Item
1. Financial Statements
CHICAGO
ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
| |
June 30, 2022 | | |
December 31, 2021 | |
| |
(unaudited) | | |
| |
Assets | |
| | | |
| | |
Loans held for investment | |
$ | 330,201,986 | | |
$ | 196,984,566 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| (1,203,424 | ) | |
| (134,542 | ) |
Loans held for investment, net | |
| 328,998,562 | | |
| 196,850,024 | |
Cash | |
| 6,623,096 | | |
| 80,248,526 | |
Interest receivable | |
| 975,572 | | |
| 197,735 | |
Other receivables and assets, net | |
| 956,438 | | |
| 874,170 | |
Total Assets | |
$ | 337,553,668 | | |
$ | 278,170,455 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Liabilities | |
| | | |
| | |
Interest reserve | |
$ | 6,370,024 | | |
$ | 6,636,553 | |
Dividend payable | |
| 8,405,865 | | |
| 4,537,924 | |
Related party payable | |
| 739,950 | | |
| 1,800,000 | |
Payable for investment purchased | |
| 6,629,075 | | |
| - | |
Revolving line of credit | |
| 45,000,000 | | |
| - | |
Management and incentive fees payable | |
| 1,247,561 | | |
| 905,123 | |
Accounts payable and other liabilities | |
| 533,682 | | |
| 212,887 | |
Total Liabilities | |
| 68,926,157 | | |
| 14,092,487 | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Stockholders’ equity | |
| | | |
| | |
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and 17,752,290 and 17,453,553 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively | |
| 176,579 | | |
| 173,551 | |
Additional paid-in-capital | |
| 268,803,970 | | |
| 264,081,977 | |
Accumulated earnings (deficit) | |
| (353,038 | ) | |
| (177,560 | ) |
Total stockholders’ equity | |
| 268,627,511 | | |
| 264,077,968 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |
$ | 337,553,668 | | |
$ | 278,170,455 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CHICAGO
ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
| |
For the three months ended | | |
For the three months ended | | |
For the six months ended | | |
Period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to | |
| |
June 30, 2022 | | |
June 30, 2021 | | |
June 30, 2022 | | |
June 30, 2021 | |
Revenue | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Interest income | |
$ | 11,850,028 | | |
$ | 1,154,489 | | |
$ | 21,683,081 | | |
$ | 1,154,489 | |
Interest expense | |
| (449,556 | ) | |
| (16,712 | ) | |
| (521,824 | ) | |
| (16,712 | ) |
Net interest income | |
| 11,400,472 | | |
| 1,137,777 | | |
| 21,161,257 | | |
| 1,137,777 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Expenses | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Management and incentive fees, net | |
| 1,247,561 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,919,066 | | |
| - | |
General and administrative expense | |
| 777,212 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,333,353 | | |
| - | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 1,045,665 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,097,008 | | |
| - | |
Organizational expense | |
| - | | |
| 69,226 | | |
| - | | |
| 69,226 | |
Professional fees | |
| 743,670 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,300,574 | | |
| - | |
Stock based compensation | |
| 122,525 | | |
| - | | |
| 243,465 | | |
| - | |
Total expenses | |
| 3,936,633 | | |
| 69,226 | | |
| 5,893,466 | | |
| 69,226 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net Income before income taxes | |
| 7,463,839 | | |
| 1,068,551 | | |
| 15,267,791 | | |
| 1,068,551 | |
Income tax expense | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net Income | |
$ | 7,463,839 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | | |
$ | 15,267,791 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Earnings per common share: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) | |
$ | 0.42 | | |
$ | 0.44 | | |
$ | 0.87 | | |
$ | 0.45 | |
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) | |
$ | 0.42 | | |
$ | 0.44 | | |
$ | 0.86 | | |
$ | 0.45 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) | |
| 17,657,913 | | |
| 2,407,329 | | |
| 17,649,548 | | |
| 2,355,559 | |
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) | |
| 17,752,413 | | |
| 2,407,329 | | |
| 17,745,234 | | |
| 2,355,559 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CHICAGO
ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
| |
Common Stock | | |
Additional
Paid-In- | | |
Accumulated | | |
Total Stockholders’ | |
| |
Shares | | |
Amount | | |
Capital | | |
Earnings | | |
Equity | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Balance at March 30, 2021 (inception) | |
| - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | |
Issuance of common stock in connection with sale of unregistered equity securities | |
| 6,427 | | |
$ | 64 | | |
| 99,936 | | |
| - | | |
| 100,000 | |
Balance at March 31, 2021 | |
| 6,427 | | |
$ | 64 | | |
$ | 99,936 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 100,000 | |
Issuance of common stock in connection with sale of unregistered equity securities | |
| 3,618,401 | | |
| 36,184 | | |
| 56,263,560 | | |
| - | | |
$ | 56,299,744 | |
Dividends declared on common shares | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (1,068,551 | ) | |
$ | (1,068,551 | ) |
Net income | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 1,068,551 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | |
Balance at June 30, 2021 | |
| 3,624,828 | | |
$ | 36,248 | | |
$ | 56,363,496 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 56,399,744 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Balance at January 1, 2022 | |
| 17,453,553 | | |
$ | 173,551 | | |
$ | 264,081,977 | | |
$ | (177,560 | ) | |
$ | 264,077,968 | |
Issuance of common stock in connection with sale of unregistered equity securities | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering and concurrent private placement, net of offering costs, underwriting discounts and commissions | |
| 302,800 | | |
$ | 3,028 | | |
| 4,478,528 | | |
| - | | |
| 4,481,556 | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| (3,750 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 120,940 | | |
| 975 | | |
| 121,915 | |
Dividends declared on common shares | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (7,100,875 | ) | |
| (7,100,875 | ) |
Net income | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 7,803,952 | | |
| 7,803,952 | |
Balance at March 31, 2022 | |
| 17,752,603 | | |
$ | 176,579 | | |
$ | 268,681,445 | | |
$ | 526,492 | | |
$ | 269,384,516 | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| (313 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 122,525 | | |
| 207 | | |
| 122,732 | |
Dividends declared on common shares | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (8,343,576 | ) | |
| (8,343,576 | ) |
Net income | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 7,463,839 | | |
| 7,463,839 | |
Balance at June 30, 2022 | |
| 17,752,290 | | |
$ | 176,579 | | |
$ | 268,803,970 | | |
$ | (353,038 | ) | |
$ | 268,627,511 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CHICAGO
ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
| |
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 | | |
Period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021 | |
| |
| (unaudited) | | |
| (unaudited) | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Operating activities | |
| | | |
| | |
Net income | |
$ | 15,267,791 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Accretion of deferred loan origination fees and other discounts | |
| (1,362,776 | ) | |
| (64,061 | ) |
Payment-in-kind interest | |
| (2,400,627 | ) | |
| (51,767 | ) |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 1,097,008 | | |
| - | |
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs | |
| 241,095 | | |
| 16,712 | |
Stock based compensation | |
| 243,465 | | |
| - | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Interest receivable | |
| (777,837 | ) | |
| (84,384 | ) |
Other receivables and assets, net | |
| (146,102 | ) | |
| (118 | ) |
Interest reserve | |
| (6,162,392 | ) | |
| 613,663 | |
Related party payable | |
| 739,950 | | |
| - | |
Management fee payable | |
| 342,438 | | |
| - | |
Accounts payable and other liabilities | |
| 292,669 | | |
| (43,501 | ) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | |
| 7,374,682 | | |
| 1,455,095 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Cash flows from investing activities | |
| | | |
| | |
Issuance of and fundings of loans | |
| (125,383,782 | ) | |
| (32,017,500 | ) |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| 6,654,703 | | |
| 46,667 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | |
| (118,729,079 | ) | |
| (31,970,833 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Cash flows from financing activities | |
| | | |
| | |
Proceeds from sale of common stock | |
| 4,505,664 | | |
| 31,359,323 | |
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving line of credit | |
| 45,000,000 | | |
| - | |
Dividends paid | |
| (11,575,495 | ) | |
| - | |
Payment of debt issuance costs | |
| (177,261 | ) | |
| - | |
Payment of deferred offering costs | |
| (23,941 | ) | |
| - | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | |
| 37,728,967 | | |
| 31,359,323 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Change in cash | |
| (73,625,430 | ) | |
| 843,585 | |
Cash, beginning of period | |
| 80,248,526 | | |
| 100,000 | |
Cash, end of period | |
$ | 6,623,096 | | |
$ | 943,585 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activity | |
| | | |
| | |
Loans acquired for issuance of shares of common stock | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 24,940,421 | |
Interest reserve withheld from funding of loan | |
| 5,895,863 | | |
| 820,388 | |
OID withheld from funding of loans | |
| 1,835,592 | | |
| 682,500 | |
Dividends declared and not yet paid | |
| 8,380,271 | | |
| 1,068,551 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Supplemental information: | |
| | | |
| | |
Interest paid during the period | |
$ | 102,500 | | |
$ | - | |
Income taxes paid during the period | |
| - | | |
| - | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
CHICAGO
ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1.
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Chicago
Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Chicago Atlantic Lincoln, LLC (“CAL”) (collectively
the “Company”, “we”, or “our”), is a commercial mortgage real estate investment trust (“REIT”)
incorporated in the state of Maryland on March 30, 2021. The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT for United States federal income
tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), commencing with its taxable year ended December
31, 2021. The Company generally will not be subject to United States federal income taxes on its REIT taxable income if it annually distributes
to stockholders all of its REIT taxable income prior to the deduction for dividends paid and complies with various other requirements
as a REIT.
The
Company operates as one operating segment and its primary investment objective is to provide attractive, risk-adjusted returns for stockholders
over time, primarily through consistent current income (dividends and distributions) and secondarily, through capital appreciation. The
Company intends to achieve this objective by originating, structuring and investing in first mortgage loans and alternative structured
financings secured by commercial real estate properties. The Company’s loan portfolio is primarily comprised of senior loans to
state-licensed operators in the cannabis industry, secured by real estate, equipment, receivables, licenses and/or other assets of the
borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations governing such borrowers.
The Company is externally managed by Chicago Atlantic REIT Manager,
LLC (the “Manager”), a Delaware limited liability company, pursuant to the terms of the management agreement dated May 1,
2021, as amended, which has a three-year initial term set to expire on April 30, 2024 (the “Management Agreement”), by and
among the Company and the Manager. After the initial term, the management agreement is automatically renewed for one-year periods unless
the Company or the Manager elects not to renew in accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement. The Manager conducts substantially
all of the Company’s operations and provides asset management services for its real estate investments. For its services, the Manager
is entitled to management fees and incentive compensation, both defined in, and in accordance with the terms of, the Management Agreement
(Note 7). All of the Company’s investment decisions are made by the investment committee of the Manager, subject to oversight by
the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). The Manager is wholly-owned by Chicago Atlantic Group, LLC (the “Sponsor”).
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company have been prepared on the accrual
basis of accounting and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”)
for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements
may not contain all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. Reference should be made to Note 2 of the Company’s
Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2021. In the
opinion of the Company, all normal recurring adjustments have been made that are necessary to present fairly the results of operations
and financial position as of and for the periods presented. Operating results for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022
are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2022.
Use
of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
The
preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the
provision for current expected credit losses.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current
period presentation. Interest expense was previously presented as an operating expense and has been reclassified as a reduction to revenue
on the consolidated statements of income. General and administrative expense reimbursements due to the Manager, which were previously
included in the line item, and management and incentive fees payable, have been reclassified into related party payable in the consolidated
balance sheets. In addition, other receivables amounts have been reclassified to other receivables and assets, net in the consolidated
balance sheets. These reclassifications do not result in any changes to previously reported total assets and net income.
Investment
Payable
Investment
transactions are reported on a trade-date basis. Unsettled trades as of the balance sheet date are included in payable for investments
purchased.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
As
of June 30, 2022, there are no recent accounting pronouncements that have been issued that are expected to have a significant impact
on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
3.
LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT, NET
As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company’s portfolio
was comprised of 22 and 21 loans, respectively, held on the consolidated balance sheet at amortized cost. The Company’s aggregate
loan commitments and outstanding principal were approximately $357.1 million and $334.3 million as of June 30, 2022, and $235.1 million
and $200.6 million as of December 31, 2021. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company funded approximately $137.9 million in
new loan principal.
As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately 59.8% and
53.2%, respectively, of its portfolio was comprised of floating rate loans that pay interest at the prime rate plus an applicable margin,
and were subject to prime rate floors. The outstanding principal of these loans was approximately $200.0 million and $106.7 million as
of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The remaining 40.2% and 46.8% of the portfolio as of June 30, 2022 and December
31, 2021, respectively, was comprised of fixed rate loans that had outstanding principal of approximately $134.3 million and $93.9 million.
As
of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company did not have any loans held for investment with floating interest rates tied to the
London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or other benchmark rate.
