Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and our accompanying notes and other information included in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors,” in this Annual Report. Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this section the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” or “SUNS,” refers to Sunrise Realty Trust, Inc.
Business Overview
SUNS is a Maryland corporation that was formed on August 28, 2023, that intends to elect to be treated as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that made its first investment in January 2024. We are led by a veteran team of commercial real estate investment professionals and our external manager, Sunrise Manager LLC. We conduct our business through our parent company, Sunrise Realty Trust, Inc., and several subsidiaries. We consolidate all of our subsidiaries under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We are an institutional lender that provides debt capital solutions to CRE markets in the Southern United States. SUNS’ focus is on originating CRE debt investments and providing capital to high-quality borrowers and sponsors with transitional business plans collateralized by CRE assets with opportunities for near-term value creation, as well as recapitalization opportunities. SUNS intends to create a diversified investment portfolio, targeting investments in senior mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, B-notes, CMBS and debt-like preferred equity securities across CRE asset classes. We intend for SUNS’ investment mix to include high quality residential (including multi-family, condominiums and single-family residential communities), retail, office, hospitality, industrial, mixed-use and specialty-use real estate.
Our investment focus includes originating or acquiring loans backed by single assets or portfolios of assets that typically have (i) an investment hold size of approximately $15-100 million, secured by CRE assets, including transitional or construction projects, across diverse property types, (ii) a duration of approximately 2-5 years, (iii) interest rates that are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate (e.g., SOFR) plus a credit spread, (iv) a loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio of no greater than approximately 75% on an individual investment basis and (v) no more than approximately 75% LTV across the portfolio, in each case, at the time of origination or acquisition, and are led by experienced borrowers and well-capitalized sponsors with high quality business plans. Our loans typically feature origination fees and/or exit fees. We target a portfolio net internal rate of return (“IRR”) in the low-teens, which we believe may increase to the mid-teens after including total interest and other revenue from the portfolio, including loans funded from drawing on our leverage, net of our interest expense from our portfolio lenders. We are also targeting a near- to mid-term target capitalization of one-third equity, one-third secured debt availability and one-third unsecured debt. We do not expect to be fully drawn on our secured debt availability and, as a result, we are targeting an expected leverage ratio of 1.5:1 debt-to-equity.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (“JOBS Act”), and we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of 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 non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the extended transition period. As a result, we will not be subject to the same implementation timing for new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, which may make comparison of our financials to those of other public companies more difficult.
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We could remain an “emerging growth company” until the earliest to occur of the following: (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (b) in which we have total annual revenue of at least $1.235 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which generally means the market value of our common equity that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of the prior fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter; and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
Spin-Off
On February 22, 2024, AFC announced a plan to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies. On July 9, 2024, AFC completed the separation of its CRE portfolio through the spin-off of SUNS. The Spin-Off was effected by the transfer of AFC’s CRE portfolio from AFC to SUNS and the distribution of all of the outstanding shares of SUNS Common Stock to all of AFC’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 8, 2024. AFC’s shareholders of record as of the Record Date received one share of our Common Stock for every three shares of AFC common stock held as of the Record Date. AFC retained no ownership interest in us following the Spin-Off. Prior to the Spin-Off, AFC contributed cash to us, bringing our total net assets, comprised of cash and our CRE portfolio, to approximately $114.8 million in connection with the Spin-Off.
In connection with the Spin-Off, we entered into several agreements with AFC that govern the relationship between us and AFC following the Spin-Off, including the Separation and Distribution Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement. These agreements provide for the allocation between AFC and SUNS of the assets, liabilities and obligations (including, among others, investments, property and tax-related assets and liabilities) of AFC and its subsidiaries attributable to periods prior to, at and after the Spin-Off. Moreover, concurrent with the completion of the Spin-Off on July 9, 2024, our management agreement with our Manager became effective. Our Manager also entered into (i) an Administrative Services Agreement with TCG Services, an affiliate of our Manager and Leonard Tannenbaum, our Executive Chairman, and Robyn Tannenbaum, our President, and (ii) a Services Agreement with SRT Group, an affiliate of our Manager, Mr. Tannenbaum, Mrs. Tannenbaum, Mr. Sedrish and Mr. Hetzel.
We adopted the 2024 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2024 Plan”). See Note 8 to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 included in this Annual Report for additional information regarding our 2024 Plan.
Effective July 1, 2024, Jodi Hanson Bond and James Fagan resigned from AFC’s Board of Directors and joined our Board. Additionally, Alexander Frank was appointed as a director of SUNS and remained a director of AFC. In addition, effective July 1, 2024, Leonard M. Tannenbaum was appointed as our Executive Chairman (and remains Chairman of AFC) and Brian Sedrish was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board. Brandon Hetzel continued in his role as our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (and remains the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of AFC), and Robyn Tannenbaum continued in her role as our President (and remains the President and Chief Investment Officer of AFC).
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred approximately $0.6 million related to Spin-Off costs, which are recorded within professional fees in the consolidated statements of operations.
