Item 1. Business
We are an externally managed specialty finance company focused on lending to middle market companies. We are managed by our Investment Adviser, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Carlyle Group L.P. We have elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Investment Company Act”). In addition, we have elected to be treated, and intend to continue to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Code”). Since we commenced investment operations in May 2013 through December 31, 2017, we have invested approximately $3.6 billion in aggregate principal amount of debt and equity investments prior to any subsequent exits or repayments.
Our investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation primarily through debt investments in U.S. middle market companies, which we define as companies with approximately $10 million to $100 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), which we believe is a useful proxy for cash flow. We seek to achieve our investment objective primarily through direct originations of secured debt, including first lien senior secured loans (which may include stand-alone first lien loans, first lien/last out loans and “unitranche” loans) and second lien senior secured loans (collectively, “Middle Market Senior Loans”), with the balance of our assets invested in higher yielding investments (which may include unsecured debt, mezzanine debt and investments in equities).
We invest primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt, if rated, is rated below investment grade, and, if not rated, would likely be rated below investment grade if it were rated (that is, below BBB- or Baa3, which is often referred to as “junk”). Exposure to below investment grade instruments involves certain risks, including speculation with respect to the borrower’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
We generate revenues primarily in the form of interest income from the investments we hold. In addition, we generate income from dividends on direct equity investments, capital gains on the sales of loans and debt and equity securities and various loan origination and other fees.
In conducting our investment activities, we believe that we benefit from the significant scale and resources of Carlyle, including our Investment Adviser and its affiliates. We have operated our business as a BDC since we began our investment activities in May 2013.
Formation Transactions and Corporate Structure
We were formed in February 2012 as a Maryland corporation structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company. On May 2, 2013, we elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act and commenced substantial investment operations upon the completion of our initial closing of equity capital commitments. In addition, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013.
Effective on March 15, 2017, we changed our name from “Carlyle GMS Finance, Inc.” to “TCG BDC, Inc.” On June 19, 2017, we closed our initial public offering, issuing 9,454,200 shares of our common stock (including shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option on July 5, 2017) at a public offering price of $18.50 per share. Shares of common stock of TCG BDC began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CGBD” on June 14, 2017.
Our Investment Adviser
Our investment activities are managed by our Investment Adviser. The principal executive offices of our Investment Adviser are located at 520 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor, New York, NY 10022, with additional offices in Chicago and Los Angeles. Our Investment Adviser is responsible for sourcing potential investments, conducting research and due diligence on prospective investments and equity sponsors, analyzing investment opportunities, structuring our investments and monitoring our investments on an ongoing basis.
Our Investment Adviser is served by an origination, capital markets, underwriting and portfolio management team comprised of experienced investment professionals in CDL, which is Carlyle’s direct lending business unit that operates within the broader Carlyle Global Credit segment. Our investment approach is focused on long-term credit performance and principal preservation. Our Investment Adviser’s investment team utilizes a rigorous, systematic, and consistent investment process, refined over Carlyle’s 30-year history investing in private markets across multiple cycles, designed to achieve enhanced risk-adjusted returns.
Our Investment Adviser’s seven-person investment committee is responsible for reviewing and approving our investment opportunities. The members of the investment committee have experience investing through different credit cycles. The investment committee is led by Michael A. Hart, Managing Director of Carlyle, Head of CDL, Chairman of our Board of Directors and our Chief Executive Officer and also includes Jeffrey S. Levin, Managing Director of Carlyle and our President.
Our Investment Adviser also serves, and may serve in the future, as investment adviser to other existing and future affiliated BDCs that have investment objectives similar to our investment objectives.
Our Investment Adviser entered into a personnel agreement with The Carlyle Group Employee Co., L.L.C. (“Carlyle Employee Co.”), an affiliate of our Investment Adviser, pursuant to which Carlyle Employee Co. provides our Investment Adviser with access to investment professionals that comprise our Investment Adviser’s investment team. As of December 31, 2017, our Investment Adviser’s investment team included a team of 29 dedicated investment professionals. The seven members of our Investment Adviser’s investment committee have an average of 22 years of industry experience. In addition, our Investment Adviser and its investment team are supported by a team of finance, operations and administrative professionals currently employed by Carlyle Employee Co. and CELF Advisors LLP (“CELF”), both wholly owned subsidiaries of Carlyle.
Our Investment Adviser, its investment professionals, our executive officers and directors, and other current and future principals of our Investment Adviser serve or may serve as investment advisers, officers, directors or principals of entities or investment funds that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do and/or investment funds, accounts and other similar arrangements advised by Carlyle. An affiliated investment fund, account or other similar arrangement currently formed or formed in the future and managed by our Investment Adviser or its affiliates may have overlapping investment objectives and strategies with our own and, accordingly, may invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by us. As a result, our Investment Adviser and/or its affiliates may face conflicts of interest arising out of the investment advisory activities of our Investment Adviser and other operations of Carlyle. See “-Allocation of Investment Opportunities and Potential Conflicts of Interest” and “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Structure-There are significant potential conflicts of interest,
including the management of other investment funds and accounts by our Investment Adviser, which could impact our investment returns” in Part I, Item 1A
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Potential investors should be aware that an investment in the Company involves a high degree of risk. There can be no assurance that the Company’s investment objective will be achieved or that an investor will receive a return of its capital. In addition, there will be occasions when the Investment Adviser and its affiliates may encounter potential conflicts of interest in connection with the Company. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. The following considerations, in addition to the considerations set forth elsewhere herein, should be carefully evaluated before making an investment in the Company. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and operating result could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, the NAV and the trading price of our common stock and the trading price, if any, of any other securities that we may issue could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business and Structure
Capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. These market conditions may materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States and abroad, which may in the future have a negative impact on our business and operations.
From time to time, capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. During such periods of market disruption and instability, we and other companies in the financial services sector may have limited access, if available, to alternative markets for debt and equity capital. Equity capital may be difficult to raise because, subject to some limited exceptions which will apply to us as a BDC, we will generally not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at a price less than NAV without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our Independent Directors. In addition, our ability to incur indebtedness (including by issuing preferred stock) is limited by applicable regulations such that our asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, must equal at least 200% immediately after each time we incur indebtedness. The debt capital that will be available, if at all, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms and conditions in the future. Any inability to raise capital could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Given the extreme volatility and dislocation in the capital markets from time to time, many BDCs have faced, and may in the future face, a challenging environment in which to raise or access capital. In addition, significant changes in the capital markets, including the extreme volatility and disruption from time to time, has had, and may in the future have, a negative effect on the valuations of our investments and on the potential for liquidity events involving these investments. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). As a result, volatility in the capital markets can adversely affect our investment valuations. Further, the illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if required and to value such investments. As a result, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we will have recorded our investments. 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.
Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.
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.
We are dependent upon our Investment Adviser for our future success.
We do not have any employees. We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of our Investment Adviser’s investment professionals and CDL to source appropriate investments for us. We depend on members of our Investment Adviser’s investment team to appropriately analyze our investments and our Investment Adviser’s investment committee to approve and monitor our middle market portfolio investments. Our Investment Adviser’s investment committee, together with the other members of its investment team, evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor our investments. Our future success will depend on the continued availability of the members of our Investment Adviser’s investment committee and the other investment professionals available to our Investment Adviser. Neither we nor our Investment Adviser has employment agreements with these individuals or other key personnel, 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 us. The loss of Mr. Hart, or any of the other senior investment professionals to which our Investment Adviser has access, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective as well as on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that CGCIM will remain our investment adviser or that we will continue to have access to Carlyle’s investment professionals or its information and deal flow. Further, the can be no assurance that CGCIM will replicate its own or Carlyle’s historical success, and we caution you that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by other Carlyle-managed funds.
Our financial condition, results of operations and ability to achieve our investment objective depend on our ability to source investments, access financing and manage future growth effectively.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective and to grow depends on our ability to acquire suitable investments and monitor and administer those investments, which depends, in turn, on our Investment Adviser’s ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria.
Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of our Investment Adviser’s structuring of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us and its ability to access financing for us on acceptable terms. Our Investment Adviser’s investment team has substantial responsibilities under the investment advisory agreement between us and our Investment Adviser (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) and in connection with managing us and certain other investment funds and accounts advised by our Investment Adviser, and may also be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. These demands on their time, which will increase as the number of investments grow, may distract them or slow the rate of investment. In order for us to grow, Carlyle will need to hire, train, supervise, manage and retain new employees. However, we can offer no assurance that any such investment professionals will contribute effectively to the work of our Investment Adviser. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may need to raise additional capital to grow because we must distribute most of our income.
We may need additional capital to fund growth in our investments, and a reduction in the availability of new capital could limit our ability to grow. We have elected to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code. To maintain our status as a RIC, among other requirements, we must distribute on a timely basis at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to our stockholders to maintain our RIC status. As a result, any such cash earnings may not be available to fund investment originations or repay maturing debt. We have borrowed under the Facilities and through the issuance of the 2015-1 Notes and in the future may borrow under additional debt facilities from financial institutions. We must continue to issue additional debt and equity securities to fund our growth. If we fail to obtain funds from such sources or from other sources to fund our investments, it could limit our ability to grow, which may have an adverse effect on the value of our securities. We may pursue growth through acquisitions or strategic investments in new businesses. Completion and timing of any such acquisitions or strategic investments may be subject to a number of contingencies and risks. There can be no assurance that the integration of an acquired business will be successful or that an acquired business will prove to be profitable or sustainable.
In addition, as a BDC, our ability to borrow or issue preferred stock may be restricted if our total assets are less than 200% of our total borrowings and preferred stock. Furthermore, equity capital may be difficult to raise 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 per share less than NAV without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our Independent Directors.
Any failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC or RIC would reduce our operating flexibility, may hinder our achievement of our investment objective, may limit our investment choices and may subject us to greater regulation.
The Investment Company Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs and RICs that do not apply to other types of investment vehicles. For example, under the Investment Company Act, we are required as a BDC to invest at least 70% of our total assets in specified types of “qualifying assets,” primarily in private U.S. companies or thinly-traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, in order to continue to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we are required to satisfy certain source-of-income, diversification and distribution requirements. These constraints, among others, may hinder our ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”
Furthermore, any failure to comply with the requirements imposed on us as a BDC by the Investment Company Act could cause the SEC to bring an enforcement action against us and/or expose us to claims of private litigants. In addition, upon approval of a majority of our outstanding voting securities as required by the Investment Company Act, we may elect to withdraw our status as a BDC. If we decide to withdraw our election, or if we otherwise fail to qualify, or maintain our qualification, as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act, which would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions, significantly decrease our operating flexibility and could significantly increase our cost of doing business. In addition, any such failure could cause an event of default under our outstanding indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we will, raise additional capital. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.
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,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the Investment Company Act. In addition, we may seek to securitize certain of our loans. Under the provisions of the Investment Company Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities only in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the Investment Company Act, equals at least 200% of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test, which may prohibit us from paying dividends and could prevent us from maintaining our status as a RIC or may prohibit us from repurchasing shares of our common stock. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Accordingly, any failure to satisfy this test could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. As of December 31, 2017, our asset coverage calculated in accordance with the Investment Company Act was 234.86%. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common stockholders. Furthermore, as a result of issuing senior securities, our common stockholders would also be exposed to typical risks associated with increased leverage, including an increased risk of loss resulting from increased indebtedness.
If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank “senior” to common stock in our capital structure, preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders, and the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.
We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below the NAV 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 NAV per share of our common stock if our Board determines that such sale is in the best interests of us and our stockholders and our stockholders approve such sale. 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 distributing commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock, or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease, and holders of our common stock might experience dilution.
We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.
As part of our business strategy, we, including through our wholly owned subsidiaries, borrow from and may in the future issue additional senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Holders of these loans or senior securities would have fixed-dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our stockholders. If the value of our assets decreases, leverage will cause our NAV 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.
Our ability to service our borrowings depends largely on our financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. In addition, our management fees are payable based on our gross assets, including assets acquired through the use of leverage (but excluding cash and any temporary investments in cash-equivalents), which may give our Investment Adviser an incentive to use leverage to make additional investments. See “-We may be obligated to pay our Investment Adviser incentive compensation even if we incur a loss.” The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our Investment Adviser’s and our Board of Directors’ assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.
In addition to having fixed-dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, obligations to lenders may be secured by a first priority security interest in our portfolio of investments and cash. In the case of a liquidation event, those lenders would receive proceeds to the extent of their security interest before any distributions are made to our stockholders. In addition, as the holder of the preferred interests issued by the 2015-1 Issuer (the “2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests”) on the closing date of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization in exchange for our contribution to the 2015-1 Issuer of the initial closing date loan portfolio (i.e., the subordinated class of the 2015-1 Securitization), we may be required to absorb losses with respect to the 2015-1 Debt Securitization.
Our Facilities and the 2015-1 Notes impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, remedies on default and similar matters. As of December 31, 2017, we were in material compliance with the operating and financial covenants of our Facilities and the 2015-1 Notes. However, our continued compliance with these covenants depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, although we believe we will continue to be in compliance, we cannot assure you that we will continue to comply with the covenants in our Facilities and the 2015-1 Notes. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default. If we were unable to obtain a waiver of a default from the lenders or holders of that indebtedness, as applicable, those lenders or holders could accelerate repayment under that indebtedness, which may result in cross-acceleration of other indebtedness. An acceleration could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Lastly, we may be unable to obtain additional leverage, which would, in turn, affect our return on capital.
As of December 31, 2017, we had a combined $835.9 million of outstanding consolidated indebtedness under our Facilities and 2015-1 Notes. Our annualized interest cost as of December 31, 2017, was 3.52%, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of upfront fees). Since we generally pay interest at a floating rate on our Facilities and 2015-1 Notes, an increase in interest rates will generally increase our borrowing costs.
The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns on our portfolio, net of expenses. 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, as of December 31, 2017, (i) $2,021.4 million in total assets, (ii) $835.9 million in outstanding indebtedness, (iii) $1,127 million in net assets and (iv) weighted average interest rate, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of financing costs), of 3.52%.
Based on an outstanding indebtedness of $835.9 million as of December 31, 2017, and the weighted average effective annual interest rate, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of financing costs), of 3.52% as of that date, our investment portfolio at fair value would have had to produce an annual return of approximately 1.46% to cover annual interest payments on the outstanding debt. For more information on our indebtedness, see Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial conditions or results of operations.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our credit facilities or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable us to repay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before it matures. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling assets or seeking additional equity. We cannot assure you that any such actions, if necessary, could be effected on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or on terms that would not be disadvantageous to our stockholders or on terms that would not require us to breach the terms and conditions of our existing or future debt agreements.
Changes in interest rates may increase our cost of capital, reduce the ability of our portfolio companies to service their debt obligations and decrease our net investment income.
General interest rate fluctuations and changes in credit spreads on floating rate loans may have a substantial negative impact on our investments and investment opportunities and, accordingly, may have a material adverse effect on our rate of return on invested capital, our net investment income and our NAV. Substantially all of our debt investments have variable interest rates that reset periodically based on benchmarks such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” or “L”) and the U.S. Prime Rate (“Prime Rate” or “P”), so an increase in interest rates from their historically low present levels may make it more difficult for our portfolio companies to service their obligations under the debt investments that we will hold. Rising interest rates could also cause portfolio companies to shift cash from other productive uses to the payment of interest, which may have a material adverse effect on their business and operations and could, over time, lead to increased defaults. In addition, on July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative reference rates or any other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. The elimination of LIBOR or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us or on our overall financial condition or results of operations. It is unclear how increased regulatory oversight and changes in the method for determining LIBOR may affect the value of the financial obligations to be held by or issued to us that are linked to LIBOR, or how such changes could affect our results of operations or financial condition.
Furthermore, to the extent we borrow money to make investments, our net investment income depends, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income to the extent we use debt to finance our investments. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income.
In addition, a rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to our debt investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates would make it easier for us to meet or exceed the incentive fee
hurdle rate in our Investment Advisory Agreement and may result in a substantial increase in the amount of incentive fees payable to our Investment Adviser with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment income.
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.
We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including, the pace at which investments are made, the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the default rate on such securities, rates of repayment, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses and changes in unrealized appreciation or depreciation, 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.
There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including the management of other investment funds and accounts by our Investment Adviser, which could impact our investment returns.
Our executive officers and directors, other current and future principals of our Investment Adviser and certain members of our Investment Adviser’s investment committee may serve as officers, directors or principals of other entities and affiliates of our Investment Adviser and funds managed by our affiliates that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do. Currently, our executive officers, as well as the other principals of our Investment Adviser manage other funds affiliated with Carlyle, including other existing and future affiliated BDCs, including TCG BDC II, Inc. (“BDC II”). In addition, our Investment Adviser’s investment team has responsibilities for sourcing and managing U.S. 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 the interests of, us or our stockholders. Although the professional staff of our Investment Adviser will devote as much time to our management as appropriate to enable our Investment Adviser to perform its duties in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the investment professionals of our Investment Adviser may have conflicts in allocating their time and services among us, on the one hand, and investment vehicles managed by Carlyle or one or more of its affiliates on the other hand.
Our Investment Adviser may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and affiliated investment vehicles that have overlapping objectives with ours. Although our Investment Adviser 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 our Investment Adviser or an investment manager affiliated with our Investment Adviser, including Carlyle.
We and our affiliates may own investments at different levels of a portfolio company’s capital structure or otherwise own different classes of a portfolio company’s securities, which may give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest. Conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding our portfolio may benefit our affiliates. Our affiliates may pursue or enforce rights with respect to one of our portfolio companies, and those activities may have an adverse effect on us.
As a result of the expansion of Carlyle’s platform into various lines of business in the alternative asset management industry, Carlyle is subject to a number of actual and potential conflicts of interest and subject to greater regulatory oversight than that to which it would otherwise be subject if it had just one line of business. In addition, as Carlyle expands its platform, the allocation of investment opportunities among its investment funds, including us, is expected to become more complex. In addressing these conflicts and regulatory requirements across Carlyle’s various businesses, Carlyle has and may continue to implement certain policies and procedures (for example, information barriers). In addition, we may come into possession of material non-public information with respect to issuers in which we may be considering making an investment. As a consequence, we may be precluded from providing such information or other ideas to other funds affiliated with Carlyle that benefit from such information or we may be precluded from otherwise consummating a contemplated investment. To the extent we or any other funds affiliated with Carlyle fail to appropriately deal with any such conflicts, it could negatively impact our reputation or Carlyle’s reputation and our ability to raise additional funds and the willingness of counterparties to do business with us or result in potential litigation against us.
In the ordinary course of business, we may enter into transactions with affiliates and portfolio companies that may be considered related party transactions. We have implemented certain policies and procedures whereby certain of our executive officers screen each of our transactions for any possible affiliations between the proposed portfolio investment, us and other affiliated persons, including our Investment Adviser, stockholders that own more than 5% of us, employees, officers and directors of us and our Investment Adviser and certain persons directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the foregoing persons. We will not enter into any agreements unless and until we are satisfied that doing
so will not raise concerns under the Investment Company Act or, if such concerns exist, we have taken appropriate actions to seek Board of Directors review and approval or SEC exemptive relief for such transaction.
In the course of our investing activities, we pay management and incentive fees to our Investment Adviser and reimburse our Investment Adviser for certain expenses it incurs in accordance with our Investment Advisory Agreement. As a result, investors in our common stock invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments. Accordingly, there may be times when the senior management team of our Investment Adviser has interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict.
In addition, we pay our Administrator, an affiliate of our Investment Adviser, its costs and expenses and our allocable portion of overhead incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including, compensation paid to or compensatory distributions received by our officers (including our Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and their respective staff who provide services to us, operations staff who provide services to us, and internal audit staff in their role of performing our Sarbanes-Oxley Act internal control assessment. These arrangements create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors monitors.
We may be obligated to pay our Investment Adviser incentive compensation even if we incur a loss.
Our Investment Adviser is entitled to incentive compensation for each calendar quarter in an amount equal to a percentage of the excess of our pre-incentive fee net investment income for that quarter (before deducting incentive compensation) above a performance threshold for that quarter. In calculating our performance threshold, we use net assets which results in a lower hurdle rate than if we used gross assets like we do for determining our base management fee. Our pre-incentive fee net investment income for incentive compensation purposes excludes realized and unrealized capital losses and depreciation that we may incur in the calendar quarter, even if such capital losses or depreciation result in a net loss on our statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay our Investment Adviser incentive compensation for a calendar quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or we incur a net loss for that quarter.
Our fee structure may induce our Investment Adviser to pursue speculative investments and incur leverage, and investors may bear the cost of multiple levels of fees and expenses.
The incentive fees payable by us to our Investment Adviser may create an incentive for our Investment Adviser to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The incentive fees payable to our Investment Adviser are calculated based on a percentage of our return on invested capital. This may encourage our Investment Adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our securities. In addition, our Investment Adviser receives the incentive fees based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike that portion of the incentive fees based on income, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the portion of the incentive fees based on net capital gains. As a result, our Investment Adviser 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 could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns.
The “catch-up” portion of the incentive fees may encourage our Investment Adviser to accelerate or defer interest payable by portfolio companies from one calendar quarter to another, potentially resulting in fluctuations in timing and dividend amounts.
Moreover, because the base management fees payable to our Investment Adviser are payable based on our gross assets, including those assets acquired through the use of leverage, our Investment Adviser has a financial incentive to incur leverage which may not be consistent with our stockholders’ interests.
We may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the securities and instruments of other investment companies, including private funds, and, to the extent we so invest, bear our ratable share of any such investment company’s expenses, including management and performance fees. We also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to our Investment Adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of other investment companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our stockholders bears his or her share of the management and incentive fees of our Investment Adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any investment companies in which we invest.
We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to maintain our qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code.
Although we have elected to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain RIC status. To maintain RIC status and be relieved of U.S. federal income taxes on income and gains distributed to our stockholders, we must, among other things, have in effect an election to be treated, and continue to qualify, as a BDC under the Investment Company Act at all times during each taxable year and meet the Annual Distribution Requirement, the 90% Gross Income Test and the Diversification Tests (each as defined and explained more fully in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”).
If we fail to maintain our RIC status for any reason, and we do not qualify for certain relief provisions under the Code, we would be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes) regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders. In this event, the resulting taxes and any resulting penalties could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of our income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions to our stockholders, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of a RIC, see Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”
We may have difficulty satisfying the Annual Distribution Requirement in order to maintain our RIC status if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
We may make investments that produce income that is not matched by a corresponding cash receipt by us, such as original issue discount (“OID”), which may arise, for example, if we receive warrants in connection with the making of a loan, or payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest representing contractual interest added to the loan principal balance and due at the end of the loan term. Any such income would be treated as income earned by us and therefore would be subject to the Annual Distribution Requirement (as defined and explained more fully in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”). Such investments may require us to borrow money or dispose of other securities in order to comply with those requirements. However, under the Investment Company Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless an “asset coverage” test is met. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Regulation-Indebtedness and Senior Securities.”
If we are prohibited from making distributions or are unable to raise additional debt or equity capital or sell assets to make distributions, we may not be able to make sufficient distributions to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, and therefore would not be able to maintain our qualification as a RIC. Additionally, we may make investments that result in the recognition of ordinary income rather than capital gain, or that prevent us from accruing a long-term holding period. These investments may prevent us from making capital gain distributions. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”
A portion of our income and fees may not be qualifying income for purposes of the income source requirement.
Some of the income and fees that we may recognize will not satisfy the income source requirement applicable to RICs. In order to ensure that such income and fees do not disqualify us as a RIC for a failure to satisfy such requirement, we may be required to recognize such income and fees indirectly through one or more entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such corporations will be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the amount of income available for distribution.
If we are not treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” as defined in the Code, certain U.S. stockholders will be treated as having received a dividend from us in the amount of such U.S. stockholders’ allocable share of the management and incentive fees paid to our Investment Adviser and certain of our other expenses, and these fees and expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions of such U.S. stockholders.
We expect to be treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company” as a result of shares of our common stock being treated as regularly traded on an established securities market. However, we cannot assure you that we will be treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for all years. If we are not treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for any calendar year, each U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate will be treated as having received a dividend from us in the amount of such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of the management and incentive fees paid to our Investment Adviser and certain of our other expenses for the calendar year, and these fees and expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions of such U.S. stockholder. Miscellaneous itemized deductions generally are deductible by a U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate only to the extent that the aggregate of such U.S.
stockholder’s miscellaneous itemized deductions exceeds 2% of such U.S. stockholder’s adjusted gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, are not deductible for purposes of the alternative minimum tax and are subject to the overall limitation on itemized deductions under the Code. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”
After we ceased to be an emerging growth company on December 31, 2017, we became obligated to maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting. We may not complete our analysis of our internal control over financial reporting in a timely manner, or our internal controls may not be determined to be effective, which may adversely affect investor confidence in our company and, as a result, the value of our securities.
