# ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC (NLY) Informational only - not investment advice. CIK: 0001043219 SIC: 6798 Real Estate Investment Trusts SIC breadcrumb: [Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate](/division/H/) > [Holding And Other Investment Offices](/major-group/67/) > [SIC 6798 Real Estate Investment Trusts](/industry/6798/) Latest 10-K filed: 2026-02-12 SEC page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1043219 Filing source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043219/000104321926000013/nly-20251231.htm ## Selected Fundamentals | Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed | | --- | ---: | --- | ---: | --- | | Net income | 2027262000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-12 | | Assets | 135609838000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-12 | ## Financials Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-12. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001043219.json. Derived margins are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts. | Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | | Net income | 1,433,756,000 | 1,569,604,000 | 54,408,000 | -2,162,865,000 | -891,163,000 | 2,389,896,000 | 1,725,325,000 | -1,643,171,000 | 1,001,906,000 | 2,027,262,000 | | Diluted EPS | 1.39 | 1.37 | -0.06 | -1.60 | -2.92 | 6.39 | 3.92 | -3.61 | 1.62 | 2.92 | | Assets | 87,905,046,000 | 101,760,050,000 | 105,787,527,000 | 130,295,081,000 | 88,455,103,000 | 76,764,064,000 | 81,850,712,000 | 93,227,236,000 | 103,556,384,000 | 135,609,838,000 | | Liabilities | 75,329,074,000 | 86,888,477,000 | 91,669,726,000 | 114,498,737,000 | 74,433,307,000 | 63,568,739,000 | 70,481,286,000 | 81,882,145,000 | 90,859,432,000 | 119,449,927,000 | | Stockholders' equity | 12,568,180,000 | 14,865,473,000 | 14,112,112,000 | 15,792,017,000 | 14,008,316,000 | 13,169,826,000 | 11,270,443,000 | 11,255,793,000 | 12,609,241,000 | 16,090,772,000 | ## Quarterly Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-04-29. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001043219.json. Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived. | Quarter | End date | Revenue | Net income | Diluted EPS | Method | | --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | --- | | 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | | | 0.55 | reported discrete quarter | | 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | | | -0.70 | reported discrete quarter | | 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 19,463,000 | | -1.79 | reported discrete quarter | | 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | | 167,033,000 | 0.27 | reported discrete quarter | | 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | | -562,205,000 | -1.21 | reported discrete quarter | | 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | | -403,743,000 | | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | | 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | | 462,892,000 | 0.85 | reported discrete quarter | | 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 53,558,000 | -9,483,000 | -0.09 | reported discrete quarter | | 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 13,401,000 | 66,445,000 | 0.05 | reported discrete quarter | | 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 187,288,000 | 482,052,000 | | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | | 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 219,971,000 | 124,224,000 | 0.15 | reported discrete quarter | | 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 273,200,000 | 57,099,000 | 0.03 | reported discrete quarter | | 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 275,750,000 | 832,445,000 | 1.20 | reported discrete quarter | | 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 366,579,000 | 1,013,494,000 | | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | | 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 452,691,000 | 282,652,000 | 0.33 | reported discrete quarter | ## Macro Cross-References - [CPIAUCSL](/indicator/CPIAUCSL/): Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average - [UNRATE](/indicator/UNRATE/): Unemployment Rate - [FEDFUNDS](/indicator/FEDFUNDS/): Federal Funds Effective Rate - [CES0500000003](/indicator/CES0500000003/): Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private - [DFEDTARU](/indicator/DFEDTARU/): Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit - [DFEDTARL](/indicator/DFEDTARL/): Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit - [DGS3MO](/indicator/DGS3MO/): Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity - [DGS2](/indicator/DGS2/): Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity - [DGS10](/indicator/DGS10/): Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity - [DGS30](/indicator/DGS30/): Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity - [T10Y2Y](/indicator/T10Y2Y/): 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity - [CPILFESL](/indicator/CPILFESL/): Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy - [CPIUFDSL](/indicator/CPIUFDSL/): Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food - [CPIENGSL](/indicator/CPIENGSL/): Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy - [CUSR0000SAH1](/indicator/CUSR0000SAH1/): Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter - [PCEPI](/indicator/PCEPI/): Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index - [PCEPILFE](/indicator/PCEPILFE/): Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index - [PPIACO](/indicator/PPIACO/): Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities - [T10YIE](/indicator/T10YIE/): 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate - [U6RATE](/indicator/U6RATE/): Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons - [PAYEMS](/indicator/PAYEMS/): All Employees, Total Nonfarm - [CIVPART](/indicator/CIVPART/): Labor Force Participation Rate - [EMRATIO](/indicator/EMRATIO/): Employment-Population Ratio - [UNEMPLOY](/indicator/UNEMPLOY/): Unemployed - [CE16OV](/indicator/CE16OV/): Employment Level - [ICSA](/indicator/ICSA/): Initial Claims - [JTSJOL](/indicator/JTSJOL/): Job Openings: Total Nonfarm - [JTSQUR](/indicator/JTSQUR/): Quits: Total Nonfarm - [GDPC1](/indicator/GDPC1/): Real Gross Domestic Product - [A191RL1Q225SBEA](/indicator/A191RL1Q225SBEA/): Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period - [INDPRO](/indicator/INDPRO/): Industrial Production: Total Index - [TCU](/indicator/TCU/): Capacity Utilization: Total Index - [HOUST](/indicator/HOUST/): New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units - [PERMIT](/indicator/PERMIT/): New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units - [RSAFS](/indicator/RSAFS/): Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade - [PCE](/indicator/PCE/): Personal Consumption Expenditures - [DSPIC96](/indicator/DSPIC96/): Real Disposable Personal Income - [PSAVERT](/indicator/PSAVERT/): Personal Saving Rate - [M2SL](/indicator/M2SL/): M2 - [BOPGSTB](/indicator/BOPGSTB/): U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance - [MSPUS](/indicator/MSPUS/): Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States - [HSN1F](/indicator/HSN1F/): New One Family Houses Sold: United States - [RHORUSQ156N](/indicator/RHORUSQ156N/): Homeownership Rate in the United States - [TTLCONS](/indicator/TTLCONS/): Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States - [RRVRUSQ156N](/indicator/RRVRUSQ156N/): Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States - [TOTALSL](/indicator/TOTALSL/): Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized - [REVOLSL](/indicator/REVOLSL/): Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized - [DRCCLACBS](/indicator/DRCCLACBS/): Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks - [GDP](/indicator/GDP/): Gross Domestic Product - [GPDI](/indicator/GPDI/): Gross Private Domestic Investment - [GCE](/indicator/GCE/): Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment - [PCEC](/indicator/PCEC/): Personal Consumption Expenditures - [NETEXP](/indicator/NETEXP/): Net Exports of Goods and Services - [GFDEBTN](/indicator/GFDEBTN/): Federal Debt: Total Public Debt - [GFDEGDQ188S](/indicator/GFDEGDQ188S/): Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product - [FYFSD](/indicator/FYFSD/): Federal Surplus or Deficit - [FGRECPT](/indicator/FGRECPT/): Federal Government Current Receipts - [FGEXPND](/indicator/FGEXPND/): Federal Government: Current Expenditures - [MANEMP](/indicator/MANEMP/): All Employees, Manufacturing - [USCONS](/indicator/USCONS/): All Employees, Construction - [USTRADE](/indicator/USTRADE/): All Employees, Retail Trade - [USFIRE](/indicator/USFIRE/): All Employees, Financial Activities - [USGOVT](/indicator/USGOVT/): All Employees, Government - [AWHAETP](/indicator/AWHAETP/): Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private - [DGORDER](/indicator/DGORDER/): Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods - [NEWORDER](/indicator/NEWORDER/): Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft - [BUSINV](/indicator/BUSINV/): Total Business Inventories - [EXPGS](/indicator/EXPGS/): Exports of Goods and Services - [IMPGS](/indicator/IMPGS/): Imports of Goods and Services - [IR](/indicator/IR/): Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities - [PPIFIS](/indicator/PPIFIS/): Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand ## Latest quarter (10-Q) Latest 10-Q source: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1043219/000104321926000028/nly-20260331.htm Extracted between Part I Item 2 and the next Item 3/4 or Part II heading after HTML sanitization. Confidence: high Filing date: 2026-04-29 Report date: 2026-03-31 Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Pool A collection of mortgage loans assembled by an originator or master servicer as the basis for a security. In the case of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac mortgage pass-through securities, pools are identified by a number assigned by the issuing agency. Premium The amount by which the price of a security exceeds its principal amount. When the dollar price of a bond is above its face value, it is said to be selling at a premium. Premium Amortization Adjustment (“PAA”) The cumulative impact on prior periods, but not the current period, of quarter-over-quarter changes in estimated long-term prepayment speeds related to our Agency mortgage-backed securities. Prepayment The unscheduled partial or complete payment of the principal amount outstanding on a mortgage loan or other debt before it is due. Prepayment Risk The risk that falling interest rates will lead to increased prepayments of mortgage or other loans, forcing the investor to reinvest at lower prevailing rates. Prepayment Speed The estimated rate at which mortgage borrowers will pay off the mortgages that underlie an MBS. Primary Market Market for offers or sales of new bonds by the issuer. Prime Rate The indicative interest rate on loans that banks quote to their best commercial customers. Principal and Interest The term used to refer to regularly scheduled payments or prepayments of principal and payments of interest on a mortgage or other security. R Rate Reset The adjustment of the interest rate on a floating-rate security according to a prescribed formula. Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) A special purpose investment vehicle that provides investors with the ability to participate directly in the ownership or financing of real-estate related assets by pooling their capital to purchase and manage mortgage loans and/or income property. Recourse Debt Debt on which the economic borrower is obligated to repay the entire balance regardless of the value of the pledged collateral. By contrast, the economic borrower’s obligation to repay non-recourse debt is limited to the value of the pledged collateral. Recourse debt consists of repurchase agreements, other secured financing, structured repurchase transactions (included within Debt issued by securitization vehicles) and U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased. Debt issued by securitization vehicles (excluding structured repurchase transactions) and participations issued are non-recourse to us and are excluded from this measure. Reinvestment Risk The risk that interest income or principal repayments will have to be reinvested at lower rates in a declining rate environment. Re-Performing Loan (“RPL”) A type of loan in which payments were previously delinquent by at least 90 days but have resumed. Repurchase Agreement The sale of securities to investors with the agreement to buy them back at a higher price after a specified time period; a form of short-term borrowing. For the party on the other end of the transaction (buying the security and agreeing to sell in the future) it is a reverse repurchase agreement. Residential Credit Securities Refers to CRT securities and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities. Residential Securities Refers to Agency mortgage-backed securities, CRT securities and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities. Residential Transition Loan (“RTL”) A short-term loan primarily for the purpose of financing the construction or renovation of a residential property. Residual In securitizations, the residual is the tranche that collects any cash flow from the collateral that remains after obligations to the other tranches have been met. Return on Average Equity Calculated by taking earnings divided by average stockholders’ equity. Reverse Repurchase Agreement Refer to Repurchase Agreement. The buyer of securities effectively provides a collateralized loan to the seller. 75 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Risk Appetite Statement Defines the types and levels of risk we are willing to take in order to achieve our business objectives, and reflects our risk management philosophy. S Secondary Market Ongoing market for bonds previously offered or sold in the primary market. Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) Broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury securities and was chosen by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee as the preferred benchmark rate to replace dollar LIBOR. Settlement Date The date securities must be delivered and paid for to complete a transaction. Short-Term Debt Generally, debt which matures in one year or less. However, certain securities that mature in up to three years may be considered short-term debt. Small Balance Commercial (“SBC”) A business-purpose loan secured by commercial or mixed-use real estate or by 1-4 unit residential properties owned for investment purposes. The average loan size of SBC securitizations is generally less than $1mm, in contrast to large balance commercial loans which generally start at $40mm and above. Spread When buying or selling a bond through a brokerage firm, investors will be charged a commission or spread, which is the difference between the market price and cost of purchase, and sometimes a service fee. Spreads differ based on several factors including liquidity. T Tangible Economic Return Refers to the Company’s change in tangible book value (calculated by summing common stock, additional paid-in capital, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated deficit less intangible assets) plus dividends declared divided by the prior period’s tangible book value. Target Assets Includes Agency mortgage-backed securities, to-be-announced forward contracts, CRT securities, MSR, non-Agency mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage loans, and commercial real estate investments. Taxable REIT Subsidiary (“TRS”) An entity that is owned directly or indirectly by a REIT and has jointly elected with the REIT to be treated as a TRS for tax purposes. Annaly and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries have made separate joint elections to treat these subsidiaries as TRSs. Term SOFR The term secured overnight financing rate published by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, which is used as a benchmark for financial transactions. To-Be-Announced (“TBA”) Securities A contract for the purchase or sale of a mortgage-backed security to be delivered at a predetermined price, face amount, issuer, coupon and stated maturity on an agreed-upon future date but does not include a specified pool number and number of pools. TBA Dollar Roll Income TBA dollar roll income is defined as the difference in price between two TBA contracts with the same terms but different settlement dates. The TBA contract settling in the later month typically prices at a discount to the earlier month contract with the difference in price commonly referred to as the “drop”. TBA dollar roll income represents the equivalent of interest income on the underlying security less an implied cost of financing. Total Return Investment performance measure over a stated time period which includes coupon interest, interest on interest, and any realized and unrealized gains or losses. Total Return Swap A derivative instrument where one party makes payments at a predetermined rate (either fixed or variable) while receiving a return on a specific asset (generally an equity index, loan or bond) held by the counterparty. U Unencumbered Assets Assets on our balance sheet which have not been pledged as collateral against an existing liability. U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) Obligations Obligations of Agencies originally established or chartered by the U.S. government to serve public purposes as specified by the U.S. Congress, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; these obligations are not explicitly guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. 76 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis V Value-at-Risk (“VaR”) A statistical technique which measures the potential loss in value of an asset or portfolio over a defined period for a given confidence interval. Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) An entity in which equity investors (i) do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and/or (ii) do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. Variation Margin Cash or securities provided by a party to collateralize its obligations under a transaction as a result of a change in value of such transaction since the trade was executed or the last time collateral was provided. Volatility A statistical measure of the variance of price or yield over time. Volatility is low if the price does not change very much over a short period of time, and high if there is a greater change. Voting Interest Entity (“VOE”) An entity that has sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties and in which equity investors have a controlling financial interest. W Warehouse Lending A line of credit extended to a loan originator to fund mortgages extended by the loan originators to property purchasers. The loan typically lasts from the time the mortgage is originated to when the mortgage is sold into the secondary market, whether directly or through a securitization. Warehouse lending can provide liquidity to the loan origination market. Weighted Average Coupon The weighted average interest rate of the underlying mortgage loans or pools that serve as collateral for a security, weighted by the size of the principal loan balances. Weighted Average Life (“WAL”) The assumed weighted average amount of time that will elapse from the date of a security’s issuance until each dollar of principal is repaid to the investor. The WAL will change as the security ages and depending on the actual realized rate at which principal, scheduled and unscheduled, is paid on the loans underlying the MBS. Y Yield-to-Maturity The expected rate of return of a bond if it is held to its maturity date; calculated by taking into account the current market price, stated redemption value, coupon payments and time to maturity and assuming all coupons are reinvested at the same rate; equivalent to the internal rate of return. 77 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ## Latest 10-K MD&A Extracted between Item 7 and the next Item 7A/8 heading after HTML sanitization. Confidence: high Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS All references to “Annaly,” “we,” “us,” or “our” mean Annaly Capital Management, Inc. and all entities owned by us, except where it is made clear that the term means only the parent company. Refer to the section titled “Glossary of Terms” located at the end of this Item 7 for definitions of commonly used terms in this annual report on Form 10-K. This section of our Form 10-K generally discusses 2025 and 2024 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2025 and 2024. Discussions of 2023 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. 48 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis INDEX TO ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Page Overview 50 Business Environment 50 Economic Environment 52 Income Tax Reform 53 Results of Operations 53 Net Income (Loss) Summary 54 Non-GAAP Financial Measures 55 Earnings Available for Distribution, Earnings Available for Distribution Attributable to Common Stockholders, Earnings Available for Distribution Per Average Common Share and Annualized EAD Return on Average Equity 55 Premium Amortization Expense 57 Economic Leverage and Economic Capital Ratios 57 Interest Income (excluding PAA), Economic Interest Expense and Economic Net Interest Income (excluding PAA) 58 Experienced and Projected Long-term CPR 59 Average Yield on Interest Earning Assets (excluding PAA), Net Interest Spread (excluding PAA), Net Interest Margin (excluding PAA), and Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities 60 Economic Interest Expense and Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities 61 Other Income (Loss) 62 General and Administrative Expenses 62 Return on Average Equity 63 Unrealized Gains and Losses - Available-for-Sale Investments 63 Financial Condition 64 Residential Securities 64 Contractual Obligations 67 Commitments and Contractual Obligations with Unconsolidated Entities 67 Capital Management 67 Stockholders’ Equity 68 Capital Stock 68 Leverage and Capital 69 Risk Management 70 Risk Appetite 70 Governance 70 Description of Risks 72 Liquidity and Funding Risk Management 72 Funding 72 Excess Liquidity 74 Maturity Profile and Interest Rate Sensitivity 75 Stress Testing 76 Liquidity Management Policies 76 Investment/Market Risk Management 76 Credit Risk Management 77 Counterparty Risk Management 78 Operational Risk Management 78 Compliance, Regulatory and Legal Risk Management 80 Critical Accounting Estimates 80 Valuation of Financial Instruments 80 Residential Securities 80 Residential Mortgage Loans 81 MSR 81 Interest Rate Swaps 81 Revenue Recognition 82 Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities 82 Use of Estimates 82 Glossary of Terms 83 49 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Overview We are a leading diversified capital manager with investment strategies across mortgage finance. Our principal business objective is to generate net income for distribution to our stockholders and optimize our returns through prudent management of our diversified investment strategies. We are an internally-managed Maryland corporation founded in 1997 that has elected to be taxed as a REIT. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NLY.” We use our capital coupled with borrowed funds to invest primarily in real estate related investments, earning the spread between the yield on our assets and the cost of our borrowings and hedging activities. Our three investment groups are primarily comprised of the following:  Investment Groups Description Annaly Agency Group Invests in Agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) collateralized by residential mortgages which are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae and complementary investments within the Agency market, including Agency commercial MBS. Annaly Residential Credit Group Invests primarily in non-Agency residential whole loans and securitized products within the residential and commercial markets. Annaly Mortgage Servicing Rights Group Invests in mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”), which provide the right to service residential mortgage loans in exchange for a portion of the interest payments made on the loans. For a full discussion of our business, refer to the section titled “Business Overview” of Part I, Item 1. “Business” and see the Note titled "Segments" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15. "Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules." Business Environment The year 2025 saw a meaningful shift in U.S. policy by the second Trump Administration, though the economy saw less impact in aggregate than many had expected early in the year. The Trump Administration pushed changes in several different areas, most notably tariffs on U.S. goods imports, which led to $288 billion in U.S. customs revenues in 2025, nearly three times the average customs revenues of prior years. In addition, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBB”), effectively extending the majority of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, while offering some additional benefits, including an elimination of taxes on tips and Social Security for some taxpayers. The tax reform passage has buoyed business sentiment and is expected to support investment growth and consumption, mainly through higher tax refunds in the first part of 2026. Finally, the Administration strictly enforced immigration laws and drove efforts to deport more immigrants without proper documentation, which appears to have been one of the factors weighing on the labor market. U.S. employment growth slowed meaningfully in 2025, while the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.4%. U.S. economic growth, however, remained robust, with the economy growing 2.5% at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (“SAAR”) in the first three quarters, above expectations for growth coming into the year. Growth was once again driven by consumption, as consumers showed little pause amid declining sentiment and higher prices from tariffs. Of note, the tariff pass-through to consumers has been slower than most economists expected, though goods inflation increased over the year. Aggregate inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index excluding food and energy prices, has moderated somewhat over the course of 2025, with the year-over-year (“yoy”) rate falling from 3.21% to 2.65%. Meanwhile, the housing market remained relatively weak as measured by aggregate activity levels, with existing home sales averaging 4.1 million annualized units per month in 2025, essentially in line with 2024 activity levels, while new home sales remained subdued. In an environment of modest increases in supply, but continued challenged affordability, home prices were little changed for the U.S. in aggregate, rising 0.10% yoy according to Zillow albeit with meaningful regional disparities. For example, many southern and western states saw continued rise in supply on top of already elevated inventory levels, leading to larger declines in home prices. Meanwhile central states typically saw steadier inventory levels and therefore enjoyed price appreciation above the national average. Similar to 2024, when the Fed lowered the Federal Funds Target Rate (“Fed Funds Rate”) in the second half of the year, a weaker labor market and rangebound inflation allowed the Fed to further reduce monetary policy rates. With the Fed Funds Rate reaching a range of 3.50-3.75% at the December Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) meeting, officials have signaled a more gradual approach going forward, waiting for additional economic data to lower the rate further. Regarding its balance sheet policy, the Fed ended the $2.4 trillion decline in its securities portfolio in December 2025 by announcing purchases of Treasury bills starting at $40 billion per month. The purchases are designed to maintain a stable ratio of reserves to nominal gross domestic product (“GDP”) of around 10% and alleviate funding rate volatility, which had occurred around quarter end and Treasury security settlement dates. Fixed income markets ultimately saw a rangebound trading environment that allowed for strong returns, with the Bloomberg Aggregate U.S. Bond Market Index registering a 7.3% total return in 2025, the strongest annual return since 2020. The stellar 50 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis performance was driven by the 75 basis points (“bps”) of Fed rate cuts that resulted in (i) interest rates close to levels at which monetary policy is no longer deemed restrictive, (ii) robust fixed income fund flows, and (iii) declining interest rate volatility, which has returned to levels not seen since 2021. Markets initially saw a spike in volatility following the Trump Administration’s April tariff announcement that were surprising both in scale and charged rates. However, softer tariff implementation than initially threatened, legal challenges, less volatile economic data than in recent years, and more predictable monetary policy ultimately led to a gradual and meaningful decline in implied and realized volatility between May 2025 and the end of the year. Meanwhile, Treasury yields declined across nearly all maturities – with yields falling between 77 bps in 2-year Treasuries and 40 bps in 10-year Treasuries – apart from the 30-year Treasury bond, which saw a modest rise in yields. The yield changes were primarily driven by expectations for easier monetary policy. The market and economic environment were beneficial to Annaly’s portfolio and strategy, helping the company deliver a 20.2% aggregate economic return for the year, including a 5.5% book value gain. The strong economic return was achieved while maintaining conservative leverage over the course of the year, with economic leverage increasing modestly to 5.6x on December 31, 2025 from 5.5x a year earlier. Given strong investor demand for mortgage REITs, Annaly was able to raise $2.6 billion in common equity capital through its at-the-market sales program at accretive levels and issued a Series J preferred stock in what marked the first sizeable non-rated preferred stock issuance in several years. Most of the capital was allocated to the Agency business, which saw portfolio assets rise by $22.3 billion yoy to $92.9 billion on December 31, 2025. In line with the asset growth, the Agency business saw its capital allocation increase marginally from 59% on December 31, 2024 to 62% a year later. Annaly’s Agency MBS portfolio benefited from meaningful tailwinds throughout most of 2025 as Agency MBS supply and demand moved into much better balance. For one, the slow housing market activity reduced MBS supply relative to recent years. Meanwhile, demand broadened across investors as demonstrated by mortgage REIT equity raises and strong collateralized mortgage obligation creation. Mutual fund inflows remained strong as well, maintaining money managers as the anchor buyer. Finally, the Government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”) added to their retained portfolios for the first time in many years, a factor that was boosted further early in 2026 by the Administration’s directive to the GSEs to buy $200 billion in Agency MBS to support housing affordability. Our Agency MBS investment activity focused on deploying capital raised primarily in higher coupon specified pool collateral, which offered attractive prospective returns and protection against potential higher prepayment speeds. Annaly’s holdings of 5.0% and higher coupon specified pools rose by $17.7 billion notional over the course of the year, while some of the increase was offset by smaller balances in to-be-announced (“TBA”) securities in these coupons. In addition, the Agency commercial mortgage-backed security portfolio grew by $3.2 billion market value, nearly doubling on the year, as Agency CMBS offered an attractive substitute for lower coupons, while trading at more attractive valuations for most of the year. Annaly’s residential credit business grew its portfolio by $1.0 billion in market value over the course of 2025, while the business represents 19% of the firm’s capital on December 31, 2025. Growth in the portfolio focused nearly entirely on our asset creation strategy, as the portfolio reduced its holdings of third-party securities by $589 million over the course of the year. Meanwhile, holdings of retained Onslow Bay securities grew $990 million over the same period. Annaly’s wholly-owned subsidiary Onslow Bay priced 29 securitizations for an aggregate $15.2 billion, and settled $18 billion of whole loans, representing a 38% increase in both loan acquisitions and securitization volumes yoy. These securitizations further cemented Onslow Bay’s position as the largest non-bank issuer of Prime Jumbo and Expanded Credit MBS. Among the securitizations issued in 2025, five were private transactions in which Onslow Bay tailored securities to meet our partners’ target durations. In addition, OBX introduced a number of innovative deal structures, which have since been adopted by numerous other market participants. Despite the high volumes, the underlying credit quality of Onslow Bay’s loan production is little changed, as the aggregate borrowers’ original FICO score was 761 and the original loan-to-value ratio was 67%. Finally, we also continued to grow our MSR business, increasing the portfolio by 15% yoy to $3.8 billion in market value, or 19% of the firm’s equity capital on December 31, 2025. Notably, our acquisitions made us the second largest buyer of conventional MSR in 2025, onboarding nearly $60 billion in unpaid principal balance throughout the year, and ranked as the sixth largest non-bank Agency servicer. Bulk supply remained ample in 2025, and we expect the pace of activity to continue in 2026 due to rising origination volumes coupled with compressed gain on sale margins necessitating MSR sales from mortgage originators. In addition to the bulk channel, we focused on expanding our flow purchase capabilities and are now active across all GSE platforms, providing access to current coupon MSR, which we plan to purchase opportunistically. Finally, we further expanded our strong network of subservicing and recapture partners and are well-positioned to deepen our role as a preferred partner to the originator and servicer community. Our MSR valuation multiple was relatively rangebound over the course of the year, increasing marginally during the fourth quarter given the steeper yield curve, modest spread tightening and lower volatility. Finally, fundamental performance within the MSR portfolio continues to be strong – benefitting from declining subservicing costs driven by industry consolidation and ongoing technological innovation – and cash flows remain durable. The portfolio paid 4.6% Constant Prepayment Rate 51 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“CPR”) in Q4, unchanged quarter-over-quarter, while serious delinquencies remain relatively muted at 55 bps. With a weighted average note rate of 3.28%, our portfolio is still 250 bps out of the money to refinance. Economic Environment Through the third quarter of 2025, the U.S. economy has continued to perform strongly with real GDP rising by 2.5% SAAR. Moreover, economic activity indicators suggest the growth momentum persisted in the fourth quarter. This would mark a fourth consecutive year of robust economic growth, following a 2.8% yoy increase in real GDP in 2024 and a 2.7% average annual gain since 2022 despite elevated interest rates as well as high policy uncertainty in 2025. The U.S. economic resilience continues to be driven by high personal spending levels as consumers have benefitted from healthy real income growth, albeit at a slower pace than last year, and robust financial market performance. Nominal personal consumption expenditures rose at an average of 4.8% SAAR per month through November, slightly below the 6.4% on average in 2024. Moreover, slower price gains resulted in stronger inflation-adjusted spending thus far in 2025 than in 2024. In addition, private nonresidential investment was robust at 6.5% SAAR while net trade has offered a rare boost to headline growth through the third quarter of 2025. The labor market weakened gradually throughout 2025 given an anticipated slowdown in labor supply. However, labor demand also slowed, with employers adding 584,000 jobs, compared to employment growth of 2.6 million and 2.0 million in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Thus, the supply and demand for labor remained in a fragile balance. The unemployment rate ended the year at 4.4%, increasing 0.3 percentage points compared to a year earlier. This increase has been driven by a faster increase in the labor force than the employed, suggesting the lower hiring is not solely a function of the reduction to labor supply from immigration. Job openings trended lower but remained above pre-pandemic averages, while layoffs stayed low. As a result of the softer labor market, wage growth, as measured by the Employment Cost Index, decelerated from a pace of 3.8% yoy at the end of 2024 to a still healthy 3.5% yoy at the end of the third quarter of 2025. Inflation was little changed on a yoy rate in 2025 and progress towards the Fed’s 2% target remained slow. The headline Personal Consumption Expenditure Chain Price Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, measured 2.8% yoy in November 2025, essentially unchanged from the 2.7% yoy pace in December 2024. The core measure, which does not include price changes in food and energy sectors, measured 2.8% yoy as of November – slightly slower than at the end of 2024. Despite the firmness in the overall rate, there were some positive developments. Service sector inflation continued to slow, with core services in the Consumer Price Index falling from 4.4% yoy in December 2024 to 3.0% yoy at the end of 2025. The moderation in service sector inflation was driven by housing due to slower rent growth and home price appreciation. However, this was offset by an uptick in core goods inflation which rose from -0.5% yoy in December 2024 to 1.4% yoy in December 2025. The rise has been driven by tariffs, which have increased the prices of goods, most of which are imported. Of note, the passthrough of the tariffs has been uneven and more muted than initially expected. U.S. Treasury yields moved lower across the curve in 2025 as the Fed continued along its gradually dovish policy path, cutting the target range for the Fed Funds Rate by 75 bps in the second half of the year. The 2‑year Treasury yield ended the year 77 bps lower, while the yield on the 10‑year Treasury note declined 40 bps to 4.17%. This dynamic resulted in a meaningful steepening of the yield curve, as longer‑term rates continued to incorporate a term premium reflecting the elevated level of Treasury supply. Meanwhile, market‑based measures of inflation expectations remained well‑anchored throughout the year. In addition, interest rate volatility declined significantly, contributing to a tightening of the mortgage basis, or the spread between the 30‑year Agency MBS coupon and the 10‑year U.S. Treasury rate, which ended the year 39 bps tighter. The following table below presents interest rates and spreads at each date presented: As of December 31, 2025 2024 2023 30-Year mortgage current coupon 5.04% 5.83% 5.25% Mortgage basis 87 bps 126 bps 137 bps 10-Year U.S. Treasury rate 4.17% 4.57% 3.88% OIS SOFR Swaps 1-Month 3.67% 4.32% 5.35% 6-Month 3.58% 4.25% 5.15% 52 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Income Tax Reform On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBB”), was signed into law. The OBBB makes material changes to U.S. tax law, including some provisions that affect the taxation of REITs and their investors. In particular, the OBBB (i) permanently extends the 20% deduction for “qualified REIT dividends” for individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers under Section 199A of the Code and (ii) increases the percentage limit under the REIT asset test applicable to taxable REIT subsidiaries from 20% to 25% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The results of the OBBB changes are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial operations or related disclosures. Results of Operations The results of our operations are affected by various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described herein (see “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above) and in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors”. This Management Discussion and Analysis section contains analysis and discussion of financial results computed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and non-GAAP measurements. To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we provide non-GAAP financial measures to enhance investor understanding of our period-over-period operating performance and business trends, as well as for assessing our performance versus that of industry peers. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information. 53 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Net Income (Loss) Summary The following table presents financial information related to our results of operations as of and for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Interest income $ 5,959,205  $ 4,840,034  $ 3,731,581  Interest expense 4,823,705  4,592,238  3,842,965  Net interest income 1,135,500  247,796  (111,384) Servicing and related income 579,592  485,406  364,157  Servicing and related expense 60,273  49,469  37,652  Net servicing income 519,319  435,937  326,505  Other income (loss) 589,630  514,651  (1,651,591) Less: Total general and administrative expenses 199,629  171,356  162,553  Income (loss) before income taxes 2,044,820  1,027,028  (1,599,023) Income taxes (6,870) 15,260  39,434  Net income (loss) 2,051,690  1,011,768  (1,638,457) Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 24,428  9,862  4,714  Net income (loss) attributable to Annaly 2,027,262  1,001,906  (1,643,171) Less: Dividends on preferred stock 157,931  154,551  141,676  Net income (loss) available (related) to common stockholders $ 1,869,331  $ 847,355  $ (1,784,847) Net income (loss) per share available (related) to common stockholders Basic $ 2.92  $ 1.62  $ (3.61) Diluted $ 2.92  $ 1.62  $ (3.61) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic 639,513,399  521,737,554  494,541,323  Diluted 641,042,741  522,747,610  494,541,323  Other information Investment portfolio at period-end $ 132,050,338  $ 98,185,671  $ 87,396,467  Average total assets $ 116,457,006  $ 96,690,348  $ 88,177,773  Average equity $ 14,082,463  $ 11,868,202  $ 11,437,590  GAAP leverage at period-end (1) 7.2:1 7.1:1 6.8:1 GAAP capital ratio at period-end (2) 11.9 % 12.3 % 12.2 % Annualized return (loss) on average total assets 1.76 % 1.05 % (1.86 %) Annualized return (loss) on average equity 14.57 % 8.53 % (14.33 %) Net interest margin (3) 1.02 % 0.26 % (0.13 %) Average yield on interest earning assets (4) 5.36 % 5.15 % 4.32 % Average GAAP cost of interest bearing liabilities (5) 4.75 % 5.38 % 5.13 % Net interest spread 0.61 % (0.23 %) (0.81 %) Weighted average experienced CPR for the period 8.5 % 7.4 % 6.5 % Weighted average projected long-term CPR at period-end 10.8 % 8.6 % 9.4 % Common stock book value per share $ 20.21  $ 19.15  $ 19.44  Non-GAAP metrics * Interest income (excluding PAA) $ 5,992,656  $ 4,825,793  $ 3,733,235  Economic interest expense (5) $ 4,056,448  $ 3,338,791  $ 2,257,912  Economic net interest income (excluding PAA) $ 1,936,208  $ 1,487,002  $ 1,475,323  Premium amortization adjustment cost (benefit) $ 33,451  $ (14,241) $ 1,654  Earnings available for distribution (6) $ 2,024,863  $ 1,564,625  $ 1,554,014  Earnings available for distribution per average common share $ 2.92  $ 2.70  $ 2.86  Annualized EAD return on average equity (excluding PAA) 14.47 % 13.28 % 13.71 % Economic leverage at period-end (1) 5.6:1 5.5:1 5.7:1 Economic capital ratio at period-end (2) 14.9 % 14.8 % 14.2 % Net interest margin (excluding PAA) (3) 1.70 % 1.57 % 1.62 % Average yield on interest earning assets (excluding PAA) (4) 5.39 % 5.13 % 4.33 % Average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities (5) 3.99 % 3.91 % 3.01 % Net interest spread (excluding PAA) 1.40 % 1.22 % 1.32 % * Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information. (1) GAAP leverage is computed as the sum of repurchase agreements, other secured financing, debt issued by securitization vehicles, participations issued, and U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased divided by total equity. Economic leverage is computed as the sum of recourse debt, cost basis of to-be-announced (“TBA”) derivatives outstanding, and net forward purchases (sales) of investments divided by total equity. Recourse debt consists of repurchase agreements, other secured financing, structured repurchase transactions (included within Debt issued by securitization vehicles) and U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased. Debt issued by securitization vehicles (excluding structured repurchase transactions) and participations issued are non-recourse to us and are excluded from economic leverage. (2) GAAP capital ratio is computed as total equity divided by total assets. Economic capital ratio is computed as total equity divided by total economic assets. Total economic assets include the implied market value of TBA derivatives and net of debt issued by securitization vehicles (excluding structured repurchase transactions) and participations issued. (3) Net interest margin represents our interest income less interest expense divided by the average interest earning assets. Net interest margin does not include net interest component of interest rate swaps. Net interest margin (excluding PAA) represents the sum of our interest income (excluding PAA) plus TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income less economic interest expense divided by the sum of average interest earning assets plus average outstanding TBA contract and CMBX balances. (4) Average yield on interest earning assets represents annualized interest income divided by average interest earning assets. Average interest earning assets reflects the average amortized cost of our investments during the period. Average yield on interest earning assets (excluding PAA) is calculated using annualized interest income (excluding PAA). (5) Average GAAP cost of interest bearing liabilities represents annualized interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities. Average interest bearing liabilities reflects the average balances during the period. Average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities represents annualized economic interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities. Economic interest expense is comprised of GAAP interest expense, the net interest component of interest rate swaps, and net interest on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, which is reported in Other, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net interest on variation margin related to interest rate swaps is included in the Net interest component of interest rate swaps in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (6) Excludes dividends on preferred stock. GAAP Net income (loss) was $2.1 billion, which includes $24.4 million attributable to noncontrolling interests, or $2.92 per average basic common share, for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $1.0 billion, which includes $9.9 million attributable to noncontrolling interests, or $1.62 per average basic common share, for the same period in 2024. We attribute the majority of the change in net income (loss) to a favorable change in net gains (losses) on investments and other, net interest income, and net servicing income, partially offset by an unfavorable change in net gains (losses) on derivatives. Net gains (losses) on investments and other for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $1.7 billion compared to ($1.8) billion for the same period in 2024. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $1.1 billion compared to $247.8 million for the same period in 2024. Net servicing income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $519.3 million compared to $435.9 million for the same period in 2024. Net gains (losses) on derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2025 was ($1.2) billion compared to $2.3 billion for the same period in 2024. Refer to the section titled “Other income (loss)” located within this Item 7 for additional information related to these changes. Non-GAAP Earnings available for distribution were $2.0 billion, or $2.92 per average common share, for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to $1.6 billion, or $2.70 per average common share, for the same period in 2024. The change in earnings available for distribution for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 was primarily due to higher coupon income, resulting from higher residential mortgage loan and securities balances, and higher net servicing income. This change was partially offset by higher interest expense resulting from higher securitized debt balances from new securitizations and higher average rates, partially offset by lower interest expense on repurchase agreements from lower average rates despite higher average repurchase agreement balances, and an unfavorable change in the net interest component of interest rate swaps as the average net receive swap rate decreased on similar average balances for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. 