Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc., and its wholly owned consolidated subsidiary, Chicago Atlantic Lincoln LLC (“CAL”) (collectively the “Company”, “we”, or “our”), is a commercial mortgage real estate investment trust (“REIT”) incorporated in the state of Maryland on March 30, 2021. The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT for United States federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2021. The Company generally will not be subject to United States federal income taxes on its REIT taxable income if it annually distributes to stockholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income prior to the deduction for dividends paid and complies with various other requirements as a REIT.

The Company operates as one operating segment and its primary investment objective is to provide attractive, risk-adjusted returns for stockholders over time, primarily through consistent current income (dividends and distributions) and secondarily, through capital appreciation. The Company intends to achieve this objective by originating, structuring, and investing in first mortgage loans and alternative structured financings secured by commercial real estate properties. The Company’s loan portfolio is primarily comprised of senior loans to state-licensed operators in the cannabis industry, secured by real estate, equipment, receivables, licenses, and/or other assets of the borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations governing such borrowers. We also lend to and invest in companies or properties that are not related to the cannabis industry if they provide return characteristics consistent with our investment objective.

The Company is externally managed by Chicago Atlantic REIT Manager, LLC (the “Manager”), a Delaware limited liability company, pursuant to the terms of the management agreement dated May 1, 2021, and amended in October 2021, by and among the Company and the Manager. After the initial three-year term, the management agreement is automatically renewed for one-year periods unless the Company or the Manager elects not to renew in accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement. The Management Agreement was automatically renewed on both April 30, 2024 and 2025. The Manager conducts substantially all of the Company’s operations and provides asset management services for its real estate investments. For its services, the Manager is entitled to management fees and incentive compensation, both defined in, and in accordance with, the terms of the Management Agreement (Note 8). All of the Company’s investment decisions are made by the investment committee of the Manager, subject to oversight by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). The Manager is wholly-owned by Chicago Atlantic Group, LP. (the “Sponsor”).

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Our consolidated financial statements present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc., and its wholly owned consolidated subsidiary, Chicago Atlantic Lincoln, LLC. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Accordingly, these financial statements may not contain all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. Reference should be made to Note 2 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2024. In the opinion of the Company, all normal recurring adjustments have been made that are necessary to the fair statement of the results of operations and financial position as of and for the periods presented. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2025.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company’s cash held with financial institutions may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured limits. The Company and the Manager seek to manage this credit risk relating to cash by monitoring the financial stability of the financial institutions and their ability to continue in business for the foreseeable future.

Cash and cash equivalents include funds on deposit with financial institutions, including demand deposits with financial institutions. Cash and short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired are considered cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows, and represented $9.9 million and $26.4 million of total cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the provision for current expected credit losses.

Investment Payable

Investment transactions are reported on a trade-date basis. Unsettled trades as of the balance sheet date are included in payable for investments purchased on the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition

Interest Income

Interest income from loans is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and the contractual terms of each loan. Loan origination fees and costs, and other discounts or premiums (collectively, “OID”) are recorded as an adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the loan and are accreted or amortized to interest income over the initial loan term as a yield adjustment using a method which approximates the effective interest method. Delayed draw loans may earn interest or unused fees on the undrawn portion of the loan, which is recognized as interest income in the period earned.

Certain of the Company’s loans contain a paid-in-kind interest income provision (“PIK interest”). The PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified in the applicable loan agreement, is added to the principal balance of the loan, rather than being paid in cash, and is generally collected upon repayment of the outstanding principal. Recognition of PIK interest includes assessments of collectability and may discontinue accrual of interest income, including PIK interest, when there is reasonable doubt that the interest income will be collected. To the extent required to maintain the Company’s status as a REIT, and/or to avoid incurring an excise tax, accrued income such as this may need to be distributed to stockholders in the form of dividends for the year earned, even though the Company has not yet collected the cash.

Interest income on debt securities designated as trading securities is recognized on an accrual basis and is reported as interest receivable until collected. Interest income is accrued based on the outstanding face amount and the contractual terms of the securities. Realized gains or losses on debt securities are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized and/or accreted cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized, and include loans charged off during the period, net of recoveries.

Non-Accrual

Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 90 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt about the full recovery of principal and interest. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed against interest income in the period the loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding the borrower’s ability to make pending principal and interest payments. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when principal and interest payments are brought current, the borrower demonstrates sustained repayment performance, or the loan becomes well secured and is in the process of collection.

Fee Income

Other fees, including prepayment fees and exit or success fees, are recognized as interest income when received. From time to time, the Company may also receive fees for underwriting, syndication, arranging, or other types of fees (collectively "Structuring Fees") in the course of origination of its investments. To the extent such fees are not deemed to be yield enhancements and are not paid to all lenders in the syndication, such Structuring Fees are recognized in interest income when received.

Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses

Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized and/or accreted cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized, and include loans charged off during the period, net of recoveries. An unrealized gain arises when the fair value of the loan portfolio exceeds its cost and an unrealized loss arises when the fair value of the loan portfolio is less than its cost. The change in unrealized gains or losses primarily reflect the change in loan values, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized gains or losses when gains or losses are realized.

Income Taxes

The Company is a Maryland corporation and has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2021. The Company believes that it has qualified as a REIT and that its method of operation will enable it to continue to qualify as a REIT. However, no assurances can be given that the Company’s beliefs or expectations will be fulfilled, since qualification as a REIT depends on the Company satisfying numerous asset, income and distribution tests which depends, in part, on the Company’s operating results. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including various income, asset, and distribution tests.

