreased by $3.3 million due to a decrease and subsequent increase in interest rates during the quarter.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 increased by approximately $268,000 due to costs associated with CHMI Solutions and CHMI Insurance Company, LLC.

Management Fees to Affiliate

Management fees for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 increased by approximately $11,000 due to an increase pass through for a general counsel.

Net Income Allocated to LTIP—OP Units

Net income allocated to LTIP—OP Units for the three month period ended March 31, 2015, which are owned by directors and officers of the Company and by certain employees of Freedom Mortgage who provide services to us through the Manager, represents approximately 0.9% of net income.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the period indicated below, our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) changed due to the following factors (dollars in thousands):

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), December 31, 2014	$	6,641
Net unrealized gain (loss) on RMBS		2,484

Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), March 31, 2015	$	9,125

Our GAAP equity changes as our RMBS are marked to market each quarter, among other factors. The primary causes of mark to market changes are changes in interest rates and credit spreads. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, a 25 basis point decrease in the 10 Year US Treasury rate caused a net unrealized gain on our RMBS of approximately $2.5 million, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This Management Discussion and Analysis section contains analysis and discussion of non-GAAP measurements. The non-GAAP measurements include the following:

•

core earnings

•

core earnings per average common share;

Core earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as GAAP net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders, excluding realized gain (loss) on RMBS, realized gain (loss) on derivatives, unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives and unrealized gain (loss) on investments in Excess MSRs and adjusted to exclude outstanding LTIP-OP units in our operating partnership. Core earnings are provided for purposes of comparability to other issuers that invest in residential mortgage-related assets. The Company believes providing investors with core earnings, in addition to related GAAP financial measures, gives investors greater transparency into the Company’s ongoing operational performance. The concept of core earnings does have significant limitations, including the exclusion of realized and unrealized gains (losses), and may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other peers, which may use different calculations. As a result, core earnings should not be considered a substitute for the Company’s GAAP net income (loss) or as a measure of the Company’s liquidity.

The Company believes that core earnings and core earnings per average common share provide meaningful information to consider, in addition to the respective amounts prepared in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP measures help the Company to evaluate its financial position and performance without the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments that are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s current investment portfolio and operations.

Although the Company believes that the calculation of non-GAAP financial measures described above helps evaluate and measure the Company’s financial position and performance without the effects of certain transactions, it is of limited usefulness as an analytical tool. Other market participants may calculate core earnings and core earnings per average common share differently than the Company calculates them, making comparative analysis difficult. Therefore, the non-GAAP financial measures should not be viewed in isolation and are not a substitute for net income (loss), net income (loss) per share available (related) to common stockholders, interest expense and net interest income computed in accordance with GAAP.

Core Earnings Summary

Core earnings for the three month period ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2014, decreased by approximately $123,000, or $0.02 per average common share. This decrease was driven primarily by additional costs related to CHMI Solutions and CHMI Insurance Company, LLC, offset by an increase in net interest income of approximately $173,000.

The following table provides GAAP measures of net income (loss) and details with respect to reconciling the aforementioned line items to core earnings and related per average common share amounts, for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Net income (loss)	$	(2,434	)	$	734
Realized gain (loss) on RMBS, net		(307	)		349
Realized gain (loss) on derivatives, net		1,242			72
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net		2,542			3,443
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments in Excess MSRs		2,762			(670	)

Total core earnings:	$	3,805		$	3,928
Core earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		(35	)		(20	)

Core Earnings Attributable to Common Stockholders	$	3,770		$	3,908
Core Earnings Attributable to Common Stockholders, per Share	$	0.50		$	0.52

Our Portfolio

Excess MSRs

As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had approximately $84.6 million and $91.3 million, respectively estimated carrying value of Excess MSRs. Our investments represents between a 50% and 85% interest in the Excess MSRs on three pools of mortgage loans with an aggregate UPB at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, of approximately $16.9 billion and $17.5 billion, respectively. Freedom Mortgage is the servicer of the loans underlying all of our investments in Excess MSRs to date, and it earns a basic fee and all ancillary income associated with the portfolios in exchange for providing all servicing functions. In addition, Freedom Mortgage retains the remaining interest in the Excess MSRs. We do not have any servicing duties, liabilities or obligations associated with the servicing of the portfolios underlying any of our investments. Each of our investments in Excess MSRs to date is subject to a recapture agreement with Freedom Mortgage. Under the recapture agreements, we are generally entitled to our percentage interest in the Excess MSRs on any initial or subsequent refinancing by Freedom Mortgage of a loan in the original portfolio. In other words, we are generally entitled to our percentage interest in the Excess MSRs on both (i) a loan resulting from a refinancing by Freedom Mortgage of a loan in the original portfolio, and (ii) a loan resulting from a refinancing by Freedom Mortgage of a previously recaptured loan.

