Item 1. Business.
Organization
We are a Maryland corporation incorporated on October 10, 2006. We currently operate as a closed-end, non-diversified investment company and have elected to be treated as a business development company ("BDC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). We have elected for federal income tax purposes to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for tax purposes.
Our headquarters are in Charlotte, North Carolina, and our Internet address is www.baringsbdc.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as a part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make available free of charge through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Copies of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports are also available without charge upon written request to us.
The Asset Sale and Externalization Transactions
On April 3, 2018, we entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Asset Purchase Agreement"), with BSP Asset Acquisition I, LLC (the "Asset Buyer"), an affiliate of Benefit Street Partners L.L.C., pursuant to which we agreed to sell our December 31, 2017 investment portfolio to the Asset Buyer for gross proceeds of $981.2 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments to take into account portfolio activity and other matters occurring since December 31, 2017 (such transaction referred to herein as the "Asset Sale Transaction").
Also on April 3, 2018, we entered into a stock purchase and transaction agreement (the "Externalization Agreement"), with Barings LLC ("Barings") through which Barings agreed to become our investment adviser in exchange for (1) a payment by Barings of $85.0 million, or approximately $1.78 per share, directly to our stockholders, (2) an investment by Barings of $100.0 million in newly issued shares of our common stock at net asset value and (3) a commitment from Barings to purchase up to $50.0 million of shares of our common stock in the open market at prices up to and including our then-current net asset value per share for a two-year period, after which Barings agreed to use any remaining funds from the $50.0 million to purchase additional newly-issued shares of our common stock at the greater of our then-current net asset value per share or market price (collectively, the "Externalization Transaction"). The Asset Sale Transaction and the Externalization Transaction are collectively referred to as the "Transactions." The Transactions were approved by our stockholders at our July 24, 2018 special meeting of stockholders (the "2018 Special Meeting").
The Asset Sale Transaction closed on July 31, 2018. The gross cash proceeds received from the Asset Buyer and certain affiliates of the Asset Buyer in connection with the Asset Sale Transaction were approximately $793.3 million, after adjustments to take into account portfolio activity and other matters occurring since December 31, 2017, as described in greater detail in the Asset Purchase Agreement. Adjustments to the purchase price included, among other things, approximately $208.8 million of principal payments and prepayments, sales proceeds and distributions related to our investment portfolio that were received and retained by us between December 31, 2017 and the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction, offset by approximately $29.5 million of loans and equity investments originated by us between December 31, 2017 and the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction.
Our former wholly-owned subsidiaries, Triangle Mezzanine Fund LLLP ("Triangle SBIC"), Triangle Mezzanine Fund II LP ("Triangle SBIC II"), and Triangle Mezzanine Fund III LP ("Triangle SBIC III"), were specialty finance limited partnerships that were formed to make investments primarily in lower middle-market companies located throughout the United States. Each of Triangle SBIC, Triangle SBIC II and Triangle SBIC III held licenses to operate as Small Business Investment Companies ("SBICs"), under the authority of the United States Small Business Administration ("SBA"). In connection with the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction, we repaid all of our outstanding SBA-guaranteed debentures and surrendered the SBIC licenses held by Triangle SBIC,
Triangle SBIC II, and Triangle SBIC III. Triangle SBIC, Triangle SBIC II, and Triangle SBIC III were dissolved during the year ended December 31, 2019.
The Externalization Transaction closed on August 2, 2018 (the "Externalization Closing"). Effective as of the Externalization Closing, we changed our name from Triangle Capital Corporation to Barings BDC, Inc. and on August 3, 2018, began trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "BBDC."
Prior to the Externalization Transaction, we were internally managed by our executive officers under the supervision of our Board of Directors (the "Board"). During this period, we did not pay management or advisory fees, but instead incurred the operating costs associated with employing executive management and investment and portfolio management professionals. In connection with the closing of the Externalization Transaction, we entered into an investment advisory agreement (the "Original Advisory Agreement") and an administration agreement (the "Administration Agreement") with Barings, pursuant to which Barings serves as our investment adviser and administrator and manages our investment portfolio which initially consisted primarily of the cash proceeds received in connection with the Asset Sale Transaction. In addition, on August 2, 2018, we issued 8,529,917 shares of our common stock to Barings at a price of $11.723443 per share, or an aggregate of $100.0 million in cash.
Furthermore, on August 7, 2018, we launched a $50.0 million issuer tender offer (the "Tender Offer"). Pursuant to the Tender Offer, we purchased 4,901,961 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $10.20 per share, for an aggregate cost of approximately $50.0 million, excluding fees and expenses relating to the Tender Offer. The shares of common stock purchased in the Tender Offer represented approximately 8.7% of our issued and outstanding shares at the time of the Tender Offer.
On September 24, 2018, Barings entered into a Rule 10b5-1 Purchase Plan (the "10b5-1 Plan") that qualified for the safe harbors provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan, an independent broker made purchases of shares of our common stock on the open market on behalf of Barings in accordance with purchase guidelines specified in the 10b5-1 Plan. The 10b5-1 Plan was established in accordance with Barings obligation under the Externalization Agreement to enter into a trading plan pursuant to which Barings committed to purchase $50.0 million in value of shares in open market transactions through an independent broker. The maximum aggregate purchase price of all shares purchased under the 10b5-1 Plan was $50.0 million. On February 11, 2019, Barings fulfilled its obligations under the 10b5-1 Plan to purchase an aggregate amount of $50.0 million in shares of our common stock and the 10b5-1 Plan terminated in accordance with its terms. Upon completion of the 10b5-1 Plan, Barings had purchased 5,084,302 shares of our common stock pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan and as of December 31, 2020, owned a total of 13,639,681 shares of our common stock, or 20.9% of the total shares outstanding.
MVC Capital, Inc. Acquisition
On December 23, 2020, we completed our acquisition of MVC Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MVC”) (the “MVC Acquisition”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of August 10, 2020, with MVC, Mustang Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and our wholly owned subsidiary (“Acquisition Sub”), and Barings. To effect the acquisition, Acquisition Sub merged with and into MVC, with MVC surviving the merger as our wholly owned subsidiary (the “First Merger”). Immediately thereafter, MVC merged with and into us, with us as the surviving company (the “Second Merger” and, together with the First Merger, the “Merger”).
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, MVC stockholders received the right to the following merger consideration in exchange for each share of MVC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger (other than shares of MVC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger that were held by a subsidiary of MVC or held, directly or indirectly, by us or the Acquisition Sub), in accordance with the Merger Agreement: (i) an amount in cash from Barings, without interest, equal to $0.39492, and (ii) 0.9790836 shares of our common stock, which ratio gave effect to the Euro-dollar exchange rate adjustment mechanism in the Merger Agreement, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares. We issued approximately 17,354,332 shares of our common stock to MVC’s then-existing stockholders in connection with the
Merger, thereby resulting in our then-existing stockholders owning approximately 73.4% of the combined company and MVC's then-existing stockholders owning approximately 26.6% of the combined company.
In connection with the closing of the Merger, the Board affirmed our commitment to open-market purchases of shares of our common stock in an aggregate amount of up to $15.0 million at then-current market prices at any time shares trade below 90% of our then most recently disclosed net asset value per share. Any repurchases pursuant to the authorized program will occur during the 12-month period commencing upon the filing of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2021 and are expected to be made in accordance with a repurchase plan that qualifies for the safe harbors provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, as well as subject to compliance with the covenants in our borrowing arrangements, including under our $800 million senior secured revolving credit facility with ING Capital LLC (as amended, restated and otherwise modified from time to time, the "February 2019 Credit Facility"), and certain other regulatory requirements.
In connection with the MVC Acquisition, on December 23, 2020, following the closing of the Merger, we entered into an amended and restated investment advisory agreement (the “Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement”) with Barings, effective January 1, 2021, which amended the Original Advisory Agreement to, among other things, (i) reduce the annual base management fee payable to Barings from 1.375% to 1.250% of our gross assets, (ii) reset the commencement date for the rolling 12-quarter “look-back” provision used to calculate the income incentive fee and incentive fee cap to January 1, 2021 from January 1, 2020 and (iii) describe the fact that we may enter into guarantees, sureties and other credit support arrangements with respect to one or more of our investments, including the impact of these arrangements on the income incentive fee cap. See “-Management Agreements - Investment Advisory Agreement” in this Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.
In connection with the MVC Acquisition, on December 23, 2020, promptly following the closing of the Merger, we entered into a Credit Support Agreement (the “Credit Support Agreement”) with Barings, pursuant to which Barings has agreed to provide credit support to us in the amount of up to $23.0 million relating to the net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired MVC investment portfolio over a 10-year period. The Credit Support Agreement is intended to give stockholders of the combined company downside protection from net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired MVC portfolio and insulate the combined company’s stockholders from potential value volatility and losses in MVC’s portfolio following the closing of the Merger. There is no fee or other payment by us to Barings or any of its affiliates in connection with the Credit Support Agreement. Any cash payment from Barings to us under the Credit Support Agreement will be excluded from the incentive fee calculations under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement. See “Note 2. Agreements and Related Party Transactions” and “Note. 6 Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.
Overview of Our Business
Prior to the Transactions, our business was to provide capital to lower middle-market companies located primarily in the United States. We focused on investments in companies with a history of generating revenues and positive cash flows, an established market position and a proven management team with a strong operating discipline. Our target portfolio company had annual revenues between $20.0 million and $300.0 million and annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted ("Adjusted EBITDA") between $10.0 million and $75.0 million. We invested primarily in senior and subordinated debt securities of privately held companies, generally secured by security interests in portfolio company assets. In addition, we generally invested in one or more equity instruments of the borrower, such as direct preferred or common equity interests. Our investments generally ranged from $5.0 million to $50.0 million per portfolio company.
Beginning in August 2018, Barings shifted our investment focus to invest in syndicated senior secured loans, bonds and other fixed income securities. Since that time, Barings has transitioned our portfolio to primarily senior secured private debt investments in well-established middle-market businesses that operate across a wide range of industries. Barings’ existing SEC co-investment exemptive relief under the 1940 Act (the "Exemptive Relief") permits us and Barings’ affiliated private and SEC-registered funds to co-invest in Barings-originated loans, which allows Barings to efficiently implement its senior secured private debt investment strategy for us.
Barings employs fundamental credit analysis, and targets investments in businesses with relatively low levels of cyclicality and operating risk. The hold size of each position will generally be dependent upon a number of factors including total facility size, pricing and structure, and the number of other lenders in the facility. Barings has experience managing levered vehicles, both public and private, and will seek to enhance our returns through the use of leverage with a prudent approach that prioritizes capital preservation. Barings believes this strategy and approach offers attractive risk/return with lower volatility given the potential for fewer defaults and greater resilience through market cycles.
Relationship with Our Adviser, Barings
Our investment adviser, Barings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, is a leading global asset management firm and is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"). Barings’ primary investment capabilities include fixed income, private credit, real estate, equity, and alternative investments. Subject to the overall supervision of the Board, Barings’ Global Private Finance Group ("Barings GPFG"), manages our day-to-day operations, and provides investment advisory and management services to us. Barings GPFG is part of Barings' $259.2 billion Global Fixed Income Platform that invests in liquid, private and structured credit. Barings GPFG manages private funds and separately managed accounts, along with multiple public vehicles.
Among other things, Barings (i) determines the composition of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes therein and the manner of implementing such changes; (ii) identifies, evaluates and negotiates the structure of the investments made by us; (iii) executes, closes, services and monitors the investments that we make; (iv) determines the securities and other assets that we will purchase, retain or sell; (v) performs due diligence on prospective portfolio companies and (vi) provides us with such other investment advisory, research and related services as we may, from time to time, reasonably require for the investment of our funds.
Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, Barings has agreed to perform (or oversee, or arrange for, the performance of) the administrative services necessary for our operation, including, but not limited to, office facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such office facilities and such other services as Barings, subject to review by the Board, will from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement. Barings will also, on our behalf and subject to the Board’s oversight, arrange for the services of, and oversee, custodians, depositories, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, other stockholder servicing agents, accountants, attorneys, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries, insurers, banks and such other persons in any such other capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable. Barings is responsible for the financial and other records that we are required to maintain and will prepare all reports and other materials required to be filed with the SEC or any other regulatory authority.
Stockholder Approval of Reduced Asset Coverage Ratio
On July 24, 2018, our stockholders voted at the 2018 Special Meeting to approve a proposal to authorize us to be subject to a reduced asset coverage ratio of at least 150% under the 1940 Act. As a result of the stockholder approval at the 2018 Special Meeting, effective July 25, 2018, our applicable asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act has been decreased to 150% from 200%. As a result, we are permitted under the 1940 Act to incur indebtedness at a level that is more consistent with a portfolio of senior secured debt. As of December 31, 2020, our asset coverage ratio was 175.9%.
Our Business Strategy
We seek attractive returns by generating current income primarily from directly-originated debt investments in middle-market companies located primarily in the United States. We also have investments in middle-market companies located outside the United States. Our strategy includes the following components:
•Leveraging Barings GPFG's Origination and Portfolio Management Resources. Barings GPFG has over 75 investment professionals located in six different offices in the U.S., Europe, Australia/New Zealand and Asia. These regional investment teams have been working together in their respective regions for a number of years and have extensive experience advising, investing in and lending to companies across changing
market cycles. In addition, the individual members of these teams have diverse investment backgrounds, with prior experience at investment banks, commercial banks, and privately and publicly held companies. We believe this diverse experience provides an in-depth understanding of the strategic, financial and operational challenges and opportunities of middle-market companies.
•Utilizing Long-Standing Relationships to Source Investments. Barings GPFG has worked diligently over decades to build strategic relationships with private equity firms globally. Barings GPFG's long history of providing consistent, predictable capital to middle-market sponsors, even in periods of market dislocation, has earned Barings and us a reputation as a reliable partner. Barings GPFG also maintains extensive personal relationships with entrepreneurs, financial sponsors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, commercial bankers and other non-bank providers of capital who refer prospective portfolio companies to us. These relationships historically have generated significant investment opportunities. We believe that this network of relationships will continue to produce attractive investment opportunities.
•Focusing on the Middle-Market. We primarily invest in middle-market transactions. These companies tend to be privately owned, often by a private equity sponsor, and are companies that typically generate annual Adjusted EBITDA of $10.0 million to $75.0 million.
•Providing One-Stop Customized Financing Solutions. Barings GPFG's ability to commit to and originate larger hold positions (in excess of $200 million) in a given transaction is a differentiator to middle-market private equity sponsors. In today's market, it has become increasingly important to have the ability to underwrite an entire transaction, providing financial sponsors with certainty of close. Barings GPFG offers a variety of financing structures and has the flexibility to structure investments to meet the needs of our portfolio companies.
•Applying Consistent Underwriting Policies and Active Portfolio Management. We believe robust due diligence on each investment is paramount due to the lack of an active secondary market. With limited ability to liquidate holdings, private credit investors must take a longer-term, “originate-to-hold” investment approach. Barings GPFG has implemented underwriting policies and procedures that are followed for each potential transaction. This consistent and proven fundamental underwriting process includes a thorough analysis of each potential portfolio company’s competitive position, financial performance, management team operating discipline, growth potential and industry attractiveness, which Barings GPFG believes allows it to better assess the company’s prospects. After closing, Barings GPFG maintains ongoing access to both the sponsor and portfolio company management in order to closely monitor investments and suggest or require remedial actions as needed to avoid a default.
•Maintaining Portfolio Diversification. While we focus our investments in middle-market companies, we seek to invest across various industries and in both United States-based and foreign-based companies. Barings GPFG monitors our investment portfolio to ensure we have acceptable industry balance, using industry and market metrics as key indicators. By monitoring our investment portfolio for industry balance, we seek to reduce the effects of economic downturns associated with any particular industry or market sector. Notwithstanding our intent to invest across a variety of industries, we may from time to time hold securities of a single portfolio company that comprise more than 5.0% of our total assets and/or more than 10.0% of the outstanding voting securities of the portfolio company. For that reason, we are classified as a non-diversified management investment company under the 1940 Act.
Investments
Debt Investments
The terms of our debt investments are tailored to the facts and circumstances of each transaction and prospective portfolio company, negotiating a structure that seeks to protect lender rights and manage risk while creating incentives for the portfolio company to achieve its business plan. We also seek to limit the downside risks of our investments by negotiating covenants that are designed to protect our investments while affording our portfolio companies as much flexibility in managing their businesses as possible. Such restrictions may include affirmative and negative covenants, default penalties, lien protections, change of control provisions, put rights and a pledge of the operating companies' stock which provides us with additional exit options in downside scenarios. Other lending protections may include term loan amortization, excess cash flow sweeps (effectively additional term loan amortization), limitations on a company’s ability to make acquisitions, maximums on capital expenditures and limits on allowable dividends and distributions. Further, up-front closing fees of typically 1-3% of the loan amount act effectively as pre-payment protection given the cost to a company to refinance early. Additionally, we will typically include call protection provisions effective for the first six to twelve months of an investment to enhance our potential total return.
We invest in predominately senior secured private debt investments in, well-established middle-market businesses that operate across a wide range of industries. We currently invest primarily in loans that have terms of between five and seven years, and bear interest at rates ranging from LIBOR (or an applicable successor rate) plus 450 basis points to LIBOR plus 650 basis points per annum.
Equity Investments
On a limited basis, we may acquire equity interests in portfolio companies. In such cases, we generally seek to structure our equity investments as non-control investments that provide us with minority rights.
Investment Criteria
We utilize the following criteria and guidelines in evaluating investment opportunities. However, not all of these criteria and guidelines have been, or will be, met in connection with each of our investments.
•Established Companies With Positive Cash Flow. We seek to invest in later-stage or mature companies with a proven history of generating positive cash flows. We typically focus on companies with a history of profitability and trailing twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA ranging from $10.0 million to $75.0 million.
•Experienced Management Teams. Based on our prior investment experience, we believe that a management team with significant experience with a portfolio company or relevant industry experience is essential to the long-term success of the portfolio company. We believe management teams with these attributes are more likely to manage the companies in a manner that protects our debt investment.
•Strong Competitive Position. We seek to invest in companies that have developed strong positions within their respective markets, are well positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities and compete in industries with barriers to entry. We also seek to invest in companies that exhibit a competitive advantage, which may help to protect their market position and profitability.
•Varied Customer and Supplier Bases. We prefer to invest in companies that have varied customer and supplier bases. Companies with varied customer and supplier bases are generally better able to endure economic downturns, industry consolidation and shifting customer preferences.
•Significant Invested Capital. We believe the existence of significant underlying equity value provides important support to investments. We seek to identify portfolio companies that we believe have well-structured capital beyond the layer of the capital structure in which we invest.
Investment Process
Our investment origination and portfolio monitoring activities are performed by Barings GPFG. Barings GPFG has an investment committee that is responsible for all aspects of the investment process. The investment process is designed to maximize risk-adjusted returns, minimize non-performing assets and avoid investment losses. In addition, the investment process is also designed to provide sponsors and prospective portfolio companies with efficient and predictable deal execution.
Origination
Our origination process is summarized in the following chart:
Investment Pre-Screen
The investment pre-screen process begins with a review of an offering memorandum or other high-level prospect information by an investment originator. A fundamental bottoms-up credit analysis is prepared and independent third-party research is gathered in addition to the information received from the sponsor. The investment group focuses on a prospective investment's fundamentals, sponsor/source and proposed investment structure. This review may be followed by a discussion between the investment originator and an investment group head to identify investment opportunities that should be passed on, either because they fall outside of Barings GPFG's stated investment strategy or offer an unacceptable risk-adjusted return. If the originator and investment group head agree that an investment opportunity is worth pursuing, a credit analyst assists the originator with preparation of a screening memorandum. The screening memorandum is discussed internally with the investment group head and other senior members of the investment group, and in certain instances, the investment group head may elect to review the screening memorandum with the investment committee prior to the preliminary investment proposal.
Preliminary Investment Proposal
Following the screening memorandum discussion, if the decision is made by the investment group head to pursue an investment opportunity, key pricing and structure terms may be communicated to the prospective
borrower verbally or via a non-binding standard preliminary term sheet in order to determine whether the proposed terms are competitive.
Investment Approval
Upon acceptance by a sponsor/prospective borrower of preliminary key pricing and structure terms, the investment process continues with formal due diligence. The investment team attends meetings with the prospective portfolio company’s management, reviews historical and forecasted financial information and third-party diligence reports, conducts research to support preparation of proprietary financial models including both base case and downside scenarios, valuation analyses, and ultimately, an underwriting memorandum for review by the investment committee. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting at which a majority of the members of the Investment Committee is present is required to approve all new investment decisions.
Commitment Letter
For investments that require written confirmation of commitment, commitment letters must be approved by Barings GPFG's internal legal team. Commitment letters include customary conditions as well as any conditions specified by the investment committee. Such conditions could include, but are not limited to, specific confirmatory due diligence, minimum pre-close Adjusted EBITDA, minimum capitalization, satisfactory documentation, satisfactory legal due diligence and absence of material adverse change. Unless specified by the investment committee as a condition to approval, commitment letters need not include final investment committee approval as a condition precedent.
Documentation
Once an investment opportunity has been approved, negotiation of definitive legal documents occurs, usually simultaneously with completion of any third-party confirmatory due diligence. Typically, legal documentation will be reviewed by Barings GPFG’s internal legal team or by outside legal counsel to ensure that our security interest can be perfected and that all other terms of the definitive loan documents are consistent with the terms approved by the investment committee.
Closing
A closing memorandum is provided to the investment committee. The closing memorandum addresses final investment structure and pricing terms, the sources and uses of funds, any variances from the original approved terms, an update related to the prospect’s financial performance and, if warranted, updates to internal financial models. The closing memorandum also addresses each of the specific conditions to the approval of the investment by the investment committee, including results of confirmatory due diligence with any exceptions or abnormalities highlighted, and includes an analysis of financial covenants with a comparison to the financial forecast prepared by management.
Portfolio Management and Investment Monitoring
Our portfolio management and investment monitoring processes are overseen by Barings GPFG. Barings GPFG's portfolio management process is designed to maximize risk-adjusted returns and identify non-performing assets well in advance of potentially adverse events in order to mitigate investment losses. Key aspects of the Barings GPFG investment and portfolio management process include:
•Culture of Risk Management. The investment team that approves an investment monitors the investment's performance through repayment. We believe this practice encourages accountability by connecting investment team members with the long-term performance of the investment. This also allows us to leverage the underwriting process, namely the comprehensive understanding of the risk factors associated with the investment that an investment team develops during underwriting. In addition, we foster continuous interaction between investment teams and the investment committee. This frequent communication encourages the early escalation of issues to members of the investment committee to leverage their experience and expertise well in advance of potentially adverse events.
•Ongoing Monitoring. Each portfolio company is assigned to an analyst who is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of the investment. Upon receipt of information (financial or otherwise) relating to an investment, a preliminary review is performed by the analyst in order to assess whether the information raises any issues that require increased attention. Particular consideration is given to information which may impact the value of an asset. In the event that something material is identified, the analyst is responsible for notifying the relevant members of the deal team and investment committee.
•Quarterly Portfolio Reviews. All investments are reviewed on at least a quarterly basis. The quarterly portfolio reviews provide a forum to evaluate the current status of each asset and identify any recent or long-term performance trends, either positive or negative, that may affect its current valuation.
•Focus Credit List Reviews. Certain credits are deemed to be on the “Focus Credit List” and are reviewed on a more frequent basis. These reviews typically occur monthly but can occur more or less frequently based on situational factors and the availability of updated information from the company. During these reviews, the investment team provides an update on the situation and discusses potential courses of action with the investment committee to ensure any mitigating steps are taken in a timely manner.
•Sponsor Relationships. We invest primarily in transactions backed by a private equity sponsor and when evaluating investment opportunities, we take into account the strength of the sponsor (e.g., track record, sector expertise, strategy, governance, follow-on investment capacity, relationship with Barings GPFG). Having a strong relationship and staying in close contact with sponsors and management during not only the underwriting process but also throughout the life of the investment allows us to engage the sponsor and management early to address potential covenant breaks or other issues.
•Robust Investment and Portfolio Management System. Barings' investment and portfolio management system serves as the central repository of data used for investment management, including both company-level metrics (e.g., probability of default, Adjusted EBITDA, geography) and asset-level metrics (e.g., price, spread/coupon, seniority). Barings GPFG portfolio management has established a required set of data that analysts must update quarterly, or more frequently when appropriate, in order to produce a one-page summary for each company, known as tearsheets, which are used during quarterly portfolio reviews.
Valuation Process and Determination of Net Asset Value
The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of our financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded. We have a valuation policy, as well as established and documented processes and methodologies for determining the fair values of portfolio company investments on a recurring (at least quarterly) basis in accordance with the 1940 Act and FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC Topic 820"). Our current valuation policy and processes were established by Barings and were approved by the Board.
The fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller at the measurement date. For our portfolio securities, fair value is generally the amount that we might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale of the security. The fair value measurement assumes that the sale occurs in the principal market for the security, or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the security. If no market for the security exists or if we do not have access to the principal market, the security should be valued based on the sale occurring in a hypothetical market.
Under ASC Topic 820, there are three levels of valuation inputs, as follows:
Level 1 Inputs - include quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 Inputs - include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 Inputs - include inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
A financial instrument is categorized within the ASC Topic 820 valuation hierarchy based upon the lowest level of input to the valuation process that is significant to the fair value measurement. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, unrealized appreciation and depreciation related to such investments categorized as Level 3 investments within the tables in the notes to our consolidated financial statements may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Our investment portfolio includes certain debt and equity instruments of privately held companies for which quoted prices or other observable inputs falling within the categories of Level 1 and Level 2 are generally not available. In such cases, we determine the fair value of our investments in good faith primarily using Level 3 inputs. In certain cases, quoted prices or other observable inputs exist, and if so, we assess the appropriateness of the use of these third-party quotes in determining fair value based on (i) our understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote was an indicative price or binding offer and (ii) the depth and consistency of broker quotes and the correlation of changes in broker quotes with underlying performance of the portfolio company.
There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith, as fair value depends upon the specific circumstances of each individual investment. The recorded fair values of our Level 3 investments may differ significantly from fair values that would have been used had an active market for the securities existed. In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different than the valuations currently assigned. For a discussion of the risks inherent in determining the value of securities for which readily available market values do not exist, see “Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure - Our investment portfolio is and will continue to be recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board and, as a result, there is and will continue to be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments” included in Item 1A
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Investing in our securities involves a number of significant risks. In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, you should consider carefully the following information before making an investment in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us might also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value, the trading price of our common stock and the value of our other securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
The following is a summary of the principal risk factors associated with an investment in our securities. Further details regarding each risk included in the below summary list can be found further below.
•We are dependent upon Barings’ access to its investment professionals for our success.
•Our investment portfolio is and will continue to be recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors and, as a result, there is and will continue to be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.
•We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, which could reduce returns and result in losses.
•There are potential conflicts of interest, including the management of other investment funds and accounts by Barings, which could impact our investment returns.
•The fee structure under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement may induce Barings to pursue speculative investments and incur leverage, which may not be in the best interests of our stockholders.
•Regulations governing our operation as a BDC will affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital.
•Our financing agreements contain various covenants, which, if not complied with, could accelerate our repayment obligations thereunder, thereby materially and adversely affecting our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions.
•Incurring additional leverage may magnify our exposure to risks associated with changes in leverage, including fluctuations in interest rates that could adversely affect our profitability.
•Prepayments of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return on equity.
•Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value, and may trade at premiums that may prove to be unsustainable.
Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure
We are dependent upon Barings’ access to its investment professionals for our success.
We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of Barings’ investment professionals to source appropriate investments for us. We depend on members of Barings’ investment team to appropriately analyze our investments and Barings’ investment committee to approve and monitor our portfolio investments. Barings’ investment committee, together with the other members of its investment team, evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor our investments. Our future success depends on the continued availability of the members of Barings’ investment committee and the other investment professionals available to Barings. We do not have employment agreements with these individuals or other key personnel of Barings, and we cannot provide any assurance that unforeseen business, medical, personal or other circumstances would not lead any such individual to terminate his or her relationship with Barings. If these individuals do not maintain their existing relationships with Barings and its affiliates or do not develop new relationships with other sources of investment opportunities, we may not be able to identify appropriate replacements or grow our investment portfolio. The loss of any member of Barings’ investment committee or of other investment professionals of Barings and its affiliates would limit our ability to achieve our
investment objectives and operate as we anticipate, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our financial condition and results of operations will depend on our ability to manage and deploy capital effectively.
Our ability to continue to achieve our investment objectives will depend on our ability to effectively manage and deploy our capital, which will depend, in turn, on Barings' ability to continue to identify, evaluate, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria. We cannot assure you that we will continue to achieve our investment objectives.
Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis will be largely a function of Barings' handling of the investment process, their ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services and our access to investments offering acceptable terms. In addition to monitoring the performance of our existing investments, Barings' investment professionals may also be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. These demands on their time may distract them or slow the rate of investment.
Even if we are able to grow and build upon our investment operations in a manner commensurate with any capital made available to us as a result of our operating activities, financing activities and/or offerings of our securities, any failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The results of our operations will depend on many factors, including the availability of opportunities for investment, readily accessible short- and long-term funding alternatives in the financial markets and economic conditions. Furthermore, if we cannot successfully operate our business or implement our investment policies and strategies as described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, it could negatively impact our ability to pay distributions and cause you to lose part or all of your investment.
Our investment portfolio is and will continue to be recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors and, as a result, there is and will continue to be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.
Under the 1940 Act, we are required to carry our portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board. Typically there is not a public market for the securities of the privately held middle-market companies in which we have invested and will generally continue to invest. As a result, we value these securities quarterly at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board based on input from Barings, independent third-party valuation firms and our audit committee. See "Item 1. Business - Valuation Process and Determination of Net Asset Value" included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed description of our valuation process.
The determination of fair value and consequently, the amount of unrealized appreciation and depreciation in our portfolio, is to a certain degree subjective and dependent on the judgment of the Board. Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of our investments include the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s earnings and its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to comparable publicly-traded companies, discounted cash flows and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed. Due to this uncertainty, our fair value determinations may cause our net asset value on a given date to materially understate or overstate the value that we may ultimately realize upon the sale or disposition of one or more of our investments. As a result, investors purchasing our securities based on an overstated net asset value would pay a higher price than the value of our investments might warrant. Conversely, investors selling shares during a period in which the net asset value understates the value of our investments will receive a lower price for their shares than the value of our investments might warrant.
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, which could reduce returns and result in losses.
A number of entities compete with us to make the types of investments that we make. We compete with public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity and hedge funds. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and some have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. For example, we believe some of our competitors may have access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC or the source of income, asset diversification and distribution requirements we must satisfy to maintain our qualification as a RIC. The competitive pressures we face may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. As a result of this competition, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time, and we may not be able to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objective.
With respect to the investments we make, we do not seek to compete based primarily on the interest rates we offer, and we believe that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that will be lower than the rates we offer. In the secondary market for acquiring existing loans, we compete generally on the basis of pricing terms. With respect to all investments, we may lose some investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. However, if we match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest income, lower yields and increased risk of credit loss.
There are potential conflicts of interest, including the management of other investment funds and accounts by Barings, which could impact our investment returns.
Our executive officers and the members of Barings' investment committee, as well as the other principals of Barings, manage other funds affiliated with Barings, including other closed-end investment companies. In addition, Barings' investment team has responsibilities for managing U.S. and global middle-market debt investments for certain other investment funds and accounts. Accordingly, they have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of, or may be adverse to our and our stockholders' interests. In addition, certain of the other funds and accounts managed by Barings may provide for higher management or incentive fees, greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, or permit Barings and its affiliates to receive higher origination and other transaction fees, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for Barings to favor such other funds or accounts. Although the professional staff of Barings will devote as much time to our management as appropriate to enable Barings to perform its duties in accordance with the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, the investment professionals of Barings may have conflicts in allocating their time and services among us, on the one hand, and the other investment vehicles managed by Barings or one or more of its affiliates on the other hand.
Barings may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and affiliated investment vehicles that have overlapping investment objectives with ours. Although Barings will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with its allocation policies and procedures, it is possible that, in the future, we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by investment funds managed by Barings or an investment manager affiliated with Barings if such investment is prohibited by the 1940 Act, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable to us.
Conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding our portfolio may benefit Barings' affiliates. Barings' affiliates may pursue or enforce rights with respect to one of our portfolio companies on behalf of other funds or accounts managed by it, and those activities may have an adverse effect on us.
Barings may exercise significant influence over us in connection with its ownership of our common stock.
