ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC 10-Q

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis including mortgage loan servicers and sub-servicers. Our vendor management policy establishes procedures for engaging, onboarding and monitoring the performance of third party vendors. For mortgage loan servicers and sub-servicers, these procedures include assessing a vendor’s financial health as well as oversight of its compliance with applicable laws and regulations, cybersecurity and business continuity programs and security of personally identifiable information. We also have processes to evaluate and classify cybersecurity risk related to sensitive data held by key third party service providers on their systems. The Cybersecurity Committee has primary responsibility for these processes to manage cybersecurity risks, under the oversight of the ERC. Daily monitoring of cybersecurity defenses is performed by the IT Infrastructure Team and any issues are escalated to the Cybersecurity Committee as needed. The Cybersecurity Committee regularly meets to discuss both routine oversight of cybersecurity processes, policies and procedures and management of any cyber-specific events, including escalation to the ERC, the executive leadership team and/or the Board, as appropriate. The Cybersecurity Committee includes representatives from Operational Risk Management, Information Technology, Legal, Mortgage Operations and Internal Control. Certain members of the Cybersecurity Committee have relevant qualifications such as extensive work experience implementing data security measures, developing cybersecurity policies and procedures and assessing, managing and reporting cybersecurity risk. Members also participate in cybersecurity-related professional organizations that discuss industry threats, challenges and solutions to cybersecurity issues. Our Head of IT Infrastructure has completed the “Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age” certificate program from Harvard University. The Cybersecurity Committee regularly discusses cybersecurity risk management and best practices with the ERC and with the Audit and Risk Committees of our Board. The Audit and Risk Committees jointly oversee processes, practices and policies related to cybersecurity and receive joint and individual presentations from management and external experts on cyber-technology-related risks. Two members of our Board have completed the Carnegie Mellon/NACD Cyber-Risk Oversight Program and earned the CERT Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight and one member of our Board has completed the NACD Master Class: Cyber-Risk Oversight Program. To date, we have not detected any risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected us. However, even though we take steps to employ reasonable cybersecurity efforts, not every cybersecurity incident can be prevented or detected. We also may be held responsible for cybersecurity threats affecting our third party service providers, including servicers and sub-servicers. Therefore, while we believe there are currently no risks from any potential threat or cybersecurity incident that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition, the likelihood or severity of such risks are difficult to predict. For further discussion, please see the risk factors titled “We are highly dependent on information systems and networks, many of which are operated by third parties, and any failure of these systems or networks could materially and adversely affect our business” and “Cyberattacks or other information security breaches could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial condition” in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Compliance, Regulatory and Legal Risk Management Our business is organized as a REIT, and we seek to continue to meet the requirements for taxation as a REIT. The determination that we are a REIT requires an analysis of various factual matters and circumstances. Accordingly, we closely monitor our REIT status within our risk management program. We also regularly assess our risk management in respect of our regulated and licensed subsidiaries, which include our registered broker-dealer subsidiary Arcola, our subsidiary that is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act and our subsidiary that operates as a licensed mortgage aggregator and master servicer. The financial services industry is highly regulated and receives significant attention from regulators, which may impact both our company and our business strategy. Our investments in residential whole loans and MSR require us to comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and maintain appropriate governmental licenses, approvals and exemptions. We proactively monitor the potential impact regulation may have both directly and indirectly on us. We maintain a process to actively monitor both actual and potential legal action that may affect us. Our risk management framework is designed to identify, measure and monitor these risks under oversight of the ERC. We currently rely on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, and we seek to continue to meet the requirements for this exemption from registration. The determination that we qualify for this exemption from registration depends on various factual matters and circumstances. Accordingly, in conjunction with our legal department, we closely monitor our compliance with Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act within our risk management program. Compliance with Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act is monitored by the FRDC under the oversight of the ERC. 62 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of our consolidated financial statement in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates and changes in assumptions could have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements. Our critical accounting policies that require us to make significant judgments or estimates are described below. For more information on these critical