UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
Commission file number: 814-00967
WHITEHORSE FINANCE, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
45-4247759
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
Identification No.)
1450 Brickell Avenue, 31st Floor
Miami, Florida
33131
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(305) 381-6999
(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 Exchange on WhichRegistered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
WHF
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(Nasdaq Global Select Market)
7.875% Notes due 2028
WHFCL
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, a non-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.
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
☒
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes ☐ No ⌧
As of November 7, 2023 the Registrant had 23,243,088 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Part I.
Financial Information
3
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2022
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and 2022 (Unaudited)
4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and 2022 (Unaudited)
5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and 2022 (Unaudited)
7
Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of September 30, 2023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2022
9
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
25
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
67
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
87
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
89
Part II.
Other Information
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
90
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Item 6.
Exhibits
Signatures
91
2
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
(Unaudited)
Assets
Investments, at fair value
Non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments
$
581,463
650,535
Non-controlled affiliate company investments
5,674
9,533
Controlled affiliate company investments
119,653
100,160
Total investments, at fair value (amortized cost $743,806 and $782,429, respectively)
706,790
760,228
Cash and cash equivalents
10,627
9,508
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
18,108
14,683
Restricted foreign currency (cost of $1,095 and $2,066, respectively)
1,044
2,073
Interest and dividend receivable
7,408
7,814
Amounts receivable on unsettled investment transactions
1,037
283
Escrow receivable
636
711
Prepaid expenses and other receivables
874
1,174
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
22
—
Total assets
746,546
796,474
Liabilities
Debt (net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $4,986 and $4,718, respectively)
398,146
440,427
Distributions payable
8,600
8,251
Management fees payable
3,673
3,860
Incentive fees payable
7,818
5,618
Interest payable
3,876
2,774
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
1,783
2,329
Advances received from unfunded credit facilities
355
825
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
Total liabilities
424,251
464,087
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 8)
Net assets
Common stock, 23,243,088 and 23,243,088 shares issued and outstanding, par value $0.001 per share, respectively, and 100,000,000 shares authorized
23
Paid-in capital in excess of par
339,240
Accumulated earnings (losses)
(16,968)
(6,876)
Total net assets
322,295
332,387
Total liabilities and total net assets
Number of shares outstanding
23,243,088
Net asset value per share
13.87
14.30
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2023
2022
Investment income
From non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments
Interest income
19,992
16,598
58,920
48,479
Payment-in-kind income
827
523
3,132
1,411
Fee income
411
423
2,364
1,564
Dividend income
401
100
433
268
From non-controlled affiliate company investments
13
122
95
188
215
21
84
261
From controlled affiliate company investments
2,452
1,753
6,990
4,339
198
1,106
1,465
2,045
4,410
5,042
Total investment income
25,868
21,558
77,627
61,592
Expenses
Interest expense
7,559
5,632
22,418
15,351
Base management fees
3,881
11,089
11,741
Performance-based incentive fees
2,703
1,027
8,027
4,291
Administrative service fees
171
512
General and administrative expenses
774
884
2,797
2,919
Total expenses
14,880
11,595
44,843
34,814
Net investment income before excise tax
10,988
9,963
32,784
26,778
Excise tax
175
195
675
594
Net investment income after excise tax
10,813
9,768
32,109
26,184
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions
Net realized gains (losses)
(308)
236
28
(17,262)
(339)
1,725
Foreign currency transactions
528
(6)
930
(348)
Foreign currency forward contracts
(9)
(12)
(8)
211
230
607
(15,893)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(3,793)
(7,275)
(8,220)
5,296
(708)
(389)
(5,230)
(2,596)
(918)
(212)
(1,439)
1,459
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(37)
1,713
(866)
2,441
31
10
(5,425)
(6,153)
(15,730)
6,610
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions
(5,214)
(5,923)
(15,123)
(9,283)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
5,599
3,845
16,986
16,901
Per Common Share Data
Basic and diluted earnings per common share
0.24
0.17
0.73
Dividends and distributions declared per common share
0.37
0.36
1.17
1.07
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
23,224,990
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited)
Common Stock
Shares
Par amount
Paid-in Capital in Excess of Par
Accumulated Earnings (Losses)
Total Net Assets
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations:
10,704
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
685
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
(3,883)
Distributions declared
(9,878)
Balance as of March 31, 2023
(9,248)
330,015
10,592
(289)
(6,422)
(8,600)
Balance as of June 30, 2023
(13,967)
325,296
Balance as of September 30, 2023
Accumulated Earnings (Loss)
Balance as of December 31, 2021
23,162,667
339,161
10,567
349,751
Stock issued in connection with public offering
16,678
197
Stock issued in connection with dividend reinvestment plan
32,068
498
8,539
(18,465)
15,633
(8,234)
Balance as of March 31, 2022
23,211,413
339,856
8,040
347,919
Stock issued in connection with at-the-market offering
(72)
31,675
480
7,877
2,342
(2,870)
(8,251)
Balance as of June 30, 2022
340,264
7,138
347,425
Balance as of September 30, 2022
2,732
343,019
6
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:
Paid-in-kind income
(4,542)
(1,553)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments
311
15,537
Net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments
14,814
(4,159)
Net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
866
(2,441)
Net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on foreign currency forward contracts
(25)
(10)
Accretion of discount
(3,283)
(4,036)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
1,177
1,149
Acquisition of investments
(86,400)
(223,752)
Proceeds from principal payments and sales of portfolio investments
90,741
196,382
Proceeds from sales of portfolio investments to STRS JV
41,797
75,415
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:
406
(342)
75
618
300
382
(754)
(3,288)
Amounts payable on unsettled investment transactions
331
(187)
115
2,200
(3,623)
(546)
(912)
1,102
1,685
(470)
(288)
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities
74,568
64,111
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from notes issued
34,500
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering costs
125
Borrowings
92,173
109,066
Repayments of debt
(169,499)
(152,417)
Deferred financing costs
(1,445)
(580)
Distributions paid to common stockholders, net of distributions reinvested
(26,729)
(23,728)
Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities
(71,000)
(67,534)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(53)
272
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
3,515
(3,151)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
26,264
22,468
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
29,779
19,317
Supplemental and non-cash disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid
20,139
12,517
Distributions reinvested
978
Non-cash exchanges of investments
5,520
25,000
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities that sum to the total of the same amounts presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows:
As of September 30,
9,855
9,445
Restricted foreign currency
17
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash presented in consolidated statements of cash flows
8
Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)
Issuer
Investment Type(1)
Floor
Reference Rate(2)
SpreadAboveIndex
InterestRate(3)
AcquisitionDate(10)
MaturityDate
Principal/ShareAmount
AmortizedCost
FairValue(11)
Fair ValueAs APercentageof NetAssets
Debt Investments
Advertising
M&M OpCo. LLC (d/b/a Escalent, Inc.)
First Lien Secured Term Loan
1.00%
SOFR
8.00%
13.49%
04/07/23
04/09/29
4,738
4,607
4,604
1.4
%
M&M OpCo. LLC (d/b/a Escalent, Inc.)⁽⁷⁾
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan
Air Freight & Logistics
Gulf Winds International Acquisition LLC (d/b/a Gulf Winds International, Inc.)
7.00%
12.42%
12/16/22
12/18/28
4,817
4,691
4,769
1.5
Gulf Winds International Acquisition LLC (d/b/a Gulf Winds International, Inc.)⁽⁷⁾
Motivational Marketing, LLC (d/b/a Motivational Fulfillment)
6.50%
11.92%
07/12/21
07/12/26
11,080
10,957
9,757
3.0
1,182
1,169
1,041
0.3
Transervice Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Transervice Logistics, Inc.)
2.00%
7.50%
12.92%
06/29/23
06/29/28
8,944
8,689
8,762
2.7
25,506
24,339
7.5
Alternative Carriers
Patagonia Holdco LLC (d/b/a Lumen LATAM)
0.50%
5.75%
11.12%
08/05/22
08/01/29
14,479
12,294
12,799
4.0
Application Software
Atlas Purchaser, Inc. (d/b/a Aspect Software, Inc.)
0.75%
5.25%
10.88%
08/29/22
05/08/28
3,074
2,659
2,335
0.7
Second Lien Secured Term Loan
9.00%
14.66%
05/03/21
05/07/29
15,000
14,685
10,504
3.3
MBS Highway, LLC
12.72%
10/13/22
10/13/27
9,405
9,215
9,180
2.8
Naviga Inc. (f/k/a Newscycle Solutions, Inc.)
12.49%
06/14/19
12/29/23
3,156
3,155
3,120
1.0
Naviga Inc. (f/k/a Newscycle Solutions, Inc.)⁽⁷⁾
205
201
0.1
UserZoom Technologies, Inc. (d/b/a UserZoom, Inc.)
01/12/23
04/05/29
9,819
9,558
9,721
3.1
39,477
35,061
11.0
Asset Management & Custody Banks
JZ Capital Partners Ltd.⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾⁽²²⁾
12.50%
01/26/22
01/26/27
10,286
10,149
10,219
3.2
JZ Capital Partners Ltd.⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽²²⁾
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan
39
10,258
Automotive Retail
Team Car Care Holdings, LLC (Heartland Auto)⁽¹²⁾
Base Rate
7.48%
12.99%
02/16/18
06/28/24
12,638
12,615
3.9
Broadcasting
Coastal Television Broadcasting Group LLC
12.52%
12/30/21
12/30/26
7,495
7,398
7,366
2.3
Coastal Television Broadcasting Group LLC(7)
(1)
7,365
Broadline Retail
BBQ Buyer, LLC (d/b/a BBQ Guys)
1.50%
10.50%
15.92% (13.92% Cash + 2.00% PIK)
08/28/20
08/28/25
12,870
12,750
12,781
4.1
12/02/21
2,624
2,598
2,606
0.8
Luxury Brand Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Ross-Simons, Inc.)
12/04/20
06/04/26
5,280
5,229
1.6
Potpourri Group, Inc.
8.25%
13.68%
07/03/19
07/03/24
13,896
13,849
4.3
34,426
34,563
10.8
Building Products
Trimlite Buyer LLC (d/b/a Trimlite LLC)⁽⁵⁾⁽¹³⁾⁽²³⁾
CDOR
12.01%
07/27/21
07/27/27
19,624
15,460
14,393
4.5
Cable & Satellite
Bulk Midco, LLC
12.92% (11.92% Cash + 1.00% PIK)
10/28/22
06/10/24
19,261
19,213
18,822
5.8
2,000
1,983
1,954
0.6
21,196
20,776
6.4
Commodity Chemicals
FGI Acquisition Corp. (d/b/a Flexitallic Group SAS)
12.04%
10/28/19
10/29/26
16,235
15,791
16,165
5.0
US Methanol Midco LLC (d/b/a US Methanol LLC)⁽²⁵⁾
7.75%
13.17% PIK
12/20/22
12/20/27
5,140
5,088
US Methanol Midco LLC (d/b/a US Methanol LLC)⁽⁴⁾⁽²⁵⁾
13.27% PIK
9,333
9,123
9,239
2.9
29,956
30,492
9.5
Construction Materials
Claridge Products and Equipment, LLC
13.54% (12.04% Cash + 1.50% PIK)
12/30/20
12/30/25
7,439
7,376
6,876
2.1
Claridge Products and Equipment, LLC(7)(12)
7.56%
14.38% (12.88% Cash + 1.50% PIK)
632
628
559
0.2
8,004
7,435
Data Processing & Outsourced Services
Future Payment Technologies, L.P.
12/23/16
12/05/25
21,977
21,881
21,787
6.8
Distributors
Foodservices Brand Group, LLC (d/b/a Crown Brands Group)
13.29%
11/22/22
12/09/25
357
273
Foodservices Brand Group, LLC (d/b/a Crown Brands Group)⁽¹⁷⁾
01/08/26
5,171
4,969
984
5,326
1,257
0.4
Diversified Chemicals
Manchester Acquisition Sub LLC (d/b/a Draslovka Holding AS)
11.31%
11/16/21
12/01/26
7,860
7,585
7,231
2.2
Chase Products Co. (f/k/a Starco)⁽⁶⁾⁽²¹⁾
N/A
12.00%
12.00% PIK
03/16/23
03/16/28
2,875
2,709
10,460
9,940
Diversified Support Services
NNA Services, LLC
6.75%
12.29%
08/27/21
08/27/26
9,490
9,421
9,351
Education Services
EducationDynamics, LLC
12.42% (11.92% Cash + 0.50% PIK)
09/15/21
09/15/26
12,852
12,701
12,311
EducationDynamics, LLC(7)
(36)
EducationDynamics, LLC(4)
Subordinated Unsecured Term Loan
4.00%
03/15/27
167
12,868
12,442
Electric Utilities
CleanChoice Energy, Inc.
7.58%
13.05%
10/12/21
10/12/26
15,955
15,694
15,659
4.9
Environmental & Facilities Services
Industrial Specialty Services USA LLC
12/31/21
12/31/26
11,797
11,644
11,564
3.6
Health Care Facilities
Bridgepoint Healthcare, LLC
13.17%
10/05/21
10/05/26
9,212
9,101
9,049
Bridgepoint Healthcare, LLC(7)
9,040
Health Care Services
Lab Logistics, LLC
7.25%
12.67%
10/16/19
09/25/24
5,449
5,440
1.7
5,090
5,089
PG Dental New Jersey Parent, LLC
10.00%
15.43% (11.68% Cash + 3.75% PIK)
11/25/20
11/25/25
6,328
6,269
2.0
PG Dental New Jersey Parent, LLC⁽¹²⁾
9.50%
16.47% (12.72% Cash + 3.75% PIK)
704
697
17,495
17,571
5.5
Health Care Supplies
ABB/Con-cise Optical Group LLC (d/b/a ABB Optical Group, LLC)
02/23/22
02/23/28
20,409
20,035
18,980
5.9
Heavy Electrical Equipment
Power Service Group CR Acquisition Inc. (d/b/a Power Plant Services)
6.25%
11.79%
06/25/21
06/25/26
13,462
13,306
13,331
07/11/22
2,040
2,053
Power Service Group CR Acquisition Inc. (d/b/a Power Plant Services)⁽⁷⁾
06/25/24
(16)
15,346
15,368
4.7
Home Furnishings
Sleep OpCo LLC (d/b/a Brooklyn Bedding LLC)
11.95%
20,669
20,416
20,251
6.3
Sleep OpCo LLC (d/b/a Brooklyn Bedding LLC)⁽⁷⁾
(21)
Hollander Intermediate LLC (d/b/a Hollander Sleep Products, LLC)
3.00%
10.75%
16.18%
09/19/22
09/21/26
4,255
1.3
25,154
24,485
7.6
Household Appliances
Token Buyer, Inc. (d/b/a Therm-O-Disc, Inc.)
6.00%
11.52%
05/26/22
05/31/29
7,160
6,691
6,116
1.9
Household Products
The Kyjen Company, LLC (d/b/a Outward Hound)
13.21% (12.21% Cash + 1.00% PIK)
04/05/21
04/05/26
11,358
11,273
10,699
The Kyjen Company, LLC (d/b/a Outward Hound)⁽⁷⁾
(47)
10,652
Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components
Project Castle, Inc. (d/b/a Material Handling Systems, Inc.)
5.50%
10.76%
06/09/22
06/01/29
7,356
6,735
6,482
Interactive Media & Services
MSI Information Services, Inc.
04/25/22
04/24/26
7,432
7,337
7,066
MSI Information Services, Inc.(7)(12)
6.84%
15.06%
814
776
8,151
7,842
2.4
Investment Banking & Brokerage
JVMC Holdings Corp. (fka RJO Holdings Corp)
02/28/19
02/28/24
9,107
9,100
IT Consulting & Other Services
ATSG, Inc.
12.02%
11/12/21
11/12/26
3,797
3,750
3,727
1.2
11
Leisure Facilities
Honors Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Orange Theory)⁽¹⁵⁾⁽¹⁶⁾
6.53%
12.07%
09/06/19
09/06/24
9,441
9,367
9,343
6.43%
11.98%
4,650
4,628
4,601
Lift Brands, Inc.
First Lien Secured Term Loan A
06/29/20
06/29/25
5,532
5,502
5,471
First Lien Secured Term Loan B
9.50% PIK
1,416
1,406
1,331
Snap Fitness Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Lift Brands, Inc.)⁽⁹⁾
First Lien Secured Term Loan C
1,618
1,615
1,585
0.5
22,518
22,331
6.9
Leisure Products
Playmonster Group LLC⁽⁶⁾⁽¹⁹⁾
Priority First Lien Secured Term Loan
12.33% PIK
12/09/22
06/08/26
1,081
1,007
Playmonster Group LLC⁽⁶⁾⁽¹⁷⁾⁽¹⁹⁾
14.52% PIK
01/24/22
4,081
3,661
1,699
Leviathan Intermediate Holdco, LLC
13.04%
12/27/22
12/27/27
10,372
10,108
10,271
Leviathan Intermediate Holdco, LLC⁽⁷⁾
14,850
12,986
Life Sciences Tools & Services
LSCS Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Eversana Life Science Services, LLC)
13.43%
11/23/21
12/16/29
5,000
4,942
4,812
Office Services & Supplies
American Crafts, LC⁽¹⁴⁾⁽²⁰⁾
8.50%
13.92% PIK
12/22/22
05/28/26
6,663
6,398
American Crafts, LC⁽¹⁴⁾⁽¹⁷⁾⁽²⁰⁾
05/28/21
9,112
8,720
5,561
01/25/22
1,530
1,458
934
Empire Office, Inc.
