form10q.htm


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 June 30, 2011

OR

o
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: 000-50230
 

ARLINGTON ASSET INVESTMENT CORP.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
Virginia
54-1873198
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
1001 Nineteenth Street North
 
Arlington, VA
22209
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

(703) 373-0200
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)



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

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

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

Large accelerated filer  o
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer  o
Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

Number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of July 29, 2011:

Title
Outstanding
Class A Common Stock
7,099,469 shares
Class B Common Stock
566,112 shares



 
 

 
 
ARLINGTON ASSET INVESTMENT CORP.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2011
INDEX

     
Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
       
Item 1.
 
1
       
   
1
       
   
2
       
   
3
       
   
4
       
   
5
       
Item 2.
 
19
       
Item 3.
 
32
       
Item 4.
 
35
       
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
Item 1.
 
38
       
Item 1A.
 
38
       
Item 2.
 
38
       
Item 6.
 
39
       
   
40

 
 



PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

ARLINGTON ASSET INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,077     $ 12,412  
Receivables
               
Interest
    3,754       2,345  
Other
    201       219  
Mortgage-backed securities, at fair value
               
Available-for-sale
    194,509       252,909  
Trading
    660,987       174,055  
Other investments
    3,227       8,287  
Deposits
    33,626       4,748  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    998       358  
Total assets
  $ 918,379     $ 455,333  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Repurchase agreements
  $ 639,244     $ 190,220  
Interest payable
    245       187  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    5,735       7,201  
Dividend payable
    6,785       4,655  
Derivative liabilities, at fair value
    25,097       2,398  
Purchased securities payable
          2,555  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    16,156       16,373  
Long-term debt
    15,000       15,000  
Total liabilities
    708,262       238,589  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
           
Equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
           
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, 450,000,000 shares authorized, 7,099,484 and 7,106,330 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    71       71  
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 566,112 shares issued and outstanding
    6       6  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,505,987       1,505,971  
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes
    49,565       63,495  
Accumulated deficit
    (1,345,512 )     (1,352,799 )
Total equity
    210,117       216,744  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 918,379     $ 455,333  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
1


ARLINGTON ASSET INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest income
  $ 13,262     $ 10,049     $ 25,757     $ 19,251  
                                 
Interest expense
                               
Interest on short-term debt
    477       137       794       227  
Interest on long-term debt
    115       139       230       277  
Total interest expense
    592       276       1,024       504  
Net interest income
    12,670       9,773       24,733       18,747  
Other (loss) income, net
                               
Investment (loss) gain, net
    (8,484 )     2,378       2,740       2,731  
Other loss
    (4 )     (3 )     (7 )     (7 )
Total other (loss) income, net
    (8,488 )     2,375       2,733       2,724  
Operating income before other expenses
    4,182       12,148       27,466       21,471  
Other expenses
                               
Compensation and benefits
    2,570       2,379       5,006       5,299  
Professional services
    561       90       684       760  
Business development
    47       19       79       39  
Occupancy and equipment
    92       88       188       204  
Communications
    50       58       96       112  
Other operating expenses
    425       492       720       1,297  
Total other expenses
    3,745       3,126       6,773       7,711  
Income before income taxes
    437       9,022       20,693       13,760  
Income tax provision
    346       249       817       361  
Net income
  $ 91     $ 8,773     $ 19,876     $ 13,399  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.01     $ 1.12     $ 2.58     $ 1.72  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.01     $ 1.10     $ 2.57     $ 1.70  
Dividends declared per share
  $ 0.875     $ 0.35     $ 1.625     $ 0.70  
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands)
                               
Basic
    7,723       7,815       7,692       7,774  
Diluted
    7,736       7,952       7,728       7,899  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
2


ARLINGTON ASSET INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Class A
Common
Stock (#)
   
Class A
Amount
($)
   
Class B
Common
Stock (#)
   
Class B
Amount
($)
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Accumulated
Deficit
   
Total
   
Comprehensive
Income
 
                                                       
Balances, December 31, 2009
    7,352,774     $ 74       566,112     $ 6     $ 1,507,394     $ 7,015     $ (1,364,476 )   $ 150,013        
Net income
                                        26,586       26,586     $ 26,586  
Issuance of Class A common stock
    4,353                         447                   447        
Repurchase of Class A common stock
    (243,815 )     (2 )                 (4,901 )                 (4,903 )      
Forfeitures of Class A common stock
    (6,982 )     (1 )                 (122 )                 (123 )      
Amortization of Class A common shares issued as stock-based awards
                            3,153                   3,153        
Other comprehensive income
                                                                       
Net change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale investment securities, (net of taxes of $-0-)
                                  56,480             56,480       56,480  
Comprehensive income
                                                                  $ 83,066  
Dividends declared
                                        (14,909 )     (14,909 )        
Balances, December 31, 2010
    7,106,330       71       566,112       6       1,505,971       63,495       (1,352,799 )     216,744          
Net income
                                        19,876       19,876     $ 19,876  
Issuance of Class A common stock
    29,147                         545                   545        
Repurchase of Class A common stock
    (8,910 )                       (229 )                 (229 )      
Forfeitures of Class A common stock
    (27,083 )                       (765 )                 (765 )      
Amortization of Class A common shares issued as stock-based awards
                            465                   465        
Other comprehensive income
                                                                       
Net change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale investment securities, (net of taxes of $-0-)
                                  (13,930 )           (13,930 )     (13,930 )
Comprehensive income
                                                                  $ 5,946  
Dividends declared
                                        (12,589 )     (12,589 )        
Balances, June 30, 2011
    7,099,484     $ 71       566,112     $ 6     $ 1,505,987     $ 49,565     $ (1,345,512 )   $ 210,117          

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
3


ARLINGTON ASSET INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 19,876     $ 13,399  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Net investment gain
    (2,740 )     (2,731 )
Net (discount)/premium (accretion)/amortization on mortgage-backed securities
    (5,991 )     (5,994 )
Depreciation and amortization
    24       19  
Other
    465       1,850  
Changes in operating assets
               
Interest receivable
    (1,409 )     (564 )
Other receivables
    19       (227 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    664       (613 )
Changes in operating liabilities
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    592       7,495  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    (1,467 )     (1,152 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    10,033       11,482  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities
    (17,190 )     (111,403 )
Purchases of trading mortgage-backed securities
    (663,542 )     (218,051 )
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities
    73,294       211,847  
Proceeds from sales of trading mortgage-backed securities
    176,278       41,664  
Receipt of principal payments on available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities
    8,097       15,857  
Receipt of principal payments on trading mortgage-backed securities
    13,255       3,094  
Payments for purchased securities payable
    (2,555 )      
Payments for derivatives, net
    (31,623 )     (3,780 )
Other
    5,253       1,234  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (438,733 )     (59,538 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from repurchase agreements, net
    449,023       49,414  
Dividends paid
    (10,459 )     (2,795 )
Repayments of short-term debt
    (970 )      
Repurchase of common stock
    (229 )     (107 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    437,365       46,512  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    8,665       (1,544 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    12,412       10,123  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 21,077     $ 8,579  
                 
Supplemental cash flow information
               
Cash payments for interest
  $ 966     $ 437  
Cash payments for taxes
  $ 195     $ 500  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
4


ARLINGTON ASSET INVESTMENT CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

1.
Basis of Presentation:

The consolidated financial statements of Arlington Asset Investment Corp. (Arlington Asset) and its subsidiaries (unless the context otherwise provides, collectively, the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Therefore, they do not include all information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year or any other subsequent interim period. The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although the Company based the estimates and assumptions on historical experience, when available, market information, and on various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, management exercises significant judgment in the final determination of the estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements and notes for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the results of operations of the Company.

2.
Financial Instruments:

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The accounting principles related to fair value measurements define 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, not adjusted for transaction costs. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820) establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3) as described below:
 
Level 1 Inputs— 
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible by the Company;
   
Level 2 Inputs—
Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; and
   
Level 3 Inputs—
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including significant assumptions of the Company and other market participants.
 
 
5


The Company determines fair values for the following assets and liabilities:

Mortgage-backed securities (MBS), at fair value—The Company’s agency-backed MBS, which are generally guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and other AAA-rated non-agency or private-label MBS are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued after considering quoted market prices provided by a broker or dealer, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. The Company reviews broker or pricing service quotes to determine whether the quotes are relevant, for example, whether an active market exists to provide price transparency or whether the quote is an indicative price or a binding offer. The independent brokers and dealers providing market prices are those who make markets in these financial instruments.

The Company classifies certain other non-agency MBS within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because they trade infrequently and, therefore, have little or no price transparency. These MBS include private-label MBS. The Company utilizes present value techniques based on estimated cash flows of the instrument taking into consideration various assumptions derived by management and other assumptions used by other market participants. These assumptions are corroborated by evidence such as historical data, risk characteristics, transactions in similar instruments, and completed or pending transactions, when available.

Establishing fair value is inherently subjective given the volatile and sometimes illiquid markets for some of the Company’s MBS and requires management to make a number of assumptions, including assumptions about the future of interest rates, prepayment rates, discount rates, credit loss rates, and the timing of credit losses. The assumptions the Company applies are specific to each MBS. Although the Company relies on the internal calculations to compute the fair value of these MBS, the Company requests and considers indications of value (mark) from third-party dealers to assist in the valuation process.

Other investments—The Company’s other investments consists of investments in equity securities, investment funds, interest-only MBS, and other MBS-related securities. The Company’s equity securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy if they are valued using quoted market prices. Interest-only MBS and residual interest in securitization of which the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative instruments—In the normal course of the Company’s operations, the Company is a party to various financial instruments that are accounted for as derivatives in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815). The derivative instruments that trade in active markets or exchanges are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. Other derivative instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using broker or dealer quotations, which are model-based calculations based on market-based inputs, including, but not limited to, contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, prepayment rates and correlations of such inputs.

Other—Cash and cash equivalents, interest receivable, deposits, repurchase agreements, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at their amortized cost, which approximates fair value because of the short term nature of these instruments.

