UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2022
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number: 814-00754
SLR INVESTMENT CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
500 Park Avenue
New York, N.Y.
(212) 993-1670
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of Each Exchangeon Which Registered
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☐ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of April 29, 2022 was 54,772,651.
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A.
Item 5.
Item 6.
In this Quarterly Report, “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to SLR Investment Corp. unless the context states otherwise.
Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
(in thousands, except share amounts)
Assets
Investments at fair value:
Companies less than 5% owned (cost: $956,039 and $985,088, respectively)
Companies more than 25% owned (cost: $708,850 and $711,865, respectively)
Cash
Cash equivalents (cost: $579,829 and $320,000, respectively)
Dividends receivable
Interest receivable
Receivable for investments sold
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Total assets
Liabilities
Debt ($815,000 and $818,500 face amounts, respectively, reported net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $6,142 and $6,462, respectively. See notes 6 and 7)
Payable for investments and cash equivalents purchased
Distributions payable
Management fee payable (see note 3)
Performance-based incentive fee payable (see note 3)
Interest payable (see note 7)
Administrative services payable (see note 3)
Other liabilities and accrued expenses
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (see note 10)
Net Assets
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 200,000,000 and 200,000,000 common shares authorized, respectively, and 42,260,826 and 42,260,826 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
Paid-in capital in excess of par
Accumulated distributable net loss
Total net assets
Net Asset Value Per Share
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest:
Companies less than 5% owned
Companies more than 25% owned
Dividends:
Other income:
Total investment income
EXPENSES:
Management fees (see note 3)
Performance-based incentive fees (see note 3)
Interest and other credit facility expenses (see note 7)
Administrative services expense (see note 3)
Other general and administrative expenses
Total expenses
Net investment income
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and cash equivalents (companies less than 5% owned)
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and cash equivalents:
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and cash equivalents
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and cash equivalents
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
EARNINGS PER SHARE (see note 5)
4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (unaudited)
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations:
Net realized gain (loss)
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
Distributions to stockholders:
From net investment income
Capital transactions (see note 12):
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
Net assets at beginning of period
Net assets at end of period
Capital stock activity (see note 12):
Net increase from capital stock activity
5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net realized (gain) loss on investments and cash equivalents
Net change in unrealized (gain) loss on investments
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from disposition of investments
Net accretion of discount on investments
Capitalization ofpayment-in-kind income
Collections ofpayment-in-kind income
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Management fee payable
Performance-based incentive fee payable
Administrative services expense payable
Interest payable
Deferred financing costs
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash distributions paid
Proceeds from unsecured borrowings
Proceeds from secured borrowings
Repayment of secured borrowings
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest
6
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited)
March 31, 2022
(in thousands, except share/unit amounts)
Description
Industry
Senior Secured Loans — 109.8%
First Lien Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans
Aegis Toxicology Sciences Corporation
American Teleconferencing Services, Ltd.**
AmeriMark Intermediate Holdings, LLC(14)
Atria Wealth Solutions, Inc
Basic Fun, Inc
CC SAG Holdings Corp. (Spectrum Automotive)
Enhanced Permanent Capital, LLC(3)
Foundation Consumer Brands, LLC
iCIMS, Inc.
Inszone Mid, LLC
Ivy Fertility Services, LLC
Kid Distro Holdings, LLC (Distro Kid)
Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC(2)
KORE Wireless Group, Inc.(3)
Logix Holding Company, LLC
Maurices, Incorporated
MMIT Holdings, LLC
NAC Holdings Corporation (Jaguar)
One Touch Direct, LLC
PhyNet Dermatology LLC
Pinnacle Treatment Centers, Inc.
PPT Management Holdings, LLC
RQM+ Corp
Stryten Energy LLC
SunMed Group Holdings, LLC
Ultimate Baked Goods Midco LLC (Rise Baking)
USR Parent, Inc. (Staples)
Total First Lien Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans
Second Lien Asset-Based Senior Secured Loans
ACRES Commercial Mortgage, LLC
Varilease Finance, Inc.
Total Second Lien Asset-Based Senior Secured Loans
Second Lien Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans
PhyMed Management LLC **
Rug Doctor LLC (2)
Total Second Lien Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans
First Lien Life Science Senior Secured Loans
Alimera Sciences, Inc.
Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.(3)
Ardelyx, Inc.
Axcella Health Inc.
BridgeBio Pharma, Inc.(3)
Centrexion Therapeutics, Inc.
Cerapedics, Inc.
Delphinus Medical Technologies, Inc.
Glooko, Inc.
Neuronetics, Inc.
OmniGuide Holdings, Inc. (13)
Rezolute, Inc
Rubius Therapeutics, Inc. (3)
scPharmaceuticals, Inc.
SOC Telemed, Inc.(3)
Vapotherm, Inc.(3)
Total First Lien Life Science Senior Secured Loans
Total Senior Secured Loans
7
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited) (continued)
Equipment Financing — 31.5%
Aero Operating LLC (10)
Air Methods Corporation (10)
AmeraMex International, Inc. (10)
Blackhawk Mining, LLC (10)
Boart Longyear Company (10)
Capital City Jet Center, Inc. (10)
Champion Air, LLC (10)
Clubcorp Holdings, Inc. (10)
Dongwon Autopart Technology Inc. (10)
EasyPak, LLC (10)
Environmental Protection & Improvement Company, LLC (10)
Equipment Operating Leases, LLC (2)(12)
First American Commercial Bancorp, Inc. (10)
First National Capital, LLC (10)
Freightsol LLC (10)
Garda CL Technical Services, Inc. (10)
Georgia Jet, Inc. (10)
GMT Corporation (10)
Haljoe Coaches USA, LLC (10)
Hawkeye Contracting Company, LLC (10)
HTI Logistics Corporation (10)
International Automotive Components Group, North America, Inc. (10)
Kool Pak, LLC (10)
Loyer Capital LLC (2)(12)
Lux Credit Consultants, LLC (10)
Lux Vending, LLC (10)
Mountain Air Helicopters, Inc. (10)
Rane Light Metal Castings Inc. (10)
Rango, Inc. (10)
Rossco Crane & Rigging, Inc. (10)
Royal Coach Lines, Inc.(10)
Royal Express Inc. (10)
Sidelines Tree Service LLC (10)
SLR Equipment Finance(2)
ST Coaches, LLC (10)
Stafford Logistics, Inc. (10)
Star Coaches Inc. (10)
Superior Transportation, Inc. (10)
The Smedley Company & Smedley Services, Inc. (10)..
Trinity Equipment Rentals, Inc. (10)
Trolleys, Inc. (10)
Up Trucking Services, LLC (10)
Warrior Crane Services, LLC (10)
Wind River Environmental, LLC (10)
Womble Company, Inc. (10)
SLR Equipment Finance Equity Interests (2)(9)*
Total Equipment Financing
Preferred Equity – 0.5%
SOINT, LLC (2)(3)(4)
Total Preferred Equity
8
Common Equity/Equity Interests/Warrants—55.0%
aTyr Pharma, Inc. Warrants *
CardioFocus, Inc. Warrants *
Centrexion Therapeutics, Inc. Warrants *
Conventus Orthopaedics, Inc. Warrants *
Delphinus Medical Technologies, Inc. Warrants *
Essence Group Holdings Corporation (Lumeris) Warrants *
KBH Topco LLC (Kingsbridge) (2)(5)
RD Holdco Inc. (Rug Doctor) (2)*
RD Holdco Inc. (Rug Doctor) Class B (2)*
RD Holdco Inc. (Rug Doctor) Warrants (2)*
Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (3)(8)*
SLR Credit Solutions (2)(3)
Vapotherm, Inc. Warrants(3)*
Venus Concept Ltd. Warrants* (f/k/a Restoration Robotics)
Total Common Equity/Equity Interests/Warrants
Total Investments (6) — 196.8%
Cash Equivalents — 70.2%
U.S. Treasury Bill
Total Investments & Cash Equivalents —267.0%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (167.0%)
Net Assets — 100.0%
Floating rate debt investments typically bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), and which typically reset monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. For each debt investment we have provided the current rate of interest, or in the case of leases the current implied yield, in effect as of March 31, 2022.
Denotes investments in which we are deemed to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), due to beneficially owning, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of the investment. Transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2022 in these controlled investments are as follows:
Name of Issuer
Equipment Operating Leases, LLC
Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC
KBH Topco, LLC (Kingsbridge)
Loyer Capital LLC
RD Holdco Inc. (Rug Doctor, common equity)
RD Holdco Inc. (Rug Doctor, class B)..
RD Holdco Inc. (Rug Doctor, warrants)..
Rug Doctor LLC
SLR Credit Solutions
SLR Equipment Finance (equity)
SLR Equipment Finance (debt)
SOAGG LLC
SOINT, LLC
9
Indicates assets that the Company believes may not represent “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. If we fail to invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could be prevented from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies or could be required to dispose of investments at inappropriate times in order to comply with the 1940 Act. As of March 31, 2022, on a fair value basis, non-qualifying assets in the portfolio represented 23.9% of the total assets of the Company.
The Company’s investment in SOINT, LLC include a one dollar investment in common shares.
Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC is held through KBH Topco LLC, a Delaware corporation.
Aggregate net unrealized appreciation for U.S. federal income tax purposes is $7,450; aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for U.S. federal tax purposes is $89,440 and $81,990, respectively, based on a tax cost of $1,619,023. Unless otherwise noted, all of the Company’s investments are pledged as collateral against the borrowings outstanding on the senior secured credit facility. The Company generally acquires its investments in private transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). These investments are generally subject to certain limitations on resale, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. All investments are Level 3 unless otherwise indicated.
Floating rate instruments accrue interest at a predetermined spread relative to an index, typically the LIBOR, SOFR or PRIME rate. These instruments are often subject to a LIBOR, SOFR or PRIME rate floor.
Denotes a Level 1 investment.
SLR Equipment Finance is held through NEFCORP LLC, a wholly-owned consolidated taxable subsidiary and NEFPASS LLC, a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary.
Indicates an investment that is wholly held by the Company through NEFPASS LLC.
Interest is paid in kind (“PIK”).
Denotes a subsidiary of SLR Equipment Finance.
OmniGuide Holdings, Inc., Domain Surgical, Inc. and OmniGuide, Inc. areco-borrowers.
AmeriMark Interactive, LLC, AmeriMark Direct LLC, AmeriMark Intermediate Sub, Inc., L.T.D. Commodities LLC, Dr. Leonard’s Healthcare Corp. and Amerimark Intermediate Holdings, LLC are each co-Borrowers.
Spread is 6.00% Cash / 2.50% PIK.
Spread is 2.50% Cash / 12.50% PIK.
Spread is 5.50% Cash / 0.50% PIK.
Non-income producing security.
Investment is on non-accrual status.
10
Industry Classification
Multi-Sector Holdings (includes Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC, SLR Equipment Finance, Equipment Operating Leases, LLC and Loyer Capital LLC)
Diversified Financial Services (includes SLR Credit Solutions)
Health Care Providers & Services
Pharmaceuticals
Health Care Equipment & Supplies
Software
Biotechnology
Wireless Telecommunication Services
Capital Markets
Personal Products
Road & Rail
IT Services
Insurance
Diversified Consumer Services
Commercial Services & Supplies
Auto Parts & Equipment
Internet & Catalog Retail
Packaged Foods & Meats
Life Sciences Tools & Services
Communications Equipment
Specialty Retail
Auto Components
Airlines
Health Care Technology
Machinery
Metals & Mining
Aerospace & Defense
Consumer Finance
Construction & Engineering
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels
Containers & Packaging
Energy Equipment & Services
Total Investments
11
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2021
Senior Secured Loans — 111.5%
Alteon Health, LLC
Community Brands ParentCo, LLC (f/k/a Ministry Brands)
PhyMed Management LLC
SOC Telemed, Inc.