Income Tests

In order to maintain our REIT qualification, we must satisfy two gross income requirements on an annual basis. First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year, excluding gross income from sales of inventory or dealer property in prohibited transactions, discharge of indebtedness and certain hedging transactions, generally must be derived from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including interest income derived from mortgage loans secured by real property (including certain types of mortgage-backed securities), rents from real property, dividends received from other REITs, and gains from the sale of designated real estate assets, as well as, specified income from temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of our gross income in each taxable year, excluding gross income from "prohibited transactions", discharge of indebtedness and certain hedging transactions, must be derived from some combination of income that qualifies under the 75% gross income test described above, as well as, other dividends, interest, and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, which need not have any relation to real property. Income and gain from certain hedging transactions will be excluded from both the numerator and the denominator for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests.

Asset Tests

At the close of each calendar quarter, we must also satisfy five tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by some combination of designated real estate assets, cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities and, under some circumstances, stock or debt instruments purchased with new capital. Second, the value of any one issuer’s securities that we own may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets. Third, we may not own more than 10% of any one issuer’s outstanding securities, as measured by either value (the "10% of value asset test") or voting power. The 5% and 10% asset tests do not apply to securities that qualify under the 75% asset test or to securities of a TRS and qualified REIT subsidiaries, and the 10% of value asset test does not apply to "straight debt" having specified characteristics and to certain other securities. Fourth, the aggregate value of all securities of TRSs that we hold may not exceed 20% of the value of our total assets. Fifth, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by debt instruments of publicly offered REITs to the extent those debt instruments would not be real estate assets but for the inclusion of debt instruments of publicly offered REITs in the meaning of real estate assets.

Distribution Tests

The Company is required to distribute annually to its stockholders, at least 90% of the Company’s REIT taxable income prior to the deduction for dividends paid. To the extent that the Company distributes less than 100% of its REIT taxable income in any tax year (taking into account any distributions made in a subsequent tax year under Sections 857(b)(9) or 858 of the Code), the Company will pay tax at regular corporate rates on that undistributed portion. Furthermore, if the Company distributes less than the sum of 1)85% of its ordinary income for the calendar year, 2)95% of its capital gain net income for the calendar year, and 3) any undistributed shortfall from its prior calendar year (the “Required Distribution”) to its stockholders during any calendar year (including any distributions declared by the last day of the calendar year but paid in the subsequent year), then it is required to pay a non-deductible excise tax equal to 4% of any shortfall between the Required Distribution and the amount that was actually distributed. The 90% distribution requirement does not require the distribution of net capital gains. However, if the Company elects to retain any of its net capital gain for any tax year, it must notify its stockholders and pay tax at regular corporate rates on the retained net capital gain. The stockholders must include their proportionate share of the retained net capital gain in their taxable income for the tax year, and they are deemed to have paid the REIT’s tax on their proportionate share of the retained capital gain and receive an income tax credit for such amount. Furthermore, such retained capital gain may be subject to the nondeductible 4% excise tax. If it is determined that the Company’s estimated current year taxable income will be in excess of estimated dividend distributions (including capital gain dividend) for the current year from such income, the Company accrues excise tax on estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned. The annual expense is calculated in accordance with applicable tax regulations.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the consolidated financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company has analyzed its various federal and state filing positions and believes that its income tax filing positions and deductions are documented and supported for the taxable years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Based on the Company’s evaluation, there is no reserve for any uncertain income tax positions. Accrued interest and penalties, if any, are included within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and within income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU"), ASU 2023-09—Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 improves the transparency of income tax disclosures related to rate reconciliation and income taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company concluded that the application of this guidance did not have any material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures("ASC 2024-03"), which requires disaggregated disclosures of certain costs and expenses, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization and depletion, within relevant income statement captions. ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption and retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Company's future consolidated financial statements.

3. LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT, NET

The Company primarily originates senior secured loans that it has the intent and ability to hold until maturity or payoff. Such loans are classified as held for investment and are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at amortized cost. The following tables present summarized information regarding our loans held for investment by interest rate type as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

The following tables summarize the Company’s aggregate portfolio of loans held for investment, net of the current expected credit loss reserve as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(1)

Weighted average remaining life is calculated based on the carrying value of the loans as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

The following tables present changes in loans held at carrying value as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

A more detailed listing of the Company’s loans held at carrying value based on information available as of March 31, 2025, is as follows:

(1)

Loan numbering in the table above is maintained from origination for purposes of comparability and may not be sequential due to maturities, payoffs, or refinancings.

(2)

Certain loans are subject to contractual extension options as stipulated in the loan agreement. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities stated herein and certain borrowers may have the right to prepay with or without a contractual prepayment penalty. The Company may also extend contractual maturities and amend other terms of the loans in connection with loan modifications.

(3)

"P" = prime rate; "SOFR"= Secured Overnight Financing Rate. "P" and "SOFR" represent floating rate loans that pay interest at the designed benchmark rate plus an applicable spread; "PIK" = paid-in-kind interest.

(4)

P&I = principal and interest. I/O = interest only. P&I loans may include interest only periods for a portion of the loan term. The frequency of loan payments may be monthly or quarterly as required by the respective credit agreement governing such loan.

(5)

Estimated YTM, calculated on a weighted average principal basis, includes a variety of fees and features that affect the total yield, which may include, but is not limited to, OID, exit fees, prepayment fees, unused fees and contingent features. OID is recognized as a discount to the funded loan principal and is accreted to income over the term of the loan. The estimated YTM calculations require management to make estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the timing and amounts of loan draws on delayed draw loans, the timing and collectability of exit fees, the probability and timing of prepayments and the probability of contingent features occurring. For example, certain credit agreements contain provisions pursuant to which certain PIK interest rates and fees earned by us under such credit agreements will decrease upon the satisfaction of certain specified criteria which we believe may improve the risk profile of the applicable borrower. To be conservative, we have not assumed any prepayment penalties or early payoffs in our estimated YTM calculation. Estimated YTM is based on current management estimates and assumptions, which may change. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

(6)

This Loan is subject to a SOFR floor of 4.00%

(7)

This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 5.50%

(8)

This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 6.25%

(9)

This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 7.00%

(10)

This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 7.50%

(11)

This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 7.75%

(12)

This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 8.00%

(13)

This Loan is subject to a prime rate floor of 8.50%

(14)

The borrowers of Loan #3 and Loan #33 are affiliates of Vireo Growth, Inc., a related party. The aggregate principal balance of these loans is included on the consolidated balance sheet as loans held for investment - related party. See Note 8 for further details.

