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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
FORM 10-K
SHEPHERD’S FINANCE, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this Form 10-K of Shepherd’s Finance, LLC, other than historical facts, may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” or other similar words identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this report, including without limitation, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and include statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectation about, among other things, trends affecting the markets in which we operate, our business, financial condition and growth strategies.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: The recent rise in interest rates; the coming anticipated drop-in interest rates; general economic and geopolitical uncertainty; and those other risks described in other risk factors as outlined in this Form 10-K. Actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of this Form 10-K. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with our business, and important factors that could cause our actual results to vary materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, please refer to the factors set forth in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” sections of the documents we file from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, this report and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
When considering forward-looking statements, our risk factors, as well as the other cautionary statements in this report and in our Registration Statement on Form S-1, should be kept in mind. Do not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. We are not obligated to update forward-looking statements.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Purpose and History
Our business is focused on commercial lending to participants in the residential construction and development industry. We believe this market is underserved because of the lack of traditional lenders currently fully participating in the market. We were originally formed as a Pennsylvania limited liability company on May 10, 2007. To meet our business objectives, we changed our name to Shepherd’s Finance, LLC on December 2, 2011. We converted to a Delaware limited liability company on March 29, 2012. We are located in Jacksonville, Florida. As used in this report, “we,” “us,” “our,” and “Company” refer to Shepherd’s Finance, LLC. We have an internet website at www.shepherdsfinance.com. We are not incorporating by reference into this report any material from our website. The reference to our website is an inactive textual reference to the uniform resource locator (URL) and is for reference only.
Through August 6, 2025, we were the sole member of two consolidating subsidiaries, 339 Justabout Land Company (“339”) and Builder’s Assistance, LLC (“Builder’s Assistance”). On August 6, 2025, we sold 339. The Company operates pursuant to its Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement effective as of March 16, 2017, and as subsequently amended.
The commercial loans we extend are secured by mortgages on the underlying real estate. We extend and service commercial loans to small-to-medium sized homebuilders for the purchase of lots and/or the construction of homes thereon. In some circumstances, the lot is purchased with an older home on the lot which is then either removed or rehabilitated. If the home is rehabilitated, the loan is referred to as a “rehab” loan. We also extend and service loans for the purchase of lots and undeveloped land and the development of that land into residential building lots. In addition, we may, depending on our cash position and the opportunities available to us, do neither or either of the following: purchase defaulted unsecured debt from suppliers to homebuilders at a discount (and then secure that debt with real estate or other collateral), and purchase defaulted secured debt from financial institutions at a discount. In a few instances, we have acquired property and hired contractors to build a house or develop the land into lots. Sometimes this is done purely to make money, sometimes it is done to better secure our position in an ongoing project that we are lending on, and sometimes to help sell a piece of real estate that we own. At Builder’s Assistance, we help builders grow their net profit and production capacity. Currently most of that activity centers around offering accounting services. These services do not include tax services.
Experience and Resources
Our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Mr. Wallach, has been in the housing industry since 1985. He was the Chief Financial Officer of a multi-billion-dollar supplier of building materials to home builders for 12 years. He also was responsible for that company’s lending business for 20 years. During those years, he was responsible for the creation and implementation of many secured lending programs to builders. Some of these were performed fully by that company, and some were performed in partnerships with banks. In general, the creation of all loans, and the resolution of defaulted loans, was his responsibility, whether the loans were company loans or loans in partnership with banks. Through these programs, he was responsible for the creation of approximately $2,000,000,000 in loans which generated interest spread of $50,000,000, after deducting for credit losses. Through the years, he managed the development of systems for reducing and managing the risks and losses on defaulted loans. Mr. Wallach also was responsible for that company’s unsecured debt to builders, which reached over $300,000,000 at its peak. He also gained experience in securing defaulted unsecured debt.
In addition, Barbara L. Harshman, our Executive Vice President of Operations, has 21 years of experience in this type of lending. Catherine Leslie, our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) has 23 years of SEC registrant accounting experience and over eight years of experience in this industry. Mark Reynolds, our Executive Vice President of Sales has over 24 years of experience in the construction finance industry.
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Human Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2025, we have retained 25 employees (four of which are lending representatives) including our CEO. In his previous experience, our CEO had a nationwide staff of 20 lenders in the field. The development, attraction, and retention of employees is a strong focus for the Company, as it is fostering and maintaining a strong, healthy corporate culture. Additionally, as described in more detail elsewhere in this report, we have an executive compensation program designed to attract, retain, and motivate highly talented executives and to align each executive’s incentives with our short-term and long-term objectives, while maintaining a healthy and stable financial position.
Opportunity, Strategy, and Approach
Background and Strategy
Finance markets are highly fragmented, with numerous large, mid-size, and small lenders and investment companies, such as banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, insurance companies, private lenders and institutional lenders, all competing for investment opportunities. Many of these market participants experienced losses, as a result of the housing market (which started to decline in 2006, reached its bottom in 2008, improved through late 2019, and since has been relatively stable nationally (within 20% of the December 2019 level), and their participation in lending in it. As a result of credit losses and restrictive government oversight, financial institutions are not participating in this market to the extent they had before the 2008 credit crisis. Nonregulated builder focused lenders (of which we are one) have increased their presence since 2008. Our goal is not to be the customer’s only source of commercial lending, but an extra, more user and capital-friendly piece of their financing. We help builders grow their businesses by requiring less money down than typical lenders, and the tradeoff for that is a higher cost for the builder (but typically a higher return percentage wise on their lower investment).
Our loans are marketed by lending representatives who work for us and are driven to maintain long-term customer relationships. Compensation for loan originators is focused on the profitability of loans originated, not simply the volume of loans originated.
Our efforts are designed to create a loan portfolio that includes some or all the following investment characteristics: (i) provides current income; (ii) is well-secured by residential real estate; (iii) is short term in nature; and (iv) provides high interest spreads.
Our investment policies may be amended or changed at any time by our board of managers. In the years ahead, we plan on maintaining or growing our current level of lending, increasing our geographic diversity, growing our rehab lending program, increasing our accounting services for builders’ revenue, and improving our financial performance. We may be adding systems and people to accomplish these goals.
Risk and Mitigation
We believe that, while creating speculative construction loans is a high-risk venture, the opportunity for margin, the differences in our lending versus typical small bank lending, and our loss mitigation techniques will all help this type of lending to continue to be a profitable business.
We engage in various activities to try to mitigate the risks inherent in this type of lending by:
| ● | Keeping the loan-to-value ratio (“LTV”), between 60% and 75% on a portfolio basis, however, individual loans may, from time to time, have a greater LTV; | |
| ● | Generally using deposits from the builder on home construction loans to ensure the completion of the home. Lending losses on defaulted loans are usually a higher percentage when the home is not built, or is only partially built; | |
| ● | Having a higher yield than other forms of secured real estate lending; | |
| ● | Using interest escrows for some of our loans; | |
| ● | Aggressively working with builders who are in default on their loan before and during foreclosure. This technique generally yields a reduced realized loss; and | |
| ● | Market grading. We review all lending markets, analyzing their historic housing start cycles. Then, the current position of housing starts is examined in each market. Markets are classified into volatile, average, or stable, and then graded based on that classification and our opinion of where the market is in its housing cycle. This grading is then used to determine the builder deposit amount, LTV, and how much of the lot purchase the builder is required to fund. Typically, builders who enter a market at one grade maintain that grade if they perform well in that market, even as the market changes its grade. |
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The following table contains items that we believe differentiate us from our competitors:
| Item | Our Methods | Comments | ||
| Lending Regulation | We follow various state and federal laws but are not regulated and controlled by bank examiners from the government. We follow the best practices we have learned through our experience, some of which are required by banks. | For instance, banks are not required to buy title insurance by law, but typically banks do purchase title insurance for the properties on which they lend. We generally do not, as it is very difficult to collect on title policies. Instead, we use title searches to protect our interests. | ||
| FDIC Insurance | We do not offer FDIC insurance to our unsecured notes investors. | Our yield to our customers, and our cost of funds, is typically higher than that of most banks. We charge our borrowers higher interest rates than most banks do. We also save money by not paying for FDIC insurance. |
| Capital Structure | Typically, our unsecured notes offered through our notes program are due in one to four years, or when the Note matures. | This results in liquidity risk (i.e., funding borrowing requests or maturities of debt). Our assets typically turnover much quicker (about 4 times faster) than our average unsecured debt does, and our unsecured debt is mostly prepayable. These items help keep liquidity stable. Our development and lot loans typically have durations well beyond the construction loan timeframe. | ||
| Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)(1) | We do not participate in the CRA. | Our sole purpose in making each individual loan is to maximize our returns while maintaining proper risk management. | ||
| Leverage | We try to maintain a 15% ratio of equity (including preferred equity) to loan assets. | Our equity to loan assets, net ratio was 13.9% as of December 31, 2025. The higher the percentage, the more potential losses the company can absorb without impacting debt holders. | ||
| Product Diversification | We generally make loans for builders to purchase lots and/or to construct or rehab homes. | We have extensive experience in our field. | ||
| Geographic Diversity | We provide lending services in 21 states as of December 31, 2025. | We believe that this geographic diversity helps in down markets, as not all housing markets decrease at the same rate and time. | ||
| Governmental Bailouts | Most likely not eligible. | We are not likely to be eligible for bank bailouts, which have happened periodically. We maintain a better leverage ratio to counter this. | ||
| Underwriting | We focus on items that, in our experience, tend to predict risk. | These items include using collateral, controlling LTVs, controlling the number of loans in one subdivision, underwriting appraisals, conducting property inspections, and maintaining certain files and documents similar to those that a bank might maintain. |
| (1) | The CRA subjects a bank who receives FDIC insurance to regulatory assessment to determine if the bank meets the credit needs of its entire community, and to consider that determination in its evaluation of any application made by the bank for, among other things, approval of the acquisition or establishment of a bank branch. |
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Lines of Business
Our efforts are designed to create a loan portfolio that includes some or all the following investment characteristics: (i) provides current income; (ii) is well-secured by residential real estate; (iii) is short term in nature; and (iv) provides high interest spreads. While we primarily provide commercial construction loans to homebuilders (for residential real estate), we may also purchase defaulted unsecured debt from suppliers to homebuilders at a discount (and then secure that debt with real estate or other collateral), purchase defaulted secured debt from financial institutions at a discount, and purchase real estate in which we will operate our business.
Our investment policies may be amended or changed at any time by our board of managers.
Construction Loans for Homebuilders
We extend and service commercial loans to small-to-medium sized homebuilders for the purchase of lots and/or the construction of homes thereon. Our customers generally benefit from doing business with us not just because they are able to sell additional homes (which we finance), but because, as they build additional homes, they are able to increase sales of homes that are built as contracted homes, where the eventual homeowner obtains the loan. Builders generally have more success selling homes when a model or spec home is available for customers to see. We also extend and service loans for the purchase of undeveloped land and the development of that land into residential building lots. In addition, we lend money to purchase and rehabilitate older existing homes. Most of the loans are for “spec homes” or “spec lots,” meaning they are built or developed speculatively (with no specific end-user homeowner in mind).
In a typical home construction transaction, a homebuilder obtains a loan to purchase a lot and build a home on that lot. In some cases, the builder has a contract with a customer to purchase the home upon its completion. In other cases, the home is built as a spec home, but the homebuilder believes it will sell before or shortly after completion, and therefore, building the home before it is under contract will increase the homebuilder’s sales and profitability. The builder may also believe that the construction of a spec home will increase the number of contract sales the homebuilder will have in a given year, as it may be easier to sell contract homes when the customer can see the builder’s work in the spec home. In some cases, these speculatively built homes are constructed with the intention of keeping them as a model for a period of time, to increase contract sales, and then be sold. These are called model homes. While we may lend to a homebuilder for any of these types of new construction homes, for the year 2025, about 84% of our construction loans were created as spec homes and 16% were contracts.
In a typical rehab transaction, we fund all of the purchase price, and then all or a portion of the cost to complete the project. In some circumstances, we are unable to see the inside of the home prior to closing, so we assume that anything from drywall to completion needs to be redone, as well as what we can see from the outside.
We fund the loans that we originate using available cash resources that are generated primarily from borrowings, our loan purchase and sale agreements, proceeds from the fixed rate subordinated notes (“Notes”) offered pursuant to our public offering (“Notes Program”), equity, and net operating cash flow. We intend to continue funding loans we originate using the same sources.
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There is a seasonal aspect to home construction, and this affects our monthly cash flow. In general, since the home construction loans, we made will last less than a year on average and we are geographically diverse, the seasonal impact is somewhat mitigated.
Generally, our real estate loans are secured by one or more of the following:
| ● | The homes being constructed; | |
| ● | the parcels of land to be developed; | |
| ● | finished lots; | |
| ● | new or rehabbed single-family homes; and/or | |
| ● | in most cases, personal guarantees of the principals of the borrower entity. |
Most of our lending is based on the following general policies:
| Customer Type | Small-to-Medium Size Homebuilders | |
| Loan Type | Commercial | |
| Loan Purpose | Construction/Rehabilitation of Homes or Development of Lots | |
| Security | Homes, Lots, and/or Land | |
| Priority | Generally, our loans are secured by a first priority mortgage lien; however, we may make loans secured by a second or other lower priority mortgage lien. | |
| Loan-to-Value Averages | 60-75% |
| Loan Amounts | Our average home construction loan was $445,000 as of December 31, 2025. Development loans vary greatly. | |
| Term | Demand, however most home construction loans typically payoff in under one year, and development loans are typically three to five-year projects. | |
| Rate | Cost of Funds (“COF”) plus 2.5%, minimum rate of 7.75% | |
| Origination Fee | 5% for home construction loans, development loans on a case-by-case basis | |
| Title Insurance | Only on high-risk loans and rehabs | |
| Hazard Insurance | Always | |
| General Liability Insurance | Always | |
| Credit | Builders should have significant building experience in the market, be building in the market currently, be able to make payments of interest, be able to make the required deposit, have acceptable personal credit, and have open lines of credit (unsecured) with suppliers reasonably within terms. Required deposits may be avoided if we do not fund the purchase of land. We generally do not advertise to find customers, but use our loan representatives and our builder website, www.constructionspecloans.com. | |
| Third Party Guarantor | None; however, the loans are generally guaranteed by the owners of the borrower. |
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We may change these policies at any time based on then-existing market conditions or otherwise at the discretion of our CEO and the Board of Managers.
Development of Land Parcels
On February 15, 2024, the Company completed its acquisition of 339 Justabout Land Co. LLC (“339”), in a transaction valued at $9,122,000. The Company paid cash consideration of $3,000,000 plus the amount of our intercompany debt. The property was then subdivided into two parcels. One parcel was being developed into lots for home construction (“Phase 1 Lots”) and the other parcel was being developed into a second phase of lots (“Phase 2 Lots”).
During our ownership of 339, we earned fees and had sales and cost of goods sold related to lot sales. We also invested money in developing Phase 1 Lots and permitting Phase 2 Lots within the development.
On August 6, 2025, the Company completed the sale of all assets held by 339, a business segment, to the principal owners of the Company’s largest customer, Benjamin Marcus Homes (“BMH” or “Buyer”), for a sales price of $9,876,000.
Other investments
We own other investments related to real estate, with earnings and risk objectives similar to lending. As of December 31, 2025, we own a lot near Orlando, Florida with a book value of $169,000. We also have an investment in a fund in common management with one of our borrowers which buys lots and build homes. We lend money to that fund as well. The investment is treated as a loan receivable on the Company’s balance sheet.
In addition, we may, depending on our cash position and the opportunities available to us, do neither or either of the following: purchase defaulted unsecured debt from suppliers to homebuilders at a discount (and then secure that debt with real estate or other collateral), and purchase defaulted secured debt from financial institutions at a discount. We currently have a secured loan on our books which was purchased from a lender at a discount. The loan was booked at the discounted purchase price, and interest is being recognized monthly and paid in conjunction with principal payments. The asset purchased at a discount is treated as a loan receivable on the Company’s balance sheet.
Builder’s Assistance
At Builder’s Assistance, we help builders grow their net profit and production capacity. Currently most of that activity centers around offering accounting services. These services do not include tax services. We provide a variety of services which include but are not limited to, data entry, journal entries, cash balancing, purchase order issuing, budget control, and financial statements. We also offer customers consultations to help them improve their business, ranging from gross profit analysis to cash management.
2026 Outlook
During 2026, we anticipate that the housing market in most of the areas in which we do business will likely improve, as we believe that the long-term interest rates that our borrowers’ customers use are likely to fall. There is a risk if mortgage rates drop that many homeowners in existing low-rate mortgages will decide to “move up” and sell their low mortgage rate home, flooding the market with homes. Offsetting that risk is the fact that they will also increase demand for homes as they will need one to live in. Rents may become less affordable vs. owning a home, which helps our customer. While we don’t anticipate the market flooding to negatively impact us, there is little history to go by and this might cause housing prices to drop steeply, which will hurt our existing loans. Of course, rates may not fall, or they may instead go up, or the actual impact of falling rates may not result in an enhanced housing market. While we are anticipating growth in housing and loan balances, we are prepared for a declining market as well.
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In 2026, we don’t anticipate increasing our investments that are not loans or foreclosed assets.
Commercial Loans – Construction Loan Portfolio Summary
The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for home construction loans as of December 31, 2025:
(All dollar [$] amounts shown in table in thousands.)
| State | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Value of Collateral | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | Loan Fee | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 2 | 4 | $ | 1,719 | $ | 1,126 | $ | 1,126 | 66 | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 1 | 1 | 1,285 | 1,750 | 1,439 | 137 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Connecticut | 1 | 3 | 1,730 | 1,162 | 890 | 67 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 11 | 50 | 23,854 | 16,637 | 10,984 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 7 | 10 | 6,448 | 4,228 | 3,068 | 66 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Idaho | 1 | 1 | 2,770 | 1,500 | 874 | 54 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 1 | 1 | 1,500 | 815 | 606 | 54 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | 2 | 3 | 825 | 623 | 594 | 76 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Michigan | 1 | 1 | 970 | 582 | 171 | 60 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mississippi | 1 | 1 | 335 | 258 | 258 | 77 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Montana | 2 | 2 | 975 | 683 | 578 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New Jersey | 1 | 4 | 1,798 | 1,531 | 1,471 | 85 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New York | 1 | 5 | 2,248 | 1,345 | 488 | 60 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | 8 | 14 | 6,530 | 4,135 | 1,861 | 63 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Oklahoma | 1 | 1 | 167 | 117 | 77 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 18 | 20,748 | 16,368 | 13,055 | 79 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 7 | 26 | 10,739 | 8,394 | 4,808 | 78 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | 2 | 3 | 1,061 | 743 | 718 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Utah | 1 | 1 | 4,880 | 3,538 | 1,213 | 73 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Virginia | 1 | 2 | 592 | 362 | 236 | 61 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 54 | (3) | 151 | $ | 91,174 | $ | 65,897 | $ | 44,515 | 72 | % (2) | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | The loan to value ratio is calculated by taking the commitment amount and dividing by the appraised value. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average loan to value ratio of the loans. |
| (2) | Total number of borrowers is 53. One borrower has construction loans in North Carolina and South Carolina which is reflected in the Number of Borrowers column of the table above. |
The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for home construction loans as of December 31, 2024:
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(All dollar [$] amounts shown in table in thousands.)
| State | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Value of Collateral | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | Loan Fee | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 1 | 2 | $ | 890 | $ | 634 | $ | 633 | 71 | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 1 | 1 | 3,210 | 1,750 | 1,346 | 55 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Connecticut | 1 | 2 | 1,040 | 728 | 389 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 9 | 42 | 16,089 | 11,081 | 6,874 | 69 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 3 | 6 | 3,301 | 2,037 | 878 | 62 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Idaho | 1 | 4 | 1,462 | 1,060 | 661 | 73 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 1 | 1 | 1,727 | 992 | 1,781 | 57 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | 4 | 6 | 1,613 | 1,169 | 1,031 | 72 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Michigan | 1 | 1 | 890 | 481 | 27 | 54 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mississippi | 1 | 1 | 369 | 258 | 258 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New Jersey | 2 | 4 | 1,585 | 1,362 | 1,122 | 86 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New York | 1 | 1 | 650 | 455 | 105 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | 9 | 18 | 10,737 | 6,642 | 4,786 | 62 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Ohio | 3 | 3 | 1,275 | 857 | 1,074 | 67 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 22 | 24,449 | 18,065 | 15,192 | 74 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 10 | 49 | 22,057 | 14,309 | 7,438 | 65 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | 3 | 4 | 1,334 | 893 | 748 | 67 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 2 | 3 | 2,320 | 1,844 | 1,567 | 79 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Utah | 1 | 3 | 2,918 | 1,792 | 1,422 | 61 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Virginia | 3 | 4 | 1,546 | 982 | 672 | 64 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 59 | 177 | $ | 99,462 | $ | 67,391 | $ | 48,004 | 68 | % (2) | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) | The loan to value ratio is calculated by taking the commitment amount and dividing by the appraised value. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average loan to value ratio of the loans. |
Commercial Loans – Real Estate Development Loan Portfolio Summary
In a typical development transaction, a homebuilder/developer purchases a specific parcel or parcels of land. Developers must secure financing to pay the purchase price for the land as well as to pay expenses incurred while developing the lots. This is the financing we provide. Once financing has been secured, the lot developers create individual lots. Developers secure permits allowing the property to be developed and then design and build roads and utility systems for water, sewer, gas, and electricity to service the property. The individual lots are then sold before a home is built on them; paid off, built on and then sold; or built on, then sold and paid off (in these cases, we may subordinate our loan to the home construction loan).
The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for land development as of December 31, 2025:
(All dollar [$] amounts shown in table in thousands.)
| States | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Value of Collateral | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | Interest Spread(3) |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 2 | 2 | 550 | 630 | 350 | 115 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 1 | 1 | 560 | 100 | 99 | 18 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | 1 | 1 | 150 | 88 | 88 | 59 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| New Jersey | 1 | 1 | 88 | 56 | 56 | 64 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | 2 | 2 | 3,037 | 681 | 680 | 22 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 2 | 15,337 | 14,066 | 12,854 | 92 | % | varies | |||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 1 | 1 | 1,500 | 487 | 539 | 32 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Utah | 2 | 2 | 3,146 | 1,600 | 868 | 51 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Wyoming | 1 | 1 | 2,750 | 1,635 | 1,634 | 59 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 12 | 13 | $ | 27,118 | $ | 19,343 | $ | 17,168 | 71 | % (2) | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | The loan to value ratio is calculated by taking the outstanding amount and dividing by the appraised value calculated as described above. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average loan to value ratio of the loans. |
| (3) | The interest spread varies for the state of Pennsylvania and is 7% across other states. |
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The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for land development as of December 31, 2024:
(All dollar [$] amounts shown in table in thousands.)
| States | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Value of Collateral | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | Interest Spread(3) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 2 | 2 | 2,469 | 1,500 | 268 | 11 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 1 | 1 | 346 | 275 | 159 | 46 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New York | 1 | 1 | 300 | 300 | 300 | 100 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 1 | 2,484 | 3,700 | 1,919 | 77 | % | varies | ||||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 1 | 1 | 1,860 | 487 | 488 | 26 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 6 | 6 | $ | 7,459 | $ | 6,262 | $ | 3,134 | 42 | % (2) | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) | The loan to value ratio is calculated by taking the outstanding amount and dividing by the appraised value calculated as described above. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average loan to value ratio of the loans. |
| (3) | The interest spread varies for the state of Pennsylvania and is 7% across other states. |
Credit Quality Information
See the notes to our financial statements for credit quality information.
Competition
Historically, our industry has been highly competitive. We compete for opportunities with numerous public and private investment vehicles, including financial institutions, specialty finance companies, mortgage banks, pension funds, opportunity funds, hedge funds, REITs, and other institutional investors, as well as individuals. Many competitors are significantly larger than us, have well-established operating histories and may have greater access to capital, resources and other advantages over us. These competitors may be willing to accept lower returns on their investments or to modify underwriting standards and, as a result, our origination volume and profit margins could be adversely affected.
We believe that this is a good time to extend commercial loans to builders in the residential real estate market because this market appears underserved. We expect our loans to be different than other lenders in the markets in which we are active. Typically, the differences are:
| ● | our loans may have a higher fee; | |
| ● | our loans typically require a small deposit which is refundable, versus a large upfront payment for the lot which is not refundable; and | |
| ● | some of our loans may have lower costs as a result of not requiring title insurance. |
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Regulatory Matters
Financial Regulation
Our operations are not subject to the stringent regulatory requirements imposed upon the operations of commercial banks, savings banks, and thrift institutions. We are not subject to periodic compliance examinations by federal or state banking regulators. Further, our Notes are not certificates of deposit or similar obligations or guaranteed by any depository institution and are not insured by the FDIC or any governmental or private insurance fund, or any other entity.
The Investment Company Act of 1940
An investment company is defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), to include any issuer engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities. Absent an exemption, investment companies are required to register as such with the SEC and to comply with various governance and operational requirements. If we were considered an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, we would be subject to numerous requirements and restrictions relating to our structure and operation. If we were required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act and to comply with these requirements and restrictions, we may have to make significant changes in our structure and operations to comply with exemption from registration, which could adversely affect our business. Such changes may include, for example, limiting the range of assets in which we may invest. We intend to conduct our operations so as to fit within an exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act for purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interest in real estate. In order to satisfy the requirements of such exemption, we may need to restrict the scope of our operations.
Environmental Compliance
We do not believe that compliance with federal, state, or local laws relating to the protection of the environment will have a material effect on our business in the foreseeable future. However, loans we extend, or purchase are secured by real property. In the course of our business, we may own or foreclose and take title to real estate that could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We (or our loan customers) may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation, and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical release at a property. The costs associated with the investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, if we become the owner of or discover that we were formerly the owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. To date, we have not incurred any significant costs related to environmental compliance and we do not anticipate incurring any significant costs for environmental compliance in the future. Generally, when we are lending on property which is being developed into single family building lots, an environmental assessment is done by the builder for the various governmental agencies. When we lend for new construction on newly developed lots, the lots have generally been reviewed while they were being developed. We also perform our own physical inspection of the lot, which includes assessing potential environmental issues. Before we take possession of a property through foreclosure, we again assess the property for possible environmental concerns, which, if deemed to be a significant risk compared to the value of the property, could cause us to forego foreclosure on the property and to seek other avenues for collection.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Below are risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our operations that we believe are material to investors. Other risks and uncertainties may exist that we do not consider material based on the information currently available to us at this time.
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Risks Related to our Business
Our business is not industry diversified. Deterioration in the homebuilding industry or economic conditions, including as a result of pandemics or wars, could decrease demand and pricing for new homes and residential home lots. A decline in housing values similar to the national downturn in the real estate market that began in 2006 would have a negative impact on our business. Smaller value declines will also have a negative impact on our business. These factors may decrease the likelihood we will be able to generate enough cash to repay the Notes.
Developers and homebuilders to whom we may make loans use the proceeds of our loans to develop raw land into residential home lots and construct homes. The developers obtain the money to repay our development loans by selling the residential home lots to home builders or individuals who will build single-family residences on the lots, or by obtaining replacement financing from other lenders. A developer’s ability to repay our loans is based primarily on the amount of money generated by the developer’s sale of its inventory of single-family residential lots. Homebuilders obtain the money to repay our loans by selling the homes they construct or by obtaining replacement financing from other lenders, and thus, the homebuilders’ ability to repay our loans is based primarily on the amount of money generated by the sale of such homes.
