Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net investment income for Q4 2025 was $0.36 per share, and $1.45 for the full year, indicating a yield to book value of 2.7% for Q4 and 11% for the year [4][18] - Gross investment income totaled $14.2 million for Q4, down from $15.1 million in Q3, primarily due to one-time fees from unscheduled repayments recognized in Q3 [17] - Net investment income for Q4 was $8.3 million, compared to $9.5 million in Q3, reflecting a decrease due to one-time fees [18] - Net assets totaled $303.4 million at quarter end, with a net asset value per share of $13.30, slightly up from $13.27 in Q3 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company funded $31.7 million across 7 new investments in Q4, including 4 new borrowers, with 100% of these being senior secured loans [5][20] - The average credit investment size was approximately 2.4% of the debt portfolio at fair value, with 25% of the portfolio invested in non-cannabis companies [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The broader BDC market faced negative sentiment, with many BDCs trading below net asset value by the end of 2025, leading to concerns about potential dividend cuts and losses in existing loan books [5] - The weighted average yield on debt investments was 15.8%, compared to 10.8% for the average public BDC [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on direct loans to privately held companies in niche markets, particularly the cannabis sector and lower middle market, which are often overlooked by capital providers [4][6] - The strategy emphasizes downside protection and aims to deliver attractive returns through disciplined credit and collateral focus [8][13] - Recent M&A activity in the cannabis market has increased the company's pipeline for 2026, with a total of approximately $732 million in potential debt transactions [11][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the recent shift in cannabis policy at the federal level could significantly increase cash flow for borrowers, leading to higher equity valuations and increased M&A activity [12] - The company remains cautious about the regulatory environment but believes it is well-positioned to benefit from developments in the cannabis sector [13] - Management highlighted that the current market anxiety presents opportunities for disciplined lenders, as they can capitalize on the strengths of their portfolio and liquidity [25] Other Important Information - The company has a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08x, significantly below the BDC average of 1.2x, and has no non-accruals compared to an industry average of 3.3% [11] - The company announced a $0.34 dividend, marking the sixth consecutive quarter at that rate, with total dividends for the year amounting to $1.36 per share [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the $732 million pipeline - The pipeline figure refers to the entire Chicago Atlantic Group platform, showing an increase from approximately $600 million reported last quarter [31] Question: Impact of rescheduling discussions on borrower activity - Management noted increased eagerness among larger players for consolidation and operators considering exits, which is positive for financing opportunities [33] Question: Activity in specific states regarding cannabis - There is increased activity in states like Virginia and ongoing consolidation in mature markets such as Ohio and Colorado [35] Question: Potential for increasing the credit facility - There is room to increase the revolver in 2026, along with other financing options available to BDCs [36] Question: Insights on repayments in Q4 and Q1 - The higher-than-expected repayments were idiosyncratic across several borrowers, reflecting broader transaction activity in the market [44]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. stock futures opened sharply lower due to geopolitical tensions following the strikes in the Middle East, particularly the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, which has disrupted global energy supply chains and raised concerns about a broader conflict [1][2]. Market Reactions - Analysts expect a broader market reaction to the recent attacks compared to previous geopolitical events, primarily due to the immediate disruption of energy supplies and the potential for conflict escalation [2]. - Stocks were already under pressure from concerns over AI disruptions and issues in private credit markets, indicating a pre-existing vulnerability in the market [3]. Trading Expectations - Investors are anticipated to sell stocks and buy bonds, a trend that had already begun prior to the strikes, with the S&P 500 falling 0.4% on the preceding Friday and U.S. 10-year note yields decreasing by five basis points [4]. - U.S. stock index futures were reported down about 1% each on Sunday, indicating a negative market sentiment [6]. Currency and Commodity Insights - Global investors may shift towards the U.S. dollar, potentially increasing its value after a recent period of selling, while the S&P 500 remains relatively unchanged compared to other global markets [7]. - Analysts predict oil prices could rise to at least $90 per barrel, with Brent crude trading around $80 per barrel at the time of reporting. Gold is expected to be a significant beneficiary of the conflict, with potential surges of up to $200 per ounce [8].

