WEST PALM BEACH, FL - AFC Gamma, Inc. has finalized the spin-off of its commercial real estate portfolio into a separate, publicly-traded real estate investment trust named Sunrise Realty Trust, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNS), as per a recent SEC filing. The transaction was completed on Monday, with Sunrise Realty Trust commencing trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market the following day.
The newly formed Sunrise Realty Trust inherits AFC Gamma's commercial real estate holdings through a Separation and Distribution Agreement. Shareholders of AFC Gamma as of the close of business on Monday received one share of Sunrise Realty Trust for every three shares of AFC Gamma held.
The agreement also outlines indemnification obligations, asset and liability transfers, and tax responsibilities post-separation. AFC Gamma and Sunrise Realty Trust have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities and have established a tax matters agreement to manage tax obligations and entitlements to tax refunds.
In conjunction with the spin-off, changes to the board of directors and executive positions have taken place. Jodi Hanson Bond and James Fagan have resigned from AFC Gamma's Board to join Sunrise Realty Trust's Board. Leonard Tannenbaum has been appointed as the Executive Chairman of the new entity while retaining his role at AFC Gamma.
Alexander Frank will serve on both boards. Moreover, Brandon Hetzel and Robyn Tannenbaum have been appointed as Chief Financial Officer and President of Sunrise Realty Trust, respectively, while maintaining their positions with AFC Gamma.
The filing includes unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information, reflecting the company's financial position after the separation. The detailed financial statements and agreements related to the spin-off are available in the exhibits attached to the SEC filing.
This strategic move allows AFC Gamma to focus on its remaining business while providing Sunrise Realty Trust with the autonomy to grow independently. The information for this article is based on a press release statement.
In other recent news, AFC Gamma, Inc. reported a steady first quarter in 2024, generating distributable earnings of $0.49 per share and maintaining a $0.48 dividend per share for the fourth consecutive quarter.
The company has also announced the completion of a strategic spin-off, resulting in the creation of Sunrise Realty Trust, Inc. (SUNS), a new independent publicly-traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). This move separates AFC Gamma's commercial real estate portfolio into a distinct entity, potentially allowing each organization to focus on its core business strategies and growth opportunities.
Post-spin-off, Jodi Hanson Bond and Jim Fagan will step down from the AFC Gamma Board of Directors and join the SUNS Board, while Alexander Frank will retain his position on the AFC Gamma Board and also be appointed to the SUNS Board. These recent developments reflect AFC Gamma's efforts to streamline its operations and provide shareholders with targeted investment opportunities within the real estate sector.
In addition, AFC Gamma expressed optimism about the growth prospects of the cannabis industry, citing state-by-state legalization and increasing consumer acceptance as key drivers. The company is well-positioned in early-stage and near-term adult-use transition states, with a third of its portfolio exposed to Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania. These updates provide a snapshot of the company's recent developments and strategic moves.
InvestingPro Insights
As AFC Gamma, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFCG) navigates through its strategic spin-off, investors may find value in the real-time metrics provided by InvestingPro. With a market capitalization of $240.15 million and an adjusted P/E ratio of 19.4 for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, AFC Gamma presents a mixed financial picture. The company's significant dividend yield of 16.52% as of mid-2021 stands out, especially in the current market environment where steady income streams are highly valued by investors.
Two notable InvestingPro Tips for AFC Gamma include the company's ability to cover its short-term obligations with liquid assets and the analysts' prediction of profitability for the year. These insights may reassure investors looking for stability and growth potential in AFC Gamma's financial health post-separation. Additionally, with the company having been profitable over the last twelve months, investors can approach this transition with a degree of confidence in the company's financial performance.
For those interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers a range of additional tips for AFC Gamma. By using the coupon code PRONEWS24, investors can get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription, gaining access to valuable insights that could inform their investment decisions during this period of corporate restructuring.
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