12.18%
04/12/19
04/12/24
11,159
11,128
3.5
08/17/21
4,618
4,596
32,565
28,670
8.9
Real Estate Development
StoicLane MidCo, LLC (d/b/a StoicLane Inc.)
11/04/22
11/04/27
4,524
4,574
StoicLane MidCo, LLC (d/b/a StoicLane Inc.)⁽⁷⁾
5,559
5,475
5,540
9,999
10,114
Real Estate Operating Companies
Salon Republic Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Salon Republic, LLC)
12/02/22
12/02/27
5,132
5,004
5,082
Salon Republic Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Salon Republic, LLC)⁽⁷⁾
467
460
472
475
463
476
5,927
6,030
1.8
Research & Consulting Services
Aeyon LLC⁽¹⁵⁾
8.88%
14.20%
02/10/22
02/10/27
8,843
8,723
8,842
ALM Media, LLC
11.54%
11/25/19
11/25/24
12,797
12,738
12,712
21,461
21,554
6.6
Specialized Consumer Services
Camp Facility Services Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Camp Construction Services, Inc.)
11/16/27
11,700
11,539
11,465
HC Salon Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Hair Cuttery)
12.15%
09/30/21
09/30/26
11,433
11,296
HC Salon Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Hair Cuttery)⁽⁷⁾
22,835
22,906
7.1
Specialized Finance
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC(4)(5)(7)(9)(14)(18)
Subordinated Note
11.83%
07/19/19
84,416
26.2
12
Systems Software
Arcstor Midco, LLC (d/b/a Arcserve (USA), LLC⁽¹⁷⁾
03/16/21
03/16/27
20,916
19,568
10,832
3.4
Arcstor Midco, LLC (d/b/a Arcserve (USA), LLC
Priority First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan
13.42% PIK
07/14/23
883
862
20,430
11,694
3.7
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals
Telestream Holdings Corporation
9.25%
14.76%
10/15/20
10/15/25
15,804
15,594
15,733
Telestream Holdings Corporation(7)
14.67%
1,091
1,076
1,088
16,670
16,821
5.2
Total Debt Investments
697,826
668,427
207.5
Equity Investments(24)
Avision Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Avision Sales Group)⁽⁴⁾
Class A LLC Interests
12/15/21
222
286
Merriman Holdings LP (d/b/a Escalent, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾
Class A Units
277
333
361
605
647
Motivational CIV, LLC (d/b/a Motivational Fulfillment)⁽⁴⁾
Class B Units
1,250
BBQ Buyer, LLC (d/b/a BBQGuys)⁽⁴⁾
1,100
1,360
Ross-Simons Topco, LP (d/b/a Ross-Simons, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾
Preferred Units
8.00% PIK
600
514
775
1,614
2,135
PFB Holding Company, LLC (d/b/a PFB Corporation)⁽⁴⁾⁽¹³⁾
12/17/21
1
1,194
Pressurized Holdings, LLC (f/k/a Starco)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽²¹⁾
Common Units
Pressurized Holdings, LLC (f/k/a Starco)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽⁸⁾⁽²¹⁾
14.00% PIK
4,537
259
Diversified Financial Services
SFS Global Holding Company (d/b/a Sigue Corporation)⁽⁴⁾
Warrants
06/28/18
12/28/25
Sigue Corporation(4)
2,890
3,537
1.1
Quest Events, LLC(4)
12/28/18
12/08/25
360
178
ImageOne Industries, LLC(4)
Common A Units
09/20/19
232
366
187
Eddy Acquisitions, LLC (d/b/a EducationDynamics, LLC)⁽⁴⁾
38
BPII-JL Group Holdings LP (d/b/a Juniper Landscaping Holdings LLC)⁽⁴⁾
12/29/21
83
1,123
BL Products Parent, LP (d/b/a Bishop Lifting Products, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾
02/01/22
733
788
1,012
What If Media Group, LLC(4)
07/02/21
851
1,636
CX Holdco LLC (d/b/a Cennox Inc.)⁽⁴⁾
05/04/21
1,068
1,116
1,447
Keras Holdings, LLC (d/b/a KSM Consulting, LLC)⁽⁴⁾
12/31/20
496
615
Vistria Blocked MGT Investor, LP (d/b/a MGT Consulting Group)⁽⁴⁾
Series A Units
04/10/23
314
1,926
2,423
Snap Fitness Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Lift Brands, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾
Class A Common Stock
1,941
123
06/28/28
793
50
2,734
173
Playmonster Group Equity, Inc. (d/b/a Playmonster Group LLC)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽⁸⁾⁽¹⁹⁾
Preferred Stock
14.00%
36
3,600
Playmonster Group Equity, Inc. (d/b/a Playmonster Group LLC)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽¹⁹⁾
72
4,060
American Crafts Holdings, LLC (d/b/a American Crafts, LC)⁽⁴⁾⁽¹⁴⁾⁽²⁰⁾
12/22/32
New American Crafts Holdings, LLC (d/b/a American Crafts, LC)⁽⁴⁾⁽¹⁴⁾⁽²⁰⁾
Paper & Plastic Packaging Products & Materials
Max Solutions Inc.(4)
09/29/22
400
219
Salon Republic Investments LLC (d/b/a Salon Republic, LLC)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁸⁾
200
Salon Republic Investments LLC (d/b/a Salon Republic, LLC)⁽⁴⁾
238
438
Camp Facility Services Parent, LLC (d/b/a Camp Construction Services, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁸⁾
10.00% PIK
15
840
998
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund(4)(5)(7)(14)(18)
LLC Interests
21,104
22,344
Total Equity Investments
45,980
38,363
11.8
Total Investments
743,806
219.3
Forward Currency Contracts
Counterparty
Currency to be sold
Currency to be purchased
Settlement date
Unrealized appreciation
Unrealized depreciation
Morgan Stanley
C$
1,019
CAD
772
USD
11/8/23
Total
14
16
Consolidated Schedule of Investments
North America
Gulf Winds International Acquisition, LLC (d/b/a Gulf Winds International, Inc.)
11.43%
4,853
4,708
1.42
Gulf Winds International Acquisition, LLC (d/b/a Gulf Winds International, Inc.)⁽⁷⁾
LIBOR
10.59%
11,113
10,956
10,749
3.23
Motivational Marketing, LLC (d/b/a Motivational Fulfillment)⁽⁷⁾⁽¹²⁾
5.56%
11.21%
158
155
133
0.04
15,819
15,590
4.69
9.96%
14,588
12,105
12,068
3.63
8.68%
3,097
2,611
2,556
0.76
14,642
11,969
3.59
9,476
9,250
2.78
11.68%
10/06/22
3,180
3,177
3,084
0.93
Naviga Inc. (f/k/a Newscycle Solutions, Inc.)⁽⁷⁾⁽¹²⁾
6.63%
12.19%
267
258
0.08
29,947
27,117
8.14
JZ Capital Partners Ltd.(4)(5)
11.33%
10,118
10,135
3.05
JZ Capital Partners Ltd.(4)(5)(7)
10,144
7.98%
14,363
14,311
4.32
10.80%
8,036
7,908
7,785
2.34
(5)
7,780
13.38% (12.38% Cash + 1.00% PIK)
12,720
12,550
12,465
3.75
04/29/22
2,593
2,557
2,541
10.91%
5,880
5,807
1.77
12.47%
14,187
14,091
4.27
35,005
35,073
10.55
PFB Holdco, Inc. (d/b/a PFB Corporation)⁽¹³⁾
10.52%
12/17/26
8,935
6,879
6,504
1.95
PFB Holdco, Inc. (d/b/a PFB Corporation)⁽⁷⁾⁽¹³⁾
PFB Holdco, Inc. (d/b/a PFB Corporation)
10.17%
2,176
2,141
2,144
0.65
PFB Holdco, Inc. (d/b/a PFB Corporation)⁽⁷⁾
Trimlite Buyer LLC (d/b/a Trimlite LLC)⁽⁵⁾⁽¹³⁾
07/27/26
20,582
16,162
14,926
4.49
25,182
23,576
7.09
11.64%
19,228
19,126
18,525
5.57
11.64% (10.64% Cash + 1.00% PIK)
1,963
1,964
0.59
21,089
20,489
6.16
11.73% (11.23% Cash + 0.50% PIK)
16,350
15,794
15,859
4.77
US Methanol Midco LLC (d/b/a US Methanol LLC)⁽²⁴⁾
12.17% PIK
4,667
4,551
1.37
US Methanol Midco LLC (d/b/a US Methanol LLC)⁽⁷⁾⁽²⁴⁾
20,345
20,410
6.14
11.23%
7,079
6,994
6,727
2.01
5.88%
12.28%
779
732
0.22
7,766
7,459
2.23
12.37%
06/07/24
22,911
22,776
22,817
6.86
12.80%
330
0.10
Foodservices Brand Group, LLC (d/b/a Crown Brands Group)⁽¹⁹⁾
10.92%
5,108
3,841
1.16
5,465
4,171
1.26
10.30%
11/16/26
7,920
7,578
6,731
2.03
Sklar Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Starco)
Prime
8.75%
16.25% (14.25% Cash + 2.00% PIK)
11/13/19
05/13/23
7,353
7,302
6,537
1.97
13,268
4.00
11.48%
11,302
11,199
10,833
3.26
11.39% (10.89% Cash + 0.50% PIK)
13,053
12,861
12,663
3.80
EducationDynamics, LLC(4)(7)
(26)
(0.01)
(18)
0.05
13,028
12,786
3.83
CleanChoice Energy, Inc. (d/b/a CleanChoice)
10,500
10,341
10,411
3.13
10.98%
11,887
11,697
11,559
3.48
Industrial Specialty Services USA LLC(7)(12)
5.90%
11.41%
674
663
649
0.20
Solar Holdings Bidco Limited (d/b/a SLR Consulting Ltd.)⁽⁵⁾⁽¹⁵⁾
11.05%
09/30/22
09/28/29
2,783
2,713
0.82
Solar Holdings Bidco Limited (d/b/a SLR Consulting Ltd.)⁽⁵⁾⁽¹³⁾⁽¹⁵⁾
11.61%
3,837
2,729
2,749
0.83
Solar Holdings Bidco Limited (d/b/a SLR Consulting Ltd.)⁽⁵⁾⁽¹⁵⁾⁽²²⁾
0.00%
SONIA
10.18%
168
182
199
0.06
53
51
52
0.02
Solar Holdings Bidco Limited (d/b/a SLR Consulting Ltd.)⁽⁵⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽¹⁵⁾⁽²³⁾
(62)
(0.02)
18,031
17,859
5.39
18
10,423
10,266
10,161
3.06
(14)
10,131
11.67%
09/25/23
5,487
5,446
1.65
5,131
5,124
1.54
13.32% (12.57% Cash + 0.75% PIK)
13,495
13,324
12,415
3.74
PG Dental New Jersey Parent, LLC(7)
12.57% (11.82% Cash + 0.75% PIK)
352
347
0.09
24,241
23,333
7.02
21,573
21,110
20,997
6.32
ABB/Con-cise Optical Group LLC (d/b/a ABB Optical Group, LLC)⁽⁷⁾⁽¹²⁾
6.51%
13.98%
2,151
2,105
2,093
0.63
23,215
23,090
6.95
Power Service Group CR Acquisition Inc.
14,130
13,922
13,774
4.14
Power Service Group CR Acquisition Inc.⁽⁷⁾
(34)
Power Service Group CR Acquisition Inc.⁽⁷⁾⁽¹²⁾
5.96%
11.36%
836
828
780
0.23
14,750
14,520
4.36
10.40%
20,834
20,517
20,210
6.08
(39)
13.19%
4,861
4,821
4,609
1.39
25,338
24,780
7.46
10.73%
7,214
6,680
6,615
1.99
11.65% (11.15% Cash + 0.50% PIK)
11,334
11,223
10,429
3.14
6.58%
10.90% (10.40% Cash + 0.50% PIK)
798
790
724
12,013
11,153
3.36
BLP Buyer, Inc. (d/b/a Bishop Lifting Products, Inc.)
1.25%
10.21%
10/03/22
02/01/27
2,149
2,098
2,091
10.08%
8,355
7,535
7,269
2.19
9,633
9,360
2.82
12.17%
7,751
7,623
7,554
2.27
MSI Information Services, Inc.(7)
7,545
11,860
11,833
3.57
11.14%
13,833
13,620
13,487
4.06
19
7.12%
11.73%
9,440
9,344
9,254
11.62%
4,649
4,621
4,557
Lift Brands, Inc. (d/b/a Snap Fitness)
11.88%
5,574
5,531
1.66
9.50% (0.00% Cash + 9.50% PIK)
1,330
1,316
1,266
0.38
1,268
1,265
1,198
22,077
21,795
6.55
Playmonster Group LLC(6)(20)
11.47% PIK
184
176
13.36% PIK
3,662
2,977
0.90
12.54%
10,454
10,141
10,138
78
76
14,055
13,366
4.02
12.38%
4,935
4,824
1.45
American Crafts, LC
12.88%
9,555
9,473
8,244
2.48
10/01/22
1,367
1,346
1,147
0.35
11.13%
11,806
11,728
11,687
3.52
Empire Office, Inc.(4)
4,803
4,746
4,754
1.43
27,293
25,832
7.78
Packaged Foods & Meats
Lenny & Larry's, LLC⁽¹⁵⁾⁽¹⁷⁾
8.33%
12.65% (10.94% Cash + 1.71% PIK)
05/15/18
05/15/23
11,214
11,198
10,941
3.30
Personal Care Products
Inspired Beauty Brands, Inc.
11.65%
11,519
11,381
Inspired Beauty Brands, Inc.(7)
10.78%
265
262
252
Sunless, Inc.
06/30/22
08/13/25
2,086
2,051
2,071
0.62
13,694
13,482
11.82%
4,653
4,540
12.20%
3,621
3,563
8,103
2.44
HRG Management, LLC (d/b/a HomeRiver Group, LLC)⁽⁷⁾
10.48%
12/23/22
10/19/26
5,155
5,003
1.50
11.42%
56
55
251
5,309
1.60
8,910
8,764
8,641
2.60
13,388
13,286
13,255
3.99
22,050
21,896
6.59
20
10.89%
11,798
11,606
11,326
3.41
Camp Facility Services Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Camp Construction Services, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁷⁾
(96)
(0.03)
11,521
11,348
3.47
True Blue Car Wash, LLC⁽¹⁵⁾
6.88%
11.30%
10/17/19
10/17/24
9,903
9,822
9,942
2.99
True Blue Car Wash, LLC⁽⁷⁾⁽¹⁵⁾
4,160
4,107
4,189
36,883
36,892
11.10
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC(4)(5)(9)(14)
10.67%
80,000
24.07
11.92% (8.17% Cash + 3.75% PIK)
19,623
19,353
17,847
5.37
13.67%
15,846
15,556
15,762
4.74
927
910
928
0.28
05/12/22
16,466
16,693
5.02
735,943
719,068
216.34
Equity Investments(21)
208
154
517
0.16
1,404
0.42
714
0.21
2,118
786
3,788
1.14
110
0.03
229
92
351
202
0.18
667
0.15
1,943
0.58
Arcole Holding Corporation(4)(5)(6)(18)
10/01/20
6,944
6,380
1.92
1,558
0.47
363
0.11
1,612
1,921
131
Playmonster Group Equity, Inc. (d/b/a Playmonster Group LLC)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽⁸⁾⁽²⁰⁾
0.01
Playmonster Group Equity, Inc. (d/b/a Playmonster Group LLC)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽²⁰⁾
American Crafts Holdings, LLC (d/b/a American Crafts, LC)⁽⁴⁾
Salon Republic Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Salon Republic, LLC)⁽⁴⁾⁽⁸⁾
Salon Republic Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Salon Republic, LLC)⁽⁴⁾
0.12
0.29
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund(4)(5)(14)
20,000
20,160
6.07
46,486
41,160
12.41
782,429
228.75
327
241
1/27/23
£
59
GBP
69
(3)
24
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION
WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. (“WhiteHorse Finance” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In addition, for tax purposes, WhiteHorse Finance 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”). WhiteHorse Finance’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WHF.”
The Company’s investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns primarily by originating and investing in senior secured loans, including first lien and second lien facilities, to performing lower middle market companies across a broad range of industries that typically carry a floating interest rate based on an index rate such as SOFR and have a term of three to six years. While the Company focuses principally on originating senior secured loans to lower middle market companies, it may also opportunistically make investments at other levels of a company’s capital structure, including mezzanine loans or equity interests and may receive warrants to purchase common stock in connection with its debt investments.
WhiteHorse Finance’s investment activities are managed by H.I.G. WhiteHorse Advisers, LLC (“WhiteHorse Advisers” or the “Investment Adviser”). H.I.G. WhiteHorse Administration, LLC (“WhiteHorse Administration” or the “Administrator”) provides administrative services necessary for the Company to operate.
NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of WhiteHorse Finance and its wholly owned subsidiaries, WhiteHorse Finance Credit I, LLC (“WhiteHorse Credit”), and its subsidiary WhiteHorse Finance (CA), LLC (“WhiteHorse California”), WHF PMA Holdco Blocker, LLC, WHF American Craft Blocker, LLC, WhiteHorse RCKC Holdings, LLC and WhiteHorse Finance Holdings, LLC. The Company meets the definition of an investment company under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies, and therefore applies the accounting and reporting guidance discussed therein to its consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Additionally, the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related financial information have been prepared pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-K and Articles 6, 10 and 12 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals considered necessary for the fair presentation of financial results as of and for the periods presented.
Principles of Consolidation: Under the investment company rules and regulations pursuant to ASC Topic 946, WhiteHorse Finance is precluded from consolidating any entity other than another investment company. As provided under ASC Topic 946, WhiteHorse Finance generally consolidates any investment company when it owns 100% of its partners’ or members’ capital or equity units. The Company does not consolidate its investment in STRS JV or any of its controlled affiliate investments. See further description in Note 4.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The Company determines the fair value of its financial instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework used to measure fair value and requires disclosures for fair value measurements. In accordance
with ASC Topic 820, the Company has categorized its financial instruments carried at fair value, based on the priority of the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of the market participant who holds the financial instrument. Therefore, when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that management believes market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument at the measurement date.
The Company values its investments in accordance with the 1940 Act and Rule 2a-5 thereunder, which sets forth the requirements for determining fair value in good faith. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the board of directors has designated the Investment Adviser to determine the fair value of the Company’s investments. The board of directors oversees the Investment Adviser’s performance of its valuation responsibilities, and in support of this oversight, the Investment Adviser provides periodic reports to the Company’s board of directors related to the fair valuation process. The Investment Adviser carries out its responsibilities as valuation designee primarily through its valuation committee (the “Valuation Committee”), assisted by third-party valuation firms, administrative personnel, and other service providers, as appropriate. The Valuation Committee consists of a number of representatives from different functions of the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser conducts the fair valuation process on a quarterly basis, subject to the oversight of the Company’s board of directors through the audit committee, using consistently applied valuation procedures. In accordance with the Company’s valuation procedures, the Investment Adviser performs periodic testing of the appropriateness and accuracy of fair value methodologies, and has established a process for approving, monitoring, and evaluating independent pricing service providers. Effective September 8, 2022, the board of directors designated the Investment Adviser as the Company’s valuation designee.
Investments that are not publicly traded or for which market prices are not readily available will be valued based on the input of the Investment Adviser and independent third-party valuation firms engaged to review Company investments. These external reviews are used by the Company’s Investment Adviser, subject to the oversight of the board of directors, to review the Company’s internal valuation of investments during the year.
Investment Transactions: The Company records investment transactions on a trade date basis. These transactions may settle subsequent to the trade date depending on the transaction type. Certain expenses related to legal and tax consultation, due diligence, rating fees, valuation expenses and independent collateral appraisals may arise when the Company makes certain investments. These expenses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as they are incurred.
Foreign currency translation: The Company’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Any foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:
Although net assets and fair values are presented based on the applicable foreign exchange rates described above, the Company does 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 fair values of investments held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments. Fluctuations arising from the translation of assets other than investments and liabilities are included with the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies on the consolidated statements of operations.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include, but are not limited to, currency fluctuations and revaluations and future adverse political, social and economic developments, which could cause investments in foreign markets to be less liquid and prices to be more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or U.S. government securities.
26
Revenue Recognition: The Company’s revenue recognition policies are as follows:
Sales: Realized gains or losses on the sales of investments are calculated by using the specific identification method.
Investment Income: Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. The Company may also receive closing, commitment, prepayment, amendment and other fees from portfolio companies in the ordinary course of business.
Dividend income is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies.
Closing fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are deferred and recognized as interest income over the respective terms of the applicable loans. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, any unamortized loan closing fees are recorded as part of interest income. Commitment fees are based upon the undrawn portion committed by the Company and are recorded as interest income on an accrual basis. Prepayment, amendment and other fees are recognized when earned, generally when such fees are receivable, and are included in fee income on the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company may invest in loans that contain a PIK interest rate provision. PIK interest is accrued at the contractual rates and added to loan principal on the reset dates to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected.
Non-accrual loans: Loans are placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected. The Company may conclude that non-accrual status is not required if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with financial institutions, and short-term liquid investments in money market funds with original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents: Restricted cash and cash equivalents include amounts that are collected and held by the trustee appointed as custodian of the assets securing the Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6). Restricted cash is held by the trustee for the payment of interest expense and principal on the outstanding borrowings or reinvestment into new assets. Restricted cash that represents interest or fee income is transferred to unrestricted cash accounts by the trustee generally once a quarter after the payment of operating expenses and amounts due under the Credit Facility.
Offering Costs: The Company may incur legal, accounting, regulatory, investment banking and other costs in relation to equity offerings. Offering costs are deferred and charged against paid-in capital in excess of par on completion of the related offering.
Deferred Financing Costs: Deferred financing costs represent fees and other direct incremental costs incurred in connection with the Company’s borrowings. These amounts are amortized and are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations over the estimated life of the borrowings. Deferred financing costs are presented in the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.
Income Taxes: The Company elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to maintain its status as a RIC, among other requirements, the Company is required to distribute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to its stockholders each taxable year generally of an amount at least equal to 90% of the sum of ordinary
27
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, the Company will incur a nondeductible excise tax equal to 4% of the amount by which (1) 98% of ordinary income for the calendar year (taking into account certain deferrals and elections), (2) 98.2% of capital gains in excess of capital losses, adjusted for certain ordinary losses, for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gain income for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which the Company incurred no U.S. federal income tax exceed distributions for the year. The Company accrues estimated excise tax on the amount, if any, that estimated taxable income is expected to exceed the level of stockholder distributions described above.
The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statement is the largest benefit or expense that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. Any tax positions not deemed to satisfy the more-likely-than-not threshold are reversed and recorded as tax benefit or tax expense, as appropriate, in the current year. Management has analyzed the Company’s tax positions, and the Company has concluded that the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits or unrecognized tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Penalties or interest that may be assessed related to any income taxes would be classified as general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company had no amounts accrued for interest or penalties as of September 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022. The Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months. The Company’s tax returns are subject to examination by federal, state and local taxing authorities. Because many types of transactions are susceptible to varying interpretations under U.S. federal and state income tax laws and regulations, the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements may be subject to change at a later date by the respective taxing authorities. Tax returns for each of the federal tax years since 2019 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $746,435 and $784,812 resulting in net unrealized depreciation of $39,646 and $24,584, respectively. This is comprised of gross unrealized appreciation of $9,944 and $7,881 and gross unrealized depreciation of $49,590 and $32,465, on a tax basis, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Dividends and Distributions: Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Quarterly distribution payments are determined by the Company’s board of directors and are paid from taxable earnings estimated by management and may include a return of capital and/or capital gains. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually, although the Company may decide to retain such capital gains for investment.
The Company maintains an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for common stockholders. As a result, if the Company declares a distribution or other dividend, stockholders’ cash distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock, unless they specifically “opt out” of the DRIP so as to receive cash distributions.
Earnings per Share: The Company calculates earnings per share as earnings available to stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.
Risks and Uncertainties: In the normal course of business, the Company encounters primarily two significant types of economic risks: credit and market. Credit risk is the risk of default on the Company’s investments that result from an issuer’s, borrower’s or derivative counterparty’s inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of investments due to changes in interest rates, spreads or other market factors, including the value of the collateral underlying investments held by the Company. Management believes that the carrying value of the Company’s investments are fairly stated, taking into consideration these risks along with estimated collateral values, payment histories and other market information.
Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified. These reclassifications had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as previously reported.
Effective March 17, 2023, the Global Industry Classification Standards structure was updated with changes to certain industry naming conventions and the Company has adopted the new structure in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In June 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. This ASU clarifies the guidance in ASC 820 on the fair value measurement of an equity security that is subject to a contractual sale restriction. The ASU clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security should not be considered in measuring its fair value. The guidance also requires specific disclosures related to equity securities that are subject to contractual sale restrictions. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within that fiscal year under a prospective approach, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2022-03 on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting if certain criteria are met. The guidance was effective from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, which deferred the sunset day of this guidance to December 31, 2024. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3 - FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS
The Company may enter into foreign currency forward contracts from time to time to facilitate settlement of purchases and sales of investments denominated in foreign currencies and to economically hedge the impact that an adverse change in foreign exchange rates would have on the value of the Company’s investments denominated in foreign currencies. A foreign currency forward contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. These contracts are marked-to-market by recognizing the difference between the contract forward exchange rate and the forward market exchange rate on the last day of the period presented as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Realized gains or losses are recognized when forward contracts are settled. Risks arise as a result of the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Company attempts to limit counterparty risk by only dealing with well-known counterparties.
The Company utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to protect itself against fluctuations in exchange rates. The Company may choose to renew contracts quarterly unless otherwise settled by the Company or the counterparty.
29
The following table provides a breakdown of our forward currency contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
($ in thousands)
Realized gain (loss) on forward currency contracts
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward currency contracts
Total net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on forward currency contracts
The value associated with unrealized gain or loss on open contracts is included in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on forward currency contracts within the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. Open contracts as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:
The following table is a summary of the average USD notional exposure to foreign currency forward contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Average USD notional outstanding
Forward currency contracts
489
186
The foreign currency forward contracts open at the end of the period are generally indicative of the volume of activity during the period. The value associated with unrealized gain or loss on open contracts is included in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on forward currency contracts within the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.
Offsetting of Derivative Instruments
The Company has derivative instruments that are subject to master netting agreements. These agreements include provisions to offset positions with the same counterparty in the event of default by one of the parties. The Company’s unrealized appreciation or depreciation on derivative instruments are reported as gross assets and liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. The following tables present the Company’s assets and liabilities related to derivatives by counterparty, net of amounts available for offset under a master netting arrangement and net of any collateral received or pledged by the Company for such assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
As of September 30, 2023
Counterparty ($ in thousands)
Derivative AssetsSubject to MasterNetting Agreement
DerivativeLiabilities Subjectto Master NettingAgreement
Derivatives Available for Offset
Non-cashCollateralReceived
Non-cashCollateralPledged(1)
Cash CollateralReceived(1)
Cash CollateralPledged(1)
Net Amount ofDerivativeAssets(2)
Net Amount ofDerivativeLiabilities(3)
Morgan Stanley (CAD)
30
As of December 31, 2022
Morgan Stanley (GBP)
NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS
Investments consisted of the following:
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
First lien secured loans
588,647
567,544
631,091
618,267
Second lien secured loans
24,596
16,300
24,685
20,634
Subordinated unsecured loans
Subordinated Note to STRS JV
Equity (excluding STRS JV)
24,876
16,019
26,486
21,000
Equity in STRS JV
The following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value:
Industry ($ in thousands)
5,251
0.9
16,107
36,698
6.1
37,191
5.6
15,587
2.6
24,362
5.1
10,199
9,538
11,035
12,480
12,869
12,687
18,459
3.8
7,494
9,874
9,478
9,488
18,240
6,150
15,408
22,504
21,979
4.8
6,468
5,909
23,904
37,819
5.7
Specialized Finance(1)
2.5
Total(1)
600,030
100.0
660,068
32
As of September 30, 2023, the portfolio companies underlying the investments are all located in the United States and its territories, except for JZ Capital Partners Ltd., which is domiciled in Guernsey and Trimlite Buyer, LLC, which is domiciled in Canada. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the weighted average remaining term of the Company’s debt investments, excluding non-accrual investments, were approximately 3.0 years and 3.4 years, respectively.
As of September 30, 2023 the total cost basis of non-accrual loans was $38,376 and the total fair value of non-accrual loans was $20,010. As of December 31, 2022, there were no loans on non-accrual status.
An affiliated company is generally a portfolio company in which the Company owns 5% or more of its voting securities. A controlled affiliated company is generally a portfolio company in which the Company owns more than 25% of its voting securities or has the power to exercise control over its management or policies (including through a management agreement).
33
The following table presents the schedule of investments in and advances to affiliated and controlled persons (as defined by the 1940 Act) as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Dividends, interest
Beginning
Net Change in
Ending Fair
and PIK
Fair Value as of
Net
Unrealized
Value as of
Type of
included in
December 31,
Gross
Realized
Appreciation
September 30,
Affiliated Person(1)
Asset
income
Additions(2)
Reductions(3)
Gain (Loss)
(Depreciation)
Non-controlled affiliates
Arcole Holding Corporation
Equity
(6,605)
564
Playmonster Group LLC
904
(73)
(85)
(1,278)
Playmonster Group Equity, Inc. (d/b/a PlayMonster)
Preferred Equity
Common Equity
Chase Products Co. (f/k/a Starco)
2,874
(165)
Pressurized Holdings, LLC (f/k/a Starco)
(4,278)
Total Non-controlled affiliates
8,315
Controlled affiliates
443
6,662
(264)
568
7,491
(1,930)
1,259
(325)
American Crafts Holdings, LLC (d/b/a American Crafts, LC)
New American Crafts Holdings, LLC (d/b/a American Crafts, LC)
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC*
4,416
1,104
1,080
Total Controlled affiliates
12,506
20,932
*
The Company and STRS Ohio are the members of STRS JV, a joint venture formed as a Delaware limited liability company that is not consolidated by either member for financial reporting purposes. The members make investments in STRS JV in the form of limited liability company (“LLC”) equity interests and interest-bearing subordinated notes as STRS JV makes investments, and all portfolio and other material decisions regarding STRS JV must be submitted to STRS JV’s board of managers which is comprised of an equal number of members appointed by each of the Company and STRS Ohio. Because management of STRS JV is shared equally between the Company and STRS Ohio, the Company does not believe it controls STRS JV for purposes of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
34
In March 2023, as a result of a restructuring agreement between the Company and American Crafts, LC, the Company’s investments are controlled affiliate investments, as defined by the 1940 Act.
In March 2023, as part of a restructuring agreement between the Company and Sklar Holdings, Inc (d/b/a Starco), the Company’s first lien secured term loan investment to Sklar Holdings, Inc, with a total cost basis of $3,339, converted into a new first lien secured term loan to Chase Products Co. (f/k/a Starco) and preferred units and common units of Pressurized Holdings, LLC (f/k/a Starco). During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company received a paydown of $690 on its investment in Sklar Holdings, Inc (d/b/a Starco) first lien secured term loan, and the remaining Sklar Holdings, Inc (d/b/a Starco) first lien secured term loan investment, with a cost basis of $3,892, was converted into preferred units of Pressurized Holdings, LLC (f/k/a Starco).
35
The following table presents the schedule of investments in and advances to affiliated and controlled persons (as defined by the 1940 Act) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022:
2021
Purchases
Sales
321
6,874
(494)
PlayMonster LLC
(1,088)
325
(685)
(3,600)
(460)
660
8,986
(5,239)
6,385
60,000
6,977
15,607
(447)
13,362
75,607
The Company and STRS Ohio are the members of STRS JV, a joint venture formed as a Delaware LLC that is not consolidated by either member for financial reporting purposes. The members make investments in STRS JV in the form of LLC equity interests and interest-bearing subordinated notes as STRS JV makes investments, and all portfolio and other material decisions regarding STRS JV must be submitted to STRS JV’s board of managers which is comprised of an equal number of members appointed by each of the Company and STRS Ohio. Because management of STRS JV is shared equally between the Company and STRS Ohio, the Company does not believe it controls STRS JV for purposes of the 1940 Act or otherwise.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recovered $1,725 on an equity investment to the RCS Creditor Trust Class B Units and was previously reported as a non-controlled affiliate realized gain in the consolidated statements of operations.
In January 2022, as part of a restructuring agreement between the Company and PlayMonster LLC, the Company’s first lien secured term loan and delayed draw loan investments to PlayMonster LLC, with a total cost basis of $7,045, converted into a new first lien secured term loan, preferred stock and common stock of Playmonster Group LLC. In June 2022, the PlayMonster LLC first lien secured revolving loan investment was fully realized. A portion of the PlayMonster LLC first lien secured revolving loan investment restructured into the existing Playmonster Group LLC first lien secured term loan, with a total cost basis of $437.
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC
On January 14, 2019, the Company entered into an LLC operating agreement with STRS Ohio to co-manage a newly formed joint venture investment company, STRS JV, a Delaware LLC. STRS Ohio and the Company committed to provide up to $125,000 of subordinated notes and equity to STRS JV, with STRS Ohio providing up to $50,000 and the Company providing up to $75,000, respectively. In July 2019, STRS JV formally launched operations. STRS JV invests primarily in lower middle market, senior secured debt facilities, to performing lower middle market companies
across a broad range of industries that typically carry a floating interest index rate such as SOFR and have a term of three to six years.
In February 2023, the Company increased its commitment to the STRS JV in the amount of an additional $15,000, which brings the Company’s total capital commitment to the STRS JV to $115,000, comprised of $92,000 of subordinated notes and $23,000 of LLC equity interests, and STRS Ohio increased its capital commitment to the STRS JV in the amount of an additional $10,000, which brings its total capital commitment to the STRS JV to $60,000, comprised of $48,000 of subordinated notes and $12,000 of LLC equity interests. In connection with these increases in capital commitments, the Company’s and STRS Ohio’s amended economic ownership in the STRS JV is approximately 65.71% and 34.29%, respectively.
