Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this report. Certain statements in this discussion and elsewhere in this report constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of section 21E of the Exchange Act, that involve risks and uncertainties. The actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Company Overview
We are a Connecticut-based real estate finance company that specializes in originating, underwriting, funding, servicing and managing a portfolio of short-term (i.e., three years or less) loans secured by first mortgage liens on real property. From our inception in December 2010, through our initial public offering, in February 2017, we operated as a limited liability company. On February 9, 2017, we completed our initial public offering (the “IPO”), the primary purpose of which was to raise equity capital to fund mortgage loans, expand our mortgage loan portfolio and diversify our ownership so that we could qualify, for federal income tax purposes, as a real estate investment trust, or REIT. We believe that, since consummation of the IPO, we meet all the requirements to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and elected to be taxed as a REIT beginning with our 2017 tax year. As a REIT, we are entitled to claim deductions for distributions of taxable income to our shareholders thereby eliminating any corporate tax on such taxable income. Any taxable income not distributed to shareholders is subject to tax at the regular corporate tax rates and may also be subject to a 4% excise tax to the extent it exceeds 10% of our total taxable income. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required to distribute each year at least 90% of our taxable income. As a REIT, we may also be subject to federal excise taxes and state taxes.
Review of the First Nine Months of 2022 and Outlook for Balance of Year
Compared to the nine months of 2021, revenue increased 73.7%, net income attributable to common shareholders increased 46.5%, and earnings per share remained consistent at $0.32 per share. The revenue increase was directly related to the growth in our lending activities, reflected in our interest income which had an increase of 99.2% and our origination and modification fees that had an increase of 106.6%. The increase in revenue was partially offset by a 82.6% increase in operating costs and expenses. The increase in operating expenses is mainly attributable to a 100% increase in interest and amortization of deferred financing costs and an 69.7% increase in compensation and related expenses. The increase in compensation expense is mainly attributable to the addition of a new Chief Financial Officer in August 2022, along with additional accounting and operational staff. Such hirings are part of our long-term growth strategy. Thus, we expect compensation to continue to increase. Mortgages receivable increased by 103.9% compared to September 30, 2021, along with cash and cash equivalents increased 84.3%. The increase in mortgages receivable is a result of increases in lending, while the increase in cash is primarily driven by sales of equity and debt securities.
Our primary business objective for 2022 remains to grow our loan portfolio while protecting and preserving capital in a manner that provides for attractive risk-adjusted returns to our shareholders over the long term principally through dividends. We intend to achieve this objective by accelerating profitable growth and driving operational excellence. To accelerate profitable growth, we will continue to focus on selectively originating, managing, and servicing a portfolio of first mortgage real estate loans designed to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns across a variety of market conditions and economic cycles. We are also targeting larger-value commercial loans with strong, experienced sponsors. To drive operational excellence, we have embarked on a broad initiative to review, assess, and upgrade - or transform if necessary - our existing operational processes, from workflows and employee roles/responsibilities to decision trees and data collection procedures and forms. To that end, in the second quarter of 2022 we rolled out a new web-based underwriting platform that further automates our underwriting process. The automation allows for more accurate and timely processing of loan applications, thus increasing loan production while keeping our employee headcount down. In addition, we have begun to focus on developing relationships with larger scale wholesale brokers, furthering our efforts to attract larger borrowers with better credit quality. We believe that our ability to react quickly to the needs of borrowers, our flexibility in terms of structuring loans to meet the needs of borrowers, our knowledge of the primary real estate markets we lend in, our expertise in “hard money” lending and our focus on newly originated first mortgage loans, should enable us to achieve our primary objective. Nevertheless, we remain flexible to take advantage of other real estate opportunities that may arise from time to time, whether they relate to the mortgage market or to direct or indirect investments in real estate.