Upon completion of our IPO and the concurrent private placement, we entered into two separate Excess MSR acquisition and recapture agreements with Freedom Mortgage related to our investments in Excess MSRs. We also entered into a flow and bulk purchase agreement related to future purchases of Excess MSRs from Freedom Mortgage. On February 28, 2014, pursuant to the flow and bulk Excess MSR purchase agreement, we purchased from Freedom Mortgage Excess MSRs on mortgage loans originated by Freedom Mortgage during the first quarter of 2014 with an UPB of approximately $76.8 million. We acquired an approximate 85% interest in the Excess MSRs for approximately $567,000. The terms of the purchase include recapture provisions that are the same as those in the Excess MSR acquisition agreements we entered into with Freedom Mortgage in October 2013.

On March 31, 2014, pursuant to the flow and bulk Excess MSR purchase agreement, we purchased from Freedom Mortgage Excess MSRs on mortgage loans originated by a third party originator with an aggregate UPB of approximately $159.8 million. Freedom Mortgage purchased the MSRs on these mortgage loans from a third party on January 31, 2014. We acquired an approximate 71% interest in the Excess MSRs for approximately $946,000. The terms of the purchase include recapture provisions that are the same as those in the Excess MSR acquisition agreements we entered into with Freedom Mortgage in October 2013.

On June 30, 2014, pursuant to the flow and bulk Excess MSR purchase agreement, we purchased from Freedom Mortgage Excess MSRs on mortgage loans originated by Freedom Mortgage during the second quarter of 2014 with an aggregate UPB of approximately $98.1 million. We acquired an approximate 85% interest in the Excess MSRs for approximately $661,000. The terms of the purchase include recapture provisions that are the same as those in the Excess MSR acquisition agreements we entered into with Freedom Mortgage in October 2013.

The following tables summarize the collateral characteristics of the loans underlying our Excess MSR investments as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

Servicing Related Assets Collateral Characteristics

As of March 31, 2015


			Collateral Characteristics
	Current Carrying Amount		Original Principal Balance		Current Principal Balance		Number of Loans		WA Coupon			WA Maturity (months)		Weighted Average Loan Age (months)		ARMs %^(A)
Pool 1
Original Pool	$	47,690	$	10,026,722	$	8,119,712		42,626		3.50	%		320		27		1.0	%
Recaptured Loans		1,576		—		263,911		1,299		3.88	%		333		5		—
Recapture Agreement		671		—		—		—		—							—

Pool 1 Total/WA		49,937		10,026,722		8,383,623		43,925		3.51	%		321		26		1.0	%
Pool 2
Original Pool		23,358		10,704,024		6,282,941		40,659		2.44	%		328		31		100.0	%
Recaptured Loans		8,817		—		1,934,611		11,815		3.84	%		346		5		—
Recapture Agreement		849		—		—		—		—							—

Pool 2 Total/WA		33,024		10,704,024		8,217,552		52,474		2.77	%		332		25		76.5	%
Pool 2014
Original Pool		1,281		334,672		250,073		1,486		3.67	%		337		21		—	%
Recaptured Loans		319		—		49,390		233		3.76	%		342		4		—
Recapture Agreement		—		—		—		—		—							—

Pool 2014 Total/WA		1,600		334,672		299,463		1,719		3.68	%		338		18		—	%

Total/Weighted Average	$	84,561	$	21,065,418	$	16,900,639		98,118		3.15	%		327		25		37.6	%

As of December 31, 2014


			Collateral Characteristics
	Current Carrying Amount		Original Principal Balance		Current Principal Balance		Number of Loans		WA Coupon			WA Maturity (months)		Weighted Average Loan Age (months)		ARMs %^(A)
Pool 1
Original Pool	$	53,586	$	10,026,722	$	8,605,932		44,787		3.50	%		323		24		1.0	%
Recaptured Loans		601				109,815		495		4.11	%		340		5		—
Recapture Agreement		611		—		—				—							—

Pool 1 Total/WA		54,798		10,026,722		8,715,747		45,282		3.51	%		324		24		1.0	%
Pool 2
Original Pool		24,988		10,704,024		6,902,453		44,089		2.50	%		331		28		100.0	%
Recaptured Loans		8,688		—		1,573,522		9,500		3.99	%		349		5		—
Recapture Agreement		1,262		—		—				—							—

Pool 2 Total/WA		34,938		10,704,024		8,475,975		53,589		2.77	%		334		23		81.4	%
Pool 2014
Original Pool		1,405		334,672		276,652		1,610		3.68	%		340		17		—	%
Recaptured Loans		181		—		31,910		149		3.93	%		346		3		—
Recapture Agreement		—		—		—				—							—

Pool 2014 Total/WA		1,586		334,672		308,562		1,759		3.71	%		341		16		—	%

Total/Weighted Average	$	91,322	$	21,065,418	$	17,500,284		100,630		3.16	%		329		23		39.9	%

(A)	ARMs % represents the percentage of the total principal balance of the pool that corresponds to ARMs and hybrid ARMs.