 
6


The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Financial assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,077     $ 21,077     $ 12,412     $ 12,412  
Interest receivable
    3,754       3,754       2,345       2,345  
Non-interest bearing receivables
    201       201       219       219  
MBS
                               
Agency-backed MBS
    661,143       661,143       174,229       174,229  
Private-label MBS
                               
Senior securities
    10,573       10,573       51,038       51,038  
Re-REMIC securities
    183,780       183,780       201,697       201,697  
Derivative assets
    28       28              
Other investments
    3,227       3,227       8,287       8,287  
Deposits
    33,626       33,626       4,748       4,748  
                                 
Financial liabilities
                               
Repurchase agreements
    639,244       639,244       190,220       190,220  
Interest payable
    245       245       187       187  
Short-term debt
                970       970  
Long-term debt
    15,000       15,000       15,000       15,000  
Derivative liabilities
    25,097       25,097       2,398       2,398  

Fair Value Hierarchy

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy of financial instruments accounted for under ASC 820 as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. As required by ASC 820, assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

   
June 30, 2011
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
MBS, at fair value
                       
Trading
                       
Agency-backed MBS
  $ 660,987     $     $ 660,987     $  
Available-for-sale
                               
Agency-backed MBS
    156             156        
Private-label MBS
                               
Senior securities
    10,573                   10,573  
Re-REMIC securities
    183,780                   183,780  
Total available-for-sale
    194,509             156       194,353  
Total MBS
    855,496             661,143       194,353  
Derivative assets, at fair value
    28       28              
Derivative liabilities, at fair value
    (25,097 )     (24,577 )     (520 )      
Interest-only MBS, at fair value
    1,137                   1,137  
Total
  $ 831,564     $ (24,549 )   $ 660,623     $ 195,490  

 
7



   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
MBS, at fair value
                       
Trading
                       
Agency-backed MBS
  $ 174,055     $     $ 174,055     $  
Available-for-sale
                               
Agency-backed MBS
    174             174        
Private-label MBS
                               
Senior securities
    51,038                   51,038  
Re-REMIC securities
    201,697                   201,697  
Total available-for-sale
    252,909             174       252,735  
Total MBS
    426,964             174,229       252,735  
Eurodollar futures, at fair value
    (2,398 )           (2,398 )      
Interest-only MBS, at fair value
    6,327                   6,327  
Total
  $ 430,893     $     $ 171,831     $ 259,062  

The total financial assets measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis and classified within Level 3 were $195,490, or 21.29%, and $259,062, or 56.90%, of the Company’s total assets as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

There were no significant transfers of securities in or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

As of June 30, 2011, the fair value of the Company’s Level 3, private-label MBS available-for-sale was $194,353. These securities are primarily senior and re-REMIC tranches in securitization trusts issued between 2005 and 2010. The senior securities represent interests in securitizations that have the first right to cash flows and absorb losses last. The re-REMIC securities category represents interests in re-securitizations of senior residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and pro-rata mezzanine securities. For re-REMIC securities, the cash flows from, and any credit losses absorbed by, the underlying RMBS are allocated among the re-REMIC securities issued in the re-securitization transactions based on the re-REMIC structure. For example, prime and non-prime residential senior securities have been resecuritized to create a two-tranche structure with a re-REMIC senior security and a re-REMIC subordinated security. In these re-REMIC securities, all principal payments from the underlying securities are directed to the re-REMIC senior security until the face value is fully paid off. Thereafter, all principal payments are directed to the re-REMIC subordinated security. For pro-rata mezzanine securities, principal payments from the underlying RMBS are typically allocated concurrently and proportionally to the mezzanine securities along with senior securities. The re-REMIC subordinated and mezzanine securities absorb credit losses, if any, first; however, these credit losses occur only when credit losses exceed the credit protection provided to the underlying securities. Senior, re-REMIC and mezzanine securities receive interest while any face value is outstanding.

As of June 30, 2011, the Company’s senior securities and re-REMIC securities were collateralized by residential Prime and Alt-A mortgage loans and had a weighted-average original loan-to-value of 71%, weighted-average original FICO score of 729, weighted-average three-month prepayment rate of 15% and weighted-average three-month loss severities of 49%. These underlying collateral loans had a weighted-average coupon rate of 5.45%. These securities are currently rated below investment grade. The significant inputs for the valuation model include the following weighted-averages:

 
8

 
   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Senior
Securities
   
Re-REMIC
Securities
   
Senior
Securities
   
Re-REMIC
Securities
 
Discount rate
    7.00 %     9.73 %     7.46 %     13.64 %
Default rate
    9.50 %     5.58 %     8.15 %     6.22 %
Loss severity rate
    55.00 %     42.31 %     48.54 %     42.10 %
Prepayment rate
    16.50 %     15.18 %     15.08 %     15.15 %

The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value and gains and losses of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Senior
Securities
   
Re-REMIC
Securities
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, April 1, 2011
  $ 15,865     $ 185,457     $ 201,322  
Total net gains (losses)
                       
Included in earnings
    53       1,419       1,472  
Included in other comprehensive income
    (856 )     (2,098 )     (2,954 )
Purchases
          6,212       6,212  
Sales
    (4,294 )     (6,971 )     (11,265 )
Principal payoffs
    (343 )     (2,021 )     (2,364 )
Net accretion of discount
    148       1,782       1,930  
Ending balance, June 30, 2011
  $ 10,573     $ 183,780     $ 194,353  
                         
The amount of net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to Level 3 assets still held at the reporting date
  $     $     $  


   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Senior
Securities
   
Re-REMIC
Securities
   
Total
 
                   
Beginning balance, April 1, 2010
  $ 87,802     $ 98,210     $ 186,012  
Total net gains (losses)
                       
Included in earnings
    1,923       2,668       4,591  
Included in other comprehensive income
    3,774       15,167       18,941  
Purchases
    6,415       56,827       63,242  
Sales
    (35,847 )     (20,362 )     (56,209 )
Principal payoffs
    (3,776 )     (3,143 )     (6,919 )
Net accretion of discount
    1,351       1,739       3,090  
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 61,642     $ 151,106     $ 212,748  
                         
The amount of net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to Level 3 assets still held at the reporting date
  $     $     $  

 
9



   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Senior
Securities
   
Re-REMIC
Securities
   
Total
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2011
  $ 51,038     $ 201,697     $ 252,735  
Total net gains (losses)
                       
Included in earnings
    3,525       8,628       12,153  
Included in other comprehensive income
    (6,082 )     (6,242 )     (12,324 )
Purchases
    330       16,860       17,190  
Sales
    (37,229 )     (36,066 )     (73,295 )
Principal payoffs
    (1,795 )     (6,302 )     (8,097 )
Net accretion of discount
    786       5,205       5,991  
Ending balance, June 30, 2011
  $ 10,573     $ 183,780     $ 194,353  
                         
The amount of net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to Level 3 assets still held at the reporting date
  $     $     $  


   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Senior
Securities
   
Re-REMIC
Securities
   
Total
 
                   
Beginning balance, January 1, 2010
  $ 94,380     $ 64,308     $ 158,688  
Total net gains (losses)
                       
Included in earnings
    3,008       3,124       6,132  
Included in other comprehensive income
    3,012       18,360       21,372  
Purchases
    15,460       95,942       111,402  
Sales
    (48,812 )     (27,767 )     (76,579 )
Principal payoffs
    (8,320 )     (6,005 )     (14,325 )
Net accretion of discount
    2,914       3,144       6,058  
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 61,642     $ 151,106     $ 212,748  
                         
The amount of net gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to Level 3 assets still held at the reporting date
  $     $     $  

Gains and losses included in earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are reported in the following statement of operations line descriptions:

   
Other Income, Net Investment Gain
   
Other Income, Net Investment Gain
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Total gains included in earnings for the period
  $ 1,472     $ 4,591     $ 12,153     $ 6,132  
                                 
Change in unrealized gains relating to assets still held at reporting date
  $     $     $     $  

Level 3 Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company also measures certain financial assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Adjustments to the fair value of these assets usually result from the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets due to impairments. Due to the nature of these financial assets, enterprise values are primarily used to value these financial assets. In determining the enterprise value, the Company analyzes various financial, performance and market factors to estimate fair value, including where applicable, market trading activity. As a result, these financial assets are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As of June 30, 2011, these financial assets are classified within the other investments category and represent the Company’s interest in non-public equity securities and investment funds. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recorded a loss of $85 in the carrying value of these financial assets. For the three months ended June 30, 2011 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, there were no changes to the carrying value of these financial assets.

 
10


MBS, at Fair Value

MBS, at fair value(1) (2), consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:

   
June 30, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
   
Fair Value
   
Net
Unamortized
Premium
(Discount)
   
Percent of Total Fair Value
   
Weighted
Average
Life
 
Weighted
Average
Rating(3)
 
Fair Value
   
Net
Unamortized
Premium
(Discount)
   
Percent of Total Fair Value
   
Weighted
Average
Life
   
Weighted
Average
Rating(3)
 
Trading
                                                       
Fannie Mae
  $ 433,933     $       50.72 %     6.4  
AAA
  $ 174,055     $       40.77 %     4.7    
AAA
 
Freddie Mac
    227,054             26.54 %     6.4  
AAA
                             
Available-for-sale:
                                                                         
Agency-backed
                                                                         
Fannie Mae
    156             0.02 %     3.5  
AAA
    174             0.04 %     3.3    
AAA
 
Private-label
                                                                         
Senior securities
    10,573       (5,313 )     1.24 %     4.2  
CC
    51,038       (20,812 )     11.95 %     5.6    
CCC
 
Re-REMIC securities
    183,780       (134,801 )     21.48 %     8.1  
NR
    201,697       (168,282 )     47.24 %     9.2    
NR
 
    $ 855,496     $ (140,114 )     100.00 %             $ 426,964     $ (189,094 )     100.00 %                
 

(1)
The Company’s MBS portfolio was primarily comprised of fixed-rate MBS at June 30, 2011 and adjustable-rate MBS at December 31, 2010. The weighted-average coupon of the MBS portfolio at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was 4.87% and 5.13%, respectively.
(2)
As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s MBS investments with a fair value of $701,643 and $233,885, respectively, were pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements.
(3)
The securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not rated by any rating agency; however, they are commonly thought of as having an implied rating of “AAA.” There is no assurance, however, that these securities would receive such a rating if they were ever rated by a rating agency. The weighted-average rating of the Company’s private-label senior securities is calculated based on face value of the securities.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company reallocated a portion of the capital to agency-backed MBS from its private-label MBS. The Company has generally purchased private-label MBS at a discount. The Company, at least on a quarterly basis, estimates the future expected cash flows based on the Company’s observation of current information and events and applying a number of assumptions related to prepayment rates, interest rates, default rates, and the timing and amount of credit losses. These assumptions are difficult to predict as they are subject to uncertainties and contingencies related to future events that may impact the Company’s estimates and its interest income.

Based on the Company’s estimates of the expected cash flows associated with its discounted private-label MBS, a portion of the purchase discount that the Company is entitled to earn, which the Company considers to be a credit reserve against future potential credit losses may not be accreted into interest income. The amount designated as credit reserve may be adjusted over time, based on the actual performance of the security, its underlying collateral, actual and projected cash flow from such collateral, economic conditions and other factors. If the performance of a security with a credit reserve is more favorable than forecasted, a portion of the amount designated as credit reserve may be accreted into interest income over time. Conversely, if the performance of a security with a credit reserve is less favorable than forecasted, additional amounts of the purchase discount may be designated as a credit reserve, or impairment charges and write-downs of such securities to a new cost basis could result.