The homebuilding industry is cyclical and is significantly affected by changes in industry conditions, as well as in general and local economic conditions, such as:
| ● | employment level and job growth; | |
| ● | demographic trends, including population increases and decreases and household formation; | |
| ● | availability of financing for homebuyers; | |
| ● | interest rates; | |
| ● | affordability of homes; | |
| ● | consumer confidence; | |
| ● | levels of new and existing homes for sale, including foreclosed homes and homes held by investors and speculators; and | |
| ● | housing demand generally. |
These conditions may occur on a national scale or may affect some of the regions or markets in which we operate more than others.
We generally lend a percentage of the values of the homes and lots. These values are determined shortly prior to the lending. If the values of homes and lots in markets in which we lend drop fast enough to cause the builders losses that are greater than their equity in the property, we will be forced to liquidate the loan in a fashion which will cause us to lose money. If these losses when combined and added to our other expenses are greater than our revenue from interest charged to our customers, we will lose money overall, which will hurt our ability to pay interest and principal on the Notes. Values are typically affected by demand for homes, which can change due to many factors, including but not limited to, demographics, interest rates, the overall economy, which can be impacted by outbreaks of communicable illnesses, cost of building materials and labor, availability of financing for end-users, inventory of homes available, wars, and governmental action or inaction. If there is a tightening of the credit markets, it would be more difficult for potential homeowners to obtain financing to purchase homes. If housing prices decline or sales in the housing market decline, our customers may have a hard time selling their homes at a profit. This could cause the amount of defaulted loans that we will have to increase. An increase in defaulted loans would reduce our revenue and could lead to losses on our loans. A decline in housing prices will further increase our losses on defaulted loans. If the amount of defaulted loans or the loss per defaulted loan is large enough, we will operate at a loss, which will decrease our equity. This could cause us to become insolvent, and we will not be able to pay back Note holders’ principal and interest on the Notes.
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The homebuilding industry could experience adverse conditions, and the industry’s implementation of strategies in response to such conditions may not be successful.
The United States homebuilding industry experienced a significant downturn beginning in 2006. During the downturn, many homebuilders focused on generating positive operating cash flow, resizing and reshaping their product for a more price-conscious consumer and adjusting finished new home inventories to meet demand, and did so in many cases by significantly reducing the new home prices and increasing the level of sales incentives. Notwithstanding these strategies, homebuilders continued to experience an elevated rate of sales contract cancelations, as many of the factors that affect new sales and cancelation rates are beyond the control of the homebuilding industry. Although the homebuilding industry has experienced positive gains over the last decade, there can be no assurance that these gains will continue, or if there is a negative impact on the homebuilding industry’s expectations for future home sales. The homebuilding industry could suffer similar, or worse, adverse conditions in the future. Decreases in new home sales would increase the likelihood of defaults on our loans and, consequently, reduce our ability to repay Note holders’ principal and interest on the Notes.
We have $59,223,000 of loan assets, net as of December 31, 2025. A 35% reduction in total collateral value would reduce our earnings and net worth by $6,468,000. Larger reductions would result in lower earnings and lower net worth.
As of December 31, 2025, we had $59,223,000 of loan assets, net on our books. These assets are recorded on our balance sheet at the lower of the loan amount or the value of the collateral after deduction for expected selling expenses. A reduction in the value of the underlying collateral could result in significant losses. A 35% reduction, for instance, would result in a $6,468,000 loss. Accordingly, our business is subject to the risk of a loss of a portion of our Note holders’ investments if such a reduction were to occur.
We have $17,168,000 of development loan assets as of December 31, 2025, which unlike our construction loans, are long term loans. This longer duration as well as the nature of collateral (raw ground and lots) creates more risk for that portion of our portfolio.
We have $17,168,000 gross development loan assets as of December 31, 2025 (these are included in the $59,223,000 of net loans above). Development loans are riskier than construction loans for two reasons: the duration of the loan and the nature of the collateral. The duration (being three to five years as compared to generally less than one year on construction loans) allows for a greater period of time during which the collateral value could decrease. Also, the collateral value of development loans is more likely to change in greater percentages than that of built homes. For example, during a 70% reduction in housing starts, newly completed homes still have value, but lots may be worthless. This added risk to this portion of our portfolio adds risk to our investors as our net worth would be significantly impacted by losses.
Currently, we are reliant on a single developer and homebuilder, the Hoskins Group, who are concentrated in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania market, for a significant portion of our revenues and a portion of our capital. Our second largest customer is in the Central and Southwest, Florida market and is also a significant portion of our portfolio.
As of December 31, 2025, 35% of our outstanding loan commitments consisted of loans made to Benjamin Marcus Homes, LLC and 339 Justabout Land Co, LLC, both of which are owned by Mark Hoskins and family (collectively both parties are referred to herein as the “Hoskins Group”). We refer to the loans to the Hoskins Group as the “Pennsylvania Loans.” The Hoskins Group is concentrated in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania market.
Currently, we are reliant upon a single developer and homebuilder who is concentrated in a single city, for a significant portion of our revenues and a portion of our capital. Any event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or general downturn in the business of this developer and homebuilder or in the Pittsburgh housing market generally will have a substantial adverse financial impact on our business and our ability to pay back Note holders’ investments in the Notes in the long term. Adverse conditions affecting the local housing market could include, but are not limited to, declines in new housing starts, declines in new home prices, declines in new home sales, increases in the supply of available building lots or built homes available for sale, increases in unemployment, and unfavorable demographic changes. One of our independent managers, Gregory L. Sheldon, also lends money to the Hoskins Group and, consequently, Mr. Sheldon may face conflicts of interest in the advice that he provides to us, including if any such adverse conditions were to materialize.
In addition, as of December 31, 2025, 7% of our outstanding loan commitments consisted of loans made to our second largest customer, in Central and Southwest, Florida.
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We have foreclosed assets as of December 31, 2025, which unlike our loans, are recorded on our balance sheet at the value of the collateral, net of estimated selling expenses.
We have foreclosed assets as of December 31, 2025. A reduction in the value of the underlying collateral of our foreclosed assets could result in significant losses. For example, a 35% reduction in the value of the underlying collateral (net of estimated selling expenses) would result in a $175,000 loss. Our business is subject to an increased risk of not being able to repay our Note Holders’ investments in a timely manner if such a reduction were to occur.
Changes in mortgage interest rates, reductions in mortgage availability, or increases in other costs of home ownership could prevent potential customers from buying new homes and adversely affect our business and financial results.
An increase in mortgage rates could reduce the value of the homes that our customers sell. A decrease in mortgage rates could also reduce the value of the homes that our customers sell, as it could cause a flood of resale homes to hit the market. Other changes could also make it more difficult for our customers to sell homes, including but not limited to reduced mortgage availability, increases in taxes, and increases in other cost of home ownership. These factors increase the likelihood of defaults on our loans, which would adversely affect our business and consolidated financial results.
Most of our assets are commercial construction loans to homebuilders and/or developers which are a higher-than-average credit risk and therefore could expose us to higher rates of loan defaults, which could impact our ability to repay amounts owed to Note holders.
Our primary business is extending commercial construction loans to homebuilders, along with some loans for land development. These loans are considered a higher risk because the ability to repay depends on the homebuilder’s ability to sell a newly built home. These homes typically are not sold by the homebuilder prior to commencement of construction. Therefore, we may have a higher risk of loan default among our customers than other commercial lending companies. If we suffer increased loan defaults in any given period, our operations could be materially adversely affected, and we may have difficulty making our principal and interest payments on the Notes.
The collateral securing our real estate loans may not be sufficient to pay back the principal amount in the event of a default by the borrowers.
In the event of default, our real estate loan investments are generally dependent entirely on the loan collateral to recover our investment. Our loan collateral consists primarily of a mortgage on the underlying property. In the event of a default, we may not be able to recover the premises promptly and the proceeds we receive upon sale of the property may be adversely affected by risks generally related to interests in real property, including changes in general or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, declines in real estate values, increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses including energy costs, changes in governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies (including environmental legislation), wars, acts of God, and other factors which are beyond our or our borrowers’ control. Current market conditions may reduce the proceeds we are able to receive in the event of a foreclosure on our collateral. Our remedies with respect to the loan collateral may not provide us with a recovery adequate to recover our investment.
Our underwriting standards and procedures are more lenient than conventional lenders.
We invest in loans with borrowers who will not be required to meet the credit standards of conventional mortgage lenders, which is riskier than investing in loans made to borrowers who are required to meet those higher credit standards. Because we generally approve loans more quickly than some other lenders or providers of capital, there may be a risk that the due diligence we perform as part of our underwriting procedures will not reveal the need for additional precautions. If so, the interest rate that we charge and the collateral that we require may not adequately protect us or generate adequate returns for the risk undertaken.
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We have $169,000 of real estate investments as of December 31, 2025. A 35% reduction in our real estate investments would reduce our earnings and net worth by $59,000. Larger reductions would result in lower earnings and lower net worth.
As of December 31, 2025, we had $169,000 of real estate investments on our books. These assets are recorded on our balance sheet at cost. A reduction in the value could result in significant losses. A 35% reduction, for instance, would result in a $59,000 loss. Accordingly, our business is subject to the risk of a loss of a portion of our Note holders’ investments if such a reduction were to occur.
If we lose or are unable to hire or retain key personnel, we may be delayed or unable to implement our business plan, which would adversely affect our ability to repay the Notes.
We do not have an employment agreement with any of our employees and cannot guarantee that they will remain affiliated with us. Although we have purchased key person life insurance on our Chief Executive Officer, we do not have key person insurance on any of our other employees. If any of our key employees were to cease their affiliation with us, our consolidated operating results could suffer. We believe that our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to hire and retain additional personnel. We cannot assure our investors that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel, which could hinder our ability to implement our business plan.
Employee misconduct could harm us by subjecting us to monetary loss, significant legal liability, regulatory scrutiny, and reputational harm.
Our reputation is critical to maintaining and developing relationships with our existing and potential customers and third parties with whom we do business. There is a risk that our employees could engage in misconduct that adversely affects our business. For example, if an employee were to engage - or be accused of engaging - in illegal or suspicious activities including fraud or theft, we could suffer direct losses from the activity, and in addition we could be subject to regulatory sanctions and suffer serious harm to our reputation, financial condition, customer relationships, and ability to attract future customers or employees. Employee misconduct could prompt regulators to allege or to determine based upon such misconduct that we have not established adequate supervisory systems and procedures to inform employees of applicable rules or to detect and deter violations of such rules. It is not always possible to deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent misconduct may not be effective in all cases. Misconduct by our employees, or even unsubstantiated allegations of misconduct, could result in a material adverse effect on our reputation and our business.
A failure in, or breach of, our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors, including because of cyber-attacks, could disrupt our business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs, and cause losses.
We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Information security risks for our business have generally increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies; the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to process, transmit, and store electronic information, including the management and support of a variety of business processes, including financial transactions and records, personally identifiable information, and customer and investor data; and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, activists, and other external parties. As customer, public, and regulatory expectations regarding operational and information security have increased, our operating systems and infrastructure must continue to be safeguarded and monitored for potential failures, disruptions, and breakdowns. Certain of our software and technology systems have been developed internally and may be vulnerable to unauthorized access or disclosure. Our business, financial, accounting, and data processing systems, or other operating systems and facilities, may stop operating properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors, including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. For example, there could be electrical or telecommunication outages; natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes; disease pandemics; events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and, as described below, cyber-attacks.
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Our business relies on its digital technologies, computer and email systems, software, and networks to conduct its operations. Although we have information security procedures and controls in place, our technologies, systems, and networks and, because the nature of our business involves the receipt and retention of personal information about our customers, our customers’ personal accounts may become the target of cyber-attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss, or destruction of our customers’, or other third parties’ confidential information. Third parties with whom we do business or who facilitate our business activities, including intermediaries or vendors that provide service or security solutions for our operations, and other third parties, could also be sources of operational and information security risk to us, including breakdowns or failures of their own systems or capacity constraints. In addition, hardware, software, or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security.
While we have disaster recovery and other policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption, or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions, or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. Our risk and exposure to these matters remain heightened because of the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of our controls, processes, and practices designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data, and networks from attack, damage, or unauthorized access remain a focus for us. As threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate information security vulnerabilities. Disruptions or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support our business and customers, or cyber-attacks or security breaches of the networks or systems, could result in regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, reputation damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs, any of which could have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Furthermore, if such attacks are not detected immediately, their effect could be compounded.
We are susceptible to customer fraud, which includes among other things wires and ACHs and could cause us to suffer losses on our loan portfolio.
Because most of our customers do not publicly report on their financial condition and therefore typically are not required to be audited on a regular basis, we are susceptible to a customer’s fraud, which could cause us to suffer losses on our loan portfolio. The failure of a customer to accurately report its financial position, compliance with loan covenants, or eligibility for additional borrowings could result in our providing loans that do not meet our underwriting criteria, defaults in loan payments, and the loss of some or all of the principal of a particular loan or loans. Customer fraud can come in other forms, including but not limited to fraudulent invoices for work done, appraisal fraud, and fraud related to inspections done by third parties.
We have entered into loan purchase and sale agreements with third parties to sell them portions of some of our loans. This increases our leverage. While the agreements are intended to increase our profitability, large credit losses and/or idle cash could actually reduce our profitability, which could impair our ability to pay principal and/or interest on the Notes.
The loan purchase and sale agreements we entered have allowed us to increase our loan assets and debt. If loans that we create have significant losses, the benefit of larger balances can be outweighed by the additional credit losses. Also, while these transactions are booked as secured financing, they are not lines of credit. Accordingly, we will have increased our loan balances without increasing our lines of credit, which can cause a decrease in liquidity. One solution to this liquidity problem is having idle cash for liquidity, which then could reduce our profitability. If either of these problems is persistent and/or significant, our ability to pay interest and principal on our Notes may be impaired.
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Additional competition may decrease our profitability, which would adversely affect our ability to repay the Notes.
We may experience increased competition for business from other companies and financial institutions that are willing to extend the same types of loans that we extend at lower interest rates and/or fees. These competitors also may have substantially greater resources, lower cost of funds, and a better-established market presence. If these companies increase their marketing efforts to our market niche of borrowers, or if additional competitors enter our markets, we may be forced to reduce our interest rates and fees to maintain or expand our market share. Any reduction in our interest rates, interest income, or fees could have an adverse impact on our profitability and our ability to repay the Notes.
Customers not paying interest causes reduced profitability or losses. An increase in the dollar amount of loans not paying interest may adversely affect our ability to repay the Notes.
We typically have some balance of loans not paying interest. Some of those loans, when they are resolved, never end up collecting unpaid interest. Typically, the amount of nonpaying loans is around 10% of our outstanding balance. If this percentage goes up significantly, as it did at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, this causes us to lose money because we are paying interest without receiving interest. If these losses are significant, it can inhibit our ability to pay principal and interest on the Notes.
Our real estate loans are illiquid, which could restrict our ability to respond rapidly to changes in economic conditions.
The real estate loans we currently hold and intend to extend are illiquid. As a result, our ability to sell under-performing loans in our portfolio or respond to changes in economic, financial, investment, and other conditions may be very limited. We cannot predict whether we will be able to sell any real estate loan for the price or on the terms set by us, or whether any price or other terms offered by a prospective purchaser would be acceptable to us. We also cannot predict the length of time needed to find a willing purchaser and to close the sale of a loan. The relative illiquidity of our loan assets may impair our ability to generate sufficient cash to make required interest and principal payments on the Notes.
Our systems and procedures might be inadequate to handle our potential growth. Failure to successfully improve our systems and procedures would adversely affect our ability to repay the Notes.
We may experience growth that could place a significant strain upon our operational systems and procedures. Initially, all of our computer systems used electronic spreadsheets, and we utilized other methods that a small company would use. Over time we added accounting, loan and production documentation, administration, servicing, and investing systems which many banks use to produce closing documents for loans. If any of these systems fail, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and, ultimately, our ability to repay principal and interest on the Notes.
If we do not meet the requirements to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, our ability to raise new capital will be harmed.
If we do not maintain effective internal controls over our financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, then it could result in delaying future SEC filings or future offerings. If future SEC filings or future offerings are delayed, it could have an extreme negative impact on our cash flow causing us to default on our obligations, including on the Notes.
We are required to devote resources to complying with various provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, including Section 404 relating to internal controls testing, and this may reduce the resources we have available to focus on our core business.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules adopted by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, our management is required to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. We may encounter problems or delays in completing any changes necessary to our internal controls over financial reporting. Among other things, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. Any failure to comply with the various requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may require significant management time and expenses and divert attention or resources away from our core business. In addition, we may encounter problems or delays in completing the implementation of any requested improvements provided by our independent registered public accounting firm.
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We are subject to the risk of significant losses on our loans because we do not require our borrowers to insure the title of their collateral for our loans.
It is customary for lenders who extend loans secured by real estate to require the borrower to provide title insurance with minimum coverage amounts set by the lender. We do not require most of our home builders to provide title insurance on their collateral for our loans to them. This represents an additional risk to us as the lender. The homebuilder may have a title problem which normally would be covered by insurance but may result in a loss on the loan because insurance proceeds are not available.
Our cost of funds is substantially higher than that of banks.
Because we do not offer FDIC insurance, and because we want to grow our Notes Program faster than most banks want to grow their CD base, our Notes offer significantly higher rates than bank CDs. Our cost of funds is higher than banks’ cost of funds due to, among other factors, the higher rate that we pay on our Notes and other sources of financing. This may make it more difficult for us to compete against banks when they re-join our niche lending market in large numbers. This could result in losses which could impair or eliminate our ability to pay interest and principal on our outstanding Notes.
We are subject to the general market risks associated with real estate construction and development.
Our financial performance depends on the successful construction and/or development and sale of the homes and real estate parcels that serve as security for the loans we make to homebuilders and developers. As a result, we are subject to the general market risks of real estate construction and development, including weather conditions, the price and availability of materials used in construction of homes and development of lots, environmental liabilities and zoning laws, and numerous other factors that may materially and adversely affect the success of the projects.
Our operations are not subject to the stringent banking regulatory requirements designed to protect investors, so repayment of Note Holders’ investments is completely dependent upon our successful operation of our business.
Our operations are not subject to the stringent regulatory requirements imposed upon the operations of commercial banks, savings banks, and thrift institutions, and are not subject to periodic compliance examinations by federal or state banking regulators. For example, we will not be well diversified in our product risk, and we cannot benefit from government programs designed to protect regulated financial institutions. Therefore, an investment in our Notes does not have the regulatory protections that the holder of a demand account or a certificate of deposit at a bank does. The return on any Notes purchased by a Note holder is completely dependent upon our successful operations of our business. To the extent that we do not successfully operate our business, our ability to pay interest and principal on the Notes will be impaired.
We are an “emerging growth company” under the federal securities laws and are subject to reduced public company reporting requirements.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or the JOBS Act, and are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from, or reduced disclosure obligations relating to, various reporting requirements that are normally applicable to public companies.
We will remain an “emerging growth company” until the earliest of (1) the last day of the first fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenues of $1.235 billion or more, (2) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement, (3) the date on which we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act (which would occur if the market value of our common equity held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million, measured as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and we have been publicly reporting for at least 12 months), or (4) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies are not required to (1) provide an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (2) comply with new requirements adopted by the PCAOB which require mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor must provide additional information about the audit and the issuer’s financial statements, (3) comply with new audit rules adopted by the PCAOB after April 5, 2012 (unless the SEC determines otherwise), (4) provide certain disclosures relating to executive compensation generally required for larger public companies, or (5) hold shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation.
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Additionally, the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” may take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies. This means an “emerging growth company” can delay adopting certain accounting standards until such standards are otherwise applicable to private companies. However, we have elected to “opt out” of such extended transition period and will therefore comply with new or revised accounting standards on the applicable dates on which the adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of such extended transition period for compliance with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.
We are exposed to the risk of environmental liabilities with respect to properties of which we take title. Any resulting environmental remediation expense may reduce our ability to repay the Notes.
In the course of our business, we foreclose and take title to real estate that could be subject to environmental liabilities. We also have invested in several real estate projects. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases at any property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, as the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we ever become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest
Our CEO (who is also on our board of managers will face conflicts of interest as a result of the secured lines of credit made to us, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of our Note holders.
We have two lines of credit from Daniel M. Wallach (our CEO and chairman of the board of managers) and his affiliates. The first line of credit has a maximum principal borrowing amount of $1,250,000 and is payable to Mr. Wallach and his wife, Joyce S. Wallach, as tenants by the entirety (the “Wallach LOC”). The second line of credit has a maximum principal borrowing amount of $250,000 and is payable to the 2007 Daniel M. Wallach Legacy Trust (the “Wallach Trust LOC,” and together with the Wallach LOC, the “Wallach Affiliate LOCs”).
As of December 31, 2025, there was $0 outstanding pursuant to the Wallach Trust LOC, with availability on that line of credit of $250,000, there was $26,000 outstanding pursuant to the Wallach LOC, with remaining availability on that line of credit of $1,224,000. The interest rates on the Wallach Affiliate LOCs generally equal the prime rate plus 3% and were 9.75% as of December 31, 2025.
The Wallach Affiliate LOCs are collateralized by a lien against all of our assets. The Notes are subordinated in right of payment to all secured debt, including these Wallach Affiliate LOCs. Pursuant to the promissory note for each Wallach Affiliate LOCs, the lenders have the option of funding any amount up to the face amount of the note, in the lender’s sole and absolute discretion. Therefore, Mr. Wallach will face conflicts of interest in deciding whether and when to exercise any rights pursuant to the Wallach Affiliate LOCs. If Mr. Wallach exercises his rights to collect on their collateral upon a default by us, we could lose some or all of our assets, which could have a negative effect on our ability to repay the Notes.
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As a result of his large equity ownership in the Company, our CEO will face a conflict of interest in deciding the number of distributions to equity owners, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of Note Holders. In addition, each independent manager owns 1.17% of our common equity, and one member owns 15.94% of our Series C equity.
As of December 31, 2025, our CEO (who is also on the board of managers) beneficially owned 91.78% of the common equity of the Company. He and his wife’s parents also own 17.83% and 3.32% of our Series C cumulative preferred units outstanding as of December 31, 2025. Each of our three independent managers owns 1.17% of our common equity, and one owns 15.94% of our Series C cumulative preferred units at that date. Since the Company is taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, all profits and losses flow through to the equity owners. Therefore, Mr. Wallach and his affiliated equity owners of the Company will be motivated to distribute profits to the equity owners on an annual basis, rather than retain earnings in the Company for Company purposes. There is currently no limit in the indenture or otherwise on the amount of funds that may be distributed by the Company to its equity owners. If substantial funds are distributed to the equity owners, the liquidity and capital resources of the Company will be reduced and our ability to repay the Notes may be negatively impacted.
Some of our employees and managers may face conflicts of interest as a result of their and their relatives’ investment in the Notes, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of our Note holders.
Employees, managers, members, and relatives of managers and members have invested in the Notes, in the aggregate amount of $7,378,000 as of December 31, 2025. While investment in the Notes by our affiliates may align their interests with those of other Note holders, it could also create conflicts of interest by influencing those employees’ or managers’ actions during times of financial difficulties. For example, the fact that certain of our managers hold Notes, and the value of Notes they hold, could influence their decision to redeem Notes at a time o times when it would be prudent to use our cash resources to build capital, pay down other outstanding obligations, or grow our business. There may be other situations not presently foreseeable in which the ownership of Notes by related persons may create conflicts of interest. These conflicts of interest could result in action or inaction by management that is adverse to other holders of the Notes.
We have two lines of credit from affiliates which allow us to incur a significant amount of secured debt. These lines are collateralized by a lien against all of our assets. Our purchase and sale agreements function as secured debt as well. We expect to incur a significant amount of additional debt in the future, including issuance of the Notes, which will subject us to increased risk of loss.
As of December 31, 2025, we had $26,000 secured debt outstanding on our senior debt lines of credit from affiliates of $1,500,000 and the capacity to sell portions of many loans under the terms of our loan purchase and sale agreements. The affiliate loans are collateralized by a lien against all of our assets. The loan purchase and sale agreements and other secured debt are with third parties and are collateralized by loans. The affiliate loans are collateralized by a lien against all of our assets. The loan purchase and sale agreements and other secured debt are with third parties and are collateralized by loans. In addition, we expect to incur a significant amount of additional debt in the future, including issuance of the Notes, borrowing under credit facilities and other arrangements. The Notes will be subordinated in the right of payment to all secured debt, including the affiliate loans. Therefore, in the event of a default on the secured debt, affiliates of our Company, including Mr. Wallach, have the right to receive payment ahead of Note holders, as do other secured debt holders, such as the loan purchasers under the purchase and sale agreements. Accordingly, our business is subject to an increased risk of a total loss of our Note holders’ investments if we are unable to repay all of our secured debt.
Risks Related to Liquidity
We depend on the availability of significant sources of credit to meet our liquidity needs and our failure to maintain these sources of credit could materially and adversely affect our liquidity in the future.
We plan to maintain our loan purchase and sale agreements and our lines of credit from affiliates so that we may draw funds when necessary to meet our obligation to redeem maturing Notes, pay interest on the Notes, meet our commitments to lend money to our customers, and for other general corporate purposes. Certain features of the loan purchase and sale agreements with third parties have added liquidity and flexibility, which have lessened the need for the lines of credit from affiliates. If we fail to maintain liquidity through our loan purchase and sale agreements and lines of credit for any reason, including a potential negative impact to the credit markets as a result of an outbreak of a communicable illness such as COVID-19, we will be more dependent on the proceeds from the Notes for our continued liquidity. If the sale of the Notes is significantly reduced or delayed for any reason and we fail to obtain or renew a line of credit, or we default on any of our lines of credit, then our ability to meet our obligations, including our Note obligations, could be materially adversely affected, and we may not have enough cash to pay back Note holders’ investments.
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In addition, the borrowing capacity on some of our lines of credit is based on the amount outstanding on the underlying collateral loans. If we are unable to find suitable investment opportunities, we may not be able to replace the underlying collateral loans with new loans and, in such a situation, the borrowing capacity on those lines of credit would be reduced. Also, the failure to maintain an active line of credit (and therefore using cash for liquidity instead of a borrowing line) will reduce our earnings, because we will be paying interest on the Notes, while we are holding cash instead of reducing our borrowings.
We have unfunded commitments to builders as of December 31, 2025. If every builder borrowed every amount allowed (which would mean all their homes were complete) and no builders paid us back, we would need to fund that amount. While some of that amount would automatically come from our loan purchase and sale agreements, the rest would have to come from our Notes Program and/or our lines of credit. Therefore, we may not have the ability to fund our commitments to builders.
As of December 31, 2025, we have $23,557,000 unfunded commitments to builders. If every builder borrowed every amount allowed and no builders repaid us, then we would need to fund that amount. Lines of credit, loan purchase and sale agreements, payoffs from builders, and immediate investments in our Notes may not be enough to fund our commitments to builders as they become payable. If we default on these obligations, then we may face any one or more of the following: a higher default rate, lawsuits brought by customers, an eventual lack of business from borrowers, missed principal and interest payments to Note holders and holders of other debt, and a lack of desire for investors to invest in our Notes Program. Therefore, we could default on our repayment obligations to our Note Holders.
We have several secured lines of credit which allow the lender to give notice and then they eventually expire, and with those expirations, any unsecured portion related to the lines of credit also expire. Any notice of nonrenewal or expiration could strain our ability to pay other obligations.
We have various secured lines of credit, most of which allow the lender to give us notice of expiration, and then a time period to resolve the outstanding balances. As of December 31, 2025 we had ten lines of credit with $10,498,000 outstanding total. If a large dollar amount of balance is due on lines that require us to repay them in a limited amount of time, then we may default on one or more of those lines of credit. Therefore, we could default on repayment obligations to some of our debt holders, including our Note holders.