RMBS

The following tables summarize the characteristics of our RMBS portfolio and certain characteristics of the collateral underlying our RMBS as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

RMBS Characteristics

As of March 31, 2015


	Original Face Value		Book Value		Gross Unrealized					Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Weighted Average
Asset Type	Original Face Value		Book Value		Gains		Losses			Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Rating	Coupon			Yield			Maturity (Years)^(C)
RMBS
Fannie Mae	$	286,894	$	281,174	$	6,327	$	(54	)	$	287,447		36	(B)		3.84	%		3.44	%		23
Freddie Mac		139,500		132,245		2,995		(11	)		135,229		16	(B)		3.66	%		3.46	%		23
CMOs		25,964		7,071		71		(203	)		6,939		4	Unrated		4.22	%		11.78	%		14

Total/Weighted Average	$	452,358	$	420,490	$	9,393	$	(268	)	$	429,615		56			3.79	%		3.58	%		23

As of December 31, 2014


	Original Face Value		Book Value		Gross Unrealized					Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Weighted Average
Asset Type	Original Face Value		Book Value		Gains		Losses			Carrying Value^(A)		Number of Securities		Rating	Coupon			Yield			Maturity (Years)^(C)
RMBS
Fannie Mae	$	267,516	$	263,924	$	4,674	$	(10	)	$	268,588		33	(B)		3.89	%		3.51	%		24
Freddie Mac		144,064		138,333		2,143		—			140,476		17	(B)		3.75	%		2.99	%		23
CMOs		25,964		7,105		—		(166	)		6,939		4	Unrated		4.18	%		12.65	%		14

Total/Weighted Average	$	437,544	$	409,362	$	6,817	$	(176	)	$	416,003		54			3.85	%		3.49	%		23

(A)	See “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 9. Fair Value” regarding the estimation of fair value, which is equal to carrying value for all securities.

(B)	We used an implied AAA rating for the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securities, other than CMOs, which are unrated.

(C)	The weighted average maturity is based on the timing of expected principal reduction on the assets.

The following table summarizes the net interest spread of our RMBS portfolio as of the dates indicated:

Net Interest Spread


	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
Weighted Average Asset Yield		3.04	%		3.05	%
Weighted Average Interest Expense		1.34	%		1.39	%

Net Interest Spread		1.70	%		1.67	%

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is a measurement of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain investments and other general business needs. Additionally, to maintain our status as a REIT under the Code, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income. In future years, a portion of this requirement may be able to be met through stock dividends, rather than cash, subject to limitations based on the value of our stock.

Our primary sources of funds for liquidity consist of cash provided by operating activities (primarily income from our investments in Excess MSRs and RMBS), sales or repayments of RMBS and borrowings under repurchase agreements. In the future,

sources of funds for liquidity may include potential debt financing sources, warehouse agreements, securitizations and the issuance of equity securities, when feasible. Our primary uses of funds are the payment of interest, management fees, outstanding commitments, investments in new or replacement assets and other operating expenses and the repayment of borrowings, as well as dividends.

We have funded the acquisition of our Excess MSRs on an unlevered basis. As of March 31, 2015, we had repurchase agreements with 15 counterparties and approximately $373.9 million of outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings from 12 of those 15 counterparties, which were used to finance RMBS. Under these agreements, which are uncommitted facilities, we sold a security to a counterparty and concurrently agreed to repurchase the same security at a later date for a higher specified price. The sale price represents financing proceeds and the difference between the sale and repurchase prices represents interest on the financing. The price at which the security is sold generally represents the market value of the security less a discount or “haircut”. The weighted average haircut on our repurchase debt at March 31, 2015, was approximately 5.3%. During the term of the repurchase agreement, which can be as short as 30 days, the counterparty holds the security and posted margin as collateral. The counterparty monitors and calculates what it estimates to be the value of the collateral during the term of the agreement. If this value declines by more than a de minimis threshold, the counterparty requires us to post additional collateral (or “margin”) in order to maintain the initial haircut on the collateral. This margin is typically required to be posted in the form of cash and cash equivalents. Furthermore, we are, from time to time, a party to derivative agreements or financing arrangements that may be subject to margin calls based on the value of such instruments. We seek to maintain adequate cash reserves and other sources of available liquidity to meet any margin calls resulting from decreases in value related to a reasonably possible (in the opinion of management) change in interest rates.