22
Table of Contents
Our strategy to achieve this objective also includes the following:
● capitalize on opportunities created by the long-term structural changes in the real estate lending market and the continuing lack of liquidity in the commercial and investment real estate markets;
● take advantage of the prevailing economic environment and current economic, political and social trends that may impact real estate lending, as well as the outlook for real estate in general and particular asset classes;
● remain flexible to capitalize on changing sets of investment opportunities that may be present in the various points of an economic cycle;
● increase the size and quality of our mortgage loans and expand our geographic footprint to reduce our exposure to adverse market conditions that have a disproportionate impact on a single asset class or geographic area;
● maintain our status as a publicly held company, subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, which gives us immediate access to the public markets for much-needed capital; and
● operate to qualify as a REIT and for an exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
We expect the next few quarters to be challenging due to the following factors:
Interest rates and inflation. Since the beginning of the current year through the date of this report, the Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) has raised interest rates six times for an aggregate of 3.75%. These are the first interest increases since December 2018. As a result, the prime rate has increased from 3.25% to 7.00%. The Fed’s rate increases are in response to a sharp increase in the annual rate of inflation in the United States, which was reported to be 8.2% for the 12 months ended September 2022, the highest rate in decades, per the Wall Street Journal. As a result of these increases, the growth of the U.S. economy has slowed. Until now, these economic factors have not had an adverse impact on the volume or velocity of our business. However, they have led to an increase in our borrowing costs. In addition, the increase in interest rates and inflation and the decrease in the rate of growth of the U.S. economy has caused a severe decrease in the major stock indices and a general decrease in the valuations of many public companies, including Sachem Capital. As a consequence, our ability to access the public markets to raise capital has been adversely impacted. If these trends continue, they could result in decreased demand for our products and a decrease in property valuations, which could have an adverse impact on the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. Thus, we cannot assure you that our business, operations and financial condition will not be adversely impacted.
23
Table of Contents
COVID-19. The novel corona virus known as COVID-19 remains a concern as the risk of new variants and the related personal and economic disruption is still prevalent. In terms of dealing with COVID-19, keeping our workforce healthy and safe is our number one priority and we are following the updated guidelines and recommendations issued by the State of Connecticut and Centers for Disease Control. We continue to encourage employees to stay home when sick and encourage working from home when possible. In the event of a positive COVID-19 test result, employees are expected to inform management immediately and follow state testing and contact tracing protocols. To mitigate the risk of office closure and to ensure business continuity, our employees are equipped so they can seamlessly work remotely. This remote work set-up has proven to be effective since, at times during the pandemic, employees had to self-isolate based on their own health condition or that of an immediate family member. While loan processing and funding may have been marginally delayed, there was no material adverse impact to the service levels we provided our borrowers. In the event we are forced to close our physical office, it is likely to have some adverse impact on our operations. For example, the underwriting process would continue to function but would take longer to complete without immediate access to background and credit profiles. Loan committee meetings would continue to be held virtually (as they are under normal conditions) but the loan approval process may incur delay or not be as thorough and efficient as in the past. In addition, we may not be able to meet with borrowers or potential borrowers, including physical property inspections, which could adversely impact our ability to service our loans, monitor compliance and originate new loans. Finally, the filing of loan documents with the various recording offices may be delayed.
Geopolitical concerns. The Russian Ukrainian war has caused market volatility, spikes in commodity prices, supply chain interruptions, heightened cybersecurity concerns and general concerns that it might lead to unconventional warfare. As our business is purely domestic, except for issues related to market volatility, rising interest rates and cybersecurity concerns, the war has had limited impact on our operations.
Increased competition. In the past, our primary competitors were other non-bank real estate finance companies, banks and other financial institutions. Our principal competitive advantages included our size and our ability to address the needs of borrowers in terms of timing and structuring loan transactions. More recently, we are encountering competition from private equity funds, hedge funds and other specialty finance entities funded by investment banks, asset managers, private equity funds and hedge funds. Clearly, the primary driver for these new market participants is the need to generate yield. They are well-funded and aggressive in terms of pricing. Competition is becoming more of a factor as we implement our strategy to focus on larger loans and more sophisticated borrowers.
Borrower expectations. The new competitive landscape is shifting the negotiating leverage in favor of borrowers. As borrowers have more choices, they are demanding better terms. This is particularly true as we focus more on larger loans and borrowers with better credit histories.
Property value fluctuations. We remain aware of property value market cycles and utilize a dashboard of indicators to track property value trends. Our response to this development would be to adhere to our underwriting guidelines and aggressively enforce our rights when loans go into default. By judiciously relying on our dashboard of leading indicators and continuing to make decisions in a sound and proper manner, we see no reason to expect any significant negative outcome regarding our business operations and growth. Some of our indicators within our dashboard are interest rate changes impacting mortgage rates, days-on-market, pending sales, NAHB’s Housing Market Index and the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey.
Increased operating expenses. Our operating expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are significantly higher than they were in the same period in 2021 due to our higher debt load, increased headcount, and increased loan volume. In addition, our compensation expense has increased as we hired new personnel and increased salaries of existing employees to administer a larger loan portfolio and more complex loan transactions.