accounting policies and other significant accounting policies, refer to the Note titled “Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. “Financial Statements.” Valuation of Financial Instruments Residential Securities Description: We carry residential securities at estimated fair value. There is an active market for our Agency mortgage-backed securities, CRT securities and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities. Judgments and Uncertainties: Since we primarily invest in securities that can be valued using quoted prices for actively traded assets, there is a high degree of observable inputs and less subjectivity in measuring fair value. Internal fair values are determined using quoted prices from the TBA securities market, the Treasury curve and the underlying characteristics of the individual securities, which may include coupon, periodic and life caps, reset dates and the expected life of the security. While prepayment rates may be difficult to predict and require estimation and judgment in the valuation of Agency mortgage-backed securities, we use several third party models to validate prepayment speeds used in fair value measurements of residential securities. All internal fair values are compared to external pricing sources and/or dealer quotes to determine reasonableness. Additionally, securities used as collateral for repurchase agreements are priced daily by counterparties to ensure sufficient collateralization, providing additional verification of our internal pricing. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes in underlying assumptions used in estimating fair value impact the carrying value of the residential securities as well as their yield. For example, an increase in CPR would decrease the carrying value and yield of our Agency mortgage-backed securities. Our valuations are most sensitive to changes in interest rate, which also impacts prepayment speeds. Refer to the Experienced and Projected Long-Term CPR, Financial Condition – Residential Securities and the interest rate sensitivity and interest rate and MBS spread shock analysis and discussions within this Item 2. for further information. Residential Mortgage Loans Description: We elected to account for Residential Mortgage Loans at fair value. There is an active market for the residential whole loans in which we invest. Judgments and Uncertainties: Since we primarily invest in residential loans that can be valued using actively quoted prices for similar assets, there are observable inputs in measuring fair value. Internal fair values are determined using quoted prices for similar market transactions, the swap curve and the underlying characteristics of the individual loans, which may include loan term, coupon, and reset dates. While prepayment rates may be difficult to predict and are a significant estimate requiring judgment in the valuation of residential whole loans, we validate prepayment speeds against those provided by independent pricing analytic providers specializing in residential mortgage loans. Internal fair values are generally compared to external pricing sources to determine reasonableness. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes to model assumptions, including prepayment speeds may significantly impact the fair value estimate of residential mortgage loans as well as unrealized gains and losses and yield on these assets. Our valuations are most sensitive to changes in interest rate, which also impacts prepayment speeds. Refer to the interest rate sensitivity and interest rate shock analysis and discussions within this Item 2. for further information. MSR Description: We elected to account for MSR at fair value. The market for MSR is considered less active and transparent compared to securities. As such fair value estimates for our investment in MSR are obtained from models, which use significant unobservable inputs in their valuations. 63 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Judgments and Uncertainties: These valuations primarily utilize discounted cash flow models that incorporate unobservable market data inputs including prepayment rates, delinquency levels, costs to service and discount rates. Model valuations are then compared to valuations obtained from third party pricing providers. Management reviews the valuations received from third party pricing providers and uses them as a point of comparison to modeled values. The valuation of MSR requires significant judgment by management and the third party pricing providers. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes in the underlying assumptions used to estimate the fair value of MSR impact the carrying value as well as the related unrealized gains and losses recognized. For further discussion of the sensitivity of the model inputs refer to the Note titled “Fair Value Measurements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. “Financial Statements.” Interest Rate Swaps Description: We are required to account for derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, which may or may not be cleared through a derivative clearing organization. We value our cleared interest rate swaps using the prices provided by the derivatives clearing organization. We value uncleared derivatives using internal models with prices compared to counterparty marks. Judgments and Uncertainties: We use the overnight indexed swap (“OIS”) curve, the SOFR curve, or SOFR forward rates as an input to value substantially all of our uncleared interest rate swaps. Consistent with market practice, we exchange collateral (also called margin) based on the fair values of our interest rate swaps. Through this margining process, we may be able to compare our recorded fair value with the fair value calculated by the counterparty or derivatives clearing organization, providing additional verification of our recorded fair value of the uncleared interest rate swaps. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes in the OIS curve will impact the carrying value of our interest rate swap assets and liabilities. Our valuations are most sensitive to changes in interest rate, which also impacts prepayment speeds. Refer to the interest rate sensitivity and interest rate shock analysis and discussions within this Item 2 for further information. Revenue Recognition Description: Interest income from coupon payments is accrued based on the outstanding principal amounts of the Residential Securities and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts associated with the purchase of the Residential Securities are amortized or accreted into interest income over the projected lives of the securities using the interest method. Gains or losses on sales of Residential Securities are recorded on trade date based on the specific identification method. Judgments and Uncertainties: To aid in determining projected lives of the securities, we use third party model and market information to project prepayment speeds. Our prepayment speed projections incorporate underlying loan characteristics (i.e., coupon, term, original loan size, original loan-to-value ratio, etc.) and market data, including interest rate and home price index forecasts and expert judgment. Prepayment speeds vary according to the type of investment, conditions in the financial markets and other factors and cannot be predicted with any certainty. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes to model assumptions, including interest rates and other market data, as well as periodic revisions to the model will cause changes in the results. Adjustments are made for actual prepayment activity as it relates to calculating the effective yield. The sensitivity of changes in interest rates to our economic net interest income is included in the interest rate shock analysis and discussions within this Item 2 for further information. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities Description: We are required to determine if it is required to consolidate entities in which it holds a variable interest. Judgments and Uncertainties: Determining whether an entity has a controlling financial interest in a VIE requires significant judgment related to assessing the purpose and design of the VIE and determination of the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. We must also identify explicit and implicit variable interests in the entity and consider our involvement in both the design of the VIE and its ongoing activities. To determine whether consolidation of the VIE is required, we must apply judgment to assess whether we have the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and whether we have either the rights to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses that could be potentially significant to the VIE. 64 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Use of Estimates The use of GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. 65 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Glossary of Terms A Adjustable-Rate Loan / Security A loan / security on which interest rates are adjusted at regular intervals according to predetermined criteria. The adjustable interest rate is tied to an objective, published interest rate index. Agency Refers to a federally chartered corporation, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or an agency of the U.S. Government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities Refers to residential mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by an Agency. Amortization Liquidation of a debt through installment payments. Amortization also refers to the process of systematically reducing a recognized asset or liability (e.g., a purchase premium or discount for a debt security) with an offset to earnings. Average GAAP Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities and Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities Average GAAP cost of interest bearing liabilities represents annualized interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities. Average interest bearing liabilities is a non-GAAP financial measure that reflects the average balances during the period. Average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities represents annualized economic interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities. Average Life On a mortgage-backed security, the average time to receipt of each dollar of principal, weighted by the amount of each principal prepayment, based on prepayment assumptions. Average Yield on Interest Earnings Assets and Average Yield on Interest Earnings Assets (excluding PAA) Average yield on interest earning assets represents annualized interest income divided by average interest earning assets. Average interest earning assets reflects the average amortized cost of our investments during the period. Average yield on interest earning assets (excluding PAA) is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated using annualized interest income (excluding PAA). B Basis Point (“bp” or “bps”) One hundredth of one percent, used in expressing differences in interest rates. One basis point is 0.01% of yield. For example, a bond’s yield that changed from 3.00% to 3.50% would be said to have moved 50 basis points. Benchmark A bond or an index referencing a basket of bonds whose terms are used for comparison with other bonds of similar maturity. The global financial market typically looks to U.S. Treasury securities as benchmarks. Beneficial Owner One who benefits from owning a security, even if the security’s title of ownership is in the name of a broker or bank. Board Refers to the board of directors of Annaly. Bond The written evidence of debt, bearing a stated rate or stated rates of interest, or stating a formula for determining that rate, and maturing on a date certain, on which date and upon presentation a fixed sum of money plus interest (usually represented by interest coupons attached to the bond) is payable to the holder or owner. Bonds are long-term securities with an original maturity of greater than one year. Book Value Per Share Calculated by summing common stock, additional paid-in capital, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated deficit and dividing that number by the total common shares outstanding. Broker Generic name for a securities firm engaged in both buying and selling securities on behalf of customers or its own account. C Capital Buffer Includes unencumbered financial assets which can be either sold or utilized as collateral to meet liquidity needs. Capital Ratio (GAAP Capital Ratio) Calculated as total stockholders’ equity divided by total assets. 