 
11


The following tables present the changes of the unamortized discount and designated credit reserves on available-for-sale, private-label MBS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Senior Securities
   
Re-REMIC Securities
 
   
Unamortized
Discount
   
Credit
Reserve
   
Unamortized
Discount
   
Credit
Reserve
 
Beginning balance, April 1, 2011
  $ 6,940     $     $ 140,689     $ 4,214  
Accretion of discount
    (148 )           (1,782 )      
Reclassifications, net
                (172 )     172  
Acquisitions
                3,049        
Sales
    (1,479 )           (11,369 )      
Ending balance, June 30, 2011
  $ 5,313     $     $ 130,415     $ 4,386  


   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Senior Securities
   
Re-REMIC Securities
 
   
Unamortized
Discount
   
Credit
Reserve
   
Unamortized
Discount
   
Credit
Reserve
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2011
  $ 20,259     $ 553     $ 162,388     $ 5,894  
Accretion of discount
    (786 )           (5,205 )      
Reclassifications, net
                (1,463 )     1,463  
Acquisitions
    131             7,223        
Sales
    (14,291 )     (553 )     (32,528 )     (2,971 )
Ending balance, June 30, 2011
  $ 5,313     $     $ 130,415     $ 4,386  


   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Senior Securities
   
Re-REMIC Securities
 
   
Unamortized
Discount
   
Credit
Reserve
   
Unamortized
Discount
   
Credit
Reserve
 
Beginning balance, April 1, 2010
  $ 44,444     $ 2,904     $ 126,687     $ 9,769  
Accretion of discount
    (1,351 )           (1,739 )      
Reclassifications, net
    2,244       (2,244 )     4,898       (4,898 )
Acquisitions
    2,182       76       55,203       4,530  
Sales
    (14,141 )     (191 )     (28,153 )     (4,463 )
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 33,378     $ 545     $ 156,896     $ 4,938  


   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
   
Senior Securities
   
Re-REMIC Securities
 
   
Unamortized
Discount
   
Credit
Reserve
   
Unamortized
Discount
   
Credit
Reserve
 
Beginning balance, January 1, 2010
  $ 51,051     $ 2,503     $ 91,610     $ 4,897  
Accretion of discount
    (2,914 )           (3,144 )      
Reclassifications, net
    2,244       (2,244 )     4,898       (4,898 )
Acquisitions
    6,474       477       105,550       9,402  
Sales
    (23,477 )     (191 )     (42,018 )     (4,463 )
Ending balance, June 30, 2010
  $ 33,378     $ 545     $ 156,896     $ 4,938  

For the securities acquired during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the contractually required payments receivable were $15,270 and $47,228, respectively, the cash flow expected to be collected was $15,270 and $43,909, respectively, and the fair value at the acquisition date was $6,213 and $19,745, respectively.

The Company’s available-for-sale securities consist of MBS. In accordance with ASC 320, Debt and Equity Securities (ASC 320), the securities are carried at fair value with resulting unrealized gains and losses reflected as other comprehensive income or loss. Gross unrealized gains and losses on these securities were the following as of the dates indicated:

 
12



 
June 30, 2011
 
 
Amortized
Cost/
Cost Basis(1)
         
 
Unrealized
     
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Agency-backed MBS
  $ 144     $ 12     $     $ 156  
Private-label MBS
                               
Senior securities
    8,778       1,795             10,573  
Re-REMIC securities
    135,986       47,914       (120 )     183,780  
Total
  $ 144,908     $ 49,721     $ (120 )   $ 194,509  


(1)
The amortized cost of MBS includes unamortized net discounts of $140,114 at June 30, 2011.

 
December 31, 2010
 
 
Amortized
Cost/
Cost Basis(1)
         
 
Unrealized
     
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Agency-backed MBS
  $ 163     $ 11     $     $ 174  
Private-label MBS
                               
Senior securities
    43,161       7,877             51,038  
Re-REMIC securities
    146,844       54,853             201,697  
Total
  $ 190,168     $ 62,741     $     $ 252,909  


(1)
The amortized cost of MBS includes unamortized net discounts of $189,094 at December 31, 2010.

The Company recorded no other-than-temporary impairments on MBS during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

The following table presents the results of sales of MBS for the periods indicated:

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Proceeds from sales
  $ 81,939     $ 97,873     $ 249,572     $ 253,511  
Gross gains
    1,673       4,658       12,674       6,323  
Gross losses
    117       89       245       999  

Other Investments

The Company’s other investments consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:

   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
Interest-only MBS
  $ 1,137     $ 6,327  
Non-public equity securities
    975       975  
Investment funds
    1,115       985  
                 
Total other investments
  $ 3,227     $ 8,287  

3.
Borrowings:

Repurchase Agreements

The Company has entered into repurchase agreements to fund its investments in MBS. As of June 30, 2011, the amount at risk related to $121,247 and $219,536 of repurchase agreements with Credit Suisse Securities USA LLC and Barclays Capital Inc., respectively, was $36,037, or 17.15%, and $11,810, or 5.62%, respectively, of the Company’s equity with a weighted-average maturity of 20 and 14 days, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, the amount at risk related to $19,852 of repurchase agreements with Credit Suisse Securities USA LLC was $31,943, or 14.74%, of the Company’s equity with a weighted-average maturity of 35 days. The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings as of the dates and periods indicated:

 
13

 
 
June 30,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
 
Outstanding balance
  $ 639,244     $ 190,220  
Value of assets pledged as collateral
               
Agency-backed MBS
    642,990       174,055  
Private-label MBS
    58,653       59,830  
Cash
          1,300  
Weighted-average rate
    0.30 %     0.53 %
Weighted-average term to maturity
 
15.1 days
   
15.4 days
 
 
 
June 30,
2011
 
June 30,
2010
 
Weighted-average outstanding balance during the three months ended
  $ 617,825     $ 158,174  
Weighted-average rate during the three months ended
    0.31 %     0.34 %
Weighted-average outstanding balance during the six months ended
  $ 469,838     $ 145,290  
Weighted-average rate during the six months ended
    0.34 %     0.31 %

Long-Term Debt

As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had $15,000 of outstanding long-term debentures. The long-term debentures accrue and require payments of interest quarterly at an annual rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.25% to 3.00%. The weighted-average interest rate on these long-term debentures was 3.03% and 3.04% as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. All of these borrowings mature between 2033 and 2035.

4.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities:

In the normal course of its operations, the Company is a party to financial instruments that are accounted for as derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC 815. These instruments may include interest rate swaps, Eurodollar and U.S. Treasury futures contracts, put options and certain commitments to purchase and sell MBS.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company entered into various financial contracts to hedge certain MBS and related borrowings and other long-term debt. These financial contracts are not designated as hedges under ASC 815. The changes in fair value on these derivatives are recorded to net investment gain or loss in the statement of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recorded net losses of $21,569 and $24,116, respectively, on these derivatives. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Company recorded net losses of $1,888 on these derivatives. The Company had no derivative activities during the three months ended March 31, 2010. The Company held the following derivative instruments as of the dates indicated:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Notional Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Notional Amount
   
Fair Value
 
No hedge designation
                       
Eurodollar futures(1)
  $ 15,035,000     $ (24,461 )   $ 1,370,000     $ (2,398 )
10-year U.S. Treasury note futures(2)
    54,700       28              
5-year U.S. Treasury note futures(3)
    15,000       (116 )            
Commitments to purchase MBS(4)
    95,000       (520 )            
 

(1)
The $15,035,000 total notional amount of Eurodollar futures contracts as of June 30, 2011 represents the accumulation of Eurodollar futures contracts that mature on a quarterly basis between 2011 and 2016. As of June 30, 2011, the Company maintained $33,626 as a deposit and margin against the open Eurodollar futures contracts.
(2)
The $54,700 total notional amount of 10-year U.S. Treasury note futures as of June 30, 2011 represents the accumulation of 10-year U.S. Treasury note futures that mature in September of 2011.
(3)
The $15,000 total notional amount of 5-year U.S. Treasury note futures as of June 30, 2011 represents the accumulation of 5-year U.S. Treasury note futures that mature in September of 2011.
(4)
The $95,000 total notional amount of commitments to purchase MBS as of June 30, 2011 represents the forward commitment to purchase fixed-rate MBS securities with settlement dates in July and September of 2011.

 
14


5.
Income Taxes:

The total income tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was $346 and $817, respectively. The total income tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was $249 and $361, respectively. The Company generated pre-tax book income of $437 and $20,693 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. The Company generated pre-tax book income of $9,022 and $13,760 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was 3.9% and 2.6%, respectively. The effective tax rate during these periods was lower than the highest marginal tax rates due to the valuation allowance release related to the valuation allowance recorded against the net deferred tax assets. The net deferred tax assets, which are offset by a full valuation allowance, include net operating losses (NOLs), which are available to offset the current and future taxable income. The Company recorded an expected tax liability for these periods due to taxable income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 that is anticipated to be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Limitations prevent the Company from using its NOLs to fully offset its taxable income for alternative minimum tax purposes. The Company expects to realize an additional portion of the tax benefits of NOLs in 2011, which are reflected in the Company’s projected effective tax rate for the year, along with a corresponding release of the valuation allowance previously recorded against these losses. The Company will continue to provide a valuation allowance against the other deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the benefits will not be realized in the future. The Company will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance at each reporting date.

The Company is subject to examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other taxing authorities in jurisdictions where the Company has significant business operations, such as Virginia.  As of June 30, 2011, the IRS’ examination of the Company’s tax years 2006, 2007 and 2008 were substantially completed pending a review by the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.  On July 12, 2011, the Company received a notification from the  IRS stating that the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation has completed its consideration of the IRS’ special report on these income tax returns and has taken no exception to the conclusions reached by the IRS.

6.
Earnings Per Share:

Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the impact of dilutive securities such as stock options and unvested shares of restricted stock. The following tables present the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
(Shares in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
Basic
   
Diluted
   
Basic
   
Diluted
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
                       
Common stock
    7,723       7,723       7,815       7,815  
Stock options and unvested restricted stock
          13             137  
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
    7,723       7,736       7,815       7,952  
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 91     $ 91     $ 8,773     $ 8,773  
Earnings per common share
  $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 1.12     $ 1.10  


   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Shares in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
   
Basic
   
Diluted
   
Basic
   
Diluted
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
                       
Common stock
    7,692       7,692       7,774       7,774  
Stock options and unvested restricted stock
          36             125  
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
    7,692       7,728       7,774       7,899  
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 19,876     $ 19,876     $ 13,399     $ 13,399  
Earnings per common share
  $ 2.58     $ 2.57     $ 1.72     $ 1.70  
 
 
15


The diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 did not include the antidilutive effect of 17,033 and 32,669 shares, respectively, of restricted stock units, stock options, and restricted stock. The diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 did not include the antidilutive effect of 50,158 and 104,617 shares, respectively, of restricted stock units, stock options, and restricted stock.

7.
Commitments and Contingencies:

Litigation

As of June 30, 2011, the Company was not a defendant and was not a plaintiff in any lawsuits or arbitrations or involved in any governmental or self-regulatory organization (SRO) matters that are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. The Company, from time to time, is involved in civil lawsuits and arbitration matters (together, litigation) relating to its business that are considered to be in the ordinary course. There can be no assurance that these matters individually or in aggregate will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations or liquidity in a future period.