Unfunded commitments. Most of our loans are funded in full at closing. However, where all or a portion of the loan proceeds are to be used to fund the costs of renovating or constructing improvements on the property, only a portion of the loan may be funded at closing. At September 30, 2022, our mortgage loan portfolio included 185 loans with future funding obligations, in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $118 million, compared to 157 loans in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $61,707,185 at September 30, 2021. The increase is due to an increase in construction loan originations, a large portion of which is in the Florida market. Advances under these loans are funded against requests supported by all required documentation (including lien waivers) as and when needed to pay contractors and other costs of construction. To deal with these obligations, we are compelled to maintain higher cash balances, which could adversely impact our financial performance.
24
Table of Contents
Despite these challenges, the changing dynamics of the real estate finance marketplace, the debt and equity markets, supply chain disruptions, and the impact of COVID-19, we continue to believe in the viability of our business model. We believe that there continues to be a significant market opportunity for a well-capitalized “hard money” lender to originate attractively priced loans to small- and mid-scale real estate developers with good collateral, particularly in markets where, traditionally, real estate values are stable and substandard properties are improved, rehabilitated, and renovated as well as under-developed markets that are experiencing rapid growth due to population shifts. We also believe developers will prefer to borrow from us rather than other lending sources because of flexibility in structuring loans to suit their needs, our lending criteria, which places greater emphasis on the value of the collateral rather than the property cash flow or credit of the borrower, and our ability to close quickly. Our goal is, and has always been, to continue to grow our mortgage loan portfolio and increase our loan profitability, while at the same time maintain or improve on our existing underwriting and loan criteria.
Financing Strategy Overview
To continue to grow our business, we must increase the size of our loan portfolio, which requires that we use our existing working capital to fund new loans and raise additional capital either by selling shares of our capital stock or by incurring additional indebtedness. Although we have no pre-set guidelines in terms of leverage ratio, the amount of leverage we will deploy will depend on our assessment of a variety of factors, which may include the liquidity of the real estate market in which most of our collateral is located, employment rates, general economic conditions, the cost of funds relative to the yield curve, the potential for losses and extension risk in our portfolio, the gap between the duration of our assets and liabilities, our opinion regarding the creditworthiness of our borrowers, the value of the collateral underlying our portfolio, and our outlook for interest rates and property values. At September 30, 2022, debt represented approximately 59.8% of our total capital compared to 49.3% at September 30, 2021. To prudently grow the business and satisfy the tax requirement to distribute 90% of our taxable income, we expect to maintain our current level of debt and look to reduce our cost of capital. We intend to continue to leverage our portfolio for the sole purpose of financing our portfolio and not for speculating on changes in interest rates.
As of September 30, 2022, we had seven series of unsecured unsubordinated notes outstanding, having an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $288.4 million (collectively, the “Notes”) all of which rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant a security interest) and structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness of our subsidiaries. Interest on each series of notes is payable quarterly in arrears on each March 30, June 30, September 30 and December 30 of each year they are outstanding and, except as noted below, each series can be prepaid beginning on the second anniversary of its date of issuance. The net proceeds, net of the deferred financing cost, was approximately $276.4 million.
● $40,250,000 aggregate original principal amount, issued August 23, 2022, bearing interest at the rate of 8.00% per annum and maturing on September 30, 2027 (the “September 2027 Notes”) and which trade on the NYSE American under the symbol SCCG;
● $30,000,000 aggregate original principal amount, issued May 11, 2022, bearing interest at the rate of 7.125% per annum and maturing on June 30, 2027 (the “June 2027 Notes”) and which trade on the NYSE American under the symbol SCCF;
● $51,875,000 aggregate original principal amount, issued March 9, 2022, bearing interest at the rate of 6.00% per annum and maturing on March 30, 2027 (the “March 2027 Notes”) and which trade on the NYSE American under the symbol SCCE;
● $51,750,000 aggregate original principal amount, issued December 20, 2021, bearing interest at the rate of 6.00% per annum and maturing on December 30, 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) and which trade on the NYSE American under the symbol SCCD;
● $56,363,750 aggregate original principal amount, of which approximately $14.4 million was issued September 4, 2020, $14.0 million was issued October 23, 2020 and $28.0 million was issued December 22, 2020, bearing interest at the rate of 7.75% per annum and maturing on September 30, 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) and which trade on the NYSE American under the symbol SCCC. The 2025 Notes are prepayable beginning on September 4, 2022;
25
Table of Contents
● $34,500,000 aggregate original principal amount, issued November 7, 2019, bearing interest at the rate of 6.875% per annum and maturing on December 30, 2024 (the “December 2024 Notes”) and which trade on the NYSE American under the symbol SACC; and
● $23,663,000 aggregate original principal amount, issued June 25, 2019, bearing interest at the rate of 7.125% per annum and maturing on June 30, 2024 (the “June 2024 Notes”) and which trade on the NYSE American under the symbol SCCB.