Our ability to obtain borrowings and to raise future equity capital is dependent on our ability to access borrowings and the capital markets on attractive terms. Our Manager’s senior management team has extensive long-term relationships with investment banks, brokerage firms and commercial banks, which we believe will enhance our ability to source and finance asset acquisitions on attractive terms and access borrowings and the capital markets at attractive levels.

As of the date of this filing, we have sufficient liquid assets, which include unrestricted cash and RMBS, to satisfy all of our short-term recourse liabilities. With respect to the next twelve months, we expect that our cash on hand combined with our cash flow provided by operations will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated liquidity needs with respect to our current investment portfolio, including related financings, potential margin calls and operating expenses. While it is inherently more difficult to forecast beyond the next twelve months, we currently expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements through our cash on hand and, if needed, additional borrowings, proceeds received from repurchase agreements and similar financings, proceeds from equity offerings and the liquidation or refinancing of our assets.

Our operating cash flow differs from our net income due primarily to: (i) accretion of discount or premium on our RMBS, (ii) unrealized gains or losses on our Excess MSRs, and (iii) other-than-temporary impairment on our securities, if any.

In addition to the information referenced above, the following factors could affect our liquidity, access to capital resources and our capital obligations. As such, if their outcomes do not fall within our expectations, changes in these factors could negatively affect our liquidity.

•

Access to Financing from Counterparties — Decisions by investors, counterparties and lenders to enter into transactions with us will depend upon a number of factors, such as our historical and projected financial performance, compliance with the terms of our current credit arrangements, industry and market trends, the availability of capital and our investors’, counterparties’ and lenders’ policies and rates applicable thereto, and the relative attractiveness of alternative investment or lending opportunities. Our business strategy is dependent upon our ability to finance our RMBS at rates that provide a positive net spread.

•

Impact of Expected Repayment or Forecasted Sale on Cash Flows — The timing of and proceeds from the repayment or sale of certain investments may be different than expected or may not occur as expected. Proceeds from sales of illiquid assets such as Excess MSRs are unpredictable and may vary materially from their estimated fair value and their carrying value. Further, the availability of investments that provide similar returns to those repaid or sold investments, is unpredictable, and returns on new investments may vary materially from those on existing investments.

Repurchase Agreements

The following tables provide additional information regarding our repurchase agreements. These short-term borrowings were used to finance certain of our investments in RMBS. The RMBS repurchase agreements are guaranteed by the Company. The weighted average difference between the fair value of the assets and the face amount of available financing for the RMBS repurchase agreements, or the haircut, was 5.3% and 5.4% as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Repurchase Agreement Characteristics

As of March 31, 2015


	Repurchase Agreements		Weighted Average Rate
Less than one month	$	93,566		0.38	%
One to three months		214,236		0.39	%
Greater than three months		66,066		0.42	%

Total/Weighted Average	$	373,868		0.39	%

As of December 31, 2014


	Repurchase Agreements		Weighted Average Rate
Less than one month	$	78,988		0.38	%
One to three months		208,533		0.38	%
Greater than three months		74,605		0.38	%

Total/Weighted Average	$	362,126		0.38	%

The amount of collateral as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, including cash, was $397.0 million and $383.5 million, respectively.

The weighted average term to maturity as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was 55 days and 63 days, respectively.

Cash Flows

Operating and Investing Activities

Our operating activities provided cash of approximately $4.7 million and our investing activities used cash of approximately $8.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2015. The cash provided by operating activities and the cash used in investing activities is a result of the execution of our ongoing investment strategy.

Financing Activities

On October 9, 2013, we completed our IPO, pursuant to which we sold 6,500,000 shares of our common stock to the public at a price of $20.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $130.0 million. Concurrently with the closing of the IPO, we completed a private placement in which we sold 1,000,000 shares of our common stock to our non-executive Chairman of the Board, Stanley Middleman, at a price of $20.00 per share. We received additional gross proceeds of $20 million from the concurrent private placement. In connection with the IPO, the underwriting discounts and commissions and a structuring fee paid to certain underwriters were paid by our Manager. We did not pay any underwriting discounts or commissions or any structuring fees in connection with our IPO or the concurrent private placement. Net proceeds, after the payment of offering costs payable by us of approximately $1.9 million, were approximately $148.1 million.

