Item 1. Business
NFIC is a Maryland corporation structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company. NFIC is externally managed by CGMSIM, an investment adviser that is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The CGMSIM team managing our investments (the “CGMSIM Investment Team”) forms the exclusive Carlyle platform for U.S. middle market debt investments.
NFIC’s 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”). NFIC seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in first lien senior secured loans (which may include stand-alone first lien loans; “last out” first lien loans, which are loans that have a secondary priority behind “first out” first lien loans; “unitranche” loans, which are loans that combine features of first lien, second lien or subordinated loans, generally in a first lien position; and secured corporate bonds with features similar to the features of these categories of first lien loans) and second lien senior secured loans (which may include senior secured loans, and, to a lesser extent, secured corporate bonds, with a secondary priority behind first lien loans) (collectively, “Middle Market Senior Loans”), subject to, in the case of second lien senior secured loans, a limit of 10% of NFIC’s total assets. 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. In addition, NFIC may invest up to 10% of its total assets in high yield securities whose risk profile, as determined at the sole discretion of the Investment Adviser, is similar to or better than the risk profile of 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.
The growth and development of our Company has been guided by several fundamental tenets:
•
Experienced Investment Team-The Company is managed by an experienced management team of investment professionals with extensive middle market lending experience. Our Adviser’s investment committee that is responsible for reviewing and approving our Middle Market Senior Loan investments (the “CGMSIM Investment Committee”) consists of seasoned investment professionals from across the Global Market Strategies (“GMS”) segment of Carlyle.
•
Attractive Origination Model-The CGMSIM Investment Team’s multi-channel origination model produces attractive investment opportunities through a variety of sources including over 200 private equity firms, other middle market lenders, financial advisors and experienced management teams to source debt investments in middle market companies and to source other high-yielding investments
that provide attractive risk-adjusted returns. The CGMSIM Investment Team has cultivated very strong relationships with private equity sponsors and debt capital providers, with whom we work with closely in sourcing and executing transactions.
•
Diligent Investment Strategy-Our investment decisions are based on in-depth, fundamental underwriting and credit research grounded in a conservative credit orientation. This systematic, consistent approach is augmented by industry expertise and tenured underwriting professionals who both lead the CGMSIM Investment Team and serve on the CGMSIM Investment Committee.
•
Leverage the GMS Platform-The Company benefits from the well branded and scalable origination and underwriting platform of GMS. The CGMSIM Investment Team leverages the industry expertise of 11 structured credit research analysts who currently advise the GMS collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) funds and cover approximately 20 industries.
•
Leverage the Carlyle Network-Carlyle, a leading global alternative asset manager, provides infrastructure, including back-office support, reporting assistance and accounting resources, and investment insight through proprietary deal flow, industry experience and sector knowledge.
The following highlights illustrate our accomplishments since the commencement of our operations:
•
Capital Commitments and Investments-As of March 11, 2016, we have raised a total of $190.1 million in total capital commitments in NFIC. Of that total, and inclusive of the use of leverage and recycled proceeds from sales and paydowns, we have deployed $280.7 million in 85 funded first lien debt investments and $23.6 million in 13 funded second lien debt investments through December 31, 2015.
•
Credit Facilities-On September 12, 2013, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Borrower Sub, entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with a maximum principal amount of $120 million. In addition, on March 27, 2014, the Company entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Facility”) with a maximum principal amount of $50 million.
•
Credit Platform Enhancements- The CGMSIM Investment Team has continued to expand and enhance all facets of the credit platform supporting the Company. Additional senior origination professionals were added during the year which meaningfully expanded the direct sourcing capabilities. The origination platform now has offices in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles covering over 200 private equity firms. The scale of the direct origination platform allows the Company to maximizes the investment opportunity set and increase overall investment selectivity. Direct origination has several important benefits including optimizing transaction economics, improving the strength of the loan documentation, and providing greater access to due diligence materials. Additional senior resources were added to the capital markets group, further enhancing investment sourcing and syndication capabilities with other lenders, including banks, finance companies, credit funds, and other business development companies. Additional professionals were added to the underwriting and portfolio management team to support the overall increase in investment activity and portfolio growth. This team works closely with the origination and capital markets professionals, as well as the GMS industry research analysts in executing all facets of transaction due diligence and portfolio management. Further enhancements and additions will be made as appropriate to ensure that the CGMSIM Investment Team continues to have best in class execution across each segment of the business.
•
Strong Management Alignment With Investors-Certain members of Carlyle’s senior management team, Carlyle employees and operating executives, and certain partners and affiliates of Carlyle committed to purchase an aggregate of $5.1 million of common stock.
NF Investment Corp.
NFIC is a Maryland corporation formed on November 1, 2012. On August 5, 2013, NFIC filed its election 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”). NFIC 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, (the “Code”).
On August 6, 2013, NFIC completed its Initial Closing and subsequently commenced substantial investment operations. Prior to August 6, 2013, NFIC had not commenced operations and was a development stage company as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 915, Development Stage Entity. During this time, NFIC focused substantially all of its efforts on establishing its business.
NFIC is an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). NFIC expects to remain an emerging growth company because it does not intend to pursue an initial public offering.
The Borrower Sub is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed on June 18, 2013. The Borrower Sub invests in first and second lien senior secured loans. The Borrower Sub is consolidated in our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K commencing from the date of its formation, June 18, 2013.
NFIC is 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 the Investment Adviser and the Administrator are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Carlyle Investment Management L.L.C. (“CIM”), a subsidiary of Carlyle.
After the earlier of August 6, 2018 or the completion of an initial public offering by Carlyle GMS Finance, Inc. (“GMS Finance”) (the other BDC managed by the Investment Adviser) that results in an unaffiliated public float of at least 15% of its aggregate capital commitments (a “Qualified IPO”), the Board of Directors (subject to any necessary stockholder approvals and applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act) will use its best efforts to wind down and/or liquidate and dissolve the Company. These efforts may include cash tender offers from time to time as proceeds become available.
As a BDC, NFIC 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).
NFIC has elected to be treated, and intends to continue to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a RIC under the Code, and operates in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. To qualify as a RIC, NFIC 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, NFIC generally does not have to pay corporate level taxes on any income that it distributes to stockholders, provided that NFIC satisfies those requirements.
About Our Adviser
Our investment activities are managed by our Investment Adviser. CGMSIM 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 and portfolio companies on an ongoing basis. For providing these services, the Investment Adviser receives management fees from us pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”). For more information on the Investment Advisory Agreement, including the management fees, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
The CGMSIM Investment Committee, which also serves as the investment committee to GMS Finance, is led by Michael J. Petrick, Managing Director of Carlyle, Chairman of the CGMSIM Investment Committee, Head of GMS and Chairman of the NFIC and GMS Finance Boards of Directors, and Michael A. Hart, Managing Director of Carlyle, President of NFIC and GMS Finance, and member of the NFIC and GMS Finance Boards of Directors. Other members of the CGMSIM Investment Committee include senior GMS investment professionals who are responsible for reviewing and approving our investments. The CGMSIM Investment Committee members are seasoned investment professionals with experience through different credit cycles.
Pursuant to a personnel agreement between the Investment Adviser and The Carlyle Group Employee Co., L.L.C. (“Carlyle Employee Co.”), an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, Carlyle Employee Co. provides the Investment Adviser with access to investment professionals that comprise the CGMSIM Investment Team. As of March 11, 2016, the CGMSIM Investment Team includes a team of approximately 18 investment professionals designated from Carlyle’s GMS platform.
Our executive officers and directors, the employees of the Investment Adviser and members of the CGMSIM Investment Committee serve or may serve as investment advisors, 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 vehicle currently formed, such as GMS Finance, or formed in the future and managed by the 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, the Investment Adviser and/or its affiliates may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and such other entities. Accordingly, we may not be given the opportunity to participate in certain investments made by investment funds managed by advisors affiliated with the Investment Adviser. However, the Investment Adviser and its affiliates will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner and consistent with applicable allocation procedures. See “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Business and Structure -There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including the management of GMS Finance, other funds affiliated with Carlyle by our Investment Adviser’s key investment professionals, which could impact our investment returns.” in Part I, Item 1A
Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Structure.”
Qualifying Assets
Under the Investment Company Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act, which are referred to as “qualifying assets,” unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the BDC’s total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our proposed business are the following:
(1) Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the Investment Company Act as any issuer which:
(a) is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;
(b) is not an investment company (other than a small business investment company wholly owned by the BDC) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the Investment Company Act; and
(c) satisfies any of the following:
i. does not have any class of securities that is traded on a national securities exchange;
ii. has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange, but has an aggregate market value of outstanding voting and non-voting common equity of less than $250 million;
iii. is controlled by a BDC or a group of companies including a BDC and the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio company; or
iv. is a small and solvent company having total assets of not more than $4.0 million and capital and surplus of not less than $2.0 million.
(2) Securities of any eligible portfolio company which we control.
(3) Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities, was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.
(4) Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.
(5) Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to securities described in (1) through (4) above, or pursuant to the exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.
(6) Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.
Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies
A BDC must have been organized under the laws of, and have its principal place of business in, any state or states within the United States and must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described in (1), (2) or (3) above. However, in order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, the BDC must either control the issuer of the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer of the securities (other than small and solvent companies described above) significant managerial assistance; except that, where the BDC purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, one of the other persons in the group may make available such managerial assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.
Temporary Investments
Pending investment in other types of “qualifying assets,” as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as “temporary investments,” so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. We may also invest in U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements, provided that such agreements are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified security and the
simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price which is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, if more than 25% of our gross assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we would not meet the diversification tests in order to qualify as a RIC. Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. Our Investment Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.
Senior Securities
We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage.
Code of Ethics
We and CGMSIM have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, respectively, that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain transactions by our personnel. Our codes of ethics generally do not permit investments by our and CGMSIM’s personnel in securities that may be purchased or sold by us.
Compliance Policies and Procedures
We and CGMSIM have each adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent violation of the federal securities laws and are required to review these compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation and designate a Chief Compliance Officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) imposes a wide variety of new regulatory requirements on publicly-held companies and their insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:
•
pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), our President and Chief Financial Officer must certify the accuracy of the financial statements contained in our periodic reports;
•
pursuant to Item 307 of Regulation S-K, our periodic reports must disclose our conclusions about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures;
•
pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, our management must prepare a report regarding its assessment of our internal control over financial reporting and, starting from the date on which we cease to be an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act, must obtain an audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; and
•
pursuant to Item 308 of Regulation S-K and Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, our periodic reports must disclose whether there were significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to material weaknesses.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our current policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance therewith, though we do not currently expect to be subject to several requirements. We expect to remain an emerging growth company because we do not intend to pursue an initial public offering. As long as we remain an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to our Investment Adviser, CGMSIM. The proxy voting policies and procedures of CGMSIM are set forth below. These guidelines are reviewed periodically by CGMSIM and our directors who are not “interested persons” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act (“Independent Directors”), and, accordingly, are subject to change.
An investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, CGMSIM recognizes that it must vote portfolio securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of its clients.
These policies and procedures for voting proxies are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the Advisers Act.
CGMSIM will vote proxies relating to our portfolio securities in what CGMSIM perceives to be the best interest of our stockholders. CGMSIM will review on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted to a stockholder vote to determine its impact on the portfolio securities held by us. Although CGMSIM will generally vote against proposals that may have a negative impact on our portfolio securities, CGMSIM may vote for such a proposal if there exist compelling long-term reasons to do so.
CGMSIM’s proxy voting decisions will be made by the CGMSIM Investment Committee. To ensure that the vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, CGMSIM will require that: (1) anyone involved in the decision making process disclose to the CGMSIM Investment Committee, and Independent Directors, any potential conflict that he or she is aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any interested party regarding a proxy vote; and (2) employees involved in the decision making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how CGMSIM intends to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties.
Privacy Principles
We are committed to maintaining the privacy of our stockholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help investors understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.
Pursuant to our privacy policy, we do not disclose any non-public personal information concerning any of our stockholders who are individuals unless the disclosure meets certain permitted exceptions under Regulation S-P. We generally do not use or disclose any stockholder information for any purpose other than as required by law.
We may collect non-public information about investors from our subscription agreements or other forms, such as name, address, account number and the types and amounts of investments, and information about
transactions with us or our affiliates, such as participation in other investment programs, ownership of certain types of accounts or other account data and activity. We may disclose the information that we collect from our stockholders or former stockholders, as described above, only to our affiliates and service providers and only as allowed by applicable law or regulation. Any party that receives this information uses it only for the services required by us and as allowed by applicable law or regulation, and is not permitted to share or use this information for any other purpose. To protect the non-public personal information of individuals, we permit access only by authorized personnel who need access to that information to provide services to us and our stockholders. In order to guard our stockholders’ non-public personal information, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that are designed to comply with applicable law. Non-public personal information that we collect about our stockholders is generally stored on secured servers located in the United States. An individual stockholder’s right to privacy extends to all forms of contact with us, including telephone, written correspondence and electronic media, such as the Internet.
Pursuant to our privacy policy, we provide a clear and conspicuous notice to each investor that details our privacy policies and procedures at the time of the investor’s subscription. We post our privacy policy on our website (http://nfinvestmentcorp.com) and promptly update the policy with any amendments.
Reporting Obligations
We furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing audited financial statements, quarterly reports, and such other periodic reports as we determine to be appropriate or as may be required by law. We are required to comply with all periodic reporting, proxy solicitation and other applicable requirements under the Exchange Act.
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, as well as reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 regarding directors, officers or 10% beneficial owners of us, filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a), 15(d) or 16(a) of the Exchange Act, are available on our website (http://nfinvestmentcorp.com).
Stockholders and the public may also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may also obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains such information.
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 objectives will be achieved or that an investor will receive a return of its capital. In addition, there will be occasions when the Adviser and its affiliates may encounter potential conflicts of interest in connection with the Company. The following considerations, in addition to the considerations set forth elsewhere herein, should be carefully evaluated before making an investment in the Company.
Risks Related to Economic Conditions
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. For example, between 2007 and 2009, the global capital markets experienced an extended period of disruption as evidenced by a lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk and the failure of certain major financial institutions. Despite actions of the United States, federal
government and foreign governments, these events contributed to worsening general economic conditions that materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular. While market conditions have experienced relative stability in recent years, there have been continuing periods of volatility such as that experienced during the first quarter of 2016 and there can be no assurance that adverse market conditions will not repeat themselves in the future. 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 net asset value. 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 over the past several years, 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 over the past several years, 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. In addition, significant changes in the capital markets may have a negative effect on the valuations of our investments and on the potential for liquidity events involving 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.
Uncertainty about the financial stability of the United States and of several countries in the European Union (EU) and China could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Due to federal budget deficit concerns, S&P downgraded the federal government’s credit rating from AAA to AA+ for the first time in history on August 5, 2011. Further downgrades or warnings by S&P or other rating agencies, and the United States government’s credit and deficit concerns in general, could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact both the perception of credit risk associated with our debt portfolio and our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. In addition, a decreased U.S. government credit rating could create broader financial turmoil and uncertainty, which may weigh heavily on our financial performance and the value of our common stock.
In 2010, a financial crisis emerged in Europe, triggered by high budget deficits and rising direct and contingent sovereign debt in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, which created concerns about the ability of these nations to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations. While the financial stability of such countries has improved significantly, risks resulting from any future debt crisis in Europe or any similar crisis could have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, sovereign and non-sovereign debt in these countries and the financial condition of European financial institutions. Market and economic disruptions have affected, and may in the future affect, consumer confidence levels and spending, personal bankruptcy rates, levels of incurrence and default on consumer debt and home prices, among other factors. We cannot assure you that market disruptions in Europe, including the increased cost of funding for certain governments and financial institutions, will not impact the global economy, and we cannot assure you that assistance packages will be available, or if available, be sufficient to stabilize countries and markets in Europe or elsewhere affected by a
financial crisis. To the extent uncertainty regarding any economic recovery in Europe negatively impacts consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
In the second quarter of 2015, stock prices in China experienced a significant drop, resulting primarily from continued sell-off of shares trading in Chinese markets. In August 2015, Chinese authorities sharply devalued China’s currency. These market and economic disruptions affected, and may in the future affect, the U.S. capital markets, which could adversely affect our business.
In October 2014, the Federal Reserve announced that it was concluding its bond-buying program, or quantitative easing, which was designed to stimulate the economy and expand the Federal Reserve’s holdings of long-term securities, suggesting that key economic indicators, such as the unemployment rate, had showed signs of improvement since the inception of the program. It is unclear what effect, if any, the conclusion of the Federal Reserve’s bond-buying program will have on the value of our investments. However, it is possible that, without quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve, these developments, along with the United States government’s credit and deficit concerns and the European sovereign debt crisis, could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. Additionally, in December 2015, the Federal Reserve raised the target range for the federal funds rate. However, if key economic indicators, such as the unemployment rate or inflation, do not progress at a rate consistent with the Federal Reserve’s objectives, the target range for the federal funds rate may change and cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms.
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.
Capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability.
From time to time, the U.S. and global capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. While market conditions have experienced relative stability in recent years, there have been continuing periods of volatility such as that experienced during the first quarter of 2016 and there can be no assurance that adverse market conditions will not repeat themselves or worsen in the future. A prolonged period of market illiquidity may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Unfavorable economic conditions could also increase our portfolio companies’ funding costs, limit their access to the capital markets or
result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to them. These events could limit our investment originations, limit their ability to grow and negatively impact our operating results.
Risks Related to Our Business and Structure
CGMSIM, the CGMSIM Investment Team, Carlyle, and our Directors and Executive Officers have limited prior experience managing a BDC.
Our Adviser was organized in February 2012 and has a limited operating history. Additionally, our Adviser, the members of the CGMSIM Investment Team, Carlyle and our Directors and Executive Officers have limited prior experience managing the Company, and the investment philosophy and techniques used by our Investment Adviser to manage an SEC-reporting company may differ from the investment philosophy and techniques previously employed by the investment team in identifying and managing past investments. Accordingly, we can offer no assurance that we will replicate the historical performance of other businesses or companies with which the CGMSIM Investment Team has been affiliated, and our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by such other companies.
Our financial condition and results of operations depend on our ability to manage future growth effectively.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective and to grow depends 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. The CGMSIM Investment Team has substantial responsibilities under the Investment Advisory Agreement, has substantial responsibilities in connection with managing GMS Finance, and may also be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. However, we can offer no assurance that any such investment professionals will contribute effectively to the work of the 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. We have issued and expect to issue additional equity securities in connection with the private offering of our shares of common stock to investors in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and other applicable securities laws (the “Private Offering”) and expect to continue to borrow from financial institutions. A reduction in the availability of new capital could limit our ability to grow. We must distribute 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. We have borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Facility and in the future may borrow under additional debt facilities from financial institutions and issue additional debt and equity securities. 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. 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.
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. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their 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, subject to certain limited exceptions, an investment in an issuer that has outstanding securities listed on a national exchange may be treated as a qualifying asset only if such issuer has a market capitalization that is less than $250 million at the time of such investment. In addition, as a RIC 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.
Furthermore, any failure to comply with the requirements imposed on BDCs 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 stockholders, 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 may be subject to substantially greater regulation under the Investment Company Act as a closed-end investment company. Compliance with such regulations would significantly decrease our operating flexibility, and could significantly increase our cost of doing business.
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. Under the provisions of the Investment Company Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities 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. 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. 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 net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if our Board of Directors 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). We do not presently intend to issue our common stock at a price below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock in connection with the Private Offering. 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 subsidiary, 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 net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have without leverage. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause our net income to decline more sharply than it would have if we had not borrowed. This decline could negatively affect our ability to make dividend payments on our common stock. Our ability to service our borrowings depends largely on our financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. In addition, the management fees are payable based on our gross assets, including cash and assets acquired through the use of leverage, which may give our Adviser an incentive to use leverage to make additional investments. See “-We may be obligated to pay our Investment Adviser 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.
Our Revolving Credit Facility and Facility also impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, remedies on default and similar matters. As of December 31, 2015, we are in compliance with the covenants of our Revolving Credit Facility and Facility. 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 Revolving Credit Facility and Facility. 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. 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, 2015, we had $118.2 million of outstanding consolidated indebtedness, which would have an annualized interest cost of 2.04% under the terms of our Revolving Credit Facility and Facility, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of upfront fees), to the extent the amount remains outstanding. Since we generally pay interest at a floating rate on our Revolving Credit Facility and Facility, an increase in interest rates will generally increase our borrowing costs. We expect that our annualized interest cost and returns required to cover interest will increase after we issue debt securities.
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 net asset value. Substantially all of our debt investments will have variable interest rates that reset periodically based on benchmarks such as LIBOR and the prime rate, 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. In addition, 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.
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 callable 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 called 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. 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 for the sale of the investment.
Substantially all of our portfolio investments are in the form of debt investments that are not publicly traded. The fair value of these securities is not readily determinable. 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. 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 could result in a conflict of interest, since the management fees are based on our gross assets. 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. 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. In addition, the valuation of these types of securities may result in substantial write-downs and earnings volatility.
Our net asset value 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 its 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 net asset value. 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 net asset value.
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 interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the default rate on such securities, 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 GMS Finance and other funds affiliated with Carlyle by our Investment Adviser’s key investment professionals, which could impact our investment returns.
Our executive officers and directors, as well as the other current and future principals of our Investment Adviser, CGMSIM, may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities 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, CGMSIM, manage other funds affiliated with Carlyle. In addition, the CGMSIM Investment Team has responsibilities for sourcing and managing U.S. middle market debt investments and other middle market opportunistic investments for GMS Finance. Accordingly, they have obligations to investors in GMS Finance, the fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the best interests of, or may be adverse to the interests of, us or our stockholders.
In addition, we note that any affiliated investment vehicle currently existing, or formed in the future, and managed by our Investment Adviser or its affiliates, including Carlyle, may, notwithstanding different stated investment objectives, have overlapping investment objectives with our own and, accordingly, may invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by us. As a result, CGMSIM may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and such other entities. Although CGMSIM will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, 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. In any such case, when CGMSIM identifies an investment, it will be forced to choose which investment fund should make the investment.
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. Such investments may inherently give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest between or among the various classes of securities that may be held. 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, prices, availability, liquidity and terms of our investments may be negatively impacted by the activities of our affiliates, and transactions for us may be impaired or effected at prices or terms that may be less favorable than would otherwise have been the case.
Carlyle considers its “One Carlyle” philosophy and the ability of its professionals to communicate and collaborate across funds, industries and geographies one of its significant competitive strengths. As a result of the expansion of its 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). As a practical matter, the establishment and maintenance of such information barriers means that collaboration between our investment professionals across various platforms or with respect to certain investments may be limited, reducing potential synergies that Carlyle has cultivated across these businesses through its “One Carlyle” approach. 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. 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. Our communications with Carlyle Corporate Private Equity, Real Asset and Solutions personnel are subject to certain restrictions as set forth in Carlyle’s information barrier policy. In that regard, it is not generally expected the investment personnel involved in our day-to-day affairs will discuss any issuer-specific information with other members of Carlyle outside the GMS group. In addition to the information barriers between GMS and Private Equity, Real Assets and Solutions, there is an information barrier between different fund groups within GMS.
In the ordinary course of business, we may enter into transactions with affiliates and portfolio companies that may be considered related party transactions. In order to ensure that we do not engage in any prohibited transactions with any persons affiliated with us, 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, companies controlled by us, any stockholders that own more than 5% of us and our employees and directors. 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. Our Board of Directors will review these procedures on an annual basis.
In the course of our investing activities, we pay management fees to CGMSIM and reimburse CGMSIM 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 CGMSIM has interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict.
We pay CGMSFA, an affiliate of CGMSIM, 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.
The valuation process for certain of our portfolio holdings creates a conflict of interest.
Many of our portfolio investments will, we expect, continue to be made in the form of securities that are not publicly traded. As a result, our Board of Directors determines the fair value of these securities in good faith as described above in “-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 for the sale of the investment.” In connection with that determination, investment professionals of CGMSIM provide our Board of Directors with valuations based upon the most recent portfolio company financial statements available and projected financial results of each portfolio company. In addition, the interested directors on our Board of Directors have an indirect pecuniary interest in CGMSIM. The participation of CGMSIM’s investment professionals 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 as CGMSIM’s management fees are based on our gross assets.
Our fee structure may induce our Investment Adviser to incur leverage and investors may bear the cost of multiple levels of fees and expenses.
Because the management fees payable to our Adviser are payable based on our gross assets, including those assets acquired through the use of leverage, CGMSIM 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 fees to CGMSIM 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 bear his or her share of the management fees of CGMSIM as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any investment companies in which we invest.
We will become subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify and maintain our qualification as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.
Although we have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for 2013 and intend to continue to elect to be so treated in succeeding tax years, no assurance can be given that we will be able to qualify for and maintain RIC status. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet the following annual distribution, income source and asset diversification requirements.
•
The Annual Distribution Requirement for a RIC will be satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of our “investment company taxable income,” which is generally our ordinary taxable income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, if any. Because we use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the Investment Company Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.
•
The income source requirement will be satisfied if we derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of certain securities, gains from the sale of stock or other securities or foreign currencies, net income from certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities or foreign currencies.
•
The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. Failure to meet those requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.
If we fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment for any reason or become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions.
We may have difficulty satisfying the Annual Distribution Requirement in order to qualify and maintain 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. Any such income would be treated as income earned by us and therefore would be subject to the distribution requirements of the Code. 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-Our Regulatory Structure-Regulation as a Business Development Company-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.
Because we currently do not and do not expect to qualify as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” as defined in the Code, stockholders are and will be taxed as though they received a distribution of some of our expenses.
A “publicly offered regulated investment company” is a RIC whose shares are either (i) continuously offered pursuant to a public offering, (ii) regularly traded on an established securities market or (iii) held by at least 500 persons at all times during the taxable year. Because we currently do not and do not expect to qualify as a publicly offered RIC, a non-corporate stockholder’s allocable portion of our affected expenses, including our management fees, is and will be treated as an additional distribution to the stockholder, and is and will be deductible by such stockholder only to the extent permitted under the limitations described below. For non-corporate stockholders, including individuals, trusts, and estates, significant limitations generally apply to the deductibility of certain expenses of a non-publicly offered RIC, including advisory fees. In particular, these expenses, referred to as miscellaneous itemized deductions, are deductible to an individual only to the extent they exceed 2% of such a stockholder’s adjusted gross income, and are not deductible for alternative minimum tax purposes.
We are subject to risks in using custodians, administrators and other agents.
We depend on the services of custodians, administrators, including State Street, and other agents to carry out certain securities transactions and administrative services for us. In the event of the insolvency of a custodian, we may not be able to recover equivalent assets in full as we will rank among the custodian’s unsecured creditors in relation to assets which the custodian borrows, lends or otherwise uses. In addition, our cash held with a custodian may not be segregated from the custodian’s own cash, and we therefore may rank as unsecured creditors in relation thereto. The inability to recover assets from the custodian could have a material impact on our performance.
We will expend significant financial and other resources to comply with the requirements of being a public entity.
As a public entity, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These requirements may place a strain on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting, which are discussed below. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Our Regulatory Structure-Regulation as a Business Development Company-Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.” In order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls, significant resources and management oversight is required. We will continue to implement procedures, processes, policies and practices for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. These activities may divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We expect to incur significant additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things,
directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, additional administrative expenses payable to our Administrator to compensate them for hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses.
The systems and resources necessary to comply with public company reporting requirements will increase further if we cease to be an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. We expect to remain an emerging growth company because we do not intend to pursue an initial public offering. As long as we remain an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
We are obligated to maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting. Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our business and the value of our common stock.
We are obligated to maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting, including the internal control evaluation and certification requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Section 404”). We will not be required to comply with all of the requirements under Section 404 until the date we are no longer an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act. Accordingly, our internal controls over financial reporting do not currently meet all of the standards contemplated by Section 404 that we may eventually be required to meet. Specifically, we are required to conduct annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. However, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until the date we are no longer an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act.
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, 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 holders of our common stock.
Stockholders may be subject to filing requirements under the Exchange Act as a result of an investment in us.
Because our common stock is registered under the Exchange Act, ownership information for any person who beneficially owns 5% or more of our common stock must be disclosed in a Schedule 13D or other filings with the SEC. Beneficial ownership for these purposes is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes having voting or investment power over the securities. In some circumstances, investors who choose to reinvest their dividends may see their percentage stake in us increased to more than 5%, thus triggering this filing requirement. Although we provide in our quarterly financial statements the amount of outstanding stock and the amount of the investor’s stock, the responsibility for determining the filing obligation and preparing the filing remains with the investor. In addition, owners of 10% or more of our common stock are subject to reporting obligations under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
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 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 may be precluded from acquiring additional shares, at a time that they might desire to do so.
Stockholders may be subject to the short-swing profits rules under the Exchange Act as a result of an investment in us.
Persons with the right to appoint a director or who hold 10% or more of a class of our shares may be subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, which recaptures for the benefit of the issuer profits from the purchase and sale of registered stock within a six-month period.
Investors in the Private Offering are subject to transfer restrictions.
Investors who participate in the Private Offering may not sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of (in each case, a “Transfer”) any common stock unless (i) we give consent and (ii) the Transfer is made in accordance with applicable securities laws. No Transfer will be effectuated except by registration of the Transfer on our books. Each transferee must agree to be bound by these restrictions and all other obligations as an investor in us.
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 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 net asset value 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. 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 NFIC 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 Business Combination Act 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. The SEC staff has issued informal guidance setting forth its position that certain provisions of the Control Share Act would, if implemented, violate Section 18(i) of 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 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 objectives, 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. These security threats could originate from a wide variety of sources, including unknown third parties outside the Company. Although we are not currently aware that we have been subject to cyber-attacks or other cyber incidents which, individually or in the aggregate, have materially affected our operations or financial condition, there can be no assurance that the various procedures and controls we utilize to mitigate these threats will be sufficient to prevent disruptions to our systems. If any of these systems do not operate properly or are disabled for any reason or if there is any unauthorized disclosure of data, whether as a result of tampering, a breach of our network security systems, a cyber-incident or attack or otherwise, we could suffer substantial financial loss, increased costs, a disruption of our businesses, liability to our investors, regulatory intervention or reputational damage. In addition, we operate in a business that is highly dependent on information systems and technology. 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.
Furthermore, we depend on our and our Investment Adviser’s headquarters in New York, New York, where most of our executives, investment professionals and administrative and operations personnel are located, for the continued operation of our business. Disasters, such as natural disasters, pandemics, events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters or weather events, or disruptions in the infrastructure that supports our businesses, such as sudden electrical or telecommunications outages, could have a material adverse impact on our ability to continue to operate our business without interruption. Our disaster recovery programs may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such disasters or disruptions. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse us for our losses, if at all.
Changes in laws or regulations governing our business or the businesses of our portfolio companies 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. 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. For example, from time to time the market for private equity transactions has been (and is currently being) adversely affected by a decrease in the availability of senior and subordinated financings for transactions, in part in response to credit market disruptions and/or regulatory pressures on providers of financing to reduce or eliminate their exposure to the risks involved in such transactions.
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, in part. 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 its portfolio companies or otherwise achieve its objectives.
On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have extended implementation periods and delayed effective dates and will require extensive rulemaking by regulatory authorities. While the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on us and our portfolio companies may not be known for an extended period of time, the Dodd-Frank Act, including future rules implementing its provisions and the interpretation of those rules, along with other legislative and regulatory proposals directed at the financial services industry and the financial markets (including derivative markets) or affecting taxation that are proposed or pending in the U.S. Congress, may negatively impact the operations, cash flows or financial condition of us or our portfolio companies, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies, restrict or further regulate certain of our activities, including derivative trading and hedging activities, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies. In addition, if we do not comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could lose any licenses that we then hold for the conduct of our business and may be subject to civil fines and criminal penalties.
Our Investment Adviser can 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 has the right, under the Investment Advisory Agreement, to resign at any time upon 60 days’ written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If our Investment Adviser resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment adviser or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business and results of operations 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 and its affiliates. Even if we are able to retain comparable management, whether internal or external, the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations. Moreover, the termination by our Investment Adviser of our Investment Advisory Agreement for any reason will be an event of default under the Revolving Credit Facility, which could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the Revolving Credit Facility. Similarly, it will be an event of default under the 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 Facility.
Our Administrator can resign from its role as Administrator under the Administration Agreement, and a suitable replacement may not be found, resulting in disruptions that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our Administrator has the right to resign under the Administration Agreement upon 60 days’ written notice, whether a replacement has been found or not. If our Administrator resigns, it may be difficult to find a new administrator or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms, or at all. If a replacement is not found quickly, our business, results of operations and financial condition are likely to be adversely affected and the value of our common stock may decline. Even if a comparable service provider or individuals to perform 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.
Any of our three sub-administrators can resign from their respective roles pursuant to the Carlyle Employee Co. Sub-Administration Agreement, the CELF Sub-Administration Agreement and the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement, and suitable replacements may not be found, resulting in disruptions that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Each of Carlyle Employee Co., CELF and State Street has the right to resign under their respective agreements, the Carlyle Employee Co. Sub-Administration Agreement, the CELF Sub-Administration Agreement and the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement, upon 60 days’ written notice, whether a replacement has been found or not. If any of our sub-administrators resign, it may be difficult to find a new administrator or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms, or at all. If a replacement is not found quickly, our business, results of operations and financial condition are likely to be adversely affected and the value of our common stock may decline. Even if a comparable service provider or individuals to perform 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.
There may be significant concentrations of voting power within our company.
We may have, for a period of time or indefinitely, a concentration of voting power among a small number of stockholders. In this case, these stockholders may be able to make decisions, including approval of modifications to our governing documents or the proposal and approval of significant transactions, that materially affect your rights and the value of your stock, and that might not be aligned with your best interests. Generally, these stockholders will have no obligation to take your interests into account in making voting decisions.
Risks Related to Our Investments
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 leveraged 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. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than we do, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 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 the historical success of Carlyle, and our ability to enter into transactions with Carlyle and our other affiliates is restricted.
We cannot provide any assurance that we will replicate the historical success of Carlyle, and our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by other Carlyle managed funds.
In addition, the Investment Company Act and the Code impose numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs and RICs that do not apply to the other types of investment vehicles. For example, under the Investment Company Act, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of qualifying U.S. private companies or thinly traded public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the time of investment. The CGMSIM Investment Team’s limited experience in managing a portfolio of assets under such constraints may hinder their respective ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and, as a result, achieve our investment objectives.
Further, we and certain of our controlled affiliates are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our upstream affiliates, or our Investment Adviser and its affiliates, without the prior approval of our Independent Directors 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 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. The Investment Company Act also prohibits “joint” transactions with an upstream affiliate, or our 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. In addition, we and certain of our controlled affiliates are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to, or entering into joint transactions with, our Adviser and 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, absent the prior approval of the SEC through an exemptive order (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.
In addition to co-investing pursuant to our Exemptive Relief, we may invest alongside affiliates or their affiliates in certain circumstances where doing so is consistent with applicable law and current regulatory guidance. 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.
Our investments are risky and speculative.
We invest primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt, if rated, is rated below investment grade. Investments rated below investment grade are generally considered higher risk than investment grade instruments.
First Lien Senior Secured Loans. When we make a senior secured term loan investment in a portfolio company, we generally take a security interest in substantially all of the available assets of the portfolio company, including the equity interests of its domestic subsidiaries, which we expect to help mitigate the risk that we will not be repaid. However, there is a risk that the collateral securing our loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital, and, in some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition, deterioration in a portfolio company’s financial condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral for the loan. Consequently, 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.
Unitranche Loans. Unitranche loans provide leverage levels comparable to a combination of first lien and second lien or subordinated loans, and may rank junior to other debt instruments issued by the portfolio company. 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. From the perspective of a lender, in addition to making a single loan, a unitranche loan may allow the lender to choose to participate in the “first out” tranche, which will generally receive priority with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due, or to choose to participate only in the “last out” tranche, which is generally paid after the first out tranche is paid. We participate in “first out” and “last out” tranches of unitranche loans and make single unitranche loans.
Second Lien Senior Secured Loans. Our second lien senior secured loans are subordinated to first lien loans. As such, to the extent we hold second lien senior secured loans, 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.
In addition, investing in middle market companies involves a number of significant risks, including:
•
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 we may have obtained in connection with our investment;
•
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;
•
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;
•
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; and
•
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.
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. For instance, under certain circumstances, payments to us and our distributions to stockholders may be reclaimed if any such payment or distribution is later determined to have been a fraudulent conveyance, preferential payment or similar transaction under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws. Furthermore, investments in restructurings may be adversely affected by statutes relating to, among other things, fraudulent conveyances, voidable preferences, lender liability and the court’s discretionary power to disallow, subordinate or disenfranchise particular claims. Under certain circumstances, a lender that has inappropriately exercised control of the management and policies of a debtor may have its claims subordinated or disallowed, or may be found liable for damages suffered by parties as a result of such actions.
The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.
We generally make investments in private companies. Substantially all of these investments are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have previously recorded our investments. In addition, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we have material non-public information regarding such portfolio company.
We have not yet identified all of the portfolio companies we will invest in.
We have not yet identified all of the potential investments for our portfolio that we will acquire with the proceeds of the Private Offering. Our Investment Adviser selected our initial investments prior to our past drawdowns and will select subsequent investments prior to any subsequent drawdown. Our stockholders will have no input with respect to investment decisions. These factors increase the uncertainty, and thus the risk, of investing in our common stock.
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.
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 Revolving Credit Facility and Facility, 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 the aggregate returns we realize.
Leveraged companies may enter into bankruptcy proceedings at higher rates than companies that are not leveraged and we invest in debt securities of these companies.
Leveraged companies, such as those in which we invest, may be more prone to bankruptcy or similar financial distress. The bankruptcy process has a number of significant inherent risks. Many events in a bankruptcy proceeding are the product of contested matters and adversary proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. A bankruptcy filing by an issuer may adversely and permanently affect the issuer. If the proceeding is converted to a liquidation, the value of the issuer may not equal the liquidation value that was believed to exist at the time of the investment. The duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is also difficult to predict, and a creditor’s return on investment can be adversely affected by delays until the plan of reorganization or liquidation ultimately becomes effective. The administrative costs of a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and would be paid out of the debtor’s estate prior to any return to creditors. Because the standards for classification of claims under bankruptcy law are vague, our influence with respect to the class of securities or other obligations we own may be lost by increases in the number and amount of claims in the same class or by different classification and treatment. In the early stages of the bankruptcy process, it is often difficult to estimate the extent of, or even to identify, any contingent claims that might be made. In addition, certain claims that have priority by law (for example, claims for taxes) may be substantial.
In addition, lenders can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them where they become too involved in the borrower’s business or exercise control over the borrower. For example, we could become subject to a lender liability claim (alleging that we misused our influence on the borrower for the benefit of its lenders), if, among other things, the borrower requests significant managerial assistance from us and we provide that assistance.
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 net asset value 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 net asset value 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.
We do not and do not intend to hold controlling equity positions in our portfolio companies. 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.
An investment strategy focused primarily on privately held companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies, a dependence on the talents and efforts of only a few key portfolio company personnel and a greater vulnerability to economic downturns.
We invest primarily in privately held companies. Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and we are required to rely on the ability of our Investment Adviser to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. 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. 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. These factors could adversely affect our investment returns as compared to companies investing primarily in the securities of public companies.
Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, some of our investments in such companies.
We invest primarily in Middle Market Senior Loans issued by our portfolio companies. To the extent we invest in second lien 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.
Our investments in foreign securities may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Our investment strategy contemplates investments in debt securities of foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. As a result of investing in foreign securities, we may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes with respect to those securities. We do not expect to satisfy the conditions necessary to pass through to our stockholders their share of the foreign taxes paid by us. In addition, interest income derived from loans to foreign companies is not eligible to be distributed to our non-U.S. stockholders free from U.S. withholding tax.
Although most of our investments are expected to be U.S. dollar-denominated, any investments denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation, and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we can offer no assurance that we will, in fact, hedge currency risk, or that if we do, such strategies will be effective.
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. 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.
We are dependent upon our Investment Adviser’s key investment professionals for our future success.
We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the CGMSIM Investment Team and the GMS platform to source appropriate investments for us. We depend on members of the CGMSIM Investment Team to appropriately analyze our investments and the CGMSIM Investment Committee to approve and monitor our middle market portfolio investments. The CGMSIM Investment Committee, together with the other members of the CGMSIM Investment Team, evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor our investments. Our future success will depend on the continued availability of the members of the CGMSIM Investment Committee and the
other investment professionals available to CGMSIM. Neither we nor CGMSIM 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 Messrs. Petrick and Hart, or any of the other senior investment professionals to which CGMSIM 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, our contract with CGMSIM is terminable by either party upon 60 days’ notice, and we can offer no assurance that CGMSIM will remain our Investment Adviser.
We may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate our investment in a portfolio companies.
Management of the Company seeks investment opportunities that offer the possibility of attaining substantial capital appreciation. Certain events particular to each industry in which the Company’s investments conduct their operations, as well as general economic and political conditions, may have a significant negative impact on the investee’s operations and profitability. In addition, the Company is subject to changing regulatory and tax environments. Such events are beyond the Company’s control, and the likelihood that they may occur and the effect on the Company cannot be predicted. Furthermore, most of the Company’s investments are made in private companies whose shares do not trade on established exchanges. While it is expected that these companies may pursue initial public offerings, trade sales, or other liquidation events, there are generally no public markets for these securities at the current time. The Company’s ability to liquidate its private company investments and realize value is subject to significant limitations and uncertainties, including currency fluctuations.
The Company’s ability to liquidate its publicly traded investments may be subject to limitations, including discounts that may be required to be taken on quoted prices due to the number of shares being sold.
Risks Related to an Investment in Our Securities
There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time.
We cannot provide any assurance 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. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions.
Our stockholders may be required to pay federal income taxes in excess of the cash dividends they receive.
We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of each stockholder. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, each stockholder electing to receive cash would receive a pro rata amount of cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). In no event would any stockholder electing to receive cash receive less than 10% of his or her entire distribution in cash. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of a dividend paid in stock would be equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of stock.
Stockholders receiving dividends in shares of our common stock would be required to include the full amount of the dividend (including the portion payable in stock) as ordinary income (or, in certain circumstances, long-term capital gain) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for federal income tax purposes. As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. 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 market price 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.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
We maintain our principal executive office at 520 Madison Avenue, 38th 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 9 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)
Market Information
Our outstanding common stock will be offered and sold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act under Section 4(2) and Regulation D, as well as under Regulation S under the Securities Act. There is no established public trading market for our common stock currently, nor can we give any assurance that one will develop.
Holders
As of March 11, 2016, there were approximately 31 holders of record of our common stock.
Distribution Policy
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 post-offering 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 ordinary income and capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no U.S. federal income tax. 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.
Dividends and distributions, if any, are paid in cash to our stockholders. 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 since inception through March 11, 2016:
(1) Annualized dividend yield is calculated by dividing the declared dividend by the weighted average of the net asset value at the beginning of the quarter and the capital called during the quarter and annualizing over 4 quarterly periods.
(2) Payable on or about April 22, 2016.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities and Use of Proceeds
Except as previously reported by the Company on its current reports on Form 8-K, we did not sell any securities during the period covered by this Form 10-K that were not registered under the Securities Act.
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, 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.
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)
Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with 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.” Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
NF Investment Corp. (“we,” “us,” “our,” “NFIC” or the “Company”) is a Maryland corporation formed on November 1, 2012, and structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company. On August 5, 2013, NFIC filed its election 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”). NFIC 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, (the “Code”).
NFIC’s 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”). NFIC seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in first lien senior secured loans (which may include
stand-alone first lien loans; “last out” first lien loans, which are loans that have a secondary priority behind “first out” first lien loans; “unitranche” loans, which are loans that combine features of first lien, second lien or subordinated loans, generally in a first lien position; and secured corporate bonds with features similar to the features of these categories of first lien loans) and second lien senior secured loans (which may include senior secured loans, and, to a lesser extent, secured corporate bonds, with a secondary priority behind first lien loans) (collectively, “Middle Market Senior Loans”), subject to, in the case of second lien senior secured loans, a limit of 10% of NFIC’s total assets. 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. In addition, NFIC may invest up to 10% of its total assets in high yield securities whose risk profile, as determined at the sole discretion of the Investment Adviser, is similar to or better than the risk profile of 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.
NFIC is externally managed by the Investment Adviser, an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Administrator provides the administrative services necessary for NFIC 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., its affiliates and its consolidated subsidiaries, 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.
After the earlier of August 6, 2018 or the completion of an initial public offering by Carlyle GMS Finance, Inc. (“Carlyle GMS Finance”) (the other BDC managed by the Investment Adviser) that results in an unaffiliated public float of at least 15% of its aggregate capital commitments (a “Qualified IPO”), the Board of Directors (subject to any necessary stockholder approvals and applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act) will use its best efforts to wind down and/or liquidate and dissolve the Company. These efforts may include cash tender offers from time to time as proceeds become available. Refer to sec.gov website for further information on Carlyle GMS Finance.
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 and fee income on debt investments we hold and capital gains, if any, on investments. 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 securities 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) management fees to our Investment Adviser pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (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 an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) between us and our Administrator; and (iii) other operating expenses as detailed below:
•
our initial organization costs and offering costs incurred prior to the filing of our election to be regulated as a BDC (the amount in excess of $750 to be paid by our Investment Adviser);
•
the costs associated with the Private 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 the Investment Adviser, or members of the 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;
•
management fees 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 the 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;
•
the costs associated with subscriptions to data service, research-related subscriptions and expenses and quotation equipment and services used in making or holding investments;
•
transfer agent and custodial fees;
•
costs of hedging;
•
commissions and other compensation payable to brokers or dealers;
•
federal and state registration fees;
•
any U.S. federal, state and local taxes, including any excise taxes;
•
Independent Director fees and expenses;
•
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;
•
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;
•
our fidelity bond;
•
directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums;
•
indemnification payments;
•
direct fees and expenses associated with independent audits, agency, consulting and legal costs; and
•
all other expenses incurred by us or the 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
The fair value of our investments was approximately $244,283 comprised of 70 portfolio companies as of December 31, 2015. The fair value of our investments was approximately $182,076 comprised of 52 portfolio companies as of December 31, 2014. The fair value of our investments was approximately $59,868 comprised of 16 portfolio companies as of December 31, 2013.
The Company’s investment activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is presented below (information presented herein is at amortized cost unless otherwise indicated):
* Amount was less than one for the year ended December 31, 2013.
As of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated 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, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:
(1) Weighted average yields do not include the effect of accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and are based on interest rates as of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. Actual yields earned over the life of each investment could differ materially from the yields presented above.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
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.
Investment Income
Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
The increase in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2015 from the comparable period in 2014 was primarily driven by our deployment of capital and increasing invested balance. As of December 31, 2015, the size of our portfolio increased to $248,159 from $183,390 as of December 31, 2014, at amortized cost, and total principal amount of investments outstanding increased to $251,128 from $185,190 as of December 31, 2014. The increase in interest income was also due to the increase in the weighted average yield. As of December 31, 2015, the weighted average yield of our first and second lien debt increased to 6.74% from 6.07% as of December 31, 2014, on amortized cost.
The increase in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2014 from the comparable period in 2013 was primarily driven by our deployment of capital and increasing invested balance. As of December 31, 2014, the size of our portfolio increased to $183,390 from $59,975 as of December 31, 2013, at amortized cost, and total principal amount of investments outstanding increased to $185,190 from $60,473 as of December 31, 2013. The increase in interest income was also due to the increase in the weighted average yield. As of December 31, 2014, the weighted average yield of our first and second lien debt increased to 6.07% from 5.77% as of December 31, 2014, 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and for the years 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
Expenses
Interest expense and credit facility fees for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were comprised of the following:
The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the comparable period in 2014 was driven by increased usage of the credit facilities and increased deployment of capital to investments. Additionally, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, $167 and $370, respectively, of the amortization of deferred financing costs represents the prorated financing costs that were immediately expensed in lieu of continuing to amortize over the term of the Revolving Credit Facility related to the amendments that reduced commitments in the Revolving Credit Facility. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the average interest rate increased to 1.98% from 1.97% for the comparable period in 2014, and average principal debt outstanding increased to $101,172 from $44,558 for the comparable period in 2014.
The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the comparable period in 2013 was driven by increased usage of the credit facilities and increased deployment of capital to investments. Additionally, for the year ended December 31 2014, $370 of the amortization of deferred financing costs represents the prorated financing costs that were immediately expensed, as noted above. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average interest rate increased to 1.97% from 1.66% for the period from October 17, 2013 (the initial date on which the Company borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility) through December 31, 2013, and average principal debt outstanding increased to $44,558 from $11,775 for the period in 2013.
The increase in management fees for the year ended December 31, 2015 from the comparable period in 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2014 from the comparable period in 2013 was driven by our deployment of capital and increasing invested balance. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on the management fees.
Organization expenses include expenses incurred in the initial formation of the Company. Professional fees include legal, rating agencies, audit, tax, valuation, technology and other professional fees incurred related to the management of the Company. 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 other general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 from the comparable period in 2014 and for the year ended in December 31, 2014 from the comparable period in 2013 was primarily driven by the increased deployment of capital.
Net Realized Gain (Loss) and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company had a realized gain on 3 investments totaling approximately $53. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company had a change in unrealized appreciation on 32, 17, and 7 investments, respectively, totaling approximately $1,099, $587, and $317, respectively, which was offset by a change in unrealized depreciation on 54, 41, and 11 investments, respectively, totaling approximately $3,661, $1,794, and $424, respectively.
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
* Amount was less than one for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by the type of investments for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
* Amount was less than one.
Net change in unrealized depreciation in our debt investments for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the comparable period in 2014 was primarily due to a widening spread environment during the last six months of the year. Net change in unrealized depreciation in our debt investments for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the comparable period in 2013 was also primarily due to a widening spread environment during the last six months of the year.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company generates 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 Borrower Sub’s senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and/or the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the, “Facility”).
The Borrower Sub closed on September 12, 2013 on the Revolving Credit Facility, which was subsequently amended on July 25, 2014 and further amended on November 13, 2015. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to an amount equal to the lesser of $120,000 (the borrowing base as calculated pursuant to the terms of the Revolving 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 $262,500, subject to restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act and certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Revolving Credit Facility, including adequate collateral to support such borrowings. The Revolving Credit Facility imposes financial and operating covenants on us and the Borrower Sub that restrict our and its business activities. Continued compliance with these covenants will depend on many factors, some of which are beyond our control.
The Company closed on March 27, 2014 on the Facility, which was subsequently amended on August 22, 2014 and on December 12, 2014. The maximum principal amount of the Facility is $50,000, subject to availability under the Facility, which is based on certain advance rates multiplied by the value of the Company’s portfolio investments net of certain other indebtedness that the Company may incur in accordance with the terms of the Facility. Proceeds of the Facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments. Maximum capacity under the Facility may be increased to $125,000 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 Facility includes a $10,000 limit for swingline loans and a $5,000 limit for letters of credit. Subject to certain exceptions, the Facility is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by the Company and the Company’s unfunded investor equity capital commitments (provided that the amount of unfunded capital commitments ultimately
available to the lenders is limited to $34,000). The pledge of unfunded investor equity capital commitments was subject to release upon the earlier of (a) the date eligible investments held by the Company are equal to or greater than $62,500 and the Facility’s borrowing base equity test is satisfied and (b) the date the borrower has received equity capital contributions in an amount equal to $34,000. Such eligible investments and shareholder equity thresholds had been satisfied as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Facility includes customary covenants, including certain financial covenants related to asset coverage, shareholders’ equity, liquidity and interest coverage, 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 Borrower Sub will remain in compliance, there are no assurances that we or the Borrower Sub will continue to comply with the covenants in the Facility and Revolving Credit Facility, as applicable. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the Facility and/or Revolving Credit Facility that, if we or the Borrower Sub were unable to obtain a waiver from the applicable lenders, could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the Facility and/or Revolving Credit Facility, and thereby have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
For more information on the Revolving Credit Facility and Facility, see Note 5 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.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $7,404 and $2,548, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. The facilities of the Company and the Borrower Sub consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
(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.
Equity Activity
There were $0 and $110,000 of commitments made to the Company during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $190,077 in total capital commitments from stockholders, of which $53,540 and $98,041, respectively, was unfunded. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, certain current directors had committed $1,000 in capital commitments to the Company.
Shares issued as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were 6,864,244 and 4,618,564, respectively.
The following table summarizes activity in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Upon the earlier of the August 6, 2018 and the completion of a Qualified IPO by GMS Finance, investors will be released from any further obligation under their capital commitments to purchase additional shares of common stock, subject to certain exceptions contained in their subscription agreements.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations was as follows as of December 31, 2015:
For more information on the Revolving Credit Facility and Facility, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, $87,194 and $39,403, respectively, of secured borrowings were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and $31,000 and $41,500, respectively, were outstanding under the Facility. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we incurred $2,028, $890 and $41, respectively, of interest expense and $389, $442 and $85, respectively, of unused commitment fees.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In the ordinary course of its business, the Company enters into contracts or agreements that contain indemnifications 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 these consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for any such exposure.
We have in the past and may in the future enter into funding commitments such as revolving credit facilities, bridge financing commitments, or delayed draw commitments.
The Company had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans as of the indicated dates:
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Dividends and distributions, if any, are paid in cash to common stockholders. The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared since inception through March 11, 2016:
(1) Annualized dividend yield is calculated by dividing the declared dividend by the weighted average of the net asset value at the beginning of the quarter and the capital called during the quarter and annualizing over 4 quarterly periods.
(2) Payable on or about April 22, 2016.
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 portfolio each quarter (such that each non-traded investment 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, 2015 and 2014.
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 I-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 I 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 II-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 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 III-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 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 III:
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 investment’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.
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 and indicative quotes. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Significant decreases in indicative quotes in isolation may result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The carrying value of the secured borrowings approximates its fair value and is categorized as Level III 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 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 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 management 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 securities purchased are accreted/amortized into interest income over the life of the respective security using the effective interest method. The amortized cost of
investments represents the original cost, including origination fees, 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.
Other Income
Other income may include income such as consent, waiver and amendment fees associated with the Company’s investment activities as well as any fees for managerial assistance services rendered by the Company to 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 will be 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 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, NFIC 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, NFIC must meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. If such requirements are met, then NFIC 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 NFIC 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, NFIC 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, NFIC is subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on undistributed income unless NFIC 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 NFIC that is subject to corporate income tax is considered to have been distributed. NFIC 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 Borrower Sub is a disregarded entity for tax purposes and is consolidated with the tax return of NFIC.
Capital Calls and Dividends and Distributions to Common Stockholders
The Company records the shares issued in connection with capital calls as of the effective date of the capital call. 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 and paid in cash. 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 July 10, 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 (“Independent Directors”), approved the 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 initial term of the Investment Advisory Agreement is two years from July 10, 2013 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. On March 10, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for a one year period. 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 management fees from the Company.
The management fees are calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average value of the gross assets of the Company at the end of the two most recently completed fiscal quarters, excluding any cash and cash equivalents and including assets acquired with leverage from use of the Revolving Credit Facility and Facility (see Note 5, “Borrowings” in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K). 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. The management fee for any partial quarter is prorated. As such, management fees for the year ended December 31, 2013 were calculated commencing after August 7, 2013, the date the Company first called capital from investors.
Our Investment Adviser has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services described in the Investment Advisory Agreement, and it is not responsible for any action of our Board in declining to follow our Investment Adviser’s advice or recommendations. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, our Investment Adviser and its managers, officers, employees, agents, controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated with it are not liable to us for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Adviser in connection with the performance of any of its duties or obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of the Company (except to the extent specified in Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act concerning loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty (as the same is finally determined by judicial proceedings) with respect to the receipt of compensation for services). We have agreed to the fullest extent permitted by law, to provide indemnification and the right to the advancement of expenses, to each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved (including, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he/she is or was a member, manager, officer, employee, agent, controlling person or any other person or entity affiliated with the Adviser with respect to all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from acts of our Investment Adviser in the performance of their duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement, other than acts not in good faith with the reasonable belief that the conduct was in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Company, and conduct constituting gross negligence, bad faith, reckless disregard, or willful misfeasance. 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.
On July 10, 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 July 10, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved 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 July 10, 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 10, 2016, 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 July 10, 2013, the Administrator entered into sub-administration agreements with Carlyle Employee Co., and CELF Advisors LLP. Pursuant to the agreements, Carlyle Employee Co. and CELF Advisors LLP provide the Administrator with access to personnel.
On July 10, 2013, the Administrator entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (as amended, the “Sub-Administration Agreement”). On March 11, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved an amendment to the Sub-Administration Agreement. The initial term of the Sub-Administration Agreement ends on April 1, 2017 and, unless terminated earlier, the 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 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 Sub-Administration Agreement.
Placement Fees
On July 10, 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.
Board of Directors
As of December 31, 2015, NFIC’s Board of Directors consists of five members, three of whom are Independent Directors. On July 10, 2013, the Board of Directors also established an Audit Committee consisting of its Independent 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 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 used had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is possible that the difference could be material.
Interest Rate Risk
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, a majority of the investments held in the Company’s portfolio had floating interest rates. Interest rates on the investments held within the Company’s portfolio of investments are typically based on floating LIBOR, with many of these investments also having a LIBOR floor. Additionally, the Company’s credit 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 the Company’s settled portfolio of investments held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. These hypothetical calculations are based on a model of the settled investments in our portfolio, held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and based on the terms of the Company’s credit facilities. Interest expense on the Company’s credit facilities is calculated using the interest rate as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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.
The Company regularly measures exposure to interest rate risk. The Company assesses interest rate risk and manages 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, 2015 and 2014, the following table shows the annual impact on net investment income of base rate changes in interest rates for our settled investments (considering interest rate floors for variable rate instruments) and outstanding secured borrowings assuming no changes in our investment and borrowing structure:
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
NF Investment Corp.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of NF Investment Corp. (the “Company”), including the consolidated schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in net assets for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2015 by correspondence with the custodian and debt agents. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of NF Investment Corp. at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the consolidated results of its operations, its cash flows, and the changes in its net assets for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, NY
March 11, 2016
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
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.
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
* Amount was less than one for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
* Amount was less than one for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
* Amount was less than one for the year ended December 31 2013
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2015
(dollar amounts in thousands)
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2015
(dollar amounts in thousands)
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2015
(dollar amounts in thousands)
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of debt investments held by NF Investment Corp. (“NFIC” or the “Company”) are domiciled in the United States. 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, 2015, 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, 2015, 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 Prime Rate), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, the Company has provided the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2015.
(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, NFIC SPV LLC (the “Borrower Sub”). The Borrower Sub has entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The lenders of the Revolving Credit Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Borrower Sub (see Note 5, Borrowings). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the Company.
(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 “Facility”). The lender of the Facility has a first lien security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by the Company (see Note 5, Borrowings). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the Borrower Sub.
(6) Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees, 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 Notes 2 and 3), pursuant to the Company’s valuation policies.
(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) 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. Pursuant to the agreement among lenders, this investment represents a “last out” first lien loan, which has a secondary priority behind the “first out” first lien loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(10) Captive Resources Midco, LLC has an undrawn delayed draw term loan of $446 par value at LIBOR + 5.75%, 1.00% floor, and an undrawn revolver of $268 par value at LIBOR +5.75%, 1.00% floor. An unused rate of 1.25% and 0.50% is charged on the delayed draw term loan and revolver principal, respectively, while undrawn. The delayed draw term loan and revolver are both owned by the company as indicated in note 5 above.
(11) The Company receives less than the stated interest rate of this loan as a result of an agreement among lenders. Pursuant to the agreement among lenders, this investment represents a “first out” first lien loan, which has first priority ahead of the “last out” first lien loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(12) National Technical Systems, Inc. has an undrawn delayed draw term loan of $1,031 par value at LIBOR + 6.00%, 1.00% floor, and an undrawn revolver of $469 par value at LIBOR + 6.00%, 1.00% floor. An unused rate of 1.00% and 0.50% is charged on the delayed draw term loan and revolver principal, respectively, while undrawn. The delayed draw term loan and revolver are both owned by the Company as indicated in note 5 above. The term loan of $5,985 par value is owned by the Borrower Sub as indicated in note 4 above.
(13) Vetcor Professional Practices LLC has an undrawn delayed draw term loan of $281 par value at LIBOR + 6.00%, 1.00% floor. An unused rate of 1.00% is charged on the principal while undrawn. The delayed draw term loan of $519 par value is owned by the Company as indicated in note 5 above. The term loan of $1,592 par value is owned by the Borrower Sub as indicated in note 4 above.
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2015
(dollar amounts in thousands)
(14) Ministry Brands, LLC has an undrawn first out delayed draw term loan of $258 par value at LIBOR + 7.00%, 1.00% floor. An unused rate of 1.00% is charged on the delayed draw term loan principal while undrawn. The first out delayed draw term loan of $942 par value is owned by the Company as indicated in note 5 above. The first out term loan of $2,800 par value is owned by the Borrower Sub as indicated in note 4 above.
(15) Ministry Brands, LLC has an undrawn last out delayed draw term loan of $81 par value at LIBOR + 7.00%, 1.00% floor. An unused rate of 1.00% is charged on the delayed draw term loan principal while undrawn. The last out delayed draw term loan of $294 par value and last out term loan of $625 par value are both owned by the Company as indicated in note 5 above.
As of December 31, 2015, investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated, at fair value consisted of the following:
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2015
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The industrial composition of investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated at fair value as of December 31, 2015 was as follows:
The geographical composition of investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated at fair value as of December 31, 2015 was as follows:
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2014
(dollar amounts in thousands)
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2014
(dollar amounts in thousands)
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of debt investments held by NFIC are domiciled in the United States. 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, 2014, 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, 2014, 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 Prime Rate), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, the Company has provided the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2014.
(3) Loan includes interest rate floor feature.
(4) Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the Borrower Sub. The Borrower Sub has entered into the Revolving Credit Facility. The lenders of the Revolving Credit Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Borrower Sub (see Note 5, Borrowings). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the Company.
(5) Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the Company. The Company has entered into the Facility. The lender of the Facility has a first lien security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by the Company (see Note 5, Borrowings). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the Borrower Sub.
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2014
(dollar amounts in thousands)
(6) Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees, 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 Notes 2 and 3), pursuant to the Company’s valuation policies.
(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) National Technical Systems, Inc. has an undrawn delayed draw term loan of $790 par value at LIBOR + 5.50%, 1.25% floor, and an undrawn revolver of $226 par value at LIBOR + 5.50%, 1.25% floor. An unused rate of 1.25% and 0.50% is charged on the delayed draw term loan and revolver principal, respectively, while undrawn. The delayed draw term loan and revolver are both owned by the Company.
(10) Transilwrap Company, Inc. is partially owned by the Company ($598 par value) as indicated in note 5 above with the remaining $4,342 par value owned by the Borrower Sub as indicated in note 4 above.
(11) Miller Heiman, Inc. is partially owned by the Company ($2,469 par value) as indicated in note 5 above with the remaining $4,266 par value owned by the Borrower Sub as indicated in note 4 above.
(12) Castle Management Borrower LLC (Highgate Hotels L.P.) has an undrawn delayed draw term loan of $300 par value at LIBOR + 4.50%, 1.00% floor. An unused rate of 1.00% is charged on the principal while undrawn.
(13) Green Energy Partners/Stonewall LLC has an undrawn delayed draw term loan of $1,700 par value at LIBOR + 5.50%, 1.00% floor. An unused rate of 3.00% is charged on the principal while undrawn.
As of December 31, 2014, investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated, at fair value consisted of the following:
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2014
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The industrial composition of investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated at fair value as of December 31, 2014, was as follows:
The geographical composition of investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated at fair value as of December 31, 2014, was as follows:
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NF INVESTMENT CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2015
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION
NF Investment Corp. (“NFIC” or the “Company”) is a Maryland corporation formed on November 1, 2012, and structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company. On August 5, 2013, NFIC filed its election 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”). NFIC 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 (the “Code”).
NFIC’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”). NFIC seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in first lien senior secured loans (which may include stand-alone first lien loans; “last out” first lien loans, which are loans that have a secondary priority behind “first out” first lien loans; “unitranche” loans, which are loans that combine features of first lien, second lien or subordinated loans, generally in a first lien position; and secured corporate bonds with features similar to the features of these categories of first lien loans) and second lien senior secured loans (which may include senior secured loans, and, to a lesser extent, secured corporate bonds, with a secondary priority behind first lien loans) (collectively, “Middle Market Senior Loans”), subject to, in the case of second lien senior secured loans, a limit of 10% of NFIC’s total assets. 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. In addition, NFIC may invest up to 10% of its total assets in high yield securities whose risk profile, as determined at the sole discretion of Carlyle GMS Investment Management L.L.C. (the “Investment Adviser”), is similar to or better than the risk profile of Middle Market Senior Loans. NFIC 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.
On August 6, 2013, NFIC completed its initial closing of capital commitments (the “Initial Closing”) and subsequently commenced substantial investment operations. Prior to August 6, 2013, NFIC had not commenced operations and was a development stage company as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 915, Development Stage Entity. During this time, NFIC focused substantially all of its efforts on establishing its business.
NFIC is an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012. NFIC expects to remain an emerging growth company because it does not intend to pursue an initial public offering.
NFIC SPV LLC (the “Borrower Sub”) is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed on June 18, 2013. The Borrower Sub invests in first and second lien senior secured loans. The Borrower Sub is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and is consolidated in these consolidated financial statements commencing from the date of its formation, June 18, 2013.
NFIC is externally managed by the Investment Adviser, an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Carlyle GMS Finance Administration L.L.C. (the “Administrator”) provides the administrative services necessary for NFIC 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., its affiliates and its consolidated subsidiaries, 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.
Upon the earlier of August 6, 2018 and the completion of an initial public offering by Carlyle GMS Finance, Inc. (“Carlyle GMS Finance”) (the other BDC managed by the Investment Adviser) that results in an unaffiliated public float of at least 15% of its aggregate capital commitments (a “Qualified IPO”), the Board of Directors (subject to any necessary stockholder approvals and applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act) will use its best efforts to wind down and/or liquidate and dissolve the Company. These efforts may include cash tender offers from time to time as proceeds become available. Refer to sec.gov website for further information on Carlyle GMS Finance.
As a BDC, NFIC 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).
NFIC has elected to be treated, and intends to continue to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a RIC under the Code, and operates in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. To qualify as a RIC, NFIC 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, NFIC generally does not have to pay corporate level taxes on any income that it distributes to stockholders, provided that NFIC 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 NFIC and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Borrower Sub. 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 management 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 securities 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, 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. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years then ended, no loans in the portfolio contained PIK provisions.
Other Income
Other income may include income such as consent, waiver and amendment fees associated with the Company’s investment activities as well as any fees for managerial assistance services rendered by the Company to 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 will be 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.
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, 2015 and 2014 and for the years then ended, no loans in the portfolio were on non-accrual status.
Revolving Credit Facility and Facility, Related Costs, Expenses and Deferred Financing Costs (See Note 5, Borrowings)
Interest expense and unused commitment fees on the Revolving Credit Facility and Facility are recorded on an accrual basis. Unused commitment fees are included in credit facility fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Revolving Credit Facility and Facility are recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value.
Deferred financing costs include capitalized expenses related to the closing of the Revolving Credit Facility and 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 Revolving Credit Facility as described in Note 5. The amortization of such costs is included in credit facility fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Organization and Offering Costs
The Company agreed to reimburse the Investment Adviser for initial organization and offering costs incurred on behalf of NFIC up to $750. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, $663 of organization and offering costs had been incurred by NFIC since inception. The $663 of incurred organization and offering costs are allocated to all stockholders based on their respective capital commitment and are re-allocated amongst all stockholders at the time of each capital drawdown subsequent to the Initial Closing. The Company’s organization costs incurred are expensed and the offering costs are charged against equity when incurred.
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, NFIC 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, NFIC must meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. If such requirements are met, then NFIC 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 NFIC 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, NFIC 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, NFIC is subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on undistributed income unless NFIC 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 NFIC that is subject to corporate income tax is considered to have been distributed. NFIC 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 Borrower Sub is a disregarded entity for tax purposes and is consolidated with the tax return of NFIC.
Capital Calls and Dividends and Distributions to Common Stockholders
The Company records the shares issued in connection with capital calls as of the effective date of the capital call. 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 and paid in cash. 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.
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
On April 7, 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2015-3, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)-Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-3”). ASU 2015-3 requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts and premiums. This guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016 and the ASU requires the guidance to be applied on a retrospective basis. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In August 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2015-15, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Sub-topic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements (“ASU 2015-15”). ASU 2015-03 does not address presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. In accordance with ASU 2015-15, an entity may defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. This guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
3. 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 NFIC’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 portfolio each quarter (such that each non-traded investment 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
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 I-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 I 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 II-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 III-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, 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 year in which the transfers occur. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015 and 2014:
The changes in the Company’s investments at fair value for which the Company has used Level III inputs to determine fair value and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings for Level III 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 III:
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.
The following tables summarize the quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs for Level III instruments which are carried at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
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 and indicative quotes. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Significant decreases in indicative quotes in isolation may 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, 2015 and 2014.
The carrying value of the secured borrowings approximates its fair value and is categorized as Level III 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 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 July 10, 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 (“Independent Directors”), approved an investment advisory agreement (the “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 initial term of the Investment Advisory Agreement is two years from July 10, 2013 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. On March 10, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for a one year period. 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 management fees from the Company.
The management fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average value of the gross assets of the Company at the end of the two most recently completed fiscal quarters, excluding any cash and cash equivalents and including assets acquired with leverage from use of the Revolving Credit Facility and Facility (see Note 5, Borrowings). 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. The management fee for any partial quarter is prorated.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, management fees were $547, $268, and $27 respectively.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, $151 and $171, respectively, was included in management fees payable in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
On July 10, 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 July 10, 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 July 10, 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 10, 2016, 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013, NFIC incurred $182, $155 and $74, 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, 2015 and 2014, $35 and $25, respectively, was unpaid and included in administrative service fees payable in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Sub-Administration Agreements
On July 10, 2013, the Administrator entered into sub-administration agreements with Carlyle Employee Co. and CELF Advisors LLP. Pursuant to the agreements, Carlyle Employee Co. and CELF Advisors LLP provide the Administrator with access to personnel.
On July 10, 2013, the Administrator entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (as amended, the “Sub-Administration Agreement”). On March 11, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved an amendment to the Sub- Administration Agreement. The initial term of the Sub-Administration Agreement ends on April 1, 2017 and, unless terminated earlier, the 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 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 Sub-Administration Agreement.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, fees incurred in connection with the Sub-Administration Agreement, which amounted to $201, $86 and $10, respectively, were included in other general and administrative in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, $60 and $30, respectively, was unpaid and included in other accrued expenses and liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Placement Fees
On July 10, 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.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, TCG did not earn or receive any placement fees from NFIC stockholders in connection with the issuance or sale of the Company’s common stock.
Board of Directors
As of December 31, 2015, NFIC’s Board of Directors consists of five members, three of whom are Independent Directors. On July 10, 2013, the Board of Directors also established an Audit Committee consisting of its Independent Directors, and may establish additional committees in the future. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, NFIC incurred $243, $262 and $154, respectively, in fees and expenses associated with its Independent Directors and Audit Committee. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, $0 and $4, respectively, was unpaid and included in other accrued expenses and liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, certain current directors had committed $1,000 in capital commitments to the Company.
5. 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, 2015 and 2014, asset coverage was 211.27% and 210.39%, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were secured borrowings of $112,200, $67,000 and $25,506, respectively, under the Revolving Credit Facility and Facility and repayments of $74,909, $11,603, and $0, respectively, under the Revolving Credit Facility and Facility. As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there was $118,194, $80,903 and $25,506 respectively, in secured borrowings outstanding.
Revolving Credit Facility
The Borrower Sub closed on September 12, 2013 on the Revolving Credit Facility, which was subsequently amended on July 25, 2014 (the “First Amendment”) and further amended on November 13, 2015 (the “Second Amendment”). The Second Amendment, among other things (a) reduced the maximum commitments from $140,000 to $120,000, (b) extended the revolving period from the earlier of September 12, 2017 or the completion of a Qualified IPO by Carlyle GMS Finance to the earlier of May 2, 2018 or the completion of a Qualified IPO by Carlyle GMS Finance, (c) extended the maturity date from the earlier of September 11, 2020 or the completion of a Qualified IPO by Carlyle GMS Finance to the earlier of May 2, 2021 or the third anniversary of the completion of a Qualified IPO by Carlyle GMS Finance, (d) increased the per annum revolving period rate from the applicable base rate (based on LIBOR, the commercial paper rate, prime rate or the federal funds rate) plus 1.60% to the applicable base rate plus 1.65%, and (e) modified certain other restrictions and requirements set forth in the Revolving Credit Facility. The other material terms of the Revolving Credit Facility were unchanged. Advances under the Revolving Credit Facility first became available once the Borrower Sub held at least $10,500 of minimum equity in its assets. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to an amount equal to the lesser of $120,000, the borrowing base as calculated pursuant to the terms of the Revolving 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 $262,500, subject to restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act and certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Revolving Credit Facility, including adequate collateral to support such borrowings. The Revolving Credit Facility has a revolving period through the earlier of May 2, 2018 and the completion of a
Qualified IPO by Carlyle GMS Finance (with two one-year extension options, subject to the Borrower Sub’s and the lenders’ consent) and a maturity date of the earlier of May 2, 2021 or the completion of a Qualified IPO by Carlyle GMS Finance (extendable in connection with an extension of the revolving period). Base rate borrowings under the Revolving 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 1.65% per year during the revolving period, with pre-determined future interest rate increases of 1.25%-2.15% over the three years following the end of the revolving period. The Borrower Sub is also required to pay an undrawn commitment fee of between 0.25% and 1.00% per year depending on the usage of the Revolving Credit Facility. Payments under the Revolving Credit Facility are made quarterly. The lenders have a first lien security interest on substantially all of the assets of the Borrower Sub.
As part of the Revolving Credit Facility, the Borrower Sub 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 Borrower Sub 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 Borrower Sub 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). The Revolving 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 Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility is also subject to a borrowing base that applies different advance rates to assets held by the Borrower Sub based generally on the fair market value of such assets. Under certain circumstances as set forth in the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company could be obliged to repurchase loans from the Borrower Sub.
Related to the First and Second Amendments, which reduced the maximum commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility, $370 and $167, respectively, of deferred financing costs (representing the prorated financing costs related to the reduction in commitments) were immediately expensed on July 25, 2014 and November 13, 2015, respectively, in lieu of continuing to amortize over the term of the Revolving Credit Facility.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Borrower Sub was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements of the Revolving Credit Facility.
Facility
The Company closed on March 27, 2014 on the Facility, which was subsequently amended on August 22, 2014 and on December 12, 2014. The maximum principal amount of the Facility is $50,000, subject to availability under the Facility, which is based on certain advance rates multiplied by the value of the Company’s portfolio investments net of certain other indebtedness that the Company may incur in accordance with the terms of the Facility. Proceeds of the Facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments. Maximum capacity under the Facility may be increased to $125,000 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 Facility includes a $10,000 limit for swingline loans and a $5,000 limit for letters of credit. The Company may borrow amounts in U.S. dollars, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including certain collateral quality tests. The availability period under the Facility will terminate on March 27, 2017 or earlier under certain conditions specified in the Facility (the “Commitment Termination Date”) and the Facility will mature on March 27, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”). During the period from the Commitment Termination Date to the Maturity Date, the Company will be obligated to make mandatory prepayments under the Facility out of the proceeds of certain asset sales, other recovery events and equity and debt issuances. Amounts drawn under the Facility, including amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, will bear interest at either (a) LIBOR plus an applicable spread of (i) prior to the Commitment Termination Date,
2.00% and (ii) following the Commitment Termination Date, 2.50%, or (b) 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 (i) prior to the Commitment Termination Date, 1.00% and (ii) following the Commitment Termination Date, 1.50%. 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 Facility and, in respect of each undrawn letter of credit, a fee and interest rate equal to the then-applicable margin under the Facility while the letter of credit is outstanding.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Facility is secured by a first lien security interest in substantially all of the portfolio investments held by the Company and the Company’s unfunded investor equity capital commitments (provided that the amount of unfunded capital commitments ultimately available to the lenders is limited to $34,000). The pledge of unfunded investor equity capital commitments was subject to release upon the earlier of (a) the date eligible investments held by the Company are equal to or greater than 30 $62,500 and the Facility’s borrowing base equity test is satisfied and (b) the date the borrower has received equity capital contributions in an amount equal to $34,000. Such eligible investments and shareholder equity thresholds have been satisfied as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Facility includes customary covenants, including certain financial covenants related to asset coverage, shareholders’ equity, liquidity and interest coverage, 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, 2015 and 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and other requirements of the Facility.
Summary of Facilities
The facilities of the Company and the Borrower Sub consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
(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.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, $417 and $231, respectively, of interest expense, $61 and $88, respectively, of unused commitment fees and $19 and $19, respectively, of other fees were included in interest and credit facility fees payable. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the average interest rate was 1.98% and 1.97%, respectively, and average principal debt outstanding was $101,172 and $44,558, respectively. For the period from October 17, 2013 (initial date the Company borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility)
through December 31, 2013, the average interest rate was 1.66% and average principal debt outstanding was $11,775. As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 the interest rate was 2.04%, 2.00%, and 1.66%, respectively, based on floating LIBOR rates.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the components of interest expense and credit facility fees were as follows:
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, $370 and $167, respectively, of the amortization of deferred financing costs represents the prorated financing costs that were immediately expensed in lieu of continuing to amortize over the term of the Revolving Credit Facility related to the First and Second Amendments, respectively, which reduced the maximum commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
A summary of significant contractual payment obligations was as follows as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
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, 2015 and 2014 for any such exposure.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $190,077 in total capital commitments from stockholders, of which $53,540 and $98,041, respectively, was unfunded. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, certain current directors had committed $1,000 in capital commitments to the Company.
Upon the earlier of August 6, 2018 and the completion of a Qualified IPO by Carlyle GMS Finance, investors will be released from any further obligation under their capital commitments to purchase additional shares of common stock, subject to certain exceptions contained in their investor subscription agreements.
The Company had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans as of the indicated dates:
7. 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, 2015, the Company issued 2,245,680 shares for $44,501. The following table summarizes capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2015:
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company issued 2,353,189 shares for $46,834. The following table summarizes capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2014:
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company issued $2,265,275 shares for $45,200. The following table summarizes capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2013:
* Amount was less than one.
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital drawdowns delivered pursuant to subscriptions for the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2015:
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital drawdowns delivered pursuant to subscriptions for the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2014:
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital drawdowns delivered pursuant to subscriptions for the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2013:
Subscribed but unissued shares are presented in equity with a deduction of subscriptions receivable until cash is received for a subscription. There were no subscribed but unissued shares as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Subscription transactions during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were executed at an offering price at a premium to net asset value due to the requirement to use prior quarter net asset value as 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. Such subscription transactions increased net asset value by $0.07 per share, $0.15 per share and $0.01 per share, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, four stockholders represented 97.3% and 96.9%, respectively, of total net assets.
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 and payable since inception through the year ended December 31, 2015:
During the year ended December 31, 2013, no dividends or distributions had been declared or paid by the Company.
8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following is a schedule of consolidated financial highlights for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013:
(1) For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 number of shares outstanding at the end of the year.
(2) For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 Note 7).
(3) Increase is due to offering price of subscriptions during the year (refer to Note 7).
(4) Total return is based on the change in net asset value per share during the year plus the declared dividends, divided by the beginning net asset value for the year. Total return based on change in net asset value 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was inclusive of $0.07, $0.15 and $0.01, respectively, per share increase in net asset value related to the offering price of subscriptions. Excluding the effects of the higher offering price of subscriptions, total return would have been 6.57%, 2.37% and (3.05%), respectively (refer to Note 7).
(5) The Company commenced operations on August 6, 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.
9. 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, 2015 and 2014, 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.
10. 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, 2015 and 2014.
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, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015 and 2014, there were no permanent differences.
The tax character of the distributions paid for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
Income Tax Information and Distributions to Stockholders
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Also, consists of the unamortized portion of the prorated financing costs that were immediately expensed in lieu of continuing to amortize over the term of the Revolving Credit Facility related to the amendments that reduced commitments in the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not have any pre-enactment or post enactment capital loss carryforwards.
11. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
12. 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.
On February 26, 2016, the Company issued a capital call and delivered capital drawdown notices totaling $8,000. Proceeds from the capital call were due and the related issuance of 415,364 shares occurred on March 11, 2016.
Subsequent to December 31, 2015, the Company borrowed $2,500 under the Facility to fund investment acquisitions. The Company also voluntarily repaid $3,327 under the Revolving Credit Facility.
On March 10, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved the renewal of the Company’s Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser and the Company’s Administration Agreement with the Administrator, each for an additional one year term.
On March 10, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.44 per share, which is payable on or about April 22, 2016 to holders of record of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on March 14, 2016.
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 President (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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our President 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 President (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, 2015 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, 2015 was effective.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm due to an exemption for emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act.
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, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
On March 10, 2016, 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 of 1940, as amended (“Independent Directors”), voted to increase the size of the Board of Directors to seven members by increasing the number of the Class II directors (with a term expiring at the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders) by two persons. In connection with that action, the Independent Directors nominated Nigel D.T. Andrews for election to the Board of Directors as an Independent Director to fill one vacancy and Eliot P.S. Merrill to fill the second vacancy. The Board of Directors voted unanimously to elect Mr. Andrews and Mr. Merrill to the Board of Directors as Class II directors, effective March 11, 2016, to fill the vacancies created by the increase in the size of the Board of Directors. In electing Mr. Andrews to the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors determined that Mr. Andrews is an Independent Director and appointed him to the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.
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 2016 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, Matthew Cottrell, NF Investment Corp., 520 Madison Avenue, 38th 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this annual report:
(1) Financial Statements-Refer to Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, which are incorporated herein by reference:
(2) Financial Statement Schedules required to be filed by Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K - None are required and therefore all financial statement schedules have been omitted.
(3) Exhibits
(1) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-12G/A filed by NFIC on July 22, 2013 (File No. 000-54961)
(2) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q filed by NFIC on November 8, 2013 (File No. 814-01004)
(3) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-12G filed by NFIC on May 24, 2013 (File No. 000-54961)
(4) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q filed by NFIC on May 9, 2014 (File No. 814-01004)
(5) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q filed by NFIC on August 13, 2014 (File No. 814-01004)
(6) Incorporated by reference to Form 10-K filed by NFIC on March 27, 2015 (File No. 814-01004)
* Filed herewith
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.