The
following tables summarize the Company’s loans held for investment as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
| |
| | |
As of June 30, 2022 | | |
| |
| |
Outstanding Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Carrying Value | | |
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) | |
Senior Term Loans | |
$ | 334,322,292 | | |
$ | (4,120,306 | ) | |
$ | 330,201,986 | | |
| 2.3 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (1,203,424 | ) | |
| | |
Total loans held at carrying value, net | |
$ | 334,322,292 | | |
$ | (4,120,306 | ) | |
$ | 328,998,562 | | |
| | |
| |
| | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | |
| |
| |
Outstanding Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Carrying Value | | |
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) | |
Senior Term Loans | |
$ | 200,632,056 | | |
$ | (3,647,490 | ) | |
$ | 196,984,566 | | |
| 2.2 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (134,542 | ) | |
| | |
Total loans held at carrying value, net | |
$ | 200,632,056 | | |
$ | (3,647,490 | ) | |
$ | 196,850,024 | | |
| | |
The following tables presents changes in loans held at carrying value
as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021.
| |
Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve | | |
Carrying Value | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | |
$ | 200,632,056 | | |
$ | (3,647,490 | ) | |
$ | (134,542 | ) | |
$ | 196,850,024 | |
Loans contributed | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
New fundings | |
| 137,944,312 | | |
| (1,835,592 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 136,108,720 | |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| (6,654,703 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (6,654,703 | ) |
Accretion of original issue discount | |
| - | | |
| 1,362,776 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,362,776 | |
Sale of loans | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
PIK Interest | |
| 2,400,627 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 2,400,627 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (1,068,882 | ) | |
| (1,068,882 | ) |
Balance at June 30, 2022 | |
$ | 334,322,292 | | |
$ | (4,120,306 | ) | |
$ | (1,203,424 | ) | |
$ | 328,998,562 | |
| |
Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve | | |
Carrying Value | |
Balance at March 30, 2021 (inception) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | |
Loans contributed | |
| 25,185,837 | | |
| (245,416 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 24,940,421 | |
New fundings | |
| 32,700,000 | | |
| (682,500 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 32,017,500 | |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| (46,667 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (46,667 | ) |
Accretion of original issue discount | |
| - | | |
| 64,061 | | |
| - | | |
| 64,061 | |
Sale of loans | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
PIK Interest | |
| 51,767 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 51,767 | |
Balance at June 30, 2021 | |
$ | 57,890,937 | | |
$ | (863,855 | ) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 57,027,082 | |
A more detailed listing of the Company’s loans held at carrying
value based on information available as of June 30, 2022, is as follows:
Loan | |
Location | |
Outstanding
Principal(1) | | |
Original Issue
Premium/(Discount) | | |
Carrying
Value(1) | | |
Contractual
Interest
Rate(4) | |
Maturity
Date(2) | | |
Payment
Terms(3) | | |
Initial
Funding
Date(1) | |
1 | |
Various | |
| 30,000,000 | | |
| (403,455 | ) | |
| 29,596,545 | | |
10.07%(6) | |
| 05/30/2023 | | |
| I/O | | |
| 07/02/2020 | |
2 | |
Pennsylvania | |
| 6,957,500 | | |
| (262,946 | ) | |
| 6,694,554 | | |
P + 11.00%(5) | |
| 01/31/2025 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 11/19/2020 | |
3 | |
Michigan | |
| 36,343,859 | | |
| (202,484 | ) | |
| 36,141,375 | | |
P + 6.65%(5) Cash, 3.25% PIK | |
| 12/31/2024 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 03/05/2021 | |
4 | |
Various | |
| 20,539,287 | | |
| (514,431 | ) | |
| 20,024,856 | | |
P + 10.375%(5) Cash, 2.75% PIK | |
| 03/31/2024 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 03/25/2021 | |
5 | |
Arizona | |
| 11,229,539 | | |
| - | | |
| 11,229,539 | | |
19.85%(7) | |
| 04/28/2023 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 04/19/2021 | |
6 | |
Massachusetts | |
| 1,500,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,500,000 | | |
P + 12.25%(5) | |
| 04/28/2023 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 04/19/2021 | |
7 | |
Pennsylvania | |
| 13,129,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 13,129,000 | | |
P + 10.75%(5) Cash, 4% PIK(8) | |
| 05/31/2025 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 05/28/2021 | |
8 | |
Michigan | |
| 4,500,000 | | |
| (6,565 | ) | |
| 4,493,435 | | |
P + 9.00%(5) | |
| 02/20/2024 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 08/20/2021 | |
9 | |
Various | |
| 23,020,760 | | |
| (265,189 | ) | |
| 22,755,571 | | |
13% Cash, 2.5% PIK | |
| 08/30/2024 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 08/24/2021 | |
10 | |
West Virginia | |
| 9,648,063 | | |
| (137,521 | ) | |
| 9,510,542 | | |
P + 9.25%(5) Cash, 2% PIK | |
| 09/01/2024 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 09/01/2021 | |
11 | |
Pennsylvania | |
| 15,379,246 | | |
| - | | |
| 15,379,246 | | |
P + 10.75%(5) Cash, 3% PIK | |
| 06/30/2024 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 09/03/2021 | |
12 | |
Michigan | |
| 352,808 | | |
| - | | |
| 352,808 | | |
11.00% | |
| 09/30/2024 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 09/20/2021 | |
13 | |
Maryland | |
| 32,314,053 | | |
| (804,949 | ) | |
| 31,509,104 | | |
P + 8.75%(5) Cash, 2% PIK | |
| 09/30/2024 | | |
| I/O | | |
| 09/30/2021 | |
14 | |
Various | |
| 20,000,000 | | |
| (235,478 | ) | |
| 19,764,522 | | |
13.00% | |
| 10/31/2024 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 11/08/2021 | |
15 | |
Michigan | |
| 10,600,000 | | |
| (56,401 | ) | |
| 10,543,599 | | |
P + 7.00%(5) | |
| 11/22/2022 | | |
| I/O | | |
| 11/22/2021 | |
16 | |
Various | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
15% Cash, 2.5% PIK | |
| 12/27/2026 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 12/27/2021 | |
17 | |
Michigan | |
| 3,692,478 | | |
| (67,438 | ) | |
| 3,625,040 | | |
10.50% Cash, 1% to 5% PIK(9) | |
| 12/29/2023 | | |
| I/O | | |
| 12/29/2021 | |
18 | |
Various | |
| 7,500,000 | | |
| (62,557 | ) | |
| 7,437,443 | | |
P + 9.25%(5) | |
| 12/31/2024 | | |
| I/O | | |
| 12/30/2021 | |
19 | |
Florida | |
| 15,000,000 | | |
| (325,660 | ) | |
| 14,674,340 | | |
11.00% | |
| 01/31/2025 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 01/18/2022 | |
20 | |
Ohio | |
| 30,369,303 | | |
| (521,320 | ) | |
| 29,847,983 | | |
P + 8.25%(5) Cash, 3% PIK | |
| 02/28/2025 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 02/03/2022 | |
21 | |
Florida | |
| 20,172,651 | | |
| (91,826 | ) | |
| 20,080,825 | | |
11.00% Cash, 3% PIK | |
| 08/29/2025 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 03/11/2022 | |
22 | |
Missouri | |
| 17,073,745 | | |
| (162,086 | ) | |
| 16,911,659 | | |
11.00% Cash, 3% PIK | |
| 05/30/2025 | | |
| P&I | | |
| 05/09/2022 | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (1,203,424 | ) | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total loans held at carry value | |
$ | 334,322,292 | | |
$ | (4,120,306 | ) | |
$ | 328,998,562 | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| (1) | The difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding
Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted purchase discount, deferred loan fees and loan origination costs |
| (2) | Certain loans are subject to contractual extension options and
may be subject to performance based or other conditions as stipulated in the loan agreement. Actual maturities may differ from contractual
maturities stated herein as certain borrowers may have the right to prepay with or without paying a prepayment penalty. The Company may
also extend contractual maturities and amend other terms of the loans in connection with loan modifications. |
| (3) | P/I = principal and interest. I/O = interest only. P/I loans
may include interest only periods for a portion of the loan term. |
| (4) | P = prime rate and depicts floating rate loans that pay interest
at the prime rate plus a specific percentage; "PIK" = paid in kind interest. |
| (5) | This Loan is subject to prime rate floor. |
| (6) | The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #1 includes a $4.005 million
initial advance which has an interest rate of 15.25%, a second advance of $15.995 million which has an interest rate of 9.75%, and a
third advance of $10.0 million which has an interest rate of 8.5%. The statistics presented reflect the weighted average of the terms
under all three advances for the total aggregate loan commitment. |
| (7) | The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #5 includes a $9.3 million
initial advance which has a base interest rate of 15.25% and PIK interest rate of 2%, and a second advance of $2.0 million which has
an interest rate of 39%. The statistics presented reflect the weighted average of the terms under both advances for the total aggregate
loan commitment. |
| (8) | Subject to adjustment not below 2% if borrower receives at least
two consecutive quarters of positive cash flow after the closing date. |
| (9) | PIK
is variable with an initial rate of five percent (5.00%) per annum, until borrower’s delivery of audited financial statements for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, at which time the PIK interest rate shall be adjusted to a rate of 1% to 5% contingent on the
financial results of the borrower. |
As of June 30, 2022, all loans are current, and none have been placed
on non-accrual status. The aggregate fair value of the Company’s loan portfolio was $329,977,829 and $197,901,779, with gross unrecognized
holding losses of $224,155 and unrecognized holding gains of $917,213 as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The fair
values, which are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, are estimated using discounted cash flow models based on current
market inputs for similar types of arrangements. The primary sensitivity in these models is based on the selection of appropriate discount
rates. Fluctuations in these assumptions could result in different estimates of fair value.
Credit
Quality Indicators
The Company assesses the risk factors of each loan, and assigns a risk
rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, payment history, real estate collateral coverage, property type,
geographic and local market dynamics, financial performance, loan to enterprise value and fixed charge coverage ratios, loan structure
and exit strategy, and project sponsorship. This review is performed quarterly. Based on a 5-point scale, the Company’s loans are
rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk, which ratings are defined as follows:
Rating |
|
Definition |
1 |
|
Very low risk |
2 |
|
Low risk |
3 |
|
Moderate/average risk |
4 |
|
High risk/potential for loss: a loan that has a risk of realizing a principal loss |
5 |
|
Impaired/loss likely: a loan that has a high risk of realizing principal loss, has incurred principal loss or an impairment has been recorded |
The risk ratings are primarily based on historical data and current conditions
specific to each portfolio company, as well as consideration of future economic conditions and each borrower’s estimated ability
to meet debt service requirements. The declines in risk ratings shown in the following table from December 31, 2021 to June 30, 2022,
are not due to any borrower specific credit issues relating to the borrowers, but rather, is primarily due to the Company’s quarterly
re-evaluation of overall current macroeconomic conditions affecting its borrowers. This decline in risk ratings did not have a significant
effect on the level of the current expected credit loss reserve because the loans continue to perform as agreed and the fair value of
the underlying collateral exceeds the amount outstanding.
As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the carrying value, excluding
the current expected credit loss reserve (the “CECL Reserve”), of the Company’s loans within each risk rating category
by year of origination is as follows:
| |
As of June 30, 20221 | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | |
Risk Rating | |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | | |
2019 | | |
Total | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | | |
2019 | | |
Total | |
1 | |
| - | | |
| 34,546,303 | | |
| 29,596,545 | | |
| - | | |
| 64,142,848 | | |
| 135,076,307 | | |
| 32,242,114 | | |
| 590,384 | | |
| 167,908,805 | |
2 | |
| 87,808,199 | | |
| 82,382,609 | | |
| 6,694,554 | | |
| - | | |
| 176,885,362 | | |
| 29,075,761 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 29,075,761 | |
3 | |
| 29,847,983 | | |
| 54,325,793 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 84,173,776 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
4 | |
| - | | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
5 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total | |
| 117,656,182 | | |
| 176,254,705 | | |
| 36,291,099 | | |
| - | | |
| 330,201,986 | | |
| 164,152,068 | | |
| 32,242,114 | | |
| 590,384 | | |
| 196,984,566 | |
(1) | Amounts are presented by loan origination year with subsequent advances shown in the original year of origination. |
Real estate collateral coverage is also a significant credit quality
indicator, and real estate collateral coverage, excluding the CECL Reserve, was as follows as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
As of June 30, 2022 Real Estate Collateral Coverage | |
| | |
< 1.0x | | |
1.0x - 1.25x | | |
1.25x - 1.5x | | |
1.50x - 1.75x | | |
1.75x - 2.0x | | |
> 2.0x | | |
Total | |
Fixed-rate | | |
$ | 5,000,000 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 20,080,825 | | |
$ | 16,911,659 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 90,768,826 | | |
$ | 132,761,310 | |
Floating-rate | | |
| 15,631,997 | | |
| 96,761,189 | | |
| - | | |
| 20,054,141 | | |
| 24,358,539 | | |
| 40,634,810 | | |
| 197,440,676 | |
| | |
$ | 20,631,997 | | |
$ | 96,761,189 | | |
$ | 20,080,825 | | |
$ | 36,965,800 | | |
$ | 24,358,539 | | |
$ | 131,403,636 | | |
$ | 330,201,986 | |
As of December 31, 2021 Real Estate Collateral Coverage | |
| | |
< 1.0 | | |
1.0 - 1.25 | | |
1.25 - 1.5 | | |
1.50 - 1.75 | | |
1.75 - 2.0 | | |
> 2.0 | | |
Total | |
Fixed-rate | | |
$ | 7,017,793 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 35,836,099 | | |
$ | 3,086,298 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 45,373,778 | | |
$ | 91,313,968 | |
Floating-rate | | |
| 8,925,068 | | |
| 18,022,518 | | |
| - | | |
| 30,029,953 | | |
| 32,377,087 | | |
| 16,315,972 | | |
| 105,670,598 | |
| | |
$ | 15,942,861 | | |
$ | 18,022,518 | | |
$ | 35,836,099 | | |
$ | 33,116,251 | | |
$ | 32,377,087 | | |
$ | 61,689,750 | | |
$ | 196,984,566 | |
CECL
Reserve
The Company records an allowance for current expected credit losses
for its loans held for investment. The allowances are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets to present the net carrying
value of the amounts expected to be collected on such assets. The Company estimates its CECL Reserve using among other inputs, third-party
valuations, and a third-party probability-weighted model that considers the likelihood of default and expected loss given default for
each individual loan based on the risk profile for approximately three years after which we immediately revert to use of historical loss
data. In the future, we may use other acceptable methods, such as a discounted cash flow method, WARM method, or other methods permitted
under the standard.
ASC 326 requires an entity to consider historical loss experience,
current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast of the macroeconomic environment. The
Company considers multiple datapoints and methodologies that may include likelihood of default and expected loss given default for each
individual loans, valuations derived from discount cash flows (“DCF”), and other inputs including the risk rating of the loan,
how recently the loan was originated compared to the measurement date, and expected prepayment, if applicable. The measurement of expected
credit losses under CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, and off-balance sheet credit exposures such as
unfunded loan commitments.