After we ceased to be an emerging growth company on December 31, 2017, we became required to comply with the independent auditor attestation requirements of Section 404. Complying with Section 404 requires a rigorous compliance program as well as adequate time and resources. We may not be able to complete our internal control evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. If we are not able to implement the applicable requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, our operations, financial reporting or financial results could be adversely affected. Matters impacting our internal controls may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC or violations of applicable stock exchange listing rules, and result in a breach of the covenants under the agreements governing any of our financing arrangements. There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in us and the reliability of our financial statements. Confidence in the reliability of our financial statements could also suffer if we or our independent registered public accounting firm were to report a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. This could materially adversely affect us and lead to a decline in the price of our securities.
Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations.
Certain investors are limited in their ability to make significant investments in us.
Private funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” either pursuant to Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act are restricted from acquiring directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock (measured at the time of the acquisition). Investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act and BDCs are also subject to this restriction as well as other limitations under the Investment Company Act that would restrict the amount that they are able to invest in our securities. As a result, certain investors will be limited in their ability to make significant investments in us at a time that they might desire to do so.
Our Board of Directors is authorized to reclassify any unissued shares of common stock into one or more classes of preferred stock, which could convey special rights and privileges to its owners.
Under the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”) and our charter (our “Charter”), our Board of Directors is authorized to classify and reclassify any authorized but unissued shares of stock into one or more classes of stock, including preferred stock. Prior to the issuance of shares of each class or series, the Board of Directors is required by Maryland law and our Charter to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Thus, the Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. The cost of any such reclassification would be borne by our existing common stockholders. Certain matters under the Investment Company Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common stock on a proposal to cease operations as a BDC. In addition, the Investment Company Act provides that holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote separately from holders of common stock to elect two preferred stock directors. We currently have no plans to issue preferred stock, but may determine to do so in the future. The issuance of preferred stock convertible into shares of common stock might also reduce the net income per share and NAV per share of our common stock upon conversion, provided, that we will only be permitted to issue such convertible preferred stock to the extent we comply with the requirements of Section 61 of the Investment Company Act, including obtaining common stockholder approval. In addition, under the Investment Company Act, participating preferred stock and preferred stock constitutes a “senior security” for purposes of the 200% asset coverage test. These effects, among others, could have an adverse effect on an investment in our common stock.
Provisions of the MGCL and of our Charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.
The MGCL and our Charter and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of us or the removal of our directors. We are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act (“MBCA”), subject to any applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act. Our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution exempting from the MBCA any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our Board of Directors, including approval by a majority of our Independent Directors. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or our Board of Directors does not approve a business combination, the MBCA may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. Our bylaws exempt from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (“Control Share Act”) acquisitions of our stock by any person. If we amend our bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Control Share Act, the Control Share Act also may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such a transaction. However, we will amend our bylaws to be subject to the Control Share Act only if our Board of Directors determines that it would be in our best interests and if the SEC staff does not object to our determination that our being subject to the Control Share Act does not conflict with the Investment Company Act.
We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our Charter classifying our Board of Directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and authorizing our Board of Directors to classify or reclassify shares of our stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, to amend our Charter without stockholder approval and to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our Charter and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our Board of Directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval.
Our Board of Directors has the authority to modify or, if applicable, waive our investment objectives, operating policies and strategies without prior notice (except as required by the Investment Company Act) and without stockholder approval. In addition, none of our investment policies is fundamental and any of them may be changed without stockholder approval. 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 investment objectives, operating policies or strategies would have on our business, operating results and value of our stock. Nevertheless, the effects may adversely affect our business and impact our ability to make distributions.
A failure in our operational systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties, as well as cyber-attacks could significantly disrupt our business or negatively affect our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
We rely heavily on our and third parties’ financial, accounting, information and other data processing systems. Any failure or interruption of those systems, including as a result of the termination of an agreement with any third-party service providers, could cause delays or other problems in our activities. We face various security threats on a regular basis, including ongoing cyber-security threats to and attacks on our information technology infrastructure that are intended to gain access to our proprietary information, destroy data or disable, degrade or sabotage our systems. 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 our business relationships.
We operate in a business that is highly dependent on information systems and technology. Carlyle 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. The information systems and technology that we rely on may not continue to be able to accommodate our growth, and the cost of maintaining such systems may increase from its current level. Such a failure to accommodate growth, or an increase in costs related to such information systems, could have a material adverse effect on us.
Changes in laws or regulations governing our business or the businesses of our portfolio companies, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations, and any failure by us or our portfolio companies to comply with these laws or regulations may adversely affect our business and the businesses of our portfolio companies.
We and our portfolio companies are subject to laws and regulations at the U.S. federal, state and local levels and, in some cases, foreign levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may change from time to time, and new laws, regulations and interpretations may also come into effect. Any such new or changed laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business or the business of our portfolio companies. The legal, tax and regulatory environment for BDCs, investment advisers and the instruments that they utilize (including derivative instruments) is continuously evolving. In addition, there is significant uncertainty regarding recently enacted legislation (including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and the regulations that have recently been adopted and future regulations that may or may not be adopted pursuant to such legislation) and, consequently, the full impact that such legislation will ultimately have on us and the markets in which we trade and invest is not fully known. Such uncertainty and any resulting confusion may itself be detrimental to the efficient functioning of the markets and the success of certain investment strategies.
In addition, as private equity firms become more influential participants in the U.S. and global financial markets and economy generally, there recently has been pressure for greater governmental scrutiny and/or regulation of the private equity industry. It is uncertain as to what form and in what jurisdictions such enhanced scrutiny and/or regulation, if any, on the private equity industry may ultimately take. Therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether any such scrutiny or initiatives will have an adverse impact on the private equity industry, including our ability to effect operating improvements or restructurings of our portfolio companies or otherwise achieve our objectives.
Over the last several years, there also has been an increase in regulatory attention to the extension of credit outside of the traditional banking sector, raising the possibility that some portion of the non-bank financial sector will be subject to new regulation. While it cannot be known at this time whether any regulation will be implemented or what form it will take, increased regulation of non-bank credit extension could negatively impact our operating results or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or otherwise adversely affect our business.
On February 3, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13772 (the “Executive Order”) announcing the new Administration’s policy to regulate the U.S. financial system in a manner consistent with certain “Core Principles,” including regulation that is efficient, effective and appropriately tailored. The Executive Order directed the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the heads of the member agencies of the Financial Stability Oversight Council, to report to the President on the extent to which existing laws, regulations and other government policies promote the Core Principles and to identify any laws, regulations or other government policies that inhibit federal regulation of the U.S. financial system.
On June 12, 2017, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) published the first of several reports in response to the Executive Order on the depository system covering banks and other savings institutions. On October 6, 2017, the Treasury released a second report outlining ways to streamline and reform the U.S. regulatory system for capital markets, followed by a third report, on October 26, 2017, examining the current regulatory framework for the asset management and insurance industries. Subsequent reports are expected to address: retail and institutional investment products and vehicles, as well as non-bank financial institutions, financial technology and financial innovation.
On June 8, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Financial Choice Act, which includes legislation intended to repeal or replace substantial portions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Among other things, the proposed law would repeal the Volcker Rule limiting certain proprietary investment and trading activities by banks, eliminate the authority of regulators to designate asset managers and other large non-bank institutions as “systemically important financial institutions” or “SIFIs,” and repeal the Department of Labor (“DOL”) “fiduciary rule” governing standards for dealing with retirement plans until the SEC issues standards for similar dealings by broker-dealers and limiting the substance of any subsequent DOL rule to the SEC standards. The bill has been referred to the Senate, where it is unlikely to pass in its current form. On November 16, 2017, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, led by Senate Banking Committee Chairman, introduced the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (the “Senate Regulatory Relief Bill”). The Senate Regulatory Relief Bill would revise various post-crisis regulatory requirements and provide targeted regulatory relief to certain financial institutions. Among the most significant of its proposed amendments to the Dodd-Frank Act are a substantial increase in the $50 billion asset threshold for automatic regulation of bank holding companies as SIFIs, an exemption from the Volcker Rule for insured depository institutions with less than $10 billion in consolidated assets and lower levels of trading assets and liabilities, as well as amendments to the liquidity leverage ratio and supplementary leverage ratio requirements. On December 5, 2017, the Senate Banking Committee approved the Senate Regulatory Relief Bill. If the legislation is adopted in the Senate, it remains unclear whether and how it would be reconciled with its House-passed counterpart, the Financial Choice Act, which is substantially different in scope and substance, and ultimately approved by both chambers of Congress.
At this time it is unclear what impact the Administration’s policies in response to the Executive Order, the Financial Choice Act, the Senate Regulatory Relief Bill or other pending legislation and developments will have on regulations that affect our, our competitors’ and our portfolio companies’ businesses.
Pending legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage.
As a BDC, under the Investment Company Act we generally are not permitted to incur borrowings, issue debt securities or issue preferred stock unless immediately after the borrowing or issuance the ratio of total assets (less total liabilities other than indebtedness) to total indebtedness plus preferred stock, is at least 200%. Recent legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress, if passed, would modify this section of the Investment Company Act and increase the amount of debt that BDCs may incur by modifying the asset coverage percentage from 200% to 150%. As a result, we may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future and you may face increased investment risk. In addition, since our base management fee is calculated as a percentage of the value of our gross assets, including assets acquired through the incurrence of debt but excluding cash and cash equivalents, our base management fee expenses will increase if we incur additional indebtedness.
Recently passed tax reform, Public Law No. 115-97 (the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”), and other changes in laws or regulations related to U.S. federal income taxation could adversely affect us and our investors.
On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which significantly revised the Internal Revenue Code, including, a reduction in the corporate income tax rate, a new limitation on the deductibility of interest expense, and significant changes to the taxation of income earned from foreign sources and foreign subsidiaries. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also authorizes the IRS to issue regulations with respect to the new provisions. While we do not anticipate any immediate material impact on our calculation of NAV, we cannot predict how the changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or regulations or other guidance issued under it, might affect us or our business in the long-term. The impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on our business in the long-term may differ, possibly materially, due to, among other things, changes in interpretations and assumptions that management has made, guidance that may be issued and actions that management may take as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The impact of this legislation on holders of our securities is uncertain and could be adverse. We urge the purchasers of our securities in any offering made pursuant to this prospectus and an accompanying prospectus supplement to consult with their tax advisors with respect to such legislation and the potential tax consequences of investing in our securities.
Our Investment Adviser, Administrator and sub-administrators are able to resign upon 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
Our Investment Adviser, our Administrator and our sub-administrators have the right to resign under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Administration Agreement and the Sub-Administration Agreements, respectively, upon 60 days’ written notice, whether a replacement has been found or not. If any of them resigns, it may be difficult to find a replacement 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 operation 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 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 our Investment Adviser, our Administrator and their affiliates, including certain of our sub-administrators. 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. Moreover, the termination by our Investment Adviser of our Investment Advisory Agreement for any reason will be an event of default under the SPV Credit Facility, which could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the SPV Credit Facility. Similarly, it will be an event of default under the Credit Facility if our Investment Adviser or an affiliate of our Investment Adviser ceases to manage us, which could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the Credit Facility.
Our Investment Adviser’s liability is limited under the Investment Advisory Agreement, and we are required to indemnify our Investment Adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Our Investment Adviser has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services described in the Investment Advisory Agreement, and it will not be responsible for any action of our Board of Directors in declining to follow our Investment Adviser’s advice or recommendations. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, our Investment Adviser and its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons and members and any other person or entities affiliated with it will not be liable to us for their acts under the Investment Advisory Agreement, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. We have agreed to indemnify, defend and protect our Investment Adviser and its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents,
employees, controlling persons and members and any other person or entities affiliated with it with respect to all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses arising out of or otherwise based upon the performance of any of our Investment Adviser’s duties or obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an Investment Adviser for us, and not arising out of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties under the Investment Advisory and Agreement. These protections may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. See “Risks Related to Our Business and Structure-Our fee structure may induce our Investment Adviser to pursue speculative investments and incur leverage, and investors may bear the cost of multiple levels of fees and expenses.”
We are subject to certain risks as a result of our direct interest in the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests.
Because each of the SPV and the 2015-1 Issuer is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the sale or contribution by the SPV to us and the sale or contribution by us to the 2015-1 Issuer as part of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization did not constitute a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service were to take a contrary position, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
The 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests are subordinated obligations of the 2015-1 Issuer.
The 2015-1 Issuer is the residual claimant on funds, if any, remaining after holders of all classes of the 2015-1 Notes have been paid in full on each payment date or upon maturity of the 2015-1 Notes under the 2015-1 Debt Securitization documents. The 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests represent all of the equity interest in the 2015-1 Issuer and, as the holder of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests, we may receive distributions, if any, only to the extent that the 2015-1 Issuer makes distributions out of funds remaining after holders of all classes of the 2015-1 Notes have been paid in full on each payment date any amounts due and owing on such payment date or upon maturity of the 2015-1 Notes. There is no guarantee that we will receive any distributions as the holders of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests.
The interests of holders of the 2015-1 Notes issued by the 2015-1 Issuer may not be aligned with our interests.
The 2015-1 Notes are the debt obligations ranking senior in right of payment to our interests. As such, there are circumstances in which the interests of holders of the 2015-1 Notes may not be aligned with our interests. For example, under the terms of the 2015-1 Issuer, holders of the 2015-1 Notes have the right to receive payments of principal and interest prior to distribution to our interests.
For as long as the 2015-1 Notes remain outstanding, holders of the 2015-1 Notes have the right to act, in certain circumstances, with respect to the portfolio loans in ways that may benefit their interests but not the interests of holders of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests, including by exercising remedies under the indenture governing the 2015-1 Notes (the “2015-1 Indenture”).
If an event of default has occurred and acceleration occurs in accordance with the terms of the 2015-1 Indenture, the 2015-1 Notes then outstanding will be paid in full before any further payment or distribution to the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests. In addition, if an event of default occurs, holders of a majority of the 2015-1 Notes then outstanding will be entitled to determine the remedies to be exercised under the 2015-1 Indenture, subject to the terms of the 2015-1 Indenture. For example, upon the occurrence of an event of default with respect to the notes issued by the 2015-1 Issuer, the trustee or holders of a majority of the 2015-1 Notes then outstanding may declare the principal, together with any accrued interest, of all the 2015-1 Notes to be immediately due and payable. This would have the effect of accelerating the principal on such notes, triggering a repayment obligation on the part of the 2015-1 Issuer. If at such time the portfolio loans of the 2015-1 Issuer were not performing well, the 2015-1 Issuer may not have sufficient proceeds available to enable the trustee under the 2015-1 Indenture to pay a distribution to holders of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests.
Remedies pursued by the holders of the 2015-1 Notes could be adverse to the interests of the holders of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests, and the holders of the 2015-1 Notes have no obligation to consider any possible adverse effect on such other interests. Thus, any remedies pursued by the holders of the 2015-1 Notes may not be in our best interests and we may not receive payments or distributions upon an acceleration of the 2015-1 Notes. Any failure of the 2015-1 Issuer to make distributions on the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests we hold, directly or indirectly, whether as a result of an event of default or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and may result in an inability of us to make distributions sufficient to allow for us to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The 2015-1 Issuer may fail to meet certain asset coverage tests.
Under the documents governing the 2015-1 Debt Securitization, there are two coverage tests applicable to the 2015-1 Notes.
The first such test compares the amount of interest received on the portfolio loans held by the 2015-1 Issuer to the amount of interest payable in respect of the 2015-1 Notes. To meet this first test, interest received on the portfolio loans must equal at least 120% of the interest payable in respect of the 2015-1 Notes issued by the 2015-1 Issuer.
The second such test compares the adjusted collateral principal amount of the portfolio loans of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization to the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 2015-1 Notes. To meet this second test at any time, the adjusted collateral principal amount of the portfolio loans must equal at least 140% of the outstanding principal amount of the 2015-1 Notes.
If any coverage test with respect to the 2015-1 Notes is not met, proceeds from the portfolio of loans that otherwise would have been distributed to the holders of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests will instead be used to redeem first the 2015-1 Notes, to the extent necessary to satisfy the applicable asset coverage tests on a pro forma basis after giving effect to all payments made in respect of the 2015-1 Notes, which we refer to as a mandatory redemption, or to obtain the necessary ratings confirmation. There is no guarantee that the 2015-1 Notes will meet either of these coverage tests, and thus, we may not receive distributions as the holders of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests.
We may not receive cash from the 2015-1 Issuer.
We receive cash from the 2015-1 Issuer only to the extent of payments on the distributions, if any, with respect to the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests as permitted under the 2015-1 Debt Securitization. The 2015-1 Issuer may only make payments on the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests to the extent permitted by the payment priority provisions of the 2015-1 Indenture, as applicable, which generally provide, distribution to Preferred Interests holder may not be made on any payment date unless all amounts owing under the 2015-1 Notes are paid in full. There is no guarantee that we will receive any distributions as the holders of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests.
In addition, if the 2015-1 Issuer does not meet the asset coverage tests or the interest coverage test set forth in the documents governing the 2015-1 Debt Securitization, cash would be diverted to first pay the 2015-1 Notes in amounts sufficient to cause such tests to be satisfied. Even if we do not receive cash directly from the 2015-1 Issuer, such amount will still be treated as income subject to our requirement to distribute 90% of our net investment income to our shareholders. Therefore, in the event that we fail to receive cash directly from the 2015-1 Issuer, we could be unable to make such distributions in amounts sufficient to maintain our status as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or at all.
We may be required to assume liabilities of the 2015-1 Issuer and are indirectly liable for certain representations and warranties in connection with the 2015-1 Debt Securitization.
As part of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization, we entered into a contribution agreement under which we are required to repurchase any loan (or participation interest therein) which was sold to the 2015-1 Issuer in breach of any representation or warranty made by us with respect to such loan on the date such loan was sold. To the extent we fail to satisfy any such repurchase obligation, the trustee of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization may, on behalf of the 2015-1 Issuer, bring an action against us to enforce these repurchase obligations.
The structure of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization is intended to prevent, in the event of our bankruptcy, the consolidation of the 2015-1 Issuer with our operations. If the true sale of the assets in the 2015-1 Debt Securitization were not respected in the event of our insolvency, a trustee or debtor-in-possession might reclaim the assets of the 2015-1 Issuer for our estate. However, in doing so, we would become directly liable for all of the indebtedness then outstanding under the 2015-1 Debt Securitization, which would equal the full amount of debt of the 2015-1 Issuer reflected on our consolidated balance sheet.
In addition, in connection with 2015-1 Debt Securitization, the Company has made customary representations, warranties and covenants to the 2015-1 Issuer. We remain liable for any breach of such representations for the life of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization.
Risks Related to Our Investments
Our portfolio companies may prepay loans, which may have the effect of reducing our investment income if the returned capital cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater yields.
Loans are generally prepayable at any time, most of them at no premium to par. We are generally unable to predict the rate and frequency of such repayments. Whether a loan is prepaid will depend both on the continued positive performance of the portfolio company and the existence of favorable financing market conditions that allow such portfolio company the ability to replace existing financing with less expensive capital. In periods of rising interest rates, the risk of prepayment of floating rate loans may increase if other financing sources are available. As market conditions change frequently, we will often be unable to predict when, and if, this may be possible for each of our portfolio companies. In the case of some of these loans, having the loan called early may have the effect of reducing our actual investment income below our expected investment income if the capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater yields.
The financial projections of our portfolio companies could prove inaccurate.
We generally evaluate the capital structure of portfolio companies on the basis of financial projections prepared by the management of such portfolio companies. These projected operating results are normally based primarily on judgments of the management of the portfolio companies. In all cases, projections are only estimates of future results that are based upon assumptions made at the time that the projections are developed. General economic conditions, which are not predictable with accuracy, along with other factors may cause actual performance to fall short of the financial projections that were used to establish a given portfolio company’s capital structure. Because of the leverage that is typically employed by our portfolio companies, this could cause a substantial decrease in the value of our investment in the portfolio company. The inaccuracy of financial projections could thus cause our performance to fall short of our expectations.
Our portfolio securities typically do not have a readily available market price and, in such a case, we will value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by our Board of Directors, which valuation is inherently subjective and may not reflect what we may actually realize from the sale of the investment.
Substantially all of our portfolio investments are in the form of debt investments that are not publicly traded and are less liquid than publicly traded securities. The fair value of these securities is not readily determinable, and the due diligence process that our Investment Adviser undertakes in connection with our investments may not reveal all the facts that may be relevant in connection with such investment. We value these investments on at least a quarterly basis in accordance with our valuation policy, which is at all times consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). Our Board of Directors utilizes the services of a third-party valuation firm to aid it in determining the fair value of these investments as well as the recommendations of our Investment Adviser’s investment professionals, which are based upon the most recent portfolio company financial statements available and projected financial results of each portfolio company. The Board of Directors discusses valuations and determines the fair value in good faith based on the input of our Investment Adviser and the third-party valuation firm. The participation of our Investment Adviser in our valuation process, and the indirect pecuniary interest in our Investment Adviser by the Interested Directors on our Board of Directors, could result in a conflict of interest, since the management fee is based on our gross assets and also because our Investment Adviser is receiving performance-based incentive fees.
The factors that are considered in the fair value pricing of our investments include the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparisons to publicly traded companies, discounted cash flow, relevant credit market indices, and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments 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. Also, since these valuations are, to a large extent, based on estimates, comparisons and qualitative evaluations of private information, it could make it more difficult for investors to value accurately our investments and could lead to undervaluation or overvaluation of our securities. In addition, the valuation of these types of securities may result in substantial write-downs and earnings volatility. If our Investment Adviser is unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments. Also, privately held companies frequently have less diverse product lines and smaller market presence than larger competitors.
Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio can reduce our NAV by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending
on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer unrealized losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our NAV as of a particular date may be materially greater than or less than the value that would be realized if our assets were to be liquidated as of such date. For example, if we were required to sell a certain asset or all or a substantial portion of our assets on a particular date, the actual price that we would realize upon the disposition of such asset or assets could be materially less than the value of such asset or assets as reflected in our NAV. Volatile market conditions could also cause reduced liquidity in the market for certain assets, which could result in liquidation values that are materially less than the values of such assets as reflected in our NAV.
Our investments are risky and speculative.
We invest primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt, if rated, is rated below investment grade and, if not rated, would likely be rated below investment grade if it were rated. Investments rated below investment grade are generally considered higher risk than investment grade instruments. Bonds that are rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “high yield bonds” or “junk bonds.” Exposure to below investment grade instruments involves certain risks, including speculation with respect to the borrower’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. In our first lien senior secured loans, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the loan’s terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies. To the extent we hold second lien senior secured loans and junior debt investments, holders of first lien loans may be repaid before us in the event of a bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding. This may result in an above average amount of risk and loss of principal. Unitranche loans generally allow the borrower to make a large lump sum payment of principal at the end of the loan term, and there is a heightened risk of loss if the borrower is unable to pay the lump sum or refinance the amount owed at maturity. When we invest in loans, we may acquire equity securities as well. However, 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.
In addition, investing in middle market companies involves a number of significant risks, including:
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these companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their debt securities 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 on any guarantees or security we may have obtained in connection with our investment;
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they typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;
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they 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 a portfolio company and, in turn, on us;
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there is generally little public information about these companies. These companies and their financial information are usually not subject to the Exchange Act and other regulations that govern public companies, and we may be unable to uncover all material information about these companies, which may prevent us from making a fully informed investment decision and cause us to lose money on our investments;
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they generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, 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. In addition, our executive officers, directors and our Investment Adviser may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in the portfolio companies;
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changes in laws and regulations, as well as their interpretations, may adversely affect their business, financial structure or prospects; and
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they may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity.
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and compete with investment vehicles sponsored or advised by our affiliates.
A number of entities compete with us to make the types of investments that we target in middle market companies. We compete with other BDCs, public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial finance companies, and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds, some of which may be affiliates of us. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act and the Code impose on us. The competitive pressures we face may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of this competition, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time, and we can offer no assurance that we will be able to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objective.
We do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer, and we believe that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates we offer. We may lose 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 and increased risk of credit loss.
We may not replicate our historical performance or the historical success of Carlyle.
We cannot provide any assurance that we will replicate our own historical performance, the historical success of Carlyle or the historical performance of other companies that our Investment Adviser and our investment team advised in the past. Accordingly, our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by the Company in the past, other Carlyle-managed funds or by other clients of our Investment Adviser. We can offer no assurance that our Investment Adviser will be able to continue to implement our investment objective with the same degree of success as it has had in the past.