66 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Carry The amount an asset earns over its hedging and financing costs. A positive carry happens when the rate on the securities being financed is greater than the rate on the funds borrowed. A negative carry is when the rate on the funds borrowed is greater than the rate on the securities that are being financed. CMBX The CMBX index is a synthetic tradable index referencing a basket of 25 CMBS of a particular rating and vintage. The CMBX index allows investors to take a long position (referred to as selling protection) or short position (referred to as purchasing protection) on the respective basket of CMBS securities and is structured as a “pay-as-you-go” contract whereby the protection seller receives and the protection buyer pays a standardized running coupon on the contracted notional amount. Additionally, the protection seller is obligated to pay to the protection buyer the amount of principal losses and/or coupon shortfalls on the underlying CMBS securities as they occur. Collateral Securities, cash or property pledged by a borrower or party to a derivative contract to secure payment of a loan or derivative. If the borrower fails to repay the loan or defaults under the derivative contract, the secured party may take ownership of the collateral. Collateralized Loan Obligation (“CLO”) A securitization collateralized by loans and other debt instruments. Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (“CMO”) A multiclass bond backed by a pool of mortgage pass-through securities or mortgage loans. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) An independent U.S. federal agency established by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Act of 1974. The CFTC regulates the swaps, commodity futures and options markets. Its goals include the promotion of competitive and efficient futures markets and the protection of investors against manipulation, abusive trade practices and fraud. Commercial Mortgage-Backed Security (“CMBS” or “Commercial Securities”) Securities collateralized by a pool of mortgages on commercial real estate in which all principal and interest from the mortgages flow to certificate holders in a defined sequence or manner. Constant Prepayment Rate (“CPR”) The percentage of outstanding mortgage loan principal that prepays in one year, based on the annualization of the Single Monthly Mortality, which reflects the outstanding mortgage loan principal that prepays in one month. Convexity A measure of the change in a security’s duration with respect to changes in interest rates. The more convex a security is, the more its duration will change with interest rate changes. Corporate Debt Non-government debt instruments issued by corporations. Long-term corporate debt can be issued as bonds or loans. Counterparty One of two entities in a transaction. For example, in the bond market a counterparty can be a state or local government, a broker-dealer or a corporation. Coupon The interest rate on a bond that is used to compute the amount of interest due on a periodic basis. Credit and Counterparty Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business, resulting from an obligor’s or counterparty’s failure to meet the terms of any contract or otherwise failure to perform as agreed. Credit and counterparty risk is present in lending, investing, funding and hedging activities. Credit Derivatives Derivative instruments that have one or more underlyings related to the credit risk of a specified entity (or group of entities) or an index that exposes the seller to potential loss from specified credit-risk related events. An example is credit derivatives referencing the commercial mortgage-backed securities index. Credit Risk Transfer (“CRT”) Securities Credit Risk Transfer securities are risk sharing transactions issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and similarly structured transactions arranged by third party market participants. The securities issued in the CRT sector are designed to synthetically transfer mortgage credit risk from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and/or third parties to private investors. Current Face The current remaining monthly principal on a mortgage security. Current face is computed by multiplying the original face value of the security by the current principal balance factor. D Dealer Person or organization that underwrites, trades and sells securities, e.g., a principal market-maker in securities. Default Risk Possibility that a bond issuer will fail to pay principal or interest when due. 67 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Derivative A financial product that derives its value from the price, price fluctuations and price expectations of an underlying instrument, index or reference pool (e.g. futures contracts, options, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions and certain to-be-announced securities). Discount Price When the dollar price is below face value, it is said to be selling at a discount. Duration The weighted maturity of a fixed-income investment’s cash flows, used in the estimation of the price sensitivity of fixed-income securities for a given change in interest rates. E Earnings available for distribution (“EAD”) and Earnings available for distribution Per Average Common Share Non-GAAP financial measure defined as the sum of (a) economic net interest income, (b) TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income, (c) net servicing income less realized amortization of MSR, (d) other income (loss) (excluding amortization