BCP Investment Corp: Form 10-Q for the period ended Sep 30, 2023

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This discussion contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q of this Quarterly Report. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements due to factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” section included in our SEC filings and “Note About Forward-Looking Statements” appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.

GENERAL

We are an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). Sierra Crest Investment Management LLC (the “Adviser”) is an affiliate of BC Partners LLP (“BC Partners”). Subject to the overall supervision of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for managing our business and activities, including sourcing investment opportunities, conducting research, performing diligence on potential investments, structuring our investments, and monitoring our portfolio companies on an ongoing basis through a team of investment professionals.

We originate, structure, and invest in secured term loans, bonds or notes and mezzanine debt primarily in privately-held middle market companies but may also invest in other investments such as loans to publicly-traded companies, high-yield bonds, and distressed debt securities (collectively the “Debt Securities Portfolio”). We also invest in debt and subordinated securities issued by collateralized loan obligation funds (“CLO Fund Securities”). In addition, from time to time we may invest in the equity securities of privately held middle market companies and may also receive warrants or options to purchase common stock in connection with our debt investments.

In our Debt Securities Portfolio, our investment objective is to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, capital appreciation from the investments in senior secured term loans, mezzanine debt and selected equity investments in privately-held middle market companies. We define the middle market as comprising companies with EBITDA of $10 million to $50 million and/or total debt of $25 million to $150 million. We primarily invest in first and second lien term loans which, because of their priority in a company’s capital structure, we expect will have lower default rates and higher rates of recovery of principal if there is a default and which we expect will create a stable stream of interest income. While there is no specific collateral associated with senior unsecured debt, such positions are senior in payment priority over subordinated debt investments. The investments in our Debt Securities Portfolio are all or predominantly below investment grade, and have speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

From time-to-time we have also made investments in CLO Fund Securities managed by other asset managers. Our collateralized loan obligation funds (“CLO Funds”) typically invest in broadly syndicated loans, high-yield bonds and other credit instruments.

Our portfolio may include “covenant-lite” loans which generally refer to loans that do not have a complete set of financial maintenance covenants. Generally, “covenant-lite” loans provide borrower companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition. Accordingly, to the extent we invest in “covenant-lite” loans, we may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants.

We have elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and intend to operate in a manner to maintain our RIC status. As a RIC, we intend to distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our net ordinary taxable income and the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, if any, for each year. To qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. Pursuant to this election, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any income that we timely distribute to our stockholders.

From time to time, we may seek to retire, repurchase, or exchange debt securities in open market purchases or by other means dependent on market conditions, liquidity, contractual obligations, and other matters. In addition, we evaluate strategic opportunities available to us, including mergers with unaffiliated funds and affiliated funds, divestures, spin-offs, joint ventures and other similar transactions from time to time. An example of an opportunity we are currently in the initial stages of evaluating is a potential merger with one or more of our affiliated 1940 Act funds, which may result in the use of an exchange ratio other than NAV-for-NAV (including but not limited to relative market price) in connection therewith.

The Externalization

On April 1, 2019 (the “Closing”), we became externally managed (the “Externalization”) by the Adviser, pursuant to a stock purchase and transaction agreement (the “Externalization Agreement”) with BC Partners Advisors L.P. (“BCP”), an affiliate of BC Partners. In connection with the Externalization, our stockholders approved an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser. See “-Advisory Agreement” below.

Pursuant to the Externalization Agreement with BCP, the Adviser became our investment adviser in exchange for a cash payment from BCP, or its affiliate, of $25 million, or $0.669672 per share of our common stock, directly to our stockholders. In addition, the Adviser (or its affiliate) will use up to $10 million of the incentive fee actually paid to the Adviser prior to the second anniversary of the Closing to buy newly issued shares of our common stock at the most recently determined net asset value per share of our common stock at the time of such purchase. In November 2020, the Adviser purchased approximately $570 thousand newly issued shares of our common stock in connection therewith, and in May 2021, the Adviser purchased approximately $4.0 million of newly issued shares of our common stock in connection therewith. In both cases, the shares were issued at the most recently determined net asset value per share of our common stock. The obligations of the Advisor to use incentive fees to purchase shares expired on April 1, 2021. For the period of one year from the first day of the first quarter following the quarter in which the Closing occurred, the Adviser will permanently forego up to the full amount of the incentive fees earned by the Adviser without recourse against or reimbursement by us, to the extent necessary in order to achieve aggregate net investment income per share of common stock for such one-year period to be at least equal to $0.40 per share, subject to certain adjustments. BCP and the Adviser’s total financial commitment to the transactions contemplated by the Externalization Agreement was $35.0 million.

GARS Transaction

On October 28, 2020, we completed our acquisition of Garrison Capital Inc., a publicly traded BDC (“GARS”, and such transaction, the “GARS Acquisition”). To effect the acquisition, our wholly owned merger subsidiary merged with and into GARS, with GARS surviving the merger as our wholly owned subsidiary. Immediately thereafter and as a single integrated transaction, GARS consummated a second merger, whereby GARS merged with and into us, with the Company surviving the merger.

In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement for the GARS Acquisition, dated June 24, 2020 (the “GARS Merger Agreement”), each share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of GARS (the “GARS Common Stock”) issued and outstanding was converted into the right to receive (i) an amount in cash, without interest, equal to approximately $1.19 and (ii) approximately 1.917 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (plus any applicable cash in lieu of fractional shares). Each share of GARS Common Stock issued and outstanding received, as additional consideration funded by the Adviser, an amount in cash, without interest, equal to approximately $0.31. In connection with the closing of the GARS Acquisition, the Board approved an increase in the size of the Board from seven members to nine members, and appointed each of Matthew Westwood and Joseph Morea to serve on the Board.

HCAP Acquisition and Assumption and Redemption of HCAP Notes

On June 9, 2021 we completed our acquisition of Harvest Capital Credit Corporation, a publicly traded BDC (“HCAP”, and such transaction, the “HCAP Acquisition”). To effect the acquisition, our wholly owned merger subsidiary (“Acquisition Sub”) merged with and into HCAP, with HCAP surviving the merger as the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary. Immediately thereafter and as a single integrated transaction, HCAP consummated a second merger, whereby HCAP merged with and into the Company, with the Company surviving the merger. As a result of, and as of the effective time of, the second merger, HCAP’s separate corporate existence ceased.

Under the terms of the merger agreement for the HCAP Acquisition, dated December 23, 2020 (the “HCAP Merger Agreement”), HCAP stockholders as of immediately prior to the effective time of the first merger (other than shares held by a subsidiary of HCAP or held, directly or indirectly, by the Company or Acquisition Sub, and all treasury shares (collectively, “Cancelled Shares”)) received a combination of (i) $18.54 million in cash paid by the Company, (ii) 15,252,453 validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and (iii) an additional cash payment from the Adviser of $2.15 million in the aggregate.

With respect to the merger consideration from the Company, HCAP stockholders as of immediately prior to the effective time of the first merger (other than Cancelled Shares) were entitled, with respect to all or any portion of the shares of HCAP common stock they held as of the effective time of the first merger, to elect to receive the merger consideration in the form of cash (an “Election”) or in the form of our common stock, subject to certain conditions and limitations in the merger agreement. Any HCAP stockholder who did not validly make an Election was deemed to have elected to receive shares of the Company’s common stock with respect to the merger consideration as payment for their shares of HCAP common stock. Each share of HCAP common stock (other than Cancelled Shares) with respect to which an Election was made was treated as an “Electing Share” and each share of HCAP Common Stock (other than Cancelled Shares) with respect to which an Election was not made or that was transferred after the election deadline on June 2, 2021 was treated as a “Non-Electing Share.”