The Company evaluates its loans on a collective (pool) basis by
aggregating on the basis of similar risk characteristics as explained above. We make the judgment that loans to cannabis-related
borrowers that are fully collateralized by real estate exhibit similar risk characteristics and are evaluated as a pool. Further,
loans that have no real estate collateral, but are secured by other forms of collateral, including equity pledges of the borrower,
and otherwise have similar characteristics as those collateralized by real estate are evaluated as a pool. All other loans are
analyzed individually, either because they operate in a different industry, may have a different risk profile, or maturities that
extend beyond the forecast horizon for which we are able to derive reasonable and supportable forecasts.
Estimating
the CECL Reserve also requires significant judgment with respect to various factors, including (i) the appropriate historical loan loss
reference data, (ii) the expected timing of loan repayments, (iii) calibration of the likelihood of default to reflect the risk characteristics
of the Company’s loan portfolio and (iv) the Company’s current and future view of the macroeconomic environment. From time
to time, the Company may consider loan-specific qualitative factors on certain loans to estimate its CECL Reserve, which may include
(i) whether cash from the borrower’s operations is sufficient to cover the debt service requirements currently and into the future,
(ii) the ability of the borrower to refinance the loan and (iii) the liquidation value of collateral. For loans where we have deemed
the borrower/sponsor to be experiencing financial difficulty, we may elect to apply a practical expedient, in which the fair value of
the underlying collateral is compared to the amortized cost of the loan in determining a CECL Reserve.
To estimate the historic loan losses relevant to the Company’s
portfolio, the Company evaluates its historical loan performance, which includes zero realized loan losses since the inception of its
operations. Additionally, the Company analyzed its repayment history, noting it has limited “true” operating history, since
the incorporation date of March 30, 2021. However, the Company’s Sponsor has had operations for the past two fiscal years and has
made investments in similar loans that have similar characteristics including interest rate, collateral coverage, guarantees, and prepayment/make
whole provisions, which fall into the pools identified above. Given the similarity of the structuring of the credit agreements for the
loans in the Company’s portfolio to the loans originated by its Sponsor, management considered it appropriate to consider the past
repayment history of loans originated by the Sponsor in determining the extent to which a CECL Reserve shall be recorded.
In addition, the Company reviews each loan on a quarterly basis and
evaluates the borrower’s ability to pay the monthly interest and principal, if required, as well as the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.
When evaluating qualitative factors that may indicate the need for a CECL Reserve, we forecast losses considering a variety of factors.
In considering the potential current expected credit loss, the Manager primarily considers significant inputs to the Company’s forecasting
methods, which include (i) key loan-specific inputs such as the value of the real estate collateral, liens on equity (including the equity
in the entity that holds the state-issued license to cultivate, process, distribute, or retail cannabis), presence of personal or corporate
guarantees, among other credit enhancements, LTV ratio, rate type (fixed or floating) and IRR, loan-term, geographic location, and expected
timing and amount of future loan fundings, (ii) performance against the underwritten business plan and the Company’s internal loan
risk rating and (iii) a macro-economic forecast. Estimating the enterprise value of our borrowers
in order to calculate LTV ratios is often a significant estimate. We utilize a third-party valuation appraiser to assist management with
our valuation process. primarily using comparable transactions to estimate enterprise value of our portfolio companies and supplement
such analysis with a multiple-based approach to enterprise value to revenue multiples of publicly-traded comparable companies obtained
from S&P CapitalIQ as of June 30, 2022, to which we apply a private company discount based on our current borrower profile. These
estimates may change in future periods based on available future macro-economic data and might result in a material change in the Company’s
future estimates of expected credit losses for its loan portfolio.
Regarding real estate collateral, the Company generally cannot take
the position of mortgagee-in-possession as long as the property is used by a cannabis operator, but we can request that the court appoint
a receiver to manage and operate the subject real property until the foreclosure proceedings are completed. Additionally, while we cannot
foreclose under state Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) and take title or sell equity in a licensed cannabis business, a potential
purchaser of a delinquent or defaulted loan could.
In order to estimate the future expected loan losses relevant to the
Company’s portfolio, the Company utilizes historical market loan loss data obtained from a third-party database for commercial real
estate loans, which the Company believes is a reasonably comparable and available data set to use as an input for its type of loans. The
Company believes this dataset to be representative for future credit losses whilst considering that the cannabis industry is maturing,
and consumer adoption, demand for production, and retail capacity are increasing akin to commercial real estate over time. For periods
beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, the Company reverts back to historical loss data.
All of the above assumptions, although made with the most available
information at the time of the estimate, are subjective and actual activity may not follow the estimated schedule. These assumptions impact
the future balances that the loss rate will be applied to and as such impact the Company’s CECL Reserve. As the Company acquires
new loans and the Manager monitors loan and borrower performance, these estimates will be revised each period.
Activity related to the CECL Reserve for outstanding balances and unfunded
commitments on the Company’s loans held at carrying value and loans receivable at carrying value as of and for the six months ended
June 30, 2022 is presented in the table below. The Company had no CECL Reserve as of and for the period March 30, 2021 (inception) to
June 30, 2021.
| |
Outstanding(1) | | |
Unfunded(2) | | |
Total | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | |
$ | 134,542 | | |
$ | 13,407 | | |
$ | 147,949 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 1,068,882 | | |
| 28,126 | | |
| 1,097,008 | |
Write-off charged | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Recoveries | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Balance at June 30, 2022 | |
$ | 1,203,424 | | |
$ | 41,533 | | |
$ | 1,244,957 | |
| (1) | As
of June 30, 2022, the CECL Reserve related to outstanding balances on loans at carrying value is recorded within current expected credit
loss reserve in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. |
| (2) | As of June 30, 2022, the CECL Reserve related to unfunded commitments
on loans at carrying value is recorded within accounts payable and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. |
| |
Outstanding | | |
Unfunded | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | |
$ | 134,542 | | |
$ | 13,407 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 48,296 | | |
| 3,047 | |
Balance at March 31, 2022 | |
| 182,838 | | |
| 16,454 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 1,020,586 | | |
| 25,079 | |
Balance at June 30, 2022 | |
$ | 1,203,424 | | |
$ | 41,533 | |
The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued
interest receivable, ($975,572 as of June 30, 2022) included in Interest Receivable on its consolidated balance sheet, from the amortized
cost basis of the related loans held for investment in determining the CECL Reserve, as any uncollectible accrued interest receivable
is written off in a timely manner. To date, the Company has had zero write-offs related to uncollectible interest receivable, but will
discontinue accruing interest on loans if deemed to be uncollectible, with any previously accrued uncollected interest on the loan charged
to interest income in the same period.
As
of June 30, 2022 there were no loans with principal or interest greater than 30 days past due.
4.
INTEREST RECEIVABLE
The
following table summarizes the interest receivable by the Company as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
| |
As of June 30, 2022 | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | |
Interest receivable | |
$ | 821,239 | | |
$ | 193,790 | |
PIK interest receivable | |
| 63,889 | | |
| - | |
Unused fees receivable | |
$ | 90,444 | | |
$ | 3,945 | |
Total interest receivable | |
$ | 975,572 | | |
$ | 197,735 | |
5.
INTEREST RESERVE
At June 30, 2022, the Company had five loans that included a loan funded
interest reserve.
The following table presents changes in interest reserves as of June
30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively:
| |
As of June 30, 2022 | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | |
Initial reserves | |
$ | 6,636,553 | | |
$ | - | |
New reserves | |
$ | 5,895,863 | | |
$ | 9,223,802 | |
Reserves disbursed | |
$ | (6,162,392 | ) | |
$ | (2,587,249 | ) |
Total interest reserve | |
$ | 6,370,024 | | |
$ | 6,636,553 | |
6.
DEBT
In May 2021, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of
our financing subsidiary, CAL, we were assigned a secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan”). The Revolving
Loan has an aggregate borrowing base of up to $10,000,000 and bears interest, payable in cash in arrears, at a per annum rate equal to
the greater of (x) Prime Rate plus 1.00% and (y) 4.75%. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $100,000 related to the origination
of the Revolving Loan, which were capitalized and are subsequently being amortized through maturity. The maturity date of the Revolving
Loan is the earlier of (i) February 12, 2023 and (ii) the date on which the Revolving Loan is terminated pursuant to terms in the Revolving
Loan Agreement.
On
December 16, 2021, the Company amended the Revolving Loan Agreement (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment increased
the loan commitment from $10,000,000 to $45,000,000 and decreased the interest rate, from the greater of the (1) Prime Rate plus 1.00%
and (2) 4.75% to the greater of (1) the Prime Rate plus the applicable margin and (2) 3.25%. The applicable margin depends on the ratio
of debt to equity of CAL and increases from 0% at a ratio of 0.25 to 1 to 1.25% at a ratio of 1.5 to 1. The First Amendment also extended
the maturity date from February 12, 2023 to the earlier of (i) December 16, 2023 and (ii) the date on which the Revolving Loan is terminated
pursuant to the terms in the Revolving Loan agreement. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $859,500 related to the First Amendment,
which were capitalized and are subsequently being amortized through maturity.
On May 12, 2022, the Company amended the Revolving Loan Agreement a
second time (the “Second Amendment”). The Second Amendment increased the loan commitment from $45,000,000 to $65,000,000.
No other material terms of the Revolving Loan were modified as a result of the execution of the Second Amendment. The Company incurred
debt issuance costs of $177,260 related to the Second Amendment, which were capitalized and are subsequently being amortized through maturity.
As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Revolving Loan and the First and Second Amendments
of $804,188 and $868,022, respectively, are recorded in other receivables and assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Revolving Loan incurs unused fees at a rate of 0.25% per annum
beginning July 1, 2022 pursuant to the Second Amendment. Additionally, for the period from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, the Company
borrowed $45.0 million against the Revolving Loan and incurred $276,562 in interest expense for the period then ended.
The Second Amendment provides for certain affirmative covenants, including
requiring us to deliver financial information and any notices of default, and conducting business in the normal course. Additionally,
the Company must comply with certain financial covenants including: (1) maximum capital expenditures of $150,000, (2) maintaining a debt
service coverage ratio greater than 1.35 to 1, and (3) maintaining a leverage ratio less than 1.50 to 1. As of June 30, 2022, we were
in compliance with all financial covenants with respect to the Revolving Loan.
The following table reflects a summary of interest expense incurred
during the three and six months ended June 30, 2022. There was no interest expense incurred during the period March 30, 2021 (inception)
to June 30, 2021.
| |
For three
months ended
June 30,
2022 | | |
For six
months ended
June 30,
2022 | |
Interest expense | |
$ | 276,562 | | |
$ | 276,562 | |
Unused Fee – Line of Credit | |
| 4,167 | | |
| 4,167 | |
Amortization of debt issue costs | |
| 168,827 | | |
| 241,095 | |
Total interest expense | |
$ | 449,556 | | |
$ | 521,824 | |
7.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Management
Agreement
Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager manages the loans
and day-to-day operations of the Company, subject at all times to the further terms and conditions set forth in the Management Agreement
and such further limitations or parameters as may be imposed from time to time by the Company’s Board.
The Manager is entitled to receive base management fees (the “Base
Management Fee”) that are calculated and payable quarterly in arrears, in an amount equal to 0.375% of the Company’s Equity,
determined as of the last day of each such quarter; reduced by an amount equal to 50% of the pro rata amount of origination fees earned
and paid to the Manager during the applicable quarter for loans that were originated on the Company’s behalf by the Manager or affiliates
of the Manager (“Outside Fees”). For the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Base Management Fee payable was reduced by Outside
Fees in the amount of $1,082,251.
In
addition to the Base Management Fee, the Manager is entitled to receive incentive compensation (the “Incentive Compensation”
or “Incentive Fees”) under the Management Agreement. Under the Management Agreement, the Company will pay Incentive Fees
to the Manager based upon the Company’s achievement of targeted levels of Core Earnings. “Core Earnings” is defined
in the Management Agreement as, for a given period means the net income (loss) for such period, computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding
(i) non-cash equity compensation expense, (ii) the Incentive Compensation, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) any unrealized gains
or losses or other non-cash items that are included in net income for the applicable reporting period, regardless of whether such items
are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income and (v) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain
non-cash charges, in each case after discussions between the Manager and the Independent Directors and approved by a majority of the
Independent Directors. Incentive compensation for the six months ended June 30, 2022 was $980,906.
The Company shall pay all of its costs and expenses and shall reimburse
the Manager or its affiliates for expenses of the Manager and its affiliates paid or incurred on behalf of the Company, excepting only
those expenses that are specifically the responsibility of the Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. We reimburse our Manager
or its affiliates, as applicable, for the Company’s fair and equitable allocable share of the compensation, including annual base
salary, bonus, any related withholding taxes and employee benefits, paid to (i) subject to review by the Compensation Committee of the
Board, the Manager’s personnel serving as an officer of the Company, based on the percentage of his or her time spent devoted to
the Company’s affairs and (ii) other corporate finance, tax, accounting, internal audit, legal, risk management, operations, compliance
and other non-investment personnel of the Manager and its affiliates who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company’s
affairs, with the allocable share of the compensation of such personnel described in this clause (ii) being as reasonably determined by
the Manager to appropriately reflect the amount of time spent devoted by such personnel to our affairs.
The
following table summarizes the related party costs incurred by the Company and amounts payable to the Manager for the periods ended June
30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
| |
Three months
ended June 30, 2022 | | |
Three months
ended June 30, 2021 | | |
Six months
ended June 30, 2022 | | |
Period from
March 30, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021 | |
Affiliate Payments | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Management fees earned | |
$ | 1,013,298 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 2,020,411 | | |
$ | - | |
Less: Outside Fees earned | |
| (364,500 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (1,082,251 | ) | |
| - | |
Base management fees, net | |
| 648,798 | | |
| - | | |
| 938,160 | | |
| - | |
Incentive fees | |
| 598,763 | | |
| - | | |
| 980,906 | | |
| - | |
Management and incentive fees earned | |
| 1,247,561 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,919,066 | | |
| - | |
General and administrative expenses reimbursable to Manager | |
| 686,981 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,151,471 | | |
| - | |
Total | |
$ | 1,934,542 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 3,070,537 | | |
$ | - | |
General administrative expenses reimbursable to the Manager are included
in the related party payable line item of the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Amounts payable to
the Manager as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were approximately $2.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, which included bonuses
accrued for the year which are not reimbursed to the Manager until paid.