In February 2022, the Company increased its capital commitment to the STRS JV in the amount of an additional $25,000, which brought the Company’s total capital commitment to $100,000, comprised of $80,000 of subordinated notes and $20,000 of LLC equity interests. In connection with this increase in the Company’s capital commitment, the Company and STRS Ohio’s amended economic ownership in the STRS JV was approximately 66.67% and 33.33%, respectively.
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, STRS JV had total assets of $329,669 and $305,296, respectively. STRS JV’s portfolio consisted of debt investments in 32 portfolio companies as of September 30, 2023 and 28 portfolio companies as of December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the largest investment by aggregate principal amount (including any unfunded commitments) in a single portfolio company in STRS JV’s portfolio was $19,938 and $20,086, respectively. The five largest investments in portfolio companies by fair value in STRS JV totaled $82,807 and $77,635 as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. STRS JV invests in portfolio companies in the same industries in which the Company may directly invest.
The Company provides capital to STRS JV in the form of LLC equity interests and through interest-bearing subordinated notes. As of September 30, 2023, the Company and STRS Ohio owned approximately 65.71% and 34.29%, respectively, of the LLC equity interests of STRS JV. As of December 31, 2022, the Company and STRS Ohio owned 66.67% and 33.33%, respectively, of the LLC equity interests of STRS JV. The Company’s investment in STRS JV consisted of equity contributions of $21,104 and advances of the subordinated notes of $84,416 as of September 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had commitments to fund equity interests and subordinated notes in STRS JV of $23,000 and $92,000, respectively, of which $1,896 and $7,584 were unfunded, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had commitments to fund equity interests and subordinated notes in STRS JV of $20,000 and $80,000, respectively, both of which were fully funded.
The Company and STRS Ohio each appoint two members to STRS JV’s four-person board of managers. All material decisions with respect to STRS JV, including those involving its investment portfolio, require unanimous approval of a quorum of the board of managers. Quorum is defined as (i) the presence of two members of the board of managers; provided that at least one individual is present that was elected, designated or appointed by each member; (ii) the presence of three members of the board of managers; provided that the individual that was elected, designated or appointed by the member with only one individual present shall be entitled to cast two votes on each matter; or (iii) the presence of four members of the board of managers; provided that two individuals are present that were elected, designated or appointed by each member.
On July 19, 2019, STRS JV entered into a $125,000 credit and security agreement (the “STRS JV Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (“JPMorgan”). On January 27, 2021, the terms of the STRS JV Credit Facility were amended to, among other things, increase the size of the STRS JV Credit Facility from $125,000 to $175,000. On April 28, 2021, the terms of the STRS JV Credit Facility were amended and restated to, among other things, enable borrowings in British pounds or euros. On July 15, 2021, the terms of the STRS JV Credit Facility were amended to, among other things, allow STRS JV to reduce the applicable margins for interest rates to 2.35%, extend the non-call period from January 19, 2022 to January 19, 2023, extend the end of the reinvestment period from July 19, 2022 to July 19, 2023 and extend the scheduled termination date from July 19, 2024 to July 19, 2025.
37
On March 11, 2022, the terms of the STRS JV Credit Facility were further amended to, among other things, (i) permanently increase STRS Credit’s availability under the STRS JV Credit Facility from $175,000 to $225,000, (ii) increase the minimum funding amount from $131,250 to $168,750, and (iii) apply an annual interest rate equal to the applicable SOFR plus 2.50% to borrowings greater than $175,000 in the STRS JV Credit Facility.
On January 13, 2023, the terms of the STRS JV Credit Facility were further amended to, among other things, (i) permanently increase STRS Credit’s availability under the STRS JV Credit Facility from $225,000 to $262,500 (the “$37.5 Million Increase”) and (ii) apply an annual interest rate equal to applicable SOFR, plus 3.00% to any borrowings under the $37.5 Million Increase in the STRS JV Credit Facility. As a result of this amendment, any borrowings above $175,000 will incur an annual interest rate of SOFR plus 2.71% in the STRS JV Credit Facility.
On May 18, 2023, the terms of the STRS JV Credit Facility were further amended to, among other things, (i) effective June 6, 2023 apply an annual interest rate equal to applicable SOFR plus 2.72% to any USD borrowings (ii) extend the scheduled termination date from July 19, 2025 to July 19, 2026 (iii) extend the non-call period from January 19, 2023 to January 19, 2024 and (iv) extend the end of the reinvestment period from July 19, 2023 to July 19, 2024.
As of September 30, 2023, the STRS JV Credit Facility had $262,500 of commitments subject to leverage and borrowing base restrictions with an interest rate based on a floating index rate such as SOFR plus a spread of 2.72%, SONIA or CDOR plus a spread of 2.35%. The final maturity date of the STRS JV Credit Facility is July 19, 2026. As of September 30, 2023, STRS JV had $163,995 of outstanding borrowings and an interest rate outstanding of 7.7% per annum under the STRS JV Credit Facility.
As of December 31, 2022, the STRS JV Credit Facility had $225,000 of commitments subject to leverage and borrowing base restrictions with an interest rate based on a floating index rate such as LIBOR, SONIA or CDOR plus 2.35% for borrowings up to $175,000 and SOFR plus 2.50% for borrowings above $175,000. The final maturity date of the STRS JV Credit Facility is July 19, 2025. As of December 31, 2022, STRS JV had $152,277 of outstanding borrowings and an interest rate outstanding of 6.6% per annum under the STRS JV Credit Facility.
Below is a listing of STRS JV’s individual investments as of September 30, 2023:
AcquisitionDate(4)
FairValue(5)
Fair Value As APercentage of Members' Equity
Forward Solutions, LLC (d/b/a Avision Sales Group)
02/18/22
12/15/26
9,006
8,941
26.3
03/11/22
3,062
3,023
3,001
8.8
(4)
12,029
11,938
35.1
ITS Buyer Inc. (d/b/a ITS Logistics, LLC)
11.15%
02/17/22
06/15/26
3,550
3,508
3,523
10.4
3,526
Marlin DTC-LS Midco 2, LLC (d/b/a Clarus Commerce, LLC)
07/01/25
18,957
18,829
55.8
18,963
Drew Foam Companies Inc
12.79%
11/09/20
11/05/25
14,162
14,042
13,812
40.7
Construction & Engineering
Pavement Partners Interco, LLC (d/b/a Pave America, LLC)
12.27%
03/17/23
02/07/28
4,466
4,348
4,392
12.9
576
561
12.11%
Road Safety Services, Inc.
6.79%
12.21%
12/31/19
03/18/25
10,834
10,733
31.9
15,826
15,982
47.1
Geo Logic Systems Ltd.(7)
01/22/20
12/19/24
19,552
15,052
14,396
42.3
14,402
Quest Events, LLC
12.79% (12.29% Cash + 0.50% PIK)
06/30/25
11,755
11,702
11,543
33.9
468
465
453
12,167
11,996
35.2
Drug Retail
Maxor Acquisition, Inc. (d/b/a Maxor National Pharmacy Services, LLC)
12.48%
04/11/23
03/01/29
5,065
4,928
5,017
14.8
5,026
Electronic Equipment & Instruments
LMG Holdings, Inc.
06/28/21
04/30/26
13,364
13,223
13,231
38.9
Juniper Landscaping Holdings LLC
03/01/22
12/29/26
11,220
11,092
11,110
32.8
11.53%
2,306
2,280
2,284
6.7
Juniper Landscaping Holdings LLC(11)
5.73%
656
651
Solar Holdings Bidco Limited (d/b/a SLR Consulting Ltd.)(13)(14)
12.05% (8.55% Cash + 3.50% PIK)
03/23/23
2,807
2,742
2,779
8.2
Solar Holdings Bidco Limited (d/b/a SLR Consulting Ltd.)(10)(13)(14)
12.26% (8.76% Cash + 3.50% PIK)
3,873
2,756
2,823
8.3
Solar Holdings Bidco Limited (d/b/a SLR Consulting Ltd.)(8)(13)(14)
11.93% (8.43% Cash + 3.50% PIK)
206
12.05%
368
359
364
749
Solar Holdings Bidco Limited (d/b/a SLR Consulting Ltd.)(12)(13)(14)
Buckeye Acquiror LLC (d/b/a Superior Environmental Solutions, LLC)
08/09/23
6,000
5,854
17.2
12.03%
180
Buckeye Acquiror LLC (d/b/a Superior Environmental Solutions, LLC)(6)
26,863
26,996
79.5
Medical Device Inc. (d/b/a Arterex)
11.99%
07/27/23
07/11/29
2,666
2,602
7.7
Smalto Inc. (d/b/a PEMCO International)(9)
EurIBOR
10.22%
05/04/22
04/28/28
6,592
6,831
6,900
20.3
Smalto Inc. (d/b/a PEMCO International)
1,004
989
994
7,820
7,894
23.2
1.37%
6.66%
12,259
12,056
12,063
35.5
574
567
Pennsylvania Machine Works, LLC (d/b/a Penn Western)
03/25/22
03/08/27
6,578
6,510
19.3
19,133
19,205
56.5
TOUR Intermediate Holdings, LLC
05/19/20
05/15/25
2,762
2,745
8.1
2,357
2,350
5,095
5,119
15.0
40
03/27/23
9,905
9,693
9,723
28.6
Cennox Holdings Limited (d/b/a Cennox)(8)
First lien Secured Term Loan
11.68% (11.43% Cash + 0.25% PIK)
07/16/21
05/04/26
2,830
3,865
3,371
9.9
Cennox, Inc. (d/b/a Cennox)(9)
10.40% (10.15% Cash + 0.25% PIK)
06/28/22
9,853
9,817
28.9
First lien Secured Revolving Loan
11.56% (11.31% Cash + 0.25% PIK)
864
1,180
1,029
MGT Merger Target, LLC (d/b/a MGT Consulting Group)
05/10/23
04/10/29
6,263
6,092
6,136
18.0
04/10/28
RCKC Acquisitions LLC (d/b/a KSM Consulting, LLC)
01/27/21
11,065
10,944
10,960
32.2
2,984
2,949
2,956
8.7
RCKC Acquisitions LLC (d/b/a KSM Consulting, LLC)(6)
11.49%
533
527
530
Turnberry Solutions, Inc.
11.45%
08/10/21
09/02/26
6,041
5,971
5,980
17.6
51,074
50,508
148.5
Poultry Holdings LLC (HPP)
11.92% (11.17% Cash + 0.75% PIK)
10/21/19
06/28/25
7,023
6,982
6,953
20.4
Max Solutions, Inc.(13)
7.66%
13.20%
10/07/22
09/29/28
6,606
6,495
6,484
19.1
Max Solutions, Inc.(6)(13)
(22)
(0.1)
Max Solutions, Inc.(10)
6,462
19.0
12.24%
5,713
5,654
5,675
16.7
Sunless, Inc.(6)
12.22%
221
5,875
5,894
17.3
Pharmaceuticals
Meta Buyer LLC (d/b/a Metagenics, Inc.)(9)
9.65%
12/16/21
11/01/27
12,194
13,571
12,767
37.5
Meta Buyer LLC (d/b/a Metagenics, Inc.)
974
960
965
885
872
876
Meta Buyer LLC (d/b/a Metagenics, Inc.)(11)
5.77%
1,508
1,486
1,493
4.4
16,889
16,101
47.3
HRG Management, LLC (d/b/a HomeRiver Group, LLC)
11.72%
12/28/21
9,579
9,462
9,374
27.6
HRG Management, LLC (d/b/a HomeRiver Group, LLC)(6)(11)
6.12%
2,404
2,372
2,358
11,834
11,722
34.5
41
Real Estate Services
NPAV Lessor Corp. (d/b/a Nationwide Property & Appraisal Services, LLC)
01/21/27
7,946
7,840
7,096
20.9
725
715
648
8,555
7,744
22.8
E-Phoenix Acquisition Co. Inc. (d/b/a Integreon, Inc.)
11.29%
07/15/21
06/23/27
8,798
8,728
8,707
25.6
Source Code Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Source Code Corporation)
07/30/27
14,990
14,798
14,839
43.6
4,098
4,045
4,056
11.9
18,843
18,895
55.5
Trading Companies & Distributors
LINC Systems, LLC
11.94%
06/22/21
02/24/26
9,366
9,267
9,272
27.3
315,659
312,950
920.4
655
€
1,932
EUR
2,142
1,206
1,553
81
189
42
43
Below is a listing of STRS JV’s individual investments as of December 31, 2022:
I&I Sales Group, LLC (d/b/a Avision Sales Group)
9,193
9,047
9,007
29.79
I&I Sales Group, LLC (d/b/a Avision Sales Group)(6)
10.43%
2,699
8.93
11,760
11,703
38.71
ITS Buyer Inc.
3,577
3,542
11.71
3,545
11.72
MEP-TS Midco, LLC (d/b/a Tax Slayer)
10.38%
01/21/21
13,353
13,162
44.16
0.07
13,375
44.23
19,105
18,920
63.18
19,113
63.21
14,270
14,105
14,132
46.73
8,603
8,522
8,432
27.88
11.38%
20,088
15,413
14,545
48.10
14,536
48.07
12/28/24
11,805
11,298
37.36
464
431
12,192
11,729
38.79
13,466
13,284
13,193
43.63
13,187
43.61
44
11,306
11,147
11,079
36.64
Juniper Landscaping Holdings LLC(6)
1,909
1,882
1,868
6.18
10.54%
298
294
287
0.95
WH Lessor Corp. (d/b/a Waste Harmonics, LLC)
5.59%
9.97%
12/26/24
7,470
7,402
24.70
20,725
20,708
68.48
6,642
6,865
6,899
22.81
11.04%
986
7,859
7,885
26.08
10.49%
8,188
8,054
7,939
26.25
274
270
0.86
11.09%
6,907
6,821
6,801
22.49
15,145
14,999
49.60
3,077
3,049
10.18
2,468
2,458
8.16
5,507
5,545
18.34
10.02%
2,837
3,863
3,343
11.06
Cennox Holdings Limited (d/b/a Cennox)(9)
10.99%
9,458
9,834
9,926
32.82
(161)
(0.53)
11,150
11,000
10,929
36.14
10.65%
3,007
2,963
2,947
9.75
10.60%
526
1.71
9.19%
6,087
5,998
5,964
19.72
34,184
33,461
110.66
11.67% (10.17% Cash + 1.50% PIK)
7,162
7,101
7,011
23.18
Stella & Chewy's LLC
13.40% (11.40% Cash + 2.00% PIK)
12/29/20
12/16/25
3,893
3,849
3,738
12.36
13.17% (11.17% Cash + 2.00% PIK)
03/26/21
1,375
1,362
1,320
4.37
12,312
12,069
39.91
45
Max Solutions, Inc.
8,085
26.74
Max Solutions, Inc.(6)
(0.09)
8,059
26.65
3,679
3,631
12.18
11.24%
266
264
0.89
3,895
3,949
13.06
8.17%
12,287
13,643
12,876
42.57
10.62%
981
966
963
3.18
10.81%
892
878
2.90
15,487
14,712
48.65
9,653
9,505
9,412
31.13
6.10%
1,768
1,741
1,720
5.69
(11)
(0.04)
11,246
11,121
36.78
8,924
8,778
8,301
27.45
290
285
247
9,063
8,548
28.27
10.23%
8,865
8,782
8,686
28.72
15,105
14,874
14,882
49.21
Source Code Holdings, LLC (d/b/a Source Code Corporation)(6)
14,884
49.22
10.42%
10,033
9,895
9,882
32.68
(0.00)
9,881
287,940
284,259
940.05
46
256
1111
1,128
(64)
(75)
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the portfolio companies underlying the STRS JV investments are all located in the United States and its territories except for Geo Logic Systems Ltd., which is domiciled in Canada, and Cennox Holdings Limited and Solar Holdings Bidco Limited, which are domiciled in the United Kingdom. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, STRS JV had no investments on non-accrual status. STRS JV had outstanding commitments to fund investments totaling $19,886, and $24,549 under delayed draw term loan commitments and undrawn revolvers as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
47
Below is certain summarized financial information for STRS JV as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Selected Balance Sheet Information ($ in thousands)
Investments, at fair value (amortized cost of $315,659 and $287,940, respectively)
14,231
18,960
Interest receivable
2,147
Other assets
152
673
329,669
305,296
Credit facility (net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,032 and $1,643, respectively)
161,963
150,634
Note payable to members
128,459
120,000
Interest payable on credit facility
990
796
Interest payable on notes to members
3,733
3,069
Other liabilities
483
295,668
275,057
Members’ equity
34,001
30,239
Total liabilities and members’ equity
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Selected Statement of Operations Information ($ in thousands)
September 30, 2022
Interest and fee income
10,629
7,858
29,081
20,985
Interest expense on credit facility
3,941
2,034
10,608
4,919
Interest expense on notes to members
3,734
2,630
10,604
6,611
Administrative fee
161
488
Other expenses
126
128
513
7,969
4,953
22,176
12,518
Net investment income
2,660
2,905
6,905
8,467
Net realized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions
(57)
130
250
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency transactions
661
(286)
1,306
Net increase in members’ equity resulting from operations
3,264
8,303
10,023
48
NOTE 5 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active public markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.
A review of the 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. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in or out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and year ended December 31, 2022, there were no changes in the observability of valuation inputs that would have resulted in a reclassification of assets between any levels.
