UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission File Number: 001-41123

 

CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland 86-3125132
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

420 North Wabash1680 Michigan Avenue, Suite 500,700,
Chicago, IL 60611Miami Beach, FL 33139

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(312) 809-7002

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share REFI NASDAQ Global Market

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated FilerSmaller reporting company
  Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class Outstanding at November 7, 2022August 4, 2023
Common stock, $0.01 par value 

17,657,91318,175,393

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INDEX

 

Part I.Financial Information1
Item 1.Financial Statements1
 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 (unaudited) and December 31, 202120221
 Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited) and for the three months ended September 30, 2021 (unaudited) and the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021 (unaudited)2
 Consolidated Statements of Equity for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited) and for the three months ended September 30, 2021 (unaudited) and the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021 (unaudited)3
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited) and for the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021 (unaudited) 4
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)5
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1824
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk3442
Item 4.Controls and Procedures3845
Part II.Other Information3946
Item 1.Legal Proceedings3946
Item 1A.Risk Factors3946
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds3947
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities3947
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures3947
Item 5.Other Information3947
Item 6.Exhibits3947

 

i

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 June 30,
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
 September 30,
2022
  December 31,
2021
  (unaudited)    
Assets (unaudited)         
Loans held for investment $331,075,547  $196,984,566  $314,536,900  $339,273,538 
Current expected credit loss reserve  (1,497,933)  (134,542)  (5,121,577)  (3,940,939)
Loans held for investment at carrying value, net  329,577,614   196,850,024   309,415,323   335,332,599 
Cash  9,331,530   80,248,526 
Cash and cash equivalents  18,020,688   5,715,827 
Debt securities, at fair value  877,610   - 
Interest receivable  727,279   197,735   994,812   1,204,412 
Other receivables and assets, net  844,486   874,170   1,010,720   1,018,212 
Related party receivables  237,885   - 
Total Assets $340,480,909  $278,170,455  $330,557,038  $343,271,050 
                
Liabilities                
Revolving Loan $53,000,000  $- 
Revolving loan $43,000,000  $58,000,000 
Dividend payable  8,435,222   4,537,924   8,708,161   13,618,591 
Management and incentive fees payable  1,799,667   3,295,600 
Related party payables  1,601,773   1,397,515 
Accounts payable and other liabilities  1,415,612   1,058,128 
Interest reserve  5,625,979   6,636,553   341,951   1,868,193 
Management and incentive fees payable  1,347,421   802,294 
Related party payable  1,203,030   1,902,829 
Accounts payable and other liabilities  716,463   212,887 
Total Liabilities  70,328,115   14,092,487   56,867,164   79,238,027 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)                
                
Stockholders’ equity                
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and 17,742,915 and 17,453,553 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively  176,579   173,551 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized and 18,175,393 and 17,766,936 shares issued and outstanding, respectively  181,754   176,859 
Additional paid-in-capital  268,888,861   264,081,977   276,405,754   268,995,848 
Accumulated earnings (deficit)  1,087,354   (177,560)  (2,897,634)  (5,139,684)
Total stockholders’ equity  270,152,794   264,077,968   273,689,874   264,033,023 
                
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $340,480,909  $278,170,455  $330,557,038  $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
 For the
nine months
ended
 Period from
March 30,
2021
(inception) to
  For the
three months ended
 For the
three months ended
 For the
six months ended
 For the
six months ended
 
 September 30,
2022
 September 30,
2021
 September 30,
2022
  September 30,
2021
  June 30,
2023
  June 30,
2022
  June 30,
2023
  June 30,
2022
 
Revenues                  
Interest income $13,795,097  $4,141,323  $35,478,178  $5,295,812  $14,659,222  $11,850,028  $31,186,526  $21,683,081 
Interest expense  (861,348)  (25,206)  (1,383,172)  (41,918)  (994,926)  (449,556)  (2,613,222)  (521,824)
Net interest income  12,933,749   4,116,117   34,095,006   5,253,894   13,664,296   11,400,472   28,573,304   21,161,257 
                                
Expenses                                
Management and incentive fees, net  1,347,421   -   3,266,487   -   1,799,667   1,247,561   3,937,672   1,919,066 
General and administrative expense  1,076,798   13,531   2,410,151   13,531   1,280,401   777,212   2,555,226   1,333,353 
Organizational expense  -   35,065   -   104,291 
Provision for current expected credit losses  306,885   -   1,403,892   - 
Professional fees  348,785   -   1,649,360   -   537,894   743,670   1,107,269   1,300,574 
Stock based compensation  84,891   -   328,356   -   263,844   122,525   402,179   243,465 
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,139,112   1,045,665   1,235,231   1,097,008 
Total expenses  3,164,780   48,596   9,058,246   117,822   5,020,918   3,936,633   9,237,577   5,893,466 
                                
Net Income before income taxes  9,768,969   4,067,521   25,036,760   5,136,072   8,643,378   7,463,839   19,335,727   15,267,791 
Income tax expense  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Net Income $9,768,969  $4,067,521  $25,036,760  $5,136,072  $8,643,378  $7,463,839  $19,335,727  $15,267,791 
                                
Earnings per common share:                                
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) $0.55  $0.83  $1.42  $1.40 
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) $0.55  $0.83  $1.41  $1.40 
Basic earnings per common share $0.48  $0.42  $1.07  $0.87 
Diluted earnings per common share $0.47  $0.42  $1.07  $0.86 
                                
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                                
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)  17,657,913   4,895,694   17,652,367   3,658,310 
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)  17,752,290   4,895,694   17,747,612   3,658,310 
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding  18,094,288   17,657,913   17,989,684   17,649,548 
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding  18,273,512   17,752,413   18,117,919   17,745,234 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 

 

CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

Three months ended June 30, 2023

  Common Stock  Additional
Paid-
  Accumulated  Total Stockholders’ 
  Shares  Amount  In-Capital  Earnings  Equity 
Balance at March 30, 2021 (inception)  -  $-  $-  $-  $- 
Issuance of common stock in connection with sale of unregistered equity securities  6,427   64   99,936   -   100,000 
Balance at March 31, 2021  6,427  $64  $99,936  $-  $100,000 
Issuance of common stock in connection with sale of unregistered equity securities  3,618,401   36,184   56,263,560   -   56,299,744 
Dividends declared on common shares  -   -   -   (1,068,551)  (1,068,551)
Net income  -   -   -   1,068,551   1,068,551 
Balance at June 30, 2021  3,624,828  $36,248  $56,363,496  $-  $56,399,744 
Issuance of common stock in connection with sale of unregistered equity securities  4,415,594   44,156   68,179,213   -   68,223,369 
Net income  -   -   -   4,067,521   4,067,521 
Balance at September 30, 2021  8,040,422  $80,404  $124,542,709  $4,067,521  $128,690,634 
                     
Balance at January 1, 2022 17,453,553  $173,551  $264,081,977  $(177,560) $264,077,968 
Issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering and concurrent private placement, net of offering costs, underwriting discounts and commissions  302,800   3,028   4,478,528   -   4,481,556 
Stock-based compensation  (3,750)  -   120,940   975   121,915 
Dividends declared on common shares ($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 
Stock-based compensation  (313)  -   122,525   207   122,732 
Dividends declared on common shares ($0.47 per share)  -   -   -   (8,343,576)  (8,343,576)
Net income  -   -   -   7,463,839   7,463,839 
Balance at June 30, 2022 17,752,290  $176,579  $268,803,970  $(353,038) $268,627,511 
Stock-based compensation  (9,375)  -   84,891   10,593   95,484 
Dividends declared on common shares ($0.47 per share)  -   -   -   (8,339,170)  (8,339,170)
Net income  -   -   -   9,768,969   9,768,969 
Balance at September 30, 2022 17,742,915  $176,579  $268,888,861  $1,087,354  $270,152,794 

  Common Stock  Additional
Paid-In-
  Accumulated  Total
Stockholders’
 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Earnings  Equity 
                
Balance at April 1, 2023  18,162,298   180,887   274,925,072   (2,982,631)  272,123,328 
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs  79,862   799   1,221,553   -   1,222,352 
Stock-based compensation  (66,767)  68   259,129   4,647   263,844 
Dividends declared on common shares ($0.47 per share)  -   -   -   (8,563,028)  (8,563,028)
Net income  -   -   -   8,643,378   8,643,378 
Balance at June 30, 2023  18,175,393  $181,754  $276,405,754  $(2,897,634) $273,689,874 

Six months ended June 30, 2023

  Common Stock  Additional
Paid-In-
  Accumulated  Total
Stockholders’
 
  Shares  Amount  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, net of offering costs  79,862   799   1,221,553   -  $1,222,352 
Issuance of common stock in connection with private placement, net of offering costs, underwriting discounts and commissions  395,779   3,958   5,790,889   -  $5,794,847 
Stock-based compensation  (67,184)  138   397,464   4,577  $402,179 
Dividends declared on common shares ($0.94 per share)  -   -   -   (17,098,254) $(17,098,254)
Net income  -   -   -   19,335,727  $19,335,727 
Balance at June 30, 2023  18,175,393  $181,754  $276,405,754  $(2,897,634) $273,689,874 

Three months ended June 30, 2022

  Common Stock  Additional
Paid-In-
  Accumulated  Total
Stockholders’
 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Earnings  Equity 
                
Balance at April 1, 2022  17,752,603   176,579   268,681,445   526,492   269,384,516 
Stock-based compensation  (313)  -   122,525   207   122,732 
Dividends declared on common shares ($0.47 per share)  -   -   -   (8,343,576)  (8,343,576)
Net income  -   -   -   7,463,839   7,463,839 
Balance at June 30, 2022  17,752,290  $176,579  $268,803,970  $(353,038) $268,627,511 

Six months ended June 30, 2022

  Common Stock  Additional
Paid-In-
  Accumulated  Total
Stockholders’
 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Earnings  Equity 
                
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  (4,063)  -   243,465   1,182   244,647 
Dividends declared on common shares ($0.87 per share)  -   -   -   (15,444,451)  (15,444,451)
Net income  -   -   -   15,267,791   15,267,791 
Balance at June 30, 2022  17,752,290  $176,579  $268,803,970  $(353,038) $268,627,511 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 

CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 For the
nine months ended
September 30,
2022
  Period from
March 30,
2021
(inception) to
September 30,
2021
 
 (unaudited) (unaudited)  

For the
six months
ended

June 30,
2023

  For the
six months
ended
June 30,
2022
 
          
Operating activities          
Net income $25,036,760  $5,136,072  $19,335,727  $15,267,791 
                
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Accretion of deferred loan origination fees and other discounts  (2,139,972)  (276,838)  (1,433,293)  (1,362,776)
Payment-in-kind interest  (4,096,721)  (278,079)
Paid-in-kind interest  (4,345,434)  (2,400,627)
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,403,892   -   1,235,231   1,097,008 
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs  379,644   41,918   259,102   241,095 
Stock based compensation  328,356   -   402,179   243,465 
                
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Interest receivable  (529,544)  (517,026)  209,600   (777,837)
Other assets  -   (84,384)
Other receivables  (172,699)  (13,868)
Other receivables and assets, net  (119,819)  (146,102)
Interest reserve  (9,940,290)  6,590,885   (1,526,242)  (6,162,392)
Escrow payable  -   800,000 
Related party payable  1,100,201   683,842 
Management fee payable  545,127   - 
Related party payables  204,258   739,950 
Related party receivables  (237,885)  - 
Purchase of debt securities, at fair value  (877,610)  - 
Management and incentive fees payable  (1,495,933)  342,438 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  463,075   159,047   302,891   292,669 
Net cash provided by operating activities  12,377,829   12,241,569   11,912,772   7,374,682 
                
Cash flows from investing activities                
Issuance of and fundings of loans held for investment  (134,314,003)  (104,174,344)
Proceeds from sale of loan held for investment  6,696,777   - 
Principal repayment of loans held for investment  6,892,654   9,582,613 
Net cash used in investing activities  (120,724,572)  (94,591,731)
Issuance of and fundings of loans  (34,791,660)  (125,383,782)
Proceeds from sales of loans  13,399,712   - 
Principal repayment of loans  51,907,313   6,654,703 
Net cash provided by/(used) in investing activities  30,515,365   (118,729,079)
                
Cash flows from financing activities                
Proceeds from sale of common stock  4,505,664   92,546,597   7,222,363   4,505,664 
Proceeds from borrowings on revolving loan  53,000,000   -   34,000,000   45,000,000 
Dividends paid  (19,874,715)  (1,068,551)
Repayment of borrowings on revolving loan  (49,000,000)  - 
Dividends paid to common shareholders  (22,004,274)  (11,575,495)
Payment of debt issuance costs  (177,261)  -   (56,791)  (177,261)
Payment of deferred offering costs  (23,941)  (485,978)
Net cash provided by financing activities  37,429,747   90,992,068 
Payment of offering costs  (284,574)  (23,941)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities  (30,123,276)  37,728,967 
                
Change in cash  (70,916,996)  8,641,906 
Cash, beginning of period  80,248,526   100,000 
Cash, end of period $9,331,530  $8,741,906 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  12,304,861   (73,625,430)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  5,715,827   80,248,526 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $18,020,688  $6,623,096 
                
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activity                
Loans acquired for issuance of shares of common stock $-  $31,976,516 
Interest reserve withheld from funding of loan  8,929,716   7,501,842   -   5,895,863 
OID withheld from funding of loans  2,180,593   - 
OID withheld from funding of loans held for investment  1,118,340   1,835,592 
Dividends declared and not yet paid  8,409,628   -   8,708,161   8,380,271 
Transfer of loan held for investment to loan held for sale  

13,399,712

   - 
                
Supplemental information:                
Interest paid during the period $646,278  $-  $2,442,866  $102,500 
Income taxes paid during the period  -   - 

 

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 allat least 90% 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, LLCLP. (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 position, 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, 2021.2022. 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 and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2022.2023.


 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company’s cash held with financial institutions may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured limits.  The Company and the Manager seek to manage this credit risk relating to cash by monitoring the financial stability of the financial institutions and their ability to continue in business for the foreseeable future.

Cash and cash equivalents include funds on deposit with financial institutions, including demand deposits with financial institutions. Cash and short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired are considered cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows.

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.

 

ReclassificationsInvestments in Marketable Securities

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform toInvestments in marketable securities consist of debt securities that are classified as trading securities. Marketable trading securities are recorded at fair value on the current period presentation. Interest expense was previously presented as an operating expenseconsolidated balance sheets and has been reclassified as a reduction to net revenueunrealized gains and losses shall be included within unrealized gain(loss) on trading securities on the consolidated statements of income. General

Loans Held-for-Sale

Once the Company decides to sell a loan(s), they may be transferred from held for investment to held-for-sale and administrative expense reimbursements duecarried at the lower of cost or fair value. On the date a loan is transferred into the held-for-sale category, any previously recorded allowance for credit losses is reversed in earnings and the loan is recorded at its amortized cost. If the amortized cost exceeds the loan’s fair value at the date of transfer, a valuation allowance is recorded equal to the Manager, whichdifference between amortized cost basis and fair value. There were previously included inno loans classified as held-for-sale as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income on debt securities designated as trading securities is recognized on an accrual basis and is reported as interest receivable until collected. Interest income is accrued based on the line item managementoutstanding face amount and incentive fees payable, have been reclassified into related party payable in the consolidated balance sheets. In addition, other receivables amounts have been reclassifiedcontractual terms of the securities. Original issue discount (“OID”), market discounts or premiums, if any, are recorded as an adjustment to other receivablesthe amortized cost and assets, net inaccreted or amortized as an adjustment to interest income using a method that approximates the consolidated balance sheets.effective interest method. 