Developments During the Year Ended December 31, 2024:
Updates to Our Loan Portfolio During the Year Ended December 31, 2024
In January 2024, we and an affiliate of ours, purchased an aggregate of approximately $56.4 million in loan commitments in a secured mezzanine loan facility, of which approximately $28.2 million of principal has been funded by us and another approximately $28.2 million of principal has been funded by the affiliate. We and the affiliate are each 50.0% syndicate lenders in the secured mezzanine loan facility. Approximately $16.9 million was established as reserves, for the payment of interest and other costs and expenses, which is fully funded and held by an affiliated agent on the loan. The lenders have a right to convert the mezzanine loan to a first priority mortgage loan after the repayment of the existing senior loan and subject to certain other terms and conditions. The secured mezzanine loan bears interest at an annual rate of SOFR plus a 15.31% spread, subject to a SOFR floor of 2.42%. At the end of February 2024, we and an affiliate entered into an amendment to the secured mezzanine loan, which among other things, extended the maturity date to May 31, 2024. In May 2024, we and the affiliate entered into an amendment to the secured mezzanine loan and purchased approximately $2.5 million of the senior loan, of which approximately $1.3 million has been funded by us and another $1.3 million has been funded by the affiliate. The senior loan bears interest at an annual rate of SOFR plus a 3.48% spread, subject to a SOFR floor of 2.42%, and matures on November 30, 2024. The amendment to the secured mezzanine loan, among other things, (1) extended the maturity date to November 30, 2024 and (2) replenished the interest reserves held by the administrative
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agent on the loan in an amount of approximately $9.6 million, for the payment of interest and other costs and expenses. In August 2024, we and the affiliate entered into amendments to the existing secured mezzanine and senior loan credit agreements for the mixed-use property in Houston, Texas. The amendments, among other things, (i) extended the maturity date on both loans from November 2024 to February 2026, (ii) modified the senior loan interest rate from floating (3.48% plus SOFR, SOFR floor of 4.0%) to fixed 12.5% and (iii) included a $12.0 million upsize to the senior loan, of which we have commitments for $6.0 million and the affiliate has commitments for the rest. The property securing the loan is a mixed-use (for-sale residential, retail and hotel) project located in Houston, Texas. A portion of the proceeds are being used to facilitate the completion of construction. In December 2024, the Borrower repaid the secured mezzanine loan in full.
In January 2024, we and an affiliate entered into a secured mezzanine loan facility consisting of an aggregate of approximately $56.4 million in loan commitments, of which approximately $20.7 million of principal was funded by us as a result of our participation interest in the loan and another approximately $20.7 million of principal was funded by the affiliate. The secured mezzanine loan commitments were issued by us and the affiliate at a discount of 1.0% for a net funding amount of approximately $20.4 million each, respectively. The $56.4 million of total commitments includes $15.0 million of unfunded commitments which was established to be drawn to pay interest on the secured mezzanine loan, of which we are responsible for $7.5 million. The $15.0 million of unfunded commitments are anticipated to be drawn over the life of the loan. We and the affiliate are each 50.0% syndicate lenders in the secured mezzanine loan facility. The secured mezzanine loan bears interest at an annual fixed rate of 13.00% and matures in May 2027, which the borrower may extend, at its option and subject to meeting certain terms and conditions, to May 2028. The mezzanine loan facility is secured by a security interest in all of the equity interests held by the borrower in its wholly-owned subsidiary. The property securing the loan is a 424-unit multi-family (with a component of ground-floor retail) project that is under construction and is located in Sarasota, Florida. A portion of the proceeds are being used to facilitate the completion of construction.
In July 2024, we and an affiliate entered into a senior secured mortgage loan for a total aggregate commitment amount of approximately $35.2 million for the refinance of an active adult multi-family residential rental development in southwest Austin, Texas. We committed a total of approximately $14.1 million and the affiliate committed the remaining approximately $21.1 million. The senior secured loan was issued at a discount of 1.0% and matures in July 2027. At closing, we funded approximately $11.4 million and the affiliate funded approximately $17.0 million. The loan bears interest at a rate of SOFR plus 4.25%, with a rate index floor of 4.75%. The senior secured loan is secured by a deed of trust on the property, any deposit and reserve accounts established by the terms of the senior secured loan and other customary collateral. The proceeds of the senior secured loan will be used to, among other things, fund the completion of construction and other reserves and refinance existing debt.
In July 2024, we and an affiliate entered into a senior secured mortgage loan for a total aggregate commitment amount of $42.0 million for the refinance of a luxury hotel component of a 20-story mixed-use project in San Antonio, Texas. We committed a total of approximately $27.3 million, and SRT committed the remaining $14.7 million. The senior secured loan was issued at a discount of 1.0% and matures in August 2027. At closing, we funded approximately $25.0 million and the affiliate funded approximately $13.5 million. The senior secured loan bears interest at a rate of SOFR plus 6.35%, with a rate index floor of 4.50%. The senior secured loan is secured by a first-priority mortgage on the property and a security interest in all of the equity interests held by the borrower. The proceeds of the senior secured loan will be used to, among other things, fund the completion of reserves and refinance existing debt.
In August 2024, we, along with our affiliates, entered into a $75.0 million senior secured revolving loan and a $85.0 million senior mortgage loan for a total aggregate commitment amount of $160.0 million for the construction of a master-planned single-family residential home community and property development in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. We committed a total of approximately $18.75 million and $21.25 million to the revolving loan and mortgage loan, respectively, and funded $8.77 million and $18.76 million towards each respective loan at close. Affiliates committed the remaining $56.25 million and $63.75 million towards the revolving loan and mortgage loan, funding $26.32 million and $56.29 million, respectively, at close. The revolving loan and mortgage loan were each issued at a discount of 1.25%. The revolving loan bears interest at a rate of SOFR plus 6.25%, with a rate index floor of 4.00%, and unused fee of 2.00%. The proceeds of the revolving loan will be used to, among other things, fund the completion of reserves, fund home construction costs and refinance existing debt. The mortgage loan bears an interest rate of SOFR plus 8.25%, with a rate index floor of 4.00%. The proceeds of the mortgage loan will be used to, among other things, fund the completion of construction and other reserves and refinance existing debt. The mortgage loan and the revolving loan each mature in September 2027. The loans are each secured by senior first mortgage lien on the property and a security interest in all of the equity interests held by the borrower.