12
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)
Equipment Financing — 32.5%
South Texas Oilfield Solutions, LLC (10)
Sturgeon Services International Inc. (10)
Tailwinds, LLC (10)
Preferred Equity – 0.7%
SOAGG LLC (2)(3)(4)
13
Common Equity/Equity Interests/Warrants—53.6%
Multi-Sector Holdings
Diversified Financial Services
Total Investments (6) — 198.3%
Cash Equivalents — 38.0%
Total Investments & Cash Equivalents — 236.3%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (136.3%)
Floating rate debt investments typically bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and which typically reset monthly, quarterly or semi-annually. For each debt investment we have provided the current rate of interest, or in the case of leases the current implied yield, in effect as of December 31, 2021.
Denotes investments in which we are deemed to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), due to beneficially owning, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of the investment. Transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021 in these controlled investments are as follows:
AviatorCap SII, LLC
14
Indicates assets that the Company believes may not represent “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. If we fail to invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could be prevented from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies or could be required to dispose of investments at inappropriate times in order to comply with the 1940 Act. As of December 31, 2021, on a fair value basis, non-qualifying assets in the portfolio represented 23.1% of the total assets of the Company.
The Company’s investments in SOAGG, LLC and SOINT, LLC include a two and one dollar investment in common shares, respectively.
Aggregate net unrealized appreciation for U.S. federal income tax purposes is $19,495; aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for U.S. federal tax purposes is $82,598 and $63,103, respectively, based on a tax cost of $1,651,087. Unless otherwise noted, all of the Company’s investments are pledged as collateral against the borrowings outstanding on the senior secured credit facility. The Company generally acquires its investments in private transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). These investments are generally subject to certain limitations on resale, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. All investments are Level 3 unless otherwise indicated.
Floating rate instruments accrue interest at a predetermined spread relative to an index, typically the LIBOR or PRIME rate. These instruments are often subject to a LIBOR or PRIME rate floor.
Spread is 6.00% Cash / 2.00% PIK.
15
Air Freight & Logistics
16
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
Note 1. Organization
Solar Capital LLC, a Maryland limited liability company, was formed in February 2007 and commenced operations on March 13, 2007 with initial capital of $1,200,000 of which 47.04% was funded by affiliated parties.
Immediately prior to our initial public offering, through a series of transactions, SLR Investment Corp. (the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”), merged with Solar Capital LLC, leaving SLR Investment Corp. as the surviving entity (the“Pre-IPO Merger”). SLR Investment Corp. issued an aggregate of approximately 26.65 million shares of common stock and $125,000 in senior unsecured notes to the existing Solar Capital LLC unit holders in connection with the Pre-IPO Merger. SLR Investment Corp. had no assets or operations prior to completion of the Pre-IPO Merger and as a result, the historical books and records of Solar Capital LLC have become the books and records of the surviving entity. The number of shares used to calculate weighted average shares for use in computations on a per share basis have been decreased retroactively by a factor of approximately 0.4022 for all periods prior to February 9, 2010. This factor represents the effective impact of the reduction in shares resulting from the Pre-IPO Merger.
SLR Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation formed in November 2007, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Furthermore, as the Company is an investment company, it continues to apply the guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946. In addition, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
On February 9, 2010, the Company priced its initial public offering, selling 5.68 million shares of common stock, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $18.50 per share. Concurrent with this offering, the Company’s senior management purchased an additional 600,000 shares through a private placement, also at $18.50 per share.
The Company’s investment objective is to maximize both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. The Company directly and indirectly invests primarily in leveraged middle market companies in the form of senior secured loans, financing leases and to a lesser extent, unsecured loans and equity securities. From time to time, we may also invest in public companies that are thinly traded.
On December 1, 2021, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), with SLR Senior Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation (“SUNS”), Solstice Merger Sub, Inc., a Maryland corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), and, solely for the limited purposes set forth therein, SLR Capital Partners, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”). The Merger Agreement provides that, subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into SUNS, with SUNS continuing as the surviving company and as SUNS’s wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Merger,”) and, immediately thereafter, SUNS will merge with and into us, with us continuing as the surviving company (together with the Merger, the “Mergers”). See Notes 14 and 15 for additional information.
Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and include the accounts of the Company and certain wholly-owned subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments and reclassifications which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for the fair presentation of the results of the operations and financial condition for the periods presented. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Interim consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X, as appropriate. Accordingly, they may not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual consolidated financial statements. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported periods. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ materially. The current period’s results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2022.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, considered necessary for the fair presentation of financial statements, have been included.
17
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)(continued)
The significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Company are:
Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date;
Under procedures established by the board of directors (the “Board”), we value investments, including certain senior secured debt, subordinated debt and other debt securities with maturities greater than 60 days, for which market quotations are readily available, at such market quotations (unless they are deemed not to represent fair value). We attempt to obtain market quotations from at least two brokers or dealers (if available, otherwise from a principal market maker or a primary market dealer or other independent pricing service). We utilizemid-market pricing as a practical expedient for fair value unless a different point within the range is more representative. If and when market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value, we may utilize independent third-party valuation firms to assist us in determining the fair value of material assets. Accordingly, such investments go through our multi-step valuation process as described below. In each such case, independent valuation firms consider observable market inputs together with significant unobservable inputs in arriving at their valuation recommendations. Debt investments with maturities of 60 days or less shall each be valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which is expected to approximate fair value, unless such valuation, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, does not represent fair value, in which case such investments shall be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. Investments that are not publicly traded or whose market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. Such determination of fair values involves subjective judgments and estimates.
With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available or when such market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value, the Board has approved a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:
our quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the investment professionals of the Investment Adviser responsible for the portfolio investment;
preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and discussed with senior management of the Investment Adviser;
independent valuation firms engaged by the Board conduct independent appraisals and review the Investment Adviser’s preliminary valuations and make their own independent assessment for all material assets;
the audit committee of the Board reviews the preliminary valuation of the Investment Adviser and that of the independent valuation firm and responds to the valuation recommendation of the independent valuation firm, if any, to reflect any comments; and
the Board discusses valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith based on the input of the Investment Adviser, the respective independent valuation firm, if any, and the audit committee.
Investments in all asset classes are valued utilizing a market approach, an income approach, or both approaches, as appropriate. However, in accordance with ASC 820-10, certain investments that qualify as investment companies in accordance with ASC 946, may be valued using net asset value as a practical expedient for fair value. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities (including a business). The income approach uses valuation approaches to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a single present amount (discounted). The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. In following these approaches, the types of factors that we may take into account in fair value pricing our investments include, as relevant: available current market data, including relevant and applicable market trading and transaction comparables, applicable market yields and multiples, security covenants, call protection provisions, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments, its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public, M&A comparables, our principal market (as the reporting entity) and enterprise values, among other factors. When available, broker quotations and/or quotations provided by pricing services are considered as an input in the valuation process. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, there has been no change to the Company’s valuation approaches or techniques and the nature of the related inputs considered in the valuation process.
18
ASC Topic 820 classifies the inputs used to measure these fair values into the following hierarchy:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, accessible by the Company at the measurement date.
Level 2: Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other observable inputs other than quoted prices.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
In all cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each investment. The exercise of judgment is based in part on our knowledge of the asset class and our prior experience.
Gains or losses on investments are calculated by using the specific identification method.
The Company records dividend income and interest, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, on an accrual basis. Loan origination fees, original issue discount, and market discounts are capitalized and we amortize such amounts into income using the effective interest method. Upon the prepayment of a loan, any unamortized loan origination fees are recorded as interest income. We record call premiums received on loans repaid as interest income when we receive such amounts. Capital structuring fees, amendment fees, consent fees, and any othernon-recurring fee income as well as management fee and other fee income for services rendered, if any, are recorded as other income when earned.
The Company intends to comply with the applicable provisions of the Code pertaining to regulated investment companies to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it of substantially all U.S. federal income taxes. The Company, at its discretion, may carry forward taxable income in excess of calendar year distributions and pay a 4% excise tax on this income. The Company will accrue excise tax on such estimated excess taxable income as appropriate.
Book and tax basis differences relating to stockholder distributions and other permanent book and tax differences are typically reclassified among the Company’s capital accounts annually. In addition, the character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from GAAP.
Distributions to common stockholders are recorded as of the record date. The amount to be paid out as a distribution is determined by the Board. Net realized capital gains, if any, are generally distributed or deemed distributed at least annually.
In accordance with Regulation S-X and ASC Topic 810—Consolidation, the Company consolidates its interest in controlled investment company subsidiaries, financing subsidiaries and certain wholly-owned holding companies that serve to facilitate investment in portfolio companies. In addition, the Company may also consolidate any controlled operating companies substantially all of whose business consists of providing services to the Company.
The accounting records of the Company are maintained in U.S. dollars. Any assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the rate of exchange of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. The Company will not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations would be included with the net unrealized gain or loss from investments. The Company’s investments in foreign securities, if any, may involve certain risks, including without limitation: foreign exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic risks, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investment. In addition, changes in the relationship of foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of these investments in terms of U.S. dollars and therefore the earnings of the Company.
The Company has made elections to apply the fair value option of accounting to the unsecured senior notes due 2022 (the “2022 Unsecured Notes”) (see Notes 6 and 7), in accordance with ASC 825-10.
In accordance with ASC 835-30, the Company reports origination and other expenses related to certain debt issuances as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability. Applicable expenses are deferred and amortized using either the effective interest method or the straight-line method over the stated life. The straight-line method may be used on revolving facilities and/or when it approximates the effective yield method.
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The Company may enter into forward exchange contracts in order to hedge against foreign currency risk. These contracts are marked-to-market by recognizing the difference between the contract exchange rate and the current market rate as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Realized gains or losses are recognized when contracts are settled.
The Company records expenses related to shelf registration statements and applicable equity offering costs as prepaid assets. These expenses are typically charged as a reduction of capital upon the sale of shares or expensed, in accordance with ASC 946-20-25.
Investments that are expected to pay regularly scheduled interest in cash are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest cash payments are past due 30 days or more (90 days or more for equipment financing) and/or when it is no longer probable that principal or interest cash payments will be collected. Such non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status if past due principal and interest are paid in cash, and in management’s judgment, are likely to continue timely payment of their remaining principal and interest obligations. Cash interest payments received on such investments may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending on management’s judgment.
The Company defines cash equivalents as securities that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only securities with a maturity of three months or less would qualify, with limited exceptions. The Company believes that certain U.S. Treasury bills, repurchase agreements and other high-quality, short-term debt securities would qualify as cash equivalents.
Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” The guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships and other transactions, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of the reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s financial statements.
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Note 3. Agreements
The Company has an investment advisory and management agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Investment Adviser, under which the Investment Adviser will manage the day-to-day operations of, and provide investment advisory services to the Company. For providing these services, the Investment Adviser receives a fee from the Company, consisting of two components—a base management fee and a performance-based incentive fee. The base management fee is determined by taking the average value of the Company’s gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% on gross assets up to 200% of the Company’s total net assets as of the immediately preceding quarter end and 1.00% on gross assets that exceed 200% of the Company’s total net assets as of the immediately preceding quarter end. For purposes of computing the base management fee, gross assets exclude temporary assets acquired at the end of each fiscal quarter for purposes of preserving investment flexibility in the next fiscal quarter. Temporary assets include, but are not limited to, U.S. treasury bills, other short-term U.S. government or government agency securities, repurchase agreements or cash borrowings.
The performance-based incentive fee has two parts, as follows: one part is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Company’s operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, any expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, and any interest expense and distributions paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the performance-based incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains or losses, or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. Pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of the Company’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to the hurdle rate of 1.75% per quarter (7% annualized). The Company pays the Investment Adviser a performance-based incentive fee with respect to the Company’spre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows: (1) no performance-based incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which the Company’spre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle rate; (2) 100% of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and (3) 20% of the amount of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter. These calculations are appropriately pro-rated for any period of less than three months.
