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Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc (REFI)
NASDAQ:REFI
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Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc (REFI) AI Stock Analysis

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REFI

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc

(NASDAQ:REFI)

Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
REFI's overall stock score of 63 reflects a balance of strengths and challenges. The strong balance sheet and cash flow stability are offset by concerns over zero revenue and reliance on financing. Attractive valuation and high dividend yield provide investor appeal. The latest earnings call highlights positive strategic management, though industry pressures remain a concern. Improvement in revenue generation is critical for a higher score.
Positive Factors
Dividend Yield
REFI maintained its quarterly dividend of $0.47, representing a current yield of 11.9%, which is considered attractive to investors.
Earnings Performance
REFI reported adjusted distributable EPS of $0.56, beating both Citizens JMP and consensus estimates of $0.52 and $0.48, respectively, driven by a positive interest rate spread on the loan book and lower G&A expenses.
Negative Factors
Valuation Concerns
Shares of REFI currently trade at 1.05x P/B, above the mortgage REIT peer group of 0.73x, reflecting concerns about a larger premium despite the outsized yield profile.

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc (REFI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionChicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance Inc (REFI) is a real estate finance company primarily focused on originating, structuring, and managing loans secured by commercial real estate properties. The company operates across various sectors including retail, industrial, and multifamily properties, providing debt capital solutions to real estate owners and operators. REFI is committed to offering flexible and tailored financing options to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
How the Company Makes MoneyChicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance Inc generates revenue through the interest income earned on its loan portfolio. The company provides loans secured by commercial real estate, and it earns money by charging interest on these loans. Additionally, REFI may generate fee income through loan origination fees, servicing fees, and other related financial services. The company’s earnings are significantly influenced by the volume of loans originated, the interest rates applied, and the quality of its credit underwriting process. Strategic partnerships with real estate operators and financial institutions also play a role in expanding its loan portfolio and enhancing revenue opportunities.

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 07, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 6.88%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 05, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted significant growth in the cannabis pipeline and net interest income, along with strategic credit facility extensions. However, challenges such as a loan on nonaccrual status and increased leverage were noted. Overall, the positive aspects outweigh the challenges.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Increased Cannabis Pipeline
The cannabis pipeline has increased from $462 million to nearly $650 million, driven by M&A activity, ESOP sale transactions, and operational restructurings.
Extension of Credit Facility
The company extended its credit facility from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2028, with no change to economic terms, supporting growth initiatives.
Strong Loan Portfolio Performance
Loan portfolio principal totaled $421.9 million with a weighted average yield-to-maturity of 16.8%. The portfolio is well-positioned to limit impact from interest rate declines.
Increased Net Interest Income
Net interest income rose by 10.6% to $14.4 million, driven by nonrecurring fees and new deployments.
Distributable Earnings and Dividend Payout
Distributable earnings per share increased to $0.52 from $0.47, with a dividend payout ratio expected to be 90%-100% for 2025.
Negative Updates
Loan #6 on Nonaccrual Status
Loan #6 was placed on nonaccrual status, contributing to an increase in the CECL reserve to 1.1% of outstanding principal.
Increased Leverage
Total leverage increased to 39% of book equity from 28% as of March 31, 2025.
Challenges in New York Market
The New York market faced controversy around dispensary regulations, requiring solutions from the governor's office and legislature.
Company Guidance
During the Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc.'s second quarter 2025 earnings call, several key metrics and guidance were discussed. The company's cannabis pipeline increased from $462 million in the previous quarter to nearly $650 million, showcasing significant growth potential. As of June 30, 2025, the loan portfolio principal totaled $421.9 million across 30 portfolio companies, with a weighted average yield-to-maturity of 16.8%. The company's total leverage equaled 39% of book equity, up from 28% in the previous quarter, while the debt service coverage ratio stood at approximately 4.27:1 against a required ratio of 1.35:1. The net interest income for the second quarter was $14.4 million, a 10.6% increase from the first quarter. Distributable earnings per share rose to $0.52 on a basic basis, and the book value per common share was $14.71 as of June 30. The company reiterated its goal to maintain a dividend payout ratio of 90% to 100% for the 2025 tax year, potentially issuing a special dividend in the fourth quarter if needed.