 

These reclassifications do not result in any changes to previously reported total assets and net income.

Investment PayableIncome Taxes

 

Investment transactions are reported

The Company is a Maryland corporation and has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2021. The Company believes that it qualifies as a REIT and 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 trade-date basis. Unsettled trades asREIT, 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 balance sheet date,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 documented and supported for the taxable years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 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 payable for investments purchased.

Recent Accounting Pronouncementsthe balance sheets.

 

As of September 30, 2022, the Company is evaluating the potential impact of recently issued accounting pronouncements on its consolidated financial statements.


 

 

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 (“TDR”) 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 SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, the Company’s portfolio was comprised of loans to 25 and 22 and 21 portfolio companies,borrowers, respectively, that the Company has the ability and intendsintent to hold for the loans toforeseeable future or until maturity. The portfolio of loans are held on the consolidated balance sheetsheets at amortized cost. The Company’s aggregate loan commitments and outstanding principal were approximately $348.9$329.2 million and $334.5$318.0 million, respectively, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, and $235.1$351.4 million and $200.6$343.0 million as of December 31, 2021.2022. During the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, the Company funded approximately $5.7$1.9 million and $143.6$35.9 million respectively, in new loan principal.

 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, approximately 59.7%87.9% and 53.2%83.1%, respectively, of the Company’s portfolio was comprised of floating rate loans that pay interest at the prime ratePrime Rate plus an applicable margin, and were subject to prime rate floors.Prime Rate ceilings and floors as discussed in the tables below. The outstanding principalcarrying value of these loans was approximately $199.7$276.2 million and $106.7$281.6 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, respectively.

The remaining 40.3%12.1% and 46.8%16.9% of the portfolio as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, was comprised of fixed rate loans that had outstanding principala carrying value of approximately $134.8$38.3 million and $93.9 million.$57.7 million as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

The following tables summarize the Company’s loans held for investment as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021:2022:

 

     As of September 30, 2022  Weighted
Average
  Outstanding Principal (1)  Original Issue Discount  Carrying Value (1)  Remaining Life (Years) (2)
Senior Term Loans $334,502,935  $(3,427,388) $331,075,547  2.1
Current expected credit loss reserve  -   -   (1,497,933)  
Total loans held at carrying value, net $334,502,935  $(3,427,388) $329,577,614   

    As of December 31, 2021  Weighted
Average
 As of June 30, 2023 
 Outstanding Principal (1)  Original Issue Discount  Carrying Value (1)  Remaining Life (Years) (2) Outstanding
Principal (1)
  Original Issue
Discount
  Carrying Value (1)  Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
(Years) (2)
 
Senior Term Loans $200,632,056  $(3,647,490) $196,984,566  2.2 $317,977,743  $(3,440,843) $314,536,900   1.8 
Current expected credit loss reserve  -   -   (134,542)    -   -   (5,121,577)    
Total loans held at carrying value, net $200,632,056  $(3,647,490) $196,850,024    $317,977,743  $(3,440,843) $309,415,323     

  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 SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, respectively.

 


The following tables present changes in loans held at carrying value as of and for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021.2022.

 

 Principal (1) Original
Issue
Discount
 Current
Expected
Credit Loss
Reserve
 Carrying
Value (1)
  Principal (1)  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 
Issuance of and funding of loans  143,624,312   (2,180,593)  -   141,443,719 
Balance at December 31, 2022 $343,029,334  $(3,755,796) $(3,940,939) $335,332,599 
New fundings  35,910,000   (1,118,340)  -   34,791,660 
Principal repayment of loans  (6,892,654)  -   -   (6,892,654)  (51,907,313)  -   -   (51,907,313)
Accretion of original issue discount  -   2,139,972   -   2,139,972   -   1,433,293   -   1,433,293 
Proceeds from sale of loans  (6,957,500)  260,723   -   (6,696,777)
Sale of loan (2)  (13,399,712)  -   -   (13,399,712)
PIK Interest  4,096,721   -   -   4,096,721   4,345,434   -   -   4,345,434 
Current expected credit loss reserve  -   -   (1,363,391)  (1,363,391)  -   -   (1,180,638)  (1,180,638)
Balance at September 30, 2022 $334,502,935  $(3,427,388) $(1,497,933) $329,577,614 
Balance at June 30, 2023 $317,977,743  $(3,440,843) $(5,121,577) $309,415,323 

(1)(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 six months ended June 30, 2023 to a syndicate of co-lenders which includes a third party and two affiliates under common control with our Manager. The sale was executed on March 31, 2023 (Note 7).

  Principal (1)  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  137,944,312   (1,835,592)  -   136,108,720 
Principal repayment of loans  (6,654,703)  -   -   (6,654,703)
Accretion of original issue discount  -   1,362,776   -   1,362,776 
PIK Interest  2,400,627   -   -   2,400,627 
Provision for credit losses  -   -   (1,068,882)  (1,068,882)
Balance at June 30, 2022 $334,322,292  $(4,120,306) $(1,203,424) $328,998,562 


  Principal (1)  Original Issue Discount  Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve  Carrying Value (1) 
Balance at March 30, 2021 (inception) $-  $-  $   -  $- 
Loans contributed  32,589,907   (613,391)  -   31,976,516 
New fundings  105,952,844   (1,778,500)  -   104,174,344 
Principal repayment of loans  (9,582,613)  -   -   (9,582,613)
Accretion of original issue discount  -   276,838   -   276,838 
Sale of loans  -   -   -   - 
PIK Interest  278,079   -   -   278,079 
Balance at September 30, 2021 $129,238,217  $(2,115,053) $-  $127,123,164 

(1)(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 SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, is as follows:

    Initial           Original     Percent of Our           
Loan Location(s) Funding
Date (1)
  Maturity
Date (2)
  Total
Commitment (3)
  Principal
Balance
  Issue
Discount
  Carrying
Value
  Loan
Portfolio
  Future
Fundings
  Interest Rate (4) Periodic
Payment (5)
 YTM
IRR (6)
 
1 Various  10/27/2022   10/30/2026  $30,000,000  $30,000,000  $(748,770) $29,251,230   9.3%  -  P+6.50% Cash, 0% PIK (10) I/O  17.0%
2 Michigan  3/5/2021   12/31/2024   35,891,667   38,001,475   (121,831)  37,879,644   12.0%  -  P+6.65% Cash, 4.25% PIK (7)(15) P&I  18.0%
3(17) Various  3/25/2021   11/29/2024   20,105,628   20,392,227   (438,589)  19,953,638   6.3%  -  P+10.375% Cash, 2.75% PIK (7) P&I  23.2%
4(16) Arizona  4/19/2021   12/31/2023   14,120,000   13,970,276   -   13,970,276   4.4%  -  P+11.75% Cash (9) I/O  17.5%
5 Massachusetts  4/19/2021   4/30/2025   3,500,000   3,296,000   -   3,296,000   1.0%  204,000  P+12.25% Cash (7) P&I  22.4%
6 Michigan  8/20/2021   2/20/2024   6,000,000   4,264,421   (2,464)  4,261,957   1.4%  1,500,000  P+9.00% Cash (7) P&I  20.7%
7 Illinois, Arizona  8/24/2021   6/30/2025   25,000,000   20,807,799   (171,792)  20,636,007   6.6%  -  P+6.00% Cash, 2% PIK (11) P&I  18.5%
8 West Virginia  9/1/2021   9/1/2024   9,500,000   11,030,188   (74,371)  10,955,817   3.5%  -  P+9.25% Cash, 2% PIK (7) P&I  26.0%
9(19) Pennsylvania  9/3/2021   6/30/2024   15,000,000   16,155,903   -   16,155,903   5.1%  -  P+10.75% Cash, 3% PIK (7) P&I  19.2%
10 Michigan  9/20/2021   9/30/2024   470,411   196,005   -   196,005   0.1%  -  11% Cash P&I  21.4%
11 Maryland  9/30/2021   9/30/2024   32,000,000   32,975,433   (447,955)  32,527,478   10.3%  -  P+8.75% Cash, 2% PIK (7) I/O  21.8%
12 Various  11/8/2021   10/31/2024   13,574,667   12,628,000   (90,634)  12,537,366   4.0%  -  P+9.25% Cash (12) P&I  19.5%
13 Michigan  11/22/2021   11/1/2024   13,100,000   13,111,841   (91,308)  13,020,533   4.1%  -  P+6.00% Cash, 1.5% PIK (11) I/O  18.7%
14 Various  12/27/2021   12/27/2026   5,000,000   5,125,000   -   5,125,000   1.6%  -  P+12.25% Cash, 2.5% PIK (8) P&I  23.5%
15 Michigan  12/29/2021   12/29/2023   6,000,000   3,884,077   (22,438)  3,861,639   1.2%  2,400,000  P+17.5% Cash, 5% PIK (9) I/O  27.0%
16 Florida  12/30/2021   12/31/2024   13,000,000   6,825,000   (37,603)  6,787,397   2.2%  5,500,000  P+9.25% Cash (7) I/O  22.7%
17 Florida  1/18/2022   1/31/2025   15,000,000   15,000,000   (200,009)  14,799,991   4.7%  -  P+4.75% Cash (10) P&I  14.2%
18 Ohio  2/3/2022   2/28/2025   11,662,050   12,837,973   (132,125)  12,705,848   4.0%  -  P+1.75% Cash, 3% PIK (11) P&I  19.8%
19 Florida  3/11/2022   8/29/2025   20,000,000   20,794,861   (62,431)  20,732,430   6.6%  -  11% Cash, 3% PIK P&I  15.5%
20 Missouri  5/9/2022   5/30/2025   17,000,000   17,513,744   (106,535)  17,407,209   5.5%  -  11% Cash, 3% PIK P&I  14.7%
21 Illinois  7/1/2022   6/30/2026   9,000,000   5,153,793   (67,999)  5,085,794   1.6%  4,000,000  P+8.50% Cash, 3% PIK P&I  26.6%
22 Maryland  1/24/2023   1/24/2026   11,250,000   11,093,727   (578,307)  10,515,420   3.3%  -  P+5.75% Cash, 1.4% PIK (10) P&I  20.1%
23 Arizona  3/27/2023   3/31/2026   2,000,000   1,980,000   (45,682)  1,934,318   0.6%  -  P+7.50% Cash, 0% PIK (13) P&I  18.6%
24 Oregon  3/31/2023   9/27/2026   1,000,000   940,000   -   940,000   0.3%  -  P+10.50% Cash, 0% PIK (9) P&I  21.5%
25(18) New York  -   -   -   -   -   -   0.0%  -  15% Cash P&I  16.3%
                                           
Current expected credit loss reserve   -   -   -   (5,121,577)                
Total loans held at carrying value   329,174,423   317,977,743   (3,440,843)  309,415,323   100.0%  13,604,000    Wtd Average  19.2%

(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.

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 Various(6)  30,000,000   (287,746)  29,712,254  10.07%(7) 5/30/2023 I/O 7/2/2020
2 Michigan  36,646,551   (182,125)  36,464,426  P + 6.65%(5)(11)
Cash, 3.25% PIK
 12/31/2024 P&I 3/5/2021
3 Various(6)  20,673,831   (444,457)  20,229,374  

13.91% Cash, 2.59% PIK(10)

 11/29/2024 P&I 3/25/2021
4 Arizona  11,909,539   -   11,909,539  19.01%(8) 12/31/2023 P&I 4/19/2021
5 Massachusetts  1,500,000   -   1,500,000  P + 12.25%(5) 4/30/2023 P&I 4/19/2021
6 Pennsylvania  13,263,665   -   13,263,665  P + 10.75%(5)
Cash, 4% PIK(9)
 5/31/2025 P&I 5/28/2021
7 Michigan  4,443,750   (5,558)  4,438,192  P + 9.00%(5) 2/20/2024 P&I 8/20/2021
8 Various(6)  23,168,151   (242,929)  22,925,222  13% Cash, 2.5% PIK 6/30/2025 P&I 8/24/2021
9 West Virginia  9,554,960   (121,586)  9,433,374  P + 9.25%(5)
Cash, 2% PIK
 9/1/2024 P&I 9/1/2021
10 Pennsylvania  15,536,102   -   15,536,102  P + 10.75%(5)
Cash, 3% PIK
 6/30/2024 P&I 9/3/2021
11 Michigan  313,607   -   313,607  11.00% 9/30/2024 P&I 9/20/2021
12 Maryland  32,479,495   (714,967)  31,764,528  P + 8.75%(5)
Cash, 2% PIK
 9/30/2024 I/O 9/30/2021
13 Various(6)  20,000,000   (210,110)  19,789,890  13.00% 10/31/2024 P&I 11/8/2021
14 Michigan  10,600,000   (22,487)  10,577,513  P + 7.00%(5) 11/22/2022 I/O 11/22/2021
15 Various(6)  5,000,000   -   5,000,000  15% Cash, 2.5% PIK 12/27/2026 P&I 12/27/2021
16 Michigan  3,739,861   (56,096)  3,683,765  10.50% Cash,
5% PIK
 12/29/2023 I/O 12/29/2021
17 Various(6)  7,500,000   (56,267)  7,443,733  P + 9.25%(5) 12/31/2024 I/O 12/30/2021
18 Florida  15,000,000   (293,989)  14,706,011  11.00% 1/31/2025 P&I 1/18/2022
19 Ohio  30,602,729   (472,079)  30,130,650  P + 8.25%(5)
Cash, 3% PIK
 2/28/2025 P&I 2/3/2022
20 Florida  20,327,703   (84,518)  20,243,185  11.00% Cash, 3% PIK 8/29/2025 P&I 3/11/2022
21 Missouri  17,204,978   (148,084)  17,056,894  11.00% Cash, 3% PIK 5/30/2025 P&I 5/9/2022
22 Illinois  5,038,013   (84,390)  4,953,623  P + 8.50%
Cash, 3%(5) PIK
 6/30/2026 P&I 7/1/2022
                       
Current expected credit loss reserve  -   -   (1,497,933)        
Total loans held at carrying value $334,502,935  $(3,427,388) $329,577,614         

 

(2)(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)Total Commitment excludes future amounts to be advanced at sole discretion of the lender and reflects receipt of scheduled amortization payments as of June 30, 2023.
(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.
(4)(6)P = prime rateEstimated YTM includes a variety of fees and depicts floating ratefeatures 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, that paythe 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 atrates and fees earned by us under such credit agreements will decrease upon the prime rate plus a specific percentage; “PIK” = paidsatisfaction 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 kind interest.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.
(5)(7)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor.   floor of 3.25%
(6)(8)Loans with material collateral in multiple jurisdictions, namely multi-state operators, are disclosed as “various.”This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 4.75%
(7)(9)

The aggregate loan commitmentThis Loan is subject to Loan #1 includes a $4.005 million initial advance, which has an interestprime rate floor of 15.25%, a second advance of $15.995 million, which has an interest rate of 9.75%, and a third advance of $10.0 million, which has an interest rate of 8.50%. The statistics presented reflect the weighted average of the terms under all three advances for the total aggregate loan commitment.  