As of March 23, 2021, Barings, our external investment adviser, beneficially owns approximately 20.9% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, Barings may be able to significantly influence the outcome of matters submitted for stockholder action, including the election of directors, approval of significant corporate transactions, such as amendments to our governing documents, business combinations, consolidations and mergers. Barings has substantial influence on us and could exercise its influence in a manner that conflicts with the interests of other stockholders. The presence of a significant stockholder such as Barings may also have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or discourage a third party from seeking to acquire us.
Barings, its investment committee, or its affiliates may, from time to time, possess material non-public information, limiting our investment discretion.
Principals of Barings and its affiliates and members of Barings’ investment committee may serve as directors of, or in a similar capacity with, companies in which we invest, the securities of which are purchased or sold on our behalf. In the event that material nonpublic information is obtained with respect to such companies, or we become subject to trading restrictions under the internal trading policies of those companies or as a result of applicable law or regulations, we could be prohibited for a period of time from purchasing or selling the securities of such companies, and this prohibition may have an adverse effect on us.
Our ability to enter into transactions with Barings and its affiliates is restricted.
BDCs generally are prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with their affiliates without the prior approval of their independent directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. Those transactions include purchases and sales, and so-called “joint” transactions, in which a BDC and one or more of its affiliates engage in certain types of profit-making activities. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5.0% or more of a BDC’s outstanding voting securities will be considered an affiliate of the BDC for purposes of the 1940 Act, and a BDC generally is prohibited from engaging in purchases or sales of assets or joint transactions with such affiliates, absent the prior approval of the BDC’s independent directors. Additionally, without the approval of the SEC, a BDC is prohibited from engaging in purchases or sales of assets or joint transactions with the BDC’s officers and directors, and investment adviser, including funds managed by the investment adviser and its affiliates.
BDCs may, however, invest alongside certain related parties or their respective other clients in certain circumstances where doing so is consistent with current law and SEC staff interpretations. For example, a BDC may invest alongside such accounts consistent with guidance promulgated by the SEC staff permitting the BDC and such other accounts to purchase interests in a single class of privately placed securities so long as certain conditions are met, including that the BDC’s investment adviser, acting on the BDC’s behalf and on behalf of other clients, negotiates no term other than price. Co-investment with such other accounts is not permitted or appropriate under this guidance when there is an opportunity to invest in different securities of the same issuer or where the different investments could be expected to result in a conflict between the BDC’s interests and those of other accounts.
The 1940 Act generally prohibits BDCs from making certain negotiated co-investments with certain affiliates absent an order from the SEC permitting the BDC to do so. Pursuant to the Exemptive Relief, we are generally permitted to co-invest with funds affiliated with Barings if a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our investment objective and strategies. Co-investments made under the Exemptive Relief are subject to compliance with the conditions and other requirements contained in the Exemptive Relief, which could limit our ability to participate in a co-investment transaction.
In situations where co-investment with other affiliated funds or accounts is not permitted or appropriate, Barings will need to decide which account will proceed with the investment in accordance with its allocation policies and procedures. Although Barings will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with its allocation policies and procedures, it is possible that, in the future, we may not be
given the opportunity to participate in investments made by investment funds managed by Barings or an investment manager affiliated with Barings if such investment is prohibited by the 1940 Act. These restrictions, and similar restrictions that limit our ability to transact business with our officers or directors or their affiliates, including funds managed by Barings, may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.
We are subject to risks associated with investing alongside other third parties, including our joint ventures.
We have invested in joint ventures, and may invest in additional or different joint ventures alongside third parties through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities in the future. Such investments may involve risks not present in investments where a third party is not involved, including the possibility that such third party may at any time have economic or business interests or goals which are inconsistent with ours, or may be in a position to take action contrary to our investment objectives. In addition, we may in certain circumstances be liable for actions of such third party.
More specifically, joint ventures involve a third party that has approval rights over certain activities of the joint venture. The third party may take actions that are inconsistent with our interests. For example, the third party may decline to approve an investment for the joint venture that we otherwise want the joint venture to make. A joint venture may also use investment leverage which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested. Generally, the amount of borrowings by the joint venture is not included when calculating our total borrowings and related leverage ratios and is not subject to asset coverage requirements imposed by the 1940 Act. If the activities of the joint venture were required to be consolidated with our activities because of a change in GAAP rules or SEC staff interpretations, it is likely that we would have to reorganize any such joint venture.
The fee structure under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement may induce Barings to pursue speculative investments and incur leverage, which may not be in the best interests of our stockholders.
On December 23, 2020, we entered into the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, which became effective on January 1, 2021. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, the base management fee will be payable even if the value of your investment declines. The base management fee is calculated based on our gross assets, including assets purchased with borrowed funds or other forms of leverage (but excluding cash or cash equivalents ). Accordingly, the base management fee is payable regardless of whether the value of our gross assets and/or your investment has decreased during the then-current quarter and creates an incentive for Barings to incur leverage, which may not be consistent with our stockholders’ interests.
The income-based fee payable to Barings is calculated based on a percentage of our return on invested capital. The income-based fee payable to Barings may create an incentive for Barings to make investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such a compensation arrangement. Unlike the base management fee, the income-based fee is payable only if the hurdle rate is achieved. Because the portfolio earns investment income on gross assets while the hurdle rate is based on invested capital, and because the use of leverage increases gross assets without any corresponding increase in invested capital, Barings may be incentivized to incur leverage to grow the portfolio, which will tend to enhance returns where our portfolio has positive returns and increase the chances that such hurdle rate is achieved. Conversely, the use of leverage may increase losses where our portfolio has negative returns, which would impair the value of our common stock.
In addition, Barings receives the capital gains fee based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike the income-based fee, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the capital gains fee. As a result, Barings may have a tendency to invest more capital in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income producing securities. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which may not be in the best interests of our stockholders and could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns.
Barings' liability is limited under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, and we are required to indemnify Barings against certain liabilities, which may lead Barings to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, Barings and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with Barings will not be liable to us, and we have agree to indemnify them, for their acts under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, absent fraud, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. These protections may lead Barings to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Barings is able to resign as our investment adviser and/or our administrator upon 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, or at all, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, Barings has the right to resign as our investment adviser upon 60 days' written notice, whether a replacement has been found or not. Similarly, Barings has the right under the Administration Agreement to resign upon 60 days’ written notice, whether a replacement has been found or not. If Barings resigns, it may be difficult to find a replacement investment adviser or administrator, as applicable, or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If a replacement is not found quickly, our business, results of operations and financial condition as well as our ability to pay distributions are likely to be adversely affected and the value of our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment or administrative activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by Barings. Even if a comparable service provider or individuals performing such services are retained, whether internal or external, their integration into our business and lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our long-term ability to fund new investments and make distributions to our stockholders could be limited if we are unable to renew, extend, replace or expand our current borrowing arrangements, or if financing becomes more expensive or less available.
There can be no guarantee that we will be able to renew, extend, replace or expand our current borrowing arrangements on terms that are favorable to us, if at all. Our ability to obtain replacement financing will be constrained by then-current economic conditions affecting the credit markets. Our inability to renew, extend, replace or expand these borrowing arrangements could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and ability to fund new investments, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and our ability to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC under the Code.
Regulations governing our operation as a BDC will affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital.
Our business will require capital to operate and grow. In the future, we may issue debt securities or preferred stock, and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as "senior securities." As a result of issuing senior securities, we will be exposed to additional risks, including, but not limited to, the following:
•Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be prohibited from declaring a dividend or making any distribution to stockholders or repurchasing our shares until such time as we satisfy this test.
•Any amounts that we use to service our debt or make payments on preferred stock will not be available for distributions to our common stockholders.
•Our current indebtedness is, and it is likely that any securities or other indebtedness we may issue will be, governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. Additionally, some of these securities or other indebtedness may be rated by rating agencies, and in obtaining a rating for such securities and other indebtedness, we may be required to abide by operating and investment guidelines that further restrict operating and financial flexibility.
•We and, indirectly, our stockholders, will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities and other indebtedness.
•Preferred stock or any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock, including separate voting rights and could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control to the detriment of the holders of our common stock.
Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below then-current net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if the Board determines that such sale is in the best interests of us and our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. We may also make rights offerings to our stockholders at prices per share less than the net asset value per share, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time would decrease, and they may experience dilution. Moreover, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to issue and sell additional equity securities in the future on favorable terms, or at all.
We generally seek approval from our stockholders so that we have the flexibility to issue up to a specified percentage of our then-outstanding shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value. Pursuant to approval granted at an annual meeting of stockholders held on April 30, 2020, we are permitted to issue and sell shares of our common stock at a price below our then-current net asset value per share in one or more offerings, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by the Board (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issued and sold pursuant to such authority does not exceed 25% of our then-outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering). Such stockholder approval expires on April 30, 2021.
Our financing agreements contain various covenants, which, if not complied with, could accelerate our repayment obligations thereunder, thereby materially and adversely affecting our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions.
We will have a continuing need for capital to finance our investments. We are party to various financing agreements from time to time which contain customary terms and conditions, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting requirements, minimum stockholders' equity, minimum obligators’ net worth, minimum asset coverage, minimum liquidity and maintenance of RIC and BDC status. These financing arrangements also contain customary events of default with customary cure and notice provisions, including, without limitation, nonpayment, misrepresentation of representations and warranties in a material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default to other indebtedness, bankruptcy, change of control, and material adverse effect.
Our continued compliance with the covenants under these financing agreements depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will continue to comply with such covenants. Our failure to satisfy the respective covenants or otherwise default under one of our financing arrangements could result in foreclosure by the lenders thereunder, which would accelerate our repayment obligations under the financing arrangement and thereby have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
Incurring additional leverage may magnify our exposure to risks associated with changes in leverage, including fluctuations in interest rates that could adversely affect our profitability.
As part of our business strategy, we borrow under financing agreements with certain banks, and in the future may borrow money and issue debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Our obligations under these arrangements are or may be secured by a material portion of our assets. As a result, these lenders are or may have claims that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, and have or may have fixed-dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our stockholders. Also, if the value of our assets decreases, leverage will cause our net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have without leverage. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause our net income to decline more sharply than it would have if we had not borrowed. This decline could negatively affect our ability to make dividend payments on our common stock.
Because we incur additional leverage, general interest rate fluctuations may have a more significant negative impact on our investments than they would have absent such additional leverage and, accordingly, may have a material adverse effect on our operating results. A portion of our income will depend upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the interest rate on the debt securities in which we invest. Because we borrow money to make investments and may issue debt securities, preferred stock or other securities, our net investment income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds or pay interest or dividends on such debt securities, preferred stock or other securities and the rate at which we invest these funds. Typically, our interest earning investments accrue and pay interest at variable rates, and our interest-bearing liabilities accrue interest at variable or potentially fixed rates. As a result, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income.
The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming that we employ (i) our actual asset coverage ratio as of December 31, 2020 and (ii) a hypothetical asset coverage ratio of 150%, each at various annual returns on our portfolio as of December 31, 2020, net of expenses. The purpose of this table is to assist investors in understanding the effects of leverage. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical, and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table below.
(1) Assumes $1,677.0 million in total assets, $946.2 million in debt outstanding, $717.8 million in net assets and an average cost of funds of 2.725%, which was the weighted average borrowing cost of our outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2020. The assumed amount of debt outstanding for this example includes $719.7 million of outstanding borrowings under the February 2019 Credit Facility as of December 31, 2020, $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of August 2025 Notes (as defined below under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) outstanding, $175.0 million aggregate principal amount of November Notes (as defined below under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) outstanding, and assumed additional borrowings of $1.5 million to settle our payable from unsettled transactions as of December 31, 2020.
(2) Assumes $2,168.0 million in total assets, $1,435.6 million in debt outstanding and $717.8 million in net assets as of December 31, 2020, and an average cost of funds of 2.725%, which was the weighted average borrowing cost of our borrowings at December 31, 2020.
Based on our total outstanding indebtedness of $944.7 million as of December 31, 2020, assumed additional borrowings of $1.5 million to settle our payable from unsettled transactions as of December 31, 2020 and an average cost of funds of 2.725%, which was the weighted average borrowing cost of our outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2020, our investment portfolio must experience an annual return of at least 1.54% to cover annual interest payments on our outstanding indebtedness.
Based on outstanding indebtedness of $1,435.6 million calculated assuming a 150% asset coverage ratio and an average cost of funds of 2.725%, which was the weighted average borrowing cost of our outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2020, our investment portfolio must experience an annual return of at least 1.80% to cover annual interest payments on our outstanding indebtedness.
We may in the future determine to fund a portion of our investments with preferred stock, which would magnify the potential for gain or loss and the risks of investing in us in the same way as our borrowings.
Preferred stock, which is another form of leverage, has the same risks to our common stockholders as borrowings because the dividends on any preferred stock we issue must be cumulative. Payment of such dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of such preferred stock must take preference over any dividends or other payments to our common stockholders, and preferred stockholders are not subject to any of our expenses or losses and are not entitled to participate in any income or appreciation in excess of their stated preference.
Our Board of Directors may change our investment objectives, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.
The Board has the authority to modify or waive our current investment objectives, operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval (except as required by the 1940 Act). However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies would have on our business, net asset value, operating results and value of our stock. However, the effects might be adverse, which could negatively impact our ability to pay you distributions and cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Moreover, we will have significant flexibility in investing the net proceeds from any future offering and may use the net proceeds from such offerings in ways with which investors may not agree or for purposes other than those contemplated at the time of the offering.
We will be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax if we are unable to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, which will adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code, which generally will allow us to avoid being subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet the following annual distribution, income source and asset diversification requirements:
•The Annual Distribution Requirement for a RIC will be satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis at least 90.0% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital loss, or ICTI, if any. We will be subject to a 4.0% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax, however, to the extent that we do not satisfy certain additional minimum distribution requirements on a calendar year basis. Because we use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and are currently, and may in the future become, subject to certain financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax.
•The income source requirement will be satisfied if we obtain at least 90.0% of our income for each year from distributions, interest, gains from the sale of stock or securities or similar sources.
•The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. To satisfy this requirement, at least 50.0% of
the value of our assets must consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other acceptable securities, provided such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and no more than 25.0% of the value of our assets can be invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships.” Failure to meet these requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC tax treatment. Because most of our investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.
If we fail to qualify for or maintain RIC tax treatment for any reason and are subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions. We may also be subject to certain U.S. federal excise taxes, as well as state, local and foreign taxes.
We may not be able to pay distributions to our stockholders, our distributions may not grow over time, a portion of distributions paid to our stockholders may be a return of capital and investors in any debt securities we may issue may not receive all of the interest income to which they are entitled.
We intend to pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. Our ability to pay distributions might be harmed by, among other things, the risk factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, the inability to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC could, in the future, limit our ability to pay distributions. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of the Board and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC tax treatment, compliance with applicable BDC regulations, compliance with the covenants under our financing agreements and any debt securities we may issue and such other factors as the Board may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will pay distributions to our stockholders in the future.
Some of the above-described risks may also inhibit our ability to make required interest payments to holders of any debt securities we may issue, which may cause a default under the terms of our debt agreements. Such a default could materially increase our cost of raising capital, as well as cause us to incur penalties or trigger cross-default provisions under the terms of our debt agreements.
When we make quarterly distributions, we will be required to determine the extent to which such distributions are paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, recognized capital gain or capital. To the extent there is a return of capital, investors will be required to reduce their basis in our stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which may result in a higher tax liability when the shares are sold, even if they have not increased in value or have lost value.
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive a corresponding payment in cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with contractual PIK interest or debt instruments that were issued with warrants), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. Investments structured with these features may represent a higher level of credit risk compared to investments generating income which must be paid in cash on a current basis. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as PIK interest. We anticipate that a portion of our income may constitute original issue discount or other income required to be included in taxable
income prior to receipt of cash. Further, we may elect to amortize market discounts and include such amounts in our taxable income in the current year, instead of upon disposition, as an election not to do so would limit our ability to deduct interest expenses for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our ICTI for the year of the accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the annual distribution requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount. As a result, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary to obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. We may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise debt or additional equity capital or forego new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax.
Because we intend to distribute substantially all of our income to our stockholders to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC, we will continue to need additional capital to finance our growth.
In order to satisfy the requirements applicable to a RIC, and to avoid payment of U.S. federal excise tax, we intend to distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our net ordinary income and net capital gain income except for certain net long-term capital gains recognized after we became a RIC, some or all of which we may retain, pay applicable U.S. federal income taxes with respect thereto and elect to treat as deemed distributions to our stockholders. As a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which includes all of our borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue, of at least 150%. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow and may prohibit us from making distributions. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments or sell additional securities and, depending on the nature of our leverage, to repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. In addition, issuance of additional securities could dilute the percentage ownership of our current stockholders in us.
While we expect to be able to borrow and to issue debt and additional equity securities, we cannot assure you that debt and equity financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. If additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to curtail or cease new investment activities, and our net asset value could decline.
There is no assurance that any future share repurchase plans will result in future repurchases of our common stock or enhance long-term stockholder value, and repurchases, if any, could affect our stock price and increase its volatility and will diminish our cash reserves.
In February 2019, pursuant to authorization from our Board, we adopted the share repurchase plan (the "2019 Share Repurchase Plan") for the purpose of repurchasing in 2019 up to a maximum of 5.0% of our outstanding shares of our common stock on the open market. Under the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan, we could repurchase a maximum of 2.5% of the amount of shares of our common stock outstanding if shares traded below net asset value per share but in excess of 90% of net asset value per share; and a maximum of 5.0% of the amount of shares of our common stock outstanding if shares traded below 90% of net asset value per share. We were not obligated to repurchase any specific number or dollar amount of our common stock under the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan, and we could modify, suspend or discontinue the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we repurchased a total of 2,333,261 shares of our common stock in the open market under the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan at an average price of $10.01 per share, including broker commissions.
On February 27, 2020, the Board approved an open-market share repurchase program for the 2020 fiscal year (the "2020 Share Repurchase Program"). Under the 2020 Share Repurchase Program, we were authorized during fiscal year 2020 to repurchase up to a maximum of 5.0% of the amount of shares outstanding as of February 27, 2020 if shares traded below net asset value per share, subject to liquidity and regulatory constraints. There was no assurance that we would purchase shares at any specific discount levels or in any specific amounts. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we repurchased a total of 989,050 shares of our common stock in the open market under the 2020 Share Repurchase Program at an average price of $7.21 per share, including broker commissions.
On December 23, 2020, as part of the MVC Acquisition, the Board affirmed its commitment under the Merger Agreement to open-market purchases of shares of our common stock in an aggregate amount of up to $15.0 million at then-current market prices at any time shares trade below 90% of our then most recently disclosed net asset value per share. Any repurchases pursuant to the authorized program will occur during the 12-month period commencing upon the filing of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2021 and are expected to be made in accordance with a Rule 10b5-1 purchase plan that qualifies for the safe harbors provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, as well as subject to compliance with our covenant and regulatory requirements.
There can be no assurance that any future share repurchases will occur, or, if they occur, that they will enhance stockholder value. In addition, any future share repurchases could have a material adverse effect on our business for the following reasons:
•Repurchases may not prove to be the best use of our cash resources.
•Repurchases will diminish our cash reserves, which could impact our ability to finance future growth and to pursue possible future strategic opportunities.
•We may incur debt in connection with our business in the event that we use other cash resources to repurchase shares, which may affect the financial performance of our business during future periods or our liquidity and the availability of capital for other needs of the business.
•Repurchases could affect the trading price of our common stock or increase its volatility and may reduce the market liquidity for our stock.
•Repurchases may not be made at the best possible price and the market price of our common stock may decline below the levels at which we repurchased shares of common stock.
•Any suspension, modification or discontinuance of any future share repurchase plan could result in a decrease in the trading price of our common stock.
•Repurchases may make it more difficult for us to meet the diversification requirements necessary to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes; failure to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC would render our taxable income subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes.
•Repurchases may cause our non-compliance with covenants under our financing agreements, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
We are highly dependent on information systems and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business depends on the communications and information systems of Barings, its affiliates and our or Barings' third-party service providers. Any failure or interruption of those systems or services, including as a result of the termination or suspension of an agreement with any third-party service providers, could cause delays or other problems in our or Barings’ business activities. Our or Barings’ financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control and adversely affect our business. Among other things, there could be sudden electrical or telecommunications outages, natural disasters, disease pandemics, events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters and/or cyber-attacks, any one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results and negatively affect the market price of our common stock.
Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies by causing a disruption to our operations or the operations of our portfolio companies, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information or the confidential information of our portfolio companies and/or damage to our business relationships or the business relationships of our portfolio companies, all of which could negatively impact the business, financial condition and operating results of us or our portfolio companies.
A cyber incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the information resources of us, Barings or our portfolio companies. These incidents may be an intentional attack or an unintentional event and could involve gaining unauthorized access to our or Barings’ information systems or those of our portfolio companies for purposes of misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Barings’ employees may be the target of fraudulent calls, emails and other forms of activities. The result of these incidents may include disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to business relationships. The costs related to cyber or other security threats or disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. As our and our portfolio companies’ reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our information systems, both internal and those provided by Barings and third-party service providers, and the information systems of our portfolio companies. Barings has implemented processes, procedures and internal controls to help mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber intrusions, but these measures, as well as our increased awareness of the nature and extent of a risk of a cyber incident, do not guarantee that a cyber incident will not occur and/or that our financial results, operations or confidential information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident. In addition, cybersecurity has become a top priority for regulators around the world, and some jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals of data security breaches involving certain types of personal data. If we fail to comply with the relevant laws and regulations, we could suffer financial losses, a disruption of our business, liability to investors, regulatory intervention or reputational damage.
Our business and operations may be negatively affected by securities litigation or stockholder activism, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of our investment strategy and impact our stock price.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class-action litigation has often been brought against that company. In addition, stockholder activism, which could take many forms or arise in a variety of situations, including making public demands that we consider strategic alternatives, engaging in public campaigns to attempt to influence our corporate governance and/or our management, and commencing proxy contests to attempt to elect the activists' representatives or others to the Board, has increased in the BDC space in recent years. For example, we and certain of our former executive officers have been named defendants in a class-action lawsuit asserting claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and, due to the potential volatility of our stock price and for a variety of other reasons, we may in the future become the target of further securities litigation or stockholder activism. See “Legal Proceedings” in Item 3 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information. Securities litigation and stockholder activism, including potential proxy contests, may result in substantial costs and divert management’s and the Board's attention and resources from our business. Additionally, such securities litigation and stockholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with service providers and make it more difficult for Barings to attract and retain qualified personnel. Also, we may be required to incur significant legal fees and other expenses related to any securities litigation and activist stockholder matters. Further, our stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any securities litigation and stockholder activism.
We may be unable to realize the benefits anticipated by the MVC Acquisition, including estimated cost savings, or it may take longer than anticipated to realize such benefits.
The realization of certain benefits anticipated as a result of the MVC Acquisition will depend in part on the integration of MVC’s investment portfolio with our portfolio and the integration of MVC’s business with our business. There can be no assurance that MVC’s investment portfolio or business can be operated profitably or integrated successfully into our operations in a timely fashion or at all. The dedication of management resources to
such integration may divert attention from the day-to-day business, and there can be no assurance that there will not be substantial costs associated with the transition process or there will not be other material adverse effects as a result of these integration efforts. Such effects, including incurring unexpected costs or delays in connection with such integration and failure of MVC’s investment portfolio to perform as expected, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
We also expect to achieve certain cost savings from the MVC Acquisition when the two companies have fully integrated their portfolios. It is possible that the estimates of the potential cost savings could ultimately be incorrect. If the estimates turn out to be incorrect or if we are not able to successfully combine MVC’s investment portfolio or business with our operations, the anticipated cost savings may not be fully realized, or realized at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.
Risks Relating to Our Investments
Our investments in portfolio companies may be risky, and we could lose all or part of our investment.
Our portfolio consists primarily of senior secured private, middle-market debt and equity investments. Investing in private and middle-market companies involves a number of significant risks. Among other things, these companies:
•may have limited financial resources to meet future capital needs and thus may be unable to grow or meet their obligations under their debt instruments that we hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of us realizing any guarantees from subsidiaries or affiliates of our portfolio companies that we may have obtained in connection with our investment, as well as a corresponding decrease in the value of the equity components of our investments;
•may have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines, smaller market shares and/or more significant customer concentration than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;
•are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on our portfolio company and, in turn, on us;
•generally have less predictable operating results, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position; and
•generally have less publicly available information about their businesses, operations and financial condition. We rely on the ability of Barings' investment professionals to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If Barings is unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose all or part of our investment.
In addition, in the course of providing significant managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies, certain of our officers and directors or certain of Barings' investment professionals may serve as directors on the boards of such companies. We or Barings may in the future be subject to litigation that arises out of our investments in these companies, and our officers and directors or Barings and/or its investment professionals may be named as defendants in such litigation, which could result in an expenditure of funds (through our indemnification of such officers and directors) and the diversion of our officers', directors' and Barings' time and resources.
The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.
We generally invest in companies whose securities are not publicly traded, and whose securities may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale, or are otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for us to sell these investments when desired. In addition, if we
are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we had previously recorded these investments.
Price declines and illiquidity in the corporate debt markets may adversely affect the fair value of our portfolio investments, reducing our net asset value through increased net unrealized depreciation.
As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board. As part of the valuation process, we may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of our investments:
•a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to publicly traded securities;
•the enterprise value of the portfolio company;
•the nature and realizable value of any collateral;
•the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow;
•the markets in which the portfolio company does business; and
•changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments may be made in the future and other relevant factors.
When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. We record decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments as unrealized depreciation. Declines in prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets may result in significant net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio may reduce our net asset value by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer additional unrealized losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio.
Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments, in seeking to:
•increase or maintain in whole or in part our position as a creditor or equity ownership percentage in a portfolio company;
•exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or
•preserve or enhance the value of our investment.
We have discretion to make follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. Failure on our part to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and our initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful portfolio company. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make a follow-on investment because we may not want to increase our level of risk, because we prefer other opportunities or because of regulatory or other considerations.
Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies and such portfolio companies may not generate sufficient cash flow to service their debt obligations to us.
We typically invest in senior debt and first lien notes, however, we have invested, and may invest in the future, a portion of our capital in second lien and subordinated loans issued by our portfolio companies. Our portfolio companies may have, or be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, the debt securities in which we invest. Such subordinated investments are subject to greater risk of default than senior obligations as a
result of adverse changes in the financial condition of the obligor or in general economic conditions. If we make a subordinated investment in a portfolio company, the portfolio company may be highly leveraged, and its relatively high debt-to-equity ratio may create increased risks that its operations might not generate sufficient cash flow to service all of its debt obligations. By their terms, such debt instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of the securities in which we invest. These debt instruments would usually prohibit the portfolio companies from paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event of and during the continuance of a default under such debt. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of securities ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. After repaying senior creditors, the portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us where we are junior creditor. In the case of debt ranking equally with debt securities in which we invest, we would have to share any distributions on an equal and ratable basis with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.
Additionally, certain loans that we make to portfolio companies may be secured on a second priority basis by the same collateral securing senior secured debt of such companies. The first priority liens on the collateral will secure the portfolio company’s obligations under any outstanding senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under the agreements governing the loans. The holders of obligations secured by first priority liens on the collateral will generally control the liquidation of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against the portfolio company’s remaining assets, if any.
We may in the future make unsecured loans to portfolio companies, meaning that such loans will not benefit from any interest in collateral of such companies. Liens on a portfolio company’s collateral, if any, will secure the portfolio company’s obligations under its outstanding secured debt and may secure certain future debt that is permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under its secured loan agreements. The holders of obligations secured by such liens will generally control the liquidation of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of such collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of such collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of such collateral would be sufficient to satisfy our unsecured loan obligations after payment in full of all loans secured by collateral. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay the outstanding secured loan obligations, then our unsecured claims would rank equally with the unpaid portion of such secured creditors’ claims against the portfolio company’s remaining assets, if any.
The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing any junior priority loans we make to our portfolio companies may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under a typical intercreditor agreement, at any time that obligations that have the benefit of the first priority liens are outstanding, any of the following actions that may be taken in respect of the collateral will be at the direction of the holders of the obligations secured by the first priority liens:
•the ability to cause the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral;
•the ability to control the conduct of such proceedings;
•the approval of amendments to collateral documents;
•releases of liens on the collateral; and
•waivers of past defaults under collateral documents.
We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if our rights as junior lenders are adversely affected.
There may be circumstances where our debt investments could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender liability claims.
Even if we structure an investment as a senior loan, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances and based upon principles of equitable subordination as defined by existing case law, a bankruptcy court could subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors and transfer any lien securing such subordinated claim to the bankruptcy estate. The principles of equitable subordination defined by case law have generally indicated that a claim may be subordinated only if its holder is guilty of misconduct or where the senior loan is re-characterized as an equity investment and the senior lender has actually provided significant managerial assistance to the bankrupt debtor. We may also be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with respect to a borrower’s business or instances where we exercise control over the borrower. It is possible that we could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, including as a result of actions taken in rendering managerial assistance or actions to compel and collect payments from the borrower outside the ordinary course of business.
Second priority liens on collateral securing loans that we make to our portfolio companies may be subject to control by senior creditors with first priority liens. If there is a default, the value of the collateral may not be sufficient to repay in full both the first priority creditors and us.
Certain loans that we make are secured by a second priority security interest in the same collateral pledged by a portfolio company to secure senior debt owed by the portfolio company to commercial banks or other traditional lenders. Often the senior lender has procured covenants from the portfolio company prohibiting the incurrence of additional secured debt without the senior lender’s consent. Prior to and as a condition of permitting the portfolio company to borrow money from us secured by the same collateral pledged to the senior lender, the senior lender will require assurances that it will control the disposition of any collateral in the event of bankruptcy or other default. In many such cases, the senior lender will require us to enter into an “intercreditor agreement” prior to permitting the portfolio company to borrow from us. Typically the intercreditor agreements we are requested to execute expressly subordinate our debt instruments to those held by the senior lender and further provide that the senior lender shall control: (i) the commencement of foreclosure or other proceedings to liquidate and collect on the collateral; (ii) the nature, timing and conduct of foreclosure or other collection proceedings; (iii) the amendment of any collateral document; (iv) the release of the security interests in respect of any collateral and (v) the waiver of defaults under any security agreement. Because of the control we may cede to senior lenders under intercreditor agreements we may enter, we may be unable to realize the proceeds of any collateral securing some of our loans.
Finally, the value of the collateral securing our debt investment will ultimately depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from the sale or sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the loan obligations secured by our second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the senior lender’s first priority liens on the collateral. There is also a risk that such collateral securing our investments may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the portfolio company and market conditions. If such proceeds are not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the loan obligations secured by our second priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds from the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against the company’s remaining assets, if any.
Covenant-Lite Loans may expose us to different risks, including with respect to liquidity, price volatility, ability to restructure loans, credit risks and less protective loan documentation, than is the case with loans that contain financial maintenance covenants.
A significant number of high yield loans in the market, in particular the broadly syndicated loan market, may consist of covenant-lite loans, or “Covenant-Lite Loans.” A significant portion of the loans in which we may invest or get exposure to through our investments may be deemed to be Covenant-Lite Loans and it is possible that such
loans may comprise a majority of our portfolio. Such loans do not require the borrower to maintain debt service or other financial ratios and do not include terms which allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. Ownership of Covenant-Lite Loans may expose us to different risks, including with respect to liquidity, price volatility, ability to restructure loans, credit risks and less protective loan documentation, than is the case with loans that contain financial maintenance covenants.
Our investments in foreign companies may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Our investment strategy includes investments in foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risk not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes (potentially at confiscatory levels), less liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility.
Although the majority of our investments are currently and are expected to be U.S.-dollar denominated, our investments that are denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we cannot assure you that such strategies will be effective or without risk to us.
We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.
We have and may in the future enter into hedging transactions, which may expose us to risks associated with such transactions. We have and may continue to utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Use of these hedging instruments may include counter-party credit risk. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. The success of our hedging transactions will depend on our ability to correctly predict movements in currencies and interest rates. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to (or be able to) establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.
If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could fail to qualify as a BDC or be precluded from investing according to our current business strategy.
As a BDC, we may not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such acquisition, at least 70.0% of our total assets are qualifying assets. For further detail, see “Item 1. -
Business - Regulation of Business Development Companies” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We may be precluded from investing in what we believe are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 1940 Act. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could lose our status as a BDC. If we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company that is required to register under the 1940 Act, which would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions and significantly decrease our operating flexibility. In addition, any such failure could cause an event of default under our outstanding indebtedness. For these reasons, loss of BDC status likely would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, these rules could prevent us from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies (which could result in the dilution of our position).
We are a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we are not limited with respect to the proportion of our assets that may be invested in securities of a single issuer.