We have a significant amount of debt and expect to incur a significant amount of additional debt in the future, including the issuance of the Notes, which will subject us to an increased risk of loss. Our present and future senior debt may make it difficult to repay the Notes.
We have a significant amount of debt and expect to incur a significant amount of additional debt in the future. As of December 31, 2025, we have approximately $54,219,000 of debt, net of deferred financing costs. Our primary sources of debt include our lines of credit, loan purchase and sale agreements, and the Notes. As of December 31, 2025, we have a total outstanding balance of $2,540,000 on our lines of credit and approximately $7,959,000 on our loan purchase and sale agreements.
We also have the capacity to sell portions of many loans under the terms of our loan purchase and sale agreements. The loan purchase and sale agreements and other secured debt are with third parties and all but one of the lines of credit are collateralized by loans that we have issued to builders. The Notes are subordinate and junior in priority to all of our senior debt and senior subordinated debt, and equal to any and all non-senior debt, including other Notes. There are no restrictions in the indenture regarding the amount of senior debt or other indebtedness that we may incur.
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As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $2,383,000 in Notes coming due by December 2026, and we cannot be certain whether we will be able to fund those Notes upon maturity. Upon the maturity of our senior debt, by lapses of time, acceleration or otherwise, the holders of our senior debt have first right to receive payment, in full, prior to any payments being made to a Note holder or to other non-senior debt. Therefore, upon such maturity of our senior debt Note holders would only be repaid in full if the senior debt is satisfied first and, following satisfaction of the senior debt, if there is an amount sufficient to fully satisfy all amounts owed under the Notes and any other non-senior debt.
In addition, we expect to incur a significant amount of additional debt in the future, including issuance of the Notes, borrowing under credit facilities, and other arrangements. The Notes will be subordinated in right of payment to all secured debt, including the Wallach Affiliate LOCs, loan purchase and sale agreements, the senior subordinated note discussed in the prior paragraph, and the line of credit discussed in the prior paragraph. Therefore, in the event of a default on the secured debt, affiliates of our Company, including Mr. Wallach, have the right to receive payment ahead of Note holders, as do other secured debt holders, such as the loan purchasers under the loan purchase and sale agreements. Accordingly, our business is subject to increased risk of a total loss of a Noteholder’s investment if we are unable to repay all of our secured debt.
If the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes exceed the cash flow needed to fund the desirable business opportunities that are identified, we may not be able to invest all of the funds in a manner that generates sufficient income to pay the interest and principal on the Notes.
Our ability to pay interest on our debt, including the Notes, pay our expenses, and cover credit losses is dependent upon the interest and fee income we receive from loans extended to our customers. If we are not able to lend to a sufficient number of customers at high enough interest rates, we may not have enough interest and fee income to meet our obligations, which could impair our ability to pay interest and principal on the Notes. If money brought in from new Notes and from repayments of loans from our customers exceeds our short-term obligations such as expenses, Notes interest and redemptions, and line of credit principal and interest, then it is likely to be held as cash, which will have a lower return than the interest rate we are paying on the Notes. This will lower earnings and may cause losses which could impair our ability to repay the principal and interest on the Notes.
Increases in interest rates would increase the amount of debt payments under the Wallach Affiliate LOCs which could impair our ability to repay the principal and interest on the Notes.
The interest rate under the Wallach Affiliate LOCs is generally equal to the prime rate plus three percent. Increases in interest rates will increase the applicable prime rate and therefore, the interest rate under the Wallach Affiliate LOCs will increase. An increase in the interest rate would increase the amount of debt payments under the Wallach Affiliate LOCs which would reduce our cash flow and may impair our ability to repay the principal and interest on the Notes.
We incurred indebtedness secured by our office property, which may result in foreclosure.
The debt incurred by us in connection with our office property is secured by a mortgage. If we default on our secured indebtedness, the lender may foreclose and the entire investment in the office property could be lost, which could adversely affect our ability to repay the principal and interest in the Notes.
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The indenture does not contain the type of covenants restricting our actions, such as restrictions on creating senior debt, paying distributions to our owners, merging, recapitalizing, and/or entering into highly leveraged transactions. The indenture does not contain provisions requiring early payment of Notes in the event we suffer a material adverse change in our business or fail to meet certain financial standards. Therefore, the indenture provides very little protection of Note holders’ investments.
The Notes do not have the benefit of extensive covenants. The covenants in the indenture are not designed to protect Note holders’ investments if there is a material adverse change in our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. For example, the indenture does not contain any restrictions on our ability to create or incur senior debt or other debt to pay distributions to our equity holders, including our Chief Executive Officer. It also does not contain any financial covenants (such as a fixed charge coverage or a minimum amount of equity) to help ensure our ability to pay interest and principal on the Notes. The indenture does not contain provisions that permit Note holders to require that we redeem the Notes if there is a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring. In addition, the indenture does not contain covenants specifically designed to protect Note holders if we engage in a highly leveraged transaction. Therefore, the indenture provides very little protection of Note holders’ investments.
Payment on the Notes is subordinate to the payment of our outstanding present and future senior debt, if any. Since there is no limit to the amount of senior debt we may incur, our present and future senior debt may make it difficult to repay the Notes.
Our loan purchase and sale agreements and secured lines of credit with third-parties also function as senior debt. The balance on those loan purchase and sale agreements and other secured debt, net of deferred financing costs was $18,445,000 on December 31, 2025, and is expected to grow in the future. In addition, we have $750,000 in senior unsecured lines of credits which were not drawn as of December 31, 2025. We also have senior subordinated notes which are senior to the Notes of $1,812,000 as of December 31, 2025. The Notes are subordinate and junior in priority to any and all of our senior debt and senior subordinated debt, and equal to any and all non-senior debt, including other Notes. The Notes are senior to junior subordinated notes. There are no restrictions in the indenture regarding the amount of senior debt or other indebtedness that we may incur. Upon the maturity of our senior debt, by lapse of time, acceleration or otherwise, the holders of our senior debt have first right to receive payment, in full, prior to any payments being made to a Note holder or to other non-senior debt. Therefore, upon such maturity of our senior debt Note holders would only be repaid in full if the senior debt is satisfied first and, following satisfaction of the senior debt, if there is an amount sufficient to fully satisfy all amounts owed under the Notes and any other non-senior debt.
Additional competition for investment dollars may decrease our liquidity, which would adversely affect our ability to repay the Notes.
We could experience increased competition for investment dollars from other companies and financial institutions that are willing to offer higher interest rates. We may be forced to increase our interest rates in order to maintain or increase the issuance of Notes. Any increase in our interest rates could have an adverse impact on our liquidity and our ability to meet a debt covenant under any future lines of credit obtained and/or to repay the Notes.
If we are unable to meet our Note maturity and redemption obligations, and we are unable to obtain additional financing or other sources of capital, we may be forced to sell off our operating assets or we might be forced to cease our operations and Note holders could lose some or all of their investment.
Our Notes have maturities ranging from one year to four years. In addition, holders of our Notes may request redemption upon death and we would be obligated to fulfill such redemption request. Holders of a 36-month Note may request redemption at any time and, subject to certain limitations, we would be obligated to fulfill such redemption request. We intend to pay our Note maturity and redemption obligations using our normal cash sources, such as collections on our loans to customers, as well as proceeds from the Notes Program. We may experience periods in which our Note maturity and redemption obligations are high. Since our loans are generally repaid when our borrower sells a real estate asset, our operations and other sources of funds may not provide sufficient available cash flow to meet our continued Note maturity and redemption obligations. While we have secured lines of credit from affiliates of up to $1,500,000 with $26,000 borrowed as of December 31, 2025, our affiliates are not obligated to fund our borrowing requests. For all of these reasons we may be substantially reliant upon the net offering proceeds we receive from the Notes Program to pay these obligations. If we are unable to repay or redeem the principal amount of the Notes when due, and we are unable to obtain additional financing or other sources of capital, we may be forced to sell off our operating assets or we might be forced to cease our operations and Note holders could lose some or all of their investment.
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There is no “early warning” on the Notes if we perform poorly. Only interest and principal payment defaults on the Notes can trigger a default on the Notes prior to bankruptcy.
There are a limited number of performance covenants to be maintained under the Notes and/or the indenture. Therefore, no “early warning” of a possible default by us exists. Under the indenture, only (i) the non-payment of interest and/or principal on the Notes by us when payments are due, (ii) our bankruptcy or insolvency, or (iii) a failure to comply with provisions of the Notes or the indenture (if such failure is not cured or waived within 60 days after receipt of a specific notice) could cause a default to occur.
Note holders do not have the opportunity to evaluate our investments before they are made.
We intend to use the net offering proceeds in accordance with the “Use of Proceeds” section of our prospectus, including investment in secured real estate loans for the acquisition and development of parcels of real property as single-family residential lots and/or the construction of single-family homes. Since we have not identified any investments that we will make with the net proceeds of this offering, we are generally unable to provide Note holders with information to evaluate the potential investments we may make with the net offering proceeds before purchasing the Notes. Note holders must rely on our management to evaluate our investment opportunities, and we are subject to the risk that our management may not be able to achieve our objectives, may make unwise decisions, or may make decisions that are not in our best interest.
Because we require a substantial amount of cash to service our debt, we may not be able to pay our obligations under the Notes.
To service our total indebtedness, we require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors, including our successful financial and operating performance. We cannot assure Note holders that our business plans will succeed or that we will achieve our anticipated financial results, which may prevent us from being able to pay our obligations under the Notes.
The indenture and terms of our Notes do not restrict our use of leverage. A relatively small loss can cause overleveraged companies to suffer a material adverse change in their financial position. If this happened to us, it may make it difficult to repay the Notes.
Financial institutions which are federally insured typically have 8-12% of their total assets in equity. A reduction in their loan assets due to losses of 2% reduces their equity by roughly 20%. We had 14% and 18% of our loan assets, net in equity as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. If we allow our assets to increase without increasing our equity, we could have a much lower equity as a percentage of assets than we have today, which would increase our risk of non-payment on the Notes. Note holders have no structural mechanism to protect them from this action and rely solely on us to keep equity at a satisfactory ratio.
We expect to be substantially reliant upon the net offering proceeds we receive from the sale of our Notes to meet principal and interest obligations on previously issued Notes.
We intend to use the net offering proceeds from the sale of Notes to, among other things, make payments on other borrowings, fund redemption obligations, make interest payments on the Notes, and to run our business to the extent that other sources of liquidity from our operations (e.g., repayment of loans we have previously extended to our customers) and our credit lines are inadequate. However, these other sources of liquidity are subject to risks. Our operations alone may not produce a sufficient return on investment to repay interest and principal on our outstanding Notes. We may not be able to obtain an additional line of credit when needed or retain one or more of our existing lines of credit. We may not be able to attract new investors, have sufficient loan repayments, or have sufficient borrowing capacity when we need additional funds to repay principal and interest on our outstanding Notes or redeem our outstanding Notes. If any of these things occur, our liquidity and capital needs may be severely affected, and we may be forced to sell off our loan receivables and other operating assets, or we may be forced to cease our operations.
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If we default in our Note payment obligations, the indenture agreements provide that the trustee could accelerate all payments due under the Notes, which would further negatively affect our consolidated financial position and cash flows.
Our obligations with respect to the Notes are governed by the terms of indenture agreements with U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association as trustee. Under the indentures, in addition to other possible events of default, if we fail to make a payment of principal or interest under any Note and this failure is not cured within 30 days, then we will be deemed in default. Upon such a default, the trustee or holders of 25% in principal of the outstanding Notes could declare all principal and accrued interest immediately due and payable. If our total assets do not cover these payment obligations, then we would most likely be unable to make all payments under the Notes when due, and we might be forced to cease our operations.
There is no sinking fund to ensure repayment of the Notes at maturity, so Note holders are totally reliant upon our ability to generate adequate cash flows.
We do not contribute funds to a separate account, commonly known as a sinking fund, to repay the Notes upon maturity. Because funds are not set aside periodically for the repayment of the Notes over their respective terms, Note holders must rely on our consolidated cash flows from operations, investing and financing activities and other sources of financing for repayment, such as funds from sale of the Notes, loan repayments, and other borrowings. To the extent cash flows from operations and other sources are not sufficient to repay the Notes, the Note holders may lose all or part of their investment.
If we have a large number of repayments on the Notes, whether because of maturity or redemption, we may be unable to make such repayments.
We are obligated to redeem a Note without any interest penalty (i) upon the death of an investor, if requested by the executor or administrator of the investor’s estate (or if the Note is held jointly, by the surviving joint investor), and (ii) subject to certain limitations, upon request by an investor holding a 36-month. Such redemption requests are not subject to our consent but are subject to restrictions in the indenture. We may be faced with a large number of such redemption requests at one time. We are also required to repay all of the Notes upon their maturity. If the amounts of those repayments are too high, and we cannot offset them with loan repayments, secure new financing, or issue additional Notes, we may not have the liquidity to repay the investments.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of December 31, 2025, we operate an office in Jacksonville, Florida, which we own. We entered a mortgage on our office building for $660,000 in January 2018 after a majority of the construction was completed. During November 2024, we paid off the mortgage balance of the office building. The principal amount at payoff was $559,000. In January 2025, we entered into a new revolving line of credit on the building with a maximum borrowing capacity for $725,000, with an expiration date of 2040. There was no balance as of December 31, 2025.
In addition, interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $4,000 and $37,000, respectively.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
| (a) | As of the date of this filing, we are not aware that we or our members are a party to any pending or threatened legal proceeding or proceedings by a governmental authority that would have a material adverse effect on our business. | |
| (b) | None. |
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCK HOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
(All dollar [$] amounts shown in thousands.)
| (a) | Common Equity |
The Company has two classes of equity units that it classifies as Members’ Capital: Class A common units (“Class A Common Units”) and Series C Preferred Units. There is currently no established public trading market for the registrant’s equity units. As of December 31, 2025, Class A Common Units are held by 8 members, all of whom have no personal liability. All Class A common members have voting rights in proportion to their capital account.
On October 1, 2023, the Company entered into restricted unit agreements with Mark Reynolds, the Executive Vice President of Sales, and Catherine Leslie, the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to which the Company issued 200 restricted common units to each of Mark Reynolds and Catherine Leslie. Vesting of the restricted common units commences from the grant date and occur thereafter on the first day of each subsequent calendar month subject to the Company satisfying monthly earnings goals, measured two months in arrears in accordance with the vesting schedule.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 84 and 56 restricted common units vested, respectively. Restricted common units outstanding as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were 312 and 344, respectively. In addition, stock compensation expense was $7 and $20 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
During 2025, the Company converted 2,969 shares of Class A Common Units to 2,329 Series C preferred units for one of our owners. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, Class A Common Units outstanding were 17,031 and 20,000, respectively.
There are two additional authorized unit classes: Class A preferred units and Class B profit units. Once Class B profit units are issued, the existing Class A common units will become Class A preferred units. Class A Preferred units will receive preferred treatment in terms of distributions and liquidation proceeds.
Preferred Equity
Series C Preferred Units
As of December 31, 2025, we had 9,084 Series C cumulative preferred units (“Series C Preferred Units”) outstanding or 17 investments, held by 9 investors. There is no established public trading market for our Series C Preferred Units. As of December 31, 2025, 13.8% of our outstanding Series C Preferred Units are beneficially owned by our CEO (who is also on our board of managers), Daniel M. Wallach, and his wife, Joyce S. Wallach.
As mentioned above, during 2025, the Company converted 2,969 shares of Class A Common Units to 2,329 Series C Preferred Units for one of our owners.
Investors in the Series C Preferred Units may elect to reinvest their distributions in additional Series C Preferred Units (the “Series C Reinvestment Program”). Pursuant to the Series C Reinvestment Program, we issued the following Series C Preferred Units during the quarter ended December 31, 2025:
(amounts in this table are not in thousands) Owner | Units | Amount | ||||||
| Daniel M. and Joyce S. Wallach | 36.91728 | $ | 36,917.28 | |||||
| Gregory L. Sheldon and Madeline M. Sheldon | 33.00153 | 33,001.53 | ||||||
| Schultz Family Living Trust | 6.87203 | 6,872.03 | ||||||
| Fernando Ascencio and Lorraine Carol Ascencio | 12.85763 | 12,857.63 | ||||||
| Mark and Tris Ann Garboski | 43.46483 | 43,464.83 | ||||||
| Total | 133.11330 | $ | 113,113.30 | |||||
The proceeds received from the sales of the Series C Preferred Units discussed above were used for the funding of construction loans. The transactions in Series C Preferred Units described above were effected in private transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The transactions described above did not involve any public offering, were made without general solicitation or advertising, and the buyer represented to us that they were an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, with access to all relevant information necessary to evaluate the investment in the Series C Preferred Units.
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| (b) | Notes Program |
We registered up to $70,000 in Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes (“Notes”) in our current public offering, which is our fourth public offering of Notes (SEC File No. 333-263759, effective September 16, 2022). As of December 31, 2025, we issued $33,489 in Notes pursuant to our current public offering. As of December 31, 2025, we incurred expenses of $497 in connection with the issuance and distribution of the Notes in our current public offering, which were paid to third parties. These expenses were not for underwriters or discounts, but were for advertising, printing, and professional services. Net offering proceeds as of December 31, 2025 were $32,992, all of which was used to increase loan balances.
| (c) | None. |
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(All dollar [$] amounts shown in thousands.)
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. See also “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” preceding Part I.
Overview
Our business is focused on commercial lending to participants in the residential construction and development industry. We believe this market is underserved because of the lack of traditional lenders currently fully participating in the market. We are located in Jacksonville, Florida. Our operations are governed pursuant to our limited liability company agreement. We have an internet website at www.shepherdsfinance.com. We are not incorporating by reference into this report any material from our website. The reference to our website is an inactive textual reference to the uniform resource locator (URL) and is for reference only.
Effective February 15, 2024, the Company completed its acquisition of 339 Justabout Land Co. LLC (“339”), in a transaction valued at $9,122. The Company paid cash consideration of $3,000 plus the amount of our intercompany debt. 339 is focused on the development and sale of land parcels.
Through August 6, 2025, we were the sole member of two consolidating subsidiaries, 339 Justabout Land Company (“339”), and Builder’s Assistance, LLC (“Builder’s Assistance”). On August 6, 2025, we sold 339.
The commercial loans we extend are secured by mortgages on the underlying real estate. We extend and service commercial loans to small-to-medium sized homebuilders for the purchase of lots and/or the construction of homes thereon. In some circumstances, the lot is purchased with an older home on the lot which is then either removed or rehabilitated. If the home is rehabilitated, the loan is referred to as a “rehab” loan. We also extend and service loans for the purchase of lots and undeveloped land and the development of that land into residential building lots. In addition, we may, depending on our cash position and the opportunities available to us, do neither or either of the following: purchase defaulted unsecured debt from suppliers to homebuilders at a discount (and then secure that debt with real estate or other collateral), and purchase defaulted secured debt from financial institutions at a discount. In a few instances, we have acquired property and hired contractors to build a house or develop the land into lots. Sometimes this is done purely to make money, sometimes it is done to better secure our position in an ongoing project that we are lending on, and sometimes to help sell a piece of real estate that we own. At Builder’s Assistance, we help builders grow their net profit and production capacity. Currently most of that activity centers around offering accounting services. These services do not include tax services.
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Economic and Industry Dynamics
During 2025, the Company continued to focus on the reduction of non-interest earning assets. As of December 31, 2025, loan receivables, net classified as individually evaluated were 29 or $6,192 compared to 21 or $4,971 as of December 31, 2024. In addition, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 we had one or $478 and four or $1,356 gross foreclosed assets, respectively.
The Company continues to lose interest income on non-accrual assets. During the year ended December 31, 2025 the estimated loss on interest income related to individually evaluated and foreclosed assets was $645 as compared to $886 in 2024. Looking ahead, we expect to continue to lose interest income on non-accrual assets, and expect to continue to work hard to mitigate losses from nonperforming loans and foreclosed assets
While the Company continues to face risks as it relates to the economy and the homebuilding industry, management has decided to focus on the following during 2026:
| 1. | Continue to manage the balance of non-interest-bearing assets, which includes foreclosed real estate and individually evaluated assets. | |
| 2. | Control SG&A expenses. | |
| 3. | Maintain Net Interest Income Spread Percentage | |
| 4. | Maintain liquidity at a level sufficient for loan originations. | |
| 5. | Decrease loan loss and impairment expenses. | |
| 6. | Increase loan balances by obtaining new borrowers. |
During 2026, we anticipate that the housing market in most of the areas in which we do business will likely improve, as we believe that the long term interest rates that our borrowers’ customers use are likely to fall. There is a risk if mortgage rates drop that many homeowners in existing low-rate mortgages will decide to “move up” and sell their low mortgage rate home, flooding the market with homes. Offsetting that risk is the fact that they will also increase demand for homes as they will need one to live in. Rents may become less affordable vs. owning a home, which helps our customer. While we don’t anticipate the market flooding to negatively impact us, there is little history to go by and this might cause housing prices to drop steeply, which will hurt our existing loans. Of course, rates may not fall, or they may instead go up, or the actual impact of falling rates may not result in an enhanced housing market. While we are anticipating growth in housing and loan balances, we are prepared for a declining market as well. In 2026, we don’t anticipate increasing our investments that are not loans or foreclosed assets.
Perceived Challenges and Anticipated Responses
The following is not intended to represent a comprehensive list or description of the risks or challenges facing the Company. Currently, our management is most focused on the following challenges along with the corresponding actions to address those challenges:
| Perceived Challenges and Risks | Anticipated Management Actions/Response | |
| Potential loan value-to-collateral value issues (i.e., being underwater on particular loans) | We manage this challenge by risk-rating both the geographic region and the builder and then adjusting the loan-to-value (i.e., the loan amount versus the value of the collateral) based on risk assessments. Additionally, we collect a deposit up-front for most construction loans. Despite these efforts, if values in a particular area of the country drop by a high percentage, we will have loaned more than the value of the collateral. We have found that the best solution to this risk is a speedy resolution of the loan and help the builder finish the home rapidly rather than foreclosing on the partially built home. Our experience in this area will help us limit, but not eliminate, the negative effects in the event of another economic downturn. |
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| Concentration of loan portfolio (i.e., the dollar amount committed to or with any particular loan type, customer, or geography) | As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 36% and 20%, respectively, of our outstanding loan commitments consist of loans to one borrower, and the collateral is in one real estate market, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a significant portion of these loans is susceptible to changes in market conditions in that area. As of December 31, 2025, our next two largest customers make up 7% and 6% of our loan commitments, with loans in Central and Southwest Florida, and St. George Utah respectively. As of December 31, 2024, our next two largest customers made up 4% and 3% of our loan commitments, with loans in Cape Coral Florida and Greenville South Carolina, respectively. In the upcoming years, we plan on continuing our efforts to increase our geographic and builder diversity while we also focus on our residential homebuilder customers. | |
| Not having funds available to us to service the commitments we have | As of December 31, 2025, our typical construction loan had about 72% of its loan amount outstanding on average. That means that on average, about 32% of the commitment is not loaned, usually because the house is not complete. As of December 31, 2025, unfunded commitments were $23,557, which we will fund along with our purchase and sale agreement participants. However, if we are short on cash, we could do the following:
● raise interest rates on the Notes we offer to our investors to attract new Note investments ● sell more secured interests on our loans; or ● draw down on our lines of credit from our affiliates. | |
| Non-payment of interest by our customers | Most of our customers pay interest on a monthly basis, and these funds are used to, among other things, pay interest on our monthly debt. While we have the liquidity to withstand some non-payment of interest, if a high percentage of our customers were not paying interest, it will impede our ability to pay our debts on time. | |
| Nonperforming assets | As of December 31, 2025, individually evaluated assets were approximately $6,192 (defined as impaired loans and foreclosed assets net of reserves). |
Critical Accounting Estimates
To assist in evaluating our consolidated financial statements, we describe below the critical accounting estimates that we use. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (1) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and (2) changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, or use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used, would have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Allowance for Credit Losses
We use the aggregate method or loss-rate method to estimate expected credit losses. When developing the estimate of expected credit losses, we consider our historical loss experience, current borrower performance and economic conditions, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions that may affect expected credit losses. An expected loss ratio is applied based on internal historical losses and originations. The aggregate method relies upon the performance of an entire segment of the loan portfolio to best represent the behavior of these specific segments over time. In addition, the modified open pool approach was used which utilizes our borrowers credit rankings for both construction and development loans. Internal risk-rating grades are assigned by the management based on an analysis of financial and collateral strength and other credit attributes underlying each loan. Loan grades are A, B, C and individually evaluated for both construction and development loans where A and C define the highest and lowest scores, respectively.
The Company defines loan grades based on the following credit risks:
| ● | A Credit Risk: Based on various factors (cash available, credit score, LTV, etc.) the Company believes asset quality is acceptable and is deemed to not require additional monitoring. | |
| ● | B Credit Risk: Assets in this category are currently protected but have some weaknesses as compared to credit A. These loans are monitored similar to A; however, fall below the Points defined within the paragraphs below. | |
| ● | C Credit Risk: Assets in this category have a potential weakness but not to the point of individually evaluated. Loss potential is moderate if corrective action isn’t taken. They are monitored on a weekly watch list by the Company’s management. | |
| ● | Individually Evaluated Risk: Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans are excluded from the loan pools and individually evaluated for impairment. Individually evaluated loans are loans for which it is probable that all the amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. The ACL on loans that are individually evaluated is based on a comparison of the loan receivable balance, observable market price for the loan or the fair value of the collateral underlying secured loans. |
Individually evaluated loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible. Once a loan is 90 days past due, management begins a workout plan with the borrower or commences its foreclosure process on the collateral.
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Each loan pool is adjusted for qualitative factors not inherently considered in the quantitative analysis. The qualitative adjustments either increase or decrease the quantitative model estimation. We consider factors that are relevant within the qualitative framework which include the following: lending policy, changes in nature and volume of loans, staff experience, changes in volume and trends of non-performing loans, trends in underlying collateral values, quality of our loan review system and other economic conditions, including inflation.
The following is performed by the Company’s Production Loan Operations department to determine the loan grades included within our loan’s receivable portfolio:
Each is rated on a scale of 1-5. With 5 being the highest rating, equal weight is given based on cash (split between average balance and ending balance), credit, and experience.
POINTS-CASH
| ● | Average cash should be 2% of the borrower’s total approval limit or current committed amount (whichever is higher) = .83 POINTS | |
| ● | Ending cash balance should be 1% of their total approval limit or current committed amount (whichever is higher) = .83 POINTS |
Bank statements received from the borrower are entered by the loan processors at the time of the initial application or annual credit renewal. The Company’s Loan Administration System (“LAS”) automatically calculates the grading points given for cash based on the borrower’s approval limits and calculated cash ending and average balances.
POINTS-CREDIT
| ● | 680 or higher combined credit score average for all principals for new borrowers and 640 combined credit score average for all principals for existing borrowers = 1.66 |
Credit scores are entered into LAS by the loan processors at the time of the initial application or annual credit renewal. LAS automatically calculates the grading points given for credit scores based on the average of the scores entered for the reporting agencies TransUnion and Equifax for all guarantors.
POINTS-EXPERIENCE
| ● | Meets minimum experience requirement according to the application matrix = 1.66 |
At the time of the initial application, the loan processor and underwriter determine whether the applicant meets the minimum experience requirements and enters this information into LAS under the application processing checklist. LAS then determines, based on how the question is answered, how many points are allocated to this category.
At the time of each loan approval, the underwriter confirms the grade calculated by LAS prior to signing off on the loan approval.