Each series of Notes was issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated June 21, 2019, and a supplement thereto, which provides for the form and terms, including default provisions and cures, applicable to each series. All seven series of Notes are subject to (i) “Defeasance,” which means that, by depositing with a trustee an amount of cash and/or government securities sufficient to pay all principal and interest, if any, on such notes when due and satisfying any additional conditions required under the Indenture, we will be deemed to have been discharged from our obligations under such notes and (ii) an “Asset Coverage Ratio” requirement pursuant to which we may not (x) pay any dividends or make distributions in excess of 90% of our taxable income, (y) incur any indebtedness or (z) purchase any shares of our capital stock unless we have an “Asset Coverage Ratio” of at least 150% after giving effect to the payment of such dividend, the making of such distribution or the incurrence of such indebtedness. “Asset Coverage Ratio” means the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the value of our total assets relative to the aggregate amount of its indebtedness.
Under the terms of the Indenture, we may, at our option, at any time and from time to time, on or after June 30, 2021, in the case of the June 2024 Notes, November 7, 2021, in the case of the December 2024 Notes, September 4, 2022, in the case of the 2025 Notes, December 20, 2023, in the case of the 2026 Notes, March 9, 2024, in the case of the March 2027 Notes, May 11, 2024, in the case of the June 2027 Notes and August 23, 2024, in the case of the September 2027 Notes, redeem such notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption. On and after any redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the redeemed notes.
Our secured indebtedness includes the Churchill Facility, the Wells Fargo Loan and the NHB Mortgage (each as described below).
On July 21, 2021, we consummated a $200 million facility (the “Churchill Facility”) with Churchill MRA Funding I LLC (“Churchill”). Under the terms of the Churchill Facility, we have the right, but not the obligation, to sell mortgage loans to Churchill, and Churchill has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase those loans. In addition, we have the right and, in some instances the obligation, to repurchase those loans from Churchill. The amount that Churchill will pay for each mortgage loan it purchases will vary based on the attributes of the loan and various other circumstances but generally will not exceed 70% of the unpaid principal balance purchased. The repurchase price is calculated by applying an interest factor, as defined, to the purchase price of the mortgage loan. We also granted Churchill a first priority security interest on the mortgage loans sold to Churchill to secure our repurchase obligation. The cost of capital under the Churchill Facility is equal to the sum of (a) the greater of (i) 0.25% and (ii) the 30-day LIBOR plus (b) 3% - 4%, depending on the aggregate principal amount of the mortgage loans held by Churchill at that time. Our obligations under the Churchill Facility are secured by a lien on the mortgage loans sold to Churchill. (After the 30-day LIBOR is phased out a new benchmark rate, determined by Churchill, will be used instead.) The Churchill Facility is also subject to various terms and conditions, including representations and warranties, covenants and agreements typically found in these types of financing arrangements, including a covenant that prohibits us from (A) (i) paying any dividend or make any distribution in excess of 90% of our taxable income, (ii) incurring any indebtedness or (iii) purchasing any shares of our capital stock, unless, in any case, we have an asset coverage ratio of at least 150%; and (B) have unencumbered cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than 2.50% of the amount of our repurchase obligations. Churchill has the right to terminate the Churchill Facility at any time upon 180 days prior notice to us. At such time, we have an additional 180 days after termination to repurchase all the mortgage loans held by Churchill. We believe the Churchill Facility gives us the ability to raise capital as needed at a relatively low rate. It also gives us the flexibility to seek other sources of funding. At September 30, 2022, the amount outstanding under the Churchill Facility was approximately $43.1 million, which amount was accruing interest of an effective rate of 6.99% per annum.
In 2020, we established a margin loan account with Wells Fargo that allows us to borrow against our investment securities portfolio (the “Wells Fargo Loan”). The Wells Fargo Loan is secured by our portfolio of short-term securities, had a balance of approximately $3.5 million at September 30, 2022. The outstanding balance on this loan bears interest at a rate equal to 1.75% below the prime rate. At September 30, 2022, the prime rate was 6.25% and the interest rate on the Wells Fargo Loan was 4.5%. Other than increasing our borrowing costs under the Wells Fargo Loan, it is too early to tell what impact this latest rate increase will have on our business, operations and/or financial condition.