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In November 2024, we and affiliated co-investors, entered into a whole loan (the “Whole Loan”) consisting of an aggregate of $96.0 million in loan commitments. The property securing the loan is a development site and related condominium project located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The proceeds are expected to be used to commence and facilitate construction. We committed a total of $30.0 million and affiliated co-investors committed $60.0 million, with the remaining $6.0 million committed by an unaffiliated investor (the “Originating Lender”). At closing, we funded approximately $3.6 million, the affiliated co-investors funded approximately $7.2 million and the Originating Lender funded approximately $0.7 million. The Whole Loan is split into a Senior Loan and Mezzanine Loan, each with two A-Notes ($62.4 million of the total commitment amount) and two B-Notes ($33.6 million of the total commitment amount, of which $6.0 million was committed by the Originating Lender). The A-Notes bear interest at a rate of SOFR plus 4.75%, with a rate index floor of 4.75% of which we have commitments for approximately $20.8 million. The B-Notes bear interest at a rate of SOFR plus 11.00%, with a rate index floor of 4.75% of which we have commitments for approximately $9.2 million. The A-Notes and B-Notes were issued at a discount of 1.0% and mature in December 2026, subject to two, six-month extension options.
In November 2024, we and an affiliated co-investor entered into a $26.0 million subordinate loan (the “Subordinate Loan”). The property securing the loan is a development site and related multifamily project located in Miami, Florida. The proceeds are expected to be used to commence and facilitate construction. We committed a total of $13.0 million and the affiliated co-investor committed the remaining $13.0 million. The Subordinate Loan bears interest at a rate of 13.25% per annum, was issued at a discount of 1.0% and matures in November 2027, subject to one, six-month extension option. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding principal balance on the Subordinate Loan was approximately $0.1 million and the cash interest rate was 13.25%.
In December 2024, we and an affiliated co-investor entered into a $57.0 million senior secured loan for the refinance of a luxury boutique hotel located in Austin, Texas. We committed a total of approximately $32.0 million, and the affiliate committed the remaining $25.0 million. The senior secured loan was issued at a discount of 1.25% and matures in December 2027. At closing, we funded approximately $29.9 million and the affiliate funded approximately $23.4 million. The senior secured loan bears interest at a rate of SOFR plus 5.50%, with a rate index floor of 4.00%. The senior secured loan is secured by a deed of trust on the property and other customary collateral. The proceeds of the senior secured loan will be used to, among other things, refinance existing debt and fund reserves.
Revolving Credit Facility
On November 6, 2024, the Company entered into the Loan and Security Agreement (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) by and among the Company, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, and East West Bank, as administrative agent, joint lead arranger, joint book runner, co-syndication agent and co-documentation agent (“East West Bank”). The Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) that contains initial aggregate commitments of $50.0 million from one or more FDIC-insured banking institutions, which may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn, subject to a borrowing base based on eligible loan obligations held by the Company and subject to the satisfaction of other conditions provided under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement, the amount of total commitments may be increased to up to $200.0 million in aggregate, subject to available borrowing base and lenders’ willingness to provide additional commitments. The Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity date of November 8, 2027.
Interest is payable on the Revolving Credit Facility in cash in arrears at the rate per annum of SOFR plus 2.75%, with a SOFR floor of 2.63%; provided, however, that the interest rate will increase by an additional 0.25% during any Increase Rate Month (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement).
The Company is required to pay certain fees to the agent and the lenders under the Revolving Credit Agreement, including a $75.0 thousand agent fee payable to the agent and an 0.25% per annum loan fee payable ratably to the lenders, in each case, payable on the closing date and on the annual anniversary thereafter. Commencing on the six-month anniversary of the closing date, the Revolving Credit Facility has an unused line fee of 0.25% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears. Based on the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement, the unused line fee is waived if our average revolver usage exceeds the minimum amount required per the Revolving Credit Agreement.
The Revolving Credit Facility is guaranteed by certain material subsidiaries of the Company and is secured by substantially all assets of the Company and certain of its material subsidiaries; provided that upon the meeting of certain conditions, the facility will be secured only by certain assets of the Company comprising of or relating to loan obligations designed for inclusion in the borrowing base. In addition, the Company is subject to various financial and other covenants, including a liquidity and debt service coverage ratio covenant.
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On December 9, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment Number One to Loan and Security Agreement, by and among the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, as borrowers, the lenders party thereto, and East West Bank, pursuant to which, among other things, the maximum revolver usage was temporarily increased until January 8, 2025 to the sum of (i) $50.0 million plus (ii) the lesser of $75.0 million and the aggregate amount of funds maintained in the Company’s borrowing base cash account. Following January 8, 2025, the maximum revolver usage automatically reverted back to $50.0 million.
On December 30, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment Number Two to Loan and Security Agreement, by and among the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, as borrowers, the lenders party thereto, and East West Bank, pursuant to which, among other things, the parties agreed to additional representations, covenants and other amendments to maintain its REIT status and limit the use of participation interests in any underlying obligor loan receivables secured as collateral.
On February 26, 2025, the Company entered into Amendment Number Three to Loan and Security Agreement, by and among the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, as borrowers, the lenders party thereto, and East West Bank, pursuant to which, among other things, the parties agreed to reduce the procedural requirements for obligor loan receivables to become eligible under the borrowing base.
The description above is only a summary of the material provisions of the Revolving Credit Agreement and the amendments thereto and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended by the amendments, copies of which are filed as Exhibit 10.7, Exhibit 10.8, Exhibit 10.10 and Exhibit 10.11, respectively, to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated by reference herein.
SRTF Credit Facility
On November 6, 2024, in conjunction with the entry by the Company into the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company terminated the unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) dated September 26, 2024, by and between the Company, as borrower, and SRT Finance LLC, as agent and lender. Upon execution of the Revolving Credit Facility, the lenders’ commitments under the Credit Agreement were terminated and the liability of the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to their obligations under the Credit Agreement was discharged.
On December 9, 2024, the Company entered into a new unsecured revolving credit agreement ( as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “SRTF Credit Agreement”), by and among the Company, as borrower, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and SRT Finance LLC, as agent and lender. SRT Finance LLC continues to be indirectly owned by Mr. Tannenbaum and Mrs. Tannenbaum, along with their family members and associated family trusts. The SRTF Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “SRTF Credit Facility”) with a $75.0 million commitment, which may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn, subject to a draw fee and the other conditions provided in the SRTF Credit Agreement. Interest is payable on the SRTF Credit Facility at a rate per annum equal to 8.00%. The SRTF Credit Facility matures on the earlier of (i) May 31, 2028 and (ii) the date of the closing of any Refinancing Indebtedness (as defined in the SRTF Credit Agreement) with an aggregate principal amount equal to or greater than $75.0 million. Commencing on January 1, 2026, the Company is required to pay an annual fee equal to 1.00% of the aggregate commitments ratably to the lenders, payable on the first business day of each calendar year; provided that the fee due and payable on January 3, 2028 will be pro rated on the basis of a year of 360 days for the actual number of days elapsed from and including January 1, 2028 until and excluding May 31, 2028.
The description above is only a summary of the material provisions of the SRTF Credit Agreement and the amendment thereto and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the SRTF Credit Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.9 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated by reference herein.
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Dividends Declared Per Share
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we declared the following cash dividends:
Date Declared Payable to Shareholders of Record at the Close of Business on Payment Date Amount per Share Total Amount
August 14, 2024 September 30, 2024 October 15, 2024 $ 0.21 $ 1.5 million
August 14, 2024 December 31, 2024 January 15, 2025 0.42 2.9 million
2024 Period Subtotal
$ 0.63 $ 4.4 million
Based on our current estimates and assumptions, including with respect to the timeline for the deployment of our equity and debt capital, we expect to generate distributable earnings at, or close to, $0.30 per basic weighted average common share for the first two fiscal quarters of 2025 as we deploy equity capital from the January 2025 Offering. However, this estimate is preliminary and may change, and we do not anticipate providing further guidance following the deployment of the capital from the January 2025 Offering. See “ Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” and “ Risk Factors .”
Recent Developments
On January 29, 2025, we completed a registered public offering of 5,750,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $12.00 per share (the “January 2025 Offering”), of which 1,000,000 shares of common stock were sold to Leonard M. Tannenbaum, our Executive Chairman, at the public offering price. We received net proceeds from the January 2025 Offering of $65.3 million, net of underwriting discounts of $3.7 million. In connection with the January 2025 Offering, the underwriters were granted an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 862,500 shares of our common stock. On January 31, 2025, the underwriters partially exercised the over-allotment option with respect to 650,000 shares of common stock and we received additional net proceeds of $7.3 million, net of underwriting discounts of $0.5 million.
In January 2025, our senior loan for the mixed-use property in Houston, Texas was repaid in full. The outstanding principal on the date of repayment was approximately $0.2 million. We received and recognized approximately $23.5 thousand relating to the repayment premium.
In January 2025, we and an affiliated co-investor entered into a $41.0 million note-on-note financing agreement for the acquisition of a senior secured mortgage loan (the “Note”). The Note is secured by a residential property consisting of senior living, medical offices and retail space located in Aventura, Florida. We committed a total of $30.8 million, and the affiliate committed the remaining $10.3 million, funding $28.5 million and $9.5 million, respectively, on close. The Note was issued at a discount of 1.0% and matures in two years with an exit fee of 1.0% and one 12-month extension option. The Note bears interest at a rate of SOFR plus 5.00%, with a rate index floor of 4.00%. The Note is secured by a first priority collateral assignment of the senior mortgage loan, including assignment in blank of the mortgage and other loan documents, a pledge of 100% of the issued and outstanding limited liability company interests in borrower, reserve accounts, and other customary collateral.
In January 2025, we and affiliated co-investors entered into a $74.5 million senior secured mortgage loan for the construction of a build-to-suit net leased credit tenant project located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The loan proceeds will be used to commence and facilitate construction. We committed a total of $44.0 million, and affiliated co-investors committed the remaining $30.5 million, funding $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, on close. The senior secured loan was issued at a discount of 1.0% and matures in three years. The loan bears interest at a rate of SOFR plus 5.60%, with a rate index floor of 4.50%. The senior loan is secured by a first priority mortgage on the property subject only to the ground lease, pledge of 100% of borrower’s equity interest, assignment of leases, security deposits, and reserve accounts as well as all future rental and sales income associated with the project.
In March 2025, we entered into an assignment and assumption agreement with an affiliated co-lender owned by Mr. Tannenbaum, our Executive Chairman, pursuant to which we purchased $10.6 million of the senior term loan and $9.4 million of the home construction revolver on the property in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, with $9.9 million and $7.4 million currently funded under such loans, respectively. The loans were purchased at par less remaining unamortized OID plus accrued interest. We did not pay any fees or premium to the affiliate for our acquisition of the affiliate’s loan commitments. Following the purchase, we hold $31.9 million in commitments of the senior term loan with $29.8 million in principal outstanding, and $28.1 million in commitments of the home construction revolver with $22.2 million of principal outstanding.
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Key Financial Measures and Indicators
As a commercial real estate finance company, we believe the key financial measures and indicators for our business are Distributable Earnings (as defined below), book value per share and dividends declared per share.
Non-GAAP Metrics
Distributable Earnings
In addition to using certain financial metrics prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate our performance, we also use Distributable Earnings to evaluate our performance, excluding the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments we believe are not necessarily indicative of our current loan activity and operations. Distributable Earnings is a measure that is not prepared in accordance with GAAP. We use these non-GAAP financial measures both to explain our results to shareholders and the investment community and in the internal evaluation and management of our businesses. Our management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and the information they provide are useful to investors since these measures permit investors and shareholders to assess the overall performance of our business using the same tools that our management uses to evaluate our past performance and prospects for future performance. The determination of Distributable Earnings is substantially similar to the determination of Core Earnings under our Management Agreement, provided that Core Earnings is a component of the calculation of any Incentive Compensation earned under the Management Agreement for the applicable time period. Thus, Core Earnings is calculated without giving effect to Incentive Compensation expense, while the calculation of Distributable Earnings accounts for any Incentive Compensation earned for such time period.
We define Distributable Earnings as, for a specified period, the net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding (i) stock-based compensation expense, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) any unrealized gains, losses or other non-cash items recorded in net income (loss) for the period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income (loss); provided that Distributable Earnings does not exclude, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as OID, debt instruments with PIK interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet received in cash, (iv) provision for (reversal of) current expected credit losses, (v) TRS (income) loss, net of any dividends received from TRS and (vi) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain non-cash charges, in each case after discussions between our Manager and our independent directors and after approval by a majority of such independent directors.
We believe providing Distributable Earnings on a supplemental basis to our net income as determined in accordance with GAAP is helpful to shareholders in assessing the overall performance of our business. As a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, and to pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that we annually distribute less than 100% of such taxable income. Given these requirements and our belief that dividends are generally one of the principal reasons that shareholders invest in our Common Stock, we generally intend to attempt to pay dividends to our shareholders in an amount at least equal to such REIT taxable income, if and to the extent authorized by our Board of Directors. Distributable Earnings is one of many factors considered by our Board of Directors in authorizing dividends and, while not a direct measure of net taxable income, over time, the measure can be considered a useful indicator of our dividends.
Distributable Earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP net income. We caution readers that our methodology for calculating Distributable Earnings may differ from the methodologies employed by other REITs to calculate the same or similar supplemental performance measures, and as a result, our reported Distributable Earnings may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other REITs.
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The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP net income to Distributable Earnings:
Year ended
December 31, 2024 Period from August 28, 2023 to December 31, 2023
Net income $ 6,868,421 $ 234,622
Adjustments to net income:
Stock-based compensation expense 338,404 —
Depreciation and amortization — —
Unrealized (gains) losses, or other non-cash items — —
Provision for (reversal of) current expected credit losses 40,180 —
TRS (income) loss — —
One-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain non-cash charges — —
Distributable earnings $ 7,247,005 $ 234,622
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 6,800,841 6,889,032
Distributable earnings per basic weighted average share $ 1.07 $ 0.03
Book Value Per Share
We believe that book value per share is helpful to shareholders in evaluating our growth as we scale our equity capital base and continue to invest in our target investments. The book value per share of our Common Stock as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately $16.29 and $4.53, respectively, on a post-split share basis.
Factors Impacting our Operating Results
The results of our operations are affected by a number of factors and primarily depend on, among other things, the level of our net interest margin, the market value of our assets and the supply of, and demand for, commercial real estate debt and other financial assets in the marketplace. Our net interest margin, which includes the accretion and amortization of OID, is recognized based on the contractual rate and the outstanding principal balance of the loans we originate. Interest rates will vary according to the type of loan, conditions in the financial markets, creditworthiness of our borrowers, competition and other factors, some of which cannot be predicted with any certainty. Our operating results may also be impacted by credit losses in excess of initial anticipations or unanticipated credit events experienced by our borrowers.
Results of Operations f or the year ended December 31, 2024
We were formed on August 28, 2023 with limited operational activity during the period from August 28, 2023 to December 31, 2023. We did not make our first investment until January 2024; and therefore, we have no period to compare results for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Our net income allocable to our common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately $6.9 million, or $1.01 per basic weighted average common share. Net interest income was comprised of interest income earned of approximately $10.8 million, net of interest expense of approximately $(0.2) million.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, operating expenses were approximately $3.7 million, mainly relating to approximately $1.3 million in general and administrative expenses, $1.3 million in professional fees and $0.8 million in management fees. As a result of our Management Agreement with SUNS Manager, SUNS management fee was approximately $0.8 million and no incentive fee was incurred for the year ended December 31, 2024. Reimbursable shared expenses under the Management Agreement were approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Professional fees included approximately $0.6 million in spin-off costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2024. Other costs within professional fees related to legal, audit, and board of director fees.
Stock-based compensation was approximately $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, driven by restricted stock awards granted and restricted stock awards converted as part of the Spin-Off.
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Provision for Current Expected Credit Losses
The provision for current expected credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $40.2 thousand. The CECL Reserve balance as of December 31, 2024 was approximatel y $40.2 thousand, or 0.03%, of our total loans held at carrying value of approximately $130.7 million and was bifurcated between (i) the current expected credit loss reserve (contra-asset) related to outstanding balances on loans held at carrying value of $21.8 thousand and (ii) a liability for unfunded commitments of approximately $18.4 thousand . The liability is based on the unfunded portion of loan commitments over the full contractual period over which we are exposed to credit risk through a current obligation to extend credit. Management considered the likelihood that funding will occur, and if funded, the expected credit loss on the funded portion. We continuously evaluate the credit quality of each loan by assessing the risk factors of each loan.
Loan Portfolio
The table below summarizes our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024, unless otherwise specified.
Loan Type Location Original Funding Date Loan Maturity Current Commitments as of 12/31/2024 % of Total SUNS Principal Balance as of 12/31/2024 Cash Interest Rate Fixed/
Floating Amortization During Term YTM (1)
Senior mortgage loans:
Mixed-use Houston, TX 1/4/2024 2/26/2026 $ 6,345,411 3.3% $ 5,120,604 12.50% Fixed No 22%
Residential Austin, TX 7/3/2024 7/3/2027 14,087,288 7.4% 13,186,390 9.00% Floating No 10%
Hospitality San Antonio, TX 7/31/2024 8/9/2027 27,300,000 14.3% 26,073,292 10.85% Floating No 13%
Residential PBG, FL (2)
8/5/2024 9/1/2027 21,250,000 11.1% 18,855,922 12.58% Floating No 13%
Residential PBG, FL (2)
8/5/2024 9/1/2027 18,750,000 9.8% 12,300,793 10.58% Floating No 12%
Residential Fort Lauderdale, FL 11/1/2024 12/30/2026 30,000,000 15.7% 3,868,815 11.42% Floating No 14%
Hospitality Austin, TX 12/12/2024 12/11/2027 32,000,000 16.8% 29,894,737 9.83% Floating No 11%
Subordinate debt:
Residential Sarasota, FL 1/31/2024 5/12/2027 28,188,776 14.8% 23,121,470 13.00% Fixed No 14%
Residential Miami, FL 11/15/2024 11/15/2027 13,000,000 6.8% 134,266 13.25% Fixed No 15%
Subtotal (3)
$ 190,921,475 100.0% $ 132,556,289 11.12% 13%
Wtd
Average
(1) Estimated YTM 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 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. Estimated YTM is calculated using the interest rate as of December 31, 2024 applied through maturity. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
(2) This loan is structured as a senior term loan and home construction revolver, of which the proceeds will be used to fund varying development projects. Under each credit facility, the borrower is able to re-draw funds after repayment through maturity.
(3) The interest subtotal rate is a weighted average rate.
Loans Held for Investment at Carrying Value
As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our portfolio included nine and zero loans held at carrying value, respectively. The aggregate originated commitment under these loans was approximately $190.9 million and zero, respectively, and outstanding principal was approximately $132.6 million and zero, respectively, as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 . During the year December 31, 2024 , we funded approximately $165.7 million of new loans and additional principal and had approximately $33.2 million of principal repayments of loans held at carrying value. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximately 79% and zero , respectively, of our loans held at carrying value had floating interest rates. As of December 31, 2024, t hese floating benchmark rates included one-month SOFR subject to a weighted average floor of 4.2% and quoted at 4.3%.
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The following tables summarize our loans held at carrying value as of December 31, 2024:
As of December 31, 2024
Outstanding
Principal (1)
Original
Issue
Discount Carrying
Value (1)
Weighted
Average
Remaining Life
(Years) (2)
Senior mortgage loans (3)
$ 109,300,553 $ (1,495,512) $ 107,805,041 2.6
Subordinate debt 23,255,736 (327,147) 22,928,589 2.4
Total loans held at carrying value $ 132,556,289 $ (1,822,659) $ 130,733,630 2.6
(1) The difference between the Carrying Value and the Outstanding Principal amount of the loans consists of unaccreted OID and loan origination costs.
(2) Weighted average remaining life is calculated based on the carrying value of each respective group of loans as of December 31, 2024.
(3) Senior mortgage loans include senior loans that also have a contiguous subordinate loan because as a whole, the expected credit quality of the subordinate loan is more similar to that of a senior loan.
The following table presents changes in loans held at carrying value as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024:
Principal Original Issue
Discount Carrying Value
Total loans held at carrying value at December 31, 2023 $ — $ — $ —
New fundings 160,425,359 (2,085,761) 158,339,598
Interest drawn on loans 5,291,615 — 5,291,615
Accretion of original issue discount — 263,102 263,102
Loan repayments (33,160,685) — (33,160,685)
Total loans held at carrying value at December 31, 2024 $ 132,556,289 $ (1,822,659) $ 130,733,630
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain our assets and operations, make distributions to our shareholders and meet other general business needs. We use significant cash to purchase our target investments, repay principal and interest on our borrowings, make distributions to our shareholders and fund our operations. The sources of financing for our target investments are described below.
Our primary sources of cash generally consist of net proceeds of future debt or equity offerings, debt financing, including borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the SRTF Credit Facility, payments of principal and interest we receive on our portfolio of assets and cash generated from our operating results.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, all of our cash was unrestricted and totaled approximately $184.6 million and $31.2 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024, we believe that our cash on hand, capacity available under the Revolving Credit Facility, SRTF Credit Facility and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy the operating requirements of our business through at least the next twelve months.
Capital Markets
Given the nature of our business, we constantly explore both the public and private capital markets to raise capital, subject to market and other considerations.
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On January 29, 2025, we completed a registered public offering of 5,750,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $12.00 per share, of which 1,000,000 shares of common stock were sold to Leonard M. Tannenbaum, our Executive Chairman, at the public offering price. We received net proceeds from the January 2025 Offering of $65.3 million, net of underwriting discounts of $3.7 million. In connection with the January 2025 Offering, the underwriters were granted an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 862,500 shares of our common stock. On January 31, 2025, the underwriters partially exercised the over-allotment option with respect to 650,000 shares of common stock and we received additional net proceeds of $7.3 million, net of underwriting discounts of $0.5 million.
We intend to raise future equity capital and issue debt securities in order to fund our future investments in loans.
Revolving Credit Facility
On November 6, 2024, the Company entered into the Revolving Credit Facility, which contains initial aggregate commitments of $50.0 million, which may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn (subject to a borrowing base based on eligible loan obligations held by the Company and subject to the satisfaction of other conditions provided under the Revolving Credit Agreement). The amount of total commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility may be increased to up to $200.0 million in aggregate, subject to available borrowing base and lenders’ willingness to provide additional commitments.
See “Developments During the Year Ended December 31, 2024— Revolving Credit Facility” above.
SRTF Credit Facility
On December 9, 2024, the Company entered into the SRTF Credit Facility, which provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility with a $75.0 million commitment, which may be borrowed, repaid and redrawn, subject to a draw fee and the other conditions provided in the SRTF Credit Agreement .
See “Developments During the Year Ended December 31, 2024— SRTF Credit Facility” above.
Other Credit Facilities, Warehouse Facilities and Repurchase Agreements
In the future, we may also use other sources of financing to fund the origination or acquisition of our target investments, including other credit facilities and other secured and unsecured forms of borrowing. These financings may be collateralized or non-collateralized and may involve one or more lenders. We expect that these facilities will typically have maturities ranging from two to five years and may accrue interest at either fixed or floating rates.
Debt Service
As of December 31, 2024 , we believe that our cash on hand, capacity available under our Revolving Credit Facility and SRTF Credit Facility, and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to service our outstanding debt during the next twelve months.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth changes in cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2024 and during the period from August 28, 2023 to December 31, 2023 :
Year ended December 31, 2024 Period from August 28, 2023 to December 31, 2023
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 1,640,535 $ 244,622
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (125,178,913) —
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 276,920,526 31,000,000
Change in cash and cash equivalents $ 153,382,148 $ 31,244,622
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $1.6 million, compared to approximately $0.2 million for the period from August 28, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The increase of approximately $1.4 million during the period from August 28, 2023 to December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31,
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2024 was primarily due to an increase in net income of approximately $6.6 million, partially offset by changes in net working capital. The most significant items in working capital were an increase in non-cash interest income capitalized of $(5.3) million, an increase in interest receivable of approximately $(1.1) million, increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of approximately $(0.5) million, partially offset by an increase in accrued management and incentive fees of $0.4 million, increase in accrued direct administrative expenses of $0.7 million and increase in accounts payable and other liabilities of approximately $0.3 million.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $(125.2) million, compared to zero for the period from August 28, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The decrease of approximately $(125.2) million was primarily due to an increase in issuance and fundings on loans of approximately $(158.3) million, partially offset by an increase in principal repayments of loans of approximately $33.2 million.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $276.9 million, compared to $31.0 million for the period from August 28, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The increase of approximately $245.9 million during the period from August 28, 2023 to December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to an increase in net transfers and distributions from our Former Parent of approximately $49.1 million and an increase of $248.8 million in borrowings on the revolving credit facilities, offset by $(50.0) million in repayments on the SRTF Revolving Credit Facility.
Contractual Obligations, Other Commitments, and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
As of December 31, 2024
Less than
1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than
5 years Total
Unfunded commitments $ — $ 58,365,186 $ — $ — $ 58,365,186
Total $ — $ 58,365,186 $ — $ — $ 58,365,186
As of December 31, 2024 , all unfunded commitments were related to our total loan commitments and were available for funding in less than three years.
We may enter into certain contracts that may contain a variety of indemnification obligations. The maximum potential future payment amounts we could be required to pay under these indemnification obligations may be unlimited.
Off-balance sheet commitments consist of unfunded commitments on delayed draw loans. Other than as set forth in this Annual Report, we do 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, we have not guaranteed any obligations of unconsolidated entities or entered into any commitment to provide, nor do we intend to provide, additional funding to any such entities.
Dividends
We intend to elect to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, commencing with the taxable year ending December 31, 2024, and, as such, intend to annually distribute to our shareholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, prior to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding our net capital gain. If 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 (i) 85% of our ordinary income for the calendar year, (ii) 95% of our capital gain net income for the calendar year and (iii) any undistributed shortfall from our prior calendar year (the “Required Distribution”) to our shareholders 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 non-deductible excise tax equal to 4% of any shortfall between the Required Distribution and the amount that was actually distributed. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our shareholders. The 90% distribution requirement does not require the distribution of net capital gains.
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However, if we elect to retain any of our net capital gain for any tax year, we must notify our shareholders and pay tax at regular corporate rates on the retained net capital gain. The shareholders 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 we determine that our estimated current year taxable income (including net capital gain) will be in excess of estimated dividend distributions (including capital gains dividends) for the current year from such income, we will accrue excise tax on a portion of the estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned.
To the extent that our cash available for distribution is less than the amount required to be distributed under the REIT provisions of the Code, we may be required to fund distributions from working capital or through equity, equity-related or debt financings or, in certain circumstances, asset sales, as to which our ability to consummate transactions in a timely manner on favorable terms, or at all, cannot be assured, or we may make a portion of the Required Distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP which requires the use of estimates and assumptions that involve the exercise of judgment as to future uncertainties. In accordance with SEC guidance, the following discussion addresses the accounting policies that we believe apply to us based on the nature of our initial operations. Our most critical accounting policies involve decisions and assessments that could affect our reported assets and liabilities, as well as our reported revenues and expenses. We believe that all of the decisions and assessments used to prepare our financial statements are based upon reasonable assumptions given the information available to us at that time. Those accounting policies and estimates that we believe are most critical to an investor’s understanding of our financial results and condition and require complex management judgment are discussed below.
Loans Held for Investment
We originate commercial real estate debt and related instruments generally to be held for investment. Loans held for investment are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan original issue discount and origination costs and other original issue discounts (the “carrying value”). Although we generally hold our target investments as long-term loans, we may occasionally classify some of our loans as held for sale. Loans held for sale are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded through earnings.
Loans are generally collateralized by real estate, equipment and/or other assets of borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable laws and the regulations governing such borrowers. The extent of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral property and the financial and operating capability of the borrower could impact the expected amounts received. We monitor performance of our loans held for investment portfolio under the following methodology: (i) borrower review, which analyzes the borrower’s ability to execute on its original business plan, reviews its financial condition, assesses pending litigation and considers its general level of responsiveness and cooperation; (ii) economic review, which considers underlying collateral (i.e., leasing performance, unit sales and cash flow of the collateral and its ability to cover debt service, as well as the residual loan balance at maturity); (iii) property review, which considers current environmental risks, changes in insurance costs or coverage, current site visibility, capital expenditures and market perception; and (iv) market review, which analyzes the collateral from a supply and demand perspective of similar property types, as well as from a capital markets perspective.
We accrete or amortize any discounts or premiums on loans held for investment over the life of the related loan held for investment utilizing the effective interest method.
ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10”) expands the application of fair value accounting and defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 determines fair value to be the price that would be received for an investment in a current sale, which assumes an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820-10 assumes that the loan is sold in its principal market to market participants or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market, which may be a hypothetical market. Market participants are defined as buyers and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market that are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact. In accordance with ASC 820-10, if we elected the ASC 825-10 fair value option, we would consider its principal market as the market in which we exit our investments with the greatest volume and level of activity. ASC 820-10 specifies a
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hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. In accordance with ASC 820-10, these inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
• Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.
• Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
• Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
If inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, a loan’s level is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the loan. This includes loans that are valued using “bid” and “ask” prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services or directly from brokers.
Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment inherent in measuring fair value. As such, we obtain and analyze readily available market quotations provided by pricing vendors and brokers for all of our loans for which quotations are available. In determining the fair value of a particular loan, pricing vendors and brokers use observable market information, including both binding and non-binding indicative quotations.
GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial and nonfinancial 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 our 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 we anticipate 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 nonfinancial assets and liabilities could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. We use inputs that are current as of the measurement date, which may fall within periods of market dislocation, during which price transparency may be reduced.
Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve (“CECL”)
We estimate our CECL Reserve using a model that considers multiple datapoints and methodologies that may include discounted cash flows (“DCF”) and other inputs which may include the risk rating of the loan, how recently the loan was originated compared to the measurement date, and expected prepayment if applicable. Calculation of the CECL Reserve requires loan specific data, which may include fixed charge coverage ratio, loan-to-value, property type and geographic location. Estimating the CECL Reserve also requires significant judgment with respect to various factors, including but not limited to the expected timing of loan repayments and our current and future view of the macroeconomic environment. We may consider loan-specific qualitative factors on certain loans to estimate our 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 specific CECL allowance.
Revenue Recognition
Interest income from loans is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and the contractual terms of each loan. Revenue from OID is also recognized in interest income from loans over the initial loan term as a yield adjustment using the effective interest method. Management places loans on nonaccrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when full recovery of interest and principal is doubtful. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed against interest income in the period the loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are generally recognized on a cash basis and 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. Nonaccrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest are paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. We may make exceptions to placing a loan on nonaccrual status if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. Delayed draw loans earn interest or unused fees on the
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undrawn portion of the loan, which is recognized as interest income in the period earned. Other fees, including prepayment fees and exit fees, are also recognized as interest income when received. Any such fees will be generated in connection with our investments and recognized as earned in accordance with GAAP.
Interest Drawn on Loans
We have loans in our portfolio that contain provisions for funded interest. The interest drawn on loans is computed at the contractual rate specified in each applicable agreement and is accrued and added to the principal balance of the loan monthly in arrears and recorded as interest income. The interest income that is drawn on the loans is added to the principal balance and is generally collected upon repayment of the outstanding principal. To maintain our status as a REIT, this non-cash source of income is included in taxable income and will increase the dividend paid to shareholders for the year earned, even though we have not yet collected the cash.
Income Taxes
We are a Maryland corporation and intend to elect to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2024. We believe we have qualified, and our method of operation will enable us to continue to qualify, as a REIT. However, no assurances can be given that our beliefs or expectations will be fulfilled, since qualification as a REIT depends on us satisfying numerous asset, income and distribution tests which depend, in part, on our operating results.
To continue to qualify as a REIT, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we distribute annually to our shareholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income prior to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding our net capital gain. 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 Required Distributions to our shareholders 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. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our shareholders. 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 shareholders and pay tax at regular corporate rates on the retained net capital gain. The shareholders must include their proportionate share of the retained net capital gain in their taxable income for the tax year, and they will be 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 (including net capital gain) will be in excess of estimated dividend distributions (including capital gains dividends) for the current year from such income, we accrue excise tax on a portion of the estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned. The annual expense is calculated in accordance with applicable tax regulations. Excise tax expense is included in the line item income tax expense.
A TRS is a corporation in which we directly or indirectly own stock and that jointly with us elects to be treated as our TRS under Section 856(l) of the Code. If our TRS owns, directly or indirectly, securities representing 35% or more of the vote or value of a subsidiary corporation, that subsidiary will also be treated as our TRS. A TRS is subject to U.S. federal income tax and state and local income tax, where applicable, as a regular C corporation. Generally, a TRS can engage in activities that, if conducted by us other than through a TRS, could result in the receipt of non-qualified income or the ownership of non-qualified assets. However, several provisions regarding the arrangements between a REIT and its TRSs ensure that a TRS will be subject to an appropriate level of U.S. federal income taxation. For example, we will be obligated to pay a 100% penalty tax on some payments that we receive or certain other amounts or on certain expenses deducted by the TRS if the economic arrangements among us, our borrowers and/or the TRS are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties.
FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the 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. We have analyzed our various federal and state filing positions and believe that our income tax filing positions and deductions are well documented and supported as of December 31, 2024. Based on our evaluation, there is no reserve for an y uncertain income tax positions. Accrued interest and penalties, if any, are included within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
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JOBS Act
The JOBS Act permits an emerging growth company such as us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to avail ourselves of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised financial accounting standards.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (b) in which we have total annual revenue of at least $1.235 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which generally means the market value of our common equity that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of the prior fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter; and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Pending Adoption
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which describes recent accounting pronouncements that we have adopted and are pending adoption.