POINTS
Points from the three categories are added to come up with their 1-5 rating. The grading scale is as follows:
| ● | Rating Score of 4+ = A | |
| ● | Rating Score of 2.49 – 3.9 = B | |
| ● | Rating Score below 2.49 = C |
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Once the grading is established or locked in at the time of origination the loan then is populated into the Historical Loan Loss Analysis report. This report populates each loan ranking at the time of origination and does not fluctuate.
Borrower’s credit rankings do change over time based on new information obtained when available.
The CECL calculation for credit loss is performed using the following for the quantitative portion of the analysis:
| 1. | Commitment value which is obtained when the loan originates; | |
| 2. | Historical Originations by Ranking Bucket which is the sum of the Commitment Value obtained when the loan is closed; and | |
| 3. | Losses by Ranking Bucket which are expensed for loans not within foreclosure since 2018. |
The Loan Committee reviews ongoing activity regarding loans, to include discussion regarding any changes in the reserve and charge-offs. These meetings are documented within the related Board of Managers minutes.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Key financial and operating data for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 are set forth below. For a more complete understanding of our industry, the drivers of our business, and our current period results, this discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes and the other information contained in this document.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) require that we report financial and descriptive information about reportable segments and how these segments were determined. Our management determines the allocation and performance of resources based on operating income, net income and operating cash flows. Segments are identified and aggregated based on the products sold or services provided and the market(s) they serve. Based on these factors, management has determined that our ongoing operations are in two segments, commercial lending and land parcel development.
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Below is a summary of our statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| (in thousands of dollars) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Net Interest and Fee Income | ||||||||
| Interest and fee income on loans | $ | 10,804 | $ | 10,198 | ||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||
| Interest related to secured borrowings | 1,473 | 1,297 | ||||||
| Interest related to unsecured borrowings | 3,599 | 3,564 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 5,072 | 4,861 | ||||||
| Net interest and fee income | 5,732 | 5,337 | ||||||
| Less: Provision for credit losses | 1,066 | 762 | ||||||
| Net interest and fee income after provision for credit losses | 4,666 | 4,575 | ||||||
| Non-Interest Income | ||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate investments | 276 | – | ||||||
| Revenue from the sale of land parcels | 2,805 | 2,998 | ||||||
| Option fee income | 314 | 816 | ||||||
| Other income | 249 | 82 | ||||||
| Total non-interest income | 3,644 | 3,896 | ||||||
| Income before non-interest expense | 8,310 | 8,471 | ||||||
| Non-Interest Expense | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 3,824 | 3,061 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 63 | 80 | ||||||
| Loss on foreclosed assets | 205 | 595 | ||||||
| Cost of land parcels sold | 2,805 | 2,998 | ||||||
| Total non-interest expense | 6,897 | 6,734 | ||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,413 | $ | 1,737 | ||||
| Net income attributable to preferred equity holders | 988 | 702 | ||||||
| Net income attributable to common equity holders | $ | 425 | $ | 1,035 | ||||
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased $324 to $1,413 when compared to the same period of 2024.
We had $59,223 and $49,254 in loan receivables, net as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, we had 151 construction loans in 21 states with 53 borrowers and 13 development loans in 9 states with 12 borrowers.
Interest Spread
The following table displays a comparison of our interest income, expense, fees and spread for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest Income | * | * | ||||||||||||||
| Interest income on loans | 8,328 | 15 | % | 7,888 | 14 | % | ||||||||||
| Fee income on loans** | 3,016 | 6 | % | 2,975 | 5 | % | ||||||||||
| Deferred loan fees | (540 | ) | (1 | )% | (665 | ) | (1 | )% | ||||||||
| Fee income on loans, net | 2,476 | 5 | % | 2,310 | 4 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest and fee income on loans | 10,804 | 20 | % | 10,198 | 18 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense – secured | 1,473 | 3 | % | 1,297 | 3 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense – unsecured | 3,436 | 6 | % | 3,365 | 6 | % | ||||||||||
| Offering costs amortization | 163 | — | % | 199 | — | % | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | 5,072 | 9 | % | 4,861 | 9 | % | ||||||||||
| Net interest income (spread) | 5,732 | 11 | % | 5,337 | 9 | % | ||||||||||
| Weighted average outstanding loan asset balance | $ | 52,941 | $ | 55,914 | ||||||||||||
*Annualized amount as percentage of weighted average outstanding gross loan balance.
**Fee income related to the 339 Acquisition is not included in fee income on loans.
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There are three main components that can impact our interest spread:
● Difference between the interest rate received (on our loan assets) and the interest rate paid (on our borrowings). The loans we have originated have interest rates which are based on our cost of funds, with a minimum cost of funds of 7.75%. For most loans, the margin is fixed at 2.5%; however, for our development loans the margin is generally fixed at 7%. This component is also impacted by the lending of money with no interest cost (our equity).
Interest income on loans was 15% and 14% for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. This is due to a reduction of loans not paying interest.
We anticipate our standard margin to be 2.5% on all future construction loans and generally 7% on all development loans. This spread in 2026 should be somewhere in the same range as 2025 and 2024.
● Fee income. Our construction loan fee is 5% on the amount we commit to lend, which is amortized over the expected life of each loan. When loans terminate before their expected life, the remaining fee is recognized at the termination of the loan. In 2023, we started charging an annual fee on most of our development loans which varies.
Fee income on loans before deferred loan fee adjustments increased from 5% to 6% in 2025. This is due to loans paying off faster in 2025 than 2024. While this improves the fee as a % of loan balance, we have lower balance to charge interest on. In 2025, we originated more loans than in 2024, but the average loan outstanding amount did not increase.
● Amount of nonperforming assets. Generally, we can have two types of nonperforming assets that negatively affect interest spread which are defined as loans not paying interest and foreclosed assets.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had 29 individually evaluated loans, net of reserves of $6,192 and 21 nonperforming loans, net of reserves of $4,313 that were not paying interest, respectively.
Foreclosed assets do not provide a monthly interest return. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, foreclosed assets, net were $499 and $1,356, respectively, which resulted in a negative impact on our interest spread in both years.
Provision for Credit Losses
Provision for credit losses (expense throughout the year) was $1,066 and $762 for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was $1,113 and $868, respectively. The increase in the allowance for credit losses is due to certain individually evaluated assets are at higher risk based on collateral than when the loans were initially made. In addition, some appraised values decreased in specific markets. The Company believes it has properly reserved for all foreclosed and individually evaluated loans.
Non-Interest Income
Gain on the Sale of Real Estate Investments
During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company sold two real estate investment assets and recognized a gain on the sale of $83 and recorded a gain on the sale of 339 of $193.
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During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recognized no gains or losses on real estate investment sales.
Beyond the sale of the remaining lot held in real estate investments for $169, the Company does not anticipate more real estate investment activity in 2026.
Revenue from the Sale of Land Parcels
During the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company sold land parcels related to our investment in 339 for $2,805 and $2,998, respectively. The Company sold 339 in August of 2025 and will not have revenue from the sale of land parcels in 2026.
Option Fee Income
During the year end December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company recognized 339 option fee income of $314 and $816, respectively. We are now lending on this development asset rather than owning it as of the date of sale of 339 on August 6, 2025. As a result, revenue will be reflected as interest income, and our interest cost will be reflected as interest expense (rather than being capitalized). There will be no revenue on the option fee income line of the income statement going forward in 2026. The amount invested in 339 was also eliminated from the balance sheet and our loan asset balance increased.
Other Income
During the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we provided accounting consulting services for several of our construction and development loan customers, and recognized $249 and $82 in other income, respectively. We anticipate increasing our consulting services during 2026.
Non-Interest Expense
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
The following table displays our SG&A expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | ||||||||
| Legal and accounting | $ | 304 | $ | 286 | ||||
| Salaries and related expenses | 2,450 | 1,970 | ||||||
| Board related expenses | 108 | 112 | ||||||
| Advertising | 129 | 82 | ||||||
| Rent and utilities | 91 | 85 | ||||||
| Loan and foreclosed asset expenses | 110 | 125 | ||||||
| Travel | 249 | 221 | ||||||
| Insurance | 97 | 38 | ||||||
| Other | 286 | 142 | ||||||
| Total SG&A | $ | 3,824 | $ | 3,061 | ||||
SG&A expenses increased $763 to $3,864 for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $3,061 for the same period of 2024 due primarily to salaries and related expenses, which included adding four additional employees compared to the same period of 2024. The Company anticipates relatively level SG&A in 2026.
Loss on Foreclosed Assets
During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recognized $205 and $595 for losses on foreclosed assets, respectively. In 2025, we transferred two construction loans from loans receivable to foreclosed assets, which resulted in a loss on foreclosure of $205. During 2024, we transferred six construction loans from loans receivable to foreclosed assets with a loss on foreclosure of $160 and impairments on foreclosed assets were $435.
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Cost of Land Parcels Sold
During the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company sold nine 339 land parcels and recognized costs on the sales of $2,805 and $2,998, respectively. The Company sold 339 in August of 2025 and will not have additional costs associated with 339 in 2026.
Consolidated Financial Position
Cash and Cash Equivalents
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, our cash was $3,490 and $3,347 respectively.
Loans Receivable, net
Commercial Loans – Construction Loan Portfolio Summary
We anticipate the aggregate balance of our construction loan portfolio will increase as built homes take longer to sell.
The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for home construction loans as of December 31, 2025:
(All dollar [$] amounts shown in table in thousands.)
| State | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Value of Collateral | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | Loan Fee | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 2 | 4 | $ | 1,719 | $ | 1,126 | $ | 1,126 | 66 | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 1 | 1 | 1,285 | 1,750 | 1,439 | 137 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Connecticut | 1 | 3 | 1,730 | 1,162 | 890 | 67 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 11 | 50 | 23,854 | 16,637 | 10,984 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 7 | 10 | 6,448 | 4,228 | 3,068 | 66 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Idaho | 1 | 1 | 2,770 | 1,500 | 874 | 54 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 1 | 1 | 1,500 | 815 | 606 | 54 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | 2 | 3 | 825 | 623 | 594 | 76 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Michigan | 1 | 1 | 970 | 582 | 171 | 60 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mississippi | 1 | 1 | 335 | 258 | 258 | 77 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Montana | 2 | 2 | 975 | 683 | 578 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New Jersey | 1 | 4 | 1,798 | 1,531 | 1,471 | 85 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New York | 1 | 5 | 2,248 | 1,345 | 488 | 60 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | 8 | 14 | 6,530 | 4,135 | 1,861 | 63 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Oklahoma | 1 | 1 | 167 | 117 | 77 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 18 | 20,748 | 16,368 | 13,055 | 79 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 7 | 26 | 10,739 | 8,394 | 4,808 | 78 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | 2 | 3 | 1,061 | 743 | 718 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Utah | 1 | 1 | 4,880 | 3,538 | 1,213 | 73 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Virginia | 1 | 2 | 592 | 362 | 236 | 61 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 54 | (3) | 151 | $ | 91,174 | $ | 65,897 | $ | 44,515 | 72 | % (2) | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | The loan to value ratio is calculated by taking the commitment amount and dividing by the appraised value. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average loan to value ratio of the loans. |
| (3) | Total number of borrowers is 53. One borrower has construction loans in North Carolina and South Carolina which is reflected in the Number of Borrowers column of the table above. |
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The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for home construction loans as of December 31, 2024:
(All dollar [$] amounts shown in table in thousands
| State | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Value of Collateral | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | Loan Fee | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Arizona | 1 | 2 | $ | 890 | $ | 634 | $ | 633 | 71 | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| California | 1 | 1 | 3,210 | 1,750 | 1,346 | 55 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Connecticut | 1 | 2 | 1,040 | 728 | 389 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 9 | 42 | 16,089 | 11,081 | 6,874 | 69 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 3 | 6 | 3,301 | 2,037 | 878 | 62 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Idaho | 1 | 4 | 1,462 | 1,060 | 661 | 73 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 1 | 1 | 1,727 | 992 | 1,781 | 57 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | 4 | 6 | 1,613 | 1,169 | 1,031 | 72 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Michigan | 1 | 1 | 890 | 481 | 27 | 54 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Mississippi | 1 | 1 | 369 | 258 | 258 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New Jersey | 2 | 4 | 1,585 | 1,362 | 1,122 | 86 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New York | 1 | 1 | 650 | 455 | 105 | 70 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | 9 | 18 | 10,737 | 6,642 | 4,786 | 62 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Ohio | 3 | 3 | 1,275 | 857 | 1,074 | 67 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 22 | 24,449 | 18,065 | 15,192 | 74 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 10 | 49 | 22,057 | 14,309 | 7,438 | 65 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | 3 | 4 | 1,334 | 893 | 748 | 67 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Texas | 2 | 3 | 2,320 | 1,844 | 1,567 | 79 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Utah | 1 | 3 | 2,918 | 1,792 | 1,422 | 61 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Virginia | 3 | 4 | 1,546 | 982 | 672 | 64 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 59 | 177 | $ | 99,462 | $ | 67,391 | $ | 48,004 | 68 | % (2) | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) | The loan to value ratio is calculated by taking the commitment amount and dividing by the appraised value. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average loan to value ratio of the loans. |
Commercial Loans – Real Estate Development Loan Portfolio Summary
The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for land development as of December 31, 2025:
| 39 |
(All dollar [$] amounts shown in table in thousands.)
| States | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Value of Collateral | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | Interest Spread(3) |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 2 | 2 | 550 | 630 | 350 | 115 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 1 | 1 | 560 | 100 | 99 | 18 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Louisiana | 1 | 1 | 150 | 88 | 88 | 59 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| New Jersey | 1 | 1 | 88 | 56 | 56 | 64 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| North Carolina | 2 | 2 | 3,037 | 681 | 680 | 22 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 2 | 15,337 | 14,066 | 12,854 | 92 | % | varies | |||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 1 | 1 | 1,500 | 487 | 539 | 32 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Utah | 2 | 2 | 3,146 | 1,600 | 868 | 51 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Wyoming | 1 | 1 | 2,750 | 1,635 | 1,634 | 59 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 12 | 13 | $ | 27,118 | $ | 19,343 | $ | 17,168 | 71 | % (2) | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | The loan to value ratio is calculated by taking the outstanding amount and dividing by the appraised value calculated as described above. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average loan to value ratio of the loans. |
| (3) | The interest spread varies for the state of Pennsylvania and is 7% across other states. |
The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for land development as of December 31, 2024:
(All dollar [$] amounts shown in table in thousands.)
| States | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Value of Collateral | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | Interest Spread(3) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Florida | 2 | 2 | 2,469 | 1,500 | 268 | 11 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Georgia | 1 | 1 | 346 | 275 | 159 | 46 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| New York | 1 | 1 | 300 | 300 | 300 | 100 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 1 | 2,484 | 3,700 | 1,919 | 77 | % | varies | ||||||||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | 1 | 1 | 1,860 | 487 | 488 | 26 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 6 | 6 | $ | 7,459 | $ | 6,262 | $ | 3,134 | 42 | % (2) | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) | The loan to value ratio is calculated by taking the outstanding amount and dividing by the appraised value calculated as described above. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average loan to value ratio of the loans. |
| (3) | The interest spread varies for the state of Pennsylvania and is 7% across other states. |
The following is a roll forward of our loan receivables net, or construction and development loans:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 49,254 | $ | 59,186 | ||||
| Originations and modifications | 59,571 | 40,729 | ||||||
| Principal collections | (48,205 | ) | (48,578 | ) | ||||
| Transferred from loans receivables, net | (909 | ) | (2,306 | |||||
| Change in allowance for credit losses | (245 | ) | (173 | ) | ||||
| Change in loan fees, net | (243 | ) | (396 | ) | ||||
| Ending balance | $ | 59,223 | $ | 49,254 | ||||
| 40 |
Credit Quality Information
We use the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model to estimate our allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans, which uses the aggregate method or loss-rate method to estimate expected credit losses. When developing the estimate of expected credit losses, we consider our historical loss experience, current borrower performance and economic conditions, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions that may affect expected credit losses. An expected loss ratio is applied based on internal historical losses and originations. The aggregate method relies upon the performance of an entire segment of the loan portfolio to best represent the behavior of these specific segments over time. In addition, the modified open pool approach was used which utilizes our borrowers credit rankings for both construction and development loans. Internal risk-rating grades are assigned by the Company’s management based on an analysis of financial and collateral strength and other credit attributes underlying each loan. Loan grades are A, B, C and individually evaluated for both construction and development loans where A and C define the highest and lowest scores, respectively.
We defines loan grades based on the following credit risks:
| ● | A Credit Risk: Based on various factors (cash available, credit score, LTV, etc.) the Company believes asset quality is acceptable and is deemed to not require additional monitoring. | |
| ● | B Credit Risk: Assets in this category are currently protected but have some weaknesses as compared to credit A. These loans are monitored similar to A; however, fall below the Points defined within the paragraphs below. | |
| ● | C Credit Risk: Assets in this category have a potential weakness but not to the point of individually evaluated. Loss potential is moderate if corrective action isn’t taken. They are monitored on a weekly watch list by the Company’s management. | |
| ● | Individually Evaluated Risk: Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans are excluded from the loan pools and individually evaluated for impairment. Individually evaluated loans are loans for which it is probable that all the amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. The ACL on loans that are individually evaluated is based on a comparison of the loan receivable balance, observable market price for the loan or the fair value of the collateral underlying secured loans. |
Individually evaluated loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible. Once a loan is 90 days past due, management begins a workout plan with the borrower or commences its foreclosure process on the collateral.
Each loan pool is adjusted for qualitative factors not inherently considered in the quantitative analysis. The qualitative adjustments either increase or decrease the quantitative model estimation. We consider factors that are relevant within the qualitative framework which include the following: lending policy, changes in nature and volume of loans, staff experience, changes in volume and trends of non-performing loans, trends in underlying collateral values, quality of our loan review system and other economic conditions, including inflation.
Our construction loans are collateralized by lots, partially built homes, and built homes, while our Company development loans are collateralized by land and lots. Secured loans individually evaluated are also collateralized by land and real estate.
The following table presents the Company’s gross loans receivable, commitment value and ACL for each respective credit rank loan pool category as of December 31, 2025.
Loans Receivable Gross | Commitment Value | ACL | ||||||||||
| Construction Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | 23,490 | $ | 37,488 | $ | 122 | ||||||
| B Credit Risk | 13,799 | 18,830 | 151 | |||||||||
| C Credit Risk | 828 | 1,099 | 12 | |||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | 6,399 | 8,480 | 745 | |||||||||
| Development Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | 3,457 | $ | 4,390 | $ | 2 | ||||||
| B Credit Risk | 13,072 | 14,366 | 79 | |||||||||
| C Credit Risk | 99 | 100 | 2 | |||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | 539 | 487 | – | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 61,683 | $ | 85,240 | $ | 1,113 | ||||||
The following table presents the Company’s gross loans receivable, commitment value and ACL for each respective credit rank loan pool category as of December 31, 2024.
Loans Receivable Gross | Commitment Value | ACL | ||||||||||
| Construction Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | 39,277 | $ | 55,872 | $ | 140 | ||||||
| B Credit Risk | 2,817 | 3,883 | 40 | |||||||||
| C Credit Risk | 939 | 1,851 | 10 | |||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | 4,971 | 5,785 | 658 | |||||||||
| Development Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | 2,485 | $ | 5,500 | $ | 2 | ||||||
| B Credit Risk | 160 | 275 | – | |||||||||
| C Credit Risk | 489 | 487 | 18 | |||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | – | – | – | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 51,138 | $ | 73,653 | $ | 868 | ||||||
| 41 |
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans individually evaluated and loans past due over 90 days nonaccruing as of December 31, 2025:
| Individually Evaluated Loans without ACL | Individually Evaluated Loans with ACL | Accrual Loans Past Due Over 90 Days | ||||||||||
| Construction Loans: | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | $ | 3,239 | $ | 3,160 | $ | – | ||||||
| Development Loans: | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | $ | 539 | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||
| Total | $ | 3,778 | $ | 3,160 | $ | – | ||||||
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans individually evaluated and loans past due over 90 days nonaccruing as of December 31, 2024:
| Individually Evaluated without ACL | Individually Evaluated with ACL | Accrual Loans Past Due Over 90 Days | ||||||||||
| Construction Loans: | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | $ | 1,427 | $ | 3,544 | $ | – | ||||||
| Development Loans: | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||
| Total | $ | 1,427 | $ | 3,544 | $ | – | ||||||
For loans greater than 12 months in age that are individually evaluated, appraisals are ordered and prepared if the current appraisal is greater than 13 months old and construction is greater than 90% complete. If construction is completed by less than 90% the Company uses the latest appraisal on file. At certain times the Company may choose to use a broker’s opinions of value (“BOV”) as a replacement for an appraisal if deemed more efficient by management. Appraised values are adjusted down for estimated costs associated with asset disposal. Broker’s opinion of selling price use currently valid sales contracts on the subject property or representative recent actual closings by the builder on similar properties may be used in place of a BOV.
Appraisers are state certified and are selected by first attempting to utilize the appraiser who completed the original appraisal report. If that appraiser is unavailable or unreasonably expensive, we use another appraiser who appraises routinely in that geographic area. BOVs are created by real estate agents. We try to first select an agent we have worked with, and then, if that fails, we select another agent who works in that geographic area.
In addition, our loan portfolio includes performing, forbearance and individually evaluated loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. The Company’s policies with respect to placing loans on non-accrual and individually evaluated if they are past due when the contractual payment of principal or interest becomes 90 days past due unless management deems the loan an exception. A fair market value analysis is performed and an allowance for credit loss is established based on the results of the analysis.
| 42 |
The following is an aging of our gross loan portfolio as of December 31, 2025:
| Gross Loan | Current | Past Due | Past Due | Past Due | ||||||||||||||||
| Value | 0 - 89 | 90 - 179 | 180 - 269 | >270 | ||||||||||||||||
| Construction Loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | 23,490 | $ | 23,490 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | 13,799 | 13,799 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | 828 | 828 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | 6,399 | 5,201 | 618 | 446 | 134 | |||||||||||||||
| Development Loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | 3,457 | 3,457 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | 13,072 | 13,072 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | 99 | 99 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | 539 | – | 539 | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 61,683 | $ | 59,946 | $ | 1,157 | $ | 446 | $ | 134 | ||||||||||
The following is an aging of our gross loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024:
| Gross Loan | Current | Past Due | Past Due | Past Due | ||||||||||||||||
| Value | 0 - 89 | 90 - 179 | 180 - 269 | >270 | ||||||||||||||||
| Construction Loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | 39,277 | $ | 39,277 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | 2,817 | 2,817 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | 939 | 939 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | 4,971 | – | 1,057 | – | 3,914 | |||||||||||||||
| Development Loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | 2,485 | 2,485 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | 160 | 160 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | 489 | 489 | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 51,138 | $ | 46,167 | $ | 1,057 | $ | – | $ | 3,914 | ||||||||||
| 43 |
Below is an aging schedule of loans receivable as of December 31, 2025, on a recency basis:
No. Loans | Unpaid Balances | % | ||||||||||
| Contractual terms (All current Direct Loans and Sales Finance Contracts with installments past due less than 60 days from due date.) | 155 | $ | 58,507 | 94.9 | % | |||||||
| 60-89 days | 1 | 1,439 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||
| 90-179 days | 5 | 1,157 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||
| 180-269 days | 2 | 446 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||
| >270 days | 1 | 134 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||
| Subtotal | 164 | $ | 61,683 | 100.0 | % | |||||||
| Interest only accounts (Accounts on which interest, deferment, extension and/or default charges were received in the last 60 days) | – | $ | – | – | % | |||||||
| Partial payment accounts (Accounts on which the total received in the last 60 days was less than 50% of the original contractual monthly payment. “Total received” to include interest on simple interest accounts, as well as late charges on deferment charges on pre-computed accounts.) | – | $ | – | – | % | |||||||
| Total | 164 | $ | 61,683 | 100.0 | % | |||||||
Below is an aging schedule of loans receivable as of December 31, 2024, on a recency basis:
No. Loans | Unpaid Balances | % | ||||||||||
| Contractual terms (All current Direct Loans and Sales Finance Contracts with installments past due less than 60 days from due date.) | 162 | $ | 46,168 | 90.2 | % | |||||||
| 60-89 days | – | – | – | % | ||||||||
| 90-179 days | 5 | 1,057 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||
| 180-269 days | – | – | – | % | ||||||||
| >270 days | 16 | 3,913 | 7.7 | % | ||||||||
| Subtotal | 183 | $ | 51,138 | 100.0 | % | |||||||
| Interest only accounts (Accounts on which interest, deferment, extension and/or default charges were received in the last 60 days) | – | $ | – | – | % | |||||||
| Partial payment accounts (Accounts on which the total received in the last 60 days was less than 50% of the original contractual monthly payment. “Total received” to include interest on simple interest accounts, as well as late charges on deferment charges on pre-computed accounts.) | – | $ | – | – | % | |||||||
| Total | 183 | $ | 51,138 | 100.0 | % | |||||||
| 44 |
Below is an aging schedule of loans receivable as of December 31, 2025, on a contractual basis:
No. Loans | Unpaid Balances | % | ||||||||||
| Contractual terms (All current Direct Loans and Sales Finance Contracts with installments past due less than 60 days from due date.) | 155 | $ | 58,507 | 94.9 | % | |||||||
| 60-89 days | 1 | 1,439 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||
| 90-179 days | 5 | 1,157 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||
| 180-269 days | 2 | 446 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||
| >270 days | 1 | 134 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||
155 | $ | 58,507 | 94.9 | |||||||||
| Subtotal | 164 | $ | 61,683 | 100.0 | % | |||||||
| Interest only accounts (Accounts on which interest, deferment, extension and/or default charges were received in the last 60 days) | – | $ | – | – | % | |||||||
| Partial payment accounts (Accounts on which the total received in the last 60 days was less than 50% of the original contractual monthly payment. “Total received” to include interest on simple interest accounts, as well as late charges on deferment charges on pre-computed accounts.) | – | $ | – | – | % | |||||||
| Total | 164 | $ | 61,683 | 100.0 | % | |||||||
Below is an aging schedule of loans receivable as of December 31, 2024, on a contractual basis:
No. Loans | Unpaid Balances | % | ||||||||||
| Contractual terms (All current Direct Loans and Sales Finance Contracts with installments past due less than 60 days from due date.) | 162 | $ | 46,168 | 90.2 | % | |||||||
| 60-89 days | – | – | – | % | ||||||||
| 90-179 days | 5 | 1,057 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||
| 180-269 days | – | – | – | % | ||||||||
| >270 days | 16 | 3,913 | 7.7 | % | ||||||||
| Subtotal | 183 | $ | 51,138 | 100.0 | % | |||||||
| Interest only accounts (Accounts on which interest, deferment, extension and/or default charges were received in the last 60 days) | – | $ | – | – | % | |||||||
| Partial payment accounts (Accounts on which the total received in the last 60 days was less than 50% of the original contractual monthly payment. “Total received” to include interest on simple interest accounts, as well as late charges on deferment charges on pre-computed accounts.) | – | $ | – | – | % | |||||||
| Total | 183 | $ | 51,138 | 100.0 | % | |||||||
| 45 |
The company modifies loans for borrowers for various reasons, including but not limited to changes in what the builder is building versus what was appraised, changes in loan-to-value (“LTV”) or market conditions, and a builder’s inability to pay interest. This last grouping (builder’s inability to pay interest) is done through forbearance agreements which will allow the builder to have a specified period not to pay interest while the home is either completed or marketed. Typically, those interest amounts are collected at final payoff of the loan.