8.
Equity:

Dividends

Pursuant to the Company’s variable dividend policy, the Board of Directors evaluates dividends on a quarterly basis and, in its sole discretion, approves the payment of dividends. The Company’s dividend payments, if any, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter. The Board of Directors has approved and the Company has declared the following dividends to date in 2011:

Quarter Ended
 
Dividend Amount
 
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Pay Date
June 30
 
$
0.875
 
June 23
 
July 5
 
July 29
March 31
   
0.750
 
March 24
 
April 4
 
April 29

The Board of Directors approved and the Company declared and paid the following dividends for 2010:

Quarter Ended
 
Dividend Amount
 
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Pay Date
December 31
 
$
0.60
 
December 20
 
December 31
 
January 31, 2011
September 30
 
0.60
 
September 20
 
September 30
 
October 29
June 30
 
0.35
 
May 26
 
June 30
 
July 30
March 31
 
0.35
 
February 10
 
March 31
 
April 30

Long-Term Incentive Plan

On April 13, 2011, the Board of Directors adopted the Arlington Asset Investment Corp. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2011 Plan).  The 2011 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders and became effective on June 2, 2011.  As the 2011 Plan replaced the 2004 Plan, no additional grants will be made under the 2004 Plan.

Under the 2011 Plan, shares of Class A common stock of the Company may be issued to employees, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company and its affiliates.  The maximum number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2011 Plan is equal to 500,000 shares plus any shares that remained available for issuance under the 2004 Plan, the FBR Stock and Annual Incentive Plan and the Company’s Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation Plan (Prior Plans) at the time the 2011 Plan became effective.  As of June 2, 2011, 45,097 shares remained available for grants under the Prior Plans.


 
16


Under the 2011 Plan, the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may grant options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock and restricted stock units, other stock-based awards, and performance awards.  However, no participant may be granted (i) options or SARs covering more than 250,000 shares in any calendar year or (ii) restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance awards and/or other stock-based awards denominated in shares covering more than 250,000 shares in any calendar year.  These share limits are subject to adjustment in the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, spin-off, extraordinary cash dividend or similar transactions or other change in corporate structure affecting the shares. In addition, the maximum dollar value payable to any participant in any calendar year with respect to awards valued with reference to property (including cash) other than shares is $10,000.  The 2011 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its effective date unless sooner terminated by the Board of Directors.

Restricted Stock

The following tables present the activities and balances related to restricted stock for the dates and periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Shares granted
                14,000        
Weight-average share price
  $     $     $ 27.66     $  
Compensation expense recognized during the period
  $ 74     $ 622     $ 442     $ 1,731  

 
   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
Restricted Class A shares outstanding
    15,345       132,246  
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested shares
  $ 335     $ 412  
Weighted-average vesting period remaining
 
2.75 years
   
0.16 years
 
Class A common stock shares available for grants
    529,468       25,292  

Restricted Stock Units

On June 2, 2011, each of the non-employee directors received an annual grant of 2,908 RSUs having an aggregate grant date fair value of $80, based on the closing sale price of the Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 1, 2011 of $27.51. In addition to the annual grant of RSUs, the Company also granted 1,089 additional RSUs to the non-employee directors in lieu of certain cash payments for services as Lead Independent Director or as a chairman of one of the Board’s standing committees.

Share Repurchases

From time to time, the Company repurchases shares of its Class A common stock under a share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors in July 2010 (Repurchase Program), pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of its Class A common stock.

 
17


Repurchases under the Repurchase Program may be made from time to time on the open market and in private transactions at management’s discretion in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing of repurchases and the exact number of shares of Class A common stock to be repurchased will depend upon market conditions and other factors. The Repurchase Program is funded using the Company’s cash on hand and cash generated from operations. The Repurchase Program has no expiration date and may be suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.

The following table summarizes the Company’s share repurchase activities for the periods indicated:

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Shares repurchased
          29,022       8,910       29,022  
Total cost
  $     $ 549     $ 229     $ 549  
Average price
  $     $ 18.87     $ 25.70     $ 18.87  

As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 247,275 and 256,185, respectively, shares of Class A common stock remain available for repurchases under the Repurchase Program.

9.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-5, Presentation of Comprehensive Income.  This standard requires presentation of the items of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income.  The new requirements are effective on January 1, 2012 for the Company.  Early adoption is permitted and full retrospective application is required.  The Company does not expect a significant impact on the Company’s financial positions as a result of adoption of these new requirements.

In May 2011, the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) completed their joint project on fair value measurement and issued their respective final standards.  These standards represent clarifications to existing guidance such as change in the valuation premise and the application of premiums and discounts, and new required disclosures.  These standards are effective for fiscal year 2012 for the Company.  The Company will assess the impact of the adoption of these standards on the Company’s financial positions.

In April 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing: Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. This guidance is intended to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other similar agreements, specifically modifying the criteria for determining when these transactions would be accounted for as financing as opposed to sales.  This guidance is effective January 1, 2012 for the Company and early adoption is not permitted.  The Company does not expect a significant impact on the Company’s financial positions as a result of adoption of this new guidance.

 
18


Item 2.

Unless the context otherwise requires or provides, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to Arlington Asset Investment Corp. (Arlington Asset) and its subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The discussion of the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations below may contain forward-looking statements. These statements, which reflect management’s beliefs and expectations, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future results, please see “Forward-Looking Statements” immediately following Item 4 of Part I of this report on Form 10-Q.

Executive Summary

We had net income of $0.1 million, or $0.01 per share (diluted), for the three months ended June 30, 2011. As of June 30, 2011, the Company’s book value per share was $27.12. The net income and book value for the three months ended and as of June 30, 2011 include net non-cash, mark-to-market charges of $1.39 per share and $1.65 per share, respectively, related to our trading agency-backed MBS portfolio and hedging transactions.  We have hedged our agency-backed MBS portfolio using primarily Eurodollar futures to protect our capital from future interest rate increases.  The value of these five-year hedge instruments is expected to fluctuate inversely relative to the agency-backed MBS portfolio and decrease in value during periods of declining interest rates and/or widening mortgage spreads.  Conversely, during periods of increasing rates and/or tightening mortgage spreads, these instruments are expected to increase in value.  The cost of these Eurodollar hedges will increase over their five-year term.

In addition to the financial results reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as consistently applied in the United States (GAAP), we calculate non-GAAP core operating income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011. Our core operating income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was $10.6 million and $29.1 million, respectively. In determining core operating income, we excluded certain costs and the following non-cash expenses: (1) compensation costs associated with stock-based awards, (2) accretion of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) purchase discounts adjusted for principal repayments in excess of proportionate invested capital, and (3) unrealized mark-to-market adjustments on the trading MBS and hedge instruments. This non-GAAP measurement is used by management to analyze and assess the operating results and dividends. We believe that this non-GAAP measurement assists investors in understanding the impact of these non-core items and non-cash expenses on our performance and provides additional clarity around our forward earnings capacity and trend. A limitation of utilizing this non-GAAP measure is that the GAAP accounting effects of these events do in fact reflect the underlying financial results of our business and these effects should not be ignored in evaluating and analyzing our financial results. Therefore, we believe net income on a GAAP basis and core operating income on a non-GAAP basis should be considered together.

The following is a reconciliation of GAAP net income to non-GAAP core operating income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2011
   
June 30, 2011
 
GAAP net income
 
$
91
   
$
19,876
 
Adjustments
               
Adjusted expenses(1)
   
532
     
555
 
Stock compensation
   
184
     
663
 
Net unrealized mark-to-market loss on trading MBS and interest rate hedge instruments
   
10,775
     
9,512
 
Adjusted interest related to purchase discount accretion(2)
   
(992
)
   
(1,540
)
Non-GAAP core operating income
 
$
10,590
   
$
29,066
 


(1)
Adjusted expenses reflect certain professional fees and income taxes that are not considered representative of routine or core operating-related activities of the Company.
(2)
Adjusted interest related to purchase discount accretion represents purchase discount accretion in excess of principal repayment in excess of proportional share of invested capital.

 
19


The current U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of the credit-rating agencies downgrading the U.S.’s credit rating for the first time in history. In the event U.S. lawmakers fail to reach an agreement on a national debt ceiling or budget, the U.S. could default on its obligations. Such a default, the perceived risk of such a default or a downgrade of the U.S.’s credit rating consequently could have a material adverse effect on the financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Downgrading of the U.S.’s credit rating or a default by the U.S. could negatively impact the trading market for U.S. government securities and would likely impact the credit risk associated with agency-backed MBS.  This could reduce the value of the agency-backed MBS and the private-label MBS in our portfolio.

In addition, adverse market and economic conditions that occur due to a default on the U.S.’s debt or a downgrade of the U.S.’s credit rating could adversely affect our business in many ways, including but not limited to adversely impacting our ability to obtain attractive financing for our investments, increasing the cost of such financing if it is obtained, increasing the likelihood that our repurchase agreement lenders require that we post additional collateral as a result of margin calls causing us to sell assets at depressed prices in order to generate liquidity to satisfy these margin calls or to settle repurchase agreement obligations if we are unable to obtain new repurchase agreement borrowings when our current borrowings expire.  As a result, these adverse economic and market conditions may also adversely affect our liquidity position, and could increase our risk of a counterparty defaulting on its obligations.  If any of these events were to occur, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have been evaluating, and will continue to evaluate, the opportunities across the spectrum in the mortgage industry and seek the highest risk-adjusted returns for our capital. We evaluate and prioritize the risk-adjusted return we expect to get on every asset based upon a current cash yield perspective as well as from a total yield perspective that includes expected reflation, which is defined as an increase in value between the amortized cost basis and the par value of the security.
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2011, we received proceeds of $11.3 million from the liquidation of $22.6 million in face value of private-label MBS, realizing $1.5 million in gains. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, we received proceeds of $73.3 million from the liquidation of $111.5 million in face value of private-label MBS, realizing $12.2 million in gains.

As of June 30, 2011, our agency-backed MBS consisted of $633.1 million in face value with a cost basis of $648.9 million and was fair valued at $661.1 million. Our agency-backed MBS had a weighted-average coupon of 4.61% and a weighted-average cost of funding of 24 basis points at June 30, 2011. We have hedged against the market value movements of our agency-backed MBS using Eurodollar and U.S. Treasury futures. The Eurodollar futures mature through June 30, 2016 and have a lifetime weighted-average rate of 2.88% as of June 30, 2011. As of June 30, 2011, we also held certain commitments to purchase MBS with a fair value of $(0.5) million.

As of June 30, 2011, our private-label MBS portfolio consisted of $291.6 million in face value with an amortized cost basis of $144.8 million and was fair valued at $194.4 million. The unaccreted purchase discount on our private-label MBS portfolio was $140.1 million as of June 30, 2011. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, we recognized net interest income of $5.9 million and $14.5 million, respectively, representing 16.1% and 18.2% annualized yield, respectively, including coupon and accretion of purchase discount, from our private-label MBS portfolio.