(15)

The aggregate principal balance outstanding of Loan #3 is comprised of two tranches. The first tranche has a principal balance of approximately $16.9 million, bears a floating interest rate of prime plus 10.375% cash and 2.75% PIK and has a maturity date of January 29, 2027. The second tranche has a principal balance of approximately $4.4 million, bears an interest rate of 15.00% cash and 2.00% PIK, and a maturity date of May 29, 2026. The statistics presented reflect the weighted average of the rate terms under both tranches for the total aggregate loan principal, however only the maturity date for the first tranche has been presented in the table above.

(16)

Loan #9, is comprised of two tranches, a $14.5 million first lien judgment loan (the "Judgment Loan") and a $2.0 million second lien term loan (the "Term Loan"). The Judgment Loan and the Term Loan bear interest at a rate of 9.0%. The Judgment Loan has no contractual maturity and will remain outstanding until paid by the obligor and the Term Loan has a maturity of March 31, 2028. For comparability to previously issued financial statements, management will continue to reference the Judgment Loan and the Term Loan, collectively, as Loan #9, and the maturity date presented represents the maturity date of the Term Loan. See Note 8 for additional information.

(17)

An affiliate under common control holds a controlling equity investment in this portfolio company (Note 8).

(18)

This loan has floating grid pricing based on the Prime Rate plus a spread of 5.00% to 8.75% based on monthly annualized EBITDA performance. As of March 31, 2025, applied interest rate is Prime Rate +6.50%.

(19)

Loan #37 and Loan #38 bear unused fees on the unfunded commitment of 0.75% and 1.50% per annum, respectively.

The following table presents aging analyses of past due loans by amortized cost, excluding the CECL reserve, as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

(1)

Loans 1-30 days past due are included in the current loans.

(2)

On May 1, 2023, Loan #9 was placed on non-accrual status. On June 20, 2023, the Administrative Agent to Loan #9 issued an acceleration notice requesting immediate payment of all amounts outstanding and therefore is 90 days past due as of December 31, 2024. See Note 8 for further details.

Non-Accrual Loans

As of both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there was one loan placed on non-accrual status.

As more fully described in Note 8, Loan #9 was placed on non-accrual status as of May 1, 2023 and has a carrying value of approximately $16.4 million as of both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. Loan #9 carried a reserve for current expected credit losses of approximately $0.1 million and $1.2 million as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The Company ceased accruing interest on the first date of delinquency, based on expectation of its ability to collect all amounts then due from the borrower. As a result, there was no accrued interest to write-off when the loan was placed on non-accrual.

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company assesses the risk factors of each loan, and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, payment history, real estate collateral coverage, property type, geographic and local market dynamics, financial performance, loan to enterprise value and fixed charge coverage ratios, loan structure and exit strategy, and project sponsorship. This review is performed quarterly. Based on a 5-point scale, the Company’s loans are rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk, which ratings are defined as follows:

The risk ratings are primarily determined based on current and historical performance metrics specific to each portfolio company, as well as consideration of future economic conditions and each borrower’s estimated ability to meet debt service requirements. The risk ratings shown in the following table as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 consider borrower specific credit history and performance and reflect a quarterly re-evaluation of overall current macroeconomic conditions affecting the Company’s borrowers, specifically those designated as held for investment.

As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the carrying value, excluding the current expected credit loss reserve (the “CECL Reserve”), of the Company’s loans within each risk rating category by year of origination is as follows:

(1)

Amounts are presented by loan origination year with subsequent advances on delayed draw facilities shown in the initial year of origination.

Real estate collateral coverage is also a significant credit quality indicator, and real estate collateral coverage, excluding the CECL Reserve, was as follows as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(1)

Real estate collateral coverage is calculated based upon most recent third-party appraised values. The Company generally obtains new appraisal of all material real estate collateral at least once annually.

Geography concentration of our loans held for investment is also a significant credit quality indicator. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, our borrowers have operations in the jurisdictions in the table below:

(1)

The principal balance of the loans not secured by real estate collateral are included in the jurisdiction representing the borrower's principal place of business.

CECL Reserve

The Company records an allowance for current expected credit losses for its loans held for investment. The allowances are deducted from the gross carrying amount of the assets to present the net carrying value of the amounts expected to be collected on such assets. The Company estimates its CECL Reserve using among other inputs, third-party valuations, and a third-party probability-weighted model that considers the likelihood of default and expected loss given default for each individual loan based on the risk profile for approximately three years after which we immediately revert to use of historical loss data.

ASC 326 requires an entity to consider historical loss experience, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast of the macroeconomic environment. The Company considers multiple datapoints and methodologies that may include likelihood of default and expected loss given default for each individual loan, valuations derived from discount cash flows (“DCF”), and other inputs including the risk rating of the loan, how recently the loan was originated compared to the measurement date, and expected prepayment, if applicable. The measurement of expected credit losses under CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, and off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded loan commitments.

The Company evaluates its loans on a collective (pool) basis by aggregating on the basis of similar risk characteristics as explained above. We make the judgment that loans to cannabis-related borrowers that are fully collateralized by real estate exhibit similar risk characteristics and are evaluated as a pool. Further, loans that have no real estate collateral, but are secured by other forms of collateral, including equity pledges of the borrower, and otherwise have similar characteristics as those collateralized by real estate are evaluated as a pool. All other loans are analyzed individually, either because they operate in a different industry, may have a different risk profile, or maturities that extend beyond the forecast horizon for which we are able to derive reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Estimating the CECL Reserve also requires significant judgment with respect to various factors, including (i) the appropriate historical loan loss reference data, (ii) the expected timing of loan repayments, (iii) calibration of the likelihood of default to reflect the risk characteristics of the Company’s loan portfolio, and (iv) the Company’s current and future view of the macroeconomic environment. From time to time, the Company may consider loan-specific qualitative factors on certain loans to estimate its CECL Reserve, which may include (i) whether cash from the borrower’s operations is sufficient to cover the debt service requirements currently and into the future, (ii) the ability of the borrower to refinance the loan, and (iii) the liquidation value of collateral. For loans where we have deemed the borrower/sponsor to be experiencing financial difficulty, we may elect to apply a practical expedient, in which the fair value of the underlying collateral is compared to the amortized cost of the loan in determining a CECL Reserve.