Investments
in Loans
From time to time, the Company may co-invest with other investment
vehicles managed by its affiliates, in accordance with the Manager’s co-investment allocation policies. The Company is not obligated
to provide, nor has it provided, any financial support to the other managed investment vehicles. As such, the Company’s risk is
limited to the carrying value of its investment in any such loan. As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2022, 14 of the Company’s
loans were co-invested by affiliates of the Company.
8.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
Off-balance sheet commitments may consist of unfunded commitments on
delayed draw term loans. The Company does not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities
often referred to as structured investment vehicles, special purpose entities or variable interest entities, established to facilitate
off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Further, the Company has not guaranteed any obligations
of unconsolidated entities or entered into any commitment to provide additional funding to any such entities. As of June 30, 2022 and
December 31, 2021, the Company had the following commitments to fund various existing loans.
| |
As of June 30, 2022 | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Total original loan commitments | |
$ | 357,117,706 | | |
$ | 235,063,593 | |
Less: drawn commitments | |
| (331,954,897 | ) | |
| (200,359,026 | ) |
Total undrawn commitments | |
$ | 25,162,809 | | |
$ | 34,704,567 | |
Refer
to “Note 3 - Loans Held for Investment, Net” for further information regarding the CECL Reserve attributed to unfunded commitments.
Other
Contingencies
The
Company from time to time may be a party to litigation in the normal course of business. As of June 30, 2022, the Company is not aware
of any legal claims that could materially impact its business, financial condition or results of operations.
The Company’s ability to grow or maintain its business depends,
in part, on state laws pertaining to the cannabis industry. New laws that are averse to the Company’s portfolio companies may be
enacted, and current favorable state or national laws or enforcement guidelines relating to cultivation, production and distribution of
cannabis may be modified or eliminated in the future, which would impede the Company’s ability to grow and could materially adversely
affect its business.
Management’s
plan to mitigate risks include monitoring the legal landscape as deemed appropriate. Also, should a loan default or otherwise be seized,
the Company may be prohibited from owning cannabis assets and thus could not take possession of collateral, in which case the Company
would look to sell the loan, which may result in the Company realizing a loss on the transaction.
9.
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common
Stock
On January 5, 2022, the underwriters in the Company’s initial
public offering (the “IPO”) partially exercised their over-allotment option to purchase 302,800 shares of the Company’s
common stock at a price of $16.00 per share, raising $4,844,800 in additional gross proceeds or $4,505,664 in net proceeds after underwriting
commissions of $339,136, which is reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital on the consolidated statements of stockholders’
equity.
During
the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to December 31, 2021, the Company issued 10,636,363 shares of its common stock pursuant to
transactions that were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
On
December 10, 2021, the Company completed its IPO of 6,250,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $16.00 per share, raising $100,000,000
in gross proceeds. The underwriting commission of $7,000,000 is reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital on the consolidated
statements of stockholders’ equity. The Company incurred approximately $1,265,877 of expenses in connection with the IPO, which
is reflected as a reduction in additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company totaled approximately $91,734,123. Concurrent
with the closing of the IPO, the Company sold 468,750 shares of its common stock at the public offering price of $16.00 per share in
a private placement to John Mazarakis, the Company’s Executive Chairman, Anthony Cappell, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer,
and Dr. Andreas Bodmeier, the Company’s Co-President. Gross proceeds received were $7,500,000, and no underwriting discounts or
commissions were paid in respect of these shares.
On October 21, 2021, the Board approved a 6,427-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock. All common shares and per share information presented in the consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis for all periods presented, including reclassifying an amount equal to the increase in par value of common stock from additional paid-in capital. There was no change in the par value of the Company’s common stock.
Equity
Incentive Plan
The
Company has established an equity incentive compensation plan (the “2021 Plan”). The Board authorized the adoption of the
2021 Plan and the Compensation Committee of the Board approved restricted stock award grants 98,440 shares of common stock during the
quarter ended December 31, 2021. The Compensation Committee appointed by the Board administers the 2021 Plan. The 2021 Plan authorizes
stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock bonuses, stock units and other forms of awards granted or denominated
in the Company’s common stock. The 2021 Plan retains flexibility to offer competitive incentives and to tailor benefits to specific
needs and circumstances. Any award may be structured to be paid or settled in cash. The Company has, and currently intends to continue
to grant restricted stock awards to participants in the 2021 Plan, but it may also grant any other type of award available under the
2021 Plan in the future. Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2021 Plan include the Company’s officers and employees of
the Manager and its affiliates or officers and employees of the Company’s subsidiaries, if any, the members of the Board, and certain
consultants and other service providers.
As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the maximum number of shares
of the Company common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards under the 2021 Plan (the “Share Limit”) equals 8.50%
of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock on a fully-diluted basis following the completion of the IPO.
Shares that are subject to or underlie awards that expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest,
or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under the 2021 Plan will not be counted against the Share Limit and will again be available
for subsequent awards under the 2021 Plan. There were 4,063 shares forfeited during the six months ended June 30, 2022.
Shares
that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by us as full or partial payment in connection with any award granted under the 2021
Plan, as well as any shares exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to any
award granted under the 2021 Plan, will not be counted against the Share Limit and will again be available for subsequent awards under
the 2021 Plan. To the extent that an award is settled in cash or a form other than shares, the shares that would have been delivered
had there been no such cash or other settlement will not be counted against the Share Limit and will again be available for subsequent
awards under the 2021 Plan.
The
following table summarizes the restricted stock activity for the Company’s directors and officers and employees of the Manager
as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
| |
As of June 30, 2022 | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | |
Non-vested | |
| 98,440 | | |
| 98,440 | |
Forfeited | |
| (4,063 | ) | |
| - | |
Balance | |
| 94,377 | | |
| 98,440 | |
Restricted
stock grant expense is based on the Company’s stock price at the time of the grant and amortized over the vesting period. Forfeitures
are recognized as they occur. The share-based compensation expense for the Company was approximately $243,465 for the six months ended
June 30, 2022.
10.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
The
following information sets forth the computations of basic earnings per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and for the
period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021:
| |
For the three months ended | | |
For the three months ended | | |
For the six months ended | | |
Period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to | |
| |
June 30,
2022 | | |
June 30, 2021 | | |
June 30, 2022 | | |
June 30,
2021 | |
Net income attributable to common stockholders | |
$ | 7,463,839 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | | |
$ | 15,267,791 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | |
Divided by: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding | |
| 17,657,913 | | |
$ | 2,407,329 | | |
| 17,649,548 | | |
| 2,355,559 | |
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding | |
| 17,752,413 | | |
$ | 2,407,329 | | |
| 17,745,234 | | |
| 2,355,559 | |
Basic earnings per common share | |
$ | 0.42 | | |
$ | 0.44 | | |
$ | 0.87 | | |
$ | 0.45 | |
Diluted earnings per common share | |
$ | 0.42 | | |
$ | 0.44 | | |
$ | 0.86 | | |
$ | 0.45 | |
11.
INCOME TAX
The
income tax provision for the Company was $0 for the six months ended June 30, 2022.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company incurred
no expense for United Stated federal excise tax. If it is determined that the Company’s estimated current year taxable income will
be in excess of estimated dividend distributions (including capital gain dividend) for the current year from such income, the Company
will accrue excise tax on estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned. The annual expense is calculated in accordance
with applicable tax regulations.
As
of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits and does not expect that to change in
the next 12 months.
12.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The
following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared during the six months ended June 30, 2022. There were no dividends
declared for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
| |
Record Date | |
Payment Date | |
Common Share Distribution Amount | | |
Taxable Ordinary Income | | |
Return of Capital | | |
Section 199A Dividends | |
Regular cash dividend | |
3/31/2022 | |
4/14/2022 | |
$ | 0.40 | | |
$ | 0.40 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 0.40 | |
Regular cash dividend | |
6/30/2022 | |
7/15/2022 | |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 0.47 | |
Total cash dividend | |
| |
| |
$ | 0.87 | | |
$ | 0.87 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 0.87 | |
13.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On July 8, 2022, the Company sold a senior secured loan to an affiliate
under common control. The selling price of approximately $6.7 million was determined using Level 3 inputs and was approved by the audit
committee of the Board. The fair value approximated the carrying value of the loan plus accrued and unpaid interest through July 8, 2022.
On August 4, 2022, we assigned $10.0 million of unfunded commitment
of a senior secured loan to an affiliate.
Item
2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
Some
of the statements contained in this quarterly report constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and
we intend such statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained therein. Forward-looking statements relate to future
events or the future performance or financial condition of Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,”
“us” and “our”). The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. This description contains forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking
statements due to the factors set forth in this quarterly report and in “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in Part II, Item 1A of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q,
as such risks may by updated, amended or superseded from time to time by subsequent reports we file with the SEC. The forward-looking
statements contained in this report involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements concerning:
|
● |
our future operating results and projected operating results; |
|
● |
the impact of COVID-19 on our business and the global economy, including
disruptions to the supply chain; |
|
● |
the ability of our Manager to locate suitable loan opportunities for us, monitor and actively manage our loan portfolio and implement our investment strategy; |
|
● |
the allocation of loan opportunities to us by our Manager; |
|
● |
the impact of inflation on our operating results; |
|
● |
actions and initiatives of the federal or state governments and changes to government policies related to cannabis and the execution and impact of these actions, initiatives and policies, including the fact that cannabis remains illegal under federal law; |
| ● | the
estimated growth in and evolving market dynamics of the cannabis market; |
| ● | the
demand for cannabis cultivation and processing facilities; |
| ● | shifts
in public opinion regarding cannabis; |
| ● | the
state of the U.S. economy generally or in specific geographic regions; |
| ● | economic
trends and economic recoveries; |
| ● | the
amount and timing of our cash flows, if any, from our loans; |
| ● | our
ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements; |
| ● | changes
in the value of our loans; |
| ● | our
expected investment and underwriting process; |
| ● | rates
of default or decreased recovery rates on our loans; |
| ● | the degree to which any interest rate or other hedging strategies
may or may not protect us from interest rate volatility; |
| ● | changes
in interest rates and impacts of such changes on our results of operations, cash flows and the market value of our loans; |
| ● | interest
rate mismatches between our loans and our borrowings used to fund such loans; |
| ● | the
departure of any of the executive officers or key personnel supporting and assisting us from our Manager or its affiliates; |
| ● | impact
of and changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates, accounting guidance and similar matters; |
| ● | our
ability to maintain our exclusion or exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act; |
| ● | our
ability to qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
| ● | estimates
relating to our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future; |
| ● | our
understanding of our competition; |
| ● | market
trends in our industry, interest rates, real estate values, the securities markets or the general economy; and |
| ● | any of the other risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify
in our annual report on Form 10-K or this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. |
Available
Information
We
routinely post important information for investors on our website, www.chicagoatlantic.com. We intend to use this webpage as a means
of disclosing material information, for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD and to post and update investor
presentations and similar materials on a regular basis. We encourage investors, analysts, the media and others interested in us to monitor
the Investments section of our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations,
webcasts and other information we post from time to time on our website. To sign-up for email-notifications, please visit “Contact”
section of our website under “Join Our Mailing List” and enter the required information to enable notifications.
Overview
We
are a recently-formed commercial real estate finance company. Our primary investment objective is to provide attractive, risk-adjusted
returns for stockholders over time primarily through consistent current income dividends and other distributions and secondarily through
capital appreciation. We intend to achieve this objective by originating, structuring and investing in first mortgage loans and alternative
structured financings secured by commercial real estate properties. Our current portfolio is comprised primarily of senior loans to state-licensed
operators in the cannabis industry, secured by real estate, equipment, receivables, licenses or other assets of the borrowers to the
extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations governing such borrowers. We intend to grow the size of our portfolio by continuing
the track record of our business and the business conducted by our Manager and its affiliates by making loans to leading operators and
property owners in the cannabis industry. There is no assurance that we will achieve our investment objective.
Our
Manager and its affiliates seek to originate real estate loans between $5 million and $200 million, generally with one- to five-year
terms and amortization when terms exceed three years. We generally act as co-lenders in such transactions and intend to hold up to $30
million of the aggregate loan amount, with the remainder to be held by affiliates or third party co-investors. We may revise such concentration
limits from time to time as our loan portfolio grows. Other investment vehicles managed by our Manager or affiliates of our Manager may
co-invest with us or hold positions in a loan where we have also invested, including by means of splitting commitments, participating
in loans or other means of syndicating loans. We will not engage in a co-investment transaction with an affiliate where the affiliate
has a senior position to the loan held by us. To the extent that an affiliate provides financing to one of our borrowers, such loans
will be working capital loans or loans that are subordinate to our loans. We may also serve as co-lenders in loans originated by third
parties and, in the future, we may also acquire loans or loan participations. Loans that have a one to two year maturity are generally
interest only loans.
As
of June 30, 2022, our portfolio is comprised primarily of first mortgages to established multi-state or single-state cannabis operators
or property owners. We consider cannabis operators to be established if they are state-licensed and are deemed to be operational by the
applicable state regulator. We do not own any stock, warrants to purchase stock or other forms of equity in any of our portfolio companies
that are involved in the cannabis industry, and we will not take stock, warrants or equity in such issuers until permitted by applicable
laws and regulations, including U.S. federal laws and regulations.