The second part of the performance-based incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), and will equal 20% of the Company’s cumulative realized capital gains less cumulative realized capital losses, unrealized capital depreciation (unrealized depreciation on a gross investment-by-investment basis at the end of each calendar year) and all net capital gains upon which prior performance-based capital gains incentive fee payments were previously made to the Investment Adviser. For financial statement purposes, the second part of the performance-based incentive fee is accrued based upon 20% of cumulative net realized gains and net unrealized capital appreciation. No accrual was required for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $7,216 and $6,810, respectively, in base management fees and $0 and $3,867, respectively, in performance-based incentive fees.
The Company has also entered into an Administration Agreement with SLR Capital Management, LLC (the “Administrator”) under which the Administrator provides administrative services to the Company. For providing these services, facilities and personnel, the Company reimburses the Administrator for the Company’s allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent. The Administrator will also provide, on the Company’s behalf, managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which the Company is required to provide such assistance. The Company typically reimburses the Administrator on a quarterly basis.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized expenses under the Administration Agreement of $1,183 and $1,360 respectively. No managerial assistance fees were accrued or collected for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
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Note 4. Net Asset Value Per Share
At March 31, 2022, the Company’s total net assets and net asset value per share were $826,417 and $19.56, respectively. This compares to total net assets and net asset value per share at December 31, 2021 of $842,281 and $19.93, respectively.
Note 5. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net increase in net assets per share resulting from operations, pursuant to ASC 260-10, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
Numerator—net increase in net assets resulting from operations:
Denominator—weighted average shares:
Earnings per share:
Note 6. Fair Value
Fair value is defined 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. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuations used to measure fair value into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company has the ability to access.
Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:
Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities innon-active markets;
Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3.Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s and, if applicable, an independent third-party valuation firm’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3).
Gains and losses for assets and liabilities categorized within the Level 3 table below may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).
A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Such reclassifications involving Level 3 assets and liabilities are reported as transfers in/out of Level 3 as of the end of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur. Within the fair value hierarchy tables below, cash and cash equivalents are excluded but could be classified as Level 1.
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The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Fair Value Measurements
As of March 31, 2022
Assets:
Senior Secured Loans
Equipment Financing
Preferred Equity
Common Equity/Equity Interests/Warrants
Liabilities:
2022 Unsecured Notes
As of December 31, 2021
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The following tables provide a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2022, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at March 31, 2022:
Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3 Inputs
Fair value, December 31, 2021
Total gains or losses included in earnings:
Purchase of investment securities
Proceeds from dispositions of investment securities.
Transfers in/out of Level 3
Fair value, March 31, 2022
Unrealized losses for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held by the Company at the end of the period:
The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair valued liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2022:
2022 Unsecured Notes and Unfunded Commitments
Beginning fair value
Net realized (gain) loss
Net change in unrealized (gain) loss
Borrowings
Repayments
Ending fair value
The Company made an election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the 2022 Unsecured Notes, in accordance with ASC 825-10. On March 31, 2022, there were borrowings of $150,000 on the 2022 Unsecured Notes.
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The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2021, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets still held at December 31, 2021:
Fair value, December 31, 2020
Transfers in/out of Level 3(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held by the Company at the end of the period:
On February 17, 2021, the Company exercised its warrants in Senseonics Holdings, Inc., receiving shares in the common stock of Senseonics Holdings, Inc. The common stock of Senseonics Holdings, Inc. is publicly traded, so this position is considered to be a Level 1 asset.
The following table shows a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair valued liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2021:
The Company made elections to apply the fair value option of accounting to the 2022 Unsecured Notes, in accordance with ASC 825-10. On December 31, 2021, there were borrowings of $150,000 on the 2022 Unsecured Notes.
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Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The Company typically determines the fair value of its performing debt investments utilizing a yield analysis. In a yield analysis, a price is ascribed for each investment based upon an assessment of current and expected market yields for similar investments and risk profiles. Additional consideration is given to current contractual interest rates, relative maturities and other key terms and risks associated with an investment. Among other factors, a significant determinant of risk is the amount of leverage used by the portfolio company relative to the total enterprise value of the company, and the rights and remedies of our investment within each portfolio company.
Significant unobservable quantitative inputs typically used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities primarily reflect current market yields, including indices, and readily available quotes from brokers, dealers, and pricing services as indicated by comparable assets and liabilities, as well as enterprise values, returns on equity and earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) multiples of similar companies, and comparable market transactions for equity securities.
Quantitative information about the Company’s Level 3 asset and liability fair value measurements as of March 31, 2022 is summarized in the table below:
Principal Valuation
Technique/Methodology
Unobservable Input
$
26,840
Income Approach
Market Multiple(1)
Market Yield
Comparable Multiple
1.8x-8.0x(5.6x)/1.8x-2.8x(2.3x)
129,102
Market Approach
Return on Equity
4.6% - 4.6% (4.6%)
298,766
Market Multiple(2)
5.6% – 20.1% (6.3%)
Investments are valued using asum-of-the parts analysis, using expected EBITDA multiples (1.8x-8.0x) for certain segments of the business and expected revenue multiples (1.8x-2.8x) for certain segments of the business.
Includes $609 of investments valued using a Black-Scholes model and $154,712 of investments valued using an EBITDA multiple.
Quantitative information about the Company’s Level 3 asset and liability fair value measurements as of December 31, 2021 is summarized in the table below:
7,921
2.0x-3.0x(2.5x)/2.0x-3.0x(2.5x)
6.1% – 18.5% (8.6%)
Investments are valued using asum-of-the parts analysis, using expected EBITDA multiples (2x-3x) for certain segments of the business and expected revenue multiples (2x-3x) for certain segments of the business.
Includes $403 of investments valued using a Black-Scholes model and $151,212 of investments valued using an EBITDA multiple.
Significant increases or decreases in any of the above unobservable inputs in isolation, including unobservable inputs used in deriving bid-ask spreads, if applicable, could result in significantly lower or higher fair value measurements for such assets and liabilities. Generally, an increase in market yields or decrease in EBITDA multiples may result in a decrease in the fair value of certain of the Company’s investments.
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Note 7. Debt
Our debt obligations consisted of the following as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Facility
Credit Facility
2022 Tranche C Notes
2023 Unsecured Notes
2024 Unsecured Notes
2026 Unsecured Notes
2027 Unsecured Notes
2027 Series F Unsecured Notes
Carrying Value equals the Face Amount net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $4,338 and $4,485 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Carrying Value equals the Face Amount net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $27 and $36 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Carrying Value equals the Face Amount net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $313 and $408 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Carrying Value equals the Face Amount net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $789 and $857 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Carrying Value equals the Face Amount net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $588 and $616 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Carrying Value equals the Face Amount net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $57 and $60 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Carrying Value equals the Face Amount net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $30 as of March 31, 2022.
Unsecured Notes
On January 6, 2022, the Company closed a private offering of $135,000 of the 2027 Series F Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 3.33% and a maturity date of January 6, 2027. Interest on the 2027 Series F Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on January 6 and July 6. The 2027 Series F Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On September 14, 2021, the Company closed a private offering of $50,000 of the 2027 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 2.95% and a maturity date of March 14, 2027. Interest on the 2027 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on March 14 and September 14. The 2027 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On December 18, 2019, the Company closed a private offering of $125,000 of the 2024 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.20% and a maturity date of December 15, 2024. Interest on the 2024 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. The 2024 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On December 18, 2019, the Company closed a private offering of $75,000 of the 2026 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.375% and a maturity date of December 15, 2026. Interest on the 2026 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. The 2026 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On December 28, 2017, the Company closed a private offering of $21,000 of the 2022 Tranche C Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.50% and a maturity date of December 28, 2022. Interest on the 2022 Tranche C Notes is due semi-annually on June 28 and December 28. The 2022 Tranche C Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On November 22, 2017, we issued $75,000 in aggregate principal amount of publicly registered 2023 Unsecured Notes for net proceeds of $73,846. Interest on the 2023 Unsecured Notes is paid semi-annually on January 20 and July 20, at a fixed rate of 4.50% per year, commencing on January 20, 2018. The 2023 Unsecured Notes mature on January 20, 2023.
On February 15, 2017, the Company closed a private offering of $100,000 of the 2022 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.60% and a maturity date of May 8, 2022. Interest on the 2022 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on May 8 and November 8. The 2022 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
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On November 8, 2016, the Company closed a private offering of $50,000 of the 2022 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.40% and a maturity date of May 8, 2022. Interest on the 2022 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on May 8 and November 8. The 2022 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
Revolving and Term Loan Facility
On December 28, 2021, the Company closed on Amendment No. 1 to its August 28, 2019 senior secured credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”). Following the amendment, the Credit Facility is composed of $600,000 of revolving credit and $100,000 of term loans. Borrowings generally bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus a range of 1.75%-2.00% or the alternate base rate plus 0.75%-1.00%. The Credit Facility has a 0% floor and matures in December 2026 and includes ratable amortization in the final year. The Credit Facility may be increased up to $800,000 with additional new lenders or an increase in commitments from current lenders. The Credit Facility contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. In addition, the Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants that among other things, requires the Company to maintain a minimum shareholder’s equity and a minimum asset coverage ratio. At March 31, 2022, outstanding USD equivalent borrowings under the Credit Facility totaled $184,000, composed of $84,000 of revolving credit and $100,000 of term loans.
Certain covenants on our issued debt may restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
The Company has made an election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the 2022 Unsecured Notes, in accordance with ASC 825-10. We believe accounting for this facility at fair value better aligns the measurement methodologies of assets and liabilities, which may mitigate certain earnings volatility. ASC825-10 requires entities to display the fair value of the selected assets and liabilities on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities and changes in fair value of the above facility are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The average annualized interest cost for all borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021 was 3.63% and 3.64%, respectively. These costs are exclusive of other credit facility expenses such as unused fees, agency fees and other prepaid expenses related to establishing and/or amending the Credit Facility, the 2022 Unsecured Notes, the 2022 Tranche C Notes, the 2023 Unsecured Notes, the 2024 Unsecured Notes, the 2026 Unsecured Notes, the 2027 Unsecured Notes and the 2027 Series F Unsecured Notes (collectively the “Debt Instruments”), if any. The maximum amounts borrowed on the Debt Instruments during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021 were $836,500 and $902,550, respectively.
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Note 8. Financial Highlights
The following is a schedule of financial highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
Per Share Data: (a)
Net asset value, beginning of year
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
Net asset value, end of period
Per share market value, end of period
Total Return (b)(c)
Net assets, end of period
Shares outstanding, end of period
Ratios to average net assets (c):
Operating expenses
Interest and other credit facility expenses
Average debt outstanding
Portfolio turnover ratio
Calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
Total return is based on the change in market price per share during the period and takes into account distributions, if any, reinvested in accordance with the dividend reinvestment plan. The market price per share as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $18.43 and $17.51, respectively. Total return does not include a sales load.
Not annualized for periods less than one year.
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Note 9. SLR Credit Solutions
On December 28, 2012, we acquired an equity interest in Crystal Capital Financial Holdings LLC (“Crystal Financial”) for $275,000 in cash. Crystal Financial owned approximately 98% of the outstanding ownership interest in SLR Credit Solutions (“SLR Credit”), f/k/a Crystal Financial LLC. The remaining financial interest was held by various employees of SLR Credit, through their investment in Crystal Management LP. SLR Credit had a diversified portfolio of 23 loans having a total par value of approximately $400,000 at November 30, 2012 and a $275,000 committed revolving credit facility. On July 28, 2016, the Company purchased Crystal Management LP’s approximately 2% equity interest in SLR Credit for approximately $5,737. Upon the closing of this transaction, the Company holds 100% of the equity interest in SLR Credit. On September 30, 2016, Crystal Capital Financial Holdings LLC was dissolved. As of March 31, 2022, total commitments to the revolving credit facility are $250,000.