Our private-label MBS are primarily senior and re-REMIC tranches in securitization trusts issued between 2005 and 2010. The senior securities represent interests in securitizations that have the first right to cash flows and absorb losses last. The re-REMIC securities category represents interests in re-securitizations of senior residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and pro-rata mezzanine securities. For re-REMIC securities, the cash flows from, and any credit losses absorbed by, the underlying RMBS are allocated among the re-REMIC securities issued in the re-securitization transactions based on the re-REMIC structure. For example, prime and non-prime residential senior securities have been resecuritized to create a two-tranche structure with a re-REMIC senior security and a re-REMIC subordinated security. In these re-REMIC securities, all principal payments from the underlying securities are directed to the re-REMIC senior security until the face value is fully paid off. Thereafter, all principal payments are directed to the re-REMIC subordinated security. For pro-rata mezzanine securities, principal payments from the underlying RMBS are typically allocated concurrently and proportionally to the mezzanine securities along with senior securities. The re-REMIC subordinated and mezzanine securities absorb credit losses, if any, first; however, these credit losses occur only when credit losses exceed the credit protection provided to the underlying securities. Senior, re-REMIC, and mezzanine securities receive interest while any face value is outstanding. Our private-label MBS have approximately 8% credit enhancement on a weighted-average basis, which provides protection to our invested capital in addition to our purchase discount.

 
20


We generally purchase these private-label MBS at a discount to face value. We estimate, at least on a quarterly basis, the future expected cash flows based on our observation of current information and events and by applying a number of assumptions related to prepayment rates, interest rates, default rates, and the timing and amount of credit losses. These assumptions are difficult to predict as they are subject to uncertainties and contingencies related to future events that may impact our estimates and interest income.

Based on our estimates of the expected cash flows associated with our discounted private-label MBS, a portion of the purchase discount that we are entitled to earn, which we consider to be a credit reserve against future potential credit losses, may not be accreted into interest income. The amount designated as credit reserve may be adjusted over time, based on the actual performance of the security, its underlying collateral, actual and projected cash flow from such collateral, economic conditions and other factors. If the performance of a security with a credit reserve is more favorable than forecasted, a portion of the amount designated as credit reserve may be accreted into interest income over time. Conversely, if the performance of a security with a credit reserve is less favorable than forecasted, additional amounts of the purchase discount may be designated as a credit reserve, or impairment charges and write-downs of such securities to a new cost basis could result. As of June 30, 2011, we designated $4.4 million as a credit reserve of the $140.1 million purchase discount on such securities.

We periodically evaluate the rates of return that can be achieved in each asset category and for each individual asset in which we participate. Historically, based on market conditions, we believe our MBS assets have provided us with higher relative risk-adjusted rates of return than most other portfolio opportunities we have evaluated. Consequently, we have maintained a high allocation of our assets and capital in this sector. We intend to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities against the returns available in each of our asset alternatives and endeavor to allocate our assets and capital with an emphasis toward what we believe will generate the highest risk-adjusted return available. This strategy may cause us to have different allocations of capital in different environments. We believe we have constructed a private-label MBS portfolio with attractive characteristics and will continue to monitor relative value between the various classes of MBS. As we continue to reallocate our capital to agency-backed MBS, we will continue to seek to identify potential opportunities to strengthen our position and to maximize return to our shareholders.

The following is a summary of our statements of operations for the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net interest income
  $ 12,670     $ 9,773     $ 24,733     $ 18,747  
Other (loss) income, net
    (8,488 )     2,375       2,733       2,724  
Other expenses
    3,745       3,126       6,773       7,711  
Income before income taxes
    437       9,022       20,693       13,760  
Income tax provision
    346       249       817       361  
Net income
  $ 91     $ 8,773     $ 19,876     $ 13,399  
 
 
21


For the three months ended June 30, 2011, our net income was $0.1 million compared to $8.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. Our net income includes net interest income of $12.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $9.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010. Our other expenses increased to $3.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $3.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010, primarily as a result of an increase in legal expenses.

For the six months ended June 30, 2011, our net income was $19.9 million compared to $13.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. Our net income includes net interest income of $24.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $18.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010. Our other expenses decreased to $6.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $7.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily as a result of our effort to reduce expenses.

Principal Investing

The following table summarizes our principal investing portfolio including principal receivable on MBS, as of June 30, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

   
Face Amount
   
Fair Value
 
Trading
           
Agency-backed MBS
           
Fannie Mae
  $ 415,584     $ 433,933  
Freddie Mac
    217,344       227,054  
Available-for-sale
               
Agency-backed MBS
               
Fannie Mae
    144       156  
Private-label MBS
               
Senior securities
    14,091       10,573  
Re-REMIC securities
    277,533       183,780  
Other mortgage related assets
    134,585       1,137  
Total
  $ 1,059,281     $ 856,633  

As of June 30, 2011, the average purchase price of our private-label MBS was 50.72% of par value with a weighted-average coupon of 5.45%.

Operating Income

Our income from operations consists primarily of net interest income, net investment gain and investment fund earnings.

Expenses

Interest expense includes the costs of our repurchase agreement borrowings and long-term debt securities. Interest expense also includes costs of subordinated credit lines and other financing, when used.

Compensation and benefits expense includes base salaries as well as incentive compensation. Salaries, payroll taxes and employee benefits are relatively fixed in nature. In addition, compensation and benefits expense includes estimated performance-based incentive compensation, including the discretionary component that is more likely-than-not to be paid and non-cash expenses associated with all stock-based awards granted to employees.

Professional services expense includes accounting, legal and consulting fees. Many of these expenses, such as legal fees, are to a large extent variable related to level of transactions, ongoing litigation and initiatives.

Business development expense includes primarily travel and entertainment expenses.

Occupancy and equipment includes rental costs for our facilities and depreciation and amortization of equipment and software. These expenses are largely fixed in nature.

 
22


Communications expenses include voice, data and internet service fees, and data processing costs.

Other operating expenses include professional liability and property insurance, directors fees including cash and stock awards, printing and copying, business licenses and taxes, office supplies, penalties and fees, charitable contributions and other miscellaneous office expenses.

 
23


Results of Operations

Three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to three months ended June 30, 2010

We reported net income of $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $8.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and included the following results for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest income
  $ 13,262     $ 10,049  
Interest expense
    592       276  
Net interest income
    12,670       9,773  
Other (loss) income, net
               
Investment (loss) gain, net
    (8,484 )     2,378  
Other loss
    (4 )     (3 )
Total other (loss) income, net
    (8,488 )     2,375  
Other expenses
    3,745       3,126  
Income before income taxes
    437       9,022  
Income tax provision
    346       249  
Net income
  $ 91     $ 8,773  

Net income decreased $8.7 million from net income of $8.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 to net income of $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 due to the following changes:

Net interest income increased $2.9 million (29.6%) from $9.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2010 to $12.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011. The increase is the result of the overall increase in our MBS portfolio and reallocating a portion of our investable capital to agency-backed MBS portfolio.

Total other (loss) income, net, decreased $10.9 million from $2.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2010 to a $8.5 million loss in the three months ended June 30, 2011 primarily as a result of mark-to-market loss on our hedge positions related to MBS. See below for additional discussion on the results of our principal investing portfolio.

The following table summarizes the components of income from our principal investment activities, net of related interest expense (dollars in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Net interest income
  $ 12,785     $ 9,912  
Investment (loss) gain, net
    (8,484 )     2,378  

The components of net interest income from our MBS-related portfolio are summarized in the following table (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Income
(Expense)
   
Yield
(Cost)
   
Average
Balance
   
Income
(Expense)
   
Yield
(Cost)
 
MBS
  $ 779,370     $ 13,226       6.81 %   $ 334,434     $ 10,049       12.05 %
Other investments
    1,193       36       11.87 %                  
    $ 780,563       13,262       6.81 %   $ 334,434       10,049       12.05 %
                                                 
Repurchase agreements
  $ 617,825       (477 )     (0.31 )%   $ 158,174       (137 )     (0.34 )%
Net interest income/spread
          $ 12,785       6.50 %           $ 9,912       11.71 %

 
24

 
The change in the composition of our MBS portfolio from the three months ended June 30, 2010 to the three months ended June 30, 2011 and related increase in net interest income by $2.9 million from the same periods in 2010 to 2011 was due to the repositioning of the MBS portfolio by reallocating capital from private-label MBS to agency-backed MBS. Interest income from other investments represents interest on interest-only MBS securities.

For the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, we realized net investment loss of $8.5 million and gain of $2.4 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the components of net investment (loss) gain for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Realized gains on sale of available-for-sale investments, net
  $ 1,472     $ 4,591  
Gains (losses) on trading investments, net
    11,613       (375 )
Losses from derivative instruments, net
    (21,569 )     (1,888 )
Other, net
          50  
Investment (loss) gain, net
  $ (8,484 )   $ 2,378  

As part of our quarterly assessments of unrealized losses in our MBS portfolio for potential other-than-temporary impairment, we recognized no other-than-temporary impairment charges for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

As part of our quarterly assessments of unrealized losses in our portfolio of marketable equity securities for other-than-temporary impairments and our assessment of cost method investments, we recorded no other-than-temporary impairment losses during the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

The realized gains on sale of available-for-sale investments, net, recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2011 were primarily the result of proceeds received of $11.3 million from the sales of $22.6 million in face value of MBS at a net gain of $1.5 million as compared to the result of proceeds received of $56.2 million from the sales of $98.6 million in face value of MBS at a net gain of $4.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

The gains on trading investments, net, recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2011 were primarily the result of realized net gains of $0.7 million from sales of trading investments and unrealized mark-to-market net gain adjustments of our trading MBS portfolio of $10.9 million. The losses on trading investments, net, recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were primarily the result of realized net losses of $4.4 million from sales of trading investments offset by unrealized mark-to-market net gain adjustments of our trading MBS portfolio of $4.0 million.

Losses from derivative instruments recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2011 were the result of realized net gains of $75.2 thousand offset by unrealized mark-to-market loss adjustments of $21.6 million on our derivative instruments. Losses from derivative instruments recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were primarily the result of unrealized mark-to-market loss adjustments of $1.9 million on our derivative instruments.

Other net investment gain primarily includes miscellaneous activities related to various investment portfolios such as liquidation proceeds on previously impaired investments.

Interest expense unrelated to our principal investing activity relates to long-term debt. These costs decreased to $114.9 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from $139.0 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

Other expenses increased by $0.6 million (19.4%) from $3.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 to $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011, primarily as a result of an increase in non-litigation related legal costs.