As of December 31, 2025, we had one loan with a commitment and loan balance of $258 currently not paying interest under a forbearance agreement. The amount of interest unpaid under the forbearance agreement is $40 and is included in our interest receivable. No loans were under a forbearance agreement as of December 31, 2024.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
The following table provides a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2025:
| Construction | Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Credit Risk | B Credit Risk | C Credit Risk | Individually Evaluated | A Credit Risk | B Credit Risk | C Credit Risk | Individually Evaluated | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2024 | $ | (150 | ) | $ | (28 | ) | $ | (13 | ) | $ | (658 | ) | $ | (1 | ) | $ | – | $ | (18 | ) | $ | – | $ | (868 | ) | |||||||||||
| Charge-offs | – | – | – | 822 | – | – | – | – | 822 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries | – | – | – | (53 | ) | – | – | – | – | (53 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for credit losses on funded balances | 28 | (123 | ) | 1 | (857 | ) | (1 | ) | (78 | ) | 16 | – | (1,014 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2025 | $ | (122 | ) | $ | (151 | ) | $ | (12 | ) | $ | (746 | ) | $ | (2 | ) | $ | (78 | ) | $ | (2 | ) | $ | – | $ | (1,113 | ) | ||||||||||
| Reserve for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2024 | $ | (65 | ) | $ | (10 | ) | $ | (12 | ) | $ | – | $ | (1 | ) | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | (88 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for credit losses on unfunded commitments | (8 | ) | (45 | ) | 8 | – | 1 | (8 | ) | – | – | (52 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reserve for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2025 | $ | (73 | ) | $ | (55 | ) | $ | (4 | ) | $ | – | $ | - | $ | (8 | ) | $ | – | $ | – | $ | (140 | ) | |||||||||||||
The following table provides a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses as of December 31,2024:
| Construction | Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Credit Risk | B Credit Risk | C Credit Risk | Individually Evaluated | A Credit Risk | B Credit Risk | C Credit Risk | Individually Evaluated | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 | $ | (211 | ) | $ | (32 | ) | $ | – | $ | (437 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | $ | – | $ | (10 | ) | $ | – | $ | (695 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Reclassification of ACL on unfunded commitments | 59 | 19 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 78 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charge-offs | – | – | – | 506 | – | – | – | – | 506 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries | – | – | – | (6 | ) | – | – | – | – | (6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for credit losses on funded balances | 2 | (15 | ) | (13 | ) | (721 | ) | 4 | – | (8 | ) | – | (751 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2024 | $ | (150 | ) | $ | (28 | ) | $ | (13 | ) | $ | (658 | ) | $ | (1 | ) | $ | – | $ | (18 | ) | $ | – | $ | (868 | ) | |||||||||||
| Reserve for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2023 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of ACL on unfunded commitments | (59 | ) | (19 | ) | – | – | – | – | – | – | (78 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for credit losses on unfunded commitments | (6 | ) | 9 | (12 | ) | – | (1 | ) | – | – | – | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reserve for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2024 | $ | (65 | ) | $ | (10 | ) | $ | (12 | ) | $ | – | $ | (1 | ) | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | (88 | ) | |||||||||||||
| 46 |
Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Loan Commitments
Unfunded commitments to extend credit, which have similar collateral, credit and market risk to our outstanding loans, were $23,557 and $22,515 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The ACL is calculated at an estimated loss rate on the total commitment value for loans in our portfolio. The ACL on unfunded commitments is calculated as the difference between the ACL on commitment value less the estimated loss rate and the total gross loan value for loans in our portfolio. The ACL for unfunded commitments was $140 and $88 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Loan Portfolio by Year of Origination
The table below presents the Company’s loan portfolio by year of origination, category, and credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2025. Loans acquired are shown in the tables by origination year.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Prior | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | 15,907 | $ | 3,786 | $ | 2,277 | $ | 939 | $ | 581 | $ | - | $ | 23,490 | ||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | 7,228 | 4,938 | 620 | 1,013 | - | - | 13,799 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | - | 827 | - | - | - | - | 827 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | 2,323 | 2,429 | 1,050 | 597 | - | - | 6,399 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 25,458 | 11,980 | 3,947 | 2,549 | 581 | - | 44,515 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Period Charge Offs | - | - | - | (125 | ) | (27 | ) | (670 | ) | (822 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Development Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | 3,020 | 438 | - | - | - | - | 3,458 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | 11,602 | - | - | - | - | 1,470 | 13,072 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | - | - | 99 | - | - | - | 99 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | - | - | - | - | - | 539 | 539 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 14,622 | 438 | 99 | - | - | 2,009 | 17,168 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Period Charge Offs | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 40,080 | $ | 12,418 | $ | 4,046 | $ | 2,424 | $ | 554 | $ | 1,339 | $ | 60,861 | ||||||||||||||
The table below presents the Company’s loan portfolio by year of origination, category, and credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2024. Loans acquired are shown in the tables by origination year.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Prior | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | 24,336 | $ | 9,980 | $ | 4,961 | $ | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 39,277 | |||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | 1,936 | 300 | - | 581 | - | - | 2,817 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | 840 | 99 | - | - | - | - | 939 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | - | 1,552 | 794 | 446 | 1,781 | 398 | 4,971 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 27,112 | $ | 11,931 | $ | 5,755 | $ | 1,027 | $ | 1,781 | $ | 398 | $ | 48,004 | |||||||||||||||
| Current Period Charge Offs | - | (138 | ) | (356 | ) | - | - | (12 | ) | (506 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Development Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | 300 | 229 | - | 37 | - | 1,919 | 2,485 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | 160 | - | - | - | - | - | 160 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | - | - | - | - | - | 489 | 489 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 460 | 229 | - | 37 | - | 2,408 | 3,134 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Period Charge Offs | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 27,572 | $ | 12,022 | $ | 5,399 | $ | 1,064 | $ | 1,781 | $ | 2,794 | $ | 50,632 | ||||||||||||||
| 47 |
Concentration
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of loans receivable. Our concentration risks for our top three customers listed by geographic real estate market are summarized in the table below:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||
| Percent of | Percent of | |||||||||||
| Borrower | Loan | Borrower | Loan | |||||||||
| City | Commitments | City | Commitments | |||||||||
| Highest concentration risk | Pittsburgh, PA | 36 | % | Pittsburgh, PA | 20 | % | ||||||
| Second highest concentration risk | Central and Southwest FL | 7 | % | Cape Coral, FL | 4 | % | ||||||
| Third highest concentration risk | St. George, UT | 6 | % | Greenville, SC | 3 | % | ||||||
Foreclosed Assets
Roll forward of foreclosed assets for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 1,356 | $ | 130 | ||||
| Transferred from loans receivables, net | 909 | 2,306 | ||||||
| Additions for construction in foreclosed assets | 96 | 507 | ||||||
| Sale proceeds | (1,657 | ) | (992 | ) | ||||
| Loss on foreclosed assets, net | (205 | ) | (595 | ) | ||||
| Ending balance | $ | 499 | $ | 1,356 | ||||
During the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 we reclassed $909 and $2,306 loan receivable, net assets to foreclosed assets, respectively.
Real Estate Investments
During October 2023, the Company acquired two properties to construct houses on each lot. One of the properties was sold in 2025 at a gain of $48. The second property, with a carrying value of $169, is not being developed. The Company is currently in negotiations to sell the second property as a lot to a builder.
On February 15, 2024, the Company completed its acquisition of 339 Justabout Land Co. LLC (“339”), in a transaction valued at $9,122. The Company paid cash consideration of $3,000 plus the amount of our intercompany debt. The property was then subdivided into two parcels. One parcel was being developed into lots for home construction (“Phase 1 Lots”) and the other parcel was being developed into a second phase of lots (“Phase 2 Lots”).
We charged option fees to Benjamin Marcus Homes (“BMH”) for the right to buy the Phase 1 Lots owned by 339. The option fee was $890 as of February 15, 2024, and the Company is deferring the revenue related to the option fee over twelve months. As of December 31, 2024, deferred revenue, real estate investment was $74. There was no deferred revenue related to the option fee as of December 31, 2025.
During the year ended December 31, 2025, BMH purchased eight lots from 339 for both revenue and cost of land parcels sold of $2,805. During the year ended December 31, 2024, BMH purchased nine lots from 339 for both revenue and cost of land parcels sold of $2,998. The related income and expense on these lot sales are included within non-interest income and non-interest expense, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations. No gains or losses were recognized in the lot sales. We capitalized interest related to the cost of this investment which was included in the assets when we sold lots.
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On August 6, 2025, the Company completed the sale of all assets held by 339, a business segment, to the principal owners of the Company’s largest customer, Benjamin Marcus Homes (“BMH” or “Buyer”), for a sales price of $9,876. The assets sold consisted primarily of undeveloped lots, which had a net book value of $9,683 at the time of the sale. The sale includes the settlement of $725 in option fees receivable from BMH at the time of closing and a reduction of $240 in deferred revenue associated with prior deposits from BMH for lot purchases from 339. The Company recognized a gain of $193 on the sale.
During September 2024, the Company invested in a minority non-controlling interest in one of our borrowers, DBL Capital Real Estate Fund 1, LLC (“DBL”) for $330. The investment assisted in the development of several empty lots into houses with the intent of the Company to receive a return. The Company redeemed this investment on November 4, 2025, and recorded a gain of $38 on investment.
The following table is a roll forward of real estate investment assets:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 13,529 | $ | 435 | ||||
| Additions from 339 acquisition | – | 11,330 | ||||||
| Proceeds from disposal of 339 | (9,876 | ) | – | |||||
| Gain on sale of real estate investments | 276 | – | ||||||
| Investments in real estate assets | – | 330 | ||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of real estate investments | (4,956 | ) | (2,998 | ) | ||||
| Additions for construction/development | 1,196 | 4,432 | ||||||
| Ending balance | $ | 169 | $ | 13,529 | ||||
Capitalized Interest Activity
The following table is capitalized interest included in additions for construction development for real estate investment assets:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Capitalized interest | $ | 513 | $ | 1,143 | ||||
| Cost of funds | 9.61 | % | 11.48 | % | ||||
The capitalized interest is included within real estate investment assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Beyond the sale of the remaining lot for $169, the Company does not anticipate more real estate investment activity in 2026.
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Segment Reporting
During February 2024, the Company completed its acquisition of 339 and the property has since been subdivided into two parcels. One parcel was being developed into lots and made available for home construction and the other parcel was being developed into a second phase of lots.
The addition of the Company’s real estate investment in 339 during February 2024 resulted in a new reportable segment for 2024 and through the date of the disposal of the 339 segment on August 6, 2025. The Company operated within two principal business segments between the acquisition and sale of 339: Shepherd’s Finance and 339, and once consolidated, the Company reports as Shepherd’s Finance, LLC. Revenues from Shepherd’s Finance consist primarily of interest and fee income earned on loans. 339 revenues are primarily related to the sale of land parcels and option fee income. The Company has no other reportable segments.
Our CEO assesses segment performance using net income as well as comparing capital expenditures, sales prices, sales rates, and development timing to a plan that was created prior to purchase. The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. They are managed separately because each segment sells a different product.
Information about reportable segments, and reconciliations of such information to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, are described below.
Reconciliation of Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2025
| (in thousands of dollars) | 339 Justabout Land Company, LLC | Shepherd’s Finance, LLC |
Total | |||||||||
| Net Interest and Fee Income | ||||||||||||
| Interest and fee income on loans | $ | – | $ | 10,804 | $ | 10,804 | ||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||||||
| Interest related to secure borrowings | – | 1,473 | 1,473 | |||||||||
| Interest related to unsecured borrowings | – | 3,599 | 3,599 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | – | $ | 5,072 | $ | 5,072 | ||||||
| Net interest and fee income | – | 5,732 | 5,732 | |||||||||
| Less: Provision for credit losses | – | 1,066 | 1,066 | |||||||||
| Net interest and fee income after provision for credit losses | – | 4,666 | 4,666 | |||||||||
| Non-Interest Income | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate investments | $ | 193 | $ | 83 | $ | 276 | ||||||
| Revenue from the sale of land parcels | 2,805 | – | 2,805 | |||||||||
| Option fee income | 314 | – | 314 | |||||||||
| Other income | – | 249 | 249 | |||||||||
| Total non-interest income | $ | 3,312 | $ | 332 | $ | 3,644 | ||||||
| Income before non-interest expense | 3,312 | 4,998 | 8,310 | |||||||||
| Non-Interest Expense | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | – | $ | 3,824 | $ | 3,824 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | – | 63 | 63 | |||||||||
| Loss on foreclosed assets | – | 205 | 205 | |||||||||
| Cost of land parcels sold | 2,805 | – | 2,805 | |||||||||
| Total non-interest expense | $ | 2,805 | $ | 4,092 | $ | 6,897 | ||||||
| Net Income | $ | 507 | $ | 906 | $ | 1,413 | ||||||
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Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
| (in thousands of dollars) | 339 Justabout Land Company, LLC | Shepherds Finance, LLC |
Total | |||||||||
| Net Interest and Fee Income | ||||||||||||
| Interest and fee income on loans | $ | – | $ | 10,198 | $ | 10,198 | ||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||||||
| Interest related to secure borrowings | – | 1,297 | 1,297 | |||||||||
| Interest related to unsecured borrowings | – | 3,564 | 3,564 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | – | $ | 4,861 | $ | 4,861 | ||||||
| Net interest and fee income | – | 5,337 | 5,337 | |||||||||
| Less: Provision for credit losses | – | 762 | 762 | |||||||||
| Net interest and fee income after provision for credit losses | – | 4,575 | 4,575 | |||||||||
| Non-Interest Income | ||||||||||||
| Gain on foreclosed assets | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||
| Revenue from the sale of land parcels | 2,998 | – | 2,998 | |||||||||
| Option fee income | 816 | – | 816 | |||||||||
| Other income | – | 82 | 82 | |||||||||
| Total non-interest income | $ | 3,814 | $ | 82 | $ | 3,896 | ||||||
| Income before non-interest expense | 3,814 | 4,657 | 8,471 | |||||||||
| Non-Interest Expense | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | – | $ | 3,061 | $ | 3,061 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | – | 80 | 80 | |||||||||
| Loss on foreclosed assets | – | 595 | 595 | |||||||||
| Cost of land parcels sold | 2,998 | – | 2,998 | |||||||||
| Total non-interest expense | $ | 2,998 | $ | 3,736 | $ | 6,734 | ||||||
| Net Income | $ | 816 | $ | 921 | $ | 1,737 | ||||||
| 51 |
Reconciliation of total assets:
| (in thousands of dollars) | 339 Justabouot Land Company, LLC | Shepherd’s Finance, LLC | Elimination | Total | ||||||||||||
| Total assets as of December 31, 2025 | $ | – | $ | 68,536 | $ | – | $ | 68,536 | ||||||||
| Total assets as of December 31, 2024 | $ | 11,977 | $ | 58,253 | $ | – | $ | 70,230 | ||||||||
Refundable Prepaid Interest
In specific instances we offer or require borrowers the ability to have an interest escrow , which we call refundable prepaid interest. Refundable prepaid interest is a separate liability on the Company’s balance sheet used to apply towards or pay the borrowers monthly interest payment when due. The Company may require this to ensure cash on hand considered in underwriting is used to make interest payments to the Company. If the customer has already used a substantial amount of cash to purchase a lot, we might require one to be funded with loan proceeds. In some land development and lot loan cases where the interest will be substantial due to the length of the loan, we may require a funded interest escrow to start but then continue to have the builder fund the interest escrow with each lot paydown (as lots are released from the loan).
Below is a roll forward of refundable prepaid interest:
Year Ended December 31, 2025 | Year Ended December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 353 | $ | 292 | ||||
| Additions from Pennsylvania loans | 1,198 | 907 | ||||||
| Additions from other loans | 1,312 | 701 | ||||||
| Interest, fees, principal or repaid to borrower | (1,898 | ) | (1,547 | ) | ||||
| Ending balance | $ | 965 | $ | 353 | ||||
Secured Borrowings
Loan Purchase and Sale Agreements
The Company has two purchase and sale agreements where we are the seller of portions of loans we originate. The two purchasers are Builder Finance, Inc. (“Builder Finance”) and S.K. Funding, LLC (“S.K. Funding”). Generally, the purchasers buy between 50% and 85% of each loan sold. They receive interest rates ranging from 8% to our interest rate charged to the borrower. The purchasers generally do not receive any of the loan fees we charge. We have the right to call some of the loans sold, with some restrictions. Once sold, the purchaser must fund their portion of the loans purchased. We service the loans. Also, there are limited put options in some cases, whereby the purchaser can cause us to repurchase a loan. The loan purchase and sale agreements are recorded as secured borrowings. However, an amendment to S.K. Funding’s agreement allowes the Company to sell participating interest in loans which is explained further below.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the there is not a limit of maximum principal on the Builder Finance line and the principal was $1,459 and $4,418, respectively. The interest rate on the borrowings was 8.99% and 11.00% as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The agreement has a term of 12 months and renews automatically for an additional 12 months unless either party provides written notice of intent not to renew at least six months prior to the end of the term. During the periods ending December 31, 2025 and 2024, interest expense was $323 and $704, respectively.
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As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the maximum principal on the S.K. Funding line was $6,500 for both period end dates. Borrowings up to $1,400 over the principal amount may be unsecured. There were $0 of unsecured borrowings as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024. The interest rate on the borrowings was 10.00% and 9.50% as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The agreement has a term of 12 months and renews automatically for an additional 12 months unless either party provides written notice of intent not to renew at least six months prior to the end of the term. Additionally, the Company executed an amendment to the agreement with S.K. Funding that allowed the Company to sell participating interests in loans. The balance of the portion sold on these loans is removed from the balance sheet of the Company and interest on the portion sold is not reflected in our statement of operations. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the loan receivable principal balance sold under this agreement was $1,400.
Lines of Credit
Lines of Credit with Mr. Wallach and His Affiliates
As of December 31, 2025and 2024, the Company had $26 and $743 borrowed against its lines of credit from affiliates, respectively, which have a total limit of $2,500 and $2,500 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company paid $400 towards the balance of a line of credit with Daniel M. Wallach (our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Managers). As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, interest expense for lines of credit from affiliates was $45 and 51, respectively.
Line of Credit with Shuman
During July 2017, we entered into a line of credit agreement (the “Shuman LOC Agreement”) with Steven K. Shuman, which is now held by Cindy K. Shuman. Pursuant to the Shuman LOC Agreement, Shuman provides us with a revolving line of credit (the “Shuman LOC”) with the following terms:
| ● | Principal not to exceed $1,325; | |
| ● | Secured with assignments of certain notes and mortgages; | |
| ● | Cost of funds to us of 10%; and | |
| ● | Due in July 2026; however, will automatically renew for additional 12-month periods, unless either party gives notice to not renew. |
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the outstanding amount pursuant to the Shuman LOC was $125. Interest expense was $13 for both years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Line of Credit with Judith Swanson
During December 2021, the Swanson Line of Credit (“Swanson LOC”) was assigned to Judith Swanson (“Judith Swanson LOC”), as trustee of a trust. Pursuant to the Swanson Modification Agreement, the Judith Swanson LOC provides us with a revolving line of credit with the following terms:
| ● | Principal not to exceed $7,000; | |
| ● | Secured with assignments of certain notes and mortgages; | |
| ● | Cost of funds to us of 8.25%; and | |
| ● | Due in July 2026; however, will automatically renew for additional 12-month periods, unless either party gives notice to not renew. |
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The Judith Swanson LOC was fully borrowed on the secured and unsecured portion of the line of credit as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. In addition, the secured balance on the Judith Swanson LOC was $6,407 and $6,000, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Interest expense was $651 and $640 for the years December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
United Lines of Credit
In January 2025, we entered into a revolving line of credit with United Bank for $2,275, maturing in January 2027. The interest rate on this line of credit is 5.5%. As of December 31, 2025, the amount due on this line of credit was $2,275. The line of credit is collateralized by an investment in certificates of deposit totaling $2,275 as of December 31, 2025.
In January 2025, we entered into a revolving line of credit with United Bank for $725, with an expiration date of January 2040. The interest rate on this line of credit is 7.5%. There were no amounts outstanding pursuant to this revolving line of credit as of December 31, 2025. The Company’s office in Jacksonville, FL, is used as collateral for this line of credit.
Liberty Savings Bank Line of Credit
In December 2025, we entered into a revolving line of credit with Liberty Savings Bank for $5,000, and can be terminated on 90 days written notice. The interest rate on this line of credit varies and is indexed to the current Prime rate plus 0.5%. As of December 31, 2025, there were no amounts borrowed under this line of credit. The line of credit will be secured with assignments of certain notes and mortgages when drawn upon.
Other Lines of Credit
During 2020 and 2019, we entered into one and four line of credit agreements, respectively (the “Other LOC Agreements”). Pursuant to the Other LOC Agreements, the lenders provide us with revolving lines of credit with the following terms:
| ● | Principal not to exceed $6,063; | |
| ● | Secured with assignments of certain notes and mortgages; | |
| ● | Interest rates vary and are generally indexed to Prime plus a margin | |
| ● | Terms generally allow the lenders to give one month’s notice after which the principal balance of a New LOC Agreement will be reduced to a zero over the next six months. |
The total balance of the Other LOC Agreements was $1,666 and $2,965 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Interest expense was $246 and $296 for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Hanna Holdings, Inc. Loan
This loan was debt acquired in the 339 acquisition which 339 used the loan to originally purchase the property.
| ● | Principal not to exceed $1,250 | |
| ● | Secured with a second position mortgage | |
| ● | 7% interest rate | |
| ● | Due in December 2027, but payable with a payoff associated with each lot sale. Interest accrues and is paid upon each payoff of principal. |
During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company paid off the loan with Hanna Holdings Inc. through the sale of 339 land parcels. As of December 31, 2024, the secured note payable to Hanna Holdings, Inc., was $350.
| 54 |
Secured Borrowings Secured by Loan Assets
Borrowings secured by loan assets
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| Book Value of Loans which Served as Collateral | Due from Shepherd’s Finance to Loan Purchaser or Lender | Book Value of Loans which Served as Collateral | Due from Shepherd’s Finance to Loan Purchaser or Lender | |||||||||||||
| Loan Purchaser | ||||||||||||||||
| Builder Finance | $ | 1,813 | $ | 1,458 | $ | 7,485 | $ | 4,418 | ||||||||
| S.K. Funding | 9,011 | 6,500 | 8,229 | 6,500 | ||||||||||||
| Lender | ||||||||||||||||
| Shuman | 210 | 125 | 236 | 125 | ||||||||||||
| Jeff Eppinger | 5,789 | 200 | 4,028 | 1,500 | ||||||||||||
| R. Scott Summers | 2,731 | 903 | 1,361 | 903 | ||||||||||||
| John C. Solomon | 1,057 | 563 | 649 | 563 | ||||||||||||
| Judith Swanson | 12,568 | 6,407 | 10,626 | 6,000 | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 33,179 | $ | 16,156 | $ | 32,614 | $ | 20,009 | ||||||||
Unsecured Borrowings
Unsecured Notes through the Public Offering (“Notes Program”)
The effective interest rate on borrowings through our Notes Program as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, was 8.90% and 10.08%, respectively.
We generally offer four durations at any given time, ranging from 12 to 48 months from the date of issuance. Our fourth public offering, which was declared effective on September 16, 2022, includes a mandatory early redemption option on all Notes, provided that the proceeds are reinvested. In our historical offerings, there were limited rights of early redemption. Our 36-month Note sold in our third public note offering had a mandatory early redemption option, subject to certain conditions.
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The following table is a roll forward of our Notes Program:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Gross notes outstanding, beginning of period | $ | 19,968 | $ | 20,854 | ||||
| Notes issued | 7,612 | 5,257 | ||||||
| Note repayments / redemptions | (5,416 | ) | (6,143 | ) | ||||
| Gross notes outstanding, end of period | 22,164 | 19,968 | ||||||
| Less deferred financing costs, net | (229 | ) | (150 | ) | ||||
| Notes outstanding, net | $ | 21,935 | $ | 19,818 | ||||
The following is a roll forward of deferred financing costs:
December 31, 2025 |
December 31, 2024 |
|||||||
| Deferred financing costs, beginning balance | $ | 1,060 | $ | 939 | ||||
| Additions | 242 | 121 | ||||||
| Deferred financing costs, ending balance | $ | 1,302 | $ | 1,060 | ||||
| Less accumulated amortization | (1,073 | ) | (910 | ) | ||||
| Deferred financing costs, net | $ | 229 | $ | 150 | ||||
The following is a roll forward of the accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Accumulated amortization, beginning balance | $ | 910 | $ | 703 | ||||
| Additions | 163 | 207 | ||||||
| Accumulated amortization, ending balance | $ | 1,073 | $ | 910 | ||||
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Other Unsecured Debts
Our other unsecured debts are detailed below:
| Loan | Maturity Date | Interest Rate(1) | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Unsecured Line of Credit | March 2024 | 10.0 | % | 592 | 1,000 | |||||||||
| Unsecured Line of Credit | April 2026 | 10.0 | % | 500 | 500 | |||||||||
| Unsecured Line of Credit – Senior Subordinated | January 2027 | 10.0 | % | – | 750 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | February 2027 | 9.0 | % | 600 | 600 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | March 2026 | 9.75 | % | 500 | 500 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | December 2027 | 10.0 | % | 20 | 20 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | January 2025 | 10.0 | % | 15 | 15 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | February 2027 | 8.5 | % | 200 | 200 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | March 2027 | 10.0 | % | 26 | 26 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | November 2026 | 9.5 | % | 200 | 200 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | March 2027 | 9.5 | % | 1,000 | – | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | April 2025 | 10.0 | % | – | 202 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | July 2025 | 8.0 | % | – | 100 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | September 2027 | 10 | % | 108 | 108 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | October 2025 | 8.0 | % | – | 100 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | July 2028 | 8.5 | % | 100 | – | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | December 2025 | 8.0 | % | – | 180 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | August 2026 | 8.0 | % | 291 | 291 | |||||||||
| Senior Subordinated Promissory Note | July 2026(2) | 1.0 | % | 740 | 740 | |||||||||
| Junior Subordinated Promissory Note | July 2026(2) | 20.0 | % | 460 | 460 | |||||||||
| Senior Subordinated Promissory Note | October 2028(2) | 1.0 | % | 1,072 | 1,072 | |||||||||
| Junior Subordinated Promissory Note | October 2028(2) | 20.0 | % | 666 | 666 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | March 2029 | 10.0 | % | 1,200 | 1,200 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | May 2027 | 10.0 | % | 97 | 97 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | November 2027 | 10.0 | % | 120 | 120 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | June 2025 | 10.0 | % | – | 1,000 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | April 2028 | 10.0 | % | 149 | 149 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | April 2029 | 11.0 | % | 2,000 | 2,000 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | January 2025 | 11.0 | % | – | 1,007 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | October 2027 | 8.50 | % | 200 | 200 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | October 2028 | 10.0 | % | 1,043 | 1,043 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | December 2028 | 10.0 | % | 149 | 149 | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | October 2026 | 10.0 | % | 1,142 | – | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | April 2029 | 9.0 | % | 301 | – | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | December 2029 | 8.0 | % | 248 | – | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | October 2028 | 8.5 | % | 100 | – | |||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | Varies (3) | Prime+1.5 | % | – | 700 | |||||||||
| $ | 13,839 | $ | 15,395 | |||||||||||
| (1) | Interest rate per annum, based upon actual days outstanding and a 365/366-day year. |
| (2) | These notes were issued to the same holder and, when calculated together, yield a blended rate of 10% per annum. |
| (3) | Lender may elect to terminate, effective semi-annually as of August 16 and/or February 16 of any given year. |
Priority of Borrowings
The following table displays our borrowings and a ranking of priority:
Priority Rank | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| Borrowing Source | |||||||||||
| Purchase and sale agreements and other secured borrowings | 1 | $ | 18,431 | $ | 20,359 | ||||||
| Secured line of credit from affiliates | 2 | 26 | 743 | ||||||||
| Unsecured line of credit (senior) | 3 | - | 750 | ||||||||
| Other unsecured debt (senior subordinated) | 4 | 1,812 | 1,812 | ||||||||
| Unsecured Notes through our public offering, gross | 5 | 22,164 | 19,968 | ||||||||
| Other unsecured debt (subordinated) | 5 | 10,901 | 11,707 | ||||||||
| Other unsecured debt (junior subordinated) | 6 | 1,126 | 1,126 | ||||||||
| Less deferred financing fees | (241 | ) | (150 | ) | |||||||
| Total | $ | 54,219 | $ | 56,315 | |||||||
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary liquidity management objective is to meet expected cash flow needs while continuing to service our business and customers. As of December 31, 2025, and 2024, we had combined loans outstanding of 161 and 183, respectively. Gross loans outstanding were $61,683 and $51,138 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
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Our net cash provided by operating activities increased $538 to $4,415 as of December 31, 2025 compared to $3,877 for the same period of 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in interest expense where our investor chose to reinvest interest rather than receive it monthly, which was $1,718 for the period ended December 31, 2025 compared to $392 for the same period of 2024.