of intangibles, non-EAD income allocated to equity method investments and other non-EAD components of other income (loss)), (e) general and administrative expenses (excluding transaction expenses and non-recurring items), and (f) income taxes (excluding the income tax effect of non-EAD income (loss) items) and excludes (g) the premium amortization adjustment representing the cumulative impact on prior periods, but not the current period, of quarter-over-quarter changes in estimated long-term prepayment speeds related to our Agency mortgage-backed securities. Earnings available for distribution per average common share is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by dividing earnings available for distribution by average basic common shares for the period. This metric was previously labeled Core Earnings (excluding PAA) and Core Earnings (excluding PAA) Per Average Common Share). The definition of EAD is identical to the definition of Core Earnings (excluding PAA) from prior reporting periods. Economic Capital A measure of the risk a firm is subject to. It is the amount of capital a firm needs as a buffer to protect against risk. It is a probabilistic measure of potential future losses at a given confidence level over a given time horizon. Economic Capital Ratio Non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated as total stockholders’ equity divided by total economic assets. Total economic assets includes the implied market value of TBA derivatives and are net of debt issued by securitization vehicles. Economic Interest Expense Non-GAAP financial measure that is comprised of GAAP interest expense and the net interest component of interest rate swaps. Economic Leverage Ratio (Economic Debt-to-Equity Ratio) Non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated as the sum of recourse debt, cost basis of TBA and CMBX derivatives outstanding and net forward purchases (sales) of investments divided by total equity. Recourse debt consists of repurchase agreements, other secured financing and U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased. Debt issued by securitization vehicles and participations issued are non-recourse to us and are excluded from this measure. Economic Net Interest Income Non-GAAP financial measure that is composed of GAAP interest income less Economic Interest Expense. Economic Return Refers to the Company’s change in book value plus dividends declared divided by the prior period’s book value. Encumbered Assets Assets on the company’s balance sheet which have been pledged as collateral against a liability. ESG Environmental, social, and governance. F Face Amount The par value (i.e., principal or maturity value) of a security appearing on the face of the instrument. Factor A decimal value reflecting the proportion of the outstanding principal balance of a mortgage security, which changes over time, in relation to its original principal value. Fannie Mae Federal National Mortgage Association. 68 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) An independent agency created by the U.S. Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation’s financial system by insuring deposits, examining and supervising financial institutions for safety and soundness and consumer protection, and managing receiverships. Federal Funds Rate The interest rate charged by banks on overnight loans of their excess reserve funds to other banks. Federal Housing Financing Agency (“FHFA”) The FHFA is an independent regulatory agency that oversees vital components of the secondary mortgage market including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) FINRA is a non-governmental organization tasked with regulating all business dealings conducted between dealers, brokers and all public investors. Fixed-Rate Mortgage A mortgage featuring level monthly payments, determined at the outset, which remain constant over the life of the mortgage. Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (“FICC”) The FICC is an agency that deals with the confirmation, settlement and delivery of fixed-income assets in the U.S. The agency ensures the systematic and efficient settlement of U.S. Government securities and mortgage-backed security transactions in the market. Floating Rate Bond A bond for which the interest rate is adjusted periodically according to a predetermined formula, usually linked to an index. Floating Rate CMO A CMO tranche which pays an adjustable rate of interest tied to a representative interest rate index such as the SOFR, the Constant Maturity Treasury or the Cost of Funds Index. Freddie Mac Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Futures Contract A legally binding agreement to buy or sell a commodity or financial instrument in a designated future month at a price agreed upon at the initiation of the contract by the buyer and seller. Futures contracts are standardized according to the quality, quantity, and delivery time and location for each commodity. A futures contract differs from an option in that an option gives one of the counterparties a right and the other an obligation to buy or sell, while a futures contract represents an obligation of both counterparties, one to deliver and the other to accept delivery. A futures contract is part of a class of financial instruments called derivatives. G GAAP U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Ginnie Mae Government National Mortgage Association. H Hedge An investment made with the intention of minimizing the impact of adverse movements in interest rates or securities prices. I In-the-Money Description for an option that has intrinsic value and can be sold or exercised for a profit; a call option is in-the-money when the strike price (execution price) is below the market price of the underlying security. Interest Bearing Liabilities Refers to repurchase agreements, debt issued by securitization vehicles, U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased and credit facilities. Average interest bearing liabilities is based on daily balances. Interest Earning Assets Refers to Residential Securities, U.S. Treasury securities, reverse repurchase agreements, commercial real estate debt and preferred equity interests, residential mortgage loans and corporate debt. Average interest earning assets is based on daily balances. Interest-Only (IO) Bond The interest portion of mortgage, Treasury or bond payments, which is separated and sold individually from the principal portion of those same payments. 