NewLake Capital Partners (OTCPK:NLCP) 2025 Conference Transcript

Summary of NewLake Capital Partners Conference Call Company Overview - NewLake Capital Partners is the second largest owner of cannabis real estate in the United States, with 34 properties across 12 states and 12 tenants [2][3] - The company focuses on industrial buildings retrofitted for cannabis cultivation and has a significant number of dispensaries in its portfolio [3] Financial Position - The company has deployed nearly $500 million into its properties and operates as a triple-net lease equity REIT, which requires it to pay out dividends [3][4] - The weighted average yield is approximately 12.7%, significantly higher than typical retail (4-6%) and industrial (6-8%) cap rates [4][5] - NewLake has a low expense ratio due to its operational model, where tenants bear all operational costs [5] Dividend and Cash Flow - The company has aggressively grown its dividend since its IPO, maintaining a 79% payout ratio, indicating strong coverage for its dividend payments [5][26] - NewLake has a net cash position of $22 million and minimal debt of $7.6 million against $446 million in invested capital, allowing it to cover dividends even with a significant revenue drop [25][26] Industry Dynamics - The U.S. cannabis industry is valued at over $100 billion, with only about one-third in the legal market, indicating substantial growth potential [9][10] - New states are issuing medical marijuana licenses, and existing medical markets are expanding, which is expected to drive further growth [10][11] - The company is focused on limited-license states, which tend to have better margins due to reduced competition [21][22] Regulatory Environment - Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug federally, but there are ongoing discussions about rescheduling to Schedule III, which could improve the industry's cash flow and credit quality [9][30][32] - Legislative efforts like the SAFE Banking Act and the STATES Act are being pursued, which could facilitate banking access and state-level cannabis programs [14][16][32] Market Trends - There is a notable trend of younger consumers replacing alcohol with cannabis products, which is contributing to market growth [12] - Public support for cannabis legalization is high, with nearly 90% favoring some level of legalization [13] Competitive Landscape - NewLake's tenant base includes leading cannabis companies like Curaleaf, Cresco, and Trulieve, which are performing well financially [18] - The company believes its portfolio is performing better than competitors due to its focus on tenant quality and cash flow underwriting [19][20] Future Outlook - The company anticipates that federal reform will eventually allow it to uplist to a major exchange, which could enhance its market position and investor interest [27][33] - NewLake is focused on quality growth rather than aggressive expansion, which has helped it maintain a strong portfolio amidst industry challenges [35] Conclusion - NewLake Capital Partners presents a compelling investment opportunity in the cannabis real estate sector, with strong financials, a solid dividend, and significant growth potential driven by industry dynamics and regulatory changes [2][5][9]