26
Table of Contents
In 2021, we obtained a new adjustable-rate mortgage loan from New Haven Bank for up to a maximum principal amount of $1.4 million (the “NHB Mortgage”) of which $750,000 was outstanding at September 30, 2022. The initial proceeds of the NHB Mortgage were used to offset some of the costs we incurred to acquire the property located at 568 East Main Street, Branford, Connecticut, which, once renovated, will become our new corporate headquarters. The balance of the NHB Mortgage will be funded when those renovations are completed. The NHB Mortgage accrues interest at an initial rate of 3.75% per annum for the first 72 months and is due and payable in full on December 1, 2037. During the first 12 months, from December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2022, only interest will be due and payable. Beginning on December 1, 2022 and through December 1, 2037 (the “Amortization Period”), principal and interest will be due and payable on a monthly basis. Payments of principal will be based on a 20-year amortization schedule. The interest rate will be adjusted on each fifth anniversary of the commencement of the Amortization Period to the then published 5-year Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Classic Advance Rate, plus 2.60%. The NHB Mortgage is a non-recourse loan, secured by a first mortgage lien on 698 Main Street, Branford, Connecticut, our current corporate headquarters, and 568 East Main Street, Branford, Connecticut. Once the NHB Mortgage is fully funded, the mortgage lien on 698 Main Street will be released.
In addition to the foregoing, during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021, we raised aggregate net proceeds of approximately $45.5 million (after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses) from the sale of 1,903,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock in a firm commitment underwritten public offering at a public offering price of $25.00 per share, equal to the liquidation preference. The Series A Preferred Stock is listed on the NYSE American and began trading under the symbol “SACHPRA” on July 6, 2021.
Finally, from time-to-time we raise capital by selling our common shares in various at-the market offerings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we sold an aggregate of 7,177,043 common shares pursuant to an at-the-market offering for which we realized aggregate net proceeds of approximately $36.7 million.
REIT Qualification
We believe that we have qualified as a REIT since the consummation of the IPO and that it is in the best interests of our shareholders that we operate as a REIT. We made the election to be taxed as a REIT beginning with our 2017 tax year. As a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our taxable income to our shareholders on an annual basis. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain REIT status.
Our qualification as a REIT depends on our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our compliance with the distribution requirements applicable to REITs and the diversity of ownership of our outstanding common shares. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
So long as we qualify as a REIT, we, generally, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income that we distribute currently to our shareholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate income tax rates and may be precluded from electing to be treated as a REIT for four taxable years following the year during which we lose our REIT qualification. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and, for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements not applicable to other public companies but applicable to emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to have our independent registered public accounting firm audit our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As an emerging growth company, we can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until those standards apply to private companies. We intend to avail ourselves of these options. Once adopted, we must continue to report on that basis until we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company. We will cease to be an emerging growth company on December 31, 2022 and, accordingly, will no longer be exempt from the various reporting requirements. However, since we will still
27
Table of Contents
be a smaller reporting company, we will continue to be exempt from the independent auditor certification requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base our use of estimates on (a) a preset number of assumptions that consider prior experience, (b) future projections and (c) general financial market conditions. Actual amounts could materially differ from those estimates.
Interest income from loans is recognized, as earned, over the loan period and origination fee revenue on commercial loans is amortized over the term of the respective note.
As an “emerging growth company,” we intend to avail ourselves of the reduced disclosure requirements and extended transition periods for adopting new or revised accounting standards that would otherwise apply to us as a public reporting company. Once adopted, we must continue to report on that basis until we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to those of other public reporting companies that either are not emerging growth companies or that are emerging growth companies but have opted not to avail themselves of the reduced disclosure requirements for emerging growth companies and investors may deem our securities a less attractive investment relative to those other companies, which could adversely affect our stock price.