Fair value for each investment is derived using a combination of valuation methodologies that, in the judgment of the Investment Committee are most relevant to such investment, including, without limitation, being based on one or more of the following: (i) market prices obtained from market makers for which the Investment Committee has deemed there to be enough breadth (number of quotes) and depth (firm bids) to be indicative of fair value, (ii) the price paid or realized in a completed transaction or binding offer received in an arm’s-length transaction, (iii) a discounted cash flow analysis, (iv) the guideline public company method, (v) the similar transaction method or (vi) the option pricing method.
49
The following table presents investments (as shown on the consolidated schedule of investments) that were measured at fair value as of September 30, 2023:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Equity in STRS JV(1)
Total investments
684,446
The Company’s forward currency contracts, which were valued at $22 as of September 30, 2023, are characterized in Level 2 of the hierarchy.
The following table presents investments (as shown on the consolidated schedule of investments) that were measured at fair value as of December 31, 2022:
740,068
The Company’s forward currency contracts, which were valued at ($3) as of December 31, 2022, are characterized in Level 2 of the hierarchy.
The following table presents the changes in investments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023:
First Lien
Second Lien
Subordinated
Secured
Notes to STRS
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Loans
Notes
JV
Investments
Fair value, beginning of period
592,900
17,132
81,472
15,752
707,423
Funding of investments
21,129
2,944
24,088
Non-cash interest income
1,191
1,213
Proceeds from paydowns and sales
(42,592)
(155)
(42,747)
Realized gains (losses)
(383)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
(5,575)
(699)
(6,022)
Fair value, end of period
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held as of September 30, 2023
(5,742)
(700)
253
(6,189)
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
85,603
90,817
4,542
Accretion of discount (premium)
3,218
65
3,283
(130,788)
(137,548)
Conversions
(4,537)
(483)
(822)
(8,278)
(4,244)
(3,372)
(15,894)
(9,858)
(4,245)
(3,935)
(18,038)
The following table presents the changes in investments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Three months ended September 30, 2022
614,859
22,063
27,111
744,200
52,893
408
53,301
597
1,039
1,060
(48,549)
(1,011)
(49,560)
(4,936)
(1,704)
(669)
(7,309)
615,945
20,383
25,993
742,488
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held as of September 30, 2022
(4,689)
(1,702)
(384)
(6,775)
Nine months ended September 30, 2022
697,232
23,650
22,552
803,601
222,667
1,085
243,752
1,548
3,972
64
4,036
(293,935)
(2,862)
(296,797)
(4,060)
(16,994)
(1,024)
1,919
(16,099)
5,515
(2,312)
(761)
2,442
(6,691)
(3,336)
(600)
(10,627)
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments are the discount rate, market quotes and exit multiples. An increase or decrease in the discount rate in isolation would result in significantly lower or higher fair value measurement, respectively. An increase or decrease in the market quote for an investment would in isolation result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively. An increase or decrease in the exit multiple would in isolation result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively. As the fair value of a debt investment diverges from par, which would generally be the case for non-accrual loans, the fair value measurement of that investment is more susceptible to volatility from changes in exit multiples as a significant unobservable input.
The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs the Company used to value the majority of its investments categorized within Level 3 as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The tables are not intended to be all-inclusive, but instead capture the significant unobservable inputs relevant to the Company’s determination of fair values. These ranges represent the significant unobservable inputs that were used in the valuation of each type of investment, but they do not represent a range of values for any one investment.
Valuation
Unobservable
Range
Investment Type
Techniques
Inputs
(Weighted Average) (1)
560,187
Discounted cash flow analysis
Discount rate
11.7% - 30.0% (14.8%)
Recent transaction
Transaction price
97.0 - 98.0 (98.0)
Enterprise value analysis
EBITDA multiple
8.0 - 8.0 (8.0)
15,316
14.0% - 23.1% (20.2%)
Option pricing model
Volatility
32.0 - 32.0 (32.0)
4.0% - 4.0% (4.0%)
Subordinated Notes to STRS JV
n/a
Common equity
2,929
16.4% - 30.0% (18.3%)
7,055
5.5 - 13.0 (8.6)
Preferred equity
21.0% - 30.0% (21.0%)
1,673
5.1 - 10.5 (6.2)
Warrant
3,587
27.2% - 29.1% (27.3%)
Total Level 3 Investments
536,259
10.0% - 30.0% (13.8%)
67,878
83.1 - 100.0 (95.0)
Expected repayment
100.0 - 101.0 (100.5)
13.2% - 25.0% (18.9%)
9,990
15.6% - 25.9% (22.4%)
4,735
5.0 - 11.8 (8.3)
1.0 - 1.0 (1.0)
20.0% - 22.5% (20.0%)
194
8.0 - 9.5 (8.6)
926
Revenue multiple
0.5 - 0.5 (0.5)
25.9% - 27.2% (27.2%)
Valuation of investments may be determined by weighting various valuation techniques. Significant judgment is required in selecting the assumptions used to determine the fair values of these investments. The valuation methods selected for a particular investment are based on the circumstances and on the sufficiency of data available to measure fair value. If more than one valuation method is used to measure fair value, the results are evaluated and weighted, as appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range indicated by those results. A fair value measurement is the point within that range that is most representative of fair value in the circumstances.
The availability of observable inputs can vary depending on the financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the nature of the instrument, whether the instrument is traded on an active exchange or in the secondary market and the current market conditions. To the extent that the valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires a greater degree of judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments classified as Level 3.
The determination of fair value using the selected methodologies takes into consideration a range of factors including the price at which the investment was acquired, the nature of the investment, local market conditions, trading values on public and private exchanges for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment, compliance with agreed upon terms and covenants, and assessment of credit ratings of an underlying borrower. These valuation methodologies involve a significant degree of judgment to be exercised.
As it relates to investments which do not have an active public market, there is no single standard for determining the estimated fair value. Valuations of privately held investments are inherently uncertain, and they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. The determination of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed.
In some cases, fair value for such investments is best expressed as a range of values derived utilizing different methodologies from which a single estimate may then be determined. Consequently, fair value for each investment may be derived using a combination of valuation methodologies that, in the judgment of the investment professionals, are most relevant to such investment. The selected valuation methodologies for a particular investment are consistently applied on each measurement date. However, a change in a valuation methodology or its application from one measurement date to another is possible if the change results in a measurement that is equally or more representative of fair value in the circumstances.
The following table presents the principal amount and fair value of the Company’s borrowings as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The fair value of the Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6) was estimated by discounting remaining payments using applicable market rates or market quotes for similar instruments at the measurement date, if available. As of September 30, 2023, the Credit Facility approximates its carrying value presented net of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issuance discount, net of accretion. The fair value of the Company’s 6.00% private notes due 2023 (the “6.000% 2023 Notes”), the 5.375% private notes due 2025 (the “5.375% 2025 Notes”), the 5.375% private notes due 2026 (the “5.375% 2026 Notes”), the 4.00% notes due 2026 (the “4.000% 2026 Notes”), the 5.625% private notes due 2027 (the “5.625% 2027 Notes”) and the 4.25% private notes due 2028 (the “4.250% 2028 Notes”) were estimated using discounted future cash flows to the valuation date. As of September 30, 2023, the 7.875% notes due 2028 (the “7.875% 2028 Notes”) fair value approximates its carrying value presented net of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issuance discount, net of accretion.
Fair
Value Level
Principal Amount Outstanding
JPM Credit Facility
208,632
206,837
255,145
252,799
6.000% 2023 Notes
30,000
30,382
5.375% 2025 Notes
40,000
37,380
37,474
5.375% 2026 Notes
10,000
9,034
9,149
4.000% 2026 Notes
75,000
64,870
67,912
5.625% 2027 Notes
8,867
4.250% 2028 Notes
20,223
21,981
7.875% 2028 Notes
33,140
403,132
380,351
445,145
428,760
NOTE 6 – BORROWINGS
Historically, the 1940 Act has permitted the Company to issue “senior securities,” including borrowing money from banks or other financial institutions, only in amounts such that its asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such incurrence or issuance. In March 2018, the Small Business Credit Availability Act (the “SBCAA”) was enacted into law. The SBCAA, among other things, amended the 1940 Act to reduce the asset coverage requirements applicable to business development companies from 200% to 150% so long as the business development company meets certain disclosure requirements and obtains certain approvals. At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on August 1, 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved the reduced asset coverage ratio from 200% to 150%, such that the Company’s maximum debt-to-equity ratio increased from a prior maximum of 1.0x (equivalent of
54
$1 of debt outstanding for each $1 of equity) to a maximum of 2.0x (equivalent to $2 of debt outstanding for each $1 of equity). As a result, the Company’s asset coverage requirements applicable to senior securities decreased from 200% to 150%, effective August 2, 2018. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company’s asset coverage for borrowed amounts were 179.9% and 174.7%, respectively.
Total borrowings outstanding and available as of September 30, 2023, were as follows:
Maturity
Rate
Available
JPM Credit Facility(1)
11/22/2025
S+2.500
126,368
10/20/2025
5.375
39,728
12/4/2026
9,907
12/15/2026
4.000
73,907
12/4/2027
5.625
12/6/2028
4.250
24,732
9/15/2028
7.875
Total debt
Total borrowings outstanding and available as of December 31, 2022, were as follows:
JPM Credit Facility(1)(2)
L+2.350
79,855
8/7/2023
6.000
29,893
39,629
9,885
73,652
9,876
24,693
Credit Facility: On December 23, 2015, WhiteHorse Credit entered into a revolving credit and security agreement with JPMorgan, as administrative agent and lender.
On April 28, 2021, the terms of the Credit Facility were amended and restated to, among other things, enable WhiteHorse Credit to borrow in British Pounds or Euros.
On July 15, 2021, the terms of the Credit Facility were amended to, among other things, allow WhiteHorse Credit to reduce the applicable margins for interest rates to 2.35%, extend the non-call period from November 22, 2021 to November 22, 2022, extend the end of the reinvestment period from November 22, 2023 to November 22, 2024 and extend the scheduled termination date from November 22, 2024 to November 22, 2025.
On October 4, 2021, the terms of the Credit Facility were amended to, among other things, established a temporary upsize to the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, which allowed WhiteHorse Credit to borrow up to $335,000 for a three-month period beginning on October 4, 2021.
On January 4, 2022, the terms of the Credit Facility were amended to, among other things, continue to establish a temporary upsize to the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, which allowed WhiteHorse Credit to borrow up to $335,000 for a four-month period that originally began on October 4, 2021.
On February 4, 2022, the terms of the Credit Facility were further amended to, among other things (i) increase WhiteHorse Credit’s availability under the Credit Facility from $285,000 to $310,000 (the “$25,000 Increase”), (ii) increase the minimum funding amount from $200,000 to $217,000, (iii) extend an additional temporary increase of $25,000 in availability under the Credit Facility, allowing WhiteHorse Credit to borrow up to $335,000 through April 4, 2022 (the “$25,000 Temporary Increase”), and (iv) apply an annual interest rate equal to applicable SOFR plus 2.50% to any borrowings under the $25,000 Increase in the Credit Facility and the $25,000 Temporary Increase in availability under the Credit Facility.
On March 30, 2022, the terms of the Credit Facility were further amended to, among other things: (i) increase WhiteHorse Credit’s availability under the Credit Facility from $310,000 to $335,000; (ii) retain an accordion feature which allows for the expansion of the borrowing limit up to $375,000; and (iii) increase the minimum funding amount from $217,000 to $234,500.
On April 12, 2023, the terms of the Credit Facility were further amended to, among other things, (i) apply an annual interest rate equal to the applicable base rate plus 2.50% to any USD denominated borrowings, and (ii) convert to SOFR for USD denominated borrowings effective June 6, 2023.
The Credit Facility bears interest at SOFR plus 2.50% on all outstanding USD denominated borrowings. The Credit Facility bears interest at EURIBOR for EUR denominated borrowings, CDOR for CAD denominated borrowings, SONIA for GBP denominated borrowings, plus, in each case, a spread of 2.35% on outstanding borrowings. The Company is required to pay a non-usage fee which accrues at 0.75% per annum on the average daily unused amount of the financing commitments to the extent the aggregate principal amount available under the Credit Facility has not been borrowed. The minimum borrowing requirement is $234,500. In connection with the Credit Facility, WhiteHorse Credit pledged securities with a fair value of approximately $564,349 as of September 30, 2023. The Credit Facility has a maturity date of November 22, 2025.
Under the Credit Facility, the Company has made certain customary representations and warranties and is required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $208,632 in outstanding borrowings and $126,368 undrawn under the Credit Facility. Weighted average outstanding borrowings were $235,255 and $245,823 at a weighted average interest rate of 7.79% and 7.49% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, the interest rate in effect on outstanding borrowings was 7.90%. The Company’s ability to draw down undrawn funds under the Credit Facility is determined by collateral and portfolio quality requirements stipulated in the credit and security agreement. As of September 30, 2023, $126,368 was available to be drawn by the Company based on these requirements.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $255,145 in outstanding borrowings and $79,855 undrawn under the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2022, weighted average outstanding borrowings were $264,411 at a weighted average interest rate of 4.04%. As of December 31, 2022, the interest rate in effect on outstanding borrowings was 7.11%. The Company’s ability to draw down undrawn funds under the Credit Facility is determined by collateral and portfolio quality requirements stipulated in the credit and security agreement. As of December 31, 2022, $79,855 was available to be drawn by the Company based on these requirements.
6.000% 2023 Notes: On July 13, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement (the “2023 Note Purchase Agreement”) to sell in a private offering $30,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes to qualified institutional investors in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Interest on the 6.000% 2023 Notes was payable semiannually on February 7 and August 7, at a fixed, annual rate of 6.00%. This interest rate was subject to increase (up to 6.50%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 6.000% 2023 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. The 6.000% 2023 Notes were general unsecured obligations of the Company that ranked pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company. The
closing of the transaction occurred on August 7, 2018. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem existing debt. On August 7, 2023, the 6.000% 2023 Notes matured and were fully repaid by the Company.
5.375% 2025 Notes: On October 20, 2020, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2025 Note Purchase Agreement”) governing the issuance of $40,000 in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes (the “5.375% 2025 Notes”) to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. The 5.375% 2025 Notes have a fixed interest rate of 5.375% and are due on October 20, 2025, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company or its affiliates in accordance with their terms. Interest on the 5.375% 2025 Notes is payable semiannually on April 20 and October 20, at a fixed, annual rate of 5.375%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.375%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 5.375% 2025 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the 5.375% 2025 Notes at par if certain change in control events occur. The 5.375% 2025 Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering to redeem existing debt.
5.375% 2026 Notes: On December 4, 2020, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2026 Note Purchase Agreement”) governing the issuance of $10,000 in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes (the “5.375% 2026 Notes”) to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. The 5.375% 2026 Notes have a fixed interest rate of 5.375% and are due on December 4, 2026, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company or its affiliates in accordance with their terms. Interest on the 5.375% 2026 Notes is payable semiannually on June 4 and December 4, at a fixed, annual rate of 5.375%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.375%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 5.375% 2026 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the 5.375% 2026 Notes at par if certain change in control events occur. The 5.375% 2026 Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering to redeem existing debt.
4.000% 2026 Notes: On November 24, 2021, the Company completed a public offering of $75,000 of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes, the net proceeds of which were used to fund investments in debt and equity securities and repay outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Facility. Interest on the 4.000% 2026 Notes is payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15, at a fixed, annual rate of 4.000%. The 4.000% 2026 Notes will mature on December 15, 2026 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time prior to September 15, 2026, at par plus a “make-whole” premium, and thereafter at par. The 4.000% 2026 Notes will rank equally in right of payment with the other outstanding and future unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness, including the 6.000% 2023 Notes, the 5.375% 2025 Notes, the 5.375% 2026 Notes, the 5.625% 2027 Notes and the 4.250% 2028 Notes.
5.625% 2027 Notes: On December 4, 2020, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2027 Note Purchase Agreement”) governing the issuance of $10,000 in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes (the “5.625% 2027 Notes”) to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. The 5.625% 2027 Notes have a fixed interest rate of 5.625% and are due on December 4, 2027, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company or its affiliates in accordance with their terms. Interest on the 5.625% 2027 Notes is payable semiannually on June 4 and December 4, at a fixed, annual rate of 5.625%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.625%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 5.625% 2027 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the 5.625% 2027 Notes at par if certain change in control events occur. The 5.625% 2027 Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering to redeem existing debt.
4.250% 2028 Notes: On December 6, 2021, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2028 Note Purchase Agreement,”) governing the issuance of $25,000 in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes (the “4.25% 2028 Notes”) to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. Interest on the 4.250% 2028 Notes is payable semiannually on June 6 and December 6, at a fixed, annual rate of 4.25%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 5.25%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 4.250% 2028 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating.
57
The 4.250% 2028 Notes mature on December 6, 2028, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us or our affiliates in accordance with their terms. The 4.250% 2028 Notes are general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness that we may issue. The closing of the transaction occurred on December 6, 2021. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering to redeem existing debt.