54 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we provide the following non-GAAP financial measures: •earnings available for distribution (“EAD”); •earnings available for distribution attributable to common stockholders; •earnings available for distribution per average common share; •annualized EAD return on average equity; •economic leverage; •economic capital ratio; •interest income (excluding PAA); •economic interest expense; •economic net interest income (excluding PAA); •average yield on interest earning assets (excluding PAA); •average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities; •net interest margin (excluding PAA); and •net interest spread (excluding PAA). These measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures computed in accordance with GAAP. While intended to offer a fuller understanding of our results and operations, non-GAAP financial measures also have limitations. For example, we may calculate our non-GAAP metrics, such as earnings available for distribution, or the PAA, differently than our peers making comparative analysis difficult. Additionally, in the case of non-GAAP measures that exclude the PAA, the amount of amortization expense excluding the PAA is not necessarily representative of the amount of future periodic amortization nor is it indicative of the term over which we will amortize the remaining unamortized premium. Changes to actual and estimated prepayments will impact the timing and amount of premium amortization and, as such, both GAAP and non-GAAP results. These non-GAAP measures provide additional detail to enhance investor understanding of our period-over-period operating performance and business trends, as well as for assessing our performance versus that of industry peers. Additional information pertaining to our use of these non-GAAP financial measures, including discussion of how each such measure may be useful to investors, and reconciliations to their most directly comparable GAAP results are provided below. Earnings Available for Distribution, Earnings Available for Distribution Attributable to Common Stockholders, Earnings Available for Distribution Per Average Common Share and Annualized EAD Return on Average Equity Our principal business objective is to generate net income for distribution to our stockholders and optimize our returns through prudent management of our diversified investment strategies. We generate net income by earning a net interest spread on our investment portfolio, which is a function of interest income from our investment portfolio less financing, hedging and operating costs. Earnings available for distribution, which is defined as the sum of (a) economic net interest income, (b) TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income, (c) net servicing income less realized amortization of MSR, (d) other income (loss) (excluding depreciation and amortization expense on real estate and related intangibles, non-EAD income allocated to equity method investments and other non-EAD components of other income (loss)), (e) general and administrative expenses (excluding transaction expenses and non-recurring items), and (f) income taxes (excluding the income tax effect of non-EAD income (loss) items), and excludes (g) the premium amortization adjustment (“PAA”) representing the cumulative impact on prior periods, but not the current period, of quarter-over-quarter changes in estimated long-term prepayment speeds related to our Agency mortgage-backed securities, is used by management and, we believe, used by analysts and investors to measure our progress in achieving our principal business objective. We seek to fulfill our principal business objective through a variety of factors including portfolio construction, the degree of market risk exposure and related hedge profile, and the use and forms of leverage, all while operating within the parameters of our capital allocation policy and risk governance framework. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide management and investors with additional details regarding our underlying operating results and investment portfolio trends by (i) making adjustments to account for the disparate reporting of changes in fair value where certain instruments are reflected in GAAP net income (loss) while others are reflected in other comprehensive income (loss), and (ii) by excluding certain unrealized, non-cash or episodic components of GAAP net income (loss) in order to provide additional transparency into the operating performance of our portfolio. In addition, EAD serves as a useful indicator for investors in evaluating our performance and ability to pay dividends. Annualized EAD return on average equity, which is calculated by dividing earnings available for distribution over average stockholders’ equity, provides investors with additional detail on the earnings available for distribution generated by our invested equity capital. 55 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP financial results to non-GAAP earnings available for distribution for the periods presented: For the Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 (dollars in thousands, except per share data) GAAP net income (loss) $ 2,051,690  $ 1,011,768  $ (1,638,457) Adjustments to exclude reported realized and unrealized (gains) losses Net (gains) losses on investments and other (1) (1,743,411) 1,849,607  2,137,538  Net (gains) losses on derivatives (2) 1,923,641  (1,066,394) 1,184,961  Loan loss provision (reversal) —  —  (219) Other adjustments Amortization of intangibles 2,690  2,690  4,573  Non-EAD (income) loss allocated to equity method investments (3) 525  506  354  Transaction expenses and non-recurring items (4) 27,828  20,283  8,209  Income tax effect of non-EAD income (loss) items (7,840) 3,444  31,570  TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income (5) 32,359  2,815  20,621  MSR amortization (6) (281,273) (233,698) (182,151) EAD attributable to noncontrolling interests (14,797) (12,155) (14,639) Premium amortization adjustment cost (benefit) 33,451  (14,241) 1,654  Earnings available for distribution * 2,024,863  1,564,625  1,554,014  Dividends on preferred stock 157,931  154,551  141,676  Earnings available for distribution attributable to common stockholders * $ 1,866,932  $ 1,410,074  $ 1,412,338  GAAP net income (loss) per average common share $ 2.92  $ 1.62  $ (3.61) Earnings available for distribution per average common share * $ 2.92  $ 2.70  $ 2.86  GAAP return (loss) on average equity 14.57 % 8.53 % (14.33 %) EAD return on average equity (excluding PAA) * 14.47 % 13.28 % 13.71 % * Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the disclosure within this section above for additional information on non-GAAP financial measures. (1) Includes write-downs or recoveries which are reported in Other, net in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (2) The adjustment to add back Net (gains) losses on derivatives does not include the net interest component of interest rate swaps which is reflected in earnings available for distribution. The net interest component of interest rate swaps totaled $716.5 million, $1.2 billion and $1.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. (3) Represents unrealized (gains) losses allocated to equity interests in a portfolio of MSR, which is a component of Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (4) Represents costs incurred in connection with securitizations of residential whole loans. (5) TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income each represent a component of Net gains (losses) on derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). CMBX coupon income totaled $0.0 million, $0.0 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. (6) MSR amortization utilizes purchase date cash flow assumptions and actual unpaid principal balances and is calculated as the difference between projected MSR yield income and net servicing income for the period. From time to time, we enter into TBA forward contracts as an alternate means of investing in and financing Agency MBS. A TBA contract is an agreement to purchase or sell, for future delivery, an Agency MBS with a specified issuer, term and coupon. A TBA dollar roll represents a transaction where TBA contracts with the same terms but different settlement dates are simultaneously bought and sold. The TBA contract settling in the later month typically prices at a discount to the earlier month contract with the difference in price commonly referred to as the “drop”. The drop is a reflection of the expected net interest income from an investment in similar Agency MBS, net of an implied financing cost, that would be foregone as a result of settling the contract in the later month rather than in the earlier month. The drop between the current settlement month price and the forward settlement month price occurs because in the TBA dollar roll market, the party providing the financing is the party that would retain all principal and interest payments accrued during the financing period. Accordingly, TBA dollar roll income generally represents the economic equivalent of the net interest income earned on the underlying Agency MBS less an implied financing cost. TBA dollar roll transactions are accounted for under GAAP as a series of derivatives transactions. The fair value of TBA derivatives is based on methods similar to those used to value Agency MBS. We record TBA derivatives at fair value in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and recognize periodic changes in fair value in Net gains (losses) on derivatives in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), which includes both unrealized and realized gains and losses on derivatives. 56 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis TBA dollar roll income is calculated as the difference in price between two TBA contracts with the same terms but different settlement dates multiplied by the notional amount of the TBA contract. Although accounted for as derivatives, TBA dollar rolls capture the economic equivalent of net interest income, or carry, on the underlying Agency MBS (interest income less an implied cost of financing). TBA dollar roll income is reported as a component of Net gains (losses) on derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The CMBX index is a synthetic tradable index referencing a basket of 25 commercial mortgage-backed securities of a particular rating and vintage. The CMBX index allows investors to take a long position (referred to as selling protection) or short position (referred to as purchasing protection) on the respective basket of commercial mortgage-backed securities and is structured as a “pay-as-you-go” contract whereby the protection seller receives and the protection buyer pays a standardized running coupon on the contracted notional amount. Additionally, the protection seller is obligated to pay to the protection buyer the amount of principal losses and/or coupon shortfalls on the underlying commercial mortgage-backed securities as they occur. We report income (expense) on CMBX positions in Net gains (losses) on derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The coupon payments received or paid on CMBX positions is equivalent to interest income (expense) and therefore included in earnings available for distribution. Premium Amortization Expense In accordance with GAAP, we amortize or accrete premiums or discounts into interest income for our Agency MBS, excluding interest-only securities, multifamily and reverse mortgages, taking into account estimates of future principal prepayments in the calculation of the effective yield. We recalculate the effective yield as differences between anticipated and actual prepayments occur. Using third party models and market information to project future cash flows and expected remaining lives of securities, the effective interest rate determined for each security is applied as if it had been in place from the date of the security’s acquisition. The amortized cost of the security is then adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since the acquisition date. The adjustment to amortized cost is offset with a charge or credit to interest income. Changes in interest rates and other market factors will impact prepayment speed projections and the amount of premium amortization recognized in any given period. Our GAAP metrics include the unadjusted impact of amortization and accretion associated with this method. Certain of our non-GAAP metrics exclude the effect of the PAA, which quantifies the component of premium amortization representing the cumulative impact on prior periods, but not the current period, of quarter-over-quarter changes in estimated long-term Constant Prepayment Rate (“CPR”). The following table illustrates the impact of the PAA on premium amortization expense for our Residential Securities portfolio for the periods presented: For the Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 2023 (dollars in thousands) Premium amortization expense $ 163,636  $ 98,813  $ 165,158  Less: PAA cost (benefit) 33,451  (14,241) 1,654  Premium amortization expense (excluding PAA) $ 130,185  $ 113,054  $ 163,504  Economic Leverage and Economic Capital Ratios We use capital coupled with borrowed funds to invest primarily in real estate related investments, earning the spread between the yield on our assets and the cost of our borrowings and hedging activities. Our capital structure is designed to offer an efficient complement of funding sources to generate positive risk-adjusted returns for our stockholders while maintaining appropriate liquidity to support our business and meet our financial obligations under periods of market stress. To maintain our desired capital profile, we utilize a mix of debt and equity funding. Debt funding may include the use of repurchase agreements, loans, securitizations, participations issued, lines of credit, asset backed lending facilities, corporate bond issuance, convertible bonds or other liabilities. Equity capital primarily consists of common and preferred stock. Our economic leverage ratio is computed as the sum of recourse debt, cost basis of TBA derivatives outstanding, and net forward purchases (sales) of investments divided by total equity. Recourse debt consists of repurchase agreements, other secured financing, structured repurchase transactions (included within Debt issued by securitization vehicles) and U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased. Debt issued by securitization vehicles (excluding structured repurchase transactions) and participations issued are non-recourse to us and are excluded from economic leverage. 57 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP debt to economic debt for purposes of calculating our economic leverage ratio for the periods presented: As of December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Economic leverage ratio reconciliation (dollars in thousands) Repurchase agreements $ 81,865,723  $ 65,688,923  Other secured financing 1,075,000  750,000  Debt issued by securitization vehicles 28,918,753  19,540,678  Participations issued 1,932,655  1,154,816  U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased 2,396,724  2,470,629  Total GAAP debt $ 116,188,855  $ 89,605,046  Less Non-recourse debt: Debt issued by securitization vehicles (1) (28,651,989) (19,540,678) Participations issued (1,932,655) (1,154,816) Total recourse debt $ 85,604,211  $ 68,909,552  Plus / (Less): Cost basis of TBA derivatives 3,252,601  3,158,058  Payable for unsettled trades 2,059,386  308,282  Receivable for unsettled trades (1,031) (2,201,447) Economic debt * $ 90,915,167  $ 70,174,445  Total equity $ 16,159,911  $ 12,696,952  Economic leverage ratio * 5.6:1 5.5:1 * Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the disclosure within this section above for additional information on non-GAAP financial measures. (1) Non-recourse debt excludes debt issued by securitization vehicles related to structured repurchase transactions. The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP total assets to economic total assets for purposes of calculating our economic capital ratio for the periods presented: As of December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Economic capital ratio reconciliation (dollars in thousands) Total GAAP assets $ 135,609,838  $ 103,556,384  Less: Gross unrealized gains on TBA derivatives (1) (17,648) (8,635) Debt issued by securitization vehicles (2) (28,651,989) (19,540,678) Participations issued (1,932,655) (1,154,816) Plus: Implied market value of TBA derivatives 3,257,086  3,136,154  Total economic assets * $ 108,264,632  $ 85,988,409  Total equity $ 16,159,911  $ 12,696,952  Economic capital ratio (3)* 14.9% 14.8% * Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the disclosure within this section above for additional information on non-GAAP financial measures. (1) Included in Derivative assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. (2) Excludes debt issued by securitization vehicles related to structured repurchase transactions. (3) Economic capital ratio is computed as total equity divided by total economic assets. Interest Income (excluding PAA), Economic Interest Expense and Economic Net Interest Income (excluding PAA) Interest income (excluding PAA) represents interest income excluding the effect of the premium amortization adjustment, and serves as the basis for deriving average yield on interest earning assets (excluding PAA), net interest spread (excluding PAA) and net interest margin (excluding PAA), which are discussed below. We believe this measure provides management and investors with additional detail to enhance their understanding of our operating results and trends by excluding the component of premium amortization expense representing the cumulative effect of quarter-over-quarter changes in estimated long-term prepayment speeds related to our Agency MBS (other than interest-only securities, multifamily and reverse mortgages), which can obscure underlying trends in the performance of the portfolio. 58 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Economic interest expense is comprised of GAAP interest expense, the net interest component of interest rate swaps, and net interest on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, which is reported in Other, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net interest on variation margin related to interest rate swaps is included in the Net interest component of interest rate swaps in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). We use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to changing interest rates on repurchase agreements by economically hedging cash flows associated with these borrowings. Accordingly, adding the net interest component of interest rate swaps to interest expense, as computed in accordance with GAAP, reflects the total contractual interest expense and thus, provides investors with additional information about the cost of our financing strategy. We may use market agreed coupon (“MAC”) interest rate swaps in which we may receive or make a payment at the time of entering into such interest rate swap to compensate for the off-market nature of such interest rate swap. In accordance with GAAP, upfront payments associated with MAC interest rate swaps are not reflected in the net interest component of interest rate swaps, which is presented in Net gains (losses) on derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Similarly, economic net interest income (excluding PAA), as computed below, provides investors with additional information to enhance their understanding of the net economics of our primary business operations. The following tables present a reconciliation of GAAP interest income and GAAP interest expense to non-GAAP interest income (excluding PAA), economic interest expense and economic net interest income (excluding PAA), respectively, for the periods presented: Interest Income (excluding PAA) GAAP Interest Income PAA Cost (Benefit) Interest Income (excluding PAA) * For the years ended (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2025 $ 5,959,205  $ 33,451  $ 5,992,656  December 31, 2024 $ 4,840,034  $ (14,241) $ 4,825,793  December 31, 2023 $ 3,731,581  $ 1,654  $ 3,733,235  * Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to disclosures within this section above for additional information on non-GAAP financial measures. Economic Interest Expense and Economic Net Interest Income (excluding PAA) GAAP Interest Expense Add: Net Interest Component of Interest Rate Swaps and Net Interest on Initial Margin Economic Interest Expense * (1) GAAP Net Interest Income Less: Net Interest Component of Interest Rate Swaps and Net Interest on Initial Margin Economic Net Interest Income * Add: PAA Cost (Benefit) Economic Net Interest Income (excluding PAA) * For the years ended (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2025 $ 4,823,705  $ (767,257) $ 4,056,448  $ 1,135,500  $ (767,257) $ 1,902,757  $ 33,451  $ 1,936,208  December 31, 2024 $ 4,592,238  $ (1,253,447) $ 3,338,791  $ 247,796  $ (1,253,447) $ 1,501,243  $ (14,241) $ 1,487,002  December 31, 2023 $ 3,842,965  $ (1,585,053) $ 2,257,912  $ (111,384) $ (1,585,053) $ 1,473,669  $ 1,654  $ 1,475,323  * Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to disclosures within this section above for additional information on non-GAAP financial measures. (1) Economic interest expense is comprised of GAAP interest expense, the net interest component of interest rate swaps, and net interest on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, which is reported in Other, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net interest on variation margin related to interest rate swaps is included in the Net interest component of interest rate swaps in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Experienced and Projected Long-Term CPR Prepayment speeds, as reflected by the CPR and interest rates vary according to the type of investment, conditions in financial markets, competition and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. In general, as prepayment speeds and expectations of prepayment speeds on our Agency MBS portfolio increase, related purchase premium amortization increases, thereby reducing the yield on such assets. The following table presents the weighted average experienced CPR and weighted average projected long-term CPR on our Agency MBS portfolio as of and for the periods presented. 59 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Experienced CPR (1) Long-term CPR (2) For the years ended December 31, 2025 8.5% 10.8% December 31, 2024 7.4% 8.6% December 31, 2023 6.5% 9.4% (1) For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. (2) At December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Average Yield on Interest Earning Assets (excluding PAA), Net Interest Spread (excluding PAA), Net Interest Margin (excluding PAA) and Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities Net interest spread (excluding PAA), which is the difference between the average yield on interest earning assets (excluding PAA) and the average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities, which represents annualized economic interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities, and net interest margin (excluding PAA), which is calculated as the sum of interest income (excluding PAA) plus TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income less economic interest expense divided by the sum of average interest earning assets plus average TBA contract and CMBX balances, provide management with additional measures of our profitability that management relies upon in monitoring the performance of the business. Disclosure of these measures, which are presented below, provides investors with additional detail regarding how management evaluates our performance. Net Interest Spread (excluding PAA)  Average Interest Earning Assets (1) Interest Income (excluding PAA) * Average Yield on Interest Earning Assets (excluding PAA) * Average Interest Bearing Liabilities Economic Interest Expense * (2) Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities * (2) Economic Net Interest Income (excluding PAA) * Net Interest Spread (excluding PAA) * For the years ended (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2025 $111,139,660 $5,992,656 5.39% $101,647,505 $4,056,448 3.99% $1,936,208 1.40 % December 31, 2024 $94,000,885 $4,825,793 5.13% $85,294,238 $3,338,791 3.91% $1,487,002 1.22 % December 31, 2023 $86,305,249 $3,733,235 4.33% $74,962,858 $2,257,912 3.01% $1,475,323 1.32 % * Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information. (1) Based on amortized cost. (2) Average interest bearing liabilities reflects the average balances during the period. Average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities represents annualized economic interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities. Economic interest expense is comprised of GAAP interest expense, the net interest component of interest rate swaps, and net interest on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, which is reported in Other, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net interest on variation margin related to interest rate swaps is included in the Net interest component of interest rate swaps in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net Interest Margin (excluding PAA) Interest Income (excluding PAA) * TBA Dollar Roll and CMBX Coupon Income (1) Economic Interest Expense * (2) Subtotal Average Interest Earnings Assets Average TBA Contract and CMBX Balances Subtotal Net Interest Margin (excluding PAA) * For the years ended (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2025 $5,992,656 32,359 (4,056,448) $1,968,567 $111,139,660 4,845,803 $115,985,463 1.70% December 31, 2024 $4,825,793 2,815 (3,338,791) $1,489,817 $94,000,885 1,033,990 $95,034,875 1.57% December 31, 2023 $3,733,235 20,621 (2,257,912) $1,495,944 $86,305,249 6,010,685 $92,315,934 1.62% * Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information. (1) TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income each represent a component of Net gains (losses) on derivatives. CMBX coupon income totaled $0.0 million, $0.0 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. (2) Economic interest expense is comprised of GAAP interest expense, the net interest component of interest rate swaps, and net interest on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, which is reported in Other, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net interest on variation margin related to interest rate swaps is included in the Net interest component of interest rate swaps in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). 