Results of Operations
Three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to three months ended September 30, 2021
Total Revenue
Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $13.5 million compared to approximately $8.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of approximately $5.0 million, or 58.9%. The increase in revenue is primarily attributable to an increase in our lending operations. For the 2022 period, interest income was approximately $11.5 million compared to approximately $6.1 million for the 2021 period, representing an increase of approximately $5.4 million or 89.5%. Origination and modification fees were approximately $1.7 million compared to approximately $1.3 million for the 2021 period, representing an increase of approximately $400,000 or 31.6%. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, revenue was partially offset by approximately $1.1 million of unrealized losses on investment securities. There was no such offset in the comparable 2021 period.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Total operating costs and expenses for three months ended September 30, 2022 were approximately $8.5 million compared to approximately $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of approximately $4.3 million, or 101.0%. The increase in operating costs and expenses is primarily attributable to the increase in our indebtedness, which was the fuel for our revenue growth, and an increase in the cost of funds. In the 2022 period, interest and amortization of deferred financing costs was approximately $6 million compared to approximately $2.6 million in the same 2021 period, an increase of approximately $3.4 million or 130.7%. The balance of the increase in operating expenses was primarily attributable to (i) compensation, fees and taxes which increased approximately $738,000, a 95.7% increase over the comparable 2021 amount, and (ii) general and administrative expenses, which increased approximately $237,500, a 49.6% increase over the comparable 2021 amount.
Comprehensive Income
For the quarter ended September 30, 2022, we reported an unrealized loss on investment securities of approximately $132,000 reflecting a decrease in the market value of certain securities since June 30, 2022. For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, we reported an unrealized loss on investment securities of approximately $500,000 reflecting the decrease in the market value of certain securities since June 30, 2021.
28
Table of Contents
Net Income
Net income attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $4.1 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to approximately $3.4 million, or $0.12 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2021.
Nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2021
Total Revenue
Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $36.4 million compared to approximately $20.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of approximately $15.5 million, or 73.7%. The increase in revenue is primarily attributable to the growth in our lending operations. For the 2022 period, interest income was approximately $30.5 million compared to approximately $15.3 million for the 2021 period, representing an increase of approximately $15.2 million or 99.2%. Origination and modification fees increased to approximately $5.8 million for the 2022 period compared to approximately $2.8 million for the 2021 period, an increase of approximately $3.0 million, or 106.6%. Income from partnership investments increased to approximately $1.1 million for the 2022 period compared to approximately $90,000 for the 2021, an increase of approximately $1.0 million. Fee and other income was approximately $2.0 million for the 2022 period compared to approximately $1.9 million for the 2021 period, an increase of approximately $100,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, revenue was offset by approximately $3.6 million of unrealized losses on investment securities. There was no such offset in the comparable 2021 period.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Total operating costs and expenses for nine months ended September 30, 2022 were approximately $21.8 million compared to approximately $11.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of approximately $9.9 million, or 82.6%. The increase in operating costs and expenses is primarily attributable to the increase in our overall indebtedness and the increase in our cost of funds. In the 2022 period, interest and amortization of deferred financing costs was approximately $15.1 million compared to approximately $7.5 million in the same 2021 period, an increase of $7.6 million, or 100.0%. The balance of the increase in operating expenses was attributable to (i) compensation, fees and taxes which increased approximately $1.5 million, or 69.7%, (ii) general and administrative expenses which increased approximately $625,000, or 45.6%, and (iii) impairment loss which increased approximately $322,000, or 68.6%.
Comprehensive Income
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we reported an unrealized loss on investment securities of approximately $81,500 reflecting the decrease in the market value of such securities since December 31, 2021. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we reported an unrealized loss on investment securities of approximately $612,000 reflecting the decrease in the market value of such securities since December 31, 2020.
Net Income
Net income attributable to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $11.9 million, or $0.32 per share, compared to $8.1 million, or $0.32 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Non-GAAP Metrics – Adjusted Earnings
We invest our excess cash in marketable securities. Under GAAP, those securities are required to be “marked to market” at the end of each reporting period. Accordingly, if the value of certain of those securities increases, the increase is reported as revenue, whereas the remaining increase is reported as a change in accumulated other comprehensive income. On the other hand, if the value decreases, as has been the case in the first three quarters of 2022, the decrease in value of certain of the securities reduces our revenues. For income tax purposes, we do not report the gain or loss on those securities until they are sold. This creates a discrepancy between our GAAP net income and our taxable income. To maintain our status as a REIT, we are required to distribute, on an annual
29
Table of Contents
basis, at least 90% of our taxable income. Thus, to give our shareholders a better perspective of our taxable income, we use a metric called Adjusted Earnings.
Adjusted Earnings is calculated as net income attributable to common shareholders, prior to the effect unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale. Adjusted Earnings should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as shown in our statements of comprehensive income. Adjusted Earnings should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) (determined in accordance with GAAP), or to cash flows from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP), as a measure of our liquidity, nor is Adjusted Earnings indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs or available for distribution to shareholders. Rather, Adjusted Earnings is an additional measure we use to analyze our business performance because it excludes the effects of certain non-cash charges that we believe are not necessarily indicative of our operating performance. It should be noted that our manner of calculating Adjusted Earnings may differ from the calculations of similarly-titled measures by other companies. In addition, there may be other differences between GAAP and tax accounting that would impact Adjusted Earnings, which are not reflected in the table below.