7.875% 2028 Notes: On August 24, 2023, the Company completed a public offering of 7.875% 2028 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $30,000, the net proceeds of which were used to fund investments in debt and equity securities and repay outstanding indebtedness under its revolving credit facility. Additionally, the offering included an overallotment feature for up to an additional $4,500 of aggregate principal amount under the same terms as the initial offering. On August 31, 2023, the underwriters fully exercised their option to purchase an additional $4,500, bringing the aggregate principal amount of the 7.875% 2028 Notes to $34,500. Interest on the 7.875% 2028 Notes is paid quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 each year, at an annual rate of 7.875%. The 7.875% 2028 Notes will mature on September 15, 2028 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time, or from time to time, at the Company’s option on or after September 15, 2025. The 7.875% 2028 Notes are direct unsecured obligations and are structurally subordinate to borrowings under the Credit Facility and will rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness we may issue. The 7.875% 2028 Notes are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “WHFCL.”
NOTE 7 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory Agreement: WhiteHorse Advisers serves as the Company’s investment adviser in accordance with the terms of an investment advisory agreement. On November 1, 2018, at an in-person meeting, the Company’s board of directors approved an amended and restated investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”). The Company’s board of directors most recently re-approved the Investment Advisory Agreement on November 1, 2023. Subject to the overall supervision of the Company’s board of directors, WhiteHorse Advisers manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment management services to, the Company. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, WhiteHorse Advisers:
In addition, WhiteHorse Advisers provides the Company with access to personnel and an Investment Committee. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Company pays WhiteHorse Advisers a fee for investment management services consisting of a base management fee and an incentive fee. The Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party.
Base Management Fee
The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate equal to 2.0% based on the Company’s consolidated gross assets (including cash and cash equivalents and assets purchased with borrowed funds); provided, however, the base management fee will be calculated at an annual rate equal to 1.25% of the Company’s consolidated gross assets (including cash and cash equivalents and assets purchased with borrowed funds), that exceed the product of (i) 200% and (ii) the value of the Company’s total net assets, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. Base management fees are payable quarterly in arrears and are appropriately pro-rated for any partial month or quarter.
58
The following table details our management fee expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Management Fee ($ in thousands)
Base management fee
Total management fees
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, management fees payable on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities were $3,673 and $3,860, respectively.
Performance-based Incentive Fee
The performance-based incentive fee consists of two components that are independent of each other, except as provided by the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism discussed below.
The calculations of these two components have been structured to include a fee limitation such that no incentive fee will be paid to the investment adviser for any quarter if, after such payment, the cumulative incentive fees paid to the investment adviser for the period that includes the current fiscal quarter and the 11 full preceding fiscal quarters, referred to as the “Incentive Fee Look-back Period,” would exceed 20.0% of the Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return (as defined below) during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period.
Each quarterly incentive fee is subject to the Incentive Fee Cap (as defined below) and a deferral mechanism through which the investment adviser may recap a portion of such deferred incentive fees, which is referred to together as the “Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism.”
This limitation is accomplished by subjecting each incentive fee payable to a cap, which is referred to as the “Incentive Fee Cap.” The Incentive Fee Cap in any quarter is equal to (a) 20.0% of Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period less (b) cumulative incentive fees of any kind paid to the investment adviser during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period. To the extent the Incentive Fee Cap is zero or a negative value in any quarter, the Company will pay no incentive fee to its investment adviser in that quarter. The Company will only pay incentive fees to the extent allowed by the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. To the extent that the payment of incentive fees is limited by the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism, the payment of such fees may be deferred and paid in subsequent quarters up to three years after their date of deferment, subject to applicable limitations included in the Investment Advisory Agreement. The deferral component of the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism may cause incentive fees that accrued during one fiscal quarter to be paid to the investment adviser at any time during the 11 full fiscal quarters following such initial full fiscal quarter.
The “Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return” refers to the sum of (a) Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined below) for each period during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period and (b) the sum of cumulative realized capital gains, cumulative realized capital losses, cumulative unrealized capital depreciation and cumulative unrealized capital appreciation during the applicable Incentive Fee Look-back Period.
The first component, which is income-based (the “Income Incentive Fee”), is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and is determined based on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. For this purpose, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” means, in each case on a consolidated basis, interest income, distribution 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 received from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Company’s operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”), any interest expense and any dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.
The operation of the first component of the incentive fee for each quarter is as follows:
The portion of such incentive fee that is attributable to deferred interest (such as PIK interest or original issue discount) will be paid to the investment adviser, together with interest from the date of deferral to the date of payment, only if and to the extent that the Company actually receives such interest in cash, and any accrual will be reversed if and to the extent such interest is reversed in connection with any write-off or similar treatment of the investment giving rise to any deferred interest accrual. Any reversal of such amounts would reduce net income for the quarter by the net amount of the reversal (after taking into account the reversal of incentive fees payable) and would result in a reduction and possibly elimination of the incentive fees for such quarter.
There is no accumulation of amounts on the Hurdle Rate from quarter to quarter and, accordingly, there is no clawback of amounts previously paid if subsequent quarters are below the quarterly Hurdle Rate and there is no delay of payment if prior quarters are below the quarterly Hurdle Rate. Since the Hurdle Rate is fixed, as interest rates rise, it will be easier for the investment adviser to surpass the Hurdle Rate and receive an incentive fee based on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income.
Net investment income used to calculate this component of the incentive fee is also included in the amount of consolidated gross assets used to calculate the base management fee. These calculations will be appropriately prorated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current quarter.
The second component, the capital gains component of the incentive fee (the “Capital Gains Incentive Fee”), which is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), commenced on January 1, 2013, and equals 20% of cumulative aggregate realized capital gains from January 1 through the end of each calendar year, computed net of aggregate cumulative realized capital losses and aggregate cumulative unrealized capital depreciation through the end of each year (the “Capital Gains Incentive Fee Base”), less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gains incentive fees and subject to the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. If such amount is negative, then no capital gains incentive fee will be payable for the year. Additionally, if the Investment Advisory Agreement is terminated as of a date that is not a calendar year end, the termination date will be treated as though it were a calendar year end for purposes of calculating and paying the capital gains incentive fee. The capital gains component of the incentive fee is not subject to any minimum return to stockholders.
In accordance with GAAP, the Company is also required to include the aggregate unrealized capital appreciation on investments in the calculation and accrue a capital gains incentive fee on a quarterly basis if such unrealized capital appreciation were realized, even though such unrealized capital appreciation is not permitted to be considered in calculating the fee actually payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement. If the Capital Gains Incentive Fee Base, adjusted as required by GAAP to include unrealized capital appreciation, is positive at the end of a reporting period, then GAAP requires the Company to accrue a Capital Gains Incentive Fee equal to 20% of such amount, less the aggregate amount of any Capital Gains Incentive Fees previously paid and Capital Gains Incentive Fees accrued under GAAP in all prior periods. If such amount is negative, then there is no accrual for such period. The resulting accrual under GAAP
60
in a given period may result in either additional expense (if such cumulative amount is greater than in the prior period) or a reversal of previously recorded expense (if such cumulative amount is less than in the prior period). There can be no assurance that such unrealized capital appreciation will be realized in the future.
Because of the structure of the incentive fee, it is possible that the Company may pay an incentive fee in a quarter where it incurs a loss subject to the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. For example, if the Company receives Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income in excess of the Hurdle Rate, it will pay the applicable Income Incentive Fee even after incurring a loss in that quarter due to realized and unrealized capital losses.
The following table provides a breakdown of the performance-based incentive fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Performance-based Incentive Fee ($ in thousands)
Income incentive fee
2,159
6,094
Capital gains incentive fee
(1,132)
(1,803)
Total performance-based incentive fees
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, incentive fees payable on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities were $7,818 and $5,618, respectively. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, they were zero incentive fees payable on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities for cumulative accruals of Capital Gains Incentive Fees under GAAP, including any amounts payable pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement as described above.
Administration Agreement: Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, WhiteHorse Administration furnishes the Company with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services to enable the Company to operate. Under the Administration Agreement, WhiteHorse Administration performs, or oversees the performance of, the Company’s required administrative services, which include being responsible for the financial records which the Company is required to maintain and preparing reports to its stockholders and reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, WhiteHorse Administration assists the Company in determining and publishing its net asset value, oversees the preparation and filing of its tax returns and the printing and dissemination of reports to its stockholders and generally oversees the payment of the Company’s expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Company by others. Payments under the Administration Agreement equal an amount based upon the Company’s allocable portion of WhiteHorse Administration’s overhead in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and the Company’s allocable portion of the cost of its chief financial officer and chief compliance officer along with their respective staffs. Under the Administration Agreement, WhiteHorse Administration also provides on the Company’s behalf managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which the Company is required to provide such assistance. The Administration Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. To the extent that WhiteHorse Administration outsources any of its functions, the Company will pay the fees associated with such functions on a direct basis without any profit to WhiteHorse Administration.
Substantially all the Company’s payments of operating expenses to third parties were made by a related party, for which such third party received reimbursement from the Company.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company incurred $171 and $512 of allocated administrative service fees, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company incurred $171 and $512 of allocated administrative service fees, respectively.
61
Co-investments with Related Parties: As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, no officers or employees affiliated with or employed by WhiteHorse Advisers and its related entities maintained any co-investments in the Company’s or STRS JV’s investments.
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, certain funds affiliated with WhiteHorse Advisers and its related entities maintained co-investments in the Company’s or STRS JV’s investments of $4,775,898 and $4,415,678, respectively.
STRS JV: For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company sold $8,844 and $47,317 of investments to STRS JV and recognized $1 and $99 of net realized losses, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company sold zero and $100,415 of investments to STRS JV and recognized zero and $65 of net realized gains, respectively.
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments: In the normal course of business, the Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its borrowers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. The Company attempts to limit its credit risk by conducting extensive due diligence and obtaining collateral where appropriate.
The balance of unfunded commitments to extend credit was $26,918 and $56,190 as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Commitments to extend credit consist principally of the unused portions of commitments that obligate the Company to extend credit, such as revolving credit arrangements or similar transactions. These commitments are often subject to financial or non-financial milestones and other conditions to borrow that must be achieved before the commitment can be drawn. In addition, the commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
62
The following table summarizes the Company’s unfunded commitments as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Unfunded Commitments(1) ($ in thousands)
Revolving Loan Commitments:
113
1,588
204
309
1,199
700
508
570
494
1,024
225
1,050
96
PFB Holdco, Inc. (d/b/a PFB Corporation)(1)
899
296
3,134
2,299
386
603
2,646
397
Total unfunded revolving loan commitments
13,125
15,593
Delayed Draw Loan Commitments:
159
794
4,063
1,709
2,167
JZ Capital Partners Ltd.
5,714
2,090
1,683
2,097
Solar Holdings Bidco Limited(1)(2)
4,008
6,237
8,217
346
True Blue Car Wash, LLC
US Methanol Midco LLC (d/b/a US Methanol LLC)
Total unfunded delayed draw loan commitments
13,793
40,597
Total Unfunded Commitments
26,918
56,190
(1) Unfunded commitments denominated in non-USD currencies have been converted to USD using the exchange rate as of the applicable reporting date.
(2) Principal amount is non-USD denominated and is based in British pounds. At the option of the borrower, amounts borrowed under the delayed draw term loan commitment can be US dollars, Canadian dollars or British pounds.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company had commitments to fund equity interests and subordinated notes in STRS JV of $23,000 and $92,000, respectively, of which $1,896 and $7,584 were unfunded, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had commitments to fund equity interests and subordinated notes in STRS JV of $20,000 and $80,000, respectively, both of which were fully funded. The capital commitments cannot be drawn without an affirmative vote by both the Company’s and STRS Ohio’s representatives on STRS JV’s board of managers.
63
Indemnification: In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties that provide general indemnifications. The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not occurred. The Company expects the risk of any future obligation under these indemnifications to be remote.
Legal Proceedings: In the normal course of business, the Company, WhiteHorse Advisers and WhiteHorse Administrator may be subject to legal and regulatory proceedings that are generally incidental to its ongoing operations. While there can be no assurance of the ultimate disposition of any such proceedings, the Company does not believe any such disposition will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 9 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On March 31, 2023, the Company launched an “at-the-market” offering (the “ATM Program”) by entering into an Equity Distribution Agreement with B. Riley Securities, Inc. pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, through B. Riley Securities, Inc., as the sales agent, shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering amount of up to $35,000.
On March 15, 2021, the Company previously launched an ATM Program by entering into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. pursuant to which the Company would offer and sell, from time to time, through Raymond James & Associates, Inc., as the sales agent, shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering amount of up to $35,000. Through the Equity Distribution Agreement with Raymond James & Associates, Inc., the Company sold 276,300 shares of its common stock at a weighted-average price of $15.77 per share, which amounted to $4,359 in gross proceeds. The Company received net proceeds of $4,272 after deducting commissions to the sales agent, but before offering expenses. The Company’s Equity Distribution Agreement with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. is no longer effective.
The following table summarizes the total shares issued and proceeds received, net of offering costs, relating to the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock from the DRIP and pursuant to the ATM Program for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
($ in thousands except share and per share amounts)
Shares Issued from ATM Program
Shares Issued from DRIP
63,743
Total Shares Issued
80,421
Proceeds, before offering expenses
1,225
Average Price Per Share(1)
15.23
NOTE 10 - FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following is a schedule of financial highlights:
Per share data:(1)
Net asset value, beginning of period
15.10
1.38
1.13
(0.65)
(0.40)
Distributions declared from net investment income
(1.16)
(1.07)
Net asset value, end of period
14.76
Total annualized return based on market value(2)
(2.87)
(37.95)
Total annualized return based on net asset value
6.49
Net assets, end of period
Per share market value at end of period
12.77
Shares outstanding end of period
Ratios/Supplemental Data:(3)
Ratio of expenses before incentive fees to average net assets(4)
15.14
11.95
Ratio of incentive fees to average net assets
3.24
1.64
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets(4)
18.38
13.59
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(4)
12.97
10.05
Portfolio turnover ratio
11.76
28.41
Financial highlights are calculated for each securities class taken as a whole. An individual stockholder’s return and ratios may vary based on the timing of capital transactions.
NOTE 11 - CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS PER COMMON SHARE
The following information sets forth the computation of the basic and diluted per share net increase in net assets resulting from operations:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic and diluted per share net increase in net assets resulting from operations
NOTE 12 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company’s management has evaluated events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are issued and, other than the items discussed below, has determined that there were no additional subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
On November 1, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved, and the Company entered into, an amended and restated investment advisory agreement with the Investment Adviser, effective as of January 1, 2024, pursuant to which the base management fee rate is reduced to 1.75% from 2.00%.
66
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 appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. In this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, “our” and “WhiteHorse Finance” refer to WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:
We use words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “intends,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “plan” 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 the factors set forth in “Item 1A-Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
We have based the forward-looking statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q on information available to us on the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, 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 may file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, or the SEC, in the future, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.
You should understand that under Sections 27A(b)(2)(B) and (D) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Sections 21E(b) (2)(B) and (D) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, do not apply to statements made in connection with this quarterly report on Form 10-Q or any periodic reports we file under the Exchange Act.
Overview
We are an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. In addition, for tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.
We were formed on December 28, 2011 and commenced operations on January 1, 2012. We were originally capitalized with approximately $176.3 million of contributed assets from H.I.G. Bayside Debt & LBO Fund II, L.P. and H.I.G. Bayside Loan Opportunity Fund II, L.P., each of which is an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, L.L.C., or H.I.G. Capital. These assets were contributed as of January 1, 2012 in exchange for 11,752,383 units in WhiteHorse Finance, LLC. On December 4, 2012, we converted from a Delaware LLC into a Delaware corporation and elected to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act.
On December 4, 2012, we priced our initial public offering, or the IPO, selling 6,666,667 shares. Concurrent with the IPO, certain of our directors and officers, the managers of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Advisers, LLC (“WhiteHorse Advisers” or the “Investment Adviser”) and their immediate family members or entities owned by, or family trusts for the benefit of, such persons, purchased an additional 472,673 shares through a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Our shares of common stock are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WHF.”
We are a direct lender targeting debt investments in privately held, lower middle market companies located in the United States. We define the lower middle market as those companies with enterprise values between $50 million and $350 million. Our investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns primarily by originating and investing in senior secured loans, including first lien and second lien facilities, to performing lower middle market companies across a broad range of industries. Such loans typically carry a floating interest index rate such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, plus a spread and typically have a term of three to six years. While we focus principally on originating senior secured loans to lower middle market companies, we may also opportunistically make investments at other levels of a company’s capital structure, including mezzanine loans or equity interests, and in companies outside of the lower middle market, to the extent we believe the investment presents an opportunity to achieve an attractive risk-adjusted return. We also may receive warrants to purchase common stock in connection with our debt investments. We expect to generate current income through the receipt of interest payments, as well as origination and other fees, capital appreciation and dividends.
Our investment activities are managed by WhiteHorse Advisers and are supervised by our board of directors, a majority of whom are independent of us, WhiteHorse Advisers and its affiliates. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay WhiteHorse Advisers an annual base management fee based on our average consolidated gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our investment performance. Under our Administration Agreement, we have agreed to reimburse WhiteHorse Administration for our allocable portion (subject to the review and approval of our independent directors) of overhead and other expenses incurred by WhiteHorse Administration in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement.