 
25

 
Total income tax provision increased from a provision of $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2010 to a provision of $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. Our effective tax rate was 79.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as compared to 2.8% for the same period in 2010. During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, ordinary taxable income subject to alternative minimum tax was substantially offset by unrealized capital losses, which are not subject to alternative minimum tax, and therefore did not shelter the ordinary income. Our effective tax rates during these periods differed from statutory rates primarily due to the expected use of federal and state NOLs to offset our taxable income earned during those periods. Our NOLs had been recorded as deferred tax assets subject to a valuation allowance. We recorded an expected tax liability for these periods due to taxable income for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2011 that is anticipated to be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Limitations prevent us from using our NOLs to fully offset our taxable income for alternative minimum tax purposes. Further, the discrete period reporting of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax positions as of June 30, 2011 remains a major contributor of the total tax expense.

 
26

 
Results of Operations

Six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to six months ended June 30, 2010

We reported net income of $19.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $13.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and included the following results for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest income
  $ 25,757     $ 19,251  
Interest expense
    1,024       504  
Net interest income
    24,733       18,747  
Other income, net
               
Investment gain, net
    2,740       2,731  
Other loss
    (7 )     (7 )
Total other income, net
    2,733       2,724  
Other expenses
    6,773       7,711  
Income before income taxes
    20,693       13,760  
Income tax provision
    817       361  
Net income
  $ 19,876     $ 13,399  

Net income increased $6.5 million from net income of $13.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 to net income of $19.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 due to the following changes:

Net interest income increased $6.0 million (32.1%) from $18.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2010 to $24.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase is the result of the overall increase in our MBS portfolio and reallocating a portion of our investable capital to agency-backed MBS portfolio.

The following table summarizes the components of income from our principal investment activities, net of related interest expense (dollars in thousands):

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Net interest income
  $ 24,963     $ 19,024  
Investment gain, net
    2,740       2,731  

The components of net interest income from our MBS-related portfolio are summarized in the following table (dollars in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Income
(Expense)
   
Yield
(Cost)
   
Average
Balance
   
Income
(Expense)
   
Yield
(Cost)
 
MBS
  $ 635,792     $ 25,550       8.10 %   $ 317,700     $ 19,250       12.22 %
Other investments
    4,222       207       9.88 %                  
    $ 640,014       25,757       8.12 %   $ 317,700       19,250       12.22 %
Other(1)
                                  1          
              25,757                       19,251          
Repurchase agreements
  $ 469,838       (794 )     (0.34 )%   $ 145,290       (227 )     (0.31 )%
Net interest income/spread
          $ 24,963       7.78 %           $ 19,024       11.91 %
 

(1)
Includes interest income on cash and other miscellaneous interest-earning assets.

The change in the composition of our MBS portfolio from the six months ended June 30, 2010 to the six months ended June 30, 2011 and related increase in net interest income by $5.9 million from the same periods in 2010 to 2011 was due to the repositioning of the MBS portfolio by reallocating capital from private-label MBS to agency-backed MBS. Interest income from other investments represents interest on interest-only MBS securities.

 
27

 
For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, we realized net investment gains of $2.7 million. The following table summarizes the components of net investment gain for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Realized gains on sale of available-for-sale investments, net
  $ 14,018     $ 5,346  
Gains (losses) on trading investments, net
    12,923       (1,517 )
Losses from investment funds
    (85 )      
Losses from derivative instruments, net
    (24,116 )     (1,888 )
Other, net
          790  
Investment gain, net
  $ 2,740     $ 2,731  

As part of our quarterly assessments of unrealized losses in our MBS portfolio for potential other-than-temporary impairment, we recognized no other-than-temporary impairment charges for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

As part of our quarterly assessments of unrealized losses in our portfolio of marketable equity securities for other-than-temporary impairments and our assessment of cost method investments, we recorded $85.0 thousand in other-than-temporary impairment losses related to investment funds during the six months ended June 30, 2011. There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses during the six months ended June 30, 2010.

The realized gains on sale of available-for-sale investments, net, recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were primarily the result of proceeds received of $73.3 million from the sales of $111.5 million in face value of MBS at a net gain of $12.2 million and realized net gains from the sale of other investments of $1.8 million as compared to the result of proceeds received of $211.8 million from the sales of $271.2 million in face value of MBS at a net gain of $5.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

The gains on trading investments, net, recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were primarily the result of realized net losses of $0.3 million from sales of trading investments offset by unrealized mark-to-market net gain adjustments of our trading MBS portfolio of $13.2 million. The losses on trading investments, net, recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were primarily the result of realized net losses of $4.0 million from sales of trading investments offset by unrealized mark-to-market net gain adjustments of our trading MBS portfolio of $2.5 million.

Losses from derivative instruments recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2011 were the result of realized net losses of $1.4 million and unrealized mark-to-market loss adjustments of $22.7 million on our derivative instruments. Losses from derivative instruments recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2010 were primarily the result of unrealized mark-to-market loss adjustments of $1.9 million on our derivative instruments.

Losses from investment funds reflect the Company’s losses from investments in proprietary investment partnerships and other managed investments.

Other net investment gain primarily includes miscellaneous activities related to various investment portfolios such as liquidation proceeds on previously impaired investments.

Interest expense unrelated to our principal investing activity relates to long-term debt. These costs decreased to $229.3 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from $277.2 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Other expenses decreased by $0.9 million (11.7%) from $7.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 to $6.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, primarily as a result of our effort to reduce operating expenses in all categories. The most significant reductions were related to non-cash compensation of restricted stock amortization and insurance expenses.

 
28

 
Total income tax provision increased from a provision of $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010 to a provision of $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. Our effective tax rate was 3.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as compared to 2.6% for the same period in 2010. The effective tax rate during these periods was lower than the highest marginal tax rates due to the expected use of federal and state NOLs to offset our taxable income earned during those periods. Our NOLs had been recorded as deferred tax assets subject to a valuation allowance. We recorded an expected tax liability for these periods due to taxable income for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2011 that is anticipated to be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Limitations prevent us from using our NOLs to fully offset our taxable income for alternative minimum tax purposes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is a measurement of our ability to meet potential cash requirements including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund investments, and for other general business purposes. Our primary sources of funds for liquidity consist of short-term borrowings (e.g., repurchase agreements), principal and interest payments on MBS and proceeds from sales of MBS.

Liquidity, or ready access to funds, is essential to our business. Failures of similar businesses have been attributable in large part to insufficient liquidity. Liquidity is of particular importance to our business and perceived liquidity issues may affect our clients’ and counterparties’ willingness to engage in transactions with us. Our liquidity could be impaired due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as a general market disruption or an operational problem that affects us or third parties. Further, our ability to sell assets may be impaired if other market participants are seeking to sell similar assets at the same time. If we cannot obtain funding from third parties or from our subsidiaries, our results of operations could be negatively impacted.
 
The current U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of the credit-rating agencies downgrading the U.S.’s credit rating for the first time in history. In the event U.S. lawmakers fail to reach an agreement on a national debt ceiling or budget, the U.S. could default on its obligations. Such a default, the perceived risk of such a default or a downgrade of the U.S.’s credit rating consequently could have a material adverse effect on the financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Adverse market and economic conditions that occur due to a default on the U.S.’s debt or a downgrade of the U.S.’s credit rating could adversely affect our business in many ways, including but not limited to adversely impacting our ability to obtain attractive financing for our investments, increasing the cost of such financing if it is obtained, increasing the likelihood that our repurchase agreement lenders require that we post additional collateral as a result of margin calls causing us to sell assets at depressed prices in order to generate liquidity to satisfy these margin calls or to settle repurchase agreement obligations if we are unable to obtain new repurchase agreement borrowings when our current borrowings expire.  As a result, these adverse economic and market conditions may also adversely affect our liquidity position and could increase our risk of a counterparty defaulting on its obligations.  If any of these events were to occur, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and resulting operations.

Potential future sources of liquidity for us include existing cash balances, borrowing capacity through margin accounts and repurchase agreements and cash flows from operations, future issuances of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities or derivatives of those securities. Funding for agency-backed MBS through repurchase agreements continues to be available to us at rates we consider to be attractive from multiple counterparties and we have observed increased availability for funding for private-label MBS through repurchase agreements. Although the availability of the third-party sources of liquidity has improved, we have observed that market conditions are still constraining access to debt capital relative to pre-crisis levels of 2007. As a result, the availability of certain short-term liquidity such as commercial paper borrowings was still limited as of June 30, 2011.

On January 4, 2011, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-171537) with the SEC. The shelf registration statement was declared effective on January 20, 2011. Pursuant to the shelf registration statement, we may issue and publicly distribute various types of securities, including Class A common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units, or any combination of such securities, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million. We filed the shelf registration statement to gain additional flexibility in accessing capital markets for, among other things, the acquisition of MBS and other assets, the repayment of outstanding indebtedness, the pursuit of growth initiatives that may include acquisitions, working capital, and for liquidity needs. There is no assurance, however, that we will be able to access the capital markets on favorable terms or at all.

 
29

 
Cash Flows

As of June 30, 2011, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $21.1 million, representing a net increase in the balance of $8.7 million from $12.4 million as of December 31, 2010. The cash provided by operating activities of $10.0 million was attributable primarily to net income. The cash used in investing activities of $438.7 million relates primarily to purchases of MBS, net of proceeds from the sales of MBS. The cash provided by financing activities of $437.4 million relates primarily to proceeds from repurchase agreements used to finance a portion of the MBS portfolio.

Sources of Funding

We believe that our existing cash balances, investments in private-label MBS, net investments in agency-backed MBS, cash flows from operations, borrowing capacity and other sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements for at least the next 12 months. We have obtained, and believe we will be able to continue to obtain, short-term financing in amounts and at interest rates consistent with our financing objectives. We may, however, seek debt or equity financings, in public or private transactions, to provide capital for corporate purposes and/or strategic business opportunities, including possible acquisitions, joint ventures, alliances or other business arrangements which could require substantial capital outlays. Our policy is to evaluate strategic business opportunities, including acquisitions and divestitures, as they arise. There can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient funds from future operations, or raise sufficient debt or equity on acceptable terms, to take advantage of investment opportunities that become available. Should our needs ever exceed these sources of liquidity, we believe that most of our investments could be sold, in most circumstances, to provide cash. However, we may be required to sell our assets at depressed prices.

As of June 30, 2011, our liabilities totaled $708.3 million. In addition to other payables and accrued expenses, our indebtedness consisted of repurchase agreements and long-term debentures. These long-term debt securities accrue and require payments of interest quarterly at annual rates of three-month LIBOR plus 2.25% to 3.00%, mature between 2033 and 2035 and are currently redeemable by us, in whole or in part, without penalty. As of June 30, 2011, we had $15.0 million of total long-term debt.

We also have short-term financing facilities that are structured as repurchase agreements with various financial institutions to primarily fund our portfolio of agency-backed MBS. As of June 30, 2011, the weighted-average interest rate under these agreements was 0.30%. Our repurchase agreements include provisions contained in the standard master repurchase agreement as published by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) and may be amended and supplemented in accordance with industry standards for repurchase facilities. Our repurchase agreements include financial covenants, with which the failure to comply would constitute an event of default under the applicable repurchase agreement. Similarly, each repurchase agreement includes events of insolvency and events of default on other indebtedness. As provided in the standard master repurchase agreement as typically amended, upon the occurrence of an event of default or termination event the applicable counterparty has the option to terminate all repurchase transactions under such counterparty’s repurchase agreement and to demand immediate payment of any amount due from us to the counterparty.

Under our repurchase agreements, we may be required to pledge additional assets to our repurchase agreement counterparties in the event the estimated fair value of the existing pledged collateral under such agreements declines and such lenders demand additional collateral (i.e., a margin call), which may take the form of additional securities or cash. Margin calls on repurchase agreements collateralized by our MBS investments primarily result from events such as declines in the value of the underlying mortgage collateral caused by factors such as rising interest rates or prepayments.

To date, we have not had any margin calls on our repurchase agreements that we were not able to satisfy with either cash or additional pledged collateral. However, should we encounter increases in interest rates or prepayments, margin calls on our repurchase agreements could result in a material adverse change in our liquidity position.

 
30

 
In the event that market conditions are such that we are unable to obtain financing for our investments in MBS in amounts and at interest rates consistent with our financing objectives, to the extent deemed appropriate, we may use cash to finance our investments or we may liquidate such investments. Accordingly, depending on market conditions, we may incur significant losses on any such sales of MBS.

The following table provides information regarding our outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings as of the dates and periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
June 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
Outstanding balance
  $ 639,244     $ 190,220  
Weighted-average rate
    0.30 %     0.53 %
Weighted-average term to maturity
 
15.1 days
   
15.4 days
 
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period
  $ 639,244     $ 190,220  

Assets

Our principal assets consist of MBS, cash and cash equivalents, receivables, deposits and long-term investments. As of June 30, 2011, liquid assets consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents of $21.1 million and net investments in MBS of $216.3 million. Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds invested in debt obligations of the U.S. Government. Our total assets increased from $455.3 million at December 31, 2010 to $918.4 million as of June 30, 2011. The increase in total assets reflects the repositioning of the MBS portfolio by reallocating capital from private-label MBS to agency-backed MBS.

As of June 30, 2011, the total par and fair value of the MBS portfolio was $956.8 million and $855.5 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2011, the weighted-average coupon of the portfolio was 4.87%.

Dividends

Pursuant to our variable dividend policy, our Board of Directors evaluates dividends on a quarterly basis and, in its sole discretion, approves the payment of dividends. Our dividend payments, if any, may vary significantly from quarter to quarter. The Board of Directors has approved and we have declared and paid the following dividends to date in 2011:

Quarter Ended
 
Dividend Amount
 
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Pay Date
June 30
 
$
0.875
 
June 23
 
July 5
 
July 29
March 31
   
0.750
 
March 24
 
April 4
 
April 29

The Board of Directors approved and we declared and paid the following dividends for 2010:

Quarter Ended
 
Dividend Amount
 
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Pay Date
December 31
 
$
0.60
 
December 20
 
December 31
 
January 31, 2011
September 30
   
0.60
 
September 20
 
September 30
 
October 29
June 30
   
0.35
 
May 26
 
June 30
 
July 30
March 31
   
0.35
 
February 10
 
March 31
 
April 30

 
31


Item 3.

The current U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of the credit-rating agencies downgrading the U.S.’s credit rating for the first time in history. In the event U.S. lawmakers fail to reach an agreement on a national debt ceiling or budget, the U.S. could default on its obligations. Such a default, the perceived risk of such a default or a downgrade of the U.S.’s credit rating consequently could have a material adverse effect on the financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world.
 
Downgrading of the U.S.’s credit rating or a default by the U.S. could negatively impact the trading market for U.S. government securities and would likely impact the credit risk associated with agency-backed MBS.  This could reduce the value of the agency-backed MBS and the private-label MBS in our portfolio.

In addition, adverse market and economic conditions that occur due to a default on the U.S.’s debt or a downgrade of the U.S.’s credit rating could adversely affect our business in many ways, including but not limited to adversely impacting our ability to obtain attractive financing for our investments, increasing the cost of such financing if it is obtained, increasing the likelihood that our repurchase agreement lenders require that we post additional collateral as a result of margin calls causing us to sell assets at depressed prices in order to generate liquidity to satisfy these margin calls or to settle repurchase agreement obligations if we are unable to obtain new repurchase agreement borrowings when our current borrowings expire.  As a result, these adverse economic and market conditions may also adversely affect our liquidity position, and could increase our risk of a counterparty defaulting on its obligations.  If any of these events were to occur, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Market Risk

We monitor market and business risk, including credit, interest rate, equity, operations, liquidity, compliance, legal, reputational, and equity ownership risks through a number of control procedures designed to identify and evaluate the various risks to which our business and assets are exposed.

Market risk generally represents the risk of loss through a change in realizable value that can result from a change in the prices of securities, a change in the value of financial instruments as a result of changes in interest rates, a change in the volatility of interest rates or a change in the credit rating of an issuer. We are exposed to the following market risks as a result of our investments in MBS and equity investments.

Credit Risk

Although we do not expect to encounter credit risk in our agency-backed MBS portfolio assuming the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) remain solvent, we are exposed to credit risk in our private-label MBS portfolio. With respect to our private-label MBS, credit support contained in these MBS deal structures provides a level of protection from losses, as do the discounted purchase prices in the event of the return of less than 100% of par. We also evaluate the impact of credit risk on our investments through a comprehensive investment review and a selection process, which is predominantly focused on quantifying and pricing credit risk. We review our private-label MBS based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of the risk-adjusted returns on such investments. Through modeling and scenario analysis, we seek to evaluate each investment’s credit risk. Credit risk is also monitored through our ongoing asset surveillance. Despite these measures to manage credit risk, unanticipated credit losses could nevertheless occur, which could adversely impact our operating results.

Our private-label MBS are generally purchased at a discount. We estimate the future expected cash flows based on our observation of current information and events and applying a number of assumptions related to prepayment rates, interest rates, default rates, and the timing and amount of credit losses. These assumptions are difficult to predict as they are subject to uncertainties and contingencies related to future events that may impact our estimates and interest income.

Based on the expected cash flows, to the extent that a security has a probability of incurring credit loss, a portion of the purchase discount that we are entitled to earn and that we consider to be a credit reserve against future potential credit losses, may not be accreted into interest income. The amount designated as credit reserve may be adjusted over time, based on the actual performance of the security, its underlying collateral, actual and projected cash flow from such collateral, economic conditions and other factors. If the performance of a security with a credit reserve is more favorable than forecasted, a portion of the amount designated as credit reserve may be accreted into interest income over time. Conversely, if the performance of a security with a credit reserve is less favorable than forecasted, additional amounts of the purchase discount may be designated as credit reserve, or impairment charges and write-downs of such securities to a new cost basis could result. As of and for the three months ended June 30, 2011, we designated $4.4 million as credit reserve on such securities, which is net of a $0.2 million reclassification from accretable discount to credit reserve as a result of less favorable performance in actual and projected performance of the securities.

 
32

 
The following table represents certain statistics of our private-label MBS portfolio as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2011:

   
Senior
Securities
   
Re-REMIC
Securities
   
Total
Private-
Label
Securities
 
Yield (% of amortized cost)
    13.9 %     16.5 %     16.3 %
Average cost (% of face value)
    61.7 %     48.4 %     49.0 %
Weighted-average coupon
    5.1 %     5.5 %     5.5 %
Delinquencies greater than 60 plus days
    37.4 %     18.9 %     19.8 %
Credit enhancement
    11.6 %     8.2 %     8.3 %
Severity (three months average)
    62.7 %     48.2 %     48.9 %
Constant prepayment rate (three months average)
    14.1 %     15.1 %     15.1 %

Key credit and prepayment measures in our private-label MBS portfolio reflected a slight improvement during the three months ended June 30, 2011. Total 60-day plus delinquencies in our private-label MBS portfolio decreased to 19.8% at June 30, 2011 from 21.5% at March 31, 2011 and trailing three month average loss severities on liquidated loans increased to 48.9% at June 30, 2011 from 48.1% at March 31, 2011. Based upon the review of the underlying activities, we noted that the change in the credit performances is not considered indicative of the general portfolio. We will continue to monitor the performance of each security in our portfolio and assess the impact on the overall performance of the portfolio.

The table that follows shows the expected change in fair value for our current MBS related to our principal investing activities under several hypothetical credit loss scenarios. Our private-label MBS are classified as Level 3 assets of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued using present value techniques based on estimated cash flows of the security taking into consideration various assumptions derived by management and used by other market participants. These assumptions include, among others, interest rates, prepayment rates, discount rates, credit loss rates, and the timing of credit losses. Credit default and loss severity rates can significantly affect the prices of private-label MBS. While it is impossible to project exact amount of changes in value, the table below illustrates the impact a 10% increase and a 10% decrease in the credit default and loss severity rates, from those used as our valuation assumptions, would have on the value of our total assets and our book value as of June 30, 2011. The changes in rates are assumed to occur instantaneously. Actual changes in market conditions are likely to be different from these assumptions (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts).

   
Value at
June 30,
2011
   
Value at
June 30,
2011 with
10%
Increase in
Default Rate
   
Percent
Change
   
Value at
June 30,
2011 with
10%
Decrease in
Default Rate
   
Percent
Change
   
Value at
June 30,
2011 with
10%
Increase in
Loss Severity
Rate
   
Percent
Change
   
Value at
June 30,
2011 with
10%
Decrease in
Loss Severity
Rate
   
Percent
Change
 
Assets
                                                     
MBS
  $ 855,496     $ 851,243       (0.50 )%   $ 859,897       0.51 %   $ 848,758       (0.79 )%   $ 862,100       0.77 %
Other
    62,883       62,883             62,883             62,883             62,883        
Total assets
  $ 918,379     $ 914,126       (0.46 )%   $ 922,780       0.48 %   $ 911,641       (0.73 )%   $ 924,983       0.72 %
Liabilities
  $ 708,262     $ 708,262           $ 708,262           $ 708,262           $ 708,262        
Equity
    210,117       205,864       (2.02 )%     214,518       2.09 %     203,379       (3.21 )%     216,721       3.14 %
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 918,379     $ 914,126       (0.46 )%   $ 922,780       0.48 %   $ 911,641       (0.73 )%   $ 924,983       0.72 %
                                                                         
Book value per share
  $ 27.12     $ 26.57       (2.02 )%   $ 27.69       2.09 %   $ 26.25       (3.21 )%   $ 27.97       3.14 %

 
33


Interest Rate Risk

We are also subject to interest rate risk as a result of our principal investment activities. Through our principal investment activities, we invest in agency-backed MBS and finance these investments with repurchase agreements, which are interest rate sensitive financial instruments. We are exposed to interest rate risk that fluctuates based on changes in the level or volatility of interest rates and mortgage prepayments and in the shape and slope of the yield curve. We attempt to hedge a portion of our exposure to interest rate fluctuations primarily through the use of Eurodollar futures. The counterparties to our derivative agreements at June 30, 2011 are U.S. financial institutions. We assess and monitor the counterparties’ non-performance risk and credit risk on a regular basis.

Our primary risk is related to changes in both short- and long-term interest rates, which affect us in several ways. As interest rates increase, the market value of the MBS may be expected to decline, prepayment rates may be expected to go down, and duration may be expected to extend. An increase in interest rates is beneficial to the market value of our derivative instruments. For example, for interest rate swap positions, the cash flows from receiving the floating rate portion increase and the fixed-rate paid remains the same under this scenario. If interest rates decline, the reverse is true for MBS, paying fixed and receiving floating interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, and Eurodollar futures and MBS put option contracts.

The table that follows shows the expected change in fair value for our current MBS and derivatives related to our principal investing activities under several hypothetical interest-rate scenarios. Interest rates are defined by the U.S. Treasury yield curve. The changes in rates are assumed to occur instantaneously. It is further assumed that the changes in rates occur uniformly across the yield curve and that the level of LIBOR changes by the same amount as the yield curve. Actual changes in market conditions are likely to be different from these assumptions.

Changes in value are measured as percentage changes from their respective values presented in the column labeled “Value at June 30, 2011.” Management’s estimate of change in value for MBS is based on the same assumptions it uses to manage the impact of interest rates on the portfolio. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. For MBS, the estimated change in value of the MBS reflects an effective duration of 4.51 in a rising interest rate environment and 3.41 in a declining interest rate environment.

The effective durations are based on observed market value changes, as well as management’s own estimate of the effect of interest rate changes on the fair value of the investments including assumptions regarding prepayments based, in part, on age of and interest rate on the mortgages underlying the MBS, prior exposure to refinancing opportunities, and an overall analysis of historical prepayment patterns under a variety of past interest rate conditions (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts).

   
Value at
June 30,
2011
   
Value at
June 30,
2011 with 100
Basis Point
Increase in
Interest
Rates
   
Percent
Change
   
Value at
June 30,
2011 with 100
Basis Point
Decrease in
Interest
Rates
   
Percent
Change
 
Assets
                             
MBS
  $ 855,496     $ 816,915       (4.51 )%   $ 884,657       3.41 %
Derivative asset
    28       4,419       15,682.14 %     (4,815 )     (17,296.43 )%
Other
    62,855       62,855             62,855        
Total assets
  $ 918,379     $ 884,189       (3.72 )%   $ 942,697       2.65 %
Liabilities
                                       
Repurchase agreements
  $ 639,244     $ 639,244           $ 639,244        
Derivative liability
    25,097       (6,006 )     (123.93 )%     57,575       129.41 %
Other
    43,921       43,921             43,921        
Total liabilities
    708,262       677,159       (4.39 )%     740,740       4.59 %
Equity
    210,117       207,030       (1.47 )%     201,957       (3.88 )%
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 918,379     $ 884,189       (3.72 )%   $ 942,697       2.65 %
Book value per share
  $ 27.12     $ 26.72       (1.47 )%   $ 26.07       (3.88 )%
 
 
34


Equity Price Risk

Although limited, we are exposed to equity price risk as a result of our investments in marketable equity securities and investment partnerships. Equity price risk changes as the volatility of equity prices changes or the values of corresponding equity indices change.

While it is impossible to exactly project what factors may affect the prices of equity sectors and how much the effect might be, the table below illustrates the impact a 10% increase and a 10% decrease in the price of the equities held by us would have on the value of our total assets and our book value as of June 30, 2011 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts).
 
   
Value at
June 30,
2011
   
Value of Equity at
June 30, 2011
with 10% Increase
in Price
   
Percent
Change
   
Value of Equity at
June 30, 2011
with 10% Decrease
in Price
   
Percent
Change
 
Assets
                             
Equity and cost method investments
  $ 2,090     $ 2,299       10.00 %   $ 1,881       (10.00 )%
Other
    916,289       916,289             916,289        
Total assets
  $ 918,379     $ 918,588       0.02 %   $ 918,170       (0.02 )%
Liabilities
  $ 708,262     $ 708,262           $ 708,262        
Equity
    210,117       210,326       0.10 %     209,908       (0.10 )%
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 918,379     $ 918,588       0.02 %   $ 918,170       (0.02 )%
Book value per share
  $ 27.12     $ 27.15       0.10 %   $ 27.09       (0.10 )%

Except to the extent that we sell our marketable equity securities or other investments, or a decrease in their fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, an increase or decrease in the fair value of those assets will not directly affect our earnings; however, an increase or decrease in the value of equity method investments will directly affect our earnings.

Item 4.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Eric F. Billings, and our Chief Financial Officer, Kurt R. Harrington, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q, are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
35


Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the information incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q include forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “plans,” “estimates” or “anticipates” or the negative of those words or other comparable terminology. Statements concerning projections, future performance developments, events, revenues, expenses, earnings, run rates, and any other guidance on present or future periods constitute forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to the effects of our current strategy, our principal acquisition activities, levels of assets under management and our equity capital levels and liquidity. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and you should not unduly rely on these statements. You should be aware that a number of important factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to:

 
the availability and terms of, and our ability to deploy, capital and our ability to grow our business through a strategy focused on acquiring primarily residential mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issued by private organizations (private-label MBS), generally on a non-leveraged basis, and MBS that are either issued by a U.S. government agency or guaranteed as to principal and interest by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government sponsored agencies (agency-backed MBS), on a leveraged basis;

 
our ability to forecast our tax attributes, which are based upon various facts and assumptions, and our ability to protect and use our NOLs and net capital losses to offset future taxable income and gains, including whether our shareholder rights plan will be effective in preventing an ownership change that would significantly limit our ability to utilize such losses;

 
the overall environment for interest rates, changes in interest rates, interest rate spreads, the yield curve and prepayment rates;

 
our ability to realize any reflation of our assets;

 
current conditions in the residential mortgage market and further adverse developments in that market;

 
current economic conditions and further adverse developments in the overall economy;

 
potential risk attributable to our mortgage-related portfolios, including changes in fair value;

 
our use of leverage and our dependence on repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings to finance our mortgage-related holdings;

 
the availability of certain short-term liquidity;

 
the federal conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and related efforts, along with any changes in laws and regulations affecting the relationship between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the federal government;

 
mortgage loan modification programs and future legislative action;

 
changes in our acquisition, hedging and leverage strategies, changes in our asset allocation and changes in our operational policies, all of which may be changed by us without shareholder approval;

 
competition for investment opportunities, including competition from the U.S. Department of Treasury (U.S. Treasury) for investments in agency-backed MBS;

 
our decisions with respect to, and ability to make, future dividends;

 
36


 
failure of sovereign or municipal entities to meet their debt obligations or a downgrade in the credit rating of such debt obligations;

 
competition for qualified personnel;

 
available technologies;

 
malfunctioning or failure in our operations and infrastructure;

 
the effect of government regulation and of general economic conditions on our business;

 
fluctuating quarterly operating results;

 
our ability to retain key professionals;

 
effects of litigation and contractual claims against us, our officers and directors, including the potential settlement and litigation of such claims;

 
risk from strategic investments or acquisitions and joint ventures or our entry into new business areas;

 
failure to maintain effective internal controls;

 
changes in laws and regulations and industry practices that may adversely affect our business;

 
the loss of our exclusion from the definition of “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

 
volatility of the securities markets; and

 
activity in the secondary securities markets.

We will not necessarily update the information presented in this Form 10-Q if any of these forward-looking statements turn out to be inaccurate. For a more detailed discussion of the risks affecting our business, any of which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” in that report, and any other reports or documents we file with the SEC from time to time.

 
37


PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

As of July 29, 2011, we are not a defendant or a plaintiff in any lawsuits or arbitrations or involved in any governmental or SRO matters that are expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. We are from time to time involved in civil lawsuits and arbitration matters relating to our businesses that we consider to be in the ordinary course. There can be no assurance that these matters individually or in aggregate will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations in a future period. We are also subject to the risk of litigation, including litigation that may be without merit. As we intend to actively defend such litigation, significant legal expenses could be incurred. An adverse resolution of any future litigation against us could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Item 1A.

As of June 30, 2011, except as discussed below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
A downgrade in the U.S.'s credit rating or a default by the U.S. on its obligations could materially adversely affect our business, financial conditions and results of operations.
 
The current U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of the credit-rating agencies downgrading the U.S.’s credit rating for the first time in history. In the event U.S. lawmakers fail to reach an agreement on a national debt ceiling or budget, the U.S. could default on its obligations. Such a default, the perceived risk of such a default or a downgrade of the U.S.’s credit rating consequently could have a material adverse effect on the financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S. and throughout the world.
 
Downgrading of the U.S.’s credit rating or a default by the U.S. could negatively impact the trading market for U.S. government securities and would likely impact the credit risk associated with agency-backed MBS.  This could reduce the value of the agency-backed MBS and the private-label MBS in our portfolio.

In addition, adverse market and economic conditions that occur due to a default on the U.S.’s debt or a downgrade of the U.S.’s credit rating could adversely affect our business in many ways, including but not limited to adversely impacting our ability to obtain attractive financing for our investments, increasing the cost of such financing if it is obtained, increasing the likelihood that our repurchase agreement lenders require that we post additional collateral as a result of margin calls causing us to sell assets at depressed prices in order to generate liquidity to satisfy these margin calls or to settle repurchase agreement obligations if we are unable to obtain new repurchase agreement borrowings when our current borrowings expire.  As a result, these adverse economic and market conditions may also adversely affect our liquidity position, and could increase our risk of a counterparty defaulting on its obligations.  If any of these events were to occur, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Item 2.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

During the three months ended June 30, 2011, we did not repurchase any shares of our Class A common stock.

 
38


Item 6.

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Title
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009).
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2011).
     
12.01
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
     
31.01
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.02
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.01
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.02
 
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
 
INSTANCE DOCUMENT*
 101.SCH
 
SCHEMA DOCUMENT*
 101.CAL
 
CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT*
 101.LAB
 
LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT*
101.PRE
 
PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT*
 101.DEF
 
DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT*
 

*
Submitted electronically herewith.  Attached as Exhibit 101 are the following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and tagged as blocks of text: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and the Year Ended December 31, 2010; and (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T this data is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 
39


SIGNATURES

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

 
ARLINGTON ASSET INVESTMENT CORP.
     
 
By:
/s/ KURT R. HARRINGTON
   
Kurt R. Harrington
   
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and
   
Chief Accounting Officer
   
(Principal Financial Officer)
     
Date: July 29, 2011
   

 
40


EXHIBIT INDEX
 

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Title
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009).
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2011).
     
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
     
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
 
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
 
INSTANCE DOCUMENT*
 101.SCH
 
SCHEMA DOCUMENT*
 101.CAL
 
CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT*
 101.LAB
 
LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT*
101.PRE
 
PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT*
 101.DEF
 
DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT*
 

*
Submitted electronically herewith.  Attached as Exhibit 101 are the following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and tagged as blocks of text: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and the Year Ended December 31, 2010; and (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T this data is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 
41