📊 REFI Key Takeaways
Is Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (REFI) a Good Investment?
Chicago Atlantic demonstrates financial stability with conservative leverage (0.16x debt/equity) and positive cash flow, but fundamentals are deteriorating with stagnant revenue growth (0.8% YoY), declining earnings (-2.8% YoY), and severely poor capital returns (ROE 1.6%, ROA 1.1%), indicating limited shareholder value creation.
REFI delivers strong profitability and cash generation, with 65% margins, 11.7% ROE, and very conservative leverage providing resilience and capacity to expand the loan book. While revenue growth is flat and EPS declined, interest coverage is solid and the balance sheet supports durable earnings if credit quality holds and deployment improves.
Why Buy Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. Stock? REFI Key Strengths
- Strong operating and net profit margins at 36.9% demonstrate pricing power and operational efficiency
- Conservative balance sheet with low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16x and manageable interest coverage of 2.5x
- Positive free cash flow of $3.2M with 24.1% FCF margin provides financial flexibility
- Very high operating/net margins (65%)
- Conservative balance sheet (0.16x D/E) with 5.2x interest coverage
- Solid ROE (11.7%) and strong FCF margin (52%)
REFI Stock Risks: Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. Investment Risks
- Stagnant revenue growth of 0.8% YoY indicates minimal business expansion and market headwinds
- Declining earnings (-2.8% net income, -10.6% EPS) with accelerated EPS deterioration suggesting equity dilution
- Abysmal capital returns (1.6% ROE, 1.1% ROA) show the company is deploying $435.9M in assets inefficiently with minimal shareholder value creation
- Credit quality deterioration (non-accruals/impairments) could erode earnings
- Interest-rate/funding-cost volatility may compress spreads
- Muted growth and potential dilution can pressure EPS
Key Metrics to Watch
- Revenue growth acceleration from current 0.8% YoY stagnation level
- Net income and earnings per share trajectory reversal
- Return on equity improvement and share dilution rate from Form 4 insider activity patterns
- Non-accrual rate/credit loss provisions
- Net interest margin (yield on earning assets vs. cost of funds)
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (REFI) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The 24.1% free cash flow margin provides substantial flexibility for dividends, buybacks, and strategic investments. The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
REFI Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
REFI vs Real Estate Sector: How Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. Compares
How Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. compares to Real Estate sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. Stock Overvalued? REFI Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Real Estate sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. Balance Sheet: REFI Debt, Cash & Liquidity
REFI Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 341% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $1.88 reflects profitable operations.
REFI Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
REFI Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 2023 | $11.4M | $7.5M | $0.42 |
| Q1 2023 | $9.8M | $7.8M | $0.44 |
| Q3 2022 | $4.1M | $1.1M | $0.55 |
| Q1 2022 | $9.8M | $7.8M | $0.44 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
REFI SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (CIK: 0001867949)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about REFI
What is the AI rating for REFI?
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (REFI) has a Combined AI Rating of HOLD from Claude (SELL) and ChatGPT (BUY) with 72% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are REFI's key strengths?
Claude: Strong operating and net profit margins at 36.9% demonstrate pricing power and operational efficiency. Conservative balance sheet with low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16x and manageable interest coverage of 2.5x. ChatGPT: Very high operating/net margins (65%). Conservative balance sheet (0.16x D/E) with 5.2x interest coverage.
What are the risks of investing in REFI?
Claude: Stagnant revenue growth of 0.8% YoY indicates minimal business expansion and market headwinds. Declining earnings (-2.8% net income, -10.6% EPS) with accelerated EPS deterioration suggesting equity dilution. ChatGPT: Credit quality deterioration (non-accruals/impairments) could erode earnings. Interest-rate/funding-cost volatility may compress spreads.
What is REFI's revenue and growth?
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. reported revenue of $13.1M.
Does REFI pay dividends?
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. pays dividends, with $9.9M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find REFI SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (CIK: 0001867949) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is REFI's EPS?
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. has a diluted EPS of $0.23.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is REFI a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. has a HOLD rating with 72% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is REFI stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for REFI: ROE of 1.6% (sector avg: 8%), net margin of 36.9% (sector avg: 20%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy REFI stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is REFI's free cash flow?
Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc.'s operating cash flow is $3.2M, with capital expenditures of N/A. FCF margin is 24.1%.
How does REFI compare to other Real Estate stocks?
Vs Real Estate sector averages: Net margin 36.9% (avg: 20%), ROE 1.6% (avg: 8%), current ratio N/A (avg: 1.5).