To estimate the historic loan losses relevant to the Company’s portfolio, the Company evaluates its historical loan performance, which includes zero realized loan losses since the inception of its operations. Additionally, the Company analyzed its repayment history, noting it has limited “true” operating history, since the incorporation date of March 30, 2021. However, the Company’s Sponsor and its affiliates have had operations for the past five fiscal years and have made investments in similar loans that have similar characteristics including interest rate, collateral coverage, guarantees, and prepayment/make whole provisions, which fall into the pools identified above, and may be considered by management in determining the extent to which a CECL Reserve shall be recorded.

In addition, the Company reviews each loan on a quarterly basis and evaluates the borrower’s ability to pay the monthly interest and principal, if required, as well as the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. When evaluating qualitative factors that may indicate the need for a CECL Reserve, the Company forecasts losses considering a variety of factors. In considering the potential current expected credit loss, the Manager primarily considers significant inputs to the Company’s forecasting methods, which include (i) key loan-specific inputs such as the value of the real estate collateral, liens on equity (including the equity in the entity that holds the state-issued license to cultivate, process, distribute, or retail cannabis), presence of personal or corporate guarantees, among other credit enhancements, LTV ratio, rate type (fixed or floating) and IRR, loan-term, geographic location, and expected timing and amount of future loan fundings, (ii) performance against the underwritten business plan and the Company’s internal loan risk rating, and (iii) a macro-economic forecast. Estimating the enterprise value of our borrowers in order to calculate LTV ratios is often a significant estimate. The Manager utilizes a third-party valuation appraiser to assist with the Company’s valuation process primarily using comparable transactions to estimate enterprise value of its portfolio companies and supplement such analysis with a multiple-based approach to enterprise value to revenue multiples of publicly-traded comparable companies obtained from S&P Capital IQ as of March 31, 2025, to which the Manager may apply a private company discount based on the Company’s current borrower profile.

During the three month period ended March 31, 2025, the Company reversed approximately $1.2 million of the CECL Reserve relating to Loan #9, which was restructured during the period as a result of the foreclosure proceedings more fully described in Note 8. Additionally, the credit profile of our portfolio of loans held for investment improved during the comparative period, with the portion of the portfolio risk rated "4" decreased from approximately $38.0 million or 9.4% as of December 31, 2024 to $21.6 million or 5.4% as of March 31, 2025. The portfolio weighted average loan to enterprise value ratio (calculated as outstanding principal balance divided by total value of collateral on a weighted average basis) remained relatively consistent at 47.5% compared to 47.0% as of December 31, 2024.

Regarding real estate collateral, the Company generally cannot take the position of mortgagee-in-possession as long as the property is used by a cannabis operator, but it can request that the court appoint a receiver to manage and operate the subject real property until the foreclosure proceedings are completed. Additionally, while the Company cannot foreclose under state Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) and take title or sell equity in a licensed cannabis business, a potential purchaser of a delinquent or defaulted loan could.

In order to estimate the future expected loan losses relevant to the Company’s portfolio, the Company utilizes historical market loan loss data obtained from a third-party database for commercial real estate loans, which the Company believes is a reasonably comparable and available data set to use as an input for its type of loans. The Company believes this dataset to be representative for future credit losses whilst considering that the cannabis industry is maturing, and consumer adoption, demand for production, and retail capacity are increasing akin to commercial real estate over time. For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, the Company reverts back to historical loss data.

All of the above assumptions, although made with the most available information at the time of the estimate, are subjective and actual activity may not follow the estimated schedule. These assumptions impact the future balances that the loss rate will be applied to and as such impact the Company’s CECL Reserve. As the Company acquires new loans and the Manager monitors loan and borrower performance, these estimates will be revised each period.

Activity related to the CECL Reserve for outstanding balances and unfunded commitments on the Company’s loans held at carrying value and loans receivable at carrying value as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 is presented in the table below.

The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of the related loans held for investment in determining the CECL Reserve, as any uncollectible accrued interest receivable is written off in a timely manner. To date, the Company has had zero write-offs related to uncollectible interest receivable, but will discontinue accrual of interest on loans if deemed to be uncollectible, with any previously accrued uncollected interest on the loan charged to interest income in the same period. For the loan placed on non-accrual, the Company ceased accruing interest on the first date of delinquency, based on expectation of its ability to collect all amounts then due from the borrower. As a result, there was no accrued interest to write-off when the loan was placed on non-accrual status.

4. LOANS, AT FAIR VALUE

As of March 31, 2025, the Company's portfolio includedone loan held at fair value. The aggregate commitment under this loan was approximately $11.5 million and outstanding principal was $5.5 million as of both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, there is $6.0 million of unfunded commitments related to the loan held at fair value.

The loan held at fair value as of March 31, 2025 was originated to a related party (Note 8), and is included within Loans, at fair value - related party on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company elected the fair value option for this asset due to other indebtedness of the borrower that is senior to our loan, uncertainty with respect to management's intent to hold to maturity or payoff given the related party nature of the investment, and the potential of management electing the fair value option on a more frequent basis, for eligible assets, prospectively.

The following table summarizes the Company's loan held at fair value as of March 31, 2025.

The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs the Company used to value the loans categorized within Level 3 as of March 31, 2025. The tables are not intended to be all-inclusive, but instead capture the significant unobservable inputs relevant to the Company’s determination of fair values.