60 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Economic Interest Expense and Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities Typically, our largest expense is the cost of interest bearing liabilities and the net interest component of interest rate swaps. The following table shows our average interest bearing liabilities and average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities as compared to average one-month and average six-month SOFR for the periods presented. Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities Average Interest Bearing Liabilities Interest Bearing Liabilities at Period End Economic Interest Expense * (1) Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities * Average One- Month Term SOFR Average Six- Month Term SOFR Average One-Month Term SOFR Relative to Average Six- Month Term SOFR Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities Relative to Average One- Month Term SOFR Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities Relative to Average Six-Month Term SOFR For the years ended (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2025 $ 101,647,505  $ 115,113,855  $ 4,056,448  3.99 % 4.21 % 4.05 % 0.16 % (0.22 %) (0.06 %) December 31, 2024 $ 85,294,238  $ 88,855,046  $ 3,338,791  3.91 % 5.12 % 4.92 % 0.20 % (1.21 %) (1.01 %) December 31, 2023 $ 74,962,858  $ 77,038,467  $ 2,257,912  3.01 % 5.07 % 5.22 % (0.15 %) (2.06 %) (2.21 %) * Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information. (1) Economic interest expense is comprised of GAAP interest expense, the net interest component of interest rate swaps, and net interest on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, which is reported in Other, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net interest on variation margin related to interest rate swaps is included in the Net interest component of interest rate swaps in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). 2025 Compared with 2024 Economic interest expense increased by $717.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The change was primarily due to change in the net interest component of interest rate swaps, which was $716.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $1.2 billion for the same period in 2024 combined with higher average interest bearing liabilities from an increase in securitized debt balances due to the 29 securitizations closed during the year ended December 31, 2025. We do not manage our portfolio to have a pre-designated amount of borrowings at quarter or year end. Our borrowings at period end are a snapshot of our borrowings as of a date, and this number may differ from average borrowings over the period for a number of reasons. The mortgage-backed securities we own pay principal and interest towards the end of each month and the mortgage-backed securities we purchase are typically settled during the beginning of the month. As a result, depending on the amount of mortgage-backed securities we have committed to purchase, we may retain the principal and interest we receive in the prior month, or we may use it to pay down our borrowings. Moreover, we generally use interest rate swaps, swaptions and other derivative instruments to hedge our portfolio, and as we pledge or receive collateral under these agreements, our borrowings on any given day may be increased or decreased. Our average borrowings during a quarter may differ from period end borrowings as we implement our portfolio management strategies and risk management strategies over changing market conditions by increasing or decreasing leverage. Additionally, these numbers may differ during periods when we conduct equity capital raises, as in certain instances we may purchase additional assets and increase leverage in anticipation of an equity capital raise. Since our average borrowings and period end borrowings can be expected to differ, we believe our average borrowings during a period provide a more accurate representation of our exposure to the risks associated with leverage than our period end borrowings. At December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 the majority of our debt represented repurchase agreements and other secured financing arrangements collateralized by a pledge of our Residential Securities, residential mortgage loans, and MSR. All of our Residential Securities are currently accepted as collateral for these borrowings. However, we limit our borrowings, and thus our potential asset growth, in order to maintain unused borrowing capacity and maintain the liquidity and strength of our balance sheet. 61 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Other Income (Loss) 2025 Compared with 2024 Net Gains (Losses) on Investments and Other Net gains (losses) on disposal of investments and other was ($391.4) million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared with ($1.1) billion for the same period in 2024. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we disposed of Residential Securities with a carrying value of $15.0 billion for an aggregate net loss of ($99.6) million. For the same period in 2024, we disposed of Residential Securities with a carrying value of $21.4 billion for an aggregate net loss of ($886.0) million. Net unrealized gains (losses) on instruments measured at fair value through earnings was $2.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to ($764.5) million for the same period in 2024, primarily due to favorable changes in unrealized gains (losses) on Agency MBS of $3.2 billion, securitized residential whole loans of consolidated VIEs of $515.1 million, and residential whole loans of $40.3 million, partially offset by unfavorable changes in residential securitized debt of consolidated VIEs of ($374.0) million, U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased of ($218.8) million, MSR of ($152.5) million, non-Agency MBS of ($83.6) million, and CRT securities of ($36.5) million. Net Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Net gains (losses) on interest rate swaps for the year ended December 31, 2025 was ($716.8) million compared to $2.1 billion for the same period in 2024, attributable to unfavorable changes in unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, the net interest component of interest rate swaps, and realized gains (losses) on termination or maturity of interest rate swaps. Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps was ($1.4) billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $1.0 billion for the same period in 2024. Net interest component of interest rate swaps was $716.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $1.2 billion for the same period in 2024. Realized gains (losses) on termination or maturity of interest rate swaps was ($77.0) million, compared to ($60.5) million for the same period in 2024, which reflected our termination or maturity of fixed-rate payer and receiver interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $18.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively, compared to $9.6 billion and $4.1 billion notional amounts of fixed-rate payer and receiver interest rate swaps for the same period in 2024. Net gains (losses) on other derivatives was ($490.4) million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $124.9 million for the same period in 2024. The change in net gains (losses) on other derivatives was primarily due to unfavorable changes in net gains (losses) on futures contracts, which was ($619.5) million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $257.5 million for the same period in 2024, partially offset by favorable changes in net gains (losses) on TBA derivatives, which was $135.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to ($16.7) million for the same period in 2024, net gains (losses) on interest rate swaptions, which was ($10.0) million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to ($105.9) million for the same period in 2024, and net gains (losses) on purchase commitments, which was $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to ($10.0) million for the same period in 2024. Other, Net Other, net includes brokerage and commission fees, due diligence costs, securitization expenses, interest on custodial balances and items whose amounts, either individually or in the aggregate, would not, in the opinion of management, be meaningful to readers of the financial statements. Given the nature of certain components of this line item, balances may fluctuate from period to period. Other, net was $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $94.9 million for the same period in 2024, primarily attributable to an increase in MSR financing expenses, a decrease in net interest income on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, an increase in securitization related costs, and an increase in trading activity related expenses, a decrease in other interest and a decrease in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures. This was partially offset by an increase in interest on custodial balances, advisory income, and conduit transaction fees. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses consist of compensation and other expenses. The following table shows our total G&A expenses as compared to average total assets and average equity for the periods presented. 62 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis G&A Expenses and Operating Expense Ratios Total G&A Expenses Total G&A Expenses/Average Assets Total G&A Expenses/Average Equity For the years ended (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2025 $ 199,629  0.17 % 1.42 % December 31, 2024 $ 171,356  0.18 % 1.44 % December 31, 2023 $ 162,553  0.18 % 1.42 % 2025 Compared with 2024 G&A expenses increased $28.3 million to $199.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The change in the period was primarily due to an increase in compensation expense and higher expenses related to professional fees, rent, and technology. Return on Average Equity The following table shows the components of our annualized return on average equity for the periods presented. Components of Annualized Return on Average Equity Economic Net Interest Income/ Average Equity (1) Net Servicing Income/Average Equity Other Income (Loss)/Average Equity (2) G&A Expenses/ Average Equity Income Taxes/ Average Equity Return on Average Equity For the years ended December 31, 2025 13.15 % 3.69 % (0.90 %) (1.42 %) 0.05 % 14.57 % December 31, 2024 12.22 % 3.67 % (5.79 %) (1.44 %) (0.13 %) 8.53 % December 31, 2023 12.88 % 2.85 % (28.30 %) (1.42 %) (0.34 %) (14.33 %) (1) Economic net interest income includes the net interest component of interest rate swaps and, beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2024, net interest on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, which is reported in Other, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Prior period results have not been adjusted in accordance with this change as the impact is not material. Net interest on variation margin related to interest rate swaps was previously and is currently included in the Net interest component of interest rate swaps in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for all periods presented. (2) Other income (loss) excludes the net interest component of interest rate swaps. Unrealized Gains and Losses - Available-for-Sale Investments The unrealized fluctuations in market values of our available-for-sale Agency MBS, for which the fair value option is not elected, do not impact our GAAP net income (loss) but rather are reflected on our balance sheet by changing the carrying value of the asset and stockholders’ equity under accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As a result of this fair value accounting treatment, our book value and book value per share are likely to fluctuate far more than if we used amortized cost accounting. As a result, comparisons with companies that use amortized cost accounting for some or all of their balance sheet may not be meaningful. The following table shows cumulative unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale investments reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 (dollars in thousands) Unrealized gain $ 5,704  $ 4,221  Unrealized loss (494,270) (1,021,903) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (488,566) $ (1,017,682) Unrealized changes in the estimated fair value of available-for-sale investments may have a direct effect on our potential earnings and dividends: positive changes will increase our equity base and allow us to increase our borrowing capacity while negative changes tend to reduce borrowing capacity. A very large negative change in the net fair value of our available-for-sale Residential Securities might impair our liquidity position, requiring us to sell assets with the potential result of realized losses upon sale. The fair value of these securities being less than amortized cost at December 31, 2025 is solely due to market conditions and not the quality of the assets. Substantially all of the Agency MBS have an actual or implied credit rating that is the same as that 63 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the U.S. government. The investments do not require an allowance for credit losses because we currently have the ability and intent to hold the investments to maturity or for a period of time sufficient for a forecasted market price recovery up to or beyond the cost of the investments, and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of the amortized cost bases, which may be maturity. Also, we are guaranteed payment of the principal and interest amounts of the securities by the respective issuing Agency. Financial Condition Total assets were $135.6 billion and $103.6 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The change was primarily due to increases in securities of $21.5 billion, securitized residential whole loans of consolidated VIEs of $10.1 billion, residential mortgage loans of $1.5 billion, and mortgage servicing rights of $736.7 million, partially offset by decreases in receivable for unsettled trades of $2.2 billion, principal and interest receivable of $142.4 million, and derivative assets of $109.8 million. Our portfolio composition, net equity allocation and debt-to-net equity ratio by asset class were as follows at December 31, 2025: Agency MBS Residential Credit (1) MSR Total Assets (dollars in thousands) Fair value $ 89,628,654  $ 38,747,193  $ 3,674,491  $ 132,050,338  Implied market value of derivatives (2) 3,257,086  —  —  3,257,086  Debt Repurchase agreements 76,926,813  4,938,910  —  81,865,723  Implied cost basis of derivatives (2) 3,252,601  —  —  3,252,601  Other secured financing —  —  1,075,000  1,075,000  Debt issued by securitization vehicles —  28,918,753  —  28,918,753  Participations issued —  1,932,655  —  1,932,655  U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased 2,412,968  71,326  (87,570) 2,396,724  Net forward purchases 1,938,116  —  120,239  2,058,355  Other Net other assets / liabilities 1,592,502  288,298  471,498  2,352,298  Net equity allocated $ 9,947,744  $ 3,173,847  $ 3,038,320  $ 16,159,911  Net equity allocated (%) 62 % 19 % 19 % 100 % Debt/net equity ratio (3) 8.0:1 11.3:1 0.3:1 7.2:1 (1) Fair value includes residential loans held for sale, commercial assets and liabilities and assets and liabilities associated with non-controlling interests. (2) Derivatives include TBA contracts under Agency MBS. (3) Represents the debt/net equity ratio as determined using amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Residential Securities Substantially all of our Agency MBS at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 were backed by single-family residential mortgage loans and were secured with a first lien position on the underlying single-family properties. Our mortgage-backed securities were largely Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae pass through certificates or CMOs, which have an actual or implied credit rating that is the same as that of the U.S. government. We carry all of our Agency MBS at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. We accrete discount balances as an increase to interest income over the expected life of the related interest earning assets and we amortize premium balances as a decrease to interest income over the expected life of the related interest earning assets. At December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 we had in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition a total of $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, of unamortized discount (which is the difference between the remaining principal value and current amortized cost of our Residential Securities acquired at a price below principal value) and a total of $2.9 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, of unamortized premium (which is the difference between the remaining principal value and the current amortized cost of our Residential Securities acquired at a price above principal value). The weighted average experienced prepayment speed on our Agency MBS portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was 8.5% and 7.4%, respectively. The weighted average projected long-term prepayment speed on our Agency MBS portfolio as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was 10.8% and 8.6%, respectively. 64 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Given our current portfolio composition, if mortgage principal prepayment rates were to increase over the life of our mortgage-backed securities, all other factors being equal, our net interest income would decrease during the life of these mortgage-backed securities as we would be required to amortize our net premium balance into income over a shorter time period. Similarly, if mortgage principal prepayment rates were to decrease over the life of our mortgage-backed securities, all other factors being equal, our net interest income would increase during the life of these mortgage-backed securities as we would amortize our net premium balance over a longer time period. The following table presents our Residential Securities that were carried at fair value at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Estimated Fair Value Agency (dollars in thousands) Fixed-rate pass-through $ 81,981,650  $ 63,049,674  Adjustable-rate pass-through 119,052  162,238  CMO 2,640  73,684  Interest-only 614,068  380,732  Multifamily 6,911,244  3,741,765  Reverse mortgages —  25,975  Total agency securities $ 89,628,654  $ 67,434,068  Residential credit Credit risk transfer $ 213,800  $ 754,915  Non-QM 336,152  164,892  Prime 114,275  102,117  SBC 176,978  233,572  NPL/RPL 447,817  682,440  RTL 192,626  151,852  Prime jumbo (= 2010 vintage) 177,328  158,313  Total residential credit securities $ 1,658,976  $ 2,248,101  Total Residential Securities $ 91,287,630  $ 69,682,169  The following table summarizes certain characteristics of our Residential Securities (excluding interest-only mortgage-backed securities) and interest-only mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. 65 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Residential Securities (1) (dollars in thousands) Principal amount $ 89,265,062  $ 70,783,559  Net premium 324,222  110,212  Amortized cost 89,589,284  70,893,771  Amortized cost / principal amount 100.36 % 100.16 % Carrying value 89,984,622  68,717,038  Carrying value / principal amount 100.81 % 97.08 % Weighted average coupon rate 5.14 % 5.02 % Weighted average yield 5.02 % 4.96 % Adjustable-rate Residential Securities (1) Principal amount $ 376,967  $ 951,400  Weighted average coupon rate 7.53 % 8.41 % Weighted average yield 6.81 % 7.59 % Weighted average term to next adjustment (2) 6 Months 6 Months Weighted average lifetime cap (3) 9.47 % 9.33 % Principal amount at period end as % of total residential securities 0.42 % 1.34 % Fixed-rate Residential Securities (1) Principal amount $ 88,888,095  $ 69,832,159  Weighted average coupon rate 5.13 % 4.97 % Weighted average yield 5.02 % 4.93 % Principal amount at period end as % of total residential securities 99.58 % 98.66 % Interest-only Residential Securities Notional amount $ 54,177,136  $ 38,352,812  Net premium 1,374,493  1,091,361  Amortized cost 1,374,493  1,091,361  Amortized cost / notional amount 2.54 % 2.85 % Carrying value 1,303,008  965,131  Carrying value / notional amount 2.41 % 2.52 % Weighted average coupon rate 0.49 % 0.46 % Weighted average yield 5.42 % 2.40 % (1) Excludes interest-only MBS. (2) Excludes non-Agency MBS and CRT securities. (3) Excludes non-Agency MBS and CRT securities as this attribute is not applicable to these asset classes. The following tables summarize certain characteristics of our Residential Credit portfolio at December 31, 2025. Payment Structure Investment Characteristics (1) Product Estimated Fair Value Senior Subordinate Coupon Credit Enhancement 60+ Delinquencies 3M VPR (2) (dollars in thousands) Credit risk transfer $ 213,800  $ —  $ 213,800  8.74 % 1.52 % 1.31 % 5.89 % Non-QM 336,152  —  336,152  6.95 % 7.80 % 3.60 % 16.88 % Prime 114,275  90,999  23,276  5.82 % 13.38 % 1.84 % 13.17 % SBC 176,978  19,639  157,339  7.20 % 26.19 % 15.06 % 12.68 % NPL/RPL 447,817  94,917  352,900  7.45 % 19.61 % 52.65 % 6.41 % RTL 192,626  137,035  55,591  7.11 % 17.85 % 3.89 % 64.26 % Prime jumbo (=2010 vintage) 177,328  106,451  70,877  4.91 % 1.08 % 0.75 % 6.36 % Total/weighted average $ 1,658,976  $ 449,041  $ 1,209,935  7.19 % 13.80 % 18.87 % 16.36 % (1) Investment characteristics exclude the impact of interest-only securities. (2) Represents the 3 month voluntary prepayment rate (“VPR”). 66 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Bond Coupon Product ARM Fixed Floater Interest-Only Estimated Fair Value (dollars in thousands) Credit risk transfer $ —  $ —  $ 213,800  $ —  $ 213,800  Non-QM 1,327  334,825  —  —  336,152  Prime —  83,121  —  31,154  114,275  SBC —  170,171  6,807  —  176,978  NPL/RPL —  437,035  10,732  50  447,817  RTL —  192,626  —  —  192,626  Prime jumbo (=2010 vintage) —  51,986  18,891  106,451  177,328  Total $ 1,327  $ 1,269,764  $ 250,230  $ 137,655  $ 1,658,976  Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes the effect on our liquidity and cash flows from contractual obligations at December 31, 2025. The table does not include the effect of net interest rate payments on our interest rate swap agreements. The net swap payments will fluctuate based on monthly changes in the receive rate. At December 31, 2025, the interest rate swaps had a net fair value of ($9.0) million. Within One Year One to Three Years Three to Five Years More than Five Years Total (dollars in thousands) Repurchase agreements $ 81,590,382  $ 275,341  $ —  $ —  $ 81,865,723  Interest expense on repurchase agreements (1) 341,569  1,215  —  —  342,784  Other secured financing —  1,075,000  —  —  1,075,000  Interest expense on other secured financing (1) 70,347  33,801  —  —  104,148  Debt issued by securitization vehicles (principal) —  —  —  29,301,144  29,301,144  Interest expense on debt issued by securitization vehicles 1,638,410  3,276,820  3,276,820  51,160,020  59,352,070  Participations issued (principal) —  —  —  1,883,546  1,883,546  Interest expense on participations issued 122,629  245,259  245,259  3,039,268  3,652,415  Long-term operating lease obligations 261  6,357  7,662  48,210  62,490  Total $ 83,763,598  $ 4,913,793  $ 3,529,741  $ 85,432,188  $ 177,639,320  (1) Interest expense on repurchase agreements and other secured financing calculated based on rates at December 31, 2025. In the coming periods, we expect to continue to finance our Residential Securities in a manner that is largely consistent with our current operations via repurchase agreements. We may use securitization structures, credit facilities, or other term financing structures to finance certain of our assets. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we received $8.3 billion from principal repayments and $17.2 billion in cash from disposal of Securities. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we received $6.8 billion from principal repayments and $21.1 billion in cash from disposal of Securities. Commitments and Contractual Obligations with Unconsolidated Entities We do not have any commitments or contractual obligations arising from arrangements with unconsolidated entities that have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, cash requirements or capital resources. Capital Management Maintaining a strong balance sheet that can support the business even in times of economic stress and market volatility is of critical importance to our business strategy. A strong and robust capital position is essential to executing our investment strategy. Our capital strategy is predicated on a strong capital position, which enables us to execute our investment strategy regardless of the market environment. Our capital policy defines the parameters and principles supporting a comprehensive capital management practice. The major risks impacting capital are liquidity and funding risk, investment/market risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, operational risk and compliance, regulatory and legal risk. For further discussion of the risks we are subject to, please see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this annual report on Form 10-K. 67 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Capital requirements are based on maintaining levels above approved thresholds, ensuring the quality of our capital appropriately reflects our asset mix, market and funding structure. In the event we fall short of our internal thresholds, we will consider appropriate actions which may include asset sales, changes in asset mix, reductions in asset purchases or originations, issuance of capital or other capital enhancing or risk reduction strategies. Stockholders’ Equity The following table provides a summary of total stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2025 and 2024: December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Stockholders’ equity (dollars in thousands) 6.95% Series F fixed-to-floating rate cumulative redeemable preferred stock 696,910  696,910  6.50% Series G fixed-to-floating rate cumulative redeemable preferred stock 411,335  411,335  6.75% Series I fixed-to-floating rate cumulative redeemable preferred stock 428,324  428,324  8.875% Series J fixed-rate cumulative redeemable preferred stock 265,911  —  Common stock 7,070  5,784  Additional paid-in capital 27,927,113  25,257,716  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (488,566) (1,017,682) Accumulated deficit (13,157,325) (13,173,146) Total stockholders’ equity $ 16,090,772  $ 12,609,241  Capital Stock Common Stock In January 2022, we announced that our Board authorized the repurchase of up to $1.5 billion of our outstanding shares of common stock through December 31, 2024 (the “Prior Common Stock Repurchase Program”). In January 2025, we announced that our Board authorized the repurchase of up to $1.5 billion of our outstanding shares of common stock through December 31, 2029 (the “Current Common Stock Repurchase Program”). The Current Common Stock Repurchase Program replaced the Prior Common Stock Repurchase Program. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, no shares were repurchased under the Current Common Stock Repurchase Program or the Prior Common Stock Repurchase Program, respectively. Purchases made pursuant to the Current Common Stock Repurchase Program will be made in either the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases will be determined by us in our discretion and will be subject to economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The authorization does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the program may be suspended or discontinued at our discretion without prior notice. On August 6, 2020, we entered into separate Amended and Restated Distribution Agency Agreements (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Distribution Agency Agreements on August 6, 2021, and Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Distribution Agency Agreements on November 3, 2022, collectively, the “2020 Sales Agreements”) with each of Barclays Capital Inc., BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (collectively, the “2020 Sales Agents”). Pursuant to the 2020 Sales Agreements, we offered and sold shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $1.5 billion, from time to time through any of the 2020 Sales Agents (the “2020 At-The-Market Sales Program”). On September 20, 2024, we entered into separate Distribution Agency Agreements (collectively, the “2024 Sales Agreements”) with each of Barclays Capital Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., BofA Securities, Inc., Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (collectively, the “2024 Sales Agents”), which terminated and replaced the 2020 Sales Agreements. Under the terms of the 2024 Sales Agreements, we offered and sold shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $1.5 billion, from time to time through any of the 2024 Sales Agents (the “2024 At-The-Market Sales Program”). On May 8, 2025, we entered into separate Distribution Agency Agreements (collectively, the “Prior Sales Agreements”) with each of Barclays Capital Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., BofA Securities, Inc., BTIG, LLC, Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC, Piper Sandler & Co., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (the “Sales Agents”), which 68 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis terminated and replaced the 2024 Sales Agreements. Under the terms of the Prior Sales Agreements, the Company offered and sold shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $2.0 billion (the “Shares”), from time to time through any of the Sales Agents (the "Prior At-The-Market Sales Program"). On December 22, 2025, we entered into separate Distribution Agency Agreements (collectively, the “Sales Agreements”) with each of the Sales Agents, which terminated and replaced the Prior Sales Agreements. Under the terms of the Sales Agreements, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $2.5 billion (the “Shares”), from time to time through any of the Sales Agents (the "Current At-The-Market Sales Program" and, together with the 2020 At-The-Market Sales Program, the 2024 At-The-Market Sales Program and the Prior At-The-Market Sales Program, the "at-the-market sales program"). During the year ended December 31, 2025, under the at-the-market sales program, we issued 127.9 million shares for proceeds of $2.6 billion, net of commissions and fees. During the year ended December 31, 2024, under the at-the-market sales program, we issued 77.9 million shares for proceeds of $1.6 billion, net of commissions and fees. Preferred Stock On November 3, 2022, our Board approved a repurchase plan for all of our existing outstanding Preferred Stock (as defined below, the “Prior Preferred Stock Repurchase Program”). Under the terms of the Prior Preferred Stock Repurchase Program, we are authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of 63,500,000 shares of Preferred Stock, comprised of up to (i) 28,800,000 shares of our 6.95% Series F Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series F Preferred Stock”), (ii) 17,000,000 shares of our 6.50% Series G Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series G Preferred Stock”), and (iii) 17,700,000 shares of our 6.75% Series I Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series I Preferred Stock”, and together with Series F Preferred Stock and Series G Preferred Stock, the “Preferred Stock”). The aggregate liquidation value of the Preferred Stock that may be repurchased by us pursuant to the Prior Preferred Stock Repurchase Program, as of November 3, 2022, was approximately $1.6 billion. The Prior Preferred Stock Repurchase Program became effective on November 3, 2022, and expired on December 31, 2024. No shares were repurchased with respect to the Prior Preferred Stock Repurchase Program during the year ended December 31, 2024. On December 31, 2024, our Board approved a repurchase plan for all of our existing outstanding Preferred Stock (as defined below, the “Current Preferred Stock Repurchase Program”). Under the terms of the Current Preferred Stock Repurchase Program, we are authorized to repurchase up to an aggregate of 63,500,000 shares of Preferred Stock, comprised of up to (i) 28,800,000 shares of our Series F Preferred Stock, (ii) 17,000,000 shares of our Series G Preferred Stock, and (iii) 17,700,000 shares of our Series I Preferred Stock. The aggregate liquidation value of the Preferred Stock that may be repurchased by us pursuant to the Current Preferred Stock Repurchase Program, as of December 31, 2024, was approximately $1.6 billion. The Current Preferred Stock Repurchase Program replaced the Prior Preferred Stock Repurchase Program. The Current Preferred Stock Repurchase Program became effective on January 1, 2025, and will expire on December 31, 2029. No shares were repurchased with respect to the Current Preferred Stock Repurchase Program during the year ended December 31, 2025. Purchases made pursuant to the Current Preferred Stock Repurchase Program will be made in either the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases will be determined by us in our discretion and will be subject to economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The authorization does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of Preferred Stock and the program may be suspended or discontinued at our discretion without prior notice. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we issued 11,000,000 shares of our Series J Preferred Stock, which included the exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase an additional 1,000,000 shares of Series J Preferred Stock solely to cover over-allotments, for gross proceeds of $275 million before deducting the underwriting discount and other estimated offering expenses. Leverage and Capital We believe that it is prudent to maintain conservative GAAP leverage ratios and economic leverage ratios as there may be continued volatility in the mortgage and credit markets. Our capital policy governs our capital and leverage position including setting limits. Based on the guidelines, we generally expect to maintain an economic leverage ratio of less than 10:1. Our actual economic leverage ratio varies from time to time based upon various factors, including our management’s opinion of the level of risk of our assets and liabilities, our liquidity position, our level of unused borrowing capacity, the availability of credit, over-collateralization levels required by lenders when we pledge assets to secure borrowings and our assessment of domestic and international market conditions. 69 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Our GAAP leverage ratio at December 31, 2025 and 2024 was 7.2:1 and 7.1:1, respectively. Our economic leverage ratio, which is computed as the sum of Recourse Debt, cost basis of TBA derivatives outstanding, and net forward purchases (sales) of investments divided by total equity was 5.6:1 and 5.5:1, at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our GAAP capital ratio at December 31, 2025 and 2024 was 11.9% and 12.3%, respectively. Our economic capital ratio, which represents our ratio of stockholders’ equity to total economic assets (inclusive of the implied market value of TBA derivatives and net of debt issued by securitization vehicles (excluding structured repurchase transactions) and participations issued), was 14.9% and 14.8% at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Economic leverage ratio and economic capital ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional information, including reconciliations to their most directly comparable GAAP results. Risk Management We are subject to a variety of risks in the ordinary conduct of our business. The effective management of these risks is of critical importance to the overall success of Annaly. The objective of our risk management framework is to identify, measure and monitor these risks. Our risk management framework is intended to facilitate a holistic, enterprise-wide view of risk. We believe we have built a strong and collaborative risk management culture throughout Annaly focused on awareness which supports appropriate understanding and management of our key risks. Each employee is accountable for identifying, monitoring and managing risk within their area of responsibility. Risk Appetite We maintain a firm-wide risk appetite statement which defines the types and levels of risk we are willing to take in order to achieve our business objectives, and reflects our risk management philosophy. We engage in risk activities based on our core expertise that aim to enhance value for our stockholders. Our activities focus on income generation and capital preservation through proactive portfolio management, supported by a conservative liquidity and leverage posture. The risk appetite statement asserts the following key risk parameters to guide our investment management activities: Risk Parameter Description Portfolio Composition We will maintain a portfolio comprised of target assets approved by our Board and in accordance with our capital allocation policy. Leverage We generally expect to maintain an economic leverage ratio no greater than 10:1 considerate of our overall capital allocation framework. Liquidity Risk We will seek to maintain an unencumbered asset portfolio sufficient to meet our liquidity needs under adverse market conditions. Interest Rate Risk We will seek to manage interest rate risk to protect the portfolio from adverse rate movements utilizing derivative instruments targeting both income and capital preservation. Credit Risk We will seek to manage credit risk by making investments which conform to our specific investment policy parameters and optimize risk-adjusted returns. Capital Preservation We will seek to protect our capital base through disciplined risk management practices. Operational Risk We will seek to limit impacts to our business through disciplined operational risk management practices addressing areas including but not limited to, management of key third party relationships (i.e. originators, sub-servicers), human capital management, cybersecurity and technology related matters, business continuity and financial reporting risk. Compliance, Regulatory and Legal We will seek to comply with regulatory requirements needed to maintain our REIT status and our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act and the licenses and approvals of our regulated and licensed subsidiaries. Governance Risk management begins with our Board, through the review and oversight of the risk management framework, and executive management, through the ongoing formulation of risk management practices and related execution in managing risk. The Board exercises its oversight of risk management primarily through the Risk Committee and Audit Committee with support from the other Board Committees. The Risk Committee is responsible for oversight of our risk governance structure, risk management (operational and market risk) and risk assessment guidelines and policies and our risk appetite. The Audit Committee is responsible for oversight of the quality and integrity of our accounting, internal controls and financial reporting practices, including independent auditor selection, evaluation and review, and oversight of the internal audit function. The Risk 70 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Committee and the Audit Committee jointly oversee practices and policies related to cybersecurity and receive regular reports from management throughout the year on cybersecurity and related risks. The Management Development and Compensation Committee is responsible for oversight of risk related to our compensation policies and practices and other human capital matters such as succession and culture. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee assists the Board in its oversight of our corporate governance framework and the annual self-evaluation of the Board, and the Corporate Responsibility Committee assists the Board in its oversight of any matters that may present reputational or environmental sustainability risk to us. The full Board has overall responsibility for this oversight, and the Corporate Responsibility Committee meets jointly with other Committees from time to time in order to review areas of shared responsibility. Risk assessment and risk management are the responsibility of our management. A series of management committees has oversight or decision-making responsibilities for risk management activities. Membership of these committees is reviewed regularly to ensure the appropriate personnel are engaged in the risk management process. Three primary management committees have been established to provide a comprehensive framework for risk management. The management committees responsible for our risk management include the Enterprise Risk Committee (“ERC”), Asset / Liability Committee (“ALCO”) and the Financial Reporting and Disclosure Committee (“FRDC”). Each of these committees reports to our management Operating Committee, which is responsible for oversight and management of our operations, including oversight and approval authority over all aspects of our enterprise risk management.  Audit Services is an independent function with reporting lines to the Audit Committee. Audit Services is responsible for performing our internal audit activities, which includes independently assessing and validating key controls within the risk management framework. Our compliance group is responsible for oversight of our regulatory compliance. Our Chief Compliance Officer has reporting lines to the Audit Committee. 71 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Description of Risks We are subject to a variety of risks due to the business we operate. Risk categories are an important component of a robust enterprise-wide risk management framework. We have identified the following primary categories that we utilize to identify, assess, measure and monitor risk. Risk Description Liquidity and Funding Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business resulting from our inability to meet our obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses because of inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding. Investment/Market Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business resulting in the decline in value of our assets or an increase in the costs of financing caused by changes in market variables, such as interest rates, which affect the values of investment securities and other investment instruments. Credit Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business resulting from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract or otherwise failure to perform as agreed. This risk is present in lending and investing activities. Counterparty Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business resulting from a counterparty’s failure to meet the terms of any contract or otherwise failure to perform as agreed. This risk is present in funding, hedging and investing activities. Operational Risk Risk to earnings, capital, reputation or business arising from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems (including business continuity planning), human factors or external events. This risk also applies to our use of proprietary and third party models, software vendors and data providers, and oversight of third party service providers such as sub-servicers, due diligence firms etc. Compliance, Regulatory and Legal Risk Risk to earnings, capital, reputation or conduct of business arising from violations of, or nonconformance with internal and external applicable rules and regulations, losses resulting from lawsuits or adverse judgments, or from changes in the regulatory environment that may impact our business model. Liquidity and Funding Risk Management Our liquidity and funding risk management strategy is designed to ensure the availability of sufficient resources to support our business and meet our financial obligations under both normal and adverse market and business environments. Our liquidity and funding risk management practices consist of the following primary elements: Element Description Funding Availability of diverse and stable sources of funds. Excess Liquidity Excess liquidity primarily in the form of unencumbered assets and cash. Maturity Profile Diversity and tenor of liabilities and modest use of leverage. Stress Testing Scenario modeling to measure the resiliency of our liquidity position. Liquidity Management Policies Comprehensive policies including monitoring, risk limits and an escalation protocol. Funding Our primary financing sources are repurchase agreements provided through counterparty arrangements and through Arcola, other secured financing, debt issued by securitization vehicles, mortgages, credit facilities, note sales and various forms of equity. We maintain excess liquidity by holding unencumbered liquid assets that could be either used to collateralize additional borrowings or sold. We seek to conservatively manage our repurchase agreement funding position through a variety of methods including diversity, breadth and depth of counterparties and maintaining a staggered maturity profile. Arcola provides direct access to third party funding as a FINRA member broker-dealer. Arcola borrows funds through the General Collateral Finance Repo service offered by the FICC, with FICC acting as the central counterparty. In addition, Arcola may borrow funds through direct repurchase agreements. To reduce our liquidity risk we maintain a laddered approach to our repurchase agreements. At December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the weighted average days to maturity was 35 days and 32 days, respectively. 