Reference Rate Reform
In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, or the FCA, announced that it will phase out the use of the London Interbank Offer Rate, or LIBOR, by 2021. One-week and two-month U.S. dollar LIBOR and non-U.S. LIBOR ceased at the end of 2021 and the remaining U.S. dollar LIBOR tenors ceased after
68
June 30, 2023. In light of feedback received, the FCA proposed that the one-, three- and six-month U.S. dollar LIBOR tenors continue to be published on a synthetic basis through September 2024. Other jurisdictions have also proposed their own alternative to LIBOR, including the Sterling Overnight Index Average for Sterling markets, the Euro Short Term Rate for Euros and Tokyo Overnight Average Rate for Japanese Yen.
To identify a successor rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, the Federal Reserve System, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, has identified SOFR as its preferred alternative rate for LIBOR. SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions. As of September 30, 2023, LIBOR is no longer utilized as the floating benchmark rate on our debt investments to portfolio companies. As of September 30, 2023, SOFR is utilized as the floating benchmark rate on the Credit Facility for USD denominated borrowings.
Revenues
We generate revenue in the form of interest payable on the debt securities that we hold and capital gains and distributions, if any, on the portfolio company investments that we originate or acquire. Our debt investments, whether in the form of senior secured loans or mezzanine loans, typically have terms of three to six years and bear interest at a fixed or floating rate based on a spread over SOFR or an equivalent index rate. Interest on debt securities is generally payable monthly or quarterly, with the amortization of principal generally being deferred for several years from the date of the initial investment. In some cases, we may also defer payments of interest for the first few years after our investment. The principal amount of the debt securities and any accrued but unpaid interest generally becomes due at the maturity date. In addition, we generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring or diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and possibly consulting fees. We capitalize loan origination fees, original issue discount and market discount, and we then amortize such amounts as interest income. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, we record any unamortized loan origination fees as interest income. We record prepayment premiums on loans and debt securities as fee income when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies.
Our primary operating expenses include (1) investment advisory fees to WhiteHorse Advisers; (2) the allocable portion of overhead under the Administration Agreement; (3) the interest expense on our outstanding debt; and (4) other operating costs as detailed below. Our investment advisory fees compensate our investment adviser for its work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, consummating and monitoring our investments.
We bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including:
WhiteHorse Advisers or WhiteHorse Administration may pay for certain expenses that we incur, which are subject to reimbursement by us.
70
Recent Developments
For the period October 1, 2023 through November 9, 2023, we contributed three additional assets of senior secured debt facilities to the STRS JV.
On November 1, 2023, our board of directors approved, and we entered into, an amended and restated investment advisory agreement with the Investment Adviser, effective as of January 1, 2024, pursuant to which the base management fee rate is reduced to 1.75% from 2.00%.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022
Set forth below are the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Three Months
Nine Months
Variance
4,310
16,035
15,055
11,790
3,265
45,518
35,408
10,110
1,045
5,925
Net realized gains/(losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions
(19)
16,500
Net change in unrealized gains/(losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions
728
(22,340)
1,754
85
The consolidated results of operations described below may not be indicative of the results we report in future periods. Net investment income and net increase in net assets can vary substantially from period to period due to various reasons, including the level of new investments and the recognition of realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation. As a result, period to period comparisons of net increases in net assets resulting from operations may not be meaningful.
Consolidated operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
Net Investment Income
Net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 totaled $10.8 million and $32.1 million, respectively. Net investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 totaled $9.8 million and $26.2 million, respectively. Net investment income increased by $1.0 million and $5.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, as described below under “Investment Income” and “Operating Expenses.”
71
Investment Income
The following table summarizes our investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Investment income (excluding STRS JV):
Interest and payment-in-kind income
21,138
17,216
3,922
63,345
50,118
13,227
Fee and dividend income
812
544
2,881
Investment income of STRS JV:
Interest and dividend income
3,918
3,798
120
11,401
9,381
2,020
Interest and payment-in-kind income increased $3.9 million and $13.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily attributable to an increase in base rates.
Fee and dividend income increased by $0.3 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 due to higher non-recurring fee income. We expect to generate some level of non-recurring fee income during most quarters from prepayments, amendments and other sources.
Interest and dividend income from STRS JV increased by $0.1 million and $2.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily attributable to an increase in base rates.
Operating Expenses
The following table summarizes our expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
1,927
7,067
(208)
(652)
1,676
3,736
(110)
(122)
Total expenses, before excise tax
3,285
10,029
(20)
Total expenses, including excise tax
Interest expense increased $1.9 million and $7.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to higher weighted average interest rates. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the weighted average outstanding borrowings were $421.6 million and $434.6 million, respectively, at a weighted average interest rate of 6.52% and 6.33%, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the weighted average outstanding borrowings were $435.9 million and $461.4 million, respectively, at a weighted average interest rate of 4.62% and 3.99%, respectively.
Base management fees decreased by $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 due to lower gross assets.
Performance-based incentive fees increased by $1.7 million and $3.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, mainly attributable to the reversal of capital gains incentive fee accrual of $1.1 million and $1.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, and higher pre-incentive fee net investment income in the current period of $0.5 million and $1.9 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.
Excise Tax Expense
We have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. In order to be subject to tax as a RIC, we are required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements, as well as timely distribute to our stockholders dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, and determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid for each tax year. We have made and intend to continue to make the requisite distributions to our stockholders that will generally relieve us from U.S. federal income taxes.
Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, we may choose to retain taxable income in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year in an amount less than what would trigger payments of U.S. federal income tax under Subchapter M of the Code. We may then be required to incur a 4% excise tax on such income. To the extent that we determine that our estimated current year annual taxable income may exceed estimated current year distributions, we accrue excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned.
Excise tax was $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. Excise tax was $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we accrued a net federal excise tax expense of $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
The following table shows the breakdown of net realized gains and losses on investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Three months ended
Nine months ended
($ in millions)
AG Kings Holdings Inc.(1)
Arcole Acquisition Corp (PI Financial)
(0.3)
Cennox, Inc.
Grupo HIMA San Pablo, Inc.
(18.3)
(0.4)
RCS Capital Corporation(2)
RLJ Pro-Vac, Inc.
Vessco Holdings, LLC
Other(3)
Total net realized gains/(losses) on investments
(15.5)
73
The following table shows the breakdown in the changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Gross unrealized appreciation on investments(1)
Gross unrealized depreciation on investments(2)
(10.3)
(9.2)
(24.5)
(14.0)
Reversal of prior period net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation upon a realization
(0.8)
10.7
Total unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
(5.4)
(7.9)
(14.9)
4.2
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the realization from Grupo HIMA San Pablo, Inc. generated a net realized and unrealized loss of $6.9 million.
Financial Condition, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Liquidity and Capital Resources
As a business development company, we distribute substantially all of our net income to our stockholders. We generate cash primarily from offerings of debt and equity securities, borrowings under the Credit Facility, and cash flows from operations, including interest earned from the temporary investment of cash in U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. We expect to fund a portion of our investments through future borrowings. In the future, we may obtain borrowings under other credit facilities and from issuances of senior securities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We may also borrow funds to the extent we determine that additional capital would allow us to take advantage of additional investment opportunities, if the market for debt financing presents attractively priced debt financing opportunities or if our board of directors determines that leveraging our portfolio would be in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders.
Our board of directors may decide to issue common stock, such as through at-the-market offerings, direct placements or otherwise, to finance our operations rather than issuing debt or other senior securities. Any decision to sell shares below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock is subject to stockholder approval and a determination by our board of directors that such issuance and sale is in our and our stockholders’ best interests. Any sale or other issuance of shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value per share results in immediate dilution to our stockholders’ interests in our common stock and a reduction in our net asset value per share. If we were to issue additional shares of our common stock during the next 12 months, we do not intend to issue shares below the then-current net asset value per share.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents include amounts that are collected and held by the trustee appointed as custodian of the assets securing the Credit Facility. Restricted cash is held by the trustee for the payment of interest expense and principal on the outstanding borrowings or reinvestment into new assets. Restricted cash that represents interest or fee income is transferred to unrestricted cash accounts by the trustee generally once a quarter after the payment of operating expenses and amounts due under the Credit Facility.
We may become a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of our business to meet the financial needs of our portfolio companies. These instruments may include commitments to extend credit and involve elements of liquidity and credit risk in excess of the amount recognized on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had commitments to fund approximately $26.9
74
million and $56.2 million, respectively, of revolving lines of credit or delayed draw facilities to our portfolio companies. We reasonably believe that we have sufficient assets to adequately cover and allow us to satisfy our outstanding unfunded commitments.
Our operating activities provided cash and cash equivalents of $74.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily from the net proceeds received from realizations and repayments on our investments, partially offset by acquisition of investments and cash used from the net change in working capital. Our financing activities used cash and cash equivalents of $71.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to repayments on the Credit Facility, repayment of the 6.000% 2023 Notes and the payment of distributions to stockholders, partially offset by proceeds from the 7.875% 2028 Notes of $34.5 million.
Our operating activities provided cash and cash equivalents of $64.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily from the net proceeds received from realizations and repayments on our investments, partially offset by acquisition of investments and cash used from the net change in working capital. Our financing activities used cash and cash equivalents of $67.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to repayments on the Credit Facility and the payment of distributions to stockholders.
As of September 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalent resources of $29.8 million, including $19.2 million of restricted cash. As of September 30, 2023, we had approximately $126.4 million undrawn and available to be drawn under the Credit Facility based on the collateral and portfolio quality requirements stipulated in the related credit agreement.
As of December 31, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalent resources of $26.3 million, including $16.8 million of restricted cash. As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately $79.9 million undrawn and available to be drawn under the Credit Facility based on the collateral and portfolio quality requirements stipulated in the related credit agreement.
STRS JV
In January 2019, we and STRS Ohio formed a joint venture, STRS JV, that invests primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien and second lien facilities, to performing lower middle market companies across a broad range of industries that typically carry a floating interest index rate based on SOFR, or an equivalent index rate and have a term of three to six years. STRS JV invests in portfolio companies in the same industries in which we may directly invest. STRS JV was formed as a Delaware LLC and is not consolidated by either us or STRS Ohio for financial reporting purposes. On July 19, 2019 STRS JV formally launched operations. As of September 30, 2023, STRS JV had total assets of $329.7 million. As of December 31, 2022, STRS JV had total assets of $305.3 million.
We provide capital to STRS JV in the form of LLC equity interests and subordinated notes. In February 2023, we increased our capital commitment to the STRS JV in the amount of an additional $15.0 million, bringing our total capital commitment to the STRS JV to $115.0 million, comprised of $92.0 million of subordinated notes and $23.0 million of LLC equity interests. We previously increased our capital commitment in February 2022 to the STRS JV in the amount of an additional $25.0 million, bringing our then total capital commitment to the STRS JV to $100.0 million, comprised of $80.0 million of subordinated notes and $20.0 million of LLC equity interests.
As of September 30, 2023, we and STRS Ohio owned approximately 65.71% and 34.29%, respectively, of the LLC equity interests of STRS JV. As of September 30, 2023, our investment in STRS JV consisted of equity contributions and subordinated note advance commitments of $23.0 million and $92.0 million, respectively, of which $1.9 million and $7.6 million were unfunded, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, we and STRS Ohio owned 66.67% and 33.33%, respectively, of the LLC equity interests of STRS JV. As of December 31, 2022, we had commitments to fund equity interests and subordinated notes in STRS JV of $20.0 million and $80.0 million, respectively, both of which were fully funded.
STRS JV is managed by a four-person board of managers, two of whom are selected by us and two of whom are selected by STRS Ohio. All material decisions with respect to STRS JV, including those involving its investment portfolio, require unanimous approval of a quorum of the board of managers. Quorum is defined as (i) the presence of two members of the board of managers; provided that at least one individual is present that was elected, designated or appointed by each member; (ii) the presence of three members of the board of managers; provided that the individual that was elected, designated or appointed by the member with only one individual present is entitled to cast two votes on each matter; or (iii) the presence of four members of the board of managers; provided that two individuals are present that were elected, designated or appointed by each member.
Below is a summary of STRS JV’s portfolio as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Total investments(1)
Weighted average effective yield on total portfolio(2)
12.5
11.3
Number of portfolio companies in STRS JV
Largest portfolio company investment(1)
Total of five largest portfolio company investments(1)
82,807
77,635
STRS JV’s investments consisted of the following:
4.6
8.6
7.3
5.3
16.1
6.0
See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on STRS JV’s portfolio and selected balance sheet information as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and selected statement of operations information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
At-the-Market Offering
On March 31, 2023, we entered into an equity distribution agreement, or the Equity Distribution Agreement, with WhiteHorse Advisers, WhiteHorse Administration and B. Riley Securities, Inc., as the sales agent, or the Sales Agent, in connection with the sale of shares of our common stock, with an aggregate offering price of up to $35.0 million. The Equity Distribution Agreement provides that we may offer and sell shares of our common stock from time to time through the Sales Agent in amounts and at times to be determined by us (the “ATM Offering”). Actual sales will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by us from time to time, including market conditions and the trading price of our common stock. We expect to use all or substantially all of the net proceeds from the ATM Offering to invest in portfolio companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies and for general corporate purposes.
On March 15, 2021, we previously entered into an equity distribution agreement, or the 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement, with WhiteHorse Advisers, WhiteHorse Administration and Raymond James & Associates, Inc., as the sales agent, or Raymond James, in connection with the sale of shares of our common stock, with an aggregate offering price of up to $35.0 million. The 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement provided that we may offer and sell shares of our common stock from time to time through the Raymond James in amounts and at times to be determined by us (the “2021 ATM Offering”). Actual sales depended on a variety of factors to be determined by us from time to time, including market conditions and the trading price of our common stock. We used all or substantially all of the net proceeds from the 2021 ATM Offering to invest in portfolio companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies and for general corporate purposes. The 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement with Raymond James was no longer effective. Gross proceeds of $4.4 million were raised from the 2021 ATM Offering with Raymond James.
Credit Facility
On December 23, 2015, our wholly owned subsidiary WhiteHorse Credit I, LLC, or WhiteHorse Credit, entered into a revolving credit and security agreement with JPMorgan, as administrative agent and lender (the “Credit Facility”).
On December 21, 2020, the terms of the Credit Facility were amended to, among other things, (i) increase the minimum funding amount from $175.0 million to $200.0 million, (ii) increase the size of the facility from $250.0 million to $285.0 million, (iii) retain an accordion feature which allows for the expansion of the borrowing limit up to $350.0 million and (iv) provide for the implementation of certain changes relating to the transition away from LIBOR in the market.
On July 15, 2021, the terms of the Credit Facility were amended to, among other things, allow WhiteHorse Credit to reduce the applicable margins for interest rates to 2.35%, extend the non-call period from November 22, 2021 to November 22, 2022, extend the end of the reinvestment period from November 22, 2023 to November 22, 2024 and extend the scheduled termination date from November 22, 2024, to November 22, 2025.
On October 4, 2021, the terms of the Credit Facility were amended to, among other things, establish a temporary upsize to the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, which allowed WhiteHorse Credit to borrow up to $335.0 million for a three-month period beginning on October 4, 2021.
On January 4, 2022, the terms of the Credit Facility were amended to, among other things, continue to establish a temporary upsize to the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, which allowed WhiteHorse Credit to borrow up to $335.0 million for a four-month period that originally began on October 4, 2021.
On February 4, 2022, the terms of the Credit Facility were further amended to, among other things (i) increase WhiteHorse Credit’s availability under the Credit Facility from $285.0 million to $310.0 million (the “$25 Million Increase”), (ii) increase the minimum funding amount from $200.0 million to $217.0 million, (iii) extend an additional
77
temporary increase of $25.0 million in availability under the Credit Facility, allowing WhiteHorse Credit to borrow up to $335.0 million through April 4, 2022 (the “$25 Million Temporary Increase”) and (iv) apply an annual interest rate equal to applicable SOFR plus 2.50% to any borrowings under the $25 Million Increase in the Credit Facility and the $25 Million Temporary Increase in availability under the Credit Facility.
On March 30, 2022, the terms of the Credit Facility were further amended to, among other things: (i) increase WhiteHorse Credit’s availability under the Credit Facility from $310.0 million to $335.0 million; (ii) retain an accordion feature which allows for the expansion of the borrowing limit up to $375.0 million; and (iii) increase the minimum funding amount from $217.0 million to $234.5 million.
As of September 30, 2023, the Credit Facility provided for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount up to $335.0 million with an accordion feature which allows for the expansion of the borrowing limit up to $375.0 million, subject to consent from the Lender and other customary conditions. As of September 30, 2023, the required minimum outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility were $234.5 million.
Under the Credit Facility, there are two coverage tests that WhiteHorse Credit must meet on specified compliance dates in order to permit WhiteHorse Credit to make new borrowings and to make distributions in the ordinary course: (i) a borrowing base test and (ii) a market value test. The borrowing base test compares, at any given time, the aggregate outstanding amount of all Lender advances under the Credit Facility less the amount of principal proceeds in respect of the collateral on deposit in the accounts to the net asset value of the collateral, as set forth in the credit agreement, as amended and restated from time to time, in connection therewith (the “Amended Loan Agreement”), and related documentation. To meet the borrowing base test, this ratio must be less than or equal to 60%, as set forth in the Amended Loan Agreement and related documentation. To meet the market value test, the value of WhiteHorse Credit’s portfolio investments must exceed a minimum of 167.5% of the aggregate outstanding amount of all Lender advances as set forth in the Amended Loan Agreement and related documentation.