5.50%
(8)(10)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 6.25%
(11)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 7.00%
(12)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 7.50%
(13)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 8.00%
(14)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 8.25%
(15)This Loan is subject to a prime rate cap of 5.85%
(16)The aggregate loan commitment to the borrower of Loan #4 includes a $10.0$10.9 million initial advance, which has a base interest rate of 15.00%,commitment advanced in April 2021, and a second advanceloan commitment of $2.0 million which has an interest rate of 39%. The statisticswas advanced in December 2021.The weighted average yield presented reflectreflects the weighted average of the terms under both advances for the total aggregate loan commitment.
(9)Subject to adjustment not below 2% if borrower receives at least two consecutive quarters of positive cash flow after the closing date.
(10)(17)The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #3 includes a $15.9 million initial advance,commitment which has a base interest rate of 13.625%, 2.75% PIK and a second advancecommitment 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 bothall advances for the total aggregate loan commitment.
(11)(18)This

The Company has an aggregate commitment of $50.0 million to the borrower of Loan #25. The funding of such commitment is subject to an interest rate cap.certain conditions precedent being met for which the Company, as lender, may exercise its sole discretion in determining if and when such proceeds are advanced. Accordingly, this commitment is not included in total contractual commitments as of June 30, 2023. During the period from July 1, 2023 through August 9, 2023, the Company advanced $18.7 million of the Loan #25 commitment (Note 13).

(19)

As of May 1, 2023, Loan #9 has been placed on non-accrual status.


As of September 30, 2022, all

Our loans are current and none have been placed on non-accrual status. 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. The aggregate fair value of the Company’s loan portfolio was $328,984,374$309,852,814 and $197,901,779,$329,237,824, with gross unrecognized holding losses of $2,091,173 and unrecognized holding (losses)/gains of $917,213$(4,684,085) and $10,035,714 as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, 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 SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, 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 17.54%16.31%.

 

The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs the Company used to value the loans categorized within Level 3 as of June 30, 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 June 30, 2023 
     Primary Unobservable Input
  Fair Value  Valuation Techniques Input Estimated Range  Weighted Average 
Senior term loans $309,852,814  Yield analysis  Market yield  11.36% - 24.79%   16.31%
Total Investments $309,852,814             

As of June 30, 2023, there were zero loans with principal or interest greater than 90 days past due.

The following table presents aging analyses of past due loans by amortized cost, excluding the CECL reserve, as of June 30, 2023. There were no past due loans as of December 31, 2022.

  As of June 30, 2023 
  Current
Loans
  31–60
Days
Past Due
  61–90
 Days
Past Due
  90+ Days
Past Due (and accruing)
  Non-
Accrual(2)
  Total
Past Due
  Total
Loans
 
Loans held for investment $298,380,997  $16,155,903  $-  $-  $-  $16,155,903  $314,536,900 
Total $298,380,997  $16,155,903  $-  $-  $-  $16,155,903  $314,536,900 

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:

RatingDefinition
1Very low risk
2Low risk
3Moderate/average risk
4High risk/potential for loss: a loan that has a risk of realizing a principal loss
5Impaired/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, 20212022 to SeptemberJune 30, 2022 are not due to any2023 considered borrower specific credit issues relating to the borrowers, but rather, are primarily due to the Company’shistory and performance and reflect a quarterly re-evaluation of overall current macroeconomic conditions affecting itsthe 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 did not have a significanthad an effect on the level of the current expected credit loss reserve becausethough, other than the one loan placed on non-accrual status, the loans continued to perform as expected, andexpected. For approximately 74% of the portfolio, the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral exceeded the amounts outstanding under the loans.loans as of June 30, 2023. The remaining approximately 26% of the portfolio, while not fully collateralized by real estate, may be partially collateralized by real estate and 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. The amounts above exclude any apportionment of real estate collateral permissible under the applicable income and asset tests for REIT eligibility.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, 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 September 30, 2022  As of December 31, 2021 
Risk Rating 2022  2021  2020  2019  Total  2021  2020  2019  Total 
1 $-  $20,542,981  $29,712,254  $-  $50,255,235  $135,076,307  $32,242,114  $590,384  $167,908,805 
2  93,424,139   79,819,303   -   -   173,243,442   29,075,761   -   -   29,075,761 
3  30,130,650   77,446,220   -   -   107,576,870   -   -   -   - 
4  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
5  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total $123,554,789  $177,808,504  $29,712,254  $    -  $331,075,547  $164,152,068  $32,242,114  $590,384  $196,984,566 
   As of June 30, 2023(1)(2)  As of December 31, 2022(1) 
Risk Rating  2023  2022  2021  2020  2019  Total  2022  2021  2020  2019  Total 
 1  $10,515,420  $30,113,057  $196,005  $               -  $             -  $40,824,482  $-  $274,406  $-  $             -  $274,406 
 2   2,874,319   102,663,294   66,147,544   -   -   171,385,157   94,467,449   88,444,868   29,140,546   -   212,052,863 
 3   -   5,085,794   55,859,471   -   -   60,945,265   30,415,113   83,131,444   -   -   113,546,557 
 4   -   -   41,081,996   -   -   41,081,996   -   13,399,712   -   -   13,399,712 
 5   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
 Total  $13,389,739  $137,862,145  $163,285,016  $-  $-  $314,536,900  $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.
(2)Loan #9 placed on non-accrual status is included in risk rating category “4”.


 

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 SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021:2022:

As of September 30, 2022 Real Estate Collateral Coverage
As of June 30, 2023 Real Estate Collateral Coverage (1)As of June 30, 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  < 1.0x  1.0x–1.25x  1.25x–1.5x  1.50x–1.75x  1.75x–2.0x  > 2.0x  Total 
Fixed-rate $5,000,000  $- $20,243,185 $17,056,894 $- $91,130,749 $133,430,828  $-  $-  $20,732,430  $17,407,209  $-  $196,005  $38,335,644 
Floating-rate  8,943,733   97,660,654  -  31,920,426  13,263,665  45,856,241  197,644,719   82,072,899   36,109,541   61,372,826   13,970,277   22,570,325   60,105,388   276,201,256 
 $13,943,733  $97,660,654 $20,243,185 $48,977,320 $13,263,665 $136,986,990 $331,075,547  $82,072,899  $36,109,541  $82,105,256  $31,377,486  $22,570,325  $60,301,393  $314,536,900 

As of December 31, 2021 Real Estate Collateral Coverage
As of December 31, 2022 Real Estate Collateral Coverage (1)As of December 31, 2022 Real Estate Collateral Coverage (1) 
 < 1.0 1.0 - 1.25 1.25 - 1.5 1.50 - 1.75 1.75 - 2.0 > 2.0 Total  < 1.0x  1.0x–1.25x  1.25x–1.5x  1.50x–1.75x  1.75x–2.0x  > 2.0x  Total 
Fixed-rate $7,017,793 $- $35,836,099 $3,086,298 $- $45,373,778 $91,313,968  $-  $-  $20,406,737  $17,203,138  $-  $20,089,663  $57,699,538 
Floating-rate  8,925,068  18,022,518  -  30,029,953  32,377,087  16,315,972  105,670,598   63,963,105   78,211,454   13,399,712   9,980,730   12,849,490   103,169,509   281,574,000 
 $15,942,861 $18,022,518 $35,836,099 $33,116,251 $32,377,087 $61,689,750 $196,984,566  $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. The Company generally obtains new appraisal of all material real estate collateral at least once annually.

CECL Reserve

The Company records an allowance for current expected credit losses for its loans held for investment. The allowances are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets to present the net carrying value of the amounts expected to be collected on such assets. The Company estimates its CECL Reserve using among other inputs, third-party valuations, and a third-party probability-weighted model that considers the likelihood of default and expected loss given default for each individual loan based on the risk profile for approximately three years after which we immediately revert to use of historical loss data. In the future, we may use other acceptable methods, such as a discounted cash flow method, WARM method, or other methods permitted under the standard.

ASC 326 requires an entity to consider historical loss experience, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast of the macroeconomic environment. The Company considers multiple datapoints and methodologies that may include likelihood of default and expected loss given default for each individual 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 CapitalIQCapital IQ as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, 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 ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022 is presented in the table below. The Company had no CECL Reserve as of and for the period March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021.

  Outstanding(1)  Unfunded(2)  Total 
Balance at December 31, 2022 $3,940,939  $94,415  $4,035,354 
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,180,638   54,593   1,235,231 
Balance at June 30, 2023 $5,121,577  $149,008  $5,270,585 

 

  Outstanding(1)  Unfunded(2)  Total 
Balance at December 31, 2021 $134,542  $13,407  $147,949 
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,363,391   40,501   1,403,892 
Write-off charged  -   -   - 
Recoveries  -   -   - 
Balance at September 30, 2022 $1,497,933  $53,908  $1,551,841 
  Outstanding(1)  Unfunded(2)  Total 
Balance at December 31, 2021 $134,542  $13,407  $147,949 
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,068,882   28,126   1,097,008 
Balance at June 30, 2022 $1,203,424  $41,533  $1,244,957 

(1)As of SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the CECL Reserve related to outstanding balances on loans at carrying value is recorded within current expected credit loss reserve in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
(2)

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 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.

  Outstanding  Unfunded 
Balance at December 31, 2021 $134,542  $13,407 
Provision for current expected credit losses  48,296   3,047 
Balance at March 31, 2022  182,838   16,454 
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,020,586   25,079 
Balance at June 30, 2022  1,203,424   41,533 
Provision for current expected credit losses  294,509   12,375 
Balance at September 30, 2022 $1,497,933  $53,908 


The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable, ($727,279994,812 and $1,204,412 as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022)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.

As of September 30, 2022, there were no loans with principal or interest greater than 30 days past due. 

4. INTEREST RECEIVABLE

The following table summarizes the interest receivable by the Company as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021:2022:

  As of
June 30,
2023
  As of
December 31,
2022
 
Interest receivable $944,007  $1,203,330 
Unused fees receivable  50,805   1,082 
Total interest receivable $994,812  $1,204,412 

The following table presents aging analyses of past due loans by class as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively:

  As of June 30, 2023 
  Current
Loans(1)
  31–60
Days
Past Due
  61–90
Days
Past Due
  90+ Days
Past Due (and accruing)
  Non-
Accrual(2)
  Total
Past Due
  Total
Loans
 
Interest receivable $863,267  $131,545  $-  $      - $           -  $131,545  $   994,812 
Total $863,267  $131,545  $      -  $-  $-  $131,545  $994,812 

  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. Amounts are presented on a gross and net basis, including the effects of any interest reserves for non-accrual loans.
(2)On May 1, 2023, Loan #9 was placed on non-accrual status with an outstanding principal amount of approximately $16.2 million. For the period from May 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023, the Company ceased the accrual and recognition of all interest. As of June 30, 2023, the borrower of Loan #9 is 60 days past due, however there is $0 of accrued interest receivable relating to Loan #9.


  As of
September 30,
2022
  As of
December 31,
2021
 
Interest receivable $627,709  $193,790 
PIK interest receivable 95,139  - 
Unused fees receivable 4,431  3,945 
Total interest receivable $727,279  $197,735 

5. INTEREST RESERVE

At SeptemberAs of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had sixtwo loans and three loans, respectively, that included a prepaid interest reserve.

The following table presents changes in interest reserves as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, respectively:

 As of
September 30,
2022
  As of
December 31,
2021
  As of
June 30,
2023
  As of
December 31,
2022
 
Initial reserves  $6,636,553  $- 
Beginning reserves $1,868,193  $6,636,553 
New reserves  8,929,716  9,223,802   446,212   9,049,834 
Reserves disbursed  (9,940,290) (2,587,249)  (1,972,454)  (13,818,194)
Total interest reserve  $5,625,979  $6,636,553 
Ending reserve $341,951  $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 hashad 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, the CompanyCAL entered into an amended theand restated Revolving Loan Agreementagreement (the “First Amendment”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.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, the CompanyCAL entered into a second amended theand restated Revolving Loan Agreementagreement (the “Second Amendment”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.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. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Revolving Loan and the First and Second Amendments of $665,639 and $868,022, respectively, are recorded in other receivables and assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Revolving Loan incurs unused fees at a rate of 0.25% per annum which began on July 1, 2022 pursuant to the Second Amendment. Additionally, duringAmendment and Restatement.

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 periodloan commitment from January 1, 2022$65,000,000 to September 30, 2022, the Company borrowed $53.0 million against$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 $991,694 in interest expense fordebt issuance costs of $323,779 related to the period then ended.Third Amendment and Restatement, which were capitalized and are subsequently being amortized through maturity.


On February 27, 2023, CAL entered into an amendment to the Third Amendment and Restatement (the “Amendment”). The Second 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.

On June 30, 2023, CAL entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Fourth Amendment and Restatement”). The Fourth Amendment and Restatement increased the loan commitment from $92.5 million to $100.0 million. No other material terms of the Revolving Loan were modified as a result of the execution of the Fourth Amendment. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $109,291 related to the Amendment, which were capitalized and are subsequently amortized through maturity.

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 SeptemberJune 30, 2022, we were2023, the Company is in compliance with all financial covenants with respect to the Revolving Loan.

As of June 30, 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 $662,938 and $805,596, respectively, are recorded in other receivables and assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company had net repayments of $15.0 million against the Revolving Loan. As of June 30, 2023, the Company had $57.0 million available under the Revolving Loan. Additionally, as of June 30, 2023, $279,229,247 of loans held for investment, at amortized cost, are pledged as collateral against 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 and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022. There was no interest expense incurred during the period March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021.

 Three months
ended
 Three months
ended
 Six months
ended
 Six months
ended
 
 Three months
ended
September 30,
2022
 Nine months
ended
September 30,
2022
  June 30,
2023
  June 30,
2022
  June 30,
2023
  June 30,
2022
 
Interest expense $715,132  $991,694  $871,428  $276,562  $2,312,420  $276,562 
Unused fee expense 7,667  11,834   31,701   4,167   41,701   4,167 
Amortization of deferred financing costs 138,549  379,644   91,797   168,827   259,101   241,095 
Total interest expense $861,348  $1,383,172  $994,926  $449,556  $2,613,222  $521,824 


 

7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Management Agreement

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager is responsible for managingwill manage the loan portfolioloans and the 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 and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023, the Base Management Fee payable was reduced by Outside Fees in the amount of $125,000 and $130,000, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, the Base Management Fee payable was reduced by Outside Fees in the amount of $192,751$364,500 and $1,275,001,$1,082,251, 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 and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 was $874,854 and $1,986,060, respectively. Incentive compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 was $519,223$598,763 and $1,500,129,$980,906, 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 and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022, the three months ended September 30, 20212023 and for the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021. The Manager waived all amounts owed to it for the period ended September 30, 2021.2022.

  For the
three months
ended
September 30,
2022
  For the
three months
ended
September 30,
2021
  For the
nine months
ended
September 30,
2022
  Period from
March 30,
2021
(inception) to
September 30,
2021
 
Affiliate Payments                            
Management fees earned $1,020,949  $              -  $3,041,359  $- 
Less: Outside fees earned  (192,751)  -   (1,275,001)  - 
Base management fee, net  828,198   -   1,766,358   - 
Incentive fees  519,223   -   1,500,129   - 
Total management and incentive fees earned  1,347,421   -   3,266,487   - 
General and administrative expenses reimbursable to Manager  980,949   -   2,132,419   - 
Total $2,328,370  $-  $5,398,906  $- 


  For the three months ended
June 30,
  For the six months ended
June 30,
 
  2023  2022  2023  2022 
Affiliate Payments            
Management fees earned $1,049,813  $1,013,298  $2,081,612  $2,020,411 
Less: Outside Fees earned  (125,000)  (364,500)  (130,000)  (1,082,251)
Base management fees, net  924,813   648,798   1,951,612   938,160 
Incentive fees  874,854   598,763   1,986,060   980,906 
Total management and incentive fees earned  1,799,667   1,247,561   3,937,672   1,919,066 
General and administrative expenses reimbursable to Manager  1,212,210   686,981   2,388,586   1,151,471 
Total $3,011,877  $1,934,542  $6,326,258  $3,070,537 

General administrative expenses reimbursable to the Manager are included in the related party payable line item of the consolidated balance sheets as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021. Amounts2022. Total amounts payable to the Manager as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 20212022 were approximately $2.6$3.4 million and $2.7$4.7 million, respectively, which included bonuses accrued for fiscal year 2022of $0.5 million 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 SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 18 and 15 of the Company’s loans were co-invested by affiliates of the Company.Company, respectively.