Our ability to enter into transactions with Carlyle and our other affiliates is restricted.
As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. We and any company controlled by us, on the one hand, and our upstream affiliates, or our Investment Adviser and its affiliates, on the other hand, are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions without the prior approval of our Independent Directors (as defined below) and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is our upstream affiliate for purposes of the Investment Company Act, and we or a company controlled by us are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than our securities) from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of our Independent Directors and so long as such person does not own more than 25% of our outstanding voting securities or otherwise control us. We or a company controlled by us are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to our Investment Adviser or its affiliates, or any person who owns more than 25% of our voting securities or is otherwise deemed to control, be controlled by, or be under common control with, us, with such persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC.
The Investment Company Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with our upstream affiliates, or our Investment Adviser or its affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without prior approval of our Independent Directors and, in some cases, the SEC (other than in certain limited situations pursuant to current regulatory guidance as described below). The analysis of whether a particular transaction constitutes a joint transaction requires a review of the relevant facts and circumstances then existing. The SEC has granted us Exemptive Relief that permits us and certain present and future funds advised by our Investment Adviser and certain other present and future investment advisers controlling, controlled by or under common control with our Investment Adviser to co-invest in suitable negotiated investments. 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 addition to co-investing pursuant to our Exemptive Relief, we may also co-invest with funds managed by Carlyle or any of its downstream affiliates, subject to compliance with applicable law and regulations, existing regulatory guidance, our Investment Adviser’s allocation procedures and Carlyle’s other allocation policies and procedures, where applicable. For example, we may invest alongside such investors consistent with guidance promulgated by the SEC staff permitting us and an affiliated person to purchase interests in a single class of privately placed securities so long as certain conditions are met, including that we negotiate no term other than price. We may, in certain cases, also make investments in securities owned by affiliates that we acquire from non-affiliates. In such circumstances, our ability to participate in any restructuring of such investment or other transaction involving the issuer of such investment may be limited, and as a result, we may realize a loss on such investments that might have been prevented or reduced had we not been restricted in participating in such restructuring or other transaction.
To the extent we make investments in restructurings and reorganizations they may be subject to greater regulatory and legal risks than other traditional direct investments in portfolio companies.
We may make investments in restructurings that involve, or otherwise invest in the debt securities of, companies that are experiencing or are expected to experience severe financial difficulties. These severe financial difficulties may never be overcome and may cause such companies to become subject to bankruptcy proceedings. As such, these investments could subject us to certain additional potential liabilities that may exceed the value of our original investment therein. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful financing to companies experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high.
Our ability to extend financial commitments may be limited.
The SEC has proposed a new Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act that, if enacted in the form proposed, could adversely impact the way we and other BDCs do business. In addition to imposing restrictions on the use of derivatives, the rule would generally limit our financial commitments to portfolio companies, together with our exposure to other transactions involving senior securities entered into by us other than in reliance of the rule, to not more than 150 percent of our NAV. We cannot assure you when or if the proposed rule will be adopted by the SEC, and if adopted, whether the final rule will constrain our ability to extend financial commitments.
Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or if there is a downturn in a particular industry.
We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, which means that we are not limited by the Investment Company Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer, excluding limitations on investments in other investment companies. Although we do not intend to focus our investments in any specific industries, our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and under the Facilities and 2015-1 Notes, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and while we do not target any specific industries, our investments may be concentrated in relatively few industries. As a result, the aggregate returns we will realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of one or more investments. Additionally, a downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could also significantly impact our aggregate returns.
Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged.
Some of our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged, which may have adverse consequences to these companies and to us as an investor. These companies may be subject to restrictive financial and operating covenants and the leverage may impair these companies’ ability to finance their future operations and capital needs. As a result, these companies’ flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to take advantage of business opportunities may be limited. Further, a leveraged company’s income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money were not used. Leveraged companies may enter into bankruptcy proceedings at higher rates than companies that are not leveraged.
Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our investments.
Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments to:
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increase or maintain in whole or in part our equity ownership percentage;
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exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or
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attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our investment.
We may elect not to make follow-on investments, may be constrained in our ability to employ available funds, or otherwise may lack sufficient funds to make those investments. We have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. However, doing so could be placing even more capital at risk in existing portfolio companies.
The failure 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 investment. 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 concentration of risk, because we prefer other opportunities or because we are inhibited by compliance with BDC requirements or the desire to maintain our tax status.
Declines in the prices of corporate debt securities and illiquidity in the corporate debt markets may adversely affect the fair value of our portfolio investments, reducing our NAV through increased net unrealized depreciation.
As a BDC, we are required to account for our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of our Board of Directors. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. Depending on market conditions, we may face similar losses, which could reduce our NAV and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because we generally do not hold controlling equity interests in our portfolio companies, we may not be in a position to exercise control over our portfolio companies or to prevent decisions by management of our portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments.
Although we may do so in the future, currently we do not intend to hold controlling equity positions in our portfolio companies. Accordingly, we may not be able to control decisions relating to a minority equity investment, including decisions relating to the management and operation of the portfolio company and the timing and nature of any exit. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree, and that the management and/or stockholders of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to our interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of the investments that we typically hold in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of our investments. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could suffer as a result.
Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, some of our investments in such companies.
To the extent we invest in second lien, mezzanine or other instruments, our portfolio companies typically may be permitted to incur other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, such debt instruments. 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 will be entitled to receive payments in respect of the debt securities in which we invest. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of debt instruments 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. In such cases, after repaying such senior creditors, such portfolio company may not have sufficient remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equally with debt securities in which we invest, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.
The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing the debt investments we make in our portfolio companies with senior debt outstanding 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 such an 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 are adversely affected.
We may also make unsecured loans to portfolio companies. Liens on such portfolio companies’ 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 secured loan obligations. 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.
We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.
If we engage in hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, credit default swaps, 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, credit risk premiums, and market interest rates. 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. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation at an acceptable price that is generally anticipated. The success of any hedging transactions we may enter into 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 establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the effect of 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. Income derived from hedging transactions is generally not eligible to be distributed to non-U.S. stockholders free from U.S. withholding tax. We may determine not to hedge against particular risks, including if we determine that available hedging transactions are not available at an appropriate price.
There are certain risks associated with holding debt obligations that have original issue discount or payment-in-kind interest.
OID may arise if we hold securities issued at a discount or in certain other circumstances. OID and PIK create the risk that incentive fees will be paid to the Investment Adviser based on non-cash accruals that ultimately may not be realized, while the Investment Adviser will be under no obligation to reimburse us for these fees.
The higher interest rates of OID instruments reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with these instruments, and OID instruments generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans. Even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual collection is supposed to occur at the maturity of the obligation.
OID instruments may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require continuing judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. OID income may also create uncertainty about the source of our cash dividends.
For accounting purposes, any cash dividends to stockholders representing OID income are not treated as coming from paid-in capital, even if the cash to pay them comes from the proceeds of issuances of our common stock. As a result, despite the fact that a dividend representing OID income could be paid out of amounts invested by our stockholders, the Investment Company Act does not require that stockholders be given notice of this fact by reporting it as a return of capital.
PIK interest has the effect of generating investment income at a compounding rate, thereby further increasing the incentive fees payable to the Investment Adviser. Similarly, all things being equal, the deferral associated with PIK interest also increases the loan-to-value ratio at a compounding rate.
Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock and Other Securities That We May Issue
Investing in our securities may involve a high 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 volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies may be highly
speculative and aggressive, and therefore an investment in our securities may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.
The market price of our securities may fluctuate significantly.
The market price and liquidity of the market for our common stock and any other securities that we may issue 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:
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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;
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price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
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the inclusion or exclusion of our securities from certain indices;
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changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs;
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any loss of RIC or BDC status;
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changes in earnings or perceived changes or variations in operating results;
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changes or perceived changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;
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changes in accounting guidelines governing valuation of our investments;
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any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;
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the inability of our Investment Adviser to employ additional experienced investment professionals or the departure of any of our Investment Adviser’s key personnel;
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short-selling pressure with respect to shares of our common stock or BDCs generally;
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future sales of our securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock or the conversion of such securities;
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uncertainty surrounding the strength of the U.S. economic recovery and the policies of the new presidential administration;
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concerns regarding European sovereign debt;
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fluctuations in base interest rates, such as LIBOR, EURIBOR, the Federal Funds Rate or the Prime Rate;
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operating performance of companies comparable to us;
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general economic trends and other external factors; and
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loss of a major funding source.
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. If our stock price fluctuates significantly, we may be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.
Our shares of common stock have traded at a discount from NAV and may do so again, which could limit our ability to raise additional equity capital.
We cannot assure you that a trading market for our common stock can be sustained. In addition, we cannot predict the prices at which our common stock will trade. Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount from NAV and our common stock may also be discounted in the market. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our common stock will trade at, above or below NAV. The risk of loss associated with this characteristic of closed-end management investment companies may be greater for investors expecting to sell shares of common stock purchased in the offering soon after the offering. Recently, the stocks of BDCs as an industry, including from time to time shares of our common stock, have traded below NAV and during much of 2009 traded at near historic lows as a result of concerns over liquidity, leverage restrictions and distribution requirements. See “Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure-Capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. These market conditions may materially and adversely affect debt and
equity capital markets in the United States and abroad, which may in the future have a negative impact on our business and operations.”
In addition, when our common stock is trading below its NAV, we will generally not be able to sell additional shares of our common stock to the public at its market price without, among other things, first obtaining the requisite approval of our stockholders. However, certain of our stockholders who received shares of our common stock prior to our initial public offering (our “pre-IPO investors”) may obligate us to initiate certain registered underwritten secondary offerings on behalf of such pre-IPO investors, and it is possible that shares will be sold in such offerings at prices below NAV. We believe any such sales will be perceived negatively by the market and could negatively impact future trading prices for our common stock.
We may in the future determine to issue preferred stock, which could adversely affect the market value of our common stock.
The issuance of shares of preferred stock with dividend or conversion rights, liquidation preferences or other economic terms favorable to the holders of preferred stock could adversely affect the market price for our common stock by making an investment in the common stock less attractive. In addition, the dividends on any preferred stock we issue must be cumulative. Payment of dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of preferred stock must take preference over any dividends or other payments to our common stockholders, and holders of preferred stock 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 (other than convertible preferred stock that converts into common stock). In addition, under the Investment Company Act, preferred stock constitutes a “senior security” for purposes of the 200% asset coverage test.
Your interest in us may be diluted if you do not fully exercise your subscription rights in any rights offering. In addition, if the subscription price is less than our NAV per share, then you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate NAV of your shares.
In the event we issue subscription rights, stockholders who do not fully exercise their subscription rights should expect that they will, at the completion of a rights offering pursuant to this prospectus and a prospectus supplement, own a smaller proportional interest in us than would otherwise be the case if they fully exercised their rights. We cannot state precisely the amount of any such dilution in share ownership because we do not know at this time what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of such rights offering.
In addition, if the subscription price is less than the NAV per share of our common stock, then our stockholders would experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate NAV of their shares as a result of the offering. The amount of any decrease in NAV is not predictable because it is not known at this time what the subscription price and NAV per share will be on the expiration date of a rights offering or what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of such rights offering. Such dilution could be substantial.
Purchases of our common stock under the 10b5-1 Plan may have resulted in the price of our common stock being higher than the price that otherwise might have existed in the open market.
Certain individuals affiliated with Carlyle adopted a 10b5-1 plan (the “10b5-1 Plan”) in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, under which the participants would buy up to $15 million in the aggregate of our common stock in the open market during the period beginning July 17, 2017 and ending on the earlier of the date on which the capital committed to the 10b5-1 Plan had been exhausted or June 19, 2018, subject to certain conditions. The 10b5-1 Plan required the plan administrator to purchase shares of common stock when the market price per share was below the Company’s most recently reported NAV per share (including any updates, corrections or adjustments publicly announced by the Company to any previously announced NAV per share). These activities may have had the effect of maintaining the market price of our common stock or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock, and, as a result, the price of our common stock may have been higher than the price that otherwise might have existed in the open market. As of February 22, 2018, the capital committed to the 10b5-1 Plan had been exhausted, and the 10b5-1 Plan was terminated in accordance with its terms.
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.
As of February 27, 2018, we had 62,568,651 shares of common stock outstanding. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such shares 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 equity securities should we desire to do so.
Our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan.
Our dividend reinvestment plan is an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan, pursuant to which all dividends declared in cash payable to stockholders that do not elect to receive their distributions in cash are automatically reinvested in shares of our common stock, rather than receiving cash. As a result, our stockholders that “opt out” of our dividend reinvestment plan may experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time. See Part II, Item 5 of this Form 10-K “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities-Price Range of Common Stock” and “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities-Distribution Policy” for a description of our dividend policy and obligations.
There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time and a portion of our distributions to you may be a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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 enough 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 test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. The Facilities may also limit our ability to declare dividends if we default under certain provisions. 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 Part II, Item 5 of this Form 10-K “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities-Price Range of Common Stock.” The above referenced restrictions on distributions may also inhibit our ability to make required interest payments to holders of our debt, 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 under the terms of our debt agreements.
The distributions we pay to our stockholders in a year may exceed our taxable income for that year and, accordingly, a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes that would reduce a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock or preferred stock and correspondingly increase such stockholder’s gain, or reduce such stockholder’s loss, on disposition of such shares. Distributions in excess of a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock or preferred stock will constitute capital gains to such stockholder.
Our stockholders may receive shares of our common stock as dividends, which could result in adverse tax consequences to them.
In order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement applicable to RICs, we will 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 and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution generally will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a stockholder generally would be taxed 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. If a U.S. stockholder sells the common stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the trading price (if any) of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders were to determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price (if any) of our common stock. It is unclear whether and to what extent we will be able to pay taxable dividends of the type described in this paragraph.
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in our taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as OID or accruals on a contingent payment debt instrument, which may occur if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan or possibly in other circumstances or contracted PIK interest, which generally represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such OID and PIK interest will be included in our taxable income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in our taxable income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash. The credit risk associated with the collectability of deferred payments may be increased as and when a portfolio company increases the amount of interest on which it is deferring cash payment through deferred interest features. Our investments with a deferred interest feature may represent a higher credit risk than loans for which interest must be paid in full in cash on a regular basis. For example, even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual collection is scheduled to occur upon maturity of the obligation.
Because in certain cases we may recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty making distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement necessary for us to maintain our status as a RIC. Accordingly, we may need to sell some of our assets at times and/or at prices that we would not consider advantageous, we may need to raise additional equity or debt capital, or we may need to forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business (or be unable to take actions that are advantageous to our business) to enable us to make distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may fail to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes). Alternatively, we may, with the consent of all our shareholders, designate an amount as a consent dividend (i.e., a deemed dividend). In that case, although we would not distribute any actual cash to our shareholders, the consent dividend would be treated like an actual dividend under the Code for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. This would allow us to deduct the amount of the consent dividend and our shareholders would be required to include that amount in income as if it were actually distributed. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of a RIC, see Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”
Non-U.S. stockholders may be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax on dividends we pay.
Distributions of our “investment company taxable income” to a non-U.S. stockholder that are not effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States may be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty) to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Certain properly designated dividends are generally exempt from withholding of U.S. federal income tax, including certain dividends that are paid in respect of our (i) “qualified net interest income” (generally, our U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which we or the non-U.S. stockholder are at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of our net short-term capital gain over our long-term capital loss for such taxable year), and certain other requirements were satisfied. No assurance can be given as to whether any of our distributions will be eligible for this exemption from withholding of U.S. federal income tax or, if eligible, will be designated as such by us. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”
The trading market or market value of any publicly issued debt securities may fluctuate.
Any publicly issued debt securities that we may issue may or may not have an established trading market. We cannot assure you that a trading market for any publicly issued debt securities will ever develop or be maintained if developed. In addition to our creditworthiness, many factors may materially adversely affect the trading market for, and market value of, any publicly issued debt securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
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the time remaining to the maturity of such debt securities;
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the outstanding principal amount of debt securities with terms identical to such debt securities;
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the ratings assigned by national statistical ratings agencies;
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the general economic environment;
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the supply of such debt securities trading in the secondary market, if any;
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the redemption or repayment features, if any, of such debt securities;
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the level, direction and volatility of market interest rates generally; and
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market rates of interest higher or lower than rates borne by such debt securities.
In addition, there may be a limited number of buyers if and when a decision is made to sell your debt securities. This too may materially adversely affect the market value of such debt securities or the trading market for the debt securities.
Terms relating to redemption may materially adversely affect your return on any debt securities that we may issue.
If such debt securities are redeemable at our option, we may choose to redeem such debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on the debt securities. In addition, if such debt securities are subject to mandatory redemption, we may be required to redeem the debt securities also at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on your debt securities. In this circumstance, an investor 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.
Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in any debt securities that we may issue.
Our credit ratings are an assessment by third parties of our ability to pay our obligations. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of our debt securities. Our credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential impact of risks related to market conditions generally or other factors discussed above on the market value of or trading market for any publicly issued debt securities.
Holders of any preferred stock that we may issue would have the right to elect members of the board of directors and class voting rights on certain matters.
Holders of any preferred stock we might issue, voting separately as a single class, would have the right to elect two members of the board of directors at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears would have the right to elect a majority of the directors until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred stockholders have class voting rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock and preferred stock, both by the Investment Company Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies or the terms of our credit facilities, might impair our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. While we would intend to redeem our preferred stock to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain our qualification as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
We maintain our principal executive office at 520 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor, New York, NY 10022. We do not own any real estate.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company may become party to certain lawsuits in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies. The Company is not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against the Company. See also Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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 (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Price Range of Common Stock
Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CGBD.” Our common stock has historically traded at prices both above and below our NAV per share. It is not possible to predict whether our common stock will trade at, above or below NAV. See Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Related to an Investment in Our Securities-Our shares of common stock have traded at a discount from NAV and may do so again, which could limit our ability to raise additional equity capital.”
The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter since our initial public offering, the NAV per share of our common stock, the range of high and low closing sales prices of our common stock, the closing sales price as a premium (discount) to NAV and the dividends or distributions declared by us. On February 27, 2018, the last reported closing sales price of our common stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market was $17.37 per share, which represented a discount of approximately 4.14% to the NAV per share reported by us as of December 31, 2017.
(1)
NAV per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the NAV per share on the date of the high and low closing sales prices. The NAVs shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of the relevant quarter.
(2)
Calculated as the respective high or low closing sales price less NAV, divided by NAV (in each case, as of the applicable quarter).
(3)
Represents the dividend or distribution declared in the relevant quarter. The cash dividend for the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2017 included a special dividend of $0.12 per share.
Holders
As of February 27, 2018, there were approximately 1,739 holders of record of our common stock (including Cede & Co.).
Distributions
To the extent that we have taxable income available, we intend to distribute quarterly dividends to our stockholders. The amount of our dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. We anticipate that our distributions will generally be paid from taxable earnings, including interest and capital gains generated by our investment portfolio, and any other income, including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees, that we receive from portfolio companies. However, if we do not generate sufficient taxable earnings during a year, all or part of a distribution may constitute a return of capital. The specific tax characteristics of our dividends and other distributions will be reported to stockholders after the end of each calendar year.
We have elected to be treated, and intend to continue to qualify annually, as a RIC. To maintain our qualification as a RIC, we must, among other things, distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders on an annual basis. In order to avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we intend to distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of: (1) 98% of our ordinary income for the calendar year; (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year; and, (3) any undistributed ordinary income and capital gain net income for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no U.S. federal income tax less certain
over-distributions in prior years. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute realized net capital gains (i.e., net long term capital gains in excess of short term capital losses), if any, at least annually, we may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for investment, pay U.S. federal income tax on such amounts at regular corporate tax rates, and elect to treat such gains as deemed distributions to stockholders. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, to the extent that we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the Investment Company Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.
We intend to make distributions in cash unless a stockholder elects to receive dividends and/or long-term capital gains distributions in additional shares of common stock. See “-Dividend Reinvestment Plan” below. 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 ratios stipulated by the Investment Company Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings. The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared during the two most recent fiscal years and the current fiscal year to date:
(1)
Represents a special dividend.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Prior to July 5, 2017, we had an “opt in” dividend reinvestment plan. Effective on July 5, 2017, we converted our “opt in” dividend reinvestment plan to an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of our dividends and other distributions on behalf of our stockholders, other than those stockholders who have “opted out” of the plan. As a result of adopting the plan, if our Board of Directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend or distribution, our stockholders who have not elected to “opt out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash dividends or distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving cash. Each registered stockholder may elect to have such stockholder’s dividends and distributions distributed in cash rather than participate in the plan. For any registered stockholder that does not so elect, distributions on such stockholder’s shares will be reinvested by State Street Bank and Trust Company, our plan administrator, in additional shares. The number of shares to be issued to the stockholder will be determined based on the total dollar amount of the cash distribution payable, net of applicable withholding taxes. We intend to use primarily newly issued shares to implement the plan so long as the market value per share is equal to or greater than the net asset value per share on the relevant valuation date. If the market value per share is less than the net asset value per share on the relevant valuation date, the plan administrator would implement the plan through the purchase of common stock on behalf of participants in the open market, unless we instruct the plan administrator otherwise.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities and Use of Proceeds
Except as previously reported by the Company on its current reports on Form 8-K, the Company did not sell any securities during the period covered by this Form 10-K that were not registered under the Securities Act.
Stock Performance Graph
This graph compares the stockholder return on our common stock from June 14, 2017 (the date our common stock commenced trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market) to December 31, 2017 with that of the Standard & Poor’s BDC Index (the “S&P BDC Index”) and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (the “S&P 500 Index”). This graph assumes that on June 14, 2017, $100 was invested in our common stock, the S&P BDC Index and the S&P 500 Index. The graph also assumes the reinvestment of all cash dividends prior to any tax effect. The graph and other information furnished under this Part II, Item 5 of this Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of, the Exchange Act. The stock price performance included in the below graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Share Purchases under the 10b5-1 Plan
The following table provides information regarding purchases of our common stock by certain individuals affiliated with Carlyle pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan for each month from June 2017 (beginning June 14, 2017) through December 2017.
(1)
Shares purchased by certain individuals affiliated with Carlyle pursuant to the 10b5-1 Plan, which was entered into on June 13, 2017. Under the 10b5-1 Plan, the participants would buy up to $15,000 in the aggregate of our common stock in the open market during the period beginning July 17, 2017 and ending on the earlier of the date on which the capital committed to the 10b5-1 Plan had been exhausted or June 19, 2018, subject to certain conditions. As of February 22, 2018, the capital committed to the 10b5-1 Plan had been exhausted, and the 10b5-1 Plan was terminated in accordance with its terms.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The tables below set forth our selected consolidated historical financial data for the periods indicated. The selected consolidated historical financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of future results. The selected financial data in this section is not intended to replace the financial statements and is qualified in its entirety by the financial statements and related notes included in this filing.
The selected consolidated financial information and other data presented below should be read in conjunction with the information contained in Part II, Item 7
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Part I, Item 6 of this Form 10-K “Selected Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” This discussion contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those described in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors.” Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to factors discussed under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
We are a Maryland corporation formed on February 8, 2012, and structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company. We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act. We have elected to be treated, and intend to continue to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
Our investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation primarily through debt investments in U.S. middle market companies, which we define as companies with approximately $10 million to $100 million of EBITDA. We seek to achieve our investment objective primarily through direct originations of Middle Market Senior Loans, with the balance of our assets invested in higher yielding investments (which may include unsecured debt, mezzanine debt and investments in equities). We generally make Middle Market Senior Loans to private U.S. middle market companies that are, in many cases, controlled by private equity firms. Depending on market conditions, we expect that between 70% and 80% of the
value of our assets will be invested in Middle Market Senior Loans. We expect that the composition of our portfolio will change over time given our Investment Adviser’s view on, among other things, the economic and credit environment (including with respect to interest rates) in which we are operating.
On June 19, 2017, we closed our IPO, issuing 9,454,200 shares of our common stock (including shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option on July 5, 2017) at a public offering price of $18.50 per share. Net of underwriting costs, we received cash proceeds of $169,488. Shares of common stock of TCG BDC began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CGBD” on June 14, 2017.
On June 9, 2017, we acquired NF Investment Corp. (“NFIC”), a BDC managed by our Investment Advisor (the “NFIC Acquisition”). As a result, we issued 434,233 shares of common stock to the NFIC stockholders and approximately $145,602 in cash, and acquired approximately $153,648 in net assets.