Unfunded commitments to extend credit, which have similar collateral, credit and market risk to our outstanding loans, were $23,557 and $22,515 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, other than unfunded commitments, we had no off-balance sheet transactions, nor do we currently have any such arrangements or obligations.
To fund our combined loans, we rely on secured debt, unsecured debt, and equity, which are described in the following table:
| Source of Liquidity | As of December 31, 2025 | As of December 31, 2024 | ||||||
| Secured debt, net of deferred financing costs | $ | 18,445 | $ | 21,102 | ||||
| Unsecured debt, net of deferred financing costs | $ | 35,774 | $ | 35,213 | ||||
| Equity* | $ | 8,211 | $ | 8,573 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,490 | $ | 3,347 | ||||
* Equity includes Members’ Capital and Preferred Equity.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, cash and cash equivalents was $3,490 and $3,3472, respectively. Secured debt, net of deferred financing costs decreased $2,658 to $18,445 as of December 31, 2025, compared to $21,102 for the same period of 2024. The decrease in secured debt was due primarily to borrowings pursuant to our loan purchase and sale agreements. On December 31, 2025, we had room in our secured lines of credit (had already posted the collateral necessary) to borrow $3,525 which we had not borrowed. In addition, we had the capacity to sell more loans to one of our purchase and sale agreement counterparties. We anticipate secured debt to increase during 2026 as our loan receivable balances increase.
Unsecured debt, net of deferred financing costs increased $315 to $35,775 as of December 31, 2025 compared to $35,213 at December 31, 2024. In addition, we had $750 in availability on an unsecured line which was unborrowed at December 31, 2025. We plan on funding some of the anticipated growth of loan assets in 2026 from increases in our Notes program.
Equity was relatively flat in 2025. We may increase our equity in 2026 by retaining some earnings from 2026, and by bringing in more preferred investment if our equity decreases as a percent of loan assets (if loan assets grow faster than equity). If we are not able to maintain our equity, we will rely more heavily on raising additional funds through the Notes Program.
The total amount of our debt maturing through year ending December 31, 2026 is $22,990, which consists of secured borrowings of $16,182 and unsecured borrowings of $6,808.
Secured borrowings maturing through the year ending December 31, 2026 significantly consists of loan purchase and sale agreements with two loan purchasers (Builder Finance and S. K. Funding) and several lenders. These secured borrowings are listed as maturing over the next 12 months due primarily to their related demand loan collateral. The following are secured facilities listed as maturing in 2026 with actual maturity and renewal dates:
| ● | Judith Swanson – $6,407 due July 2026 and automatically renews unless notice given; | |
| ● | Shuman – $125 due July 2026 and automatically renews unless notice is given; | |
| ● | S. K. Funding – $4,500 due July 2026 and automatically renews unless notice is given; | |
| ● | S. K. Funding – $2,000 of the total due July 2026; | |
| ● | Builder Finance, Inc – $1,459 with no expiration date; | |
| ● | Other LOC Agreements - $1,666 generally one-month notice and six months to reduce principal balance to zero; | |
| ● | Line of credits with affiliates - $26 and due upon demand. |
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Unsecured borrowings due by December 31, 2026 consist of Notes issued pursuant to the Notes Program and other unsecured debt of $2,383 and $4,425, respectively. To the extent that Notes issued pursuant to the Notes Program are not reinvested upon maturity, we will be required to fund the maturities, which we anticipate funding through the issuance of new Notes in our Notes Program. Historically, approximately 74% of our Note holders reinvest upon maturity. The 36 month Note in our Notes program has a mandatory early redemption option, subject to certain conditions. As of December 31, 2025, the 36-month Notes were $9,120. Our other unsecured debt has historically been renewed. For more information on other unsecured borrowings, see Note 9 – Borrowings. If other unsecured borrowings are not renewed in the future, we anticipate funding such maturities through investments in our Notes Program.
Summary
We have the funding available to address the loans we have today, including our unfunded commitments. We anticipate our assets to increase during 2026, and we intend to fund the increase in assets through the net sources and uses (12-month liquidity) listed above as well as future capital from debt, preferred equity, and regular equity. Our expectation to increase loan asset balances is subject to changes in demand, the housing market and competition. Although our secured debt is almost entirely listed as currently due because of the underlying collateral being demand notes, the vast majority of our secured debt is either contractually set to automatically renew unless notice is given or, in the case of purchase and sale agreements, has no end date as to when the purchasers will not purchase new loans (although they are never required to purchase additional loans).
Inflation, Interest Rates, and Housing Starts
Since we are in the housing industry, we are affected by factors that impact that industry. Housing starts impact our customers’ ability to sell their homes. Faster sales generally mean higher effective interest rates for us, as the recognition of fees we charge is spread over a shorter period. Slower sales generally mean lower effective interest rates for us. Slower sales also are likely to increase the default rate.
Housing inflation has a positive impact on our operations. When we lend initially, we are lending a percentage of a home’s expected value, based on historical sales. If those estimates prove to be low (in an inflationary market), the percentage we loaned of the value decreases, reducing potential losses on defaulted loans. The opposite is true in a deflationary housing price market. It is our opinion that values are well above average in many of the housing markets in the U.S. today, and our lending against these values is resulting in more risk than prior years. In some of our markets, prices of homes sold are dropping. This is both because some homes are selling for less and because the average home selling is smaller (more affordable). We anticipate declines in home values in many markets over the next 6 months. The second half home price change is mirky and unpredictable at this point, based on a new Federal Reserve Chairman being installed soon. In addition, our LTV increased to 70% as of December 31, 2025 compared to 68% for the same period of the prior year.
Interest rates have several impacts on our business. First, rates affect housing (starts, home size, etc.). High long-term interest rates may decrease housing starts, having the effects listed above. Higher interest rates will also affect our investors. We believe that there will be a spread between the rate our Notes yield to our investors and the rates the same investors could get on deposits at FDIC insured institutions. We also believe that the spread may need to widen if these rates rise. For instance, if we pay 7% above average CD rates when CDs are paying 0.5%, when CDs are paying 3%, we may have to have a larger than 7% difference. This may cause our lending rates, which are based on our cost of funds, to be uncompetitive. High interest rates may also increase builder defaults, as interest payments may become a higher portion of operating costs for the builder. Below is a chart showing three-year U.S. treasury rates and 30-year fixed mortgage rates. The U.S. treasury rates are used by us here to approximate CD rates Short-term interest rates have risen significantly, and long-term interest rates have risen and then fallen; they are low historically.
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Housing prices are also generally correlated with housing starts, so that increases in housing starts usually coinciding with increases in housing values, and the reverse is generally true. Below is a graph showing single family housing starts from 2000 through today.

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
To date,changes in housing starts, CD rates, and inflation have not had a material impact on our business.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of new or recent accounting pronouncements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under this item.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data filed as part of this annual report are set forth beginning on page F-1 of this report.
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, management including our CEO (our principal executive officer) and CFO (our principal financial officer) evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon, and as of the date of, the evaluation, our CEO (our principal executive officer) and CFO (our principal financial officer) concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO (our principal executive officer) and CFO (our principal financial officer), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for us. Management evaluated, as of December 31, 2025, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2025.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2025, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
(a) During the fourth quarter of 2025, there was no information required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K which was not disclosed in a report on Form 8-K.
(b)
During the fourth quarter of 2025, no manager or officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the Company
ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Managers and Executive Officers
Included below is certain information about our managers and executive officers. Mr. Wallach was initially elected to a three-year term that expired in March 2016 and his current three-year term expires in March 2025. Mr. Summers was initially elected to a two-year term that expired in March 2014 and his current three-year term expires in March 2029. Mr. Rauscher was initially elected to a three-year term that expired in March 2018 and his current three-year term expires in March 2027. Mr. Sheldon was initially elected to a one-year term that expired in March 2020 and his current three-year term expires in March 2025.
Daniel M. Wallach, age 58, is our CEO and manager. He has been our CEO since our Company was founded and, prior to the addition of two independent managers in March 2012, he was our sole manager. Mr. Wallach has over 30 years of experience in finance and real estate. Prior to his time with us, most recently, from May 2011 to July 2011, Mr. Wallach was an Executive Vice President for ProBuild Holdings, a building material supplier to homebuilders. Before that, from 1985 to 1989, and 1990 to April 2011, Mr. Wallach held various positions with 84 Lumber Company and affiliates, including Chief Financial Officer and Director. 84 Lumber is a building material supplier to homebuilders and was, at that time, one of our affiliates. At 84 Lumber, Mr. Wallach oversaw the company’s financial and accounting function, including all aspects related to financial reporting, debt financing, customer financing, customer credit and management information systems. Mr. Wallach was also intimately involved with the creation of 84 FINANCIAL, L.P., a finance company affiliated with and owned by 84 Lumber, which had investment objectives similar to ours. Mr. Wallach has also held operational and finance positions with a mortgage brokerage firm and a building contractor. He graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Business Administration.
Barbara L. Harshman, age 50, is our Executive Vice President of Operations, a position to which she was appointed in July 2015. She was hired in August 2012 as Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining the Company, from 2005 to 2012, Ms. Harshman worked in various positions in 84 Lumber Company’s lending operations, including Vice President of Lending. Ms. Harshman also worked as a credit manager for 84 Lumber during 2004 and 2005, where she managed a portfolio of $35,000,000 of unsecured debt owed by builders. Ms. Harshman graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. in Anthropology.
Mark Reynolds, age 51, was appointed Executive Vice President of Sales in April 2021. Mr. Reynolds has over 19 years of experience in the construction finance industry. He was previously our Regional Sales Manager from May 2016 until April 2021 and was also the National Real Estate Owned (“REO”) Manager from January 2020 until April 2021. Previously, Mr. Reynolds held various positions with 84 Lumber Company, including REO Specialist, where he worked with counsel to negotiate liens, finish building houses, and relieve as much debt as possible while controlling losses (from 2008 through 2014), National Finance Manager, in residential financing (from 2006 through 2008), and Regional Finance Manager, in commercial financing, where he helped finance projects such as hotels, apartments, restaurants, and casinos (from 2000 through 2004). Mr. Reynolds attended Indiana University at South Bend, where he studied Business Management.
Catherine Leslie, age 47, is our Chief Financial Officer, to which she was first appointed in January 2018. Ms. Leslie was most recently re-appointed Chief Financial Officer as of March 2026. Previously, Ms. Leslie served as Chief Financial Officer from April 2021 to June 2025, as Acting Chief Financial Officer from July 2019 to April 2021 and as Chief Financial Officer from January 2018 to May 2019 and continued to serve as our employee since May 2019. Ms. Leslie previously served as our Controller from November 2017 until her initial appointment as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Leslie was the Corporate Controller for Lucas Group from November 2017 to June 2018, Division Controller for Pulte Group from July 2014 through November 2017 and Director of Financial Reporting for DS Services Holdings, Inc. from November 2013 to April 2014. Ms. Leslie spent a majority of her career with Simmons Bedding Company as Manager of Financial Reporting from 2006 to 2013. Ms. Leslie started her accounting career with Pricewaterhouse Coopers with an internship in 1999 and an associate in 2001. Ms. Leslie received her Bachelor of Business of Administration from the Terry College of Business School at the University of Georgia in 2000, and her Master of Accounting from Kennesaw State University’s Cole’s College of Business in 2001.
Kenneth R. Summers, age 80, is one of the independent managers, to which he was elected in March 2012. Mr. Summers retired from United Bank, Inc. of Morgantown, West Virginia in December 2019. Prior to retirement, he had been an Executive Vice President for United Bank since 2001. In that role he was responsible for the expansion and recognition of the bank’s franchise in north central West Virginia. Mr. Summers has over 30 years of experience as a community bank executive. He graduated from the University of Charleston with a B.S. in Accounting and Management.
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Eric A. Rauscher, age 60, is one of the independent managers, to which he was elected in March 2015. Mr. Rauscher is a licensed insurance salesperson and has worked in that industry since 1999. Prior to that, he spent over ten years as a field sales engineer. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics, with a minor in Economics.
Gregory L. Sheldon, age 67, is one of our independent managers, a position to which he was elected in March 2019. Mr. Sheldon brings 46 years of business experience building global corporations and integrating acquisitions across finance, supply chain, manufacturing, and the corporate functions. He has served as CIO for three public life sciences companies and one privately held public utility from October 2008 to May of 2022. Since July 2014, Mr. Sheldon has been an owner of two companies which invest in land acquisition, development, and the construction of residential homes: White Column Investments, LLC, where he is the President and Managing Member, and Sheldon Investments, LLC. Since 2017, he has served as a non-compensated advisor to Mark Hoskins, who owns Benjamin Marcus Homes, LLC and Investor’s Mark Acquisitions, LLC, which are companies that design, develop, and build single family homes, and which are also two of our customers. Mr. Sheldon has been the owner of Greg Sheldon and Associates, LLC, a consultant, an interim executive, and strategic advisor to clients in the life sciences, consumer products, technology, and manufacturing industries since April 2015. He graduated from Georgia State University with a Master of Science in Management and from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management.
Code of Ethics
Our board of managers adopted an amended Code of Ethics and Business Conduct on August 6, 2020 (the “Code of Ethics”), which contains general guidelines applicable to our employees, executive officers and the members of our board of managers with the purpose of promoting the following: (1) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; (2) full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by us; (3) compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations; (4) the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code of Ethics to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code of Ethics; and (5) accountability for adherence to the Code of Ethics. A copy of the Code of Ethics is posted on our website at www.shepherdsfinance.com.
Audit Committee
Our board of managers has established a separately designated audit committee, whose charter was adopted on August 9, 2012, and last amended on August 6, 2020. The purpose of the audit committee is to oversee the Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes and the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Our audit committee consists of Messrs. Rauscher, Summers, and Sheldon, our three independent managers. We have no “audit committee financial expert” (as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K). We believe the cost to retain a financial expert at this time is prohibitive. However, our board of managers believes that each member of the audit committee has sufficient knowledge and relevant background experience to serve on the audit committee.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our managers or executive officers.
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Insider Trading Policy
We are a privately held company with no established public trading market for our common equity. 100.0% of our common equity is beneficially owned by our managers, executive officers and immediate family members of our managers and executive officers. As such, the Company has not adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of securities by managers, executive officers, employees and the Company itself.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Officer Compensation
This discussion describes our compensation philosophy and policies for our executive officers, which currently include our CEO, Partner, EVP of Operations, EVP of Lending Operations, EVP of Sales and CFO.
Objectives of Executive Officer Compensation Program
The objectives of our executive compensation program are to attract, retain, and motivate highly talented executives and to align each executive’s incentives with our short-term and long-term objectives, while maintaining a healthy and stable financial position. Specifically, our executive compensation program is designed to accomplish the following goals and objectives:
| ● | maintain a compensation program that is equitable in our marketplace; | |
| ● | provide opportunities that integrate pay with the short-term and long-term performance goals; | |
| ● | encourage and reward achievement of strategic objectives, while properly balancing controlled risk-taking behavior; and | |
| ● | maintain an appropriate balance between base salary and short-term and long-term incentive opportunity. |
Determining Executive Officer Compensation
The compensation committee of our board of managers is responsible for determining all aspects of our executive compensation program. The determination and assessment of executive compensation are primarily driven by the following three factors: (1) market data based on the compensation levels, programs and practices of other comparable companies for comparable positions, (2) our financial performance, and (3) executive officer performance. We believe these three factors provide a reasonably measurable assessment of executive performance in light of building value and creating a healthy financial position for us. We rely upon the judgment of the members of the compensation committee and not on rigid formulas or short-term changes in business performance in determining the amount and mix of compensation elements and whether each element provides the appropriate incentive and reward for performance that sustains and enhances our long-term growth.
Executive Officer Compensation Components
Base Salary
We provide each of our paid executive officers with a base salary to compensate such officers for services rendered throughout the year. Salaries are established annually based on the individual’s position, experience, performance, past and potential contribution to us, and level of responsibility, as well as our overall financial performance. No specific weighting is applied to any one factor considered, and the independent managers use their judgment and expertise in determining appropriate salaries within the parameters of the compensation philosophy.
Bonus
We pay each of our executive officers except for our VP of Sales a team bonus mostly based on our overall profitability, which rewarded each of them with $1,200 in both 2025 and 2024. In addition, we reward an annual bonus of $1,800 for both 2025 and 2024, which is extended to compensate vacation expenses. Finally, each executive officer is eligible for a portion of the net income earned, or profit share.
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We pay our EVP of Sales a monthly bonus based on a percentage of new sales and construction loan payoffs.
Membership Interests
As the beneficial owner of 91.8% (as of March 1, 2026) of our outstanding common membership interests, Mr. Wallach’s interests are closely aligned with our success. Our EVP of Operations owns 2.4% and both our EVP of Sales and CFO own 1.2% of our outstanding common membership interests.
On October 1, 2023, we entered into restricted unit agreements with Mark Reynolds, our EVP of Sales, and Catherine Leslie, our CFO, pursuant to which we issued 200 restricted common units to each of Mark Reynolds and Catherine Leslie. Vesting of the restricted common units commences from the grant date and occurs thereafter on the first day of each subsequent calendar month subject to our satisfying monthly earnings goals, measured two months in arrears in accordance with the vesting schedule.
As we hire additional executive officers, we may use membership interests in some fashion as part of their compensation.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides a summary of the compensation received by our named executive officers for the last two completed fiscal years
| Name and Position | Year | Salary | Bonus(1) | Stock Awards | Option Awards | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings | All Other Compensation(2) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mr. Wallach | 2025 | $ | 77,940 | $ | 1,200 | – | – | – | – | 12,298 | $ | 99,150 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | 77,940 | 2,100 | – | – | – | – | 20,010 | $ | 100,050 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ms. Leslie | 2025 | $ | 129,145 | 28,587 | 4,020 | – | – | – | 22,903 | $ | 191,994 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mr. Myrick | 2024 | $ | 157,782 | 2,100 | – | – | – | – | 39,971 | $ | 199,853 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mr. Reynolds | 2025 | $ | 98,600 | 72,331 | 4,020 | – | – | – | 24,954 | $ | 213,105 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | 98,496 | 64,471 | 10,350 | – | – | – | 38,154 | $ | 211,471 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Amounts in the Bonus column represents amounts earned in the period.
(2) Qualified Retirement Plan Contributions are shown here when funds are earned.
Salary for 2026
Mr. Wallach will receive a base salary of $77,940; Ms. Leslie will receive a base salary of $185,000 and Mr. Reynolds will receive a base salary of $90,500. In addition, Mr. Reynolds will receive a monthly bonus based on a percentage of sales and construction loan payoffs.
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Board of Managers Compensation
The following table provides a summary of the compensation received by our managers for the year ended December 31, 2025.
| Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash | Stock Awards | Option Awards | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation | All Other Compensation | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Daniel M. Wallach | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||||||||||
| Kenneth R. Summers | 36,000 | – | – | – | – | – | 36,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Eric A. Rauscher | 36,000 | – | – | – | – | – | 36,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gregory L. Sheldon | 36,000 | – | – | – | – | – | 36,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||
We paid each of the independent managers a retainer of $28,000 during both 2025 and 2024, respectively. Our independent managers also receive fees of $2,000 for the first day and $1,200 for each additional day for meetings of the board of managers and committees attended in person, all or a portion of which may be allocated as reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings. The $2,000 first day fee will be increased by $1,000 for fees earned in 2026 by Mr. Summers, Mr. Rauscher, and Mr. Sheldon.
The independent managers do not receive separate reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings. Mr. Wallach receives no compensation for his services as a manager.
Policies and practices for granting certain equity awards.
We do not schedule equity award grants in anticipation of the release of material nonpublic information, nor do we time the release of material nonpublic information based on equity grant dates.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth the ownership of certain of our outstanding membership interests as of December 31, 2025:
| Title of Class | Name and Address of Owner(1) | Number of Units | Percent of Class | Dollar Value | Percentage of Total Equity | |||||||||||||
| Class A Common Units | Daniel M. Wallach and Joyce S. Wallach | 161.80 | 0.95 | % | $ | 13,498.98 | 0.16 | % | ||||||||||
| Class A Common Units | 2007 Daniel M. Wallach Legacy Trust | 15,469.20 | 90.85 | % | 1,290,564.11 | 15.72 | % | |||||||||||
| Class A Common Units | Barbara Harshman | 400.00 | 2.35 | % | 33,371.19 | 0.41 | % | |||||||||||
| Class A Common Units | Kenneth R. Summers | 200.00 | 1.17 | % | 16,685.58 | 0.20 | % | |||||||||||
| Class A Common Units | Eric A. Rauscher | 200.00 | 1.17 | % | 16,685.58 | 0.20 | % | |||||||||||
| Class A Common Units | Gregory Sheldon | 200.00 | 1.17 | % | 16,685.58 | 0.20 | % | |||||||||||
| Class A Common Units | Catherine Leslie | 200.00 | 1.17 | % | 15,682.81 | 0.19 | % | |||||||||||
| Class A Common Units | Mark Reynolds | 200.00 | 1.17 | % | 15,682.81 | 0.19 | % | |||||||||||
| Repurchase of Class A Common Units | – | – | (143,713.85 | ) | (1.75 | )% | ||||||||||||
| State Taxes Class A Common Units | – | – | (105,819.73 | ) | (1.28 | )% | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal of Common Voting Equity | 17,031.00 | 100.00 | % | $ | 1,169,323.06 | 14.24 | % | |||||||||||
| Series C Preferred Units | Daniel M. Wallach and Joyce S. Wallach | 1,255.27 | 17.83 | % | 1,255,269.32 | 15.29 | % | |||||||||||
| Series C Preferred Units | Gregory L. Sheldon and Madeline M. Sheldon | 1,122.12 | 15.94 | % | 1,122,124.94 | 13.67 | % | |||||||||||
| Series C Preferred Units | Other Holders of Series C Preferred Units | 4,664.24 | 66.23 | % | $ | 4,664,235.76 | 56.80 | % | ||||||||||
| Subtotal of Series C Preferred Units | 7,041.63 | 100.00 | % | $ | 7,041,630.02 | 85.76 | % | |||||||||||
| Total Members’ Capital and Preferred Equity | 24,072.63 | $ | 8,210,953.08 | 100.00 | % | |||||||||||||
| (1) | The addresses of each Class A Common Unit owners named above are: |
| ● | Daniel and Joyce Wallach, the 2007 Daniel M. Wallach Legacy Trust, Barbara Harshman, Catherine Leslie and Mark Reynolds are 13241 Bartram Park Blvd., Suite 2401, Jacksonville, FL 32258; |
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| ● | Kenneth R. Summers is PO Box 995, Morgantown, WV 26507; | |
| ● | Eric A. Rauscher is 2706 South Park Rd, Bethel Park, PA 15102; and | |
| ● | Gregory L. Sheldon is 104 Windsor Ct, Venetia, PA 15367. |
| The addresses of each Series C Preferred Unit owner named above are: | ||
| ● | Daniel and Joyce Wallach, and the 2007 Daniel M. Wallach Legacy is 13241 Bartram Park Blvd, Suite 2401, Jacksonville, FL 32258; and | |
| ● | Gregory L. Sheldon and Madeline M. Sheldon is 104 Windsor Ct, Venetia, PA 15367. | |
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Transactions with Affiliates
The Company has two loan agreements with Daniel M. Wallach, our CEO, and his wife, pursuant to which they provide the Company with the Wallach LOC and the Wallach Trust LOC. The agreements lay out the terms under which those members can lend money to us, providing that we desire the funds, and the members wish to lend. The interest rate on both the Wallach LOC and the Wallach Trust LOC generally equals prime plus 3%, as more fully described in Note 9.
In June 2018, we entered into a line of credit from our former Partner, William Myrick. The Myrick LOC is collateralized by a lien against all of our assets. The Myrick LOC has a maximum principal borrowing amount of $1,000,000 and is payable to Mr. Myrick. As of December 31, 2025, there were no amounts borrowed against the Myrick LOC, and we have no intention of borrowing any amounts under the Myrick LOC following Mr. Myrick’s termination in March 2025. The Myrick LOC is evidenced by a promissory note, is payable upon demand of the lender and generally bears an interest rate equal to the prime rate plus 3%, as more fully described in Note 9.
Mrs. Leslie, our CFO, and Mr. Reynolds, our EVP of Sales, each own 1.17% of our Class A common units. Mrs. Harshman, our EVP of Operations, owns 2.35% of our Class A common units. Our CEO Mr. Wallach and his wife and the Wallach Living Trust wife own 0.95% and 90.83% of our Class A common units, respectively. Our three Board of Managers, Mr. Sheldon, Mr. Summers and Mr. Rauscher each own 1.17% of our Class A common units.
Mr. Wallach and his wife’s parents own 17.83% and 3.32% of our Series C Preferred Units, respectively. One of our managers, Gregory L. Sheldon, owns 15.94% of our Series C Preferred Units.
A son of one of our managers is a minor participant in the Shuman LOC, which is more fully described in Note 9. In addition, Mr. Summers’ son is a lender to the Company pursuant to a New LOC Agreement, with principal not to exceed $2,000,000.
One of our executives, Mr. Spatola has subordinated promissory note with a principal balance and an annual interest rate of $200,000 and 9.5%, respectively.