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
REFI's financials are mixed. A strong balance sheet reflects financial resilience with low leverage. However, the income statement shows irregularities with zero revenue in the latest year, raising concerns about core operations. Cash flows are stable, though the reliance on financing in 2024 warrants attention. Addressing revenue generation is crucial for long-term stability.
Income Statement
30
Negative
The income statement shows significant volatility with a complete absence of revenue in the latest year. Historical revenue growth was strong until 2023, but the abrupt stop is concerning. The company's net profit margin is high due to significant net income despite zero revenue, indicating irregularities or non-operational income. Overall, the income statement highlights potential instability and requires further investigation into the revenue absence.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The balance sheet is robust with a high equity ratio, indicating financial stability. The debt-to-equity ratio is low, showing conservative leverage. The company's stockholders' equity has grown consistently, reflecting solid financial health. However, the high cash and equivalents in 2024 against zero revenue may require scrutiny.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Cash flows are stable, with strong operating cash flow and free cash flow in 2023. The free cash flow growth rate is positive, but the significant financing cash inflow in 2024 might indicate reliance on external funding. The operating cash flow to net income ratio suggests efficient cash generation from operations.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue57.91M54.78M57.33M48.86M11.08M
Gross Profit-933.62M54.12M48.54M-3.84B10.17M
EBITDA-2.69B0.0044.46M34.91M9.57M
Net Income38.05M37.05M38.71M32.29M9.50M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets455.21B435.15M359.23M343.27M278.17M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments35.56B26.40M7.90M344.99M80.25M
Total Debt49.22B49.10B66.00M58.00M197.72M
Total Liabilities145.19B126.19M87.37M79.24M14.09M
Stockholders Equity310.03B308.96M271.85M264.03M264.08M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow21.33B23.16M28.42M17.01M6.67M
Operating Cash Flow21.33B23.16M28.42M17.01M6.67M
Investing Cash Flow-15.77M-39.30M-1.93M-125.24M-145.22M
Financing Cash Flow20.14M34.64M-24.31M33.71M218.80M

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price14.14
Price Trends
50DMA
13.71
Positive
100DMA
13.86
Positive
200DMA
14.16
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.05
Negative
RSI
66.94
Neutral
STOCH
97.06
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For REFI, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 14.14 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 13.48, above the 50-day MA of 13.71, and below the 200-day MA of 14.16, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.05 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 66.94 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 97.06 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for REFI.

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc Risk Analysis

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc disclosed 108 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
63
Neutral
$298.00M7.7012.63%14.57%1.75%-7.07%
63
Neutral
$6.82B13.21-0.71%7.17%3.67%-27.43%
61
Neutral
$259.09M5.9621.74%14.12%25.17%
57
Neutral
$217.93M5.9314.91%13.96%75.08%-21.03%
54
Neutral
$212.59M20.12-2.82%16.67%373.24%-143.31%
52
Neutral
$474.00M-21.24%25.07%-65.30%-318.17%
48
Neutral
$242.02M-3.30%17.66%-27.60%62.75%
* Real Estate Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
REFI
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc
14.35
0.97
7.25%
ACRE
Ares Commercial
4.53
-1.38
-23.35%
EARN
Ellington Residential Mortgage
5.76
-0.21
-3.52%
NREF
NexPoint Real Estate ate Finance
14.79
1.36
10.13%
AOMR
Angel Oak Mortgage
9.54
-0.98
-9.32%
CMTG
Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc.
3.49
-4.36
-55.54%

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate ate Finance Inc Corporate Events

DividendsFinancial Disclosures
Chicago Atlantic Reports Q4 2024 Financial Results
Neutral
Mar 12, 2025

On March 12, 2025, Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The company reported a decrease in net income and distributable earnings compared to the previous year, attributed to a decline in interest income due to a lower prime rate. Despite these challenges, the company maintained a strong loan portfolio and liquidity position, with significant investments in new and existing borrowers. The company also declared regular and special dividends for the fourth quarter of 2024, highlighting its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Apr 30, 2025