On July 8, 2022,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 six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company sold an Assigned Right amounting to $237,885. There were no sales of Assigned Rights for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company sold a senior secured loan to an affiliatea syndicate of co-lenders, including a third party and two affiliates under common control.control with our Manager. The total selling price of approximately $6.7$14.2 million was approved by the audit committee of the Board. The fair value approximated the carrying value of the loan of $13.4 million plus accrued unpaid interest of $0.8 million through the sale date, March 31, 2023.

In addition, the Company purchased a senior secured loan from an affiliate under common control with our Manager. The purchase price of approximately $19.3 million was approved by the audit committee of the Board. The fair value approximated the carrying value of the loan of $19.0 million, plus accrued and unpaid interest. On August 4, 2022,interest through the Company assigned $10.0 millionpurchase date, January 24, 2023, of unfunded commitment of a senior secured loan to an affiliate.$0.3 million.


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 SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, the Company had the following unfunded commitments on existing loans.

 As of
September 30,
2022
 As of
December 31,
2021
  As of
June 30,
2023
  As of
December 31,
2022
 
          
Total original loan commitments $348,867,706  $235,063,593  $329,174,423  $351,367,706 
Less: drawn commitments (330,384,897) (200,359,026)  (315,570,423)  (336,323,706)
Total undrawn commitments $18,482,809  $34,704,567  $13,604,000  $15,044,000 

Refer to “Note 3 – Loans Held for Investment, Net” for further information regarding the CECL Reserve attributed to unfunded commitments. Total original loan commitments excludes the impact of principal payments received since origination of the loan.

As disclosed in Note 3, the Company has an aggregate commitment of $50.0 million to the borrower of Loan #25. The funding of such commitment is subject to certain conditions precedent being met for which the Company, as lender, may exercise its sole discretion in determining if and when such proceeds are advanced. Accordingly, this commitment is not included in total contractual commitments as of June 30, 2023.

The following table summarizes our material commitments as of June 30, 2023:

Commitments due by period 
  2023  2024  2025  2026  2027  Thereafter  Total 
Undrawn commitment $2,400,000  $7,000,000  $204,000  $4,000,000  $         -  $         -  $13,604,000 
Revolving loan  -   43,000,000   -   -   -   -   43,000,000 
Total $2,400,000  $50,000,000  $204,000  $4,000,000  $-  $-  $56,604,000 

Other Contingencies

The Company from time to time may be a party to litigation in the normal course of business. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, 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.

During the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to December 31, 2021, the Company issued 10,636,363 shares of its common stock pursuant to transactions that were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On December 10, 2021,February 15, 2023, the Company completed its IPOa registered direct offering of 6,250,000395,779 shares of its common stock at a price of $16.00$15.16 per share, raising $100,000,000 in gross proceeds. The underwriting commissionnet proceeds of $7,000,000 is reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital on the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.approximately $6.0 million. The Company incurred approximately $1,265,877 of expenses in connection with the IPO, which is reflected as a reduction in additional paid-in capital. The net proceeds to the Company totaled approximately $91,734,123. Concurrent with the closing of the IPO, the Company sold 468,750 shares of its common stock at the public offering price of $16.00 per share in a private placement to John Mazarakis, the Company’s Executive Chairman, Anthony Cappell, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Andreas Bodmeier, the Company’s Co-President. Gross proceeds received were $7,500,000, and no underwriting discounts or commissions were paid in respect of these shares.

On October 21, 2021, the Board approved a 6,427-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock. All common shares and per share information presented in the consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis for all periods presented, including reclassifying an amount equal to the increase in par value of common stock from additional paid-in capital. There was no change indirectly, without the par valueuse of the Company’s common stock.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. 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, 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.

On December 31, 2022, restricted stock award grants of 24,880 shares of common stock were granted to members of the Board. Pursuant to each respective award agreement, the restricted stock awards (“RSA’s”) vest annually in equal installments over a 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.  

On June 1, 2023, restricted stock award grants of 321,500 shares of common stock were granted to employees of our Manager. Pursuant to the respective award agreements, the RSA’s vest annually in equal installments over a 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.  

There were 13,4381,147 and 4,063 shares forfeited during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022. 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.2023 and 2022, respectively. 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 June 30, 2023, the aggregate intrinsic value of our restricted stock awards was as follows:

  As of June 30,
2023
 
  Outstanding  Vested 
Aggregate intrinsic value $5,871,186  $633,861 

The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity for the Company’s directors and officers and employees of the Manager as of Septemberduring the six months ended June 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021.2022.

  As of
September 30,
2022
  As of
December 31,
2021
 
Non-vested  98,440   98,440 
Forfeited  (13,438)  - 
Balance  85,002   98,440 
  Six months
ended
June 30,
2023
  Grant
Date Fair Value
per Share
 
Balance at December 31, 2022 80,984  $15.71 
Granted 321,500  $14.75 
Vested (13,800) $16.00 
Forfeited (1,147) $16.00 
Balance at June 30, 2023 387,537  $14.90 

  Six months
ended
June 30,
2022
  Grant
Date Fair
Value
per Share
 
Balance at December 31, 2021  98,440  $16.00 
Vested  -  $16.00 
Forfeited  (4,063) $16.00 
Unvested Balance at June 30, 2022  94,377  $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 $328,356$402,179 and $0$243,465 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and for the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021,2022, respectively. The unamortized share-based compensation expense for the Company was approximately $1.0 million as$5,577,827 and $1,078,216 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average term of September 30, 2022.2.7 years.


At-the-Market Offering Program (“ATM” Program”)

On June 20, 2023, the Company entered into an At-the-Market Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with BTIG, LLC, Compass Point Research & Trading, LLC and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (each a “Sales Agent” and together the “Sales Agents”) under which the Company may, from time to time, offer and sell shares of common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $75.0 million. Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay the Sales Agents a commission of up to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from each sale of common stock sold through the Sales Agents. Sales of common stock, if any, may be made in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings, as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, the Company sold an aggregate of 79,862 shares of the Company’s common stock under the Sales Agreement at an average price of $15.78 per share, generating net proceeds of approximately $1.2 million.

As of June 30, 2023, the shares of common stock sold pursuant to the registered direct offering in February 2023 and under the ATM Program are the only offerings that have been initiated under the Shelf Registration Statement.

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following information sets forth the computations of basic earnings per common share for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022, the three months ended September 30, 2021 and for the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021:respectively:

  For the three
months ended
June 30,
  For the six
months ended
June 30,
 
  2023  2022  2023  2022 
Net income attributable to common stockholders $8,643,378  $7,463,839  $19,335,727  $15,267,791 
Divided by:                
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding  18,094,288   17,657,913   17,989,684   17,649,548 
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding  18,273,512   17,752,413   18,117,919   17,745,234 
Basic earnings per common share $0.48  $0.42  $1.07  $0.87 
Diluted earnings per common share $0.47  $0.42  $1.07  $0.86 

 

  For the
three months
ended
September 30,
2022
  For the
three months
ended
September 30,
2021
  For the
nine months
ended
September 30,
2022
  Period from
March 30,
2021
(inception) to
September 30,
2021
 
Net income attributable to common stockholders $9,768,969  $4,067,521  $25,036,760  $5,136,072 
Divided by:                
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding  17,657,913  $4,895,694   17,652,367   3,658,310 
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding  17,752,290  $4,895,694   17,747,612   3,658,310 
Basic earnings per common share $0.55  $0.83  $1.42  $1.40 
Diluted earnings per common share $0.55  $0.83  $1.41  $1.40 


11. INCOME TAX

The income tax provision forThere were no anti-dilutive shares excluded from the Company was $0computations of earnings per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023 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 Company incurred no expensededuction for United States federaldividends 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 the Company’sour 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 Companywe 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 six months ended June 30, 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 six months ended June 30, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, the Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits and does not expect that to change in the next 12 months. benefits. 

 


12. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022.

 Record Date   Payment Date Common Share Distribution Amount Taxable Ordinary Income Return of Capital Section 199A Dividends  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  3/31/2023 4/14/2023 $0.47  $0.47  $              -  $0.47 
Regular cash dividend 6/30/2022 7/15/2022 $0.47 $0.47 $- $0.47  6/30/2023 7/14/2023 $0.47   0.47   -   0.47 
Regular cash dividend 9/30/2022 10/14/2022 $0.47 $0.47 $     - $0.47 
Total cash dividend $1.34 $1.34 $- $1.34      $0.94  $0.94  $-  $0.94 

  Record
Date
 Payment
Date
 Common
Share
Distribution
Amount
  Taxable
Ordinary
Income
  Return of
Capital
  Section
199A
Dividends
 
Regular cash dividend 3/31/2022 4/14/2022 $0.40  $0.40  $               -  $0.40 
Regular cash dividend 6/30/2022 7/15/2022 $0.47  $0.47   -  $0.47 
Total cash dividend     $0.87  $0.87  $-  $0.87 

13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Investment Activity

On October 27, 2022, one borrower with $30.0

Through August 9, 2023, the Company funded approximately $18.7 million of outstanding principal in multiple tranches maturing in April and Maythe $50.0 million commitment to the borrower of Loan #25.

Revolving Loan

During the period from July 1, 2023, refinanced and consolidatedthrough August 9, 2023, the multiple tranches of debt into one loan maturing in October 2026.

On November 7, 2022, the Company’s wholly-owned financing subsidiary, CAL, entered into a Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Third Amendment”), whereby CAL exercised the existing accordion feature ofCompany borrowed $15.0 million on the Revolving Loan to increase the aggregate commitment by $27.5 million, from $65 million to $92.5 million.  No other material termsLoan. As of August 9, 2023, outstanding borrowings and remaining availability on the Revolving Loan were modified$58.0 million and $42.0 million, respectively.

Payment of Dividend

On July 14, 2023, the Company paid its regular quarterly dividend of $0.47 per common share relating to the second quarter of 2023 to stockholders of record as a result of the executionclose of business on June 30, 2023. The total amount of the Third Amendment. As of November 9, 2022, the Company hascash dividend payment was approximately $34.5 million of availability under the Revolving Loan.  $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 impact of COVID-19 on our business and the global economy, including disruptions to the supply chain;

the ability of our Manager to locate suitable loan opportunities for us, monitor and actively manage our loan portfolio, and implement our investment strategy;

the allocation of loan opportunities to us by our Manager;

the impact of inflation on our operating results;

actions and initiatives of the federal or state governments and changes to government policies related to cannabis and the execution and impact of these actions, initiatives, and policies, including the fact that cannabis remains illegal under federal law;

the estimated growth in and evolving market dynamics of the cannabis market;

the demand for cannabis cultivation and processing facilities;

shifts in public opinion regarding cannabis;

the state of the U.S. economy generally or in specific geographic regions;

economic trends and economic recoveries;

the amount and timing of our cash flows, if any, from our loans;

our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements;


our expected leverage;

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 mortgage real estate finance company.investment trust. 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$50 million of the aggregate loan amount, with the remainder to be held by affiliates or third party co-investors. We may revise such concentration limits from time to time as our loan portfolio grows. Other investment vehicles managed by our Manager or affiliates of our Manager may co-invest with us or hold positions in a loan where we have also invested, including by means of splitting commitments, participating in loans or other means of syndicating loans. We will not engage in a co-investment transaction with an affiliate where the affiliate has a senior position to the loan held by us. To the extent that an affiliate provides financing to one of our borrowers, such loans will be working capital loans or loans that are subordinate to our loans. We may also serve as co-lenders in loans originated by third parties and, in the future, we may also acquire loans or loan participations. Loans that have a one to two year 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 SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 21.1% and 13.6%, respectively, of the principal of 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 June 30, 2023, our portfolio is comprised primarily of first mortgages to established multi-state or single-state cannabis operators or property owners. In addition, we own approximately $0.9 million, at fair value, of publicly-traded corporate bonds issued by a cannabis operator. 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 SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, approximately 59.7%87.9% and 53.2%83.1%, respectively, of our portfolio was comprised of floating rate loans, and 40.3%12.1% and 46.8%16.9% of our portfolio was comprised of fixed rate loans, respectively. The floating rate loans described above are variable based upon the prime ratePrime Rate plus an applicable margin, and in many cases, a prime ratePrime Rate floor.

The prime ratePrime Rate during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022 was 3.25% for the period from January 1, 2022 through March 16, 2022, and increased to 3.50% effective March 17, 2022. It was increased to 4.00% effective May 5, 2022, increased to 4.75% effective June 16, 2022, increased to 5.50% effective July 28, 2022, and increased again to 6.25% effective September 22, 2022.as follows:

Effective DateRate(1)
May 4, 20238.25%
March 23, 20238.00%
February 2, 20237.75%
December 15, 20227.50%
November 3, 20227.00%
September 22, 20226.25%
July 28, 20225.50%
June 16, 20224.75%
May 5, 20224.00%
March 17, 20223.50%
March 15, 20203.25%

(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 and recognized upon repayment of the outstanding principal. We also generate revenue from original issue discounts (“OID”), which is also recognized as interest income through amortizationfrom 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 expenses areexpense 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;

brokerage commissions;

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 ourthe taxable yearperiod ended December 31, 2021. We believe that we qualify as a REIT and that our method of operation will enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT. However, no assurances can be given that our beliefs or expectations will be fulfilled, since qualification as a REIT depends on us satisfying numerous asset, income and distribution tests which depend,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 and our net capital gain.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 Required Distributionsundistributed 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. TheOur 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 six months ended June 30, 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 SeptemberJune 30, 2022.2023. 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 June 30, 2023, all of our floating rate loans have interest rate floors, and one loan is subject to an interest rate cap (Note 3).

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 to capitalize on these opportunities and growing the size of our portfolio. 


Developments During the ThirdSecond Quarter of 20222023

Updates to Our Loan Portfolio during the ThirdSecond Quarter of 20222023

In May 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to Loan #4, which extended the make-whole period through maturity and re-priced the second tranche to the prime rate plus a spread of 11.75%. In connection with the amendment, the Company received a $0.01 million amendment fee and also agreed to, subject to certain terms and conditions, waive compliance with certain covenants for one fiscal quarter.

In June 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to Loan #7, which resulted in a pay down of $5.0 million, along with applicable make-whole fees under the credit facility. Among other things, the amendment decreased the PIK rate from 2.5% to 2.0% and deferred an upcoming principal payment until September 30, 2023.

In June 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to Loan #18, to cure certain non-monetary covenant breaches which resulted in a re-pricing of the cash interest rate to the Prime Rate plus 1.75%.

 

On July 1, 2022, we closed oneDuring May and June 2023, the Administrative Agent party to the Loan #9 credit facility with a new borrower, which has an aggregate commitment of $9.0 million, $5.0 million of which was advanced at closing. On July 8, 2022, we sold a senior secured loan to an affiliate under common control. The selling price of approximately $6.7 million was approved by the audit committeeagreement provided written notice, on behalf of the Board. The fair value approximatedLenders, that one or more Events of Default occurred relating to failure to make principal and interest payments due for the carrying valuerespective months, and for non-compliance with certain financial covenants and obligations pursuant to the agreement. On June 20, 2023, the Administrative Agent issued an acceleration notice resulting from these uncured Events of Default, requesting immediate payment of all amounts outstanding thereunder and notification that Administrative Agent intends to exercise rights and remedies with respect to the loan plus accruedspecified defaults in the event of further non-payment. As described in Note 3, Loan #9 has been placed on non-accrual status and unpaid interest through July 8, 2022. On August 4, 2022, we assigned $10.0 millionthe Company will cease further recognition of unfunded commitmentincome until such Events of a senior secured loan to an affiliate. On September 2, 2022, we advanced approximately $680 thousand in aggregate principal on an existing credit facility to one borrower.Default are cured or obligations are repaid.


Subsequent Updates to Our Loan Portfolio

During the period from July 1, 2023 to August 9, 2023, we received unscheduled principal repayments of $1.6 million.

During the period from July 1, 2023 to August 9, 2023, we funded approximately $18.7 million of the $50.0 million commitment to the borrower of Loan #25.

At-the-Market Offering Program (“ATM” Program”)

 

On October 27, 2022, one borrowerJune 20, 2023, the Company entered into an At-the-Market Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with $30.0 millionBTIG, LLC, Compass Point Research & Trading, LLC and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (each a “Sales Agent” and together the “Sales Agents”) under which the Company may, from time to time, offer and sell shares of outstanding principalcommon stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $75.0 million. Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay the Sales Agents a commission of up to 3.0% of the gross proceeds from each sale of common stock sold through the Sales Agents. Sales of common stock, if any, may be made in multiple tranches maturingtransactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings, as defined in April and MayRule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act of 2023 refinanced and consolidated the multiple tranches of debt into one loan maturing in October 2026.1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

 

During the quarter ended June 30, 2023, the Company sold an aggregate of 79,862 shares of the Company’s common stock under the Sales Agreement at an average price of $15.78 per share, generating net proceeds of approximately $1.2 million.

Dividends Declared Per Share

ForDuring the period from July 1, 2022 through Septemberthree months ended June 30, 2022,2023, we declared an ordinary cash dividend of $0.47 per share of our common stock, relating to the thirdsecond quarter of 2022,2023, which was paid on OctoberJuly 14, 20222023 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on SeptemberJune 30, 2022.2023. The total amount of the cash dividend payment was approximately $8.3$8.5 million.

The payment of these dividendsthis dividend is not indicative of our ability to pay such dividends in the future.


Results of Operations

ForComparison of the three months ended September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023 and 2022

  For the
three months
ended
  For the
three months
ended
 
  September 30,
2022
  June 30, 
2022
 
Revenue      
Interest income $13,795,097  $11,850,028 
Interest expense  (861,348)  (449,556)
Net interest income  12,933,749   11,400,472 
         
Expenses        
Management and incentive fees, net  1,347,421   1,247,561 
General and administrative expense  1,076,798   777,212 
Provision for current expected credit losses  306,885   1,045,665 
Professional fees  348,785   743,670 
Stock based compensation  84,891   122,525 
Total expenses  3,164,780   3,936,633 
         
Net Income before income taxes  9,768,969   7,463,839 
Income tax expense  -   - 
Net Income $9,768,969  $7,463,839 

  For the
three months
ended June 30,
  Variance 
  2023  2022   Amount  % 
Revenues            
Interest income $14,659,222  $11,850,028  $2,809,194   24%
Interest expense  (994,926)  (449,556)  (545,370)  121%
Net interest income  13,664,296   11,400,472   2,263,824   20%
                 
Expenses                
Management and incentive fees, net  1,799,667   1,247,561   552,106   44%
General and administrative expense  1,280,401   777,212   503,189   65%
Professional fees  537,894   743,670   (205,776)  (28)%
Stock based compensation  263,844   122,525   141,319   115%
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,139,112   1,045,665   93,447   9%
Total expenses $5,020,918  $3,936,633  $1,084,285   28%
                 
Net Income before income taxes  8,643,378   7,463,839   1,179,539   16%
Income tax expense      -         
Net Income $8,643,378  $7,463,839  $1,179,539   16%

 Interest income increased by approximately $1.9$2.8 million, or 16%24%, during the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2022. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in the prime ratePrime Rate from 4.75% as of June 30, 2022, to 6.25%8.25% as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, impacting approximately 60%87.9% of the Company’s loans, as of June 30, 2023, which bear a floating raterate. Additionally, we recognized approximately $0.6 million of interest from prepayment fees on unscheduled principal repayments during the quarter ended June 30, 2023 as well as new fundings of approximately $5.7 millioncompared to $0 for the same period in loan principal.2022.

 Net interest income increased approximately $1.5$2.3 million or 13% during20% over 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. Duringexpense driven by the third quartertiming of 2022, we borrowed an additional $8.0 million onborrowings and increase in the revolving credit facility, which alsoPrime Rate as noted above given the Revolving Loan bears interest at the prime ratePrime Rate plus an applicable marginApplicable Margin. The outstanding balance on the Revolving Loan was $43,000,000 and was subject to the prime rate increases during the quarter.$45,000,000, as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

We incurred base management and incentive fees payable to our Manager of approximately $1.3$1.8 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, as compared to approximately $1.2$1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to greater assets under management, which was offset by fewer origination fee offsets in the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022 of2023 of approximately $193,000,$0.1 million, compared to approximately $365,000$0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 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 decreasedincreased by approximately $95,000, or 6%,$0.3 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to a decrease in audit, legal, investor relations and third-party consulting fees, offset in part by an increase in overhead reimbursements for costs incurred by the Manager on behalf of the Company.Company which were $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $0.2 million during the comparative period.

 Provision for current expected credit losses decreasedincreased $0.1 million in the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, primarily due to the decrease in origination activities and fewer advances to our existing borrowers. The declines in risk ratings shown in the following table(discussed below) from December 31, 2021 to SeptemberJune 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023, which are not due to anyboth borrower specific credit issues relating to the borrowers, but rather, are primarily due to ourchanges, and quarterly re-evaluationre-evaluations of overall current macroeconomic conditions affecting our borrowers.borrowers and the industry. As interest rates have risen over the year ended December 31, 2022 and the six months ended June 30, 2023, the ability of our borrowers to service their debt and fund operations has been reduced. The current expected credit loss reservereserve represents 44approximately 160 basis pointspoints of our aggregate loan commitments held at carrying value of approximately $348.9$329.2 million, as compared to approximately 35 basis points as of June 30, 2022, and was bifurcated between (i) the current expected credit loss reserve (contra-asset) related to outstanding balances on loans held at carrying value of approximately $1.5$5.1 million and (ii) a liability for unfunded commitments of $53,908.$0.2 million. 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.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021

  

For the 
nine months 
ended
September 30,
2022

  Period
from
March 30,
2021
(inception)
to
September 30,
2021
 
Revenue      
Interest income $35,478,178  $5,295,812 
Interest expense  (1,383,172)  (41,918)
Net interest income  34,095,006   5,253,894 
         
Expenses        
Management and incentive fees, net  3,266,487   - 
General and administrative expense  2,410,151   13,531 
Organizational expense  -   104,291 
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,403,892   - 
Professional fees  1,649,360   - 
Stock based compensation  328,356   - 
Total expenses $9,058,246  $117,822 
         
Net Income before income taxes  25,036,760   5,136,072 
Income tax expense  -   - 
Net Income $25,036,760  $5,136,072 


 

We commenced operations on March 30, 2021 and, therefore,Comparison of the comparative period for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022 is from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021 (the “Prior Period” or “period ended September 30, 2021”).

Interest income increased as we deployed a significant amount of capital subsequent to September 30, 2021 as a result of our initial public offering and higher interest rates on our floating rate loans held for investment, reflecting an increasing trend in interest income.

  For the six months ended
June 30,
  Variance 
  2023  2022  Amount    %   
Revenues            
Interest income $31,186,526  $21,683,081  $9,503,445   44%
Interest expense  (2,613,222)  (521,824)  (2,091,398)  401%
Net interest income  28,573,304   21,161,257   7,412,047   35%
                 
Expenses                
Management and incentive fees, net  3,937,672   1,919,066   2,018,606   105%
General and administrative expense  2,555,226   1,333,353   1,221,873   92%
Professional fees  1,107,269   1,300,574   (193,305)  (15)%
Stock based compensation  402,179   243,465   158,714   65%
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,235,231   1,097,008   138,223   13%
Total expenses $9,237,577  $5,893,466  $3,344,111   57%
                 
Net Income before income taxes  19,335,727   15,267,791   4,067,936   27%
Income tax expense      -         
Net Income $19,335,727  $15,267,791  $4,067,936   27%

 

 We drew $53

Interest income increased by approximately $9.5 million, on the revolving credit facilityor 44%, during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022 contributing2023, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in the Prime Rate discussed above, impacting approximately 87.9% of the Company’s loans, which bear a floating rate as of June 30, 2023, compared to 59.8% as of June 30, 2022.

Additionally, we recognized approximately $1.7 million of interest from prepayment fees on unscheduled principal repayments during the six months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to $0 for the same period in 2022. 

Interest expense increased approximately $2.1 million over the comparative period resulting from timing of borrowings and amounts outstanding under the Revolving Loan, but primarily due to the series of Prime Rate increases from 4.75% to 8.25% as of June 30, 2023. Additionally, the Company increased the availability under the Revolving Loan from $65.0 million as of June 30, 2022 to $100.0 million as of June 30, 2023, resulting in an increase to unused fee interest expense that previously included only amortization(25 basis points of deferred financing costs foramounts outstanding) during the comparative prior year period.

 We incurred base management and incentive fees payable to our Manager for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 of approximately $3.3 million and $0 for the period ended September 30, 2021. Pursuant to a Fee Waiver Letter Agreements executed by our Manager, dated September 30, 2021, all base management fees that would have been payable to our Manager for the period from May 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021 were voluntarily waived and are not subject to recoupment at a later date. Our Manager has incurred general administrative expenses on our behalf and was reimbursed approximately $2.1$3.9 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022. For2023, as compared to approximately $1.9 million for the periodsix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, all reimbursements2022, an increase of approximately $2.0 million. The increase was primarily attributable to our Managergreater assets under management, which was offset by fewer origination fee offsets in the six months ended June 30, 2023 of approximately $0.1 million, compared to approximately $1.1 million for generalthe six months ended June 30, 2022 as well as an increase in weighted average equity as defined by the Management Agreement for the comparable period.

General and administrative expenses were waived.and professional fees increased by approximately $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in overhead reimbursements for costs incurred by the Manager of $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2022, offset by a decrease in professional fees of $0.2 million.

 Provision for current expected credit losses increased by $0.1 million in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 as compared to the periodsix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021.  The declines2022, primarily due to changes in risk ratings shown infrom June 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023 and benchmark loss rates for commercial real estate loans resulting from macroenvironmental conditions. As interest rates have risen over the following table fromyear ended December 31, 20212022 and the six months ended June 30, 2023, the ability of borrowers to September 30, 2022, are not due to any borrower specific credit issues relating to the borrowers, but rather, are primarily due to our re-evaluation of overall current macroeconomic conditions affecting our borrowers.service their debt and fund operations becomes more constrained. The current expected credit loss reservereserve represents 44approximately 160 basis points of our aggregate loan commitments held at held at carrying value of approximately $348.9$329.2 million and was bifurcated between (i) the current expected credit loss reserve (contra-asset) related to outstanding balances on loans held at carrying value of approximately $1.5$5.1 million and (ii) a liability for unfundedunfunded commitments of $53,908.$0.2 million. The liability is based on the unfunded portion of loan commitments over the full contractual period over which we are exposed to credit risk through a current obligation to extend credit. Management considered the likelihood that funding will occur, and if funded, the expected credit loss on the funded portion. We continuously evaluate the credit quality of each loan by assessing the risk factors of each loan.

Professional fees increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the period ended September 30, 2021 primarily as a result of higher audit and consulting fees.

Stock based compensation was issued in December 2021 following the completion of our initial public offering resulting in $328,356 in stock compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Loan Portfolio

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, our portfolio included 2225 and 2122 loans held for investment, of approximately $331.1$314.5 million and $197.0$339.3 million, of loans receivable, respectively.respectively, prior to the reserve for current expected credit losses. The aggregate originated commitment under these loans was approximately $348.9$329.2 million and $235.1$351.4 million and outstanding principal was approximately $334.5$318.0 million and $200.6$343.0 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, respectively. As of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, our loan portfolio had a weighted-average yield-to-maturity internal rate of return (“YTM IRR”) of 18.3%19.2% and 18.6%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 payment-in-kindpaid-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 SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, approximately 59.7%87.9% and 53.2%83.1%, respectively, of itsour portfolio was comprised of floating rate loans that pay interest at the prime ratePrime Rate plus an applicable margin and were subject to a prime ratePrime Rate floor. The prime ratePrime Rate was 3.25% for the period from January 1, 2022 through March 16, 2022, increased to 3.5%3.50% effective March 17, 2022, increased to 4.0%4.00% effective May 5, 2022, increased again to 4.75% effective June 16, 2022, increased to 5.50% effective July 28, 2022, and increased again to 6.25% effective September 22, 2022. 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, increased to 8.00% effective March 23, 2023 and increased again to 8.25% effective May 4, 2023. The below summarizes our portfolio as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022:2023:

 Funding Maturity Total Principal Carrying Our Loan  Future  Interest Periodic YTM    Initial       Original Issue   Percent of Our          
Loan Date (1) Date (2) Commitment (3)  Balance  Value  Portfolio  Fundings  Rate (4) Payment (5) IRR (6)  Location(s) Funding
Date (1)
  Maturity
Date (2)
  Total
Commitment (3)
  Principal
Balance
  Discount  Carrying
Value
  Loan
Portfolio
  Future
Fundings
  Interest Rate (4) Periodic
Payment (5)
 YTM
IRR (6)
 
1(8) 7/2/2020 5/30/2023  30,000,000   30,000,000   29,712,254   9.0%  -  10.07% I/O  12.8% Various  10/27/2022   10/30/2026  $30,000,000  $30,000,000  $(748,770) $29,251,230   9.3%  -  P+6.50% Cash, 0% PIK (10) I/O  17.0%
2 3/5/2021 12/31/2024  35,891,667   36,646,551   36,464,426   11.0%  -  P + 6.65%(7)(13)
Cash, 3.25% PIK
 P&I  16.9% Michigan  3/5/2021   12/31/2024   35,891,667   38,001,475   (121,831)  37,879,644   12.0%  -  P+6.65% Cash, 4.25% PIK (7)(15) P&I  18.0%
3 3/25/2021 11/29/2024  20,105,628   20,673,831   20,229,374   6.1%  -  

13.91 Cash,
2.59% PIK(12)

 P&I  20.8%
4(9) 4/19/2021 12/31/2023  12,900,000   11,909,539   11,909,539   3.6%  939,952  19.01% P&I  23.4%
3(17) Various  3/25/2021   11/29/2024   20,105,628   20,392,227   (438,589)  19,953,638   6.3%  -  P+10.375% Cash, 2.75% PIK (7) P&I  23.2%
4(16) Arizona  4/19/2021   12/31/2023   14,120,000   13,970,276   -   13,970,276   4.4%  -  P+11.75% Cash (9) I/O  17.5%
5 4/19/2021 4/30/2023  3,500,000   1,500,000   1,500,000   0.5%  2,000,000  P + 12.25%(7) P&I  24.3% Massachusetts  4/19/2021   4/30/2025   3,500,000   3,296,000   -   3,296,000   1.0%  204,000  P+12.25% Cash (7) P&I  22.4%
6 5/28/2021 5/31/2025  12,900,000   13,263,665   13,263,665   4.0%  -  P + 10.75%(7)
Cash, 4% PIK(10)
 P&I  22.3% Michigan  8/20/2021   2/20/2024   6,000,000   4,264,421   (2,464)  4,261,957   1.4%  1,500,000  P+9.00% Cash (7) P&I  20.7%
7 8/20/2021 2/20/2024  6,000,000   4,443,750   4,438,192   1.3%  1,500,000  P + 9.00%(7) P&I  16.5% Illinois, Arizona  8/24/2021   6/30/2025   25,000,000   20,807,799   (171,792)  20,636,007   6.6%  -  P+6.00% Cash, 2% PIK (11) P&I  18.5%
8 8/24/2021 6/30/2025  25,000,000   23,168,151   22,925,222   6.9%  2,142,857  13% Cash,
2.5% PIK
 P&I  17.4% West Virginia  9/1/2021   9/1/2024   9,500,000   11,030,188   (74,371)  10,955,817   3.5%  -  P+9.25% Cash, 2% PIK (7) P&I  26.0%
9 9/1/2021 9/1/2024  9,500,000   9,554,960   9,433,374   2.8%  -  P + 9.25%(7)
Cash, 2% PIK
 P&I  19.9%
9(19) Pennsylvania  9/3/2021   6/30/2024   15,000,000   16,155,903   -   16,155,903   5.1%  -  P+10.75% Cash, 3% PIK (7) P&I  19.2%
10 9/3/2021 6/30/2024  15,000,000   15,536,102   15,536,102   4.7%  -  P + 10.75%(7)
Cash, 3% PIK
 P&I  22.8% Michigan  9/20/2021   9/30/2024   470,411   196,005   -   196,005   0.1%  -  11% Cash P&I  21.4%
11 9/20/2021 9/30/2024  470,411   313,607   313,607   0.1%  -  11.00% P&I  21.4% Maryland  9/30/2021   9/30/2024   32,000,000   32,975,433   (447,955)  32,527,478   10.3%  -  P+8.75% Cash, 2% PIK (7) I/O  21.8%
12 9/30/2021 9/30/2024  32,000,000   32,479,495   31,764,528   9.6%  -  P + 8.75%(7)
Cash, 2% PIK
 I/O  19.4% Various  11/8/2021   10/31/2024   13,574,667   12,628,000   (90,634)  12,537,366   4.0%  -  P+9.25% Cash (12) P&I  19.5%
13 11/8/2021 10/31/2024  20,000,000   20,000,000   19,789,890   6.0%  -  13.00% P&I  15.9% Michigan  11/22/2021   11/1/2024   13,100,000   13,111,841   (91,308)  13,020,533   4.1%  -  P+6.00% Cash, 1.5% PIK (11) I/O  18.7%
14 11/22/2021 11/22/2022  10,600,000   10,600,000   10,577,513   3.2%  -  P + 7.00%(7) I/O  17.9% Various  12/27/2021   12/27/2026   5,000,000   5,125,000   -   5,125,000   1.6%  -  P+12.25% Cash, 2.5% PIK (8) P&I  23.5%
15 12/27/2021 12/27/2026  5,000,000   5,000,000   5,000,000   1.5%  -  15% Cash,
2.5% PIK
 P&I  18.5% Michigan  12/29/2021   12/29/2023   6,000,000   3,884,077   (22,438)  3,861,639   1.2%  2,400,000  P+17.5% Cash, 5% PIK (9) I/O  27.0%
16 12/29/2021 12/29/2023  6,000,000   3,739,861   3,683,765   1.1%  2,400,000  10.50% Cash,
1% to 5% PIK(11)
 I/O  20.6% Florida  12/30/2021   12/31/2024   13,000,000   6,825,000   (37,603)  6,787,397   2.2%  5,500,000  P+9.25% Cash (7) I/O  22.7%
17 12/30/2021 12/31/2024  13,000,000   7,500,000   7,443,733   2.2%  5,500,000  P + 9.25%(7) I/O  20.6% Florida  1/18/2022   1/31/2025   15,000,000   15,000,000   (200,009)  14,799,991   4.7%  -  P+4.75% Cash (10) P&I  14.2%
18 1/18/2022 1/31/2025  15,000,000   15,000,000   14,706,011   4.4%  -  11.00% P&I  13.1% Ohio  2/3/2022   2/28/2025   11,662,050   12,837,973   (132,125)  12,705,848   4.0%  -  P+1.75% Cash, 3% PIK (11) P&I  19.8%
19 2/3/2022 2/28/2025  30,000,000   30,602,729   30,130,650   9.1%  -  P + 8.25%(7)
Cash, 3% PIK
 P&I  23.4% Florida  3/11/2022   8/29/2025   20,000,000   20,794,861   (62,431)  20,732,430   6.6%  -  11% Cash, 3% PIK P&I  15.5%
20 3/11/2022 8/29/2025  20,000,000   20,327,703   20,243,185   6.1%  -  11% Cash,
3% PIK
 P&I  15.4% Missouri  5/9/2022   5/30/2025   17,000,000   17,513,744   (106,535)  17,407,209   5.5%  -  11% Cash, 3% PIK P&I  14.7%
21 5/9/2022 5/30/2025  17,000,000   17,204,978   17,056,894   5.2%  -  11% Cash,
3% PIK
 P&I  15.5% Illinois  7/1/2022   6/30/2026   9,000,000   5,153,793   (67,999)  5,085,794   1.6%  4,000,000  P+8.50% Cash, 3% PIK P&I  26.6%
22 7/1/2022 6/30/2026  9,000,000   5,038,013   4,953,623   1.5%  4,000,000  P + 8.50%(7)
Cash, 3% PIK
 P&I  25.1% Maryland  1/24/2023   1/24/2026   11,250,000   11,093,727   (578,307)  10,515,420   3.3%  -  P+5.75% Cash, 1.4% PIK (10) P&I  20.1%
23 Arizona  3/27/2023   3/31/2026   2,000,000   1,980,000   (45,682)  1,934,318   0.6%  -  P+7.50% Cash, 0% PIK (13) P&I  18.6%
24 Oregon  3/31/2023   9/27/2026   1,000,000   940,000   -   940,000   0.3%  -  P+10.50% Cash, 0% PIK (9) P&I  21.5%
25(18) New York  -   -   -   -   -   -   0.0%  -  15% Cash P&I  16.3%
   Subtotal  348,867,706   334,502,935   331,075,547   100.0%  18,482,809  15.8% Wtd Average  18.3%                                        
Current expected credit loss reserveCurrent expected credit loss reserve   -   -   -   (5,121,577)                
Total loans held at carrying valueTotal loans held at carrying value   329,174,423   317,977,743   (3,440,843)  309,415,323   100.0%  13,604,000    Wtd Average  19.2%

 

(1)All loans originated prior to April 1, 2021 were purchased from affiliated entities at fair value plus accrued interest on or subsequent to April 1, 2021.
(2)Certain loans have extension options from original maturity date.


 

(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.lender and reflects receipt of scheduled amortization payments as of June 30, 2023.
(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.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 a prime rate floor.floor of 3.25%
(8)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 4.75%
(9)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 5.50%
(10)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 6.25%
(11)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 7.00%
(12)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 7.50%
(13)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 8.00%
(14)This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 8.25%
(15)This Loan is subject to a prime rate cap of 5.85%
(16)The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #1 includes a $4.005 million initial advance which has an interest ratethe borrower of 15.25%, a second advance of $15.995 million, which has an interest rate of 9.75%, and a third advance of $10.0 million, which has an interest rate of 8.5%. The statistics presented reflect the weighted average of the terms under all three advances for the total aggregate loan commitment.
(9)

The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #4 includes a $10.0$10.9 million advance, which has a base interest rate of 15.00%,initial commitment advanced in April 2021, and a second advanceloan commitment of $2.0 million which has an interest rate of 39.00%. The statisticswas advanced in December 2021.The weighted average yield presented reflectreflects the weighted average of the terms under both advances for the total aggregate loan commitment.

(10)Subject to adjustment not below 2% if borrower receives at least two consecutive quarters of positive cash flow after the closing date.
(11)PIK is variable with an initial rate of five percent (5.00%) per annum, until borrower’s delivery of audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, at which time the PIK interest rate shall be adjusted to a rate of 1% to 5% contingent on the financial results of the borrower.

(12)(17)The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #3 includes a $15.9 million initial advance,commitment which has a base interest rate of 13.625%, 2.75% PIK and a second advancecommitment 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 bothall advances for the total aggregate loan commitment.
(13)(18)

ThisThe Company has an aggregate commitment of $50.0 million to the borrower of Loan #25. The funding of such commitment is subject to an interest rate cap.certain conditions precedent being met for which the Company, as lender, may exercise its sole discretion in determining if and when such proceeds are advanced. Accordingly, this commitment is not included in total contractual commitments as of June 30, 2023. During the period from July 1, 2023 through August 9, 2023, the Company advanced $18.7 million of the Loan #25 commitment.

(19)As of May 1, 2023, Loan #9 has been placed on non-accrual status.

 

The following tables summarize our loans held for investment as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021:2022:

 As of September 30, 2022  As of June 30, 2023 
 Outstanding
Principal (1)
  Original
Issue
Discount
  Carrying
Value (1)
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
(Years) (2)
  Outstanding
Principal (1)
  Original Issue
Discount
  Carrying Value (1)  Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
(Years) (2)
 
Senior Term Loans $334,502,935  $(3,427,388) $331,075,547   2.1  $317,977,743  $(3,440,843) $314,536,900   1.8 
Current expected credit loss reserve  -   -   (1,497,933)      -   -   (5,121,577)    
Total loans held at carrying value, net $334,502,935  $(3,427,388) $329,577,614      $317,977,743  $(3,440,843) $309,415,323    


  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 June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

The following tables present changes in loans held for investment at carrying value as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:

  

Principal (1) 

  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  35,910,000   (1,118,340)  -   34,791,660 
Principal repayment of loans  (51,907,313)  -   -   (51,907,313)
Accretion of original issue discount  -   1,433,293   -   1,433,293 
Sale of loan (2)  (13,399,712)  -   -   (13,399,712)
PIK Interest  4,345,434   -   -   4,345,434 
Current expected credit loss reserve  -   -   (1,180,638)  (1,180,638)
Balance at June 30, 2023 $317,977,743  $(3,440,843) $(5,121,577) $309,415,323 

 

(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.
(2)Weighted average remaining life is calculated based on the carrying value of the loans as of September 30, 2022.other upfront fees. Outstanding principal balance includes capitalized PIK interest, if applicable.

 

  As of December 31, 2021 
  Outstanding
Principal (1)
  Original
Issue
Discount
  Carrying
Value (1)
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
(Years) (2)
 
Senior Term Loans $200,632,056  $(3,647,490) $196,984,566   2.2 
Current expected credit loss reserve  -   -   (134,542)    
Total loans held at carrying value, net $200,632,056  $(3,647,490) $ 196,850,024     

(1)The difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted original issue discount and loan origination costs
(2)Weighted average remaining life is calculated basedOne loan was reclassified as held for sale from loans held for investment as the decision was made to sell the loan during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to a syndicate of co-lenders which includes a third party and two affiliates under common control with our Manager. The sale was executed on the carrying value of the loans as of DecemberMarch 31, 20212023.

 


  Principal (1)  Original
Issue
Discount
  Current
Expected
Credit Loss
Reserve
  Carrying
Value
 
Balance at December 31, 2021 $200,632,056  $(3,647,490) $(134,542) $196,850,024 
New fundings  137,944,312   (1,835,592)  -   136,108,720 
Principal repayment of loans  (6,654,703)  -   -   (6,654,703)
Accretion of original issue discount  -   1,362,776   -   1,362,776 
PIK Interest  2,400,627   -   -   2,400,627 
Current expected credit loss reserve  -   -   (1,068,882)  (1,068,882)
Balance at June 30, 2022 $334,322,292  $(4,120,306) $(1,203,424) $328,998,562 

 

The following table presents changes in loans held for investment at carrying value as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as well as the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021:

  Principal (1)  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 
Loans contributed  -   -   -   - 
New fundings  143,624,312   (2,180,593)  -   141,443,719 
Principal repayment of loans  (6,892,654)  -   -   (6,892,654)
Accretion of original issue discount  -   2,139,972   -   2,139,972 
Sale of loans  (6,957,500)  260,723   -   (6,696,777)
PIK Interest  4,096,721   -   -   4,096,721 
Current expected credit loss reserve  -   -   (1,363,391)  (1,363,391)
Balance at September 30, 2022 $334,502,935  $(3,427,388) $(1,497,933) $329,577,614 

(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 (1)  Original
Issue
Discount
  Current
Expected
Credit Loss
Reserve
  Carrying
Value (1)
 
Balance at March 30, 2021 (inception) $-  $-  $               -  $- 
Loans contributed  32,589,907   (613,391)  -   31,976,516 
New fundings  105,952,844   (1,778,500)  -   104,174,344 
Principal repayment of loans  (9,582,613)  -   -   (9,582,613)
Accretion of original issue discount  -   276,838   -   276,838 
Sale of loans  -   -   -   - 
PIK Interest  278,079   -   -   278,079 
Balance at September 30, 2021 $129,238,217  $(2,115,053) $-  $127,123,164 

(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 the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our loans.

CECL Reserve

In accordance with ASC 326, we record allowances for our loans held for investment. The allowances are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets to present the net carrying value of the amounts expected to be collected on such assets. The Company estimates its CECL Reserve using among other inputs, third-party valuations, and a third-party probability-weighted model that considers the likelihood of default and expected loss given default for each individual loan based on the risk profile for approximately three years after which we immediately revert to use of historical loss data.

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 CapitalIQ as of the quarter end, to which we apply a private company discount based on our current borrower profile. These estimates may change in future periods based on available future macro-economic data and might result in a material change in our future estimates of expected credit losses for our loan portfolio.

Regarding real estate collateral, we generally cannot take the position of mortgagee-in-possession as long as the property is used by a cannabis operator, but we can request that the court appoint a receiver to manage and operate the subject real property until the foreclosure proceedings are completed. Additionally, while we cannot foreclose under state Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) and take title or sell equity in a licensed cannabis business, a potential purchaser of a delinquent or defaulted loan could.

In order to estimate the future expected loan losses relevant to our portfolio, we utilize historical market loan loss data obtained from a third-party database for commercial real estate loans, which we believe is a reasonably comparable and available data set to use as an input for our type of loans. We expect this dataset to be representative for future credit losses whilst considering that the cannabis industry is maturing, and consumer adoption, demand for production, and retail capacity are increasing akin to commercial real estate over time. For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, we revert back to historical loss data.


All of the above assumptions, although made with the most available information at the time of the estimate, are subjective and actual activity may not follow the estimated schedule. These assumptions impact the future balances that the loss rate will be applied to and as such impact our CECL Reserve. As we acquire new loans and our Manager monitors loan and borrower performance, these estimates will be revised each period. 