For information regarding our use of repurchase agreements to finance the acquisition of our RMBS, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above.

Dividends

We conduct our operations in a manner intended to satisfy the requirements for qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income,

without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its taxable income. We intend to make regular quarterly distributions of all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income to holders of our common stock out of assets legally available for this purpose, if and to the extent authorized by our board of directors. Before we pay any dividend, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, we must first meet both our operating requirements and debt service on our repurchase agreements and other debt payable. If our cash available for distribution is less than our REIT taxable income, we could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions, or we may make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities. We will make distributions only upon the authorization of our board of directors. The amount, timing and frequency of distributions will be authorized by our board of directors based upon a variety of factors, including:

•

actual results of operations;

•

our level of retained cash flows;

•

our ability to make additional investments in our target assets;

•

restrictions under Maryland law;

•

any debt service requirements;

•

our taxable income;

•

the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code; and

•

other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant

Our ability to make distributions to our stockholders will depend upon the performance of our investment portfolio, and, in turn, upon our Manager’s management of our business. Distributions will be made quarterly in cash to the extent that cash is available for distribution. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash available for distribution to pay distributions to our stockholders. In addition, our board of directors may change our distribution policy in the future.

We make distributions based on a number of factors, including an estimate of taxable earnings per common share. Dividends distributed and taxable and GAAP earnings will typically differ due to items such as fair value adjustments, differences in premium amortization and discount accretion, and nondeductible general and administrative expenses. Our dividend per share may be substantially different than our taxable earnings and GAAP earnings per share. Our GAAP earnings per share for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 were $(0.32).

Our long term view of the attractiveness of the investment opportunities in our target asset classes has not changed. However, the current levels of asset pricing has reduced the available returns. As a result, we currently believe it is unlikely that we will be able to maintain dividends in 2015 at the level in effect since inception. We intend to expand the scope of our investments in our target assets with the goal of creating a more diversified and stable revenue profile. While we believe a more stable source of income should provide value to our stockholders over time, the strategy will likely result in a decline in the level of dividends relative to those for 2014. Our diversification strategy involves execution risks and requires capital. There is no assurance as to when we will be able to raise that capital, if at all.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2015, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. We did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured investment vehicles, or special purpose or variable interest entities, established to facilitate off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Further, we have not guaranteed any obligations of unconsolidated entities or entered into any commitment or intend to provide additional funding to any such entities.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, included repurchase agreements on certain RMBS, our agreements with Freedom Mortgage with respect to certain Excess MSR transactions and our management agreement with our Manager. Pursuant to our management agreement, our Manager is entitled to receive a management fee and the reimbursement of certain expenses.

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

Contractual Obligations Characteristics


	Less than 1 year		1 to 3 years		3 to 5 years		More than 5 years		Total
Borrowings under repurchase agreements	$	373,868	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	373,868
Interest on repurchase agreement borrowings^(A)	$	359	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	359

(A)	Interest expense is calculated based on the interest rate in effect at March 31, 2015 and includes all interest expense incurred and expected to be incurred in the future through the contractual maturity of the associated repurchase agreement.

The table above does not include amounts due under the management agreement with our Manager. Those payments are discussed below.

Management Agreement

The management agreement with our Manager provides that our Manager is entitled to receive a management fee, the reimbursement of certain expenses and, in certain circumstances, a termination fee. The management fee is an amount equal to 1.5% per annum of our stockholders’ equity, adjusted as set forth in the management agreement, and calculated and payable quarterly in arrears. We will also be required to pay a termination fee equal to three times the average annual management fee earned by our Manager during the two four-quarter periods ending as of the end of the fiscal quarter preceding the date of termination. Such termination fee will be payable upon termination of the management agreement by us without cause or by our Manager if we materially breach the management agreement.

We pay all of our direct operating expenses, except those specifically required to be borne by our Manager under the management agreement. Our Manager is responsible for all costs incident to the performance of its duties under the management agreement. Our Manager uses the proceeds from its management fee in part to pay compensation to its officers who, notwithstanding that certain of them also are our officers, will receive no cash compensation directly from us. Our Manager provides us with a chief financial officer, a controller and a general counsel. Our Manager is entitled to be reimbursed for a pro rata portion of the costs of the wages, salary and other benefits with respect to these officers, based on the percentages of their working time and efforts spent on matters related to our company. The amount of the wages, salary and benefits reimbursed with respect to these officers our Manager provides to us is subject to the approval of the compensation committee of our board of directors.

