Item 1. Financial Statements
CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| |
March 31, 2023 | | |
December 31, 2022 | |
| |
(unaudited) | | |
| |
Assets | |
| | |
| |
Loans held for investment | |
$ | 316,226,144 | | |
$ | 339,273,538 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| (4,051,934 | ) | |
| (3,940,939 | ) |
Loans held for investment at carrying value, net | |
| 312,174,210 | | |
| 335,332,599 | |
Cash | |
| 4,640,905 | | |
| 5,715,827 | |
Interest receivable | |
| 4,159,748 | | |
| 1,204,412 | |
Other receivables and assets, net | |
| 1,668,629 | | |
| 1,018,212 | |
Related party receivables | |
| 237,885 | | |
| - | |
Total Assets | |
$ | 322,881,377 | | |
$ | 343,271,050 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Liabilities | |
| | | |
| | |
Revolving loan | |
$ | 37,500,000 | | |
$ | 58,000,000 | |
Dividend payable | |
| 8,667,701 | | |
| 13,618,591 | |
Management and incentive fees payable | |
| 2,138,005 | | |
| 3,295,600 | |
Related party payables | |
| 1,270,126 | | |
| 1,397,515 | |
Accounts payable and other liabilities | |
| 962,153 | | |
| 1,058,128 | |
Interest reserve | |
| 220,064 | | |
| 1,868,193 | |
Total Liabilities | |
| 50,758,049 | | |
| 79,238,027 | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Stockholders’ equity | |
| | | |
| | |
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 18,088,683 and 17,766,936 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | |
| 180,887 | | |
| 176,859 | |
Additional paid-in-capital | |
| 274,925,072 | | |
| 268,995,848 | |
Accumulated earnings (deficit) | |
| (2,982,631 | ) | |
| (5,139,684 | ) |
Total stockholders’ equity | |
| 272,123,328 | | |
| 264,033,023 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |
$ | 322,881,377 | | |
$ | 343,271,050 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
| |
For the three months ended | | |
For the three months ended | |
| |
March 31, 2023 | | |
March 31, 2022 | |
Revenues | |
| | |
| |
Interest income | |
$ | 16,527,304 | | |
$ | 9,833,053 | |
Interest expense | |
| (1,618,296 | ) | |
| (72,268 | ) |
Net interest income | |
| 14,909,008 | | |
| 9,760,785 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Expenses | |
| | | |
| | |
Management and incentive fees, net | |
| 2,138,005 | | |
| 671,505 | |
General and administrative expense | |
| 1,274,825 | | |
| 556,141 | |
Professional fees | |
| 569,375 | | |
| 556,904 | |
Stock based compensation | |
| 138,335 | | |
| 120,940 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 96,119 | | |
| 51,343 | |
Total expenses | |
| 4,216,659 | | |
| 1,956,833 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Net Income before income taxes | |
| 10,692,349 | | |
| 7,803,952 | |
Income tax expense | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net Income | |
$ | 10,692,349 | | |
$ | 7,803,952 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Earnings per common share: | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic earnings per common share | |
$ | 0.60 | | |
$ | 0.44 | |
Diluted earnings per common share | |
$ | 0.60 | | |
$ | 0.44 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding | |
| 17,879,444 | | |
| 17,641,090 | |
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding | |
| 17,960,103 | | |
| 17,737,975 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
| |
Common Stock | | |
Additional Paid- | | |
Accumulated | | |
Total Stockholders’ | |
| |
Shares | | |
Amount | | |
In-Capital | | |
Earnings | | |
Equity | |
Balance at January 1, 2023 | |
| 17,766,936 | | |
$ | 176,859 | | |
$ | 268,995,848 | | |
$ | (5,139,684 | ) | |
$ | 264,033,023 | |
Issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering and concurrent private placement, net of offering costs, underwriting discounts and commissions | |
| 395,779 | | |
| 3,958 | | |
| 5,790,889 | | |
| - | | |
$ | 5,794,847 | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| (417 | ) | |
| 70 | | |
| 138,335 | | |
| 984 | | |
$ | 139,389 | |
Dividends declared on common shares ($0.47 per share) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (8,536,280 | ) | |
$ | (8,536,280 | ) |
Net income | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 10,692,349 | | |
$ | 10,692,349 | |
Balance at March 31, 2023 | |
| 18,162,298 | | |
$ | 180,887 | | |
$ | 274,925,072 | | |
$ | (2,982,631 | ) | |
$ | 272,123,328 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Balance at January 1, 2022 | |
| 17,453,553 | | |
$ | 173,551 | | |
$ | 264,081,977 | | |
$ | (177,560 | ) | |
$ | 264,077,968 | |
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs | |
| 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 ($0.40 per share) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (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 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated financial statements.
CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
| |
For the three months ended March 31, | | |
For the three months ended March 31, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Operating activities | |
| | |
| |
Net income | |
$ | 10,692,349 | | |
$ | 7,803,952 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Accretion of deferred loan origination fees and other discounts | |
| (908,873 | ) | |
| (894,087 | ) |
Paid-in-kind interest | |
| (2,256,228 | ) | |
| (970,569 | ) |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 96,119 | | |
| 48,296 | |
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs | |
| 167,304 | | |
| 72,268 | |
Stock based compensation | |
| 138,335 | | |
| 120,940 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Interest receivable | |
| (2,955,336 | ) | |
| (175,960 | ) |
Other receivables and assets, net | |
| (19,507 | ) | |
| (10,053 | ) |
Interest reserve | |
| (1,648,129 | ) | |
| (3,084,470 | ) |
Related party payable | |
| (127,389 | ) | |
| - | |
Related party receivable | |
| (237,885 | ) | |
| - | |
Management and incentive fees payable | |
| (1,157,595 | ) | |
| (233,618 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
| (81,098 | ) | |
| 358,933 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | |
| 1,702,067 | | |
| 3,035,632 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Cash flows from investing activities | |
| | | |
| | |
Issuance of and fundings of loans | |
| (32,941,660 | ) | |
| (82,794,575 | ) |
Proceeds from sales of loans | |
| 13,399,712 | | |
| - | |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| 44,858,834 | | |
| 5,619,201 | |
Net cash provided by/(used) in investing activities | |
| 25,316,886 | | |
| (77,175,374 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Cash flows from financing activities | |
| | | |
| | |
Proceeds from sale of common stock | |
| 6,000,010 | | |
| 4,505,664 | |
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving loan | |
| 28,500,000 | | |
| - | |
Repayment of borrowings on revolving loan | |
| (49,000,000 | ) | |
| - | |
Dividends paid to common shareholders | |
| (13,486,186 | ) | |
| (4,512,329 | ) |
Payment of deferred debt issuance costs | |
| (2,988 | ) | |
| - | |
Payment of deferred offering costs | |
| (104,711 | ) | |
| (23,941 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | |
| (28,093,875 | ) | |
| (30,606 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Change in cash | |
| (1,074,922 | ) | |
| (74,170,348 | ) |
Cash, beginning of period | |
| 5,715,827 | | |
| 80,248,526 | |
Cash, end of period | |
$ | 4,640,905 | | |
$ | 6,078,178 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activity | |
| | | |
| | |
Interest reserve withheld from funding of loan | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 3,919,974 | |
OID withheld from funding of loans held for investment | |
| 1,118,340 | | |
| 1,128,415 | |
Dividends declared and not yet paid | |
| 8,667,701 | | |
| 7,100,066 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Supplemental information: | |
| | | |
| | |
Interest paid during the period | |
$ | 1,363,742 | | |
$ | - | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these consolidated 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 consolidated
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 in October 2021, 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. Our consolidated financial statements present the financial positions, results of operations, and cash flows of
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc., and its wholly owned consolidated subsidiary, Chicago Atlantic Lincoln, LLC. All intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 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, 2022. In the opinion of the Company,
all normal recurring adjustments have been made that are necessary to the fair statement of the results of operations and financial position
as of and for the periods presented. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative
of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023.
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.
Income Taxes
The Company is a Maryland corporation
and elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2021. The Company believes that
its method of operations will enable it to continue to qualify as a REIT. However, no assurances can be given that the Company’s
beliefs or expectations will be fulfilled, since qualification as a REIT depends on the Company satisfying numerous asset, income and
distribution tests which depends, in part, on the Company’s operating results.
To qualify as a REIT, the Company
must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that the Company distributes annually to its
stockholders at least 90% of the Company’s REIT taxable income prior to the deduction for dividends paid. To the extent that
the Company distributes less than 100% of its 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), the Company will pay tax at regular corporate rates on that undistributed
portion. Furthermore, if the Company distributes less than the sum of 1) 85% of its ordinary income for the calendar year, 2) 95%
of its capital gain net income for the calendar year, and 3) any undistributed shortfall from its prior calendar year (the “Required
Distribution”) to its stockholders during any calendar year (including any distributions declared by the last day of the calendar
year but paid in the subsequent year), then it is 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 the Company elects to retain any of its net capital gain for any tax year, it must notify its 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 and receive an income tax credit for such amount. Furthermore, such retained capital gain may be subject
to the nondeductible 4% 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 accrues
excise tax on estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned. The annual expense is calculated in accordance with applicable
tax regulations.