As of March 31, 2022 SLR Credit had 24 funded commitments to 20 different issuers with total funded loans of approximately $305,574 on total assets of $362,878. As of December 31, 2021 SLR Credit had 22 funded commitments to 19 different issuers with total funded loans of approximately $287,375 on total assets of $347,821. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the largest loan outstanding totaled $34,433 and $35,000, respectively. For the same periods, the average exposure per issuer was $15,279 and $15,125, respectively. SLR Credit’s credit facility, which isnon-recourse to the Company, had approximately $125,894 and $100,742 of borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, SLR Credit had net income of $2,780 and $4,940, respectively, on gross income of $6,694 and $9,676, respectively. Due to timing and non-cash items, there may be material differences between GAAP net income and cash available for distributions.
Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company had unfunded debt and equity commitments to various revolving and delayed-draw term loans as well as to SLR Credit. The total amount of these unfunded commitments as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is $224,912 and $226,733, respectively, comprised of the following:
SLR Credit Solutions*
Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.
BridgeBio Pharma, Inc.
Vapotherm, Inc.
NAC Holdings Corporation
RQM+ Corp.
Atria Wealth Solutions, Inc.
Rezolute, Inc.
Basic Fun, Inc.
Kid Distro Holdings, LLC
SLR Equipment Finance
American Teleconferencing Services, Ltd.
Ultimate Baked Goods Midco LLC
Total Commitments
The Company controls the funding of the SLR Credit Solutions commitment and may cancel it at its discretion.
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The credit agreements of the above loan commitments contain customary lending provisions and/or are subject to the portfolio company’s achievement of certain milestones that allow relief to the Company from funding obligations for previously made commitments in instances where the underlying company experiences materially adverse events that affect the financial condition or business outlook for the company. Since these commitments may expire without being drawn upon, unfunded commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements or future earning assets for the Company. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had sufficient cash available and/or liquid securities available to fund its commitments and had reviewed them for any appropriate fair value adjustment.
Merger Litigation
On January 17, 2022, a stockholder complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, against the Company and the members of the Board, entitled Gates v. SLR Investment Corp., et al., No. 1:22-cv-00261 (the “Gates Complaint”). On January 21, 2022, a stockholder complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, against the Company and the members of the Board, entitled Shumacher v. SLR Investment Corp., et al., No. 1:22-cv-00576 (the “Shumacher Complaint”).
On January 31, 2022, two putative class action stockholder complaints were filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland against SUNS and the members of the Board of Directors of SUNS (the “SUNS Board”), captioned respectively Neal v. Gross, et al., No.24-C-22-000557 (Md. Cir. Ct. Baltimore City) (the “Neal Complaint”), and Tobin v. Gross, et al., 24-C-22-000558 (Md. Cir. Ct. Baltimore City) (the “Tobin Complaint”).
On February 8, 2022, a stockholder complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, against SUNS and the members of the SUNS Board, entitled Kershner v. SLR Senior Investment Corp., et al., No. 1:22-cv-01096 (the “Kershner Complaint”). On February 21, 2022, a stockholder complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, against SUNS and the members of the SUNS Board, entitled Sharp v. SLR Senior Investment Corp., et al., No. 1:22-cv-01418 (the “Sharp Complaint”). On February 22, 2022, a stockholder complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, against SUNS, the members of the SUNS Board, us, and the Investment Adviser, entitled Ciccotelli v. SLR Senior Investment Corp., et al., No. 1:22-cv-01454 (the “Ciccotelli Complaint”). On February 22, 2022, a stockholder complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, against SUNS and the members of the SUNS Board entitled Justice v. SLR Senior Investment Corp., et al., No. 2:22-cv-00673 (the “Justice Complaint,” and together with the Gates Complaint, the Schumacher Complaint, the Neal Complaint, the Tobin Complaint, the Kershner Complaint, the Sharp Complaint, the Ciccotelli Complaint and the Justice Complaint, the “Merger Complaints”).
Each of the Gates and Schumacher Complaints alleged, among other things, that the joint proxy statement/prospectus initially filed with the SEC on December 16, 2021 contained materially misleading and incomplete disclosures. Each of the Gates and Schumacher Complaints sought, among other things, that supplemental disclosures be made to the joint proxy statement/ prospectus to address the alleged materially misleading and incomplete disclosures. As a result of the alleged omissions, each of the Gates and Schumacher Complaints sought to hold the Company and its directors liable for violating Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, and additionally sought to hold the Company’s directors liable as control persons pursuant to Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act.
Each of the Neal and Tobin Complaints alleged, among other things, that the members of the SUNS Board breached their fiduciary duties when they approved the proposed merger between SUNS and the Company, and that the disclosures in the joint proxy statement/prospectus initially filed with the SEC on December 16, 2021 contained materially misleading and incomplete disclosures. Each of Neal and Tobin Complaints raised these claims under Maryland law, and sought: (i) certification that the case can be maintained as a class action, with the plaintiff named as a representative of the proposed class (consisting of the public shareholders of SUNS); (ii) an order enjoining the shareholder vote to approve the proposed merger between SUNS and the Company; and (iii) rescission of the proposed merger between SUNS and the Company.
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The defendants believe that the Company made complete disclosure of all information required to be disclosed to ensure that the Company’s stockholders were able to make an informed vote at the Company’s Special Meeting of Stockholders held on March 22, 2022 and that the additional disclosures requested by the plaintiff were immaterial and/or were included in the preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus filed as part of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 on December 16, 2021. Accordingly, the defendants believe these claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against them. However, in an attempt to reduce the costs, risks and uncertainties inherent in litigation and to maximize the Company’s net asset value at the time of the Mergers, the Company determined to voluntarily include certain supplemental disclosures in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2022. The inclusion of such disclosures shall not be deemed an admission of the legal necessity or materiality of any of these disclosures under applicable law. Rather, the Company and the Board specifically denied all allegations in the Merger Complaints that any additional disclosure was or is required.
Note 11. SLR Equipment Finance
On July 31, 2017, we acquired a 100% equity interest in NEF Holdings, LLC, which conducts its business through its wholly-owned subsidiary Nations Equipment Finance, LLC. Effective February 25, 2021, Nations Equipment Finance, LLC and its related companies is doing business as SLR Equipment Finance (“SLR Equipment”). SLR Equipment is an independent equipment finance company that provides senior secured loans and leases primarily to U.S. based companies. We invested $209,866 in cash to effect the transaction, of which $145,000 was invested in the equity of SLR Equipment through our wholly-owned consolidated taxable subsidiary NEFCORP LLC and our wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary NEFPASS LLC and $64,866 was used to purchase certain leases and loans held by SLR Equipment through NEFPASS LLC. Concurrent with the transaction, SLR Equipment refinanced its existing senior secured credit facility into a $150,000 non-recourse facility with an accordion feature to expand up to $250,000. In September 2019, SLR Equipment amended the facility, increasing commitments to $213,957 with an accordion feature to expand up to $313,957 and extended the maturity date of the facility to July 31, 2023.
As of March 31, 2022, SLR Equipment had 134 funded equipment-backed leases and loans to 59 different customers with a total net investment in leases and loans of approximately $198,611 on total assets of $252,841. As of December 31, 2021, SLR Equipment had 135 funded equipment-backed leases and loans to 61 different customers with a total net investment in leases and loans of approximately $210,986 on total assets of $264,007. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the largest position outstanding totaled $19,259 and $19,207, respectively. For the same periods, the average exposure per customer was $3,366 and $3,459, respectively. SLR Equipment’s credit facility, which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $110,969 and $118,002 of borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, SLR Equipment had net income (loss) of $594 and ($318), respectively, on gross income of $5,173 and $4,894, respectively. Due to timing and non-cash items, there may be material differences between GAAP net income and cash available for distributions.
Note 12. Capital Share Transactions
As of March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, 200,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value capital stock were authorized.
There were no transactions in capital stock during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.
Note 13. Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC
On November 3, 2020, the Company acquired an 87.5% equity interest in Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC (“KBH”) through KBH Topco LLC (“KBHT”), a newly formed Delaware corporation. KBH is a residual focused independent mid-ticket lessor of equipment primarily to U.S. investment grade companies. The Company invested $216,596 to effect the transaction, of which $136,596 was invested to acquire 87.5% of KBHT’s equity and $80,000 in KBH’s debt. The existing management team of KBH committed to continue to lead KBH after the transaction. Following the transaction, the Company owns 87.5% of KBHT equity and the KBH management team owns the remaining 12.5% of KBHT’s equity.
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As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, KBHT had total assets of $729,363 and $738,425, respectively. For the same periods, debt recourse to KBHT totaled $221,392 and $216,881, respectively, and non-recourse debt totaled $321,205 and $323,844, respectively. None of the debt is recourse to the Company. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, KBHT had net income of $3,399 and $2,267, respectively, on gross income of $66,426 and $58,146, respectively. Due to timing andnon-cash items, there may be material differences between GAAP net income and cash available for distributions. As such, and subject to fluctuations in KBHT’s funded commitments, the timing of originations, and the repayments of financings, the Company cannot guarantee that KBHT will be able to maintain consistent dividend payments to us.
Note 14. Pending Merger with SUNS
On December 1, 2021, we entered into the Merger Agreement, which provides that, subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into SUNS, with SUNS continuing as the surviving company and as our wholly-owned subsidiary and, immediately thereafter, SUNS will merge with and into us, with us continuing as the surviving company. Both the Board and SUNS’s board of directors, including all of the respective independent directors, in each case, on the recommendation of a special committee comprised solely of the independent directors of us or SUNS, as applicable, have approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by each of us, SUNS and the Investment Adviser. The Merger Agreement also contains customary covenants, including, among others, covenants relating to the operation of each of our and SUNS’s businesses during the period prior to the closing of the Mergers.
Consummation of the Mergers, which occurred on April 1, 2022, was subject to certain closing conditions as disclosed in the Merger Agreement.
Note 15. Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.
Merger
On April 1, 2022, the Company completed its previously announced acquisition of SUNS. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub was first merged with and into SUNS, with SUNS as the surviving corporation, and, immediately following the Merger, SUNS was then merged with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving company. In accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of SUNS’s common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.7796 shares of the Company’s common stock (with SUNS’s stockholders receiving cash in lieu of fractional shares of the Company’s common stock). As a result of the Mergers, the Company issued an aggregate of 12,511,825 shares of its common stock to former SUNS stockholders.
The Merger will be accounted for as an asset acquisition of SLR Senior Investment Corp. by the Company in accordance with the asset acquisition method of accounting as detailed in ASC 805-50, Business Combinations – Related Issues, with the fair value of total consideration paid in conjunction with the Merger allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values as of the date of the Merger. Generally, under asset acquisition accounting, acquiring assets in groups not only requires ascertaining the cost of the asset (or net assets), but also allocating that cost to the individual assets (or individual assets and liabilities) that make up the group. The cost of the group of assets acquired in an asset acquisition is allocated to the individual assets acquired or liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values of net identifiable assets acquired other than certain “non-qualifying” assets (for example cash) and does not give rise to goodwill. The Company will be the accounting survivor of the Merger.
Letter Agreement
On April 1, 2022, in connection with the consummation of the Mergers, the Company entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) pursuant to which the Investment Adviser voluntarily agreed to a permanent 25 basis point reduction of the annual base management fee rate payable by the Company to the Investment Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, resulting in an annual base management fee rate payable by the Company to the Investment Adviser of 1.50% on gross assets up to 200% of the Company’s total net assets. The Company retained the annual base management fee rate payable by the Company to the Investment Adviser of 1.00% on gross assets that exceed 200% of the Company’s total net assets.
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Assumption of SUNS Credit Facility
On April 1, 2022, the Company entered into an assumption agreement (the “CF Assumption Agreement”), effective as of the closing of the Mergers. The CF Assumption Agreement relates to the Company’s assumption of the Revolving Credit Facility, originally entered into on August 26, 2011 (as amended from time to time, the “SUNS Credit Facility”), by and among SUNS SPV LLC (the “SUNS SPV”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SUNS (as defined below), acting as borrower, Citibank, N.A., acting as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties thereto. Currently, the commitment under the SUNS Credit Facility is $225,000; however, the commitment can also be expanded up to $600,000. The stated interest rate on the SUNS Credit Facility is LIBOR plus 2.00%-2.50% with no LIBOR floor requirement and the current final maturity date is June 1, 2026. The SUNS Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by SUNS SPV. Under the terms of the SUNS Credit Facility and related transaction documents, the Company as successor to SUNS, and SUNS SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The SUNS Credit Facility also includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.
Assumption of SUNS Notes
On April 1, 2022, the Company entered into an assumption agreement (the “Note Assumption Agreement”), effective as of the closing of the Mergers. The Note Assumption Agreement relates to the Company’s assumption of $85,000 in aggregate principal amount of five-year, 3.90% senior unsecured notes, due March 31, 2025 (the “SUNS Notes”) and other obligations of SUNS under the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2020 (the “Note Purchase Agreement”), among SUNS and certain institutional investors. Interest on the SUNS Notes is due semi-annually on March 31 and September 30. Pursuant to the Note Assumption Agreement, the Company expressly assumed on behalf of SUNS the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the SUNS Notes outstanding, and the due and punctual performance and observance of every covenant and every condition of the Note Purchase Agreement, to be performed or observed by SUNS.
Dismissal of Merger Complaints
On April 1, 2022, each of the Neal Complaint and the Tobin Complaint was dismissed as to the named plaintiffs only with the Court retaining jurisdiction in connection with a possible future fee and expense application by plaintiffs.
On April 6, 2022, each of the Schumacher Complaint, the Kershner Complaint, the Sharp Complaint, the Ciccotelli Complaint and Justice Complaint was voluntarily dismissed.
On April 14, 2022, the Gates Complaint was voluntarily dismissed.
Distribution Declaration
On April 4, 2022, our Board declared a monthly distribution of $0.136667 per share payable on May 3, 2022 to holders of record as of April 21, 2022.
On May 3, 2022, our Board declared a monthly distribution of $0.136667 per share payable on June 2, 2022 to holders of record as of May 19, 2022.
Stock Repurchase Program
On May 3, 2022, our Board authorized a program for the purpose of repurchasing up to $50,000 of our outstanding shares of common stock. Under the repurchase program, we may, but are not obligated to, repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock in the open market from time to time provided that we comply with our code of ethics and the guidelines specified in Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act, including certain price, market volume and timing constraints. In addition, any repurchases will be conducted in accordance with the 1940 Act. Unless amended or extended by our Board, we expect the repurchase program to be in place until the earlier of May 1, 2023 or until $50,000 of our outstanding shares of common stock have been repurchased. The timing and number of shares to be repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions. There are no assurances that we will engage in any repurchases.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
SLR Investment Corp.:
Results of Review of Interim Financial Information
We have reviewed the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of SLR Investment Corp. (and subsidiaries) (the Company), including the consolidated schedule of investments, as of March 31, 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated interim financial information). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated interim financial information for it to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of the Company as of December 31, 2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 1, 2022, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2021, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, from which it has been derived.
Basis for Review Results
This consolidated interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. A review of consolidated interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
May 3, 2022
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
Some of the statements in this report constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained herein involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:
our future operating results, including our ability to achieve objectives as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic;
our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;
the impact of investments that we expect to make;
our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;
the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon;
the impact of any protracted decline in the liquidity of credit markets on our business and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon;
the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives, including as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic;
the valuation of our investments in portfolio companies, particularly those having no liquid trading market, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon;
market conditions and our ability to access alternative debt markets and additional debt and equity capital, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon;
our expected financings and investments;
the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;
the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon; and
the ability of our investment adviser to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon.
changes in the political conditions and relations between the United States, Russia, Ukraine and other nations.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:
an economic downturn, including as a result of the current COVID-19pandemic, could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;
a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets, including as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, could impair our lending and investment activities;
interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly because we use leverage as part of our investment strategy;
currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars;
the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Mergers;
the effects of disruption on our business from the Mergers;
the combined company’s plans, expectations, objectives and intentions as a result of the Mergers;
the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in Item 1A. — Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC.
We generally use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including any factors set forth in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report.
We have based the forward-looking statements included in this report on information available to us on the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we in the future may file with the SEC, including any annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.
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Overview
Solar Capital LLC, a Maryland limited liability company, was formed in February 2007 and commenced operations on March 13, 2007 with initial capital of $1.2 billion of which 47.04% was funded by affiliated parties.
SLR Investment Corp. (the “Company”, “SLRC”, “we” or “our”), a Maryland corporation formed in November 2007, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversifiedmanagement investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Furthermore, as the Company is an investment company, it continues to apply the guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946. In addition, for U.S federal income tax purposes, the Company has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
On February 9, 2010, we priced our initial public offering, selling 5.68 million shares of our common stock. Concurrent with our initial public offering, Michael S. Gross, our Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer and President, and Bruce Spohler, our Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, collectively purchased an additional 0.6 million shares of our common stock through a private placement transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act.
We invest primarily in privately held U.S. middle-market companies, where we believe the supply of primary capital is limited and the investment opportunities are most attractive. Our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. We invest primarily in leveraged middle-market companies in the form of senior secured loans, financing leases and to a lesser extent, unsecured loans and equity securities. From time to time, we may also invest in public companies that are thinly traded. Our business is focused primarily on the direct origination of investments through portfolio companies or their financial sponsors. Our investments generally range between $5 million and $100 million each, although we expect that this investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base and/or with strategic initiatives. Our investment activities are managed by SLR Capital Partners, LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) and supervised by the board of directors (the “Board)”, a majority of whom are non-interested, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act. SLR Capital Management, LLC (the “Administrator”) provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.
In addition, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in other types of investments, which we refer to as opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus but are intended to enhance our overall returns. These investments may include, but are not limited to, direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States.
Merger Agreement
On December 1, 2021, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, or the Merger Agreement, with SLR Senior Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation (“SUNS”), Solstice Merger Sub, Inc., a Maryland corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), and, solely for the limited purposes set forth therein, the Investment Adviser. The Merger Agreement provides that, subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into SUNS, with SUNS continuing as the surviving company and as SUNS’s wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Merger,”) and, immediately thereafter, SUNS will merge with and into us, with us continuing as the surviving company (together with the Merger, the “Mergers”). Both the Board and SUNS’s board of directors, including all of the respective independent directors, in each case, on the recommendation of a special committee comprised solely of the independent directors of us and SUNS, as applicable, have approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
Recent Developments
Mergers
On April 1, 2022, we completed our previously announced acquisition of SUNS. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub was first merged with and into SUNS, with SUNS as the surviving corporation, and, immediately following the Merger, SUNS was then merged with and into us, with us as the surviving company. In accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of SUNS’s common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.7796 shares of our common stock (with SUNS’s stockholders receiving cash in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock). As a result of the Mergers, we issued an aggregate of 12,511,825 shares of our common stock to former SUNS stockholders.
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On April 1, 2022, in connection with the consummation of the Mergers, we entered into a letter agreement (the “Letter Agreement”) pursuant to which the Investment Adviser voluntarily agreed to a permanent 25 basis point reduction of the annual base management fee rate payable by us to the Investment Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, resulting in an annual base management fee rate payable by us to the Investment Adviser of 1.50% on gross assets up to 200% of our total net assets. We retained the annual base management fee rate payable by us to the Investment Adviser of 1.00% on gross assets that exceed 200% of our total net assets.
On April 1, 2022, we entered into an assumption agreement (the “CF Assumption Agreement”), effective as of the closing of the Mergers. The CF Assumption Agreement relates to our assumption of the Revolving Credit Facility, originally entered into on August 26, 2011 (as amended from time to time, the “SUNS Credit Facility”), by and among SUNS SPV LLC (the “SUNS SPV”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SUNS (as defined below), acting as borrower, Citibank, N.A., acting as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties thereto. Currently, the commitment under the SUNS Credit Facility is $225 million; however, the commitment can also be expanded up to $600 million. The stated interest rate on the SUNS Credit Facility is LIBOR plus 2.00%-2.50% with no LIBOR floor requirement and the current final maturity date is June 1, 2026. The SUNS Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by SUNS SPV. Under the terms of the SUNS Credit Facility and related transaction documents, we as successor to SUNS, and SUNS SPV, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The SUNS Credit Facility also includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.
On April 1, 2022, we entered into an assumption agreement (the “Note Assumption Agreement”), effective as of the closing of the Mergers. The Note Assumption Agreement relates to our assumption of $85 million in aggregate principal amount of five-year, 3.90% senior unsecured notes, due March 31, 2025 (the “SUNS Notes”) and other obligations of SUNS under the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2020 (the “Note Purchase Agreement”), among SUNS and certain institutional investors. Interest on the SUNS Notes is due semi-annually on March 31 and September 30. Pursuant to the Note Assumption Agreement, we expressly assumed on behalf of SUNS the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the SUNS Notes outstanding, and the due and punctual performance and observance of every covenant and every condition of the Note Purchase Agreement, to be performed or observed by SUNS.
On April 1, 2022, each of the Neal Complaint (as defined in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings) and the Tobin Complaint (as defined in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings) was dismissed as to the named plaintiffs only with the Court retaining jurisdiction in connection with a possible future fee and expense application by plaintiffs.
On April 6, 2022, each of the Schumacher Complaint (as defined in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings), the Kershner Complaint (as defined in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings), the Sharp Complaint (as defined in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings), the Ciccotelli Complaint (as defined in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings) and Justice Complaint (as defined in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings) was voluntarily dismissed.
On April 14, 2022, the Gates Complaint (as defined in Part II, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings) was voluntarily dismissed.
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On April 4, 2022, the Board declared a monthly distribution of $0.136667 per share payable on May 3, 2022 to holders of record as of April 21, 2022.
On May 3, 2022, the Board declared a monthly distribution of $0.136667 per share payable on June 2, 2022 to holders of record as of May 19, 2022.
On May 3, 2022, our Board authorized a program for the purpose of repurchasing up to $50 million of our outstanding shares of common stock. Under the repurchase program, we may, but are not obligated to, repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock in the open market from time to time provided that we comply with our code of ethics and the guidelines specified in Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act, including certain price, market volume and timing constraints. In addition, any repurchases will be conducted in accordance with the 1940 Act. Unless amended or extended by our Board, we expect the repurchase program to be in place until the earlier of May 1, 2023 or until $50 million of our outstanding shares of common stock have been repurchased. The timing and number of shares to be repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions. There are no assurances that we will engage in any repurchases.
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the related effect on the U.S. and global economies, has continued to have adverse consequences for the business operations of some of the Company’s portfolio companies and, as a result, has had adverse effects on the Company’s operations. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, including the Company, remain uncertain. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Company invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Company’s investments and negatively impact the Company’s performance.
Investments
Our level of investment activity can and does vary substantially from period to period depending on many factors, including the amount of debt and equity capital available to middle market companies, the level of merger and acquisition activity for such companies, the general economic environment and the competitive environment for the types of investments we make. As a BDC, we must not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions). Qualifying assets include investments in “eligible portfolio companies.” The definition of “eligible portfolio company” includes certain public companies that do not have any securities listed on a national securities exchange and companies whose securities are listed on a national securities exchange but whose market capitalization is less than $250 million.
Revenue
We generate revenue primarily in the form of interest and dividend income from the securities we hold and capital gains, if any, on investment securities that we may sell. Our debt investments generally have a stated term of three to seven years and typically bear interest at a floating rate usually determined on the basis of a benchmark London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”), commercial paper rate, or the prime rate. Interest on our debt investments is generally payable monthly or quarterly but may be bi-monthly or semi-annually. In addition, our investments may provide payment-in-kind (“PIK”) income. Such amounts of accrued PIK income are added to the cost of the investment on the respective capitalization dates and generally become due at maturity of the investment or upon the investment being called by the issuer. We may also generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and, if applicable, consulting fees, etc.
Expenses
All investment professionals of the investment adviser and their respective staffs, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses of such personnel allocable to such services, are provided and paid for by the Investment Adviser. We bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including (without limitation):
the cost of our organization and public offerings;
the cost of calculating our net asset value, including the cost of any third-party valuation services;
the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of our shares and other securities;
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interest payable on debt, if any, to finance our investments;
fees payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making investments, including fees and expenses associated with performing due diligence reviews of prospective investments and advisory fees;
transfer agent and custodial fees;
fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;
federal and state registration fees, any stock exchange listing fees;
federal, state and local taxes;
independent directors’ fees and expenses;
brokerage commissions;
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 and outside legal costs;
costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable federal and state securities laws; and
all other expenses incurred by either SLR Capital Management or us in connection with administering our business, including payments under the Administration Agreement that will be based upon our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by SLR Capital Management in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the costs of compensation and related expenses of our chief compliance officer and our chief financial officer and their respective staffs.
We expect our general and administrative operating expenses related to our ongoing operations to increase moderately in dollar terms. During periods of asset growth, we generally expect our general and administrative operating expenses to decline as a percentage of our total assets and increase during periods of asset declines. Incentive fees, interest expense and costs relating to future offerings of securities, among others, may also increase or reduce overall operating expenses based on portfolio performance, interest rate benchmarks, and offerings of our securities relative to comparative periods, among other factors.
Portfolio and Investment Activity
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we invested approximately $67.5 million across 14 portfolio companies. This compares to investing approximately $98.7 million in 15 portfolio companies for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Investments sold, prepaid or repaid during the three months ended March 31, 2022 totaled approximately $101.0 million versus approximately $67.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
At March 31, 2022, our portfolio consisted of 101 portfolio companies and was invested 23.2% in cash flow senior secured loans, 28.4% in asset-based senior secured loans / SLR Credit Solutions (“SLR Credit”), 14.1% in Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC (“KBH”), 16.0% in equipment senior secured financings / SLR Equipment Finance (“SLR Equipment”), and 18.3% in life science senior secured loans, in each case, measured at fair value, versus 105 portfolio companies and was invested 21.1% in cash flow senior secured loans, 25.8% in asset-based senior secured loans / SLR Credit, 13.7% in KBH, 18.2% in equipment senior secured financings / SLR Equipment, and 21.2% in life science senior secured loans, in each case, measured at fair value, at March 31, 2021.
At March 31, 2022, 79.4% or $1.15 billion of our income producing investment portfolio* is floating rate and 20.6% or $296.9 million is fixed rate, measured at fair value. At March 31, 2021, 72.8% or $1.14 billion of our income producing investment portfolio* is floating rate and 27.2% or $426.3 million is fixed rate, measured at fair value. As of March 31, 2022 and 2021, we had two and zero issuers, respectively, on non-accrual status.
We have included SLR Credit Solutions, SLR Equipment Finance and Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC within our income producing investment portfolio.
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On December 28, 2012, we acquired an equity interest in Crystal Capital Financial Holdings LLC (“Crystal Financial”) for $275 million in cash. Crystal Financial owned approximately 98% of the outstanding ownership interest in SLR Credit Solutions (“SLR Credit”), f/k/a Crystal Financial LLC. The remaining financial interest was held by various employees of SLR Credit, through their investment in Crystal Management LP. SLR Credit had a diversified portfolio of 23 loans having a total par value of approximately $400 million at November 30, 2012 and a $275 million committed revolving credit facility. On July 28, 2016, the Company purchased Crystal Management LP’s approximately 2% equity interest in SLR Credit for approximately $5.7 million. Upon the closing of this transaction, the Company holds 100% of the equity interest in SLR Credit. On September 30, 2016, Crystal Capital Financial Holdings LLC was dissolved. As of March 31, 2022, total commitments to the revolving credit facility are $250 million.
As of March 31, 2022, SLR Credit had 24 funded commitments to 20 different issuers with total funded loans of approximately $305.6 million on total assets of $362.9 million. As of December 31, 2021, SLR Credit had 22 funded commitments to 19 different issuers with total funded loans of approximately $287.4 million on total assets of $347.8 million. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the largest loan outstanding totaled $34.4 million and $35.0 million, respectively. For the same periods, the average exposure per issuer was $15.3 million and $15.1 million, respectively. SLR Credit’s credit facility, which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $125.9 million and $100.7 million of borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, SLR Credit had net income of $2.8 million and $4.9 million, respectively, on gross income of $6.7 million and $9.7 million, respectively. Due to timing and non-cash items, there may be material differences between GAAP net income and cash available for distributions. As such, and subject to fluctuations in SLR Credit’s funded commitments, the timing of originations, and the repayments of financings, the Company cannot guarantee that SLR Credit will be able to maintain consistent dividend payments to us.
On July 31, 2017, we acquired a 100% equity interest in NEF Holdings, LLC, which conducts its business through its wholly-owned subsidiary Nations Equipment Finance, LLC. Effective February 25, 2021, Nations Equipment Finance, LLC and its related companies is doing business as SLR Equipment Finance (“SLR Equipment”). SLR Equipment is an independent equipment finance company that provides senior secured loans and leases primarily to U.S. based companies. We invested $209.9 million in cash to effect the transaction, of which $145.0 million was invested in the equity of SLR Equipment through our wholly-owned consolidated taxable subsidiary NEFCORP LLC and our wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary NEFPASS LLC and $64.9 million was used to purchase certain leases and loans held by SLR Equipment through NEFPASS LLC. Concurrent with the transaction, SLR Equipment refinanced its existing senior secured credit facility into a $150.0 million non-recourse facility with an accordion feature to expand up to $250.0 million. In September 2019, SLR Equipment amended the facility, increasing commitments to $214.0 million with an accordion feature to expand up to $314.0 million and extended the maturity date of the facility to July 31, 2023.
As of March 31, 2022, SLR Equipment had 134 funded equipment-backed leases and loans to 59 different customers with a total net investment in leases and loans of approximately $198.6 million on total assets of $252.8 million. As of December 31, 2021, SLR Equipment had 135 funded equipment-backed leases and loans to 61 different customers with a total net investment in leases and loans of approximately $211.0 million on total assets of $264.0 million. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the largest position outstanding totaled $19.3 million and $19.2 million, respectively. For the same periods, the average exposure per customer was $3.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively. SLR Equipment’s credit facility, which is non-recourse to the Company, had approximately $111.0 million and $118.0 million of borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, SLR Equipment had net income (loss) of $0.6 million and ($0.3) million, respectively, on gross income of $5.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Due to timing and non-cash items, there may be material differences between GAAP net income and cash available for distributions. As such, and subject to fluctuations in SLR Equipment’s funded commitments, the timing of originations, and the repayments of financings, the Company cannot guarantee that SLR Equipment will be able to maintain consistent dividend payments to us.
On November 3, 2020, the Company acquired 87.5% of Kingsbridge Holdings, LLC (“KBH”) through KBH Topco LLC (“KBHT”), a newly formed Delaware corporation. KBH is a residual focused independentmid-ticket lessor of equipment primarily to U.S. investment grade companies. The Company invested $216.6 million to effect the transaction, of which $136.6 million was invested to acquire 87.5% of KBHT’s equity and $80.0 million in KBH’s debt. The existing management team of KBH committed to continue to lead KBH after the transaction. Following the transaction, the Company owns 87.5% of KBHT equity and the KBH management team owns the remaining 12.5% of KBHT’s equity.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, KBHT had total assets of $729.4 million and $738.4 million, respectively. For the same periods, debt recourse to KBHT totaled $221.4 million and $216.9 million, respectively, and non-recourse debt totaled $321.2 million and $323.8 million, respectively. None of the debt is recourse to the Company. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, KBHT had net income of $3.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively, on gross income of $66.4 million and $58.1 million, respectively. Due to timing and non-cash items, there may be material differences between GAAP net income and cash available for distributions. As such, and subject to fluctuations in KBHT’s funded commitments, the timing of originations, and the repayments of financings, the Company cannot guarantee that KBHT will be able to maintain consistent dividend payments to us.
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Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following items as critical accounting policies. Within the context of these critical accounting policies and disclosed subsequent events herein, we are not currently aware of any other reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different amounts being reported.
Valuation of Portfolio Investments
We conduct the valuation of our assets, pursuant to which our net asset value is determined, at all times consistent with GAAP, and the 1940 Act. Our valuation procedures are set forth in more detail in Note 2(b) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates. Accordingly, the notes to our consolidated financial statements express the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our consolidated financial statements.
Valuation of 2022 Unsecured Notes
The Company has made an election to apply the fair value option of accounting to the 2022 Unsecured Notes, in accordance with ASC 825-10. We believe accounting for the 2022 Unsecured Notes at fair value better aligns the measurement methodologies of assets and liabilities, which may mitigate certain earnings volatility.
Revenue Recognition
The Company records dividend income and interest, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, on an accrual basis. Investments that are expected to pay regularly scheduled interest and/or dividends in cash are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest/dividend cash payments are past due 30 days or more (90 days or more for equipment financing) and/or when it is no longer probable that principal or interest/dividend cash payments will be collected. Such non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status if past due principal and interest or dividends are paid in cash, and in management’s judgment, are likely to continue timely payment of their remaining interest or dividend obligations. Interest or dividend cash payments received on investments may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Some of our investments may have contractual PIK income. PIK income computed at the contractual rate, as applicable, is accrued and reflected as a receivable up to the capitalization date. PIK investments offer issuers the option at each payment date of making payments in cash or in additional securities. When additional securities are received, they typically have the same terms, including maturity dates and interest rates as the original securities issued. On these payment dates, the Company capitalizes the accrued interest or dividends receivable (reflecting such amounts as the basis in the additional securities received). PIK generally becomes due at the maturity of the investment or upon the investment being called by the issuer. At the point the Company believes PIK is not expected to be realized, the PIK investment will be placed on non-accrual status. When a PIK investment is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued, uncapitalized interest or dividends is reversed from the related receivable through interest or dividend income, respectively. The Company does not reverse previously capitalized PIK income. Upon capitalization, PIK is subject to the fair value estimates associated with their related investments. PIK investments on non-accrual status are restored to accrual status if the Company again believes that PIK is expected to be realized. Loan origination fees, original issue discount, and market discounts are capitalized and amortized into income using the effective interest method. Upon the prepayment of a loan, any unamortized loan origination fees are recorded as interest income. We record prepayment premiums on loans and other investments as interest income when we receive such amounts. Capital structuring fees are recorded as other income when earned.
The typically higher yields and interest rates on PIK securities, to the extent we invested, reflects the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with such instruments and that such investments may represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans. PIK securities may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require continuing judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. PIK income has the effect of generating investment income and increasing the incentive fees payable at a compounding rate. In addition, the deferral of PIK income also increases the loan-to-value ratio at a compounding rate. PIK securities create the risk that incentive fees will be paid to the Investment Adviser based on non-cash accruals that ultimately may not be realized, but the Investment Adviser will be under no obligation to reimburse the Company for these fees. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, capitalized PIK income totaled $0.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
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Net Realized Gain or Loss and Net Change in Unrealized Gain or Loss
We generally measure realized gain or loss by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, but considering unamortized origination or commitment fees and prepayment penalties. The net change in unrealized gain or loss reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized gain or loss, when gains or losses are realized. Gains or losses on investments are calculated by using the specific identification method.
Income Taxes
SLRC, a U.S. corporation, has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to qualify for U.S. federal income taxation as a RIC, the Company is required, among other things, 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 given tax year, we may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year and pay a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year distributions, the Company accrues an estimated excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results comparisons are for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021:
Investment Income
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, gross investment income totaled $33.0 million and $35.9 million, respectively. The decrease in gross investment income for the year over year three month periods was primarily due to a reduction in non-recurring fee and other miscellaneous income.
Expenses totaled $19.5 million and $20.4 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, of which $7.2 million and $10.7 million, respectively, were base management fees and performance-based incentive fees and $8.3 million and $7.2 million, respectively, were interest and other credit facility expenses. Administrative services and other general and administrative expenses totaled $4.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Expenses generally consist of management and performance-based incentive fees, interest and other credit facility expenses, administrative services fees, insurance expenses, legal fees, directors’ fees, transfer agency fees, printing and proxy expenses, audit and tax services expenses, and other general and administrative expenses. Interest and other credit facility expenses generally consist of interest, unused fees, agency fees and loan origination fees, if any, among others. The decrease in expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2022 versus the three months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily due to the reduction in incentive fees. Partially offsetting the decrease were higher general and administrative expenses of approximately $1.5 million related to the Mergers.
Net Investment Income
The Company’s net investment income totaled $13.5 million and $15.5 million, or $0.32 and $0.37, per average share, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Net Realized Gain (Loss)
The Company had investment sales and prepayments totaling approximately $101 million and $67 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Net realized gains (losses) over the same periods were $0.03 million and ($0.4) million, respectively. Net realized gain for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was de minimis. Net realized losses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were generally related to the sale of our legacy investment in B. Riley Financial, Inc.
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Net Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, net change in unrealized gain (loss) on the Company’s assets and liabilities totaled ($12.0) million and $6.4 million, respectively. Net unrealized loss for the three months ended March 31, 2022 is primarily due to depreciation in the value of our investments in PhyMed Management LLC and Rug Doctor LLC, among others, partially offset by appreciation in the value of our investments in KBH Topco, LLC, SOC Telemed, Inc. and Cerapedics, Inc., among others. Net unrealized gain for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is primarily due to the reversal of previously recognized depreciation in our investment in B. Riley Financial, Inc. as well as appreciation in the value of our investments in Genmark Diagnostics, Inc., SLR Credit and Senseonics Holdings, Inc., among others, partially offset by the reversal of previously recognized appreciation in our investment in Cardiva Medical, Inc. as well as depreciation in the value of our investment in SOAGG, LLC, among others.
Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $1.5 million and $21.5 million, respectively. For the same periods, earnings per average share were $0.04 and $0.51, respectively.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company’s liquidity and capital resources are generated and generally available through its Credit Facility (as defined below), the 2022 Unsecured Notes, the 2022 Tranche C Notes, the 2023 Unsecured Notes, the 2024 Unsecured Notes, the 2026 Unsecured Notes, the 2027 Unsecured Notes and the 2027 Series F Unsecured Notes, through cash flows from operations, investment sales, prepayments of senior and subordinated loans, income earned on investments and cash equivalents, and periodic follow-on equity and/or debt offerings. As of March 31, 2022, we had a total of $516.0 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, subject to borrowing base limits.
We may from time to time issue equity and/or debt securities in either public or private offerings. The issuance of such securities will depend on future market conditions, funding needs and other factors and there can be no assurance that any such issuance will occur or be successful. The primary uses of existing funds and any funds raised in the future is expected to be for investments in portfolio companies, repayment of indebtedness, cash distributions to our stockholders, or for other general corporate purposes.
On January 6, 2022, the Company closed a private offering of $135 million of the 2027 Series F Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 3.33% and a maturity date of January 6, 2027. Interest on the 2027 Series F Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on January 6 and July 6. The 2027 Series F Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On December 28, 2021, the Company closed on Amendment No. 1 to its August 28, 2019 senior secured credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”). Following the amendment, the Credit Facility is composed of $600 million of revolving credit and $100 million of term loans. Borrowings generally bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus a range of 1.75%-2.00% or the alternate base rate plus 0.75%-1.00%. The Credit Facility has a 0% floor and matures in December 2026 and includes ratable amortization in the final year.
On September 14, 2021, the Company closed a private offering of $50 million of the 2027 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 2.95% and a maturity date of March 14, 2027. Interest on the 2027 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on March 14 and September 14. The 2027 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On December 18, 2019, the Company closed a private offering of $125 million of the 2024 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.20% and a maturity date of December 15, 2024. Interest on the 2024 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. The 2024 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On December 18, 2019, the Company closed a private offering of $75 million of the 2026 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.375% and a maturity date of December 15, 2026. Interest on the 2026 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. The 2026 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On December 28, 2017, the Company closed a private offering of $21 million of the 2022 Tranche C Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.50% and a maturity date of December 28, 2022. Interest on the 2022 Tranche C Notes is due semi-annually on June 28 and December 28. The 2022 Tranche C Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On November 22, 2017, we issued $75 million in aggregate principal amount of publicly registered 2023 Unsecured Notes for net proceeds of $73.8 million. Interest on the 2023 Unsecured Notes is paid semi-annually on January 20 and July 20, at a fixed rate of 4.50% per year, commencing on January 20, 2018. The 2023 Unsecured Notes mature on January 20, 2023.
On February 15, 2017, the Company closed a private offering of $100 million of the 2022 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.60% and a maturity date of May 8, 2022. Interest on the 2022 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on May 8 and November 8. The 2022 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
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On November 8, 2016, the Company closed a private offering of $50 million of the 2022 Unsecured Notes with a fixed interest rate of 4.40% and a maturity date of May 8, 2022. Interest on the 2022 Unsecured Notes is due semi-annually on May 8 and November 8. The 2022 Unsecured Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers.
On January 11, 2013, the Company closed its most recent follow-on public equity offering of 6.3 million shares of common stock raising approximately $146.9 million in net proceeds. The primary uses of the funds raised were for investments in portfolio companies, reductions in revolving debt outstanding and for other general corporate purposes.
Cash Equivalents
We deem certain U.S. Treasury bills, repurchase agreements and other high-quality, short-term debt securities as cash equivalents. The Company makes purchases that are consistent with its purpose of making investments in securities described in paragraphs 1 through 3 of Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. From time to time, including at or near the end of each fiscal quarter, we consider using various temporary investment strategies for our business. One strategy includes taking proactive steps by utilizing cash equivalents as temporary assets with the objective of enhancing our investment flexibility pursuant to Section 55 of the 1940 Act. More specifically, from time-to-time we may purchase U.S. Treasury bills or other high-quality, short-term debt securities at or near the end of the quarter and typically close out the position on a net cash basis subsequent to quarter end. We may also utilize repurchase agreements or other balance sheet transactions, including drawing down on the Credit Facility, as deemed appropriate. The amount of these transactions or such drawn cash for this purpose is excluded from total assets for purposes of computing the asset base upon which the management fee is determined. We held approximately $580 million in cash equivalents as of March 31, 2022.
Debt
Revolving & Term Loan Facility
On December 28, 2021, the Company closed on Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Facility. Following the amendment, the Credit Facility is composed of $600 million of revolving credit and $100 million of term loans. Borrowings generally bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus a range of 1.75%-2.00% or the alternate base rate plus 0.75%-1.00%. The Credit Facility has a 0% floor and matures in December 2026 and includes ratable amortization in the final year. The Credit Facility may be increased up to $800 million with additional new lenders or an increase in commitments from current lenders. The Credit Facility contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. In addition, the Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants that among other things, requires the Company to maintain a minimum shareholder’s equity and a minimum asset coverage ratio. At March 31, 2022, outstanding USD equivalent borrowings under the Credit Facility totaled $184.0 million, composed of $84.0 million of revolving credit and $100.0 million of term loans.
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Certain covenants on our issued debt may restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. At March 31, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all financial and operational covenants required by the Debt Instruments.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations is as follows as of March 31, 2022:
Payments Due by Period (in millions)
Revolving credit facility (1)
Unsecured senior notes
Term loans
As of March 31, 2022, we had a total of $516.0 million of unused borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facilities, subject to borrowing base limits.
Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% of gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy the asset coverage test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common stockholders. Furthermore, as a result of issuing senior securities, we would also be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.
We have also entered into two contracts under which we have future commitments: the Advisory Agreement, pursuant to which the Investment Adviser has agreed to serve as our investment adviser, and the Administration Agreement, pursuant to which the Administrator has agreed to furnish us with the facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations and provide on our behalf managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which we are required to provide such assistance. Payments under the Advisory Agreement are equal to (1) a percentage of the value of our average gross assets and (2) atwo-part incentive fee. Payments under the Administration Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable portion of the Administrator’s overhead in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, technology systems, insurance and our allocable portion of the costs of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer and their respective staffs. Either party may terminate each of the Advisory Agreement and administration agreement without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other. See note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
On July 31, 2017, the Company, NEFPASS LLC and NEFCORP LLC entered into a servicing agreement. NEFCORP LLC was engaged to provide NEFPASS LLC with administrative services related to the loans and capital leases held by NEFPASS LLC. NEFPASS LLC may terminate this agreement upon 30 days’ written notice to NEFCORP LLC.
Senior Securities
Information about our senior securities is shown in the following table (in thousands) as of the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and each year ended December 31 for the past ten years, unless otherwise noted. The “—” indicates information which the SEC expressly does not require to be disclosed for certain types of senior securities.
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Class and Year
Revolving Credit Facility
Fiscal 2022 (through March 31, 2022)
Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2019
Fiscal 2018
Fiscal 2017
Fiscal 2016
Fiscal 2015
Fiscal 2014
Fiscal 2013
Fiscal 2012
2042 Unsecured Notes
Senior Secured Notes
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Term Loans
NEFPASS Facility
SSLP Facility
Total Senior Securities
Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding (in thousands) at the end of the period presented.
The asset coverage ratio for a class of senior securities representing indebtedness is calculated as our consolidated total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, divided by all senior securities representing indebtedness. This asset coverage ratio is multiplied by one thousand to determine the Asset Coverage Per Unit. In order to determine the specific Asset Coverage Per Unit for each class of debt, the total Asset Coverage Per Unit is allocated based on the amount outstanding in each class of debt at the end of the period. As of March 31, 2022, asset coverage was 201.4%.
The amount to which such class of senior security would be entitled upon the involuntary liquidation of the issuer in preference to any security junior to it.
Not applicable except for the 2042 Unsecured Notes which were publicly traded. The Average Market Value Per Unit is calculated by taking the daily average closing price during the period and dividing it by twenty-five dollars per share and multiplying the result by one thousand to determine a unit price per thousand consistent with Asset Coverage Per Unit. The average market value for the fiscal 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 periods was $100,175, $98,196, $94,301, $93,392, and $92,302, respectively.
From time-to-time and in the normal course of business, the Company may make unfunded capital commitments to current or prospective portfolio companies. Typically, the Company may agree to provide delayed-draw term loans or, to a lesser extent, revolving loan or equity commitments. These unfunded capital commitments always take into account the Company’s liquidity and cash available for investment, portfolio and issuer diversification, and other considerations. Accordingly, the Company had the following unfunded capital commitments at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively:
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(in millions)
In the normal course of its business, we invest or trade in various financial instruments and may enter into various investment activities with off-balance sheet risk, which may include forward foreign currency contracts. Generally, these financial instruments represent future commitments to purchase or sell other financial instruments at specific terms at future dates. These financial instruments contain varying degrees of off-balance sheet risk whereby changes in the market value or our satisfaction of the obligations may exceed the amount recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
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Distributions
The following table reflects the cash distributions per share on our common stock for the two most recent fiscal years and the current fiscal year to date:
Date Declared
Fiscal 2022
April 4, 2022
March 1, 2022
Total 2022
November 3, 2021
August 3, 2021
May 5, 2021
February 24, 2021
Total 2021
November 5, 2020
August 4, 2020
May 7, 2020
February 20, 2020
Total 2020
Tax characteristics of all distributions will be reported to stockholders on Form 1099 after the end of the calendar year. Future quarterly distributions, if any, will be determined by the Board. We expect that our distributions to stockholders will generally be from accumulated net investment income, from net realized capital gains or non-taxable return of capital, if any, as applicable.
We have elected to be taxed as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, out of the assets legally available for distribution. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute realized net capital gains (i.e., net long-term capital gains in excess of short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually, out of the assets legally available for such distributions, we may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for investment.
We maintain an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a distribution, then stockholders’ cash distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless they specifically “opt out” of the dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash distributions.
We may not be able to achieve operating results that will allow us to make distributions at a specific level or to increase the amount of these distributions from time to time. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a business development company, we may in the future be limited in our ability to make distributions. Also, the Credit Facility may limit our ability to declare distributions if we default under certain provisions. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including possible loss of the tax benefits available to us as a regulated investment company. In addition, in accordance with GAAP and tax regulations, we include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as contractual payment-in-kind income, which represents contractual income added to the loan balance that becomes due at the end of the loan term, or the accrual of original issue or market discount. Since we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the requirement to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to obtain tax benefits as a regulated investment company.
With respect to the distributions to stockholders, income from origination, structuring, closing and certain other upfront fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are treated as taxable income and accordingly, distributed to stockholders.
Related Parties
We have entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:
We have entered into the Advisory Agreement with the Investment Adviser. Mr. Gross, our Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer and President and Mr. Spohler, our Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and board member, are managing members and senior investment professionals of, and have financial and controlling interests in, the Investment Adviser. In addition, Mr. Peteka, our Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Investment Adviser.
The Administrator provides us with the office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct day-to-day operations pursuant to our Administration Agreement. We reimburse the Administrator for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and the compensation of our chief compliance officer, our chief financial officer and their respective staffs.
We have entered into a license agreement with the Investment Adviser, pursuant to which the Investment Adviser has granted us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the licensed marks “SOLAR” and “SLR”.
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The Investment Adviser may also manage other funds in the future that may have investment mandates that are similar, in whole and in part, with ours. For example, the Investment Adviser presently serves as investment adviser to SCP Private Credit Income BDC LLC, an unlisted BDC that focuses on investing primarily in senior secured loans, including non-traditional asset-based loans and first lien loans and SLR HC BDC LLC, an unlisted BDC whose principal focus is to invest directly and indirectly in senior secured loans and other debt instruments typically to middle market companies within the healthcare industry. In addition, Michael S. Gross, our Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer and President, Bruce Spohler, our Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and Richard L. Peteka, our Chief Financial Officer, serve in similar capacities for SCP Private Credit Income BDC LLC and SLR HC BDC LLC. The Investment Adviser and certain investment advisory affiliates may determine that an investment is appropriate for us and for one or more of those other funds. In such event, depending on the availability of such investment and other appropriate factors, the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may determine that we should invest side-by-side with one or more other funds. Any such investments will be made only to the extent permitted by applicable law and interpretive positions of the SEC and its staff, and consistent with the Investment Adviser’s allocation procedures. On June 13, 2017, the Adviser received an exemptive order that permits the Company to participate in negotiated co-investment transactions with certain affiliates, in a manner consistent with the Company’s investment objective, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors, and pursuant to various conditions (the “Order”). If the Company is unable to rely on the Order for a particular opportunity, such opportunity will be allocated first to the entity whose investment strategy is the most consistent with the opportunity being allocated, and second, if the terms of the opportunity are consistent with more than one entity’s investment strategy, on an alternating basis. Although the Adviser’s investment professionals will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the Company and its stockholders could be adversely affected to the extent investment opportunities are allocated among us and other investment vehicles managed or sponsored by, or affiliated with, our executive officers, directors and members of the Adviser.
Related party transactions may occur among us, SLR Credit, Equipment Operating Leases LLC, KBH, Loyer Capital LLC, SLR Business Credit, SLR Healthcare ABL and SLR Equipment. These transactions may occur in the normal course of business. No administrative or other fees are paid to the Investment Adviser by SLR Credit, Equipment Operating Leases LLC, KBH, Loyer Capital LLC, SLR Business Credit, SLR Healthcare ABL or SLR Equipment.
In addition, we have adopted a formal code of ethics that governs the conduct of our officers and directors. Our officers and directors also remain subject to the duties imposed by both the 1940 Act and the Maryland General Corporation Law.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. In addition, U.S. and global capital markets and credit markets have experienced a higher level of stress due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in an increase in the level of volatility across such markets and a general decline in value of the securities that we hold. Because we fund a portion of our investments with borrowings, our net investment income is affected by the difference between the rate at which we invest and the rate at which we borrow. As a result, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks have reduced certain interest rates and LIBOR has decreased. In a prolonged low interest rate environment, including a reduction of LIBOR to zero, the difference between the total interest income earned on interest earning assets and the total interest expense incurred on interest bearing liabilities may be compressed, reducing our net interest income and potentially adversely affecting our operating results. Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, such difference could potentially increase thereby increasing our net investment income. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, certain investments in our comprehensive investment portfolio had floating interest rates. These floating rate investments were primarily based on floating LIBOR and typically have durations of one to three months after which they reset to current market interest rates. Additionally, some of these investments have LIBOR floors. The Company also has revolving credit facilities that are generally based on floating LIBOR. Assuming no changes to our balance sheet as of March 31, 2022 and no new defaults by portfolio companies, a hypothetical one percent decrease in LIBOR on our comprehensive floating rate assets and liabilities would increase our net investment income by seven cents per average share over the next twelve months. Assuming no changes to our balance sheet as of March 31, 2022 and no new defaults by portfolio companies, a hypothetical one percent increase in LIBOR on our comprehensive floating rate assets and liabilities would increase our net investment income by approximately four cents per average share over the next twelve months. However, we may hedge against interest rate fluctuations from time-to-time by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options, swaps and forward contracts subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in any benefits of certain changes in interest rates with respect to our portfolio of investments. At March 31, 2022, we have no interest rate hedging instruments outstanding on our balance sheet.
Increase (Decrease) in LIBOR
Increase in Net Investment Income Per Share Per Year
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We may also have exposure to foreign currencies through various investments. These investments are converted into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date, exposing us to movements in foreign exchange rates. In order to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, we may borrow fromtime-to-time in such currencies under our multi-currency revolving credit facility or enter into forward currency or similar contracts.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of March 31, 2022 (the end of the period covered by this report), we, including our Co-ChiefExecutive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the 1934 Act). Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provided reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our periodic SEC filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. However, in evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of such possible controls and procedures.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
Management has not identified any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first quarter of 2022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Legal Proceedings
Other than as described below, we, the Administrator and the Investment Adviser are not currently subject to any material pending legal proceedings threatened against us. From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of our business including the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon our business, financial condition or results of operations beyond what has been disclosed within these financial statements.
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Each of the Neal and Tobin Complaints alleged, among other things, that the members of the SUNS Board breached their fiduciary duties when they approved the proposed merger between SUNS and the Company, and that the disclosures in the joint proxy statement/prospectus initially filed with the SEC on December 16, 2021 contained materially misleading and incomplete disclosures. Each of Neal and Tobin Complaints raised these claims under Maryland law, and sought: (i) certification that the case can be maintained as a class action, with the plaintiff named as a representative of the proposed class (consisting of the public shareholders of SUNS); (ii) an order enjoining the shareholder vote to approve the proposed merger between SUNS and the Company; and (iii) rescission of the proposed merger between SUNS and the Company. These cases were dismissed as to the named plaintiffs only on April 1, 2022 with the Court retaining jurisdiction in connection with a possible future fee and expense application by plaintiffs.
Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in the March 1, 2022 filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. The risks described in our Annual Report are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. Other than the risk factors set forth below, there have been no material changes during the period ended March 31, 2022 to the risk factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in the March 1, 2022 filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We may be unable to realize the benefits anticipated by the Mergers, including estimated cost savings, or it may take longer than anticipated to achieve such benefits.
The realization of certain benefits anticipated as a result of the Mergers will depend in part on the integration of SUNS’s investment portfolio with ours and the integration of SUNS’s business with our business. There can be no assurance that SUNS’s investment portfolio or business can be operated profitably or integrated successfully into our operations in a timely fashion or at all. The dedication of management resources to such integration may detract attention from theday-to-day business of the combined company and there can be no assurance that there will not be substantial costs associated with the transition process or there will not be other material adverse effects as a result of these integration efforts. Such effects, including incurring unexpected costs or delays in connection with such integration and failure of SUNS’s investment portfolio to perform as expected, could have a material adverse effect on the financial results of the combined company.
We expect to achieve certain synergies and cost savings from the Mergers when the two companies have fully integrated their portfolios. It is possible that the estimates of these synergies and potential cost savings could ultimately be incorrect. The cost savings estimates also assume we will be able to combine our operations and SUNS’s operations in a manner that permits those cost savings to be fully realized. If the estimates turn out to be incorrect or if we are not able to successfully combine SUNS’s investment portfolio or business with our operations, the anticipated synergies and cost savings may not be fully realized or realized at all or may take longer to realize than expected.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine may have a material adverse impact on us and our portfolio companies.
On February 24, 2022, the Russian military commenced a full-scale invasion ofRussia’s pre-positioned forces into Ukraine, which could have a negative impact on the economy and business activity globally (including in the countries in which the Company invests), and therefore could adversely affect the performance of the Company’s investments. Following such invasion, the United
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States and several European nations announced sanctions against Russia. Furthermore, the conflict between the two nations and the varying involvement of the United States and other NATO countries could preclude prediction as to their ultimate adverse impact on global economic and market conditions, and, as a result, presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to the Company and the performance of its investments or operations, and the ability of the Company to achieve its investment objectives. Additionally, to the extent that third parties, investors, or related customer bases have material operations or assets in Russia or Ukraine, they may have adverse consequences related to the ongoing conflict.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We did not engage in unregistered sales of securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Other Information
Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or hereby incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed with the SEC:
Exhibit
Number
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Previously filed in connection with SLR Investment Corp.’s registration statement on Form N-2 Pre-Effective Amendment No. 7 (File No. 333-148734) filed on January 7, 2010.
Previously filed in connection with SLR Investment Corp.’s registration statement on Form N-2 (File No 333-148734) filed on February 9, 2010.
Previously filed in connection with SLR Senior Investment Corp.’s report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00849) filed on August 31, 2011.
Previously filed in connection with SLR Investment Corp.’s registration statement on Form N-2 Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 (File No. 333-172968) filed on November 16, 2012.
Previously filed in connection with SLR Investment Corp.’s registration statement on Form N-2 Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 (File No. 333-194870) filed on November 22, 2017.
Previously filed in connection with SLR Senior Investment Corp.’s report on Form 10-Q (File No. 814-00849) filed on May 7, 2020.
Previously filed in connection with SLR Investment Corp.’s report on Form8-K filed on December 1, 2021.
Previously filed in connection with SLR Investment Corp.’s report on Form8-K filed on April 1, 2022.
Filed herewith.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on May 3, 2022.
Michael S. Gross
Co-Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Bruce J. Spohler
Richard L. Peteka
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
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