AFC Gamma(US:AFCG)2025-03-13 17:52Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, the company generated distributable earnings of $0.29 per basic weighted average share, with a GAAP net loss of $1 million or $0.05 per share [14][31] - For the fiscal year 2024, net interest income was $45.7 million, with distributable earnings of $34.9 million or $1.68 per share, and a GAAP net income of $16.8 million or $0.78 per share [31] - As of December 31, 2024, total assets were $402.1 million, with total shareholder equity of $201.4 million and a book value per share of $9.02 [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated $135 million in new commitments for the fiscal year 2024, exceeding the goal of $100 million [9] - The weighted average portfolio yield to maturity was approximately 18% as of December 31, 2024 [33] - The company received $119 million in paydowns from five underperforming credits during 2024 [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The active deal pipeline as of March 1, 2025, was over $380 million, indicating strong demand for capital in the cannabis sector [10][17] - The company noted a growing supply-demand imbalance for debt capital in the cannabis industry, driven by refinancing activity and market expansions [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company refocused efforts solely on the cannabis sector after spinning off its commercial real estate portfolio [9] - The management aims to diversify the portfolio while enhancing underwriting and reducing exposure to underperforming credits [9] - The company is targeting loan sizes between $10 million and $40 million for future investments [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the opportunities in the cannabis space, citing a demand for capital that exceeds supply [10] - The company is focused on supporting strong operators in attractive limited license states, despite challenges in the market [18] - Management acknowledged the impact of underperforming legacy loans on earnings but emphasized ongoing efforts to manage the portfolio effectively [15][28] Other Important Information - The company declared a first-quarter dividend of $0.23 per share, reflecting a sustainable payout based on current performing assets [15] - The CECL reserve was $30.6 million, approximately 10.4% of loans at carrying value, indicating a cautious approach to credit risk [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Justice Grown and next steps - Management indicated they would not negotiate in public but emphasized setting dividends at sustainable levels based on performing assets [38][39] Question: Commentary on the pipeline and opportunities - Management noted a robust pipeline of opportunities across refinancing, CapEx, and M&A, with a focus on good operators and strong credits [41][46] Question: Outlook for new fundings in 2025 - Management stated they would likely wait until the next quarter to set a new target for fundings, citing a better opportunity set than the previous year [50][53] Question: Clarification on liquidity and credit lines - Management confirmed approximately $89 million available under revolving credit facilities as of March 1, 2025 [55] Question: Sustainability of the dividend - Management clarified that the recent dividend adjustments were based on new developments and the need to set a sustainable payout level [56][59] Question: Demand for assets in New Jersey and Pennsylvania - Management refrained from commenting on specific market conditions but acknowledged the competitive landscape in those states [66] Question: Perspective on 280E tax implications - Management recognized the complexities of 280E and its impact on companies, expressing a desire for reform but noting it is not a priority for the current administration [72][73]