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. The Company has analyzed its various
federal and state filing positions and believes that its income tax filing positions and deductions are well documented and supported
as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. Based on the Company’s 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.
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 net interest income on the consolidated statements of income.
These reclassifications do not result in any changes to previously
reported total assets, stockholder’s equity, and net income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt
Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic
310-40, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings
and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Additionally, for public business entities, the
amendments in this ASU require that an entity disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables
and net investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses—Measured at Amortized
Cost. The ASU’s amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal
years and early adoption is permitted. The Company’s adoption of ASU 2022-02 on January 1, 2023 did not have a material impact on
the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
3. LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT, NET
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company’s portfolio
was comprised of loans to 24 and 22 portfolio companies, respectively, that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity.
The portfolio loans are held on the consolidated balance sheets at amortized cost. The Company’s aggregate loan commitments and
outstanding principal were approximately $328.0 million and $320.2 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2023, and $351.4 million
and $343.0 million as of December 31, 2022. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company funded approximately $34.1
million in new loan principal.
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, approximately 88.0% and
83.1%, respectively, of the Company’s portfolio was comprised of floating rate loans that pay interest at the Prime Rate plus an
applicable margin, and were subject to Prime Rate ceilings and floors as discussed in the tables below. The carrying value of these loans
was approximately $278.1 million and $281.6 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The remaining 12.0% and 16.9% of the portfolio as of March 31, 2023
and December 31, 2022, respectively, was comprised of fixed rate loans that had a carrying value of approximately $38.1 million and $57.7
million.
The following tables summarize the Company’s loans held for investment
as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| |
As of March 31, 2023 | |
| |
Outstanding
Principal (1) | | |
Original Issue
Discount | | |
Carrying Value (1) | | |
Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
(Years) (2) | |
Senior Term Loans | |
$ | 320,191,407 | | |
$ | (3,965,263 | ) | |
$ | 316,226,144 | | |
| 2.0 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (4,051,934 | ) | |
| | |
Total loans held at carrying value, net | |
$ | 320,191,407 | | |
$ | (3,965,263 | ) | |
$ | 312,174,210 | | |
| | |
| |
As of December 31, 2022 | |
| |
Outstanding Principal (1) | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Carrying Value (1) | | |
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years) (2) | |
Senior Term Loans | |
$ | 343,029,334 | | |
$ | (3,755,796 | ) | |
$ | 339,273,538 | | |
| 2.2 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (3,940,939 | ) | |
| | |
Total loans held at carrying value, net | |
$ | 343,029,334 | | |
$ | (3,755,796 | ) | |
$ | 335,332,599 | | |
| | |
(1) | The
difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted original issue discount,
deferred loan fees and other upfront fees. Outstanding principal balance includes capitalized PIK interest, if applicable. |
(2) | Weighted
average remaining life is calculated based on the carrying value of the loans as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. |
The following tables present changes in loans held at carrying value
as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
| |
Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve | | |
Carrying Value (1) | |
Balance at December 31, 2022 | |
$ | 343,029,334 | | |
$ | (3,755,796 | ) | |
$ | (3,940,939 | ) | |
$ | 335,332,599 | |
New fundings | |
| 34,060,000 | | |
| (1,118,340 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 32,941,660 | |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| (45,754,443 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (45,754,443 | ) |
Accretion of original issue discount | |
| - | | |
| 908,873 | | |
| - | | |
| 908,873 | |
Sale of loans (2) | |
| (13,399,712 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (13,399,712 | ) |
PIK Interest | |
| 2,256,228 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 2,256,228 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (110,995 | ) | |
| (110,995 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2023 | |
$ | 320,191,407 | | |
$ | (3,965,263 | ) | |
$ | (4,051,934 | ) | |
$ | 312,174,210 | |
(1) | The
difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted original issue discount,
deferred loan fees and other upfront fees. Outstanding principal balance includes capitalized PIK interest, if applicable. |
| (2) | One
loan was reclassified as Held for sale from Loans held for investment as the decision was made to sell the loan during the three months
ended March 31, 2023 to a syndicate of co-lenders which includes a third party and two affiliates under common control with our Manager. |
| |
Principal | | |
Original
Issue
Discount | | |
Current
Expected
Credit Loss
Reserve | | |
Carrying
Value (1) | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | |
$ | 200,632,056 | | |
$ | (3,647,490 | ) | |
$ | (134,542 | ) | |
$ | 196,850,024 | |
New fundings | |
| 86,725,308 | | |
| (1,128,415 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 85,596,893 | |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| (5,619,201 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (5,619,201 | ) |
Accretion of original issue discount | |
| - | | |
| 894,087 | | |
| - | | |
| 894,087 | |
PIK Interest | |
| 970,569 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 970,569 | |
Provision for credit losses | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (48,296 | ) | |
| (48,296 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2022 | |
$ | 282,708,732 | | |
$ | (3,881,818 | ) | |
$ | (182,838 | ) | |
$ | 278,644,076 | |
(1) |
The difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted original issue discount, deferred loan fees and other upfront fees. Outstanding principal balance includes capitalized PIK interest, if applicable. |
A more detailed listing of the Company’s loans held at carrying
value based on information available as of March 31, 2023, 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(7) | |
$ | 30,000,000 | | |
$ | (804,164 | ) | |
$ | 29,195,836 | | |
P + 6.50%(5) | |
10/30/2026 | |
I/O | |
10/27/2022 |
2 | |
Michigan | |
| 37,596,132 | | |
| (141,850 | ) | |
| 37,454,282 | | |
P + 6.65%(5)(6) Cash, 4.25% PIK | |
12/31/2024 | |
P&I | |
3/5/2021 |
3 | |
Various(7) | |
| 20,942,803 | | |
| (543,917 | ) | |
| 20,398,886 | | |
13.91% Cash(5), 2.59% PIK(9) | |
11/29/2024 | |
P&I | |
3/25/2021 |
4 | |
Arizona | |
| 12,075,490 | | |
| - | | |
| 12,075,490 | | |
18.72%(5)(8) | |
12/31/2023 | |
P&I | |
4/19/2021 |
5 | |
Massachusetts | |
| 2,666,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 2,666,000 | | |
P + 12.25%(5) | |
4/30/2025 | |
P&I | |
4/19/2021 |
6 | |
Michigan | |
| 4,275,000 | | |
| (3,567 | ) | |
| 4,271,433 | | |
P + 9.00%(5) Cash, 12% PIK | |
2/20/2024 | |
P&I | |
8/20/2021 |
7 | |
Various(7) | |
| 25,623,762 | | |
| (220,990 | ) | |
| 25,402,772 | | |
P + 6.00%(5) Cash, 2.5% PIK | |
6/30/2025 | |
P&I | |
8/24/2021 |
8 | |
West Virginia | |
| 10,535,399 | | |
| (90,064 | ) | |
| 10,445,335 | | |
19.25% PIK | |
9/1/2024 | |
P&I | |
9/1/2021 |
9 | |
Pennsylvania | |
| 16,013,359 | | |
| - | | |
| 16,013,359 | | |
P + 10.75%(5) Cash, 6.0% PIK | |
6/30/2024 | |
P&I | |
9/3/2021 |
10 | |
Michigan | |
| 235,205 | | |
| - | | |
| 235,205 | | |
11.00% | |
9/30/2024 | |
P&I | |
9/20/2021 |
11 | |
Maryland | |
| 32,809,285 | | |
| (536,959 | ) | |
| 32,272,326 | | |
P + 8.75%(5) Cash, 2% PIK | |
9/30/2024 | |
I/O | |
9/30/2021 |
12 | |
Various(7) | |
| 13,038,000 | | |
| (107,499 | ) | |
| 12,930,501 | | |
P + 9.25%(5) Cash | |
10/31/2024 | |
P&I | |
11/8/2021 |
13 | |
Michigan | |
| 13,166,720 | | |
| (108,112 | ) | |
| 13,058,608 | | |
P + 6.00%(5) Cash, 1.5% PIK | |
11/1/2024 | |
I/O | |
11/22/2021 |
14 | |
Various(7) | |
| 5,194,514 | | |
| - | | |
| 5,194,514 | | |
P + 12.25%(5) Cash, 2.5% PIK | |
12/27/2026 | |
P&I | |
12/27/2021 |
15 | |
Michigan | |
| 3,835,398 | | |
| (33,658 | ) | |
| 3,801,740 | | |
P + 7.50%(5) Cash, 5% PIK | |
12/29/2023 | |
I/O | |
12/29/2021 |
16 | |
Various(7) | |
| 7,050,000 | | |
| (43,824 | ) | |
| 7,006,176 | | |
P + 9.25%(5) | |
12/31/2024 | |
I/O | |
12/30/2021 |
17 | |
Florida | |
| 15,000,000 | | |
| (231,336 | ) | |
| 14,768,664 | | |
P + 4.75%(5) | |
1/31/2025 | |
P&I | |
1/18/2022 |
18 | |
Ohio | |
| 12,677,075 | | |
| (151,869 | ) | |
| 12,525,206 | | |
P + 6.00%(5) Cash, 5% PIK | |
2/28/2025 | |
P&I | |
2/3/2022 |
19 | |
Florida | |
| 20,637,961 | | |
| (70,061 | ) | |
| 20,567,900 | | |
11.00% Cash, 3% PIK | |
8/29/2025 | |
P&I | |
3/11/2022 |
20 | |
Missouri | |
| 17,425,500 | | |
| (120,385 | ) | |
| 17,305,115 | | |
11.00% Cash, 2% PIK | |
5/30/2025 | |
P&I | |
5/9/2022 |
21 | |
Illinois | |
| 5,114,907 | | |
| (73,499 | ) | |
| 5,041,408 | | |
P + 8.50%(5) Cash, 3% PIK | |
6/30/2026 | |
P&I | |
7/1/2022 |
22 | |
Maryland | |
| 11,278,897 | | |
| (633,736 | ) | |
| 10,645,161 | | |
P + 5.75%(5) Cash, 1.4% PIK | |
1/24/2026 | |
P&I | |
1/24/2023 |
23 | |
Arizona | |
| 2,000,000 | | |
| (49,773 | ) | |
| 1,950,227 | | |
P + 7.50%(5) | |
3/31/2026 | |
P&I | |
3/27/2023 |
24 | |
Oregon | |
| 1,000,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,000,000 | | |
P + 10.50%(5) | |
9/27/2026 | |
P&I | |
3/31/2023 |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| |
| |
|
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (4,051,934 | ) | |
| |
| |
| |
|
Total loans held at carrying value | |
$ | 320,191,407 | | |
$ | (3,965,263 | ) | |
$ | 312,174,210 | | |
| |
| |
| |
|
(1) | The difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted original issue discounts, deferred loan fees and other upfront fees. Outstanding principal balance includes capitalized PIK interest, if applicable. |
(2) | Certain loans are subject to contractual extension options and may be subject to performance based on 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 a contractual 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; subtotal represents weighted average interest rate. |
(5) | This Loan is subject to Prime Rate floor. |
(6) | This Loan is subject to an interest rate cap |
(7) | Loans with material collateral in multiple jurisdictions, namely multi-state
operators, are disclosed as “various.” |
(8) | The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #4 includes a $10.9 million initial
advance, which has a base interest rate of 15.00%, 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. |
(9) | The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #3 includes a $15.9 million initial advance, which has a base interest rate of 13.625%, 2.75% PIK and a second advance of $4.2 million, which has an interest rate of 15.00%, 2.00% PIK. The statistics presented reflect the weighted average of the terms under both advances for the total aggregate loan commitment. |
As of March 31, 2023, no loans have been placed on non-accrual status.
Our loans are generally held for investment and are substantially 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. The aggregate fair value of the
Company’s loan portfolio was $307,260,513 and $329,237,824, with gross unrecognized
holding losses of $8,965,632 and $10,035,714 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022,
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. As of March 31, 2023,
the Company calculated the estimated fair value of the loans held for investment using unobservable inputs such as discount rates ranging
from 11.36% to 24.79% with a weighted average discount rate of 17.53%.
The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs
the Company used to value the loans categorized within Level 3 as of March 31, 2023. The tables are not intended to be all-inclusive,
but instead capture the significant unobservable inputs relevant to the Company’s determination of fair values.
| |
As of March 31, 2023 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Unobservable Input | |
| |
Fair
Value | | |
Primary
Valuation
Techniques | |
Input | |
Estimated
Range | | |
Weighted
Average | |
Senior term loans | |
$ | 307,260,513 | | |
Yield analysis | |
Market yield | |
11.36% - 24.79% | | |
| 17.53 | % |
Total Investments | |
$ | 307,260,513 | | |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
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, 2022 to March 31,
2023 considered borrower specific credit history and performance and reflect a quarterly re-evaluation of overall current macroeconomic
conditions affecting the Company’s borrowers. As interest rates have increased due to rising rates from the Federal Reserve Board,
it has impacted borrowers’ ability to service their debt obligations on a global scale. This decline in risk ratings had an effect
on the level of the current expected credit loss reserve, though the loans continued to perform as expected. For approximately 80% of
the portfolio, the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral exceeded the amounts outstanding under the loans as of March 31,
2023. The remaining approximately 20% of the portfolio, while not fully collateralized by real estate, was secured by other forms of collateral
including equipment, receivables, licenses and/or other assets of the borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations
governing such borrowers.
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 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 March 31, 2023 | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | |
Risk Rating | |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | | |
2019 | | |
Total | | |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | | |
2019 | | |
Total | |
1 | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 235,205 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 235,205 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 274,406 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 274,406 | |
2 | |
| 13,595,388 | | |
| 124,333,205 | | |
| 71,790,767 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 209,719,360 | | |
| 94,467,449 | | |
| 88,444,868 | | |
| 29,140,546 | | |
| - | | |
| 212,052,863 | |
3 | |
| - | | |
| 12,525,206 | | |
| 65,657,524 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 78,182,730 | | |
| 30,415,113 | | |
| 83,131,444 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 113,546,557 | |
4 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 28,088,849 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 28,088,849 | | |
| - | | |
| 13,399,712 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 13,399,712 | |
5 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total | |
$ | 13,595,388 | | |
$ | 136,858,411 | | |
$ | 165,772,345 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 316,226,144 | | |
$ | 124,882,562 | | |
$ | 185,250,430 | | |
$ | 29,140,546 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 339,273,538 | |
(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 March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
As of March 31, 2023 Real Estate Collateral Coverage (1) |
| |
< 1.0x | | |
1.0x - 1.25x | | |
1.25x - 1.5x | | |
1.50x - 1.75x | | |
1.75x - 2.0x | | |
> 2.0x | | |
Total | |
Fixed-rate | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 20,567,900 | | |
$ | 17,305,115 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 235,205 | | |
$ | 38,108,220 | |
Floating-rate | |
| 66,411,639 | | |
| 48,285,685 | | |
| 23,375,836 | | |
| 37,454,282 | | |
| 12,075,490 | | |
| 90,514,992 | | |
| 278,117,924 | |
| |
$ | 66,411,639 | | |
$ | 48,285,685 | | |
$ | 43,943,736 | | |
$ | 54,759,397 | | |
$ | 12,075,490 | | |
$ | 90,750,197 | | |
$ | 316,226,144 | |
As of December 31, 2022 Real Estate Collateral Coverage(1) |
| |
< 1.0x | | |
1.0x - 1.25x | | |
1.25x - 1.5x | | |
1.50x - 1.75x | | |
1.75x - 2.0x | | |
> 2.0x | | |
Total | |
Fixed-rate | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 20,406,737 | | |
$ | 17,203,138 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 20,089,663 | | |
$ | 57,699,538 | |
Floating-rate | |
| 63,963,105 | | |
| 78,211,454 | | |
| 13,399,712 | | |
| 9,980,730 | | |
| 12,849,490 | | |
| 103,169,509 | | |
| 281,574,000 | |
| |
$ | 63,963,105 | | |
$ | 78,211,454 | | |
$ | 33,806,449 | | |
$ | 27,183,868 | | |
$ | 12,849,490 | | |
$ | 123,259,172 | | |
$ | 339,273,538 | |
| (1) | Real
estate collateral coverage is calculated based upon most recent third-party appraised values. |
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.
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 loan, 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 and its affiliates have had operations for the past three
fiscal years and have 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 and its affiliates 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, the Company forecasts 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. The
Manager utilizes a third-party valuation appraiser to assist with the Company’s valuation process primarily using comparable
transactions to estimate enterprise value of its 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 Capital IQ as of March 31, 2023,
to which the Manager may apply a private company discount based on the Company’s 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 it can request that the court appoint
a receiver to manage and operate the subject real property until the foreclosure proceedings are completed. Additionally, while the Company
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 three months
ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 is presented in the table below.
| |
Outstanding(1) | | |
Unfunded(2) | | |
Total | |
Balance at December 31, 2022 | |
$ | 3,940,939 | | |
$ | 94,415 | | |
$ | 4,035,354 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 110,995 | | |
| (14,876 | ) | |
| 96,119 | |
Balance at March 31, 2023 | |
$ | 4,051,934 | | |
$ | 79,539 | | |
$ | 4,131,473 | |
| |
Outstanding(1) | | |
Unfunded(2) | | |
Total | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | |
$ | 134,542 | | |
$ | 13,407 | | |
$ | 147,949 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 48,296 | | |
| 3,047 | | |
| 51,343 | |
Balance at March 31, 2022 | |
$ | 182,838 | | |
$ | 16,454 | | |
$ | 199,292 | |
(1) | As
of March 31, 2023, 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 March 31, 2023, the CECL Reserve related to unfunded commitments on loans at carrying value is recorded within accounts payable and
other accrued liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. |
The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued
interest receivable, ($4,159,748 and $1,204,412 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively) 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 accrual of 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.
4. INTEREST RECEIVABLE
The following table summarizes the interest receivable by the Company
as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| |
As of March 31, 2023 | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | |
Interest receivable | |
$ | 4,113,589 | | |
$ | 1,203,330 | |
PIK interest receivable | |
| 33,548 | | |
| 1,082 | |
Unused fees receivable | |
| 12,611 | | |
| - | |
Total interest receivable | |
$ | 4,159,748 | | |
$ | 1,204,412 | |
The following table presents aging analyses of past due loans by class
as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively:
| |
As of March 31, 2023 | |
| |
Current
Loans(1) | | |
31 - 60 Days
Past Due | | |
61 - 90 Days
Past Due | | |
90+ Days
Past Due
(and accruing) | | |
Non-Accrual | | |
Total Past
Due | | |
Total Loans | |
Interest receivable | |
$ | 3,754,242 | | |
$ | 405,506 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 405,506 | | |
$ | 4,159,748 | |
Principal receivable | |
| 407,734 | | |
| 516,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 516,000 | | |
| 923,734 | |
Total | |
$ | 4,161,976 | | |
$ | 921,506 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 921,506 | | |
$ | 5,083,482 | |
| |
As of December 31, 2022 | |
| |
Current
Loans(1) | | |
31 - 60 Days
Past Due | | |
61 - 90 Days
Past Due | | |
90+ Days
Past Due
(and accruing) | | |
Non-Accrual | | |
Total
Past Due | | |
Total Loans | |
Interest receivable | |
$ | 1,203,088 | | |
$ | 1,324 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 1,324 | | |
$ | 1,204,412 | |
Total | |
$ | 1,203,088 | | |
$ | 1,324 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 1,324 | | |
$ | 1,204,412 | |
(1) | Loans 1-30 days past due are included in the current loans. |
As of March
31, 2023, there were four loans with principal or interest greater than 30 days past due.
5. INTEREST RESERVE
At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had one loan and
three loans, respectively, that included a prepaid interest reserve.
The following table presents changes in interest reserves as of March
31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively:
| |
As of
March 31,
2023 | | |
As of
December 31,
2022 | |
Beginning reserves | |
$ | 1,868,193 | | |
$ | 6,636,553 | |
New reserves | |
| - | | |
| 9,049,834 | |
Reserves disbursed | |
| (1,648,129 | ) | |
| (13,818,194 | ) |
Ending reserve | |
$ | 220,064 | | |
$ | 1,868,193 | |
6. DEBT
In May 2021, in connection with the Company’s acquisition
of its wholly-owned financing subsidiary, CAL, the Company was assigned a secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan”).
The Revolving Loan had an original aggregate borrowing base of up to $10,000,000 and bore 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 was 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, CAL entered into an amended and restated Revolving
Loan agreement (the “First Amendment and Restatement”). The First Amendment and Restatement 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 is derived from a floating rate grid based
upon 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
and Restatement 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 of the Revolving Loan agreement. The Company has the option to extend the initial
term for an additional one-year term, provided no events of default exist and the Company provides the required notice of the extension
pursuant to the First Amendment and Restatement. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $859,500 related to the First Amendment and
Restatement, which were capitalized and are subsequently being amortized through maturity.
On May 12, 2022, CAL entered into a second amended and restated Revolving
Loan agreement (the “Second Amendment and Restatement”). The Second Amendment and Restatement 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 and Restatement. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $177,261 related to the Second Amendment and Restatement, which
were capitalized and are subsequently amortized through maturity.
On November 7, 2022, CAL entered into a third amended and restated
Revolving Loan agreement (the “Third Amendment and Restatement”). The Third Amendment and Restatement increased the loan commitment
from $65,000,000 to $92,500,000. No other material terms of the Revolving Loan were modified as a result of the execution of the Third
Amendment and Restatement. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $323,779 related to the Third Amendment and Restatement, which
were capitalized and are subsequently amortized through maturity.
On February 27, 2023, CAL entered into an amendment to the Third Amendment
and Restatement (the “Amendment”). The Amendment extended the contractual maturity date of the Revolving Loan until December
16, 2024 and the Company retained its option to extend the initial term for an additional one-year period, provided no events of default
exist and the Company provides 365 days’ notice of the extension pursuant to the Amendment. No other material terms of the Revolving
Loan were modified as a result of the execution of the Amendment. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $2,988 related to the Amendment,
which were capitalized and are subsequently amortized through maturity. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, unamortized debt issuance
costs related to the Revolving Loan, including all amendments and amendments and restatements thereto, as applicable, of $641,279 and
$805,596, 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
which began on July 1, 2022 pursuant to the Second Amendment and Restatement. Additionally, as of and for the three months ended March
31, 2023, the Company borrowed $37.5 million against the Revolving Loan, incurred an effective interest rate of 7.75% including the unused
fee rate of 0.25%, and had $55.0 million available under the Revolving Loan.
The Revolving Loan 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 March 31, 2023, the Company
is in compliance with all financial covenants with respect to the Revolving Loan.
The fair value of the Revolving Loan, which is classified as Level
2 in the fair value hierarchy, approximates the carrying value as it bears a market rate of interest that is reset frequently.
The following table reflects a summary of interest expense incurred
during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
| |
Three months ended | | |
Three months ended | |
| |
March 31, 2023 | | |
March 31, 2022 | |
Interest expense | |
$ | 1,440,992 | | |
$ | - | |
Unused fee expense | |
| 10,000 | | |
| - | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | |
| 167,304 | | |
| 72,268 | |
Total interest expense | |
$ | 1,618,296 | | |
$ | 72,268 | |
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Management Agreement
Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager will manage 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 three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Base Management Fee payable was reduced
by Outside Fees in the amount of $5,000 and $717,750, respectively.
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, 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 members of the Compensation Committee of the Board, each of whom are
Independent Directors, and approved by a majority of the members of the Compensation Committee. Incentive compensation for the three
months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was $1,111,206 and $382,143, respectively.
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 fees and expenses
incurred by the Company and amounts payable to the Manager for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
| |
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 | | |
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 | |
Affiliate Payments | |
| | |
| |
Management fees earned | |
$ | 1,031,799 | | |
$ | 1,007,112 | |
Less: Outside fees earned | |
| (5,000 | ) | |
| (717,750 | ) |
Base management fee, net | |
| 1,026,799 | | |
| 289,362 | |
Incentive fees | |
| 1,111,206 | | |
| 382,143 | |
Total management and incentive fees earned | |
| 2,138,005 | | |
| 671,505 | |
General and administrative expenses reimbursable to Manager | |
| 1,176,376 | | |
| 411,521 | |
Total | |
$ | 3,314,381 | | |
$ | 1,083,026 | |
General administrative expenses reimbursable to the Manager are included
in the related party payable line item of the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Amounts payable
to the Manager as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were approximately $3.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively, which included
bonuses accrued which are not reimbursed to the Manager until paid.
Co-Investment 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 March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 18 and 15 of the Company’s
loans were co-invested by affiliates of the Company, respectively.
In connection with investments
in loans, the Company may receive the option to assign the right (the “Assigned Right”) to acquire warrants and/or equity
of the borrower. The Company may sell the Assigned Right, and the sale may be to an affiliate of the Company. The proceeds from the sale
of Assigned Rights are accounted for as additional original issue discount and accreted over the life of the related loans. During the
three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company neither received nor sold any Assigned Right.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company sold a senior
secured loan to a syndicate of co-lenders, including a third party and two affiliates under common control with our Manager. The selling
price of approximately $13.7 million 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 March 31, 2023. In addition, the Company purchased and subsequently sold a senior
secured loan from an affiliate under common control with our Manager. The purchase and selling price of approximately $19.0 million 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 March 30, 2023.
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 March 31, 2023 and
December 31, 2022, the Company had the following unfunded commitments on existing loans.
| |
As of March 31, 2023 | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Total original loan commitments | |
$ | 327,954,423 | | |
$ | 351,367,706 | |
Less: drawn commitments | |
| (313,720,423 | ) | |
| (336,323,706 | ) |
Total undrawn commitments | |
$ | 14,234,000 | | |
$ | 15,044,000 | |
Refer to “Note 3 – Loans Held for Investment, Net”
for further information regarding the CECL Reserve attributed to unfunded commitments.
The following table summarizes our material
commitments as of March 31, 2023:
Commitments due by period |
| |
Total | | |
2023 | | |
2024 | | |
2025 | | |
2026 | | |
2027 | | |
Thereafter | |
Undrawn commitments | |
$ | 14,234,000 | | |
$ | 2,400,000 | | |
$ | 7,000,000 | | |
$ | 834,000 | | |
$ | 4,000,000 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | |
Revolving loan | |
| 37,500,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 37,500,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total | |
$ | 51,734,000 | | |
$ | 2,400,000 | | |
$ | 44,500,000 | | |
$ | 834,000 | | |
$ | 4,000,000 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | |
Other Contingencies
The Company from time to time may be a party to litigation in the normal
course of business. As of March 31, 2023, 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 adverse 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 and
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, provide consent to allow
the borrower to sell the real estate to a third party, institute a foreclosure proceeding to have the real estate sold or evict the tenant,
have the cannabis operations removed from the property and take title to the underlying real estate, each of which may result in the Company
realizing a loss on the transaction.
9. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
On January 5, 2022, the underwriters of 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.
On February 15, 2023, the Company completed a registered direct offering
of 395,779 shares of common stock at a price of $15.16 per share, raising net proceeds of approximately $6.0 million. The Company sold
shares of common stock directly, without the use of underwriters or placement agents, to institutional investors registered pursuant to
its effective shelf registration statement.
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 of 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. On December 31, 2022, restricted
stock award grants of 24,880 shares of common stock were granted to members of the Board with a vesting period of three years. Pursuant
to each respective award agreement, restricted stock awards (“RSA’s”) generally vest either quarterly or annually over
a one to three year period beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. Upon vesting, the vested restricted stock
awards are exchanged for an equal number of the Company’s common stock.
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the maximum number of shares
of the Company’s 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 417 and 3,750 shares forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and
2022, respectively. There is no forfeiture rate applied to awards or options granted to non-employee directors or executive employees
because their pre-vesting forfeitures are anticipated to be highly unlikely. As individual awards and options become fully vested, stock-based
compensation expense is adjusted to recognize actual forfeitures.
Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company
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.
Based on the closing market price of our common stock on March 31,
2023, the aggregate intrinsic value of our restricted stock awards was as follows:
| |
As of March 31, 2023 | |
| |
Outstanding | | |
Vested | |
Aggregate intrinsic value | |
$ | 994,539 | | |
$ | 472,728 | |
The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity for the
Company’s directors and officers and employees of the Manager during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
| |
Three months ended March 31, 2023 | | |
Grant Date Fair Value per Share | |
Balance at December 31, 2022 | |
| 80,984 | | |
$ | 15.71 | |
Vested | |
| (6,952 | ) | |
$ | 16.00 | |
Forfeited | |
| (417 | ) | |
$ | 16.00 | |
Balance | |
| 73,615 | | |
$ | 15.68 | |
| |
Three months ended March 31, 2022 | | |
Grant Date Fair Value per Share | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | |
| 98,440 | | |
$ | 16.00 | |
Forfeited | |
| (3,750 | ) | |
$ | 16.00 | |
Balance | |
| 94,690 | | |
$ | 16.00 | |
Restricted stock compensation expense is based on the Company’s
stock price at the date of the grant and is amortized over the vesting period. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. The share-based
compensation expense for the Company was $138,335 and $120,940 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The unamortized
share-based compensation expense for the Company was approximately $1.1 million and $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31,
2023 and 2022, respectively, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average term of 2.1 years.
10. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following information sets forth the computations of basic earnings
per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:
| |
For the three months ended | | |
For the three months ended | |
| |
March 31, 2023 | | |
March 31, 2022 | |
Net income attributable to common stockholders | |
$ | 10,692,349 | | |
$ | 7,803,952 | |
Divided by: | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding | |
| 17,879,444 | | |
$ | 17,641,090 | |
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding | |
| 17,960,103 | | |
$ | 17,737,975 | |
Basic earnings per common share | |
$ | 0.60 | | |
$ | 0.44 | |
Diluted earnings per common share | |
$ | 0.60 | | |
$ | 0.44 | |
There were no anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computations of earnings
per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
11. INCOME TAX
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. 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 undistributed
shortfall from our prior calendar year (the “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 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. Our 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 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. Excise tax expense, if any, is included in the line item,
income tax expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, we did not incur excise tax
expense. The income tax provision for the Company was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred
no expense for United States 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 March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company does not have any
unrecognized tax benefits.
12. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared
during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
| |
Record Date | |
Payment Date | |
Common Share Distribution Amount | | |
Taxable Ordinary Income | | |
Return of Capital | | |
Section 199A Dividends | |
Regular cash dividend | |
3/31/2023 | |
4/14/2023 | |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 0.47 | |
Total cash dividend | |
| |
| |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 0.47 | |
| |
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 | |
Total cash dividend | |
| |
| |
$ | 0.40 | | |
$ | 0.40 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 0.40 | |
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Normal Course of Business
Operations
During the period from April
1, 2023 through May 9, 2023, the Company funded one loan advance amounting to approximately $0.6 million in loan principal to an
existing portfolio company.
Payment of Dividend
On April 14, 2023, the Company
paid its regular quarterly dividend of $0.47 relating to the first quarter of 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business
on March 31, 2023. The total amount of the cash dividend payment was approximately $8.5 million.
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 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 real estate investment trust (“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 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 one to two year maturities are generally interest only loans.
Our loans are secured by real estate and, in addition,
when lending to owner-operators in the cannabis industry, other collateral, 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 March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 50.0% and 13.6%, respectively,
of the loans held in our portfolio are backed by personal or corporate guarantees. We aim to maintain a portfolio diversified across jurisdictions
and across verticals, including cultivators, processors, dispensaries, as well as ancillary businesses. In addition, we may invest in
borrowers that have equity securities that are publicly traded on the Canadian Stock Exchange (“CSE”) in Canada and/or over-the-counter
in the United States.
As of March 31, 2023, 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 and in good standing 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 ended 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 substantially 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 March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, approximately 88.0% and 83.1%, respectively, of our portfolio was comprised
of floating rate loans, and 12.0% and 16.9% of our portfolio was comprised of fixed rate loans, respectively. 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 during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022 was as follows:
Effective Date |
|
Rate(1) |
|
March 23, 2023 |
|
|
8.00 |
% |
February 2, 2023 |
|
|
7.75 |
% |
December 15, 2022 |
|
|
7.50 |
% |
November 3, 2022 |
|
|
7.00 |
% |
September 22, 2022 |
|
|
6.25 |
% |
July 28, 2022 |
|
|
5.50 |
% |
June 16, 2022 |
|
|
4.75 |
% |
May 5, 2022 |
|
|
4.00 |
% |
March 17, 2022 |
|
|
3.50 |
% |
March 15, 2020 |
|
|
3.25 |
% |
(1) |
Rate obtained from the
Wall Street Journal’s “Bonds, Rates & Yields” table. |
Interest on our loans is generally payable monthly.
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 paid-in-kind (“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 upon repayment of the outstanding principal. We also generate revenue from
original issue discounts (“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 generally
accepted accounting principles (“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); |
|
● |
accounting and audit fees and expenses from our independent registered public accounting firm; |
|
● |
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 period ended 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 depends, 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. 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 undistributed shortfall
from our prior calendar year (the “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 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. Our 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 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. Excise tax expense, if any, is
included in the line item, income tax expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, we
did not incur excise tax expense.
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
Accounting Standards Codification (“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 March 31, 2023. 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 consolidated 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.
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 March 31, 2023, all of our floating rate loans have interest rate floors, and one loan is subject to an interest rate cap.
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 continue our track record of capitalizing on these opportunities
and growing the size of our portfolio.
Developments During the First Quarter of 2023
Updates to Our Loan Portfolio during the First Quarter of 2023
On January 12, 2023, we advanced approximately
$0.2 million in aggregate principal on an existing credit facility to one borrower. On January 24, 2023, we refinanced and closed one
credit facility with an existing borrower, which resulted in a paydown of $18.3 million in aggregate principal. On January 24, 2023, we
also purchased a senior secured loan from an affiliate under common control. The purchase price of approximately $19.0 million 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
January 24, 2023. On January 24, 2023, we also closed one credit facility with a new borrower, which had an aggregate commitment of $11.3
million, which was fully funded at closing. On March 6, 2023, we advanced approximately $0.7 million in aggregate principal on an existing
credit facility to one borrower. On March 27, 2023, we closed one credit facility with a new borrower, which has an aggregate commitment
of approximately $2.0 million. On March 31, 2023, we close one credit facility with a new borrower, which has an aggregate commitment
of approximately $1.0 million.
On March 3, 2023, an existing borrower paid down
approximately $6.4 million in aggregate principal. We received a prepayment premium and a success fee of approximately $0.3 million and
$0.1 million, respectively. On March 30, 2023, an existing borrower repaid its loan in full in an amount of approximately $19.0 million
in aggregate principal. The loan was comprised of a single tranche with an original maturity date of October 31, 2024. We received a make-whole
fee of approximately $1.0 million. On March 31, 2023, we decided to and completed the sale of a secured loan to an affiliate under common control. The
selling price of approximately $13.7 million 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 March 31, 2023.
Subsequent Updates to Our Loan Portfolio
During the period from April 1, 2022 to May 9,
2023, we funded approximately $0.6 million to an existing borrower.
Dividends Declared Per Share
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we declared an ordinary
cash dividend of $0.47 per share of our common stock, relating to the first quarter of 2023, which was paid on April 14, 2023 to stockholders
of record as of the close of business on March 31, 2023. The total amount of the cash dividend payment was approximately $8.5 million.
The payment of these dividends is not indicative
of our ability to pay such dividends in the future.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
| |
For the
three months
ended | | |
For the
three months ended | | |
Variance | |
| |
March 31,
2023 | | |
March 31,
2022 | | |
Amount | | |
% | |
Revenues | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Interest income | |
$ | 16,527,304 | | |
$ | 9,833,053 | | |
$ | 6,694,251 | | |
| 68.1 | |
Interest expense | |
| (1,618,296 | ) | |
| (72,268 | ) | |
| (1,546,028 | ) | |
| ** | |
Net interest income | |
| 14,909,008 | | |
| 9,760,785 | | |
| 5,148,223 | | |
| 52.7 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Expenses | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Management and incentive fees, net | |
| 2,138,005 | | |
| 671,505 | | |
| 1,466,500 | | |
| ** | |
General and administrative expense | |
| 1,274,825 | | |
| 556,142 | | |
| 718,683 | | |
| ** | |
Professional fees | |
| 569,375 | | |
| 556,902 | | |
| 12,473 | | |
| 2.2 | |
Stock based compensation | |
| 138,335 | | |
| 120,940 | | |
| 17,395 | | |
| 14.4 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 96,119 | | |
| 51,344 | | |
| 44,775 | | |
| 87.2 | |
Total expenses | |
$ | 4,216,659 | | |
$ | 1,956,833 | | |
$ | 2,259,826 | | |
| ** | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net Income before income taxes | |
| 10,692,349 | | |
| 7,803,952 | | |
| 2,888,397 | | |
| 37.0 | |
Income tax expense | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| ** | |
Net Income | |
$ | 10,692,349 | | |
$ | 7,803,952 | | |
$ | 2,888,397 | | |
| 37.0 | |
** | Percentage over 100% or prior period amount was zero. |
|
● |
Interest income increased by approximately $6.7 million, or 68.1%, during the quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2022. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in the Prime Rate from 3.50% as of March 31, 2022, to 8.00% as of March 31, 2023, impacting approximately 88.0% of the Company’s loans, which bear a floating rate as well as new fundings of approximately $278.1 million in loan principal. |
|
● |
Net interest income increased approximately $5.1 million or 52.7% during
the comparative period. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in interest income described above, and was offset by
a corresponding increase in interest expense. During the first quarter of 2023, we borrowed an additional $37.5 million on the revolving
credit facility, which also bears interest at the Prime Rate plus an applicable margin and was subject to the Prime Rate increases during
the quarter. |
|
● |
We incurred base management and incentive fees payable to our Manager
of approximately $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to approximately $0.7 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to greater assets under management, which was offset by less origination
fee offsets in the three months ended March 31, 2023 of approximately $5,000, compared to approximately $0.7 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2022 as well as an increase in weighted average equity as defined by the Management Agreement for the comparable period. |
|
● |
General and administrative expenses and professional fees increased by approximately $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in overhead reimbursements for costs incurred by the Manager on behalf of the Company, offset in part by a decrease in audit, legal, investor relations and third-party consulting fees. |
|
● |
Provision for current expected credit losses increased in the three
months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022, primarily due to declines in risk ratings (discussed
below) from March 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023, which are not due to any borrower specific credit issues, but rather, are primarily due
to our quarterly re-evaluations of overall current macroeconomic conditions affecting our borrowers. As interest rates have risen over
the year ended December 31, 2022 and the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the ability of our borrowers to service their debt and fund operations
has been reduced. The current expected credit loss reserve represents 126 basis points of our aggregate loan commitments held at carrying
value of approximately $328.0 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 $4.1 million and (ii) a liability for unfunded commitments of $79,539.
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. |
Loan Portfolio
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our
portfolio included 24 and 22 loans held for investment of approximately $312.2 million and $335.3 million, respectively. The aggregate
originated commitment under these loans was approximately $328.0 million and $351.4 million and outstanding principal was approximately
$320.2 million and $343.0 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022,
our loan portfolio had a weighted-average yield-to-maturity internal rate of return (“YTM IRR”) of 19.4% and 19.7%, respectively,
and was substantially secured by real estate and, with respect to certain of our loans, substantially all assets of the borrowers and
certain of their subsidiaries, including equipment, receivables, and licenses. YTM IRR is calculated using various inputs, including (i)
cash and paid-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 March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, approximately
88.0% and 83.1%, respectively, of our 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 3.50% effective March 17, 2022, increased to 4.00% effective May 5, 2022, increased to 4.75%
effective June 16, 2022, increased to 5.50% effective July 28, 2022, increased to 6.25% effective September 22, 2022, increased to 7.00%
effective November 3, 2022, increased to 7.50% effective December 15, 2022, increased to 7.75% effective February 2, 2023, and increased
again to 8.00% effective March 23, 2023. The below summarizes our portfolio as of March 31, 2023:
| |
Initial | |
| |
Total | | |
| | |
| | |
Percent of Our | | |
| | |
| |
Periodic | | |
YTM | |
Loan | |
Funding
Date (1) | |
Maturity
Date (2) | |
Commitment (3) | | |
Principal
Balance | | |
Carrying
Value | | |
Loan
Portfolio | | |
Future
Fundings | | |
Interest Rate (4) | |
Payment (5) | | |
IRR (6) | |
1 | |
10/27/2022 | |
10/30/2026 | |
| 30,000,000 | | |
| 30,000,000 | | |
| 29,195,836 | | |
| 9.2 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 6.50%(7) | |
| I/O | | |
| 16.8 | % |
2 | |
3/5/2021 | |
12/31/2024 | |
| 35,891,667 | | |
| 37,596,132 | | |
| 37,454,282 | | |
| 11.8 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 6.65%(7)(8) Cash, 4.25% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 18.0 | % |
3 | |
3/25/2021 | |
11/29/2024 | |
| 20,105,628 | | |
| 20,942,803 | | |
| 20,398,886 | | |
| 6.5 | % | |
| - | | |
13.91% Cash(7), 2.59% PIK(10) | |
| P&I | | |
| 22.8 | % |
4 | |
4/19/2021 | |
12/31/2023 | |
| 12,900,000 | | |
| 12,075,490 | | |
| 12,075,490 | | |
| 3.8 | % | |
| - | | |
18.72%(7)(9) | |
| P&I | | |
| 24.5 | % |
5 | |
4/19/2021 | |
4/30/2025 | |
| 3,500,000 | | |
| 2,666,000 | | |
| 2,666,000 | | |
| 0.8 | % | |
| 834,000 | | |
P + 12.25%(7) | |
| P&I | | |
| 22.8 | % |
6 | |
8/20/2021 | |
2/20/2024 | |
| 6,000,000 | | |
| 4,275,000 | | |
| 4,271,433 | | |
| 1.4 | % | |
| 1,500,000 | | |
P + 9.00%(7) Cash, 12% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 21.1 | % |
7 | |
8/24/2021 | |
6/30/2025 | |
| 25,000,000 | | |
| 25,623,762 | | |
| 25,402,772 | | |
| 8.0 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 6.00%(7) Cash, 2.5% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 18.1 | % |
8 | |
9/1/2021 | |
9/1/2024 | |
| 9,500,000 | | |
| 10,535,399 | | |
| 10,445,335 | | |
| 3.3 | % | |
| - | | |
19.25% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 25.8 | % |
9 | |
9/3/2021 | |
6/30/2024 | |
| 15,000,000 | | |
| 16,013,359 | | |
| 16,013,359 | | |
| 5.1 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 10.75%(7) Cash, 6.0% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 19.0 | % |
10 | |
9/20/2021 | |
9/30/2024 | |
| 470,411 | | |
| 235,205 | | |
| 235,205 | | |
| 0.1 | % | |
| - | | |
11.00% | |
| P&I | | |
| 21.4 | % |
11 | |
9/30/2021 | |
9/30/2024 | |
| 32,000,000 | | |
| 32,809,285 | | |
| 32,272,326 | | |
| 10.2 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 8.75%(7) Cash, 2% PIK | |
| I/O | | |
| 21.7 | % |
12 | |
11/8/2021 | |
10/31/2024 | |
| 13,574,667 | | |
| 13,038,000 | | |
| 12,930,501 | | |
| 4.1 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 9.25%(7) Cash | |
| P&I | | |
| 19.7 | % |
13 | |
11/22/2021 | |
11/1/2024 | |
| 13,100,000 | | |
| 13,166,720 | | |
| 13,058,608 | | |
| 4.1 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 6.00%(7) Cash, 1.5% PIK | |
| I/O | | |
| 18.5 | % |
14 | |
12/27/2021 | |
12/27/2026 | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 5,194,514 | | |
| 5,194,514 | | |
| 1.6 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 12.25%(7) Cash, 2.5% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 23.5 | % |
15 | |
12/29/2021 | |
12/29/2023 | |
| 6,000,000 | | |
| 3,835,398 | | |
| 3,801,740 | | |
| 1.2 | % | |
| 2,400,000 | | |
P + 7.50%(7) Cash, 5% PIK | |
| I/O | | |
| 26.9 | % |
16 | |
12/30/2021 | |
12/31/2024 | |
| 13,000,000 | | |
| 7,050,000 | | |
| 7,006,176 | | |
| 2.2 | % | |
| 5,500,000 | | |
P + 9.25%(7) | |
| I/O | | |
| 22.5 | % |
17 | |
1/18/2022 | |
1/31/2025 | |
| 15,000,000 | | |
| 15,000,000 | | |
| 14,768,664 | | |
| 4.7 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 4.75%(7) | |
| P&I | | |
| 14.1 | % |
18 | |
2/3/2022 | |
2/28/2025 | |
| 11,662,050 | | |
| 12,677,075 | | |
| 12,525,206 | | |
| 4.0 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 6.00%(7) Cash, 5% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 21.5 | % |
19 | |
3/11/2022 | |
8/29/2025 | |
| 20,000,000 | | |
| 20,637,961 | | |
| 20,567,900 | | |
| 6.5 | % | |
| - | | |
11.00% Cash, 3% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 15.5 | % |
20 | |
5/9/2022 | |
5/30/2025 | |
| 17,000,000 | | |
| 17,425,500 | | |
| 17,305,115 | | |
| 5.5 | % | |
| - | | |
11.00% Cash, 2% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 14.7 | % |
21 | |
7/1/2022 | |
6/30/2026 | |
| 9,000,000 | | |
| 5,114,907 | | |
| 5,041,408 | | |
| 1.6 | % | |
| 4,000,000 | | |
P + 8.50%(7) Cash, 3% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 26.4 | % |
22 | |
1/24/2023 | |
1/24/2026 | |
| 11,250,000 | | |
| 11,278,897 | | |
| 10,645,161 | | |
| 3.4 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 5.75%(7) Cash, 1.4% PIK | |
| P&I | | |
| 19.9 | % |
23 | |
3/27/2023 | |
3/31/2026 | |
| 2,000,000 | | |
| 2,000,000 | | |
| 1,950,227 | | |
| 0.6 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 7.50%(7) | |
| P&I | | |
| 18.3 | % |
24 | |
3/31/2023 | |
9/27/2026 | |
| 1,000,000 | | |
| 1,000,000 | | |
| 1,000,000 | | |
| 0.3 | % | |
| - | | |
P + 10.50%(7) | |
| P&I | | |
| 21.2 | % |
| |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| |
Subtotal | |
| 327,954,423 | | |
| 320,191,407 | | |
| 316,226,144 | | |
| 100.0 | % | |
| 14,234,000 | | |
17.6% | |
| Wtd Average | | |
| 19.4 | % |
(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 are subject to contractual extension options and may
be subject to performance based on 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 a contractual prepayment penalty. The Company
may also extend contractual maturities and amend other terms of the loans in connection with loan modifications. |
(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; subtotal represents weighted average interest rate. |
(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) |
Estimated YTM includes a variety of fees and features that affect the
total yield, which may include, but is not limited to, OID, exit fees, prepayment fees, unused fees and contingent features. OID is recognized
as a discount to the funded loan principal and is accreted to income over the term of the loan.
The estimated YTM calculations require management to make estimates
and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the timing and amounts of loan draws on delayed draw loans, the timing and collectability
of exit fees, the probability and timing of prepayments and the probability of contingent features occurring. For example, certain credit
agreements contain provisions pursuant to which certain PIK interest rates and fees earned by us under such credit agreements will decrease
upon the satisfaction of certain specified criteria which we believe may improve the risk profile of the applicable borrower. To be conservative,
we have not assumed any prepayment penalties or early payoffs in our estimated YTM calculation. Estimated YTM is based on current management
estimates and assumptions, which may change. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. |
(7) |
This Loan is subject to Prime Rate floor. |
(8) |
This Loan is subject to an interest rate cap. |
(9) |
The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #4 includes a $10.9 million advance, which has a base interest rate of 15.00%, 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) |
The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #3 includes a $15.9 million initial advance, which has a base interest rate of 13.625%,
2.75% PIK and a second advance of $4.2 million, which has an interest rate of 15.00%, 2.00% PIK. The statistics presented reflect the
weighted average of the terms under both advances for the total aggregate loan commitment. |
The following tables summarize our loans held for investment as of
March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| |
As of March 31, 2023 | |
| |
Outstanding
Principal (1) | | |
Original
Issue
Discount | | |
Carrying
Value (1) | | |
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
(Years) (2) | |
Senior Term Loans | |
$ | 320,191,407 | | |
$ | (3,965,263 | ) | |
$ | 316,226,144 | | |
| 2.0 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (4,051,934 | ) | |
| | |
Total loans held at carrying value, net | |
$ | 320,191,407 | | |
$ | (3,965,263 | ) | |
$ | 312,174,210 | | |
| | |
| |
As of December 31, 2022 | |
| |
Outstanding
Principal (1) | | |
Original
Issue
Discount | | |
Carrying
Value (1) | | |
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
(Years) (2) | |
Senior Term Loans | |
$ | 343,029,334 | | |
$ | (3,755,796 | ) | |
$ | 339,273,538 | | |
| 2.2 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (3,940,939 | ) | |
| | |
Total loans held at carrying value, net | |
$ | 343,029,334 | | |
$ | (3,755,796 | ) | |
$ | 335,332,599 | | |
| | |
(1) | The difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding
Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted original issue discount, deferred loan fees and other upfront fees. Outstanding
principal balance includes capitalized PIK interest, if applicable. |
(2) | Weighted average remaining life is calculated based on the
carrying value of the loans as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. |
The following tables present changes in loans held
for investment at carrying value as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
| |
Principal | | |
Original Issue Discount | | |
Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve | | |
Carrying Value (1) | |
Balance at December 31, 2022 | |
$ | 343,029,334 | | |
$ | (3,755,796 | ) | |
$ | (3,940,939 | ) | |
$ | 335,332,599 | |
New fundings | |
| 34,060,000 | | |
| (1,118,340 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 32,941,660 | |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| (45,754,443 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (45,754,443 | ) |
Accretion of original issue discount | |
| - | | |
| 908,873 | | |
| - | | |
| 908,873 | |
Sale of loans | |
| (13,399,712 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (13,399,712 | ) |
PIK Interest | |
| 2,256,228 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 2,256,228 | |
Current expected credit loss reserve | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (110,995 | ) | |
| (110,995 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2023 | |
$ | 320,191,407 | | |
$ | (3,965,263 | ) | |
$ | (4,051,934 | ) | |
$ | 312,174,210 | |
(1) |
The difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted original issue discount, deferred loan fees and loan origination costs. Outstanding principal balance includes capitalized PIK interest, if applicable. |
| |
Principal | | |
Original
Issue
Discount | | |
Current
Expected
Credit Loss
Reserve | | |
Carrying
Value (1) | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | |
$ | 200,632,056 | | |
$ | (3,647,490 | ) | |
$ | (134,542 | ) | |
$ | 196,850,024 | |
New fundings | |
| 86,725,308 | | |
| (1,128,415 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 85,596,893 | |
Principal repayment of loans | |
| (5,619,201 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (5,619,201 | ) |
Accretion of original issue discount | |
| - | | |
| 894,087 | | |
| - | | |
| 894,087 | |
PIK Interest | |
| 970,569 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 970,569 | |
Provision for credit losses | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (48,296 | ) | |
| (48,296 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2022 | |
$ | 282,708,732 | | |
$ | (3,881,818 | ) | |
$ | (182,838 | ) | |
$ | 278,644,076 | |
(1) |
The difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted original issue discount, deferred loan fees and loan origination costs. Outstanding principal balance includes capitalized PIK interest, if applicable. |
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 potential impacts on our loans.