72 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Our repurchase agreements generally provide that in the event of a margin call we must provide additional securities or cash on the same business day that a margin call is made. Should prepayment speeds on the mortgages underlying our Agency and Residential mortgage-backed securities and/or market interest rates or other factors move suddenly and cause declines in the market value of assets posted as collateral, resulting margin calls may cause an adverse change in our liquidity position. We have continued to diversify our financing profile adding new non-mark-to-market facilities and financing options under existing facilities for our Residential Credit operating segment. At December 31, 2025, we had total financial assets and cash pledged against existing liabilities of $87.2 billion. The weighted average haircut was approximately 3% on repurchase agreements. The quality and character of the Residential Securities that we pledge as collateral under the repurchase agreements and interest rate swaps did not materially change at December 31, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, and our counterparties did not materially alter any requirements, including required haircuts, related to the collateral we pledge under repurchase agreements and interest rate swaps during the year ended December 31, 2025. The following table presents our quarterly average and quarter-end repurchase agreement and reverse repurchase agreement balances outstanding for the periods presented: Repurchase Agreements Reverse Repurchase Agreements Average Daily Amount Outstanding Ending Amount Outstanding Average Daily Amount Outstanding Ending Amount Outstanding For the three months ended (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2025 $ 82,756,418  $ 81,865,723  $ 2,580,095  $ 34,389  September 30, 2025 74,041,222  75,118,963  3,871,747  35,004  June 30, 2025 67,699,628  66,541,378  3,434,050  —  March 31, 2025 66,724,268  61,659,460  2,721,386  —  December 31, 2024 68,092,016  65,688,923  2,778,970  —  September 30, 2024 67,092,629  64,310,276  3,041,120  —  June 30, 2024 63,043,218  60,787,994  2,322,479  —  March 31, 2024 64,027,388  58,975,232  2,323,485  —  December 31, 2023 61,924,576  62,201,543  1,340,204  —  Our committed facility warehouse lines provide financing for our MSR portfolio for liquidity purposes. We maintain a conservative approach to these facilities, generally over-collateralizing the lines against margin calls. The following table provides information on our repurchase agreements and other secured financing by maturity date at December 31, 2025. The weighted average remaining maturity on our repurchase agreements and other secured financing was 42 days at December 31, 2025: December 31, 2025 Principal Balance Weighted Average Rate % of Total (dollars in thousands) 1 day $ —  — % — % 2 to 29 days 42,517,566  3.99 % 51.2 % 30 to 59 days 32,731,191  3.97 % 39.5 % 60 to 89 days 4,624,845  4.02 % 5.6 % 90 to 119 days 184,068  5.39 % 0.2 % Over 119 days (1) 2,883,053  5.82 % 3.5 % Total $ 82,940,723  4.05 % 100.0 % (1) Approximately 1% of the total repurchase agreements and other secured financing had a remaining maturity over 1 year. We also finance our investments in residential mortgage loans through the issuance of securitization transactions sponsored by our wholly-owned subsidiary Onslow Bay Financial LLC (“Onslow Bay”) under the Onslow Bay private-label securitization program. In order to increase financing optionality for our Onslow Bay platform we closed new warehouse facilities and upsized existing warehouse facilities. These included expanded product offerings for residential whole loans, including a component not subject to margin calls. The following table presents our outstanding debt balances and associated weighted average rates and days to maturity at December 31, 2025:  73 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Weighted Average Rate (1) Principal Balance As of Period End For the Quarter Weighted Average Days to Maturity (2) (dollars in thousands) Repurchase agreements $ 81,865,723  4.02 % 4.20 % 35 Other secured financing 1,075,000  6.44 % 6.63 % 545 Debt issued by securitization vehicles (3) 29,301,144  5.11 % 5.29 % 13,041 Participations issued (3) 1,883,546  6.33 % 6.06 % 10,871 Total indebtedness $ 114,125,413  (1) Rates for repurchase agreements and other secured financing are determined by the weighted-average stated interest rates while debt issued by securitization vehicles and participations issued are determined by the weighted-average yield. (2) Determined based on estimated weighted-average lives of the underlying debt instruments. (3) Non-recourse to Annaly which excludes structured repurchase transactions. Excess Liquidity Our primary source of liquidity is the availability of unencumbered assets which may be provided as collateral to support additional funding needs. We target minimum thresholds of available, unencumbered assets to maintain excess liquidity. The following table illustrates our asset portfolio available to support potential collateral obligations and funding needs. Assets are considered encumbered if pledged as collateral against an existing liability, and therefore are no longer available to support additional funding. An asset is considered unencumbered if it has not been pledged or securitized. The following table also provides the carrying amount of our encumbered and unencumbered financial assets at December 31, 2025: Encumbered Assets Unencumbered Assets Total Financial assets (dollars in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,683,059  $ 354,779  $ 2,037,838  Reverse repurchase agreements (1) 34,389  —  34,389  Investments, at carrying value (2) Agency mortgage-backed securities 81,940,206  5,729,012  87,669,218  Credit risk transfer securities 129,409  84,391  213,800  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities 740,019  705,157  1,445,176  Residential mortgage loans (3) 36,294,018  794,199  37,088,217  MSR 3,541,414  104,451  3,645,865  Interests in MSR —  28,626  28,626  Other assets (4) —  15,612  15,612  Total financial assets $ 124,362,514  $ 7,816,227  $ 132,178,741  (1) The collateral received in connection with reverse repurchase agreements was repledged as of December 31, 2025. (2) The amounts reflected in the table above are on a settlement date basis and may differ from the total positions reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. (3) Includes assets transferred or pledged to securitization vehicles. (4) Includes commercial real estate investments. We maintain liquid assets in order to satisfy our current and future obligations in normal and stressed operating environments. These are held as the primary means of liquidity risk mitigation. The composition of our liquid assets is also considered and is subject to certain parameters. The composition is monitored for concentration risk, including in respect of our deposits of our cash and cash equivalents, and asset type. We believe the assets we consider liquid can be readily converted into cash, through liquidation or by being used as collateral in financing arrangements (including as additional collateral to support existing financial arrangements). Our balance sheet also generates liquidity on an on-going basis through mortgage principal and interest repayments and net earnings held prior to payment of dividends. The following table presents our liquid assets as a percentage of total assets at December 31, 2025: 74 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Carrying Value (1)  Liquid assets (dollars in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,037,838  Residential Securities (2) 89,328,144  Residential mortgage loans (3) 5,020,784  Total liquid assets $ 96,386,766  Percentage of liquid assets to carrying amount of encumbered and unencumbered financial assets (4) 96.29 % (1) Carrying value approximates the market value of assets. The assets listed in this table include $87.2 billion of assets that have been pledged as collateral against existing liabilities at December 31, 2025. Please refer to the Encumbered and Unencumbered Assets table for related information. (2) The amounts reflected in the table above are on a settlement date basis and may differ from the total positions reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. (3) Excludes securitized residential mortgage loans transferred or pledged to consolidated VIEs carried at fair value of $32.1 billion. (4) Denominator is computed based on the carrying amount of encumbered and unencumbered financial assets, excluding assets transferred or pledged to securitization vehicles, of $32.1 billion. Maturity Profile and Interest Rate Sensitivity We consider the profile of our assets, liabilities and derivatives when managing both liquidity risk as well as investment/market risk. We determine the amount of liquid assets that are required to be held by monitoring several liquidity metrics. We utilize several modeling techniques to analyze our current and potential obligations including the expected cash flows from our assets, liabilities and derivatives. The following table illustrates the expected final maturities and cash flows of our assets, liabilities and derivatives. The table is based on a static portfolio and assumes no reinvestment of asset cash flows and no future liabilities are entered into. In assessing the maturity of our assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet obligations, we use the stated maturities, or our prepayment expectations for assets and liabilities that exhibit prepayment characteristics. Cash and cash equivalents are included in the ‘Less than 3 Months’ maturity bucket, as they are typically held for a short period of time. With respect to each maturity bucket, our maturity gap is considered negative when the amount of maturing liabilities exceeds the amount of maturing assets. A negative gap increases our liquidity risk as we must enter into future liabilities. Our interest rate sensitivity gap is the difference between interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities maturing or re-pricing within a given time period. Unlike the calculation of maturity gap, interest rate sensitivity gap includes the effect of our interest rate swaps. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest-rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities exceeds interest-rate sensitive assets. During a period of rising interest rates, a negative gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income, while a positive gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income. During a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income, while a positive gap would tend to affect net interest income adversely. Because different types of assets and liabilities with the same or similar maturities may react differently to changes in overall market rates or conditions, changes in interest rates may affect net interest income positively or negatively even if assets and liabilities were perfectly matched in each maturity category. The amount of assets and liabilities utilized to compute our interest rate sensitivity gap was determined in accordance with the contractual terms of the assets and liabilities, except that adjustable-rate loans and securities are included in the period in which their interest rates are first scheduled to adjust and not in the period in which they mature. The effects of interest rate swaps, whereby we generally pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate and effectively lock in our financing costs for a longer term, are also reflected in our interest rate sensitivity gap. The interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities in the following table at December 31, 2025 could vary substantially based on actual prepayment experience. 75 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Less than 3 Months 3-12 Months More than 1 Year to 3 Years 3 Years and Over Total Financial assets (dollars in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,037,838  $ —  $ —  $ —  $ 2,037,838  Reverse repurchase agreements —  —  —  34,389  34,389  Agency mortgage-backed securities (principal) —  86  23,177  87,669,248  87,692,511  Residential credit risk transfer securities (principal) —  16,583  46,596  141,339  204,518  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities (principal) 121,293  167,987  452,232  626,521  1,368,033  Commercial mortgage-backed securities (principal) —  —  —  —  —  Total securities 121,293  184,656  522,005  88,437,108  89,265,062  Loans (principal) —  —  —  4,891,764  4,891,764  Assets transferred or pledged to securitization vehicles (principal) —  —  —  32,141,816  32,141,816  Total financial assets - maturity 2,159,131  184,656  522,005  125,505,077  128,370,869  Effect of utilizing reset dates (1) 33,580,442  577,905  783,239  (34,941,586) —  Total financial assets - interest rate sensitive $ 35,739,573  $ 762,561  $ 1,305,244  $ 90,563,491  $ 128,370,869  Financial liabilities Repurchase agreements $ 79,873,602  $ 1,716,780  $ 275,341  $ —  $ 81,865,723  Debt issued by securitization vehicles (principal) —  —  —  29,301,144  29,301,144  Participations issued (principal) —  —  —  1,883,546  1,883,546  U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased 2,396,724  —  —  —  2,396,724  Total financial liabilities - maturity 82,270,326  1,716,780  275,341  31,184,690  115,447,137  Effect of utilizing reset dates (1)(2) (58,944,283) 10,432,890  17,652,731  30,858,662  —  Total financial liabilities - interest rate sensitive $ 23,326,043  $ 12,149,670  $ 17,928,072  $ 62,043,352  $ 115,447,137  Maturity gap $ (80,111,195) $ (1,532,124) $ 246,664  $ 94,320,387  $ 12,923,732  Cumulative maturity gap $ (80,111,195) $ (81,643,319) $ (81,396,655) $ 12,923,732  Interest rate sensitivity gap $ 12,413,530  $ (11,387,109) $ (16,622,828) $ 28,520,139  $ 12,923,732  Cumulative rate sensitivity gap $ 12,413,530  $ 1,026,421  $ (15,596,407) $ 12,923,732  (1) Maturity gap utilizes stated maturities, or prepayment expectations for assets that exhibit prepayment characteristics, while interest rate sensitivity gap utilizes reset dates, if applicable. (2) Includes effect of interest rate swaps. The methodologies we employ for evaluating interest rate risk include an analysis of our interest rate “gap,” measurement of the duration and convexity of our portfolio and sensitivities to interest rates and spreads. Stress Testing We utilize liquidity stress testing to ensure we have sufficient liquidity under a variety of scenarios and stresses. These stress tests assist with the management of our pool of liquid assets and influence our current and future funding plans. The stresses applied include market-wide and firm-specific stresses. Liquidity Management Policies We utilize a comprehensive liquidity policy structure to inform our liquidity risk management practices including monitoring and measurement, along with well-defined key risk indicators. Both quantitative and qualitative targets are utilized to measure the ongoing stability and condition of the liquidity position, and include the level and composition of unencumbered assets, as well as the sustainability of the funding composition under stress conditions. We also monitor early warning metrics designed to measure the quality and depth of liquidity sources based upon both company-specific and market conditions. The metrics assist in assessing our liquidity conditions and are integrated into our escalation protocol. Investment/Market Risk Management One of the primary risks we are subject to is investment/market risk. Changes in the level of interest rates can affect our net interest income, which is the difference between the income we earn on our interest earning assets and the interest expense incurred from interest bearing liabilities and derivatives. Changes in the level of interest rates and spreads can also affect the 76 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis value of our assets and potential realization of gains or losses from the sale of these assets. We may utilize a variety of financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, swaptions, options, futures and other hedges, in order to limit the adverse effects of interest rates on our results. In the case of interest rate swaps, we utilize contracts linked to SOFR but may also enter into interest rate swaps where the floating leg is linked to the overnight index swap rate or another index. In addition, we may use MAC interest rate swaps in which we may receive or make a payment at the time of entering such interest rate swap to compensate for the off-market nature of such interest rate swap. MAC interest rate swaps offer price transparency, flexibility and more efficient portfolio administration through compression which is the process of reducing the number of unique interest rate swap contracts and replacing them with fewer contracts containing market defined terms. Our portfolio and the value of our portfolio, including derivatives, may be adversely affected as a result of changing interest rates and spreads. We simulate a wide variety of interest rate scenarios in evaluating our risk. Scenarios are run to capture our sensitivity to changes in interest rates, spreads and the shape of the yield curve. We also consider the assumptions affecting our analysis such as those related to prepayments. In addition to predefined interest rate scenarios, we utilize Value-at-Risk measures to estimate potential losses in the portfolio over various time horizons utilizing various confidence levels. The following tables estimate the potential changes in economic net interest income over a twelve month period and the immediate effect on our portfolio market value (inclusive of derivative instruments), should interest rates instantaneously increase or decrease by 25, 50 or 75 basis points, and the effect of portfolio market value if mortgage option-adjusted spreads instantaneously increase or decrease by 5, 15 or 25 basis points (assuming shocks are parallel and instantaneous). All changes to income and portfolio market value are measured as percentage changes from the projected net interest income and portfolio value at the base interest rate scenario. The net interest income simulations incorporate the interest expense effect of rate resets on liabilities and derivatives as well as the amortization expense and reinvestment of principal based on the prepayments on our securities, which varies based on the level of rates. The results assume no management actions in response to the rate or spread changes. The following table presents estimates at December 31, 2025. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Change in Interest Rate (1) Estimated Percentage Change in Portfolio Value (2) Estimated Change as a % on NAV (2)(3) Projected Percentage Change in Economic Net Interest Income (4) -75 Basis points (0.3%) (2.2%) (0.5%) -50 Basis points (0.1%) (0.7%) —% -25 Basis points —% —% 0.5% +25 Basis points (0.1%) (0.8%) (0.6%) +50 Basis points (0.3%) (2.2%) (1.9%) +75 Basis points (0.5%) (4.0%) (3.6%) MBS Spread Shock (1) Estimated Change in Portfolio Market Value (2) Estimated Change as a % on NAV (2)(3) -25 Basis points 1.2% 8.8% -15 Basis points 0.7% 5.3% -5 Basis points 0.2% 1.7% +5 Basis points (0.2%) (1.7%) +15 Basis points (0.7%) (5.2%) +25 Basis points (1.2%) (8.6%) (1) Interest rate and MBS spread sensitivity are based on results from third party models in conjunction with internally derived inputs, analysis, and adjustments. Models are periodically updated to help better capture market risks and conditions. Such updates are completed by third parties and through the Company's calibration of external models. Any model updates that occur are reflected in the period in which they occur. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. (2) Scenarios include securities, residential mortgage loans, MSR and derivative instruments. (3) NAV represents book value of equity. (4) Scenarios include securities, residential mortgage loans, repurchase agreements, other secured financing and interest rate swaps. Economic net interest income includes the net interest component of interest rate swaps and net interest on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, which is reported in Other, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Credit Risk Management Key risk parameters have been established to specify our credit risk appetite. We seek to manage credit risk by making investments which conform to the firm’s specific investment policy parameters and optimize risk-return attributes. While we do not expect to encounter credit risk in our Agency mortgage-backed securities, we face credit risk on the non-Agency mortgage-backed securities and CRT securities in our portfolio. In addition, we are also exposed to credit risk on residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate investments. MSR values may also be impacted through reduced servicing fees and higher costs to service the underlying mortgage loans due to borrower performance. Generally, we are subject to risk of loss if an issuer or borrower fails to perform its contractual obligations. We have established policies and 77 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis procedures for mitigating credit risk, including establishing and reviewing limits for credit exposure. In the case of residential mortgage loans and MSR, we may engage a third party to perform due diligence on a sample of loans that we believe sufficiently represents the entire pool. Once an investment is made, our ongoing surveillance process includes regular reviews, analysis and oversight of investments by our investment personnel and appropriate committee. We review credit and other risks of loss associated with each investment. Our management monitors the overall portfolio risk and determines estimates of provision for loss. Additionally, ALCO has oversight of our credit risk exposure. Our portfolio composition, based on balance sheet values, at December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows: December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Category Agency mortgage-backed securities 67.8 % 68.6 % Credit risk transfer securities 0.2 % 0.8 % Non-agency mortgage-backed securities 1.1 % 1.5 % Residential mortgage loans (1) 28.1 % 26.0 % Commercial mortgage-backed securities — % 0.1 % Mortgage servicing rights (2) 2.8 % 3.0 % (1) Includes assets transferred or pledged to securitization vehicles. (2) Includes interests in MSR. Counterparty Risk Management Our use of repurchase and derivative agreements and trading activities create exposure to counterparty risk relating to potential losses that could be recognized if the counterparties to these agreements fail to perform their obligations under the contracts. In the event of default by a counterparty, we could have difficulty obtaining our assets pledged as collateral. A significant portion of our investments are financed with repurchase agreements by pledging our Residential Securities as collateral to the applicable lender. The collateral we pledge generally exceeds the amount of the borrowings under each agreement. If the counterparty to the repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and we are not able to recover our pledged asset, we are at risk of losing the over-collateralization or haircut. The amount of this exposure is the difference between the amount loaned to us plus interest due to the counterparty and the fair value of the collateral pledged by us to the lender including accrued interest receivable on such collateral. We also use interest rate swaps and other derivatives that are not centrally cleared to manage interest rate risk. Under these agreements, we pledge securities and cash as collateral or settle variation margin payments as part of a margin arrangement. If a counterparty were to default on its obligations, we would be exposed to a loss to a derivative counterparty to the extent that the amount of our securities or cash pledged exceeded the unrealized loss on the associated derivative and we were not able to recover the excess collateral. Additionally, we would be exposed to a loss to a derivative counterparty to the extent that our unrealized gains on derivative instruments exceeded the amount of the counterparty’s securities or cash pledged to us. We monitor our exposure to counterparties across several dimensions including by type of arrangement, collateral type, counterparty type, ratings and geography. Additionally, ALCO has oversight of our counterparty exposure. The following table summarizes our exposure to counterparties by geography at December 31, 2025: Number of Counterparties Secured Financing (1) Interest Rate Swaps at Fair Value Exposure (2) Geography (dollars in thousands) North America 22  $ 64,875,382  $ (8,427) $ 4,403,476  Europe 11  13,581,250  (586) 1,348,356  Asia (non-Japan) 1  482,321  —  17,826  Japan 4  4,001,770  —  880,895  Total 38  $ 82,940,723  $ (9,013) $ 6,650,553  (1) Includes repurchase agreements and other secured financing. (2) Represents the amount of cash and/or securities pledged as collateral to each counterparty less the aggregate of repurchase agreement and other secured financing and derivatives for each counterparty. Operational Risk Management 78 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis We are subject to operational risk in each of our business and support functions. Operational risk may arise from internal or external sources including human error, fraud, systems issues, process change, vendors, business interruptions and other external events. We manage operational risk through a variety of tools including processes, policies and procedures that cover topics such as business continuity, personal conduct, cybersecurity and vendor management. Other tools include Risk and Control Self Assessment (“RCSA”) testing, including disaster recovery/testing; systems controls, including access controls; training, including phishing exercises and cybersecurity awareness training; and monitoring, which includes the use of key risk indicators. Our Operational Risk Management team conducts a disaster recovery exercise on an annual basis and periodically conducts other operational risk tabletop exercises. Employee-level lines of defense against operational risk include proper segregation of incompatible duties, activity-level internal controls over financial reporting, the empowerment of business units to identify and mitigate operational risk sources, testing by our internal audit staff, and our overall governance framework. Operational Risk Management responsibilities are overseen by the ERC. The ERC is responsible for supporting the Operating Committee in the implementation, ongoing monitoring, and evaluation of the effectiveness of the enterprise-wide risk management framework. This oversight authority includes review of the strategies, processes, policies, and practices established by management to identify, assess, measure, and manage enterprise-wide risk. Cybersecurity is part of our enterprise-wide risk management framework. Processes for assessing, identifying and managing cybersecurity risks include cybersecurity risk assessments, use of key risk indicators, vendor cybersecurity risk management, employee training, including phishing exercises and cybersecurity awareness training, penetration testing, evaluation of cybersecurity insurance and periodic engagements by our internal audit department, which validates whether our cybersecurity program and information security practices align with relevant parts of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) framework. We periodically engage penetration testing companies and law firms to assist in these processes. When we do so, we hire reputable companies, limit their access to only information necessary for the specific purpose and maintain security controls around confidential information, including personal information. We also maintain a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (“Response Plan”) with processes to identify, contain, mitigate and escalate cybersecurity incidents, utilizing cross-functional expertise and