We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, which means that we are not limited by the 1940 Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer. To the extent that we assume large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, our net asset value may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the market’s assessment of the issuer or industry in which it operates. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company. Beyond our RIC asset diversification requirements under the Code and certain investment diversification requirements under our financial agreements, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and our investments could be concentrated in relatively few portfolio companies.
We generally will not control our portfolio companies.
We do not, and do not expect to, control most of our portfolio companies, even though we or Barings may have board representation or board observation rights, and our debt agreements with such portfolio companies may contain certain restrictive covenants. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions with which we disagree, and the management of such company, as representatives of the holders of their common equity, may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests as debt investors. Due to the lack of liquidity for our investments in non-traded companies, we may not be able to dispose of our interests in our portfolio companies as readily as we would like or at an appropriate valuation. As a result, a portfolio company may make decisions that could decrease the value of our portfolio holdings.
Prepayments of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return on equity.
We are subject to the risk that the investments we make in our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity. When this occurs, we will generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments, pending their future investment in new portfolio companies. These temporary investments will typically have substantially lower yields than the debt being prepaid and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these amounts. Any future investment in a new portfolio company may also be at lower yields than the debt that was repaid. As a result, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected if one or more of our portfolio companies elect to prepay amounts owed to us. Additionally, prepayments could negatively impact our return on equity, which could result in a decline in the market price of our securities.
We may not realize gains from our equity investments.
Certain investments that we have made in the past and may make in the future include equity securities. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including the risk of further dilution as a result of additional issuances, inability to access additional capital and failure to pay current distributions. Investments in preferred securities involve special risks, such as the risk of deferred distributions, credit risk, illiquidity and limited voting rights. In addition, we may from time to time make non-control, equity co-investments in companies in conjunction with private equity sponsors. Our goal is ultimately to realize gains upon our disposition of such equity interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience. We also may be unable to realize any value if a portfolio company does not have a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business, recapitalization or public offering, which would allow us to sell the underlying equity interests.
Our investments in asset-backed securities are subject to additional risks.
Asset-backed securities often involve risks that are different from or more acute than risks associated with other types of debt instruments. For instance, asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. In addition, the underlying assets may be subject to prepayments that shorten the securities' weighted average maturity and may lower their return. Asset-backed securities are also subject to risks associated with their structure and the nature of the assets underlying the security and the servicing of those assets. Payment of interest and repayment of principal on asset-backed securities is largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities. Certain asset-backed securities are supported by letters of credit, surety bonds or other credit enhancements. However, if many borrowers on the underlying assets default, losses could exceed the credit enhancement level and result in losses to investors, such as the Company. The values of asset-backed securities may be substantially dependent on the servicing of the underlying asset pools, and are therefore subject to risks associated with the negligence by, or defalcation of, their servicers. Furthermore, debtors may be entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws with respect to the assets underlying these securities, which may give the debtor the right to avoid or reduce payment.
Risks Relating to Our Securities
Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value, and may trade at premiums that may prove to be unsustainable.
Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount from net asset value, and may trade at premiums that may prove to be unsustainable. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies and BDCs is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our common stock will trade at, above or below net asset value. The risk of purchasing shares of a BDC that might trade at a discount or unsustainable premium is more pronounced for investors who wish to sell their shares in a relatively short period of time because, for those investors, realization of a gain or loss on their investments is likely to be more dependent upon changes in premium or discount levels than upon increases or decreases in net asset value per share. As of December 31, 2020, the closing price of our common stock on the NYSE was $9.20 per share, an approximately 16.3% discount to our net asset value per share as of December 31, 2020.
In addition, at times when our common stock trades below net asset value, we will generally not be able to issue additional common stock at the market price without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders and our independent directors. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the current net asset value per share of our common stock if our board of directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. Any such sale would be dilutive to the net asset value per share of our common stock. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our board of directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any commission or discount). If our common stock trades at a discount to net asset value, this restriction could adversely affect our
ability to raise capital. Pursuant to approval granted at an annual meeting of stockholders held on April 30, 2020, we are permitted to issue and sell shares of our common stock at a price below our then-current net asset value per share in one or more offerings, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by the Board (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issued and sold pursuant to such authority does not exceed 25% of our then-outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering). Such stockholder approval expires on April 30, 2021.
Investing in our securities may involve an above average degree of risk.
The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and a higher risk of volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative, and therefore, an investment in our shares may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.
The market price of our securities may be volatile and fluctuate significantly.
Fluctuations in the trading prices of our shares may adversely affect the liquidity of the trading market for our shares and, if we seek to raise capital through future equity financings, our ability to raise such equity capital. The market price and liquidity of the market for our securities may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include:
•significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of BDCs or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;
•changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs ;
•inability to obtain certain exemptive relief from the SEC;
•loss of RIC tax treatment;
•changes in earnings or variations in operating results;
•changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;
•any shortfall in investment income or net investment income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;
•conversion features of subscription rights, warrants or convertible debt;
•loss of a major funding source;
•fluctuations in interest rates;
•the operating performance of companies comparable to us;
•departure of Barings' or any of its affiliates' key personnel;
•proposed, or completed, offerings of our securities, including classes other than our common stock;
•global or national credit market changes; and
•general economic trends and other external factors.
The market for any security is subject to volatility. The loans and securities purchased by us and issued by us are no exception to this fundamental investment truism that prices will fluctuate.
We may be unable to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds raised from our offerings on acceptable terms, which would harm our financial condition and operating results.
Delays in investing the net proceeds raised in our offerings may cause our performance to be worse than that of other fully invested BDCs or other lenders or investors pursuing comparable investment strategies. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify any investments that meet our investment objective or that any investment that we make will produce a positive return. We may be unable to invest the net proceeds from any offering on
acceptable terms within the time period that we anticipate or at all, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
We anticipate that, depending on market conditions, it may take a substantial period of time to invest substantially all of the net proceeds from any offering in securities meeting our investment objective. During such a period, we have and will continue to invest the net proceeds from any offering primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, repurchase agreements and high-quality debt instruments maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which may produce returns that are significantly lower than the returns which we expect to achieve when our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective, and given our expense ratio and the prevailing interest rate climate, there is a possible risk of losing money on the offering proceeds from certain securities, such as debt securities during this interval. As a result, any dividends or distributions that we pay during such period may be substantially lower than the dividends or distributions that we may be able to pay when our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective. In addition, until such time as the net proceeds from any offering are invested in securities meeting our investment objective, the market price for our securities may decline. Thus, the return on your investment may be lower than when, if ever, our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.
If we sell common stock at a discount to our net asset value per share, stockholders who do not participate in such sale will experience immediate dilution in an amount that may be material.
If we sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock at a discount to net asset value, it will pose a risk of dilution to our stockholders. In particular, stockholders who do not purchase additional shares at or below the discounted price in proportion to their current ownership will experience an immediate decrease in net asset value per share (as well as in the aggregate net asset value of their shares if they do not participate at all). These stockholders will also experience a disproportionately greater decrease in their participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than the increase we experience in our assets, potential earning power and voting interests from such issuances or sale. In addition, such issuances or sales may adversely affect the price at which our common stock trades.
Pursuant to approval granted at an annual meeting of stockholders held on April 30, 2020, we are permitted to issue and sell shares of our common stock at a price below our then-current net asset value per share in one or more offerings, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by the Board (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issued and sold pursuant to such authority does not exceed 25% of our then-outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering). Such stockholder approval expires on April 30, 2021.
Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.
The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or making difficult a change in control of our Company or the removal of our incumbent directors. Specifically, the Board has adopted a resolution explicitly subjecting us to the Maryland Business Combination Act under the Maryland General Corporation Law, which, subject to limitations, prohibits certain business combinations between us and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock) or an affiliate thereof for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder and thereafter imposes fair price and/or supermajority voting requirements on these combinations. In addition, our charter classifies the Board in three classes serving staggered three-year terms and provides that a director may be removed only for cause by the vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of directors generally. In addition,
our bylaws provide that, subject to the satisfaction of certain procedural and informational requirements by the stockholders requesting the meeting, a special meeting of stockholders will be called by our secretary to act upon any matter that may properly be considered at a meeting of stockholders only upon the written request of the stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at the meeting.
In addition, subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, our charter permits the Board, without stockholder action, to authorize the issuance of shares of stock in one or more classes or series, including preferred stock. Subject to compliance with the 1940 Act, the Board may, without stockholder action, amend our charter from time to time to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. The existence of these provisions, among others, may have a negative impact on the price of our common stock and may discourage third-party bids for ownership of our company. These provisions may prevent any premiums being offered to you for shares of our common stock.
If we issue preferred stock and/or debt securities, the net asset value and market value of our common stock may become more volatile.
We cannot assure you that the issuance of preferred stock and/or debt securities would result in a higher yield or return to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock and/or debt securities would likely cause the net asset value and market value of our common stock to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock, or the interest rate on the debt securities, were to approach the net rate of return on our investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of our common stock would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock, or the interest rate on the debt securities, were to exceed the net rate of return on our portfolio, the use of leverage would result in a lower rate of return to the holders of common stock than if we had not issued the preferred stock or debt securities. Any decline in the net asset value of our investment would be borne entirely by the holders of our common stock. Therefore, if the market value of our portfolio were to decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of our common stock than if we were not leveraged through the issuance of preferred stock or debt securities. This decline in net asset value would also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for our common stock.
There is also a risk that, in the event of a sharp decline in the value of our net assets, we would be in danger of failing to maintain required asset coverage ratios which may be required by the preferred stock and/or debt securities or of a downgrade in the ratings of the preferred stock and/or debt securities or our current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the dividend requirements on the preferred stock or the interest payments on the debt securities. In order to counteract such an event, we might need to liquidate investments in order to fund redemption of some or all of the preferred stock and/or debt securities. In addition, we would pay (and the holders of our common stock would bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred stock and/or debt securities. Holders of preferred stock and/or debt securities may have different interests than holders of common stock and may at times have disproportionate influence over our affairs.
There is a risk that investors in our common stock may not receive a specified level of dividends or that our dividends may not grow over time and that investors in any debt securities we may issue may not receive all of the interest income to which they are entitled.
We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. If we declare a dividend and if more stockholders opt to receive cash distributions rather than participate in our dividend reinvestment plan, we may be forced to sell some of our investments in order to make cash dividend payments.
In addition, due to the asset coverage and net asset value tests applicable to us as a BDC and under covenants under our financing agreements, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. Further, if we invest a greater amount of assets in equity securities that do not pay current dividends, it could reduce the amount available for distribution. See “Item 5. - Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - Distribution Policy” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of distributions.
The above-referenced restrictions on distributions may also inhibit our ability to make required interest payments to holders of our current debt including the August 2025 Notes, the November Notes and the February Notes (as defined below under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Recent Developments” included in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), and any future debt we may issue, which may cause a default under the terms of the relevant debt agreements. Such a default could materially increase our cost of raising capital, as well as cause us to incur penalties under the terms of our debt agreements.
Terms relating to redemption may materially adversely affect your return on any debt securities that we may issue.
If you are holding debt securities issued by us and such securities are redeemable at our option, we may choose to redeem your debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on your debt securities. In addition, if you are holding debt securities issued by us and such securities are subject to mandatory redemption, we may be required to redeem your debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on your debt securities. In this circumstance, you may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as your debt securities being redeemed.
Subject to the terms of the August 2020 NPA (as defined below under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), we may redeem the August 2025 Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before November 3, 2024, a make-whole premium. Subject to the terms of the November 2020 NPA (as defined below under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources” included in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), we may redeem the Series B Notes and the Series C Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before May 4, 2025, with respect to the Series B Notes, or on or before May 4, 2027, with respect to the Series C Notes, a make-whole premium. Subject to the terms of the February 2021 NPA (as defined below under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Recent Developments” included in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), we may redeem the Series D Notes and the Series E Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before August 26, 2025, with respect to the Series D Notes, or on or before August 26, 2027, with respect to the Series E Notes, a make-whole premium.
If we choose to redeem any of the August 2025 Notes, the November Notes or the February Notes when the fair market value of the August 2025 Notes, the November Notes or the February Notes is above par value, you would experience a loss of any potential premium.
We may not be able to prepay the August 2025 Notes, the November Notes or the February Notes upon a change in control.
The note purchase agreements governing the August 2025 Notes, the November Notes and the February Notes require us to offer to prepay all of the issued and outstanding notes upon the occurrence of certain change in control events, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Upon a change in control event, holders of the notes may require us to prepay for cash some or all of the notes at a prepayment price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment. If a change in control were to occur, we may not have sufficient funds to prepay any such accelerated indebtedness.
Future offerings of debt securities, which would be senior to our common stock upon liquidation, or equity securities, which could dilute our existing stockholders and may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of distributions, may harm the value of our common stock.
In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by making offerings of additional debt securities or additional equity securities, including commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes and classes of preferred stock or common stock subject to the restrictions of the 1940 Act. Upon a liquidation of our company, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock and lenders with respect to other borrowings would receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Additional equity offerings by us may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the value of our common stock, or both. Any preferred stock we may issue would have a preference on distributions that could limit our ability to make distributions to the holders of our common stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, our stockholders bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our common stock and diluting their stock holdings in us. In addition, proceeds from a sale of common stock will likely be used to increase our total assets or to pay down our borrowings, among other uses. This would increase our asset coverage ratio and permit us to incur additional leverage under rules pertaining to BDCs by increasing our borrowings or issuing senior securities such as preferred stock or debt securities.
You may have a current tax liability on distributions reinvested in our common stock pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan or otherwise but would not receive cash from such distributions to pay such tax liability.
If you participate in our dividend reinvestment plan, you will be deemed to have received, and for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be taxed on, the amount reinvested in our common stock to the extent the amount reinvested was not a tax-free return of capital. As a result, unless you are a tax-exempt entity, you may have to use funds from other sources to pay your tax liability on the value of our common stock received from the distribution.
In addition, in order to satisfy the annual distribution requirement applicable to RICs, we have the ability to declare a large portion of a dividend in shares of our common stock instead of in cash. As long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash (which portion may be as low as 20% of the aggregate declared dividend) and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a stockholder generally would be subject to tax on 100% of the fair market value of the dividend on the date the dividend is received by the stockholder in the same manner as a cash dividend, even though most of the dividend was paid in shares of our common stock. We currently do not intend to pay dividends in shares of our common stock other than in connection with our dividend reinvestment plan.
A downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the credit rating, if any, assigned by a rating agency to us or any of our outstanding unsecured notes, or change in the debt markets could cause the liquidity or market value of our securities to decline significantly.
Our credit ratings are an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the value and trading prices, if any, of our outstanding unsecured notes. These credit ratings may not reflect the potential impact of risks relating to the structure or marketing of the notes. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the issuing organization in its sole discretion. We undertake no obligation to maintain our credit ratings or to advise any holders of our unsecured notes of any changes in our credit ratings, except as may be required under the terms of any applicable indenture or other governing document, including the August 2020 NPA, the November 2020 NPA and the February 2021 NPA. There can be no assurance that our credit ratings will remain for any given period of time or that such credit ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by the rating agency if in their judgment future circumstances relating to the basis of the credit ratings, such as adverse changes in our business or operations, so warrant. Any downgrades to us or our securities could increase our cost of capital or otherwise have a negative effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In this regard, the fixed rates of the November Notes and the February Notes are subject to increase in the event that a Below Investment Grade Event (as defined in relevant note purchase agreement) occurs, which risk is increased as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conditions of the financial markets and
prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future, which could have an adverse effect on the market prices and value of our unsecured notes.
General Risk Factors
Global capital markets could enter a period of severe disruption and instability or an economic recession. These conditions have historically affected and could again materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States and around the world and could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.
The U.S. and global capital markets have from time to time experienced periods of disruption characterized by the freezing of available credit, a lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant losses in the principal value of investments, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market, the failure of major financial institutions and general volatility in the financial markets. During these periods of disruption, general economic conditions deteriorated with material and adverse consequences for the broader financial and credit markets, and the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole, and financial services firms in particular, was reduced significantly. These conditions may reoccur for a prolonged period of time or materially worsen in the future.
In June 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union. The United Kingdom formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020, and the United Kingdom reached the end of the transition period in December 2020. There will likely continue to be considerable uncertainty as to the United Kingdom's post-transition and post-withdrawal framework, in particular as to the arrangements which will apply to its relationships with the European Union and with other countries. The new Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached between the European Union and United Kingdom in late 2020 is untested and may lead to ongoing political and economic uncertainty and periods of exacerbated volatility in both the United Kingdom and in wider European and global markets for some time. This process and/or the uncertainty associated with it may adversely affect the return on investments economically tied to the United Kingdom or European Union (including investments made pursuant to the European Direct Lending strategy). This may be due to, among other things: (i) increased uncertainty and volatility in the United Kingdom, European Union and other financial markets; (ii) fluctuations in asset values; (iii) fluctuations in exchange rates; (iv) increased illiquidity of investments located, listed or traded within the United Kingdom, the European Union or elsewhere; (v) changes in the willingness or ability of financial and other counterparties to enter into transactions, or the price at which and terms on which they are prepared to transact; and/or (vi) changes in legal and regulatory regimes to which our investments are or become subject.
Market conditions may in the future make it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance our existing indebtedness and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. If we are unable to raise or refinance debt, then our equity investors may not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or to fund existing commitments to our portfolio companies.
Given the volatility and dislocation that the capital markets have historically experienced, many BDCs have faced, and may in the future face, a challenging environment in which to raise capital. We may in the future have difficulty accessing debt and equity capital on attractive terms, or at all, and a severe disruption or instability in the global financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions may cause us to reduce the volume of the loans we originate and/or fund, which may adversely affect the value of our portfolio investments or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, significant changes in the capital markets, including instances of extreme volatility and disruption, have had, and may in the future have, a negative effect on the valuations of our investments and on the potential for liquidity events involving our investments. We monitor developments and seek to manage our investments in a manner consistent with achieving our investment objective, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so, and we may not timely anticipate or manage existing, new or additional risks, contingencies or developments, including regulatory developments in the current or future market environment.
An inability to raise capital, and any required sale of our investments for liquidity purposes, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. The debt capital that will be available to us in the future, if at all, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms and conditions than what we currently experience, including being at a higher cost in rising rate environments. If we are unable to raise or refinance debt, then our equity investors may not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or to fund existing commitments to our portfolio companies. In addition, equity capital may be difficult to raise during periods of adverse or volatile market conditions because, subject to some limited exceptions, as a BDC, we are generally not able to issue additional shares of our common stock at a price less than net asset value without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. We generally seek approval from our stockholders so that we have the flexibility to issue up to a specified percentage of our then-outstanding shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value. Pursuant to approval granted at an annual meeting of stockholders held on April 30, 2020, we are permitted to issue and sell shares of our common stock at a price below our then-current net asset value per share in one or more offerings, subject to certain limitations and determinations that must be made by the Board (including, without limitation, that the number of shares issued and sold pursuant to such authority does not exceed 25% of our then-outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering). Such stockholder approval expires on April 30, 2021.
Many of the portfolio companies in which we make investments may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay the loans we made to them during these periods. Therefore, our non-performing assets may increase and the value of our portfolio may decrease during these periods as we are required to record our investments at their current fair value. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our and our portfolio companies’ funding costs, limit our and our portfolio companies’ access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us or our portfolio companies. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.
A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt that we hold. We may incur additional expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. In addition, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we will actually provide significant managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors.
Terrorist attacks, acts of war, national disasters, outbreaks or pandemics may affect any market for our securities, impact the businesses in which we invest and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
Terrorist acts, acts of war, national disasters, outbreaks or pandemics may disrupt our operations, as well as the operations of the businesses in which we invest. Such acts have created, and continue to create, economic and political uncertainties and have contributed to global economic instability. For example, many countries have experienced outbreaks of infectious illnesses in recent decades, including swine flu, avian influenza, SARS and COVID-19. Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, a large and growing number of cases have been confirmed around the world. The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in numerous deaths and the imposition of both local and more widespread “work from home” and other quarantine measures, border closures and other travel restrictions, causing social unrest and commercial disruption on a global scale. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
The ongoing spread of COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, a material adverse impact on local economies in the affected jurisdictions and also on the global economy, as cross-border commercial activity and market sentiment are increasingly impacted by the outbreak and government and other measures seeking to contain its spread. With respect to U.S. and global credit markets and the economy in general, this outbreak has resulted in,
and until fully resolved is likely to continue to result in, the following (among other things): (i) restrictions on travel and the temporary closure of many corporate offices, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities and factories, resulting in significant disruption to the business of many companies, including supply chains and demand, as well as layoffs of employees; (ii) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit; (iii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments or waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing; (iv) volatility in credit markets, including greater volatility in pricing and spreads; and (v) rapidly evolving proposals and actions by state and federal governments to address the problems being experienced by markets, businesses and the economy in general, which may not adequately address the underlying problems. In addition to these developments having adverse consequences in the businesses in which we invest, the operations of the Adviser (including those relating to the Company) have been, and could continue to be, adversely impacted, including through quarantine measures and travel restrictions imposed on Barings personnel or service providers based or temporarily located in affected countries, or any related health issues of such personnel or service providers. Any of the foregoing events could materially and adversely affect our ability to source, manage and divest its investments and its ability to fulfill its investment objectives. Similar consequences could arise with respect to other comparable infectious diseases. Although it is impossible to predict the precise nature and consequences of these events, or of any political or policy decisions and regulatory changes occasioned by emerging events or uncertainty on applicable laws or regulations that impact us and our portfolio companies and investments, it is clear that these types of events are impacting and will, for at least some time, continue to impact us and our portfolio companies. Any potential impact to our results of operations will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that could emerge regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain the spread or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control. These potential impacts, while uncertain, could adversely affect our and our portfolio companies' operating results.
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.
We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including our ability or inability to make investments in companies that meet our investment criteria, the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.
Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.
Many of our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic downturns or recessions and may be unable to repay our loans during these periods. Therefore, during these periods our non-performing assets may increase and the value of these assets may decrease. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.
A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and foreclosure on its assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company.
Changes to U.S. tariff and import/export regulations may have a negative effect on our portfolio companies and, in turn, harm us.
There have been ongoing discussion and commentary regarding potential significant changes to U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs, creating significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States
and other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties and tariffs. These developments, or the perception that more of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the United States. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our portfolio companies’ access to suppliers or customers and have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn would negatively impact us.
Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations may adversely affect our business or cause us to alter our business strategy.
We, our subsidiaries and our portfolio companies are subject to regulation at the local, state and federal level. New legislation may be enacted or new interpretations, rulings or regulations could be adopted, including those governing the types of investments we are permitted to make, any of which could harm us and our stockholders, potentially with retroactive effect. Additionally, new regulatory initiatives related to ESG could adversely affect our business.
Additionally, any changes to the laws and regulations governing our operations relating to permitted investments may cause us to alter our investment strategy in order to avail ourselves of new or different opportunities. Such changes could result in material differences to the strategies and plans set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and may result in our investment focus shifting from the areas of expertise of our management team to other types of investments in which our management team may have less expertise or little or no experience. Thus, any such changes, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties.
We do not own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to our operation or any of our subsidiaries. Our headquarters are currently located at 300 South Tryon Street, Suite 2500 Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, where we occupy office space pursuant to the Administration Agreement with Barings. We believe that our current office facilities are adequate to meet our needs.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We and certain of our former executive officers have been named as defendants in two putative securities class action lawsuits, each filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (and then transferred to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina) on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired our common stock between May 7, 2014 and November 1, 2017. The first lawsuit was filed on November 21, 2017, and was captioned Elias Dagher, et al., v. Triangle Capital Corporation, et al., Case No. 5:18-cv-00015-FL (the “Dagher Action”). The second lawsuit was filed on November 28, 2017, and was captioned Gary W. Holden, et al., v. Triangle Capital Corporation, et al., Case No. 5:18-cv-00010-FL (the “Holden Action”). The Dagher Action and the Holden Action were consolidated and are currently captioned In re Triangle Capital Corp. Securities Litigation, Master File No. 5:18-cv-00010-FL.
On April 10, 2018, the plaintiff filed its First Consolidated Amended Complaint. The complaint alleged certain violations of the securities laws, including, among other things, that the defendants made certain materially false and misleading statements and omissions regarding our business, operations and prospects between May 7, 2014 and November 1, 2017. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees and costs, among other relief, but did not specify the amount of damages being sought. On May 25, 2018, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On March 7, 2019, the court entered an order granting the defendants’ motion to dismiss. On March 28, 2019, the plaintiff filed a motion seeking leave to file a Second Consolidated Amended Complaint. On September 20, 2019, the court entered an order denying the plaintiff’s motion for leave to file a Second Consolidated Amended Complaint and dismissing the action with prejudice. On October 17, 2019, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal
seeking review of the court’s September 20, 2019 order. The plaintiff filed its opening brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on January 6, 2020. The defendants filed their response brief on February 28, 2020, and the plaintiff filed its reply brief on March 27, 2020. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit heard oral argument on the appeal on December 9, 2020. On February 22, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the court’s September 20, 2019 order dismissing the action with prejudice.
We intend to defend ourselves vigorously against the allegations in the aforementioned actions. Neither the outcome of the lawsuits nor an estimate of any reasonably possible losses is determinable at this time. An adverse judgment for monetary damages could have a material adverse effect on our operations and liquidity. Except as discussed above, neither we nor our subsidiaries are currently subject to any material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Common Stock and Holders
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the ticker symbol “BBDC.” As of March 23, 2021, there were approximately 107 holders of record of our common stock. This number does not include stockholders for whom shares are held in “nominee” or “street name.”
Distributions Declared
The table below shows the detail of our distributions for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Each year, a statement on IRS Form 1099-DIV identifying the source(s) of the distribution (i.e., paid from ordinary income, paid from net capital gains on the sale of securities, and/or a return of paid in capital surplus which is a nontaxable distribution) is mailed to our stockholders. To the extent that our distributions for a fiscal year exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a return of capital to our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the source of a distribution to our stockholders may be the original capital invested by the stockholder rather than our taxable ordinary income or capital gains. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a dividend payment carefully and should not assume that any distribution is taxable as ordinary income or capital gains.
Ordinary income is reported on IRS Form 1099-DIV as either qualified or non-qualified and capital gain distributions are reported on IRS Form 1099-DIV in various subcategories which have differing tax treatments to stockholders. Those subcategories are not presented herein.
We estimate the source of our distributions as required by Section 19(a) of the 1940 Act to determine whether payment of dividends are expected to be paid from any other source other than net investment income accrued for current period or certain cumulative periods, but we will not be able to determine whether any specific distribution will be treated as made out of our taxable earnings or as a return of capital until after the end of our taxable year. Any amount treated as a return of capital will reduce a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in his or her common stock, thereby increasing his or her potential gain or reducing his or her potential loss on the subsequent sale or other disposition of his or her common stock. On a quarterly basis, for any payment of dividends estimated to be paid from any other source other than net investment income accrued for current period or certain cumulative periods based on the Section 19(a) requirement, we post a Section 19(a) notice through the Depository Trust Company’s Legal Notice System and our website, as well as send our registered stockholders a printed copy of such notice along with the dividend payment. The estimates of the source of the distribution are interim estimates based on GAAP that are subject to revision, and the exact character of the distributions for tax purposes cannot be determined until the final books and records are finalized for the calendar year. Therefore, these estimates are made solely in order to comply with the requirements of Section 19(a) of the 1940 Act and should not be relied upon for tax reporting or any other purposes and could differ significantly from the actual character of distributions for tax purposes.
Distribution Policy
We generally intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders of substantially all of our income. In order to avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98.0% of our ordinary income for the calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of our capital gains in excess of capital losses for the calendar year, and (iii) any ordinary income and net capital gains for the preceding year that were not distributed during such year. We will not be subject to excise taxes on amounts on
which we are required to pay corporate income tax (such as retained net capital gains). In order to obtain the tax benefits applicable to RICs, we will be required to distribute to our stockholders with respect to each taxable year at least 90.0% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses. We may retain for investment realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses. We may make deemed distributions to our stockholders of any retained net capital gains. If this happens, our stockholders will be treated as if they received an actual distribution of the capital gains we retain and then reinvested the net after-tax proceeds in our common stock. Our stockholders also may be eligible to claim a tax credit (or, in certain circumstances, a tax refund) equal to their allocable share of the tax we paid on the capital gains deemed distributed to them. Please refer to “Business - Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” included in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the consequences of our retention of net capital gains. We may, in the future, make actual distributions to our stockholders of some or all realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratio and related requirements stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings or financing arrangements. See “Business - Regulation of Business Development Companies” included in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of our distributions on behalf of our common stockholders, unless a common stockholder elects to receive cash as provided in “Business - Dividend Reinvestment Plan” included in Item I of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Stockholders who receive dividends in the form of stock generally are subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as are stockholders who elect to receive their dividends in cash. A stockholder’s basis for determining gain or loss upon the sale of stock received in a dividend from us will be equal to the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to the stockholder. Any stock received in a dividend will have a holding period for tax purposes commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the U.S. stockholder’s account.
Our ability to make distributions will be limited by the asset coverage requirement and related provisions under the 1940 Act and by the terms of any of our borrowings or financing arrangements. For a more detailed discussion, see “Business - Regulation of Business Development Companies” included in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Sales of Unregistered Securities
We did not sell any securities during the period covered by this report that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During the three months ended December 31, 2020, in connection with our dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders, we directed the Plan Administrator to purchase 31,890 shares of our common stock for an aggregate of $286,718 in the open market in order to satisfy our obligations to deliver shares of common stock to our stockholders with respect to our dividend declared on November 9, 2020.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Nasdaq Composite Index, the NYSE Composite Index and the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index for the five years ended December 31, 2020. This comparison assumes $100.00 was invested in our common stock (or that of Triangle Capital Corporation ("TCAP"), prior to the Transactions) at the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2015 and in the comparison groups and assumes the reinvestment of all cash dividends on the ex-dividend date prior to any tax effect. The stock price performance shown on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
Comparison of Annual Cumulative Total Return(1)
among Barings BDC, Inc., the Nasdaq Composite Index, the NYSE Composite Index
and the Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index
(1)From December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2020.
Senior Securities Table of Barings BDC, Inc.
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per unit data)
Information about our senior securities is shown as of the dates indicated in the below table. The report of our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, on the senior securities table as of December 31, 2020, is attached as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 10-K. In addition, the report of our former independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, on the senior securities table as of December 31, 2016, is attached as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 10-K.
(1)The information in the senior securities tables for 2017 - 2019 and for years prior to 2016 is unaudited. An independent registered public accounting firm has performed agreed-upon procedures related to the accuracy of the total amount outstanding exclusive of treasury securities as of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 and the asset coverage per unit as of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
(2)Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at the end of the period presented.
(3)Asset coverage per unit is the ratio of the carrying value of our total consolidated assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. Asset coverage per unit is expressed in terms of dollar amounts per $1,000 of indebtedness. All prior period ratios have been conformed with this current presentation.
(4)The amount to which such class of senior security would be entitled upon the involuntary liquidation of the issuer in preference to any security junior to it. The “-” indicates information which the SEC expressly does not require to be disclosed for certain types of senior securities.
(5)Average market value per unit for our unsecured notes issued in March 2012 due 2019 (the “2019 Notes”), our unsecured notes issued in October 2012 and November 2012 due 2022 (the “December 2022 Notes”) and our unsecured notes issued in February 2015 due 2022 (the “March 2022 Notes”) represent the average of the daily closing prices as reported on the NYSE for each security during 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, as applicable. Average market value per unit for our SBA-guaranteed debentures payable, our terminated credit facility initially entered into in May 2011 (the “May 2011 Credit Facility”), Barings BDC Senior Funding I, LLC's terminated credit facility initially entered into in August 2018 with Bank of America, N.A. (the "August 2018 Credit Facility"), the February 2019 Credit Facility, our $449.3 million term debt securitization in May 2019 (the “Debt Securitization”), the August 2025 Notes and the November Notes are not applicable because these senior securities are not registered for public trading.
(6)We have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us to exclude the SBA-guaranteed debentures payable from the 200% asset coverage test under the Investment Company Act.
(7)The August 2018 Credit Facility was terminated at our election in June 2020.
(8)The remaining notes issued in connection with the Debt Securitization were repaid in full in October 2020.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The selected financial data at and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 have been derived from our financial statements that have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The selected financial data at and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 has been derived from our financial statements that have been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. You should read this selected financial and other data in conjunction with our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and notes thereto.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The information in this section contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the combined financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following discussion is designed to provide a better understanding of our financial statements, including a brief discussion of our business, key factors that impacted our performance and a summary of our operating results. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included or incorporated by reference in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Historical results and percentage relationships among any amounts in the financial statements are not necessarily indicative of trends in operating results for any future periods.
MVC Capital, Inc. Acquisition
On December 23, 2020, we completed our acquisition of MVC Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“MVC”) (the “MVC Acquisition”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of August 10, 2020, with MVC, Mustang Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and our wholly owned subsidiary (“Acquisition Sub”), and Barings LLC, our external investment adviser and our administrator (“Barings”). To effect the acquisition, Acquisition Sub merged with and into MVC, with MVC surviving the merger as our wholly owned subsidiary (the “First Merger”). Immediately thereafter, MVC merged with and into us, with us as the surviving company (the “Second Merger” and, together with the First Merger, the “Merger”).
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, MVC stockholders received the right to the following merger consideration in exchange for each share of MVC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger (other than shares of MVC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger that were held by a subsidiary of MVC or held, directly or indirectly, by us or the Acquisition Sub), in accordance with the Merger Agreement: (i) an amount in cash from Barings, without interest, equal to $0.39492, and (ii) 0.9790836 shares of our common stock, which ratio gave effect to the Euro-dollar exchange rate adjustment mechanism in the Merger Agreement, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares. We issued approximately 17,354,332 shares of our common stock to MVC’s then-existing stockholders in connection with the Merger, thereby resulting in our then-existing stockholders owning approximately 73.4% of the combined company and MVC's then-existing stockholders owning approximately 26.6% of the combined company.
In connection with the MVC Acquisition, on December 23, 2020, following the closing of the Merger, we entered into (1) an amended and restated investment advisory agreement (the “Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement”) with Barings, effective January 1, 2021, and (2) a credit support agreement (the “Credit Support Agreement”) with Barings, pursuant to which Barings has agreed to provide credit support to us in the amount of up to $23.0 million relating to the net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired MVC investment portfolio over a 10-year period. See “Business-MVC Capital, Inc. Acquisition” and “Business-Management Agreements - Investment Advisory Agreement” in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as “Note 2. Agreements and Related Party Transactions” and “Note. 6 Derivative Instruments” in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.
In addition, in connection with the closing of the Merger, our board of directors (the “Board”) affirmed our commitment to open-market purchases of shares of our common stock in an aggregate amount of up to $15.0 million at then-current market prices at any time shares trade below 90% of our then most recently disclosed net asset value per share. Any repurchases pursuant to the authorized program will occur during the 12-month period commencing upon the filing of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2021 and are expected to be made in accordance with a repurchase plan that qualifies for the safe harbors provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, as well as subject to compliance with the covenants in our borrowing arrangements, including under our $800 million senior secured revolving credit facility with ING Capital LLC (as amended,
restated and otherwise modified from time to time, (the "February 2019 Credit Facility"), and certain other regulatory requirements.
Overview of Our Business
We are a Maryland corporation incorporated on October 10, 2006. In August 2018, in connection with the closing of an externalization transaction through which Barings agreed to become our external investment adviser, we entered into an investment advisory agreement (the "Original Advisory Agreement") and an administration agreement (the "Administration Agreement") with Barings. In connection with the MVC Acquisition, we entered into the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement on December 23, 2020, following approval of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement by our stockholders at our December 23, 2020 special meeting of stockholders. The terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement became effective on January 1, 2021. Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement, Barings serves as our investment adviser and administrator and manages our investment portfolio and performs (or oversees, or arranges for, the performance of) the administrative services necessary for our operation.
An externally-managed BDC generally does not have any employees, and its investment and management functions are provided by an outside investment adviser and administrator under an advisory agreement and administration agreement. Instead of directly compensating employees, we pay Barings for investment and management services pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement (and, prior to January 1, 2021, pursuant to the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement) and the Administration Agreement. Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement (and, prior to January 1, 2021, under the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement), the fees paid to Barings for managing our affairs are determined based upon an objective and fixed formula, as compared with the subjective and variable nature of the costs associated with employing management and employees in an internally-managed BDC structure, which include bonuses that cannot be directly tied to Company performance because of restrictions on incentive compensation under the 1940 Act.
Beginning in August 2018, Barings shifted our investment focus to invest in syndicated senior secured loans, bonds and other fixed income securities. Since that time, Barings has transitioned our portfolio to primarily senior secured private debt investments in well-established middle-market businesses that operate across a wide range of industries. Barings’ existing SEC co-investment exemptive relief under the 1940 Act (the "Exemptive Relief") permits us and Barings’ affiliated private and SEC-registered funds to co-invest in Barings-originated loans, which allows Barings to efficiently implement its senior secured private debt investment strategy for us.
Barings employs fundamental credit analysis, and targets investments in businesses with relatively low levels of cyclicality and operating risk. The hold size of each position will generally be dependent upon a number of factors including total facility size, pricing and structure, and the number of other lenders in the facility. Barings has experience managing levered vehicles, both public and private, and will seek to enhance our returns through the use of leverage with a prudent approach that prioritizes capital preservation. Barings believes this strategy and approach offers attractive risk/return with lower volatility given the potential for fewer defaults and greater resilience through market cycles.
We generate revenues in the form of interest income, primarily from our investments in debt securities, loan origination and other fees and dividend income. Fees generated in connection with our debt investments are recognized over the life of the loan using the effective interest method or, in some cases, recognized as earned. Our syndicated senior secured loans generally bear interest between LIBOR plus 300 basis points and LIBOR plus 400 points. Our senior secured, middle-market, private debt investments generally have terms of between five and seven years. Our senior secured, middle-market, first lien private debt investments generally bear interest between LIBOR (or the applicable currency rate for investments in foreign currencies) plus 450 basis points and LIBOR plus 650 basis points per annum. Our subordinated middle-market, private debt investments generally bear interest between LIBOR (or the applicable currency rate for investments in foreign currencies) plus 700 basis points and LIBOR plus 900 basis points per annum if floating rate, and between 8% and 15% if fixed rate. From time to time, certain of our investments may have a form of interest, referred to as payment-in-kind, or PIK, interest, which is not paid currently but is instead accrued and added to the loan balance and paid at the end of the term.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the weighted average yield on the principal amount of our outstanding debt investments other than non-accrual debt investments was approximately 7.1% and 6.2%, respectively. The weighted average yield on the principal amount all of our outstanding investments (including equity and equity-linked investments and short-term investments but excluding non-accrual debt investments) was approximately 6.4% and 5.8% as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The weighted average yield on the principal amount all of our outstanding investments (including equity and equity-linked investments, short-term investments and non-accrual debt investments) was approximately 6.5% and 5.8% as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
COVID-19 Developments
The spread of the Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the related effect on the U.S. and global economies, has had adverse consequences for the business operations of some of our portfolio companies and has adversely affected, and threatens to continue to adversely affect, our operations and the operations of Barings, including with respect to us. Barings has taken proactive steps around COVID-19 to address the potential impacts on their people, clients, communities and everyone they come in contact with, directly or through their premises. Protecting their employees and supporting the communities in which they live and work is a priority. Barings continues to operate with the majority of employees globally working remotely while maintaining service levels to our partners and clients. In the U.S., the firm’s global headquarters in Charlotte reopened in June 2020; currently, all other offices in the U.S. remain closed. In Europe, the majority of Barings' office locations are currently closed while in Asia all offices remain open. Barings has established a return-to-office taskforce that continues to plan for the safe return of employees to all office locations when the global situation allows. Barings’ cybersecurity policies are applied consistently when working remotely or in the office.
While we have been carefully monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business and the business of our portfolio companies, we have continued to fund our existing debt commitments. In addition, we have continued to make and originate, and expect to continue to make and originate, new loans.
We cannot predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its duration in the United States and worldwide and the magnitude of the economic impact of the outbreak, including with respect to the travel restrictions, business closures and other quarantine measures imposed on service providers and other individuals by various local, state, and federal governmental authorities, as well as non-U.S. governmental authorities. We are unable to predict the duration of any business and supply-chain disruptions, the extent to which COVID-19 will negatively affect our portfolio companies’ operating results or the impact that such disruptions may have on our results of operations and financial condition. Depending on the duration and extent of the disruption to the operations of our portfolio companies, we expect that certain portfolio companies could experience financial distress and possibly default on their financial obligations to us and their other capital providers. We also expect that some of our portfolio companies may significantly curtail business operations, furlough or lay off employees and terminate service providers, and defer capital expenditures if subjected to prolonged and severe financial distress, which would likely impair their business on a permanent basis. These developments would likely result in a decrease in the value of our investment in any such portfolio company.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the related disruption and financial distress experienced by our portfolio companies may have material adverse effects on our investment income, particularly our interest income, received from our investments. In connection with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may need to restructure our investments in some of our portfolio companies, which could result in reduced interest payments, an increase in the amount of PIK interest we receive, or result in permanent impairments on our investments. If we restructure a portfolio investment included in the borrowing base under the February 2019 Credit Facility in certain ways, including but not limited to a reduction in interest income received from any such investment or modification of a loan to accrue certain levels of PIK interest instead of cash, then such modifications could result in a reduction in the borrowing base under the February 2019 Credit Facility. In addition, if a portfolio investment included in the borrowing base under the February 2019 Credit Facility defaults on its obligations or if any such portfolio investment is placed on non-accrual, then there will be a reduction in the borrowing base under the February 2019 Credit Facility. Any reduction in the borrowing base under the February 2019 Credit Facility could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and available liquidity. In addition, any decreases in
our net investment income would increase the portion of our cash flows dedicated to servicing our existing borrowings under the February 2019 Credit Facility, the August 2025 Notes and the November Notes (each as defined below under "-Liquidity and Capital Resources"), as well as the February Notes (as defined below under "-Recent Developments"). As a result, we may be required to reduce the amount of our distributions to stockholders.
As of December 31, 2020, we are permitted under the 1940 Act, as a BDC, to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% after such borrowing. In addition, the February 2019 Credit Facility and the note purchase agreements governing the August 2025 Notes, the November Notes and the February Notes, as applicable, contain affirmative and negative covenants and events of default relating to, among other things, minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum obligors’ net worth, maximum net debt to equity, minimum asset coverage, minimum liquidity and maintenance of RIC and BDC status, as well as cross-default provisions relating to other indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with our asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act. In addition, we were not in default under the February 2019 Credit Facility, the August 2025 Notes or the November Notes as of December 31, 2020. However, any increase in unrealized depreciation of our investment portfolio or further significant reductions in our net asset value as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise increases the risk of breaching the relevant covenants, including those relating to minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum obligors’ net worth, maximum net debt to equity, and minimum asset coverage. If we fail to satisfy the covenants in the February 2019 Credit Facility or in the note purchase agreements governing the August 2025 Notes, the November Notes or the February Notes or are unable to cure any event of default or obtain a waiver from the applicable lender or noteholders, it could result in foreclosure by the lenders under the credit facility or otherwise accelerate our repayment obligations under the February 2019 Credit Facility or under the note purchase agreements governing the August 2025 Notes, the November Notes and the February Notes and thereby have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
We are also subject to financial risks, including changes in market interest rates. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $1,204.5 million (principal amount) of our debt portfolio investments bore interest at variable rates, which generally are LIBOR-based (or based on an equivalent applicable currency rate), and many of which are subject to certain floors. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks have reduced certain interest rates and LIBOR has decreased. A prolonged reduction in interest rates will reduce our gross investment income and could result in a decrease in our net investment income if such decreases in LIBOR are not offset by a corresponding increase in the spread over LIBOR that we earn on any portfolio investments, a decrease in in our operating expenses, including with respect to our income incentive fee, or a decrease in the interest rate of our floating interest rate liabilities tied to LIBOR. See “-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” below for an analysis of the impact of hypothetical base rate changes in interest rates.
We will continue to monitor the situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and guidance from U.S. and international authorities, including federal, state and local public health authorities and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. In these circumstances, there may be developments outside our control requiring us to adjust our plan of operation. As such, given the dynamic nature of this situation, we cannot reasonably estimate the impacts of COVID-19 on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the future. However, to the extent our portfolio companies are adversely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may have a material adverse impact on our future net investment income, the fair value of our portfolio investments, our financial condition and the results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies.
Portfolio Composition
The total value of our investment portfolio was $1,495.8 million as of December 31, 2020, as compared to $1,173.6 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, we had investments in 146 portfolio companies and two money market funds with an aggregate cost of $1,486.1 million. As of December 31, 2019, we had investments in 147 portfolio companies and two money market fund with an aggregate cost of $1,192.6 million.
As of both December 31, 2020 and 2019, none of our portfolio investments represented greater than 10% of the total fair value of our investment portfolio.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, our investment portfolio consisted of the following investments:
Investment Activity
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we made 76 new investments totaling $743.2 million, purchased $185.0 million of investments as part of the MVC Acquisition, made investments in existing portfolio companies totaling $114.6 million, made a new joint venture equity investment totaling $10.0 million and made an additional investment in one existing joint venture equity portfolio company totaling $10.0 million. We had 18 loans repaid at par totaling total $76.4 million and received $15.3 million of portfolio company principal payments. In addition, we sold $468.4 million of loans, recognizing a net realized loss on these transactions of $39.5 million, and sold $126.1 million of middle-market portfolio company debt investments to our joint venture realizing a loss on these transactions of $1.4 million. In addition, one loan investment was restructured. Under U.S. GAAP, this restructuring was considered a material modification and as a result, we recognized a loss of approximately $0.6 million related to this restructuring. Lastly, we received $0.8 million in escrow distributions from legacy portfolio companies, which were recognized as realized gains and recognized a realized loss of $1.1 million relating to indemnification claims for a legacy Triangle Capital Corporation portfolio company.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we made 43 new investments totaling $425.9 million, made investments in existing portfolio companies totaling $14.0 million and made one new joint venture equity investment totaling $10.2 million. We had 11 loans repaid at par totaling total $78.5 million and received $34.4 million of portfolio company principal payments. In addition, we sold $323.3 million of loans, recognizing a net realized loss on these transactions of $3.5 million and sold $36.1 million of middle-market portfolio company debt investments to our joint venture. In addition, certain terms of one broadly syndicated loan investment were amended. Under U.S. GAAP, this amendment was considered a material modification and as a result, we recognized a loss of approximately $0.2 million related to the amendment. Lastly, we received $0.5 million in escrow distributions from four portfolio companies, which were recognized as realized gains, and recognized a net loss of $0.5 million related to royalty payments due from a legacy Triangle Capital Corporation portfolio company.
Total portfolio investment activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows:
Non-Accrual Assets
Generally, when interest and/or principal payments on a loan become past due, or if we otherwise do not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, we will place the loan on non-accrual status
and will generally cease recognizing interest income on that loan for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of our non-accrual asset was $3.0 million, which comprised 0.2% of the total fair value of our portfolio, and the cost of our non-accrual asset was $3.0 million, which comprised 0.2% of the total cost of our portfolio. As of December 31, 2019, we had no non-accrual assets.
A summary of our non-accrual asset as of December 31, 2020 is provided below:
Jedson Engineering, Inc.
In connection with the MVC Acquisition, we purchased our debt investment in Jedson Engineering, Inc, or Jedson. Effective with the monthly payment due December 31, 2020, we placed our debt investment in Jedson on non-accrual status. As a result, under U.S. GAAP, we will not recognize interest income on our debt investment in Jedson for financial reporting purposes. As of December 31, 2020, the cost of our debt investment in Jedson was $3.0 million and the fair value of such investment was $3.0 million.
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Set forth below is a comparison of the results of operations and changes in financial condition for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The comparison of, and changes between, the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 can be found within “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Results of Operations
Comparison of years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Operating results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Net increases or decreases in net assets resulting from operations vary substantially from period to period due to various factors. As a result, yearly comparisons of net increases or decreases in net assets resulting from operations may not be meaningful.
Investment Income
The change in total investment income for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, was primarily due to a decrease in LIBOR from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020, partially offset by an increase in the average size of our portfolio and an increase in fee income and payment-in-kind interest income. The increase in the average size of our portfolio was largely due to the increased middle-market investment opportunities and the investments acquired as part of the MVC Acquisition; however, as the MVC Acquisition did not close until late in the fourth quarter of 2020, we did not receive investment income from the acquired MVC portfolio for a significant portion of 2020. The weighted average yield on the principal amount of our outstanding debt investments, other than non-accrual debt investments was 7.1% as of December 31, 2020, as compared to 6.2% as of December 31, 2019.
Operating Expenses
Interest and Other Financing Fees
Interest and other financing fees during the year ended December 31, 2020 were attributable to borrowings under Barings BDC Senior Funding I, LLC's ("BSF") credit facility initially entered into in August 2018 with Bank of America, N.A. (the "August 2018 Credit Facility"), the February 2019 Credit Facility, our May 2019 $449.3 million term debt securitization (the "Debt Securitization"), the August 2025 Notes and the November Notes (each as defined below under "Liquidity and Capital Resources"). Interest and other financing fees during the year ended December 31, 2019 were attributable to borrowings under the August 2018 Credit Facility, the February 2019 Credit Facility and the Debt Securitization. The decrease in interest and other financing fees for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, was primarily attributable to the decrease in interest rates as result of decreases in LIBOR and GBP LIBOR, as well as a reduction in the applicable margin on borrowings under the February 2019 Credit Facility from 2.25% to 2.00% in July 2020 as a result of our investment grade credit rating.
Base Management Fees
Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement (and, prior to January 1, 2021, under the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement), we pay Barings a base management fee (the "Base Management Fee"), quarterly in arrears on a calendar quarter basis. The Base Management Fee is calculated based on the average value of our gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters prior to the quarter for which such fees are being calculated. Base Management Fees for any partial month or quarter are appropriately pro-rated. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 for additional information regarding the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement (and, prior to January 1, 2021, the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement) and the fee arrangement thereunder. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Base Management Fee determined in accordance with the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement was approximately $14.3 million and $12.1 million, respectively. The increase between periods was primarily due to the increase in the base management fee rate to 1.375% for the year ended December 31, 2020, pursuant to the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement, as compared to 1.125% for the year December 31, 2019.
Compensation Expenses
Prior to the externalization transaction with Barings in August 2018, compensation expenses were primarily influenced by headcount and levels of business activity. Our compensation expenses included salaries, discretionary compensation, equity-based compensation and benefits. Discretionary compensation was significantly impacted by our level of total investment income, our investment results, including investment realizations, prevailing labor
markets and the external environment. In connection with the externalization transactions, all but two employees were terminated and remained employees until February 2020.
General and Administrative Expenses
We entered into the Administration Agreement with Barings in August 2018. Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, Barings performs (or oversees, or arranges for, the performance of) the administrative services necessary for our operations. We will reimburse Barings for the costs and expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations and providing personnel and facilities under the Administration Agreement in an amount to be negotiated and mutually agreed to by us and Barings quarterly in arrears; provided that the agreed-upon quarterly expense amount will not exceed the amount of expenses that would otherwise be reimbursable by us under the Administration Agreement for the applicable quarterly period, and Barings will not be entitled to the recoupment of any amounts in excess of the agreed-upon quarterly expense amount. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Administration Agreement.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the amount of administration expense incurred and invoiced by Barings for expenses was approximately $1.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively. In addition to expenses incurred under the Administration Agreement, general and administrative expenses include Board fees, D&O insurance costs, as well as legal and accounting expenses.
Net Realized Gains (Losses)
Net realized gains (losses) during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a net realized loss totaling $38.3 million, which consisted primarily of a net loss on our loan portfolio of $38.0 million and a net loss of $1.1 million related to an indemnification claim in connection with a legacy Triangle Capital Corporation portfolio company, partially offset by $0.8 million in escrow distributions we received from portfolio companies, which were recognized as realized gains.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a net realized loss totaling $3.8 million, which consisted primarily of a net loss on our loan portfolio of $3.8 million and a net loss of $0.5 million related to royalty payments due from a legacy Triangle Capital Corporation portfolio company, partially offset by $0.5 million in escrow distributions we received from six portfolio companies, which were recognized as realized gains.
Net Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation
Net unrealized appreciation and depreciation during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows:
For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded net unrealized appreciation totaling $18.5 million consisting of net unrealized depreciation on our current portfolio of $27.9 million, net unrealized depreciation related to foreign currency transactions of $10.2 million and net unrealized appreciation reclassification adjustments of $56.6 million related to realized gains and losses recognized during the year. The net unrealized depreciation on our current portfolio of $27.9 million was driven primarily by the credit or fundamental performance of middle-market debt investments of $6.1 million and the broad market moves for the entire investment portfolio of $29.5 million, partially offset by the positive impact of foreign currency exchange rates on middle-market debt investments of $7.7 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded net unrealized appreciation totaling $32.1 million consisting of net unrealized appreciation on our current portfolio of $9.2 million, net unrealized depreciation related to foreign currency transactions of $1.0 million and net unrealized appreciation reclassification adjustments of $23.9 million related to realized gains and losses recognized during the year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe that our current cash and foreign currencies on hand, our short-term investments, our available borrowing capacity under the February 2019 Credit Facility and the August 2020 NPA and our anticipated cash flows from operations will be adequate to meet our cash needs for our daily operations for at least the next twelve months. This "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section should be read in conjunction with "COVID-19 Developments" above.
Cash Flows
For the year ended December 31, 2020, we experienced a net increase in cash in the amount of $70.5 million. During that period, our operating activities used $218.1 million in cash, consisting primarily of purchases of portfolio investments of $881.2 million, the acquisition of MVC (net of cash received) of $96.7 million and purchases of short-term investments of $1,182.2 million, partially offset by proceeds from sales of investments totaling $684.5 million and proceeds from the sales of short-term investments of $1,213.2 million. In addition, financing activities provided net cash of $288.6 million, consisting primarily of net borrowings under the August 2018 Credit Facility and the February 2019 Credit Facility of $356.2 million, net proceeds from the August 2025 Notes and the November Notes issuances of $224.3, net proceeds from the issuance of common stock as part of the acquisition of MVC of $160.4 million, partially offset by repayments of the Debt Securitization of $318.2 million, purchases of shares under the share repurchase plan of $7.1 million, repayment of the notes acquired as part of the acquisition of MVC of $95.5 million and dividends paid in the amount of $31.3 million. At December 31, 2020, we had $92.5 million of cash on hand.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we experienced a net increase in cash in the amount of $9.6 million. During that period, our operating activities used $31.5 million in cash, consisting primarily of purchases of portfolio investments of $473.7 million and purchases of short-term investments of $913.6 million, partially offset by proceeds from sales of investments totaling $449.9 million and proceeds from the sales of short-term investments of $862.3 million. In addition, financing activities provided net cash of $41.1 million, consisting primarily of net proceeds from our $449.3 million term debt securitization, or the Debt Securitization, of $348.3 million, partially offset by net repayments under the August 2018 Credit Facility and the February 2019 Credit Facility of $218.6 million, repayments of the Debt Securitization of $30.0 million, purchases of shares under the share repurchase plan of $23.4 million, financing fees paid of $8.3 million and dividends paid in the amount of $26.9 million. At December 31, 2019, we had $22.0 million of cash on hand.
Financing Transactions
August 2018 Credit Facility
On July 3, 2018, we formed BSF, an indirectly wholly-owned Delaware limited liability company, the primary purpose of which was to function as our special purpose, bankruptcy-remote, financing subsidiary. On August 3, 2018, BSF entered into the August 2018 Credit Facility (as subsequently amended in December 2018 and February 2020), with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and Class A-1 Lender, Société Générale, as Class A
Lender, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager. BSF and the administrative agent also entered into a security agreement dated as of August 3, 2018 (the "Security Agreement"), pursuant to which BSF’s obligations under the August 2018 Credit Facility were secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of BSF, including its portfolio of investments (the "Pledged Property"). In connection with the first-priority security interest established under the Security Agreement, all of the Pledged Property was held in the custody of State Street Bank and Trust Company, as collateral administrator.
The August 2018 Credit Facility initially provided for borrowings in an aggregate amount up to $750.0 million, including up to $250.0 million borrowed under the Class A Loan Commitments and up to $500.0 million borrowed under the Class A-1 Loan Commitments. Effective February 28, 2019, we reduced our Class A Loan Commitments to $100.0 million, which reduced total commitments under the August 2018 Credit Facility to $600.0 million. Effective May 9, 2019, we further reduced our Class A Loan Commitments under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $100.0 million to zero and reduced our Class A-1 Loan Commitments under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $500.0 million to $300.0 million, which collectively reduced total commitments under the August 2018 Credit Facility to $300.0 million. Effective June 18, 2019, we further reduced our Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $300.0 million to $250.0 million. Effective August 14, 2019, we further reduced our Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $250.0 million to $177.0 million. Effective October 29, 2019, we further reduced our Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $177.0 million to $150.0 million. Effective January 21, 2020, we further reduced our Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $150.0 million to $80.0 million. Effective April 23, 2020, we further reduced our Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $80.0 million to $30.0 million. Finally, effective June 26, 2020, we further reduced our Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $30.0 million to zero. In connection with these reductions, the pro rata portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs related to the August 2018 Credit Facility was written off and recognized as a loss on extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
On February 21, 2020, we extended the maturity date of the August 2018 Credit Facility from August 3, 2020 to August 3, 2021. On June 30, 2020, following the repayment of all borrowings, interest, and fees payable thereunder and at our election, the August 2018 Credit Facility was terminated, including all commitments and obligations of Bank of America, N.A. to lend or make advances to BSF. In addition, the Security Agreement was terminated and all security interests in the assets of BSF in favor of the lenders were terminated. As a result of these terminations, all obligations of BSF under the August 2018 Credit Facility and Security Agreement were fully discharged.
All borrowings under the August 2018 Credit Facility bore interest, subject to BSF’s election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) the applicable base rate plus the applicable spread or (ii) the applicable LIBOR rate plus the applicable spread. The applicable base rate was equal to the greater of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (ii) the prime rate or (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. The applicable LIBOR rate depended on the term of the borrowing under the August 2018 Credit Facility, which could be either one month or three months and could not be less than zero. BSF was required to pay commitment fees on the unused portion of the August 2018 Credit Facility. BSF could prepay any borrowing at any time without premium or penalty, except that BSF could have been liable for certain funding breakage fees if prepayments occurred prior to expiration of the relevant interest period. BSF could also permanently reduce all or a portion of the commitment amount under the August 2018 Credit Facility without penalty. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the August 2018 Credit Facility.
February 2019 Credit Facility
On February 21, 2019, we entered into the February 2019 Credit Facility (as subsequently amended in December 2019), with ING Capital LLC ("ING"), as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. The initial commitments under the February 2019 Credit Facility total $800.0 million. The February 2019 Credit Facility has an accordion feature that allows for an increase in the total commitments of up to $400.0 million, subject to certain conditions and the satisfaction of specified financial covenants. We can borrow foreign currencies directly under the February 2019 Credit Facility. The February 2019 Credit Facility, which is structured as a revolving credit facility,
is secured primarily by a material portion of our assets and guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries. Following the termination of the August 2018 Credit Facility on June 30, 2020, BSF became a subsidiary guarantor and its assets will secure the February 2019 Credit Facility. The revolving period of the February 2019 Credit Facility ends on February 21, 2023, followed by a one-year repayment period with a final maturity date of February 21, 2024.
Borrowings under the February 2019 Credit Facility bear interest, subject to our election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) the applicable base rate plus 1.00% (or 1.25% if we no longer maintain an investment grade credit rating), (ii) the applicable LIBOR rate plus 2.00% (or 2.25% if we no longer maintain an investment grade credit rating), (iii) for borrowings denominated in certain foreign currencies other than Australian dollars, the applicable currency rate for the foreign currency as defined in the credit agreement plus 2.00% (or 2.25% if we no longer maintain an investment grade credit rating), or (iv) for borrowings denominated in Australian dollars, the applicable Australian dollars Screen Rate, plus 2.20% (or 2.45% if we no longer maintain an investment grade credit rating). The applicable base rate is equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (iii) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 0.5%, (iv) the adjusted three-month applicable currency rate plus 1.0% and (v) 1.0%. The applicable LIBOR and currency rates depend on the currency and term of the draw under the February 2019 Credit Facility, and cannot be less than zero.
In addition, we (i) paid a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum on undrawn amounts for the period beginning on the closing date of the February 2019 Credit Facility to and including the date that was six months after the closing date of the February 2019 Credit Facility, and (ii) thereafter pay a commitment fee of (x) 0.5% per annum on undrawn amounts if the unused portion of the February 2019 Credit Facility is greater than two-thirds of total commitments or (y) 0.375% per annum on undrawn amounts if the unused portion of the February 2019 Credit Facility is equal to or less than two-thirds of total commitments. In connection with entering into the February 2019 Credit Facility, we incurred financing fees of approximately $6.4 million, which will be amortized over the life of the February 2019 Credit Facility.
As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants under the February 2019 Credit Facility and we had U.S. dollar borrowings of $472.0 million outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 2.188% (weighted average one month LIBOR of 0.188%), borrowings denominated in Swedish kronas of 12.8kr million ($1.6 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 2.000% (one month STIBOR of 0.000%), borrowings denominated in British pounds sterling of £69.3 million ($94.8 million U.S. dollars) with a weighted average interest rate of 2.063% (weighted average one month GBP LIBOR of 0.063%), borrowings denominated in Australian dollars of A$36.6 million ($28.2 million U.S. dollars) with a weighted average interest rate of 2.250% (weighted average one month AUD Screen Rate of 0.050%) and borrowings denominated in Euros of €100.6 million ($123.1 million U.S. dollars) with a weighted average interest rate of 2.00% (weighted average one month EURIBOR of 0.000%). The borrowings denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date. The impact resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on the February 2019 Credit Facility borrowings is included in "Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - foreign currency transactions" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The fair values of the borrowings outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility are based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model. As of December 31, 2020, the total fair value of the borrowings outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility was $719.7 million. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the February 2019 Credit Facility.
Term Debt Securitization
On May 9, 2019, we completed the Debt Securitization. Term debt securitizations are also known as collateralized loan obligations and are a form of secured financing, which is consolidated for financial reporting purposes and subject to our overall asset coverage requirement. The notes offered in the Debt Securitization (collectively, the "2019 Notes"), were issued by Barings BDC Static CLO Ltd. 2019-I, ("BBDC Static CLO Ltd.") and Barings BDC Static CLO 2019-I, LLC, our wholly-owned and consolidated subsidiaries. BBDC Static CLO Ltd. and Barings BDC Static CLO 2019-I, LLC are collectively referred to herein as the Issuers. The 2019 Notes
were secured by a diversified portfolio of senior secured loans and participation interests therein. The Debt Securitization was executed through a private placement of approximately $296.8 million of AAA(sf) Class A-1 Senior Secured Floating Rate 2019 Notes (the "Class A-1 2019 Notes"), which bore interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.02%; $51.5 million of AA(sf) Class A-2 Senior Secured Floating Rate 2019 Notes (the "Class A-2 2019 Notes"), which bore interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.65%; and $101.0 million of Subordinated 2019 Notes which did not bear interest and were not rated. We retained all of the Subordinated 2019 Notes issued in the Debt Securitization in exchange for our sale and contribution to BBDC Static CLO Ltd. of the initial closing date portfolio, which included senior secured loans and participation interests. The 2019 Notes were scheduled to mature on April 15, 2027; however the 2019 Notes could be redeemed by the Issuers, at our direction as holder of the Subordinated 2019 Notes, on any business day after May 9, 2020. In connection with the sale and contribution, we made customary representations, warranties and covenants to the Issuers.
The Class A-1 2019 Notes and Class A-2 2019 Notes were the secured obligations of the Issuers, the Subordinated 2019 Notes were the unsecured obligations of BBDC Static CLO Ltd., and the indenture governing the 2019 Notes included customary covenants and events of default. The 2019 Notes were not registered under the Securities Act or any state securities or “blue sky” laws and could not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or an applicable exemption from registration.
We served as collateral manager to BBDC Static CLO Ltd. under a collateral management agreement and we agreed to irrevocably waive all collateral management fees payable pursuant to the collateral management agreement.
The Class A-1 2019 Notes and the Class A-2 2019 Notes issued in connection with the Debt Securitization had floating rate interest provisions based on the three-month LIBOR that reset quarterly, except that LIBOR for the first interest accrual period was calculated by reference to an interpolation between the rate for deposits with a term equal to the next shorter period of time for which rates were available and the rate appearing for deposits with a term equal to the next longer period of time for which rates were available.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, $30.0 million of Class A-1 2019 Notes were repaid. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the remaining 2019 Notes were repaid in full, with the final repayment on October 15, 2020. See Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Debt Securitization.
August 2025 Notes
On August 3, 2020, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “August 2020 NPA”) with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company governing the issuance of (1) $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Series A senior unsecured notes due August 2025 (the “Series A Notes due 2025”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.66% per year, and (2) up to $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of additional senior unsecured notes due August 2025 with a fixed interest rate per year to be determined (the “Additional Notes” and, collectively with the Series A Notes due 2025, the “August 2025 Notes”), in each case, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. An aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million of the Series A Notes due 2025 was issued on September 24, 2020 and an aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million of the Series A Notes due 2025 was issued on September 29, 2020, both of which will mature on August 4, 2025 unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us in accordance with their terms. Interest on the August 2025 Notes will be due semiannually in March and September, beginning in March 2021. In addition, we are obligated to offer to repay the August 2025 Notes at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment) if certain change in control events occur. Subject to the terms of the August 2020 NPA, we may redeem the August 2025 Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before November 3, 2024, a make-whole premium. The August 2025 Notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries, and are our general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by us.
On November 4, 2020, we amended the August 2020 NPA to reduce the aggregate principal amount of unissued Additional Notes from $50.0 million to $25.0 million.
The August 2020 NPA contains certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for senior unsecured notes issued in a private placement, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting, maintenance of our status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, certain restrictions with respect to transactions with affiliates, fundamental changes, changes of line of business, permitted liens, investments and restricted payments, minimum shareholders’ equity, maximum net debt to equity ratio and minimum asset coverage ratio. The August 2020 NPA also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under our other indebtedness or that of our subsidiary guarantors, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the August 2025 Notes at the time outstanding may declare all August 2025 Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants under the August 2020 NPA.
The August 2025 Notes were offered in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The August 2025 Notes have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as applicable.
As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of the outstanding August 2025 Notes was $50.0 million. The fair value determination of the August 2025 Notes was based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
November Notes
On November 4, 2020,we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “November 2020 NPA”) governing the issuance of (1) $62.5 million in aggregate principal amount of Series B senior unsecured notes due November 2025 (the “Series B Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.25% per year and (2) $112.5 million in aggregate principal amount of Series C senior unsecured notes due November 2027 (the “Series C Notes,” and, collectively with the Series B Notes, the “November Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.75% per year, in each case, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. Each stated interest rate is subject to a step up of (x) 0.75% per year, to the extent the applicable November Notes do not satisfy certain investment grade conditions and/or (y) 1.50% per year, to the extent the ratio of our secured debt to total assets exceeds specified thresholds, measured as of each fiscal quarter end. The November Notes were delivered and paid for on November 5, 2020. The Series B Notes will mature on November 4, 2025, and the Series C Notes will mature on November 4, 2027 unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us in accordance with their terms. Interest on the November Notes will be due semiannually in May and November, beginning in May 2021. In addition, we are obligated to offer to repay the November Notes at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment) if certain change in control events occur. Subject to the terms of the November 2020 NPA, we may redeem the Series B Notes and the Series C Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before May 4, 2025, with respect to the Series B Notes, or on or before May 4, 2027, with respect to the Series C Notes, a make-whole premium. The November Notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries, and are our general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by us.
The November 2020 NPA contains certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for senior unsecured notes issued in a private placement, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting, maintenance of our status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, certain restrictions with respect to transactions with affiliates, fundamental changes, changes of line of business, permitted liens, investments and restricted payments, minimum shareholders’ equity, maximum net debt to equity ratio and minimum asset coverage ratio. The November 2020 NPA also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under our other indebtedness or that of our subsidiary guarantors, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the November Notes at the
time outstanding may declare all November Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants under the November 2020 NPA.
The November Notes were offered in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The November Notes have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as applicable.
As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of the outstanding Series B Notes and the Series C Notes was $62.5 million and $112.5 million, respectively. The fair value determinations of the Series B Notes and Series C Notes were based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
Share Repurchase Plan
On February 25, 2019, we adopted a share repurchase plan, pursuant to Board approval, for the purpose of repurchasing shares of our common stock in the open market during the 2019 fiscal year (the "2019 Share Repurchase Plan"). The Board authorized us to repurchase in 2019 up to a maximum of 5.0% of the amount of shares outstanding under the following targets:
•a maximum of 2.5% of the amount of shares of our common stock outstanding if shares traded below NAV per share but in excess of 90% of NAV per share; and
•a maximum of 5.0% of the amount of shares of our common stock outstanding if shares traded below 90% of NAV per share.
The 2019 Share Repurchase Plan was executed in accordance with applicable rules under the Exchange Act, including Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 thereunder, as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan. The 2019 Share Repurchase Plan was designed to allow us to repurchase our shares both during our open window periods and at times when we otherwise might be prevented from doing so under applicable insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods. A broker selected by us was delegated the authority to repurchase shares on our behalf in the open market, pursuant to, and under the terms and limitations of, the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we repurchased a total of 2,333,261 shares of our common stock in the open market under the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan at an average price of $10.01 per share, including broker commissions.
On February 27, 2020, the Board approved an open-market share repurchase program for the 2020 fiscal year (the "2020 Share Repurchase Program"). Under the 2020 Share Repurchase Program, we were authorized during fiscal year 2020 to repurchase up to a maximum of 5.0% of the amount of shares outstanding as of February 27, 2020 if shares traded below NAV per share, subject to liquidity and regulatory constraints.
Purchases under the 2020 Share Repurchase Program were made in open-market transactions and included transactions being executed by a broker selected us that had been delegated the authority to repurchase shares on our behalf in the open market in accordance with applicable rules under the Exchange Act, including Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 thereunder, and pursuant to, and under the terms and limitations of, the 2020 Share Repurchase Program. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we repurchased a total of 989,050 shares of our common stock in the open market under the 2020 Share Repurchase Program at an average price of $7.21 per share, including broker commissions.
Distributions to Stockholders
We have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, and intend to make the required distributions to our stockholders as specified therein. In order to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC and to obtain RIC tax benefits, we must meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. If such requirements are met, then we are generally required to pay income taxes only on the portion of our taxable income and gains we do not distribute (actually or constructively) and certain built-in gains. We have historically met our minimum distribution requirements and continually monitor our distribution requirements with the goal of ensuring compliance with the Code. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and our ability to make distributions will be limited by the asset coverage requirement and related provisions under the 1940 Act and contained in any applicable indenture and related supplements.
The minimum distribution requirements applicable to RICs require us to distribute to our stockholders each year at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, or ICTI, as defined by the Code. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, we may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% U.S. federal excise tax on such excess. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed before the end of the next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year which generated such ICTI.
ICTI generally differs from net investment income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses. We may be required to recognize ICTI in certain circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments issued with warrants), we must include in ICTI each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. We may also have to include in ICTI other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as (i) PIK interest income and (ii) interest income from investments that have been classified as non-accrual for financial reporting purposes. Interest income on non-accrual investments is not recognized for financial reporting purposes, but generally is recognized in ICTI. Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our ICTI for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements, even though we will not have received and may not ever receive any corresponding cash amount. ICTI also excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, as investment gains or losses are not included in taxable income until they are realized.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods covered by such financial statements. We have identified investment valuation and revenue recognition as our most critical accounting estimates. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the matters described below. These estimates are based on the information that is currently available to us and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A discussion of our critical accounting policies follows.
Investment Valuation
The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of our financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded. We have a valuation policy, as well as established and documented processes and methodologies for determining the fair values of portfolio company investments on a recurring (at least quarterly) basis in accordance with the 1940 Act and
FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, or ASC Topic 820. Our current valuation policy and processes were established by Barings and were approved by the Board.
Under ASC Topic 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller at the measurement date. For our portfolio securities, fair value is generally the amount that we might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale of the security. The fair value measurement assumes that the sale occurs in the principal market for the security, or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the security. If no market for the security exists or if we do not have access to the principal market, the security should be valued based on the sale occurring in a hypothetical market.
Under ASC Topic 820, there are three levels of valuation inputs, as follows:
Level 1 Inputs - include quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 Inputs - include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 Inputs - include inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
A financial instrument is categorized within the ASC Topic 820 valuation hierarchy based upon the lowest level of input to the valuation process that is significant to the fair value measurement. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, unrealized appreciation and depreciation related to such investments categorized as Level 3 investments within the tables in the notes to our consolidated financial statements may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Our investment portfolio includes certain debt and equity instruments of privately held companies for which quoted prices or other observable inputs falling within the categories of Level 1 and Level 2 are generally not available. In such cases, we determine the fair value of our investments in good faith primarily using Level 3 inputs. In certain cases, quoted prices or other observable inputs exist, and if so, we assess the appropriateness of the use of these third-party quotes in determining fair value based on (i) our understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote was an indicative price or binding offer and (ii) the depth and consistency of broker quotes and the correlation of changes in broker quotes with underlying performance of the portfolio company.
There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith, as fair value depends upon the specific circumstances of each individual investment. The recorded fair values of our Level 3 investments may differ significantly from fair values that would have been used had an active market for the securities existed. In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different than the valuations currently assigned.
Investment Valuation Process
Barings has established a pricing committee that is, subject to the oversight of the Board, responsible for the approval, implementation and oversight of the processes and methodologies that relate to the pricing and valuation of assets we hold. Barings uses independent third-party providers to price the portfolio, but in the event an acceptable price cannot be obtained from an approved external source, Barings will utilize alternative methods in accordance with internal pricing procedures established by Barings' pricing committee.
At least annually, Barings conducts reviews of the primary pricing vendors to validate that the inputs used in the vendors’ pricing process are deemed to be market observable. While Barings is not provided access to proprietary models of the vendors, the reviews have included on-site walkthroughs of the pricing process, methodologies and control procedures for each asset class and level for which prices are provided. The review also includes an examination of the underlying inputs and assumptions for a sample of individual securities across asset classes, credit rating levels and various durations, a process Barings continues to perform annually. In addition, the
pricing vendors have an established challenge process in place for all security valuations, which facilitates identification and resolution of prices that fall outside expected ranges. Barings believes that the prices received from the pricing vendors are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (i.e. exit prices).
Our money market fund investments are generally valued using Level 1 inputs and our equity investments listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued using Level 1 inputs, using the last quoted sale price of that day. Our syndicated senior secured loans and structured products are generally valued using Level 2 inputs, which are generally valued at the bid quotation obtained from dealers in loans by an independent pricing service. Our middle-market, private debt and equity investments and are generally valued using Level 3 inputs.
Independent Valuation
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we engaged an independent valuation firm to provide third-party valuation consulting services at the end of each fiscal quarter, which consisted of certain limited procedures that we identified and requested the valuation firm to perform (hereinafter referred to as the "Procedures"). The Procedures generally consisted of a review of the quarterly fair values of our middle-market investments, and were generally performed with respect to each investment every quarter beginning in the quarter after the investment was made.
Beginning with the first quarter of 2020, we revised our valuation process to require that the Procedures generally be performed with respect to each middle-market investment at least once in every calendar year and for new investments, at least once in the twelve-month period subsequent to the initial investment. In addition, the Procedures were generally performed with respect to an investment where there was a significant change in the fair value or performance of the investment.
Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2020, the fair value of bank loans and equity investments that are not syndicated or for which market quotations are not readily available, including middle-market bank loans, are generally submitted to independent providers to perform an independent valuation on those bank loans and equity investments as of the end of each quarter. Such bank loans and equity investments are initially held at cost, as that is a reasonable approximation of fair value on the acquisition date, and monitored for material changes that could affect the valuation (for example, changes in interest rates or the credit quality of the borrower). At the quarter end following the initial acquisition, such bank loans and equity investments are generally sent to a valuation provider which will determine the fair value of each investment. The independent valuation providers apply various methods (synthetic rating analysis, discounting cash flows, and re-underwriting analysis) to establish the rate of return a market participant would require (the “discount rate”) as of the valuation date, given market conditions, prevailing lending standards and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. Future expected cash flows for each investment are discounted back to present value using these discount rates in the discounted cash flow analysis. A range of values will be provided by the valuation provider and Barings will determine the point within that range that it will use in making valuation recommendations to the Board, and will report to the Board on its rationale for each such determination. Barings continues to use its internal valuation model as a comparison point to validate the price range provided by the valuation provider and, where applicable, in determining the point within that range that it will use in making valuation recommendations to the Board. If Barings’ pricing committee disagrees with the price range provided, it may make a fair value recommendation to the Board that is outside of the range provided by the independent valuation provider, and will notify the Board of any such override and the reasons therefore. In certain instances, we may determine that it is not cost-effective, and as a result is not in the stockholders' best interests, to request an independent valuation firm to perform an independent valuation on certain investments. Such instances include, but are not limited to, situations where the fair value of the investment in the portfolio company is determined to be insignificant relative to the total investment portfolio. Pursuant to these procedures, the Board determines in good faith whether our investments were valued at fair value in accordance with our valuation policies and procedures and the 1940 Act based on, among other things, the input of Barings, our Audit Committee and the independent valuation firm.
The SEC recently adopted new Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. This establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. We will comply with the new rule’s valuation requirements on or before the SEC’s compliance date in 2022.
Valuation Techniques
Our valuation techniques are based upon both observable and unobservable pricing inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. An independent pricing service provider is the preferred source of pricing a loan, however, to the extent the independent pricing service provider price is unavailable or not relevant and reliable, we will utilize alternative approaches such as broker quotes or manual prices. We attempt to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The availability of observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the security.
Valuation of Investment in Jocassee
We estimate the fair value of our investment in Jocassee Partners LLC, or Jocassee, using the net asset value of Jocassee and our ownership percentage. The net asset value of Jocassee is determined in accordance with the specialized accounting guidance for investment companies.
Valuation of Investment in Thompson Rivers
We estimate the fair value of our investment in Thompson Rivers LLC using the net asset value of Thompson Rivers LLC and our ownership percentage. The net asset value of Thompson Rivers LLC is determined in accordance with the specialized accounting guidance for investment companies.
Valuation of Investments in MVC Private Equity Fund LP
We estimate the fair value of our investment in MVC Private Equity Fund LP (the "MVC PE Fund") using the net asset value of the MVC PE Fund and our ownership percentage. The net asset value of the MVC PE Fund LP is determined in accordance with the specialized accounting guidance for investment companies.
Revenue Recognition
Interest and Dividend Income
Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. Generally, when interest and/or principal payments on a loan become past due, or if we otherwise do not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, we will place the loan on non-accrual status and will generally cease recognizing interest income on that loan for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. The cessation of recognition of such interest will negatively impact the reported fair value of the investment. We write off any previously accrued and uncollected interest when it is determined that interest is no longer considered collectible. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
We may have to include interest income in our ICTI, including original issue discount income, from investments that have been classified as non-accrual for financial reporting purposes. Interest income on non-accrual investments is not recognized for financial reporting purposes, but generally is recognized in ICTI. As a result, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements to maintain our RIC tax treatment, even though we will not have received and may not ever receive any corresponding cash amount. Additionally, any loss recognized by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes on previously accrued interest income will be treated as a capital loss.
Fee Income
Origination, facility, commitment, consent and other advance fees received in connection with the origination of a loan, or Loan Origination Fees, are recorded as deferred income and recognized as investment income over the term of the loan. Upon prepayment of a loan, any unamortized Loan Origination Fees are recorded as investment income. In the general course of our business, we receive certain fees from portfolio companies, which are non-recurring in nature. Such fees include loan prepayment penalties, advisory, loan amendment and other fees, and are recorded as investment income when earned.
Fee income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
Payment-in-Kind (PIK) Interest Income
We currently hold, and expect to hold in the future, some loans in our portfolio that contain PIK interest provisions. PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified in each loan agreement, is periodically added to the principal balance of the loan, rather than being paid to us in cash, and is recorded as interest income. Thus, the actual collection of PIK interest may be deferred until the time of debt principal repayment.
PIK interest, which is a non-cash source of income at the time of recognition, is included in our taxable income and therefore affects the amount we are required to distribute to our stockholders to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, even though we have not yet collected the cash. Generally, when current cash interest and/or principal payments on a loan become past due, or if we otherwise do not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, we will place the loan on non-accrual status and will generally cease recognizing PIK interest income on that loan for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. We write off any previously accrued and uncollected PIK interest when it is determined that the PIK interest is no longer collectible.
We may have to include in our ICTI, PIK interest income from investments that have been classified as non-accrual for financial reporting purposes. Interest income on non-accrual investments is not recognized for financial reporting purposes, but generally is recognized in ICTI. As a result, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements, even though we will not have received and may not ever receive any corresponding cash amount.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are subject to market risk. Market risk includes risks that arise from changes in interest rates, commodity prices, equity prices and other market changes that affect market sensitive instruments. The prices of securities held by us may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies we invest in; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; global pandemics; legislative reform; local, regional, national or global political, social or economic instability; and interest rate fluctuations.
In addition, we are subject to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is defined as the sensitivity of our current and future earnings to interest rate volatility, variability of spread relationships, the difference in re-pricing intervals between our assets and liabilities and the effect that interest rates may have on our cash flows. Changes in the general level of interest rates can affect our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest earning assets and our interest expense incurred in connection with our interest bearing debt and liabilities. Changes in interest rates can also affect, among other things, our ability to acquire and originate loans and securities and the value of our investment portfolio. Our net investment income is affected by fluctuations in various interest rates, including LIBOR, AUD Screen Rate, CDOR, GBP LIBOR, EURIBOR and STIBOR. Our risk management systems and procedures are designed to identify and analyze our risk, to set appropriate policies and limits and to continually monitor these risks. We regularly measure exposure to interest rate risk and determine whether or not any hedging transactions are necessary to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2020, we were not a party to any interest rate hedging arrangements.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately $1,204.5 million (principal amount) of our debt portfolio investments bore interest at variable rates, which generally are LIBOR-based (or based on an equivalent applicable currency rate), and many of which are subject to certain floors. A hypothetical 200 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rates on our variable-rate debt investments could increase or decrease, as applicable, our investment income by a maximum of $24.1 million on an annual basis.
Borrowings under the February 2019 Credit Facility bear interest, subject to our election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) the applicable base rate plus 1.00% (or 1.25% if we no longer maintain an investment grade credit rating), (ii) the applicable LIBOR rate plus 2.00% (or 2.25% if we no longer maintain an investment grade credit rating), (iii) for borrowings denominated in certain foreign currencies other than Australian dollars, the applicable currency rate for the foreign currency as defined in the credit agreement plus 2.00% (or 2.25% if we no longer maintain an investment grade credit rating) or (iv) for borrowings denominated in Australian dollars, the applicable Australian dollars Screen Rate, plus 2.20% (or 2.45% if we no longer maintain an investment grade credit rating). The applicable base rate is equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (iii) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 0.5%, (iv) the adjusted three-month applicable currency rate plus 1.0% and (v) 1.0%. The applicable LIBOR and currency rates depend on the currency and term of the draw under the February 2019 Credit Facility, and cannot be less than zero. A hypothetical 200 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rates on the February 2019 Credit Facility could increase or decrease, as applicable, our interest expense by a maximum of $14.4 million on an annual basis (based on the amount of outstanding borrowings under the February 2019 Credit Facility as of December 31, 2020). We pay a commitment fee of (x) 0.5% per annum on undrawn amounts if the unused portion of the February 2019 Credit Facility is greater than two-thirds of total commitments or (y) 0.375% per annum on undrawn amounts if the unused portion of the February 2019 Credit Facility is equal to or less than two-thirds of total commitments.
In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority announced the desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. There is currently no definitive information regarding the future utilization of LIBOR or of any particular replacement rate. As such, the potential effect of any such event on our cost of capital and net investment income cannot yet be determined. In addition, any further changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market value for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because we have previously borrowed, and plan to borrow in the future, money to make investments, our net investment income will be dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest the funds borrowed. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income if there is not a corresponding increase in interest income generated by our investment portfolio.
We may also have exposure to foreign currencies related to certain investments. Such investments are translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date, exposing us to movements in the
exchange rate. In order to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates, we generally borrow in local foreign currencies under the February 2019 Credit Facility to finance such investments. As of December 31, 2020, we had borrowings denominated in Swedish kronas of 12.8kr million ($1.6 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 2.000%, borrowings denominated in British pounds sterling of £69.3 million ($94.8 million U.S. dollars) with a weighted average interest rate of 2.063%, borrowings denominated in Australian dollars A$36.6 million ($28.2 million U.S. dollars) with a weighted average interest rate of 2.250% and borrowings denominated in Euros of €100.6 million ($123.1 million U.S. dollars) with a weighted interest rate of 2.000%.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, we are party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, consisting primarily of unused commitments to extend financing to our portfolio companies. Since commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The balance of unused commitments to extend financing as of December 31, 2020 was as follows:
(1)The Company's estimate of the fair value of the current investments in these portfolio companies includes an analysis of the fair value of any unfunded commitments.
(2)Represents a commitment to extend financing to a portfolio company where one or more of the Company's current investments in the portfolio company are carried at less than cost.
(3)Actual commitment amount is denominated in Euros. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(4)Actual commitment amount is denominated in British pounds sterling.Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(5)Actual commitment amount is denominated in Australian dollars. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
In the normal course of business, we guarantee certain obligations in connection with our portfolio companies (in particular, certain controlled portfolio companies). Under these guarantee arrangements, payments may be required to be made to third parties if such guarantees are called upon or if the portfolio companies were to default on their related obligations, as applicable. As of December 31, 2020, we had guaranteed €9.9 million ($12.1 million U.S. dollars) relating to credit facilities among Erste Bank and MVC Automotive Group Gmbh, or MVC Auto. We would be required to make payments to Erste Bank if MVC Auto were to default on their related payment obligations. None of the credit facility guarantees are recorded as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As such, the credit facility liabilities are considered in the valuation of our investments in MVC Auto. The guarantees denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
In addition, we agreed to cash collateralize a $3.5 million letter of credit for Security Holdings B.V. The $3.5 million cash collateralization is reflected as "Restricted cash" on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2020, our future fixed commitments for cash payments were as follows:
(1)Amounts represent (i) credit facility commitment fees calculated on the unused amount, which was $80.3 million as of December 31, 2020, (ii) interest expense calculated at a rate of 2.141% of outstanding credit facility borrowings, which were $719.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and (iii) annual fees of the credit facility administrative agent.
Recent Developments
Subsequent to December 31, 2020, we made approximately $224.1 million of new commitments, of which $202.2 million closed and funded. The $202.2 million of investments consist of $162.2 million of first lien senior secured debt investments, a $14.5 million second lien senior secured debt investment, and $25.6 million of equity and joint venture investments. The weighted average yield of the debt investments was 6.7%. In addition, we funded $27.1 million of previously committed delayed draw term loans.
On February 7, 2021, the Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.19 per share payable on March 17, 2021 to holders of record as of March 10, 2021.
On February 25, 2021, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “February 2021 NPA”) governing the issuance of (1) $80.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Series D senior unsecured notes due February 26, 2026 (the “Series D Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 3.41% per year and (2) $70.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Series E senior unsecured notes due February 26, 2028 (the “Series E Notes” and, collectively with the Series D Notes, the “February Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.06% per year, in each case, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. Each stated interest rate is subject to a step up of (x) 0.75% per year, to the extent the applicable February Notes do not satisfy certain investment grade rating conditions and/or (y) 1.50% per year, to the extent the ratio of our secured debt to total assets exceeds specified thresholds, measured as of each fiscal quarter end. The February Notes were delivered and paid for on February 26, 2021. We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering of the February Notes for general corporate purposes, including to make investments and make distributions permitted by the February 2021 NPA.
The Series D Notes will mature on February 26, 2026, and the Series E Notes will mature on February 26, 2028 unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us in accordance with the terms of the February 2021 NPA. Interest on the February Notes will be due semiannually in February and August of each year, beginning in August 2021. In addition, we are obligated to offer to repay the February Notes at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment) if certain change in control events occur. Subject to the terms of the February 2021 NPA, we may redeem the Series D Notes and the Series E Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before August 26, 2025, with respect to the Series D Notes, or on or before August 26, 2027, with respect to the Series E Notes, a make-whole premium.
The February 2021 NPA contains certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for agreements of this type, including, without limitation, information reporting, maintenance of our status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and certain restrictions with respect to transactions with affiliates, fundamental changes, changes of line of business, permitted liens, investments and restricted payments. In addition, the February 2021 NPA contains the following financial covenants: (a) maintaining a minimum obligors’ net worth, measured as of each fiscal quarter end; (b) not permitting our asset coverage ratio, as of the date of the incurrence of any debt for borrowed money or the making of any cash dividend to shareholders, to be less than the statutory minimum then applicable to us under the 1940 Act; and (c) not permitting our net debt to equity ratio to exceed 2.0x, measured as of each fiscal quarter end.
The February 2021 NPA also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under other indebtedness or that of our subsidiary guarantors, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the February Notes at the time outstanding may declare all February Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable.
Our obligations under the February 2021 NPA are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries, and are general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by us.
The February Notes were offered in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The February Notes have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as applicable.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
See the section entitled “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which is included in Item 7 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
See our Financial Statements included herein and listed in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
Not applicable.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020. It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of
control systems, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management (with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information.
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
We have adopted a code of ethics, the Global Code of Ethics Policy, which applies to, among others, our executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as Barings' officers, directors and employees. The Global Code of Ethics Policy is publicly available on our website under “Corporate Governance” at the following URL: https://ir.barings.com/governance-docs.
We will provide any person, without charge, upon request, a copy of our Global Code of Ethics Policy. To receive a copy, please provide a written request to: Barings BDC, Inc., Attn: Chief Compliance Officer, 300 South Tryon Street, Suite 2500 Charlotte, North Carolina, 28202. There have been no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees to the Board that have been implemented since the date the Company last filed a periodic report with the SEC.
Except as set forth above, the information required by this Item with respect to our directors, executive officers and corporate governance matters is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Our definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the date of our fiscal year-end, which was December 31, 2020.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item with respect to compensation of executive officers and directors is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Our definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the date of our fiscal year-end, which was December 31, 2020.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this Item with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Our definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the date of our fiscal year-end, which was December 31, 2020.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item with respect to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Our definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the date of our fiscal year-end, which was December 31, 2020.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item with respect to principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Our definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the date of our fiscal year-end, which was December 31, 2020.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
(1) Financial Statements
Barings BDC, Inc. Financial Statements:
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
None.
Schedules that are not listed herein have been omitted because they are not applicable or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(3) List of Exhibits
The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K, except as otherwise noted, have been filed with previous reports by the Registrant and are herein incorporated by reference.
†Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.
(b) Exhibits
See Item 15(a)(3) above.
(c) Financial Statement Schedules
See Item 15(a)(2) above.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Date: March 23, 2021
BARINGS BDC, INC.
By:/s/ Eric Lloyd
Name: Eric Lloyd
Title: Chief Executive Officer
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.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Barings BDC, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Barings BDC, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company), including the consolidated schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020, the results of its operations, and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. 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 audit 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 a part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit 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. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2020, by correspondence with custodians, portfolio companies or agents or by other appropriate auditing procedures. Our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Acquisition of MVC Capital, Inc.
As discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed its acquisition of MVC Capital, Inc. on December 23, 2020. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition under Accounting Standards Codification 805-50. The difference between the fair value of net assets acquired and the fair value of the merger consideration paid was recognized as deemed contribution from the Company’s investment adviser and shareholder, Barings LLC.
We identified the evaluation of the acquisition of MVC Capital, Inc. as a critical audit matter because the application of asset acquisition guidance and the accounting for the difference between the fair value of the net assets acquired and the fair value of the merger consideration paid involved a higher degree of auditor judgment.
The following are the procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design of certain internal controls over the Company’s acquisition process, including controls related to the application of the asset acquisition guidance. We assessed the evidence underlying the accounting of the transaction as an asset acquisition and the recognition of deemed contribution from Barings LLC. Specifically, we read and evaluated the Company’s asset acquisition accounting memorandum that documented the facts and circumstances in the transaction, which included the factors the Company considered in determining the applicable accounting treatment. In addition, we compared the facts and circumstances in the Company’s accounting memorandum to the acquisition agreement.
Credit Support Agreement
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company entered into a credit support arrangement (CSA) with Barings LLC. The CSA was recognized as a derivative asset and deemed contribution from Barings LLC.
We identified the evaluation of the CSA as a critical audit matter. A higher degree of auditor judgment was required to evaluate the application of the derivative accounting guidance due to the nature of the CSA.
The following are the procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design of certain internal controls over the Company’s derivatives process, including the control related to the application of the derivative guidance to the CSA. We assessed the evidence underlying the accounting of the CSA as a derivative and the recognition of deemed contribution from Barings LLC. Specifically, we read and evaluated the Company’s CSA accounting memorandum that documented the business purpose and the terms of the CSA, which included the factors the Company considered in determining the applicable accounting treatment. In addition, we compared the facts and circumstances in the Company’s accounting memorandum to the CSA.
Assessment of the fair value of investments
As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company measures its investments at fair value. In determining the fair value of investments that are not publicly traded and whose market quotations are not readily available, the Company makes subjective judgments and estimates using unobservable inputs.
We identified the assessment of the fair value of investments with no readily determinable market value as a critical audit matter. The evaluation of certain assumptions used to estimate the fair value of investments with no readily determinable market value involved a high degree of subjective auditor judgment and specialized skills and knowledge. Specifically, market yields for investments with similar terms and credit risks used in income approach analyses and the selection of comparable companies and financial performance multiples of such comparable companies used in market approach analyses required subjective auditor judgment. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the estimate of the fair value of investments.
The following are the procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design of certain internal controls over the process to value investments. These included controls related to the determination of market yields, credit risk, selection of comparable companies, and financial performance multiples assumptions. We evaluated the Company’s ability to estimate fair value by comparing prior period fair values for a selection of investments to transaction prices of transactions occurring subsequent to the valuation date. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and
knowledge who, for a selection of the Company’s investments, assisted in evaluating the Company’s fair value estimate by:
•developing a market yield, for investments fair valued using an income approach, by assessing available market information, such as market yields of comparable companies of similar credit risk
•developing a market multiple, for investments fair valued using a market approach, by assessing market information from third-party sources, including financial performance multiples of comparable companies
•developing independent estimates of fair value, for the selected investments, based upon developed market yields and financial performance multiples and compared the results to the Company’s fair value estimates.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
March 23, 2021
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Barings BDC, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Barings BDC, Inc. (the “Company”), including the consolidated schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, 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, 2019, the results of its operations, changes in its net assets, and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 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 financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of December 31, 2019, by correspondence with the custodians, agents and/or the underlying investee or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from agents were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We served as the Company’s auditor from 2006 to 2020.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
February 27, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
See accompanying notes.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
See accompanying notes.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
See accompanying notes.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
See accompanying notes.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments
(a) The Credit Support Agreement covers all of the investments acquired by the Company from MVC Capital, Inc. ("MVC") in connection with the MVC Acquisition (as defined in “Note 11 - MVC Capital, Inc. Acquisition”) and any investments received by the Company in connection with the restructuring, amendment, extension or other modification (including the issuance of new securities) of any of the investments acquired by the Company from MVC in connection with the MVC Acquisition (collectively, the “Reference Portfolio”). Each investment that is included in the Reference Portfolio is denoted in the above Schedule of Investments with footnote (23).
(b) The Company and Barings LLC entered into a Credit Support Agreement pursuant to which Barings LLC agreed to provide credit support to the Company in the amount of up to $23.0 million.
(c) Settlement Date means the earlier of (1) January 1, 2031 and (2) the date on which the entire Reference Portfolio has been realized or written off.
(d) See “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions” for additional information regarding the Credit Support Agreement.
_______________________________________________________________
* Fair value as a percentage of net assets.
(1)All debt investments are income producing, unless otherwise noted. Equity and any equity-linked investments are non-income producing, unless otherwise noted. The Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") determined in good faith that all investments were valued at fair value in accordance with the Company's valuation policies and procedures and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act") based on, among other things, the input of the Company's external investment adviser, Barings LLC ("Barings"), the Company’s Audit Committee and independent valuation firms that have been engaged to assist in the valuation of the Company's middle-market investments. In addition, all debt investments are variable rate investments unless otherwise noted. Index-based floating interest rates are generally subject to a contractual minimum interest rate. A majority of the variable rate loans in the Company's investment portfolio bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to LIBOR, EURIBOR, GBP LIBOR, BBSY, STIBOR or an alternate Base Rate (commonly based on the Federal Funds Rate or the Prime Rate), which typically reset semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly at the borrower's option. The borrower may also elect to have multiple interest reset periods for each loan.
(2)All of the Company’s portfolio company investments (including joint venture and short-term investments), which as of December 31, 2020 represented 208.4% of the Company’s net assets, are subject to legal restrictions on sales. The acquisition date represents the date of the Company's initial investment in the relevant portfolio company.
(3)Investment is not a qualifying investment as defined under Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. Non-qualifying assets represent 23.4% of total investments at fair value as of December 31, 2020. Qualifying assets must represent at least 70% of total assets at the time of acquisition of any additional non-qualifying assets. If at any time qualifying assets do not represent at least 70% of the Company's total assets, the Company will be precluded from acquiring any additional non-qualifying asset until such time as it complies with the requirements of Section 55(a).
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
(4)As defined in the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be an “affiliated person” of the portfolio company as the Company owns between 5% or more, up to 25%(inclusive), of the portfolio company's voting securities (“non-controlled affiliate”). Transactions related to investments in non-controlled "Affiliate Investments" for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:
(a) Equity and equity-linked investments are non-income producing, unless otherwise noted.
(b) Represents the total amount of interest, fees or dividends credited to income for the portion of the year an investment was included in the Affiliate category.
(c) Gross additions include increases in the cost basis of investments resulting from new investments and follow-on investments. Gross additions also include net increases in unrealized appreciation or net decreases in unrealized depreciation.
(d) Gross reductions include decreases in the total cost basis of investments resulting from principal repayments or sales. Gross reductions also include net increases in unrealized depreciation or net decreases in unrealized appreciation.
(e) The fair value of the investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs.
(5) As defined in the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be both an “affiliated person” and “control” the portfolio company because it owns more than 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or it has the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company (including through a management agreement). Transactions as of and during the year ended December 31, 2020 in which the portfolio company is deemed to be a "Control Investment" of the Company are as follows:
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2020
(a) Equity and equity-linked investments are non-income producing, unless otherwise noted.
(b) Represents the total amount of interest, fees or dividends credited to income for the portion of the year an investment was included in the Control category.
(c) Gross additions include increases in the cost basis of investments resulting from new investments and follow-on investments. Gross additions also include net increases in unrealized appreciation or net decreases in unrealized depreciation.
(d) Gross reductions include decreases in the total cost basis of investments resulting from principal repayments or sales. Gross reductions also include net increases in unrealized depreciation or net decreases in unrealized appreciation.
(e) The fair value of the investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs.
(6)Some or all of the investment is or will be encumbered as security for the Company's $800.0 million senior secured credit facility with ING Capital LLC initially entered into in February 2019 (as amended, restated and otherwise modified from time to time, the "February 2019 Credit Facility").
(7)The fair value of the investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs.
(8)Non-accrual investment.
(9)Debt investment includes interest rate floor feature.
(10)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 1 Month LIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was 0.14388%.
(11)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 2 Month LIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was 0.19038%.
(12)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 3 Month LIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was 0.23838%.
(13)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 6 Month LIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was 0.25763%.
(14)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 2 month GBP LIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was 0.06088%.
(15)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 3 Month GBP LIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was 0.02550%.
(16)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 6 Month GBP LIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was 0.02988%.
(17)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 1 Month EURIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was -0.55400%.
(18)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 3 Month EURIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was -0.54500%.
(19)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 6 Month EURIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was -0.526%.
(20)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 3 Month STIBOR, which as of December 31, 2020 was -0.08500%.
(21)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 1 Month BBSY, which as of December 31, 2020 was 0.01000%.
(22)The interest rate on these loans is subject to 3 Month BBSY, which as of December 31, 2020 was 0.01000%.
(23)Investment was purchased as part of the MVC Acquisition and is part of the Reference Portfolio for purposes of the Credit Support Agreement.
(24)In 2017, MVC Capital, Inc. received $5.7 million of 9.5% second lien callable notes due in 2025, in lieu of an escrow to satisfy any indemnification claims associated with MVC Capital, Inc's sale of its equity investment in U.S. Gas & Electric. Effective January 1, 2018, the cost basis of the U.S. Gas second lien loan was decreased by approximately $3.0 million due to a working capital adjustment. This loan is still subject to indemnification adjustments.
See accompanying notes.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2019
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2019
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2019
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2019
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2019
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2019
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2019
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2019
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2019
Barings BDC, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)
December 31, 2019
* Fair value as a percentage of net assets.
(1)All debt investments are income producing, unless otherwise noted. Equity and any equity-linked investments are non-income producing, unless otherwise noted. The Board determined in good faith that all investments were valued at fair value in accordance with the Company's valuation policies and procedures and the 1940 Act based on, among other things, the input of Barings, the Company’s Audit Committee and, in accordance with the Company's valuation policies and procedures, an independent valuation firm that has been engaged to assist in the valuation of the Company's middle-market investments. In addition, all debt investments are variable rate investments unless otherwise noted. Index-based floating interest rates are generally subject to a contractual minimum interest rate. A majority of the variable rate loans in the Company's investment portfolio bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to either LIBOR or an alternate Base Rate (commonly based on the Federal Funds Rate or the Prime Rate), which typically reset semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly at the borrower's option. The borrower may also elect to have multiple interest reset periods for each loan.
(2)All of the Company’s portfolio company investments (including joint venture and short-term investments), which as of December 31, 2019 represented 206% of the Company’s net assets, are subject to legal restrictions on sales. The acquisition date represents the date of the Company's initial investment in the relevant portfolio company.
(3)Investment is not a qualifying investment as defined under Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. Non-qualifying assets represent 14.8% of total investments at fair value as of December 31, 2019. Qualifying assets must represent at least 70% of total assets at the time of acquisition of any additional non-qualifying assets. If at any time qualifying assets do not represent at least 70% of the Company's total assets, the Company will be precluded from acquiring any additional non-qualifying asset until such time as it complies with the requirements of Section 55(a).
(4)Some or all of the investment is or will be encumbered as security for Barings BDC Senior Funding I, LLC's credit facility entered into in August 2018 with Bank of America, N.A., as subsequently amended in December 2018 and February 2020 (the "August 2018 Credit Facility").
(5)Some or all of the investment is or will be encumbered as security for the February 2019 Credit Facility.
(6)Some or all of the investment is encumbered as security for the Company's Debt Securitization.
(7)The fair value of the investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs.
(8)Debt investment includes interest rate floor feature.
(9)As defined in the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be an “affiliated person” of the portfolio company as the Company owns 5% or more, up to 25% (inclusive), of the portfolio company's voting securities (“non-controlled affiliate”). Transactions related to investments in non-controlled "Affiliate Investments" for the year ended December 31, 2019 were as follows:
(a) Equity and equity-linked investments are non-income producing, unless otherwise noted.
(b) Represents the total amount of interest, fees or dividends credited to income for the portion of the year an investment was included in the Affiliate category.
(c) Gross additions include increases in the cost basis of investments resulting from new investments and follow-on investments. Gross additions also include net increases in unrealized appreciation or net decreases in unrealized depreciation.
(d) Gross reductions include decreases in the total cost basis of investments resulting from principal repayments or sales. Gross reductions also include net increases in unrealized depreciation or net decreases in unrealized appreciation.
See accompanying notes.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization, Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Business
Barings BDC, Inc. (the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are specialty finance companies. The Company currently operates as a closed-end, non-diversified investment company and has elected to be treated as a business development company ("BDC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Company has elected for federal income tax purposes to be treated as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
The Asset Sale and Externalization Transactions
On April 3, 2018, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Asset Purchase Agreement") with BSP Asset Acquisition I, LLC (the "Asset Buyer"), an affiliate of Benefit Street Partners L.L.C., pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell its December 31, 2017 investment portfolio to the Asset Buyer for gross proceeds of $981.2 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments to take into account portfolio activity and other matters occurring since December 31, 2017 (such transaction referred to herein as the "Asset Sale Transaction").
Also on April 3, 2018, the Company entered into a stock purchase and transaction agreement (the "Externalization Agreement") with Barings LLC ("Barings" or the "Adviser"), through which Barings agreed to become the investment adviser to the Company in exchange for (1) a payment by Barings of $85.0 million directly to the Company’s stockholders, (2) an investment by Barings of $100.0 million in newly issued shares of the Company's common stock at net asset value and (3) a commitment from Barings to purchase up to $50.0 million of shares of the Company's common stock in the open market at prices up to and including the Company's then-current net asset value per share for a two-year period, after which Barings agreed to use any remaining funds from the $50.0 million to purchase additional newly issued shares of the Company's common stock at the greater of the Company's then-current net asset value per share and market price (collectively, the "Externalization Transaction"). The Asset Sale Transaction and the Externalization Transaction are collectively referred to as the "Transactions." The Transactions were approved by the Company's stockholders at the Company's July 24, 2018 special meeting of stockholders.
The Asset Sale Transaction closed on July 31, 2018. The gross cash proceeds received from the Asset Buyer and certain affiliates of the Asset Buyer in connection with the Asset Sale Transaction were approximately $793.3 million, after adjustments to take into account portfolio activity and other matters occurring since December 31, 2017, as described in greater detail in the Asset Purchase Agreement. Adjustments to the purchase price included, among other things, approximately $208.8 million of principal payments and prepayments, sales proceeds and distributions related to the investment portfolio that were received and retained by the Company between December 31, 2017 and the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction, offset by approximately $29.5 million of loans and equity investments originated between December 31, 2017 and the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction.
In connection with the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of its unsecured notes issued in October 2012 and November 2012 due 2022 (the “December 2022 Notes”) and to holders of its unsecured notes issued in February 2015 due 2022 (the “March 2022 Notes”) regarding the redemption of all $80.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the December 2022 Notes and all $86.3 million in aggregate principal amount of the March 2022 Notes, in each case, on August 30, 2018. The December 2022 Notes and the March 2022 Notes were redeemed at 100% of their principal amount ($25.00 per Note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from June 15, 2018 to, but excluding, August 30, 2018, which resulted in a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $2.9 million. In furtherance of the redemption, on July 31, 2018, the Company irrevocably deposited with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the indenture and supplements thereto relating to the December 2022 Notes and the March 2022 Notes, funds in trust for the purposes of redeeming all of the issued and outstanding December 2022 Notes and March 2022 Notes and paying all sums due and payable under the indenture and supplements thereto. As a result, the Company’s obligations under the indenture and supplements thereto relating to the December 2022 Notes and the March 2022 Notes were satisfied and discharged as of July 31, 2018, except with respect to those obligations that the indenture expressly provides shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture. In addition, in connection with the closing of the Asset
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Sale Transaction, the Company terminated its senior secured credit facility entered into in May 2015 and subsequently amended in May 2017 which resulted in a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $4.1 million.
The Company's former wholly-owned subsidiaries, Triangle Mezzanine Fund II LP ("Triangle SBIC II") and Triangle Mezzanine Fund III LP ("Triangle SBIC III") were specialty finance limited partnerships that were formed to make investments primarily in lower middle-market companies located throughout the United States. Each of Triangle SBIC, Triangle SBIC II and Triangle SBIC III held licenses to operate as Small Business Investment Companies ("SBICs") under the authority of the United States Small Business Administration ("SBA"). In connection with the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction, the Company repaid all of its outstanding SBA-guaranteed debentures and surrendered the SBIC licenses held by Triangle SBIC, Triangle SBIC II, and Triangle SBIC III. The Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.5 million related to the repayment of its outstanding SBA-guaranteed debentures.
The Externalization Transaction closed on August 2, 2018 (the "Externalization Closing"). Effective as of the Externalization Closing, the Company changed its name from Triangle Capital Corporation to Barings BDC, Inc. and on August 3, 2018 began trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "BBDC."
In connection with the Externalization Closing, the following events occurred:
•On August 2, 2018, the Company entered into an investment advisory agreement (the "Original Advisory Agreement") and an administration agreement (the "Administration Agreement") with the Adviser pursuant to which the Adviser serves as the Company’s investment adviser and administrator and manages its investment portfolio which initially consisted primarily of the cash proceeds received in connection with the Asset Sale Transaction.
•On August 2, 2018, the Company issued 8,529,917 shares of the Company's common stock to the Adviser at a price of $11.723443 per share, or an aggregate of $100.0 million in cash, in a private transaction exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder (the "Stock Issuance").
•On August 2, 2018, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the Adviser with respect to the shares of the Company's common stock acquired in the Stock Issuance.
•On August 7, 2018, the Company launched a $50.0 million issuer tender offer (the "Tender Offer"). Pursuant to the Tender Offer, on September 11, 2018, the Company purchased 4,901,961 shares of the Company's common stock at a purchase price of $10.20 per share, for an aggregate cost of approximately $50.0 million, excluding fees and expenses relating to the Tender Offer. The shares of common stock purchased in the Tender Offer represented approximately 8.7% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares as of September 6, 2018.
•On September 24, 2018, the Adviser entered into a Rule 10b5-1 Purchase Plan, (the "10b5-1 Plan"), that qualified for the safe harbors provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan, an independent broker made purchases of shares of the Company's common stock on the open market on behalf of the Adviser in accordance with purchase guidelines specified in the 10b5-1 Plan. The 10b5-1 Plan was established in accordance with the Adviser's obligation under the Externalization Agreement to enter into a trading plan pursuant to which the Adviser committed to purchase $50.0 million in value of shares in open market transactions through an independent broker. The maximum aggregate purchase price of all shares purchased under the 10b5-1 Plan was $50.0 million. On February 11, 2019, the Adviser fulfilled its obligations under the 10b5-1 Plan to purchase an aggregate amount of $50.0 million in shares of the Company's common stock and the 10b5-1 Plan terminated in accordance with its terms. Upon completion of the 10b5-1 Plan, the Adviser had purchased 5,084,302 shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan and as of December 31, 2020, owned a total of 13,639,681 shares of our common stock, or 20.9% of the total shares outstanding.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Expenses Related to the Transactions
In connection with the Externalization Transaction, and the subsequent change of control and related termination of employees, the Company recognized one-time compensation expenses of approximately $27.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. These one-time compensation expenses included severance expenses, pro-rata incentive compensation, transaction-related bonuses, expenses related to the acceleration of vesting of restricted stock grants and deferred compensation grants, and other expenses associated with the obligations under the Company's existing severance agreements and severance policy. In addition, the Company recognized transaction advisory fees, legal expenses and other direct costs associated with the Transactions of approximately $11.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2018.
Organization
The Company is a Maryland corporation incorporated on October 10, 2006. Prior to the Externalization Transaction, the Company was internally managed by its executive officers under the supervision of its Board of Directors (the "Board"). During this period, the Company did not pay management or advisory fees, but instead incurred the operating costs associated with employing executive management and investment and portfolio management professionals. On August 2, 2018, the Company entered into the Original Advisory Agreement and became an externally-managed BDC managed by the Adviser. An externally-managed BDC generally does not have any employees, and its investment and management functions are provided by an outside investment adviser and administrator under an investment advisory agreement and administration agreement. Instead of the Company directly compensating employees, the Company pays the Adviser for investment and management services pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement (as defined in “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions”) (and, prior to January 1, 2021, under the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement) and the Administration Agreement. See “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions” for additional information regarding the Company’s investment advisory agreement and administration agreement.
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Barings BDC, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The effects of all intercompany transactions between the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company is an investment company and, therefore, applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. ASC Topic 946 states that consolidation by the Company of an investee that is not an investment company is not appropriate, except when the Company holds a controlling interest in an operating company that provides all or substantially all of its services directly to the Company or to its portfolio companies. None of the portfolio investments made by the Company qualify for this exception. Therefore, the Company's investment portfolio is carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, as discussed further in Note 3, with any adjustments to fair value recognized as "Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). All financial data and information included in these financial statements have been presented on the basis described above.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, 2018-13, Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ("ASU 2018-13"), which includes new, eliminated and modified fair value disclosure requirements. The new guidance requires disclosure of the range and weighted average of the significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements and the way it is calculated. The guidance also eliminates the following disclosures: (i) amount and reason for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, (ii) policy for timing of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy and (iii) valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurement. In addition, the disclosure is modified such that the narrative description for the recurring Level 3 fair value measures should communicate information about the measurement uncertainty in fair value measurements as of the reporting date rather than a point in the future. The guidance is effective for all entities for
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the aforementioned guidance on January 1, 2020 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). The amendments in ASU 2020-04 provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. ASU 2020- 04 is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2020- 04 on its consolidated financial statements.
Share Repurchase Plan
On February 25, 2019, the Company adopted a share repurchase plan, pursuant to Board approval, for the purpose of repurchasing shares of the Company's common stock in the open market during the 2019 fiscal year (the "2019 Share Repurchase Plan"). The Board authorized the Company to repurchase in 2019 up to a maximum of 5.0% of the amount of shares outstanding under the following targets:
•a maximum of 2.5% of the amount of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding if shares traded below NAV per share but in excess of 90% of NAV per share; and
•a maximum of 5.0% of the amount of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding if shares traded below 90% of NAV per share.
The 2019 Share Repurchase Plan was executed in accordance with applicable rules under the Exchange Act including Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 thereunder, as well as certain price, market volume and timing constraints specified in the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan. The 2019 Share Repurchase Plan was designed to allow the Company to repurchase its shares both during its open window periods and at times when it otherwise might be prevented from doing so under applicable insider trading laws or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods. A broker selected by the Company was delegated the authority to repurchase shares on the Company's behalf in the open market, pursuant to, and under the terms and limitations of, the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased a total of 2,333,261 shares of its common stock in the open market under the 2019 Share Repurchase Plan at an average price of $10.01 per share, including broker commissions.
On February 27, 2020, the Board approved an open-market share repurchase program for the 2020 fiscal year (the “2020 Share Repurchase Program”). Under the 2020 Share Repurchase Program, the Company was authorized during fiscal year 2020 to repurchase up to a maximum of 5.0% of the amount of shares outstanding as of February 27, 2020 if shares traded below NAV per share, subject to liquidity and regulatory constraints.
Purchases under the 2020 Share Repurchase Program were made in open-market transactions and included transactions being executed by a broker selected by the Company that had been delegated the authority to repurchase shares on the Company's behalf in the open market in accordance with applicable rules under the Exchange Act, including Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 thereunder, and pursuant to, and under the terms and limitations of, the 2020 Share Repurchase Program. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased a total of 989,050 shares of its common stock in the open market under the 2020 Share Repurchase Program at an average price of $7.21 per share, including broker commissions.
Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Valuation of Investments
The Company has a valuation policy, as well as established and documented processes and methodologies for determining the fair values of portfolio company investments on a recurring (at least quarterly) basis in accordance with the 1940 Act and FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC Topic 820"). The Company's current valuation policy and processes were established by the Adviser and were approved by the Board.
Under ASC Topic 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller at the measurement date. For the Company’s portfolio securities, fair value is generally the amount that the Company might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale of the security. Under ASC Topic 820, the fair value measurement assumes that the sale occurs in the principal market for the security, or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the security. Under ASC Topic 820, if no market for the security exists or if the Company does not have access to the principal market, the security should be valued based on the sale occurring in a hypothetical market.
Under ASC Topic 820, there are three levels of valuation inputs, as follows:
Level 1 Inputs - include quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 Inputs - include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 Inputs - include inputs that are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
A financial instrument is categorized within the ASC Topic 820 valuation hierarchy based upon the lowest level of input to the valuation process that is significant to the fair value measurement. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, unrealized appreciation and depreciation related to such investments categorized as Level 3 investments within the tables below may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).
The Company’s investment portfolio includes certain debt and equity instruments of privately held companies for which quoted prices or other observable inputs falling within the categories of Level 1 and Level 2 are generally not available. In such cases, the Company determines the fair value of its investments in good faith primarily using Level 3 inputs. In certain cases, quoted prices or other observable inputs exist, and if so, the Company assesses the appropriateness of the use of these third-party quotes in determining fair value based on (i) its understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote was an indicative price or binding offer and (ii) the depth and consistency of broker quotes and the correlation of changes in broker quotes with the underlying performance of the portfolio company.
There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith, as fair value depends upon the specific circumstances of each individual investment. The recorded fair values of the Company’s Level 3 investments may differ significantly from fair values that would have been used had an active market for the securities existed. In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different than the valuations currently assigned.
Investment Valuation Process
The Adviser has established a pricing committee that is, subject to the oversight of the Board, responsible for the approval, implementation and oversight of the processes and methodologies that relate to the pricing and valuation of assets held by the Company. The Adviser uses independent third-party providers to price the portfolio, but in the event an acceptable price cannot be obtained from an approved external source, the Adviser will utilize alternative methods in accordance with internal pricing procedures established by the Adviser's pricing committee.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
At least annually, the Adviser conducts reviews of the primary pricing vendors to validate that the inputs used in the vendors’ pricing process are deemed to be market observable. While the Adviser is not provided access to proprietary models of the vendors, the reviews have included on-site walkthroughs of the pricing process, methodologies and control procedures for each asset class and level for which prices are provided. The review also includes an examination of the underlying inputs and assumptions for a sample of individual securities across asset classes, credit rating levels and various durations, a process the Adviser continues to perform annually. In addition, the pricing vendors have an established challenge process in place for all security valuations, which facilitates identification and resolution of prices that fall outside expected ranges. The Adviser believes that the prices received from the pricing vendors are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (i.e. exit prices).
The Company's money market fund investments are generally valued using Level 1 inputs and its equity investments listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued using Level 1 inputs, using the last quoted sale price of that day. The Company’s syndicated senior secured loans and structured product investments are generally valued using Level 2 inputs, which are generally valued at the bid quotation obtained from dealers in loans by an independent pricing service. The Company's middle-market, private debt and equity investments are generally valued using Level 3 inputs.
Independent Valuation
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company engaged an independent valuation firm to provide third-party valuation consulting services at the end of each fiscal quarter which consisted of certain limited procedures that the Company identified and requested the valuation firm to perform (hereinafter referred to as the "Procedures"). The Procedures generally consisted of a review of the quarterly fair values of the Company's middle-market investments, and were generally performed with respect to each investment every quarter beginning in the quarter after the investment was made.
Beginning with the first quarter of 2020, the Company revised its valuation process to require that the Procedures generally be performed with respect to each middle-market investment at least once in every calendar year and for new investments, at least once in the twelve-month period subsequent to the initial investment. In addition, the Procedures were generally performed with respect to an investment where there was a significant change in the fair value or performance of the investment.
Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2020, the fair value of bank loans and equity investments that are not syndicated or for which market quotations are not readily available, including middle-market bank loans, are generally submitted to independent providers to perform an independent valuation on those bank loans and equity investments as of the end of each quarter. Such bank loans and equity investments are initially held at cost, as that is a reasonable approximation of fair value on the acquisition date, and monitored for material changes that could affect the valuation (for example, changes in interest rates or the credit quality of the borrower). At the quarter end following the initial acquisition, such bank loans and equity investments are generally sent to a valuation provider which will determine the fair value of each investment. The independent valuation providers apply various methods (synthetic rating analysis, discounting cash flows, and re-underwriting analysis) to establish the rate of return a market participant would require (the “discount rate”) as of the valuation date, given market conditions, prevailing lending standards and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. Future expected cash flows for each investment are discounted back to present value using these discount rates in the discounted cash flow analysis. A range of values will be provided by the valuation provider and the Adviser will determine the point within that range that it will use in making valuation recommendations to the Board, and will report to the Board on its rationale for each such determination. The Adviser continued to use its internal valuation model as a comparison point to validate the price range provided by the valuation provider and, where applicable, in determining the point within that range that it will use in making valuation recommendations to the Board. If the Advisers’ pricing committee disagrees with the price range provided, it may make a fair value recommendation to the Board that is outside of the range provided by the independent valuation provider, and will notify the Board of any such override and the reasons therefore. In certain instances, the Company may determine that it is not cost-effective, and as a result is not in the stockholders' best interests, to request the independent valuation firm to perform an independent valuation on certain investments. Such instances include, but are not limited to, situations where the fair value of the investment in the portfolio
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
company is determined to be insignificant relative to the total investment portfolio. Pursuant to these procedures, the Board determines in good faith whether the Company's investments were valued at fair value in accordance with the Company's valuation policies and procedures and the 1940 Act based on, among other things, the input of Barings, the Company’s Audit Committee and the independent valuation firm.
Valuation Techniques
The Company's valuation techniques are based upon both observable and unobservable pricing inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company's market assumptions. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. An independent pricing service provider is the preferred source of pricing a loan, however, to the extent the independent pricing service provider price is unavailable or not relevant and reliable, the Company will utilize alternative approaches such as broker quotes or manual prices. The Company attempts to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The availability of observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the security.
Valuation of Investment in Jocassee
The Company estimates the fair value of its investment in Jocassee Partners LLC using the net asset value of Jocassee Partners LLC and its ownership percentage. The net asset value of Jocassee Partners LLC is determined in accordance with the specialized accounting guidance for investment companies.
Valuation of Investment in Thompson Rivers
The Company estimates the fair value of its investment in Thompson Rivers LLC using the net asset value of Thompson Rivers LLC and its ownership percentage. The net asset value of Thompson Rivers LLC is determined in accordance with the specialized accounting guidance for investment companies.
Valuation of Investments in MVC Private Equity Fund LP
The Company estimates the fair value of its investment in MVC Private Equity Fund LP (the "MVC PE Fund") using the net asset value of the MVC PE Fund and its ownership percentage. The net asset value of the MVC PE Fund is determined in accordance with the specialized accounting guidance for investment companies.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Level 3 Unobservable Inputs
The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs the Company used in the valuation of its Level 3 debt and equity securities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The weighted average range of unobservable inputs is based on fair value of investments.
(1)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $2,474,068, which the Company valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
(2)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $2,075,117, which the Company valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
(3)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $68,670, which the Company valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(1)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $26,592,519, which the Company valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
(2)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $2,312,500, which the Company valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
Significant increases or decreases in any of the above unobservable inputs in isolation, including changes in market yields, discount rates or EBITDA multiples, may change the fair value of certain of the Company’s investments. Generally, an increase in market yields or decrease in EBITDA multiples may result in a decrease in the fair value of certain of the Company's investments.
Unsettled Purchases and Sales of Investments
Investment transactions are recorded based on the trade date of the transaction. As a result, unsettled purchases and sales are recorded as payables and receivables from unsettled transactions, respectively. While purchase and sales of the Company's syndicated senior secured loans generally settle on a T+7 basis, the settlement period will sometimes extend past the scheduled settlement. In such cases, the Company is contractually owed and recognizes interest income equal to the applicable margin ("spread") beginning on the T+7 date. Such income is accrued as interest receivable and is collected upon settlement of the investment transaction.
Realized Gain or Loss and Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation of Portfolio Investments
Realized gains or losses are recorded upon the sale or liquidation of investments and are calculated as the difference between the net proceeds from the sale or liquidation, if any, and the cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the difference between the fair value of the investments and the cost basis of the investments.
Investment Classification
In accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Company classifies investments by level of control. As defined in the 1940 Act, "Control Investments" are investments in those companies that the Company is deemed to "Control." "Affiliate Investments" are investments in those companies that are "Affiliated Persons" of the Company, as defined in the 1940 Act, other than Control Investments. "Non-Control / Non-Affiliate Investments" are those that are neither Control Investments nor Affiliate Investments. Generally, under the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to control a company in which it has invested if the Company owns more than 25.0% of the voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) and/or has the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. Generally, under the 1940 Act, “Affiliate Investments” that are not otherwise “Control Investments” are defined as investments in which the Company owns at least 5.0%, up to 25.0% (inclusive), of the voting securities and does not have the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company.
Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments represent investments in money market funds.
Deferred Financing Fees
Costs incurred to issue debt are capitalized and are amortized over the term of the debt agreements using the effective interest method.
Barings BDC, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Investment Income
Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. Generally, when interest and/or principal payments on a loan become past due, or if the Company otherwise does not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, the Company will place the loan on non-accrual status and will generally cease recognizing interest income on that loan for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. The Company writes off any previously accrued and uncollected interest when it is determined that interest is no longer considered collectible. As of December 31, 2020 the Company had one investment that was on non-accrual. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had no non-accrual assets. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Payment-in-Kind Interest
The Company currently holds, and expects to hold in the future, some loans in its portfolio that contain payment-in-kind ("PIK") interest provisions. PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified in each loan agreement, is periodically added to the principal balance of the loan, rather than being paid to the Company in cash, and is recorded as interest income. Thus, the actual collection of PIK interest may be deferred until the time of debt principal repayment.
PIK interest, which is a non-cash source of income at the time of recognition, is included in the Company’s taxable income and therefore affects the amount the Company is required to distribute to its stockholders to maintain its tax treatment as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, even though the Company has not yet collected the cash. Generally, when current cash interest and/or principal payments on a loan become past due, or if the Company otherwise does not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, the Company will place the loan on non-accrual status and will generally cease recognizing PIK interest income on that loan for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. The Company writes off any accrued and uncollected PIK interest when it is determined that the PIK interest is no longer collectible.
Fee Income
Origination, facility, commitment, consent and other advance fees received in connection with loan agreements ("Loan Origination Fees") are recorded as deferred income and recognized as investment income over the term of the loan. Upon prepayment of a loan, any unamortized Loan Origination Fees are recorded as investment income. In the general course of its business, the Company receives certain fees from portfolio companies, which are non-recurring in nature. Such fees include loan prepayment penalties, structuring fees, covenant waiver fees and loan amendment fees, and are recorded as investment income when earned.
Fee income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Compensation Expenses
Compensation expenses generally include salaries, discretionary compensation, equity-based compensation and benefits.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses include administrative costs, facilities costs, insurance, legal and accounting expenses, expenses reimbursable to the Adviser under the terms of the Administration Agreement and other costs related to operating as a publicly-traded company.
Segments
The Company lends to and invests in customers in various industries. The Company separately evaluates the performance of each of its lending and investment relationships. However, because each of these loan and investment relationships has similar business and economic characteristics, they have been aggregated into a single lending and investment segment. All applicable segment disclosures are included in or can be derived from the Company’s financial statements.
Concentration of Credit Risk
As of both December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no individual investments representing greater than 10% of the fair value of the Company’s portfolio. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s largest single portfolio company investment, excluding short-term investments, represented approximately 2.5% and 2.3%, respectively, of the fair value of the Company’s portfolio, exclusive of short-term investments. Income, consisting of interest, dividends, fees, other investment income and realization of gains or losses, can fluctuate dramatically upon repayment of an investment or sale of an equity interest and in any given year can be highly concentrated among several portfolio companies.
The Company places its cash with financial institutions and, at times, cash may exceed insured limits under applicable law.
As of December 31, 2020, all of the Company's assets were or will be pledged as collateral for the February 2019 Credit Facility.
Investments Denominated in Foreign Currency
As of December 31, 2020 the Company held two investments that were denominated in Australian dollars, one investment that was denominated in Swedish kronas, seventeen investments that were denominated in Euros and eleven investments that were denominated in British pounds sterling. As of December 31, 2019, the Company held one investment that was denominated in Swedish kronas, five investments that were denominated in Euros and two investments that were denominated in British pounds sterling.
At each balance sheet date, portfolio company investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated into United States dollars using the spot exchange rate on the last business day of the period. Purchases and sales of foreign portfolio company investments, and any income from such investments, are translated into United States dollars using the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
Although the fair values of foreign portfolio company investments and the fluctuation in such fair values are translated into United States dollars using the applicable foreign exchange rates described above, the Company does not separately report that portion of the change in fair values resulting from foreign currency exchange rates fluctuations from the change in fair values of the underlying investment. All fluctuations in fair value are included in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company entered into forward currency contracts primarily to help mitigate the impact that an adverse change in foreign exchange rates would have on net interest income from the Company's investments and related borrowings denominated in foreign currencies. Net
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currency contracts are included in "Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - foreign currency transactions" and net realized gains or losses on forward currency contracts are included in "Net realized gains (losses) - foreign currency transactions" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies and foreign currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin, including unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. Dollar.
Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are approved by the Board and dividends payable are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
The Company has adopted a dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) that provides for reinvestment of dividends on behalf of its stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, when the Company declares a dividend, stockholders who have not opted out of the DRIP will have their dividends automatically reinvested in shares of the Company’s common stock, rather than receiving cash dividends.
The table below summarizes the Company’s dividends and distributions in the three years ended December 31, 2020:
Per Share Amounts
Per share amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are computed by dividing net investment income and net increase in net assets resulting from operations by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. As the Company has no common stock equivalents outstanding, diluted per share amounts are the same as basic per share amounts. Net asset value per share is computed by dividing total net assets by the number of common shares outstanding as of the end of the period.
2. Agreements and Related Party Transactions
On August 2, 2018, the Company entered into the Original Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement with the Adviser, an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the MVC Acquisition (as defined in “Note 11 - MVC Capital, Inc. Acquisition”), on December 23, 2020, the Company entered into an amended and restated investment advisory agreement (the “Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, following approval of the Amended and Restated
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Advisory Agreement by the Company’s stockholders at its December 23, 2020 special meeting of stockholders. The terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement became effective on January 1, 2021.
The Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement amended the Original Advisory Agreement to, among other things, (i) reduce the annual base management fee payable to the Adviser from 1.375% to 1.250% of the Company’s gross assets, (ii) reset the commencement date for the rolling 12-quarter “look-back” provision used to calculate the income incentive fee and incentive fee cap to January 1, 2021 from January 1, 2020 and (iii) describe the fact that the Company may enter into guarantees, sureties and other credit support arrangements with respect to one or more of its investments, including the impact of these arrangements on the income incentive fee cap.
Investment Advisory Agreement
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, the Adviser manages the Company's day-to-day operations and provides the Company with investment advisory services. Among other things, the Adviser (i) determines the composition of the portfolio of the Company, the nature and timing of the changes therein and the manner of implementing such changes; (ii) identifies, evaluates and negotiates the structure of the investments made by the Company; (iii) executes, closes, services and monitors the investments that the Company makes; (iv) determines the securities and other assets that the Company will purchase, retain or sell; (v) performs due diligence on prospective portfolio companies and (vi) provides the Company with such other investment advisory, research and related services as the Company may, from time to time, reasonably require for the investment of its funds.
The Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement provides that, absent fraud, willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, the Adviser, and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Adviser (collectively, the "IA Indemnified Parties"), are entitled to indemnification from the Company for any damages, liabilities, costs, demands, charges, claims and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by the IA Indemnified Parties in or by reason of any pending, threatened or completed action, suit, investigation or other proceeding (including an action or suit by or in the right of the Company or its security holders) arising out of any actions or omissions or otherwise based upon the performance of any of the Adviser’s duties or obligations under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of the Company. The Adviser’s services under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and the Adviser is generally free to furnish similar services to other entities so long as its performance under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement is not adversely affected.
The Adviser has entered into a personnel-sharing arrangement with its affiliate, Barings International Investment Limited ("BIIL"). BIIL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baring Asset Management Limited, which in turn is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser. Pursuant to this arrangement, certain employees of BIIL may serve as "associated persons" of the Adviser and, in this capacity, subject to the oversight and supervision of the Adviser, may provide research and related services, and discretionary investment management and trading services (including acting as portfolio managers) to the Company on behalf of the Adviser. This arrangement is based on no-action letters of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") that permit SEC-registered investment advisers to rely on and use the resources of advisory affiliates or "participating affiliates," subject to the supervision of that SEC-registered investment adviser. BIIL is a "participating affiliate" of the Adviser, and the BIIL employees are "associated persons" of the Adviser.
Under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, the Company pays the Adviser (i) a base management fee (the "Base Management Fee") and (ii) an incentive fee (the "Incentive Fee") as compensation for the investment advisory and management services it provides the Company thereunder.
Pre-January 1, 2021 Base Management Fee
For the period from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, the Base Management Fee was calculated based on the Company's gross assets, including assets purchased with borrowed funds or other forms of leverage and excluding cash and cash equivalents, at an annual rate of 1.375%. The annual rate of the Base Management Fee was
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
1.0% for the period from August 2, 2018 through December 31, 2018, and was 1.125% for the period commencing on January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.
The Base Management Fee was payable quarterly in arrears on a calendar quarter basis. The Base Management Fee was calculated based on the average value of the Company’s gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters prior to the quarter for which such fees are being calculated. Base Management Fees for any partial month or quarter were appropriately pro-rated.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Base Management Fee determined in accordance with the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement was approximately $14.3 million and $12.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the Base Management Fee of $3.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was unpaid and included in "Base management fees payable" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2019, the Base Management Fee of $3.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019 was unpaid and included in "Base management fees payable" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Base Management Fee determined in accordance with the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement was approximately $4.2 million. For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the calculation of the Base Management Fee under the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement was based on the average of the Company's gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, as of March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, both of which were dates prior to the consummation of the Transactions. For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the calculation of the Base Management Fee under the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement was based on the average of the Company's gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, as of June 30, 2018, which was prior to the Transactions, and September 30, 2018. In light of this fact, and in order to ensure that the Adviser did not earn a Base Management Fee on assets that it did not manage prior to the Transactions, the Adviser calculated the Base Management Fee for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 based on the Company's average gross assets as of August 2, 2018 and September 30, 2018, excluding (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) short-term investments, (iii) unsettled purchased investments and (iv) assets subject to participation agreements (the “Q3 2018 Adjusted Management Fee”). For the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Adviser calculated the Base Management Fee based on the Company's average gross assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018, excluding (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) short-term investments, (iii) unsettled purchased investments and (iv) assets subject to participation agreements (the “Q4 2018 Adjusted Management Fee,” and together with the Q3 2018 Adjusted Management Fee,” the “FY 2018 Adjusted Management Fee”). The Adviser voluntary agreed to waive the difference between the $4.2 million Base Management Fee calculated under the terms of the Original Advisory Agreement and the FY 2018 Adjusted Management Fee, which resulted in a net Base Management Fee of approximately $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 after taking into account a waiver of approximately $1.5 million based on the calculations noted above.
Post-December 31, 2020 Base Management Fee
Beginning January 1, 2021, the Base Management Fee is calculated based on the Company’s gross assets, including assets purchased with borrowed funds or other forms of leverage and excluding cash and cash equivalents, at an annual rate of 1.25%. The Base Management Fee is payable quarterly in arrears on a calendar quarter basis. The Base Management Fee will be calculated based on the average value of the Company’s gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters prior to the quarter for which such fees are being calculated. Base Management Fees for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated.
Pre-January 1, 2021 Incentive Fee
For the period from August 2, 2018 through December 31, 2020, under the Original Advisory Agreement, the Incentive Fee was comprised of two parts: (1) a portion based on the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income (the "Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee") and (2) a portion based on the net capital gains received on the Company’s portfolio of securities on a cumulative basis for each calendar year, net of all realized capital losses and all unrealized capital depreciation for that same calendar year (the "Pre-2021 Capital Gains Fee").
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee was calculated as follows:
(i)For each quarter from and after August 2, 2018 through December 31, 2019 (the "Pre-2020 Period"), the Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee was calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter for which such fees were being calculated. In respect of the Pre-2020 Period, "Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income" meant interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence, managerial assistance and consulting fees or other fees that the Company receives from portfolio companies) accrued during the relevant calendar quarter, minus the Company’s operating expenses for such quarter (including the Base Management Fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, any interest expense and any dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the Incentive Fee). Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income included, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with payment-in-kind interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income not yet received in cash. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income did not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.
(ii)For each quarter beginning on and after January 1, 2020 (the "Post-2019 Period"), the Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee was calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter and the eleven preceding calendar quarters (or such fewer number of preceding calendar quarters counting each calendar quarter beginning on or after January 1, 2020) (each such period referred to as the "Pre-2021 Trailing Twelve Quarters") for which such fees were being calculated and was payable promptly following the filing of the Company’s financial statements for such quarter. In respect of the Post-2019 Period, "Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income" meant interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees, such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence, managerial assistance and consulting fees or other fees that the Company receives from portfolio companies) accrued during the relevant Pre-2021 Trailing Twelve Quarters, minus the Company’s operating expenses for such Pre-2021 Trailing Twelve Quarters (including the Base Management Fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, any interest expense and any dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the Incentive Fee) divided by the number of quarters that comprise the relevant Pre-2021 Trailing Twelve Quarters. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income included, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with payment-in-kind interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income not yet received in cash. Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income did not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.
(iii)Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of the Company’s net assets (defined as total assets less senior securities constituting indebtedness and preferred stock) at the end of the calendar quarter for which such fees were being calculated, was compared to a "hurdle rate", expressed as a rate of return on the value of the Company’s net assets at the end of the most recently completed calendar quarter, of 2% per quarter (8% annualized). The Company paid the Adviser the Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee with respect to the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income in each calendar quarter as follows:
(1)(a) With respect to the Pre-2020 Period, no Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee for any calendar quarter in which the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (i) above) did not exceed the hurdle rate;
(b) With respect to the Post-2019 Period, no Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee for any calendar quarter in which the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (ii) above) did not exceed the hurdle rate;
(2)(a) With respect to the Pre-2020 Period, 100% of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (i) above) for any calendar quarter with respect to that portion of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for such quarter, if any, that exceeded the hurdle rate
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
but was less than 2.5% (10% annualized) (the "Pre-2020 Catch-Up Amount"). The Pre-2020 Catch-Up Amount was intended to provide the Adviser with an incentive fee of 20% on all of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (i) above) when the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (i) above) reached 2% per quarter (8% annualized);
(b) With respect to the Post-2019 Period, 100% of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (ii) above) with respect to that portion of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (ii) above), if any, that exceeded the hurdle rate but was less than 2.5% (10% annualized) (the "Post-2019 Catch-Up Amount"). The Post-2019 Catch-Up Amount was intended to provide the Adviser with an incentive fee of 20% on all of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (ii) above) when the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (ii) above) reached 2% per quarter (8% annualized);
(3)(a) With respect to the Pre-2020 Period, 20% of the amount of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (i) above) for any calendar quarter with respect to that portion of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (i) above) for such quarter, if any, that exceeded the Pre-2020 Catch-Up Amount; and
(b) With respect to the Post-2019 Period, 20% of the amount of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (ii) above) for any calendar quarter with respect to that portion of the Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined in paragraph (ii) above), if any, that exceeded the Post-2019 Catch-Up Amount.
However, with respect to the Post-2019 Period, the Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee paid to the Adviser would in no event be in excess of the Pre-2021 Incentive Fee Cap. With respect to the Post-2019 Period, the "Pre-2021 Incentive Fee Cap" for any quarter was an amount equal to (a) 20% of the Cumulative Net Return (as defined below) during the relevant Pre-2021 Trailing Twelve Quarters minus (b) the aggregate Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee that was paid in respect of the first eleven calendar quarters (or the portion thereof) included in the relevant Pre-2021 Trailing Twelve Quarters.
Cumulative Net Return meant (x) the aggregate net investment income in respect of the relevant Pre-2021 Trailing Twelve Quarters minus (y) any Net Capital Loss (as defined below), if any, in respect of the relevant Pre-2021 Trailing Twelve Quarters. If, in any quarter, the Pre-2021 Incentive Fee Cap was zero or a negative value, the Company paid no Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee to the Adviser for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Pre-2021 Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter was a positive value but was less than the Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee that was payable to the Adviser for such quarter (before giving effect to the Pre-2021 Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, the Company paid a Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee to the Adviser equal to the Pre-2021 Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Pre-2021 Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter was equal to or greater than the Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee that was payable to the Adviser for such quarter (before giving effect to the Pre-2021 Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, the Company paid an Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee to the Adviser equal to the Pre-2021 Income-Based Fee calculated as described above for such quarter without regard to the Pre-2021 Incentive Fee Cap.
Net Capital Loss in respect of a particular period meant the difference, if positive, between (i) aggregate capital losses, whether realized or unrealized, in such period and (ii) aggregate capital gains, whether realized or unrealized, in such period.
The Pre-2021 Capital Gains Fee was determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year, commencing with the calendar year ended on December 31, 2018, and was calculated at the end of each applicable year by subtracting (1) the sum of the Company’s cumulative aggregate realized capital losses and aggregate unrealized capital depreciation from (2) the Company’s cumulative aggregate realized capital gains, in each case calculated from August 2, 2018. If such amount was positive at the end of such year, then the Pre-2021 Capital Gains Fee payable for such year was equal to 20% of such amount, less the cumulative aggregate amount of
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Pre-2021 Capital Gains Fees paid in all prior years. If such amount was negative, then there was no Pre-2021 Capital Gains Fee payable for such year. The Company did not pay any Incentive Fees for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Post-December 31, 2020 Incentive Fee
Beginning January 1, 2021, the Incentive Fee continues to consist of two components that are independent of each other, with the result that one component may be payable even if the other is not. Under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, a portion of the Incentive Fee is based on the Company's income (the “ Income-Based Fee”) and a portion is based on the Company's capital gains (the “Capital Gains Fee”), each as described below:
(i) The Income-Based Fee will be determined and paid quarterly in arrears based on the amount by which (x) the aggregate “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” (as defined below) in respect of the current calendar quarter and the eleven preceding calendar quarters beginning with the calendar quarter that commences on or after January 1, 2021, as the case may be (or the appropriate portion thereof in the case of any of the Company's first eleven calendar quarters that commences on or after January 1, 2021) (in either case, the “Trailing Twelve Quarters”) exceeds (y) the Hurdle Amount (as defined below) in respect of the Trailing Twelve Quarters. The Hurdle Amount will be determined on a quarterly basis, and will be calculated by multiplying 2.0% (8% annualized) by the aggregate of the Company's net asset value at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. For this purpose, under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including, without limitation, any accrued income that we have not yet received in cash and any other fees such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Company's operating expenses accrued during the calendar quarter (including, without limitation, the Base Management Fee, administration expenses and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the Income-Based Fee and the Capital Gains Fee). For the avoidance of doubt, Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation:
The calculation of the Income-Based Fee for each quarter is as follows:
(A) No Income-Based Fee will be payable to the Adviser in any calendar quarter in which the Company's aggregate Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the Trailing Twelve Quarters does not exceed the Hurdle Amount;
(B) 100% of the Company's aggregate Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the Trailing Twelve Quarters, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle Amount but is less than or equal to an amount (the “Catch-Up Amount”) determined on a quarterly basis by multiplying 2.5% (10% annualized) by the Company's net asset value at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. The Catch-Up Amount is intended to provide the Adviser with an incentive fee of 20% on all of the Company's Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income when the Company's Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income reaches the Catch-Up Amount for the Trailing Twelve Quarters; and
(C) For any quarter in which the Company's aggregate Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the Trailing Twelve Quarters exceeds the Catch-Up Amount, the Income-Based Fee shall equal 20% of the amount of the Company's Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for such Trailing Twelve Quarters, as the Hurdle Amount and Catch-Up Amount will have been achieved.
Subject to the Incentive Fee Cap described below, the amount of the Income-Based Fee that will be paid to the Adviser for a particular quarter will equal the excess of the aggregate Income-Based Fee so calculated less the aggregate Income-Based Fees that were paid to the Adviser in the preceding eleven calendar quarters (or portion thereof) comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(ii) The Income-Based Fee is subject to a cap (the “Incentive Fee Cap”). The Incentive Fee Cap in any quarter is an amount equal to (a) 20% of the Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return (as defined below) during the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters less (b) the aggregate Income-Based Fee that were paid to the Adviser in the preceding eleven calendar quarters (or portion thereof) comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. For this purpose, “Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return” during the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters means (x) Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income in respect of the Trailing Twelve Quarters less (y) any Net Capital Loss, if any, in respect of the Trailing Twelve Quarters. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap is zero or a negative value, we will pay no Income-Based Fee to the Adviser in that quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap is a positive value but is less than the Income-Based Fee calculated in accordance with paragraph (i) above, we will pay the Adviser the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap is equal to or greater than the Income-Based Fee calculated in accordance with paragraph (i) above, we will pay the Adviser the Income-Based Fee for such quarter.
“Net Capital Loss” in respect of a particular period means the difference, if positive, between (i) aggregate capital losses on the Company's assets, whether realized or unrealized, in such period and (ii) aggregate capital gains or other gains on the Company's assets (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the value ascribed to any credit support arrangement in the Company's financial statements even if such value is not categorized as a gain therein), whether realized or unrealized, in such period.
(iii) The second part of the Incentive Fee (the “Capital Gains Fee”) will be determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement), commencing with the calendar year ended on December 31, 2018, and is calculated at the end of each applicable year by subtracting (1) the sum of the Company's cumulative aggregate realized capital losses and aggregate unrealized capital depreciation from (2) the Company's cumulative aggregate realized capital gains, in each case calculated from August 2, 2018. If such amount is positive at the end of such year, then the Capital Gains Fee payable for such year is equal to 20% of such amount, less the cumulative aggregate amount of Capital Gains Fees paid in all prior years commencing with the calendar year ended on December 31, 2018. If such amount is negative, then there is no Capital Gains Fee payable for such year. If this Agreement is terminated as of a date that is not a calendar year end, the termination date will be treated as though it were a calendar year end for purposes of calculating and paying a Capital Gains Fee.
Under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, the "cumulative aggregate realized capital gains" are calculated as the sum of the differences, if positive, between (a) the net sales price of each investment in the Company's portfolio when sold and (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.
The cumulative aggregate realized capital losses are calculated as the sum of the differences, if negative, between (a) the net sales price of each investment in the Company's portfolio when sold and (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.
The aggregate unrealized capital depreciation is calculated as the sum of the differences, if negative, between (a) the valuation of each investment in the Company's portfolio as of the applicable Capital Gains Fee calculation date and (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.
Under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, the “accreted or amortized cost basis of an investment” shall mean the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment as reflected in the Company’s financial statements.
Payment of Company Expenses
Under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, all investment professionals of the Adviser and its staff, when and to the extent engaged in providing services required to be provided by the Adviser under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses of such personnel allocable to such services, are provided and paid for by the Adviser and not by the Company, except that
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all costs and expenses relating to the Company's operations and transactions, including, without limitation, those items listed in the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement, will be borne by the Company.
Administration Agreement
Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, the Adviser performs (or oversees, or arranges for, the performance of) the administrative services necessary for the operation of the Company, including, but not limited to, office facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping and record-keeping services at such office facilities and such other services as the Adviser, subject to review by the Board, from time to time, determines to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement. The Adviser also, on behalf of the Company and subject to oversight by the Board, arranges for the services of, and oversees, custodians, depositories, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, other stockholder servicing agents, accountants, attorneys, valuation experts, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries, insurers, banks and such other persons in any such other capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable.
The Company will reimburse Barings for the costs and expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations and providing personnel and facilities under the Administration Agreement in an amount to be negotiated and mutually agreed to by the Company and Barings quarterly in arrears. In no event will the agreed-upon quarterly expense amount exceed the amount of expenses that would otherwise be reimbursable by the Company under the Administration Agreement for the applicable quarterly period, and Barings will not be entitled to the recoupment of any amounts in excess of the agreed-upon quarterly expense amount. The costs and expenses incurred by the Adviser on behalf of the Company under the Administration Agreement include, but are not limited to:
•the allocable portion of the Adviser’s rent for the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs, which is based upon the allocable portion of the usage thereof by such personnel in connection with their performance of administrative services under the Administration Agreement;
•the allocable portion of the salaries, bonuses, benefits and expenses of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs, which is based upon the allocable portion of the time spent by such personnel in connection with performing administrative services for the Company under the Administration Agreement;
•the actual cost of goods and services used for the Company and obtained by the Adviser from entities not affiliated with the Company, which is reasonably allocated to the Company on the basis of assets, revenues, time records or other methods conforming with generally accepted accounting principles;
•all fees, costs and expenses associated with the engagement of a sub-administrator, if any; and
•costs associated with (a) the monitoring and preparation of regulatory reporting, including registration statements and amendments thereto, prospectus supplements, and tax reporting, (b) the coordination and oversight of service provider activities and the direct cost of such contractual matters related thereto and (c) the preparation of all financial statements and the coordination and oversight of audits, regulatory inquiries, certifications and sub-certifications.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred and was invoiced by the Adviser for expenses of approximately $1.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively, under the terms of the Administration Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company incurred and was invoiced by the Adviser for expenses of approximately $0.5 million. As of December 31, 2020, the administrative expenses of $0.7 million incurred for the three months ended December 31, 2020 were unpaid and included in "Administrative fees payable" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2019, the administrative expenses of $0.4 million incurred for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were unpaid and included in "Administrative fees payable" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Credit Support Agreement
In connection with the MVC Acquisition, on December 23, 2020, promptly following the closing of the Merger (as defined in “Note 11 - MVC Capital, Inc. Acquisition”), the Company entered into a Credit Support Agreement (the “Credit Support Agreement”) with the Adviser, pursuant to which the Adviser has agreed to provide credit support to the Company in the amount of up to $23.0 million relating to the net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired MVC investment portfolio over a 10-year period. A summary of the material terms of the Credit Support Agreement are as follows:
•The Credit Support Agreement covers all of the investments in the Reference Portfolio.
•The Adviser has an obligation to provide credit support to the Company in an amount equal to the excess of (1) the aggregate realized and unrealized losses on the Reference Portfolio over (2) the aggregate realized and unrealized gains on the Reference Portfolio, in each case from the date of the closing of the Merger through the Designated Settlement Date (up to a $23.0 million cap) (such amount, the “Covered Losses”). For purposes of the Credit Support Agreement, “Designated Settlement Date” means the earlier of (1) January 1, 2031 and (2) the date on which the entire Reference Portfolio has been realized or written off. No credit support is required to be made by the Adviser to the Company under the Credit Support Agreement if the aggregate realized and unrealized gains on the Reference Portfolio exceed realized and unrealized losses of the Reference Portfolio on the Designated Settlement Date.
•The Adviser will settle any credit support obligation under the Credit Support Agreement as follows. If the Covered Losses are greater than $0.00, then, in satisfaction of the Adviser’s obligation set forth in the Credit Support Agreement, the Adviser will irrevocably waive during the Waiver Period (as defined below) (1) the incentive fees payable under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement (including any incentive fee calculated on an annual basis during the Waiver Period), and (2) in the event that Covered Losses exceed such incentive fee, the base management fees payable under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement. The “Waiver Period” means the four quarterly measurement periods immediately following the quarter in which the Designated Settlement Date occurs. If the Covered Losses exceed the aggregate amount of incentive fees and base management fees waived by the Adviser during the Waiver Period, then, on the date on which the last incentive fee or base management fee payment would otherwise be due during the Waiver Period, the Adviser shall make a cash payment to the Company equal to the positive difference between the Covered Losses and the aggregate amount of incentive fees and base management fees previously waived by the Adviser during the Waiver Period.
•The Credit Support Agreement and the rights of the Company thereunder shall automatically terminate if the Adviser (or an affiliate of the Adviser) ceases to serve as the investment adviser to the Company or any successor thereto, other than as a result of the voluntary termination by the Adviser of its investment advisory agreement with the Company. In the event of such a voluntary termination by the Adviser of the then-current investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser will remain obligated to provide the credit support contemplated by the Credit Support Agreement. In the event of a non-voluntary termination of the advisory agreement or its expiration (due to non-renewal by the Board, the Adviser will have no obligations under the Credit Support Agreement.
The Credit Support Agreement is intended to give stockholders of the combined company downside protection from net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired MVC portfolio and insulate the combined company’s stockholders from potential value volatility and losses in MVC’s portfolio following the closing of the Merger. There is no fee or other payment by the Company to the Adviser or any of its affiliates in connection with the Credit Support Agreement. Any cash payment from the Adviser to the Company under the Credit Support Agreement will be excluded from the combined company’s incentive fee calculations under the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement.
When the Company and the Adviser entered into the Credit Support Agreement, it was accounted for as a deemed contribution from the Adviser and is included in "Additional paid-in capital" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, the Credit Support Agreement will be accounted for as a derivative in
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accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and is included in "Credit support agreement" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
3. Investments
Portfolio Composition
The Company invests predominately in senior secured private debt investments in well-established middle-market businesses that operate across a wide range of industries, as well as syndicated senior secured loans, structured products, bonds and other fixed income securities. Structured products include collateralized loan obligations and asset-backed securities. The Adviser's existing SEC co-investment exemptive relief under the 1940 Act, permits the Company and the Adviser's affiliated private funds and SEC-registered funds to co-invest in loans originated by the Adviser, which allows the Adviser to efficiently implement its senior secured private debt investment strategy for the Company.
The cost basis of the Company's debt investments includes any unamortized purchased premium or discount and unamortized loan origination fees and PIK interest, if any. Summaries of the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio at cost and fair value, and as a percentage of total investments, are shown in the following tables:
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made 76 new investments totaling $743.2 million, purchased $185.0 million of investments as part of the MVC Acquisition, made investments in existing portfolio companies totaling $114.6 million, made a new joint venture equity investment totaling $10.0 million and made an additional investment in one existing joint venture equity portfolio company totaling $10.0 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company made 43 new investments totaling $425.9 million, investments in existing portfolio companies totaling $14.0 million and made one new joint venture equity investment totaling $10.2 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, subsequent to the Transactions, the Company purchased $1,314.6 million in syndicated senior secured loans and made new investments in nineteen middle-market portfolio companies totaling $237.2 million. Prior to the Transactions, in the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company made investments in 12 existing portfolio companies totaling approximately $30.7 million.
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Industry Composition
The industry composition of investments at fair value at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, excluding short-term investments, was as follows:
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Jocassee Partners LLC
On May 8, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement with South Carolina Retirement Systems Group Trust ("SCRS") to create and co-manage Jocassee Partners LLC ("Jocassee"), a joint venture, which invests in a highly diversified asset mix including senior secured, middle-market, private debt investments, syndicated senior secured loans, structured products and real estate debt. The Company and SCRS committed to initially provide $50.0 million and $500.0 million, respectively, of equity capital to Jocassee. Equity contributions will be called from each member on a pro-rata basis, based on their equity commitments. As of December 31, 2020, Jocassee had $180.6 million in senior secured private middle-market debt investments, $382.9 million in U.S. syndicated senior secured loans, $161.5 million in European syndicated senior secured loans, $25.6 million in structured product investments, $5.8 million in an equity investment, $90.1 million in a joint venture investment and $23.1 million in short-term investments. As of December 31, 2019, Jocassee had $41.3 million in senior secured private middle-market debt investments, $140.8 million in U.S. syndicated senior secured loans, $57.3 million in European syndicated senior secured loans, $8.2 million in an equity investment and $36.7 million in a short-term investment.
The Company may sell portions of its investments via assignment to Jocassee. Since inception, as of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company had sold $162.2 million and $36.1 million, respectively, of its investments to Jocassee. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $44.2 million in unsettled receivables due from Jocassee that were included in "Receivable from unsettled transactions" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The sale of the investments met the criteria set forth in ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing for treatment as a sale and satisfies the following conditions:
•Assigned investments have been isolated from the Company, and put presumptively beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership;
•each participant has the right to pledge or exchange the assigned investments it received, and no condition both constrains the participant from taking advantage of its right to pledge or exchange and provides more than a trivial benefit to the Company; and
•the Company, its consolidated affiliates or its agents do not maintain effective control over the assigned investments through either: (i) an agreement that entitles and/or obligates the Company to repurchase or redeem the assets before maturity, or (ii) the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets, other than through a cleanup call.
The Company has determined that Jocassee is an investment company under ASC, Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies, however, in accordance with such guidance, the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. The Company does not consolidate its interest in Jocassee as it is not a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary. In addition, the Company does not control Jocassee due to the allocation of voting rights among Jocassee members.
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As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, Jocassee had the following commitments, contributions and unfunded commitments from its members:
Thompson Rivers LLC
On April 28, 2020, Thompson Rivers LLC (“Thompson Rivers”) was formed as a Delaware limited liability company. On May 13, 2020, the Company entered into a limited liability company agreement (“LLC Agreement”) with Jocassee. The Company and Jocassee have committed to initially provide $10.0 million and $90.0 million, respectively, of equity capital to Thompson Rivers. Equity contributions (and equity ownership) are on a pro-rata basis, based on their equity commitments (10% for the Company and 90% for Jocassee). As of December 31, 2020, Thompson Rivers had $715.2 million in Ginnie Mae early buyout loans.
The Company has determined that Thompson Rivers is an investment company under ASC, Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies, however, in accordance with such guidance, the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary, which is an extension of the operations of the Company, or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. The Company does not consolidate its interest in Thompson Rivers as it is not a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary. In addition, the Company does not control Thompson Rivers due to the allocation of voting rights among Thompson Rivers members.
As of December 31, 2020, Thompson Rivers had the following commitments, contributions and unfunded commitments from its members:
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The following table presents the Company’s investment portfolio at fair value as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, categorized by the ASC Topic 820 valuation hierarchy, as previously described:
(1)The Company's investments in Jocassee, Thompson Rivers and the MVC PE Fund are measured at fair value using net asset value and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amount presented in this table is intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The following tables reconcile the beginning and ending balances of the Company’s investment portfolio measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
All realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation are included in earnings (changes in net assets) and are reported on separate line items within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Pre-tax net unrealized depreciation on Level 3 investments of $4.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2020 was related to portfolio company investments that were still held by the Company as of December 31, 2020. Pre-tax net unrealized depreciation on Level 3 investments of $1.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 was related to portfolio company investments that were still held by the Company as of December 31, 2019.
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The Company’s primary investment objective is to generate current income by investing directly in privately-held middle-market companies to help these companies fund acquisitions, growth or refinancing. Exclusive of short-term investments, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made investments of approximately $1,030.5 million in portfolio companies (including $185.0 million from the MVC Acquisition), to which it was not previously contractually committed to provide such financing. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company made investments of $32.4 million in companies to which it was previously committed to provide such financing.
Exclusive of short-term investments, during the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company made investments of approximately $439.7 million in portfolio companies to which it was not previously contractually committed to provide such financing. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company made investments of $11.5 million in companies to which it was previously committed to provide such financing.
4. Borrowings
The Company had the following borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
August 2018 Credit Facility
On July 3, 2018, the Company formed Barings BDC Senior Funding I, LLC, an indirectly wholly-owned Delaware limited liability company (“BSF”), the primary purpose of which was to function as the Company's special purpose, bankruptcy-remote, financing subsidiary. On August 3, 2018, BSF entered into the August 2018 Credit Facility (as subsequently amended in December 2018 and in February 2020) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and Class A-1 Lender, Société Générale, as Class A Lender, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, as sole lead arranger and sole book manager. BSF and the administrative agent also entered into a security agreement dated as of August 3, 2018 (the "Security Agreement") pursuant to which BSF’s obligations under the August 2018 Credit Facility were secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of BSF, including its portfolio of investments (the "Pledged Property"). In connection with the first-priority security interest established under the Security Agreement, all of the Pledged Property was held in the custody of State Street Bank and Trust Company, as collateral administrator.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The August 2018 Credit Facility initially provided for borrowings in an aggregate amount up to $750.0 million, including up to $250.0 million borrowed under the Class A Loan Commitments and up to $500.0 million borrowed under the Class A-1 Loan Commitments. Effective February 28, 2019, the Company reduced its Class A Loan Commitments to $100.0 million, which reduced total commitments under the August 2018 Credit Facility to $600.0 million. Effective May 9, 2019, the Company further reduced its Class A Loan Commitments under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $100.0 million to zero and reduced its Class A-1 Loan Commitments under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $500.0 million to $300.0 million, which collectively reduced total commitments under the August 2018 Credit Facility to $300.0 million. Effective June 18, 2019, the Company further reduced its Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $300.0 million to $250.0 million. Effective August 14, 2019, the Company further reduced its Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $250.0 million to $177.0 million. Effective October 29, 2019, the Company further reduced its Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $177.0 million to $150.0 million. Effective January 21, 2020, the Company further reduced its Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $150.0 million to $80.0 million. Effective April 23, 2020, the Company further reduced its Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $80.0 million to $30.0 million. Finally, effective June 26, 2020, the Company further reduced its Class A-1 Loan Commitments, and therefore total commitments, under the August 2018 Credit Facility from $30.0 million to zero. In connection with these reductions, the pro rata portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs related to the August 2018 Credit Facility was written off and recognized as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
On February 21, 2020, the Company extended the maturity date of the August 2018 Credit Facility from August 3, 2020 to August 3, 2021. On June 30, 2020, following the repayment of all borrowings, interest, and fees payable thereunder and at the election of the Company, the August 2018 Credit Facility was terminated, including all commitments and obligations of Bank of America, N.A. to lend or make advances to BSF. In addition, the Security Agreement was terminated and all security interests in the assets of BSF in favor of the lenders were terminated. As a result of these terminations, all obligations of BSF under the August 2018 Credit Facility and Security Agreement were fully discharged.
All borrowings under the August 2018 Credit Facility bore interest, subject to BSF’s election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) the applicable base rate plus the applicable spread or (ii) the applicable LIBOR rate plus the applicable spread. The applicable base rate was equal to the greater of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (ii) the prime rate or (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. The applicable LIBOR rate depended on the term of the borrowing under the August 2018 Credit Facility, which could be either one month or three months, and could not be less than zero. BSF was required to pay commitment fees on the unused portion of the August 2018 Credit Facility. BSF could prepay any borrowing at any time without premium or penalty, except that BSF could have been liable for certain funding breakage fees if prepayments occurred prior to expiration of the relevant interest period. BSF could also permanently reduce all or a portion of the commitment amount under the August 2018 Credit Facility without penalty.
Borrowings under the August 2018 Credit Facility were subject to compliance with a borrowing base, pursuant to which the amount of funds advanced by the lenders to BSF would vary depending upon the types of assets in BSF’s portfolio. Assets were required to meet certain criteria to be included in the borrowing base, and the borrowing base was subject to certain portfolio restrictions including investment size, sector concentrations, investment type and credit ratings.
Borrowings of BSF were considered borrowings by the Company for purposes of complying with the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act applicable to business development companies. The obligations of BSF under the August 2018 Credit Facility were non-recourse to the Company.
As of December 31, 2019, BSF had borrowings of $107.2 million, outstanding under the August 2018 Credit Facility with an interest rate of 2.940%. As of December 31, 2019, the total fair value of the borrowings outstanding under the August 2018 Credit Facility was $107.2 million. The fair values of the borrowings outstanding under the August 2018 Credit Facility were based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which were Level 3 inputs to the market yield model. The August 2018 Credit Facility was terminated at the Company’s election on June 30, 2020.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
February 2019 Credit Facility
On February 21, 2019, the Company entered into the February 2019 Credit Facility (as subsequently amended in December 2019) with ING Capital LLC ("ING"), as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. The initial commitments under the February 2019 Credit Facility total $800.0 million. The February 2019 Credit Facility has an accordion feature that allows for an increase in the total commitments of up to $400.0 million, subject to certain conditions and the satisfaction of specified financial covenants. The Company can borrow foreign currencies directly under the February 2019 Credit Facility. The February 2019 Credit Facility, which is structured as a revolving credit facility, is secured primarily by a material portion of the Company's assets and guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. Following the termination of the August 2018 Credit Facility on June 30, 2020, BSF became a subsidiary guarantor and its assets will secure the February 2019 Credit Facility. The revolving period of the February 2019 Credit Facility ends on February 21, 2023, followed by a one-year repayment period with a final maturity date of February 21, 2024.
Borrowings under the February 2019 Credit Facility bear interest, subject to the Company's election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) the applicable base rate plus 1.00% (or 1.25% if the Company no longer maintains an investment grade credit rating), (ii) the applicable LIBOR rate plus 2.00% (or 2.25% if the Company no longer maintains an investment grade credit rating), (iii) for borrowings denominated in certain foreign currencies other than Australian dollars, the applicable currency rate for the foreign currency as defined in the credit agreement plus 2.00% (or 2.25% if the Company no longer maintains an investment grade credit rating) or (iv) for borrowings denominated in Australian dollars, the applicable Australian dollars Screen Rate, plus 2.20% (or 2.45% if the Company no longer maintains an investment grade credit rating). The applicable base rate is equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (iii) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 0.5%, (iv) the adjusted three-month applicable currency rate plus 1.0% and (v) 1.0%. The applicable LIBOR and currency rates depend on the currency and term of the draw under the February 2019 Credit Facility, and cannot be less than zero.
In addition, the Company (i) paid a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum on undrawn amounts for the period beginning on the closing date of the February 2019 Credit Facility to and including the date that was six months after the closing date of the February 2019 Credit Facility, and (ii) thereafter pays a commitment fee of (x) 0.5% per annum on undrawn amounts if the unused portion of the February 2019 Credit Facility is greater than two-thirds of total commitments or (y) 0.375% per annum on undrawn amounts if the unused portion of the February 2019 Credit Facility is equal to or less than two-thirds of total commitments. In connection with entering into the February 2019 Credit Facility, the Company incurred financing fees of approximately $6.4 million, which will be amortized over the remaining life of the February 2019 Credit Facility.
The February 2019 Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including but not limited to (i) maintaining minimum stockholders' equity, (ii) maintaining minimum obligors' net worth, (iii) maintaining a minimum asset coverage ratio, (iv) meeting a minimum liquidity test and (v) maintaining the Company's status as a regulated investment company and as a business development company. The February 2019 Credit Facility also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice provisions, including, without limitation, nonpayment, misrepresentation of representations and warranties in a material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default to other indebtedness, bankruptcy, change of control, and material adverse effect. The February 2019 Credit Facility also permits the administrative agent to select an independent third party valuation firm to determine valuations of certain portfolio investments for purposes of borrowing base provisions. In connection with the February 2019 Credit Facility, the Company also entered into new collateral documents. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the February 2019 Credit Facility.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had U.S. dollar borrowings of $472.0 million outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 2.188% (weighted average one month LIBOR of 0.188%), borrowings denominated in Swedish kronas of 12.8kr million ($1.6 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 2.000% (one month STIBOR of 0.000%), borrowings denominated in British pounds sterling of £69.3 million ($94.8 million U.S. dollars) with a weighted average interest rate of 2.063% (weighted average one month GBP LIBOR of 0.063%), borrowings denominated in Australian dollars of A$36.6 million ($28.2 million U.S. dollars) with a weighted average interest rate of 2.250% (weighted average one month AUD Screen Rate of 0.050%) and borrowings denominated in Euros of €100.6 million ($123.1 million U.S. dollars) with a weighted average
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
interest rate of 2.00% (weighted average one month EURIBOR of 0.000%). The borrowings denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date. The impact resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on the February 2019 Credit Facility borrowings is included in "Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - foreign currency transactions" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had U.S. dollar borrowings of $195.0 million outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 4.054%, borrowings denominated in Swedish kronas of 12.8kr million ($1.4 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 2.25%, borrowings denominated in British pounds sterling of £4.7 million ($6.3 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 3.0%, and borrowings denominated in Euros of €38.0 million ($42.7 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 2.25%. The borrowings denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date. The impact resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on the February 2019 Credit Facility borrowings is included in "Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - foreign currency transactions" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the total fair value of the borrowings outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility was $719.7 million and $245.3 million, respectively. The fair values of the borrowings outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility are based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
Debt Securitization
On May 9, 2019, the Company completed a $449.3 million term debt securitization (the "Debt Securitization"). Term debt securitizations are also known as collateralized loan obligations and are a form of secured financing incurred by the Company, which is consolidated by the Company for financial reporting purposes and subject to its overall asset coverage requirement. The notes offered in the Debt Securitization (collectively, the “2019 Notes”) were issued by Barings BDC Static CLO Ltd. 2019-I (“BBDC Static CLO Ltd.”) and Barings BDC Static CLO 2019-I, LLC, wholly-owned and consolidated subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, the “Issuers”), and were secured by a diversified portfolio of senior secured loans and participation interests therein. The Debt Securitization was executed through a private placement of approximately $296.8 million of AAA(sf) Class A-1 Senior Secured Floating Rate 2019 Notes (the “Class A-1 2019 Notes”), which bore interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.02%; $51.5 million of AA(sf) Class A-2 Senior Secured Floating Rate 2019 Notes (the “Class A-2 2019 Notes”), which bore interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.65%; and $101.0 million of Subordinated 2019 Notes which did not bear interest and were not rated. The Company retained all of the Subordinated 2019 Notes issued in the Debt Securitization in exchange for the Company’s sale and contribution to BBDC Static CLO Ltd. of the initial closing date portfolio, which included senior secured loans and participation interests therein distributed to the Company by BSF. The 2019 Notes were scheduled to mature on April 15, 2027; however, the 2019 Notes could be redeemed by the Issuers, at the direction of the Company as holder of the Subordinated 2019 Notes, on any business day after May 9, 2020. In connection with the sale and contribution, the Company made customary representations, warranties and covenants to the Issuers.
The Class A-1 2019 Notes and Class A-2 2019 Notes were the secured obligations of the Issuers, the Subordinated 2019 Notes were the unsecured obligations of BBDC Static CLO Ltd., and the indenture governing the 2019 Notes included customary covenants and events of default. The 2019 Notes were not registered under the Securities Act or any state securities or “blue sky” laws and could not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the SEC or an applicable exemption from registration.
The Company served as collateral manager to BBDC Static CLO Ltd. under a collateral management agreement and agreed to irrevocably waive all collateral management fees payable pursuant to the collateral management agreement.
The Class A-1 2019 Notes and the Class A-2 2019 Notes issued in connection with the Debt Securitization had floating rate interest provisions based on the three-month LIBOR that reset quarterly, except that LIBOR for the first interest accrual period was calculated by reference to an interpolation between the rate for deposits with a term equal
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
to the next shorter period of time for which rates were available and the rate appearing for deposits with a term equal to the next longer period of time for which rates were available.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, $30.0 million of the Class A-1 2019 Notes were repaid. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the remaining 2019 Notes were repaid in full, with the final repayment on October 15, 2020. In connection with these repayments, the pro rata portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs related to the 2019 Notes was written off and recognized as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2019, the total fair value of the Class A-1 2019 Notes and the Class A-2 2019 Notes was $266.8 million and $51.5 million, respectively. The fair value determinations of the Company’s 2019 Notes were based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
August 2025 Notes
On August 3, 2020, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the "August 2020 NPA") with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company governing the issuance of (1) $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Series A senior unsecured notes due August 2025 (the "Series A Notes due 2025") with a fixed interest rate of 4.66% per year, and (2) up to $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of additional senior unsecured notes due August 2025 with a fixed interest rate per year to be determined (the "Additional Notes" and, collectively with the Series A Notes due 2025, the "August 2025 Notes"), in each case, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. An aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million of the Series A Notes due 2025 was issued on September 24, 2020 and an aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million of the Series A Notes due 2025 was issued on September 29, 2020, both of which will mature on August 4, 2025 unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company in accordance with their terms. Interest on the August 2025 Notes will be due semiannually in March and September, beginning in March 2021. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the August 2025 Notes at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment) if certain change in control events occur. Subject to the terms of the August 2020 NPA, the Company may redeem the August 2025 Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before November 3, 2024, a make-whole premium. The August 2025 Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries, and are the Company's general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company.
On November 4, 2020, the Company amended the August 2020 NPA to reduce the aggregate principal amount of unissued Additional Notes from $50.0 million to $25.0 million.
The August 2020 NPA contains certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for senior unsecured notes issued in a private placement, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting, maintenance of the Company’s status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, minimum shareholders’ equity, maximum net debt to equity ratio and minimum asset coverage ratio. The August 2020 NPA also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under our other indebtedness or that of our subsidiary guarantors, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the August 2025 Notes at the time outstanding may declare all August 2025 Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the August 2020 NPA.
The August 2025 Notes were offered in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The August 2025 Notes have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as applicable.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of the outstanding August 2025 Notes was $50.0 million. The fair value determination of the August 2025 Notes was based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
November Notes
On November 4, 2020, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “November 2020 NPA”) governing the issuance of (1) $62.5 million in aggregate principal amount of Series B senior unsecured notes due November 2025 (the “Series B Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.25% per year and (2) $112.5 million in aggregate principal amount of Series C senior unsecured notes due November 2027 (the “Series C Notes” and, collectively with the Series B Notes, the “November Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.75% per year, in each case, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. Each stated interest rate is subject to a step up of (x) 0.75% per year, to the extent the applicable November Notes do not satisfy certain investment grade conditions and/or (y) 1.50% per year, to the extent the ratio of the Company’s secured debt to total assets exceeds specified thresholds, measured as of each fiscal quarter end. The November Notes were delivered and paid for on November 5, 2020. The Series B Notes will mature on November 4, 2025, and the Series C Notes will mature on November 4, 2027 unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company in accordance with their terms. Interest on the November Notes will be due semiannually in May and November, beginning in May 2021. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the November Notes at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment) if certain change in control events occur. Subject to the terms of the November 2020 NPA, the Company may redeem the Series B Notes and the Series C Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before May 4, 2025, with respect to the Series B Notes, or on or before May 4, 2027, with respect to the Series C Notes, a make-whole premium. The November Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, and are the Company's general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company.
The November 2020 NPA contains certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for senior unsecured notes issued in a private placement, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting, maintenance of the Company’s status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, minimum shareholders’ equity, maximum net debt to equity ratio and minimum asset coverage ratio. The November 2020 NPA also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under our other indebtedness or that of our subsidiary guarantors, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the November Notes at the time outstanding may declare all November Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the November 2020 NPA.
The November Notes were offered in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The November Notes have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as applicable.
As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of the outstanding Series B Notes and the Series C Notes was $62.5 million and $112.5 million, respectively. The fair value determinations of the Series B Notes and Series C Notes were based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
5. Income Taxes
The Company has elected for federal income tax purposes to be treated, and intends to qualify annually, as a RIC under the Code and intends to make the required distributions to its stockholders as specified therein. In order to maintain its tax treatment as a RIC, the Company must meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. If such requirements are met, then the Company is generally required to pay taxes only on the portion of its taxable income and gains it does not distribute (actually or constructively) and certain built-in gains. The Company met its source of income, asset diversification and minimum distribution requirements for 2020, 2019 and 2018 and continually monitors these requirements with the goal of ensuring compliance with the Code.
Depending on the level of investment company taxable income (“ICTI”) and net capital gains, if any, or taxable income, the Company may choose to carry forward undistributed taxable income and pay a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless the Company distributes, in a timely manner, an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of net ordinary income for each calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of the amount by which capital gains exceed capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (iii) certain undistributed amounts from previous years on which the Company paid no U.S. federal income tax. Any such carryover of taxable income must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing of the tax return related to the year which generated such taxable income not to be subject to US federal income tax.
Taxable income generally differs from increase in net assets resulting from operations due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses, and generally excludes net unrealized gains or losses, as unrealized gains or losses are generally not included in taxable income until they are realized. The Company makes certain adjustments to the classification of net assets as a result of permanent book-to-tax differences, which include differences in the book and tax basis of certain assets and liabilities, and nondeductible federal taxes or losses among other items. To the extent these differences are permanent, they are charged or credited to additional paid in capital, or total distributable earnings (loss), as appropriate.
During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company reclassified for book purposes amounts arising from permanent book/tax differences primarily related to differences in the tax basis and book basis of investments sold, merger adjustments and non-deductible excise taxes paid during the year as follows:
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company's tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Company's tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (fiscal years 2017-2019), and has concluded that the provision for uncertain tax positions in the Company's financial statements is appropriate.
For income tax purposes, distributions paid to stockholders are reported as ordinary income, long-term capital gains, return of capital or a combination thereof. The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
At December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis detailed below differ from the amounts reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets by temporary and other book/tax differences, primarily relating to depreciation expense, stock-based compensation, accruals of defaulted debt investment interest and the tax treatment of certain partnership investments, as follows:
Tax information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 is estimated and is not considered final until the Company files its tax return.
Under current law, the Company may carry forward net capital losses indefinitely to use to offset capital gains realized in future years. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had a capital loss carryforward of $267.4 million. In addition, MVC had a capital loss carryforward of $3.8 million as of the merger date. As of December 31, 2020, the Company estimates that it will have a capital loss carryforward of approximately $312.3 million ($6.4 million of short-term capital losses and $305.9 million of long-term capital losses) none of which will expire. Because of the loss limitation rules of the Code, some of the tax basis losses may be limited in their use. The unused balance will be carried forward and utilized as gains are realized, subject to such limitations.
For federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments owned as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was approximately $1,486.0 million and $1,192.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, net unrealized depreciation on the Company's investments (tax basis) was approximately $1.3 million, consisting of gross unrealized appreciation, where the fair value of the Company's investments exceeds their tax cost, of approximately $23.4 million and gross unrealized depreciation, where the tax cost of the Company's investments exceeds their fair value, of approximately $24.7 million. As of December 31, 2019, net unrealized depreciation on the Company's investments (tax basis) was approximately $20.1 million, consisting of gross unrealized appreciation, where the fair value of the Company's investments exceeds their tax cost, of approximately $2.5 million and gross unrealized depreciation, where the tax cost of the Company's investments exceeds their fair value, of approximately $22.6 million.
In addition, the Company has wholly-owned taxable subsidiaries (the “Taxable Subsidiaries”), which hold certain portfolio investments that are listed on the Consolidated Schedules of Investments. The Taxable Subsidiaries are consolidated for financial reporting purposes, such that the Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s investments in the portfolio companies owned by the Taxable Subsidiaries. The purpose of the Taxable Subsidiaries is to permit the Company to hold certain portfolio companies that are organized as LLCs (or other forms of pass-through entities) and still satisfy the RIC tax requirement that at least 90% of the RIC’s gross revenue for income tax purposes must consist of qualifying investment income. Absent the Taxable Subsidiaries, a proportionate amount of any gross income of an LLC (or other pass-through entity) portfolio investment would flow through directly to the RIC. To the extent that such income did not consist of qualifying investment income, it could jeopardize the Company’s ability to qualify as a RIC and therefore cause the Company to incur significant amounts of federal income taxes. When LLCs (or other pass-through entities) are owned by the Taxable Subsidiaries, their income is taxed to the Taxable Subsidiaries and does not flow through to the RIC, thereby helping the Company preserve its RIC tax treatment and resultant tax advantages. The Taxable Subsidiaries are not consolidated for income tax purposes and may generate income tax expense as a result of their ownership of the portfolio companies. This income tax expense is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, any unrealized appreciation related to portfolio investments held by the Taxable Subsidiaries (net of unrealized depreciation related to portfolio investments held by the Taxable Subsidiaries) is reflected net of applicable federal
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
and state income taxes in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, with the related deferred tax liabilities included in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $8.6 million pertaining to operating losses, related to its investments. Given the losses generated by the entity, the deferred tax asset has been offset by a valuation allowance of $8.6 million. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $2.2 million pertaining to operating losses, related to its investments. Given the losses generated by the entity, the deferred tax asset has been offset by a valuation allowance of $2.2 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $4.9 million pertaining to operating losses, related to its investments. Given the losses generated by the entity, the deferred tax asset has been offset by a valuation allowance of $4.9 million
6. Derivative Instruments
Credit Support Agreement
In connection with the MVC Acquisition, on December 23, 2020, promptly following the closing of the Merger, the Company and the Adviser entered into the Credit Support Agreement, pursuant to which the Adviser has agreed to provide credit support to the Company in the amount of up to $23.0 million relating to the net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired MVC investment portfolio over a 10-year period. For the year ended December 31, 2020, there was no unrealized appreciation (depreciation) associated with the Credit Support Agreement. See “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions” for additional information regarding the Credit Support Agreement.
As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Credit Support Agreement was $13.6 million and is included in "Credit support agreement" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the Credit Support Agreement was determined based on an income approach, with the primary inputs being the enterprise value, the continuously annual risk-free interest rate, a measure of expected asset volatility, and the expected time until an exit event for each portfolio company in the Referenced Portfolio, which are all Level 3 inputs.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
The Company enters into forward currency contracts from time to time to primarily help mitigate the impact that an adverse change in foreign exchange rates would have on net interest income from the Company's investments and related borrowings denominated in foreign currencies. Net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currency contracts are included in "Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - foreign currency transactions" and net realized gains or losses on forward currency contracts are included in "Net realized gains (losses) - foreign currency transactions" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Forward currency contracts are considered undesignated derivative instruments.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
The following table presents the Company's foreign currency forward contracts as of December 31, 2020:
The following table presents the Company's foreign currency forward contracts as of December 31, 2019:
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total fair value of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts was $(478,891) and $(23,559), respectively. The fair values of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts are based on unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes, which are Level 2 inputs.
7. Equity-Based and Other Compensation Plans
Prior to the Asset Sale Transaction, the Company utilized the Triangle Capital Corporation Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Omnibus Plan") as part of its compensation programs. The Omnibus Plan provided for grants of restricted stock, incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and cash-based and/or stock-based performance awards, collectively, "Awards," to the Company’s employees and independent directors. Equity-based awards granted under the Omnibus Plan to independent directors generally vested over a one-year period and equity-based awards granted under the Omnibus Plan to executive officers and employees generally vested ratably over a four-year period. The Company accounted for its equity-based compensation using the fair value method, as prescribed by ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation. Accordingly, for restricted stock awards, the Company measured the grant date fair value based upon the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant and amortized this fair value to compensation expense ratably over the requisite service period or vesting term.
On July 31, 2018, in connection with the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction, all 904,060 outstanding shares of restricted stock outstanding under the Omnibus Plan vested and on August 2, 2018, the Board terminated the
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Omnibus Plan. As a result, in the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized equity based compensation expense of approximately $14.2 million.
The following table presents information with respect to equity-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2018:
Prior to the Asset Sale Transaction, the Board had adopted a nonqualified deferred compensation plan covering the Company’s executive officers and key employees. On July 31, 2018, in connection with the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction, the Company's Amended and Restated Executive Deferred Compensation Plan was terminated and all previously unvested deferred compensation benefits became fully vested. As a result, in the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company accelerated the recognition of the remaining $0.8 million of deferred compensation expense.
Prior to the Asset Sale Transaction, the Company maintained a 401(k) plan in which all full-time employees who were at least 21 years of age were eligible to participate and receive employer contributions. Eligible employees could contribute a portion of their compensation on a pretax basis into the 401(k) plan up to the maximum amount allowed under the Code, and direct the investment of their contributions. On July 31, 2018, the Board took action to terminate the Company's 401(k) plan in connection with the closing of the Asset Sale Transaction.
8. Transactions with Controlled Companies
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received management and other fees from the MVC PE Fund of $5,292. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company received management and other fees from SRC Worldwide, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRS-SPV, Inc., of $100,000. These fees were recognized as fee income in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
9. Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, consisting primarily of unused commitments to extend financing to the Company’s portfolio companies. Since commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company believed that it had adequate financial resources to satisfy its unfunded commitments. The balances of unused commitments to extend financing as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(1)The Company's estimate of the fair value of the current investments in these portfolio companies includes an analysis of the fair value of any unfunded commitments.
(2)Represents a commitment to extend financing to a portfolio company where one or more of the Company's current investments in the portfolio company are carried at less than cost.
(3)Actual commitment amount is denominated in Euros. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(4)Actual commitment amount is denominated in British pounds sterling.Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(5)Actual commitment amount is denominated in Australian dollars. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
In the normal course of business, the Company guarantees certain obligations in connection with its portfolio companies (in particular, certain controlled portfolio companies). Under these guarantee arrangements, payments may be required to be made to third parties if such guarantees are called upon or if the portfolio companies were to default on their related obligations, as applicable. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had guaranteed €9.9 million ($12.1 million U.S. dollars) relating to credit facilities among Erste Bank and MVC Automotive Group Gmbh ("MVC Auto"). The Company would be required to make payments to Erste Bank if MVC Auto were to default on their related payment obligations. None of the credit facility guarantees are recorded as a liability on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, as such the credit facility liabilities are considered in the valuation of the investments in MVC Auto. The guarantees denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
In addition, the Company agreed to cash collateralize a $3.5 million letter of credit for Security Holdings B.V. The $3.5 million cash collateralization is reflected as "Restricted cash" on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company and certain of its former executive officers have been named as defendants in two putative securities class action lawsuits, each filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (and then transferred to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina) on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired our common stock between May 7, 2014 and November 1, 2017. The first lawsuit was filed on November 21, 2017, and was captioned Elias Dagher, et al., v. Triangle Capital Corporation, et al., Case No. 5:18-cv-00015-FL (the “Dagher Action”). The second lawsuit was filed on November 28, 2017, and was captioned Gary W. Holden, et al., v. Triangle Capital Corporation, et al., Case No. 5:18-cv-00010-FL (the “Holden Action”). The Dagher Action and the Holden Action were consolidated and are currently captioned In re Triangle Capital Corp. Securities Litigation, Master File No. 5:18-cv-00010-FL.
On April 10, 2018, the plaintiff filed its First Consolidated Amended Complaint. The complaint alleged certain violations of the securities laws, including, among other things, that the defendants made certain materially false and misleading statements and omissions regarding the Company’s business, operations and prospects between May 7,
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
2014 and November 1, 2017. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees and costs, among other relief, but did not specify the amount of damages being sought. On May 25, 2018, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On March 7, 2019, the court entered an order granting the defendants’ motion to dismiss. On March 28, 2019, the plaintiff filed a motion seeking leave to file a Second Consolidated Amended Complaint. On September 20, 2019, the court entered an order denying the plaintiff’s motion for leave to file a Second Consolidated Amended Complaint and dismissing the action with prejudice. On October 17, 2019, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal seeking review of the court’s September 20, 2019 order. The plaintiff filed its opening brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on January 6, 2020. The defendants filed their response brief on February 28, 2020, and the plaintiff filed its reply brief on March 27, 2020. The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit heard oral argument on the appeal on December 9, 2020. On February 22, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the court’s September 20, 2019 order dismissing the action with prejudice.
In addition, the Company may be party to certain lawsuits in the normal course of business or in connection with strategic transactions. Furthermore, third parties may try to seek to impose liability on the Company in connection with the activities of its portfolio companies.
While the outcome of any open legal proceedings, including those described above, cannot at this time be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect that any reasonably possible losses arising from these matters will materially affect its financial condition or results of operations. Furthermore, in management's opinion, it is not possible to estimate a range of reasonably possible losses with respect to litigation contingencies.
COVID-19 Developments
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the spread of the Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the U.S economy. To the extent the Company's portfolio companies are adversely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may have a material adverse impact on the Company's future net investment income, the fair value of its portfolio investments, its financial condition and the results of operations and financial condition of the Company's portfolio companies.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
10. Financial Highlights
(1)Weighted average per share data-basic and diluted.
(2)Represents the impact of the different share amounts used in calculating per share data as a result of calculating certain per share data based upon the weighted average basic shares outstanding during the period and certain per share data based on the shares outstanding as of a period end or transaction date.
(3)Represents the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last day of the period.
(4)Does not include expenses of underlying investment companies, including joint ventures and short-term investments.
(5)Portfolio turnover ratio as of December 31, 2020 excludes the impact of short-term investments and the MVC Acquisition.
(6)Total return is based on purchase of stock at the current market price on the first day and a sale at the current market price on the last day of each period reported on the table and assumes reinvestment of dividends at prices obtained by the Company's dividend reinvestment plan during the period.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
11. MVC Capital, Inc. Acquisition
On December 23, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of MVC pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated as of August 10, 2020, with MVC, Mustang Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and our wholly owned subsidiary (“Acquisition Sub”), and Barings. To effect the acquisition, Acquisition Sub merged with and into MVC, with MVC surviving the merger as our wholly owned subsidiary (the “First Merger”). Immediately thereafter, MVC merged with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving company (the “Second Merger” and, together with the First Merger, the “Merger”). The Merger has been treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, MVC stockholders received the right to the following merger consideration in exchange for each share of MVC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger (other than shares of MVC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger that were held by a subsidiary of MVC or held, directly or indirectly, by the Company or the Acquisition Sub), in accordance with the Merger Agreement: (i) an amount in cash from Barings, without interest, equal to $0.39492, and (ii) 0.9790836 shares of the Company’s common stock, which ratio gave effect to the Euro-dollar exchange rate adjustment mechanism in the Merger Agreement, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares. The Company issued approximately 17,354,332 shares of its common stock to MVC’s then-existing stockholders in connection with the Merger, thereby resulting in the Company’s then-existing stockholders owning approximately 73.4% of the combined company and MVC's then-existing stockholders owning approximately 26.6% of the combined company.
In connection with the closing of the Merger on December 23, 2020, the Board affirmed the Company’s commitment to open-market purchases of shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount of up to $15.0 million at then-current market prices at any time shares trade below 90% of the Company’s then most recently disclosed net asset value per share. Any repurchases pursuant to the authorized program will occur during the 12-month period commencing upon the filing of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2021 and are expected to be made in accordance with a repurchase plan that qualifies for the safe harbors provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, as well as subject to compliance with the covenants in the Company’s borrowing arrangements, including under our the February 2019 Credit Facility, and certain other regulatory requirements.
In connection with the MVC Acquisition, on December 23, 2020, following the closing of the Merger, the Company entered into the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement with Barings, effective January 1, 2021. Promptly following the closing of the Merger, the Company also entered into the Credit Support Agreement with Barings. See “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions” for more information regarding the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement and the Credit Support Agreement.
In connection with the closing of the Merger, MVC notified U.S. Bank National Association ("U.S. Bank"), the trustee for MVC Capital's 6.25% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "MVC Notes"), of the election to redeem the remaining $95.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the MVC Notes outstanding at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the MVC Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes to, but excluding, the date of redemption, and the Company caused the discharge of the MVC Notes by entering into a Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture, dated December 23, 2020, with respect to the indenture governing the MVC Notes. The trustee provided notice of such redemption to the holders of the MVC Notes in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the MVC Notes. The redemption was completed on January 22, 2021 and was funded with trust funds deposited with U.S. Bank in trust for such purpose.
The MVC Acquisition was accounted for in accordance with the asset acquisition method of accounting as detailed in ASC 805-50, Business Combinations-Related Issues. Under asset acquisition accounting, acquiring assets in groups not only requires ascertaining the cost of the asset (or net assets), but also allocating that cost to the individual assets (or individual assets and liabilities) that make up the group. Per ASC 805-50-30-1, the acquired assets (as a group) are recognized based on their cost to the acquiring entity, which generally includes transaction costs of the asset acquisition, and no gain or loss is recognized unless the fair value of noncash assets given as
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consideration differs from the assets carrying amounts on the acquiring entity’s records. ASC 805-50-30-2 goes on to say asset acquisitions in which the consideration given is cash are measured by the amount of cash paid. However, if the consideration given is not in the form of cash (that is, in the form of noncash assets, liabilities incurred, or equity interests issued), measurement is based on the cost to the acquiring entity or the fair value of the assets (or net assets) acquired, whichever is more clearly evident and, thus, more reliably measured.
The fair value of the merger consideration paid by the Company was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values as of the date of acquisition and did not give rise to goodwill. Since the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the fair value of the merger consideration paid by the Company, the Company recognized a deemed contribution from the Adviser.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of the MVC Acquisition:
(1)During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company incurred $7.6 million in professional fees and other costs related to the MVC Acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 2020, these costs included $2.5 million one-time investment banking fees.
(2)Non-cash operating activity included in "Acquisition of MVC Capital, net of cash acquired" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(3)Investments acquired were recorded at fair value, which is also the Company's initial cost basis
(4)Other assets acquired in the MVC Acquisition consisted of the following:
(5)Liabilities assumed in the MVC Acquisition consisted of the following:
(a) On December 23, 2020, MVC and the Company deposited with the trustee for the MVC Notes funds from cash on hand sufficient to satisfy all obligations remaining to the redemption date for the MVC Notes under the indenture, and the trustee for the MVC Notes entered into a Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture with the Company with
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
respect to the indenture governing the MVC Notes. The redemption was completed on January 22, 2021 with such trust funds.
12. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following tables set forth certain quarterly financial information for each of the eight quarters in the two years ended December 31, 2020. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or for any future quarter.
13. Subsequent Events
Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company made approximately $224.1 million of new commitments, of which $202.2 million closed and funded. The $202.2 million of investments consist of $162.2 million of first lien senior secured debt investments, a $14.5 million second lien senior secured debt investment, and $25.6 million of equity and joint venture investments. The weighted average yield of the debt investments was 6.7%. In addition, the Company funded $27.1 million of previously committed delayed draw term loans.
On February 7, 2021, the Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.19 per share payable on March 17, 2021 to holders of record as of March 10, 2021.
On February 25, 2021, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “February 2021 NPA”) governing the issuance of (1) $80.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Series D senior unsecured notes due February 26, 2026 (the “Series D Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 3.41% per year and (2) $70.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Series E senior unsecured notes due February 26, 2028 (the “Series E Notes” and, collectively with the Series D Notes, the “February Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.06% per year, in each case, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. Each stated interest rate is subject to a step up of (x) 0.75% per year, to the extent the applicable February Notes do not satisfy certain investment grade rating conditions and/or (y) 1.50% per year, to the extent the ratio of the Company’s secured debt to total assets exceeds specified thresholds, measured as of each fiscal quarter end. The February Notes were delivered and paid for on February 26, 2021. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the February Notes for general corporate purposes, including to make investments and make distributions permitted by the February 2021 NPA.
The Series D Notes will mature on February 26, 2026, and the Series E Notes will mature on February 26, 2028 unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company in accordance with the terms of the February 2021 NPA. Interest on the February Notes will be due semiannually in February and August of each year, beginning in August 2021. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the February Notes at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment) if certain change in control events occur. Subject to the terms of the February 2021 NPA, the Company may redeem the Series D Notes and the Series E
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before August 26, 2025, with respect to the Series D Notes, or on or before August 26, 2027, with respect to the Series E Notes, a make-whole premium.
The February 2021 NPA contains certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for agreements of this type, including, without limitation, information reporting, maintenance of the Company’s status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and certain restrictions with respect to transactions with affiliates, fundamental changes, changes of line of business, permitted liens, investments and restricted payments. In addition, the February 2021 NPA contains the following financial covenants: (a) maintaining a minimum obligors’ net worth, measured as of each fiscal quarter end; (b) not permitting the Company’s asset coverage ratio, as of the date of the incurrence of any debt for borrowed money or the making of any cash dividend to shareholders, to be less than the statutory minimum then applicable to the Company under the 1940 Act; and (c) not permitting the Company’s net debt to equity ratio to exceed 2.0x, measured as of each fiscal quarter end.
The February 2021 NPA also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under other indebtedness or that of the Company’s subsidiary guarantors, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the February Notes at the time outstanding may declare all February Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable.
The Company’s obligations under the February 2021 NPA are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, and are general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company.
The February Notes were offered in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The February Notes have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as applicable.
See Note 9 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent the Company's portfolio companies are adversely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may have a material adverse impact on the Company's future net investment income, the fair value of its portfolio investments, its financial condition and the results of operations and financial condition of the Company's portfolio companies.