For the Three Month
For the Nine Month
Period Ended September 30,
Period Ended September 30,
2022
2022
Adjusted Earnings:
Net income attributable to common shareholders
$
4,131,873
$
11,867,385
Add: Unrealized losses on investment securities
1,076,836
3,607,498
Adjusted earnings attributable to common shareholders
$
5,208,709
$
15,474,883
For the three months ended September 30, 2022 Adjusted Earnings per share was $0.13. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 Adjusted Earnings per share was $0.42. There were no unrealized gains or losses on investment securities reported in net income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At September 30, 2022, cash and cash equivalents and investment securities totaled approximately $69.8 million compared to approximately $102.6 million at December 31, 2021. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents and investment securities reflects a draw down of those assets to fund new loans. Some of the cash represented the proceeds from the sale of the June 2027 Notes and September 2027 Notes.
Total assets at September 30, 2022 were approximately $561.8 million compared to approximately $418.0 million at December 31, 2021, an increase of approximately $143.8 million, or 34.4%. The increase was due primarily to the increase of our mortgage loan portfolio of approximately $156.2 million, an increase in investments in partnerships of approximately $16.5 million, offset in part by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents and investment securities of approximately $32.8 million.
Total liabilities at September 30, 2022 were approximately $342.5 million compared to approximately $237.9 million at December 31, 2021, an increase of approximately $104.6 million, or 44.0%. This increase is principally due to increases in the repurchase facility of approximately $24.0 million, or 125.8%, and the notes payable, net of deferred financing costs, of approximately $119.0 million, or 74.1%, offset primarily by decreases in the accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including accrued dividends payable, of approximately $3.5 million, line of credit of approximately $29.6 million and advances from borrowers of approximately $5.1 million.
Total shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2022 was approximately $219.3 million compared to approximately $180.1 million at December 31, 2021, an increase of approximately $39.2 million, or 21.8%. This increase was due primarily to net proceeds of $36.7 million from the sale of common shares and our net income attributable to common shareholders of approximately $11.9 million, offset by dividends paid on our Series A Preferred Stock and common shares of $2.8 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $12.4 million compared to approximately $17.4 million for same 2021 period. For the 2022 period net cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of net income of approximately $14.6 million, amortization of deferred financing costs and bond discount of $1.7 million and unrealized loss on investment securities of approximately $3.6 million, offset by increases in interest and fees receivable of $2.2 million, due from borrowers of $1.5 million and decreases in advances from borrowers of approximately $5.1 million. For the
30
Table of Contents
2021 period net cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of net income of approximately $9.0 million, amortization of deferred financing costs and bond discount of approximately $839,400, an impairment loss of approximately $469,000, increase in deferred revenue of approximately $1.8 million, and an increase in advances from borrowers of approximately $8.2 million, offset by a gain on sale of marketable securities of approximately $212,400 and a gain on forgiveness of debt of approximately $257,800, and an increase in interest and fees receivable of approximately $885,400, other receivables of approximately $361,000 and due from borrowers of approximately $1.4 million.
Net cash used for investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $151.3 million compared to approximately $84.9 million for the comparable 2021 period. For the 2022 period, net cash used for investing activities consisted primarily of purchases of investment securities of approximately $39.7 million, net purchases of interests in investment partnerships of approximately $16.5 million and principal disbursements for mortgages receivable of approximately $252.4 million, offset by proceeds from the sale of investment securities of approximately $62.2 million, proceeds from the sale of real estate owned of approximately $1.6 million, and by principal collections on mortgages receivable of approximately $95.2 million For the 2021 period, net cash used for investing activities consisted primarily of purchases of investment securities of approximately $160.9 million, net purchases of interests in investment partnerships of approximately $1.8 million, and principal disbursements for mortgages receivable of approximately $154.8 million, offset by proceeds from the sale of investment securities of approximately $141.7 million, proceeds from the sale of real estate owned of approximately $1.8 million, and principal collections on mortgages receivable of approximately $90.5 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $132.3 million compared to approximately $67.4 million of cash used for the comparable 2021 period. Net cash provided by financing activities for the 2022 period consists principally of net proceeds from the issuance of fixed rate notes of approximately $117.6 million, net proceeds from the issuance of common shares of approximately $36.7 million and net proceeds from repurchase facility of approximately $24.0 million, offset primarily by repayment of line of credit of approximately $29.6 million, dividends paid on common shares of approximately $13.5 million and dividends paid on preferred stock of approximately $2.8 million. Net cash provided by financing activities for the 2021 period consists principally of the net proceeds from issuance of common shares of approximately $30.9 million, net proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock of approximately $45.5 million and proceeds from our line of credit of approximately $2.0 million, offset by dividends paid on common shares of approximately $8.8 million, dividends paid on preferred stock of approximately $932,000, repayment of mortgage payable of approximately $768,000 and financing costs incurred of approximately $451,000.