69 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Interest Rate Risk The risk that an investment’s value will change due to a change in the absolute level of interest rates, in the spread between two rates, in the shape of the yield curve or in any other interest rate relationship. As market interest rates rise, the value of current fixed income investment holdings declines. Diversifying, deleveraging and hedging techniques are utilized to mitigate this risk. Interest rate risk is a form of market risk. Interest Rate Swap A binding agreement between counterparties to exchange periodic interest payments on some predetermined dollar principal, which is called the notional principal amount. For example, one party will pay fixed and receive a variable rate. Interest Rate Swaption Options on interest rate swaps. The buyer of a swaption has the right to enter into an interest rate swap agreement at some specified date in the future. The swaption agreement will specify whether the buyer of the swaption will be a fixed-rate receiver or a fixed-rate payer. International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement Standardized contract developed by ISDA used as an umbrella under which bilateral derivatives contracts are entered into. Inverse IO Bond An interest-only bond whose coupon is determined by a formula expressing an inverse relationship to a benchmark rate, such as SOFR. As the benchmark rate changes, the IO coupon adjusts in the opposite direction. When the benchmark rate is relatively low, the IO pays a relatively high coupon payment, and vice versa. Investment/Market Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business resulting in the decline in value of our assets caused from changes in market variables, such as interest rates, which affect the values of Residential Securities and other investment instruments. Investment Advisers Act Refers to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Investment Company Act Refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. L Leverage The use of borrowed money to increase investing power and economic returns. Leverage Ratio (GAAP Leverage Ratio or Debt-to-Equity Ratio) Calculated as total debt to total stockholders’ equity. For purposes of calculating this ratio total debt includes repurchase agreements, other secured financing, debt issued by securitization vehicles, participations issued, and U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased. Debt issued by securitization vehicles and participations issued are non-recourse to us. LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) A rate previously used as a benchmark for financial transactions. All tenors of LIBOR relevant to us are either no longer published or are no longer representative. Liquidity Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business arising from our inability to meet our obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses because of inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding. Long-Term CPR Our projected prepayment speeds for certain Agency mortgage-backed securities using third party model and market information. Our prepayment speed projections incorporate underlying loan characteristics (e.g., coupon, term, original loan size, original loan-to-value ratio, etc.) and market data, including interest rate and home price index forecasts. Changes to model assumptions, including interest rates and other market data, as well as periodic revisions to the model will cause changes in the results. Long-Term Debt Debt which matures in more than one year. M Market Agreed Coupon (“MAC”) Interest Rate Swap An interest rate swap contract structure with pre-defined, market agreed terms, developed by SIFMA and ISDA with the purpose of promoting liquidity and simplified administration. Monetary Policy Action taken by the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve System to influence the money supply or interest rates. Mortgage-Backed Security (“MBS”) A security representing a direct interest in a pool of mortgage loans. The pass-through issuer or servicer collects the payments on the loans in the pool and “passes through” the principal and interest to the security holders on a pro rata basis. 70 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Mortgage Loan A mortgage loan granted by a bank, thrift or other financial institution that is based solely on real estate as security and is not insured or guaranteed by a government agency. Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSR”) Contractual agreements constituting the right to service an existing mortgage where the holder receives the benefits and bears the costs and risks of servicing the mortgage. N NAV Net asset value. Net Interest Income Represents interest income earned on our portfolio investments, less interest expense paid for borrowings. Net Interest Margin and Net Interest Margin (excluding PAA) Net interest margin represents our interest income less interest expense divided by average interest earning assets. Net interest margin (excluding PAA) is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the sum of our interest income (excluding PAA) plus TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income less interest expense and the net interest component of interest rate swaps divided by the sum of average interest earning assets plus average outstanding TBA contract and CMBX balances. Net Interest Spread and Net Interest Spread (excluding PAA) Net interest spread represents the average yield on interest earning assets less the average GAAP cost of interest bearing liabilities. Net interest spread (excluding