Fund Overview - Circle Ventures launches the Arc Builders Fund to support early-stage teams building real-world financial apps and services on Arc [1] - The fund aims to accelerate innovation by backing projects that benefit from Arc's design [1] - Arc's mission is to power the new internet economy with open, composable, enterprise-grade infrastructure [1] Focus Areas - Onchain markets with low-latency architecture are a key area of focus [3] - RWA (Real World Assets) and private credit markets built on private, composable rails are targeted [3] - Onchain FX flows with Circle StableFX and Circle Payments Network are of interest [3] - Agentic commerce for autonomous systems and machine economies is a focus [3] - Energy and compute protocols powered by deterministic settlement are included [3] Important Notice - The Arc Builders Fund is a Circle Ventures corporate initiative, not a fund or vehicle being formed [2] - Circle Ventures is not an investment adviser or broker-dealer [2] - Investor Network members make independent decisions [2]

Core Insights - The Group of 20's financial risk watchdog has highlighted the need for close monitoring of the boom in private credit markets and stablecoins ahead of their summit in South Africa [1] Group 1: Private Credit Markets - The rapid growth in private credit markets is a significant concern for financial stability [1] - Increased participation in private credit could lead to potential risks that require regulatory attention [1] Group 2: Stablecoins - The rise of stablecoins presents both opportunities and risks that need to be carefully assessed [1] - Stablecoins' impact on the financial system necessitates ongoing scrutiny from financial authorities [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date shareholder returns were 20% as of last Friday's close, 23% over the last year, and nearly 72% over the last three years with dividends reinvested [4] - Total economic return for the quarter was 10.3% and 11.5% year-to-date, reflecting disciplined management of Agency RMBS [4] - The common equity market cap is now above $1.8 billion, indicating growth in investor trust [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income continues to trend upward due to new investments with attractive yields, with over $130 million of gains on the portfolio in the third quarter [8] - The portfolio has grown over 50% larger since the beginning of the year and is 10% larger since the end of the second quarter [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agency mortgages offered wide spreads to Treasuries and interest rate swaps, with implied volatility declining early in the quarter [11] - The agency current coupon yield declined from nearly 5.75% to nearly 5%, leading to a sharp increase in the refinance index [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a resilient platform at the intersection of capital markets and housing finance, focusing on risk discipline and liquidity management [4] - A new office in New York City is being opened to attract talent and strengthen business partnerships [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment remains complex with vulnerabilities due to persistent inflation and geopolitical factors [5] - The Federal Reserve is committed to bringing rates down to more neutral levels, but uncertainty in the rate path is significant [6] - The company is prepared for potential surprises in the market, emphasizing a deliberate growth strategy [7] Other Important Information - The company has raised $254 million in new capital in the third quarter and $776 million year-to-date, allowing for capital growth at a premium to book value [9] - The company is focused on disciplined risk management and liquidity to weather future volatility, with liquidity at over $1 billion [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current ROEs and dividend implications - ROEs in Agency RMBS remain in the high teens net of hedging costs, with gross in the mid-20s on a large percentage of the coupon stack [23] Question: Update on book value - Estimated book value is $1,271 net of the dividend accrual as of Friday's close [25] Question: Mortgage spreads and historical context - Mortgage spreads are still in the top quartile of the widest levels when compared to interest rate swaps [29] Question: Demand side outlook for GSEs - GSE holdings of Agency MBS could increase, with the capacity to add as much as $450 billion under current agreements [36] Question: Impact of implied volatility on hedging strategy - The company is looking at pockets of cheap volatility to stabilize the duration of the portfolio [41] Question: Market's reaction to volatility themes - The market has reacted to increased certainty in policy outcomes, but the company remains prepared for unexpected events [45]