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, our loan held at fair value using the fair value option included an insignificant amount of unrealized losses in net income before income taxes, that are attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk. The portion of the fair value adjustments related to credit risk was determined based on a yield analysis and discount rate applied to the subject loan. Interest income on the loan measured at fair value is calculated based on the interest rate of the loan and is recorded in the interest income on the consolidated statement of operations.

As of March 31, 2025, the loan held at fair value was current on all interest and principal payments due.

5. INTEREST RECEIVABLE

As of both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had interest receivable of approximately $1.5 million.

The following table presents aging analyses of past due loans as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively:

6. INTEREST RESERVE

As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had four loans that included a prepaid interest reserve.

The following table presents changes in interest reserves as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively:

7. DEBT

Revolving Loan

In May 2021, in connection with the Company’s acquisition of its wholly-owned financing subsidiary, CAL, the Company was assigned a secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Loan”). As of December 31, 2023, the Revolving Loan had an interest rate equal to the greater of (1) the Prime Rate plus the applicable margin and (2)3.25%. The applicable margin is derived from a floating rate grid based upon the ratio of debt to book equity of CAL and increases from 0% at a ratio of 0.25 to 1 to 1.25% at a ratio of 1.5 to 1. The Revolving Loan had an aggregate commitment of $100.0 million, and a maturity date of the earlier of (i) December 16, 2024 and (ii) the date on which the Revolving Loan is terminated pursuant to the terms of the Revolving Loan agreement.

On February 28, 2024, CAL entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Fifth Amendment and Restatement”). The Fifth Amendment and Restatement extended the contractual maturity date of the Revolving Loan until June 30, 2026, and expanded the existing accordion feature to permit aggregate loan commitments of up to $150.0 million. No other material terms of the Revolving Loan were modified as a result of the execution of the Fifth Amendment and Restatement. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of approximately $0.1 million related to the Fifth Amendment and Restatement, which were capitalized and will subsequently be amortized through maturity.

On June 26, 2024, CAL entered into the First Amendment to the Fifth Amendment and Restatement. The amendment increased the current loan commitment from $100.0 million to $105.0 million. No other material terms were modified as a result of the execution of this amendment.

On September 30, 2024, CAL entered into the Sixth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the "Sixth Amendment"). The Sixth Amendment increased the current loan commitment from $105.0 million to $110.0 million. No other material terms were modified as a result of the execution of this amendment.

As of March 31, 2025, the Revolving Loan has aggregate commitments of $110.0 million, which may be increased to $150.0 million pursuant to its accordion feature, and has a maturity date of June 30, 2026. The Revolving Loan bears interest, payable in cash in arrears, at a per annum rate equal to the greater of (1) the Prime Rate plus the applicable margin and (2)3.25%. The applicable margin is derived from a floating rate grid based upon the ratio of debt to equity of CAL and increases from 0% at a ratio of 0.25 to 1 to 1.25% at a ratio of 1.5 to 1. The interest rate in effect as of March 31, 2025 is 7.50%.

The Revolving Loan provides for certain affirmative covenants, including requiring us to deliver financial information and any notices of default, and conducting business in the normal course. Additionally, the Company must comply with certain financial covenants including: (1) maximum capital expenditures of $150,000, (2) maintaining a debt service coverage ratio greater than 1.35 to 1, and (3) maintaining a leverage ratio less than 1.50 to 1. As of March 31, 2025, the Company is in compliance with all financial covenants with respect to the Revolving Loan.

As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Revolving Loan, including all amendments and amendments and restatements thereto, as applicable, of $254,229 and $305,075, respectively, are recorded in other receivables and assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company had net repayments of $17.0 million against the Revolving Loan. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $72.0 million of borrowing availability under the Revolving Loan. Additionally, as of March 31, 2025, $127.8 million of loans held for investment, at principal, are pledged as collateral in the borrowing base of the Revolving Loan.

Notes Payable

On October 18, 2024 (the "Closing Date"), the Company entered into a Loan Agreement by and among the Company and the various financial institutions party thereto, for an aggregate commitment of $50.0 million in senior unsecured notes (the "Unsecured Notes"). The Unsecured Notes have a contractual four year term maturing on October 18, 2028 and bear a fixed interest rate of 9.00% per annum. The Company may prepay the Unsecured Notes at any time without penalty following the second anniversary of the Closing Date. A prepayment penalty of 3.00% and 2.00% would be due and payable in the event of prepayment prior to the first and second anniversary of the Closing Date, respectively.

The $50.0 million aggregate commitment was advanced on the closing date and proceeds were used to temporarily repay outstanding obligations on the Revolving Loan and for other working capital purposes. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of approximately $0.9 million related to the Unsecured Notes, which were capitalized and offset against the outstanding face value of the Unsecured Notes within the line item Notes Payable, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Unsecured Notes provide for certain affirmative covenants, including requiring us to deliver certain financial information and any notices of default, and conducting business in the normal course. Additionally, the Company must comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants including but not limited to: (1) minimum stockholders' equity of $200.0 million, (2) maximum aggregate indebtedness of $225.0 million, subject to increase from time to time based upon ratable increases in stockholders' equity, and (3) maintenance of an investment-grade credit rating. As of March 31, 2025, the Company is in compliance with all financial covenants with respect to the Unsecured Notes.

Interest Expense

The following table reflects a summary of interest expense incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Management Agreement

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager manages the loans and day-to-day operations of the Company, subject at all times to the further terms and conditions set forth in the Management Agreement and such further limitations or parameters as may be imposed from time to time by the Company’s Board.

The initial term of our Management Agreement continued until May 1, 2024. After the initial term, our Management Agreement is automatically renewed every year for an additional one-year period, unless we or our Manager elect not to renew. Our Management Agreement may be terminated by us or our Manager under certain specified circumstances. On April 30, 2024 and 2025, the Management Agreement was automatically renewed.