We project anticipated cash requirements for our operating needs as well as cash flows generated from operating activities available to meet these needs. Our short-term cash requirements primarily include funding of loans and construction draws and payments for usual and customary operating and administrative expenses, such as interest payments on notes payable, employee compensation, sales, marketing expenses and dividends. Based on this analysis, we believe that our current cash balances, and our anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund the operations for the next 12 months.
Our long-term cash needs will include principal payments on outstanding indebtedness and funding of new mortgage loans. Funding for long-term cash needs will come from unused net proceeds from financing activities, operating cash flows and proceeds from sales of real estate owned.
From and after the effective date of our REIT election, we intend to pay regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common shares in an amount not less than 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined before the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains).
Subsequent Events
From October 1, 2022 through November 9, 2022, we sold an aggregate of 405,037 common shares under its at-the-market offering facility realizing gross proceeds of approximately $1.6 million.
31
Table of Contents
On October 6, 2022, we acquired substantially all the business assets of Urbane New Haven, LLC (“Urbane”), a real estate firm specializing in all phases of real estate development and construction, including architecture, design, contracting and marketing. The purchase price for the assets was 300,000 common shares, or approximately $1.1 million based on the closing price of $3.68 per share on October 5, 2022. The issuance of the shares to Urbane was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), pursuant to Sections 4(a)(2) and/or 4(a)(5) thereunder. A legend restricting resale, transfer, or other disposition of these shares other than in compliance with the Act was placed on such shares. In connection with the acquisition, Eric O’Brien, one of the owners of Urbane, has been hired as our new Senior Vice President, Asset Management. Mr. O’Brien’s primary responsibilities include construction management oversight and real estate development. We are currently in the process of determining our potential contingent liability, if any, for the purchase, as well as its allocation of the purchase price amongst the assets purchased, intangible assets, goodwill and liabilities assumed. Accordingly, these amounts are not included.
Effective on October 7, 2022, our Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase plan pursuant to which we may repurchase up to an aggregate of $7.5 million of our outstanding common shares in the open market at prevailing market prices or in negotiated transactions off the market, in accordance with all applicable securities laws and regulations, including Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Plan”). The Plan is expected to continue through September 30, 2023, unless extended or shortened by our Board of Directors. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. will act as our exclusive purchasing agent under the Plan.
On October 24, 2022, all of the remaining outstanding underwriters’ warrants expired without being exercised. (See Note 15, of the accompanying financial statements.)
On October 26, 2022, we issued 10,000 restricted common shares to an employee, of which 3,334 shares vest immediately upon issuance and 3,333 shares will vest on each of October 26, 2023 and 2024. The closing price of a common share on October 26, 2022 was $3.83.
On October 27, 2022, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.13 per share payable to shareholders of record as of November 7, 2022. The dividend will be paid on November 14, 2022.
Management has evaluated subsequent events through November 10, 2022 the date on which the financial statements were available to be issued. Based on the evaluation, no adjustments were required in the accompanying financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not a party to any off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons that are likely to affect liquidity or the availability of our requirements for capital resources.
Contractual Obligations
As of September 30, 2022, our contractual obligations include unfunded amounts of any outstanding construction loans and unfunded commitments for loans as well as contractual obligations consisting of operating leases for equipment, software licenses and investment in partnerships.
Less than
1 – 3
3 – 5
More than
Total
1 year
years
years
5 years
Investment in partnerships
$
3,588,984
$
3,588,984
$
—
$
—
$
—
Unfunded loan commitments
118,103,785
118,103,785
—
—
—
Total contractual obligations
$
121,692,769
$
121,692,769
$
—
$
—
$
—
Critical Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See “Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies” to the financial statements for explanation of recent accounting pronouncements impacting us included elsewhere in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
32
Table of Contents
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.