The initial term of the management agreement will expire on October 9, 2016 and will be automatically renewed for a one-year term on such date and on each anniversary of such date thereafter unless terminated or not renewed as described below. Either we or our Manager may elect not to renew the management agreement upon expiration of its initial term or any renewal term by providing written notice of non-renewal at least 180 days, but not more than 270 days, before expiration. In the event we elect not to renew the term, we will be required to pay our Manager a termination fee equal to three times the average annual management fee earned by our Manager during the two four-quarter periods ending as of the end of the fiscal quarter preceding the date of termination. We may terminate the management agreement at any time for cause effective upon 30 days prior written notice of termination from us to our Manager, in which case no termination fee would be due. Our board of directors will review our Manager’s performance annually and, as a result of such review, upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members of our board of directors or of the holders of a majority of our outstanding common stock, we may terminate the management agreement based upon unsatisfactory performance by our Manager that is materially detrimental to us or a determination by our independent directors that the management fees payable to our Manager are not fair, subject to the right of our Manager to prevent such a termination by agreeing to a reduction of the management fees payable to our Manager. Upon any termination of the management agreement based on unsatisfactory performance or unfair management fees, we are required to pay our Manager the termination fee described above. Our Manager may terminate the

management agreement, without payment of the termination fee, in the event we become regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Our Manager may also terminate the management agreement upon 60 days’ written notice if we default in the performance of any material term of the management agreement and the default continues for a period of 30 days after written notice to us, whereupon we would be required to pay our Manager the termination fee described above.

Inflation

Virtually all of our assets and liabilities are financial in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors affect our performance more so than inflation, although inflation rates can often have a meaningful influence over the direction of interest rates. Furthermore, our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and our distributions are determined by our board of directors primarily based on our REIT taxable income, and, in each case, our activities and balance sheet are measured with reference to historical cost and/or fair market value without considering inflation.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We seek to manage our risks related to the credit quality of our assets, interest rates, liquidity, prepayment speeds and market value while, at the same time, seeking to provide an opportunity to stockholders to realize attractive risk-adjusted returns through ownership of our capital stock. While we do not seek to avoid risk completely, we believe the risk can be quantified from historical experience and seek to actively manage that risk, to earn sufficient compensation to justify taking those risks and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we undertake.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including fiscal and monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political considerations, as well as other factors beyond our control. We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our assets and our related financing obligations. In general, we expect to finance the acquisition of certain of our assets through financings in the form of repurchase agreements, warehouse facilities, securitizations, re-securitizations, bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities) and public and private equity and debt issuances in addition to transaction or asset specific funding arrangements. In addition, the values of our Servicing Related Assets are highly sensitive to changes in interest rates, historically increasing when rates rise and decreasing when rates decline. Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we attempt to mitigate interest rate risk through utilization of hedging instruments, primarily interest rate swap agreements. We may also use financial futures, options, interest rate cap agreements, and forward sales. These instruments are intended to serve as a hedge against future interest rate changes on our borrowings.

Interest Rate Effect on Net Interest Income

Our operating results depend in large part on differences between the income earned on our assets and our cost of borrowing and hedging activities. The cost of our borrowings are generally based on prevailing market interest rates. During a period of rising interest rates, our borrowing costs generally will increase (1) while the yields earned on our leveraged fixed-rate mortgage assets will remain static and (2) at a faster pace than the yields earned on our leveraged adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS, which could result in a decline in our net interest spread and net interest margin. The severity of any such decline would depend on our asset/liability composition at the time as well as the magnitude and duration of the interest rate increase. Further, an increase in short-term interest rates could also have a negative impact on the market value of our assets, other than our Servicing Related Assets. A decrease in interest rates could have a negative impact on the market value of our Servicing Related Assets. If any of these events happen, we could experience a decrease in net income or incur a net loss during these periods, which could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations.

Hedging techniques are partly based on assumed levels of prepayments of our assets, specifically our RMBS. If prepayments are slower or faster than assumed, the life of the investment will be longer or shorter, which would reduce the effectiveness of any hedging strategies we may use and may cause losses on such transactions. Hedging strategies involving the use of derivatives are highly complex and may produce volatile returns.