Pursuant to the conditions of and adjustment mechanisms in the HCAP Merger Agreement, 475,806 Electing Shares were converted to Non-Electing Shares for purposes of calculating the total mix of consideration to be paid to each Electing Share in order to ensure that the value of the aggregate cash consideration paid to holders of the Electing Shares equaled the aggregate cash consideration that HCAP received from the Company under the terms of the HCAP Merger Agreement. Accordingly, as a result of the Elections received from HCAP stockholders and any resulting adjustment under the terms of the HCAP Merger Agreement, each Electing Share received, in aggregate, approximately $7.43 in cash and 0.74 shares of the Company's common stock, while each Non-Electing Share received, in aggregate, approximately 3.86 shares of the Company's common stock.

On June 9, 2021, the Company entered into a third supplemental indenture (the “HCAP Third Supplemental Indenture”) by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), effective as of the closing of the HCAP Acquisition. The HCAP Third Supplemental Indenture relates to the Company’s assumption of $28.75 million in aggregate principal amount of HCAP’s 6.125% Notes due September 15, 2022 (the “HCAP Notes”).

Pursuant to the HCAP Third Supplemental Indenture, the Company expressly assumed the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the HCAP Notes and the performance of HCAP’s covenants under the base indenture, dated as of January 27, 2015, by and between HCAP and the Trustee, as supplemented by the second supplemental indenture, dated as of August 24, 2017, by and between HCAP and the Trustee. No change of control offer was required to be made in respect of the HCAP Notes in connection with the consummation of the HCAP Acquisition.

The HCAP Notes could be redeemed by the Company at any time at par value plus accrued and unpaid interest. On July 23, 2021, the Company redeemed the entire notional amount of $28.75 million of the HCAP Notes.

PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

Our primary investments are lending to and investing in middle-market businesses through investments in senior secured loans, junior secured loans, subordinated/mezzanine debt investments, and other equity investments, which may include warrants, investments in joint ventures, and investments in CLO Fund Securities.

Total portfolio investment activity (excluding activity in short-term investments) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 (unaudited) and for the year ended December 31, 2022 was as follows:

($ in thousands)

(1) Certain of the Company's derivatives are included in the non-controlled/non-affiliated investments on the consolidated balance sheets and statement of operations.

The level of investment activity for investments funded and principal repayments for our investments can vary substantially from period to period depending on the number and size of investments that we invest in or divest of, and many other factors, including the amount and competition for the debt and equity securities available to middle market companies, the level of merger and acquisition activity for such companies and the general economic environment.

The following table shows the Company’s portfolio by security type at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

($ in thousands)

(1) Represents percentage of total portfolio at fair value.

(2) Represents the equity investment in the Asset Manager Affiliates.

The industry concentrations, based on the fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, were as follows:

($ in thousands)

(1) Calculated as a percentage of total portfolio at fair value.

(2) Represents the equity investment in the Asset Manager Affiliates.

Debt Securities Portfolio

At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the weighted average contractual interest rate on our interest earning Debt Securities Portfolio was approximately 12.3% and 11.1%, respectively.

The investment portfolio (excluding our investments in the CLO Funds, Joint Ventures and short-term investments) at September 30, 2023 was spread across 26 different industries and 101 different entities with an average par balance per entity of approximately $3.3 million. As of September 30, 2023, eight of our investments were on non-accrual status. As of December 31, 2022, four of our investments were on non-accrual status.

We may invest up to 30% of our investment portfolio in “non-qualifying” opportunistic investments such as high-yield bonds, debt and equity securities of CLO Funds, foreign investments, joint ventures, managed funds, partnerships and distressed debt or equity securities of large cap public companies. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the total amount of non-qualifying assets to total assets was approximately 15.5% and 17.6% of total assets, respectively. The majority of non-qualifying assets were the Company’s investments in Joint Ventures, in the aggregate representing approximately 11.4% and 9.5%, of the total assets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and our total assets including our investments in CLO Funds, which are typically domiciled outside the U.S. and represented approximately 1.9% and 3.3% of total assets on such dates, respectively.

Asset Manager Affiliates

As of September 30, 2023, our remaining asset management affiliates (the “Asset Manager Affiliates”) have limited operations and are expected to be liquidated. As of September 30, 2023, the Asset Manager Affiliates manage CLO Funds that invest in broadly syndicated loans, high yield bonds and other credit instruments.

CLO Fund Securities

We have made minority investments in the subordinated securities or preferred shares of CLO Funds managed by the Disposed Manager Affiliates and may selectively invest in securities issued by CLO Funds managed by other asset management companies. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had approximately $10.4 million and $20.5 million, respectively, invested in CLO Fund Securities.

The CLO Funds invest primarily in broadly syndicated non-investment grade loans, high-yield bonds and other credit instruments of corporate issuers. The underlying assets in each of the CLO Fund Securities in which we have an investment are generally diversified secured or unsecured corporate debt.

The structure of CLO Funds, which are highly levered, is extremely complicated. Since we primarily invest in securities representing the residual interests of CLO Funds, our investments are much riskier than the risk profile of the loans by which such CLO Funds are collateralized. Our investments in CLO Funds may be riskier and less transparent to us and our stockholders than direct investments in the underlying loans. For a more detailed discussion of the risks related to our investments in CLO Funds, please see “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Investments — Our investments may be risky, and you could lose all or part of your investment” included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Our CLO Fund Securities as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:

($ in thousands)

(1) Represents percentage of class held at September 30, 2023.

Investment in Joint Ventures

KCAP Freedom 3 LLC

During the third quarter of 2017, we and Freedom 3 Opportunities LLC (“Freedom 3 Opportunities”), an affiliate of Freedom 3 Capital LLC, entered into an agreement to create KCAP Freedom 3 LLC (the “F3C Joint Venture”). The fund capitalized by the F3C Joint Venture invests primarily in middle-market loans and the F3C Joint Venture partners may source middle-market loans from time-to-time for the fund.

We own a 62.8% economic interest in the F3C Joint Venture. The F3C Joint Venture is structured as an unconsolidated Delaware limited liability company. All portfolio and other material decisions regarding the F3C Joint Venture must be submitted to its board of managers, which is comprised of four members, two of whom were selected by us and two of whom were selected by Freedom 3 Opportunities, and must be approved by at least one member appointed by us and one appointed by Freedom 3 Opportunities. In addition, certain matters may be approved by the F3C Joint Venture’s investment committee, which is comprised of one member appointed by us and one member appointed by Freedom 3 Opportunities.

We have determined that the F3C Joint Venture is an investment company under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Financial Services — Investment Companies (“ASC 946”), however, in accordance with such guidance, we will generally not consolidate our investment in a company other than a wholly owned investment company subsidiary or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to us. We do not consolidate its interest in the F3C Joint Venture because we do not control the F3C Joint Venture due to allocation of the voting rights among the F3C Joint Venture partners.