external resources as needed. We conduct periodic tabletop exercises to test our Response Plan and our reaction to various business disruption events, and the results of these tabletop exercises are reported to the Cybersecurity Committee and the ERC. We also have processes in place to oversee and identify material risks from cybersecurity threats associated with our use of third party service providers upon which we depend to perform various business processes related to our operations, including mortgage loan servicers and sub-servicers. Our vendor management and IT policies establish procedures for engaging, onboarding and monitoring the performance of third party vendors including tools for ongoing cyber security risks. For mortgage loan servicers and sub-servicers, these procedures include assessing a vendor’s financial health as well as oversight of its compliance with applicable laws and regulations, cybersecurity and business continuity programs and security of personal information. We also have processes to evaluate and classify cybersecurity risk related to sensitive data held by key third party service providers on their systems. The Cybersecurity Committee has primary responsibility for these processes to manage cybersecurity risks, under the oversight of the ERC. Daily monitoring of cybersecurity defenses is performed by the IT Infrastructure Team and any issues are escalated to the Cybersecurity Committee as needed. The Cybersecurity Committee regularly meets to discuss both routine oversight of cybersecurity processes, policies and procedures and management of any cyber-specific events, including escalation to the ERC, the executive leadership team and/or the Board, as appropriate. The Cybersecurity Committee includes representatives from Operational Risk Management, Information Technology, Legal, Investment Groups and Internal Controls. Certain members of the Cybersecurity Committee have relevant qualifications such as extensive work experience implementing data security measures, developing cybersecurity policies and procedures and assessing, managing and reporting cybersecurity risk. Members also participate in cybersecurity-related professional organizations that discuss industry threats, challenges and solutions to cybersecurity issues. The Cybersecurity Committee regularly discusses cybersecurity risk management and best practices with the ERC and with the Audit and Risk Committees of our Board. The Audit and Risk Committees jointly oversee processes, practices and policies related to cybersecurity and receive joint and individual presentations from management and external experts on cyber technology-related risks. Two members of our Board have completed the Carnegie Mellon/NACD Cyber-Risk Oversight Program and earned the CERT Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight and one member of our Board has completed the NACD Master Class: Cyber-Risk Oversight Program. To date, we have not detected any risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected us. However, even though we take steps to employ reasonable cybersecurity defenses, not every cybersecurity incident can be prevented or detected. We also may be held responsible for cybersecurity threats affecting our third party service providers, including servicers and sub-servicers, some of whom have reported breaches in the past. Therefore, while we are not aware of any cybersecurity threats or incidents that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our business strategy, results of operations, or financial 79 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis condition the likelihood and severity of such risks are difficult to predict. For further discussion, please see the risk factors titled “We are highly dependent on information systems and networks, many of which are operated by third parties” and “Cyberattacks or other information security breaches of our Company's, service providers' or counterparties' systems or network affect our business, reputation and financial condition” in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Compliance, Regulatory and Legal Risk Management Our business is organized as a REIT, and we seek to continue to meet the requirements for taxation as a REIT. The determination that we are a REIT requires an analysis of various factual matters and circumstances. Accordingly, we closely monitor our REIT status within our risk management program. We also regularly assess our risk management in respect of our regulated and licensed subsidiaries, which include our registered broker-dealer subsidiary Arcola, our subsidiary that is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act and our subsidiary that operates as a licensed mortgage aggregator and master servicer. The financial services industry is highly regulated and receives significant attention from regulators, which may impact both our company and our business strategy. Our investments in residential whole loans and MSR require us to comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and maintain appropriate governmental licenses, approvals and exemptions. We proactively monitor the potential impact regulation may have both directly and indirectly on us. We maintain a process to actively monitor both actual and potential legal action that may affect us. Our risk management framework is designed to identify, measure and monitor these risks under oversight of the ERC. We currently rely on the exemption from registration provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, and we seek to continue to meet the requirements for this exemption from registration. The determination that we qualify for this exemption from registration depends on various factual matters and circumstances. Accordingly, in conjunction with our legal department, we closely monitor our compliance with Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act within our risk management program. Compliance with Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act is monitored by the FRDC. Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates and changes in assumptions could have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements. Our critical accounting policies that require us to make significant judgments or estimates are described below. For more information on these critical accounting policies and other significant accounting policies, refer to the Note titled “Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15. “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.” Valuation of Financial Instruments Residential Securities Description: We carry Residential Securities at estimated fair value. There is an active market for our Agency mortgage-backed securities, CRT securities and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities. Judgments and Uncertainties: Since we primarily invest in securities that can be valued using quoted prices for actively traded assets, there is a high degree of observable inputs and less subjectivity in measuring fair value. Internal fair values are determined using quoted prices from the TBA securities market, the Treasury curve and the underlying characteristics of the individual securities, which may include coupon, periodic and life caps, reset dates and the expected life of the security. While prepayment rates may be difficult to predict and require estimation and judgment in the valuation of Agency mortgage-backed securities, we use several third party models to validate prepayment speeds used in fair value measurements of Residential Securities. All internal fair values are compared to external pricing sources and/or dealer quotes to determine reasonableness. Additionally, securities used as collateral for repurchase agreements are priced daily by counterparties to ensure sufficient collateralization, providing additional verification of our internal pricing. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes in underlying assumptions used in estimating fair value impact the carrying value of the Residential Securities as well as their yield. For example, an increase in CPR would decrease the carrying value and yield of our Agency mortgage-backed securities. Our valuations are most sensitive to changes in interest rate, which also impacts prepayment speeds. Refer to the Experienced and Projected Long-Term CPR, Financial Condition – Residential Securities and the interest rate sensitivity and interest rate and MBS spread shock analysis and discussions within this Item 7 for further information. 80 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Residential Mortgage Loans Description: We elected to account for Residential Mortgage Loans at fair value. There is an active market for the residential whole loans in which we invest. Judgments and Uncertainties: Since we primarily invest in residential loans that can be valued using actively quoted prices for similar assets, there are observable inputs in measuring fair value. Internal fair values are determined using quoted prices for similar market transactions, the swap curve and the underlying characteristics of the individual loans, which may include loan term, coupon, and reset dates. While prepayment rates may be difficult to predict and are a significant estimate requiring judgment in the valuation of residential whole loans, we validate prepayment speeds against those provided by independent pricing analytic providers specializing in residential mortgage loans. Internal fair values are generally compared to external pricing sources to determine reasonableness. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes to model assumptions, including prepayment speeds may significantly impact the fair value estimate of residential mortgage loans as well as unrealized gains and losses and yield on these assets. Our valuations are most sensitive to changes in interest rate, which also impacts prepayment speeds. Refer to the interest rate sensitivity and interest rate shock analysis and discussions within this Item 7 for further information. MSR Description: We elected to account for MSR at fair value. The market for MSR is considered less active and transparent compared to securities. As such fair value estimates for our investment in MSR are obtained from models, which use significant unobservable inputs in their valuations. Judgments and Uncertainties: These valuations primarily utilize discounted cash flow models that incorporate unobservable market data inputs including prepayment rates, delinquency levels, costs to service and discount rates. Model valuations are then compared to valuations obtained from third party pricing providers. Management reviews the valuations received from third party pricing providers and uses them as a point of comparison to modeled values. The valuation of MSR requires significant judgment by management and the third party pricing providers. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes in the underlying assumptions used to estimate the fair value of MSR impact the carrying value as well as the related unrealized gains and losses recognized. For further discussion of the sensitivity of the model inputs refer to the Note titled “Fair Value Measurements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 15. “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.” Interest Rate Swaps Description: We are required to account for derivative assets and liabilities at fair value, which may or may not be cleared through a derivative clearing organization. We value our cleared interest rate swaps using the prices provided by the derivatives clearing organization. We value uncleared derivatives using internal models with prices compared to counterparty marks. Judgments and Uncertainties: We use the overnight indexed swap (“OIS”) curve, the SOFR curve, or SOFR forward rates as an input to value substantially all of our uncleared interest rate swaps. Consistent with market practice, we exchange collateral (also called margin) based on the fair values of our interest rate swaps. Through this margining process, we may be able to compare our recorded fair value with the fair value calculated by the counterparty or derivatives clearing organization, providing additional verification of our recorded fair value of the uncleared interest rate swaps. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes in the OIS curve will impact the carrying value of our interest rate swap assets and liabilities. Our valuations are most sensitive to changes in interest rate, which also impacts prepayment speeds. Refer to the interest rate sensitivity and interest rate shock analysis and discussions within this Item 7 for further information. 81 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Revenue Recognition Description: Interest income from coupon payments is accrued based on the outstanding principal amounts of the Residential Securities and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts associated with the purchase of the Residential Securities are amortized or accreted into interest income over the projected lives of the securities using the interest method. Gains or losses on sales of Residential Securities are recorded on trade date based on the specific identification method. Judgments and Uncertainties: To aid in determining projected lives of the securities, we use third party model and market information to project prepayment speeds. Our prepayment speed projections incorporate underlying loan characteristics (i.e., coupon, term, original loan size, original loan-to-value ratio, etc.) and market data, including interest rate and home price index forecasts and expert judgment. Prepayment speeds vary according to the type of investment, conditions in the financial markets and other factors and cannot be predicted with any certainty. Sensitivity of Estimates to Change: Changes to model assumptions, including interest rates and other market data, as well as periodic revisions to the model will cause changes in the results. Adjustments are made for actual prepayment activity as it relates to calculating the effective yield. The sensitivity of changes in interest rates to our economic net interest income is included in the interest rate shock analysis and discussions within this Item 7 for further information. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities Description: We are required to determine if it is required to consolidate entities in which it holds a variable interest. Judgments and Uncertainties: Determining whether an entity has a controlling financial interest in a VIE requires significant judgment related to assessing the purpose and design of the VIE and determination of the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. We must also identify explicit and implicit variable interests in the entity and consider our involvement in both the design of the VIE and its ongoing activities. To determine whether consolidation of the VIE is required, we must apply judgment to assess whether we have the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and whether we have either the rights to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses that could be potentially significant to the VIE. Use of Estimates The use of GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. 82 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Glossary of Terms A Adjustable-Rate Loan / Security A loan / security on which interest rates are adjusted at regular intervals according to predetermined criteria. The adjustable interest rate is tied to an objective, published interest rate index. Agency Refers to a federally chartered corporation, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or an agency of the U.S. Government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities Refers to residential mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by an Agency. Amortization Liquidation of a debt through installment payments. Amortization also refers to the process of systematically reducing a recognized asset or liability (e.g., a purchase premium or discount for a debt security) with an offset to earnings. Average GAAP Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities and Average Economic Cost of Interest Bearing Liabilities Average GAAP cost of interest bearing liabilities represents annualized interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities. Average interest bearing liabilities is a non-GAAP financial measure that reflects the average balances during the period. Average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities represents annualized economic interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities. Average Life On a mortgage-backed security, the average time to receipt of each dollar of principal, weighted by the amount of each principal prepayment, based on prepayment assumptions. Average Yield on Interest Earnings Assets and Average Yield on Interest Earnings Assets (excluding PAA) Average yield on interest earning assets represents annualized interest income divided by average interest earning assets. Average interest earning assets reflects the average amortized cost of our investments during the period. Average yield on interest earning assets (excluding PAA) is a non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated using annualized interest income (excluding PAA). B Basis Point (“bp” or “bps”) One hundredth of one percent, used in expressing differences in interest rates. One basis point is 0.01% of yield. For example, a bond’s yield that changed from 3.00% to 3.50% would be said to have moved 50 basis points. Benchmark A bond or an index referencing a basket of bonds whose terms are used for comparison with other bonds of similar maturity. The global financial market typically looks to U.S. Treasury securities as benchmarks. Beneficial Owner One who benefits from owning a security, even if the security’s title of ownership is in the name of a broker or bank. Board Refers to the board of directors of Annaly. Bond The written evidence of debt, bearing a stated rate or stated rates of interest, or stating a formula for determining that rate, and maturing on a date certain, on which date and upon presentation a fixed sum of money plus interest (usually represented by interest coupons attached to the bond) is payable to the holder or owner. Bonds are long-term securities with an original maturity of greater than one year. Book Value Per Share Calculated by summing common stock, additional paid-in capital, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated deficit and dividing that number by the total common shares outstanding. Broker Generic name for a securities firm engaged in both buying and selling securities on behalf of customers or its own account. C Capital Buffer Includes unencumbered financial assets which can be either sold or utilized as collateral to meet liquidity needs. Capital Ratio (GAAP Capital Ratio) Calculated as total stockholders’ equity divided by total assets.  83 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Carry The amount an asset earns over its hedging and financing costs. A positive carry happens when the rate on the securities being financed is greater than the rate on the funds borrowed. A negative carry is when the rate on the funds borrowed is greater than the rate on the securities that are being financed. CMBX The CMBX index is a synthetic tradable index referencing a basket of 25 CMBS of a particular rating and vintage. The CMBX index allows investors to take a long position (referred to as selling protection) or short position (referred to as purchasing protection) on the respective basket of CMBS securities and is structured as a “pay-as-you-go” contract whereby the protection seller receives and the protection buyer pays a standardized running coupon on the contracted notional amount. Additionally, the protection seller is obligated to pay to the protection buyer the amount of principal losses and/or coupon shortfalls on the underlying CMBS securities as they occur. Collateral Securities, cash or property pledged by a borrower or party to a derivative contract to secure payment of a loan or derivative. If the borrower fails to repay the loan or defaults under the derivative contract, the secured party may take ownership of the collateral. Collateralized Loan Obligation (“CLO”) A securitization collateralized by loans and other debt instruments. Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (“CMO”) A multiclass bond backed by a pool of mortgage pass-through securities or mortgage loans. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) An independent U.S. federal agency established by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Act of 1974. The CFTC regulates the swaps, commodity futures and options markets. Its goals include the promotion of competitive and efficient futures markets and the protection of investors against manipulation, abusive trade practices and fraud. Commercial Mortgage-Backed Security (“CMBS” or “Commercial Securities”) Securities collateralized by a pool of mortgages on commercial real estate in which all principal and interest from the mortgages flow to certificate holders in a defined sequence or manner. Constant Prepayment Rate (“CPR”) The percentage of outstanding mortgage loan principal that prepays in one year, based on the annualization of the Single Monthly Mortality, which reflects the outstanding mortgage loan principal that prepays in one month. Convexity A measure of the change in a security’s duration with respect to changes in interest rates. The more convex a security is, the more its duration will change with interest rate changes. Negative convexity refers to the properties of an MBS in which the relationship between price and yield is not linear. Compared to a comparable duration treasury bond, the price of an MBS security increases less when yields fall and decreases more when yields rise, due to changes in expected prepayment behavior from the underlying borrower. Counterparty One of two entities in a transaction. For example, in the bond market a counterparty can be a state or local government, a broker-dealer or a corporation. Coupon The interest rate on a bond that is used to compute the amount of interest due on a periodic basis. Credit and Counterparty Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business, resulting from an obligor’s or counterparty’s failure to meet the terms of any contract or otherwise failure to perform as agreed. Credit and counterparty risk is present in lending, investing, funding and hedging activities. Credit Derivatives Derivative instruments that have one or more underlyings related to the credit risk of a specified entity (or group of entities) or an index that exposes the seller to potential loss from specified credit-risk related events. An example is credit derivatives referencing the commercial mortgage-backed securities index. Credit Risk Transfer (“CRT”) Securities Credit Risk Transfer securities are risk sharing transactions issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and similarly structured transactions arranged by third party market participants. The securities issued in the CRT sector are designed to synthetically transfer mortgage credit risk from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and/or third parties to private investors. Current Face The current remaining monthly principal on a mortgage security. Current face is computed by multiplying the original face value of the security by the current principal balance factor. D Dealer Person or organization that underwrites, trades and sells securities, e.g., a principal market-maker in securities. 