Interest Rate Cap Risk

Any adjustable-rate RMBS that we acquire will generally be subject to interest rate caps, which potentially could cause such RMBS to acquire many of the characteristics of fixed-rate securities if interest rates were to rise above the cap levels. This issue will be magnified to the extent we acquire adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS that are not based on mortgages which are fully indexed. In addition, adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in some portion of the interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. This could result in our receipt of less cash income on such assets than we would need to pay the interest cost on our related borrowings. To mitigate interest rate mismatches, we may utilize the hedging strategies discussed above under “—Interest Rate Risk.” Actual economic conditions or implementation of decisions by our Manager may produce results that differ significantly from the estimates and assumptions used in our models and the projected results shown in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Prepayment Risk; Extension Risk

The value of our assets may be affected by prepayment rates on mortgage loans. We anticipate that the mortgage loans, including the mortgage loans underlying our Excess MSRs and RMBS, will prepay at a projected rate generating an expected yield. If we purchase assets at a premium to par value, when borrowers prepay their mortgage loans faster than expected, the corresponding prepayments may reduce the expected yield on such assets because we will have to amortize the related premium on an accelerated basis. Conversely, if we purchase assets at a discount to par value, when borrowers prepay their mortgage loans slower than expected, the decrease in corresponding prepayments may reduce the expected yield on such assets because we will not be able to accrete the

related discount as quickly as originally anticipated. A slower than anticipated rate of prepayment also will cause the life of the related RMBS to extend beyond that which was projected. As a result we would have a lower yielding asset for a longer period of time. In addition, if we have hedged our interest rate risk, extension may cause the security to be outstanding longer than the related hedge thereby reducing the protection intended to be provided by the hedge. With respect to our Servicing Related Assets, if prepayment speeds are significantly greater than expected, the carrying value of our Servicing Related Assets may change. If the fair value of our Servicing Related Assets decreases, we would be required to record a non-cash charge. Significant increases in prepayment speeds could also materially reduce the ultimate cash flows we receive from Servicing Related Assets, and we could ultimately receive substantially less than what we paid for such assets.

The following tables summarize the estimated change in fair value of our interests in the Excess MSRs as of the dates indicated given several parallel shifts in the discount rate and voluntary prepayment rate (dollars in thousands):

Servicing Related Assets Fair Value Changes

As of March 31, 2015


	(20)%			(10)%			-%			10%			20%
Discount Rate Shift in %
Estimated FV	$	93,098		$	88,628		$	84,561		$	80,849		$	77,447
Change in FV	$	8,537		$	4,066		$	—		$	(3,713	)	$	(7,115	)
% Change in FV		10	%		5	%		—	%		(4	)%		(8	)%
Voluntary Prepayment Rate Shift in %
Estimated FV	$	92,233		$	88,267		$	84,561		$	81,092		$	77,838
Change in FV	$	7,672		$	3,706		$	—		$	(3,469	)	$	(6,723	)
% Change in FV		9	%		4	%		—	%		(4	)%		(8	)%
Recapture Rate Shift in %
Estimated FV	$	84,257		$	84,409		$	84,561		$	84,713		$	84,865
Change in FV	$	(304	)	$	(152	)	$	—		$	152		$	304
% Change in FV		(0	)%		(0	)%		—	%		0	%		0	%

As of December 31, 2014


	(20)%			(10)%			-%			10%			20%
Discount Rate Shift in %
Estimated FV	$	100,390		$	95,645		$	91,322		$	87,366		$	87,735
Change in FV	$	9,068		$	4,324		$	—		$	(3,956	)	$	(7,587	)
% Change in FV		10	%		5	%		—	%		(4	)%		(8	)%
Voluntary Prepayment Rate Shift in %
Estimated FV	$	98,737		$	94,898		$	91,322		$	87,981		$	84,855
Change in FV	$	7,416		$	3,577		$	—		$	(3,340	)	$	(6,467	)
% Change in FV		8	%		4	%		—	%		(4	)%		(7	)%
Recapture Rate Shift in %
Estimated FV	$	90,947		$	91,134		$	91,322		$	91,509		$	91,696
Change in FV	$	(375	)	$	(187	)	$	—		$	187		$	375
% Change in FV		(0	)%		(0	)%		—	%		0	%		0	%

The following tables summarize the estimated change in fair value of our RMBS as of the dates indicated given several parallel shifts in interest rates (dollars in thousands):

RMBS Fair Value Changes

As of March 31, 2015


			Fair Value Change
	March 31, 2015		+25 Bps			+50 Bps			+75 Bps			+100 Bps			+150 Bps
RMBS Portfolio
RMBS, available-for-sale	$	429,615
RMBS Total Return (%)				(0.90	)%		(1.89	)%		(2.98	)%		(4.12	)%		(6.50	)%

RMBS Dollar Return			$	(3,877	)	$	(8,127	)	$	(12,798	)	$	(17,717	)	$	(27,932	)

