Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance

REFI

Market cap $261M

The cannabis sector continues evolving as capital markets slowly reopen. However, volatility remains high for plant-touching cannabis operators. Because of that, many investors look toward cannabis real estate investment trusts. These companies earn income through rent or interest, not cannabis sales. As a result, revenue can be more predictable during uncertain periods. Still, not all cannabis REITs follow the same strategy. Some focus on property ownership, while others specialize in lending. Therefore, understanding each model is essential before investing. January 2026 is an important month as investors reassess income opportunities. Below are three cannabis REITs investors are actively watching this year.

Chicago Atlantic has dipped by roughly 17% over the last year to swell its dividend yield to a record 17.34%. This was 106.4% covered by third-quarter distributable earnings. The mREIT is also swapping hands at a 15% discount to a book value of $14.71 per share at the end of the third quarter. Continued policy uncertainty, even after the December executive order to shift cannabis to Schedule III, could keep a cap on a possible recovery of the commons.

The Dividend Power strategy highlights 35 high-yield, low-valuation stocks, with 6 identified as 'safer' due to strong free cash flow coverage. The top ten DiviPower stocks are projected to deliver an average net gain of 40.62% by January 2027, with risk/volatility 14% below the market. Seventeen of thirty-five Dividend Power Dogs show negative free cash flow margins, signaling unsustainable dividends and elevated risk.

NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ: REFI), and Chicago Atlantic BDC, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIEN) announced that Chief Executive Officer Peter Sack will participate in a fireside chat moderated by Zuanic and Associates later today at 2:00 p.m. ET.

What are the thoughts and strategies for marijuana stock investors in 2026? This year will be another turning point for the cannabis industry as a whole. Particularly in the United States, 2026 is gearing up to be another ride. With the recent rescheduling of cannabis, there is a lot of work that will need to be followed up on. What this looks like is more companies working together through strategic partnerships, leading towards a more corporate structure.

The U.S. cannabis industry continues to evolve as legalization momentum slowly expands. Sales have grown across both medical and adult-use markets. Analysts expect long-term demand to keep rising as more states approve regulated programs. However, plant-touching companies still face regulatory hurdles, difficult banking conditions, and market challenges. Because of this, many investors have started to focus on ancillary stocks instead. These companies do not touch the plant. Yet, they still benefit from industry growth.

Cannabis real estate investment trusts remain a unique way to gain sector exposure. Instead of selling cannabis, these companies collect rent or interest. As a result, they reduce direct operational risk. Still, tenant health and capital markets remain critical factors. As December 2025 approaches, several names stand out for investors. In particular, Innovative Industrial Properties, NewLake Capital Partners, and Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance deserve attention. Each offers a different risk and income profile. Therefore, understanding their structures matters before committing capital.

CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ: REFI), a commercial mortgage real estate investment trust, announced that its board of directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share for the fourth quarter of 2025. The regular quarterly dividend, which equates to an annualized rate of $1.88 per common share, is payable on January 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2025.

Top ten ReFa/Ro Dogs are projected to deliver 25.31%–74.17% net gains by November 2026, with a 45.85% average gain on $10k invested. All top ten ReFa/Ro Dogs meet the 'ideal' test: dividends from $1k invested exceed their single share price, enhancing yield-focused strategies. Analyst targets suggest the five lowest-priced, highest-yield ReFa/Ro Dogs could outperform, with Hafnia Ltd (HAFN) showing top estimated gains of 88.07%.

The December Dividend Power list identifies 35 high-yield stocks, with 14 offering 'safer' dividends backed by free cash flow yields exceeding dividend yields. Top actionable picks include Annaly Capital, Barings BDC, Noah Holdings, Blue Owl Capital, and SLR Investment, all meeting the dogcatcher ideal for safety and value. Analyst projections estimate average net gains of 38.75% for the top ten Dividend Power stocks by December 2026, with risk profiles generally below market average.