We
are an externally managed Maryland corporation that elected to be taxed as a REIT under Section 856 of the Code, commencing with our
taxable year ending December 31, 2021. We believe that our method of operation will enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT. However,
no assurances can be given that our beliefs or expectations will be fulfilled, since qualification as a REIT depends on us continuing
to satisfy numerous asset, income and distribution tests, which in turn depend, in part, on our operating results. We also intend to
operate our business in a manner that will permit us and our subsidiaries to maintain one or more exclusions or exemptions from registration
under the Investment Company Act.
Revenues
We
operate as one operating segment and are primarily focused on financing senior secured loans and other types of loans for established
state-licensed operators in the cannabis industry. These loans are generally held for investment and are secured by real estate, equipment,
licenses and other assets of the borrowers to the extent permitted by the applicable laws and the regulations governing such borrowers.
We
generate revenue primarily in the form of interest income on loans. As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately 59.8% and
53.2%, respectively, of our portfolio was comprised of floating rate loans, and 40.2% and 46.8% of our portfolio was comprised of fixed
rate loans, respectively. As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, none of our loans earn interest at a variable rate tied to the London
Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Interest on our loans is generally payable monthly . The floating rate loans described
above are variable based upon the prime rate plus an applicable margin, and in many cases, a prime rate floor. The prime rate was 3.25%
for the period from January 1, 2022 through March 16, 2022, and increased to 3.50% effective March 17, 2022. It was increased to 4.00%
effective May 5, 2022 and increased again to 4.75% on June 16, 2022.
The
principal amount of our loans and any accrued but unpaid interest thereon generally become due at the applicable maturity date. In some
cases, our interest income includes a PIK component for a portion of the total interest. The PIK interest, computed at the contractual
rate specified in each applicable loan agreement, is accrued in accordance with the terms of such loan agreement and capitalized to the
principal balance of the loan and recorded as interest income. The PIK interest added to the principal balance is typically amortized
and paid in accordance with the applicable loan agreement. In cases where the loans do not amortize, the PIK interest is collected and
recognized upon repayment of the outstanding principal. We also generate revenue from OID, which is also recognized as interest income
from loans over the initial term of the applicable loans. Delayed draw loans may earn interest or unused fees on the undrawn portion
of the loan, which is recognized as interest income in the period earned. Other fees, including prepayment fees and exit fees, are also
recognized as interest income when received. Any such fees will be generated in connection with our loans and recognized as earned in
accordance with GAAP.
Expenses
Our
primary operating expense is the payment of Base Management Fees and Incentive Compensation under our Management Agreement with our Manager
and the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses paid or incurred on our behalf, including reimbursing our Manager for a certain
portion of the compensation of certain personnel of our Manager who assist in the management of our affairs, excepting only those expenses
that are specifically the responsibility of our Manager pursuant to our Management Agreement. We bear all other costs and expenses of
our operations and transactions, including (without limitation) fees and expenses relating to:
| ● | organizational
and offering expenses; |
| ● | quarterly
valuation expenses; |
| ● | fees
payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making loans and valuing loans (including third-party valuation firms); |
| ● | fees
and expenses associated with investor relations and marketing efforts (including attendance at investment conferences and similar events); |
| ● | federal
and state registration fees; |
| ● | any
exchange listing fees; |
| ● | federal, state and local taxes; |
| ● | independent
directors’ fees and expenses; |
| ● | costs
of proxy statements, stockholders’ reports and notices; and |
| ● | costs
of preparing government filings, including periodic and current reports with the SEC. |
Income
Taxes
We
are a Maryland corporation that elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2021.
We believe that our method of operation will enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT. However, no assurances can be given that our
beliefs or expectations will be fulfilled, since qualification as a REIT depends on us satisfying numerous asset, income and distribution
tests which depend, in part, on our operating results.
To
qualify as a REIT, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we distribute annually
to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income prior to the deduction for dividends paid and our net capital gain. To the
extent that we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income in any tax year (taking into account any distributions made in a
subsequent tax year under Sections 857(b)(9) or 858 of the Code), we will pay tax at regular corporate rates on that undistributed portion.
Furthermore, if we distribute less than the sum of 1) 85% of our ordinary income for the calendar year, 2) 95% of our capital gain net
income for the calendar year, and 3) any Required Distributions to our stockholders during any calendar year (including any distributions
declared by the last day of the calendar year but paid in the subsequent year), then we are required to pay a non-deductible excise tax
equal to 4% of any shortfall between the Required Distribution and the amount that was actually distributed. The 90% distribution requirement
does not require the distribution of net capital gains. However, if we elect to retain any of our net capital gain for any tax year,
we must notify our stockholders and pay tax at regular corporate rates on the retained net capital gain. The stockholders must include
their proportionate share of the retained net capital gain in their taxable income for the tax year, and they are deemed to have paid
the REIT’s tax on their proportionate share of the retained capital gain. Furthermore, such retained capital gain may be subject
to the nondeductible 4% excise tax. If it is determined that our estimated current year taxable income will be in excess of estimated
dividend distributions (including capital gain dividend) for the current year from such income, we accrue excise tax on estimated excess
taxable income as such taxable income is earned. The annual expense is calculated in accordance with applicable tax regulations. Excise
tax expense is included in the line item, income tax expense.
FASB
ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the consolidated
financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also provides
guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. We have
analyzed our various federal and state filing positions and believe that our income tax filing positions and deductions are well documented
and supported as of June 30, 2022. Based on our evaluation, there is no reserve for any uncertain income tax positions. Accrued interest
and penalties, if any, are included within other liabilities in the balance sheets.
Factors
Impacting our Operating Results
The
results of our operations are affected by a number of factors and primarily depend on, among other things, the level of our net interest
income, the market value of our assets and the supply of, and demand for, commercial real estate debt and other financial assets in the
marketplace. Our net interest income, which includes the accretion and amortization of OID, is recognized based on the contractual rate
and the outstanding principal balance of the loans we originate. Interest rates will vary according to the type of loan, conditions in
the financial markets, creditworthiness of our borrowers, competition and other factors, some of which cannot be predicted with any certainty.
Our operating results may also be impacted by credit losses in excess of initial anticipations or unanticipated credit events experienced
by borrowers.
Developments
During the Second Quarter of 2022
Updates
to Our Loan Portfolio during the Second Quarter of 2022
During the quarter ended June 30, 2022, we closed
a credit facility with one new borrower, which included an aggregate commitment of $17.0 million, all of which was advanced at closing.
Additionally, we advanced $34.2 million in aggregate principal on existing credit facilities to seven different borrowers.
Subsequent Updates to Our Loan Portfolio
On July 8, 2022, the Company sold a senior secured loan to an affiliate
under common control. The selling price of approximately $6.7 million was determined using Level 3 inputs and approved by the audit committee
of the Board. The fair value approximated the carrying value of the loan plus accrued and unpaid interest through July 8, 2022.
On August 4, 2022, we assigned $10.0 million of unfunded commitment
of a senior secured loan to an affiliate.
Dividends Declared Per Share
For the period from April 1, 2022 through June
30, 2022, we declared a cash dividend of $0.47 per share of our common stock, relating to the second quarter of 2022, which was paid on
July 15, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 30, 2022. The total amount of the cash dividend payment was
approximately $8.3 million.
The
payment of these dividends is not indicative of our ability to pay such dividends in the future.
Results
of Operations
For the three months ended June 30, 2022
and March 31, 2022
| |
For the three months ended | | |
For the three months ended | |
| |
June 30, 2022 | | |
March 31, 2022 | |
Revenue | |
| | |
| |
Interest income | |
$ | 11,850,028 | | |
$ | 9,833,053 | |
Interest expense | |
| (449,556 | ) | |
| (72,268 | ) |
Net interest income | |
| 11,400,472 | | |
| 9,760,785 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Expenses | |
| | | |
| | |
Management and incentive fees, net | |
| 1,247,561 | | |
| 671,505 | |
General and administrative expense | |
| 777,212 | | |
| 556,141 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 1,045,665 | | |
| 51,343 | |
Professional fees | |
| 743,670 | | |
| 556,904 | |
Stock based compensation | |
| 122,525 | | |
| 120,940 | |
Total expenses | |
| 3,936,633 | | |
| 1,956,833 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Net Income before income taxes | |
| 7,463,839 | | |
| 7,803,952 | |
Income tax expense | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net Income | |
$ | 7,463,839 | | |
$ | 7,803,952 | |
| ● | Interest income increased as we deployed approximately
$51.2 million in loans for the three months ended June 30, 2022 reflecting an increase in interest income as compared to the three months
ended March 31, 2022. |
| ● | We drew $45.0 million on the revolver during
the three months ended June 30, 2022 contributing to an increase in interest expense that previously included only amortization of deferred
financing costs. |
| ● | We incurred base management and incentive fees
payable to our Manager of approximately $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to $671,505 for the three months
ended March 31, 2022 primarily as a result of lower origination fees in the three months ended June 30, 2022 compared to the three months
ended March 31, 2022 that reduce the base management fee and higher annualized core earnings for incentive fees in the three months ended
June 30, 2022 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. |
| ● | General and administrative expenses increased
for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 primarily due to an increase overhead reimbursements
for costs incurred by the Manager on behalf of the Company. |
| ● | Provision for current expected credit losses
increased in the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 primarily due to our quarterly
re-evaluation of overall current macroeconomic conditions and not related to specific factors impacting the credit quality of our borrowers.
The current expected credit loss reserve represents 35 basis points of our total loans held at carrying value commitment balance of approximately
$357.1 million and was bifurcated between (i) the current expected credit loss reserve (contra-asset) related to outstanding balances
on loans held at carrying value of approximately $1.2 million and (ii) a liability for unfunded commitments of $41,532. The liability
is based on the unfunded portion of loan commitments over the full contractual period over which we are exposed to credit risk through
a current obligation to extend credit. Management considered the likelihood that funding will occur, and if funded, the expected credit
loss on the funded portion. We continuously evaluate the credit quality of each loan by assessing the risk factors of each loan. |
| ● | Professional fees increased in the three months
ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 primarily as a result of higher audit and consulting fees. |
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 and
period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021
| |
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 | | |
Period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021 | |
Revenue | |
| | |
| |
Interest income | |
$ | 21,683,081 | | |
$ | 1,154,489 | |
Interest expense | |
| (521,824 | ) | |
| (16,712 | ) |
Net interest income | |
| 21,161,257 | | |
| 1,137,777 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Expenses | |
| | | |
| | |
Management and incentive fees, net | |
| 1,919,066 | | |
| - | |
General and administrative expense | |
| 1,333,353 | | |
| - | |
Organizational expense | |
| - | | |
| 69,226 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 1,097,008 | | |
| - | |
Professional fees | |
| 1,300,574 | | |
| - | |
Stock based compensation | |
| 243,465 | | |
| - | |
Total expenses | |
| 5,893,466 | | |
| 69,226 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Net Income before income taxes | |
| 15,267,791 | | |
| 1,068,551 | |
Income tax expense | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net Income | |
$ | 15,267,791 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | |
We commenced operations on March 30, 2021 and,
therefore, the comparative period for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 is from March 30, 2021 to June 30, 2021 (the “Prior
Period” or “period ended June 30, 2021”).
| ● | Interest income increased as we deployed a
significant amount of capital subsequent to June 30, 2021 as a result of our initial public offering, reflecting an increasing
trend in interest income. |
| ● | We drew $45.0 million on the revolver during
the six months ended June 30, 2022 contributing to an increase in interest expense that previously included only amortization of deferred
financing costs for the comparative prior year period. |
| ● | We incurred base management fees payable to our Manager for the six months
ended June 30, 2022 of approximately $1.9 million and $0 for the period of inception to June 30, 2021. Pursuant to Fee Waiver Letter Agreements
executed by our Manager, dated June 30, 2021, all base management fees that would have been payable to our Manager for the period from
May 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021 were voluntarily waived and are not subject to recoupment at a later date. Our Manager has incurred general
administrative expenses on our behalf and was reimbursed approximately $1.2 million for six months ended June 30, 2022. For the period
ended June 30, 2021, all reimbursements to our Manager for general and administrative expenses were waived. |
| ● | Provision for current expected credit losses
increased in the six months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the period ended June 30, 2021 primarily due to our quarterly re-evaluation
of overall current macroeconomic conditions and not related to specific factors impacting the credit quality of our borrowers. The current
expected credit loss reserve represents 35 basis points of our total loans held at carrying value commitment balance of approximately
$357.1 million and was bifurcated between (i) the current expected credit loss reserve (contra-asset) related to outstanding balances
on loans held at carrying value of approximately $1.2 million and (ii) a liability for unfunded commitments of $41,532. |
| ● | Professional fees increased in the six months
ended June 30, 2022 as compared to the period ended June 30, 2021 primarily as a result of higher audit and consulting fees. |
| ● | Stock based compensation was issued in December
2021 resulting in $243,465 in stock compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2022. |
Loan
Portfolio
As
of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, our portfolio included 22 and 21 loans held for investment of approximately $330.2 million and
$197.0 million of loans receivable, respectively. The aggregate originated commitment under these loans was approximately $357.1 million
and $235.1 million and outstanding principal was approximately $334.3 million and $200.6 million as of June 30, 2022 and December 31,
2021, respectively. As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, our loan portfolio had a weighted-average yield-to-maturity internal rate
of return (“YTM IRR”) of 17.7% and 18.6%, respectively and was secured by real estate and, with respect to certain of our
loans, substantially all assets in the borrowers and certain of their subsidiaries, including equipment, receivables, and licenses. YTM
IRR is calculated using various inputs, including (i) cash and payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, which is capitalized and
added to the outstanding principal balance of the applicable loan, (ii) original issue discount (“OID”), (iii) amortization,
(iv) unused fees, and (v) exit fees. Certain of our loans have extension fees, which are not included in our YTM IRR calculations, but
may increase YTM IRR if such extension options are exercised by borrowers.
As
of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company did not have any loans held for investment with floating interest rates tied to LIBOR.