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 | | |
For the three months ended | |
| |
March 31,
2023 | | |
March 31,
2022 | |
Net Income | |
$ | 10,692,349 | | |
$ | 7,803,952 | |
Adjustments to net income | |
| | | |
| | |
Non-cash equity compensation expense | |
| 138,335 | | |
| 120,940 | |
Depreciation and amortization | |
| 167,304 | | |
| 72,268 | |
Provision for current expected credit losses | |
| 96,119 | | |
| 51,343 | |
Distributable Earnings | |
$ | 11,094,107 | | |
$ | 8,048,503 | |
Adjustments to Distributable Earnings | |
| | | |
| | |
Adjusted Distributable Earnings | |
| 11,094,107 | | |
| 8,048,503 | |
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) | |
| 17,879,444 | | |
| 17,641,090 | |
Adjusted Distributable Earnings per Weighted Average Share | |
$ | 0.62 | | |
$ | 0.46 | |
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) | |
| 17,960,103 | | |
| 17,737,975 | |
Adjusted Distributable Earnings per Weighted Average Share | |
$ | 0.62 | | |
$ | 0.45 | |
Book Value Per Share
The book value per share of our common stock as of
March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was approximately $15.04 and $14.86, respectively.
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. On a long-term basis, 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. 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. In the short-term, 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. We expect to achieve this through recycling
capital from loan paydowns, repayments, and sales of common stock related to our shelf registration statement.
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, all
of our cash was unrestricted and totaled approximately $4.6 million and $5.7 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 wholly-owned financing subsidiary, CAL, we were assigned a secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan”).
The Revolving Loan had an original aggregate borrowing base of up to $10,000,000 and bore 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 was 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, CAL entered into an amended
and restated Revolving Loan agreement (the “First Amendment and Restatement”). The First Amendment and Restatement 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 is derived from a floating
rate grid based upon 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 and Restatement 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 of the Revolving Loan agreement. We have the option to extend
the initial term for an additional one-year term, provided no events of default exist and we provide the required notice of the extension
pursuant to the First Amendment and Restatement. We incurred debt issuance costs of $859,500 related to the First Amendment and Restatement,
which were capitalized and are subsequently being amortized through maturity.
On May 12, 2022, CAL entered into a second amended
and restated Revolving Loan agreement (the “Second Amendment and Restatement”) 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 and Restatement. We incurred debt issuance costs of $177,261 related to the Second Amendment and Restatement, which
were capitalized and are subsequently amortized through maturity.
On November 7, 2022, CAL entered into a third amended
and restated Revolving Loan agreement (the “Third Amendment and Restatement”) whereby we exercised the existing accordion
feature of the Revolving Loan to increase the aggregate commitment by $27.5 million, from $65 million to $92.5 million. No other material
terms of the Revolving Loan were modified as a result of the execution of the Third Amendment and Restatement. We incurred debt issuance
costs of $323,779 related to the Third Amendment and Restatement, which were capitalized and are subsequently amortized through maturity.
On February 27, 2023, CAL entered into an amendment
to the Third Amendment and Restatement (the “Amendment”). The Amendment extended the contractual maturity date of the Revolving
Loan until December 16, 2024 and we retained our option to extend the initial term for an additional one-year period, provided no events
of default exist and we provide 365 days’ notice of the extension pursuant to the Amendment. No other material terms of the Revolving
Loan were modified as a result of the execution of the Amendment. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, unamortized debt issuance
costs related to the Revolving Loan, including all amendments and amendments and restatements thereto, as applicable, of $641,279 and
$805,596, 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 which began on July 1, 2022 pursuant to the Second Amendment and Restatement. During the three months ended March 31,
2023 and 2022, we incurred approximately $10,000 and $0 in unused fees and approximately $1.4 million and $0 in interest expense, respectively,
in connection with the Revolving Loan. 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 Revolving Loan 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 March 31, 2023,
we were in compliance with all financial covenants with respect to the Revolving Loan.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we
borrowed $37.5 million against the Revolving Loan, had $37.5 million outstanding, and $55.0 million available under the Revolving Loan.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, we borrowed $58.0 million against the Revolving Loan, had $58.0 million outstanding, and $34.5 million
available under the Revolving Loan. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we did not borrow against the Revolving Loan and therefore
had $0 outstanding and $45 million available 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 three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively:
| |
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 | | |
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 | |
| |
| | |
| |
Net income | |
$ | 10,692,349 | | |
$ | 7,803,952 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities and changes in operating assets and liabilities | |
| (8,990,282 | ) | |
| (4,768,320 | ) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | |
| 1,702,067 | | |
| 3,035,632 | |
Net cash provided by/(used) in investing activities | |
| 25,316,886 | | |
| (77,175,374 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | |
| (28,093,875 | ) | |
| (30,606 | ) |
Change in cash and cash equivalents | |
$ | (1,074,922 | ) | |
$ | (74,170,348 | ) |
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022,
we reported “Net cash provided by operating activities” of $1.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Net cash flows provided
by operating activities decreased $1.3 million, primarily attributable to an increase in provision for current expected credit losses
of approximately $48 thousand, an increase in PIK interest of approximately $1.3 million, an increase in interest receivable of approximately
$2.8 million, an increase in related party receivable of approximately $0.2 million, an increase in related party payable of approximately
$0.1 million, an increase in management and incentive fees payable of approximately $0.9 million, and an increase in accounts payable
and other accrued expenses of approximately $0.4 million, partially offset by an increase in net income of approximately $2.9 million,
decrease in interest reserve of approximately $1.4 million, increase in debt issuance costs of approximately $0.1 million, and an increase
in stock based compensation of approximately $17 thousand.
Net Cash Provided by/(Used) in Investing Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022,
we reported “Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities” of $25.3 million and ($77.2 million), respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, cash
outflows primarily related to $32.9 million used for the origination and funding of loans held for investment, partially offset by $13.4
million received from the sales of loans and $44.9 million of cash received from the principal repayment of loans held for investment.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, cash
outflows primarily related to $82.8 million used for the origination and funding of loans held for investment, partially offset by $5.6
million of cash received from the principal repayment of loans held for investment.
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022,
we reported “Net cash used in financing activities” of $28.1 million and approximately $31 thousand, respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, cash
inflows of approximately $6.0 million related to proceeds received from the registered direct offering and $28.5 million related to draw
downs on our Revolving Loan, which were offset by approximately $49.0 million in repayments on our Revolving Loan, $13.5 million in dividends
paid, approximately $3 thousand in debt issuance costs paid, and approximately $0.1 million in offering costs associated with the registered
direct offering.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, cash
inflows primarily related to approximately $4.5 million received from the underwriters’ partial exercise of their over-allotment
option, offset by approximately $4.5 million in dividends paid, and approximately $24 thousand related to offering costs associated with
our initial public offering.
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.
The following table summarizes the Company’s
dividends declared during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
| |
Record Date | |
Payment Date | |
Common Share Distribution Amount | | |
Taxable Ordinary Income | | |
Return of Capital | | |
Section 199A Dividends | |
Regular cash dividend | |
3/31/2023 | |
4/14/2023 | |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 0.47 | |
Total cash dividend | |
| |
| |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | 0.47 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 0.47 | |
| |
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 | |
Total cash dividend | |
| |
| |
$ | 0.40 | | |
$ | 0.40 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 0.40 | |
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.
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 evaluate 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 Capital IQ 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 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, 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 risk ratings shown in the following table as of March
31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 consider borrower specific credit history and performance and quarterly re-evaluation of overall current
macroeconomic conditions affecting the borrowers. As interest rates have increased due to rising rates from the Federal Reserve Board,
it has impacted borrowers’ ability to service their debt obligations on a global scale. This decline in risk ratings had an effect
on the level of the current expected credit loss reserve, though the loans continued to perform as expected. For approximately 80% of
the portfolio, the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral exceeded the amounts outstanding under the loans as of March 31,
2023. The remaining approximately 20% of the portfolio, while not fully collateralized by real estate, was secured by other forms of collateral
including equipment, receivables, licenses and/or other assets of the borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations
governing such borrowers.
As of March 31, 2023
and December 31, 2022, 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 March 31, 2023 | | |
As
of December 31, 2022 | |
Risk Rating | |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | | |
2019 | | |
Total | | |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | | |
2019 | | |
Total | |
1 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 235,205 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 235,205 | | |
| - | | |
| 274,406 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 274,406 | |
2 | |
| 13,595,388 | | |
| 124,333,205 | | |
| 71,790,767 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 209,719,360 | | |
| 94,467,449 | | |
| 88,444,868 | | |
| 29,140,546 | | |
| - | | |
| 212,052,863 | |
3 | |
| - | | |
| 12,525,206 | | |
| 65,657,524 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 78,182,730 | | |
| 30,415,113 | | |
| 83,131,444 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 113,546,557 | |
4 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 28,088,849 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 28,088,849 | | |
| - | | |
| 13,399,712 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 13,399,712 | |
5 | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total | |
| 13,595,388 | | |
| 136,858,411 | | |
| 165,772,345 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 316,226,144 | | |
| 124,882,562 | | |
| 185,250,430 | | |
| 29,140,546 | | |
| - | | |
| 339,273,538 | |
(1) |
Amounts are presented by loan origination year with subsequent advances shown in the original year of origination. |
Accounting Policies and Estimates
As of March 31, 2023, 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 three months ended March 31, 2023, titled “Significant Accounting Policies”
for information on recent accounting pronouncements.