Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance(US:REFI)2025-11-04 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio principal totaled approximately $400 million as of September 30, 2025, with a weighted average yield to maturity of 16.5%, down from 16.8% in the previous quarter [9] - Net interest income for Q3 2025 was $13.7 million, a 5.1% decrease from $14.4 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to non-recurring fees and the impact of a 25 basis point rate cut [11] - Distributable earnings per weighted average share were approximately $0.50 and $0.49 for basic and fully diluted shares, respectively, a slight decrease from $0.52 and $0.51 in the previous quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross originations during the quarter were $39.5 million, with $11 million advanced to a new borrower and $20 million related to the new Verano credit facility [9] - The portfolio consisted of 36.7% fixed-rate loans and 63.3% floating-rate loans, with only 14% exposed to further rate declines due to interest rate floors [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted challenges in private credit markets, including declining interest rates and high-profile failures in the syndicated loan market, which have affected investor sentiment [5] - The company has a cannabis pipeline valued at approximately $441 million, diversified across various growth investments and restructuring activities [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on principal protection and disciplined capital deployment in limited-licensed jurisdictions, aiming to support fundamentally sound growth initiatives [6] - The management team executed share repurchases, indicating confidence in the company's strategy and portfolio [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the cannabis market, particularly in Virginia, which is seen as an attractive medical and potential recreational market [21] - The company is well-insulated against interest rate declines, with a significant portion of its portfolio protected by rate floors [10] Other Important Information - The company expects to maintain a dividend payout ratio of 90%-100% for the 2025 tax year, with potential special dividends if taxable income requires additional distributions [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on the pipeline and potential originations - Management confirmed that ESOPs continue to be a significant part of the pipeline, with no significant exits other than ordinary churn [17] Question: Update on loans maturing before year-end - Management is negotiating terms to extend the majority of loans maturing before year-end [19] Question: Opportunities in Virginia's cannabis market - Management views Virginia as an attractive market and plans to expand relationships and deploy capital as opportunities arise [21] Question: Approach to underwriting and success factors - The company focuses on market analysis, limited license jurisdictions, and conservative leverage levels to ensure credit quality and principal protection [26][29] Question: Competition from regional banks in the cannabis sector - Management acknowledged increased competition from banks that have developed expertise in the cannabis space, viewing them as partners in the lending ecosystem [50] Question: Update on lending program to New York - The New York Social Equity Fund has paused additional capital draws, but the company is ready to support further deployments if needed [54]