Series A – Great Lakes Funding II LLC

In August 2022, we invested in Series A – Great Lakes Funding II LLC (the “Great Lakes II Joint Venture,” collectively with the F3C Joint Venture the “Joint Ventures”), a joint venture with an investment strategy to underwrite and hold senior, secured unitranche loans made to middle-market companies. We treat our investment in the Great Lakes II Joint Venture as a joint venture since an affiliate of the Adviser controls a 50% voting interest in the Great Lakes II Joint Venture. In connection with the launch of the Great Lakes II Joint Venture, we entered into a series of transactions pursuant to which our prior investment in BCP Great Lakes Holdings LP, a vehicle formed as a co-investment vehicle to facilitate the participation of certain co-investors to invest, directly or indirectly, in BCP Great Lakes Funding, LLC (the “Prior Great Lakes Joint Venture”), and the corresponding assets held by the Prior Great Lakes Joint Venture in respect of our investment in BCP Great Lakes Holdings LP, were transferred to the Great Lakes II Joint Venture in complete redemption of our investment in BCP Great Lakes Holdings LP.

The Great Lakes II Joint Venture is a Delaware series limited liability company, and pursuant to the terms of the Great Lakes Funding II LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “Great Lakes II LLC Agreement”), prior to the end of the investment period with respect to each series established under the Great Lakes II LLC Agreement, each member of the predecessor series would be offered the opportunity to roll its interests into any subsequent series of the Great Lakes II Joint Venture. We do not pay any advisory fees in connection with our investment in the Great Lakes II Joint Venture. Certain other funds managed by the Adviser or its affiliates have also invested in the Great Lakes II Joint Venture.

The fair value of our investment in the Great Lakes II Joint Venture at September 30, 2023 was $47.1 million. The fair value of our investment in the Great Lakes II Joint Venture at December 31, 2022 was $40.3 million. Fair value has been determined utilizing the practical expedient pursuant to ASC 820-10. Pursuant to the terms of the Great Lakes II LLC Agreement, we generally may not effect any direct or indirect sale, transfer, assignment, hypothecation, pledge or other disposition of or encumbrance upon our interests in the Great Lakes II Joint Venture, except that we may sell or otherwise transfer our interests with the consent of the managing members of the Great Lakes II Joint Venture or to an affiliate or a successor to substantially all of our assets.

As of September 30, 2023, we have a $1.4 million unfunded commitment to the Great Lakes II Joint Venture. As of December 31, 2022, we had a $8.0 million unfunded commitment to the Great Lakes II Joint Venture.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The principal measure of our financial performance is the net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations, which includes net investment income (loss) and net realized and unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Net investment income (loss) is the difference between our income from interest, distributions, fees, and other investment income and our operating expenses. Net realized gain (loss) on investments is the difference between the proceeds received from dispositions of portfolio investments and their amortized cost. Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments is the net change in the fair value of our investment portfolio.

Set forth below is a discussion of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.

Revenue

($ in thousands)

Revenues consist primarily of investment income from interest and dividends on our investment portfolio and various ancillary fees related to our investment holdings. Investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $18.6 million and $19.0 million, respectively. Investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $58.5 million and $51.0 million, respectively.

Interest from Investments in Debt Securities. We generate interest income from our investments in debt securities that consist primarily of senior and junior secured loans. Our Debt Securities Portfolio is spread across multiple industries and geographic locations and, as such, we are broadly exposed to market conditions and business environments. As a result, although our investments are exposed to market risks, we continuously seek to limit concentration of exposure in any particular sector or issuer.

The majority of investment income is attributable to interest income on our Debt Securities Portfolio. For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 approximately $15.8 million and $15.4 million, respectively, of investment income was attributable to interest income on our Debt Securities Portfolio. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 approximately $48.1 million and $40.3 million, respectively, of investment income was attributable to interest income on our Debt Securities Portfolio.

At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the weighted average contractual interest rate on our interest earning Debt Securities Portfolio was approximately 12.3% and 11.1%, respectively.

Investment income is primarily dependent on the composition and credit quality of our investment portfolio. Generally, our Debt Securities Portfolio is expected to generate predictable, recurring interest income in accordance with the contractual terms of each loan. Corporate equity securities may pay a dividend and may increase in value for which a gain may be recognized; generally, such dividend payments and gains are less predictable than interest income on our loan portfolio.

Investment income is comprised of coupon interest, accretion of discount and accelerated accretion resulting from paydowns and other revenue earned from operations. Recent acquisitions of GARS (October 2020) and HCAP (June 2021) have had a significant positive impact on earnings as a result of amortization of purchase discount established at the time of the merger. The table below illustrates that impact.

($ in thousands)

Core investment income excludes the impact of purchase discount amortization in connection with the GARS and HCAP mergers which is investment income as determined in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”), excluding the impact of purchase discount amortization associated with the GARS and HCAP mergers. We believe presenting investment income excluding the impact of the GARS and HCAP merger-related purchase discount amortization and the related per share amount is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure for analyzing our financial performance due to the unique circumstance giving rise to the purchase accounting adjustment. However, this measure is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for net investment income and other earnings measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, this measure should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing Portman Ridge’s financial performance. A reconciliation of net investment income in accordance with U.S. GAAP to net investment income excluding the impact of purchase accounting is detailed in the table above.

Investment Income on Investments in CLO Fund Securities. For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, approximately $502 thousand and $914 thousand, respectively, of investment income was attributable to investments in CLO Fund Securities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, approximately $1.9 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of investment income was attributable to investments in CLO Fund Securities. We generate investment income from our investments in the securities (typically preferred shares or subordinated securities) of CLO Funds. CLO Funds invest primarily in broadly syndicated non-investment grade loans, high-yield bonds and other credit instruments of corporate issuers. The underlying assets in each of the CLO Funds in which we have an investment are generally diversified secured or unsecured corporate debt. Our CLO Fund Securities that are subordinated securities or preferred shares (“junior securities”) are subordinated to senior note holders who typically receive a return on their investment at a fixed spread relative to the LIBOR index. The CLO Funds are leveraged funds and any excess cash flow or “excess spread” (interest earned by the underlying securities in the fund less payments made to senior bond holders and less fund expenses and management fees) is paid to the holders of the CLO Fund’s subordinated securities or preferred shares. The level of excess spread from CLO Fund Securities can be impacted by the timing and level of the resetting of the benchmark interest rate for the underlying assets (which reset at various times throughout the quarter) in the CLO Fund and the related CLO Fund note liabilities (which reset at each quarterly distribution date); in periods of short-term and volatile changes in the benchmark interest rate, the levels of excess spread and resulting cash distributions to us can vary significantly.

Interest income on investments in CLO equity investments is recorded using the effective interest method in accordance with the provisions of ASC 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets (“ASC 325-40”), based on the anticipated yield and the estimated cash flows over the projected life of the investment. Yields are revised when there are changes in actual or estimated projected future cash flows due to changes in prepayments and/or re-investments, credit losses or asset pricing. Changes in estimated yield are recognized as an adjustment to the estimated yield prospectively over the remaining life of the investment from the date the estimated yield was changed. Accordingly, investment income recognized on CLO equity securities in our U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) statement of operations differs from both the tax–basis investment income and from the cash distributions actually received by us during the period. As a RIC, we anticipate a timely distribution of our tax-basis taxable income.

Investments in Joint Ventures. For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized $2.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively, in investment income from our investments in Joint Ventures.For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized $6.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively, in investment income from our investments in Joint Ventures. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the fair value of our investments in Joint Ventures was approximately $62.2 million and $59.0 million, respectively. The final determination of the tax attributes of distributions from Joint Ventures is made on an annual (full calendar year) basis at the end of the year based upon taxable income and distributions for the full year. Therefore, any estimate of tax attributes of distributions made on an interim basis may not be representative of the actual tax attributes of distributions for the full year.

Capital Structuring Service Fees. We may earn ancillary structuring and other fees related to the origination, investment, disposition or liquidation of debt and investment securities. For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, approximately $166 thousand and $537 thousand, respectively, of investment income was attributable to Capital Structuring Fees. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, approximately $1.7 million and $908 thousand, respectively, of investment income was attributable to Capital Structuring Fees.

Expenses

($ in thousands)

In connection with the Advisory Agreement, we pay the Adviser certain investment advisory fees and reimburse the Adviser and Administrator for certain expenses incurred in connection with the services they provide. We bear our allocable portion of the compensation paid by the Adviser (or its affiliates) to our chief compliance officer and chief financial officer and their respective staffs (based on a percentage of time such individuals devote, on an estimated basis, to our business affairs). We also bear all other costs and expenses of our operations, administration and transactions, including, but not limited to (i) investment advisory fees, including management fees and incentive fees, to the Adviser, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement; (ii) our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Adviser (or its affiliates) in performing its administrative obligations under the Advisory Agreement, and (iii) all other expenses of our operations and transactions including, without limitation, those relating to:

• the cost of calculating our net asset value, including the cost of any third-party valuation services;
• the cost of effecting any sales and repurchases of our common stock and other securities;
• fees and expenses payable under any dealer manager or placement agent agreements, if any;
• administration fees payable under the Administration Agreement and any sub-administration agreements, including related expenses;
• debt service and other costs of borrowings or other financing arrangements;
• costs of hedging;
• expenses, including travel expense, incurred by the Adviser, or members of the investment team, or payable to third parties, performing due diligence on prospective portfolio companies and, if necessary, enforcing our rights;
• transfer agent and custodial fees;
• fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;
• federal and state registration fees, any stock exchange listing fees and fees payable to rating agencies;
• federal, state and local taxes;
• independent directors’ fees and expenses including certain travel expenses;
• costs of preparing financial statements and maintaining books and records and filing reports or other documents with the SEC (or other regulatory bodies) and other reporting and compliance costs, including registration and listing fees, and the compensation of professionals responsible for the preparation of the foregoing;
• the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to stockholders (including printing and mailing costs), the costs of any stockholder or director meetings and the compensation of personnel responsible for the preparation of the foregoing and related matters;
• commissions and other compensation payable to brokers or dealers;
• research and market data;
• fidelity bond, directors and officers errors and omissions liability insurance and other insurance premiums;
• direct costs and expenses of administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff;
• fees and expenses associated with independent audits, outside legal and consulting costs;
• costs of winding up our affairs;
• costs incurred by either the Administrator or us in connection with administering our business, including payments under the Administration Agreement;
• extraordinary expenses (such as litigation or indemnification); and
• costs associated with reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable federal and state securities laws.

Management Fees and Incentive Fees. Management fees for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $1.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Management fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $5.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively. Incentive fees for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $1.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Incentive fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $5.0 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

Interest and Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs. Interest expense is dependent on the average outstanding balance on our borrowings and the base index rate for the period. Debt issuance costs represent fees and other direct costs incurred in connection with our borrowings. These amounts are capitalized and amortized over the expected term of the borrowing. For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, interest expense and amortization on debt issuance costs and discount for the period was approximately $6.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively, on average debt outstanding of $352.1 million and $355.9 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, interest expense and amortization on debt issuance costs and discount for the period was approximately $19.0 million and $11.9 million, respectively.

Professional Fees and General and Administrative Expenses. The balance of our expenses includes professional fees (primarily legal, accounting, director fees, valuation and other professional services), insurance costs, Administrative services expense under the Administration Agreement and general administrative and other costs.

Total expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $11.4 million and $10.6 million, respectively. Total expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were approximately $34.9 million and $29.2 million, respectively. The increase in total expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, in comparison to the prior year was primarily driven by the increase in assets under management.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, professional fees totaled approximately $640 thousand and $759 thousand, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, professional fees totaled approximately $1.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, administrative services expense was approximately $617 thousand and $862 thousand, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, administrative services expense was approximately $1.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Other general and administrative expenses, which includes insurance, technology and other office and administrative expenses, totaled approximately $445 thousand and $461 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, other general and administrative expenses, which includes insurance, technology and other office and administrative expenses, totaled approximately $1.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

Net Investment Income and Net Realized Gains (Losses)

Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) represents the change in net assets before net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments. For the three months ended September 30, 2023 net investment income and net realized gains (losses) were approximately $5.5 million, or $0.58 per share. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, net investment income and net realized gains (losses) were approximately ($0.7) million, or ($0.07) per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 net investment income and net realized gains (losses) were approximately $12.4 million, or $1.30 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 net investment income and net realized gains (losses) were approximately ($6.8) million, or ($0.71) per share. Net investment income represents the income earned on our investments less operating and interest expense before net realized gains or losses and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.

Investments are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the statement of operations. When an investment is sold or liquidated, any previously recognized unrealized appreciation/depreciation is reversed and a corresponding amount is recognized as realized gain (loss). For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, GAAP-basis net investment income was approximately $23.6 million or $2.48 per share, while tax-basis distributable income was approximately $20.3 million or $2.13 per basic share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, GAAP-basis net investment income was approximately $21.8 million or $2.26 per share, while tax-basis distributable income was approximately $22.1 million or $2.29 per basic share.

Net Unrealized (Depreciation) Appreciation on Investments

($ in thousands)

During the three months ended September 30, 2023, our total investments had net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of approximately $1.7 million. The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments is made up of approximately $1.1 million on CLO Fund Securities, ($1.6) million on equity securities, ($950) thousand on our Joint Ventures investments, and $3.1 million on our debt securities. During the three months ended September 30, 2022, our total investments had net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of approximately ($3.0) million. The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments was made up of approximately $7.8 million on CLO Fund Securities, ($963) thousand on equity securities, ($2.2) million on our Joint Ventures investments, and ($7.6) million on our debt securities.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our total investments had net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of approximately ($8.4) million. The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments is made up of approximately $2.8 million on CLO Fund Securities, ($3.5) million on equity securities, ($3.4) million on our Joint Ventures investments, and ($4.3) million on our debt securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, our total investments had net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of approximately ($0.7) million. The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments is made up of approximately $7.1 million on CLO Fund Securities, $0.9 million on equity securities, ($6.1) million on our Joint Ventures investments, ($5.1) million on our debt securities, and $2.4 million on our derivatives.

Net Change in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

The net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $7.4 million, or $0.78 per basic share. The net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was ($4.2) million, or ($0.44) per basic share. The net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $4.4 million, or $0.46 per basic share. The net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was ($8.6) million, or ($0.89) per basic share.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY, AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain investments, pay distributions to our stockholders and other general business needs. We recognize the need to have funds available for operating our business and to make investments. We seek to have adequate liquidity at all times to cover normal cyclical swings in funding availability and to allow us to meet irregular and unexpected funding requirements. We plan to satisfy our liquidity needs through normal operations with the goal of avoiding unplanned sales of assets or emergency borrowing of funds.

As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 the fair value of investments and cash were as follows:

($ in thousands)

Subject to market conditions, we intend to grow our portfolio of assets by raising additional capital, including through the prudent use of leverage available to us. As a BDC, we are limited in the amount of leverage we can incur under the 1940 Act. Effective March 29, 2019, we are allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% after such borrowing. Because we also recognize the need to have funds available for operating our business and to make investments, we seek to have adequate liquidity at all times to cover normal cyclical swings in funding availability and to allow us to meet abnormal and unexpected funding requirements. As a result, we may hold varying amounts of cash and other short-term investments from time-to-time for liquidity purposes.

Borrowings

We use borrowed funds, known as “leverage,” to make investments and to attempt to increase returns to our shareholders by reducing our overall cost of capital. As a BDC, we are limited in the amount of leverage we can incur under the 1940 Act. We are only allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% after such borrowing. As of September 30, 2023, we had approximately $321.5 million of par value of outstanding borrowings and our asset coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings was 166%, compliant with the minimum asset coverage level of 150% generally required for a BDC by the 1940 Act. We may also borrow amounts of up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary purposes.

The Small Business Credit Availability Act (the “SBCA”) has modified the 1940 Act by allowing a BDC to increase the maximum amount of leverage it may incur from an asset coverage ratio of 200% to an asset coverage ratio of 150%, if certain requirements are met. On March 29, 2018, the Board, including a “required majority” (as such term is defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of its Board, approved the modified asset coverage requirements set forth in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act, as amended by the SBCA. As a result, our asset coverage requirements for senior securities changed from 200% to 150%, effective as of March 29, 2019.

Outstanding Notes

During the second quarter of 2021, we issued $108.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.875% Notes Due 2026. The net proceeds for the 4.875% Notes Due 2026, after the payment of underwriting expenses, were approximately $104.6 million. Interest on the 4.875% Notes Due 2026 is paid semi-annually on March 16 and September 16, at a rate of 4.875% commencing September 16, 2021. The 4.875% Notes Due 2026 mature on April 30, 2026 and are general unsecured obligations. The indenture governing the 4.875% Notes Due 2026 contains certain restrictive covenants, including compliance with certain provisions of the 1940 Act relating to borrowing and dividends. At September 30, 2023, there was approximately $108.0 million of principal amount outstanding, and we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants on the 4.875% Notes.

Revolving Credit Facility

On December 18, 2019, Great Lakes Portman Ridge Funding LLC (“GLPRF LLC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (“JPM”). JPM serves as administrative agent, U.S. Bank National Association serves as collateral agent, securities intermediary and collateral administrator, and the Company serves as portfolio manager under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Advances under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the three-month SOFR in effect, plus the applicable margin of 2.85% per annum. GLPRF LLC is required to utilize a minimum of 80% of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility, after an initial six-month ramp-up period during which a lesser minimum utilization requirement applies. Unused amounts below such minimum utilization amount accrue interest as if such amounts are outstanding as borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. In addition, GLPRF LLC will pay a non-usage fee during the first three years after the closing date in an amount not to exceed 0.50% per annum on the average daily unborrowed portion of the financing commitments in excess of such minimum utilization amount.

The initial principal amount of the Revolving Credit Facility is $115 million. The Revolving Credit Facility has an accordion feature, subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, which could bring total commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility to up to $215 million. Proceeds from borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to fund portfolio investments by GLPRF LLC and to make advances under delayed draw term loans where GLPRF LLC is a lender. All amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility must be repaid by the maturity date of December 18, 2023.

On April 29, 2022, GLPRF LLC amended the Revolving Credit Facility with JPM as administrative agent. The amended agreement replaces three-month SOFR as the benchmark interest rate and reduces the applicable margin to 2.80% per annum from 2.85% per annum. Other amendments include the extension of the reinvestment period and scheduled termination date to April 29, 2025 and April 29, 2026, respectively.

GLPRF LLC’s obligations to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in all of GLPRF LLC’s portfolio of investments and cash. The obligations of GLPRF LLC under the Revolving Credit Facility are non-recourse to the Company, and the Company’s exposure under the Revolving Credit Facility is limited to the value of the Company’s investment in GLPRF LLC.

In connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, GLPRF LLC has made certain customary representations and warranties and is required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar facilities. The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary events of default for similar financing transactions, including if a change of control of GLPRF LLC occurs or if the Company is no longer the portfolio manager of GLPRF LLC. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, JPM may declare the outstanding advances and all other obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility immediately due and payable.

The occurrence of an event of default (as described above) or a market value event (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) triggers a requirement that GLPRF LLC obtain the consent of JPM prior to entering into certain sales or dispositions with respect to portfolio assets, and the occurrence of a market value event triggers the right of JPM to direct GLPRF LLC to enter into sales or dispositions with respect to any portfolio assets, in each case in JPM’s sole discretion.

At September 30, 2023, GLPRF LLC was in compliance with all of its debt covenants and there was approximately $74.0 million principal amount of borrowings was outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.

2018-2 Secured Notes

On October 28, 2020 the Company completed the GARS Acquisition, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the GARS Merger Agreement. In connection therewith, the Company now consolidates the financial statements the 2018-2 CLO a $420.0 million par value CLO facility. On the date of the transaction the debt assumed was recognized at fair value, resulting in a $2.4 million discount which is amortized over the remaining term of the borrowings.

The CLO was executed by GF 2018-2 (the “Issuer”) and Portman Ridge Funding 2018-2 LLC (formerly known as Garrison Funding 2018-2 LLC, together with the Issuer, the “Co-Issuers”) who issued $312.0 million of senior secured notes (collectively referred to as the “2018-2 Secured Notes”) and $108.0 million of subordinated notes (the “2018-2 Subordinated Notes” and, together with the 2018-2 Secured Notes, the “2018-2 Notes”) backed by a diversified portfolio of primarily senior secured loans. The Company owns all $108.0 million of the par value of the 2018-2 Subordinated Notes and $18.3 million of the par value of the Class B-R Notes and serves as collateral manager for the Co-Issuers. The Company is entitled to receive interest from the Class B-R Notes, distributions from the 2018-2 Subordinated Notes and fees for serving as collateral manager in accordance with the CLO’s governing documents and to the extent funds are available for such purposes. However, as a result of retaining all of the 2018-2 Subordinated Notes, the Company consolidates the accounts of the Co-Issuers into its financial statements and all transactions between the Company and the Co-Issuers are eliminated on consolidation. As a result of this consolidation, the 2018-2 Secured Notes issued by the CLO is treated as the Company’s indebtedness, except any 2018-2 Secured Notes owned by the Company, which are eliminated in consolidation. The 2018-2 Notes are scheduled to mature on November 20, 2029, however the Co-Issuers may redeem the 2018-2 Notes on any business day after November 20, 2020. The indenture governing the 2018-2 Notes provides that, to the extent cash is available from cash collections, the holders of the 2018-2 Notes are to receive quarterly interest payments on the 20th day or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day of February, May, August and November of each year until the stated maturity or earlier redemption. On July 18, 2019, $25.0 million outstanding of the aggregate $50.0 million Class A-1R-R Notes available under the CLO converted to Class A-1T-R Notes. On November 18, 2022, the Company drew $14.3 million of the $25 million unfunded Class A-1 R-R Notes. The Reinvestment Period ended on November 20, 2022, and the remaining amount of the unfunded Class A-1 R-R Notes terminated.

Stockholder Distributions

We intend to continue to make quarterly distributions to our stockholders. To avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we generally endeavor to distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of:

• 98% of our ordinary net taxable income for the calendar year;
• 98.2% of our capital gains, if any, in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year; and
• any net ordinary income and net capital gains for the preceding year that were not distributed during such year and on which we do not pay corporate tax.

We may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, to the extent required.

The amount of our declared distributions, as evaluated by management and approved by our Board, is based primarily on our evaluation of our net investment income and distributable taxable income.

We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of each stockholder. Under certain applicable provisions of the Code and the Treasury regulations, distributions payable in cash or in shares of stock at the election of stockholders are treated as taxable dividends. The Internal Revenue Service has published guidance indicating that this rule will apply even where the total amount of cash that may be distributed is limited to no more than 20% of the total distribution. Under this guidance, if too many stockholders elect to receive their distributions in cash, the cash available for distribution must be allocated among the stockholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). If we decide to make any distributions consistent with this guidance that are payable in part in our stock, taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend (whether received in cash, shares of our stock, or a combination thereof) as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly reported as a capital gain dividend) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. stockholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such dividends in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock it receives in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our stock.

We are also prohibited by the 1940 Act and the indenture governing our 4.875% Notes due 2026 from declaring dividends (except a dividend payable in our stock) or making distributions on our common stock, or purchasing any such stock, if, at the time of declaration or at the time of any such purchase, our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is below the threshold specified in Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions thereto of the 1940 Act, after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and giving effect, in each case (i) to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC and (ii) to any no-action relief granted by the SEC to another BDC (or to the Company if it determines to seek such similar no-action or other relief) permitting the BDC to declare any cash dividend or distribution notwithstanding the prohibition contained in Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act in order to maintain its status as a RIC under the Code. In any such event, we would be prohibited from making distributions required in order to maintain our status as a RIC unless made in accordance with any such exemptive or no-action relief granted by the SEC.

The following table sets forth the quarterly distributions paid by us since 2020.

60

Stock Repurchase Program

On March 8, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a $10 million stock repurchase program (the “Stock Repurchase Program”) for an approximately one-year period, effective March 8, 2022 and terminating on March 31, 2023. Under this repurchase program, shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise subject to any law or agreement to which we are party including any restrictions under the 1940 Act and in the indenture for our 4.875% Notes Due 2026. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price, and economic and market conditions. This Stock Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. On March 6, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized a renewed stock repurchase program of up to $10 million (the “Renewed Stock Repurchase Program”) for an approximately one-year period, effective March 6, 2023 and terminating on March 31, 2024. The terms and conditions of the Renewed Stock Repurchase Program are substantially similar to the prior Stock Repurchase Program. The Renewed Stock Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Subject to these restrictions, we will selectively pursue opportunities to repurchase shares which are accretive to net asset value per share.

During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company repurchased 60,559 shares under the Renewed Stock Repurchase program at an aggregate cost of approximately $1.2 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company repurchased 123,253 shares under the Renewed Stock Repurchase program at an aggregate cost of approximately $2.6 million. There were no share repurchases during the three months ended September 30, 2022, under the Renewed Stock Repurchase program. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company repurchased 129,617 shares under the Stock Repurchase program at an aggregate cost of approximately $3.0 million.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

From time-to-time we are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business in order to meet the needs of our investment in portfolio companies. Such instruments include commitments to extend credit and may involve, in varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized on our balance sheet. Prior to extending such credit, we attempt to limit our credit risk by conducting extensive due diligence, obtaining collateral where necessary and negotiating appropriate financial covenants. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had approximately $23.7 million and $35.0 million commitments to fund investments, respectively. We may also enter into derivative contracts with off-balance sheet risk in connection with its investing activities.

We have made an aggregate commitment to the Great Lakes II Joint Venture of $50 million, subject to certain limitations (including that we are not obligated to fund capital calls if such funding would cause us to be out of compliance with certain provisions of the 1940 Act). As of September 30, 2023, we had a $1.4 million unfunded commitment to the Great Lakes II Joint Venture. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had a $8.0 million unfunded commitment to the Great Lakes II Joint Venture.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments as of September 30, 2023:

($ in thousands)

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements are based on the selection and application of critical accounting policies, which require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. Critical accounting policies are those that are both important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, complex, or subjective judgments. Our critical accounting policies are those applicable to the basis of presentation, valuation of investments, and certain revenue recognition matters as discussed below. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, “Significant Accounting Policies — Investments” contained elsewhere herein.

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded.

Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of 1940 Act, is (1) the market price for those securities for which a market quotation is readily available and (2) for all other securities and assets, fair value as determined in good faith by our Adviser pursuant to procedures approved by our Board. In December 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, which permits a BDC's board of directors to designate its investment adviser as a valuation designee to determine the fair value for its investment portfolio, subject to the active oversight of the board. Our Board has designated our Adviser as its "valuation designee" pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, and in that role our Adviser is responsible for performing fair value determinations relating to all of the Company's investments, including periodically assessing and managing any material valuation risks and establishing and applying fair value methodologies, in accordance with valuation policies and procedures that have been approved by the Board. Our Board remains ultimately responsible for making fair value determinations under the 1940 Act and satisfies its responsibility through oversight of the valuation designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. Our valuation policy is intended to provide a consistent basis for determining the fair value of the portfolio based on the nature of the security, the market for the security and other considerations including the financial performance and enterprise value of the portfolio company. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, the Adviser determined values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for the investments, and the differences could be material.

Pursuant to ASC 946: Financial Services — Investment Companies (“ASC 946”), we reflect our investments on our balance sheet at their determined fair value with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of unrealized gains or losses on our statements of operations. Fair value is the amount that would be received to sell the investments in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price).

See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for the additional information about the level of market observability associated with investments carried at fair value.

We follow the provisions of ASC 820: Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820: Fair Value”), which among other matters, requires enhanced disclosures about investments that are measured and reported at fair value. This standard defines fair value and establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring investments at fair value and expands disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. ASC 820: Fair Value defines “fair value” as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This fair value definition focuses on an exit price in the principle, or most advantageous market, and prioritizes, within a measurement of fair value, the use of market-based inputs (which may be weighted or adjusted for relevance, reliability and specific attributes relative to the subject investment) over entity-specific inputs. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of investment and the characteristics specific to the investment. Investments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. Subsequent to the adoption of ASC 820: Fair Value, the FASB has issued various staff positions clarifying the initial standard (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements: “Significant Accounting Policies — Investments”).

ASC 820: Fair Value establishes the following three-level hierarchy, based upon the transparency of inputs to the fair value measurement of an asset or liability as of the measurement date:

• Level I –Unadjusted quoted prices are available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. The type of investments included in Level I include listed equities and listed securities. As required by ASC 820: Fair Value, we do not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably affect the quoted price.
• Level II –Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Such inputs may be quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full character of the financial instrument, or inputs that are derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market information. Investments which are generally included in this category include illiquid debt securities and less liquid, privately held or restricted equity securities, for which some level of recent trading activity has been observed.
• Level III – Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the investment. The inputs may be based on our own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability or may use Level II inputs, as adjusted, to reflect specific investment attributes relative to a broader market assumption. These inputs into the determination of fair value may require significant management judgment or estimation. Even if observable market data for comparable performance or valuation measures (earnings multiples, discount rates, other financial/valuation ratios, etc.) are available, such investments are grouped as Level III if any significant data point that is not also market observable (private company earnings, cash flows, etc.) is used in the valuation methodology.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We assess of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and we consider factors specific to the investment. The majority of our investments are classified as Level III. We evaluate the source of inputs, including any markets in which its investments are trading, in determining fair value. Inputs that are backed by actual transactions, those that are highly correlated to the specific investment being valued and those derived from reliable or knowledgeable sources will tend to have a higher weighting in determining fair value. Our fair value determinations may include factors such as an assessment of each underlying investment, its current and prospective operating and financial performance, consideration of financing and sale transactions with third parties, expected cash flows and market-based information, including comparable transactions, performance factors, and other investment or industry specific market data, among other factors.

We have valued our investments, in the absence of observable market prices, using the valuation methodologies described below applied on a consistent basis. For some investments, little market activity may exist; management’s determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate management’s own assumptions and involves a significant degree of management’s judgment.

Our investments in CLO Fund Securities are carried at fair value, which is based either on (i) the present value of the net expected cash inflows for interest income and principal repayments from underlying assets and the cash outflows for interest expense, debt paydown and other fund costs for the CLO Funds which are approaching or past the end of their reinvestment period and therefore are selling assets and/or using principal repayments to pay-down CLO Fund debt, and for which there continue to be net cash distributions to the class of securities we own, or (ii) a discounted cash flow model that utilizes prepayment and loss assumptions based on historical experience and projected performance, economic factors, the characteristics of the underlying cash flow and comparable yields for similar securities or preferred shares to those in which we have invested, or (iii) indicative prices provided by the underwriters or brokers who arrange CLO Funds. We recognize unrealized appreciation or depreciation on our investments in CLO Fund Securities as comparable yields in the market change and/or based on changes in net asset values or estimated cash flows resulting from changes in prepayment or loss assumptions in the underlying collateral pool. As each investment in CLO Fund Securities ages, the expected amount of losses and the expected timing of recognition of such losses in the underlying collateral pool are updated and the revised cash flows are used in determining the fair value of the CLO Fund Securities. We determine the fair value of our investments in CLO Fund Securities on a security-by-security basis.

Our investments in our wholly-owned Asset Manager Affiliates are carried at fair value, which is primarily determined utilizing a discounted cash flow model which incorporates different levels of discount rates depending on the hierarchy of fees earned (including the likelihood of realization of senior, subordinate and incentive fees) and prospective modeled performance (“Discounted Cash Flow”). Such valuation takes into consideration an analysis of comparable asset management companies and a percentage of assets under management. The Asset Manager Affiliates are classified as a Level III investment (as described above). Any change in value from period to period is recognized as net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

We carry investments in joint ventures at fair value based upon the fair value of the investments held by the joint venture.

Fair values of other investments for which market prices are not observable are determined by reference to public market or private transactions or valuations for comparable companies or assets in the relevant asset class and/or industry when such amounts are available. Generally, these valuations are derived by multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company or asset (e.g., EBITDA) by the relevant valuation multiple observed for comparable companies or transactions, adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparable. Such investments may also be valued at cost for a period of time after an acquisition as the best indicator of fair value. If the fair value of such investments cannot be valued by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies, then the primary analytical method used to estimate the fair value is a discounted cash flow method and/or cap rate analysis. A sensitivity analysis is applied to the estimated future cash flows using various factors depending on the investment, including assumed growth rates (in cash flows), capitalization rates (for determining terminal values) and appropriate discount rates to determine a range of reasonable values or to compute projected return on investment.

For bond rated note tranches of CLO Fund securities (those above the junior class) without transactions to support a fair value for the specific CLO Fund and tranche, fair value is based on discounting estimated bond payments at current market yields, which may reflect the adjusted yield on the leveraged loan index for similarly rated tranches, as well as prices for similar tranches for other CLO Funds and also other factors such as indicative prices provided by underwriters or brokers who arrange CLO Funds, and the default and recovery rates of underlying assets in the CLO Fund, as may be applicable. Such model assumptions may vary and incorporate adjustments for risk premiums and CLO Fund specific attributes.

We derive fair value for our illiquid loan investments that do not have indicative fair values based upon active trades primarily by using the Income Approach, and also consider recent loan amendments or other activity specific to the subject asset as described above. Other significant assumptions, such as coupon and maturity, are asset-specific and are noted for each investment in the Schedules of Investments.

The determination of fair value using this methodology takes into consideration a range of factors, including but not limited to the price at which the investment was acquired, the nature of the investment, local market conditions, trading values on public exchanges for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. This valuation methodology involves a significant degree of our judgment.

Our Adviser may consider other methods of valuation to determine the fair value of investments as appropriate in conformity with GAAP.

Interest Income

Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount and accrual payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. We generally place a loan on non-accrual status and cease recognizing interest income on such loan or security when a loan or security becomes 90 days or more past due or if we otherwise do not expect the debtor to be able to service its debt obligations. For investments with PIK interest, which represents contractual interest accrued and added to the principal balance that generally becomes due at maturity, we will not accrue PIK interest if the portfolio company valuation indicates that the PIK interest is not collectible (i.e. via a partial or full non-accrual). Loans which are on partial or full non-accrual remain in such status until the borrower has demonstrated the ability and intent to pay contractual amounts due or such loans become current. As of September 30, 2023, eight of our investments were on non-accrual status.

Investment Income on CLO Fund Securities

We receive distributions from our investments in the most junior class of securities of CLO Funds (typically preferred shares or subordinated securities). Our CLO Fund junior class securities are subordinated to senior note holders who typically receive a return on their investment at a fixed spread relative to the LIBOR index. The CLO Funds are leveraged funds and any excess cash flow or “excess spread” (interest earned by the underlying securities in the fund less payments made to senior note holders and less fund expenses and management fees) is paid to the holders of the CLO Fund’s subordinated securities or preferred shares. The level of excess spread from CLO Fund Securities can be impacted from the timing and level of the resetting of the benchmark interest rate for the underlying assets (which reset at various times throughout the quarter) in the CLO Fund and the related CLO Fund note liabilities (which reset at each quarterly distribution date); in periods of short-term and volatile changes in the benchmark interest rate, the levels of excess spread and distributions to us can vary significantly. In addition, the failure of CLO Funds in which we invest to comply with certain financial covenants may lead to the temporary suspension or deferral of cash distributions to us.

GAAP-basis investment income on CLO equity investments is recorded using the effective interest method in accordance with the provisions of ASC 325-40, based on the anticipated yield and the estimated cash flows over the projected life of the investment. Yields are revised when there are changes in actual or estimated projected future cash flows due to changes in prepayments and/or re-investments, credit losses or asset pricing. Changes in estimated yield are recognized as an adjustment to the estimated yield prospectively over the remaining life of the investment from the date the estimated yield was changed. Accordingly, investment income recognized on CLO equity securities in the GAAP statement of operations differs from both the tax-basis investment income and from the cash distributions actually received by us during the period. For U.S. tax purposes, these CLO equity investments are treated as PFICs. Taxable income is provided on a PFIC statement, where income and capital gains are determined based on the U.S. shareholder's proportionate ownership of the PFIC.

For non-junior class CLO Fund Securities interest is earned at a fixed spread relative to the LIBOR index.

Payment in Kind Interest

We may have loans in our portfolio that contain a PIK provision. PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified in each loan agreement, is added to the principal balance of the loan and recorded as interest income. To maintain our RIC status, this non-cash source of income must be distributed to stockholders in the form of cash dividends, even though we have not yet collected any cash.

Fee Income

Fee income includes fees, if any, for due diligence, structuring, commitment and facility fees, and fees, if any, for transaction services and management services rendered by us to portfolio companies and other third parties. Commitment and facility fees are generally recognized as income over the life of the underlying loan, whereas due diligence, structuring, transaction service and management service fees are generally recognized as income when the services are rendered.

United States Federal Income Taxes

We have elected to be treated as a RIC and intend to continue to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs under Subchapter M of the Code and, among other things, intend to make the required distributions to our stockholders as specified therein. In order to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC, the Company is required to timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, we may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, to the extent required.

Our business activities contain elements of market risks. We consider our principal market risks to be fluctuations in interest rates and the valuations of our investment portfolio. Managing these risks is essential to our business. Accordingly, we have systems and procedures designed to identify and analyze our risks, to establish appropriate policies and thresholds and to continually monitor these risks and thresholds by means of administrative and information technology systems and other policies and processes.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is defined as the sensitivity of our current and future earnings to interest rate volatility, variability of spread relationships, the difference in re-pricing intervals between our assets and liabilities and the effect that interest rates may have on our cash flows. Changes in the general level of interest rates can affect our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest earning assets and our interest expense incurred in connection with our interest-bearing debt and liabilities. Changes in interest rates can also affect, among other things, our ability to acquire and originate loans and securities and the value of our investment portfolio.

Our investment income is affected by fluctuations in various interest rates, including LIBOR, SOFR and prime rates. As of September 30, 2023, approximately 90.5% of our Debt Securities Portfolio were either floating rate with a spread to an interest rate index such as LIBOR, SOFR or the prime rate. 77.5% of these floating rate loans contain floors ranging between 0.50% and 2.50%. We generally expect that future portfolio investments will predominately be floating rate investments. As of September 30, 2023, we had $321.5 million (par value) of borrowings outstanding at a current weighted average interest rate of 6.9%, of which $108.0 million par value had a fixed rate and $213.5 million par value has a floating rate.

Because we borrow money to make investments, our net investment income is dependent upon the difference between our borrowing rate and the rate we earn on the invested proceeds borrowed. In periods of rising or lowering interest rates, the cost of the portion of our debt associated with our fixed rate borrowings would remain the same, while the interest rate on borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility would fluctuate with changes in interest rates.

Generally, we would expect that an increase in the base rate index for our floating rate investment assets would increase our gross investment income and that a decrease in the base rate index for such assets would decrease our gross investment income (in either case, such increase/decrease may be limited by interest rate floors/minimums for certain investment assets).

We have analyzed the potential impact of changes in interest rates on interest income net of interest expense. Assuming that our balance sheet at September 30, 2023 was to remain constant and no actions were taken to alter the existing interest rate sensitivity, the table below illustrates the impact on net investment income on our Debt Securities Portfolio for various hypothetical increases in interest rates:

As shown above, net investment income assuming a 1% increase in interest rates would increase by approximately $1.7 million on an annualized basis. If the increase in rates was more significant, such as 2% or 3%, the net effect on net investment income would be an increase of approximately $3.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively.

On an annualized basis, a decrease in interest rates of 1% would result in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $1.7 million. A decrease in interest rates of 2% and 3% would result in a decrease in net investment income of approximately $3.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively. The effect on net investment income from declines in interest rates is impacted by interest rate floors on certain of our floating rate investments, as there is no floor on our floating rate debt facility and the 2018-2 Secured Notes.

Although management believes that this measure is indicative of sensitivity to interest rate changes on our Debt Securities Portfolio, it does not adjust for potential changes in credit quality, size and composition of the assets on the balance sheet and other business developments that could affect a net change in assets resulting from operations or net income. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that actual results would not materially differ from the potential outcome simulated by this estimate.

Portfolio Valuation

We carry our investments at fair value, as determined in good faith by our Board pursuant to a valuation methodology approved by our Board. Investments for which market quotations are generally readily available are generally valued at such market quotations. Investments for which there is not a readily available market value are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board under a valuation policy and consistently applied valuation process. However, due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that cannot be marked to market, the fair value of our investments may differ materially from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments. In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the value realized on these investments to be different than the valuations that are assigned. The types of factors that we may take into account in fair value pricing of our investments include, as relevant, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, third party valuations, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to publicly-traded securities, recent sales of or offers to buy comparable companies, and other relevant factors.

The Company has engaged an independent valuation firm to provide third party valuation consulting services to the Board. Each quarter, the independent valuation firm will perform third party valuations on the Company’s material investments in illiquid securities such that they are reviewed at least once during a trailing 12-month period. These third-party valuation estimates were considered as one of the relevant data inputs in the Company’s determination of fair value. The Company intends to continue to engage an independent valuation firm in the future to provide certain valuation services, including the review of certain portfolio assets, as part of the quarterly and annual year-end valuation process.

Other than the items noted below, there have been no material changes during quarter ended September 30, 2023 to the risk factors that were included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

We, our Adviser, and our portfolio companies may maintain cash balances at financial institutions that exceed federally insured limits and may otherwise be materially affected by adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, such as actual events or concerns involving liquidity, defaults or non-performance by financial institutions or transactional counterparties.

Our cash and our Adviser’s cash is held in accounts at U.S. banking institutions that we believe are of high quality. Cash held by us, our Adviser and by our portfolio companies in non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing operating accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. If such banking institutions were to fail, we, our Adviser, or our portfolio companies could lose all or a portion of those amounts held in excess of such insurance limitations. In addition, actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems, which could adversely affect our, our Adviser’s and our portfolio companies’ business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

Although we and our Adviser assess our and our portfolio companies’ banking relationships as we believe necessary or appropriate, our and our portfolio companies’ access to funding sources and other credit arrangements in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our respective current and projected future business operations could be significantly impaired by factors that affect us, our Adviser or our portfolio companies, the financial institutions with which we, our Adviser or our portfolio companies have arrangements directly, or the financial services industry or economy in general. These factors could include, among others, events such as liquidity constraints or failures, the ability to perform obligations under various types of financial, credit or liquidity agreements or arrangements, disruptions or instability in the financial services industry or financial markets, or concerns or negative expectations about the prospects for companies in the financial services industry. These factors could involve financial institutions or financial services industry companies with which we, our Adviser or our portfolio companies have financial or business relationships, but could also include factors involving financial markets or the financial services industry generally.

In addition, investor concerns regarding the U.S. or international financial systems could result in less favorable commercial financing terms, including higher interest rates or costs and tighter financial and operating covenants, or systemic limitations on access to credit and liquidity sources, thereby making it more difficult for us, our Adviser, or our portfolio companies to acquire financing on acceptable terms or at all.