As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately 59.8% and 53.2%, respectively, of its portfolio was comprised of floating rate
loans that pay interest at the prime rate plus an applicable margin, and were subject to a prime rate floor. The prime rate was 3.25%
for the period from January 1, 2022 through March 16, 2022, increased to 3.5% effective March 17, 2022, increased to 4.0% effective May
5, 2022, and increased again to 4.75% effective June 16, 2022. The below summarizes our portfolio as of June 30, 2022:
|
|
Funding |
|
Maturity |
|
Total |
|
|
Principal |
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Our
Loan |
|
|
Future |
|
|
Periodic |
|
|
YTM |
|
|
|
Loan |
|
Date
(1) |
|
Date
(2) |
|
Commitment
(3) |
|
|
Balance |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Portfolio |
|
|
Fundings |
|
|
Interest
Rate (4) |
|
|
Payment
(5) |
|
IRR
(6) |
|
1(8) |
|
7/2/2020 |
|
5/30/2023 |
|
|
30,000,000 |
|
|
|
30,000,000 |
|
|
|
29,596,545 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
10.07% |
|
|
I/O |
|
|
13.1 |
% |
2 |
|
11/19/2020 |
|
1/31/2025 |
|
|
7,250,000 |
|
|
|
6,957,500 |
|
|
|
6,694,554 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
P
+ 11.00%(7) |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
18.5 |
% |
3 |
|
3/5/2021 |
|
12/31/2024 |
|
|
35,891,667 |
|
|
|
36,343,859 |
|
|
|
36,141,375 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
P
+ 6.65%(7) Cash, 3.25% PIK |
|
|
I/O |
|
|
15.8 |
% |
4 |
|
3/25/2021 |
|
3/31/2024 |
|
|
20,105,628 |
|
|
|
20,539,287 |
|
|
|
20,024,856 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13.625%
Cash, 2.75% PIK |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
20.0 |
% |
5(9) |
|
4/19/2021 |
|
4/28/2023 |
|
|
12,900,000 |
|
|
|
11,229,539 |
|
|
|
11,229,539 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
|
1,619,952 |
|
|
|
19.85% |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
23.6 |
% |
6 |
|
4/19/2021 |
|
4/28/2023 |
|
|
3,500,000 |
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
P
+ 12.25%(7) |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
23.0 |
% |
7 |
|
5/28/2021 |
|
5/31/2025 |
|
|
12,900,000 |
|
|
|
13,129,000 |
|
|
|
13,129,000 |
|
|
|
4.0 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
P
+ 10.75%(7) Cash, 4% PIK(10) |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
21.1 |
% |
8 |
|
8/20/2021 |
|
2/20/2024 |
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
4,500,000 |
|
|
|
4,493,435 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
% |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
P
+ 9.00%(7) |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
14.4 |
% |
9 |
|
8/24/2021 |
|
8/30/2024 |
|
|
25,000,000 |
|
|
|
23,020,760 |
|
|
|
22,755,571 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
% |
|
|
2,142,857 |
|
|
|
13%
Cash, 2.5% PIK |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
16.9 |
% |
10 |
|
9/1/2021 |
|
9/1/2024 |
|
|
9,500,000 |
|
|
|
9,648,063 |
|
|
|
9,510,542 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
P
+ 9.25%(7) Cash, 2% PIK |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
18.8 |
% |
11 |
|
9/3/2021 |
|
6/30/2024 |
|
|
15,000,000 |
|
|
|
15,379,246 |
|
|
|
15,379,246 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
P
+ 10.75%(7) Cash, 3% PIK |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
20.5 |
% |
12 |
|
9/20/2021 |
|
9/30/2024 |
|
|
470,411 |
|
|
|
352,808 |
|
|
|
352,808 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
11.00% |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
21.4 |
% |
13 |
|
9/30/2021 |
|
9/30/2024 |
|
|
32,000,000 |
|
|
|
32,314,053 |
|
|
|
31,509,104 |
|
|
|
9.5 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
P
+ 8.75%(7) Cash, 2% PIK |
|
|
I/O |
|
|
18.4 |
% |
14 |
|
11/8/2021 |
|
10/31/2024 |
|
|
20,000,000 |
|
|
|
20,000,000 |
|
|
|
19,764,522 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
13.00% |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
15.8 |
% |
15 |
|
11/22/2021 |
|
11/22/2022 |
|
|
10,600,000 |
|
|
|
10,600,000 |
|
|
|
10,543,599 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
P
+ 7.00%(7) |
|
|
I/O |
|
|
13.4 |
% |
16 |
|
12/27/2021 |
|
12/27/2026 |
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
15%
Cash, 2.5% PIK |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
18.5 |
% |
17 |
|
12/29/2021 |
|
12/29/2023 |
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
3,692,478 |
|
|
|
3,625,040 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
2,400,000 |
|
|
|
10.50%
Cash, 1% to 5% PIK(11) |
|
|
I/O |
|
|
18.3 |
% |
18 |
|
12/30/2021 |
|
12/31/2024 |
|
|
13,000,000 |
|
|
|
7,500,000 |
|
|
|
7,437,443 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
% |
|
|
5,500,000 |
|
|
|
P
+ 9.25%(7) |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
29.4 |
% |
19 |
|
1/18/2022 |
|
1/31/2025 |
|
|
25,000,000 |
|
|
|
15,000,000 |
|
|
|
14,674,340 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
% |
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
11.00% |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
14.4 |
% |
20 |
|
2/3/2022 |
|
2/28/2025 |
|
|
30,000,000 |
|
|
|
30,369,303 |
|
|
|
29,847,983 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
P
+ 8.25%(7) Cash, 3% PIK |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
22.0 |
% |
21 |
|
3/11/2022 |
|
8/29/2025 |
|
|
20,000,000 |
|
|
|
20,172,651 |
|
|
|
20,080,825 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
11%
Cash, 3% PIK |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
15.3 |
% |
22 |
|
5/9/2022 |
|
5/30/2025 |
|
|
17,000,000 |
|
|
|
17,073,745 |
|
|
|
16,911,659 |
|
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
11.00%
Cash, 3% PIK |
|
|
P&I |
|
|
15.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Subtotal |
|
|
357,117,706 |
|
|
|
334,322,292
|
|
|
|
330,201,986 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
25,162,809 |
|
|
|
14.8% |
|
|
Wtd
Average |
|
|
17.7 |
% |
| (1) | All
loans originated prior to April 1, 2021 were purchased from affiliated entities at fair value plus accrued interest on or subsequent
to April 1, 2021. |
| (2) | Certain
loans have extension options from original maturity date. |
| (3) | Total
Commitment excludes future amounts to be advanced at sole discretion of the lender |
| (4) | “P”
= prime rate and depicts floating rate loans that pay interest at the prime rate plus a specific percentage; “PIK” = paid
in kind interest. |
| (5) | P&I
= principal and interest. I/O = interest only. P&I loans may include interest only periods for a portion of the loan term. |
| (6) | Includes
OID, unused fees, and exit fees, but assumes no prepayment penalties or early payoffs. |
| (7) | Subject
to prime rate floor. |
| (8) | The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #1 includes a $4.005 million
initial advance, which has an interest rate of 15.25%, a second advance of $15.995 million, which has an interest rate of 9.75%, and a
third advance of $10.0 million, which has an interest rate of 8.5%. The statistics presented reflect the weighted average of the terms
under all three advances for the total aggregate loan commitment. |
| (9) | The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #5 includes a $9.3 million initial
advance, which has a base interest rate of 15.25% and 2.00% PIK, and a second advance of $2.0 million, which has an interest rate of 39.00%.
The statistics presented reflect the weighted average of the terms under both advances for the total aggregate loan commitment. |
| (10) | Subject
to adjustment not below 2% if borrower receives at least two consecutive quarters of positive cash flow after the closing date. |
| (11) | PIK is variable with an initial rate of five percent (5.00%) per annum,
until borrower’s delivery of audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, at which time the PIK interest
rate shall be adjusted to a rate of 1% to 5% contingent on the financial results of the borrower. |
The
following tables summarize our loans held for investment as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
| |
As of June 30, 2022 | |
| |
Outstanding Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Carrying Value | | |
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) | |
Senior Term Loans | |
$ | 334,322,292 | | |
$ | (4,120,306 | ) | |
$ | 330,201,986 | | |
| __2.3 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (1,203,424 | ) | |
| | |
Total loans held at carrying value, net | |
$ | 334,322,292 | | |
$ | (4,120,306 | ) | |
| 332,998,562 | | |
| | |
| |
As of December 31, 2021 | |
| |
Outstanding Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Carrying Value | | |
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) | |
Senior Term Loans | |
$ | 200,632,056 | | |
$ | (3,647,490 | ) | |
$ | 196,984,566 | | |
| 2.2 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (134,542 | ) | |
| | |
Total loans held at carrying value, net | |
$ | 200,632,056 | | |
$ | (3,647,490 | ) | |
$ | 196,850,024 | | |
| | |
The
following table presents changes in loans held for investment at carrying value as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2022:
| |
Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Current
Expected
Credit Loss
Reserve | | |
Carrying Value | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | |
$ | 200,632,056 | | |
$ | (3,647,490 | ) | |
$ | (134,542 | ) | |
$ | 196,850,024 | |
New fundings | |
| 137,944,312 | | |
| (1,835,592 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 136,108,720 | |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| (6,654,703 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (6,654,703 | ) |
Accretion of original issue discount | |
| - | | |
| 1,362,776 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,362,776 | |
PIK Interest | |
| 2,400,627 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 2,400,627 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (1,068,882 | ) | |
| (1,068,882 | ) |
Balance at June 30, 2022 | |
$ | 334,322,292 | | |
$ | (4,120,306 | ) | |
$ | (1,203,424 | ) | |
$ | 328,998,562 | |
| |
Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Current
Expected
Credit Loss
Reserve | | |
Carrying Value | |
Balance at March 30, 2021 (inception) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | |
Loans contributed | |
| 25,185,837 | | |
| (245,416 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 24,940,421 | |
New fundings | |
| 32,700,000 | | |
| (682,500 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 32,017,500 | |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| (46,667 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (46,667 | ) |
Accretion of original issue discount | |
| - | | |
| 64,061 | | |
| - | | |
| 64,061 | |
Sale of loans | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
PIK Interest | |
| 51,767 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 51,767 | |
Balance at June 30, 2021 | |
$ | 57,890,937 | | |
$ | (863,855 | ) | |
| - | | |
$ | 57,027,082 | |
We
may make modifications to loans, including loans that are in default. Loan terms that may be modified include interest rates, required
prepayments, maturity dates, covenants, principal amounts and other loan terms. The terms and conditions of each modification vary based
on individual circumstances and will be determined on a case by case basis. Our Manager monitors and evaluates each of our loans held
for investment and has maintained regular communications with borrowers regarding the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our
loans.
CECL Reserve
In accordance with ASC 326, we record allowances
for our loans held for investment. The allowances are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets to present the net carrying
value of the amounts expected to be collected on such assets. The Company estimates its CECL Reserve using among other inputs, third-party
valuations, and a third-party probability-weighted model that considers the likelihood of default and expected loss given default for
each individual loan based on the risk profile for approximately three years after which we immediately revert to use of historical loss
data. In the future, we may use other acceptable methods, such as a discounted cash flow method, WARM method, or other methods permitted
under the standard.
ASC 326 requires an entity to consider historical
loss experience, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast of the macroeconomic environment. We consider multiple
datapoints and methodologies that may include likelihood of default and expected loss given default for each individual loans, valuations
derived from discount cash flows (“DCF”), and other inputs including the risk rating of the loan, how recently the loan was
originated compared to the measurement date, and expected prepayment, if applicable. The measurement of expected credit losses under CECL
is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, and off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded loan commitments.
We evaluate our loans on a collective (pool) basis
by aggregating on the basis of similar risk characteristics as explained above. We make the judgment that loans to cannabis-related borrowers
that are fully collateralized by real estate exhibit similar risk characteristics and are evaluated as a pool. Further, loans that have
no real estate collateral, but are secured by other forms of collateral, including equity pledges of the borrower, and otherwise have
similar characteristics as those collateralized by real estate are evaluated as a pool. All other loans are analyzed individually, either
because they operate in a different industry, may have a different risk profile, or have maturities that extend beyond the forecast horizon
for which we are able to derive reasonable and supportable forecasts.
Estimating the CECL Reserve also requires significant
judgment with respect to various factors, including (i) the appropriate historical loan loss reference data, (ii) the expected timing
of loan repayments, (iii) calibration of the likelihood of default to reflect the risk characteristics of our loan portfolio and (iv)
our current and future view of the macroeconomic environment. From time to time, we may consider loan-specific qualitative factors on
certain loans to estimate our CECL Reserve, which may include (i) whether cash from the borrower’s operations is sufficient to cover
the debt service requirements currently and into the future, (ii) the ability of the borrower to refinance the loan and (iii) the liquidation
value of collateral. For loans where we have deemed the borrower/sponsor to be experiencing financial difficulty, we may elect to apply
a practical expedient, in which the fair value of the underlying collateral is compared to the amortized cost of the loan in determining
a CECL Reserve.
To estimate the historic loan losses relevant to
our portfolio, we evaluate our historical loan performance, which includes zero realized loan losses since our inception of operations.
Additionally, we analyzed our repayment history, noting we have limited “true” operating history, since the incorporation
date of March 30, 2021. However, our Sponsor has had operations for the past two fiscal years and has made investments in similar loans
that have similar characteristics, including interest rate, collateral coverage, guarantees, and prepayment/make whole provisions, which
fall into the pools identified above. Given the similarity of the structuring of the credit agreements for the loans in our portfolio,
management considered it appropriate to consider the past repayment history of loans originated by the Sponsor in determining the extent
to which we should record a CECL Reserve.
In addition, we review each loan on a quarterly
basis and evaluates the borrower’s ability to pay the monthly interest and principal, if required, as well as the loan-to-value
(LTV) ratio. In considering the potential current expected credit loss, the Manager primarily considers significant inputs to our forecasting
methods, which include (i) key loan-specific inputs such as the value of the real estate collateral, liens on equity (including the equity
in the entity that holds the state-issued license to cultivate, process, distribute, or retail cannabis), presence of personal or corporate
guarantees, among other credit enhancements, LTV ratio, ratio type (fixed or floating) and IRR, loan-term, geographic location, and expected
timing and amount of future loan fundings, (ii) performance against the underwritten business plan and our internal loan risk rating and
(iii) a macro-economic forecast. Estimating the enterprise value of our borrowers in order to calculate LTV ratios is often a significant
estimate. We rely primarily on comparable transactions to estimate enterprise value of our portfolio companies and supplement such analysis
with a multiple-based approach to enterprise value to revenue multiples of publicly-traded comparable companies obtained from S&P
CapitalIQ as of the quarter end, to which we apply a private company discount based on our current borrower profile. These estimates may
change in future periods based on available future macro-economic data and might result in a material change in our future estimates of
expected credit losses for our loan portfolio.
Regarding real estate collateral, we generally
cannot take the position of mortgagee-in-possession as long as the property is used by a cannabis operator, but we can request that the
court appoint a receiver to manage and operate the subject real property until the foreclosure proceedings are completed. Additionally,
while we cannot foreclose under state Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) and take title or sell equity in a licensed cannabis
business, a potential purchaser of a delinquent or defaulted loan could.
In order to estimate the future expected loan losses
relevant to our portfolio, we utilize historical market loan loss data obtained from a third-party database for commercial real estate
loans, which we believe is a reasonably comparable and available data set to use as an input for our type of loans. We expect this dataset
to be representative for future credit losses whilst considering that the cannabis industry is maturing, and consumer adoption, demand
for production, and retail capacity are increasing akin to commercial real estate over time. For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable
forecast period, we revert back to historical loss data.
All of the above assumptions, although made with
the most available information at the time of the estimate, are subjective and actual activity may not follow the estimated schedule.
These assumptions impact the future balances that the loss rate will be applied to and as such impact our CECL Reserve. As we acquire
new loans and our Manager monitors loan and borrower performance, these estimates will be revised each period.
Risk Ratings
We assess the risk factors of each loan, and assign
a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, payment history, real estate collateral coverage, property
type, geographic and local market dynamics, financial performance, enterprise value of the portfolio company, loan structure and exit
strategy, and project sponsorship. This review is performed quarterly. Based on a 5-point scale, our loans are rated “1” through
“5,” from less risk to greater risk, which ratings are defined as follows:
Rating |
|
Definition |
1 |
|
Very low risk |
2 |
|
Low risk |
3 |
|
Moderate/average risk |
4 |
|
High risk/potential for loss: a loan that has a risk of realizing a principal loss |
5 |
|
Impaired/loss likely: a loan that has a high risk of realizing principal loss, has incurred principal loss or an impairment has been recorded |
The risk ratings are primarily based on historical data and current conditions
specific to each portfolio company, as well as consideration of future economic conditions and each borrower’s estimated ability
to meet debt service requirements. The declines in risk ratings shown in the following table from December 31, 2021 to June 30, 2022,
are not due to any borrower specific credit issues relating to the borrowers, but rather, is primarily due to our quarterly re-evaluation
of overall current macroeconomic conditions affecting our borrowers. This decline in risk ratings did not have a significant effect on
the level of the current expected credit loss reserve because the loans continue to perform as agreed and the fair value of the underlying
collateral exceeds the amount outstanding.
As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the
carrying value, excluding the CECL Reserve, of the Company’s loans within each risk rating by year of origination is as follows:
|
|
As of June 30, 20221 |
|
Risk Rating |
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
Total |
|
1 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
34,546,303 |
|
|
|
29,596,545 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
64,142,848 |
|
2 |
|
|
87,808,199 |
|
|
|
82,382,609 |
|
|
|
6,694,554 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
176,885,362 |
|
3 |
|
|
29,847,983 |
|
|
|
54,325,793 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
84,173,776 |
|
4 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
5 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total |
|
|
117,656,182 |
|
|
|
176,254,705 |
|
|
|
36,291,099 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
330,201,986 |
|
| (1) | Amounts are presented by loan origination year with subsequent advances shown in the original year of origination. |
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2021 |
|
Risk Rating |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|
2019 |
|
|
Total |
|
1 |
|
|
$ |
135,076,307 |
|
|
$ |
32,242,114 |
|
|
$ |
590,384 |
|
|
$ |
167,908,805 |
|
2 |
|
|
|
29,075,761 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
29,075,761 |
|
3 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
4 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
5 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total |
|
|
|
164,152,068 |
|
|
|
32,242,114 |
|
|
|
590,384 |
|
|
|
196,984,566 |
|
Non-GAAP
Measures and Key Financial Measures and Indicators
As
a commercial real estate finance company, we believe the key financial measures and indicators for our business are Distributable Earnings,
Adjusted Distributable Earnings, book value per share and dividends declared per share.
Distributable
Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings
In addition to using certain financial metrics
prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate our performance, we also use Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings to
evaluate our performance. Each of Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings is a measure that is not prepared in accordance
with GAAP. We define Distributable Earnings as, for a specified period, the net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding
(i) non-cash equity compensation expense, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) any unrealized gains, losses or other non-cash items
recorded in net income (loss) for the period; provided that Distributable Earnings does not exclude, in the case of investments with a
deferred interest feature (such as OID, debt instruments with PIK interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we have not
yet received in cash, (iv) provision for current expected credit losses and (v) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain
non-cash charges, in each case after discussions between our Manager and our independent directors and after approval by a majority of
such independent directors. We define Adjusted Distributable Earnings, for a specified period, as Distributable Earnings excluding certain
non-recurring organizational expenses (such as one-time expenses related to our formation and start-up).
We believe providing Distributable Earnings and
Adjusted Distributable Earnings on a supplemental basis to our net income as determined in accordance with GAAP is helpful to stockholders
in assessing the overall performance of our business. As a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable
income and to pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that we annually distribute less than 100% of such taxable income. Given
these requirements and our belief that dividends are generally one of the principal reasons that stockholders invest in our common stock,
we generally intend to attempt to pay dividends to our stockholders in an amount equal to our net taxable income, if and to the extent
authorized by our Board. Distributable Earnings is one of many factors considered by our Board in authorizing dividends and, while not
a direct measure of net taxable income, over time, the measure can be considered a useful indicator of our dividends.
Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable
Earnings should not be considered as substitutes for GAAP net income. We caution readers that our methodology for calculating Distributable
Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings may differ from the methodologies employed by other REITs to calculate the same or similar
supplemental performance measures, and as a result, our reported Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other REITs.
The following table provides a reconciliation of
GAAP net income to Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings (in thousands, except per share data):
| |
For the three months ended June 30, 2022 | | |
For the three months ended June 30, 2021 | | |
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 | | |
Period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021 | |
Net Income | |
$ | 7,463,839 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | | |
$ | 15,267,791 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | |
Adjustments to net income | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Non-cash equity compensation expense | |
| 122,525 | | |
| - | | |
| 243,465 | | |
| - | |
Depreciation and amortization | |
| 168,826 | | |
| 16,712 | | |
| 241,095 | | |
| 16,712 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 1,045,665 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,097,008 | | |
| - | |
Distributable Earnings | |
$ | 8,800,855 | | |
$ | 1,085,263 | | |
$ | 16,849,359 | | |
$ | 1,085,263 | |
Adjustments to Distributable Earnings | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Adjusted Distributable Earnings | |
| 8,800,855 | | |
| 1,085,263 | | |
| 16,849,359 | | |
| 1,085,263 | |
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) | |
| 17,657,913 | | |
| 2,407,329 | | |
| 17,649,548 | | |
| 2,355,559 | |
Adjusted Distributable Earnings per Weighted Average Share | |
$ | 0.50 | | |
$ | 0.45 | | |
$ | 0.95 | | |
$ | 0.46 | |
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) | |
| 17,752,413 | | |
| 2,407,329 | | |
| 17,745,234 | | |
| 2,355,559 | |
Adjusted Distributable Earnings per Weighted Average Share | |
$ | 0.50 | | |
$ | 0.45 | | |
$ | 0.95 | | |
$ | 0.46 | |
Book Value Per Share
The book value per share of our common stock as
of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was approximately $15.13.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential
cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain our assets and operations, make distributions
to our stockholders and meet other general business needs. We use significant cash to invest in loans, repay principal and interest on
our borrowings, make distributions to our stockholders and fund our operations.
Our primary sources of cash generally consist of
unused borrowing capacity under our financing sources, the net proceeds of future offerings of equity or debt securities, payments of
principal and interest we receive on our portfolio of assets and cash generated from our operating results. We expect that our primary
sources of financing will be, to the extent available to us, through (a) credit facilities and (b) public and private offerings of our
equity and debt securities. In the future, we may utilize other sources of financing to the extent available to us. As the cannabis industry
continues to evolve and to the extent that additional states legalize cannabis, the demand for capital continues to increase as operators
seek to enter and build out new markets. We expect the principal amount of the loans we originate to increase and that we will need to
raise additional equity and/or debt financing to increase our liquidity in the near future.
As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, all
of our cash was unrestricted and totaled approximately $6.6 million and $80.2 million, respectively. We believe that our cash on hand,
capacity available under our Revolving Loan and cash flows from operations for the next twelve months will be sufficient to satisfy the
operating requirements of our business through at least the next twelve months. The sources of financing for our target investments are
described below.
Credit Facilities
In May 2021, in connection with our acquisition
of our financing subsidiary, CAL, we were assigned a secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan”). The Revolving
Loan has an aggregate borrowing base of up to $10,000,000 and bears interest, payable in cash in arrears, at a per annum rate equal to
the greater of (x) Prime Rate plus 1.00% and (y) 4.75%. We incurred debt issuance costs of $100,000 related to the origination of the
Revolving Loan, which were capitalized and are subsequently being amortized through maturity. The maturity date of the Revolving Loan
is the earlier of (i) February 12, 2023 and (ii) the date on which the Revolving Loan is terminated pursuant to terms in the Revolving
Loan agreement.
On December 16, 2021, we amended the Revolving
Loan (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment increased the loan commitment from $10,000,000 to $45,000,000, decreased
the interest rate, from the greater of the (1) Prime Rate plus 1.00% and (2) 4.75% to the greater of (1) the Prime Rate plus the applicable
margin and (2) 3.25%. The applicable margin depends on the ratio of debt to equity of CAL and increases from 0% at a ratio of 0.25 to
1 to 1.25% at a ratio of 1.5 to 1. The First Amendment also extended the maturity date from February 12, 2023 to the earlier of (i) December
16, 2023 and (ii) the date on which the Revolving Loan is terminated pursuant to terms in the Revolving Loan agreement. We incurred debt
issuance costs of $859,500 related to the First Amendment, which were capitalized and are subsequently being amortized through maturity.
On May 12, 2022, we amended the Revolving Loan
(the “Second Amendment”) which provides for an increase in the aggregate commitment from $45 million to $65 million. No other
material terms of the Revolving Loan were modified as a result of the execution of the Second Amendment. As of June 30, 2022 and December
31, 2021, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Revolving Loan and First and Second Amendments of $804,188 and $868,022, respectively,
are recorded in other receivables and assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Revolving Loan incurs unused fees at a rate
of 0.25% per annum. During the six month period ended June 30, 2022, we incurred zero unused fees as these fees do not begin until June
2022 in connection with the Second Amendment. For the period from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, we borrowed $45.0 million against
the Revolving Loan and incurred $276,563 in interest expense for the period then ended. In the future, we may use certain sources of
financing to fund the origination or acquisition of our target investments, including credit facilities and other secured and unsecured
forms of borrowing. These financings may be collateralized or non-collateralized and may involve one or more lenders. We expect that
these facilities will typically have maturities ranging from two to five years and may accrue interest at either fixed or floating rates.
The First Amendment and the Second Amendment provide
for certain affirmative covenants, including requiring us to deliver financial information and any notices of default, and conducting
business in the normal course. Additionally, the Company must comply with certain financial covenants including: (1) maximum capital
expenditures of $150,000, (2) maintaining a debt service coverage ratio greater than 1.35 to 1, and (3) maintaining a leverage ratio
less than 1.50 to 1. To the best of our knowledge, as of June 30, 2022, we were in compliance in all material respects with the covenants
with respect to the Revolving Loan.
During the period ended June 30, 2022 we borrowed
$45.0 million against the Revolving Loan and had $45.0 million outstanding at June 30, 2022. For the period ended December 31, 2021 we
did not borrow against the Revolving Loan and therefore had $0 outstanding under the Revolving Loan as of such date.
Capital Markets
We may seek to raise further equity capital and
issue debt securities in order to fund our future investments in loans.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth changes in cash
for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and the period March 30, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021, respectively:
| |
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 | | |
Period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to June 30, 2021 | |
Net income | |
$ | 15,267,791 | | |
$ | 1,068,551 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities and changes in operating assets and liabilities | |
| (7,893,109 | ) | |
| 386,544 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | |
| 7,374,682 | | |
| 1,455,095 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | |
| (118,729,079 | ) | |
| (31,970,833 | ) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | |
| 37,728,967 | | |
| 31,359,323 | |
Change in cash | |
$ | (73,625,430 | ) | |
$ | 843,585 | |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, net cash provided
by operating activities totaled approximately $7.4 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, adjustments to net income related
to operating activities primarily included accretion of deferred loan original issue discount and other discounts of approximately $1.4
million, PIK interest of approximately $2.4 million, provision for current expected credit losses of approximately $1.1 million, amortization
of deferred financing costs relating to the revolving credit facility of $241,095, and stock-based compensation expense of $243,465.
Additionally, other changes in operating assets and liabilities were approximately $5.7 million, of which approximately $6.2 million
is attributable to interest reserves disbursed offset by a related party payable of $739,950 and a $342,438 increase in management fee
payable. In the comparable prior year period, the company commenced operations on March 30, 2021, and therefore did not have comparable
operating activity.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, net cash used
in investing activities totaled approximately $118.7 million. The net cash used in investing activities was primarily a result of the
cash used for the origination and funding of loans held for investment of approximately $125.4 million, exceeding the cash received from
principal repayment of loans held for investment of approximately $6.7 million for the period of January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022.
In the comparable prior year period, the company commenced operations on March 30, 2021, and therefore did not have comparable investing
activity.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, net cash provided by financing
activities totaled approximately $37.7 million and related to drawdowns on the revolving credit facility of $45.0 million, approximately
$4.5 million in proceeds received from the underwriters’ partial exercise of their over-allotment option, less approximately $11.6
million in dividends paid and offering costs relating to our initial public offering of approximately $24,000 and $177,261 in debt issuance
costs paid.
During the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) through June 30,
2021, we received $31,359,323 in cash from financing activities related to proceeds received from the issuance of shares of our common
stock.
Leverage Policies
Although we are not required to maintain any particular
leverage ratio, we expect to employ prudent amounts of leverage and, when appropriate, to use debt as a means of providing additional
funds for the acquisition of loans, to refinance existing debt or for general corporate purposes. Leverage is primarily used to provide
capital for forward commitments until additional equity is raised or additional medium- to long-term financing is arranged. This policy
is subject to change by management and our Board.
Dividends
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for United
States federal income tax purposes and, as such, anticipate annually distributing to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable
income, prior to the deduction for dividends paid and our net capital gain. If we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income
in any tax year (taking into account any distributions made in a subsequent tax year under Sections 857(b)(9) or 858 of the Code), we
will pay tax at regular corporate rates on that undistributed portion. Furthermore, if we distribute less than the sum of (i) 85% of
our ordinary income for the calendar year, (ii) 95% of our capital gain net income for the calendar year and (iii) any Required Distribution
to our stockholders during any calendar year (including any distributions declared by the last day of the calendar year but paid in the
subsequent year), then we are required to pay non-deductible excise tax equal to 4% of any shortfall between the Required Distribution
and the amount that was actually distributed. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
The 90% distribution requirement does not require the distribution of net capital gains. However, if we elect to retain any of our net
capital gain for any tax year, we must notify our stockholders and pay tax at regular corporate rates on the retained net capital gain.
The stockholders must include their proportionate share of the retained net capital gain in their taxable income for the tax year, and
they are deemed to have paid the REIT’s tax on their proportionate share of the retained capital gain. Furthermore, such retained
capital gain may be subject to the nondeductible 4% excise tax. If we determine that our estimated current year taxable income (including
net capital gain) will be in excess of estimated dividend distributions (including capital gains dividends) for the current year from
such income, we accrue excise tax on a portion of the estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned.
To the extent that our cash available for distribution
is less than the amount required to be distributed under the REIT provisions of the Code, we may be required to fund distributions from
working capital or through equity, equity-related or debt financings or, in certain circumstances, asset sales, as to which our ability
to consummate transactions in a timely manner on favorable terms, or at all, cannot be assured, or we may make a portion of the Required
Distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities.
Accounting Policies and Estimates
As of June 30, 2022, there were no significant
changes in the application of our accounting policies or estimates from those presented in our annual report on Form 10-K. Refer to Note
2 to our consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022, titled “Significant Accounting Policies”
for information on recent accounting pronouncements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business.
These risks primarily relate to fluctuations in interest rates. Our loans are typically valued using a yield analysis, which is typically
performed for non-credit impaired loans to borrowers. Changes in market yields may change the fair value of certain of our loans. Generally,
an increase in market yields may result in a decrease in the fair value of certain of our loans, however this is mitigated to the extent
our loans bear interest at a floating rate. As of June 30, 2022, we had 13 floating-rate loans, representing approximately 59.8% of our
loan portfolio based on aggregate outstanding principal balances, most of which are subject to a prime rate floor. We estimate that a
hypothetical 100 basis points increase in the prime rate would result in an increase in annual interest income of approximately $1.0 million
and a 100 basis points decrease in prime rate would result in a decrease in annual interest income of approximately $1.0 million. Our
loans generally have a prime rate floor of 3.25%.
Changes in Market Interest Rates and Effect on Net Interest
Income
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors,
including fiscal and monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political considerations, as well as other factors
beyond our control. We will be subject to interest rate risk in connection with our assets and our related financing obligations.
Our operating results will depend in large part
on differences between the income earned on our assets and our cost of borrowing. The cost of our borrowings generally will be based
on prevailing market interest rates. During a period of rising interest rates, our borrowing costs generally will increase (a) while
the yields earned on our leveraged fixed-rate loan assets will remain static, and (b) at a faster pace than the yields earned on our
leveraged floating-rate loan assets, which could result in a decline in our net interest spread and net interest margin. The severity
of any such decline would depend on our asset/liability composition at the time as well as the magnitude and duration of the interest
rate increase. Further, an increase in short-term interest rates could also have a negative impact on the market value of our target
investments. If any of these events happen, we could experience a decrease in net income or incur a net loss during these periods, which
could adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations.
Interest Rate Cap Risk
We currently own and intend to acquire in the future
floating-rate assets. These are assets in which the loans may be subject to periodic and lifetime interest rate caps and floors, which
limit the amount by which the asset’s interest yield may change during any given period. However, our borrowing costs pursuant
to our financing agreements may not be subject to similar restrictions. Therefore, in a period of increasing interest rates, interest
rate costs on our borrowings could increase without limitation by caps, while the interest-rate yields on our floating-rate assets would
effectively be limited. In addition, floating-rate assets may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in some portion of the
interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. This could result in our receipt of cash income from such assets in an
amount that is less than the amount that we would need to pay the interest cost on our related borrowings.
These factors could lower our net interest income
or cause a net loss during periods of rising interest rates, which would harm our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
As of June 30, 2022, all of our floating rate loans have interest rate floors, and none of our loans are subject to interest rate caps.
Interest Rate Mismatch Risk
We may fund a portion of our origination of loans,
or of loans that we may in the future acquire, with borrowings that are based on the prime rate or a similar measure, while the interest
rates on these assets may be fixed or indexed to the prime rate or another index rate. Accordingly, any increase in the prime rate will
generally result in an increase in our borrowing costs that would not be matched by fixed-rate interest earnings and may not be matched
by a corresponding increase in floating-rate interest earnings. Any such interest rate mismatch could adversely affect our profitability,
which may negatively impact distributions to our stockholders.
Our analysis of risks is based on our Manager’s
experience, estimates, models and assumptions. These analyses rely on models which utilize estimates of fair value and interest rate
sensitivity. Actual economic conditions or implementation of decisions by our Manager and our management may produce results that differ
significantly from the estimates and assumptions used in our models and the projected results.
Market Conditions
We believe that favorable market conditions, including
an imbalance in supply and demand of credit to cannabis operating companies, have provided attractive opportunities for non-bank lenders,
such as us, to finance commercial real estate loans and other loans that exhibit strong fundamentals but also require more customized
financing structures and loan products than regulated financial institutions can presently provide. Additionally, to the extent that
additional states legalize cannabis, our addressable market will increase. We intend to capitalize on these opportunities and growing
the size of our portfolio.
Risk Management
To the extent consistent with maintaining our REIT
qualification and our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act, we seek to manage risk exposure by closely monitoring
our portfolio and actively managing the financing, interest rate, credit, prepayment and convexity (a measure of the sensitivity of the
duration of a loan to changes in interest rates) risks associated with holding our portfolio of loans. Generally, with the guidance and
experience of our Manager:
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we manage our portfolio through an interactive process with our Manager and generally service our
self-originated loans through our Manager’s servicer; |
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we invest in a mix of floating-and fixed-rate loans to mitigate the interest rate risk associated
with the financing of our portfolio; |
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we actively employ portfolio-wide and asset-specific risk measurement and management processes
in our daily operations, including utilizing our Manager’s risk management tools such as software and services licensed or
purchased from third-parties and proprietary analytical methods developed by our Manager; and |
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we seek to manage credit risk through our due diligence process prior to origination or acquisition
and through the use of non-recourse financing, when and where available and appropriate. In addition, with respect to any particular
target investment, prior to origination or acquisition our Manager’s investment team evaluates, among other things, relative
valuation, comparable company analysis, supply and demand trends, shape-of-yield curves, delinquency and default rates, recovery
of various sectors and vintage of collateral. |
Changes in Fair Value of Our Assets
We generally hold our target investments as long-term
loans; however, we may occasionally classify some of our loans as held for sale. We may carry our loans at fair value or carrying value
in our balance sheet. As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, none of our loans held for investment were carried at fair value.
We evaluate our loans on a quarterly basis. We
may use an independent third-party valuation firm to provide input in the valuation of certain of our unquoted investments, which we
consider along with other various subjective and objective factors in making our evaluations.
Our loans are typically valued using a yield analysis,
which is typically performed for non-credit impaired loans to borrowers. To determine fair value using a yield analysis, a current price
is imputed for the loan based upon an assessment of the expected market yield for a similarly structured loan with a similar level of
risk. In the yield analysis, we consider the current contractual interest rate, the maturity and other terms of the loan relative to
risk of the borrower and the specific loan. A key determinant of risk, among other things, is the leverage through the loan relative
to the enterprise value of the borrower. As loans held by us are substantially illiquid with no active transaction market, we depend
on primary market data, including newly funded loans, as well as secondary market data with respect to high-yield debt instruments and
syndicated loans, as inputs in determining the appropriate market yield, as applicable. Changes in market yields may change the fair
value of certain of our loans. Generally, an increase in market yields may result in a decrease in the fair value of certain of our loans,
however this is mitigated to the extent our loans bear interest at a floating rate.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining
the fair value of loans that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our loans may fluctuate from period to period.
Additionally, the fair value of our loans may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed
for such loans and may differ materially from the values that we may ultimately realize. Further, such loans are generally subject to
legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise are less liquid than publicly traded securities. If we were required to liquidate
our investment in a loan in a forced or liquidation sale, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we had recorded
such loan investment.
Market Conditions
We provide loans to established companies operating
in the cannabis industry which involves significant risks, including the risk of strict enforcement against our borrowers of the federal
illegality of cannabis, our borrowers’ inability to renew or otherwise maintain their licenses or other requisite authorizations
for their cannabis operations, and such loans lack of liquidity, and we could lose all or part of any of our loans.
We believe that favorable market conditions, including
an imbalance in supply and demand of credit to cannabis operating companies, have provided attractive opportunities for non-bank lenders,
such as us, to finance commercial real estate loans and other loans that exhibit strong fundamentals but also require more customized
financing structures and loan products than regulated financial institutions can presently provide. Additionally, to the extent that
additional states legalize cannabis, our addressable market will increase. While we intend to continue capitalizing on these opportunities
and growing the size of our portfolio, we are aware that the competition for the capital we provide is increasing.
Our ability to grow or maintain our business depends
on state laws pertaining to the cannabis industry. New laws that are adverse to our borrowers may be enacted, and current favorable state
or national laws or enforcement guidelines relating to cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis may be modified or eliminated
in the future, which would impede our ability to grow and could materially adversely affect our business.
Management’s plan to mitigate risks include
monitoring the legal landscape as deemed appropriate. Also, should a loan default or otherwise be seized, we may be prohibited from owning
cannabis assets and thus could not take possession of collateral, in which case we would look to sell the loan, which could result in
us realizing a loss on the transaction.
While we believe the principal amounts of our loans
are generally adequately protected by underlying collateral value, there is a risk that we will not realize the entire principal value
of certain loans, particularly those not fully collateralized by real estate. In order to mitigate that risk, our loans are generally
collateralized by other assets, such as equipment, receivables, licenses or other assets of the borrowers to the extent permitted by
applicable laws and regulations. In addition, we seek to impose strict loan covenants and seek personal or corporate guarantees for additional
protection. As of June 30, 2022, 94% of our portfolio is fully secured by real estate and 6% has limited or no real estate collateral.
Our portfolio on average had real estate collateral coverage of 1.9x as of June 30, 2022, and all of our loans are secured by equity
pledges of the borrower and all asset liens.
Credit Risk
We are subject to varying degrees of credit risk
in connection with our loans and interest receivable. Our Manager seeks to mitigate this risk by seeking to originate loans, and may
in the future acquire loans, of higher quality at appropriate prices given anticipated and unanticipated losses, by employing a comprehensive
review and selection process and by proactively monitoring originated and acquired loans. Nevertheless, unanticipated credit losses could
occur that could adversely impact our operating results.
Our Manager or affiliates of our Manager have originated
all of our loans and intend to continue to originate our loans, but we may in the future also acquire loans from time to time. Our Investment
Guidelines are not subject to any limits or proportions with respect to the mix of target investments that we make or that we may in
the future acquire other than as necessary to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act and our qualification
as a REIT. Our investment decisions will depend on prevailing market conditions and may change over time in response to opportunities
available in different interest rate, economic and credit environments. As a result, we cannot predict the percentage of our capital
that will be invested in any individual target investment at any given time.
Credit risk will also be addressed through our
Manager’s on-going review, and loans will be monitored for variance from expected prepayments, defaults, severities, losses and
cash flow on a quarterly basis.
Our loan portfolio as of June 30, 2022 and December
31, 2021, was concentrated with the top three borrowers representing approximately 29.6% and 34.6% of the funded principal and approximately
27.4% and 31.9% of the total commitments to borrowers, respectively. The largest loan represented approximately 10.9% and 15.0% of the
funded principal and approximately 10.1% and 12.8% of the total commitments as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Real Estate Risk
Commercial real estate loans are subject to volatility
and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional and local economic conditions
(which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions; changes or continued weakness
in specific industry segments; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; and retroactive changes to building or similar
codes. In addition, decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to a borrower
to repay the underlying loan or loans, as the case may be, which could also cause us to suffer losses.