We are externally managed by our Investment Adviser, an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act. Our Administrator provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate. Both our Investment Adviser and our Administrator are wholly owned subsidiaries of Carlyle Investment Management L.L.C., a subsidiary of Carlyle.
In conducting our investment activities, we believe that we benefit from the significant scale and resources of Carlyle, including our Investment Adviser and its affiliates. We have operated our business as a BDC since we began our investment activities in May 2013.
KEY COMPONENTS OF OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Investments
Our level of investment activity can and does vary substantially from period to period depending on many factors, including the amount of debt available to middle market companies, the general economic environment and the competitive environment for the type of investments we make.
Revenue
We generate revenue primarily in the form of interest income on debt investments we hold. In addition, we generate income from dividends on direct equity investments, capital gains on the sales of loans and debt and equity securities and various loan origination and other fees. Our debt investments generally have a stated term of five to eight years and generally bear interest at a floating rate usually determined on the basis of a benchmark such as LIBOR. Interest on these debt investments is generally paid quarterly. In some instances, we receive payments on our debt investments based on scheduled amortization of the outstanding balances. In addition, we receive repayments of some of our debt investments prior to their scheduled maturity date. The frequency or volume of these repayments fluctuates significantly from period to period. Our portfolio activity also reflects the proceeds of sales of securities. We may also generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, amendment, structuring or due diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and consulting fees.
Expenses
Our primary operating expenses include the payment of: (i) investment advisory fees, including base management fees and incentive fees, to our Investment Adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement between us and our Investment Adviser; (ii) costs and other expenses and our allocable portion of overhead incurred by our Administrator in performing its administrative obligations under the Administration Agreement between us and our Administrator; and (iii) other operating expenses as detailed below:
•
the costs associated with the private offering of our common stock prior to our initial public offering;
•
the costs of any other offerings of our common stock and other securities, if any;
•
calculating individual asset values and our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firms);
•
expenses, including travel expenses, incurred by our Investment Adviser, or members of our Investment Adviser team managing our investments, or payable to third parties, performing due diligence on prospective portfolio companies and, if necessary, expenses of enforcing our rights;
•
the base management fee and any incentive fee payable under our Investment Advisory Agreement;
•
certain costs and expenses relating to distributions paid on our shares;
•
administration fees payable under our Administration Agreement and Sub-Administration Agreements, including related expenses;
•
debt service and other costs of borrowings or other financing arrangements;
•
the allocated costs incurred by our Investment Adviser in providing managerial assistance to those portfolio companies that request it;
•
amounts payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making or holding investments;
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the costs associated with subscriptions to data service, research-related subscriptions and expenses and quotation equipment and services used in making or holding investments;
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transfer agent and custodial fees;
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costs of hedging;
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commissions and other compensation payable to brokers or dealers;
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federal and state registration fees;
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any U.S. federal, state and local taxes, including any excise taxes;
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independent director fees and expenses;
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costs of preparing financial statements and maintaining books and records, costs of preparing tax returns, costs of Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance and attestation and costs of filing reports or other documents with the SEC (or other regulatory bodies), and other reporting and compliance costs, including registration and listing fees, and the compensation of professionals responsible for the preparation or review of the foregoing;
•
the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to our stockholders (including printing and mailing costs), the costs of any stockholders’ meetings and the compensation of investor relations personnel responsible for the preparation of the foregoing and related matters;
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the costs of specialty and custom software for monitoring risk, compliance and overall portfolio, including any development costs incurred prior to the filing of our election to be regulated as a BDC;
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our fidelity bond;
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directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums;
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indemnification payments;
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direct fees and expenses associated with independent audits, agency, consulting and legal costs; and
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all other expenses incurred by us or our Administrator in connection with administering our business, including our allocable share of certain officers and their staff compensation.
We expect our general and administrative expenses to be relatively stable or to decline as a percentage of total assets during periods of asset growth and to increase during periods of asset declines.
PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY
As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of our investments was approximately $1,967,531, comprised of 107 investments in 90 portfolio companies/investment fund across 28 industries with 57 sponsors. As of December 31, 2016, the fair value of our investments was approximately $1,422,759, comprised of 98 investments in 86 portfolio companies/structured finance obligations/investment fund across 29 industries with 57 sponsors. As of December 31, 2015, the fair value of our investments was approximately $1,052,666, comprised of 97 investments in 85 portfolio companies/structured finance obligations across 27 industries.
Based on fair value as of December 31, 2017, our portfolio consisted of approximately 90.3% in secured debt (77.8% in first lien debt (including 12.1% in first lien/last out loans) and 12.5% in second lien debt), 8.8% in Credit Fund, and 0.9% in equity investments. Based on fair value as of December 31, 2017, approximately 1% of our debt portfolio was invested in debt bearing a fixed interest rate and approximately 99% of our debt portfolio was invested in debt bearing a floating interest rate, which primarily are subject to interest rate floors.
Based on fair value as of December 31, 2016, our portfolio consisted of approximately 92.2% in secured debt (80.1% in first lien debt (including 12.9% in first lien/last out loans) and 12.1% in second lien debt), 7% in Credit Fund, 0.4% in structured finance obligations and 0.5% in equity investments. Based on fair value as of December 31, 2016, approximately 1%
of our debt portfolio was invested in debt bearing a fixed interest rate and approximately 99% of our debt portfolio was invested in debt bearing a floating interest rate with an interest rate floor.
Based on fair value as of December 31, 2015, our portfolio consisted of approximately 95.5% in secured debt (75.5% in first lien debt (including 11.7% in first lien/last out loans) and 20.0% in second lien debt), 4.3% in structured finance obligations and 0.2% in equity investments. Based on fair value as of December 31, 2015, approximately 3% of our debt portfolio was invested in debt bearing a fixed interest rate and approximately 97% of our debt portfolio was invested in debt bearing a floating interest rate with an interest rate floor.
Our investment activity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is presented below (information presented herein is at amortized cost unless otherwise indicated):
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, investments consisted of the following:
The weighted average yields(1) for our first and second lien debt, based on the amortized cost and fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:
(1)
Weighted average yields include the effect of accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and are based on interest rates as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Weighted average yield on debt and income producing securities at fair value is computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of OID and market discount earned on accruing debt included in such securities, divided by (b) total first lien and second lien debt at fair value included in such securities. Weighted average yield on debt and income producing securities at amortized cost is computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of OID and market discount earned on accruing debt included in such securities, divided by (b) total first lien and second lien debt at amortized cost included in such securities. Actual yields earned over the life of each investment could differ materially from the yields presented above.
Total weighted average yields (which includes the effect of accretion of discount and amortization of premiums) of our first and second lien debt investments as measured on an amortized cost basis increased from 8.19% to 8.86% from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017, which was primarily due to the increase in 90-day LIBOR from 1.00% to 1.69%. The weighted average yields on originations of new investments were approximately equivalent to the weighted average yields on sales/repayments of existing investments during the year ended December 31, 2017, excluding the impact of the change in LIBOR.
The following table summarizes the fair value of our performing and non-performing investments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
(1)
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest has been paid current and, in management’s judgment, likely to remain current. Management may not place a loan on non-accrual status if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on the accounting policies.
See the Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 in our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for more information on these investments, including a list of companies and type and amount of investments.
As part of the monitoring process, our Investment Adviser has developed risk policies pursuant to which it regularly assesses the risk profile of each of our debt investments and rates each of them based on the following categories, which we refer to as “Internal Risk Ratings”:
Internal Risk Ratings Definitions
Rating
Definition
Performing-Low Risk: Borrower is operating more than 10% ahead of the base case.
Performing-Stable Risk: Borrower is operating within 10% of the base case (above or below). This is the initial rating assigned to all new borrowers.
Performing-Management Notice: Borrower is operating more than 10% below the base case. A financial covenant default may have occurred, but there is a low risk of payment default.
Watch List: Borrower is operating more than 20% below the base case and there is a high risk of covenant default, or it may have already occurred. Payments are current although subject to greater uncertainty, and there is moderate to high risk of payment default.
Watch List-Possible Loss: Borrower is operating more than 30% below the base case. At the current level of operations and financial condition, the borrower does not have the ability to service and ultimately repay or refinance all outstanding debt on current terms. Payment default is very likely or may have occurred. Loss of principal is possible.
Watch List-Probable Loss: Borrower is operating more than 40% below the base case, and at the current level of operations and financial condition, the borrower does not have the ability to service and ultimately repay or refinance all outstanding debt on current terms. Payment default is very likely or may have already occurred. Additionally, the prospects for improvement in the borrower’s situation are sufficiently negative that impairment of some or all principal is probable.
Our Investment Adviser’s risk rating model is based on evaluating portfolio company performance in comparison to the base case when considering certain credit metrics including, but not limited to, adjusted EBITDA and net senior leverage as well as specific events including, but not limited to, default and impairment.
Our Investment Adviser monitors and, when appropriate, changes the investment ratings assigned to each debt investment in our portfolio. In connection with our quarterly valuation process, our Investment Adviser reviews our investment ratings on a regular basis. The following table summarizes the Internal Risk Ratings as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the weighted average Internal Risk Rating of our debt investment portfolio was 2.2. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 10 and 8 of our debt investments, with an aggregate fair value of $134.0 million and $95.5 million, respectively, were assigned an Internal Risk Rating of 4-6. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, one first lien debt investment in the portfolio with a fair value of $19.5 million and $7.6 million, respectively, was on non-accrual status, which represented approximately 1.10% and 0.58%, respectively, of total first and second lien investments at fair value. The remaining first and second lien debt investments were performing and current on their interest payments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, three investments with fair value of $45.9 million were downgraded to an Internal Risk Rating of 4 due to changes in financial condition and performance of the respective portfolio companies, one of which with fair value of $13.8 million was subsequently upgraded to an Internal Risk Rating of 2 due to a repayment in full. The remainder of the net increase in the aggregate fair value of debt investments assigned an Internal Risk Rating of 4-6 was primarily a result of the NFIC Acquisition and the transfer of nine overlapping debt investments with fair value of approximately $28.4 million into our debt investment portfolio from NFIC, one new investment with fair value of approximately $3.9 million acquired from NFIC, and, to a lesser extent, general market movements, as well as the restructuring of TwentyEighty, Inc., which occurred in the first quarter of 2017 and resulted in the upgrades of the new Term Loan A to an Internal Risk Rating of 2 and new Term Loan B to an Internal Risk Rating of 3. One investment with fair value of $7.1 million was sold.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
The net increase or decrease in net assets from operations may vary substantially from period to period as a result of various factors, including the recognition of realized gains and losses and net change in unrealized appreciation and depreciation. As a result, quarterly comparisons may not be meaningful.
Investment Income
Investment income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was as follows:
The increase in investment income for the year ended December 31, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016 was primarily driven by our deployment of capital, increasing invested balance (including as a result of the NFIC Acquisition), increased fees and other income from syndications, amendments and prepayments, and increased interest and dividends from Credit Fund. The size of our portfolio increased to $1,971,012 as of December 31, 2017 from $1,429,981 as of December 31, 2016 at amortized cost, and total principal amount of investments outstanding increased to $2,000,315 as of December 31, 2017 from $1,467,133 as of December 31, 2016. The increase in interest income was also due to the increase in the weighted average yield, primarily due to the increase in LIBOR. As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average yield of our first and second lien debt increased to 8.86% from 8.19% as of December 31, 2016, on amortized cost.
The increase in investment income for the year ended December 31, 2016 from the comparable period in 2015 was primarily driven by our deployment of capital and increasing invested balance. The size of our portfolio increased to $1,429,981 as of December 31, 2016 from $1,079,720 as of December 31, 2015, at amortized cost, and total principal amount of investments outstanding increased to $1,467,133 as of December 31, 2016 from $1,142,364 as of December 31, 2015. The increase in interest income was also due to the increase in the weighted average yield. As of December 31, 2016, the weighted average yield of our first and second lien debt increased to 8.19% from 7.93% as of December 31, 2015, on amortized cost.
Interest income on our first and second lien debt investments is dependent on the composition and credit quality of the portfolio. Generally, we expect the portfolio to generate predictable quarterly interest income based on the terms stated in each loan’s credit agreement. As of December 31, 2017, one first lien debt investment in the portfolio was non-performing. The fair value of the loan in the portfolio on non-accrual status was $19,487, which represents approximately 0.99% of total investments at fair value. The remaining first and second lien debt investments were performing and current on their interest payments as of December 31, 2017 and for the year then ended. As of December 31, 2016, one first lien debt investment in the portfolio was non-performing. The fair value of the loan in the portfolio on non-accrual status was $7,628, which represents approximately 0.54% of total investments at fair value. The remaining first and second lien debt investments were performing and current on their interest payments as of December 31, 2016 and for the year then ended. As of December 31, 2015 and for the year then ended, all of our first and second lien debt investments were performing and current on their interest payments.
Net investment income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
Expenses
Interest expense and credit facility fees for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were comprised of the following:
The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the comparable period in 2016 was driven by increased drawings under the Facilities related to increased deployment of capital for investments. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the average interest rate increased to 3.32% from 2.81% for the comparable period in 2016, and average principal debt outstanding increased to $728,144 from $580,734 for the comparable period in 2016.
The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the comparable period in 2015 was driven by increased usage of the Facilities related to increased deployment of capital to investments, and additional debt issued through the securitization in the form of the 2015-1 Notes (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information). For the year ended December 31, 2016, the average interest rate increased to 2.81% from 2.31% for the comparable period in 2015, and average principal debt outstanding increased to $580,734 from $406,638 for the comparable period in 2015.
The increase in base management fees (and related waiver of base management fees, which terminated on September 30, 2017) and incentive fees related to pre-incentive fee net investment income for the year ended December 31, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2016 from the comparable period in 2015 were driven by our deployment of capital and our increasing invested balance. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, base management fees were $19,327, $12,359 and $8,907, respectively (net of waiver of $5,927, $6,180 and $4,454, respectively); incentive fees related to pre-incentive fee net investment income were $21,084, $14,905 and $8,881, respectively, and there were no incentive fees related to realized capital gains. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recorded no accrued capital gains incentive fees based upon our cumulative net realized and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The accrual for any capital gains incentive fee under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) in a given period may result in an additional expense if such cumulative amount is greater than in the prior period or a reduction of previously recorded expense if such cumulative amount is less than in the prior period. If such cumulative amount is negative, then there is no accrual. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on our incentive and base management fees.
Professional fees include legal, rating agencies, audit, tax, valuation, technology and other professional fees incurred related to the management of us. Administrative service fees represent fees paid to the Administrator for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, including our allocable portion of the cost of certain of our executive officers and their respective staff. Other general and administrative expenses include insurance, filing, research, subscriptions and other costs. The increase in professional fees for the year ended December 31, 2017 from the comparable period in 2016 was driven by an increase in non-recurring professional fees related to the NFIC Acquisition.
Net Realized Gain (Loss) and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we had realized gains on 15, 10, and 8, investments, respectively, totaling approximately $684, $864, and $1,622, respectively, which was offset by realized losses on 12, 14, and 6, investments, respectively, totaling approximately $12,376, $10,508, and $458, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we had a change in unrealized appreciation on 64, 104, and 48 investments, respectively, totaling approximately $38,290, $41,130, and $8,597, respectively, which was offset by a change in unrealized depreciation on 71, 24, and 71 investments, respectively, totaling approximately $34,549, $21,298, and $26,612, respectively. In particular, effective January 31, 2017, TwentyEighty, Inc. (fka Miller Heiman, Inc.) completed a restructuring whereby the first lien debt held by us was converted into new term loans and equity. As a result, $10,943 of unrealized depreciation was reversed and we realized a loss of $7,738 on the investment during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by the type of investments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by the type of investments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
Net change in unrealized appreciation in our investments for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the comparable period in 2016 was primarily due to changes in various inputs utilized under our valuation methodology, including, but not limited to, market spreads, leverage multiples and borrower ratings, and the impact of exits. Net change in unrealized depreciation in our investments for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the comparable period in 2015 was primarily due to a widening spread environment during the last six months of the year.
MIDDLE MARKET CREDIT FUND, LLC
Overview
On February 29, 2016, we and Credit Partners entered into an amended and restated limited liability company agreement, which was subsequently amended on June 24, 2016 (as amended, “the Limited Liability Company Agreement”) to
co-manage Credit Fund, an unconsolidated Delaware limited liability company. Credit Fund primarily invests in first lien loans of middle market companies. Credit Fund is managed by a six-member board of managers, on which we and Credit Partners each have equal representation. Establishing a quorum for Credit Fund’s board of managers requires at least four members to be present at a meeting, including at least two of our representatives and two of Credit Partners’ representatives. We and Credit Partners each have 50% economic ownership of Credit Fund and have commitments to fund, from time to time, capital of up to $400,000 each. Funding of such commitments generally requires the approval of the board of Credit Fund, including the board members appointed by us. By virtue of its membership interest, the Company and Credit Partners each indirectly bear an allocable share of all expenses and other obligations of Credit Fund.
Together with Credit Partners, we co-invest through Credit Fund. Investment opportunities for Credit Fund are sourced primarily by us and our affiliates. Portfolio and investment decisions with respect to Credit Fund must be unanimously approved by a quorum of Credit Fund’s investment committee consisting of an equal number of representatives of us and Credit Partners. Therefore, although we own more than 25% of the voting securities of Credit Fund, we do not believe that we have control over Credit Fund (other than for purposes of the Investment Company Act). Middle Market Credit Fund SPV, LLC (the “Credit Fund Sub”) and MMCF CLO 2017-1 LLC (the “2017-1 Issuer"), each a Delaware limited liability company, were formed on April 5, 2016 and October 6, 2017, respectively. Credit Fund Sub and 2017-1 Issuer are wholly owned subsidiaries of Credit Fund and are consolidated in Credit Fund’s consolidated financial statements commencing from the date of their respective formations. Credit Fund Sub and the 2017-1 Issuer primarily invest in first lien loans of middle market companies. Credit Fund and its wholly owned subsidiaries follow the same Internal Risk Rating system as us.
Credit Fund, we and Credit Partners entered into an administration agreement with CGCA, the administrative agent of Credit Fund (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), pursuant to which the Administrative Agent is delegated certain administrative and non-discretionary functions, is authorized to enter into sub-administration agreements at our expense with the approval of the board of managers of Credit Fund, and is reimbursed by Credit Fund for its costs and expenses and Credit Fund’s allocable portion of overhead incurred by the Administrative Agent in performing its obligations thereunder.
Selected Financial Data
Since inception of Credit Fund and through December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company and Credit Partners each made capital contributions of $1,000 in members’ equity and $86,500 and $35,000, respectively, in subordinated loans to Credit Fund. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund had net borrowings of $85,750 and $62,384, respectively, in mezzanine loans under a revolving credit facility with the Company (the “Credit Fund Facility”). As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund had subordinated loans and members’ capital of $173,532 and $74,547, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s ownership interest in such subordinated loans and members’ capital was $86,766 and $37,273, respectively, and in such mezzanine loans was $85,750 and $62,384, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund held cash and cash equivalents totaling $19,502 and $6,103, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund had total investments at fair value of $984,773 and $437,829, respectively, which was comprised of first lien senior secured loans and second lien senior secured loans to 51 and 28 portfolio companies, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, no loans in Credit Fund’s portfolio were on non-accrual status or contained PIK provisions. All investments in the portfolio were floating rate debt investments with interest rate floors. The portfolio companies in Credit Fund are U.S. middle market companies in industries similar to those in which the Company may invest directly. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund had commitments to fund various undrawn revolvers and delayed draw investments to its portfolio companies totaling $72,458 and $30,361, respectively.
Below is a summary of Credit Fund’s portfolio, followed by a listing of the loans in Credit Fund’s portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
(1)
At par/principal amount.
(2)
Weighted average yields include the effect of accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and are based on interest rates as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Weighted average yield on debt and income producing securities at fair value is computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of OID and market discount earned on accruing debt included in such securities, divided by (b) total first lien and second lien debt at fair value included in such securities. Weighted average yield on debt and income producing securities at amortized cost is computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of OID and market discount earned on accruing debt included in such securities, divided by (b) total first lien and second lien debt at amortized cost included in such securities. Actual yields earned over the life of each investment could differ materially from the yields presented above.
(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of investments held by Credit Fund are domiciled in the United States. As of December 31, 2017, the geographical composition of investments as a percentage of fair value was 1.07% in Canada, 2.52% in the United Kingdom and 96.41% in the United States.
(2)
Variable rate loans to the portfolio companies 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 U.S. Prime Rate (“P”)), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, Credit Fund has provided the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, all of Credit Fund’s LIBOR loans were indexed to the 90-day LIBOR rate at 1.69%, except for those loans as indicated in Notes 11 and 12 below.
(3)
Loan includes interest rate floor feature.
(4)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Credit Fund Sub. Credit Fund Sub has entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Fund Sub Facility”). The lenders of the Credit Fund Sub Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of Credit Fund Sub. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund.
(5)
Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion/amortization of discounts/premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method.
(6)
Fair value is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the board of managers of Credit Fund, pursuant to Credit Fund’s valuation policy, with the fair value of all investments determined using significant unobservable inputs which is substantially similar to the valuation policy of the Company provided in “-Critical Accounting Policies-Fair Value Measurements.”
(7)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Credit Fund. Credit Fund has entered into the Credit Fund Facility. The lenders of the Credit Fund Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of Credit Fund. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund Sub.
(8)
Credit Fund receives less than the stated interest rate of this loan as a result of an agreement among lenders. The interest rate reduction is 1.25% on EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/first out loan, which has first priority ahead of the first lien/last out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(9)
In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this loan, which is the amount reflected in this schedule, Credit Fund is entitled to receive additional interest as a result of an agreement among lenders as follows: EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP) (3.97%) and Surgical Information Systems, LLC (1.01%). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of these loan, these investments represent a first lien/last out loan, which has a secondary priority behind the first lien/first out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(10)
As of December 31, 2017, Credit Fund had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans:
(11)
As of December 31, 2017, this LIBOR loan was indexed to the 30-day LIBOR rate at 1.56%.
(12)
As of December 31, 2017, this LIBOR loan was indexed to the 180-day LIBOR rate at 1.84%.
(13)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the 2017-1 Issuer and secure the notes issued in connection with a $399,900 term debt securitization completed by Credit Fund on December 19, 2017 (the “2017-1 Debt Securitization”). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund or Credit Fund Sub.
(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of investments held by Credit Fund are domiciled in the United States. As of December 31, 2016, the geographical composition of investments as a percentage of fair value was 2.43% in Canada and 97.57% in the United States.
(2)
Variable rate loans to the portfolio companies bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to either LIBOR (“L”) or an alternate base rate (commonly based on the Federal Funds Rate or the U.S. Prime Rate (“P”)), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, Credit Fund has provided the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, all of Credit Fund’s LIBOR loans were indexed to the 90-day LIBOR rate at 1.00%, except for those loans as indicated in Note 11 below, and the U.S. Prime Rate loan was indexed at 3.75%.
(3)
Loan includes interest rate floor feature.
(4)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Credit Fund Sub. Credit Fund Sub has entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Fund Sub Facility”). The lenders of the Credit Fund Sub Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of Credit Fund Sub. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund.
(5)
Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion/amortization of discounts/premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method.
(6)
Fair value is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the board of managers of Credit Fund, pursuant to Credit Fund’s valuation policy, which is substantially similar to the valuation policy of the Company provided in “-Critical Accounting Policies-Fair Value Measurements.”
(7)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Credit Fund. Credit Fund has entered into the Credit Fund Facility. The lenders of the Credit Fund Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of Credit Fund. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund Sub.
(8)
Credit Fund receives less than the stated interest rate of this loan as a result of an agreement among lenders. The interest rate reduction is 1.25% on EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/first out loan, which has first priority ahead of the first lien/last out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(9)
In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this loan, which is the amount reflected in this schedule, Credit Fund is entitled to receive additional interest as a result of an agreement among lenders as follows: EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP) (3.84%). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/last out loan, which has a secondary priority behind the first lien/first out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(10)
As of December 31, 2016, Credit Fund had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans:
(11)
As of December 31, 2016, this LIBOR loan was indexed to the 30-day LIBOR rate at 0.77%.
Below is certain summarized consolidated financial information for Credit Fund as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Credit Fund commenced operations in May 2016.
Debt
Credit Fund Facility
On June 24, 2016, Credit Fund entered into the Credit Fund Facility with us pursuant to which Credit Fund may from time to time request mezzanine loans from us, which was subsequently amended on June 5, 2017, October 2, 2017 and November 3, 2017. The maximum principal amount of the Credit Fund Facility is $175,000. The maturity date of the Credit Fund Facility is June 22, 2018. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Fund Facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 9.00%.
During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were mezzanine loan borrowings of $135,960 and $84,784, respectively, and repayments of $112,594 and $22,400 under the Credit Fund Facility. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were $85,750 and $62,384 in mezzanine loans outstanding.
Credit Fund Sub Facility
On June 24, 2016, Credit Fund Sub closed on the Credit Fund Sub Facility with lenders, which was subsequently amended on May 31, 2017 and October 27, 2017. The Credit Fund Sub Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to an amount equal to $640,000. The facility is secured by a first lien security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by Credit Fund Sub. The maturity date of the Credit Fund Sub Facility is May 22, 2023. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Fund Sub Facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.50%.
During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were secured borrowings of $466,605 and $248,540, respectively, and repayments of $337,459 and $0, respectively, under the Credit Fund Sub Facility. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there was $377,686 and $248,540 in secured borrowings outstanding, respectively.
2017-1 Notes
On December 19, 2017, Credit Fund completed a $399,900 term debt securitization (the “2017-1 Debt Securitization”). The notes offered in the 2017-1 Debt Securitization (the “2017-1 Notes”) were issued by the 2017-1 Issuer, a wholly owned and consolidated subsidiary of Credit Fund, and are secured by a diversified portfolio of the 2017-1 Issuer consisting primarily of first and second lien senior secured loans. The 2017-1 Debt Securitization was executed through a private placement of the 2017-1 Notes, consisting of $231,700 of Aaa/AAA Class A-1 Notes, which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.17%; $48,300 of Aa2/AA Class A-2 Notes, which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.50%; $15,000 of A2/A Class B-1 Notes, which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 2.25%; $9,000 of A2/A Class B-2 Notes which bear interest at 4.30%; $22,900 of Baa2/BBB Class C Notes which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 3.20%; and $25,100 of Ba2/BB Class D Notes which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 6.38%. The 2017-1 Notes are scheduled to mature on January 15, 2028. Credit Fund received 100% of the preferred interests issued by the 2017-1 Issuer (the “2017-1 Issuer Preferred Interests”) on the closing date of the 2017-1 Debt Securitization in exchange for Credit Fund's contribution to the 2017-1 Issuer of the initial closing date loan portfolio. The 2017-1 Issuer Preferred Interests do not bear interest and had a nominal value of $47,900 at closing.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We generate cash from the net proceeds of offerings of our common stock and through cash flows from operations, including investment sales and repayments as well as income earned on investments and cash equivalents. We may also fund a portion of our investments through borrowings under the Facilities, as well as through securitization of a portion of our existing investments.
The SPV closed on May 24, 2013 on the SPV Credit Facility, which was subsequently amended on June 30, 2014, June 19, 2015, June 9, 2016 and May 26, 2017. The SPV Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to an amount equal to the lesser of $400,000 (the borrowing base as calculated pursuant to the terms of the SPV Credit Facility) and the amount of net cash proceeds and unpledged capital commitments the Company has received, with an accordion feature that can, subject to certain conditions, increase the aggregate maximum credit commitment up to an amount not to exceed $750,000, subject to restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act and certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the SPV Credit Facility, including adequate collateral to support such borrowings. The SPV Credit Facility imposes financial and operating covenants on us and the SPV that restrict our and its business activities. Continued compliance with these covenants will depend on many factors, some of which are beyond our control.
We closed on March 21, 2014 on the Credit Facility, which was subsequently amended on January 8, 2015, May 25, 2016 and March 22, 2017. The maximum principal amount of the Credit Facility is $413,000, subject to availability under the Credit Facility, which is based on certain advance rates multiplied by the value of the Company’s portfolio investments (subject to certain concentration limitations) net of certain other indebtedness that the Company may incur in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility. Proceeds of the Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments. Maximum capacity under the Credit Facility may be increased, subject to certain conditions, to $550,000 through the exercise by the Company of an uncommitted accordion feature through which existing and new lenders may, at their option, agree to provide additional financing. The Credit Facility includes a $20,000 limit for swingline loans and a $5,000 limit for letters of credit. Subject to certain exceptions, the Credit Facility is secured by a first lien security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by the Company. The Credit Facility includes customary covenants, including certain financial covenants related to asset coverage, shareholders’ equity and liquidity, certain limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, and other maintenance covenants, as well as usual and customary events of default for senior secured revolving credit facilities of this nature.
Although we believe that we and the SPV will remain in compliance, there are no assurances that we or the SPV will continue to comply with the covenants in the Credit Facility and SPV Credit Facility, as applicable. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the Credit Facility and/or the SPV Credit Facility that, if we or the SPV were unable to obtain a waiver from the applicable lenders, could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the Credit Facility and/or the SPV Credit Facility, and thereby have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
For more information on the SPV Credit Facility and the Credit Facility, see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
The primary use of existing funds and any funds raised in the future is expected to be for investments in portfolio companies, repayment of indebtedness, cash distributions to our stockholders and for other general corporate purposes.
On June 26, 2015, we completed the 2015-1 Debt Securitization. The 2015-1 Notes were issued by Carlyle GMS Finance MM CLO 2015-1 LLC (the “2015-1 Issuer”), a wholly owned and consolidated subsidiary of us, and are secured by a diversified portfolio of the 2015-1 Issuer consisting primarily of first and second lien senior secured loans. The 2015-1 Debt Securitization was executed through a private placement of the 2015-1 Notes, consisting of $160,000 of Aaa/AAA Class A-1A Notes, which bear interest at the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.85%; $40,000 of Aaa/AAA Class A-1B Notes, which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.75% for the first 24 months and the three-month LIBOR plus 2.05% thereafter; $27,000 of Aaa/AAA Class A-1C Notes, which bear interest at 3.75%; and $46,000 of Aa2 Class A-2 Notes which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 2.70%. The 2015-1 Notes were issued at par and are scheduled to mature on July 15, 2027. We received 100% of the preferred interests issued by the 2015-1 Issuer (the “2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests”) on the closing date of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization in exchange for our contribution to the 2015-1 Issuer of the initial closing date loan portfolio. The 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests do not bear interest and had a nominal value of $125,900 at closing. In connection with the contribution, we have made customary representations, warranties and covenants to the 2015-1 Issuer. The Class A-1A, Class A-1B and Class A-1C and Class A-2 Notes are included in the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests were eliminated in consolidation. For more information on the 2015-1 Notes, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $32,039 and $38,489, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. The Facilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
(1)
The unused portion is the amount upon which commitment fees are based.
(2)
Available for borrowing based on the computation of collateral to support the borrowings and subject to compliance with applicable covenants and financial ratios.
The following were the carrying values (before debt issuance costs) and fair values of our 2015-1 Notes disclosed but not carried at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Equity Activity
On June 9, 2017, in connection with the NFIC Acquisition, the Company issued 434,233 shares of common stock valued at approximately $8,046. See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the NFIC Acquisition.
On June 19, 2017, we closed our IPO, issuing 9,454,200 shares of our common stock (including shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option on July 5, 2017) at a public offering price of $18.50 per
share. Net of underwriting costs, we received cash proceeds of $169,488. Shares of common stock of TCG BDC began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CGBD” on June 14, 2017. Upon the completion of the IPO, uncalled capital commitments payable to the Company by the Company’s pre-IPO investors were automatically reduced to zero.
Shares issued as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were 62,207,603 and 41,702,318, respectively.
The following table summarizes activity in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations was as follows as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $287,393 and $252,885, respectively, of secured borrowings were outstanding under the SPV Credit Facility, $275,500 and $169,000, respectively, were outstanding under the Credit Facility, and $273,000 of 2015-1 Notes were outstanding. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we incurred $24,510, $16,462 and $9,582, respectively, of interest expense and $1,117, $1,253 and $847, respectively, of unused commitment fees.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In the ordinary course of our business, we enter into contracts or agreements that contain indemnifications or warranties. Future events could occur which may give rise to liabilities arising from these provisions against us. We believe that the likelihood of such an event is remote; however, the maximum potential exposure is unknown. No accrual has been made in these consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for any such exposure.
We have in the past and may in the future become obligated to fund commitments such as revolving credit facilities, bridge financing commitments, or delayed draw commitments.
We had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans as of the indicated dates:
Pursuant to an undertaking by us in connection with the 2015-1 Debt Securitization, we agreed to hold on an ongoing basis the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests with an aggregate dollar purchase price at least equal to 5% of the aggregate
outstanding amount of all collateral obligations by the 2015-1 Issuer for so long as any securities of the 2015-1 Issuer remains outstanding. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we were in compliance with this undertaking.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Prior to July 5, 2017, we had an “opt in” dividend reinvestment plan. Effective on July 5, 2017, we converted our “opt in” dividend reinvestment plan to an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of our dividends and other distributions on behalf of our stockholders, other than those stockholders who have “opted out” of the plan. As a result of adopting the plan, if our Board of Directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend or distribution, our stockholders who have not elected to “opt out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash dividends or distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving cash. Each registered stockholder may elect to have such stockholder’s dividends and distributions distributed in cash rather than participate in the plan. For any registered stockholder that does not so elect, distributions on such stockholder’s shares will be reinvested by State Street Bank and Trust Company, our plan administrator, in additional shares. The number of shares to be issued to the stockholder will be determined based on the total dollar amount of the cash distribution payable, net of applicable withholding taxes. We intend to use primarily newly issued shares to implement the plan so long as the market value per share is equal to or greater than the net asset value per share on the relevant valuation date. If the market value per share is less than the net asset value per share on the relevant valuation date, the plan administrator would implement the plan through the purchase of common stock on behalf of participants in the open market, unless we instruct the plan administrator otherwise.
The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared during the two most recent fiscal years and the current fiscal year to date:
(1)
Represents a special dividend.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets, and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. Our critical accounting policies, including those relating to the valuation of our investment portfolio, are described below. The critical accounting policies should be read in connection with our “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company applies fair value accounting in accordance with the terms of Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value as the amount that would be exchanged to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transfer between market participants at the measurement date. The Company
values securities/instruments traded in active markets on the measurement date by multiplying the closing price of such traded securities/instruments by the quantity of shares or amount of the instrument held. The Company may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of its investments, such as its securities/instruments traded in active markets and its liquid securities/instruments that are not traded in active markets, from pricing services, brokers, or counterparties (i.e. “consensus pricing”). When doing so, the Company determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to US GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. The Company may use the quote obtained or alternative pricing sources may be utilized including valuation techniques typically utilized for illiquid securities/instruments.
Securities/instruments that are illiquid or for which the pricing source does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser or the Board of Directors, does not represent fair value shall each be valued as of the measurement date using all techniques appropriate under the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available. These valuation techniques may vary by investment and include comparable public market valuations, comparable precedent transaction valuations and/or discounted cash flow analyses. The process generally used to determine the applicable value is as follows: (i) the value of each portfolio company or investment is initially reviewed by the investment professionals responsible for such portfolio company or investment and, for non-traded investments, a standardized template designed to approximate fair market value based on observable market inputs, updated credit statistics and unobservable inputs is used to determine a preliminary value, which is also reviewed alongside consensus pricing, where available; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and reviewed by a valuation committee comprised of members of senior management; (iii) the Board of Directors engages a third-party valuation firm to provide positive assurance on portions of the Middle Market Senior Loans and equity investments portfolio each quarter (such that each non-traded investment other than Credit Fund is reviewed by a third-party valuation firm at least once on a rolling twelve month basis) including a review of management’s preliminary valuation and conclusion on fair value; (iv) the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) reviews the assessments of the Investment Adviser and the third-party valuation firm and provides the Board of Directors with any recommendations with respect to changes to the fair value of each investment in the portfolio; and (v) the Board of Directors discusses the valuation recommendations of the Audit Committee and determines the fair value of each investment in the portfolio in good faith based on the input of the Investment Adviser and, where applicable, the third-party valuation firm.
All factors that might materially impact the value of an investment are considered, including, but not limited to the assessment of the following factors, as relevant:
•
the nature and realizable value of any collateral;
•
call features, put features and other relevant terms of debt;
•
the portfolio company’s leverage and ability to make payments;
•
the portfolio company’s public or private credit rating;
•
the portfolio company’s actual and expected earnings and discounted cash flow;
•
prevailing interest rates and spreads for similar securities and expected volatility in future interest rates;
•
the markets in which the portfolio company does business and recent economic and/or market events; and
•
comparisons to comparable transactions and publicly traded securities.
Investment performance data utilized are the most recently available financial statements and compliance certificate received from the portfolio companies as of the measurement date which in many cases may reflect a lag in information.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Company’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been reported had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is reasonably possible that the difference could be material.
In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the realized gains or losses on investments to be different from the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation currently reflected in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
US GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which ranks the level of observability of market price inputs used in measuring investments at fair value. The observability of inputs is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of investment and the characteristics specific to the investment and state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Investments with readily available quoted prices or for which fair
value can be measured from quoted prices in active markets generally have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment applied in determining fair value.
Investments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in determination of fair values, as follows:
•
Level 1-inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 generally include unrestricted securities, including equities and derivatives, listed in active markets. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where the Company holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
•
Level 2-inputs to the valuation methodology are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date and are those other than quoted prices in active markets. The type of financial instruments in this category generally includes less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.
•
Level 3-inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category generally include investments in privately-held entities, collateralized loan obligations, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement. The Investment Adviser’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 investment.
Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfers occur.
The Company generally uses the following framework when determining the fair value of investments that are categorized as Level 3:
Investments in debt securities are initially evaluated to determine whether the enterprise value of the portfolio company is greater than the applicable debt. The enterprise value of the portfolio company is estimated using a market approach and an income approach. The market approach utilizes market value (EBITDA) multiples of publicly traded comparable companies and available precedent sales transactions of comparable companies. The Company carefully considers numerous factors when selecting the appropriate companies whose multiples are used to value its portfolio companies. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type of organization, similarity to the business being valued, relevant risk factors, as well as size, profitability and growth expectations. The income approach typically uses a discounted cash flow analysis of the portfolio company.
Investments in debt securities that do not have sufficient coverage through the enterprise value analysis are valued based on an expected probability of default and discount recovery analysis.
Investments in debt securities with sufficient coverage through the enterprise value analysis are generally valued using a discounted cash flow analysis of the underlying security. Projected cash flows in the discounted cash flow typically represent the relevant security’s contractual interest, fees and principal payments plus the assumption of full principal recovery at the security’s expected maturity date. The discount rate to be used is determined using an average of two market-based methodologies. Investments in debt securities may also be valued using consensus pricing.
Investments in structured finance obligations are generally valued using a discounted cash flow and/or consensus pricing.
Investments in equities are generally valued using a market approach and/or an income approach. The market approach utilizes EBITDA multiples of publicly traded comparable companies and available precedent sales transactions of comparable companies. The income approach typically uses a discounted cash flow analysis of the portfolio company.
Investments in Credit Fund’s subordinated loan and member’s interest are valued using the net asset value of the Company’s ownership interest in the funds and investments in Credit Fund’s mezzanine loans are valued using discounted cash flow analysis with expected repayment rate of principal and interest.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments in first and second lien debt securities are discount rates, indicative quotes and comparable EBITDA multiples. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Significant decreases in indicative quotes or comparable EBITDA multiples in isolation may result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments in structured finance obligations are discount rates, default rates, prepayment rates, recovery rates and indicative quotes. Significant increases in discount rates, default rates or prepayment rates in isolation would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement, while a significant increase in recovery rates in isolation would result in a significantly higher fair value. Significant decreases in indicative quotes in isolation may result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments in equities are discount rates and comparable EBITDA multiples. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Significant decreases in comparable EBITDA multiples would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The carrying values of the secured borrowings and 2015-1 Notes approximate their respective fair values and are categorized as Level 3 within the hierarchy. Secured borrowings are valued generally using discounted cash flow analysis. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s secured borrowings are discount rates. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. The fair value determination of the Company’s 2015-1 Notes was based on the market quotation(s) received from broker/dealer(s). These fair value measurements were based on significant inputs not observable and thus represent Level 3 measurements as defined in the accounting guidance for fair value measurement.
The carrying value of other financial assets and liabilities approximates their fair value based on the short term nature of these items.
See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information on fair value measurements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management’s estimates are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. Assumptions and estimates regarding the valuation of investments and their resulting impact on base management and incentive fees involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity and these assumptions and estimates may be significant to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material.
Investments
Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, and includes investments charged off during the period, net of recoveries. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K reflects the net change in the fair value of investments, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized.
Revenue Recognition
Interest from Investments and Realized Gain/Loss on Investments
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis and includes the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Discounts from and premiums to par value on debt investments purchased are accreted/amortized into interest income over the life of the respective security using the effective interest method. The amortized cost of debt investments represents the original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, if any. At time of exit, the realized gain or loss on an investment is the difference between the amortized cost at time of exit and the cash received at exit using the specific identification method.
The Company may have loans in its portfolio that contain payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provisions. PIK represents interest that is accrued and recorded as interest income at the contractual rates, increases the loan principal on the respective capitalization dates, and is generally due at maturity. Such income is included in interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Dividend Income
Dividend income from the investment fund is recorded on the record date for the investment fund to the extent that such amounts are payable by the investment fund and are expected to be collected.
Other Income
Other income may include income such as consent, waiver, amendment, syndication and prepayment fees associated with the Company’s investment activities as well as any fees for managerial assistance services rendered by the Company to the portfolio companies. Such fees are recognized as income when earned or the services are rendered. The Company may receive fees for guaranteeing the outstanding debt of a portfolio company. Such fees are amortized into other income over the life of the guarantee. The unamortized amount, if any, is included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Non-Accrual Income
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest are paid current and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. Management may not place a loan on non-accrual status if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code, and intends to make the required distributions to its stockholders as specified therein. In order to qualify 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 income taxes only on the portion of its taxable income and gains it does not distribute.
The minimum distribution requirements applicable to RICs require the Company to distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (“ICTI”), as defined by the Code, each year. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year which generated such ICTI.
In addition, based on the excise distribution requirements, the Company is subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on undistributed income unless the Company distributes in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income realized, but not distributed, in the preceding year. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Company that is subject to
corporate income tax is considered to have been distributed. The Company intends to make sufficient distributions each taxable year to satisfy the excise distribution requirements.
The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its consolidated financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely than not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes, if any, are included in income tax expense.
The SPV and the 2015-1 Issuer are disregarded entities for tax purposes and are consolidated with the tax return of the Company.
Dividends and Distributions to Common Stockholders
To the extent that the Company has taxable income available, the Company intends to make quarterly distributions to its common stockholders. Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the record date. The amount to be distributed is determined by the Board of Directors each quarter and is generally based upon the taxable earnings estimated by management and available cash. Net realized capital gains, if any, are generally distributed at least annually, although the Company may decide to retain such capital gains for investment.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory Agreement
On April 3, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not “interested persons” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act (the “Independent Directors”), approved an investment advisory agreement (the “Original Investment Advisory Agreement”) between the Company and the Investment Adviser in accordance with, and on the basis of an evaluation satisfactory to such directors as required by, Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act. The Original Investment Advisory Agreement was amended on September 15, 2017 (as amended, the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) after the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, at an in-person meeting of the Board of Directors held on May 30, 2017 and the approval of the Company’s stockholders at a special meeting of stockholders held on September 15, 2017. The Investment Advisory Agreement was amended, among other things, to (i) reduce the incentive fee payable by the Company to the Investment Adviser from an annual rate of 20% to an annual rate of 17.5%, (ii) delete the incentive fee payment deferral test described below, and (iii) include in the pre-incentive fee net investment income, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature, accrued income that the Company has not yet received in cash. The initial term of the Investment Advisory Agreement is two years from September 15, 2017 and, unless terminated earlier, the Investment Advisory Agreement will renew automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of the Board of Directors and by the vote of a majority of the Independent Directors. The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of an assignment and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon at least 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Subject to the overall supervision of the Board of Directors, the Investment Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Company. For providing these services, the Investment Adviser receives fees from the Company consisting of two components-a base management fee and an incentive fee.
Effective September 15, 2017, the base management fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 1.50% of the average value of the gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed fiscal quarters, except for the first quarter following the IPO, in which case the base management fee is calculated based on the Company’s gross assets as of the end of such fiscal quarter. In each case, the base management fee will be appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during such fiscal quarter and the base management fees for any partial month or quarter will be pro-rated. The Company’s gross assets exclude any cash and cash equivalents and include assets acquired through the incurrence of debt from use of the SPV Credit Facility, Credit Facility and 2015-1 Notes (see Note 6, Borrowings, and Note 7, 2015-1 Notes). For purposes of this calculation, cash and cash equivalents include any temporary investments in cash-equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high quality investment grade debt investments that mature in 12 months or less from the date of investment.
Prior to September 15, 2017, under the Original Investment Advisory Agreement, the base management fee was calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 1.50% of the average daily gross assets of the Company for the period adjusted for share issuances or repurchases. Prior to the IPO, the Investment Adviser waived its right to receive one-third (0.50%) of the 1.50% base management fee. Any waived base management fees are not subject to recoupment by the Investment Adviser.
The fee waiver terminated when the IPO had been consummated. As previously disclosed, in connection with the IPO, the Investment Adviser has agreed to continue the fee waiver until the completion of the first full quarter after the consummation of the IPO. As a result, beginning October 1, 2017, the base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of the Company’s gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents.
The incentive fee has two parts. The first part is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. The second part is determined and payable in arrears based on capital gains as of the end of each calendar year.
Pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that the Company receives from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the operating expenses accrued for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the administration agreement, and any interest expense or fees on any credit facilities or outstanding debt and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature, accrued income that the Company has not yet received in cash. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.
Effective September 15, 2017, pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, will be compared to a “hurdle rate” of 1.50% per quarter (6% annualized) or a “catch-up rate” of 1.82% per quarter (7.28% annualized), as applicable.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Company pays its Investment Adviser an incentive fee with respect to its pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows:
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no incentive fee based on pre-incentive fee net investment income in any calendar quarter in which its pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle rate of 1.50%;
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100% of pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 1.82% in any calendar quarter (7.28% annualized). The Company refers to this portion of the pre-incentive fee net investment income (which exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 1.82%) as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” is meant to provide the Investment Adviser with approximately 17.5% of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply if this net investment income exceeds 1.82% in any calendar quarter; and
•
17.5% of the amount of pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 1.82% in any calendar quarter (7.28% annualized) will be payable to the Investment Adviser. This reflects that once the hurdle rate is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 17.5% of all pre-incentive fee investment income thereafter is allocated to the Investment Adviser.
The second part of the incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 17.5% of realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the date of determination, computed net of all realized capital losses on a cumulative basis and unrealized capital depreciation, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees, provided that, the incentive fee determined at the end of the first calendar year of operations may be calculated for a period of shorter than twelve calendar months to take into account any realized capital gains computed net of all realized capital losses on a cumulative basis and unrealized capital depreciation.
Prior to the September 15, 2017, under the Original Investment Advisory Agreement, pre-incentive fee net investment income, which did not include, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature, accrued income that the Company has not yet received in cash, and was expressed as a rate of return on the average daily Hurdle Calculation Value (as defined below) throughout the immediately preceding calendar quarter, was compared to a “hurdle rate” of 1.50% per quarter (6% annualized) or a “catch-up” of 1.875% per quarter (7.50% annualized), as applicable. “Hurdle Calculation Value” meant, on any given day, the sum of (x) the value of net assets as of the end of the calendar quarter immediately preceding such day plus (y) the aggregate amount of capital drawn from investors (or reinvested in the Company pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan) from the beginning of the current quarter to such day minus (z) the aggregate amount of distributions (including share repurchases) made by the Company from the beginning of the current quarter to such day, but only to the extent such distributions were not declared and accounted for on the books and records in a previous quarter. In addition, under the
Original Investment Advisory Agreement, the Company deferred payment of any incentive fee otherwise earned by the Investment Adviser if, during the most recent four full calendar quarter periods ending on or prior to the date such payment is to be made, the sum of (a) the aggregate distributions to stockholders and (b) the change in net assets (defined as gross assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period) is less than 6.0% of net assets (defined as gross assets less indebtedness) at the beginning of such period. These calculations were adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases. Any deferred incentive fees were carried over for payment in subsequent calculation periods.
As previously disclosed, in connection with the IPO, the Investment Adviser agreed to charge 17.5% instead of 20% with respect to, or effectively waive 2.5% from, the entire calculation of the incentive fee beginning on the first full quarter following the consummation of the IPO until the earlier of (i) October 1, 2017 and (ii) the date that the Company’s stockholders vote on the approval of the amendment to the Original Investment Advisory Agreement. The Company’s stockholders voted to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement on September 15, 2017.
On April 3, 2013, the Investment Adviser entered into a personnel agreement with Carlyle Employee Co., pursuant to which Carlyle Employee Co. provides the Investment Adviser with access to investment professionals.
Administration Agreement
On April 3, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) between the Company and the Administrator. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides services and receives reimbursements equal to an amount that reimburses the Administrator for its costs and expenses and the Company’s allocable portion of overhead incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including the Company’s allocable portion of the compensation paid to or compensatory distributions received by the Company’s officers (including the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and respective staff who provide services to the Company, operations staff who provide services to the Company, and any internal audit staff, to the extent internal audit performs a role in the Company’s Sarbanes-Oxley Act internal control assessment. Reimbursement under the Administration Agreement occurs quarterly in arrears.
The initial term of the Administration Agreement was two years from April 3, 2013 and, unless terminated earlier, the Administration Agreement will renew automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of the Board of Directors or by a majority vote of the outstanding voting securities of the Company and (ii) the vote of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors. On March 20, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved the continuance of the Administration Agreement for a one year period. The Administration Agreement may not be assigned by a party without the consent of the other party and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon at least 60 days’ written notice to the other party.
Sub-Administration Agreements
On April 3, 2013, the Administrator entered into sub-administration agreements with Carlyle Employee Co. and CELF Advisors LLP (“CELF”) (the “Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreements”). Pursuant to the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreements, Carlyle Employee Co. and CELF provide the Administrator with access to personnel.
On April 3, 2013, the Administrator entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street” and, such agreement, the “State Street Sub-Administration Agreement” and, together with the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreements, the “Sub-Administration Agreements”). On March 11, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved an amendment to the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement. The initial term of the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement ends on April 1, 2017 and, unless terminated earlier, the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement will renew automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of the Board of Directors or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company and (ii) the vote of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors. The State Street Sub-Administration Agreement may be terminated upon at least 60 days’ written notice and without penalty by the vote of a majority of the outstanding securities of the Company, or by the vote of the Board of Directors or by either party to the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement.
Placement Fees
On April 3, 2013, the Company entered into a placement fee arrangement with TCG Securities, L.L.C. (“TCG”), a licensed broker-dealer and an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, which may require stockholders to pay a placement fee to TCG for TCG’s services. At the time of the IPO, the placement fee arrangement with TCG was automatically terminated.
Board of Directors
The Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of five members, three of whom are Independent Directors. On April 3, 2013, the Board of Directors established an Audit Committee consisting of its Independent Directors. The Board of Directors also established a Pricing Committee of the Board of Directors, a Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors and a Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and may establish additional committees in the future.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in the valuations of our investment portfolio and interest rates.
Valuation Risk
Our investments may not have a readily available market price, and we value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors in accordance with our valuation policy. There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may fluctuate from period to period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is possible that the difference could be material.
Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2017, on a fair value basis, approximately 1% of our debt investments bear interest at a fixed rate and approximately 99% of our debt investments bear interest at a floating rate, which primarily are subject to interest rate floors. Interest rates on the investments held within our portfolio of investments are typically based on floating LIBOR, with many of these investments also having a LIBOR floor. Additionally, our Facilities are also subject to floating interest rates and are currently paid based on floating LIBOR rates.
Interest rate sensitivity refers to the change in earnings that may result from changes in the level of interest rates. There can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our income in the future.
The following table estimates the potential changes in net cash flow generated from interest income, should interest rates increase or decrease by 100, 200 or 300 basis points. Interest income is calculated as revenue from interest generated from our settled portfolio of debt investments held as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, excluding structured finance obligations and Credit Fund. These hypothetical calculations are based on a model of the settled debt investments in our portfolio, excluding structured finance obligations and Credit Fund, held as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and are only adjusted for assumed changes in the underlying base interest rates and the impact of that change on interest income. Interest expense is calculated based on outstanding secured borrowings and 2015-1 Notes as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and based on the terms of our Facilities and 2015-1 Notes. Interest expense on our Facilities and 2015-1 Notes is calculated using the interest rate as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, adjusted for the hypothetical changes in rates, as shown below. We intend to continue to finance a portion of our investments with borrowings and the interest rates paid on our borrowings may impact significantly our net interest income.
We regularly measure exposure to interest rate risk. We assess interest rate risk and manage interest rate exposure on an ongoing basis by comparing our interest rate sensitive assets to our interest rate sensitive liabilities. Based on that review, we determine whether or not any hedging transactions are necessary to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates.
Based on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the following table shows the annual impact on net investment income of base rate changes in interest rates for our settled debt investments
(considering interest rate floors for variable rate instruments), excluding structured finance obligations and Credit Fund, and outstanding secured borrowings and 2015-1 Notes assuming no changes in our investment and borrowing structure:
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
TCG BDC, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
TCG BDC, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of TCG BDC, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in net assets for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, 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, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 27, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
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 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.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2012.
New York, NY
February 27, 2018
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
TCG BDC, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the TCG BDC, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, TCG BDC, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in net assets for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and our report dated February 27, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 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 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) 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 the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, NY
February 27, 2018
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2017
(dollar amounts in thousands)
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(dollar amounts in thousands)
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(dollar amounts in thousands)
(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of debt and equity investments held by TCG BDC, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “our,” “TCG BDC” or the “Company”) are domiciled in the United States and issuers of structured finance obligations are domiciled in the Cayman Islands. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Investment Company Act”), the Company would be deemed to “control” a portfolio company if the Company owned more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities and/or held the power to exercise control over the management or policies of the portfolio company. As of December 31, 2017, the Company does not “control” any of these portfolio companies. Under the Investment Company Act, the Company would be deemed an “affiliated person” of a portfolio company if the Company owns 5% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities. As of December 31, 2017, the Company is not an “affiliated person” of any of these portfolio companies.
(2)
Variable rate loans to the portfolio companies bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to either LIBOR (“L”) or an alternate base rate (commonly based on the Federal Funds Rate or the U.S. Prime Rate), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, the Company has provided the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, all of our LIBOR loans were indexed to the 90-day LIBOR rate at 1.69%, except for those loans as indicated in Notes 16 and 17 below.
(3)
Loan includes interest rate floor feature.
(4)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, TCG BDC SPV LLC (the “SPV”). The SPV has entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “SPV Credit Facility”). The lenders of the SPV Credit Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of the SPV (see Note 6, Borrowings). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the Company or Carlyle GMS Finance MM CLO 2015-1 LLC (the “2015-1 Issuer”).
(5)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the Company. The Company has entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Credit Facility” and, together with the SPV Credit Facility, the “Facilities”). The lenders of the Credit Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by the Company (see Note 6, Borrowings). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the SPV or the 2015-1 Issuer.
(6)
Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion/amortization of discounts/premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method.
(7)
Fair value is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 3, Fair Value Measurements), pursuant to the Company’s valuation policy. The fair value of all first lien and second lien debt investments, equity investments and the investment fund mezzanine loan was determined using significant unobservable inputs.
(8)
The Company has determined the indicated investments are non-qualifying assets under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act. Under the Investment Company Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying assets unless, at the time such acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets.
(9)
Represents a corporate mezzanine loan, which is subordinated to senior secured term loans of the portfolio company/investment fund.
(10)
Loan was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2017.
(11)
Under the Investment Company Act, the Company is deemed to be an “affiliated person” of and “control” this investment fund because the Company owns more than 25% of the investment fund’s outstanding voting securities and/or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such investment fund. See Note 5, Middle Market Credit Fund, LLC, for more details.
(12)
In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this loan, which is the amount reflected in this schedule, the Company is entitled to receive additional interest as a result of an agreement among lenders as follows: Dimensional Dental Management, LLC (4.58%), EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP) (3.97%), Legacy.com Inc. (4.11%), Payment Alliance International, Inc. (2.70%), Prime Risk Partners, Inc. (3.32%), Product Quest Manufacturing, LLC (3.54%), Reliant Pro Rehab (nil), Surgical Information Systems, LLC (1.01%) and The Hilb Group, LLC (3.38%). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/last out loan, which has a secondary priority behind the first lien/first out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(13)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the 2015-1 Issuer and secure the notes issued in connection with a $400,000 term debt securitization completed by the Company on June 26, 2015 (the “2015-1 Debt Securitization”, see Note 7, 2015-1 Notes). Accordingly, such assets are not available to the creditors of the SPV or the Company.
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(dollar amounts in thousands)
(14)
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans:
(16)
As of December 31, 2017, this LIBOR loan was indexed to the 30-day LIBOR rate at 1.56%.
(17)
As of December 31, 2017, this LIBOR loan was indexed to the 180-day LIBOR rate at 1.84%.
(18)
Under the Investment Company Act, the Company is deemed an “affiliated person” of this portfolio company because the Company owns 5% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities.
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2017
(dollar amounts in thousands)
As of December 31, 2017, investments at fair value consisted of the following:
The rate type of debt investments at fair value as of December 31, 2017 was as follows:
The industry composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2017 was as follows:
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The geographical composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2017 was as follows:
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in thousands)
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in thousands)
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in thousands)
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in thousands)
(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of debt and equity investments held by the Company are domiciled in the United States and issuers of structured finance obligations are domiciled in the Cayman Islands. Under the Investment Company Act the Company would be deemed to “control” a portfolio company if the Company owned more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities and/or held the power to exercise control over the management or policies of the portfolio company. As of December 31, 2016, the Company does not “control” any of these portfolio companies. Under the Investment Company Act, the Company would be deemed an “affiliated person” of a portfolio company if the Company owns 5% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities. As of December 31, 2016, the Company is not an “affiliated person” of any of these portfolio companies.
(2)
Variable rate loans to the portfolio companies 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 U.S. Prime Rate), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, the Company has provided the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, all of our LIBOR loans were indexed to the 90-day LIBOR rate at 1.00%, except for those loans as indicated in Note 16 below.
(3)
Loan includes interest rate floor feature.
(4)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the SPV. The SPV has entered into the SPV Credit Facility. The lenders of the SPV Credit Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of the SPV. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the Company or the 2015-1 Issuer.
(5)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the Company. The Company has entered into the Credit Facility. The lenders of the Credit Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by the Company. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the SPV or the 2015-1 Issuer.
(6)
Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion/amortization of discounts/premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method. Equity tranche CLO fund investments, which are referred to as “structured finance obligations”, are recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in thousands)
(7)
Fair value is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 3, Fair Value Measurements), pursuant to the Company’s valuation policy.
(8)
The Company has determined the indicated investments are non-qualifying assets under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act. Under the Investment Company Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying assets unless, at the time such acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets.
(9)
Represents a corporate mezzanine loan, which is subordinated to senior secured term loans of the portfolio company/investment fund.
(10)
Loan was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2016.
(11)
As of December 31, 2016, the Company has a greater than 25% but less than 50% equity or subordinated notes ownership interest in certain structured finance obligations. These investments have governing documents that preclude the Company from controlling management of the entity and therefore the Company has determined that the issuer of the investment is not a controlled affiliate or a non-controlled affiliate because the investments are not “voting securities”.
(12)
In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this loan, which is the amount reflected in this schedule, the Company is entitled to receive additional interest as a result of an agreement among lenders as follows: Dimensional Dental Management, LLC (4.54%), EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP) (3.84%), International Medical Group, Inc. (4.64%), Product Quest Manufacturing, LLC (3.54%), PSI Services LLC (4.40%), Reliant Pro Rehab, LLC (nil) and The Hilb Group, LLC (3.96%). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/last out loan, which has a secondary priority behind the first lien/first out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(13)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the 2015-1 Issuer and secure the notes issued in connection with the 2015-1 Debt Securitization. Accordingly, such assets are not available to the creditors of the SPV or the Company.
(14)
Under the Investment Company Act, the Company is deemed to be an “affiliated person” of and “control” this investment fund because the Company owns more than 25% of the investment fund’s outstanding voting securities and/or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such investment fund. See Note 5, Middle Market Credit Fund, LLC, for more details.
(15)
As of December 31, 2016, the Company had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans:
(16)
As of December 31, 2016, this LIBOR loan was indexed to the 30-day LIBOR rate at 0.77%.
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in thousands)
As of December 31, 2016, investments at fair value consisted of the following:
The rate type of debt investments at fair value as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:
The industry composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:
TCG BDC, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The geographical composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2017
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION
TCG BDC, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “our,” “TCG BDC” or the “Company”) is a Maryland corporation formed on February 8, 2012, and structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company. The Company is managed by its investment adviser, Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C. (formerly known as Carlyle GMS Investment Management L.L.C., “CGCIM” or “Investment Adviser”), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Carlyle Group L.P. The Company has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Investment Company Act”). In addition, the Company has elected to be treated, and intends to continue to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Code”).
The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation primarily through debt investments in U.S. middle market companies, which the Company defines as companies with approximately $10 million to $100 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), which the Company believes is a useful proxy for cash flow. The Company seeks to achieve its investment objective primarily through direct originations of secured debt, including first lien senior secured loans (which may include stand-alone first lien loans, first lien/last out loans and “unitranche” loans) and second lien senior secured loans (collectively, “Middle Market Senior Loans”), with the balance of our assets invested in higher yielding investments (which may include unsecured debt, mezzanine debt and investments in equities). The Middle Market Senior Loans are generally made to private U.S. middle market companies that are, in many cases, controlled by private equity firms. Depending on market conditions, the Company expects that between 70% and 80% of the value of its assets will be invested in Middle Market Senior Loans. The Company expects that the composition of its portfolio will change over time given the Investment Adviser’s view on, among other things, the economic and credit environment (including with respect to interest rates) in which the Company is operating.
The Company invests primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt, if rated, is rated below investment grade, and, if not rated, would likely be rated below investment grade if it were rated (that is, below BBB- or Baa3, which is often referred to as “junk”). Exposure to below investment grade instruments involves certain risks, including speculation with respect to the borrower’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
On May 2, 2013, the Company completed its initial closing of capital commitments (the “Initial Closing”) and subsequently commenced substantial investment operations. Effective March 15, 2017, the Company changed its name from “Carlyle GMS Finance, Inc.” to “TCG BDC, Inc.” On June 19, 2017, the Company closed its initial public offering (“IPO”), issuing 9,454,200 shares of its common stock (including shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option on July 5, 2017) at a public offering price of $18.50 per share. Net of underwriting costs, the Company received cash proceeds of $169,488. Shares of common stock of TCG BDC began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CGBD” on June 14, 2017.
Until December 31, 2017, the Company was an “emerging growth company,” as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012. As of June 30, 2017, the market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700,000. Accordingly, the Company ceased to be an emerging growth company as of December 31, 2017.
The Company is externally managed by the Investment Adviser, an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Carlyle Global Credit Administration L.L.C. (formerly known as Carlyle GMS Finance Administration L.L.C., “CGCA” or the “Administrator”) provides the administrative services necessary for the Company to operate. Both the Investment Adviser and the Administrator are wholly owned subsidiaries of Carlyle Investment Management L.L.C., a subsidiary of The Carlyle Group L.P. “Carlyle” refers to The Carlyle Group L.P. and its affiliates and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than portfolio companies of its affiliated funds), a global alternative asset manager publicly traded on NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CG”. Refer to the sec.gov website for further information on Carlyle.
TCG BDC SPV LLC (the “SPV”) is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed on January 3, 2013. The SPV invests in first and second lien senior secured loans. The SPV is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and is
consolidated in these consolidated financial statements commencing from the date of its formation, January 3, 2013. Effective March 15, 2017, the SPV changed its name from “Carlyle GMS Finance SPV LLC” to “TCG BDC SPV LLC”.
On June 9, 2017, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 3, 2017 (the “Agreement”), by and between the Company and NF Investment Corp. (“NFIC”), NFIC merged with and into the Company (the “NFIC Acquisition”), with the Company as the surviving entity. The NFIC Acquisition was accounted for as an asset acquisition. NFIC SPV LLC (the “NFIC SPV” and, together with the SPV, the “SPVs”) is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed on June 18, 2013. Upon the consummation of the NFIC Acquisition, the NFIC SPV became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and is consolidated in these consolidated financial statements commencing from the closing date of the NFIC Acquisition, June 9, 2017. Refer to Note 13, NFIC Acquisition, for details.
On June 26, 2015, the Company completed a $400,000 term debt securitization (the “2015-1 Debt Securitization”). The notes offered in the 2015-1 Debt Securitization (the “2015-1 Notes”) were issued by Carlyle GMS Finance MM CLO 2015-1 LLC (the “2015-1 Issuer”), a wholly owned and consolidated subsidiary of the Company, and are secured by a diversified portfolio of the 2015-1 Issuer consisting primarily of first and second lien senior secured loans. Refer to Note 7 for details. The 2015-1 Issuer is consolidated in these consolidated financial statements commencing from the date of its formation, May 8, 2015.
On February 29, 2016, the Company and Credit Partners USA LLC (“Credit Partners”) entered into an amended and restated limited liability company agreement, which was subsequently amended on June 24, 2016 (as amended, the “Limited Liability Company Agreement”) to co-manage Middle Market Credit Fund, LLC (“Credit Fund”). Credit Fund primarily invests in first lien loans of middle market companies. Credit Fund is managed by a six-member board of managers, on which the Company and Credit Partners each have equal representation. The Company and Credit Partners each have 50% economic ownership of Credit Fund and have commitments to fund, from time to time, capital of up to $400,000 each. Refer to Note 5, Middle Market Credit Fund, LLC, for details.
As a BDC, the Company is required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. As part of these requirements, the Company must not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified in the Investment Company Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of its total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions).
To qualify as a RIC, the Company must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its stockholders generally at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. Pursuant to this election, the Company generally does not have to pay corporate level taxes on any income that it distributes to stockholders, provided that the Company satisfies those requirements.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). The Company is an investment company for the purposes of accounting and financial reporting in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-08, Financial Services-Investment Companies (“ASU 2013-08”): Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirements. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, the SPV and the 2015-1 Issuer. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. US GAAP for an investment company requires investments to be recorded at fair value. The carrying value for all other assets and liabilities approximates their fair value.
The annual financial statements have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP for annual financial information and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-K and Article 6 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for the fair presentation of consolidated financial statements for the years presented have been included.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management’s estimates are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that
management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. Assumptions and estimates regarding the valuation of investments and their resulting impact on base management and incentive fees involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity and these assumptions and estimates may be significant to the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material.
Investments
Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, and includes investments charged off during the period, net of recoveries. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments as presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations reflects the net change in the fair value of investments, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized. See Note 3 for further information about fair value measurements.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and highly liquid investments (e.g. money market funds, U.S. treasury notes) with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held with two large financial institutions and cash held in such financial institutions may, at times, exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limit.
Revenue Recognition
Interest from Investments and Realized Gain/Loss on Investments
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis and includes the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Discounts from and premiums to par value on debt investments purchased are accreted/amortized into interest income over the life of the respective security using the effective interest method. The amortized cost of debt investments represents the original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, if any. At time of exit, the realized gain or loss on an investment is the difference between the amortized cost at time of exit and the cash received at exit using the specific identification method.
The Company may have loans in its portfolio that contain payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provisions. PIK represents interest that is accrued and recorded as interest income at the contractual rates, increases the loan principal on the respective capitalization dates, and is generally due at maturity. Such income is included in interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of the loan in the portfolio with PIK provisions was $15,451, which represents approximately 0.8% of total investments at fair value. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company earned $1,057 in PIK income included in interest income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2016 and for the year then ended, no loans in the portfolio contained PIK provisions.
Dividend Income
Dividend income from the investment fund is recorded on the record date for the investment fund to the extent that such amounts are payable by the investment fund and are expected to be collected.
Other Income
Other income may include income such as consent, waiver, amendment, syndication and prepayment fees associated with the Company’s investment activities as well as any fees for managerial assistance services rendered by the Company to the portfolio companies. Such fees are recognized as income when earned or the services are rendered. The Company may receive fees for guaranteeing the outstanding debt of a portfolio company. Such fees are amortized into other income over the life of the guarantee. The unamortized amount, if any, is included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company earned $10,526, $6,635 and $834, respectively, in other income, primarily from amendment, syndication and prepayment fees.
Non-Accrual Income
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest are paid current and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. Management may not place a loan on non-accrual status if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of the loan in the portfolio on non-accrual status was $19,487 and $7,628, respectively, which represents approximately 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively, of total investments at fair value. The remaining first and second lien debt investments were performing and current on their interest payments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the years then ended.
SPV Credit Facility, Credit Facility and 2015-1 Notes Related Costs, Expenses and Deferred Financing Costs (See Note 6, Borrowings, and Note 7, 2015-1 Notes)
Interest expense and unused commitment fees on the SPV Credit Facility and Credit Facility are recorded on an accrual basis. Unused commitment fees are included in credit facility fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The SPV Credit Facility and Credit Facility are recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value.
Deferred financing costs include capitalized expenses related to the closing or amendments of the SPV Credit Facility and Credit Facility. Amortization of deferred financing costs for each credit facility is computed on the straight-line basis over the respective term of each credit facility, except for a portion that was accelerated in connection with the amendment of the SPV Credit Facility as described in Note 6. The unamortized balance of such costs is included in deferred financing costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The amortization of such costs is included in credit facility fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Debt issuance costs include capitalized expenses including structuring and arrangement fees related to the offering of the 2015-1 Notes. Amortization of debt issuance costs for the 2015-1 Notes is computed on the effective yield method over the term of the 2015-1 Notes. The unamortized balance of such costs is presented as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of the 2015-1 Notes in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The amortization of such costs is included in interest expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The 2015-1 Notes are recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value.
Organization and Offering Costs
Offering costs consist primarily of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the offering of shares, including legal, underwriting, printing and other costs, as well as costs associated with the preparation and filing of applicable registration statements. Upon consummation of the IPO, the Company is no longer a closed-end fund with a continuous offering period and, thus, offering costs are charged against equity when incurred. During the year ended December 31, 2017, $3,088 of the offering costs were incurred, 50% of which were paid by the Investment Adviser.
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code, and intends to make the required distributions to its stockholders as specified therein. In order to qualify 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 income taxes only on the portion of its taxable income and gains it does not distribute.
The minimum distribution requirements applicable to RICs require the Company to distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (“ICTI”), as defined by the Code, each year. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year which generated such ICTI.
In addition, based on the excise distribution requirements, the Company is subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on undistributed income unless the Company distributes in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for
the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income realized, but not distributed, in the preceding year. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Company that is subject to corporate income tax is considered to have been distributed. The Company intends to make sufficient distributions each taxable year to satisfy the excise distribution requirements.
The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its consolidated financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely than not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes, if any, are included in income tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred $264, $76 and $0, respectively, in excise tax expense.
The SPV and the 2015-1 Issuer are disregarded entities for tax purposes and are consolidated with the tax return of the Company.
Dividends and Distributions to Common Stockholders
To the extent that the Company has taxable income available, the Company intends to make quarterly distributions to its common stockholders. Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the record date. The amount to be distributed is determined by the Board of Directors each quarter and is generally based upon the taxable earnings estimated by management and available cash. Net realized capital gains, if any, are generally distributed at least annually, although the Company may decide to retain such capital gains for investment.
Prior to July 5, 2017, the Company had an “opt in” dividend reinvestment plan. Effective on July 5, 2017, the Company converted the “opt in” dividend reinvestment plan to an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of dividends and other distributions on behalf of the stockholders, other than those stockholders who have “opted out” of the plan. As a result of adopting the plan, if our Board of Directors authorizes, and the Company declares, a cash dividend or distribution, the stockholders who have not elected to “opt out” of the dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash dividends or distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Company’s common stock, rather than receiving cash. Each registered stockholder may elect to have such stockholder’s dividends and distributions distributed in cash rather than participate in the plan. For any registered stockholder that does not so elect, distributions on such stockholder’s shares will be reinvested by State Street Bank and Trust Company, our plan administrator, in additional shares. The number of shares to be issued to the stockholder will be determined based on the total dollar amount of the cash distribution payable, net of applicable withholding taxes. The Company intends to use primarily newly issued shares to implement the plan so long as the market value per share is equal to or greater than the net asset value per share on the relevant valuation date. If the market value per share is less than the net asset value per share on the relevant valuation date, the plan administrator would implement the plan through the purchase of common stock on behalf of participants in the open market, unless the Company instructs the plan administrator otherwise.
Functional Currency
The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. Dollar and all transactions were in U.S. Dollars.
Recent Accounting Standards Updates
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-9”) in May 2014 and subsequently issued several amendments to the standard. ASU 2014-9, and related amendments, provide comprehensive guidance for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. Entities will be able to recognize revenue when the entity transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance includes a five-step framework that requires an entity to: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The guidance in ASU 2014-9, and the related amendments, is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company has elected to adopt the ASU on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash. ASU 2016-18 clarifies the presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows by requiring the amounts described as restricted cash be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. If cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are presented separately on the
statement of financial position, a reconciliation of these separate line items to the total cash amount included in the statement of cash flows will be required either in the footnotes or on the face of the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, and the interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has elected to adopt the ASU on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company applies fair value accounting in accordance with the terms of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value as the amount that would be exchanged to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transfer between market participants at the measurement date. The Company values securities/instruments traded in active markets on the measurement date by multiplying the closing price of such traded securities/instruments by the quantity of shares or amount of the instrument held. The Company may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of its investments, such as its securities/instruments traded in active markets and its liquid securities/instruments that are not traded in active markets, from pricing services, brokers, or counterparties (i.e., “consensus pricing”). When doing so, the Company determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to US GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. The Company may use the quote obtained or alternative pricing sources may be utilized including valuation techniques typically utilized for illiquid securities/instruments.
Securities/instruments that are illiquid or for which the pricing source does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser or the Company’s Board of Directors, does not represent fair value shall each be valued as of the measurement date using all techniques appropriate under the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available. These valuation techniques may vary by investment and include comparable public market valuations, comparable precedent transaction valuations and/or discounted cash flow analyses. The process generally used to determine the applicable value is as follows: (i) the value of each portfolio company or investment is initially reviewed by the investment professionals responsible for such portfolio company or investment and, for non-traded investments, a standardized template designed to approximate fair market value based on observable market inputs, updated credit statistics and unobservable inputs is used to determine a preliminary value, which is also reviewed alongside consensus pricing, where available; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and reviewed by a valuation committee comprised of members of senior management; (iii) the Board of Directors engages a third-party valuation firm to provide positive assurance on portions of the Middle Market Senior Loans and equity investments portfolio each quarter (such that each non-traded investment other than Credit Fund is reviewed by a third-party valuation firm at least once on a rolling twelve month basis) including a review of management’s preliminary valuation and conclusion on fair value; (iv) the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) reviews the assessments of the Investment Adviser and the third-party valuation firm and provides the Board of Directors with any recommendations with respect to changes to the fair value of each investment in the portfolio; and (v) the Board of Directors discusses the valuation recommendations of the Audit Committee and determines the fair value of each investment in the portfolio in good faith based on the input of the Investment Adviser and, where applicable, the third-party valuation firm.
All factors that might materially impact the value of an investment are considered, including, but not limited to the assessment of the following factors, as relevant:
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the nature and realizable value of any collateral;
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call features, put features and other relevant terms of debt;
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the portfolio company’s leverage and ability to make payments;
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the portfolio company’s public or private credit rating;
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the portfolio company’s actual and expected earnings and discounted cash flow;
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prevailing interest rates and spreads for similar securities and expected volatility in future interest rates;
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the markets in which the portfolio company does business and recent economic and/or market events; and
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comparisons to comparable transactions and publicly traded securities.
Investment performance data utilized are the most recently available financial statements and compliance certificates received from the portfolio companies as of the measurement date which in many cases may reflect a lag in information.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Company’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been reported had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is reasonably possible that the difference could be material.
In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the realized gains or losses on investments to be different from the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation currently reflected in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
US GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which ranks the level of observability of market price inputs used in measuring investments at fair value. The observability of inputs is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of investment and the characteristics specific to the investment and state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Investments with readily available quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from quoted prices in active markets generally have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment applied in determining fair value.
Investments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in determination of fair values, as follows:
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Level 1-inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in Level 1 generally include unrestricted securities, including equities and derivatives, listed in active markets. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where the Company holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
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Level 2-inputs to the valuation methodology are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date and are those other than quoted prices in active markets. The type of financial instruments in this category generally includes less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.
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Level 3-inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are in this category generally include investments in privately-held entities, CLOs, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement. The Investment Adviser’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 investment.
Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the beginning of the year in which the transfers occur. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no transfers between levels.
The following tables summarize the Company’s investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
(1)
Amount represents the Company’s subordinated loan and member’s interest investments in Credit Fund. The fair value of these investments has been estimated using the net asset value of the Company’s ownership interests in Credit Fund.
The changes in the Company’s investments at fair value for which the Company has used Level 3 inputs to determine fair value and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings for Level 3 investments still held are as follows:
The Company generally uses the following framework when determining the fair value of investments that are categorized as Level 3:
Investments in debt securities are initially evaluated to determine whether the enterprise value of the portfolio company is greater than the applicable debt. The enterprise value of the portfolio company is estimated using a market approach and an income approach. The market approach utilizes market value (EBITDA) multiples of publicly traded comparable companies and available precedent sales transactions of comparable companies. The Company carefully considers numerous factors when selecting the appropriate companies whose multiples are used to value its portfolio companies. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type of organization, similarity to the business being valued, relevant risk factors, as well as size, profitability and growth expectations. The income approach typically uses a discounted cash flow analysis of the portfolio company.
Investments in debt securities that do not have sufficient coverage through the enterprise value analysis are valued based on an expected probability of default and discount recovery analysis.
Investments in debt securities with sufficient coverage through the enterprise value analysis are generally valued using a discounted cash flow analysis of the underlying security. Projected cash flows in the discounted cash flow typically represent the relevant security’s contractual interest, fees and principal payments plus the assumption of full principal recovery at the security’s expected maturity date. The discount rate to be used is determined using an average of two market-based methodologies. Investments in debt securities may also be valued using consensus pricing.
Investments in structured finance obligations are generally valued using a discounted cash flow and/or consensus pricing.
Investments in equities are generally valued using a market approach and/or an income approach. The market approach utilizes EBITDA multiples of publicly traded comparable companies and available precedent sales transactions of comparable companies. The income approach typically uses a discounted cash flow analysis of the portfolio company.
Investments in the subordinated loan and member’s interest of the investment fund are valued using the net asset value of the Company’s ownership interest in the investment fund and investments in the mezzanine loan of the investment fund are valued using discounted cash flow analysis with expected repayment rate of principal and interest.
The following tables summarize the quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 instruments which are carried at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments in first and second lien debt securities are discount rates, indicative quotes and comparable EBITDA multiples. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Significant decreases in indicative quotes or comparable EBITDA multiples in isolation may result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments in structured finance obligations are discount rates, default rates, prepayment rates, recovery rates and indicative quotes. Significant increases in discount rates, default rates or prepayment rates in isolation would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement, while a significant increase in recovery rates in isolation would result in a significantly higher fair value. Significant decreases in indicative quotes in isolation may result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments in equities are discount rates and comparable EBITDA multiples. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Significant decreases in comparable EBITDA multiples would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
Financial instruments disclosed but not carried at fair value
The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s secured borrowings disclosed but not carried at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
The carrying values of the secured borrowings approximate their respective fair values and are categorized as Level 3 within the hierarchy. Secured borrowings are valued generally using discounted cash flow analysis. The significant
unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s secured borrowings are discount rates. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The following table represents the carrying values (before debt issuance costs) and fair values of the Company’s 2015-1 Notes disclosed but not carried at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
The fair value determination of the Company’s 2015-1 Notes was based on the market quotation(s) received from broker/dealer(s). These fair value measurements were based on significant inputs not observable and thus represent Level 3 measurements as defined in the accounting guidance for fair value measurement.
The carrying value of other financial assets and liabilities approximates their fair value based on the short term nature of these items.
4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory Agreement
On April 3, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not “interested persons” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act (the “Independent Directors”), approved an investment advisory agreement (the “Original Investment Advisory Agreement”) between the Company and the Investment Adviser in accordance with, and on the basis of an evaluation satisfactory to such directors as required by, Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act. The Original Investment Advisory Agreement was amended on September 15, 2017 (as amended, the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) after the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, at an in-person meeting of the Board of Directors held on May 30, 2017 and the approval of the Company’s stockholders at a special meeting of stockholders held on September 15, 2017. The Investment Advisory Agreement was amended, among other things, to (i) reduce the incentive fee payable by the Company to the Investment Adviser from an annual rate of 20% to an annual rate of 17.5%, (ii) delete the incentive fee payment deferral test described below, and (iii) include in the pre-incentive fee net investment income, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature, accrued income that the Company has not yet received in cash. The initial term of the Investment Advisory Agreement is two years from September 15, 2017 and, unless terminated earlier, the Investment Advisory Agreement will renew automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of the Board of Directors and by the vote of a majority of the Independent Directors. The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of an assignment and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon at least 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Subject to the overall supervision of the Board of Directors, the Investment Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Company. For providing these services, the Investment Adviser receives fees from the Company consisting of two components-a base management fee and an incentive fee.
Effective September 15, 2017, the base management fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 1.50% of the average value of the gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed fiscal quarters, except for the first quarter following the IPO, in which case the base management fee is calculated based on the Company’s gross assets as of the end of such fiscal quarter. In each case, the base management fee will be appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during such fiscal quarter and the base management fees for any partial month or quarter will be pro-rated. The Company’s gross assets exclude any cash and cash equivalents and include assets acquired through the incurrence of debt from use of the SPV Credit Facility, Credit Facility and 2015-1 Notes (see Note 6, Borrowings, and Note 7, 2015-1 Notes). For purposes of this calculation, cash and cash equivalents include any temporary investments in cash-equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high quality investment grade debt investments that mature in 12 months or less from the date of investment.
Prior to September 15, 2017, under the Original Investment Advisory Agreement, the base management fee was calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 1.50% of the average daily gross assets of the Company for the
period adjusted for share issuances or repurchases. Prior to the IPO, the Investment Adviser waived its right to receive one-third (0.50%) of the 1.50% base management fee. Any waived base management fees are not subject to recoupment by the Investment Adviser. The fee waiver terminated when the IPO had been consummated. As previously disclosed, in connection with the IPO, the Investment Adviser agreed to continue the fee waiver until the completion of the first full quarter after the consummation of the IPO. As a result, beginning October 1, 2017, the base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of the Company’s gross assets.
The incentive fee has two parts. The first part is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. The second part is determined and payable in arrears based on capital gains as of the end of each calendar year.
Pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that the Company receives from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the operating expenses accrued for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the administration agreement, and any interest expense or fees on any credit facilities or outstanding debt and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature, accrued income that the Company has not yet received in cash. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.
Effective September 15, 2017, pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, will be compared to a “hurdle rate” of 1.50% per quarter (6% annualized) or a “catch-up rate” of 1.82% per quarter (7.28% annualized), as applicable.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Company pays its Investment Adviser an incentive fee with respect to its pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows:
•
no incentive fee based on pre-incentive fee net investment income in any calendar quarter in which its pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle rate of 1.50%;
•
100% of pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 1.82% in any calendar quarter (7.28% annualized). The Company refers to this portion of the pre-incentive fee net investment income (which exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 1.82%) as the “catch-up.” The “catch-up” is meant to provide the Investment Adviser with approximately 17.5% of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply if this net investment income exceeds 1.82% in any calendar quarter; and
•
17.5% of the amount of pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 1.82% in any calendar quarter (7.28% annualized) will be payable to the Investment Adviser. This reflects that once the hurdle rate is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 17.5% of all pre-incentive fee investment income thereafter is allocated to the Investment Adviser.
The second part of the incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 17.5% of realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the date of determination, computed net of all realized capital losses on a cumulative basis and unrealized capital depreciation, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees, provided that, the incentive fee determined at the end of the first calendar year of operations may be calculated for a period of shorter than twelve calendar months to take into account any realized capital gains computed net of all realized capital losses on a cumulative basis and unrealized capital depreciation.
Prior to September 15, 2017, under the Original Investment Advisory Agreement, pre-incentive fee net investment income, which did not include, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature, accrued income that the Company has not yet received in cash, and was expressed as a rate of return on the average daily Hurdle Calculation Value (as defined below) throughout the immediately preceding calendar quarter, was compared to a “hurdle rate” of 1.50% per quarter (6% annualized) or a “catch-up” of 1.875% per quarter (7.50% annualized), as applicable. “Hurdle Calculation Value” meant, on any given day, the sum of (x) the value of net assets as of the end of the calendar quarter immediately preceding such day plus (y) the aggregate amount of capital drawn from investors (or reinvested in the Company pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan) from the beginning of the current quarter to such day minus (z) the aggregate amount of distributions (including share
repurchases) made by the Company from the beginning of the current quarter to such day, but only to the extent such distributions were not declared and accounted for on the books and records in a previous quarter. In addition, under the Original Investment Advisory Agreement, the Company deferred payment of any incentive fee otherwise earned by the Investment Adviser if, during the most recent four full calendar quarter periods ending on or prior to the date such payment is to be made, the sum of (a) the aggregate distributions to stockholders and (b) the change in net assets (defined as gross assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period) is less than 6.0% of net assets (defined as gross assets less indebtedness) at the beginning of such period. These calculations were adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases. Any deferred incentive fees were carried over for payment in subsequent calculation periods.
As previously disclosed, in connection with the IPO, the Investment Adviser agreed to charge 17.5% instead of 20% with respect to, or effectively waive 2.5% from, the entire calculation of the incentive fee beginning on the first full quarter following the consummation of the IPO until the earlier of (i) October 1, 2017 and (ii) the date that the Company’s stockholders vote on the approval of the amendment to the Original Investment Advisory Agreement. The Company’s stockholders voted to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement on September 15, 2017.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, base management fees were $19,327, $12,359 and $8,907, respectively (net of waiver of $5,927, $6,180 and $4,454, respectively), incentive fees related to pre-incentive fee net investment income were $21,084, $14,905 and $8,881, respectively, and there were no incentive fees related to realized capital gains. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were no accrued capital gains incentive fees based upon the cumulative net realized and unrealized appreciation (depreciation). The accrual for any capital gains incentive fee under US GAAP in a given period may result in an additional expense if such cumulative amount is greater than in the prior period or a reduction of previously recorded expense if such cumulative amount is less than in the prior period. If such cumulative amount is negative, then there is no accrual.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $13,098 and $8,157, respectively, was included in base management and incentive fees payable in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
On April 3, 2013, the Investment Adviser entered into a personnel agreement with The Carlyle Group Employee Co., L.L.C. (“Carlyle Employee Co.”), an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, pursuant to which Carlyle Employee Co. provides the Investment Adviser with access to investment professionals.
Administration Agreement
On April 3, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) between the Company and the Administrator. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides services and receives reimbursements equal to an amount that reimburses the Administrator for its costs and expenses and the Company’s allocable portion of overhead incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including the Company’s allocable portion of the compensation paid to or compensatory distributions received by the Company’s officers (including the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and respective staff who provide services to the Company, operations staff who provide services to the Company, and any internal audit staff, to the extent internal audit performs a role in the Company’s Sarbanes-Oxley Act internal control assessment. Reimbursement under the Administration Agreement occurs quarterly in arrears.
The initial term of the Administration Agreement is two years from April 3, 2013 and, unless terminated earlier, the Administration Agreement will renew automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of the Board of Directors or by a majority vote of the outstanding voting securities of the Company and (ii) the vote of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors. On March 20, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved the continuance of the Administration Agreement for a one year period. The Administration Agreement may not be assigned by a party without the consent of the other party and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon at least 60 days’ written notice to the other party.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred $661, $703 and $595, respectively, in fees under the Administrative Agreement, which were included in administrative service fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $95 and $137, respectively, was unpaid and included in administrative service fees payable in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Sub-Administration Agreements
On April 3, 2013, the Administrator entered into sub-administration agreements with Carlyle Employee Co. and CELF Advisors LLP (“CELF”) (the “Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreements”). Pursuant to the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreements, Carlyle Employee Co. and CELF provide the Administrator with access to personnel.
On April 3, 2013, the Administrator entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street” and, such agreement, the “State Street Sub-Administration Agreement” and, together with the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreements, the “Sub-Administration Agreements”). On March 11, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved an amendment to the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement. The initial term of the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement ends on April 1, 2017 and, unless terminated earlier, the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement will renew automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of the Board of Directors or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company and (ii) the vote of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors. The State Street Sub-Administration Agreement may be terminated upon at least 60 days’ written notice and without penalty by the vote of a majority of the outstanding securities of the Company, or by the vote of the Board of Directors or by either party to the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, fees incurred in connection with the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement, which amounted to $725, $602 and $486, respectively, were included in other general and administrative in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $196 and $159, respectively, was unpaid and included in other accrued expenses and liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Placement Fees
On April 3, 2013, the Company entered into a placement fee arrangement with TCG Securities, L.L.C. (“TCG”), a licensed broker-dealer and an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, which may require stockholders to pay a placement fee to TCG for TCG’s services. At the time of the IPO, the placement fee arrangement with TCG was automatically terminated.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, TCG earned placement fees of $19, $12 and $6, respectively, from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the issuance or sale of the Company’s common stock prior to the IPO.
Board of Directors
The Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of five members, three of whom are Independent Directors. On April 3, 2013, the Board of Directors established an Audit Committee consisting of its Independent Directors. The Board of Directors also established a Pricing Committee of the Board of Directors, a Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors and a Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and may establish additional committees in the future. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred $443, $553 and $419, respectively, in fees and expenses associated with its Independent Directors and Audit Committee. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $25 and $0, respectively, was unpaid and included in other accrued expenses and liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Transactions with Credit Fund
During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company sold 17 and 2 investments, respectively, to Credit Fund for proceeds of $135,466 and $39,838, respectively, and realized gains of $190 and $0, respectively. See Note 5, Middle Market Credit Fund, LLC, for further information about Credit Fund.
5. MIDDLE MARKET CREDIT FUND, LLC
Overview
On February 29, 2016, the Company and Credit Partners entered into the Limited Liability Company Agreement to co-manage Credit Fund, an unconsolidated Delaware limited liability company. Credit Fund primarily invests in first lien loans of middle market companies. Credit Fund is managed by a six-member board of managers, on which the Company and Credit Partners each have equal representation. Establishing a quorum for Credit Fund’s board of managers requires at least four members to be present at a meeting, including at least two of the Company’s representatives and two of Credit Partners’
representatives. The Company and Credit Partners each have 50% economic ownership of Credit Fund and have commitments to fund, from time to time, capital of up to $400,000 each. Funding of such commitments generally requires the approval of the board of Credit Fund, including the board members appointed by the Company. By virtue of its membership interest, the Company and Credit Partners each indirectly bear an allocable share of all expenses and other obligations of Credit Fund.
Together with Credit Partners, the Company co-invests through Credit Fund. Investment opportunities for Credit Fund are sourced primarily by the Company and its affiliates. Portfolio and investment decisions with respect to Credit Fund must be unanimously approved by a quorum of Credit Fund’s investment committee consisting of an equal number of representatives of the Company and Credit Partners. Therefore, although the Company owns more than 25% of the voting securities of Credit Fund, the Company does not believe that it has control over Credit Fund (other than for purposes of the Investment Company Act). Middle Market Credit Fund SPV, LLC (the “Credit Fund Sub”) and MMCF CLO 2017-1 LLC (the “2017-1 Issuer”), each a Delaware limited liability company, were formed on April 5, 2016 and October 6, 2017, respectively. Credit Fund Sub and the 2017-1 Issuer are wholly owned subsidiaries of Credit Fund and are consolidated in Credit Fund’s consolidated financial statements commencing from the date of their respective formations. Credit Fund Sub and the 2017-1 Issuer primarily invest in first lien loans of middle market companies. Credit Fund and its wholly owned subsidiaries follow the same Internal Risk Rating System as the Company.
Credit Fund, the Company and Credit Partners entered into an administration agreement with CGCA, the administrative agent of Credit Fund (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), pursuant to which the Administrative Agent is delegated certain administrative and non-discretionary functions, is authorized to enter into sub-administration agreements at our expense with the approval of the board of managers of Credit Fund, and is reimbursed by Credit Fund for its costs and expenses and Credit Fund’s allocable portion of overhead incurred by the Administrative Agent in performing its obligations thereunder.
Selected Financial Data
Since inception of Credit Fund and through December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company and Credit Partners each made capital contributions of $1 in members’ equity and $86,500 and $35,000, respectively, in subordinated loans to Credit Fund. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund had net borrowings of $85,750 and $62,384, respectively, in mezzanine loans under a revolving credit facility with the Company (the “Credit Fund Facility”). As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund had subordinated loans and members’ capital of $173,532 and $74,547, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s ownership interest in such subordinated loans and members’ capital was $86,766 and $37,273, respectively, and in such mezzanine loans was $85,750 and $62,384, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund held cash and cash equivalents totaling $19,502 and $6,103, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund had total investments at fair value of $984,773 and $437,829, respectively, which was comprised of first lien senior secured loans and second lien senior secured loans to 51 and 28 portfolio companies, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, no loans in Credit Fund’s portfolio were on non-accrual status or contained PIK provisions. All investments in the portfolio were floating rate debt investments with an interest rate floor. The portfolio companies in Credit Fund are U.S. middle market companies in industries similar to those in which the Company may invest directly. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund had commitments to fund various undrawn revolvers and delayed draw investments to its portfolio companies totaling $72,458 and $30,361, respectively.
Below is a summary of Credit Fund’s portfolio, followed by a listing of the loans in Credit Fund’s portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
(1)
At par/principal amount.
(2)
Weighted average yields include the effect of accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and are based on interest rates as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Weighted average yield on debt and income producing securities at
fair value is computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of OID and market discount earned on accruing debt included in such securities, divided by (b) total first lien and second lien debt at fair value included in such securities. Weighted average yield on debt and income producing securities at amortized cost is computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of OID and market discount earned on accruing debt included in such securities, divided by (b) total first lien and second lien debt at amortized cost included in such securities. Actual yields earned over the life of each investment could differ materially from the yields presented above.
(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of investments held by Credit Fund are domiciled in the United States. As of December 31, 2017, the geographical composition of investments as a percentage of fair value was 1.07% in Canada, 2.52% in the United Kingdom, and 96.41% in the United States.
(2)
Variable rate loans to the portfolio companies 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 U.S. Prime Rate (“P”)), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, Credit Fund has provided the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, all of Credit Fund’s LIBOR loans were indexed to the 90-day LIBOR rate at 1.69%, except for those loans as indicated in Notes 11 and 12 below.
(3)
Loan includes interest rate floor feature.
(4)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Credit Fund Sub. Credit Fund Sub has entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Fund Sub Facility”). The lenders of the Credit Fund Sub Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of Credit Fund Sub. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund or the 2017-1 Issuer.
(5)
Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion/amortization of discounts/premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method.
(6)
Fair value is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the board of managers of Credit Fund, pursuant to Credit Fund’s valuation policy, with the fair value of all investments determined using significant unobservable inputs, which is substantially similar to the valuation policy of the Company provided in Note 3, Fair Value Measurements.
(7)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Credit Fund. Credit Fund has entered into the Credit Fund Facility. The lenders of the Credit Fund Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of Credit Fund. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund Sub or the 2017-1 Issuer.
(8)
Credit Fund receives less than the stated interest rate of this loan as a result of an agreement among lenders. The interest rate reduction is 1.25% on EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/first out loan, which has first priority ahead of the first lien/last out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(9)
In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this loan, which is the amount reflected in this schedule, the Company is entitled to receive additional interest as a result of an agreement among lenders as follows: EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP) (3.97%) and Surgical Information Systems, LLC (1.01%). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/last out loan, which has a secondary priority behind the first lien/first out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(10)
As of December 31, 2017, Credit Fund had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans:
(11)
As of December 31, 2017, this LIBOR loan was indexed to the 30-day LIBOR rate at 1.56%.
(12)
As of December 31, 2017, this LIBOR loan was indexed to the 180-day LIBOR rate at 1.84%.
(13)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the 2017-1 Issuer and secure the notes issued in connection with a $399,900 term debt securitization completed by Credit Fund on December 19, 2017 (the “2017-1 Debt Securitization”). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund or Credit Fund Sub.
(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of investments held by Credit Fund are domiciled in the United States. As of December 31, 2016, the geographical composition of investments as a percentage of fair value was 2.43% in Canada and 97.57% in the United States.
(2)
Variable rate loans to the portfolio companies 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 U.S. Prime Rate), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, Credit Fund has provided the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, all of Credit Fund’s LIBOR loans were indexed to the 90-day LIBOR rate at 1.00%, except for those loans as indicated in Note 11 below, and the U.S. Prime Rate loan was indexed at 3.75%.
(3)
Loan includes interest rate floor feature.
(4)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Credit Fund Sub. Credit Fund Sub has entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Fund Sub Facility”). The lenders of the Credit Fund Sub Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of Credit Fund Sub. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund.
(5)
Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion/amortization of discounts/premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method.
(6)
Fair value is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the board of managers of Credit Fund, pursuant to Credit Fund’s valuation policy, which is substantially similar to the valuation policy of the Company provided in “-Critical Accounting Policies-Fair Value Measurements.”
(7)
Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Credit Fund. Credit Fund has entered into the Credit Fund Facility. The lenders of the Credit Fund Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of Credit Fund. Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Credit Fund Sub.
(8)
Credit Fund receives less than the stated interest rate of this loan as a result of an agreement among lenders. The interest rate reduction is 1.25% on EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/first out loan, which has first priority ahead of the first lien/last out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(9)
In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this loan, which is the amount reflected in this schedule, Credit Fund is entitled to receive additional interest as a result of an agreement among lenders as follows: EIP Merger Sub, LLC (Evolve IP) (3.84%). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/last out loan, which has a secondary priority behind the first lien/first out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(10)
As of December 31, 2016, Credit Fund had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans:
(11)
As of December 31, 2016, this LIBOR loan was indexed to the 30-day LIBOR rate at 0.77%.
Below is certain summarized consolidated financial information for Credit Fund as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Credit Fund commenced operations in May 2016.
Debt
Credit Fund Facility
On June 24, 2016, Credit Fund entered into the Credit Fund Facility with the Company pursuant to which Credit Fund may from time to time request mezzanine loans from the Company, which was subsequently amended on June 5, 2017, October 2, 2017 and November 3, 2017. The maximum principal amount of the Credit Fund Facility is $175,000. The maturity date of the Credit Fund Facility is June 22, 2018. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Fund Facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 9.00%.
During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were mezzanine loan borrowings of $135,960 and $84,784, respectively, and repayments of $112,594 and $22,400 under the Credit Fund Facility. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were $85,750 and $62,384 in mezzanine loans outstanding.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements of the Credit Fund Facility.
Credit Fund Sub Facility
On June 24, 2016, Credit Fund Sub closed on the Credit Fund Sub Facility with lenders, which was subsequently
amended on May 31, 2017 and October 27, 2017. The Credit Fund Sub Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to an amount equal to $640,000. The facility is secured by a first lien security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by Credit Fund Sub. The maturity date of the Credit Fund Sub Facility is May 22, 2023. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Fund Sub Facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.50%.
During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were secured borrowings of $466,605 and $248,540, respectively, and repayments of $337,459 and $0, respectively, under the Credit Fund Sub Facility. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there was $377,686 and $248,540 in secured borrowings outstanding respectively.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, Credit Fund Sub was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements of the Credit Fund Sub Facility.
2017-1 Notes
On December 19, 2017, Credit Fund completed the 2017-1 Debt Securitization. The notes offered in the 2017-1 Debt Securitization (the “2017-1 Notes”) were issued by the 2017-1 Issuer, a wholly owned and consolidated subsidiary of Credit Fund, and are secured by a diversified portfolio of the 2017-1 Issuer consisting primarily of first and second lien senior secured loans. The 2017-1 Debt Securitization was executed through a private placement of the 2017-1 Notes, consisting of $231,700 of Aaa/AAA Class A-1 Notes, which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.17%; $48,300 of Aa2/AA Class A-2 Notes, which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.50%; $15,000 of A2/A Class B-1 Notes, which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 2.25%; $9,000 of A2/A Class B-2 Notes which bear interest at 4.30%; $22,900 of Baa2/BBB Class C Notes which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 3.20%; and $25,100 of Ba2/BB Class D Notes which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 6.38%. The 2017-1 Notes are scheduled to mature on January 15, 2028. Credit Fund received 100% of the preferred interests issued by the 2017-1 Issuer (the “2017-1 Issuer Preferred Interests”) on the closing date of the 2017-1 Debt Securitization in exchange for Credit Fund's contribution to the 2017-1 Issuer of the initial closing date loan portfolio. The 2017-1 Issuer Preferred Interests do not bear interest and had a nominal value of $47,900 at closing.
6. BORROWINGS
In accordance with the Investment Company Act, the Company is only allowed to borrow amounts such that its asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least 200% after such borrowing. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, asset coverage was 234.86% and 209.97%, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were secured borrowings of $816,216, $566,351 and $402,200, respectively, under the SPV Credit Facility and Credit Facility and repayments of $675,208, $378,779 and $476,328, respectively, under the SPV Credit Facility and Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were $562,893 and $421,885, respectively, in secured borrowings outstanding.
SPV Credit Facility
The SPV closed on May 24, 2013 on the SPV Credit Facility, which was subsequently amended on June 30, 2014, June 19, 2015, June 9, 2016 and May 26, 2017. The SPV Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to an amount equal to the lesser of $400,000 (the borrowing base as calculated pursuant to the terms of the SPV Credit Facility) and the amount of net cash proceeds and unpledged capital commitments the Company has received, with an accordion feature that can, subject to certain conditions, increase the aggregate maximum credit commitment up to an amount not to exceed $750,000, subject to restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act and certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the SPV Credit Facility, including adequate collateral to support such borrowings. The SPV Credit Facility has a revolving period through May 22, 2020 and a maturity date of May 23, 2022. Borrowings under the SPV Credit Facility bear interest initially at the applicable commercial paper rate (if the lender is a conduit lender) or LIBOR (or, if applicable, a rate based on the prime rate or federal funds rate) plus 2.00% per year through May 23, 2018, with a pre-determined future interest rate increase of 0.50% during the final two years of the revolving period and pre-determined future interest rate increases of 0.875%-1.75% over the two years following the end of the revolving period. The SPV is also required to pay an undrawn commitment fee of between 0.50% and 0.75% per year depending on the drawings under the SPV Credit Facility. Payments under the SPV Credit Facility are made quarterly. The lenders have a first lien security interest on substantially all of the assets of the SPV.
As part of the SPV Credit Facility, the SPV is subject to limitations as to how borrowed funds may be used and the types of loans that are eligible to be acquired by the SPV including, but not limited to, restrictions on sector and geographic concentrations, loan size, payment frequency, tenor and minimum investment ratings (or estimated ratings). In addition, borrowed funds are intended to be used primarily to purchase first lien loan assets, and the SPV is limited in its ability to purchase certain other assets (including, but not limited to, second lien loans, covenant-lite loans, revolving and delayed draw loans and discount loans) and other assets are not permitted to be purchased (including, but not limited to paid-in-kind loans and structured finance obligations). The SPV Credit Facility has certain requirements relating to interest coverage, collateral quality and portfolio performance, including limitations on delinquencies and charge offs, certain violations of which could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the SPV Credit Facility. The SPV Credit Facility is also subject to a borrowing base that applies different advance rates to assets held by the SPV based generally on the fair market value of
such assets. Under certain circumstances as set forth in the SPV Credit Facility, the Company could be obliged to repurchase loans from the SPV.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the SPV was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements of the SPV Credit Facility.
Credit Facility
The Company closed on March 21, 2014 on the Credit Facility, which was subsequently amended on January 8, 2015, May 25, 2016 and March 22, 2017. The maximum principal amount of the Credit Facility is $413,000, subject to availability under the Credit Facility, which is based on certain advance rates multiplied by the value of the Company’s portfolio investments (subject to certain concentration limitations) net of certain other indebtedness that the Company may incur in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility. Proceeds of the Credit Facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments. Maximum capacity under the Credit Facility may be increased to $550,000 through the exercise by the Company of an uncommitted accordion feature through which existing and new lenders may, at their option, agree to provide additional financing. The Credit Facility includes a $20,000 limit for swingline loans and a $5,000 limit for letters of credit. The Company may borrow amounts in U.S. dollars or certain other permitted currencies. Amounts drawn under the Credit Facility, including amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, bear interest at either LIBOR plus an applicable spread of 2.25%, or an “alternative base rate” (which is the highest of a prime rate, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, or one month LIBOR plus 1.00%) plus an applicable spread of 1.25%. The Company may elect either the LIBOR or the “alternative base rate” at the time of drawdown, and loans may be converted from one rate to another at any time, subject to certain conditions. The Company also pays a fee of 0.375% on undrawn amounts under the Credit Facility and, in respect of each undrawn letter of credit, a fee and interest rate equal to the then-applicable margin under the Credit Facility while the letter of credit is outstanding. The availability period under the Credit Facility will terminate on March 21, 2021 and the Credit Facility will mature on March 21, 2022. During the period from March 21, 2021 to March 21, 2022, the Company will be obligated to make mandatory prepayments under the Credit Facility out of the proceeds of certain asset sales, other recovery events and equity and debt issuances.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Credit Facility is secured by a first lien security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by the Company. The Credit Facility includes customary covenants, including certain financial covenants related to asset coverage, shareholders’ equity and liquidity, certain limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, and other maintenance covenants, as well as usual and customary events of default for senior secured revolving credit facilities of this nature.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements of the Credit Facility.
Summary of Facilities
The Facilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
(1)
The unused portion is the amount upon which commitment fees are based.
(2)
Available for borrowing based on the computation of collateral to support the borrowings and subject to compliance with applicable covenants and financial ratios.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $3,140 and $1,667, respectively, of interest expense, $186 and $203, respectively, of unused commitment fees and $23 and $23, respectively, of other fees were included in interest and credit facility fees payable. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015, the weighted average interest rate was 3.31%, 2.73% and 2.23%, respectively, and average principal debt outstanding was $455,144, $307,734 and $265,277, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the weighted average interest rate was 3.56% and 2.92%, respectively, based on floating LIBOR rates.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the components of interest expense and credit facility fees were as follows:
7. 2015-1 Notes
On June 26, 2015, the Company completed the 2015-1 Debt Securitization. The 2015-1 Notes were issued by the 2015-1 Issuer, a wholly owned and consolidated subsidiary of the Company, and are secured by a diversified portfolio of the 2015-1 Issuer consisting primarily of first and second lien senior secured loans. The 2015-1 Debt Securitization was executed through a private placement of the 2015-1 Notes, consisting of $160,000 of Aaa/AAA Class A-1A Notes which bear interest at the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.85%; $40,000 of Aaa/AAA Class A-1B Notes which bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 1.75% for the first 24 months and the three-month LIBOR plus 2.05% thereafter; $27,000 of Aaa/AAA Class A-1C Notes which bear interest at 3.75%; and $46,000 of Aa2 Class A-2 Notes which bear interest at the three month LIBOR plus 2.70%. The 2015-1 Notes were issued at par and are scheduled to mature on July 15, 2027. The Company received 100% of the preferred interests issued by the 2015-1 Issuer (the “2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests”) on the closing date of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization in exchange for the Company’s contribution to the 2015-1 Issuer of the initial closing date loan portfolio. The 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests do not bear interest and had a nominal value of $125,900 at closing. In connection with the contribution, the Company made customary representations, warranties and covenants to the 2015-1 Issuer in the purchase agreement. The Class A-1A, Class A-1B and Class A-1C and Class A-2 Notes are included in these consolidated financial statements. The 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests were eliminated in consolidation.
On the closing date of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization, the 2015-1 Issuer effected a one-time distribution to the Company of a substantial portion of the proceeds of the private placement of the 2015-1 Notes, net of expenses, which distribution was used to repay a portion of certain amounts outstanding under the SPV Credit Facility and the Credit Facility. As part of the 2015-1 Debt Securitization, certain first and second lien senior secured loans were distributed by the SPV to the Company pursuant to a distribution and contribution agreement. The Company contributed the loans that comprised the initial closing date loan portfolio (including the loans distributed to the Company from the SPV) to the 2015-1 Issuer pursuant to a contribution agreement. Future loan transfers from the Company to the 2015-1 Issuer will be made pursuant to a sale agreement and are subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. Assets of the 2015-1 Issuer are not available to the creditors of the SPV or the Company. In connection with the issuance and sale of the 2015-1 Notes, the Company made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the purchase agreement.
During the reinvestment period, pursuant to the indenture governing the 2015-1 Notes, all principal collections received on the underlying collateral may be used by the 2015-1 Issuer to purchase new collateral under the direction of Investment Adviser in its capacity as collateral manager of the 2015-1 Issuer and in accordance with the Company’s investment strategy.
The Investment Adviser serves as collateral manager to the 2015-1 Issuer under a collateral management agreement (the “Collateral Management Agreement”). Pursuant to the Collateral Management Agreement, the 2015-1 Issuer pays management fees (comprised of base management fees, subordinated management fees and incentive management fees) to the Investment Adviser for rendering collateral management services. As per the Collateral Management Agreement, for the period the Company retains all of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests, the Investment Adviser does not earn management fees for
providing such collateral management services. The Company currently retains all of the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests, thus the Investment Adviser did not earn any management fees from the 2015-1 Issuer for the year ended December 31, 2017. Any such waived fees may not be recaptured by the Investment Adviser.
Pursuant to an undertaking by the Company in connection with the 2015-1 Debt Securitization, the Company has agreed to hold on an ongoing basis the 2015-1 Issuer Preferred Interests with an aggregate dollar purchase price at least equal to 5% of the aggregate outstanding amount of all collateral obligations by the 2015-1 Issuer for so long as any securities of the 2015-1 Issuer remain outstanding. As of December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with its undertaking.
The 2015-1 Issuer pays ongoing administrative expenses to the trustee, independent accountants, legal counsel, rating agencies and independent managers in connection with developing and maintaining reports, and providing required services in connection with the administration of the 2015-1 Issuer.
As of December 31, 2017, there were 61 first lien and second lien senior secured loans with a total fair value of approximately $394,162 and cash of $1,291 securing the 2015-1 Notes. The pool of loans in the securitization must meet certain requirements, including asset mix and concentration, term, agency rating, collateral coverage, minimum coupon, minimum spread and sector diversity requirements in the indenture governing the 2015-1 Notes.
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the weighted average interest rate, which includes amortization of debt issuance costs on the 2015-1 Notes, was 3.33% and 2.89%, respectively, based on floating LIBOR rates.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $2,003 and $1,706, respectively, of interest expense was included in interest and credit facility fees payable. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the components of interest expense on the 2015-1 Notes were as follows:
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
A summary of significant contractual payment obligations was as follows as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
In the ordinary course of its business, the Company enters into contracts or agreements that contain indemnification or warranties. Future events could occur that lead to the execution of these provisions against the Company. The Company believes that the likelihood of such an event is remote; however, the maximum potential exposure is unknown. No accrual has been made in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 for any such exposure.
Upon the completion of the IPO, uncalled capital commitments payable to the Company by the Company’s pre-IPO investors were automatically reduced to zero.
The Company had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans as of the indicated dates:
9. NET ASSETS
The Company has the authority to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 per share par value.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued 20,505,285 shares for $373,700 including the reinvestment of dividends. In connection with the NFIC Acquisition, the Company issued 434,233 shares of common stock valued at approximately $8,046. See Note 14 for additional information regarding the NFIC Acquisition. In connection with the Company’s IPO, the Company issued 9,454,200 shares of common stock (including shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) at a public offering price of $18.50 per share. Net of underwriting costs, the Company received cash proceeds of $169,488. The following table summarizes capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2017:
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company issued 10,178,235 shares for $185,816 including reinvestment of dividends. The following table summarizes capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2016:
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company issued 13,591,386 shares for $262,485 including reinvestment of dividends. The following table summarizes capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2015:
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2017:
* Represents shares issued upon the reinvestment of dividends.
** Represents shares issued in accordance with the elections of the NFIC stockholders pursuant to the NFIC Acquisition (see Note 14, NFIC Acquisition)
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2016:
* Represents shares issued upon the reinvestment of dividends.
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2015:
* Represents shares issued upon the reinvestment of dividends.
Subscription transactions during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were executed at an offering price that represented a premium to net asset value due to the requirement to use prior quarter net asset value as the offering price unless it would result in the Company selling shares of its common stock at a price below the current net asset value and also in order to effect a reallocation of organizational costs to subsequent investors. Additionally, on June 19, 2017, the Company closed its IPO, issuing 9,454,200 shares of its common stock (including the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option on July 5, 2017) at a public offering price of $18.50 per share. Net of underwriting costs, the common stock issued in the IPO and net asset value experienced dilution during the period, and such subscription and IPO transactions increased/(decreased) net asset value by $(0.11) per share, $0.01 per share, and $0.11 per share, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The Company computes earnings per common share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per common share were calculated by dividing net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations attributable to the Company by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the year.
Basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows:
The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared during the three most recent fiscal years:
(1)
Represents a special dividend.
10. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following is a schedule of consolidated financial highlights for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(1)
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, net investment income (loss) per share was calculated as net investment income (loss) for the year divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the year. For the year ended December 31, 2013, net investment income (loss) per share was calculated as net investment income (loss) for the period divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period June 5, 2013 (date of issuance of shares related to the first capital drawdown) through December 31, 2013.
(2)
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, dividends declared per share was calculated as the sum of dividends declared during the year divided by the number of shares outstanding at each respective quarter-end date (refer to Notes 9 and 12).
(3)
Increase (decrease) is due to the offering price of subscriptions and the issuance of common stock in the IPO, net of underwriting and offering costs during the period (refer to Note 9).
(4)
Total return is based on the change in net asset value per share during the year plus the declared dividends, assuming reinvestment of dividends in accordance with the dividend reinvestment plan, divided by the beginning net asset value for the year. Total return for the year ended December 31, 2013 was calculated for the period from commencement of operations through December 31, 2013. Total return for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was inclusive of $(0.11), $0.01, $0.11, $0.09, and $0.32 respectively, per share increase (decrease) in net asset value for the years related to the offering price of subscriptions and the offering price of common stock in the IPO, net of underwriting and offering costs during the year. Excluding the effects of these common stock issuances, total return would have been 8.46%, 10.20%, 4.83%, 3.09% and (4.50%), respectively (refer to Note 9).
(5)
Total return based on market value (not annualized) is calculated as the change in market value per share during the period plus the declared dividends, assuming reinvestment of dividends in accordance with the dividend reinvestment
plan, divided by the beginning market price for the period. The beginning market value per share is based on the IPO offering price of $18.50 per share.
(6)
The Company commenced operations on May 2, 2013; therefore, ratios to average net assets and portfolio turnover for the year ended December 31, 2013 may have been different had there been a full year of operations.
(7)
The net investment income ratio is net of the waiver of base management fees.
11. LITIGATION
The Company may become party to certain lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of current matters, if any, will materially impact the Company or its consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company was not subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to the Company’s knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against the Company.
In addition, portfolio investments of the Company could be the subject of litigation or regulatory investigations in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any current contingent liabilities of its portfolio investments, if any, will materially affect the Company or these consolidated financial statements.
12. TAX
The Company has not recorded a liability for any uncertain tax positions pursuant to the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by federal and certain state, local and foreign tax regulators. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had filed tax returns and therefore is subject to examination.
Book and tax basis differences relating to stockholder dividends and distributions and other permanent book and tax differences are reclassified among the Company’s capital accounts. In addition, the character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from US GAAP. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , permanent differences primarily due to the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies and non- deductible excise tax resulted in a net decrease in accumulated net investment loss by $6,767 and $13,380, respectively, net decrease in accumulated net realized gain by $6,499 and $13,302, respectively, and net decrease in additional paid-in capital in excess of par by $268 and $78, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Total earnings and NAV were not affected.
The tax character of the distributions paid for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
Income Tax Information and Distributions to Stockholders
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
(1)
Consists of the unamortized portion of organization costs as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2)
The difference between the book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments is attributable primarily to the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies, which include the structured finance obligations.
Also, consists of book to tax difference on interest income on CLO equity investments recognized using the effective yield method for financial statement purposes.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments were as follows:
On December 22, 2010, the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “RIC Modernization Act”) was enacted which changed various technical rules governing the tax treatment of RICs. The changes are generally effective for taxable years beginning after the date of enactment. Under the RIC Modernization Act, the fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after the date of enactment for an unlimited period. However, any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years, which carry an expiration date. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not have any pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards, and had $43,967 and $25,414, respectively, of post enactment capital loss carryforwards, $4,107 and $614 of which were post-enactment short-term capital loss carryforwards, respectively, and $39,860 and $24,800, of which were post-enactment long-term capital loss carryforwards, respectively.
13. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
14. NFIC ACQUISITION
On June 9, 2017 (the “Acquisition Date”), the Company closed the NFIC Acquisition, with the Company as the surviving entity. As of the effective time of the NFIC Acquisition, each share of common stock of NFIC was converted into the right to receive a mixture of cash and shares of common stock of the Company, in accordance with the elections of the NFIC stockholders (the “Elections”). Based on the results of the Elections, the NFIC stockholders received in the aggregate 434,233 shares of common stock of the Company and approximately $145,602 in cash.
The NFIC Acquisition was accounted for under the asset acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. As the acquirer for accounting purposes, the Company allocated the purchase price based on the estimated fair value of NFIC’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Acquisition Date. There was no goodwill created because the NFIC Acquisition was accounted for as an asset acquisition.
The Company used the fair market value of NFIC’s assets and liabilities as of the Acquisition Date to account for the NFIC Acquisition. The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of NFIC as of the Acquisition Date:
On June 9, 2017, the debt assumed as part of the NFIC Acquisition was fully repaid.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company incurred $322 in professional fees and other costs related to the NFIC Acquisition. The Company determined that the fair value of the net assets acquired equaled the purchase price excluding these costs. Accordingly, these costs related to the NFIC Acquisition were expensed.
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued. There have been no subsequent events that require recognition or disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued, except as disclosed below.
Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Company borrowed $194,250 under the Credit Facility and SPV Credit Facility to fund investment acquisitions. The Company also voluntarily repaid $227,420 under the Credit Facility and SPV Credit Facility.
On February 26, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.37 per share, which is payable on or about April 17, 2018 to holders of record of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on March 29, 2018.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them of material information relating to the Company that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of its Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of its consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors; and 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 its consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, 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 the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 was effective.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is contained in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
On February 13, 2018, the Company delivered a written notice to its pre-IPO investors to offer such investors the opportunity to participate in a registered underwritten secondary offering (the "Proposed Secondary Offering") pursuant to the terms of the subscription agreements entered into by the Company and its pre-IPO investors (the "Subscription Agreements").
Because the aggregate commitments to sell in the Proposed Secondary Offering did not meet the minimum offering size required under the Subscription Agreements, the Company canceled the Proposed Secondary Offering on February 21, 2018.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOX Code of Ethics”), which applies to, among others, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. There have been no material changes to our SOX Code of Ethics or material waivers of the code that apply to our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer. We hereby undertake to provide a copy of this code to any person, without charge, upon request. Requests for a copy of this code may be made in writing addressed to the Secretary of the Company, Erik Barrios, TCG BDC, Inc., 520 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor, New York, NY.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of this annual report
The following reports and consolidated financial statements are set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K:
(b) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or hereby incorporated by reference to exhibits previously field with the SEC:
*
Filed herewith.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-12G/A filed by the Company on April 11, 2013 (File No. 000-54899)
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed by the Company on March 22, 2017 (File No. 000-54899)
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 10-12G/A filed by the Company on April 11, 2013 (File No. 000-54899)
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed by the Company on March 22, 2017 (File No. 000-54899)
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-12G/A filed by the Company on April 11, 2013 (File No. 000-54899)
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 12, 2015 (File No. 814-00995)
(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(1) to the Company’s Form N-2 filed by the Company on June 5, 2017 (File No. 333-218114)
(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(2) to the Company’s Form N-2 filed by the Company on June 5, 2017 (File No. 333-218114)
(8)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed by the Company on September 20, 2017 (File No. 814-00995)
(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (j) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 filed by the Company on May 19, 2017 (File No. 333-218114)
(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-12G/A filed by the Company on April 11, 2013 (File No. 000-54899)
(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-12G/A filed by the Company on April 11, 2013 (File No. 000-54899)
(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on July 31, 2013 (File No. 814-00995)
(13)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on May 9, 2014 (File No. 814-00995)
(14)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 13, 2014 (File No. 814-00995)
(15)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed by the Company on March 27, 2015 (File No. 814-00995)
(16)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 8, 2016 (File No. 814-00995)
(17)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 12, 2015 (File No. 814-00995)
(18)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 12, 2015 (File No. 814-00995)
(19)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 12, 2015 (File No. 814-00995)
(20)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 8, 2016 (File No. 814-00995)
(21)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on May 10, 2017 (File No. 814-00995)
(22)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(13) to the Company’s Form N-2 filed by the Company on June 5, 2017 (File No. 333-218114)
(23)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on November 10, 2016 (File No. 814-00995)
(24)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed by the Company on May 9, 2017 (File No. 814-00995)
(25)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (r)(1) to the Company’s Form N-2 filed by the Company on June 8, 2017 (File No. 333-218114)
(26)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (r)(2) to the Company’s Form N-2 filed by the Company on June 8, 2017 (File No. 333-218114)
(27)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company's Form 10-12G filed by the Company on February 11, 2013 (File No. 000-54899)
(c) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules
Separate financial statements of subsidiaries not consolidated:
Consolidated Financial Statements of Middle Market Credit Fund, LLC for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the period from May 11, 2016 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2016 are filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.