The Manager is entitled to receive base management fees (the “Base Management Fee”) that are calculated and payable quarterly in arrears, in an amount equal to 0.375% of the Company’s Equity, determined as of the last day of each such quarter; reduced by an amount equal to 50% of the pro rata amount of origination fees earned and paid to the Manager during the applicable quarter for loans that were originated on the Company’s behalf by the Manager or affiliates of the Manager (“Outside Fees”). For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Base Management Fee payable was reduced by Outside Fees in the amount of $3,571 and $16,071, respectively.

In addition to the Base Management Fee, the Manager is entitled to receive incentive compensation (the “Incentive Compensation” or “Incentive Fees”) under the Management Agreement. Under the Management Agreement, the Company will pay Incentive Fees to the Manager based upon the Company’s achievement of targeted levels of Core Earnings. “Core Earnings” is defined in the Management Agreement as, for a given period, the net income (loss) for such period, computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding (i) non-cash equity compensation expense, (ii) the Incentive Compensation, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) any unrealized gains or losses or other non-cash items that are included in net income for the applicable reporting period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income, and (v) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain non-cash charges, in each case after discussions between the Manager and the members of the Compensation Committee of the Board, each of whom are Independent Directors, and approved by a majority of the members of the Compensation Committee. Incentive compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was $526,308 and $696,504 respectively.

The Company shall pay all of its costs and expenses and shall reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for expenses of the Manager and its affiliates paid or incurred on behalf of the Company, excepting only those expenses that are specifically the responsibility of the Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement. We reimburse our Manager or its affiliates, as applicable, for the Company’s fair and equitable allocable share of the compensation, including annual base salary, bonus, any related withholding taxes and employee benefits, paid to (i) subject to review by the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Manager’s personnel serving as an officer of the Company, based on the percentage of his or her time spent devoted to the Company’s affairs and (ii) other corporate finance, tax, accounting, internal audit, legal, risk management, operations, compliance, and other non-investment personnel of the Manager and its affiliates who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company’s affairs, with the allocable share of the compensation of such personnel described in this clause (ii) being as reasonably determined by the Manager to appropriately reflect the amount of time spent devoted by such personnel to our affairs.

The following table summarizes related party fees and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

The following table presents amounts payable to the Manager as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

General administrative expenses reimbursable to the Manager are included in the related party payable line item of the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

Co-Investment in Loans

From time to time, the Company may co-invest with other investment vehicles managed by its affiliates, in accordance with the Manager’s co-investment allocation policies. The Company is not obligated to provide, nor has it provided, any financial support to the other managed investment vehicles. As such, the Company’s risk is limited to the carrying value of its investment in any such loan. As of both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, 19 of the Company’s loans were co-invested by affiliates of the Company.

Certain syndicated co-investments originated by affiliates of the Manager may include other consideration, generally in the form of warrants or other equity interests. Prior to, or concurrent with, the origination of the investment, the Company may elect to assign the right (the “Assigned Right”) to the equity consideration to an affiliate, in exchange for an additional upfront fee in an amount equal to the fair value of the equity consideration on a pro-rata basis. There wereno sales of Assigned Rights for the three month periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

Loans held for investment – related party

Loan #3 and Loan #33

The borrowers of Loan #3 and Loan #33 are affiliates of Vireo Growth, Inc. ("Vireo"). In December 2024, John Mazarakis, who serves as our Executive Chairman of the Board, was appointed to serve as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Executive Chairman of the Board of Vireo. Certain affiliated investment funds that are managed by entities under common control with our Manager, and for which Mr. Mazarakis can exercise significant influence, own approximately 35% of Vireo's Subordinate Voting Shares, causing the Company to classify transactions with Vireo to be related party transactions. The aggregate principal balance of these loans is included on the consolidated balance sheets within loans held for investment - related party (Note 3).

Loan #9

As of May 1, 2023, Loan #9 was placed on non-accrual status for borrower's breach of certain non-financial covenants and obligations under the loan agreement. The borrower subsequently failed to make contractual principal and interest payments due for the months of May and June 2023. On June 20, 2023, the Administrative Agent to Loan #9 (the “Agent”, a related party) issued an acceleration notice notifying the borrower of the Agent’s intention to exercise all rights and remedies under the credit documents and requested immediate payment of all amounts outstanding thereunder on behalf of the lenders through commencement of foreclosure proceedings. Loan #9 is co-invested by the Company and an affiliated investment fund under common control with the Manager (collectively with the Company, the "Lenders").

The Agent subsequently pursued a Uniform Commercial Code Article 9 sale (“UCC sale”) of the membership interests of the borrower’s subsidiaries which were pledged as collateral. On August 10, 2023, the Agent was the highest bidder in a public auction of the membership interests and took ownership of the membership interests.

In December 2024, the Agent was granted a summary judgment (the "Judgment") against the borrower credit parties and related individuals in the amount of approximately $14.5 million. The Judgment received in favor of the Agent was incremental to the equity acquired in the UCC sale. The enforcement of such Judgment and UCC sale was conditional upon the recognition and affiliation of members of the Agent by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (“PA DOH”), which was uncertain as of December 31, 2024.

In January 2025, the Court of Common Pleas in Snyder County, Pennsylvania granted an order in favor of the Agent, whereby members of the Agent would be duly recognized as owner-operators of the subject assets. The order was conditional upon the satisfactory completion of change of ownership and other cannabis owner-operator affiliation forms, as required by the PA DOH. In February 2025, upon approval by the PA DOH, members of the Agent satisfied the conditions imposed by PA DOH and assumed full control of the facilities and operations of the business.

On March 31, 2025, following completion of the foreclosure proceedings, the Company extinguished the original term loan, previously identified as Loan #9, and the Agent distributed the assets acquired from the foreclosure to the Lenders pursuant to an Agreement Among Lenders by and between the Agent and Lenders (the "AAL"). Pursuant to the AAL, the affiliated co-lender received rights to the membership interests acquired in the UCC sale and intends to engage third-parties, as necessary, and is currently in the process of restoring the business to a fully operational status. Further pursuant to the AAL, in satisfaction of the original loan, the Company now holds two loans with an aggregate principal balance of approximately $16.5 million, comprised of a $14.5 million first lien judgment loan (the "Judgment Loan") and a $2.0 million second lien term loan (the "Term Loan"), which had an aggregate fair value of approximately $16.5 million, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of approximately $66 thousand. The fair value of each of the Judgment Loan and Term Loan was determined by the Manager's investment committee using Level 3 inputs under the discounted cash flow method.

The Judgment Loan bears interest at a statutory rate of 9.0% pursuant to Illinois law, and will remain outstanding until paid by the borrower. The Term Loan bears interest at a contractual rate of 9.0% and has a maturity of March 31, 2028. The assets securing the original loan, which included mortgaged cultivation real estate in Pennsylvania and operations related thereto, continue to secure the Judgment Loan and the Term Loan. Accordingly, by virtue of the relationship between the Company, as holder of the Judgment Loan and the Term Loan, and the affiliated co-lender, as new owner of the membership interests of the original borrower credit parties, Loan #9 remains a related party loan. For comparability to previously issued financial statements, management will continue to reference the Judgment Loan and the Term Loan, collectively, as Loan #9, as shown in Note 3.

In connection with the extinguishment of the original Loan #9, the CECL reserve of approximately $1.2 million was reversed, primarily due to the fact that the Company is the sole owner of the Judgment Loan and the Term Loan, which now include a senior liquidation preference and represent the only indebtedness in the borrower's new capital structure. These factors improve the Company's expectations regarding collectibility of principal and interest. In April 2025, the borrower opened its three dispensary locations all of which were previously non-operational and expect improved financial performance as a result. However; given the history of non-payment resulting from these locations being non-operational, management will closely monitor and evaluate the financial and cash flow performance of the now operational assets, before restoring Loan #9 to accrual status. Accordingly, Loan #9 remains on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2025. The Company intends to hold both the Judgment Loan and the Term Loan until maturity or payoff, as applicable, and therefore has classified these assets as loans held for investment - related party as of March 31, 2025, with a carrying value of approximately $16.5 million.

Loans, at fair value - related party

During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company originated a loan to a subsidiary of Vireo, collateralized by real estate assets in Minnesota. The loan has a principal balance of $5.5 million and a carrying value of approximately $5.3 million as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024. The Company elected to record the investment at fair value under the fair value option as described in Note 4.

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Off-balance sheet commitments may consist of unfunded commitments on delayed draw term loans. The Company does not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured investment vehicles, special purpose entities, or variable interest entities, established to facilitate off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Further, the Company has not guaranteed any obligations of unconsolidated entities or entered into any commitment to provide additional funding to any such entities. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had unfunded commitments on existing loans of $19.8 million and $20.9 million, respectively.

Refer to “Note 3 - Loans Held for Investment, Net” for further information regarding the CECL Reserve attributed to unfunded commitments. Total original loan commitments includes the impact of principal payments received since origination of the loan and future amounts to be advanced at sole discretion of the lender.

The following table summarizes our material commitments as of March 31, 2025:

Other Contingencies

The Company from time to time may be a party to litigation in the normal course of business. As of March 31, 2025, the Company is not aware of any legal claims that could materially impact its business, financial condition, or results of operations.

The Company’s ability to grow or maintain its business depends, in part, on state laws pertaining to the cannabis industry. New laws that are adverse to the Company’s portfolio companies may be enacted, and current favorable state or national laws or enforcement guidelines relating to cultivation, production, and distribution of cannabis may be modified or eliminated in the future, which would impede the Company’s ability to grow and could materially and adversely affect its business.

Management’s plan to mitigate risks include monitoring the legal landscape as deemed appropriate. Also, should a loan default or otherwise be seized, the Company may be prohibited from owning cannabis assets and thus could not take possession of collateral, in which case the Company would look to sell the loan, provide consent to allow the borrower to sell the real estate to a third party, institute a foreclosure proceeding to have the real estate sold or evict the tenant, have the cannabis operations removed from the property and take title to the underlying real estate, each of which may result in the Company realizing a loss on the transaction.

10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Equity Incentive Plan

The Company has established an equity incentive compensation plan (the “2021 Plan”). The Board authorized the adoption of the 2021 Plan and the Compensation Committee of the Board administers the 2021 Plan. The 2021 Plan authorizes stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock bonuses, stock units, and other forms of awards granted or denominated in the Company’s common stock. The 2021 Plan retains flexibility to offer competitive incentives and to tailor benefits to specific needs and circumstances. Any award may be structured to be paid or settled in cash. The Company has and currently intends to continue to grant restricted stock awards to participants in the 2021 Plan, but it may also grant any other type of award available under the 2021 Plan in the future. Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2021 Plan include the Company’s officers and employees of the Manager and its affiliates or officers and employees of the Company’s subsidiaries, if any, the members of the Board, and certain consultants and other service providers.

As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards under the 2021 Plan (the “Share Limit”) equals 8.50% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock on a fully-diluted basis following the completion of the IPO. Shares that are subject to or underlie awards that expire or for any reason are cancelled or terminated, are forfeited, fail to vest, or for any other reason are not paid or delivered under the 2021 Plan will not be counted against the Share Limit and will again be available for subsequent awards under the 2021 Plan.

There were 4,811 and 0 shares forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As individual awards and options become fully vested, stock-based compensation expense is adjusted to recognize actual forfeitures.

Shares that are exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company as full or partial payment in connection with any award granted under the 2021 Plan, as well as any shares exchanged by a participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to any award granted under the 2021 Plan, will not be counted against the Share Limit and will again be available for subsequent awards under the 2021 Plan. To the extent that an award is settled in cash or a form other than shares, the shares that would have been delivered had there been no such cash or other settlement will not be counted against the Share Limit and will again be available for subsequent awards under the 2021 Plan.

Based on the closing market price of our common stock on March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of our restricted stock awards was as follows:

The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity for the Company’s directors and officers and employees of the Manager during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

Restricted stock compensation expense is based on the Company’s stock price at the date of the grant and is amortized over the vesting period. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. The share-based compensation expense for the Company was $649,312 and $531,293 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The unamortized share-based compensation expense for the Company was approximately $3.7 million and $4.0 million as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which the Company expects to recognize over the remaining weighted-average term of 1.6 years.

At-the-Market Offering Program (“ATM Program”)

On June 20, 2023, the Company entered into an At-the-Market Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with BTIG, LLC, Compass Point Research & Trading, LLC and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (each a “Sales Agent” and together the “Sales Agents”) under which the Company may, from time to time, offer and sell shares of common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $75.0 million. Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay the Sales Agents a commission of up to a maximum of 3.0% of the gross proceeds from each sale of common stock sold through the Sales Agents.

On March 18, 2025, the Company amended its ATM Program and entered into new At-the-Market Sales Agreements (the “2025 Sales Agreement”) with BTIG, LLC, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., ATB Capital Markets USA, Inc. and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners LLC (each a “Sales Agent” and together the “Sales Agents”). Under the terms of the 2025 Sales Agreement, the maximum offering size was increased from $75.0 million to $100.0 million and the commissions paid to the Sales Agents was reduced from a maximum of 3.0% to a maximum of 2.0% of the gross proceeds from each sale of common stock sold through the Sales Agents. Sales of common stock, if any, may be made in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings, as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company sold an aggregate of 896,443 shares of the Company’s common stock under the Sales Agreement at a weighted average price of $15.93 per share, generating net proceeds of approximately $13.9 million.

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company sold an aggregate of 64,557 shares of the Company’s common stock under the Sales Agreement at a weighted average price of $16.01 per share, generating net proceeds of approximately $1.0 million.

As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, the shares of common stock sold pursuant to the registered direct offering in February 2023 and under the ATM Program are the only offerings that have been initiated under the Shelf Registration Statement.

11. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following information sets forth the computations of basic earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively:

There were no anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computations of earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

12. INCOME TAX

To qualify as a REIT, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we distribute annually to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income prior to the deduction for dividends paid. To the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income in any tax year (taking into account any distributions made in a subsequent tax year under Sections 857(b)(9) or 858 of the Code), we will pay tax at regular corporate rates on that undistributed portion. Furthermore, if we distribute less than the sum of 1) 85% of our ordinary income for the calendar year, 2) 95% of our capital gain net income for the calendar year, and 3) any undistributed shortfall from our prior calendar year (the “Required Distribution”) to our stockholders during any calendar year (including any distributions declared by the last day of the calendar year but paid in the subsequent year), then we are required to pay a non-deductible excise tax equal to 4% of any shortfall between the Required Distribution and the amount that was actually distributed. The 90% distribution requirement does not require the distribution of net capital gains. However, if we elect to retain any of our net capital gain for any tax year, we must notify our stockholders and pay tax at regular corporate rates on the retained net capital gain. Our stockholders must include their proportionate share of the retained net capital gain in their taxable income for the tax year, and they are deemed to have paid the REIT’s tax on their proportionate share of the retained capital gain. Furthermore, such retained capital gain may be subject to the nondeductible 4% excise tax. If it is determined that our estimated current year taxable income will be in excess of estimated dividend distributions (including capital gain dividend) for the current year from such income, we will accrue excise tax on estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned. The annual expense is calculated in accordance with applicable tax regulations. Excise tax expense, if any, is included in the line item, income tax expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, we did not incur excise tax expense.

As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company doesnot have any unrecognized tax benefits.

13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, whether or not recognized in the financial statements, for which it is practical to estimate the value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based upon the application of discount rates to estimated future cash flows using market yields, or other valuation methodologies. Any changes to the valuation methodology will be reviewed by the Company’s management to ensure the changes are appropriate. The methods used may produce a fair value calculation that is not indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company anticipates that the valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value of certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. The Company uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, which may fall within periods of market dislocation, during which price transparency may be reduced.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the carrying values and fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities recorded at amortized cost are as follows:

Our loans are held for investment and are substantially secured by real estate, equipment, licenses and other assets of the borrowers to the extent permitted by the applicable laws and the regulations governing such borrowers. The aggregate fair value of the Company’s held for investment portfolio was approximately$397.1 million and$399.8 million, with gross unrecognized holding losses of$2.4 million and$2.7 million as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The fair values, which are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, are estimated using discounted cash flow models based on current market inputs for similar types of arrangements. The primary sensitivity in these models is based on the selection of appropriate discount rates. Fluctuations in these assumptions could result in different estimates of fair value.

14. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

15. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company uses the management approach to determine reportable operating segments. The Company operates through asingle operating and reporting segment with an investment objective to generate both current income and capital appreciation through its investments in loans. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officers, the Chief Financial Officer, and the President which comprise the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance. The CODM assesses the performance and makes operating decisions of the Company on a consolidated basis primarily based on the Company’s net incomeas presented on the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In addition to other factors and metrics, the CODM utilizesnet income as a key determinant of the amount of dividends to be distributed to the Company's stockholders.

As the Company’s operations comprise of asingle reporting segment, the segment assets are reflected on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as “total assets” and the significant segment expenses are listed on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Restricted Stock Awards

On April 1, 2025,187,157 restricted stock awards were granted, of which 15,213 and 171,944 were granted to members of the Board and employees of the Manager, respectively. Upon vesting pursuant to the respective award agreements, the restricted stock awards are exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company’s common stock.

Payment of Dividend

On April 15, 2025, the Company paid its regular quarterly dividend of $0.47 per common share relating to the first quarter of 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 31, 2025. The total amount of the cash dividend payment was approximately $9.8 million.