84 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Default Risk Possibility that a bond issuer will fail to pay principal or interest when due. Derivative A financial product that derives its value from the price, price fluctuations and price expectations of an underlying instrument, index or reference pool (e.g. futures contracts, options, interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions and certain to-be-announced securities). Discount Price When the dollar price is below face value, it is said to be selling at a discount. Duration The weighted maturity of a fixed-income investment’s cash flows, used in the estimation of the price sensitivity of fixed-income securities for a given change in interest rates. E Earnings available for distribution (“EAD”) and Earnings available for distribution Per Average Common Share Non-GAAP financial measure defined as the sum of (a) economic net interest income, (b) TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income, (c) net servicing income less realized amortization of MSR, (d) other income (loss) (excluding amortization of intangibles, non-EAD income allocated to equity method investments and other non-EAD components of other income (loss)), (e) general and administrative expenses (excluding transaction expenses and non-recurring items), and (f) income taxes (excluding the income tax effect of non-EAD income (loss) items) and excludes (g) the premium amortization adjustment representing the cumulative impact on prior periods, but not the current period, of quarter-over-quarter changes in estimated long-term prepayment speeds related to our Agency mortgage-backed securities. Earnings available for distribution per average common share is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by dividing earnings available for distribution by average basic common shares for the period. This metric was previously labeled Core Earnings (excluding PAA) and Core Earnings (excluding PAA) Per Average Common Share). The definition of EAD is identical to the definition of Core Earnings (excluding PAA) from prior reporting periods. Economic Capital A measure of the risk a firm is subject to. It is the amount of capital a firm needs as a buffer to protect against risk. It is a probabilistic measure of potential future losses at a given confidence level over a given time horizon. Economic Capital Ratio Non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated as total stockholders’ equity divided by total economic assets. Total economic assets includes the implied market value of TBA derivatives and are net of debt issued by securitization vehicles (excluding structured repurchase transactions) and participations issued. Economic Interest Expense Non-GAAP financial measure that is comprised of GAAP interest expense, the net interest component of interest rate swaps and net interest on initial margin related to interest rate swaps, which is reported in Other, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Net interest on variation margin related to interest rate swaps is included in the Net interest component of interest rate swaps in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Economic Leverage Ratio (Economic Debt-to-Equity Ratio) Non-GAAP financial measure that is calculated as the sum of recourse debt, cost basis of TBA derivatives outstanding and net forward purchases (sales) of investments divided by total equity. Recourse debt consists of repurchase agreements, other secured financing, structured repurchase transactions (included within Debt issued by securitization vehicles) and U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased. Debt issued by securitization vehicles (excluding structured repurchase transactions) and participations issued are non-recourse to us and are excluded from economic leverage. Economic Net Interest Income Non-GAAP financial measure that is composed of GAAP interest income less Economic Interest Expense. Economic Return Refers to the Company’s change in book value plus dividends declared divided by the prior period’s book value. Encumbered Assets Assets on the company’s balance sheet which have been pledged as collateral against a liability. F Face Amount The par value (i.e., principal or maturity value) of a security appearing on the face of the instrument. Factor A decimal value reflecting the proportion of the outstanding principal balance of a mortgage security, which changes over time, in relation to its original principal value. 85 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Fannie Mae Federal National Mortgage Association. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) An independent agency created by the U.S. Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation’s financial system by insuring deposits, examining and supervising financial institutions for safety and soundness and consumer protection, and managing receiverships. Federal Funds Rate The interest rate charged by banks on overnight loans of their excess reserve funds to other banks. Federal Housing Financing Agency (“FHFA”) The FHFA is an independent regulatory agency that oversees vital components of the secondary mortgage market including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) FINRA is a non-governmental organization tasked with regulating all business dealings conducted between dealers, brokers and all public investors. Fixed-Rate Mortgage A mortgage featuring level monthly payments, determined at the outset, which remain constant over the life of the mortgage. Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (“FICC”) The FICC is an agency that deals with the confirmation, settlement and delivery of fixed-income assets in the U.S. The agency ensures the systematic and efficient settlement of U.S. Government securities and mortgage-backed security transactions in the market. Floating Rate Bond A bond for which the interest rate is adjusted periodically according to a predetermined formula, usually linked to an index. Floating Rate CMO A CMO tranche which pays an adjustable rate of interest tied to a representative interest rate index such as the SOFR, the Constant Maturity Treasury or the Cost of Funds Index. Freddie Mac Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Futures Contract A legally binding agreement to buy or sell a commodity or financial instrument in a designated future month at a price agreed upon at the initiation of the contract by the buyer and seller. Futures contracts are standardized according to the quality, quantity, and delivery time and location for each commodity. A futures contract differs from an option in that an option gives one of the counterparties a right and the other an obligation to buy or sell, while a futures contract represents an obligation of both counterparties, one to deliver and the other to accept delivery. A futures contract is part of a class of financial instruments called derivatives. G GAAP U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Ginnie Mae Government National Mortgage Association. H Hedge An investment made with the intention of minimizing the impact of adverse movements in interest rates or securities prices. I Initial Margin Cash or securities provided by a party to collateralize its obligations under a transaction that is not based on changes in the value of such transaction since the trade was executed. In-the-Money Description for an option that has intrinsic value and can be sold or exercised for a profit; a call option is in-the-money when the strike price (execution price) is below the market price of the underlying security. Interest Bearing Liabilities Refers to repurchase agreements, debt issued by securitization vehicles, U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased and credit facilities. Average interest bearing liabilities is based on daily balances. Interest Earning Assets Refers to Residential Securities, U.S. Treasury securities, reverse repurchase agreements, commercial real estate debt and residential mortgage loans. Average interest earning assets is based on daily balances. 86 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Interest-Only (IO) Bond The interest portion of mortgage, Treasury or bond payments, which is separated and sold individually from the principal portion of those same payments. Interest Rate Risk The risk that an investment’s value will change due to a change in the absolute level of interest rates, in the spread between two rates, in the shape of the yield curve or in any other interest rate relationship. As market interest rates rise, the value of current fixed income investment holdings declines. Diversifying, deleveraging and hedging techniques are utilized to mitigate this risk. Interest rate risk is a form of market risk. Interest Rate Swap A binding agreement between counterparties to exchange periodic interest payments on some predetermined dollar principal, which is called the notional principal amount. For example, one party will pay fixed and receive a variable rate. Interest Rate Swaption Options on interest rate swaps. The buyer of a swaption has the right to enter into an interest rate swap agreement at some specified date in the future. The swaption agreement will specify whether the buyer of the swaption will be a fixed-rate receiver or a fixed-rate payer. Interests in MSR Represents agreements to purchase all, or a component of, net servicing cash flows. International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement Standardized contract developed by ISDA used as an umbrella under which bilateral derivatives contracts are entered into. Inverse IO Bond An interest-only bond whose coupon is determined by a formula expressing an inverse relationship to a benchmark rate, such as SOFR. As the benchmark rate changes, the IO coupon adjusts in the opposite direction. When the benchmark rate is relatively low, the IO pays a relatively high coupon payment, and vice versa. Investment/Market Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business resulting in the decline in value of our assets caused from changes in market variables, such as interest rates, which affect the values of Residential Securities and other investment instruments. Investment Advisers Act Refers to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Investment Company Act Refers to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. L Leverage The use of borrowed money to increase investing power and economic returns. Leverage Ratio (GAAP Leverage Ratio or Debt-to-Equity Ratio) Calculated as total debt to total stockholders’ equity. For purposes of calculating this ratio total debt includes repurchase agreements, other secured financing, debt issued by securitization vehicles, participations issued, and U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased. Debt issued by securitization vehicles and participations issued are non-recourse to us. LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) A rate previously used as a benchmark for financial transactions. All tenors of LIBOR relevant to us are either no longer published or are no longer representative. Liquidity Risk Risk to earnings, capital or business arising from our inability to meet our obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses because of inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding. Long-Term CPR Our projected prepayment speeds for certain Agency mortgage-backed securities using third party model and market information. Our prepayment speed projections incorporate underlying loan characteristics (e.g., coupon, term, original loan size, original loan-to-value ratio, etc.) and market data, including interest rate and home price index forecasts. Changes to model assumptions, including interest rates and other market data, as well as periodic revisions to the model will cause changes in the results. Long-Term Debt Debt which matures in more than one year. M Market Agreed Coupon (“MAC”) Interest Rate Swap An interest rate swap contract structure with pre-defined, market agreed terms, developed by SIFMA and ISDA with the purpose of promoting liquidity and simplified administration. Monetary Policy Action taken by the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve System to influence the money supply or interest rates. 87 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Mortgage-Backed Security (“MBS”) A security representing a direct interest in a pool of mortgage loans. The pass-through issuer or servicer collects the payments on the loans in the pool and “passes through” the principal and interest to the security holders on a pro rata basis. Mortgage Loan A mortgage loan granted by a bank, thrift or other financial institution that is based solely on real estate as security and is not insured or guaranteed by a government agency. Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSR”) Contractual agreements constituting the right to service an existing mortgage where the holder receives the benefits and bears the costs and risks of servicing the mortgage. N NAV Net asset value. Net Interest Income Represents interest income earned on our portfolio investments, less interest expense paid for borrowings. Net Interest Margin and Net Interest Margin (excluding PAA) Net interest margin represents our interest income less interest expense divided by average interest earning assets. Net interest margin (excluding PAA) is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the sum of our interest income (excluding PAA) plus TBA dollar roll income and CMBX coupon income less economic interest expense divided by the sum of average interest earning assets plus average outstanding TBA contract and CMBX balances. Net Interest Spread and Net Interest Spread (excluding PAA) Net interest spread represents the average yield on interest earning assets less the average GAAP cost of interest bearing liabilities. Net interest spread (excluding PAA) is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the average yield on interest earning assets (excluding PAA) less the average economic cost of interest bearing liabilities. Non-Performing Loan (“NPL”) A loan that is close to defaulting or is in default. Non-Qualified Mortgage (“Non-QM”) A loan that does not conform to the strict standards set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for a Qualified Mortgage. Notional Amount A stated principal amount in a derivative contract on which the contract is based. O Operational Risk Risk to earnings, capital, reputation or business arising from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, human factors or external events. Option Contract A contract in which the buyer has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a set price on or before a given date. Buyers of call options bet that a security will be worth more than the price set by the option (the strike price), plus the price they pay for the option itself. Buyers of put options bet that the security’s price will drop below the price set by the option. An option is part of a class of financial instruments called derivatives, which means these financial instruments derive their value from the worth of an underlying investment. Original Face The face value or original principal amount of a security on its issue date. Out-of-the-Money Description for an option that has no intrinsic value and would be worthless if it expired today; for a call option, this situation occurs when the strike price is higher than the market price of the underlying security; for a put option, this situation occurs when the strike price is less than the market price of the underlying security. Overnight Index Swaps (“OIS”) An interest rate swap in which a fixed rate is exchanged for an overnight floating rate. Over-The-Counter (“OTC”) Market A securities market that is conducted by dealers throughout the country through negotiation of price rather than through the use of an auction system as represented by a stock exchange. P Par Price equal to the face amount of a security; 100%. Par Amount The principal amount of a bond or note due at maturity. Also known as par value. Pass-Through Security A securitization structure where a GSE or other entity “passes” the amount collected from the borrowers every month to the investor, after deducting fees and expenses. 88 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Pool A collection of mortgage loans assembled by an originator or master servicer as the basis for a security. In the case of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac mortgage pass-through securities, pools are identified by a number assigned by the issuing agency. Premium The amount by which the price of a security exceeds its principal amount. When the dollar price of a bond is above its face value, it is said to be selling at a premium. Premium Amortization Adjustment (“PAA”) The cumulative impact on prior periods, but not the current period, of quarter-over-quarter changes in estimated long-term prepayment speeds related to our Agency mortgage-backed securities. Prepayment The unscheduled partial or complete payment of the principal amount outstanding on a mortgage loan or other debt before it is due. Prepayment Risk The risk that falling interest rates will lead to increased prepayments of mortgage or other loans, forcing the investor to reinvest at lower prevailing rates. Prepayment Speed The estimated rate at which mortgage borrowers will pay off the mortgages that underlie an MBS. Primary Market Market for offers or sales of new bonds by the issuer. Prime Rate The indicative interest rate on loans that banks quote to their best commercial customers. Principal and Interest The term used to refer to regularly scheduled payments or prepayments of principal and payments of interest on a mortgage or other security. R Rate Reset The adjustment of the interest rate on a floating-rate security according to a prescribed formula. Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) A special purpose investment vehicle that provides investors with the ability to participate directly in the ownership or financing of real-estate related assets by pooling their capital to purchase and manage mortgage loans and/or income property. Recourse Debt Debt on which the economic borrower is obligated to repay the entire balance regardless of the value of the pledged collateral. By contrast, the economic borrower’s obligation to repay non-recourse debt is limited to the value of the pledged collateral. Recourse debt consists of repurchase agreements, other secured financing, structured repurchase transactions (included within Debt issued by securitization vehicles) and U.S. Treasury securities sold, not yet purchased. Debt issued by securitization vehicles (excluding structured repurchase transactions) and participations issued are non-recourse to us and are excluded from this measure. Reinvestment Risk The risk that interest income or principal repayments will have to be reinvested at lower rates in a declining rate environment. Re-Performing Loan (“RPL”) A type of loan in which payments were previously delinquent by at least 90 days but have resumed. Repurchase Agreement The sale of securities to investors with the agreement to buy them back at a higher price after a specified time period; a form of short-term borrowing. For the party on the other end of the transaction (buying the security and agreeing to sell in the future) it is a reverse repurchase agreement. Residential Credit Securities Refers to CRT securities and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities. Residential Securities Refers to Agency mortgage-backed securities, CRT securities and non-Agency mortgage-backed securities. Residential Transition Loan (“RTL”) A short-term loan primarily for the purpose of financing the construction or renovation of a residential property. Residual In securitizations, the residual is the tranche that collects any cash flow from the collateral that remains after obligations to the other tranches have been met. Return on Average Equity Calculated by taking earnings divided by average stockholders’ equity. Reverse Repurchase Agreement Refer to Repurchase Agreement. The buyer of securities effectively provides a collateralized loan to the seller. 89 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Risk Appetite Statement Defines the types and levels of risk we are willing to take in order to achieve our business objectives, and reflects our risk management philosophy. S Secondary Market Ongoing market for bonds previously offered or sold in the primary market. Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) Broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury securities and was chosen by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee as the preferred benchmark rate to replace dollar LIBOR. Settlement Date The date securities must be delivered and paid for to complete a transaction. Short-Term Debt Generally, debt which matures in one year or less. However, certain securities that mature in up to three years may be considered short-term debt. Small Balance Commercial (“SBC”) A business-purpose loan secured by commercial or mixed-use real estate or by 1-4 unit residential properties owned for investment purposes. The average loan size of SBC securitizations is generally less than $1mm, in contrast to large balance commercial loans which generally start at $40mm and above. Spread When buying or selling a bond through a brokerage firm, investors will be charged a commission or spread, which is the difference between the market price and cost of purchase, and sometimes a service fee. Spreads differ based on several factors including liquidity. T Tangible Economic Return Refers to the Company’s change in tangible book value (calculated by summing common stock, additional paid-in capital, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated deficit less intangible assets) plus dividends declared divided by the prior period’s tangible book value. Target Assets Includes Agency mortgage-backed securities, to-be-announced forward contracts, CRT securities, MSR, non-Agency mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage loans, and commercial real estate investments. Taxable REIT Subsidiary (“TRS”) An entity that is owned directly or indirectly by a REIT and has jointly elected with the REIT to be treated as a TRS for tax purposes. Annaly and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries have made separate joint elections to treat these subsidiaries as TRSs. Term SOFR The term secured overnight financing rate published by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, which is used as a benchmark for financial transactions. To-Be-Announced (“TBA”) Securities A contract for the purchase or sale of a mortgage-backed security to be delivered at a predetermined price, face amount, issuer, coupon and stated maturity on an agreed-upon future date but does not include a specified pool number and number of pools. TBA Dollar Roll Income TBA dollar roll income is defined as the difference in price between two TBA contracts with the same terms but different settlement dates. The TBA contract settling in the later month typically prices at a discount to the earlier month contract with the difference in price commonly referred to as the “drop”. TBA dollar roll income represents the equivalent of interest income on the underlying security less an implied cost of financing. Total Return Investment performance measure over a stated time period which includes coupon interest, interest on interest, and any realized and unrealized gains or losses. Total Return Swap A derivative instrument where one party makes payments at a predetermined rate (either fixed or variable) while receiving a return on a specific asset (generally an equity index, loan or bond) held by the counterparty. U Unencumbered Assets Assets on our balance sheet which have not been pledged as collateral against an existing liability. U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) Obligations Obligations of Agencies originally established or chartered by the U.S. government to serve public purposes as specified by the U.S. Congress, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; these obligations are not explicitly guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. 90 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis V Value-at-Risk (“VaR”) A statistical technique which measures the potential loss in value of an asset or portfolio over a defined period for a given confidence interval. Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) An entity in which equity investors (i) do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and/or (ii) do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. Variation Margin Cash or securities provided by a party to collateralize its obligations under a transaction as a result of a change in value of such transaction since the trade was executed or the last time collateral was provided. Volatility A statistical measure of the variance of price or yield over time. Volatility is low if the price does not change very much over a short period of time, and high if there is a greater change. Voting Interest Entity (“VOE”) An entity that has sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties and in which equity investors have a controlling financial interest. W Warehouse Lending A line of credit extended to a loan originator to fund mortgages extended by the loan originators to property purchasers. The loan typically lasts from the time the mortgage is originated to when the mortgage is sold into the secondary market, whether directly or through a securitization. Warehouse lending can provide liquidity to the loan origination market. Weighted Average Coupon The weighted average interest rate of the underlying mortgage loans or pools that serve as collateral for a security, weighted by the size of the principal loan balances. Weighted Average Life (“WAL”) The assumed weighted average amount of time that will elapse from the date of a security’s issuance until each dollar of principal is repaid to the investor. The WAL will change as the security ages and depending on the actual realized rate at which principal, scheduled and unscheduled, is paid on the loans underlying the MBS. Y Yield-to-Maturity The expected rate of return of a bond if it is held to its maturity date; calculated by taking into account the current market price, stated redemption value, coupon payments and time to maturity and assuming all coupons are reinvested at the same rate; equivalent to the internal rate of return. 91 ANNALY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES