CHICAGO, June 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ: REFI), a commercial mortgage real estate investment trust, announced that its board of directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share for the second quarter of 2024. The regular quarterly dividend, which equates to an annualized rate of $1.88 per common share, is payable on July 15, 2024, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 28, 2024. Contact: Tripp Sullivan SC ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net interest income for Q1 2024 declined sequentially from $14.8 million to $13.2 million, a decrease of 10.8% [17] - The weighted average loan-to-enterprise value was 40.5%, down from 44.1% at year-end [9] - Adjusted distributable earnings per weighted average diluted share was $0.52 for Q1 2024, compared to $0.53 for Q4 2023 [23] - The company had $81.3 million outstanding on the credit facility as of March 31, compared to $66 million as of December 31, 2023 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio had total commitments of $401 million across 28 portfolio companies, with a weighted average yield to maturity of 19.4%, consistent with December 31 [15] - The portfolio remains predominantly floating rate, with 77% based off the prime rate [9] - The real estate coverage ratio of the portfolio was 1.3x as of March 31, down from 1.5x at December 31, 2023 [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong loan demand driven by improving sentiment in the cannabis industry, which has helped in accessing additional capital [28] - Positive developments in state-level cannabis legalization were noted, with Florida and Ohio making progress [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growing the loan portfolio in a disciplined manner while maintaining strong credit quality and an attractive weighted average portfolio yield [27] - The pipeline of actionable deals stands at $585 million, with a focus on operators in limited license states and those transitioning from medical to adult use [28] - The company affirmed its guidance issued in conjunction with the Q4 release [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the regulatory changes in the cannabis industry, which are expected to bring significant benefits, including increased access to capital [8] - The company does not expect any immediate changes from the recent regulatory announcements for another 18 to 24 months [34] - Management noted that creditworthiness among operators is improving, with strong EBITDA performance [36] Other Important Information - The company issued approximately 896,000 shares through the ATM program at a weighted average price of $15.93, raising net proceeds of approximately $13.9 million [14] - The company’s CECL reserve as of March 31 was approximately $5.4 million, an increase from $5 million as of December 31, 2023 [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the short and long-term impacts of DA rescheduling on the business - Management indicated that any impact from the regulatory changes would likely be felt after the 24-month mark, with no immediate changes expected [34] Question: Changes in the industry and operator landscape - Management reported positive interactions with operators, noting improved creditworthiness and strong EBITDA performance [36] Question: Competition in the lending space post-regulatory changes - Management stated that there are currently no signs of increased competition based on recent data and deals observed [39]

Exhibit 99.1 Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance Announces First Quarter 2024 Financial Results CHICAGO— (May 7, 2024) Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ: REFI) ("Chicago Atlantic" or the "Company"), a commercial mortgage real estate investment trust, today announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. John Mazarakis, Executive Chairman of Chicago Atlantic, noted, "We are thrilled with progress toward regulatory reform resulting from the recent news of the DEA's commitme ...

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 March 31, 2024 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 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 jurisdicti ...

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:REFI) Q4 2023 Earnings Conference Call March 12, 2024 9:00 AM ET Company Participants Tripp Sullivan - IR, SCR Partners John Mazarakis - Executive Chairman Peter Sack - Co-President, Director Phillip Silverman - Interim Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary Conference Call Participants Pablo Zuanic - Zuanic & Associates Mark Smith - Lake Street Capital Markets Operator Good day, thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Fin ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 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 orga ...

[Company Overview & Management Insights](index=1&type=section&id=Company%20Overview%20%26%20Management%20Insights) Executive leadership highlighted improved regulatory conditions, new investment opportunities, and continued growth in loan originations, supported by an extended credit facility [Management Commentary](index=1&type=section&id=Management%20Commentary) Chicago Atlantic's executive leadership highlighted improved regulatory conditions creating new investment opportunities and the anticipated wall of debt maturities among cannabis operators - Executive Chairman John Mazarakis noted that the **improved regulatory landscape** is feeding new investment opportunities and significantly improving borrower equity value, with a **meaningful opportunity over the next 12-18 months** from a 'wall of debt maturities' among larger cannabis operators[2](index=2&type=chunk) - Co-Chief Executive Officer Tony Cappell highlighted **continued growth in gross loan originations**, an increase in the **weighted average yield to maturity to 19.4%**, and **improving credit quality** of operators, enabling selective capital deployment[2](index=2&type=chunk) - The company **extended its credit facility until June 2026** and increased its **accordion feature up to $150 million** to support additional opportunities[2](index=2&type=chunk) [Operational Performance](index=1&type=section&id=Operational%20Performance) Chicago Atlantic maintained a robust loan portfolio with significant commitments and a high weighted average yield, alongside active origination and repayment activities [Investment Activity](index=1&type=section&id=Investment%20Activity) As of December 31, 2023, Chicago Atlantic maintained a robust loan portfolio with total commitments of $378.8 million and a high weighted average yield to maturity of 19.4% Portfolio Investment Metrics (as of Dec 31, 2023) | Metric | Value (Dec 31, 2023) | Value (Sep 30, 2023) | Change (QoQ) | | :-------------------------------- | :------------------- | :------------------- | :----------- | | Total Loan Commitments (million $) | $378.8 | N/A | N/A | | Funded Loans (million $) | $371.3 | N/A | N/A | | Future Fundings (million $) | $7.5 | N/A | N/A | | Weighted Average Yield to Maturity (%) | 19.4% | 19.3% | +0.1% | | Real Estate Collateral Coverage (x) | 1.5x | 1.5x | 0x | | Loan to Enterprise Value (%) | 44.1% | 42.5% | +1.6% | | Variable Interest Rate Loans (%) | 81% | 81% | 0% | Fourth Quarter 2023 Originations and Repayments | Activity | Amount (million $) | | :-------------------------------- | :------------- | | Total Gross Originations | $24.7 | | Funded to New Borrowers | $8.6 | | Funded to Existing Borrowers | $16.1 | | Principal Repayments | $13.7 | | Unscheduled Early Repayments | $10.9 | Non-Recurring Fee Income | Period | Amount (million $) | | :-------------------------------- | :------------- | | Q4 2023 | $1.8 | | Q3 2023 | $0.7 | | Change (QoQ) | +$1.1 | [Capital Management & Dividends](index=2&type=section&id=Capital%20Management%20%26%20Dividends) The company extended its credit facility and increased its accordion feature, while consistently paying regular and special cash dividends to shareholders [Credit Facility and Liquidity](index=2&type=section&id=Credit%20Facility%20and%20Liquidity) Chicago Atlantic amended its secured revolving credit facility, extending its maturity to June 2026 and increasing the accordion feature to $150 million - On February 28, 2024, Chicago Atlantic amended its **$100.0 million secured revolving credit facility**, extending the **maturity date to June 2026** with a one-year extension option and increasing the **accordion feature up to $150.0 million**[8](index=8&type=chunk) Credit Facility and Leverage | Metric | As of Dec 31, 2023 | As of Mar 11, 2024 | | :-------------------------------- | :------------------- | :------------------- | | Outstanding on Credit Facility (million $) | $66.0 | $94.0 | | Leverage Ratio (Debt to Book Equity) | ~24% | N/A | | Total Liquidity (net of estimated liabilities) (million $) | N/A | ~$10 | [Dividend Payments](index=2&type=section&id=Dividend%20Payments) In January 2024, Chicago Atlantic paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share and a special cash dividend of $0.29 per share for Q4 2023 - On January 12, 2024, Chicago Atlantic paid a **regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share** of common stock for Q4 2023[8](index=8&type=chunk) - A **special cash dividend of $0.29 per share** of common stock, included in fiscal 2023 taxable income, was also paid on January 12, 2024[8](index=8&type=chunk) [Financial Performance - Quarterly](index=2&type=section&id=Financial%20Performance%20-%20Quarterly) Chicago Atlantic reported Q4 2023 net income of $9.4 million, with an 8.0% sequential increase in net interest income, despite higher expenses [Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results](index=2&type=section&id=Fourth%20Quarter%202023%20Financial%20Results) Chicago Atlantic reported a net income of $9.4 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, for Q4 2023, with net interest income increasing by 8.0% sequentially to $14.8 million Fourth Quarter 2023 Key Financial Highlights | Metric | Q4 2023 (million $) | Q3 2023 (million $) | Sequential Change | | :-------------------------------- | :------------- | :------------- | :---------------- | | Net Interest Income | $14.8 | $13.7 | +8.0% | | Total Expenses (before CECL) | $5.8 | N/A | Increase (primarily due to $1.6M increase in net management and incentive fees) | | Total Reserve for CECL | $5.0 | $5.2 | -$0.2 | | Net Income | $9.4 | $10.0 | -5.8% | | Diluted EPS ($) | $0.51 | $0.54 | -5.6% | | Distributable Earnings | $9.8 | $10.5 | -7.0% | | Distributable Earnings per Diluted Share ($) | $0.53 | $0.57 | -7.0% | | Book Value per Common Share ($) | $14.94 | $15.17 | -1.5% (due to special dividend) | - Net interest income included approximately **$1.8 million of interest income** from prepayment fees and acceleration of original issue discounts[8](index=8&type=chunk) - The **total reserve for current expected credit losses decreased by $0.2 million to $5.0 million**, representing **1.4% of the portfolio principal balance**[8](index=8&type=chunk) [Financial Performance - Annual](index=3&type=section&id=Financial%20Performance%20-%20Annual) For full year 2023, Chicago Atlantic achieved $38.7 million in net income and $41.5 million in Distributable Earnings, alongside increased total dividends per share [Full Year 2023 Financial Results](index=3&type=section&id=Full%20Year%202023%20Financial%20Results) For the full year 2023, Chicago Atlantic achieved a net income of $38.7 million and Distributable Earnings of $41.5 million, representing a 7.6% year-over-year increase Full Year 2023 Key Financial Highlights | Metric | FY 2023 (million $) | FY 2022 (million $) | Year-over-Year Change | | :-------------------------------- | :------------- | :------------- | :-------------------- | | Net Interest Income | $57.1 | N/A | +17.0% | | Total Expenses (before CECL) | $17.7 | N/A | +39.4% | | Net Income | $38.7 | $32.3 | +19.8% | | Diluted EPS ($) | $2.11 | N/A | N/A | | Distributable Earnings | $41.5 | $37.2 | +7.6% | | Distributable Earnings per Diluted Share ($) | $2.26 | $2.10 | +7.6% | | Total Dividends per Common Share ($) | $2.17 | $2.10 | +3.3% | | Book Value per Common Share ($) | $14.94 | $14.86 | +0.5% | - Total 2023 dividends included **regular quarterly dividends totaling $1.88 per diluted share** and a **special dividend of $0.29 per diluted share**[11](index=11&type=chunk) [2024 Outlook](index=3&type=section&id=2024%20Outlook) For 2024, Chicago Atlantic anticipates maintaining a dividend payout ratio of 90% to 100% of Distributable Earnings, with potential special dividends for taxable income [Financial Outlook](index=3&type=section&id=Financial%20Outlook) For 2024, Chicago Atlantic anticipates maintaining a dividend payout ratio of approximately 90% to 100% of Distributable Earnings, with potential special dividends - The Company expects to maintain a **dividend payout ratio of approximately 90% to 100%** based on Distributable Earnings per weighted average diluted share on a full year basis[11](index=11&type=chunk) - If taxable income requires additional distribution, the Company expects to meet that requirement with a **special dividend in the fourth quarter of 2024**[11](index=11&type=chunk) [Corporate Information & Disclosures](index=4&type=section&id=Corporate%20Information%20%26%20Disclosures) This section provides details on investor resources, company background as a commercial mortgage REIT, and disclaimers regarding forward-looking statements [Conference Call and Investor Resources](index=4&type=section&id=Conference%20Call%20and%20Investor%20Resources) Chicago Atlantic hosted a conference call on March 12, 2024, and provides investor resources, including earnings supplemental, on its investor relations website - The Company hosted a **conference call on March 12, 2024**, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, accessible via webcast or telephone registration[12](index=12&type=chunk) - Chicago Atlantic posts important investor information, including its Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Supplemental, on its **investor relations website (www.refi.reit)** and uses this website for material disclosures under Regulation FD[13](index=13&type=chunk) [About Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc.](index=4&type=section&id=About%20Chicago%20Atlantic%20Real%20Estate%20Finance%2C%20Inc.) Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ: REFI) is a commercial mortgage REIT specializing in senior secured loans to state-licensed cannabis operators - Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ: REFI) is a **commercial mortgage REIT**[14](index=14&type=chunk) - The company **originates senior secured loans** primarily to **state-licensed cannabis operators** in limited-license states in the United States[14](index=14&type=chunk) - REFI is **part of the Chicago Atlantic platform**, which has over 70 employees and has deployed **over $2.0 billion across more than 70 loans**[14](index=14&type=chunk) [Forward-Looking Statements](index=4&type=section&id=Forward-Looking%20Statements) This section disclaims that the release contains forward-looking statements subject to inherent uncertainties and risks, with no obligation to update them - The release contains **forward-looking statements** reflecting current views and projections regarding future events and financial performance, identified by specific cautionary language[15](index=15&type=chunk) - These statements are **subject to inherent uncertainties** and are **not guarantees of future performance**, conditions, or results[15](index=15&type=chunk) - The company undertakes **no obligation to publicly update or revise** any forward-looking statements, except as required by law[15](index=15&type=chunk) [Consolidated Financial Statements](index=5&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) This section presents Chicago Atlantic's balance sheets, income statements, and reconciliation of distributable earnings for comprehensive financial review [Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=5&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) The consolidated balance sheets show Chicago Atlantic's financial position as of December 31, 2023, with increases in total assets and stockholders' equity Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights | Metric | Dec 31, 2023 ($) | Dec 31, 2022 ($) | | :-------------------------------- | :------------- | :------------- | | **Assets** | | | | Loans held for investment, net | $348,667,963 | $335,332,599 | | Cash and cash equivalents | $7,898,040 | $5,715,827 | | Total Assets | $359,225,597 | $343,271,050 | | **Liabilities** | | | | Revolving loan | $66,000,000 | $58,000,000 | | Total Liabilities | $87,372,206 | $79,238,027 | | **Stockholders' Equity** | | | | Total Stockholders' Equity | $271,853,391 | $264,033,023 | | Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $359,225,597 | $343,271,050 | [Consolidated Statements of Income](index=6&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Income) The consolidated statements of income detail Chicago Atlantic's revenues, expenses, and net income for Q4 2023, Q3 2023, and Q4 2022 Consolidated Statements of Income Highlights | Metric | Q4 2023 ($) | Q3 2023 ($) | Q4 2022 ($) | | :-------------------------------- | :------------- | :------------- | :------------- | | Interest income | $16,530,028 | $15,183,450 | $15,993,588 | | Interest expense | $(1,690,543) | $(1,449,143) | $(1,230,966) | | Net interest income | $14,839,485 | $13,734,307 | $14,762,622 | | Total expenses | $5,509,588 | $3,842,876 | $7,506,905 | | Net Income | $9,397,523 | $9,976,998 | $7,255,717 | | Basic EPS ($) | $0.52 | $0.55 | $0.41 | | Diluted EPS ($) | $0.51 | $0.54 | $0.41 | [Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings](index=7&type=section&id=Distributable%20Earnings%20and%20Adjusted%20Distributable%20Earnings) This section defines and reconciles Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings, non-GAAP measures used to evaluate performance and dividend capacity - **Distributable Earnings** is defined as GAAP net income (loss) excluding non-cash equity compensation, depreciation and amortization, unrealized gains/losses, provision for current expected credit losses, and certain one-time events, with accrued income from deferred interest features included[21](index=21&type=chunk) - **Adjusted Distributable Earnings** further excludes certain non-recurring organizational expenses[21](index=21&type=chunk) Distributable Earnings Reconciliation | Metric | FY 2023 ($) | FY 2022 ($) | Q4 2023 ($) | Q3 2023 ($) | | :-------------------------------- | :------------- | :------------- | :------------- | :------------- | | Net Income | $38,710,248 | $32,292,477 | $9,397,523 | $9,976,998 | | Stock based compensation | $1,479,736 | $435,623 | $537,131 | $540,426 | | Amortization of debt issuance costs | $550,906 | $563,464 | $145,128 | $146,676 | | Provision for current expected credit losses | $940,385 | $3,887,405 | $(253,495) | $(41,351) | | Distributable Earnings | $41,500,882 | $37,178,969 | $9,758,661 | $10,537,182 | | Adjusted Distributable Earnings | $41,500,882 | $37,178,969 | $9,758,661 | $10,537,182 | | Adjusted Distributable Earnings per Diluted Share ($) | $2.26 | $2.10 | $0.53 | $0.57 |

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Adjusted distributable earnings for Q3 2023 was $0.57 per weighted average diluted share, up from $0.55 in Q2 [54] - Q3 earnings per weighted average diluted common share was $0.54, compared to $0.47 in Q2 [60] - Net interest income for Q3 remained consistent with the prior quarter at approximately $13.7 million [63] - The book value as of September 30th increased to $15.17 per common share, compared with $15.06 as of June 30th [68] - The dividend payout ratio for Q3 was approximately 83%, with year-to-date distributions at 80% of taxable income [54] Business Line Data and Key Metrics - Total gross originations increased by $35 million in Q3, with $33 million funded to new borrowers, partially offset by $11 million in principal repayments [30] - The loan portfolio had total commitments of $356 million across 27 portfolio companies, with a weighted average yield to maturity of 19.3% [48] - The portfolio was 81% floating rate, down from 88% last quarter, due to three new fixed-rate loans originated in Q3 [49] - Approximately 74% of the portfolio is fully secured by real estate collateral, with a weighted average real estate coverage of 1.5x [68] Market Data and Key Metrics - The pipeline of actionable deals increased to over $600 million from $400 million last quarter, driven by activity in Maryland, Missouri, and Ohio [14] - The company remains focused on core markets with strong moats and operators excelling in fundamentals [15] - Positive momentum was observed in Western states, with wholesale prices showing signs of stabilization [38] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company reaffirmed its 2023 outlook based on results through the first nine months of the year [4] - The company is exploring social equity initiatives in other states, leveraging its scale and expertise in real estate, operational, financial, legal, and credit underwriting [47] - The company believes that larger banks entering the cannabis industry will still prefer proven lenders like Chicago Atlantic due to the learning curve and regulatory hurdles [44] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautiously optimistic, citing positive developments in several states and the potential rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III [43] - The company expects the elimination of 280E to improve operator profitability and free cash flow, attracting more equity capital [29] - The company aims to approach leverage equal to 100% of book equity, with a near-term target of 50% [52] Other Important Information - The company funded approximately $19 million of the REIT's $50 million commitment to the Social Equity Investment Fund in Q3 [28] - Loan number 9, which was moved to nonaccrual, is expected to be resolved through a sale, with bids anticipated to exceed the carrying value [58][65] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on Ohio and other new states - Maryland, Ohio, and Missouri are seeing significant movement, with Ohio's recent ballot passing being particularly encouraging [66] Question: Shift to fixed-rate loans - The company does not expect to move to a fixed-rate structure but acknowledges the benefits of having floors in a declining rate environment [5] Question: Creditworthiness and yield compression - The company has not observed yield compression and expects actual yields to remain stable [11] Question: Loan number 9 resolution - The company expects to resolve Loan number 9 through a sale, with bids anticipated to exceed the carrying value [58][65] Question: Dividend and special dividend - The company is on track to pay a special dividend in Q4, targeting a distribution of 90% to 100% of net income [75] Question: Industry outlook and capital needs - The company believes the industry has bottomed out, with positive momentum in Western states and potential for increased capital needs in new states [38][78]

Portfolio Composition - As of September 30, 2023, approximately 81.1% of the company's portfolio consisted of floating rate loans, while 18.9% were fixed rate loans[151]. - The company primarily focuses on financing senior secured loans for established state-licensed operators in the cannabis industry, with loans ranging from $5 million to $200 million[145]. - As of September 30, 2023, 26.3% of the principal of loans held in the company's portfolio were backed by personal or corporate guarantees, up from 13.6% as of December 31, 2022[147]. - The company's loans are secured by real estate and other collateral, with strict loan covenants imposed for additional protection[147]. - As of September 30, 2023, the loan portfolio included 27 loans with a carrying value of approximately $338.8 million, compared to 22 loans valued at $339.3 million as of December 31, 2022[182]. - The outstanding principal of the loan portfolio was approximately $341.8 million as of September 30, 2023, compared to $343.0 million as of December 31, 2022[182]. - The weighted-average yield-to-maturity internal rate of return (YTM IRR) for the loan portfolio was 19.3% as of September 30, 2023, down from 19.7% as of December 31, 2022[182]. - Approximately 81.1% of the loan portfolio consisted of floating rate loans as of September 30, 2023, compared to 83.1% as of December 31, 2022[183]. - The largest loan commitment is $30,000,000 with a carrying value of $29,307,787, yielding an interest rate of P+6.5% Cash[184]. - A loan in Michigan has a commitment of $35,891,668 and a carrying value of $38,299,176, with an interest rate of P+6.65% Cash[184]. - The loan portfolio includes a loan with a commitment of $25,000,000 in Illinois, carrying a value of $20,763,000, with an interest rate of P+6% Cash[184]. - A loan in Florida has a commitment of $13,000,000 and a carrying value of $4,863,651, with an interest rate of P+9.25% Cash[184]. - The company has a loan with a commitment of $18,746,662 in New York, carrying a value of $18,417,846, with an interest rate of 15% Cash[186]. - The company has a loan in Ohio with a commitment of $15,000,000, carrying a value of $14,831,662, with an interest rate of P+1.75% Cash[186]. Financial Performance - The company aims to provide attractive, risk-adjusted returns primarily through consistent current income dividends and capital appreciation[144]. - Interest income increased by approximately $1.4 million, or 10%, during the quarter ended September 30, 2023, driven by an increase in the Prime Rate from 6.25% to 8.50%[176]. - Net interest income rose approximately $0.8 million or 6% over the comparative period, attributed to increased interest income offset by higher interest expenses[176]. - Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, increased by approximately $10.9 million, or 31%, compared to the same period in 2022[179]. - Distributable Earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2023, were $10,537,182, compared to $10,299,294 for the same period in 2022[194]. - Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was approximately $29.3 million, an increase of $4.3 million compared to $25.0 million for the same period in 2022[202]. - Net cash provided by operating activities increased to approximately $12.9 million in 2023 from $12.4 million in 2022, reflecting a growth of about 4%[203]. - Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $8.8 million in 2023, a significant recovery from a cash outflow of approximately $120.7 million in 2022[205]. - Cash outflows for loan origination and funding were $67.4 million in 2023, down from $134.3 million in 2022, indicating a reduction of approximately 50%[206][207]. - Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $18.7 million in 2023, compared to a net cash inflow of $37.4 million in 2022[208]. - Cash inflows from common stock sales through direct offerings totaled approximately $7.2 million in 2023, including $6.0 million from a registered direct offering[209]. - Total cash dividends declared for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, amounted to $1.41 per common share, compared to $1.34 per common share in 2022, representing an increase of approximately 5.2%[215]. - The company intends to pay dividends to stockholders in an amount equal to its net taxable income, subject to Board authorization[192]. Risk Management - The company is exposed to market risks primarily related to fluctuations in interest rates, which could impact net interest income and overall financial performance[231]. - The company’s loan portfolio is concentrated in the cannabis industry, which involves significant risks due to federal illegality and regulatory changes[237]. - As of September 30, 2023, the principal amounts of loans are generally protected by underlying collateral value, but risks remain for loans not fully collateralized by real estate[241]. - The company has recorded zero realized loan losses since its inception, indicating strong loan performance and risk management[221]. - The CECL Reserve is estimated using a third-party probability-weighted model, considering historical loss data and macroeconomic forecasts[216][224]. - The top three borrowers represented approximately 29.7% of principal outstanding as of September 30, 2023, with the largest loan accounting for approximately 11.2%[244]. - As of September 30, 2023, 74% of the portfolio was fully secured by real estate, with an average real estate collateral coverage of 1.5x[241]. - The current expected credit loss reserve was approximately $5.1 million, representing 150 basis points of aggregate loan commitments as of September 30, 2023[178]. - The decrease in expected credit losses was attributed to changes in risk ratings and improvements in enterprise valuations of borrowers during the nine months ended September 30, 2023[183]. Operational Strategy - The company intends to grow its portfolio by continuing to make loans to leading operators in the cannabis industry, although there is no assurance of achieving its investment objectives[144]. - The company expects to raise additional equity and/or debt financing to increase liquidity as the cannabis industry evolves[197]. - The company has a Revolving Loan with an outstanding balance of $63.0 million, which is also subject to market interest rate fluctuations[232]. - The company has not incurred any excise tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, indicating compliance with REIT distribution requirements[159]. - The company operates as a commercial mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT) and has elected to be taxed as a REIT since December 31, 2021[149]. - The Shelf Registration Statement became effective on January 19, 2023, allowing the Company to sell up to $500 million of its securities[201].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted distributable earnings decreased to $0.55 per weighted average diluted share for Q2 from $0.62 in Q1, while diluted earnings per weighted average common share fell to $0.47 from $0.60 in Q1, primarily due to a higher provision for expected credit losses and stock-based compensation [10] - Total operating expenses before CECL provision decreased by 5.8%, mainly due to a reduction in net management and incentive fees [10] - The company increased its CECL reserve by $1.1 million as of June 30 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio had total loan commitments of $329 million across 25 portfolio companies, with a weighted average yield to maturity of 19.2%, slightly down from 19.4% at March 31 [20] - New originations were limited to $1.9 million, offset by $6.9 million in principal repayments, with $5 million related to unscheduled early repayments [20] - The portfolio remains 88% floating rate based on the prime rate, consistent with the last quarter and up from 60% in June 2022 [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted improvements in wholesale pricing in limited license states transitioning from medical to adult-use, indicating a cautiously optimistic outlook [18] - The Federal Reserve's recent rate increase to 8.5% is expected to positively impact portfolio yield [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a partnership with New York, committing $150 million to the New York State Cannabis Social Equity Investment Fund, with plans to replicate this model in other states [44] - The company aims to remain disciplined in pursuing new opportunities while navigating the current economic environment [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the volatility in the financial sector and cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of yield in the current market [17] - The company is optimistic about transaction activity in states like Maryland and Missouri, with a robust pipeline of actionable deals exceeding $400 million [31] Other Important Information - The company’s balance sheet remains under-levered at 16% of book equity, with a debt service coverage ratio of 11.5:1, significantly above the requirement of 1.35:1 [46] - Approximately 74% of the portfolio is fully secured by real estate collateral, with a weighted average real estate collateral coverage of 1.5x as of June 30 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Additional details on the New York deal and potential timing for additional capital - The company is committed to the New York partnership and is working on identifying and due diligence of dispensary locations [44] Question: Observations on industry headwinds and geographic weaknesses - Management reported efficiency in operations and mentioned a scheduled sale, indicating proactive measures in response to challenges [41] Question: Details on the non-accrual loan and its implications - The carrying value of the non-accrual loan is $16.2 million, with $600,000 of income that would have been recognized had it not been placed on non-accrual status [56]