The Company has accepted investments under the Notes Program and other unsecured debt from employees, managers, members, and relatives of managers and members, with $10,673 outstanding as of December 31, 2025. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 our investments from affiliates, which exceed $120 by individual, through our Notes Program and other unsecured debt are detailed below:
| Relationship to | Amount invested as of | Weighted average interest rate as of | Interest earned during the year ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shepherd’s | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
| Investor | Finance | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Eric A. Rauscher | Independent Manager | $ | 477 | $ | 477 | 10.00 | % | $ | 48 | $ | 48 | |||||||||||
| Joseph Rauscher | Parent of Independent Manager | 126 | 126 | 10.00 | % | 13 | 13 | |||||||||||||||
| Daniel and Joyce Wallach | Member | 244 | 304 | 9.93 | % | 24 | 29 | |||||||||||||||
| Gregory L. Sheldon | Independent Manager | 1,366 | 1,035 | 9.35 | % | 98 | 98 | |||||||||||||||
| Lamar Sheldon | Parent of Independent Manager | - | 210 | 0.00 | % | 21 | 21 | |||||||||||||||
| Kenneth Summers | Independent Manager | 260 | 235 | 8.50 | % | 22 | 16 | |||||||||||||||
| Schultz Family Revocable Living Trust | Trustee is Mother-in-Law of Member | 230 | 208 | 9.39 | % | 22 | 19 | |||||||||||||||
| Barbara Harshman | Member | 140 | 129 | 9.04 | % | 12 | 12 | |||||||||||||||
| Kimberly Bedford | Manager | 314 | 314 | 10.00 | % | 31 | 31 | |||||||||||||||
| Thomas Spatola | EVP of Lending Operations | 595 | 595 | 10.00 | % | 58 | 59 | |||||||||||||||
| Scott and Leah Summers | Son of Independent Manager | 650 | 250 | 8.50 | % | 55 | 15 | |||||||||||||||
| Jeffrey Eppinger | 5% Member | 2,939 | 2,939 | 8.28 | % | 243 | 309 | |||||||||||||||
| Bruce and Jean Eppinger | 5% Member | 2,852 | 2,914 | 9.89 | % | 282 | 291 | |||||||||||||||
| Paula Eppinger | Parent of 5% Member | 150 | 150 | 10.00 | % | 15 | 15 | |||||||||||||||
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Series C Preferred Equity
On April 19, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (“Fourth Amendment”) with an effective date of March 31, 2024, to effect a 100-for-1 unit split of its Series C cumulative preferred units (“Series C Preferred Units”) that became effective March 31, 2024. As a result of the split, every Series C Preferred Unit, issued and outstanding immediately prior to March 31, 2024, will automatically be reclassified (without any further act) into one hundred Series C Preferred Units.
The Fourth Amendment also increased the maximum number of authorized Series C Preferred Units to 20,000, of which 8,000 are to be issued only pursuant to the Preferred Unit Reinvestment Program. In addition, pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, after six years from the date of investment, instead of being entitled to the right of redemption, the holders of Series C Preferred Units will be entitled to convert all or a portion of the Series C Preferred Units to the common units of the Registrant, on a 1 for 1 basis, after a 12-month waiting period after the notice of conversion is given.
In addition, the Fourth Amendment restricted the right to require the Company to redeem the Series C Preferred Units for cash; therefore, the units were reclassified from mezzanine equity to Members’ Capital. The Company’s redeemable Series C preferred equity was $3,336,000 and $2,710,000 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The Series C Preferred Units have a fixed value of $1 per unit in addition to preferred liquidation and distribution rights. The Company makes distributions to preferred members at a fixed rate, currently 12% of the Series C Preferred Units’ undiscounted value, in quarterly installments as a distribution of income.
All distributions, liquidation rights and conversion features are determined based on the undiscounted value of the Series C Preferred Units, which was $9,085 and $8,951 December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
On March 31, 2025, the Company terminated its relationship with a member who owned 2,969 units of Class A common equity. Effective April 1, 2025, the Company executed a unit exchange agreement with the respective member where all 2,969 units of common equity with a carrying value of $287,000 were exchanged for 2,329.533 Series C Preferred Units with a fixed value of $2,330,000. The difference between the carrying value of the Class A common units and the fixed value of the Series C Preferred Units of $2,043,000 is reflected as a discount on preferred equity at December 31, 2025.
On May 30, 2025, the Company redeemed 251.10821 of the Series C Preferred Units beneficially owned by the Company’s CEO and his wife, at a redemption price of $251,000.
| 68 |
Affiliate Transaction Policy
Our limited liability company agreement provides that any future transaction involving the Company, and an affiliate must be approved by a majority vote of independent managers not otherwise interested in the transaction upon a determination of such independent managers that the transaction is on terms no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from an independent third party. An approval pursuant to this policy shall be set forth in the minutes of the Company and shall include a description of the transaction approved. The responsibility for reviewing and approving affiliate transactions has been delegated to the nominating and corporate governance committee of our board of managers, which is comprised entirely of independent managers.
Pursuant to our limited liability company agreement, we must provide the independent managers with access, at our expense, to our legal counsel or independent legal counsel, as needed.
Board of Managers Independence
We have no securities listed for trading on a national securities exchange or in an automated inter-dealer quotation system of a national securities association, which has requirements that a majority of our board of managers be independent. For the purpose of complying with the disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have adopted the definition of independence used by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Under the NYSE’s definition of independence, Messrs, Summers, Rauscher, and Sheldon each meet the definition of “independent.”
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
During the year ended December 31, 2025, BDO USA, P.C. (“BDO”) served as our independent registered accounting firm and provided certain other services. BDO was appointed as our independent accounting firm on November 3, 2025. Prior to this date, HORNE, LLP (“HORNE”) served as our independent accounting firm. HORNE began serving as our independent registered accounting firm in 2023 and was acquired by BDO on November 1, 2025. All further references to BDO include BDO and HORNE.
Our Audit Committee reviewed the audit services performed by BDO for 2025 and 2024. The aggregate agreed-upon and billed fees for professional accounting services provided by BDO, including the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, are set forth in the table below.
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Audit Fees | $ | 144,650 | $ | 139,500 | ||||
| Audit-Related Fees | $ | 2,000 | $ | 2,000 | ||||
| All Other Fees | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
For the purposes of the preceding table, the professional fees are classified as follows:
Audit Fees - These are fees for professional services performed for the audit of our annual financial statements and the required review of our quarterly financial statements and other procedures performed by the independent auditors to be able to form an opinion on our consolidated financial statements. These fees also cover services that are normally provided by independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, and services that generally only an independent auditor reasonably can provide, such as services associated with filing registration statements, periodic reports, and other filings with the SEC. | ||
Audit-Related Fees - Audit-related fees are assurance related services that traditionally are performed by the independent accountant, not included in the Audit Fees category above, including statutory audits.
|
Pre-Approval Policies
The Audit Committee charter imposes a duty on the Audit Committee to pre-approve all auditing services performed for us by our independent auditors, as well as all permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) in order to ensure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor’s independence. In determining whether or not to pre-approve services, the Audit Committee considers whether the service is permissible under applicable SEC rules. The Audit Committee may, in its discretion, delegate one or more of its members the authority to pre-approve any services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm, provided such pre-approval is presented to the full audit committee at its next scheduled meeting.
All services rendered by BDO for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, were pre-approved in accordance with the policies set forth above.
| 69 |
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
| (a) | List of Documents Filed. | ||
| 1. | The list of the financial statements contained herein is set forth on page F-1 hereof. | ||
| 2. | All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable and therefore have been omitted. | ||
| 3. | The Exhibits filed in response to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed on the Exhibit Index below. | ||
| (b) | See (a)3 above. | ||
| (c) | See (a)2 above. | ||
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K).
| 70 |
| 71 |
| 72 |
* Filed herewith.
** Pursuant to Regulation 406T of Regulation S-T, these Interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are otherwise not subject to liability.
| 73 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| SHEPHERD’S FINANCE, LLC | ||
| (Registrant) | ||
| Dated: April 6, 2026 | By: | /s/ Daniel M. Wallach |
| Daniel M. Wallach | ||
| CEO and Manager | ||
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Daniel M. Wallach | Chief Executive Officer and Manager | April 6, 2026 | ||
| Daniel M. Wallach | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
| /s/ Catherine Leslie | Chief Financial Officer | April 6, 2026 | ||
| Catherine Leslie | (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |||
| /s/ Kenneth R. Summers | Manager | April 6, 2026 | ||
| Kenneth R. Summers | ||||
| /s/ Eric A. Rauscher | Manager | April 6, 2026 | ||
| Eric A. Rauscher | ||||
| /s/ Gregory L. Sheldon | Manager | April 6, 2026 | ||
| Gregory L. Sheldon |
Supplemental Information to be Furnished with Reports Filed Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to Section 12 of the Act
No annual report relating to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 or proxy statement with respect to any annual or other meeting of security holders has been sent to security holders.
| 74 |
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| Audited Consolidated Financial Statements | |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statements (PCAOB ID: |
F-2 |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | F-3 |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | F-4 |
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital | F-5 |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | F-6 |
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-7 |
| F-1 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Members and Board of Managers
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Jacksonville, Florida
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Shepherd’s Finance, LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in members’ capital, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/
(formerly HORNE LLP)
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2023.
April 6, 2026
| F-2 |
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024
| (in thousands of dollars) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| Certificates of deposit, restricted | ||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable | ||||||||
| Loans receivable, net | ||||||||
| Real estate investments | ||||||||
| Foreclosed assets, net | ||||||||
| Premises and equipment | ||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities and Members’ Capital | ||||||||
| Refundable prepaid interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Loan deposits | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ||||||||
| Accrued interest payable | ||||||||
| Notes payable secured, net | ||||||||
| Notes payable unsecured, net | ||||||||
| Deferred revenue – real estate investments | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies (Note 14) | ||||||||
| Members’ Capital | ||||||||
| Series C preferred equity, net of discounts of $ and $, respectively | ||||||||
| Class A common equity | ||||||||
| Members’ capital | ||||||||
| Total liabilities and members’ capital | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-3 |
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024
| (in thousands of dollars) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Net Interest and Fee Income | ||||||||
| Interest and fee income on loans | $ | $ | ||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||
| Interest related to secured borrowings | ||||||||
| Interest related to unsecured borrowings | ||||||||
| Interest expense | ||||||||
| Net interest and fee income | ||||||||
| Less: Provision for credit losses | ||||||||
| Net interest and fee income after provision for credit losses | ||||||||
| Non-Interest Income | ||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate investments | ||||||||
| Revenue from the sale of land parcels | ||||||||
| Option fee income | ||||||||
| Other income | ||||||||
| Total non-interest income | ||||||||
| Income before non-interest expense | ||||||||
| Non-Interest Expense | ||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Loss on foreclosed assets | ||||||||
| Cost of land parcels sold | ||||||||
| Total non-interest expense | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | ||||||
| Net income attributable to preferred equity holders | ||||||||
| Net income attributable to common equity holders | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-4 |
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital
For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024
| (in thousands of dollars) | Series C Preferred Equity | Class A Common Equity | Total Members’ Capital | |||||||||
| January 1, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net income | ||||||||||||
| Transfer of Series C from temporary to permanent equity | ||||||||||||
| Conversion of Series C equity | ||||||||||||
| Distributions | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Unit Based Compensation Expense | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net income | ||||||||||||
| Distributions | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Series C preferred equity issued in exchange for Class A common equity, net of discount | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Unit Based Compensation Expense | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-5 |
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024
| (in thousands of dollars) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| Cash flows from operations | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | ||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | ||||||||
| Provision for credit losses | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Loss on foreclosed assets | ||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate investments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Deferred revenue – real estate investments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Unit based compensation expense | ||||||||
| Net change in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Other assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accrued interest receivable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Refundable prepaid interest | ||||||||
| Accrued interest payable | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||
| Loan originations and principal collections, net | ( | ) | ||||||
| Additions for construction in foreclosed assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Additions for construction in real estate investments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Investment in real estate assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets | ||||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of real estate investments | ||||||||
| Acquisition of 339, net of cash acquired | ( | ) | ||||||
| Investments in certificates of deposit | ( | ) | ||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||
| Transfer of Series C from temporary to permanent equity | ||||||||
| Distributions to Series C preferred equity holders | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Distributions to common equity holders | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from secured note payable | ||||||||
| Repayments of secured note payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from unsecured notes payable | ||||||||
| Redemptions/repayments of unsecured notes payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Deferred financing costs paid | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ||||||||
| Beginning of period | ||||||||
| End of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-cash investing and financing activities | ||||||||
| Loan originating from sale of 339 assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Foreclosed assets transferred from loans receivable, net | $ | $ | ||||||
| Secured and unsecured notes payable transfers | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued interest payable transferred to unsecured notes payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Class A common equity exchanged for Series C preferred equity, net of $ | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-6 |
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Information presented throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements is in thousands of dollars.
1. Description of Business
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC and subsidiary (the “Company”, “we”, or “our”) was originally formed as a Pennsylvania limited liability company on May 10, 2007. Through Augusts 6, 2025, we were the sole member of two consolidating subsidiaries, 339 Justabout Land Company, LLC (“339”) and Builder’s Assistance, LLC (“Builder’s Assistance”). On August 6, 2025, we sold 339, further described in Note 3 below. The Company operates pursuant to its Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement by and among Daniel M. Wallach and the other members of the Company effective as of March 16, 2017, and as subsequently amended.
The Company extends commercial loans to residential homebuilders (in 21 states as of December 31, 2025) to:
| ● | construct single family homes, | |
| ● | develop undeveloped land into residential building lots, and | |
| ● | purchase and improve for sale older homes. |
On March 14, 2025, the Company changed the name of its consolidated subsidiary, Shepherd’s Stable Investments, LLC, to Builder’s Assistance, LLC (“Builder’s Assistance”). Builder’s Assistance was established to provide accounting and other business support services to third parties, primarily customers of the Company. Revenue generated from Builder’s Assistance was insignificant during the periods presented.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company’s subsidiary and reflect all adjustments (all of which are normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, operating results, and cash flows for the periods. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. It is reasonably possible that market conditions could deteriorate, which could materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Among other effects, such changes could result in the need to increase the amount of our allowance for credit losses and impair our foreclosed assets.
Operating Segments
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 280, Segment Reporting, requires that the Company report financial and descriptive
information about reportable segments and how these segments were determined. We determine the allocation of resources and performance
of business units based on net income. Segments are identified and aggregated based on products
sold or services provided. Based on these factors, we have determined that the Company’s operations were in
On August 6, 2025, the Company completed the sale
of all assets held by 339 Justabout Land Company, LLC (“339”), a business segment, to the principal owners of the Company’s
largest customer, Benjamin Marcus Homes (“BMH” or “Buyer”), for a sales price of $
Concurrent with the sale of 339, the Company
amended its existing credit agreement with BMH to increase the total loan commitment to $
| F-7 |
Revenue Recognition
Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. The accrual of interest is generally discontinued on all loans where the contractual payment of principal or interest is past due 90 days or more or the loan is demanded unless management deems the loan an exception, All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income. Interest received on nonaccrual loans is applied against principal. Interest on accruing individually evaluated loans is recognized if such loans do not meet the criteria for nonaccrual status. Our construction loans charge a fee on the amount that we commit to lend, which is amortized over the expected life of each of those loans.
Advertising
Advertising
costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative. Advertising expenses were $
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Management considers highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash account in a deposit account which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company monitors this bank account and does not expect to incur any losses from such an account.
Restricted Cash
We maintain certain cash balances that are restricted as to withdrawal or use. Our restricted cash is comprised of cash held as collateral for a line of credit. We report restricted cash as a separate line in the consolidated balance sheet.
Certificates of Deposit, Restricted
We maintain an investment through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service. This investment is required as part of line of credit with a bank and is restricted as to withdrawal in direct correlation with the outstanding balance in the related line of credit. This investment is facilitated by the lending bank for the line of credit and is reported as a separate line on the balance sheet.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
| F-8 |
Loans Receivable
Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, net of any allowances for credit losses, and adjusted for the net unrecognized portion of direct costs and non-refundable loan fees associated with lending. The net amount of non-refundable loan origination fees and direct costs associated with the lending process, including commitment fees, is deferred and accreted to interest income over the lives of the loans using a method that approximates the interest method.
Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. A loan is classified as nonaccrual, and the accrual of interest on such loan is discontinued, when the contractual payment of principal or interest becomes 90 days past due or when the loan is demanded unless management deems the loan an exception. In addition, a loan may be placed on nonaccrual at any other time management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest according to the contractual terms, even though the loan is currently performing. A loan may remain in accrual status if it is in the process of collection and well-secured (i.e., the loan has sufficient collateral value). Loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation becomes current or has been performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company uses the aggregate method or loss-rate method to estimate expected credit losses. When developing the estimate of expected credit losses, the Company considers its historical loss experience, current borrower performance and economic conditions, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions that may affect expected credit losses. An expected loss ratio is applied based on internal historical losses and originations. The aggregate method relies upon the performance of an entire segment of the loan portfolio to best represent the behavior of these specific segments over time. In addition, the modified open pool approach was used which utilizes our borrowers credit rankings for both construction and development loans. Internal risk-rating grades are assigned by the Company’s management based on an analysis of financial and collateral strength and other credit attributes underlying each loan. Loan grades are A, B, C and individually evaluated for both construction and development loans where A and C define the highest and lowest scores, respectively.
The Company defines loan grades based on the following credit risks:
| ● | A Credit Risk: Based on various factors (cash available, credit score, LTV, etc.) the Company believes asset quality is acceptable and is deemed to not require additional monitoring. | |
| ● | B Credit Risk: Assets in this category are currently protected but have some weaknesses as compared to credit A. These loans are monitored similar to A; however, fall below the Points defined within the paragraphs below. | |
| ● | C Credit Risk: Assets in this category have a potential weakness but not to the point of individually evaluated. Loss potential is moderate if corrective action isn’t taken. They are monitored on a weekly watch list by the Company’s management. | |
| ● | Individually Evaluated Risk: Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans are excluded from the loan pools and individually evaluated for impairment. Individually evaluated loans are loans for which it is probable that all the amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. The ACL on loans that are individually evaluated is based on a comparison of the loan receivable balance, observable market price for the loan or the fair value of the collateral underlying secured loans. |
Individually evaluated loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible. Once a loan is 90 days past due, management begins a workout plan with the borrower or commences its foreclosure process on the collateral.
Each loan pool is adjusted for qualitative factors not inherently considered in the quantitative analysis. The qualitative adjustments either increase or decrease the quantitative model estimation. We consider factors that are relevant within the qualitative framework which include the following: lending policy, changes in nature and volume of loans, staff experience, changes in volume and trends of non-performing loans, trends in underlying collateral values, quality of our loan review system and other economic conditions, including inflation.
The following is performed by the Company’s Production Loan Operations department to determine the loan grades included within our loan’s receivable portfolio:
Each is rated on a scale of 1-5. With 5 being the highest rating, equal weight is given based on cash (split between average balance and ending balance), credit, and experience.
POINTS-CASH
| ● | Average cash should be 2% of the borrower’s total approval limit or current committed amount (whichever is higher) = .83 POINTS | |
| ● | Ending cash balance should be 1% of their total approval limit or current committed amount (whichever is higher) = .83 POINTS |
| F-9 |
Bank statements received from the borrower are entered by the loan processors at the time of the initial application or annual credit renewal. The Company’s Loan Administration System (“LAS”) automatically calculates the grading points given for cash based on the borrower’s approval limits and calculated cash ending and average balances.
POINTS-CREDIT
| ● | 680 or higher combined credit score average for all principals for new borrowers and 640 combined credit score average for all principals for existing borrowers = 1.66 |
Credit scores are entered into LAS by the loan processors at the time of the initial application or annual credit renewal. LAS automatically calculates the grading points given for credit scores based on the average of the scores entered for the reporting agencies TransUnion and Equifax for all guarantors.
POINTS-EXPERIENCE
| ● | Meets minimum experience requirement according to the application matrix = 1.66 |
At the time of the initial application, the loan processor and underwriter determine whether the applicant meets the minimum experience requirements and enters this information into LAS under the application processing checklist. LAS then determines, based on how the question is answered, how many points are allocated to this category.
At the time of each loan approval, the underwriter confirms the grade calculated by LAS prior to signing off on the loan approval.
POINTS
Points from the three categories are added to come up with their 1-5 rating. The grading scale is as follows:
| ● | Rating Score of 4+ = A | |
| ● | Rating Score of 2.49 – 3.9 = B | |
| ● | Rating Score below 2.49 = C |
Once the grading is established or locked in at the time of origination the loan then is populated into the Historical Loan Loss Analysis report. This report populates each loan ranking at the time of origination and does not fluctuate.
Borrower’s credit rankings do change over time based on new information obtained when available.
The CECL calculation for credit loss is performed using the following for the quantitative portion of the analysis:
| 1. | Commitment value which is obtained when the loan originates; | |
| 2. | Historical Originations by Ranking Bucket which is the sum of the Commitment Value obtained when the loan is closed; and | |
| 3. | Losses by Ranking Bucket which are expensed for loans not within foreclosure since 2018. |
The Loan Committee reviews ongoing activity regarding loans, to include discussion regarding any changes in the reserve and charge-offs. These meetings are documented within the related Board of Managers minutes.
Individually Evaluated Loans
Individually evaluated loans are loans for which it is probable that all the amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. The ACL on loans that are individually evaluated is based on a comparison of the loan receivable balance, observable market price for the loan or the fair value of the collateral underlying secured loans.
| F-10 |
Refundable Builder Deposit
A
builder deposit by the borrower of
Refundable Prepaid Interest
In specific instances the Company may offer or require borrowers the ability to have a refundable prepaid interest deposit, which we call refundable prepaid interest. Refundable prepaid interest is a separate liability on the Company’s balance sheet used to apply towards or pay the borrowers monthly interest payment when due. The Company may require this to ensure cash on hand considered in underwriting is used to make interest payments to the Company. If the customer has already used a substantial amount of cash to purchase a lot, we might require one to be funded with loan proceeds. In some land development and lot loan cases where the interest will be substantial due to the length of the loan, the Company may require a funded interest escrow to start but then continue to have the builder fund the interest escrow with each lot paydown (as lots are released from the loan).
Foreclosed Assets
When a foreclosed asset is acquired in the settlement of a loan, the asset is recorded at the as-is fair value minus expected selling costs establishing a new cost basis. If the fair value of the collateral is less than the carrying value of the loan, the difference is charged off against our allowance for loan losses. If the fair value, less estimated closing costs, is higher than the carrying value of the loan, the difference is recorded as a gain on foreclosure in the income statement. Subsequent to foreclosure, if the fair value of the asset declines, a write-down is recorded through non-interest expense. Fair value is determined based on highest and best use of the asset. Assets which are not going to be improved are still evaluated on an as-is basis. Assets we intend to improve, are improving, or have improved are appraised based on the to-be-completed value, minus reasonable selling costs, and we adjust the portion of the appraised value related to construction improvements for the percentage of the improvements which have not yet been made. Subsequently, if a foreclosed asset has an increase in fair value the increase may be recognized up to the cost basis which was determined at the foreclosure date.
Real Estate Investments
The Company’s real estate investments are carried on our books at cost, unless we determine that our realistic exit from any real estate investment would result in a loss, in which case the Company would impair the investment to the expected net realizable amount. Cost includes but is not limited to interest accrued at our cost of funds, purchase price, improvements, and real estate taxes. Gains or losses on the sale of real estate investments are not recognized until a sale of an asset occurs.
Deferred Financing Costs, Net
Deferred financing costs consist of certain costs associated with financing activities related to the issuance of debt securities (deferred financing costs). These costs consist primarily of professional fees incurred related to the transactions. Deferred financing costs are amortized into interest expense over the life of the related debt. The deferred financing costs are reflected in a reduction in the unsecured notes offering liability.
Interest Capitalization
The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred during the construction of qualifying assets, such as real estate development projects, when the construction period extends beyond one year and the expenditures for the asset are significant.
Interest is capitalized based on the weighted average cost of funds, which reflects the blended interest rate of the Company’s outstanding borrowings, including both specific project-related debt, if any, and general corporate borrowings. The weighted average interest rate is determined monthly or whenever there is a significant change in the Company’s debt structure. Capitalization of interest commences when expenditures for the asset have been made, activities necessary to prepare the asset for its intended use are in progress, and interest costs are being incurred. Capitalization ceases when the asset is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, or when construction activities are suspended for an extended period.
Interest expense that is not capitalized is recognized in the statement of operations as incurred.
For
the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company applied a COF rate of
Premises and Equipment
Equipment the Company qualifies as a capital asset is defined as follows:
| ● | Acquisition
cost greater than $ | |
| ● | Life
span greater than | |
| ● | Contains or is made of nonexpendable material. |
Items
less than $
Income Taxes
The entities included in the consolidated financial statements are organized as pass-through entities under the Internal Revenue Code. As such, taxes are the responsibility of the members. Other significant taxes for which the Company is liable are recorded on an accrual basis.
The Company applies FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740). ASC 740 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken while preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions with respect to income tax at the LLC level not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the appropriate period. Management concluded that there are no uncertain tax positions that should be recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
The
Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties related to taxes in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated
statements of operations. The Company paid $
| F-11 |
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period’s financial statements and disclosures to conform to the current period’s presentation.
Risks and Uncertainties
The Company is subject to many of the risks common to the commercial lending and real estate industries, such as general economic conditions, decreases in home values, decreases in housing starts, increases in interest rates, and competition from other lenders. As of December 31, 2025, our loans were significantly concentrated in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so the housing starts and prices in that area are more significant to our business than other areas until and if more loans are created in other markets.
Concentration
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of loans receivable. Our concentration risks for our top three customers listed by geographic real estate market are summarized in the table below:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||
| Percent of | Percent of | |||||||||||
| Borrower | Loan | Borrower | Loan | |||||||||
| City | Commitments | City | Commitments | |||||||||
| Highest concentration risk | % | % | ||||||||||
| Second highest concentration risk | % | % | ||||||||||
| Third highest concentration risk | % | % | ||||||||||
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2025, FASB issued ASU 2025-08, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Purchased Loans” (“ASU 2025-08”), which expands the population of acquired financial assets subject to the gross-up approach. ASU 2025-08 will be effective January 1, 2027 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
3. Acquisition and Disposal
Acquisition of 339 Justabout Land Co., LLC
Effective
The property has since been subdivided into two parcels. One parcel has been developed into lots and are available for home construction (“Phase 1 Lots”) and the other parcel will be developed into a second phase of lots (“Phase 2 Lots”), which should be available for construction next year (collectively the “339 Lots”).
We
charged an option fee to Benjamin Marcus Homes (“BMH”) for the right to buy the Phase 1 Lots owned by 339. The option fee
was $
| F-12 |
The following table summarizes the allocation of purchase price to assets and liabilities acquired in connection with the Company’s acquisition of 339 based on fair values as of February 15, 2024.
| Acquisition Consideration | ||||
| Gross purchase price | $ | |||
| Debt of 339 to the Company | ||||
| Immediate repayment of previous 339 owner of intercompany debt | ( | ) | ||
| Purchase consideration | $ | |||
The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on estimated fair values. The table below provides the provisional recording of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.
Amounts recognized as of the acquisition date | ||||
| Purchase Consideration | $ | |||
| Fair value of identified assets acquired: | ||||
| Cash | ||||
| Real estate investments | ||||
| Total identifiable assets | ||||
| Fair value of liabilities assumed: | ||||
| Current liabilities | ||||
| Other liabilities | ||||
| Total liabilities assumed | ||||
| Net identifiable assets acquired | $ | |||
The allocation presented above was based upon management’s estimate of fair values using valuation techniques including appraisals and purchase contracts, as well as estimating completion costs and future interest costs. In estimating the fair value of the identifiable acquired assets and assumed liabilities, the fair value estimates were based on, but not limited to, expected future revenue and cash flows and estimated discount rates. Except for real estate assets, all assets and liabilities were estimated at their historical carrying values, which approximated fair value.
Disposal of 339 Justabout Land Co., LLC
On
August 6, 2025, the Company completed the sale of all assets held by 339, a business segment, to the principal owners (“Hoskins
Group”) of the Company’s largest customer, Benjamin Marcus Homes (“BMH”), for a sales price of $
Concurrent
with the sale of 339, the Company amended its existing credit agreement with the Hoskins Group to increase the total loan commitment
to $
| F-13 |
4. Fair Value
The Company has established a framework for measuring fair value using a hierarchy, where the Company maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair value measurements are an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Three levels of input are used to measure fair value, as follows:
| Level 1 – | quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; | |
| Level 2 – | quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or | |
| Level 3 – | unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations. |
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Fair Value Measurements of Non-Financial Instruments on a Recurring Basis
The Company has no non-financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Fair Value Measurements of Non-Financial Instruments on a Non-recurring Basis
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis when there is evidence of impairment. The fair values of individually evaluated loans with specific allocations of the allowance for credit losses are generally based on recent real estate appraisals of the collateral less estimated cost to sell, which are classified as Level 3. Declines in the fair values of other real estate owned subsequent to their initial acquisitions are also based on recent real estate appraisals minus selling costs, which are classified as Level 3.
Individually Evaluated Loans
There were 29 and 21 individually evaluated loan assets as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
Foreclosed Assets
Foreclosed assets (upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment) are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
Foreclosed assets, upon initial recognition, are measured and reported at fair value minus cost to sell. Each reporting period, the Company remeasures the fair value of its significant foreclosed assets. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the foreclosed assets or management’s estimates of value, which the Company classifies as a Level 3 evaluation.
| F-14 |
The following tables present the balances of non-financial instruments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for | Significant Other | Significant | ||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | Identical | Observable | Unobservable | |||||||||||||||||
| Carrying | Estimated | Assets | Inputs | Inputs | ||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreclosed assets, net | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Individually evaluated loans, net | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for | Significant Other | Significant | ||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | Identical | Observable | Unobservable | |||||||||||||||||
| Carrying | Estimated | Assets | Inputs | Inputs | ||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Foreclosed assets, net | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Individually evaluated loans, net | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of assets and liabilities valued on a nonrecurring basis:
| Estimated Fair Value | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Inputs | Range of Discounts | Weighted Average Discount(1) | ||||||||||
| December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| Individually evaluated loans, net | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| Foreclosed assets, net | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| (1) |
| Estimated Fair Value | Valuation Technique | Unobservable Inputs | Range of Discounts | Weighted Average Discount(1) | ||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| Individually evaluated loans, net | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| Foreclosed assets, net | $ | % | ||||||||||||
| (1) |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Borrowings under Credit Facilities
The fair value of the Company’s borrowings under credit facilities is estimated based on the expected cash flows discounted using the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. As all of the borrowings under credit facilities or the Notes are payable on demand or at similar rates to what the Company can borrow funds for today, the fair value of the borrowings is determined to approximate carrying value at both December 31, 2025 and 2024. The interest on our Notes Program is paid to our Note holders either monthly or at the end of their investment, compounded monthly. For the same reasons as the determination for the principal balances on the Notes, the fair value approximates the carrying value for the interest as well.
The table below is a summary of fair value estimates for financial instruments:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Carrying | Estimated | Carrying | Estimated | ||||||||||||||||
| Level | Amount | Fair Value | Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||
| Financial Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash | 1 | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loans receivable, net | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest on loans | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Refundable prepaid interest | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loan deposits | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable secured, net | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Notes payable unsecured, net | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest payable | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| F-15 |
5. Segment Reporting
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 280, Segment Reporting, requires that the Company report financial and descriptive
information about reportable segments and how these segments were determined. We determine the allocation of resources and performance
of business units based on operating income and net income, which are the same. Segments are identified and aggregated based on products
sold or services provided. Based on these factors, we have determined that the Company’s operations were in
On August 6, 2025, the Company completed the sale
of all assets held by 339 Justabout Land Company, LLC (“339”), a business segment, to the principal owners of the Company’s
largest customer, Benjamin Marcus Homes (“BMH” or “Buyer”), for a sales price of $
Concurrent with the sale of 339, the Company
amended its existing credit agreement with BMH to increase the total loan commitment to $
Reconciliation of Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2025
| (in thousands of dollars) | 339 Justabout Land Company, LLC | Shepherd’s Finance, LLC | Total | |||||||||
| Net Interest and Fee Income | ||||||||||||
| Interest and fee income on loans | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||||||
| Interest related to secure borrowings | ||||||||||||
| Interest related to unsecured borrowings | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net interest and fee income | ||||||||||||
| Less: Provision for credit losses | ||||||||||||
| Net interest and fee income after provision for credit losses | ||||||||||||
| Non-Interest Income | ||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate investments | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Revenue from the sale of land parcels | ||||||||||||
| Option fee income | ||||||||||||
| Other income | ||||||||||||
| Total non-interest income | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Income before non-interest expense | ||||||||||||
| Non-Interest Expense | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||
| Loss on foreclosed assets | ||||||||||||
| Cost of land parcels sold | ||||||||||||
| Total non-interest expense | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net Income | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| F-16 |
Shepherd’s Finance, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
| (in thousands of dollars) | 339 Justabout Land Company, LLC | Shepherd’s Finance, LLC | Total | |||||||||
| Net Interest and Fee Income | ||||||||||||
| Interest and fee income on loans | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||||||
| Interest related to secure borrowings | ||||||||||||
| Interest related to unsecured borrowings | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net interest and fee income | ||||||||||||
| Less: Provision for credit losses | ||||||||||||
| Net interest and fee income after provision for credit losses | ||||||||||||
| Non-Interest Income | ||||||||||||
| Gain on foreclosed assets | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Revenue from the sale of land parcels | ||||||||||||
| Option fee income | ||||||||||||
| Other income | ||||||||||||
| Total non-interest income | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Income before non-interest expense | ||||||||||||
| Non-Interest Expense | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||
| Loss on foreclosed assets | ||||||||||||
| Cost of land parcels sold | ||||||||||||
| Total non-interest expense | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net Income | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| F-17 |
Reconciliation of total assets:
| (in thousands of dollars) | 339 Justabouot Land Company, LLC | Shepherd’s Finance, LLC | Elimination | Total | ||||||||||||
| Total assets as of December 31, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Total assets as of December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
6. Real Estate Investment Assets
During
October 2023, the Company acquired two properties to construct houses on each lot. One of the properties was sold in 2025 at a gain of
$
On
We
charged option fees to Benjamin Marcus Homes (“BMH”) for the right to buy the Phase 1 Lots owned by 339. The option fee was
$
During
the year ended December 31, 2025, BMH purchased eight lots from 339 for both revenue and cost of land parcels sold of $
On
August 6, 2025, the Company completed the sale of all assets held by 339, a business segment, to the principal owners of the Company’s
largest customer, Benjamin Marcus Homes (“BMH” or “Buyer”), for a sales price of $
| F-18 |
During
September 2024, the Company invested in a minority non-controlling interest in one of our borrowers, DBL Capital Real Estate Fund 1,
LLC (“DBL”) for $
The following table is a roll forward of real estate investment assets:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Additions from 339 acquisition | ||||||||
| Proceeds from disposal of 339 | ( | ) | ||||||
| Gain on sale of real estate investments | ||||||||
| Investments in real estate assets | ||||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of real estate investments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Additions for construction/development | ||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | ||||||
Capitalized Interest Activity
The following table is capitalized interest included in additions for construction/development for real estate investment assets:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Capitalized interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cost of funds | % | % | ||||||
The capitalized interest is included within real estate investment assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
7. Loans Receivables, net
Financing receivables are comprised of the following as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Loans receivable, gross | $ | $ | ||||||
| Less: Deferred loan fees | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Plus: Deferred origination costs | ||||||||
| Less: Allowance for credit losses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Loans receivable, net | $ | $ | ||||||
Commercial Construction and Development Loans
Construction Loan Portfolio Summary
As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s construction loan portfolio consisted of 53 borrowers, all of whom borrow money for the purpose of building new homes. The loans typically involve funding of the lot and a portion of construction costs, for a total of between
Our loans are demand loans and most have a refundable deposit from the builder during construction to help offset the risk of partially built homes, and some have refundable prepaid interest to offset payment of monthly interest risk.
| F-19 |
Construction Loan Portfolio Summary
The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for home construction loans as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year | Number of States | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | |||||||||||||
| 2025 | $ | $ | % (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | $ | % (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) | |
| (2) |
Real Estate Development Loan Portfolio Summary
The following is a summary of our loan portfolio to builders for land development as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year | Number of States | Number of Borrowers | Number of Loans | Commitment Amount | Gross Amount Outstanding | Loan to Value Ratio(1) | |||||||||||||
| 2025 | $ | $ | % (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | $ | $ | % (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) | |
| (2) |
The following is a roll forward of loan receivables, net of both construction and development loans:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Originations and modifications | ||||||||
| Principal collections | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Transferred from loans receivables, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Change in allowance for credit losses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Change in loan fees, net | ( | ) | ||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| F-20 |
Credit Quality Information
The following table presents the Company’s gross loans receivable, commitment value and ACL for each respective credit rank loan pool category as of December 31, 2025.
| Loans Receivable Gross | Commitment Value | ACL | ||||||||||
| Construction Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||
| Development Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
The following table presents the Company’s gross loans receivable, commitment value and ACL for each respective credit rank loan pool category as of December 31, 2024.
| Loans Receivable Gross | Commitment Value | ACL | ||||||||||
| Construction Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||
| Nonaccrual Loans Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||
| Development Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| F-21 |
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans individually evaluated and loans past due over 90 days nonaccruing as of December 31, 2025:
| Individually Evaluated without ACL | Individually Evaluated with ACL | Accrual Loans Past Due Over 90 Days | ||||||||||
| Construction Loans: | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Development Loans: | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans individually evaluated and loans past due over 90 days nonaccruing as of December 31, 2024:
| Individually Evaluated without ACL | Individually Evaluated with ACL | Accrual Loans Past Due Over 90 Days | ||||||||||
| Construction Loans: | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Development Loans: | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
For loans greater than 12 months in age that are individually evaluated, appraisals are ordered and prepared if the current appraisal is greater than 13 months old and construction is greater than 90% complete. If construction is completed by less than 90% the Company uses the latest appraisal on file. At certain times the Company may choose to use a broker’s opinions of value (“BOV”) as a replacement for an appraisal if deemed more efficient by management. Appraised values are adjusted down for estimated costs associated with asset disposal. Broker’s opinion of selling price use currently valid sales contracts on the subject property or representative recent actual closings by the builder on similar properties may be used in place of a BOV.
In addition, our loan portfolio includes performing, forbearance and individually evaluated loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. The Company’s policies with respect to placing loans on non-accrual and individually evaluated if they are past due when the contractual payment of principal or interest becomes 90 days past due or when the loan is demanded unless management deems the loan an exception. A fair market value analysis is performed and an allowance for credit loss is established based on the results of the analysis.
The following is an aging of our gross loan portfolio as of December 31, 2025:
| Gross Loan | Current | Past Due | Past Due | Past Due | ||||||||||||||||
| Value | 0 - 89 | 90 - 179 | 180 - 269 | >270 | ||||||||||||||||
| Construction Loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Development Loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| F-22 |
The following is an aging of our gross loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024:
| Gross Loan | Current | Past Due | Past Due | Past Due | ||||||||||||||||
| Value | 0 - 89 | 90 - 179 | 180 - 269 | >270 | ||||||||||||||||
| Construction Loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Development Loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Below is an aging schedule of loans receivable as of December 31, 2025, on a recency basis:
No. Loans | Unpaid Balances | % | ||||||||||
| Contractual terms (All current Direct Loans and Sales Finance Contracts with installments past due less than 60 days from due date.) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| 60-89 days | % | |||||||||||
| 90-179 days | % | |||||||||||
| 180-269 days | % | |||||||||||
| >270 days | % | |||||||||||
| Subtotal | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Interest only accounts (Accounts on which interest, deferment, extension and/or default charges were received in the last 60 days) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Partial payment accounts (Accounts on which the total received in the last 60 days was less than 50% of the original contractual monthly payment. “Total received” to include interest on simple interest accounts, as well as late charges on deferment charges on pre-computed accounts.) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | % | ||||||||||
| F-23 |
Below is an aging schedule of loans receivable as of December 31, 2024, on a recency basis:
No. Loans | Unpaid Balances | % | ||||||||||
| Contractual terms (All current Direct Loans and Sales Finance Contracts with installments past due less than 60 days from due date.) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| 60-89 days | % | |||||||||||
| 90-179 days | % | |||||||||||
| 180-269 days | % | |||||||||||
| >270 days | % | |||||||||||
| Subtotal | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Interest only accounts (Accounts on which interest, deferment, extension and/or default charges were received in the last 60 days) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Partial payment accounts (Accounts on which the total received in the last 60 days was less than 50% of the original contractual monthly payment. “Total received” to include interest on simple interest accounts, as well as late charges on deferment charges on pre-computed accounts.) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | % | ||||||||||
Below is an aging schedule of loans receivable as of December 31, 2025, on a contractual basis:
No. Loans | Unpaid Balances | % | ||||||||||
| Contractual terms (All current Direct Loans and Sales Finance Contracts with installments past due less than 60 days from due date.) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| 60-89 days | % | |||||||||||
| 90-179 days | % | |||||||||||
| 180-269 days | % | |||||||||||
| >270 days | % | |||||||||||
| Subtotal | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Interest only accounts (Accounts on which interest, deferment, extension and/or default charges were received in the last 60 days) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Partial payment accounts (Accounts on which the total received in the last 60 days was less than 50% of the original contractual monthly payment. “Total received” to include interest on simple interest accounts, as well as late charges on deferment charges on pre-computed accounts.) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | % | ||||||||||
| F-24 |
Below is an aging schedule of loans receivable as of December 31, 2024, on a contractual basis:
No. Loans | Unpaid Balances | % | ||||||||||
| Contractual terms (All current Direct Loans and Sales Finance Contracts with installments past due less than 60 days from due date.) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| 60-89 days | % | |||||||||||
| 90-179 days | % | |||||||||||
| 180-269 days | % | |||||||||||
| >270 days | % | |||||||||||
| Subtotal | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Interest only accounts (Accounts on which interest, deferment, extension and/or default charges were received in the last 60 days) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Partial payment accounts (Accounts on which the total received in the last 60 days was less than 50% of the original contractual monthly payment. “Total received” to include interest on simple interest accounts, as well as late charges on deferment charges on pre-computed accounts.) | $ | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | % | ||||||||||
The company modifies loans for borrowers for various reasons, including but not limited to changes in what the builder is building versus what was appraised, changes in loan-to-value (“LTV”) or market conditions, and a builder’s inability to pay interest. This last grouping (builder’s inability to pay interest) is done through forbearance agreements which will allow the builder to have a specified period not to pay interest while the home is either completed or marketed. Typically, those interest amounts are collected at final payoff of the loan.
As of December 31, 2025, we had one loan with a commitment
and loan balance of $
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
The following table provides a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2025:
| Construction | Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | B Credit Risk | C Credit Risk | Individually Evaluated | A Credit Risk | B Credit Risk | C Credit Risk | Individually Evaluated | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2024 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Charge-offs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for credit losses on funded balances | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2025 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||
| Reserve for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2024 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for credit losses on unfunded commitments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reserve for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2025 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| F-25 |
The following table provides a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses as of December 31,2024:
| Construction | Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | B Credit Risk | C Credit Risk | Individually Evaluated | A Credit Risk | B Credit Risk | C Credit Risk | Individually Evaluated | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of ACL on unfunded commitments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charge-offs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for credit losses on funded balances | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2024 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Reserve for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of ACL on unfunded commitments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for credit losses on unfunded commitments | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reserve for unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2024 | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Loan Commitments
Unfunded
commitments to extend credit, which have similar collateral, credit and market risk to our outstanding loans, were $
| F-26 |
Loan Portfolio by Year of Origination
The table below presents the Company’s loan portfolio by year of origination, category, and credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2025. Loans acquired are shown in the tables by origination year.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Prior | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Period Charge Offs | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Development Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Period Charge Offs | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
The table below presents the Company’s loan portfolio by year of origination, category, and credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2024. Loans acquired are shown in the tables by origination year.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Prior | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Period Charge Offs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Development Loans Collectively Evaluated: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Credit Risk | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| B Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C Credit Risk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Period Charge Offs | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Concentration of Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of loans receivable. Our concentration risks for our top three customers listed by geographic real estate market are summarized in the table below:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||
| Percent of | Percent of | |||||||||||
| Borrower | Loan | Borrower | Loan | |||||||||
| City | Commitments | City | Commitments | |||||||||
| Highest concentration risk | % | % | ||||||||||
| Second highest concentration risk | % | % | ||||||||||
| Third highest concentration risk | % | % | ||||||||||
8. Foreclosed Assets
Roll forward of foreclosed assets for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Transferred from loans receivables, net | ||||||||
| Additions for construction in foreclosed assets | ||||||||
| Sale proceeds | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Loss on foreclosed assets, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| F-27 |
9. Borrowings
The following table displays our borrowings:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Borrowing Source | ||||||||
| Purchase and sale agreements and other secured borrowings | $ | $ | ||||||
| Secured line of credit from affiliates | ||||||||
| Less: deferred financing fees | ( | ) | ||||||
| Notes payable secured, net | ||||||||
| Unsecured line of credit (senior) | ||||||||
| Other unsecured debt (senior subordinated) | ||||||||
| Unsecured Notes through our public offering, gross | ||||||||
| Other unsecured debt (subordinated) | ||||||||
| Other unsecured debt (junior subordinated) | ||||||||
| Less: deferred financing fees | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Notes payable unsecured, net | ||||||||
| Total Borrowings | $ | $ | ||||||
| Year Maturing | Total Amount Maturing | Public Offering | Other Unsecured | Secured Borrowings | |||||||||||
| 2026 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| 2027 | |||||||||||||||
| 2028 | |||||||||||||||
| 2029 | |||||||||||||||
| 2030 and thereafter | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
Secured Borrowings
Loan Purchase and Sale Agreements
The
Company has two purchase and sale agreements where we are the seller of portions of loans we originate. The two purchasers are
Builder Finance, Inc. (“Builder Finance”) and S.K. Funding, LLC (“S.K. Funding”). Generally, the purchasers
buy between
As
of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the there is not a limit of maximum principal on the Builder Finance line and the principal was $
As
of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the maximum principal on the S.K. Funding line was $
Lines of Credit
Lines of Credit with Mr. Wallach and His Affiliates
As
of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had $
| F-28 |
Line of Credit with Shuman
During July 2017, we entered into a line of credit agreement (the “Shuman LOC Agreement”) with Steven K. Shuman, which is now held by Cindy K. Shuman. Pursuant to the Shuman LOC Agreement, Shuman provides us with a revolving line of credit (the “Shuman LOC”) with the following terms:
| ● | Principal
not to exceed $ | |
| ● | Secured with assignments of certain notes and mortgages; | |
| ● | Cost
of funds to us of | |
| ● |
As
of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the outstanding amount pursuant to the Shuman LOC was $
Line of Credit with Judith Swanson
During December 2021, the Swanson Line of Credit (“Swanson LOC”) was assigned to Judith Swanson (“Judith Swanson LOC”), as trustee of a trust. Pursuant to the Swanson Modification Agreement, the Judith Swanson LOC provides us with a revolving line of credit with the following terms:
| ● | Principal
not to exceed $ | |
| ● | Secured with assignments of certain notes and mortgages; | |
| ● | Cost
of funds to us of | |
| ● | Due
in July 2026; however, will |
The
Judith Swanson LOC was fully borrowed on the secured and unsecured portion of the line of credit as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. In
addition, the secured balance on the Judith Swanson LOC was $
United Lines of Credit
In
January 2025, we entered into a revolving line of credit with United Bank for $
| F-29 |
In
January 2025, we entered into a revolving line of credit with United Bank for $
Liberty Savings Bank Line of Credit
In
December 2025, we entered into a revolving line of credit with Liberty Savings Bank for $
Other Lines of Credit
During 2020 and 2019, we entered into one and four line of credit agreements, respectively (the “Other LOC Agreements”). Pursuant to the Other LOC Agreements, the lenders provide us with revolving lines of credit with the following terms:
| ● | Principal
not to exceed $ | |
| ● | Secured with assignments of certain notes and mortgages; | |
| ● | Interest rates vary and are generally indexed to Prime plus a margin | |
| ● | Terms generally allow the lenders to give one month’s notice after which the principal balance of a New LOC Agreement will be reduced to a zero over the next six months. |
The
total balance of the Other LOC Agreements was $
Hanna Holdings, Inc. Loan
This loan was debt acquired in the 339 acquisition which 339 used the loan to originally purchase the property.
| ● | Principal
not to exceed $ | |
| ● | Secured with a second position mortgage | |
| ● | ||
| ● |
During
the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company paid off
| F-30 |
Secured Borrowings Secured by Loan Assets
As
of December 31, 2025, the Company pledged $
As
of December 31, 2024, the Company pledged $
Unsecured Borrowings
Unsecured Notes through the Public Offering (“Notes Program”)
The
effective interest rate on borrowings through our Notes Program as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, was
We generally offer four durations at any given time, ranging from 12 to 48 months from the date of issuance. Our fourth public offering, which was declared effective on September 16, 2022, includes a mandatory early redemption option on all Notes, provided that the proceeds are reinvested. In our historical offerings, there were limited rights of early redemption. Our 36-month Note sold in our third public note offering had a mandatory early redemption option, subject to certain conditions.
The following table is a roll forward of our Notes Program:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Gross notes outstanding, beginning of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Notes issued | ||||||||
| Note repayments / redemptions | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Gross notes outstanding, end of period | ||||||||
| Less deferred financing costs, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Notes outstanding, net | $ | $ | ||||||
The following is a roll forward of deferred financing costs:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Deferred financing costs, beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Additions | ||||||||
| Deferred financing costs, ending balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Less accumulated amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Deferred financing costs, net | $ | $ | ||||||
The following is a roll forward of the accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Accumulated amortization, beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Additions | ||||||||
| Accumulated amortization, ending balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| F-31 |
Other Unsecured Debts
Our other unsecured debts are detailed below:
| Loan | Maturity Date | Interest Rate(1) | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Unsecured Line of Credit | % | |||||||||||||
| Unsecured Line of Credit | % | |||||||||||||
| Unsecured Line of Credit – Senior Subordinated | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Senior Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Junior Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Senior Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Junior Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | % | |||||||||||||
| Subordinated Promissory Note | Prime+ | |||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| (1) | |
| (2) | |
| (3) |
| F-32 |
10. Refundable Prepaid Interest
Below is a roll forward of refundable prepaid interest:
Year Ended December 31, 2025 | Year Ended December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Additions from Pennsylvania loans | ||||||||
| Additions from other loans | ||||||||
| Interest, fees, principal or repaid to borrower | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | ||||||
11. Series C Preferred Equity
On
April 19, 2024, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4 to the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (“Fourth
Amendment”) with an effective date of March 31, 2024, to effect a
In
addition, the Fourth Amendment restricted the right to require the Company to redeem the Series C Preferred Units for cash; therefore,
the units were reclassified from mezzanine equity to Members’ Capital. The Company’s convertable Series C preferred equity
was $
All
distributions, liquidation rights and conversion features are determined based on the undiscounted value of the Series C Preferred Units,
which was $
On
March 31, 2025, the Company terminated its relationship with a member who owned units of Class A common equity. Effective April
1, 2025, the Company executed a unit exchange agreement with the respective member where all units of common equity with a carrying
value of $
On
May 30, 2025, the Company redeemed of the Series C Preferred Units beneficially owned by the Company’s CEO and his wife,
at a redemption price of $
Roll forward of Series C Preferred Equity, net of discounts:
December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Additions from new investments | ||||||||
| Distributions | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Additions from reinvestment | ||||||||
| Series C issued in exchange for Class A common equity, net of discount | ||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | ||||||
| F-33 |
The following table shows the earliest conversion options for investors in Series C preferred equity as of December 31, 2025. Amounts are presented at redeemable values, which are prior to discounts reflected in the carrying amounts:
| Year Maturing | Total Amount Convertible | |||
| Currently convertible (requires notice of 12 months) | $ | |||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| 2028 | ||||
| 2029 | ||||
| 2030 and thereafter | ||||
| Total | $ | |||
12. Members’ Capital
The
Company has two classes of equity units that it classifies as Members’ Capital: Class A common units and Series C Preferred Units.
As of December 31, 2025, Class A Common Units are held by eight members, all of whom have no personal liability. All Class A common members
have voting rights in proportion to their capital account. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, Class A Common Units outstanding were
On
October 1, 2023, the Company entered into restricted unit agreements with Mark Reynolds, the Executive Vice President of Sales, and Catherine
Leslie, the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to which the Company issued
As
of December 31, 2025 and 2024,
There are two additional authorized unit classes: Class A preferred units and Class B profit units. Once Class B profit units are issued, the existing Class A common units will become Class A preferred units. Class A Preferred units will receive preferred treatment in terms of distributions and liquidation proceeds.
13. Related Party Transactions
The
Company has two loan agreements with Daniel M. Wallach, our CEO, and his wife, pursuant to which they provide the Company with the Wallach
LOC and the Wallach Trust LOC. The agreements lay out the terms under which those members can lend money to us, providing that we desire
the funds, and the members wish to lend. The interest rate on both the Wallach LOC and the Wallach Trust LOC generally equals prime plus
| F-34 |
In
June 2018, we entered into a line of credit from our former Partner, William Myrick. The Myrick LOC is collateralized by a lien against
all of our assets. The Myrick LOC has a maximum principal borrowing amount of $
Mrs.
Leslie, our CFO, and Mr. Reynolds, our EVP of Sales, each own
A
son of one of our managers is a minor participant in the Shuman LOC, which is more fully described in Note 9. In addition, Mr. Summers’
son is a lender to the Company pursuant to a New LOC Agreement, with principal not to exceed $
One
of our executives, Mr. Spatola has subordinated promissory note with a principal balance and an annual interest rate of $
The
Company has accepted investments under the Notes Program and other unsecured debt from employees, managers, members, and relatives of
managers and members, with $
| Relationship to | Amount invested as of | Weighted average interest rate as of | Interest earned during the year ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shepherd’s | December 31, | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
| Investor | Finance | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Eric A. Rauscher | Independent Manager | $ | $ | | % | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Joseph Rauscher | Parent of Independent Manager | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Daniel and Joyce Wallach | Member | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gregory L. Sheldon | Independent Manager | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Lamar Sheldon | Parent of Independent Manager | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Kenneth Summers | Independent Manager | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Schultz Family Revocable Living Trust | Trustee is Mother-in-Law of Member | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Barbara Harshman | Member | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Kimberly Bedford | Manager | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Thomas Spatola | EVP of Lending Operations | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Scott and Leah Summers | Son of Independent Manager | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Jeffrey Eppinger | 5% Member | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Bruce and Jean Eppinger | 5% Member | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Paula Eppinger | Parent of 5% Member | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| F-35 |
14. Commitments and Contingencies
In
the normal course of business there may be outstanding commitments to extend credit that are not included in the consolidated financial
statements. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer if there is no violation of any condition established in
the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since
many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon and some of the funding may come from the earlier repayment of
the same loan (in the case of revolving lines), the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The
financial instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk more than amounts recognized in the consolidated
financial statements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Unfunded commitments to extend
credit, which have similar collateral, credit risk and market risk to our outstanding loans, were $
15. Non-Interest Expense Detail
The following table displays our selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | ||||||||
| Legal and accounting | $ | $ | ||||||
| Salaries and related expenses | ||||||||
| Board related expenses | ||||||||
| Advertising | ||||||||
| Rent and utilities | ||||||||
| Loan and foreclosed asset expenses | ||||||||
| Travel | ||||||||
| Insurance | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total SG&A | $ | $ | ||||||
16. Premises and Equipment
The following table displays our premises and equipment as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Land | $ | $ | ||||||
| Office | ||||||||
| Equipment | ||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Premises and equipment, net | $ | $ | ||||||
Depreciation
and amortization related to premises and equipment was $
| F-36 |