Risk Ratings

We assess the risk factors of each loan, and assign a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, payment history, real estate collateral coverage, property type, geographic and local market dynamics, financial performance, enterprise value of the portfolio company, loan structure and exit strategy, and project sponsorship. This review is performed quarterly. Based on a 5-point scale, our loans are rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk, which ratings are defined as follows:

RatingDefinition
1Very low risk
2Low risk
3Moderate/average risk
4High risk/potential for loss: a loan that has a risk of realizing a principal loss
5Impaired/loss likely: a loan that has a high risk of realizing principal loss, has incurred principal loss or an impairment has been recorded

The risk ratings are primarily based on historical data and current conditions specific to each portfolio company, as well as consideration of future economic conditions and each borrower’s estimated ability to meet debt service requirements. The declines in risk ratings shown in the following table from December 31, 2021 to September 30, 2022, are not due to any borrower specific credit issues relating to the borrowers, but rather, are primarily due to our quarterly re-evaluation of overall current macroeconomic conditions affecting our borrowers. This decline in risk ratings did not have a significant effect on the level of the current expected credit loss reserve because the loans continued to perform as expected and the fair value of the underlying collateral exceeded the amounts outstanding under the loans.

As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the carrying value, excluding the CECL Reserve, of the Company’s loans within each risk rating by year of origination is as follows:

   As of September 30, 2022 (1) 
Risk Rating  2022  2021  2020  2019  Total 
1  $-  $20,542,981  $29,712,254  $                -  $50,255,235 
2   93,424,139   79,819,303   -   -   173,243,442 
3   30,130,650   77,446,220   -   -   107,576,870 
4   -   -   -   -   - 
5   -   -   -   -   - 
Total  $123,554,789  $177,808,504  $29,712,254  $-  $331,075,547 

(1)Amounts are presented by loan origination year with subsequent advances shown in the original year of origination.

   As of December 31, 2021 (1) 
Risk Rating  2021  2020  2019  Total 
1  $135,076,307  $32,242,114  $590,384  $167,908,805 
2   29,075,761   -   -   29,075,761 
3   -   -   -   - 
4   -   -   -   - 
5   -   -   -   - 
Total  $164,152,068  $32,242,114  $590,384  $196,984,566 

(1)Amounts are presented by loan origination year with subsequent advances shown in the original year of origination.


Non-GAAP Measures and Key Financial Measures and Indicators

As a commercial mortgage real estate finance company,investment trust, 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
September 30,
2022
  For the
three months
ended
September 30,
2021
  For the
nine months
ended
September 30,
2022
  Period from
March 30,
2021
(inception) to
September 30,
2021
 
Net Income $9,768,969  $4,067,521  $25,036,760  $5,136,072 
Adjustments to net income                
Non-cash equity compensation expense  84,891   -   328,356   - 
Depreciation and amortization  138,549   25,206   379,644   41,918 
Provision for current expected credit losses  306,885   -   1,403,892   - 
Distributable Earnings $10,299,294  $4,092,727  $27,148,652  $5,177,990 
Adjustments to Distributable Earnings  -   -   -   - 
Adjusted Distributable Earnings 10,299,294  4,092,727  27,148,652  5,177,990 
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)  17,657,913   4,895,694   17,652,367   3,658,310 
Adjusted Distributable Earnings per Weighted Average Share $0.58  $0.84  $1.54  $1.42 
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)  17,752,290   4,895,694   17,747,612   3,658,310 
Adjusted Distributable Earnings per Weighted Average Share $0.58  $0.84  $1.53  $1.42 

  For the
three
months
ended
  For the
three
months
ended
  For the
six months
ended
  For the
six months
ended
 
  June 30,
2023
  June 30,
2022
  June 30,
2023
  June 30,
2022
 
Net Income $8,643,378  $7,463,839  $19,335,727  $15,267,791 
Adjustments to net income                
Non-cash equity compensation expense  263,844   122,525   402,179   243,465 
Depreciation and amortization  91,798   168,826   259,102   241,095 
Provision for current expected credit losses  1,139,112   1,045,665   1,235,231   1,097,008 
Distributable Earnings  10,138,132   8,800,855   21,232,239   16,849,359 
Adjustments to Distributable Earnings            
Adjusted Distributable Earnings  10,138,132    8,880,855    

21,232,239 

   16,849,359  
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)  18,094,288   17,657,913   17,989,684   17,649,548 
Adjusted Distributable Basic Earnings per Weighted Average Share $0.56  $0.50  $1.18  $0.95 
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in shares) $18,273,512   17,752,413   18,117,919   17,745,234 
Adjusted Distributable Diluted Earnings per Weighted Average Share $0.55  $0.50  $1.17  $0.95 


 

Book Value Per Share

The book value per share of our common stock as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 20212022 was approximately $15.23$15.06 and $15.13,$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. WeOn 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. In the future, weWe 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. WeIn 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 in the near future.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 SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, all of our cash was unrestricted and totaled approximately $9.3$18.0 million and $80.2$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 FacilitiesFacility

In May 2021, in connection with our acquisition of our financing subsidiary, CAL, we were assigned a secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan”). The Revolving Loan had an 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, we amended the Revolving Loan (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment increased the loan commitment from $10,000,000 to $45,000,000, decreased the interest rate, from the greater of the (1) Prime Rate plus 1.00% and (2) 4.75% to the greater of (1) the Prime Rate plus the applicable margin and (2) 3.25%. The applicable margin depends on the ratio of debt to equity of CAL and increases from 0% at a ratio of 0.25 to 1 to 1.25% at a ratio of 1.5 to 1. The First Amendment also extended the maturity date from February 12, 2023 to the earlier of (i) December 16, 2023 and (ii) the date on which the Revolving Loan is terminated pursuant to terms in the Revolving Loan agreement. We incurred debt issuance costs of $859,500 related to the First Amendment, which were capitalized and are subsequently being amortized through maturity.


On May 12, 2022, we amended the Revolving Loan (the “Second Amendment”) which provides for an increase in the aggregate commitment from $45 million to $65 million. No other material terms of the Revolving Loan were modified as a result of the execution of the Second Amendment. As of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Revolving Loan, including all amendments and Firstamendments and Second Amendmentsrestatements thereto, as applicable, of $665,639$662,938 and $868,022,$805,596, respectively, are recorded in other receivables and assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

On November 7, 2022, we amendedAs of and for the Revolving Loan (the “Third Amendment”), whereby we exercisedsix months ended June 30, 2023, the existing accordion featureCompany had net repayments 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.

The Revolving Loan incurs unused fees at a rate of 0.25% per annum. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2022, we incurred $11,833 in unused fees in connection with the Second Amendment. For the period from January 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022, we borrowed $53.0$15.0 million against the Revolving Loan and incurred approximately $1.0 million in interest expense for the period then ended. In the future, we may use certain sourcesLoan. As of financing to fund the origination or acquisition of our target investments, including credit facilities and other secured and unsecured forms of borrowing. These financings may be collateralized or non-collateralized and may involve one or more lenders. We expect that these facilities will typically have maturities ranging from two to five years and may accrue interest at either fixed or floating rates.

The First Amendment and the Second Amendment provide for certain affirmative covenants, including requiring us to deliver financial information and any notices of default, and conducting business in the normal course. Additionally,June 30, 2023, 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,had $57.0 million available and (3) maintaining a leverage ratio less than 1.50 to 1. To the best of our knowledge, as of September 30, 2022, we were in compliance in all material respects with the covenants with respect to the Revolving Loan.

During the period ended September 30, 2022, we borrowed $53.0$43.0 million against the Revolving Loan and had $53.0 million outstanding at September 30, 2022. For the period ended December 31, 2021 we did not borrow against the Revolving Loan and therefore had $0 outstanding under the Revolving Loan as of such date.(Note 6).


Capital Markets

We may seek to raise further equity capital and issue debt securities in order to fund our future investments in loans. Our Shelf Registration Statement became effective on January 19, 2023, allowing us to sell, from time to time in one or more offerings, up to $500 million of our securities, including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and rights (including as part of a unit) to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock, or debt securities. The specifics of any future offerings, along with the use of proceeds of any securities offered, will be described in detail in a prospectus supplement, or other offering materials, at the time of any offering. We may also access liquidity through our ATM Program, which was established in June 2023, pursuant to which we may sell, from time to time, up to $75.0 million of our common stock.

Cash Flows

The following table sets forth changes in cash and cash equivalents for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and the period March 30, 2021 (inception) to September 30, 2021,2022, respectively:

  For the
nine months
ended
September 30,
2022
  Period from
March 30,
2021
(inception) to
September 30,
2021
 
  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
Net income $25,036,760  $5,136,072 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities and changes in operating assets and liabilities  (12,658,931)  7,105,497 
Net cash provided by operating activities  12,377,829   12,241,569 
Net cash used in investing activities  (120,724,572)  (94,591,731)
Net cash provided by financing activities  37,429,747   90,992,068 
Change in cash and cash equivalents $(70,916,996) $8,641,906 


  For the six
months
ended
June 30,
2023
  For the six
months
ended
June 30,
2022
 
       
Net income $19,335,727  $15,267,791 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities and changes in operating assets and liabilities  (7,422,955)  (7,893,109)
Net cash provided by operating activities  11,912,772   7,374,682 
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities  30,515,365   (118,729,079)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities  (30,123,276)  37,728,967 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $12,304,861  $(73,625,430)

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022, netwe reported “Net cash provided by operating activities” of approximately $11.9 million and $7.4 million, respectively. Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled approximately $12.4 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, adjustmentsincreased $4.5 million, primarily attributable to an increase in net income related to operating activities primarily included accretionover the comparable period of deferred loan original issue discount$4.1 million, and other discountsa change in the interest reserve for applied interest payments of approximately $2.1 million, PIK interest of approximately $4.1 million,$4.6 million. These changes were offset by an increase in provision for current expected credit losses of approximately $1.4$0.1 million, amortizationan increase in PIK interest of deferred financing costs relating to the revolving credit facility of $379,644, and stock-based compensation expense of $328,356. Additionally, other changes in operating assets and liabilities were approximately $8.5$1.9 million, of which approximately $9.9 million is attributable to interest reserves disbursed, a $529,544an increase in interest receivable and a $172,699of approximately $1.0 million, an increase in other receivables offset by a $545,127related party receivable of approximately $0.2 million, an increase in related party payables of approximately $0.2 million, a decrease in management feeand incentive fees payable andof approximately $1.5 million, an approximately $1.6 million increase in accounts payable and other accrued expenses.

During the period March 30, 2021 (inception) through September 30, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities total approximately $12.2 million. For the period March 30, 2021 (inception) through September 30, 2021, adjustments to net income related to operating activities primarily included accretion of deferred loan original issue discount and other discountsexpenses of approximately $277,000, PIK interest$0.4 million, and an increase in stock based compensation of approximately $278,000,$0.2 million, and amortization of deferred financing costs$0.9 million relating to the revolving credit facilitypurchase of approximately $42,000. Additionally, other changes in operating assets and liabilities were approximately $7.6 million, of which approximately $6.6 million is attributable to new interest reserves, a $517,026 increase in interest receivable, a $84,384 increase in other assets, a $13,868 increase in other receivables, a $800,000 decrease in escrow payable, and an approximately $843,000 increase in accounts payable and other accrued expenses.debt securities, at fair value.

Net Cash Provided by/(Used inin) Investing Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, we reported “Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities” of approximately $30.5 million and ($118.7) million, respectively.

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022, net2023, cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $120.7 million. The net cash used in investing activities wasoutflows primarily a result of the cashrelated to $34.8 million used for the origination and funding of loans held for investment, partially offset by $13.4 million received from the sales of approximately $134.3loans and $51.9 million exceeding theof cash received from the principal repayment of loans held for investment of approximately $6.9 million and approximately $6.7 million received from the sales of loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.investment.

 

DuringFor the period Marchsix months ended June 30, 2021 (inception) through September 30, 2021, net2022, cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $94.6 million. The cash used in investing activities wasoutflows primarily a result of the cashrelated to $125.4 million used for the origination and funding of loans held for investment, of approximately $104.2partially offset by $6.7 million exceeding theof cash received from the principal repayment of loans held for investment of approximately $9.6 million for the period March 30, 2021 (inception) through September 30, 2021.investment.

Net Cash (Used in)/Provided by Financing Activities

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 and 2022, netwe reported “Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities totaledactivities” of approximately $37.4$(30.1) million and $37.7 million, respectively.

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, cash inflows of approximately $7.2 million related to drawdownsproceeds received from sales of our common stock through the registered direct offering and ATM offering of $6.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Additionally, we had cash inflows related to draw downs on our Revolving Loan of $34.0 million, which were offset by approximately $49.0 million in repayments on our Revolving Loan, $22.0 million in dividends paid, approximately $0.1 million in debt issuance costs paid, and approximately $0.3 million in offering costs paid associated with the revolving credit facility of $53.0 million,registered direct offering and ATM offering.


For the six months ended June 30, 2022, cash inflows primarily related to approximately $4.5 million in proceeds received from the underwriters’ partial exercise of their over-allotment option lessand $45.0 million related to draw downs on our Revolving Loan, offset by approximately $19.9$11.6 million in dividends paid, and approximately $0.2 million in debt issuance costs and offering costs relating topaid in connection with our Revolving Loan and initial public offering of approximately $24,000 and $177,261 in debt issuances costs paid,offering.

During the period from March 30, 2021 (inception) through September 30, 2021, we received approximately $91.0 million in cash from financing activities related to proceeds received from the issuance of shares of our common stock of approximately $92.5 million offset by dividends paid of approximately $1.1 million and payment of deferred offering costs of approximately $485,000.Leverage Policies

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

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 ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022.2023 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 
Regular cash dividend 6/30/2023 7/14/2023 $0.47  $0.47  $            $0.47 
Total cash dividend     $0.94  $0.94  $-  $0.94 

  Record
Date
 Payment
Date
 Common
Share
Distribution
Amount
  Taxable
Ordinary
Income
  Return of
Capital
  Section
199A
Dividends
 
Regular cash dividend 3/31/2022 4/14/2022 $        0.40  $        0.40  $            -  $        0.40 
Regular cash dividend 6/30/2022 7/15/2022 $0.47  $0.47  $            -  $0.47 
Total cash dividend     $0.87  $0.87  $            -  $0.87 


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 discounted 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:

RatingDefinition
1Very low risk
2Low risk
3Moderate/average risk
4High risk/potential for loss: a loan that has a risk of realizing a principal loss
5Impaired/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 June 30, 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, other than the one loan placed on non-accrual status, the loans continued to perform as expected. For approximately 74% of the portfolio, the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral exceeded the amounts outstanding under the loans as of June 30, 2023. The remaining approximately 26% of the portfolio, while not fully collateralized by real estate, may be partially collateralized by real estate and 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.

s


As of June 30, 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 June 30, 2023 As of December 31, 2022
Risk 
Rating
 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Total 2022 2021 2020 2019 Total
1 $10,515,420  $30,113,057  $196,005  $      -  $       -  $40,824,482  $-  $274,406  $-  $        -  $274,406 
2  2,874,319   102,663,294   66,147,544   -   -   171,385,157   94,467,449   88,444,868   29,140,546   -   212,052,863 
3  -   5,085,794   55,859,471   -   -   60,945,265   30,415,113   83,131,444   -   -   113,546,557 
4  -   -   41,081,996   -   -   41,081,996   -   13,399,712   -   -   13,399,712 
5  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total $13,389,739  $137,862,145  $163,285,016  $-  $-  $314,536,900  $124,882,562  $185,250,430  $29,140,546  $-  $339,273,538 

 

  Record Date   Payment Date Common Share Distribution Amount  Taxable Ordinary Income  Return of Capital  Section 199A Dividends 
Regular cash dividend 3/31/2022 4/14/2022 $0.40  $0.40  $-  $0.40 
Regular cash dividend 6/30/2022 7/15/2022 $0.47  $0.47  $-  $0.47 
Regular cash dividend 9/30/2022 10/14/2022 $0.47  $0.47  $     -  $0.47 
Total cash dividend     $1.34  $1.34  $-  $1.34 
(1)Amounts are presented by loan origination year with subsequent advances shown in the original year of origination.

Accounting Policies and Estimates

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, 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 ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, titled “Significant Accounting Policies” for information on recent accounting pronouncements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. These risks primarily relate to fluctuations in interest rates. Our loans are typically valued using a yield analysis, which is typically performed for non-credit impairedperforming loans to borrowers. Changes in market yields may change the fair value of certain of our loans. Generally, an increase in market yields may result in a decrease in the fair value of certain of our loans, however this is mitigated to the extent our loans bear interest at a floating rate. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, we had 1321 floating-rate loans, representing approximately 59.7%87.9% of our loan portfolio based on aggregate outstanding principal balances, most of which are subject to a prime ratePrime Rate floor. We estimate that a hypothetical 100 basis points increase in the prime ratePrime Rate would result in an increase in annual cash interest income, excluding the effects of PIK interest, of approximately $1.8$2.8 million and a 100 basis points decrease in prime ratethe Prime Rate would result in a decrease in annual interest income of approximately $1.9$(2.8) million. Our loans generally have a prime ratePrime Rate floor established at the prevailing Prime Rate at the time of 3.25%.origination. Refer to Note 3 for Prime Rate floor by loan.

In addition, our Revolving Loan is exposed to similar market risks. Changes in market rates may change the fair value of our Revolving Loan as our loan bears interest at the greater of (1) the Prime Rate plus the applicable margin and (2) 3.25%. As of June 30, 2023, we had an outstanding balance of $43.0 million under the Revolving Loan. Based on our outstanding balance as of June 30, 2023, we estimate that a hypothetical 100 basis points increase in the Prime Rate would result in an increase in annual cash interest expense, excluding unused fees, of approximately $0.4 million and a 100 basis points decrease in the Prime Rate would result in a decrease in annual interest expense of approximately $0.4 million.

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


Risk Management

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 September 30, 2022, 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 capitalize on these opportunities and growing the size of our portfolio.

Risk Management

To the extent consistent with maintaining our REIT qualification and our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act, we seek to manage risk exposure by closely monitoring our portfolio and actively managing the financing, interest rate, credit, prepayment and convexity (a measure of the sensitivity of the duration of a loan to changes in interest rates) risks associated with holding our portfolio of loans. Generally, with the guidance and experience of our Manager:

we manage our portfolio through an interactive process with our Manager and generally service our self-originated loans through our Manager’s servicer;


we invest in a mix of floating-andfloating-rate and fixed-rate loans to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with the financing of our portfolio;

we actively employ portfolio-wide and asset-specific risk measurement and management processes in our daily operations, including utilizing our Manager’s risk management tools such as software and services licensed or purchased from third-parties and proprietary analytical methods developed by our Manager; and

we seek to manage credit risk through our due diligence process prior to origination or acquisition and through the use of non-recourse financing, when and where available and appropriate. In addition, with respect to any particular target investment, prior to origination or acquisition our Manager’s investment team evaluates, among other things, relative valuation, comparable company analysis, supply and demand trends, shape-of-yield curves, delinquency and default rates, recovery of various sectors and vintage of collateral.

Changes in Fair Value of Our AssetsMarket Conditions

We generally hold our target investments as long-term loans; however, we may occasionally classify some of our loans as held for sale. We may carry our loans at fair value or carrying value in our balance sheet. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, none of our loans held for investment were carried at fair value.  

We evaluate our loans on a quarterly basis. We may use an independent third-party valuation firm to provide input in the valuation of certain of our unquoted investments, which we consider along with other various subjective and objective factors in making our evaluations.

Our loans are typically valued using a yield analysis, which is typically performed for non-credit impaired loans to borrowers. To determine fair value using a yield analysis, a current price is imputed for the loan based upon an assessment of the expected market yield for a similarly structured loan with a similar level of risk. In the yield analysis, we consider the current contractual interest rate, the maturity and other terms of the loan relative to risk of the borrower and the specific loan. A key determinant of risk, among other things, is the leverage through the loan relative to the enterprise value of the borrower. As loans held by us are substantially illiquid with no active transaction market, we depend on primary market data, including newly funded loans, as well as secondary market data with respect to high-yield debt instruments and syndicated loans, as inputs in determining the appropriate market yield, as applicable. Changes in market yields may change the fair value of certain of our loans. Generally, an increase in market yields may result in a decrease in the fair value of certain of our loans, however this is mitigated to the extent our loans bear interest at a floating rate.

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of loans that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our loans may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of our loans may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such loans and may differ materially from the values that we may ultimately realize. Further, such loans are generally subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise are less liquid than publicly traded securities. If we were required to liquidate our investment in a loan in a forced or liquidation sale, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we had recorded such loan investment.

Market Conditions

We provide loans to established companies operating in the cannabis industry which involves significant risks, including the risk of strict enforcement against our borrowers of the federal illegality of cannabis, our borrowers’ inability to renew or otherwise maintain their licenses or other requisite authorizations for their cannabis operations, and such loans lack of liquidity, and we could lose all or part of any of our loans.

We believe that favorable market conditions, including an imbalance in supply and demand of credit to cannabis operating companies, have provided attractive opportunities for non-bank lenders, such as us, to finance commercial real estate loans and other loans that exhibit strong fundamentals but also require more customized financing structures and loan products than regulated financial institutions can presently provide. Additionally, to the extent that additional states legalize cannabis, our addressable market will increase. While we intend to continue capitalizing on these opportunities and growing the size of our portfolio, we are aware that the competition for the capital we provide is increasing.


Our ability to grow or maintain our business depends on state laws pertaining to the cannabis industry. New laws that are adverse to our borrowers may be enacted, and current favorable state or national laws or enforcement guidelines relating to cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis may be modified or eliminated in the future, which would impede our ability to grow and could materially adversely affect our business.

Management’s plan to mitigate risks include monitoring the legal landscape as deemed appropriate.  Also, should a loan default or otherwise be seized, we may be prohibited from owning cannabis assets and thus could not take possession of collateral, in which case we would look to sell the loan, which could result in us realizing a loss on the transaction.

While we believe the principal amounts of our loans are generally adequately protected by underlying collateral value, there is a risk that we will not realize the entire principal value of certain loans, particularly those not fully collateralized by real estate. In order to mitigate that risk, our loans are generally collateralized by other assets, such as equipment, receivables, licenses or other assets of the borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations. In addition, we seek to impose strict loan covenants and seek personal or corporate guarantees for additional protection. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022, 96%2023, 74% of our portfolio is fully secured by real estate and 4%26% has limited or no real estate collateral. Our portfolio on average had real estate collateral coverage of 1.5x as of June 30, 2023, and all of our loans are secured by equity pledges of the borrower and all asset liens. As of June 30, 2022, 94% of our portfolio was fully secured by real estate and 6% had limited or no real estate collateral. Our portfolio on average had real estate collateral coverage of 1.9x as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022 and substantially all of our loans arewere secured by equity pledges of the borrower and all asset liens.

Credit Risk


Credit Risk

We are subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with our loans and interest receivable. Our Manager seeks to mitigate this risk by seeking to originate loans, and may in the future acquire loans, of higher quality at appropriate prices given anticipated and unanticipated losses, by employing a comprehensive review and selection process and by proactively monitoring originated and acquired loans. Nevertheless, unanticipated credit losses could occur that could adversely impact our operating results. For additional information regarding the credit risk associated with our loans and interest receivables, see “Risk Factors— Loans to relatively new and/or small companies and companies operating in the cannabis industry generally involve significant risks” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Our Manager or affiliates of our Manager have originated all of our loans and intend to continue to originate our loans, but we may in the future also acquire loans from time to time. Our Investment Guidelines are not subject to any limits or proportions with respect to the mix of target investments that we make or that we may in the future acquire other than as necessary to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act and our qualification as a REIT. Our investment decisions will depend on prevailing market conditions and may change over time in response to opportunities available in different interest rate, economic and credit environments. As a result, we cannot predict the percentage of our capital that will be invested in any individual target investment at any given time.

Credit risk will also be addressed through our Manager’s on-going review, and loans will be monitored for variance from expected prepayments, defaults, severities, losses, and cash flow on a quarterly basis.

Our loan portfolio as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, was concentrated with the top three borrowers representing approximately 29.8%31.8% and 34.6%29.4% of the funded principal outstanding and approximately 28.1%29.7% and 31.9%27.9% of the total commitments, torespectively. As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the top three borrowers respectively,represented approximately 30.3% and approximately 28.8% and 9.7%27.8% of the total interest income, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the period March 30, 2021 (inception) through September 30, 2021, respectively. The largest loan represented approximately 11.0%12.0% and 15.0%10.9% of the funded principal outstanding and approximately 10.3%10.9% and 12.8%10.2% of the total commitments as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021,2022, respectively.

 

As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our borrowers have operations in the jurisdiction noted within the table below:

As of June 30, 2023
 
Jurisdiction Outstanding
Principal
  Percentage
of Loan
Portfolio
 
Maryland  64,401,652   20%
Michigan  59,457,819   19%
Florida  51,123,606   16%
Illinois  24,579,796   8%
Arizona  23,458,375   7%
Pennsylvania  21,694,815   7%
Ohio  18,328,322   6%
Missouri  17,513,744   6%
West Virginia  15,339,126   5%
Massachusetts  15,083,830   5%
Nevada  6,056,659   2%
Oregon  940,000   0%
         
   317,977,743   100%

As of December 31, 2022
 
Jurisdiction Outstanding
Principal
  Percentage
of Loan
Portfolio
 
Maryland  53,394,180   16%
Michigan  58,823,506   17%
Florida  51,421,128   15%
Illinois  30,302,490   9%
Arizona  19,266,104   6%
Pennsylvania  34,606,585   10%
Ohio  45,116,990   13%
Missouri  17,337,220   5%
West Virginia  11,640,004   3%
Massachusetts  15,031,751   4%
Nevada  6,089,376   2%
Oregon  -   0%
         
   343,029,334   0%


Real Estate Risk

Commercial real estate loans are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional and local economic conditions (which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions; changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; and retroactive changes to building or similar codes. In addition, decreases in property values resulting from macro-environmental or industry-specific factors may reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay the underlying loan or loans, as the case may be, which warrant an increase in the reserve for current expected credit losses or could also cause us to suffer losses on existing real estate secured loans.losses.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the forms and rules of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and Interim CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

In connection with the preparation of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, our management, including the CEO and Interim CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022.2023. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and Interim CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022 because2023 to ensure that (a) information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the forms and rules of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting that were previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K forSEC and (b) such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “2021 10-K”). Such material weakness relatesCEO and Interim CFO, to inadequate design and implementation of information technology general controls that prevent the information systems from providing appropriate segregation of duties, and delivery of complete and accurate information consistent with financial reporting objectives and current needs. Additionally, as previously reported in the 2021 10-K, a control deficiency in our internal control over financial reporting was identified which constitutes a material weakness relating to inadequate design and implementation of controls relating to the development of our allowance for current expected credit losses.allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

We have taken certain measures to address the material weakness related to information technology general controls described above, including hiring additional personnel, engaging an independent fund administrator, and designing and implementing formal user access controls. Additionally, we have engaged a third-party vendor and are in the process of implementing a new ERP system conducive to segregation of duties and a more robust control environment.

Additionally, we have taken measures to address the material weakness related to the Company’s development of its reserve for current expected credit losses. These measures include designing and implementing more robust procedures and controls over the preparation and review of risk ratings and the estimation of enterprise value of our borrowers, as well as over the preparation and review over the development of reasonable and supportable forecasts of the performance of our borrowers and the related loans.

While we believe that the efforts taken to date have improved the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, additional remediation efforts are ongoing and will require additional time before management is able to conclude that the design is effective to address the risks of material misstatement and that such controls are operating effectively through testing of such controls. We may conclude that additional measures are necessary to remediate the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which may necessitate additional evaluation and implementation time.

Notwithstanding the material weaknesses, the Company has concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this report present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, we may be subject to various legal proceedings from time to time. We are not party to any material pending legal proceedings required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 103 of Regulation S-K.

Item 1A. Risk Factors 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations. Except to the extent updated below or to the extent additional factual information disclosed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q relates to such risk factors, there have been no material changes to the risk factors described in the “Risk Factors” sections in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

Recent macroeconomic trends, including inflation and rising interest rates, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, inflation in the United States has acceleratedremained at an elevated level and is currently expected to continue at an elevated level in the near-term. Rising inflation could have an adverse impact on any variable rate debt we may incur in the future, and our general and administrative expenses, as these costs could increase at a rate higher than our interest income and other revenue. The Federal Reserve has recently started raisingraised interest rates multiple times since March 2022 to combat inflation and restore price stability and it is expected that rates willmay continue to rise throughout the remainder of 2022.2023. To the extent our borrowing costs increase faster than the interest income earned from our floating-rate loans, such increases may adversely affect our cash flows.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.None of the Company’s officers or directors have adopted, modified or terminated trading plans under either a Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933) for the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No. Description of Exhibits
10.8***Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2023, among Chicago Atlantic Lincoln, LLC, Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc., the other Persons from time to time party thereto, as borrowers; and the financial institutions party thereto, as Lenders.
31.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2* Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2* Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS* Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

 

*Furnished herewith
**In accordance with Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, certain provisions or terms of the Agreement have been redacted. The Company will provide an unredacted copy of the exhibit on a supplemental basis to the SEC or its staff upon request.


 

SIGNATURES

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

 

 CHICAGO ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC.
  
Dated: NovemberAugust 9, 20222023By:/s/ Anthony Cappell
  Anthony Cappell
  Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Dated: NovemberAugust 9, 20222023

By:/s/ Phillip Silverman
  Phillip Silverman
  Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

4048

 

 

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. Weighted average remaining life is calculated based on the carrying value of the loans as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. 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. The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #4 includes a $10.0 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. Loans with material collateral in multiple jurisdictions, namely multi-state operators, are disclosed as “various.” This Loan is subject to an interest rate cap. The aggregate loan commitment to Loan #1 includes a $4.005 million initial advance, which has an interest rate of 15.25%, a second advance of $15.995 million, which has an interest rate of 9.75%, and a third advance of $10.0 million, which has an interest rate of 8.50%. The statistics presented reflect the weighted average of the terms under all three advances for the total aggregate loan commitment. P = prime rate and depicts floating rate loans that pay interest at the prime rate plus a specific percentage; “PIK” = paid in kind interest. P&I = principal and interest. I/O = interest only. P&I loans may include interest only periods for a portion of the loan term. 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 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. Subject to adjustment not below 2% if borrower receives at least two consecutive quarters of positive cash flow after the closing date. This Loan is subject to prime rate floor. As of September 30, 2022, the CECL Reserve related to unfunded commitments on loans at carrying value is recorded within accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2022, the CECL Reserve related to outstanding balances on loans at carrying value is recorded within current expected credit loss reserve in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. false --12-31 Q3 0001867949 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares