Barings BDC Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Feb 22, 2024.
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FY2023 · Filed Feb 22, 2024
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- Organization, Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Business
Barings BDC, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are specialty finance companies. The Company currently operates as a closed-end, non-diversified investment company and has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Company has elected for federal income tax purposes to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
The Asset Sale and Externalization Transactions
On April 3, 2018, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with BSP Asset Acquisition I, LLC (the “Asset Buyer”), an affiliate of Benefit Street Partners L.L.C., pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell its December 31, 2017 investment portfolio to the Asset Buyer for gross proceeds of $981.2 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments to take into account portfolio activity and other matters occurring since December 31, 2017 (such transaction referred to herein as the “Asset Sale Transaction”).
Also on April 3, 2018, the Company entered into a stock purchase and transaction agreement (the “Externalization Agreement”) with Barings LLC (“Barings” or the “Adviser”), through which Barings agreed to become the investment adviser to the Company in exchange for (1) a payment by Barings of $85.0 million directly to the Company’s stockholders, (2) an investment by Barings of $100.0 million in newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock at net asset value (“NAV”) and (3) a commitment from Barings to purchase up to $50.0 million of shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market at prices up to and including the Company’s then-current NAV per share for atwo-year period, after which Barings agreed to use any remaining funds from the $50.0 million to purchase additional newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock at the greater of the Company’s then-current NAV per share and market price (collectively, the “Externalization Transaction”). The Asset Sale Transaction and the Externalization Transaction are collectively referred to as the “Transactions.” The Transactions were approved by the Company’s stockholders at the Company’s July 24, 2018 special meeting of stockholders.
The Externalization Transaction closed on August 2, 2018 (the “Externalization Closing”). Effective as of the Externalization Closing, the Company changed its name from Triangle Capital Corporation to Barings BDC, Inc. and on August 3, 2018 began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “BBDC.”
In connection with the Externalization Closing, the following events occurred, among others:
On August 2, 2018, the Company entered into an investment advisory agreement (the “Original Advisory Agreement”) and an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with the Adviser pursuant to which the Adviser serves as the Company’s investment adviser and administrator and manages its investment portfolio which initially consisted primarily of the cash proceeds received in connection with the Asset Sale Transaction.
On August 2, 2018, the Company issued 8,529,917 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Adviser at a price of $11.723443 per share, or an aggregate of $100.0 million in cash, in a private transaction exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder.
Organization
The Company is a Maryland corporation incorporated on October 10, 2006. Prior to the Externalization Transaction, the Company was internally managed by its executive officers under the supervision of the Board. During this period, the Company did not pay management or advisory fees, but instead incurred the operating costs associated with employing executive management and investment and portfolio management professionals. On August 2, 2018, the Company entered into the Original Advisory Agreement and became an externally-managed BDC managed by the Adviser. An externally-managed BDC generally does not have any employees, and its investment and management functions are provided by an outside investment adviser and administrator under an investment advisory agreement and administration agreement. Instead of the Company directly compensating employees, the Company pays the Adviser for investment and management services pursuant to the terms of the New Barings BDC Advisory Agreement (as defined in “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions”) and reimburses Barings, in its role as the Company’s administrator, for its provision of administrative services to the Company pursuant to the Administration Agreement. See “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions” for additional information regarding the Company’s investment advisory agreement and administration agreement.
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Barings BDC, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The effects of all intercompany transactions between the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company is an investment company and, therefore, applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. ASC Topic 946 states that consolidation by the Company of an investee that is not an investment company is not appropriate, except when the Company holds a controlling interest in an operating company that provides all or substantially all of its services directly to the Company or to its portfolio companies. None of the portfolio investments made by the Company qualify for this exception. Therefore, the Company’s investment portfolio is carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, as discussed below under Significant Accounting Policies - Valuation of Investments, with any adjustments to fair value recognized as “Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). All financial data and information included in these financial statements have been presented on the basis described above. Financial statements prepared on a U.S. GAAP basis require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) (“ASU 2022-03”), which affects all entities that have investments in equity securities measured at fair value that are subject to a contractual sale restriction. The amendments in ASU 2022-03 clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring the fair value. The amendments also require additional disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions that are measured at fair value in accordance with Topic 820. The effective date for the amendments in ASU 2022-03 are for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2022-03 on its financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”). The amendments in ASU 2020-04 provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. ASU 2020-04 was effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update
2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, which deferred the sunset day of this guidance to December 31, 2024. The Company determined this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Share Repurchase Programs
In connection with the completion of the Company’s acquisition of MVC Capital, Inc. (“MVC”), a Delaware corporation, on December 23, 2020 (the “MVC Acquisition”), the Company committed to make open-market purchases of shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount of up to $15.0 million at then-current market prices at any time shares trade below 90% of the Company’s then most recently disclosed NAV per share. Any repurchases pursuant to the authorized program occurred during the 12-month period commencing upon the filing of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, which occurred on May 6, 2021, and were made in accordance with applicable legal, contractual and regulatory requirements. The MVC repurchase program terminated on May 6, 2022. Prior to its termination, the Company repurchased a total of 207,677 shares of common stock in the open market under the under the authorized program at an average price of $10.14 per share, including brokerage commissions.
In connection with the completion of the Company’s acquisition of Sierra Income Corporation (“Sierra”), a Maryland corporation, on February 25, 2022 (the “Sierra Merger”), the Company committed to make open-market purchases of shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount of up to $30.0 million at then-current market prices at any time shares trade below 90% of the Company’s then most recently disclosed NAV per share. Any repurchases pursuant to the authorized program occurred during the 12-month period commencing on April 1, 2022 and were made in accordance with a Rule 10b5-1 purchase plan that qualifies for the safe harbors provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as subject to compliance with the Company’s covenant and regulatory requirements. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased the maximum amount of $30.0 million of common stock authorized under the Sierra share repurchase program. In total under the Sierra share repurchase program, the Company repurchased a total of 3,179,168 shares of common stock in the open market under the authorized program at an average price of $9.44 per share, including broker commissions.
On February 23, 2023, the Board authorized a 12-month share repurchase program. Under the program, the Company may repurchase, during the 12-month period commencing on March 1, 2023, up to $30.0 million in the aggregate of its outstanding common stock in the open market at prices below the then-current NAV per share. The timing, manner, price and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by the Company, in its discretion, based upon the evaluation of economic and market conditions, the Company’s stock price, applicable legal, contractual and regulatory requirements and other factors. The program is expected to be in effect until March 1, 2024, unless extended or until the aggregate repurchase amount that has been approved by the Board has been expended. The program does not require the Company to repurchase any specific number of shares, and the Company cannot assure stockholders that any shares will be repurchased under the program. The program may be suspended, extended, modified or discontinued at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased a total of 1,849,096 shares of common stock in the open market under the authorized program at an average price of $7.99 per share, including brokerage commissions. See “Note 12 - Subsequent Events.”
Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Valuation of Investments
The Adviser conducts the valuation of the Company’s investments, upon which the Company’s NAV is primarily based, in accordance with its valuation policy, as well as established and documented processes and methodologies for determining the fair values of portfolio company investments on a recurring (at least quarterly) basis in accordance with the 1940 Act and FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”). The Company’s current valuation policy and processes were established by the Adviser and were approved by the Board.
Under ASC Topic 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller at the measurement date. For the Company’s portfolio securities, fair value is generally the amount that the Company might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale of the security. The fair value measurement assumes that the sale occurs in the principal market for the security, or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the security. If no market for the security exists or if the Company does not have access to the principal market, the security should be valued based on the sale occurring in a hypothetical market.
Level 2 Inputs – include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
A financial instrument is categorized within the ASC Topic 820 valuation hierarchy based upon the lowest level of input to the valuation process that is significant to the fair value measurement. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, unrealized appreciation and depreciation related to such investments categorized as Level 3 investments within the tables below may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).
The Company’s investment portfolio includes certain debt and equity instruments of privately held companies for which quoted prices or other observable inputs falling within the categories of Level 1 and Level 2 are generally not available. In such cases, the Adviser determines the fair value of the Company’s investments in good faith primarily using Level 3 inputs. In certain cases, quoted prices or other observable inputs exist, and if so, the Adviser assesses the appropriateness of the use of these third-party quotes in determining fair value based on (i) its understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote was an indicative price or binding offer and (ii) the depth and consistency of broker quotes and the correlation of changes in broker quotes with the underlying performance of the portfolio company.
There is no single approach for determining fair value in good faith, as fair value depends upon the specific circumstances of each individual investment. The recorded fair values of the Company’s Level 3 investments may differ significantly from fair values that would have been used had an active market for the securities existed. In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different than the valuations currently assigned. For a discussion of the risks inherent in determining the value of securities for which readily available market values do not exist, see “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure — Our investment portfolio is and will continue to be recorded at fair value as determined in accordance with the Adviser’s valuation policies and procedures and, as a result, there is and will continue to be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments” included in Item 1A of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Board must determine fair value in good faith for any or all Company investments for which market quotations are not readily available. The Board has designated the Adviser as valuation designee to perform the fair value determinations relating to the value of the assets held by the Company for which market quotations are not readily available. The Adviser has established a pricing committee that is, subject to the oversight of the Board, responsible for the approval, implementation and oversight of the processes and methodologies that relate to the pricing and valuation of assets held by the Company. The Adviser uses independent third-party providers to price the portfolio, but in the event an acceptable price cannot be obtained from an approved external source, the Adviser will utilize alternative methods in accordance with internal pricing procedures established by the Adviser’s pricing committee.
At least annually, the Adviser conducts reviews of the primary pricing vendors to validate that the inputs used in the vendors’ pricing process are deemed to be market observable. While the Adviser is not provided access to proprietary models of the vendors, the reviews have included on-site walkthroughs of the pricing process, methodologies and control procedures for each asset class and level for which prices are provided. The review also includes an examination of the underlying inputs and assumptions for a sample of individual securities across asset classes, credit rating levels and various durations, a process the Adviser continues to perform annually. In addition, the pricing vendors have an established challenge process in place for all security valuations, which facilitates identification and resolution of prices that fall outside expected ranges. The Adviser believes that the prices received from the pricing vendors are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (i.e. exit prices).
The Company’s money market fund investments are generally valued using Level 1 inputs and its equity investments listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued using Level 1 inputs, using the last quoted sale price of that day. The Company’s syndicated senior secured loans and structured product investments are generally valued using Level 2 inputs, which are generally valued at the bid quotation obtained from dealers in loans by an independent pricing service. The Company’s middle-market, private debt and equity investments are generally valued using Level 3 inputs.
The fair value of loans and equity investments that are not syndicated or for which market quotations are not readily available, including middle-market loans, are generally submitted to independent providers to perform an independent valuation on those loans and equity investments as of the end of each quarter. Such loans and equity investments are initially held at cost, as that is a reasonable approximation of fair value on the acquisition date, and monitored for material changes that could affect the valuation (for example, changes in interest rates or the credit quality of the borrower). At the quarter end following that of the initial acquisition, such loans and equity investments are generally sent to a valuation provider which will determine the fair value of each investment. The independent valuation providers apply various methods (synthetic rating analysis, discounting cash flows, and re-underwriting analysis) to establish the rate of return a market participant would require (the “discount rate”) as of the valuation date, given market conditions, prevailing lending standards and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. Future expected cash flows for each investment are discounted back to present value using these discount rates in the discounted cash flow analysis. A range of values will be provided by the valuation provider and the Adviser will determine the point within that range that it will use. If the Adviser’s pricing committee disagrees with the price range provided, it may make a fair value recommendation to the Adviser that is outside of the range provided by the independent valuation provider and the reasons therefore. In certain instances, the Company may determine that it is not cost-effective, and as a result is not in the stockholders’ best interests, to request an independent valuation firm to perform an independent valuation on certain investments. Such instances include, but are not limited to, situations where the fair value of the investment in the portfolio company is determined to be insignificant relative to the total investment portfolio.
The Adviser’s valuation techniques are based upon both observable and unobservable pricing inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Adviser’s market assumptions. The 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 financial instrument. An independent pricing service provider is the preferred source of pricing a loan, however, to the extent the independent pricing service provider price is unavailable or not relevant and reliable, the Adviser will utilize alternative approaches such as broker quotes or manual prices. The Adviser attempts to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The availability of observable inputs can vary from investment to investment and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets and other characteristics particular to the security.
As Jocassee, Thompson Rivers, Waccamaw River, Sierra JV and MVC Private Equity Fund LP are investment companies with no readily determinable fair values, the Adviser estimates the fair value of the Company’s investments in these entities using the NAV of each company and the Company’s ownership percentage as a practical expedient. The NAV is determined in accordance with the specialized accounting guidance for investment companies.
Level 3 Unobservable Inputs
The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs the Adviser used in the valuation of the Company’s Level 3 debt and equity securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The weighted average range of unobservable inputs is based on fair value of investments.
| December 31, 2023:($ in thousands) · Fair Value · ValuationModel · Level 3Input · Range ofInputs · Weighted Average · Impact to Valuation from an Increase in Input | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes(1) | $1,399,907 | Yield Analysis | Market Yield | 7.8% – 19.6% | 11.7% | Decrease | |||||
| 32,150 | Market Approach | Adjusted EBITDA Multiple | 1.1x – 12.5x | 3.7x | Increase | ||||||
| 136,594 | Recent Transaction | Transaction Price | 95.0% – 100.0% | 97.9% | Increase | ||||||
| Subordinated debt and 2nd lien notes(2) | 167,250 | Yield Analysis | Market Yield | 8.5% – 18.9% | 13.5% | Decrease | |||||
| 39,826 | Market Approach | Adjusted EBITDA Multiple | 7.0x – 12.3x | 8.2x | Increase | ||||||
| 5,875 | Recent Transaction | Transaction Price | 98.0% – 100.0% | 99.3% | Increase | ||||||
| Structured products(3) | 30,529 | Yield Analysis | Market Yield | 9.2% – 10.3% | 9.7% | Decrease | |||||
| Equity shares(4) | 8,788 | Yield Analysis | Market Yield | 14.6% | 14.6% | Decrease | |||||
| 328,210 | Market Approach | Adjusted EBITDA Multiple | 4.5x – 30.0x | 10.6x | Increase | ||||||
| 1,771 | Market Approach | Revenue Multiple | 6.5x – 9.5x | 6.9x | Increase | ||||||
| 12,159 | Discounted Cash Flow Analysis | Discount Rate | 14.2% | 14.2% | Decrease | ||||||
| 3,196 | Net Asset Approach | Liabilities | $(55,281.8) | $(55,281.8) | Decrease | ||||||
| 3 | Expected Recovery | Expected Recovery | $2.5 | $2.5 | Increase | ||||||
| 12,947 | Recent Transaction | Transaction Price | $1.00 – $10.00 | $9.5 | Increase | ||||||
| Equity warrants | 2,389 | Market Approach | Adjusted EBITDA Multiple | 6.3x – 12.5x | 7.3x | Increase | |||||
| 3 | Expected Recovery | Expected Recovery | $3.0 | $3.0 | Increase | ||||||
(1)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $25,146, which the Company valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
(2)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $10,847, which the Company valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
(3)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $12,443, which the Company valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
(4)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $7,498, which the Company valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, one equity position with a fair value of $5.3 million andsix senior debt and first lien note positions with a fair value of $20.0 million transitioned from a yield analysis to a market approach valuation model. In addition, one senior debt and first lien note position with a fair value of $9.9 million andone structured product position with a fair value of $3.3 million transitioned from a discounted cash flow analysis to a broker quote valuation model. Lastly, one equity position with a fair value ofnil transitioned from an expected recovery to a market approach valuation model. The changes in approach were driven by considerations given to the financial performance of each portfolio company.
| December 31, 2022:($ in thousands) · Fair Value · ValuationModel · Level 3Input · Range ofInputs · Weighted Average · Impact to Valuation from an Increase in Input | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes(1) | $1,305,819 | Yield Analysis | Market Yield | 7.7% – 37.3% | 11.7% | Decrease | |||||
| 14,794 | Market Approach | Adjusted EBITDA Multiple | 6.0x | 6.0x | Increase | ||||||
| 1,263 | Market Approach | Revenue Multiple | 0.2x | 0.2x | Increase | ||||||
| 13,153 | Discounted Cash Flow Analysis | Discount Rate | 13.0% | 13.0% | Decrease | ||||||
| 233,824 | Recent Transaction | Transaction Price | 96.7% – 100.0% | 97.5% | Increase | ||||||
| Subordinated debt and 2nd lien notes(2) | 182,856 | Yield Analysis | Market Yield | 8.4% – 16.6% | 13.1% | Decrease | |||||
| 35,536 | Market Approach | Adjusted EBITDA Multiple | 6.5x – 9.0x | 7.4x | Increase | ||||||
| 2,186 | Market Approach | Revenue Multiple | 0.5x | 0.5x | Increase | ||||||
| 513 | Recent Transaction | Transaction Price | 97.3% | 97.3% | Increase | ||||||
| Structured Products(3) | 3,792 | Discounted Cash Flow Analysis | Discount Rate | 10.4% | 10.4% | Decrease | |||||
| 5,239 | Recent Transaction | Transaction Price | 100.0% | 100.0% | Increase | ||||||
| Equity shares(4) | 12,600 | Yield Analysis | Market Yield | 15.7% – 17.8% | 16.7% | Decrease | |||||
| 259,219 | Market Approach | Adjusted EBITDA Multiple | 4.0x – 43.0x | 9.4x | Increase | ||||||
| 1,321 | Market Approach | Revenue Multiple | 0.2x – 7.0x | 6.8x | Increase | ||||||
| 221 | Market Approach | Adjusted EBITDA/Revenue Multiple Blend | 5.8x | 5.8x | Increase | ||||||
| 1,932 | Net Asset Approach | Liabilities | $(8,941.8) | $(8,941.8) | Decrease | ||||||
| 112 | Expected Recovery | Expected Recovery | $2.5 – $110 | $107.6 | Increase | ||||||
| 4,921 | Recent Transaction | Transaction Price | $0.00 – $1,015.13 | $521.22 | Increase | ||||||
| Equity warrants | 1,054 | Market Approach | Adjusted EBITDA Multiple | 4.0x – 17.5x | 7.3x | Increase | |||||
| 3 | Expected Recovery | Expected Recovery | $3.0 | $3.0 | Increase | ||||||
(1)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $22,503, which the Adviser valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
(2)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $13,123, which the Adviser valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
(3)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $8,796, which the Adviser valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
(4)Excludes investments with an aggregate fair value amounting to $2,741, which the Adviser valued using unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
Unsettled Purchases and Sales of Investments
Investment transactions are recorded based on the trade date of the transaction. As a result, unsettled purchases and sales are recorded as payables and receivables from unsettled transactions, respectively. While purchases and sales of the Company’s syndicated senior secured loans generally settle on a T+7 basis, the settlement period will sometimes extend past the scheduled settlement. In such cases, the Company generally is contractually owed and recognizes interest income equal to the applicable margin (“spread”) beginning on the T+7 date. Such income is accrued as interest receivable and is collected upon settlement of the investment transaction.
Realized Gain or Loss and Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation of Portfolio Investments
Realized gains or losses are recorded upon the sale or liquidation of investments and are calculated as the difference between the net proceeds from the sale or liquidation, if any, and the cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the difference between the fair value of the investments and the cost basis of the investments.
Investment Classification
In accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Company classifies investments by level of control. As defined in the 1940 Act, “Control Investments” are investments in those companies that the Company is deemed to “Control.” “Affiliate Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Affiliated Persons” of the Company, as defined in the 1940 Act, other than Control Investments. “Non-Control / Non-Affiliate Investments” are those that are neither Control Investments nor Affiliate Investments. Generally, under the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to control a company in which it has invested if the Company owns more than 25.0% of the voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) and/or has the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. Generally, under the 1940 Act, “Affiliate Investments” that are not otherwise “Control Investments” are defined as investments in which the Company owns at least 5.0%, up to 25.0% (inclusive), of the voting securities and does not have the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company.
Cash and Foreign Currencies
Cash consists of deposits held at a custodian bank. Cash is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company places its cash with financial institutions and, at times, cash may exceed insured limits under applicable law.
Short-Term Investments
Short-term investments represent investments in money market funds.
Deferred Financing Fees
Costs incurred to issue debt are capitalized and are amortized over the term of the debt agreements using the effective interest method.
Investment Income
Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. Generally, when interest and/or principal payments on a loan become past due, or if the Company otherwise does not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, the Company will place the loan on non-accrual status and will generally cease recognizing interest income on that loan for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. The Company writes off any previously accrued and uncollected interest when it is determined that interest is no longer considered collectible. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company hadfour andseven portfolio companies, respectively, with investments that were on non-accrual. As of December 31, 2023, thefour portfolio companies on non-accrual includedone portfolio company purchased as part of the Sierra Merger, one purchased as part of the MVC Acquisition andtwo portfolio companies were originated by Barings. As of December 31, 2022, theseven portfolio companies on non-accrual included four portfolio companies purchased as part of the Sierra Merger, two purchased as part of the MVC Acquisition andone portfolio company was originated by Barings.
Interest income from investments in the equity class of a collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) security (typically subordinated notes) is recorded based upon an estimation of an effective yield to expected maturity utilizing assumed cash flows in accordance with ASC 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets. The Company monitors the expected cash flows from these investments, including the expected residual payments, and the effective yield is determined and updated periodically. Any difference between the cash distribution received and the amount calculated pursuant to the effective interest method is recorded as an adjustment to the cost basis of such investments.
Dividend income on preferred equity securities is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income on common equity is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Payment-in-Kind Interest
The Company currently holds, and expects to hold in the future, some loans in its portfolio that contain payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest provisions. PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified in each loan agreement, is periodically added to the principal balance of the loan, rather than being paid to the Company in cash, and is recorded as interest income. Thus, the actual collection of PIK interest may be deferred until the time of debt principal repayment.
PIK interest, which is a non-cash source of income at the time of recognition, is included in the Company’s taxable income and therefore affects the amount the Company is required to distribute to its stockholders to maintain its tax treatment as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, even though the Company has not yet collected the cash. Generally, when current cash interest and/or principal payments on a loan become past due, or if the Company otherwise does not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, the Company will place the loan on non-accrual status and will generally cease recognizing PIK interest income on that loan for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. The Company writes off any accrued and uncollected PIK interest when it is determined that the PIK interest is no longer collectible.
Fee Income
Origination, facility, commitment, consent and other advance fees received in connection with loan agreements (“Loan Origination Fees”) are recorded as deferred income and recognized as investment income over the term of the loan. Upon prepayment of a loan, any unamortized Loan Origination Fees are recorded as investment income. In the general course of its business, the Company receives certain fees from portfolio companies, which are non-recurring in nature. Such fees include loan prepayment penalties, structuring fees and covenant waiver fees and amendment fees, and are recorded as investment income when earned.
Fee income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Recurring Fee Income: | |||
| Amortization of loan origination fees | $6,949 | $5,943 | $4,620 |
| Management, valuation and other fees | 2,261 | 1,237 | 2,186 |
| Total Recurring Fee Income | 9,210 | 7,180 | 6,806 |
| Non-Recurring Fee Income: | |||
| Prepayment fees | 510 | 303 | 474 |
| Acceleration of unamortized loan origination fees | 1,476 | 5,595 | 4,824 |
| Advisory, loan amendment and other fees | 2,205 | 1,845 | 916 |
| Total Non-Recurring Fee Income | 4,191 | 7,743 | 6,214 |
| Total Fee Income | $13,401 | $14,923 | $13,020 |
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses include administrative costs, facilities costs, insurance, legal and accounting expenses, expenses reimbursable to the Adviser under the terms of the Administration Agreement and other costs related to operating as a publicly-traded company.
Segments
The Company lends to and invests in customers in various industries. The Company separately evaluates the performance of each of its lending and investment relationships. However, because each of these loan and investment relationships has similar business and economic characteristics, they have been aggregated into a single lending and investment segment. All applicable segment disclosures are included in or can be derived from the Company’s financial statements.
Concentration of Credit Risk
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no individual investments representing greater than 10% of the fair value of the Company’s portfolio. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s largest single portfolio company investment represented approximately 6.3% and 5.9%, respectively, of the fair value of the Company’s portfolio. Income, consisting of interest, dividends, fees, other investment income and realization of gains or losses on equity interests, can fluctuate dramatically upon repayment of an investment or sale of an equity interest and in any given year can be highly concentrated among several portfolio companies.
As of December 31, 2023, all of the Company’s assets were or will be pledged as collateral for the February 2019 Credit Facility.
Investments Denominated in Foreign Currency
As of December 31, 2023 the Company heldtwo investments that were denominated in Canadian dollars, one investment that was denominated in Danish kroner,11 investments that were denominated in Australian dollars, two investments that were denominated in New Zealand dollars, one investment that was denominated in Norwegian krone, two investments that were denominated in Swiss francs, two investment that was denominated in Swedish krona,67 investments that were denominated in Euros and 28 investments that were denominated in British pounds sterling. As of December 31, 2022, the Company heldtwo investments that were denominated in Canadian dollars, one investment that was denominated in Danish kroner,11 investments that were denominated in Australian dollars, two investments that were denominated in New Zealand dollars, one investment that was denominated in Norwegian krone, one investment that was denominated in Swiss francs, one investment that was denominated in Swedish krona,58 investments that were denominated in Euros and 28 investments that were denominated in British pounds sterling.
At each balance sheet date, portfolio company investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated into United States dollars using the spot exchange rate on the last business day of the period. Purchases and sales of foreign portfolio company investments, and any income from such investments, are translated into United States dollars using the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
Although the fair values of foreign portfolio company investments and the fluctuation in such fair values are translated into United States dollars using the applicable foreign exchange rates described above, the Company does not separately report that portion of the change in fair values resulting from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations from the change in fair values of the underlying investment. All fluctuations in fair value are included in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company entered into forward currency contracts primarily to help mitigate the impact that an adverse change in foreign exchange rates would have on net interest income from the Company’s investments and related borrowings denominated in foreign currencies. Net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currency contracts are included in “Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - forward currency contracts” and net realized gains or losses on forward currency contracts are included in “Net realized gains (losses) - forward currency contracts” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies and foreign currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin, including unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. Dollar.
Dividends and Distributions
Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are approved by the Board and dividends payable are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
The Company has adopted a dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) that provides for reinvestment of dividends on behalf of its stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, when the Company declares a dividend, stockholders who have not opted out of the DRIP will have their dividends automatically reinvested in shares of the Company’s common stock, rather than receiving cash dividends.
The table below summarizes the Company’s dividends and distributions in the three years ended December 31, 2023:
| Declared($ in thousands, except per share amounts) · Record · Payable · Per ShareAmount · AmountPaid inCash · Amount Settled via Newly Issued Shares · Total | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 7, 2021 | March 10, 2021 | March 17, 2021 | $0.19 | $12,410 | $— | $12,410 | |||
| May 6, 2021 | June 9, 2021 | June 16, 2021 | 0.20 | 13,063 | — | 13,063 | |||
| August 5, 2021 | September 8, 2021 | September 15, 2021 | 0.21 | 13,716 | — | 13,716 | |||
| November 9, 2021 | November 24, 2021 | December 1, 2021 | 0.22 | 14,370 | — | 14,370 | |||
| Total 2021 dividends and distributions | $0.82 | $53,559 | $— | $53,559 | |||||
| February 1, 2022 | February 16, 2022 | February 23, 2022 | $0.23 | $15,023 | $— | $15,023 | |||
| May 5, 2022 | June 8, 2022 | June 15, 2022 | 0.24 | 26,506 | — | 26,506 | |||
| August 9, 2022 | September 7, 2022 | September 14, 2022 | 0.24 | 26,198 | — | 26,198 | |||
| November 10, 2022 | December 7, 2022 | December 14, 2022 | 0.24 | 25,999 | — | 25,999 | |||
| Total 2022 dividends and distributions | $0.95 | $93,726 | $— | $93,726 | |||||
| February 23, 2023 | March 8, 2023 | March 15, 2023 | $0.25 | $26,979 | $— | $26,979 | |||
| May 4, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | June 14, 2023 | 0.25 | 26,667 | — | 26,667 | |||
| August 9, 2023 | September 6, 2023 | September 13, 2023 | 0.26 | 27,694 | — | 27,694 | |||
| November 9, 2023 | December 6, 2023 | December 13, 2023 | 0.26 | 27,657 | — | 27,657 | |||
| Total 2023 dividends and distributions | $1.02 | $108,997 | $— | $108,997 | |||||
Per Share Amounts
Per share amounts included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are computed by dividing net investment income and net increase in net assets resulting from operations by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. As the Company has no common stock equivalents outstanding, diluted per share amounts are the same as basic per share amounts. NAV per share is computed by dividing total net assets by the number of common shares outstanding as of the end of the period.
- Agreements and Related Party Transactions
On August 2, 2018, the Company entered into the Original Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement with the Adviser, an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. In connection with the MVC Acquisition(as defined in “Note 9 – MVC Capital, Inc. Acquisition”), on December 23, 2020, the Company entered into an amended and restated investment advisory agreement (the “Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, following approval of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement by the Company’s stockholders at its December 23, 2020 special meeting of stockholders. The terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement became effective on January 1, 2021.
The Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement amended the Original Advisory Agreement to, among other things, (i) reduce the annual base management fee payable to the Adviser from 1.375% to 1.250% of the Company’s gross assets, (ii) reset the commencement date for the rolling 12-quarter “look-back” provision used to calculate the income incentive fee and incentive fee cap to January 1, 2021 from January 1, 2020 and (iii) describe the fact that the Company may enter into guarantees, sureties and other credit support arrangements with respect to one or more of its investments, including the impact of these arrangements on the income incentive fee cap.
In connection with the Sierra Merger (as defined in “Note 10– Sierra Merger”), on February 25, 2022, the Company entered into a second amended and restated investment advisory agreement (the “Second Amended Barings BDC Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, which increased the hurdle rate applicable to the income incentive fee from 2.0% to 2.0625% per quarter (or from 8.0% to 8.25% annualized) and therefore increased the catch-up amount that is used in calculating the income incentive fee to correspond to the increase in the hurdle rate. All other terms and provisions of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Adviser, including with respect to the calculation of the other fees payable to the Adviser, remained unchanged under the Second Amended Barings BDC Advisory Agreement. On June 24, 2023, the Company entered into a third amended and restated investment advisory agreement with the adviser in order to update the term of the agreement to expire on June 24 of each year subject to annual re-approval in accordance with its terms (the “Barings BDC Advisory Agreement”). All other terms and provisions of the Second Amended Barings BDC Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Adviser, including with respect to the calculation of the fees payable to the Adviser, remain unchanged under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement.
Investment Advisory Agreement
Pursuant to the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement, the Adviser manages the Company’s day-to-day operations and provides the Company with investment advisory services. Among other things, the Adviser (i) determines the composition of the portfolio of the Company, the nature and timing of the changes therein and the manner of implementing such changes; (ii) identifies, evaluates and negotiates the structure of the investments made by the Company; (iii) executes, closes, services and monitors the investments that the Company makes; (iv) determines the securities and other assets that the Company will purchase, retain or sell; (v) performs due diligence on prospective portfolio companies and (vi) provides the Company with such other investment advisory, research and related services as the Company may, from time to time, reasonably require for the investment of its funds.
The Barings BDC Advisory Agreement provides that, absent fraud, willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, the Adviser, and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with the Adviser (collectively, the “IA Indemnified Parties”), are entitled to indemnification from the Company for any damages, liabilities, costs, demands, charges, claims and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by the IA Indemnified Parties in or by reason of any pending, threatened or completed action, suit, investigation or other proceeding (including an action or suit by or in the right of the Company or its security holders) arising out of any actions or omissions or otherwise based upon the performance of any of the Adviser’s duties or obligations under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of the Company. The Adviser’s services under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and the Adviser is generally free to furnish similar services to other entities so long as its performance under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement is not adversely affected.
The Adviser has entered into a personnel-sharing arrangement with its affiliate, Baring International Investment Limited (“BIIL”). BIIL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baring Asset Management Limited, which in turn is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adviser. Pursuant to this arrangement, certain employees of BIIL may serve as “associated persons” of the Adviser and, in this capacity, subject to the oversight and supervision of the Adviser, may provide research and related services, and discretionary investment management and trading services (including acting as portfolio managers) to the Company on behalf of the Adviser. This arrangement is based on no-action letters of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that permit SEC-registered investment advisers to rely on and use the resources of advisory affiliates or “participating affiliates,” subject to the supervision of that SEC-registered investment adviser. BIIL is a “participating affiliate” of the Adviser, and the BIIL employees are “associated persons” of the Adviser.
Under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement, the Company pays the Adviser (i) a base management fee (the “Base Management Fee”) and (ii) an incentive fee (the “Incentive Fee”) as compensation for the investment advisory and management services it provides the Company thereunder.
The Base Management Fee is calculated based on the Company’s gross assets, including the Company’s credit support agreements, assets purchased with borrowed funds or other forms of leverage and excluding cash and cash equivalents, at an annual rate of 1.25%. The Base Management Fee is payable quarterly in arrears on a calendar quarter basis. The Base Management Fee is calculated based on the average value of the Company’s gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters prior to the quarter for which such fees are being calculated. Base Management Fees for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Base Management Fee determined in accordance with the terms of the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement was approximately $32.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the
Base Management Fee determined in accordance with the terms of the Second Amended Barings BDC Advisory Agreementwas approximately $29.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Base Management Fee determined in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement was approximately $19.5 million. As of December 31, 2023, the Base Management Fee of $8.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was unpaid and included in “Base management fees payable” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2022, the Base Management Fee of $8.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was unpaid and included in “Base management fees payable” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Incentive Fee consists of two components that are independent of each other, with the result that one component may be payable even if the other is not. A portion of the Incentive Fee is based on the Company’s income (the “ Income-Based Fee”) and a portion is based on the Company’s capital gains (the “Capital Gains Fee”), each as described below:
(i) The Income-Based Fee will be determined and paid quarterly in arrears based on the amount by which (x) the aggregate “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” (as defined below) in respect of the current calendar quarter and the eleven preceding calendar quarters beginning with the calendar quarter that commences on or after January 1, 2021, as the case may be (or the appropriate portion thereof in the case of any of the Company’s first eleven calendar quarters that commences on or after January 1, 2021) (in either case, the “Trailing Twelve Quarters”) exceeds (y) the Hurdle Amount (as defined below) in respect of the Trailing Twelve Quarters. The Hurdle Amount will be determined on a quarterly basis, and will be calculated by multiplying 2.0625% (8.25% annualized) by the aggregate of the Company’s NAV at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. For this purpose, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including, without limitation, any accrued income that the Company has not yet received in cash and any other fees such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that the Company receives from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Company’s operating expenses accrued during the calendar quarter (including, without limitation, the Base Management Fee, administration expenses and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the Income-Based Fee and the Capital Gains Fee). For the avoidance of doubt, Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.
(A) No Income-Based Fee will be payable to the Adviser in any calendar quarter in which the Company’s aggregate Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the Trailing Twelve Quarters does not exceed the Hurdle Amount;
(B)100% of the Company’s aggregate Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the Trailing Twelve Quarters, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle Amount but is less than or equal to an amount (the “Catch-Up Amount”) determined on a quarterly basis by multiplying 2.578125% (10.3125% annualized) by the Company’s NAV at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. The Catch-Up Amount is intended to provide the Adviser with an incentive fee of 20% on all of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income when the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income reaches the Catch-Up Amount for the Trailing Twelve Quarters; and
(C) For any quarter in which the Company’s aggregate Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the Trailing Twelve Quarters exceeds the Catch-Up Amount, the Income-Based Fee shall equal 20% of the amount of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for such Trailing Twelve Quarters, as the Hurdle Amount and Catch-Up Amount will have been achieved.
Subject to the Incentive Fee Cap described below, the amount of the Income-Based Fee that will be paid to the Adviser for a particular quarter will equal the excess of the aggregate Income-Based Fee so calculated less the aggregate Income-Based Fees that were paid to the Adviser in the preceding eleven calendar quarters (or portion thereof) comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters.
(ii) The Income-Based Fee is subject to a cap (the “Incentive Fee Cap”). The Incentive Fee Cap in any quarter is an amount equal to (a)20% of the Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return (as defined below) during the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters less (b) the aggregate Income-Based Fee that were paid to the Adviser in the preceding eleven calendar quarters (or portion thereof) comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. For this purpose, “Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return” during the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters means (x) Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income in respect of the Trailing Twelve Quarters less (y) any Net Capital Loss, if any, in respect of the Trailing Twelve Quarters. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap is zero or a negative value, the Company will pay no Income-Based Fee to the Adviser in that quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap is a positive value but is less than the Income-Based Fee calculated in accordance with paragraph (i) above, the Company will pay the Adviser the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap is equal to or greater than the Income-Based Fee calculated in accordance with paragraph (i) above, the Company will pay the Adviser the Income-Based Fee for such quarter.
“Net Capital Loss” in respect of a particular period means the difference, if positive, between (i) aggregate capital losses on the Company’s assets, whether realized or unrealized, in such period and (ii) aggregate capital gains or other gains on the Company’s assets (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the value ascribed to any credit support arrangement in the Company’s financial statements even if such value is not categorized as a gain therein), whether realized or unrealized, in such period.
(iii) The Capital Gains Fee will be determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the investment advisory agreement), commencing with the calendar year ended on December 31, 2018, and is calculated at the end of each applicable year by subtracting (1) the sum of the Company’s cumulative aggregate realized capital losses and aggregate unrealized capital depreciation from (2) the Company’s cumulative aggregate realized capital gains, in each case calculated from August 2, 2018. If such amount is positive at the end of such year, then the Capital Gains Fee payable for such year is equal to 20% of such amount, less the cumulative aggregate amount of Capital Gains Fees paid in all prior years commencing with the calendar year ended on December 31, 2018. If such amount is negative, then there is no Capital Gains Fee payable for such year. If this Agreement is terminated as of a date that is not a calendar year end, the termination date will be treated as though it were a calendar year end for purposes of calculating and paying a Capital Gains Fee.
Under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement, the “cumulative aggregate realized capital gains” are calculated as the sum of the differences, if positive, between (a) the net sales price of each investment in the Company’s portfolio when sold and (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.
The cumulative aggregate realized capital losses are calculated as the sum of the differences, if negative, between (a) the net sales price of each investment in the Company’s portfolio when sold and (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.
The aggregate unrealized capital depreciation is calculated as the sum of the differences, if negative, between (a) the valuation of each investment in the Company’s portfolio as of the applicable Capital Gains Fee calculation date and (b) the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment.
Under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement, the “accreted or amortized cost basis of an investment”shall mean the accreted or amortized cost basis of such investment as reflected in the Company’s financial statements.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Income-Based Fee determined in accordance with the terms of the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement was $32.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Income-Based Fee determined in accordance with the terms of the Second Amended Barings BDC Advisory Agreement was $6.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Income-Based Fee determined in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement was $14.7 million. As of December 31, 2023, the Income-Based
Fee of $7.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was unpaid and included in “Incentive management fees payable” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company didnot incur any capital gains fees for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Payment of Company Expenses
Under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement, all investment professionals of the Adviser and its staff, when and to the extent engaged in providing services required to be provided by the Adviser under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses of such personnel allocable to such services, are provided and paid for by the Adviser and not by the Company, except that all costs and expenses relating to the Company’s operations and transactions, including, without limitation, those items listed in the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement, will be borne by the Company.
Administration Agreement
Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, the Adviser performs (or oversees, or arranges for, the performance of) the administrative services necessary for the operation of the Company, including, but not limited to, office facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping and record-keeping services at such office facilities and such other services as the Adviser, subject to review by the Board, from time to time, determines to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement. The Adviser also, on behalf of the Company and subject to oversight by the Board, arranges for the services of, and oversees, custodians, depositories, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, other stockholder servicing agents, accountants, attorneys, valuation experts, underwriters, brokers and dealers, corporate fiduciaries, insurers, banks and such other persons in any such other capacity deemed to be necessary or desirable.
The Company will reimburse Barings for the costs and expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations and providing personnel and facilities under the Administration Agreement in an amount to be negotiated and mutually agreed to by the Company and Barings quarterly in arrears. In no event will the agreed-upon quarterly expense amount exceed the amount of expenses that would otherwise be reimbursable by the Company under the Administration Agreement for the applicable quarterly period, and Barings will not be entitled to the recoupment of any amounts in excess of the agreed-upon quarterly expense amount. The costs and expenses incurred by the Adviser on behalf of the Company under the Administration Agreement include, but are not limited to:
the allocable portion of the Adviser’s rent for the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs, which is based upon the allocable portion of the usage thereof by such personnel in connection with their performance of administrative services under the Administration Agreement;
the allocable portion of the salaries, bonuses, benefits and expenses of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs, which is based upon the allocable portion of the time spent by such personnel in connection with performing administrative services for the Company under the Administration Agreement;
the actual cost of goods and services used for the Company and obtained by the Adviser from entities not affiliated with the Company, which is reasonably allocated to the Company on the basis of assets, revenues, time records or other methods conforming with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP;
all fees, costs and expenses associated with the engagement of a sub-administrator, if any; and
costs associated with (a) the monitoring and preparation of regulatory reporting, including registration statements and amendments thereto, prospectus supplements, and tax reporting, (b) the coordination and oversight of service provider activities and the direct cost of such contractual matters related thereto and (c) the preparation of all financial statements and the coordination and oversight of audits, regulatory inquiries, certifications and sub-certifications.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred and was invoiced by the Adviser for expenses of approximately $2.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively, under the terms of the Administration Agreement, which amounts are included in “General and administrative expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company incurred and was invoiced by the Adviser for expenses of approximately $2.5 million. As of December 31, 2023, the administrative expenses of $0.5 million incurred for the three months ended December 31, 2023 were unpaid and included in “Administrative fees payable” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2022, the administrative expenses of $0.7 million incurred for the three months ended December 31, 2022 were unpaid and included in “Administrative fees payable” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
MVC Credit Support Agreement
In connection with the MVC Acquisition on December 23, 2020, promptly following the closing of the Company’s merger with MVC, the Company entered into a Credit Support Agreement (the “MVC Credit Support Agreement”) with the Adviser, pursuant to which the Adviser has agreed to provide credit support to the Company in the amount of up to $23.0 million relating to the net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired MVC investment portfolio over a 10-year period. A summary of the material terms of the MVCCredit Support Agreement are as follows:
The MVC Credit Support Agreement covers all of the investments in the MVC Reference Portfolio.
The Adviser has an obligation to provide credit support to the Company in an amount equal to the excess of (1) the aggregate realized and unrealized losses on the Reference Portfolio over (2) the aggregate realized and unrealized gains on the MVC Reference Portfolio, in each case from the date of the closing of the Company’s merger with MVCthrough the Designated Settlement Date (as defined below) (up to a $23.0 million cap) (such amount, the “MVC Covered Losses”). For purposes of the MVCCredit Support Agreement, “MVC Designated Settlement Date” means the earlier of (1) January 1, 2031 and (2) the date on which the entire MVC Reference Portfolio has been realized or written off. No credit support is required to be made by the Adviser to the Company under the MVCCredit Support Agreement if the aggregate realized and unrealized gains on the MVC Reference Portfolio exceed realized and unrealized losses of the MVC Reference Portfolio on the MVC Designated Settlement Date.
The Adviser will settle any credit support obligation under the MVCCredit Support Agreement as follows. If the MVC Covered Losses are greater than $0.00, then, in satisfaction of the Adviser’s obligation set forth in the MVCCredit Support Agreement, the Adviser will irrevocably waive during the MVC Waiver Period (as defined below) (1) the Incentive Fees payable under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement (including any Incentive Fee calculated on an annual basis during the MVC Waiver Period), and (2) in the event that MVC Covered Losses exceed such Incentive Fee, the Base Management Fees payable under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement. The “MVC Waiver Period” means the four quarterly measurement periods immediately following the quarter in which the MVC Designated Settlement Date occurs. If the MVC Covered Losses exceed the aggregate amount of Incentive Fees and Base Management Fees waived by the Adviser during the MVC Waiver Period, then, on the date on which the last Incentive Fee or Base Management Fee payment would otherwise be due during the MVC Waiver Period, the Adviser shall make a cash payment to the Company equal to the positive difference between the MVC Covered Losses and the aggregate amount of Incentive Fees and Base Management Fees previously waived by the Adviser during the MVC Waiver Period.
The MVCCredit Support Agreement and the rights of the Company thereunder shall automatically terminate if the Adviser (or an affiliate of the Adviser) ceases to serve as the investment adviser to the Company or any successor thereto, other than as a result of the voluntary termination by the Adviser of its investment advisory agreement with the Company. In the event of such a voluntary termination by the Adviser of the then-current investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser will remain obligated to provide the credit support contemplated by the MVCCredit Support Agreement. In the event of a non-voluntary termination of the advisory agreement or its expiration (due to non-renewal by the Board), the Adviser will have no obligations under the MVCCredit Support Agreement.
The MVCCredit Support Agreement is intended to give stockholders of the combined company following the MVC Acquisition downside protection from net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired MVC portfolio and insulate the combined company’s stockholders from potential value volatility and losses in MVC’s portfolio following the closing of the MVC Acquisition. There is no fee or other payment by the Company to the Adviser or any of its affiliates in connection with the MVCCredit Support Agreement. Any cash payment from the Adviser to the Company under the MVCCredit Support Agreement will be excluded from the Company’s Incentive Fee calculations under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement.
When the Company and the Adviser entered into the MVCCredit Support Agreement, it was accounted for as a deemed contribution from the Adviser and was included in “Additional paid-in capital” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, the MVCCredit Support Agreement is accounted for as a derivative in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and is included in “Credit support agreements” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Sierra Credit Support Agreement
In connection with the Sierra Merger on February 25, 2022, promptly following the closing of the Company’s merger with Sierra, the Company entered into a Credit Support Agreement (the “Sierra Credit Support Agreement”) with the Adviser, pursuant to which the Adviser has agreed to provide credit support to the Company in the amount of up to $100.0 million relating to the net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired Sierra investment portfolio over a 10-year period. A summary of the material terms of the Sierra Credit Support Agreement are as follows:
The Sierra Credit Support Agreement covers all of the investments in the Sierra Reference Portfolio.
The Adviser has an obligation to provide credit support to the Company in an amount equal to the excess of (1) the aggregate realized and unrealized losses on the Sierra Reference Portfolio less (2) the aggregate realized and unrealized gains on the Sierra Reference Portfolio, in each case from the date of the closing of the Company’s merger with Sierra through the Designated Settlement Date (as defined below) (up to a $100.0 million cap) (such amount, the “Covered Losses”). For purposes of the Sierra Credit Support Agreement, “Sierra Designated Settlement Date” means the earlier of (1) April 1, 2032 and (2) the date on which the entire Sierra Reference Portfolio has been realized or written off. No credit support is required to be made by the Adviser to the Company under the Sierra Credit Support Agreement if the aggregate realized and unrealized gains on the Sierra Reference Portfolio exceed realized and unrealized losses of the Sierra Reference Portfolio on the Sierra Designated Settlement Date.
The Adviser will settle any credit support obligation under the Sierra Credit Support Agreement as follows. If the Covered Losses are greater than $0.00, then, in satisfaction of the Adviser’s obligation set forth in the Sierra Credit Support Agreement, the Adviser will irrevocably waive during the Waiver Period (as defined below) (1) the Incentive Fees payable under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement (including any Incentive Fee calculated on an annual basis during the Waiver Period), and (2) in the event that Covered Losses exceed such Incentive Fee, the Base Management Fees payable under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement. The “Waiver Period” means the four quarterly measurement periods immediately following the quarter in which the Sierra Designated Settlement Date occurs. If the Covered Losses exceed the aggregate amount of Incentive Fees and Base Management Fees waived by the Adviser during the Waiver Period, then, on the date on which the last Incentive Fee or Base Management Fee payment would otherwise be due during the Waiver Period, the Adviser shall make a cash payment to the Company equal to the positive difference between the Covered Losses and the aggregate amount of Incentive Fees and Base Management Fees previously waived by the Adviser during the Waiver Period.
The Sierra Credit Support Agreement and the rights of the Company thereunder shall automatically terminate if the Adviser (or an affiliate of the Adviser) ceases to serve as the investment adviser to the Company or any successor thereto, other than as a result of the voluntary termination by the Adviser of its investment advisory agreement with the Company. In the event of such a voluntary termination by the Adviser of the then-current investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser will remain obligated to provide the credit support contemplated by the Sierra Credit Support Agreement. In the event of a non-voluntary termination of the advisory agreement or its expiration (due to non-renewal by the Board), the Adviser will have no obligations under the Sierra Credit Support Agreement.
The Sierra Credit Support Agreement is intended to give stockholders of the combined company following the Sierra Merger downside protection from net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired Sierra portfolio and insulate the combined company’s stockholders from potential value volatility and losses in Sierra’s portfolio following the closing of the Company’s merger with Sierra. There is no fee or other payment by the Company to the Adviser or any of its affiliates in connection with the Sierra Credit Support Agreement. Any cash payment from the Adviser to the Company under the Sierra Credit Support Agreement will be excluded from the combined company’s Incentive Fee calculations under the Barings BDC Advisory Agreement.
When the Company and the Adviser entered into the Sierra Credit Support Agreement, it was accounted for as a deemed contribution from the Adviser and was included in “Additional paid-in capital” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. In addition, the Sierra Credit Support Agreement is accounted for as a derivative in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and is included in “Credit support agreements” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.
- Investments
Portfolio Composition
The Company invests predominately in senior secured private debt investments in well-established middle-market businesses that operate across a wide range of industries, as well as syndicated senior secured loans, structured product investments, bonds and other fixed income securities. Structured product investments include collateralized loan obligations and asset-backed securities. The Adviser’s existing SEC co-investment exemptive relief under the 1940 Act permits the Company and the Adviser’s affiliated private funds and SEC-registered funds to co-invest in loans originated by the Adviser, which allows the Adviser to efficiently implement its senior secured private debt investment strategy for the Company.
The cost basis of the Company’s debt investments includes any unamortized purchased premium or discount, unamortized loan origination fees and PIK interest, if any. Summaries of the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio at cost and fair value, and as a percentage of total investments and net assets, are shown in the following tables:
| ($ in thousands) | Cost | Percent ofTotalPortfolio | Fair Value | Percent ofTotal Portfolio | Percent ofTotal Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2023: | |||||
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes | $1,705,353 | 67% | $1,670,300 | 67% | 140% |
| Subordinated debt and 2nd lien notes | 256,850 | 10 | 238,215 | 10 | 20 |
| Structured products | 107,314 | 4 | 93,038 | 4 | 8 |
| Equity shares | 320,335 | 13 | 374,704 | 15 | 31 |
| Equity warrants | 76 | — | 2,392 | — | — |
| Investments in joint ventures / PE fund | 145,648 | 6 | 110,066 | 4 | 9 |
| $2,535,576 | 100% | $2,488,715 | 100% | 208% | |
| December 31, 2022: | |||||
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes | $1,752,943 | 69% | $1,696,192 | 69% | 142% |
| Subordinated debt and 2nd lien notes | 326,639 | 13 | 263,139 | 11 | 22 |
| Structured products | 88,805 | 3 | 73,550 | 3 | 6 |
| Equity shares | 230,188 | 9 | 284,570 | 12 | 24 |
| Equity warrants | 178 | — | 1,057 | — | — |
| Investments in joint ventures / PE fund | 163,645 | 6 | 130,427 | 5 | 11 |
| $2,562,398 | 100% | $2,448,935 | 100% | 205% | |
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company made 39 new investments totaling $264.6 million, made investments in existing portfolio companies totaling $205.9 million, made a $67.5 million equity co-investment alongside certain affiliates in a portfolio company that specializes in providing financing to plaintiff law firms engaged in mass tort and other civil litigation and made additional investments in joint venture equity portfolio companies totaling $2.5 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made 95 new investments totaling $884.8 million, purchased $442.2 million of investments as part of the Sierra Merger, made investments in existing portfolio companies totaling $258.5 million and made additional investments in joint venture equity portfolio companies totaling $13.8 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company made 112 new investments totaling $1,069.4 million, made investments in existing portfolio companies totaling $234.0 million, made a new joint venture equity investment totaling $13.7 million, made additional investments in existing joint venture equity portfolio companies totaling $79.4 million and made an $89.8 million equity co-investment alongside certain affiliates in a portfolio company focused on directly originated, senior-secured asset-backed loans to middle market companies.
Industry Composition
The industry composition of investments at fair value at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was as follows:
| ($ in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | Percent of Portfolio | Percent of Total Net Assets | December 31, 2022 | Percent of Portfolio | Percent of Total Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace and Defense | $132,498 | 5.3% | 11.1% | $120,945 | 4.9% | 10.1% |
| Automotive | 80,828 | 3.3 | 6.7 | 76,934 | 3.2 | 6.5 |
| Banking, Finance, Insurance and Real Estate | 401,816 | 16.1 | 33.6 | 312,936 | 12.8 | 26.2 |
| Beverage, Food and Tobacco | 23,135 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 34,690 | 1.4 | 2.9 |
| Capital Equipment | 128,706 | 5.2 | 10.8 | 141,479 | 5.8 | 11.9 |
| Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber | 35,897 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 47,076 | 1.9 | 3.9 |
| Construction and Building | 30,387 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 45,049 | 1.8 | 3.8 |
| Consumer goods: Durable | 47,074 | 1.9 | 3.9 | 43,932 | 1.8 | 3.7 |
| Consumer goods: Non-durable | 28,210 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 27,693 | 1.1 | 2.3 |
| Containers, Packaging and Glass | 37,524 | 1.5 | 3.1 | 37,877 | 1.5 | 3.2 |
| Energy: Electricity | 20,874 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 7,337 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Energy: Oil and Gas | 3,240 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 4,776 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Environmental Industries | 53,484 | 2.1 | 4.5 | 51,006 | 2.1 | 4.3 |
| Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals | 216,952 | 8.7 | 18.1 | 203,576 | 8.3 | 17.1 |
| High Tech Industries | 303,082 | 12.2 | 25.4 | 300,980 | 12.3 | 25.2 |
| Hotel, Gaming and Leisure | 54,256 | 2.2 | 4.5 | 54,023 | 2.2 | 4.5 |
| Investment Funds and Vehicles | 110,066 | 4.4 | 9.2 | 130,427 | 5.3 | 10.9 |
| Media: Advertising, Printing and Publishing | 39,447 | 1.6 | 3.3 | 55,477 | 2.3 | 4.7 |
| Media: Broadcasting and Subscription | 13,277 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 20,257 | 0.8 | 1.7 |
| Media: Diversified and Production | 64,559 | 2.6 | 5.4 | 60,561 | 2.5 | 5.1 |
| Metals and Mining | 8,993 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 33,125 | 1.4 | 2.8 |
| Services: Business | 326,762 | 13.2 | 27.3 | 338,417 | 13.8 | 28.4 |
| Services: Consumer | 61,409 | 2.5 | 5.1 | 67,070 | 2.7 | 5.6 |
| Structured Products | 102,922 | 4.1 | 8.6 | 86,703 | 3.5 | 7.3 |
| Telecommunications | 27,565 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 24,058 | 1.0 | 2.0 |
| Transportation: Cargo | 96,450 | 3.9 | 8.1 | 89,398 | 3.7 | 7.5 |
| Transportation: Consumer | 11,951 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 11,062 | 0.5 | 0.9 |
| Utilities: Electric | 22,696 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 17,374 | 0.7 | 1.5 |
| Utilities: Oil and Gas | 4,655 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 4,697 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Total | $2,488,715 | 100.0% | 208.0% | $2,448,935 | 100.0% | 205.4% |
The following table presents the Company’s investment portfolio at fair value as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, categorized by the ASC Topic 820 valuation hierarchy, as previously described:
| Fair Value at December 31, 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) · Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 · Total | ||||||
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes | $— | $76,503 | $1,593,797 | $1,670,300 | ||
| Subordinated debt and 2nd lien notes | — | 14,417 | 223,798 | 238,215 | ||
| Structured products | — | 50,066 | 42,972 | 93,038 | ||
| Equity shares | 132 | — | 374,572 | 374,704 | ||
| Equity warrants | — | — | 2,392 | 2,392 | ||
| Investments subject to leveling | $132 | $140,986 | $2,237,531 | $2,378,649 | ||
| Investments in joint ventures / PE fund(1) | 110,066 | |||||
| $2,488,715 | ||||||
| Fair Value at December 31, 2022 | ||||||
| ($ in thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes | $— | $104,836 | $1,591,356 | $1,696,192 | ||
| Subordinated debt and 2nd lien notes | — | 28,925 | 234,214 | 263,139 | ||
| Structured products | — | 55,723 | 17,827 | 73,550 | ||
| Equity shares | 164 | 1,339 | 283,067 | 284,570 | ||
| Equity warrants | — | — | 1,057 | 1,057 | ||
| Investments subject to leveling | $164 | $190,823 | $2,127,521 | $2,318,508 | ||
| Investments in joint ventures / PE fund(1) | 130,427 | |||||
| $2,448,935 | ||||||
(1)The Company’s investments in Jocassee, Sierra JV, Thompson Rivers, Waccamaw River and the MVC Private Equity Fund LP (each as defined below) are measured at fair value using NAV and have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amount presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following tables reconcile the beginning and ending balances of the Company’s investment portfolio measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, 2023:($ in thousands) | Senior Debtand 1st LienNotes | Subordinated Debt and 2nd Lien Notes | Structured Products | EquityShares | Equity Warrants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair value, beginning of period | $1,591,356 | $234,214 | $17,827 | $283,067 | $1,057 | $2,127,521 |
| New investments | 396,040 | 49,525 | 28,286 | 94,595 | — | 568,446 |
| Transfers into (out of) Level 3, net | (15,843) | 16,815 | — | 914 | — | 1,886 |
| Proceeds from sales of investments | (246,902) | (2,800) | (526) | (8,977) | — | (259,205) |
| Loan origination fees received | (8,173) | (113) | — | — | — | (8,286) |
| Principal repayments received | (151,817) | (83,986) | (1,018) | — | — | (236,821) |
| Payment-in-kind interest/dividends | 6,757 | 9,877 | — | 8,677 | — | 25,311 |
| Accretion of loan premium/discount | 668 | 916 | — | — | — | 1,584 |
| Accretion of deferred loan origination revenue | 7,420 | 702 | — | — | — | 8,122 |
| Realized gain (loss) | (1,746) | (43,902) | — | (590) | (102) | (46,340) |
| Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 16,037 | 42,550 | (1,597) | (3,114) | 1,437 | 55,313 |
| Fair value, end of period | $1,593,797 | $223,798 | $42,972 | $374,572 | $2,392 | $2,237,531 |
| Year Ended December 31, 2022:($ in thousands) | Senior Debtand 1st LienNotes | Subordinated Debt and 2nd Lien Notes | Structured Products | EquityShares | Equity Warrants | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair value, beginning of period | $1,137,323 | $230,569 | $— | $151,282 | $864 | $1,520,038 |
| New investments | 907,398 | 95,157 | 14,893 | 71,576 | 4 | 1,089,028 |
| Investments acquired in Sierra Merger | 210,176 | 54,177 | — | 7,065 | 72 | 271,490 |
| Transfers into (out of) Level 3, net | 43 | (11,848) | 4,905 | 7,263 | 41 | 404 |
| Proceeds from sales of investments | (323,831) | (21,555) | — | (7,304) | (250) | (352,940) |
| Loan origination fees received | (18,803) | (1,317) | — | — | — | (20,120) |
| Principal repayments received | (270,795) | (77,293) | (357) | — | — | (348,445) |
| Payment-in-kind interest/dividends | 2,996 | 11,330 | — | 1,677 | — | 16,003 |
| Accretion of loan premium/discount | 790 | 89 | — | — | — | 879 |
| Accretion of deferred loan origination revenue | 8,338 | 2,734 | — | — | — | 11,072 |
| Realized gain (loss) | (13,163) | (2,781) | — | 1,096 | (760) | (15,608) |
| Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (49,116) | (45,048) | (1,614) | 50,412 | 1,086 | (44,280) |
| Fair value, end of period | $1,591,356 | $234,214 | $17,827 | $283,067 | $1,057 | $2,127,521 |
All realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation are included in earnings (changes in net assets) and are reported on separate line items within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Pre-tax netunrealized appreciation on Level 3 investments of $4.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 was related to portfolio company investments that were still held by the Company as of December 31, 2023. Pre-tax net unrealized depreciation on Level 3 investments of $45.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 was related to portfolio company investments that were still held by the Company as of December 31, 2022.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company made investments of approximately $421.2 million in portfolio companies to which it was not previously contractually committed to provide such financing. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company made investments of $119.3 million in companies to which it was previously committed to provide such financing.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made investments of approximately $1,529.6 million in portfolio companies to which it was not previously contractually committed to provide such financing. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company made investments of $83.6 million in companies to which it was previously committed to provide such financing.
Jocassee Partners LLC
On May 8, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement with South Carolina Retirement Systems Group Trust (“SCRS”) to create and co-manage Jocassee Partners LLC (“Jocassee”), a joint venture, which invests in a highly diversified asset mix including senior secured, middle-market, private debt investments, syndicated senior secured loans and structured product investments. The Company and SCRS committed to initially provide $50.0 million and $500.0 million, respectively, of equity capital to Jocassee. On June 2, 2022, the Company committed an additional $50.0 million to Jocassee. Equity contributions will be called from each member on a pro-rata basis, based on their equity commitments.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, Jocassee declared $62.8 million and $15.7 million in dividends, respectively, of which $5.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, was recognized as dividend income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The total value of Jocassee’s investment portfolio was $1,330.5 million as of December 31, 2023, as compared to $1,219.9 million as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, Jocassee’s investments had an aggregate cost of $1,375.7 million, as compared to $1,296.4 million as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the weighted average yield on the principal amount of Jocassee’s outstanding debt investments was approximately 9.9% and 8.6%, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Jocassee investment portfolio consisted of the following investments:
| ($ in thousands) | Cost | Percentage ofTotalPortfolio | Fair Value | Percentage ofTotalPortfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2023: | ||||
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes | $1,284,098 | 93% | $1,260,183 | 95% |
| Subordinated debt and 2nd lien notes | 21,728 | 2 | 21,262 | 2 |
| Equity shares | 449 | — | 268 | — |
| Equity warrants | — | — | 467 | — |
| Investment in joint ventures | 54,563 | 4 | 33,450 | 2 |
| Short-term investments | 14,896 | 1 | 14,896 | 1 |
| $1,375,734 | 100% | $1,330,526 | 100% | |
| December 31, 2022: | ||||
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes | $1,177,895 | 91% | $1,123,760 | 92% |
| Subordinated debt and 2nd lien notes | 23,141 | 2 | 21,659 | 2 |
| Equity shares | 8,521 | — | 2,458 | — |
| Equity warrants | 31 | — | 158 | — |
| Investment in joint ventures | 75,941 | 6 | 61,028 | 5 |
| Short-term investments | 10,826 | 1 | 10,826 | 1 |
| $1,296,355 | 100% | $1,219,889 | 100% | |
The industry composition of Jocassee’s investments at fair value at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, excluding short-term investments, was as follows:
| ($ in thousands) · December 31, 2023 · December 31, 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace and Defense | $82,200 | 6.3% | $69,133 | 5.7% |
| Automotive | 26,087 | 2.0 | 20,625 | 1.7 |
| Banking, Finance, Insurance and Real Estate | 121,798 | 9.3 | 105,047 | 8.7 |
| Beverage, Food and Tobacco | 30,637 | 2.3 | 25,885 | 2.1 |
| Capital Equipment | 17,986 | 1.4 | 25,014 | 2.1 |
| Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber | 37,030 | 2.8 | 33,111 | 2.7 |
| Construction and Building | 16,942 | 1.3 | 17,616 | 1.5 |
| Consumer goods: Durable | 26,412 | 2.0 | 18,751 | 1.7 |
| Consumer goods: Non-durable | 21,850 | 1.7 | 22,861 | 1.9 |
| Containers, Packaging and Glass | 26,829 | 2.0 | 24,445 | 2.0 |
| Energy: Electricity | 20,250 | 1.5 | 15,375 | 1.3 |
| Energy: Oil and Gas | 6,724 | 0.5 | 5,726 | 0.5 |
| Environmental Industries | 6,986 | 0.5 | 7,314 | 0.6 |
| Forest Products & Paper | 3,605 | 0.3 | 2,269 | 0.2 |
| Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals | 141,070 | 10.7 | 128,983 | 10.7 |
| High Tech Industries | 174,572 | 13.3 | 141,906 | 11.7 |
| Hotel, Gaming and Leisure | 22,834 | 1.7 | 23,587 | 2.0 |
| Investment Funds and Vehicles | 33,450 | 2.5 | 61,028 | 5.0 |
| Media: Advertising, Printing and Publishing | 12,081 | 0.9 | 5,969 | 0.5 |
| Media: Broadcasting and Subscription | 31,201 | 2.4 | 34,676 | 2.9 |
| Media: Diversified and Production | 34,391 | 2.6 | 28,897 | 2.4 |
| Metals and Mining | 3,863 | 0.3 | 5,069 | 0.4 |
| Retail | 13,141 | 1.0 | 15,720 | 1.3 |
| Services: Business | 222,610 | 16.9 | 199,805 | 16.5 |
| Services: Consumer | 58,632 | 4.5 | 52,543 | 4.3 |
| Telecommunications | 36,027 | 2.7 | 38,034 | 3.1 |
| Transportation: Cargo | 57,575 | 4.4 | 56,018 | 4.6 |
| Transportation: Consumer | 12,613 | 1.0 | 12,562 | 1.0 |
| Utilities: Electric | 9,396 | 0.7 | 4,194 | 0.3 |
| Utilities: Oil and Gas | 6,838 | 0.5 | 6,900 | 0.6 |
| Total | $1,315,630 | 100.0% | $1,209,063 | 100.0% |
The geographic composition of Jocassee’s investments at fair value at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, excluding short-term investments, was as follows:
| December 31, 2023 · December 31, 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $26,291 | 2.0% | $26,111 | 2.1% |
| Austria | 6,026 | 0.5% | 6,697 | 0.5 |
| Belgium | 20,379 | 1.5 | 16,385 | 1.4 |
| Canada | 3,998 | 0.3 | 7,280 | 0.6 |
| Denmark | 1,082 | 0.1 | 953 | 0.1 |
| Finland | 2,207 | 0.2 | 1,967 | 0.2 |
| France | 137,072 | 10.4 | 133,682 | 11.1 |
| Germany | 50,672 | 3.9 | 38,068 | 3.1 |
| Hong Kong | 14,162 | 1.1 | 16,593 | 1.4 |
| Ireland | 7,445 | 0.6 | 4,334 | 0.4 |
| Luxembourg | 1,839 | 0.1 | 1,759 | 0.1 |
| Netherlands | 41,260 | 3.1 | 35,194 | 2.9 |
| Panama | 1,466 | 0.1 | 945 | 0.1 |
| Singapore | 4,980 | 0.4 | 4,955 | 0.4 |
| Spain | 4,777 | 0.4 | 4,189 | 0.3 |
| Sweden | 4,519 | 0.3 | 4,371 | 0.4 |
| Switzerland | 592 | — | 5,558 | 0.5 |
| United Kingdom | 120,398 | 9.2 | 126,305 | 10.4 |
| USA | 866,465 | 65.8 | 773,717 | 64.0 |
| Total | $1,315,630 | 100.0% | $1,209,063 | 100.0% |
Jocassee’s subscription facility with Bank of America N.A., which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $177.7 million and $174.3 million outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Jocassee’s credit facility with Citibank, N.A., which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $398.2 million and $357.9 million outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Jocassee’s term debt securitization, which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $323.5 million and $323.3 million outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company may sell portions of its investments via assignment to Jocassee. Since inception, as of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company had sold $1,036.1 million and $875.9 million, respectively, of its investments to Jocassee. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company realized a gain on the sales of its investments to Jocassee of $0.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company realized a loss on the sales of its investments to Jocassee of $5.6 million. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company hadnil and $18.2 million, respectively, in unsettled receivables due from Jocassee that were included in “Receivable from unsettled transactions” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The sale of the investments met the criteria set forth in ASC 860, Transfers and Servicingfor treatment as a sale and satisfies the following conditions:
assigned investments have been isolated from the Company, and put presumptively beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership;
each participant has the right to pledge or exchange the assigned investments it received, and no condition both constrains the participant from taking advantage of its right to pledge or exchange and provides more than a trivial benefit to the Company; and
the Company, its consolidated affiliates or its agents do not maintain effective control over the assigned investments through either: (i) an agreement that entitles and/or obligates the Company to repurchase or redeem the assets before maturity, or (ii) the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets, other than through a cleanup call.
The Company has determined that Jocassee is an investment company under ASC, Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies, however, in accordance with such guidance, the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary, which is an extension of the operations of the Company, or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. The Company does not consolidate its interest in Jocassee as it is not a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary. In addition, Jocassee is not an operating company and the Company does not control Jocassee due to the allocation of voting rights among Jocassee members.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Jocassee had the following contributed capital and unfunded commitments from its members:
| ($ in thousands) | As of December 31, 2023 | As of December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Total contributed capital by Barings BDC, Inc. | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Total contributed capital by all members | $385,000 | $385,000 |
| Total unfunded commitments by Barings BDC, Inc. | $65,000 | $65,000 |
| Total unfunded commitments by all members | $215,000 | $215,000 |
Thompson Rivers LLC
On April 28, 2020, Thompson Rivers LLC (“Thompson Rivers”) was formed as a Delaware limited liability company. On May 13, 2020, the Company entered into a limited liability company agreement governing Thompson Rivers. Under Thompson Rivers’ current operating agreement, as amended to date, the Company has a capital commitment of $75.0 million of equity capital to Thompson Rivers, all of which has been funded as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, aggregate commitments to Thompson Rivers by the Company and the other members under the current operating agreement total $450.0 million, all of which has been funded.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, Thompson Rivers declared $111.0 million and $261.9 million in dividends, respectively, of whichnil and $9.1 million, respectively, was recognized as dividend income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $17.7 million and $32.8 million, respectively, of the dividends as a return of capital.
As of December 31, 2023, Thompson Rivers had $366.7 million in Ginnie Mae early buyout loans and $7.1 million in cash. As of December 31, 2022, Thompson Rivers had $890.9 million in Ginnie Mae early buyout loans and $65.1 million in cash. As of December 31, 2023, Thompson Rivers had 2,305 outstanding loans with an average unpaid balance of $0.2 million and weighted average coupon of 4.0%. As of December 31, 2022, Thompson Rivers had 5,414 outstanding loans with an average unpaid balance of $0.2 million and weighted average coupon of 4.0%.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Thompson Rivers investment portfolio consisted of the following investments:
| ($ in thousands) | Cost | Percentage ofTotalPortfolio | Fair Value | Percentage ofTotalPortfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2023: | ||||
| Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) loans | $360,847 | 93% | $342,240 | 93% |
| Veterans Affairs (“VA”) loans | 25,810 | 7% | 24,491 | 7% |
| $386,657 | 100% | $366,731 | 100% | |
| December 31, 2022: | ||||
| Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) loans | $864,625 | 91% | $811,358 | 91% |
| Veterans Affairs (“VA”) loans | 84,654 | 9% | 79,553 | 9% |
| $949,279 | 100% | $890,911 | 100% | |
Thompson Rivers’ repurchase agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $83.5 million and $224.2 million outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Thompson Rivers’ repurchase agreement with Bank of America N.A., which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $170.8 million and $428.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Thompson Rivers’ repurchase agreement with Barclays Bank, which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $50.0 million and $184.2 million outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company has determined that Thompson Rivers is an investment company under ASC Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies, however, in accordance with such guidance, the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary, which is an extension of the operations of the Company, or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. The Company does not consolidate its interest in Thompson Rivers as it is not a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary. In addition, Thompson Rivers is not an operating company and the Company does not control Thompson Rivers due to the allocation of voting rights among Thompson Rivers members.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Thompson Rivers had the following contributed capital and unfunded commitments from its members:
| ($ in thousands) | As of December 31, 2023 | As of December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Total contributed capital by Barings BDC, Inc. (1) | $79,411 | $79,411 |
| Total contributed capital by all members (2) | $482,083 | $482,083 |
| Total unfunded commitments by Barings BDC, Inc. | $— | $— |
| Total unfunded commitments by all members | $— | $— |
(1)Includes $4.4 million of dividend re-investments.
(2)Includes dividend re-investments of $32.1 million and $162.1 million of total contributed capital by related parties.
Waccamaw River LLC
On January 4, 2021, Waccamaw River LLC (“Waccamaw River”) was formed as a Delaware limited liability company. On February 8, 2021, the Company entered into a limited liability company agreement governing Waccamaw River. Under Waccamaw River’s current operating agreement, as amended to date, the Company has a capital commitment of $25.0 million of equity capital to Waccamaw River, all of which has been funded (including approximately $5.3 million of recallable return of capital) as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, aggregate commitments to Waccamaw River by the Company and the other members under the current operating agreement total $125.0 million, all of which has been funded (including $14.0 million of recallable return of capital).
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, Waccamaw River declared $7.3 million and $9.3 million in dividends, respectively, of which $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, was recognized as dividend income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2023, Waccamaw River had $182.3 million in unsecured consumer loans and $6.6 million in cash. As of December 31, 2022, Waccamaw River had $200.5 million in unsecured consumer loans and $8.0 million in cash. As of December 31, 2023, Waccamaw River had 21,435 outstanding loans with an average loan size of $10,338, remaining average life to maturity of 40.0 months and weighted average interest rate of 12.7%. As of December 31, 2022, Waccamaw River had 18,335 outstanding loans with an average loan size of $11,542, remaining average life to maturity of 44.0 months and weighted average interest rate of 12.0%.
Waccamaw River’s secured loan borrowing with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $71.0 million and $72.3 million outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Waccamaw River’s secured loan borrowing with Barclays Bank PLC, which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $51.3 million and $44.8 million outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company has determined that Waccamaw River is an investment company under ASC Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies, however, in accordance with such guidance, the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary, which is an extension of the operations of the Company, or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. The Company does not consolidate its interest in Waccamaw River as it is not a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary. In addition, Waccamaw River is not an operating company and the Company does not control Waccamaw River due to the allocation of voting rights among Waccamaw River members.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Waccamaw River had the following contributed capital and unfunded commitments from its members:
| ($ in thousands) · As of December 31, 2023 · As of December 31, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total contributed capital by Barings BDC, Inc. | $30,280 | $27,800 | |
| Total contributed capital by all members (1) | $139,020 | $126,620 | |
| Total return of capital (recallable) by Barings BDC, Inc. | $— | $(5,280) | |
| Total return of capital (recallable) by all members | $— | $(14,020) | (2) |
| Total unfunded commitments by Barings BDC, Inc. | $— | $2,480 | |
| Total unfunded commitments by all members | $— | $12,400 | (3) |
(1)Includes $82.0 million and $74.6 million of total contributed capital by related parties as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
(2)Includes ($7.0) million of total return of capital (recallable) by related parties.
(3)Includes $7.4 million of unfunded commitments by related parties.
Sierra Senior Loan Strategy JV I LLC
On February 25, 2022, as part of the Sierra Merger, the Company purchased its interest in Sierra Senior Loan Strategy JV I LLC (“Sierra JV”). The Company and MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company (“MMALIC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, are the members of Sierra JV, a joint venture formed as a Delaware limited liability company and commenced operations on July 15, 2015. Sierra JV’s investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in the debt of privately-held middle market companies with a focus on senior secured first lien term loans. The members of Sierra JV make capital contributions as investments by Sierra JV are completed, and all portfolio and other material decisions regarding Sierra JV must be submitted to Sierra JV’s board of managers, which is comprised offour members, two of whom are selected by the Company and the othertwo are selected by MMALIC. Approval of Sierra JV’s board of managers requires the unanimous approval of a quorum of the board of managers, with a quorum consisting of equal representation of members appointed by each of the Company and MMALIC.
As of December 31, 2023, Sierra JV had total capital commitments of $124.5 million with the Company committing $110.1 million and MMALIC committing $14.5 million. The Company had fully funded its $110.1 million commitment and total commitments of $124.5 million were funded as of December 31, 2023.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, Sierra JV declared $8.4 million and $45.2 million in dividends, respectively, of which $5.7 million and $4.5 million, respectively, was recognized as dividend income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recognized $1.8 million and $35.7 million, respectively, of the dividends as a return of capital.
The Company has determined that Sierra JV is an investment company under ASC Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies, however, in accordance with such guidance, the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary, which is an extension of the operations of the Company, or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. The Company does not consolidate its interest in Sierra JV as it is not a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary. In addition, Sierra JV is not an operating company and the Company does not control Sierra JV due to the allocation of voting rights among Sierra JV members.
The total value of Sierra JV’s investment portfolio was $79.6 million as of December 31, 2023, as compared to $110.0 million, as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, Sierra JV’s investments had an aggregate cost of $85.3 million, as compared to $125.2 million as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the weighted average yield on the principal amount of Sierra JV’s outstanding debt investments was approximately 10.1% and 9.2%, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Sierra JV investment portfolio consisted of the following investments:
| ($ in thousands) | Cost | Percentage ofTotalPortfolio | Fair Value | Percentage ofTotalPortfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2023: | ||||
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes | $85,304 | 100% | $79,599 | 100% |
| $85,304 | 100% | $79,599 | 100% | |
| December 31, 2022: | ||||
| Senior debt and 1st lien notes | $125,220 | 100% | $110,047 | 100% |
| $125,220 | 100% | $110,047 | 100% | |
The industry composition of Sierra JV’s investments at fair value at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was as follows:
| ($ in thousands) · December 31, 2023 · December 31, 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive | $2,463 | 3.1% | $2,283 | 2.1% |
| Banking, Finance, Insurance and Real Estate | 254 | 0.3 | 1,414 | 1.3 |
| Beverage, Food and Tobacco | 3,172 | 4.0 | 3,181 | 2.9 |
| Capital Equipment | 5,271 | 6.6 | 9,208 | 8.4 |
| Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber | 2,942 | 3.7 | 2,772 | 2.5 |
| Construction and Building | 1,867 | 2.4 | 1,887 | 1.7 |
| Consumer goods: Durable | 1,042 | 1.3 | 1,272 | 1.1 |
| Containers, Packaging and Glass | — | — | 1,812 | 1.6 |
| Environmental Industries | 3,487 | 4.4 | 7,797 | 7.1 |
| Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals | 12,880 | 16.2 | 13,614 | 12.4 |
| High Tech Industries | 14,661 | 18.4 | 13,713 | 12.5 |
| Media: Advertising, Printing and Publishing | — | — | 10,032 | 9.1 |
| Media: Diversified and Production | — | — | 5,498 | 5.0 |
| Retail | 6,255 | 7.9 | 5,489 | 5.0 |
| Services: Business | 6,798 | 8.5 | 10,876 | 9.9 |
| Services: Consumer | 8,525 | 10.7 | 8,265 | 7.5 |
| Transportation: Cargo | 6,296 | 7.9 | 6,221 | 5.6 |
| Transportation: Consumer | 3,686 | 4.6 | 4,713 | 4.3 |
| Total | $79,599 | 100.0% | $110,047 | 100.0% |
Sierra JV’s revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $45.0 million and $75.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Eclipse Business Capital Holdings LLC
On July 8, 2021, the Company made an equity investment in Eclipse Business Capital Holdings LLC (“Eclipse”) of $89.8 million, a second lien senior secured loan of $4.5 million and unfunded revolver of $13.6 million, alongside other related party affiliates. On August 12, 2022, the Company increased the unfunded revolver to $22.7 million. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, $5.5 million and $5.3 million, respectively, of the revolver was funded. Eclipse conducts its business through Eclipse Business Capital LLC. Eclipse is one of the country’s leading independent asset-based lending (“ABL”) platforms that provides financing to middle-market borrowers in the U.S. and Canada. Eclipse provides revolving lines of credit and term loans ranging in size from $10 – $125 million that are secured by collateral such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, or real estate. Eclipse lends to both privately-owned and publicly-traded companies across a range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, automotive, oil & gas, services, distribution, and consumer products. The addition of Eclipse to the portfolio allows the Company to participate in an asset class and commercial finance operations that offer differentiated income returns as compared to directly originated loans. Eclipse is led by a seasoned team of ABL experts.
The Company has determined that Eclipse is not an investment company under ASC Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. Under ASC 810-10-15-12(d), an investment company generally does not consolidate an investee that is not an investment company other than a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the company. Thus, the Company is not required to consolidate Eclipse because it does not provide services to the Company. Instead the Company accounts for its equity investment in Eclipse in accordance with ASC 946-320, presented as a single investment measured at fair value.
Rocade Holdings LLC
On February 1, 2023, the Company made an equity investment in Rocade Holdings LLC (“Rocade”) of $45.0 million, alongside other related party affiliates and made additional investments thereafter during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 of $22.5 million. The total equity invested in Rocade as of December 31, 2023 was $67.5 million and the Company had $17.5 million of unfunded preferred equity commitments. Rocade conducts its business through Rocade LLC and operates as Rocade Capital. Rocade is one of the country’s leading litigation finance platforms that specializes in providing financing to plaintiff law firms engaged in mass tort and other civil litigation. Rocade typically provides loans to law firms that are secured by the borrowing firm’s interests in award settlements, including contingency fees expected to be earned from successful litigation. The loans generally bear floating rate PIK interest with an overall expected annualized return between 10% and 25% and collect debt service upon receipt of settlement awards and/or contingency fees. The addition of Rocade to the portfolio allows the Company to participate in an uncorrelated asset class that offer differentiated income returns as compared to directly originated loans. Rocade is led by a seasoned team of litigation finance experts.
The Company has determined that Rocade is not an investment company under ASC Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. Under ASC 810-10-15-12(d), an investment company generally does not consolidate an investee that is not an investment company other than a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the company. Thus, the Company is not required to consolidate Rocade because it does not provide services to the Company. Instead the Company accounts for its equity investment in Rocade in accordance with ASC 946-320, presented as a single investment measured at fair value.
- Borrowings
The Company had the following borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Issuance Date($ in thousands) | Maturity Date | Interest Rate as of December 31, 2023 | December 31,2023 | December 31,2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Facilities: | ||||
| February 21, 2019 | February 21, 2026 | 7.090% | $719,914 | $729,144 |
| Total Credit Facilities | $719,914 | $729,144 | ||
| Notes: | ||||
| September 24, 2020 - August 2025 Notes | August 4, 2025 | 4.660% | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| September 29, 2020 - August 2025 Notes | August 4, 2025 | 4.660% | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| November 5, 2020 - Series B Notes | November 4, 2025 | 4.250% | 62,500 | 62,500 |
| November 5, 2020 - Series C Notes | November 4, 2027 | 4.750% | 112,500 | 112,500 |
| February 25, 2021 Series D Notes | February 26, 2026 | 3.410% | 80,000 | 80,000 |
| February 25, 2021 Series E Notes | February 26, 2028 | 4.060% | 70,000 | 70,000 |
| November 23, 2021 - November 2026 Notes | November 23, 2026 | 3.300% | 350,000 | 350,000 |
| Less: Deferred financing fees | (4,417) | (6,022) | ||
| Total Notes | $720,583 | $718,978 | ||
February 2019 Credit Facility
The Company has entered into the February 2019 Credit Facility with ING Capital LLC (“ING”), as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. The initial commitments under the February 2019 Credit Facility totaled $800.0 million. Effective on November 4, 2021, the Company increased aggregate commitments under the February 2019 Credit Facility to $875.0 million from $800.0 million pursuant to the accordion feature under the February 2019 Credit Facility, which allows for an increase in the total commitments to an aggregate of $1.2 billion subject to certain conditions and the satisfaction of specified financial covenants (the “November 2021 Amendment”). Effective February 25, 2022, the Company increased aggregate commitments under the February
2019 Credit Facility to $965.0 million from $875.0 million pursuant to the accordion feature under the February 2019 Credit Facility, and the allowance for an increase in the total commitments increased to $1.5 billion from $1.2 billion subject to certain conditions and the satisfaction of specified financial covenants (the “February 2022 Amendment”). Effective on April 1, 2022, the Company increased aggregate commitments under the February 2019 Credit Facility to $1.1 billion from $965.0 million pursuant to the accordion feature under the February 2019 Credit Facility, which allows for an increase in the total commitments to an aggregate of $1.5 billion subject to certain conditions and the satisfaction of specified financial covenants (the “April 2022 Amendment”). The Company can borrow foreign currencies directly under the February 2019 Credit Facility. The February 2019 Credit Facility, which is structured as a revolving credit facility, is secured primarily by a material portion of the Company’s assets and guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. Following the termination on June 30, 2020 of Barings BDC Senior Funding I, LLC’s (“BSF”) credit facility entered into in August 2018 with Bank of America, N.A. (the “August 2018 Credit Facility”), BSF became a subsidiary guarantor and its assets secure the February 2019 Credit Facility. Effective May 9, 2023, the revolving period of the February 2019 Credit Facility was extended to February 21, 2025, followed by a one-year repayment period, and the maturity date was extended to February 21, 2026 (the “May 2023 Amendment”).
Borrowings denominated in U.S. Dollars under the February 2019 Credit Facility bear interest, subject to the Company’s election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) the alternate base rate plus 1.25% (or 1.00% for so long as the Company maintains an investment grade credit rating) or (ii) the term SOFR plus 2.25% (or 2.00% for so long as the Company maintains an investment grade credit rating) plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% for borrowings with an interest period of one month,0.15% for borrowings with an interest period of three months or 0.25% for borrowings with an interest period of six months. Borrowings denominated in certain foreign currencies, other than Australian dollars, bear interest on a per annum basis equal to the applicable currency rate for the foreign currency as defined in the credit agreement plus 2.00% (or 2.25% if the Company no longer maintains an investment grade credit rating) or for borrowings denominated in Australian dollars, the applicable Australian dollars Screen Rate, plus 2.20% (or 2.45% if the Company no longer maintains an investment grade credit rating). The alternate base rate is equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (iii) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate plus 0.5%, (iv) one-month term SOFR plus 1.0% plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% and (v)1.0%.
In addition, the Company pays a commitment fee of (i)0.5% per annum on undrawn amounts if the unused portion of the February 2019 Credit Facility is greater than two-thirds of total commitments or (ii)0.375% per annum on undrawn amounts if the unused portion of the February 2019 Credit Facility is equal to or less than two-thirds of total commitments. In connection with entering into the February 2019 Credit Facility, the Company incurred financing fees of approximately $6.4 million, which will be amortized over the remaining life of the February 2019 Credit Facility. In connection with the November 2021 Amendment, the February 2022 Amendment, the April 2022 Amendment and the May 2023 Amendment, the Company incurred financing fees of approximately $4.1 million, which will be amortized over the remaining life of the February 2019 Credit Facility.
The February 2019 Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including but not limited to (i) maintaining minimum stockholders’ equity, (ii) maintaining minimum obligors’ net worth, (iii) maintaining a minimum asset coverage ratio, (iv) meeting a minimum liquidity test and (v) maintaining the Company’s status as a regulated investment company and as a business development company. The February 2019 Credit Facility also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice provisions, including, without limitation, nonpayment, misrepresentation of representations and warranties in a material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default to other indebtedness, bankruptcy, change of control, and material adverse effect. The February 2019 Credit Facility also permits the administrative agent to select an independent third-party valuation firm to determine valuations of certain portfolio investments for purposes of borrowing base provisions. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the February 2019 Credit Facility.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had U.S. dollar borrowings of $489.5 million outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility with an interest rate of 7.428% (one month SOFR of 5.328%), borrowings denominated in Swedish kronas of 12.8 kr million ($1.3 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 6.063% (one month STIBOR of 4.063%), borrowings denominated in British pounds sterling of £66.6 million ($84.9 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 7.220% (one month SONIA of 5.220%) and borrowings denominated in Euros of €130.6 million ($144.3 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 5.875% (one month EURIBOR of 3.875%). The borrowings denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date. The impact resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on the February 2019 Credit Facility borrowings is included in “Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - foreign currency transactions” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had U.S. dollar borrowings of $497.5 million outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility with an interest rate of 6.324% (one month LIBOR of 4.224%), borrowings denominated in Swedish kronas of kr 12.8 million ($1.2 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 4.375% (one month STIBOR of 2.375%), borrowings denominated in British pounds sterling of £68.6 million ($82.5 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 4.960% (one month SONIA of 0.296%) and borrowings denominated in Euros of €138.6 million ($147.9 million U.S. dollars) with an interest rate of 3.625% (one month EURIBOR of 1.625%). The borrowings denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date. The impact resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on the February 2019 Credit Facility borrowings is included in “Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - foreign currency transactions” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the total fair value of the borrowings outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility was $719.9 million and $729.1 million, respectively. The fair values of the borrowings outstanding under the February 2019 Credit Facility are based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
August 2025 Notes
On August 3, 2020, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “August 2020 NPA”) with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company governing the issuance of (1) $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Series A senior unsecured notes due August 2025 (the “Series A Notes due 2025”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.66% per year, and (2) up to $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of additional senior unsecured notes due August 2025 with a fixed interest rate per year to be determined (the “Additional Notes” and, collectively with the Series A Notes due 2025, the “August 2025 Notes”), in each case, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. An aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million of the Series A Notes due 2025 were issued on September 24, 2020 and an aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million of the Series A Notes due 2025 were issued on September 29, 2020, both of which will mature on August 4, 2025 unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company in accordance with their terms. Interest on the August 2025 Notes is due semiannually in March and September, beginning in March 2021. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the August 2025 Notes at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment) if certain change in control events occur. Subject to the terms of the August 2020 NPA, the Company may redeem the August 2025 Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before November 3, 2024, a make-whole premium. The August 2025 Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, and are the Company’s general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company.
The Company’s permitted issuance period for the Additional Notes under the August 2020 NPA expired on February 3, 2022, prior to which date the Company issued no Additional Notes.
The August 2020 NPA contains certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for senior unsecured notes issued in a private placement, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting, maintenance of the Company’s status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, certain restrictions with respect to transactions with affiliates, fundamental changes, changes of line of business, permitted liens, investments and restricted payments, minimum shareholders’ equity, maximum net debt to equity ratio and minimum asset coverage ratio. The August 2020 NPA also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under our other indebtedness or that of our subsidiary guarantors, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the August 2025 Notes at the time outstanding may declare all August 2025 Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the August 2020 NPA.
The August 2025 Notes were offered in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The August 2025 Notes have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as applicable.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of the outstanding August 2025 Notes was $47.8 million and $46.1 million, respectively. The fair value determination of the August 2025 Notes was based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
November Notes
On November 4, 2020, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “November 2020 NPA”) governing the issuance of (1) $62.5 million in aggregate principal amount of Series B senior unsecured notes due November 2025 (the “Series B Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.25% per year and (2) $112.5 million in aggregate principal amount of Series C senior unsecured notes due November 2027 (the “Series C Notes” and, collectively with the Series B Notes, the “November Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.75% per year, in each case, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. Each stated interest rate is subject to a step up of (x)0.75% per year, to the extent the applicable November Notes do not satisfy certain investment grade conditions and/or (y)1.50% per year, to the extent the ratio of the Company’s secured debt to total assets exceeds specified thresholds, measured as of each fiscal quarter end. The November Notes were delivered and paid for on November 5, 2020. The Series B Notes will mature on November 4, 2025, and the Series C Notes will mature on November 4, 2027 unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company in accordance with their terms. Interest on the November Notes is due semiannually in May and November, beginning in May 2021. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the November Notes at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment) if certain change in control events occur. Subject to the terms of the November 2020 NPA, the Company may redeem the Series B Notes and the Series C Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before May 4, 2025, with respect to the Series B Notes, or on or before May 4, 2027, with respect to the Series C Notes, a make-whole premium. The November Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, and are the Company's general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company.
The November 2020 NPA contains certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for senior unsecured notes issued in a private placement, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting, maintenance of the Company’s status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, certain restrictions with respect to transactions with affiliates, fundamental changes, changes of line of business, permitted liens, investments and restricted payments, minimum shareholders’ equity, maximum net debt to equity ratio and minimum asset coverage ratio. The November 2020 NPA also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under our other indebtedness or that of our subsidiary guarantors, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the November Notes at the time outstanding may declare all November Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the November 2020 NPA.
The November Notes were offered in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The November Notes have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as applicable.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of the outstanding Series B Notes was $59.3 million and $56.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of the outstanding Series C Notes was
$102.5 million and $97.7 million, respectively. The fair value determinations of the Series B Notes and Series C Notes were based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
February Notes
On February 25, 2021, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “February 2021 NPA”) governing the issuance of (1) $80.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Series D senior unsecured notes due February 26, 2026 (the “Series D Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 3.41% per year and (2) $70.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Series E senior unsecured notes due February 26, 2028 (the “Series E Notes” and, collectively with the Series D Notes, the “February Notes”) with a fixed interest rate of 4.06% per year, in each case, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. Each stated interest rate is subject to a step up of (x)0.75% per year, to the extent the applicable February Notes do not satisfy certain investment grade rating conditions and/or (y)1.50% per year, to the extent the ratio of the Company’s secured debt to total assets exceeds specified thresholds, measured as of each fiscal quarter end. The February Notes were delivered and paid for on February 26, 2021.
The Series D Notes will mature on February 26, 2026, and the Series E Notes will mature on February 26, 2028 unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company in accordance with the terms of the February 2021 NPA. Interest on the February Notes is due semiannually in February and August of each year, beginning in August 2021. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the February Notes at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment) if certain change in control events occur. Subject to the terms of the February 2021 NPA, the Company may redeem the Series D Notes and the Series E Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if redeemed on or before August 26, 2025, with respect to the Series D Notes, or on or before August 26, 2027, with respect to the Series E Notes, a make-whole premium. The February Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, and are the Company’s general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company.
The February 2021 NPA contains certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for senior unsecured notes issued in a private placement , including, without limitation, information reporting, maintenance of the Company’s status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and certain restrictions with respect to transactions with affiliates, fundamental changes, changes of line of business, permitted liens, investments and restricted payments. In addition, the February 2021 NPA contains the following financial covenants: (a) maintaining a minimum obligors’ net worth, measured as of each fiscal quarter end; (b) not permitting the Company’s asset coverage ratio, as of the date of the incurrence of any debt for borrowed money or the making of any cash dividend to shareholders, to be less than the statutory minimum then applicable to the Company under the 1940 Act; and (c) not permitting the Company’s net debt to equity ratio to exceed 2.0x, measured as of each fiscal quarter end.
The February 2021 NPA also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under other indebtedness or that of the Company’s subsidiary guarantors, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy. Upon the occurrence of certain events of default, the holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the February Notes at the time outstanding may declare all February Notes then outstanding to be immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the February 2021 NPA.
The February Notes were offered in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The February Notes have not and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as applicable.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of the outstanding Series D Notes was $73.4 million and $69.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of the outstanding Series E Notes was $61.2 million and $57.8 million, respectively. The fair value determinations of the Series D Notes and Series E
Notes were based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
November 2026 Notes
On November 23, 2021, the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (the “Trustee”) entered into an Indenture (the “Base Indenture”) and a First Supplemental Indenture (the “First Supplemental Indenture” and, together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”). The First Supplemental Indenture relates to the Company’s issuance of $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.300% notes due 2026 (the “November 2026 Notes”).
The November 2026 Notes will mature on November 23, 2026 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company’s option at any time or from time to time at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture. The November 2026 Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.300% per year payable semi-annually on May 23 and November 23 of each year, commencing on May 23, 2022. The November 2026 Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company that rank senior in right of payment to all of the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the November 2026 Notes, rank pari passu with all existing and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company, rank effectively junior to any of the Company’s secured indebtedness (including unsecured indebtedness that the Company later secures) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and rank structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by the Company’s subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities.
The Indenture contains certain covenants, including covenants requiring the Company to comply with the asset coverage requirements of Section 18(a)(1)(A) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) and (2) of the 1940 Act, whether or not it is subject to those requirements, and to provide financial information to the holders of the November 2026 Notes and the Trustee if the Company is no longer subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act. These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the Indenture.
In addition, on the occurrence of a “change of control repurchase event,” as defined in the Indenture, the Company will generally be required to make an offer to purchase the outstanding November 2026 Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such November 2026 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date.
The November 2026 Notes were offered to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain non-U.S. persons outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. Concurrent with the closing of November 2026 Notes offering, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement for the benefit of the purchasers of the November 2026 Notes. Pursuant to the terms of this registration rights agreement, the Company filed a registration statement on Form N-14 with the SEC, which was subsequently declared effective, to permit electing holders of the November 2026 Notes to exchange all of their outstanding restricted November 2026 Notes for an equal aggregate principal amount of new November 2026 Notes (the “Exchange Notes”). The Exchange Notes have terms substantially identical to the terms of the November 2026 Notes, except that the Exchange Notes are registered under the Securities Act, and certain transfer restrictions, registration rights, and additional interest provisions relating to the November 2026 Notes do not apply to the Exchange Notes.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of the outstanding November 2026 Notes was $311.4 million and $294.6 million, respectively. The fair value determinations of the November 2026 Notes were based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.
- Income Taxes
The Company has elected for federal income tax purposes to be treated, and intends to qualify annually, as a RIC under the Code and intends to make the required distributions to its stockholders as specified therein. In order to maintain its tax treatment as a RIC, the Company must meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. If such requirements are met, then the Company is generally required to pay taxes only on the portion of its taxable income and gains it does not distribute (actually or constructively) and certain built-in gains. The Company has historically met its minimum distribution requirements and continually monitors its distribution requirements with the goal of ensuring compliance with the Code.
Depending on the level of investment company taxable income (“ICTI”) and net capital gains, if any, or taxable income, the Company may choose to carry forward undistributed taxable income and pay a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless the Company distributes, in a timely manner, an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of net ordinary income for each calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of the amount by which capital gains exceed capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year (or later if the Company is permitted to elect and so elects) and (iii) certain undistributed amounts from previous years on which the Company paid no U.S. federal income tax. Any such carryover of taxable income must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing of the tax return related to the year which generated such taxable income not to be subject to U.S. federal income tax. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded net expenses of $2.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for U.S. federal excise tax.
Taxable income generally differs from increase in net assets resulting from operations due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses, and generally excludes net unrealized gains or losses, as unrealized gains or losses are generally not included in taxable income until they are realized. The Company makes certain adjustments to the classification of net assets as a result of permanent book-to-tax differences, which include differences in the book and tax basis of certain assets and liabilities, and nondeductible federal taxes or losses among other items. To the extent these differences are permanent, they are charged or credited to additional paid in capital, or total distributable earnings (loss), as appropriate.
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company reclassified for book purposes amounts arising from permanent book/tax differences primarily related to differences in the tax basis and book basis of investments sold, merger adjustments and non-deductible excise taxes paid during the year as follows:
| December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | (1) | 2021 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | $13,252 | $288,888 | $1,629 | ||
| Total distributable earnings (loss) | $(13,252) | $(288,888) | $(1,629) | ||
(1) 2022 reclassification is primarily attributable to the Sierra Merger.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Company’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (fiscal years 2020-2022), and has concluded that the provision for uncertain tax positions in the Company’s financial statements is appropriate.
For income tax purposes, distributions paid to stockholders are reported as ordinary income, long-term capital gains, return of capital or a combination thereof. The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Ordinary income | $108,997 | $93,726 | $51,910 |
| Tax return of capital | — | — | 1,649 |
| Distributions on a tax basis | $108,997 | $93,726 | $53,559 |
At December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis detailed below differ from the amounts reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets by temporary and other book/tax differences, primarily relating to accruals of defaulted debt investment interest and the tax treatment of certain partnership investments, as follows:
| December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Undistributed net investment income | $44,655 | $22,110 | $— |
| Accumulated capital losses | (666,300) | (582,153) | (304,240) |
| Other permanent differences relating to the Company’s formation | 1,975 | 1,975 | 1,975 |
| Other temporary differences | 204 | 136 | 68 |
| Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (38,538) | (105,822) | 16,376 |
| Components of distributable earnings at year end | $(658,004) | $(663,754) | $(285,821) |
Tax information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 is estimated and is not considered final until the Company files its tax return.
Under current law, the Company may carry forward net capital losses indefinitely to use to offset capital gains realized in future years. As of December 31, 2023, the Company estimates that it will have a capital loss carryforward of approximately $666.3 million ($37.0 million of short-term capital losses and $629.3 million of long-term capital losses), none of which will expire. Because of the loss limitation rules of the Code, some of the tax basis losses may be limited in their use. The unused balance will be carried forward and utilized as gains are realized, subject to such limitations. As of December 31, 2022, the Company estimated that it would have a capital loss carryforward of approximately $582.2 million ($27.1 million of short-term capital losses and $555.1 million of long-term capital losses), none of which will expire.
For federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments owned as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was approximately $2,534.4 million and $2,565.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, net unrealized depreciation on the Company’s investments (tax basis) was approximately $38.5 million, consisting of gross unrealized appreciation, where the fair value of the Company’s investments exceeds their tax cost, of approximately $124.8 million and gross unrealized depreciation, where the tax cost of the Company’s investments exceeds their fair value, of approximately $163.3 million. As of December 31, 2022, net unrealized depreciation on the Company’s investments (tax basis) was approximately $105.8 million, consisting of gross unrealized appreciation, where the fair value of the Company’s investments exceeds their tax cost, of approximately $112.4 million and gross unrealized depreciation, where the tax cost of the Company’s investments exceeds their fair value, of approximately $218.3 million.
In addition, the Company has wholly-owned taxable subsidiaries (the “Taxable Subsidiaries”), which hold certain portfolio investments that are listed on the Consolidated Schedules of Investments. The Taxable Subsidiaries are consolidated for financial reporting purposes, such that the Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s investments in the portfolio companies owned by the Taxable Subsidiaries. The purpose of the Taxable Subsidiaries is to permit the Company to hold certain portfolio companies that are organized as limited liability companies (“LLCs”) (or other forms of pass-through entities) and still satisfy the RIC tax requirement that at least 90% of the RIC’s gross revenue for income tax purposes must consist of qualifying investment income. Absent the Taxable Subsidiaries, a proportionate amount of any gross income of an LLC (or other pass-through entity) portfolio investment would flow through directly to the RIC. To the extent that such income did not consist of qualifying investment income, it could jeopardize the Company’s ability to qualify as a RIC and therefore cause the Company to incur significant amounts of federal income taxes. When LLCs (or other pass-through entities) are owned by the Taxable Subsidiaries, their income is taxed to the Taxable Subsidiaries and does not flow through to the RIC, thereby helping the Company preserve its RIC tax treatment and resultant tax advantages. The Taxable Subsidiaries are not consolidated for income tax purposes and may generate income tax expense as a result of its ownership of the portfolio companies. This income tax expense or benefit, if any, is reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, any unrealized appreciation related to portfolio investments held by the Taxable Subsidiaries (net of unrealized depreciation related to portfolio investments held by the Taxable Subsidiaries) is reflected net of applicable federal and state income taxes, if any, in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, with the related deferred tax assets or liabilities, if any, included in “Prepaid expenses and other assets” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a net deferred tax asset of $9.9 million pertaining to operating losses and tax basis differences related to certain partnership interests. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had a net deferred tax asset of $9.5 million pertaining to operating losses and tax basis differences related to certain partnership interests. A valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, given the losses generated by the entity, the deferred tax assets have been offset by a valuation allowance of $7.9 million and $8.3 million, respectively. The Company concluded that the remaining deferred tax assets will more likely than not be realized, though this is not assured, and as such no valuation allowance has been provided on these assets.
- Derivative Instruments
MVC Credit Support Agreement
In connection with the MVC Acquisition on December 23, 2020, promptly following the closing of the Company’s merger with MVC, the Company and the Adviser entered into the MVC Credit Support Agreement, pursuant to which the Adviser has agreed to provide credit support to the Company in the amount of up to $23.0 million relating to the net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired MVC investment portfolio over a 10-year period. See “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions” for additional information regarding the MVCCredit Support Agreement. Net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the MVCCredit Support Agreement is included in “Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - credit support agreements” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following tables present the fair value and aggregate unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the MVCCredit Support Agreement as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| As of December 31, 2023Description($ in thousands) · Counterparty · Settlement Date · Notional Amount · Value · Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVC Credit Support Agreement | Barings LLC | 01/01/31 | $23,000 | $17,300 | $3,700 | |
| Total MVC Credit Support Agreement | $3,700 | |||||
| As of December 31, 2022Description($ in thousands) · Counterparty · Settlement Date · Notional Amount · Value · Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVC Credit Support Agreement | Barings LLC | 01/01/31 | $23,000 | $12,386 | $(1,214) | |
| Total MVC Credit Support Agreement | $(1,214) | |||||
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair value of the MVCCredit Support Agreement was $17.3 million and $12.4 million, respectively, and is included in “Credit support agreements” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the MVC Credit Support Agreement was determined based on an income approach, with the primary inputs being the discount rate and the expected time until an exit event for each portfolio company in the MVC Reference Portfolio, which are all Level 3 inputs.
The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs the Adviser used in the valuation of the Company’s Level 3 MVC Credit Support Agreement as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The average range of unobservable inputs is based on fair value of the MVC Credit Support Agreement.
| December 31, 2023:($ in thousands) · Fair Value · ValuationModel · Level 3Input · Range ofInputs · Average · Impact to Valuation from an Increase in Input | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVC Credit Support Agreement | $17,300 | Income Approach | Discount Rate | 6.7% - 7.7% | 7.2% | Decrease | |
| Time Until Exit (years) | 2.5 - 5.5 | 4.0 | Decrease | ||||
| December 31, 2022:($ in thousands) | Fair Value | ValuationModel | Level 3Input | Range ofInputs | Average | Impact to Valuation from an Increase in Input |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVC Credit Support Agreement | $12,386 | Income Approach | Discount Rate | 7.1% - 8.1% | 7.6% | Decrease |
Sierra Credit Support Agreement
In connection with the Sierra Merger on February 25, 2022, promptly following the closing of the Company’s merger with Sierra, the Company and the Adviser entered into the Sierra Credit Support Agreement, pursuant to which the Adviser has agreed to provide credit support to the Company in the amount of up to $100.0 million relating to the net cumulative realized and unrealized losses on the acquired Sierra investment portfolio over a 10-year period. See “Note 2 – Agreements and Related Party Transactions” for additional information regarding the Sierra Credit Support Agreement. Net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the Sierra Credit Support Agreement is included in “Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) - credit support agreements” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following tables presents the fair value and aggregate unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the Sierra Credit Support Agreement as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| As of December 31, 2023Description($ in thousands) · Counterparty · Settlement Date · Notional Amount · Value · Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Credit Support Agreement | Barings LLC | 04/01/32 | $100,000 | $40,500 | $(3,900) | |
| Total Sierra Credit Support Agreement | $(3,900) | |||||
| As of December 31, 2022Description($ in thousands) · Counterparty · Settlement Date · Notional Amount · Value · Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Credit Support Agreement | Barings LLC | 04/01/32 | $100,000 | $40,700 | $(3,700) | |
| Total Sierra Credit Support Agreement | $(3,700) | |||||
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the fair value of the Sierra Credit Support Agreement was $40.5 million and $40.7 million, respectively, and is included in “Credit support agreements” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the Sierra Credit Support Agreement was determined based on a simulation analysis, with the primary inputs being the enterprise value, a measure of expected asset volatility, the expected time until an exit event for each portfolio company in the Sierra Reference Portfolio, the Discount Rate and the Recovery Rate, which are all Level 3 inputs.
The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs the Adviser used in the valuation of the Company’s Level 3 Sierra Credit Support Agreement as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The average range of unobservable inputs is based on fair value of the Sierra Credit Support Agreement.
| December 31, 2023:($ in thousands) · Fair Value · ValuationModel · Level 3Input · Range ofInputs · Average · Impact to Valuation from an Increase in Input | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Credit Support Agreement | $40,500 | Simulation Analysis | Enterprise Value | $91 - $159,700 | $79,900 | Decrease | |
| Asset Volatility | 35.0% - 50.0% | 42.5% | Increase | ||||
| Time Until Exit (years) | 0 - 8.1 | 4.1 | Decrease | ||||
| Discount Rate | 5.7% | 5.7% | Decrease | ||||
| Recovery Rate | 0.0% - 70.0% | 35.0% | Decrease | ||||
| December 31, 2022:($ in thousands) · Fair Value · ValuationModel · Level 3Input · Range ofInputs · Average · Impact to Valuation from an Increase in Input | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Credit Support Agreement | $40,700 | Simulation Analysis | Enterprise Value | $100 - $403,500 | $201,800 | Decrease | |
| Asset Volatility | 37.5% - 70.0% | 53.8% | Increase | ||||
| Time Until Exit (years) | 0.0 - 9.1 | 4.6 | Decrease | ||||
| Recovery Rate | 0.0% - 70.0% | 35.0% | Decrease | ||||
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
The Company enters into forward currency contracts from time to time to primarily help mitigate the impact that an adverse change in foreign exchange rates would have on net interest income from the Company’s investments and related borrowings denominated in foreign currencies. Forward currency contracts are considered undesignated derivative instruments.
The following tables present the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| As of December 31, 2023Description($ in thousands) | Notional Amount to be Purchased | Notional Amount to be Sold | Maturity Date | Gross Amount of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) | Balance Sheet Location of Net Amounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign currency forward contract (AUD) | $830 | A$1,264 | 01/10/24 | $(33) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (AUD) | $41,568 | A$64,984 | 01/10/24 | (2,784) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CAD) | $126 | C$173 | 01/10/24 | (4) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CAD) | $7,032 | C$9,597 | 01/10/24 | (247) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (DKK) | $9 | 65kr. | 01/10/24 | — | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (DKK) | $7 | 47kr. | 01/10/24 | — | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (DKK) | $333 | 2,354kr. | 01/10/24 | (16) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (EUR) | $86,266 | €81,489 | 01/10/24 | (3,775) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NZD) | $159 | NZ$271 | 01/10/24 | (12) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NZD) | $170 | NZ$270 | 01/10/24 | (1) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NZD) | $8,287 | NZ$13,912 | 01/10/24 | (522) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NOK) | $72 | kr740 | 01/10/24 | (1) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NOK) | $3,920 | kr42,309 | 01/10/24 | (247) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (GBP) | $60,925 | £50,203 | 01/10/24 | (3,077) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (SEK) | $24 | 261kr | 01/10/24 | (2) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (SEK) | $1,190 | 12,500kr | 01/10/24 | (51) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (SEK) | $203 | 2,228kr | 01/10/24 | (18) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CHF) | $124 | 104Fr. | 01/10/24 | 1 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CHF) | $5,966 | 5,418Fr. | 01/10/24 | (475) | Derivative liabilities |
| Total | $(11,264) | ||||
| As of December 31, 2022Description($ in thousands) | Notional Amount to be Purchased | Notional Amount to be Sold | Maturity Date | Gross Amount of Recognized Assets (Liabilities) | Balance Sheet Location of Net Amounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign currency forward contract (AUD) | A$72,553 | $48,701 | 01/09/23 | $511 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (AUD) | $47,177 | A$72,553 | 01/09/23 | (2,035) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (AUD) | $47,055 | A$69,919 | 04/11/23 | (548) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CAD) | C$225 | $165 | 01/09/23 | 1 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CAD) | C$9,285 | $6,819 | 01/09/23 | 34 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CAD) | $4,578 | C$6,207 | 01/09/23 | (3) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CAD) | $2,415 | C$3,303 | 01/09/23 | (22) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CAD) | $6,865 | C$9,339 | 04/11/23 | (34) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (DKK) | 2,260kr. | $323 | 01/09/23 | 2 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (DKK) | $300 | 2,260kr. | 01/09/23 | (24) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (DKK) | $329 | 2,290kr. | 04/11/23 | (2) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (EUR) | €106,443 | $113,101 | 01/09/23 | 541 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (EUR) | €1,511 | $1,500 | 01/09/23 | 113 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (EUR) | $106,563 | €107,954 | 01/09/23 | (8,692) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (EUR) | $109,735 | €102,649 | 04/11/23 | (547) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NZD) | NZ$4,000 | $2,581 | 01/09/23 | (51) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NZD) | NZ$15,175 | $9,538 | 01/09/23 | 60 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NZD) | $208 | NZ$351 | 01/09/23 | (14) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NZD) | $10,767 | NZ$18,824 | 01/09/23 | (1,139) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NZD) | $9,644 | NZ$15,333 | 04/11/23 | (62) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NOK) | kr37,773 | $3,835 | 01/09/23 | — | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NOK) | $3,538 | kr37,773 | 01/09/23 | (297) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (NOK) | $4,050 | kr39,732 | 04/11/23 | (1) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (GBP) | £37,951 | $45,898 | 01/09/23 | (240) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (GBP) | $39,500 | £34,951 | 01/09/23 | (2,549) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (GBP) | $3,396 | £3,000 | 01/09/23 | (213) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (GBP) | $47,147 | £38,899 | 04/11/23 | 243 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (SEK) | 2,182kr. | $210 | 01/09/23 | — | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (SEK) | $197 | 2,182kr. | 01/09/23 | (13) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (SEK) | $217 | 2,247kr. | 04/11/23 | — | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CHF) | 3,803Fr. | $4,110 | 01/09/23 | 3 | Derivative assets |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CHF) | $618 | 600Fr. | 01/09/23 | (31) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CHF) | $3,305 | 3,203Fr. | 01/09/23 | (158) | Derivative liabilities |
| Foreign currency forward contract (CHF) | $4,194 | 3,841Fr. | 04/11/23 | (2) | Derivative liabilities |
| Total | $(15,169) | ||||
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the total fair value of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts was $(11.3) million and $(15.2) million, respectively. The fair values of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts are based on unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes, which are Level 2 inputs.
- Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, consisting primarily of unused commitments to extend financing to the Company’s portfolio companies. Since commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company believed that it had adequate financial resources to satisfy its unfunded commitments. The balances of unused commitments to extend financing as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
| Portfolio Company($ in thousands) | Investment Type | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accurus Aerospace Corporation(1)(2) | Revolver | $634 | $1,152 |
| Adhefin International(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 419 | — |
| AirX Climate Solutions, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,179 | — |
| AirX Climate Solutions, Inc.(1)(2) | Revolver | 482 | — |
| AlliA Insurance Brokers NV(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,634 | — |
| Americo Chemical Products, LLC(1) | Revolver | 471 | — |
| Amtech LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 1,527 |
| Amtech LLC(1) | Revolver | 436 | 545 |
| AnalytiChem Holding GmbH(1)(2)(3) | Bridge Revolver | — | 366 |
| Anju Software, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 343 | — |
| APC1 Holding(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 354 |
| Aquavista Watersides 2 LTD(1)(2)(4) | Capex / Acquisition Facility | 2,221 | 2,543 |
| Arc Education(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,291 | 1,900 |
| Argus Bidco Limited(1)(2)(4) | CAF Term Loan | 541 | 789 |
| Argus Bidco Limited(1)(2)(4) | RCF Bridge Term Loan | — | 168 |
| ASC Communications(2) | Revolver | 1,089 | 1,089 |
| Astra Bidco Limited(1)(2)(4) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 604 | 876 |
| ATL II MRO Holdings, Inc.(1)(2) | Revolver | 1,667 | 1,667 |
| Avance Clinical Bidco Pty Ltd(1)(2)(5) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,304 | 1,295 |
| Azalea Buyer, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 644 | 962 |
| Azalea Buyer, Inc.(1)(2) | Revolver | 481 | 481 |
| Bariacum S.A.(1)(3) | Acquisition Facility | — | 2,028 |
| Beyond Risk Management, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,007 | 2,423 |
| Biolam Group(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 667 | 4,783 |
| Black Angus Steakhouses, LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 417 |
| Bounteous, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,840 | 2,840 |
| Brightpay Limited(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 140 | 135 |
| BrightSign LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 443 | 1,329 |
| CAi Software, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 943 | 943 |
| Canadian Orthodontic Partners Corp.(1)(2)(6) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 110 |
| Cascade Residential Services, LLC(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,985 | — |
| Cascade Residential Services, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 331 | — |
| Catawba River Limited(1)(2)(4) | Structured Junior Note | 13,971 | 12,635 |
| Centralis Finco S.a.r.l.(1)(3) | Incremental CAF Term Loan | — | 1,028 |
| CGI Parent, LLC(1) | Revolver | 1,653 | 1,653 |
| Classic Collision (Summit Buyer, LLC)(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,734 | 78 |
| Comply365, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 1,101 | 935 |
| Coyo Uprising GmbH(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 434 | 419 |
| CSL Dualcom(1)(4) | Capex / Acquisition Term Loan | 150 | 142 |
| DataServ Integrations, LLC(1) | Revolver | 481 | 481 |
| DecksDirect, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 381 | 218 |
| DISA Holdings Corp.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,072 | 1,368 |
| DISA Holdings Corp.(1) | Revolver | 339 | 416 |
| DreamStart Bidco SAS (d/b/a SmartTrade)(1)(2)(3) | Acquisition Facility | — | 579 |
| Portfolio Company($ in thousands) | Investment Type | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dune Group(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 439 | 624 |
| Dwyer Instruments, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 5,164 |
| Eclipse Business Capital, LLC(1) | Revolver | 17,182 | 17,455 |
| EMI Porta Holdco LLC(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 9,272 |
| EMI Porta Holdco LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 403 | 1,471 |
| EPS NASS Parent, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 257 |
| eShipping, LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 1,650 |
| eShipping, LLC(1) | Revolver | 1,486 | 1,486 |
| Eurofins Digital Testing International LUX Holding SARL(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,731 | 2,639 |
| Eurofins Digital Testing International LUX Holding SARL(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 528 |
| Events Software BidCo Pty Ltd(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 620 | 640 |
| Express Wash Acquisition Company, LLC(1) | Revolver | 115 | 115 |
| F24 (Stairway BidCo GmbH)(1)(2)(3) | Acquisition Term Loan | — | 246 |
| Faraday(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 990 | — |
| Fineline Technologies, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 180 |
| Finexvet(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 650 | — |
| Footco 40 Limited(1)(2)(4) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 524 | 766 |
| Fortis Payment Systems, LLC(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 925 |
| FragilePak LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 2,354 |
| GB Eagle Buyer, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 2,581 | 2,581 |
| Global Academic Group Limited(1)(2)(7) | Term Loan | 414 | 451 |
| GPZN II GmbH(1)(2)(3) | CAF Term Loan | — | 560 |
| GPZN II GmbH(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 53 | — |
| Greenhill BV(1)(3) | Capex Acquisition Facility | 120 | 255 |
| Groupe Product Life(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 441 |
| Gusto Aus BidCo Pty Ltd(1)(5) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 167 | 223 |
| HeartHealth Bidco Pty Ltd(1)(5) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 253 | 313 |
| Heartland Veterinary Partners, LLC(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 267 |
| Heavy Construction Systems Specialists, LLC(1) | Revolver | 2,632 | 2,632 |
| HEKA Invest(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 575 | 555 |
| HemaSource, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 1,421 | — |
| HomeX Services Group, LLC(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 845 | — |
| HomeX Services Group, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 338 | — |
| HTI Technology & Industries(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,045 | 2,045 |
| HTI Technology & Industries(1) | Revolver | 1,364 | 1,364 |
| HW Holdco, LLC (Hanley Wood LLC)(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 913 |
| Innovad Group II BV(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 266 | 1,261 |
| INOS 19-090 GmbH(1)(2)(3) | Acquisition Facility | 1,872 | 2,380 |
| Interstellar Group B.V.(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 620 | 1,310 |
| Interstellar Group B.V.(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 57 | 55 |
| InvoCare Limited(1)(5) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 387 | — |
| Isolstar Holding NV (IPCOM)(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 656 | 744 |
| Portfolio Company($ in thousands) | Investment Type | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISTO Technologies II, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 714 | — |
| ITI Intermodal, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 103 |
| ITI Intermodal, Inc.(1)(2) | Revolver | 1,157 | 118 |
| Jaguar Merger Sub Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 422 |
| Jaguar Merger Sub Inc.(1) | Revolver | — | 490 |
| Jocassee Partners LLC | Joint Venture | 65,000 | 65,000 |
| Jon Bidco Limited(1)(2)(7) | Capex & Acquisition Facility | 1,125 | 1,441 |
| Jones Fish Hatcheries & Distributors LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 418 | 418 |
| Kano Laboratories LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 153 | 153 |
| Kano Laboratories LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,830 | 2,830 |
| Kemmerer Operations, LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 908 |
| Lambir Bidco Limited(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 626 | 1,766 |
| Lattice Group Holdings Bidco Limited(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 255 | 298 |
| Lattice Group Holdings Bidco Limited(1)(2) | Revolver | 18 | — |
| LeadsOnline, LLC(1) | Revolver | 2,187 | 2,603 |
| Lifestyle Intermediate II, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 2,500 | 2,500 |
| LivTech Purchaser, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 138 |
| Marmoutier Holding B.V.(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 18 | 24 |
| Marmoutier Holding B.V.(1)(2)(3) | Revolver | 109 | 106 |
| Marshall Excelsior Co.(1)(2) | Revolver | 221 | 413 |
| MC Group Ventures Corporation(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 276 | 296 |
| Mercell Holding AS(1)(2)(8) | Capex Acquisition Facility | 773 | 797 |
| Modern Star Holdings Bidco Pty Limited(1)(2)(5) | Term Loan | 974 | 968 |
| Moonlight Bidco Limited(1)(2)(5) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 562 | — |
| Murphy Midco Limited(1)(2)(4) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 407 |
| Narda Acquisitionco., Inc.(1) | Revolver | 1,311 | 1,180 |
| NAW Buyer, LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 5,876 | — |
| NAW Buyer, LLC(1) | Revolver | 1,515 | — |
| NeoxCo(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 497 | — |
| Next Holdco, LLC(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,891 | — |
| Next Holdco, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 733 | — |
| Nexus Underwriting Management Limited(1)(2)(4) | Acquisition Facility | — | 443 |
| NF Holdco, LLC(1) | Revolver | 663 | — |
| Novotech Aus Bidco Pty Ltd(1) | Capex & Acquisition Facility | 809 | 809 |
| NPM Investments 28 B.V.(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 479 | 463 |
| OA Buyer, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 1,331 | 1,331 |
| OAC Holdings I Corp.(1)(2) | Revolver | 1,370 | 607 |
| Omni Intermediate Holdings, LLC(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 2,289 |
| OSP Hamilton Purchaser, LLC(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 5,345 | — |
| OSP Hamilton Purchaser, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 1,109 | 187 |
| Parkview Dental Holdings, LLC(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 328 | — |
| PDQ.Com Corporation(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,970 | — |
| PDQ.Com Corporation(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 4,807 | 6,885 |
| Polara Enterprises, L.L.C.(1) | Revolver | 545 | 545 |
| Portfolio Company($ in thousands) | Investment Type | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Invest(1)(3) | Acquisition Facility | 1,712 | — |
| Premium Invest(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 2,882 |
| Process Insights Acquisition, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 935 | — |
| Process Insights Acquisition, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 1,014 | — |
| Profit Optics, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 210 | 484 |
| Protego Bidco B.V.(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 656 | 792 |
| PSP Intermediate 4, L.L.C.(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 206 | 727 |
| Qualified Industries, LLC(1) | Revolver | 242 | — |
| R1 Holdings, LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,682 | 2,623 |
| R1 Holdings, LLC(1) | Revolver | 1,947 | 1,601 |
| RA Outdoors, LLC (1)(2) | Revolver | 438 | 1,235 |
| Randys Holdings, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 3,412 | 4,412 |
| Randys Holdings, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 1,326 | 1,571 |
| Rep Seko Merger Sub LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 725 |
| Reward Gateway (UK) Ltd(1)(2)(4) | Acquisition Facility | — | 600 |
| Rhondda Financing No. 1 DAC(1)(4) | Structured Junior Note | 4,707 | — |
| Rocade Holdings LLC(1) | Preferred Equity | 17,500 | — |
| Rock Labor(1) | Revolver | 1,103 | — |
| Royal Buyer, LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 922 | 2,209 |
| Royal Buyer, LLC(1) | Revolver | 1,340 | 1,340 |
| RTIC Subsidiary Holdings, LLC(1)(2) | Revolver | 3,333 | 2,381 |
| Sanoptis S.A.R.L.(1)(3) | Acquisition Capex Facility | 16 | 1,751 |
| Sanoptis S.A.R.L.(1)(3) | CAF Term Loan | 1,458 | — |
| SBP Holdings LP(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 151 | — |
| SBP Holdings LP(1) | Revolver | 1,065 | — |
| Scaled Agile, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 416 |
| Scaled Agile, Inc.(1)(2) | Revolver | 280 | 336 |
| Scout Bidco B.V.(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 2,270 |
| Scout Bidco B.V.(1)(2)(3) | Revolver | 640 | 1,030 |
| Security Holdings B.V.(1)(2)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,209 | 2,134 |
| Security Holdings B.V.(1)(2)(3) | Revolver | 1,105 | 1,067 |
| Sereni Capital NV(1)(3) | Term Loan | — | 109 |
| Sinari Invest(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 617 | — |
| SISU ACQUISITIONCO., INC.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,007 | — |
| Smartling, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 1,978 |
| Smartling, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 1,176 | 1,176 |
| SmartShift Group, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 3,440 | — |
| SmartShift Group, Inc.(1)(2) | Revolver | 1,651 | — |
| Smile Brands Group, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 38 |
| Soho Square III Debtco II SARL(1)(2)(4) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 3,383 |
| Solo Buyer, L.P.(1)(2) | Revolver | 1,330 | 1,995 |
| Sparus Holdings, LLC (f/k/a Sparus Holdings, Inc.)(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 399 | 666 |
| Sparus Holdings, LLC (f/k/a Sparus Holdings, Inc.)(1)(2) | Revolver | 90 | 156 |
| Spatial Business Systems LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,875 | 7,500 |
| Portfolio Company($ in thousands) | Investment Type | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spatial Business Systems LLC(1) | Revolver | 1,406 | 1,406 |
| SSCP Pegasus Midco Limited(1)(4) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 4,119 | 4,664 |
| Superjet Buyer, LLC(1) | Revolver | 1,369 | 1,825 |
| Syntax Systems Ltd(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 1,933 |
| Syntax Systems Ltd(1) | Revolver | 391 | 337 |
| Tank Holding Corp (1) | Revolver | 640 | 698 |
| Tank Holding Corp (1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 614 | — |
| Tanqueray Bidco Limited(1)(4) | Capex Facility | 1,153 | 1,088 |
| Techone B.V.(1)(3) | Revolver | 315 | 203 |
| Tencarva Machinery Company, LLC(1) | Revolver | 1,129 | 1,129 |
| The Caprock Group, Inc. (aka TA/TCG Holdings, LLC)(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,825 | 2,811 |
| The Caprock Group, Inc. (aka TA/TCG Holdings, LLC)(1) | Revolver | 827 | 827 |
| The Cleaver-Brooks Company, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 3,229 | 2,826 |
| The Hilb Group, LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 313 | 1,182 |
| Trader Corporation(1)(6) | Revolver | 354 | 345 |
| Trintech, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 383 | — |
| TSYL Corporate Buyer, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,244 | — |
| TSYL Corporate Buyer, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,469 | 1,681 |
| TSYL Corporate Buyer, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 642 | 177 |
| Turbo Buyer, Inc.(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 1,350 | 1,350 |
| UBC Ledgers Holding AB(1)(9) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 840 | — |
| UBC Ledgers Holding AB(1)(9) | Revolver | 278 | — |
| Union Bidco Limited(1)(4) | Acquisition Facility | 83 | 78 |
| United Therapy Holding III GmbH(1)(2)(3) | Acquisition Facility | 683 | 1,170 |
| Unither (Uniholding)(1)(3) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 479 | — |
| USLS Acquisition, Inc. (f/k/a US Legal Support, Inc.)(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,540 | 3,629 |
| W2O Holdings, Inc.(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 2,622 |
| Waccamaw River LLC(2) | Joint Venture | — | 2,480 |
| West-NR AcquisitionCo., LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,500 | — |
| Whitcraft Holdings, Inc.(1) | Revolver | 1,760 | — |
| White Bidco Limited(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 514 | — |
| Woodland Foods, Inc.(1)(2) | Line of Credit | 680 | 456 |
| WWEC Holdings III Corp(1)(2) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | — | 3,106 |
| WWEC Holdings III Corp(1) | Revolver | 2,019 | 1,366 |
| Xeinadin Bidco Limited(1)(4) | CAF Term Loan | 2,704 | 3,109 |
| ZB Holdco LLC(1) | Delayed Draw Term Loan | 2,932 | 1,352 |
| ZB Holdco LLC(1) | Revolver | 845 | 845 |
| Zeppelin Bidco Limited(1)(2)(4) | Capex / Acquisition Facility | 2,667 | 2,516 |
| Total unused commitments to extend financing | $305,903 | $308,532 |
(1)The Adviser’s estimate of the fair value of the current investments in these portfolio companies includes an analysis of the fair value of any unfunded commitments.
(2)Represents a commitment to extend financing to a portfolio company where one or more of the Company’s current investments in the portfolio company are carried at less than cost.
(3)Actual commitment amount is denominated in Euros. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(4)Actual commitment amount is denominated in British pounds sterling. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(5)Actual commitment amount is denominated in Australian dollars. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(6)Actual commitment amount is denominated in Canadian dollars. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(7)Actual commitment amount is denominated in New Zealand dollars. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(8)Actual commitment amount is denominated in Norwegian Kroner. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
(9)Actual commitment amount is denominated in Swedish Kronor. Commitment was translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
In the normal course of business, the Company guarantees certain obligations in connection with its portfolio companies (in particular, certain controlled portfolio companies). Under these guarantee arrangements, payments may be required to be made to third parties if such guarantees are called upon or if the portfolio companies were to default on their related obligations, as applicable. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had guaranteed €9.9 million ($10.9 million U.S. dollars and $10.6 million U.S. dollars, respectively) relating to credit facilities among Erste Bank and MVC Automotive Group Gmbh (“MVC Auto”) that matures in December 2025. The Company would be required to make payments to Erste Bank if MVC Auto were to default on their related payment obligations. None of the credit facility guarantees are recorded as a liability on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, as such the credit facility liabilities are considered in the valuation of the investments in MVC Auto. The guarantees denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars based on the spot rate at the relevant balance sheet date.
Neither the Company, the Adviser, nor the Company’s subsidiaries are currently subject to any material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to their respective businesses. The Company, the Adviser, and the Company’s subsidiaries may from time to time, however, be involved in litigation arising out of operations in the normal course of business or otherwise, including in connection with strategic transactions. Furthermore, third parties may seek to impose liability on the Company in connection with the activities of its portfolio companies. While the outcome of any current legal proceedings cannot at this time be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect any current matters will materially affect its financial condition or results of operations; however, there can be no assurance whether any pending legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations in any future reporting period.
- Financial Highlights
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Per share data: | |||||
| Net asset value at beginning of period | $11.05 | $11.36 | $10.99 | $11.66 | $10.98 |
| Net investment income (1) | 1.19 | 1.12 | 0.90 | 0.64 | 0.61 |
| Net realized gain (loss) on investments / foreign currency transactions / forward currency contracts (1) | (0.59) | 0.16 | (0.05) | (0.79) | (0.08) |
| Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments / CSAs / foreign currency transactions / forward currency contracts (1) | 0.59 | (1.20) | 0.34 | 0.38 | 0.64 |
| Total increase (decrease) from investment operations (1) | 1.19 | 0.08 | 1.19 | 0.23 | 1.17 |
| Dividends/distributions paid to stockholders from net investment income | (1.02) | (0.95) | (0.79) | (0.65) | (0.54) |
| Tax return of capital to stockholders | — | — | (0.03) | — | — |
| Total dividends and distributions paid | (1.02) | (0.95) | (0.82) | (0.65) | (0.54) |
| Common stock offerings | — | — | — | (0.63) | — |
| Sierra Merger (See Note 10) (2) | — | 0.10 | — | — | — |
| Deemed contribution - CSAs (See Notes 9 and 10 ) | — | 0.40 | — | 0.28 | — |
| Deemed contribution - Barings LLC | — | — | — | 0.07 | — |
| Purchases of shares in share repurchase plan | 0.06 | 0.06 | — | 0.05 | 0.07 |
| Loss on extinguishment of debt (1) | — | — | — | (0.06) | (0.01) |
| Benefit from (provision for) taxes (1) | — | — | — | — | (0.01) |
| Other | — | — | — | 0.04 | — |
| Net asset value at end of period | $11.28 | $11.05 | $11.36 | $10.99 | $11.66 |
| Market value at end of period (3) | $8.58 | $8.15 | $11.02 | $9.20 | $10.28 |
| Shares outstanding at end of period | 106,067,070 | 107,916,166 | 65,316,085 | 65,316,085 | 48,950,803 |
| Net assets at end of period | $1,196,559 | $1,192,329 | $741,931 | $717,805 | $570,875 |
| Average net assets | $1,211,289 | $1,184,591 | $739,250 | $517,740 | $579,199 |
| Ratio of total expenses, including loss on extinguishment of debt and benefit from (provision for) taxes, to average net assets (4) | 13.30% | 8.80% | 10.33% | 8.33% | 7.90% |
| Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 10.55% | 9.76% | 7.98% | 5.99% | 5.27% |
| Portfolio turnover ratio (5) | 22.93% | 43.07% | 68.63% | 67.80% | 113.99% |
| Total return (6) | 18.83% | (18.35)% | 29.34% | (2.17)% | 20.27% |
(1)Weighted average per share data—basic and diluted; per share data was derived by using the weighted average shares outstanding during the applicable period.
(2)Includes the impact of share issuance and deemed contribution from Barings associated with the Sierra Merger.
(3)Represents the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last day of the period.
(4)Does not include expenses of underlying investment companies, including joint ventures and short-term investments.
(5)Portfolio turnover ratio as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 excludes the impact of short-term investments. Portfolio turnover ratio as of December 31, 2022 excludes the impact of the Sierra Merger. Portfolio turnover ratio as of December 31, 2020 excludes the impact of the MVC Acquisition.
(6)Total return is based on purchase of stock at the current market price on the first day and a sale at the current market price on the last day of each period reported on the table and assumes reinvestment of dividends at prices obtained by the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan during the period.
| Year Ended December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
| Per share data: | |||||
| Net asset value at beginning of period | $13.43 | $15.13 | $15.23 | $16.11 | $16.10 |
| Net investment income (1) | — | 1.55 | 1.62 | 2.16 | 2.08 |
| Net realized gain (loss) on investments / foreign currency transactions / forward currency contracts (1) | (3.17) | (1.11) | 0.05 | (0.83) | 0.46 |
| Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments / CSAs / foreign currency transactions / forward currency contracts (1) | 1.08 | (1.04) | (0.72) | 0.17 | (1.48) |
| Total increase (decrease) from investment operations (1) | (2.09) | (0.60) | 0.95 | 1.50 | 1.06 |
| Dividends/distributions paid to stockholders from net investment income | (0.41) | (1.65) | (1.89) | (2.11) | (1.88) |
| Dividends paid to stockholders from realized gains | — | — | — | (0.25) | (0.68) |
| Tax return of capital to stockholders | (0.02) | — | — | — | — |
| Total dividends and distributions paid | (0.43) | (1.65) | (1.89) | (2.36) | (2.56) |
| Common stock offerings | — | 0.61 | 0.72 | — | 1.49 |
| Purchase of shares in tender offer | 0.13 | — | — | — | — |
| Stock-based compensation (1) | 0.17 | (0.01) | 0.09 | 0.01 | — |
| Shares issued pursuant to Dividend Reinvestment Plan | — | 0.01 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.04 |
| Loss on extinguishment of debt (1) | (0.21) | — | — | (0.04) | — |
| Benefit from (provision for) taxes (1) | 0.02 | (0.02) | (0.01) | (0.01) | (0.10) |
| Other (2) | (0.04) | (0.04) | — | (0.01) | 0.08 |
| Net asset value at end of period | $10.98 | $13.43 | $15.13 | $15.23 | $16.11 |
| Market value at end of period (3) | $9.01 | $9.49 | $18.34 | $19.11 | $20.29 |
| Shares outstanding at end of period | 51,284,064 | 47,740,832 | 40,401,292 | 33,375,126 | 32,950,288 |
| Net assets at end of period | $562,967 | $641,275 | $611,156 | $508,368 | $530,827 |
| Average net assets | $628,155 | $667,188 | $556,549 | $524,580 | $482,679 |
| Ratio of total expenses, prior to waiver of base management fee, including loss on extinguishment of debt and benefit from (provision for) taxes, to average net assets (4) | 14.54% | 7.74% | 9.93% | 9.81% | 9.45% |
| Ratio of total expenses, net of base management fee waived, including loss on extinguishment of debt and benefit from (provision for) taxes, to average net assets (4) | 14.31% | 7.74% | 9.93% | 9.81% | 9.45% |
| Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | (0.01)% | 10.83% | 10.58% | 13.65% | 12.85% |
| Portfolio turnover ratio | 228.49% | 37.02% | 24.61% | 37.62% | 29.21% |
| Total return (5) | 18.18% | (42.15)% | 5.86% | 5.82% | (17.36)% |
(1)Weighted average per share data—basic and diluted; per share data was derived by using the weighted average shares outstanding during the applicable period.
(2)Represents the impact of the different share amounts used in calculating per share data as a result of calculating certain per share data based upon the weighted average basic shares outstanding during the period and certain per share data based on the shares outstanding as of a period end or transaction date.
(3)Represents the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the last day of the period.
(4)Does not include expenses of underlying investment companies, including joint ventures and short-term investments.
(5)Total return is based on purchase of stock at the current market price on the first day and a sale at the current market price on the last day of each period reported on the table and assumes reinvestment of dividends at prices obtained by the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan during the period.
- MVC Capital, Inc. Acquisition
On December 23, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of MVCpursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “MVCMerger Agreement”), dated as of August 10, 2020, with MVC, Mustang Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and our wholly owned subsidiary (“MVC Acquisition Sub”), and Barings. To effect the acquisition, MVC Acquisition Sub merged with and into MVC, with MVC surviving the merger as our wholly owned subsidiary (the “First MVC Merger”). Immediately thereafter, MVC merged with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving company (the “Second MVC Merger” and, together with the First MVC Merger, the “MVC Merger”). The Merger has been treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.
In connection with the closing of the MVC Merger on December 23, 2020, the Board affirmed the Company’s commitment to open-market purchases of shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount of up to $15.0 million at then-current market prices at any time shares trade below 90% of the Company’s then most recently disclosed NAV per share. Any repurchases pursuant to the authorized program occurred during the 12-month period that commenced upon the filing of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, which occurred on May 6, 2021, and were made in accordance with applicable legal, regulatory and contractual requirements, including covenants under the February 2019 Credit Facility. Prior to its termination, the Company repurchased a total of 207,677 shares of common stock in the open market under the authorized program at an average price of $10.14 per share, including brokerage commissions. The MVC repurchase program terminated on May 6, 2022.
In connection with the MVC Acquisition, on December 23, 2020, following the closing of the MVC Merger, the Company entered into the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement with Barings, effective January 1, 2021. Promptly following the closing of the MVC Merger, the Company also entered into the MVC Credit Support Agreement with Barings. See “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions” for more information regarding the Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement and the MVCCredit Support Agreement.
In connection with the closing of the MVCMerger, MVC notified U.S. Bank National Association ("U.S. Bank"), the trustee for MVC Capital's 6.25% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "MVC Notes"), of the election to redeem the remaining $95.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the MVC Notes outstanding at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the MVC Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes to, but excluding, the date of redemption, and the Company caused the discharge of the MVC Notes by entering into a Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture, dated December 23, 2020, with respect to the indenture governing the MVC Notes. The trustee provided notice of such redemption to the holders of the MVC Notes in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the MVC Notes. The redemption was completed on January 22, 2021 and was funded with trust funds deposited with U.S. Bank in trust for such purpose.
- Sierra Merger
On February 25, 2022, the Company completed the Sierra Merger pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Sierra Merger Agreement”), dated as of September 21, 2021, by and among the Company, Mercury Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Maryland corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Sierra Acquisition Sub”), Sierra, a Maryland corporation, and Barings. To effect the acquisition, Sierra Acquisition Sub merged with and into Sierra, with Sierra surviving the merger as the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary (the “First Sierra Merger”). Immediately thereafter, Sierra merged with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving company (the “Second Sierra Merger” and, together with the First Sierra Merger, the “Sierra Merger”). The Merger has been treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.
Pursuant to the Sierra Merger Agreement, Sierra stockholders received the right to the following merger consideration in exchange for each share of Sierra common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Sierra Merger (excluding any shares cancelled pursuant to the Sierra Merger Agreement): (i) approximately $0.9783641 per share in cash, without interest, from Barings and (ii)0.44973 of a validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of the Company’s common stock. The Company issued approximately
45,986,926 shares of its common stock to Sierra’s former stockholders in connection with the Sierra Merger, thereby resulting in the Company’s then-existing stockholders owning approximately 58.7% of the combined company and Sierra’s former stockholders owning approximately 41.3% of the combined company.
In connection with the completion of the Sierra Merger, the Board affirmed the Company’s commitment to make open-market purchases of shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount of up to $30.0 million at then-current market prices at any time shares trade below 90% of the Company’s then most recently disclosed NAV per share. Any repurchases pursuant to the authorized program will occur during the 12-month period commencing on April 1, 2022 and are expected to be made in accordance with a Rule 10b5-1 purchase plan that qualifies for the safe harbors provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, as well as subject to compliance with the Company’s covenant and regulatory requirements. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased the maximum amount of $30.0 million of common stock authorized under the Sierra share repurchase program.
In connection with the Sierra Merger, on February 25, 2022, the Company entered into the Second Amended Barings BDC Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. Promptly following the closing of the Sierra Merger, the Company also entered into the Sierra Credit Support Agreement with Barings. See “Note 2 - Agreements and Related Party Transactions” for more information regarding the Second Amended Barings BDC Advisory Agreement and the Sierra Credit Support Agreement.
The Sierra Merger was accounted for in accordance with the asset acquisition method of accounting as detailed in ASC 805-50, Business Combinations-Related Issues. Under asset acquisition accounting, acquiring assets in groups not only requires ascertaining the cost of the asset (or net assets), but also allocating that cost to the individual assets (or individual assets and liabilities) that make up the group. Per ASC 805-50-30-1, the acquired assets (as a group) are recognized based on their cost to the acquiring entity, which generally includes transaction costs of the asset acquisition, and no gain or loss is recognized unless the fair value of noncash assets given as consideration differs from the assets carrying amounts on the acquiring entity’s records. ASC 805-50-30-2 goes on to say asset acquisitions in which the consideration given is cash are measured by the amount of cash paid. However, if the consideration given is not in the form of cash (that is, in the form of noncash assets, liabilities incurred, or equity interests issued), measurement is based on the cost to the acquiring entity or the fair value of the assets (or net assets) acquired, whichever is more clearly evident and, thus, more reliably measured.
The fair value of the merger consideration paid by the Company was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values as of the date of acquisition and did not give rise to goodwill. Since the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the fair value of the merger consideration paid by the Company, the Company recognized a deemed contribution from the Adviser.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of the Sierra Merger:
| ($ in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Common stock issued by the Company | $499,418 |
| Cash consideration paid by the Company(1) | 10,670 |
| Deemed contribution from Barings LLC | 27,729 |
| Total purchase price | $537,817 |
| Assets acquired: | |
| Investments(2) | $442,198 |
| Cash | 102,006 |
| Other assets(3) | 3,519 |
| Total assets acquired | $547,723 |
| Liabilities assumed(4) | (9,906) |
| Net assets acquired | $537,817 |
(1)The Company incurred $10.6 million in professional fees and other costs related to the Sierra Merger, including $4.0 million in investment banking fees.
(2)Investments acquired were recorded at fair value, which is also the Company’s initial cost basis.
(3)Other assets acquired in the Sierra Merger consisted of the following:
| ($ in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Interest and fees receivable | $2,874 |
| Escrow receivable | 645 |
| Total | $3,519 |
(4)Liabilities assumed in the Sierra Merger consisted of the following:
| ($ in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| Accrued merger expenses | $3,327 |
| Current and deferred tax liability | 3,814 |
| Other liabilities | 2,765 |
| Total | $9,906 |
- Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following tables set forth certain quarterly financial information for each of the eight quarters in the two years ended December 31, 2023. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or for any future quarter.
| Quarter Ended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) | March 31,2023 | June 30,2023 | September 30,2023 | December 31,2023 |
| Total investment income | $67,204 | $75,302 | $70,846 | $75,849 |
| Net investment income | $27,500 | $33,624 | $33,309 | $33,371 |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $39,651 | $40,117 | $18,321 | $29,910 |
| Net investment income per share | $0.25 | $0.31 | $0.31 | $0.31 |
| Quarter Ended | ||||
| ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) | March 31,2022 | June 30,2022 | September 30,2022 | December 31,2022 |
| Total investment income | $43,757 | $55,592 | $56,306 | $63,474 |
| Net investment income | $19,009 | $31,774 | $27,912 | $36,961 |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $21,032 | $(24,993) | $9,893 | $(1,251) |
| Net investment income per share | $0.23 | $0.29 | $0.26 | $0.34 |
- Subsequent Events
On February 12, 2024, the Company issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes that mature on February 15, 2029 and bear interest at a rate of 7.000% per annum (the “February 2029 Notes”). The February 2029 Notes pay interest semi-annually and all principal is due upon maturity. The February 2029 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at the Company’s option at a redemption price equal to par plus a “make whole” premium, if applicable, as determined pursuant to the indenture governing the February 2029 Notes, and any accrued and unpaid interest. The February 2029 Notes were issued at a public offering price of 98.948% of the principal amount thereof.
On February 22, 2024, the Board authorized a new 12-month share repurchase program. Under the program, the Company may repurchase, during the 12-month period commencing on March 1, 2024, up to $30.0 million in the aggregate of its outstanding common stock in the open market at prices below the then-current NAV per share. The timing, manner, price and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by the Company, in its discretion, based upon the evaluation of economic and market conditions, the Company’s stock price, applicable legal, contractual and regulatory requirements and other factors. The program is expected to be in effect until March 1, 2025, unless extended or until the aggregate repurchase amount that has been approved by the Board has been expended. The program does not require the Company to repurchase any specific number of shares, and the Company cannot assure stockholders that any shares will be repurchased under the program. The program may be suspended, extended, modified or discontinued at any time.
On February 22, 2024, the Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.26 per share payable on March 13, 2024 to holders of record as of March 6, 2024.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.