NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY) (“Annaly”, the “Company”) today announced that it has been recognized in the inaugural 2018 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). Launched today, the reference index measures gender equality across internal company statistics, employee policies, external community support and engagement and gender-conscious product offerings. The Bloomberg GEI is part of a broader effort by Bloomberg to help investors identify and evaluate the environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices across companies in the investment landscape. Annaly’s inclusion in the index reflects the Company’s commitment to creating a gender equal workplace.

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“Our focus on social and gender equality, such as the leadership promoted in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, is central to our long-term strategy and corporate culture,” said Chairman, CEO and President Kevin G. Keyes. “We are honored to be included in an initiative that shows commitment to and promotes gender equality in the workplace.” Mr. Keyes added, “Also, with the additions of Katie Beirne Fallon and Vicki Williams to our Board of Directors this year, we continue to make strides in promoting equitable representation at all levels of the organization. Katie and Vicki bring unique value and expertise to our leadership, and together with Fran Bovich and our co-Founder Wellington Denahan, women now comprise 36% of the members of our Board of Directors. Inclusion in the index is also consistent with our broader ESG endeavors, which were most recently exemplified by the announcement of our social impact investment fund with Capital Impact Partners.”

"We commend Annaly and the other 103 companies included in the 2018 GEI for their efforts to create work environments that support gender equality across a diverse range of industries," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg and Founding Chairman of the U.S. 30% Club. "Their leadership sets an important example that will help all organizations innovate and navigate the growing demand for diverse and inclusive workplaces."

"As investors continue to seek more information on companies' approaches to environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, the 2018 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index allows investors to compare companies' commitments to gender equality across industries," said Kiersten Barnet, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Chairman at Bloomberg. "More data and greater transparency in this space will allow investors to make better-informed decisions and help companies better understand their own progress towards gender equality."

In order to be considered for inclusion in the 2018 GEI, Annaly submitted a social survey created by Bloomberg in partnership with third-party experts. Those included in this year’s index scored at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg that reflects adoption and disclosure of best-in-class statistics and policies related to gender equality during 2016. Annaly continued to make advances in 2017 with gender equality initiatives, most recently with the appointment of two additional women to its board and the creation of an internal program called Women’s Interactive Network (WIN). WIN represents women at the firm with the goal of strengthening their experience, connection and community.

The Bloomberg GEI follows the release of the Bloomberg Financial Services Gender-Equality Index (BFGEI), launched in 2016 at the request of investors. The 2017 BFGEI included 52 financial firms, headquartered in 17 countries. The 2018 GEI expands globally to represent 24 countries, including firms headquartered in Belgium, Chile, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Singapore and Taiwan for the first time. Companies range from a variety of sectors, including communications, consumer staples, energy, financials, materials and technology.

Both the survey and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. Bloomberg collected this data for reference purposes only. The index is not ranked. For more information on the GEI and how to submit information for next year's index visit https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/sustainable-finance/.

Bloomberg clients can access the GEI at {BGEI Index DES }.

About Annaly:

Annaly is a leading diversified capital manager that invests in and finances residential and commercial assets. Annaly’s principal business objective is to generate net income for distribution to its stockholders through capital preservation, prudent selection of investments, and continuous management of its portfolio. Annaly has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for federal income tax purposes. Annaly is externally managed by Annaly Management Company LLC. Additional information on the company can be found at www.annaly.com.

About Bloomberg:

Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas. The company’s strength – delivering data, news and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately – is at the core of the Bloomberg Terminal. Bloomberg’s enterprise solutions build on the company’s core strength: leveraging technology to allow customers to access, integrate, distribute and manage data and information across organizations more efficiently and effectively. For more information, visit www.bloomberg.com or request a demo.

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