PAA) is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the average yield on interest earning assets (excluding PAA) less the average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities. Non-Performing Loan (“NPL”) A loan that is close to defaulting or is in default. Notional Amount A stated principal amount in a derivative contract on which the contract is based. O Operational Risk Risk to earnings, capital, reputation or business arising from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, human factors or external events. Option Contract A contract in which the buyer has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a set price on or before a given date. Buyers of call options bet that a security will be worth more than the price set by the option (the strike price), plus the price they pay for the option itself. Buyers of put options bet that the security’s price will drop below the price set by the option. An option is part of a class of financial instruments called derivatives, which means these financial instruments derive their value from the worth of an underlying investment. Original Face The face value or original principal amount of a security on its issue date. Out-of-the-Money Description for an option that has no intrinsic value and would be worthless if it expired today; for a call option, this situation occurs when the strike price is higher than the market price of the underlying security; for a put option, this situation occurs when the strike price is less than the market price of the underlying security. Overnight Index Swaps (“OIS”) An interest rate swap in which a fixed rate is exchanged for an overnight floating rate. Over-The-Counter (“OTC”) Market A securities market that is conducted by dealers throughout the country through negotiation of price rather than through the use of an auction system as represented by a stock exchange. P Par Price equal to the face amount of a security; 100%. Par Amount The principal amount of a bond or note due at maturity. Also known as par value. Pass-Through Security A securitization structure where a GSE or other entity “passes” the amount collected from the borrowers every month to the investor, after deducting fees and expenses. Pool A collection of mortgage loans assembled by an originator or master servicer as the basis for a security. In the case of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac mortgage pass-through securities, pools are identified by a number assigned by the issuing agency. 71 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Premium The amount by which the price of a security exceeds its principal amount. When the dollar price of a bond is above its face value, it is said to be selling at a premium. Premium Amortization Adjustment (“PAA”) The cumulative impact on prior periods, but not the current period, of quarter-over-quarter changes in estimated long-term prepayment speeds related to our Agency mortgage-backed securities. Prepayment The unscheduled partial or complete payment of the principal amount outstanding on a mortgage loan or other debt before it is due. Prepayment Risk The risk that falling interest rates will lead to increased prepayments of mortgage or other loans, forcing the investor to reinvest at lower prevailing rates. Prepayment Speed The estimated rate at which mortgage borrowers will pay off the mortgages that underlie an MBS. Primary Market Market for offers or sales of new bonds by the issuer. Prime Rate The indicative interest rate on loans that banks quote to their best commercial customers. Principal and Interest The term used to refer to regularly scheduled payments or prepayments of principal and payments of interest on a mortgage or other security. R Rate Reset The adjustment of the interest rate on a floating-rate security according to a prescribed formula. Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) A special purpose investment vehicle that provides investors with the ability to participate directly in the ownership or financing of real-estate related assets by pooling their capital to purchase and manage mortgage loans and/or income property. Recourse Debt Debt on which the economic borrower is obligated to repay the entire balance regardless of the value of the pledged collateral. By contrast, the economic borrower’s obligation to repay non-recourse debt is limited to the value of the pledged collateral. Recourse debt consists of repurchase agreements, other secured financing and U.S Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased. Debt issued by securitization vehicles and participations issued are non-recourse to us and are excluded from this measure. Reinvestment Risk The risk that interest income or principal repayments will have to be reinvested at lower rates in a declining rate environment. Re-Performing Loan (“RPL”) A type of loan in which payments were previously delinquent by at least 90 days but have resumed. Repurchase Agreement The sale of securities to investors with the agreement to buy them back at a higher price after a specified time period; a form of short-term borrowing. For the party on the other end of the transaction (buying the security and agreeing to sell in the future) it is a reverse repurchase agreement. Residential Credit Securities Refers to CRT securities and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities. Residential Securities Refers to Agency mortgage-backed securities, CRT securities and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities. Residual In securitizations, the residual is the tranche that collects any cash flow from the collateral that remains after obligations to the other tranches have been met. Return on Average Equity Calculated by taking earnings divided by average stockholders’ equity. Reverse Repurchase Agreement Refer to Repurchase Agreement. The buyer of securities effectively provides a collateralized loan to the seller. Risk Appetite Statement Defines the types and levels of risk we are willing to take in order to achieve our business objectives, and reflects our risk management philosophy. 72 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis S Secondary Market Ongoing market for bonds previously offered or sold in the primary market. Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) Broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury securities and was chosen by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee as the preferred benchmark rate to replace dollar LIBOR. Settlement Date The date securities must be delivered and paid for to complete a transaction. Short-Term Debt Generally, debt which matures in one year or less. However, certain securities that mature in up to three years may be considered short-term debt. Spread When buying or selling a bond through a brokerage firm, investors will be charged a commission or spread, which is the difference between the market price and cost of purchase, and sometimes a service fee. Spreads differ based on several factors including liquidity. T Target Assets Includes Agency mortgage-backed securities, to-be-announced forward contracts, CRT securities, MSR, non-Agency mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage loans, and commercial real estate investments. Tangible Economic Return Refers to the Company’s change in tangible book value (calculated by summing common stock, additional paid-in capital, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated deficit less intangible assets) plus dividends declared divided by the prior period’s tangible book value. Taxable REIT Subsidiary (“TRS”) An entity that is owned directly or indirectly by a REIT and has jointly elected with the REIT to be treated as a TRS for tax purposes. Annaly and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries have made separate joint elections to treat these subsidiaries as TRSs. Term SOFR The term secured overnight financing rate published by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, which is used as a benchmark for financial transactions. To-Be-Announced (“TBA”) Securities A contract for the purchase or sale of a mortgage-backed security to be delivered at a predetermined price, face amount, issuer, coupon and stated maturity on an agreed-upon future date but does not include a specified pool number and number of pools. TBA Dollar Roll Income TBA dollar roll income is defined as the difference in price between two TBA contracts with the same terms but different settlement dates. The TBA contract settling in the later month typically prices at a discount to the earlier month contract with the difference in price commonly referred to as the “drop”. TBA dollar roll income represents the equivalent of interest income on the underlying security less an implied cost of financing. Total Return Investment performance measure over a stated time period which includes coupon interest, interest on interest, and any realized and unrealized gains or losses. Total Return Swap A derivative instrument where one party makes payments at a predetermined rate (either fixed or variable) while receiving a return on a specific asset (generally an equity index, loan or bond) held by the counterparty. U Unencumbered Assets Assets on our balance sheet which have not been pledged as collateral against an existing liability. U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) Obligations Obligations of Agencies originally established or chartered by the U.S. government to serve public purposes as specified by the U.S. Congress, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; these obligations are not explicitly guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. V Value-at-Risk (“VaR”) A statistical technique which measures the potential loss in value of an asset or portfolio over a defined period for a given confidence interval. Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) An entity in which equity investors (i) do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and/or (ii) do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. 73 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Variation Margin Cash or securities provided by a party to collateralize its obligations under a transaction as a result of a change in value of such transaction since the trade was executed or the last time collateral was provided. Volatility A statistical measure of the variance of price or yield over time. Volatility is low if the price does not change very much over a short period of time, and high if there is a greater change. Voting Interest Entity (“VOE”) An entity that has sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties and in which equity investors have a controlling financial interest. W Warehouse Lending A line of credit extended to a loan originator to fund mortgages extended by the loan originators to property purchasers. The loan typically lasts from the time the mortgage is originated to when the mortgage is sold into the secondary market, whether directly or through a securitization. Warehouse lending can provide liquidity to the loan origination market. Weighted Average Coupon The weighted average interest rate of the underlying mortgage loans or pools that serve as collateral for a security, weighted by the size of the principal loan balances. Weighted Average Life (“WAL”) The assumed weighted average amount of time that will elapse from the date of a security’s issuance until each dollar of principal is repaid to the investor. The WAL will change as the security ages and depending on the actual realized rate at which principal, scheduled and unscheduled, is paid on the loans underlying the MBS. Y Yield-to-Maturity The expected rate of return of a bond if it is held to its maturity date; calculated by taking into account the current market price, stated redemption value, coupon payments and time to maturity and assuming all coupons are reinvested at the same rate; equivalent to the internal rate of return. 74 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are contained within the section titled “Risk Management” of Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”