As of December 31, 2014

			Fair Value Change
	December 31, 2014		+25 Bps			+50 Bps			+75 Bps			+100 Bps			+150 Bps
RMBS Portfolio
RMBS, available-for-sale	$	416,003
RMBS Total Return (%)				(0.98	)%		(2.06	)%		(3.20	)%		(4.38	)%		(6.79	)%

RMBS Dollar Return			$	(4,081	)	$	(8,588	)	$	(13,329	)	$	(18,203	)	$	(28,255	)

The sensitivity analysis is hypothetical and is presented solely to assist an analysis of the possible effects on the fair value under various scenarios. It is not a prediction of the amount or likelihood of a change in any particular scenario. In particular, the results are calculated by stressing a particular economic assumption independent of changes in any other assumption. In practice, changes in one factor may result in changes in another, which might counteract or amplify the sensitivities. In addition, changes in the fair value based on a 10% variation in an assumption generally may not be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in the assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear.

Counterparty Risk

When we engage in repurchase transactions, we generally sell securities to lenders (i.e., repurchase agreement counterparties) and receive cash from the lenders. The lenders are obligated to resell the same securities back to us at the end of the term of the transaction. Because the cash we receive from the lender when we initially sell the securities to the lender is less than the value of those securities (this difference is the haircut), if the lender defaults on its obligation to resell the same securities back to us we would incur a loss on the transaction equal to the amount of the haircut (assuming there was no change in the value of the securities).

Our interest rate swaps are required to be cleared on an exchange which greatly mitigates, but does not entirely eliminate, counterparty risk.

Our investments in Excess MSRs are dependent on the mortgage servicer, Freedom Mortgage, to perform its servicing obligations. If the mortgage servicer fails to perform its obligations and is terminated, our investments in the related Excess MSRs could lose all their value. In addition, many servicers also rely on subservicing arrangements with third parties, and the failure of subservicers to adequately perform their services may negatively impact the servicer and, as a result, the performance an of our Excess MSRs. In addition, should a servicer of the Excess MSRs that we acquire fail to make required payments, under our acknowledgment agreements with Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac we could be exposed to potential liabilities. Moreover, our business model relies upon our strategic alliance with Freedom Mortgage and our acquiring from time to time certain of our target assets through our relationship with Freedom Mortgage. To the extent Freedom Mortgage loses its ability to serve as a servicer for one or more of the GSEs, we could face significant adverse consequences. Similarly, if Freedom Mortgage is unable to successfully execute its business strategy or no longer maintains its financial viability, our business strategy would be materially adversely affected and our results of operations would suffer. In addition, to the extent we invest in mortgage servicing rights, we will be exposed to the credit and performance risk of the subservicer we engage. See our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete list of risk factors related to our business.

Funding Risk

To the extent available on desirable terms, we expect to continue to finance our RMBS with repurchase agreement financing. Over time, as market conditions change, in addition to these financings, we may use other forms of leverage. We may also seek to finance other mortgage-related assets, such as prime mortgage loans. Weakness in the financial markets, the residential mortgage markets and the economy generally could adversely affect one or more of our potential lenders and could cause one or more of our potential lenders to be unwilling or unable to provide us with financing or to increase the costs of that financing.

Liquidity Risk

Our Excess MSRs, as well as some of the assets that may in the future comprise our portfolio, are not publicly traded. A portion of these assets may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly-traded securities. The illiquidity of these assets may make it difficult for us to sell such assets if the need or desire arises, including in response to changes in economic and other conditions.

Credit Risk

We may become subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with our assets. Although we expect relatively low credit risk with respect to our Excess MSR portfolio and our Agency RMBS portfolio, to the extent we invest in non-Agency RMBS, prime mortgage loans and MSRs, we do expect to encounter credit risk related to these asset classes.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s President and its Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d –15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable the assurance that information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately and on a timely basis. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s President and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company may be involved in various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. As of March 31, 2015, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015 with the SEC.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5.

Other Information

None.

Item 6.

Exhibits


Exhibit Number		Description

31.1*		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2*		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1*		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS*		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.DEF*		XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase

101.LAB*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

*	Filed herewith.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


	CHERRY HILL MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CORPORATION

May 11, 2015	By:	/s/ Jeffrey Lown II
	Jeffrey Lown II
	President and Chief Investment Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

May 11, 2015	By:	/s/ Martin J. Levine
	Martin J. Levine
	Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

CHERRY HILL MORTGAGE INVESTMENT CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

March 31, 2015

INDEX OF EXHIBITS


Exhibit Number		Description

31.1*		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2*		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1*		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS*		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.DEF*		XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase

101.LAB*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

*	Filed herewith.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company