As of September 30, 2023, advances under the Credit Facility are based on SOFR for USD denominated borrowings plus an annual spread of 2.50%. The Credit Facility bears interest at EURIBOR, for EUR denominated borrowings, CDOR for CAD denominated borrowings, Sterling Overnight Index Average, for GBP denominated, plus a spread of 2.35% on outstanding borrowings. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. WhiteHorse Credit is required to pay a non-usage fee which accrues at 0.75% per annum on the average daily unused amount of the financing commitments, to the extent the aggregate principal amount available under the Credit Facility has not been borrowed. WhiteHorse Credit paid an upfront fee and incurred certain other customary costs and expenses in connection with obtaining the Credit Facility. Any amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest thereunder will be due and payable, on November 22, 2025.
The Credit Facility and the related documents require WhiteHorse Finance and WhiteHorse Credit to, among other things, agree to make certain customary representations and to comply with customary affirmative and negative covenants. The Credit Facility also includes customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature, including breaches of representations, warranties or covenants by WhiteHorse Finance or WhiteHorse Credit, the occurrence of a change in control, or failure to maintain certain required ratios.
If we fail to perform our obligations under the Amended Loan Agreement or the related agreements, an event of default may occur, which could cause the Lender to accelerate all of the outstanding debt and other obligations under the Credit Facility or to exercise other remedies under the Amended Loan Agreement. Any such developments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
If any of our contractual obligations discussed above is terminated, our costs under new agreements that we enter into may increase. In addition, we will likely incur significant time and expense in locating alternative parties to provide the services we expect to receive under our Investment Advisory Agreement and our Administration Agreement. Any new investment management agreement would also be subject to approval by our stockholders.
As of September 30, 2023, there was $208.6 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility and, based on collateral and portfolio requirements stipulated in the Credit Facility agreement, approximately $126.4 million was available to be drawn on such date. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets of WhiteHorse Credit, which included loans with a fair value of $564.3 million as of September 30, 2023.
As of December 31, 2022, there was $255.1 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility and, based on collateral and portfolio requirements stipulated in the Credit Facility agreement, approximately $79.9 million was available to be drawn on such date. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets of WhiteHorse Credit, which included loans with a fair value of $624.1 million as of December 31, 2022.
On July 13, 2018, we entered into the 2023 Note Purchase Agreement to sell in a private offering $30 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes to qualified institutional investors in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Interest on the 6.000% 2023 Notes was payable semiannually on February 7 and August 7, at a fixed, annual rate of 6.000%. This interest rate was subject to increase (up to 6.50%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 6.000% 2023 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. The 6.000% 2023 Notes were general unsecured obligations that ranked pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness that we may issue. The closing of the transaction occurred on August 7, 2018. We used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem existing debt. On August 7, 2023, the 6.000% 2023 Notes matured and were fully repaid by the Company.
On October 20, 2020, we entered into the 2025 Note Purchase Agreement to sell in a private offering $40 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes to qualified institutional investors in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Interest on the 5.375% 2025 Notes is payable semiannually on April 20 and October 20, at a fixed, annual rate of 5.375%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.375%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 5.375% 2025 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. The 5.375% 2025 Notes mature on October 20, 2025, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us or our affiliates in accordance with their terms. The 5.375% 2025 Notes are general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness that we may issue. The closing of the transaction occurred on October 20, 2020. We used the net proceeds from this offering to redeem existing debt.
On December 4, 2020, we entered into the 2026 Note Purchase Agreement to sell in a private offering $10 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes to qualified institutional investors in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Interest on the 5.375% 2026 Notes is payable semiannually on June 4 and December 4, at a fixed, annual rate of 5.375%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.375%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 5.375% 2026 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. The 5.375% 2026 Notes mature on December 4, 2026, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us or our affiliates in accordance with their terms. The 5.375% 2026 Notes are general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness that we may issue. The closing of the transaction occurred on December 4, 2020. We used the net proceeds from this offering to redeem existing debt.
79
On December 4, 2020, we entered into the 2027 Note Purchase Agreement to sell in a private offering $10 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes to qualified institutional investors in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Interest on the 5.625% 2027 Notes is payable semiannually on June 4 and December 4, at a fixed, annual rate of 5.625%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.625%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 5.625% 2027 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. The 5.625% 2027 Notes mature on December 4, 2027, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us or our affiliates in accordance with their terms. The 5.625% 2027 Notes are general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness that we may issue. The closing of the transaction occurred on December 4, 2020. We used the net proceeds from this offering to redeem existing debt.
On November 24, 2021, we completed a public offering of $75 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes, the net proceeds of which were used to fund investments in debt and equity securities and repay outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Facility. Interest on the 4.000% 2026 Notes is paid semiannually on June 15 and December 15, at a fixed, annual rate of 4.00%. The 4.000% 2026 Notes will mature on December 15, 2026 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time prior to September 15, 2026, at par plus a “make-whole” premium, and thereafter at par. The 4.000% 2026 Notes will rank equally in right of payment with our other outstanding and future unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness, including the 6.000% 2023 Notes, the 5.375% 2025 Notes, the 5.375% 2026 Notes, the 5.625% 2027 Notes and the 4.250% 2028 Notes. The 4.000% 2026 Notes will effectively rank behind all of our existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured in respect of which we subsequently grant security) in right of payment, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, including our Credit Facility.
On December 6, 2021, we entered into the 2028 Note Purchase Agreement to sell in a private offering $25 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes to qualified institutional investors in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Interest on the 4.250% 2028 Notes is payable semiannually on June 6 and December 6, at a fixed, annual rate of 4.25%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 5.25%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 4.250% 2028 Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. The 4.250% 2028 Notes mature on December 6, 2028, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us or our affiliates in accordance with their terms. The 4.250% 2028 Notes are general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness that we may issue. The closing of the transaction occurred on December 6, 2021. We used the net proceeds from this offering to redeem existing debt.
On August 24, 2023, the Company completed a public offering of 7.875% 2028 Notes in aggregate principal amount of $30 million, the net proceeds of which were used to fund investments in debt and equity securities and repay outstanding indebtedness under its revolving credit facility. Additionally the offering included an overallotment feature for up to an additional $4.5 million of aggregate principal amount under the same terms as the initial offering. On August 31, 2023, the underwriters fully exercised their option to purchase an additional $4.5 million, bringing the aggregate principal amount of the 7.875% 2028 Notes to $34.5 million. Interest on the 7.875% 2028 Notes is paid quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 each year, at an annual rate of 7.875%. The 7.875% 2028 Notes will mature on September 15, 2028 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time, or from time to time, at the Company’s option on or after September 15, 2025. The 7.875% 2028 Notes are direct unsecured obligations and are structurally subordinate to borrowings under the Credit Facility and will rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness we may issue. The 7.875% 2028 Notes are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “WHFCL.”
80
Portfolio Investments and Yield
As of September 30, 2023, our investment portfolio consisted primarily of senior secured loans across 109 positions in 69 companies with an aggregate fair value of $706.8 million. As of September 30, 2023, the majority of our portfolio was comprised of senior secured loans to lower middle market borrowers and nearly all of those loans were variable-rate investments (primarily indexed to SOFR) with four fixed-rate loan investments representing 0.9% based on fair value. As of September 30, 2023, our portfolio had an average investment size of $5.6 million based on fair value and average debt investment size of $7.4 million, with investment sizes ranging from zero to $21.8 million and a weighted average effective yield of 12.4% (and a weighted average effective yield on income-producing debt investments of 13.6%).
As of December 31, 2022, our investment portfolio consisted primarily of senior secured loans across 115 positions in 72 companies with an aggregate fair value of $760.2 million. As of December 31, 2022, the majority of our portfolio was comprised of senior secured loans to lower middle market borrowers and nearly all of those loans were variable-rate investments, primarily indexed to either SOFR or LIBOR, with fixed-rate loan investments representing 0.4% based on fair value. As of December 31, 2022, our portfolio had an average investment size of $5.8 million based on fair value and average debt investment size of $7.0 million, with investment sizes ranging from zero to $22.9 million and a weighted average effective yield of 12.2% (and a weighted average effective yield on income-producing debt investments of 12.6%).
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we invested $86.4 million in new and existing portfolio companies, offset by repayments and sales of $132.5 million. Proceeds from sales totaled $50.8 million while repayments included $9.2 million of scheduled repayments and $72.5 million of unscheduled repayments.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we invested $223.8 million in new and existing portfolio companies, offset by repayments and sales of $271.8 million. Proceeds from sales totaled $111.7 million while repayments included $9.1 million of scheduled repayments and $151.0 million of unscheduled repayments.
We actively monitor and manage our portfolio with regard to individual company performance as well as general market conditions. Investment decisions on new originations generally include an analysis of the impact of the new loan on our broader portfolio, including a “top-down” assessment of portfolio diversification and risk exposure. This assessment includes a review of portfolio concentration by issuer, industry, geography and type of credit as well as an evaluation of our portfolio’s exposure to macroeconomic factors and cyclical trends.
We believe that consistent, active monitoring of individual companies and the broader market is integral to portfolio management and a critical component of our investment process. Our investment adviser uses several methods to evaluate and monitor the performance and fair value of our investments, which may include the following:
As part of the monitoring process, our investment adviser regularly assesses the risk profile of each of our investments and, on a quarterly basis, grades each investment on a risk scale of 1 to 5. This risk rating system is intended to identify and assess risks relative to when we initially made the investment and could be impacted by such factors as company-specific performance, changes in collateral, changes in potential exit opportunities or macroeconomic conditions.
All investments are initially assigned a rating of 2, as this grade represents a company that is meeting initial expectations with regard to performance and outlook. A rating may be improved to a 1 if, in the opinion of our
investment adviser, a portfolio company’s risk of loss has been reduced relative to initial expectations. An investment will be assigned a rating of 3 if the risk of loss has increased relative to initial expectations and will be assigned a rating of 4 if our investment principal is at a material risk of not being fully repaid. A rating of 5 indicates an investment is in payment default and has significant risk of not receiving full repayment.
The following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment performance rating scale at fair value:
Investment Performance Rating ($ in millions)
Investments atFair Value
Percentage ofTotal Portfolio
138.1
19.5
65.2
414.9
58.7
503.5
66.2
129.8
18.4
168.6
22.2
21.3
22.9
Total Portfolio
706.8
760.2
Distributions
In order to maintain our status as a RIC and to avoid the imposition of corporate-level tax on income, we must distribute dividends to our stockholders each taxable year of an amount generally at least equal to the sum of 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses out of the assets legally available for distribution. In order to avoid the imposition of certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we must distribute dividends in respect of each calendar year of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gains in excess of capital losses, or capital gain net income, adjusted for certain ordinary losses, for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gain net income for preceding years that were not distributed during such years on which we incurred no U.S. federal income tax.
The timing and amount of our quarterly distributions, if any, are determined by our board of directors. While we intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution, 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 our distributions from time to time. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions due to the asset coverage requirements applicable to us as a business development company under the 1940 Act. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including the possible loss of our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC. We cannot assure stockholders that they will receive any distributions.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 we declared to stockholders distributions of $0.37 and $1.165, respectively, per share for total distributions of $8.6 million and $27.1 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 we declared to stockholders distributions of $0.355 and $1.065, respectively, per share for total distributions of $8.3 million and $24.7 million, respectively.
82
To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for a fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a return of capital to our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the source of a distribution to our stockholders may be the original capital invested by the stockholder rather than our income or gains. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we estimate that distributions to stockholders included $27.1 million of ordinary income, for tax purposes, based on earnings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and current earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The specific tax characteristics of the distribution are reported to stockholders subject to tax reporting on Form 1099-DIV after the end of each calendar year and in our periodic reports with the SEC. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution payment carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.
In addition, in order to satisfy the annual distribution requirement applicable to RICs, we may declare a significant portion of our dividends in shares of our common stock instead of in cash. As long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash (which portion may be as low as 20% of such dividend under published guidance from the Internal Revenue Service) and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a stockholder generally would be subject to tax on 100% of the fair market value of the dividend on the date the dividend is received by the stockholder in the same manner as a cash dividend, even though most of the dividend was paid in shares of our common stock.
We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan, or the DRIP, 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 a stockholder specifically “opts out” of our DRIP. If a stockholder opts out, that stockholder receives cash distributions. Although distributions paid in the form of additional shares of our common stock will generally be subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes in the same manner as cash distributions, stockholders participating in our DRIP will not receive any corresponding cash distributions with which to pay any such applicable taxes.
Related Party Transactions
We have entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:
We entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with WhiteHorse Advisers in accordance with the 1940 Act on December 4, 2012, which was most recently amended on November 1, 2018. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, WhiteHorse Advisers manages our day-to-day investment operations and provides us with access to personnel and an investment committee and certain other resources so that we may fulfill our obligation to act as a portfolio manager of WhiteHorse Credit under the Credit Facility. Payments under the Investment Advisory Agreement in future periods will be equal to (1) a management fee equal to 2.0% of the value of our consolidated gross assets; provided, however, that the management fee on consolidated gross assets financed using leverage over 200% asset coverage (in other words, over 1.0x debt to equity) will be equal to 1.25% and (2) an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement” in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
We also entered into the Administration Agreement with WhiteHorse Administration on December 4, 2012. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, WhiteHorse Administration furnishes us with office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. WhiteHorse Administration also furnishes us with resources necessary for us to act as portfolio manager to WhiteHorse Credit under the Credit Facility. If requested to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies, WhiteHorse Administration will be paid an additional amount based on the services provided, which amount will not, in any case, exceed the amount we receive from the portfolio companies for such services. Payments under the Administration Agreement will be based upon our allocable portion of WhiteHorse Administration’s overhead expenses in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and our allocable portion of the costs of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer along with their respective staffs.
WhiteHorse Advisers, WhiteHorse Administration or their respective affiliates may have other clients with similar, different or competing investment objectives. In serving in these multiple capacities, WhiteHorse Advisers, WhiteHorse Administration or their respective affiliates may have obligations to other clients or investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. Such persons may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among us and other investment funds or accounts advised by or affiliated with WhiteHorse Advisers or WhiteHorse Administration. WhiteHorse Advisers or its affiliates will seek to allocate investment opportunities among eligible accounts in a manner that is fair and equitable over time and consistent with its allocation policy. However, we can offer no assurance that such opportunities will be allocated to us fairly or equitably in the short-term or over time.
We depend on the communications and information systems and policies of WhiteHorse Advisers and its affiliates as well as certain third-party service providers to monitor and prevent cybersecurity incidents. Our board of directors and management periodically review and assess the effectiveness of such communications and information systems and policies.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. We have identified the following as critical accounting policies and estimates.
Principles of Consolidation
Under the investment company financial accounting guidance, as formally codified in Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies, we are precluded from consolidating any entity other than another investment company. As provided under ASC Topic 946, we generally consolidate any investment company when we own 100% of its partners’ or members’ capital or equity units. We own a 100% equity interest in each of WhiteHorse Credit, WhiteHorse Finance (CA), LLC (“WhiteHorse California”), WHF PMA Holdco Blocker, LLC, WHF American Craft Blocker, LLC, WhiteHorse RCKC Holdings, LLC and WhiteHorse Finance Holdings, LLC, which are investment companies for accounting purposes. As such, we have consolidated the accounts of WhiteHorse Credit, WhiteHorse California, WHF PMA Holdco Blocker, LLC, WHF American Craft Blocker, LLC, WhiteHorse RCKC Holdings LLC and WhiteHorse Finance Holdings, LLC into our financial statements. As a result of this consolidation, the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility is treated as our indebtedness.
Valuation of Portfolio Investments
We value our investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. ASC Topic 820’s definition of fair value focuses on exit price in the principal, or most advantageous, market and prioritizes the use of market-based inputs over entity-specific inputs within a measurement of fair value.
In addition, on December 3, 2020, the SEC announced that it adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, which establishes an updated regulatory framework for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. The new rule clarifies how fund boards can satisfy their fair valuation obligations in light of recent market developments. The rule permits boards to designate the fund’s investment adviser to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Effective September 8, 2022, the Board designated the Investment Adviser as the Company’s valuation designee to perform the fair value determinations relating to all of our investments, subject to the oversight of the Board.
Our portfolio consists primarily of debt investments. These investments are valued at their bid quotations obtained from unaffiliated market makers or other financial institutions that trade in similar investments or based on prices provided by independent third party pricing services. For investments where there are no available bid quotations, fair value is derived using proprietary models that consider the analyses of independent valuation agents as well as credit risk, liquidity, market credit spreads and other applicable factors for similar transactions.
Due to the nature of our strategy, our portfolio includes relatively illiquid investments that are privately held. Valuations of privately held investments are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. The determination of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed. Our net asset value could be materially affected if the determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher or lower than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such investments.
The Investment Adviser, as the valuation designee, is ultimately responsible for determining the fair value of the portfolio investments that are not publicly traded, whose market prices are not readily available on a quarterly basis in good faith or any other situation where portfolio investments require a fair value determination. The Investment Adviser has retained one or more independent valuation firms to review the valuation of each portfolio investment that does not have a readily available market quotation at least once during each 12-month period. Independent valuation firms retained by the Investment Adviser provide a valuation review on approximately 25% of our investments for which market quotations are not readily available each quarter to ensure that the fair value of each investment for which a market quote is not readily available is reviewed by an independent valuation firm at least once during each 12-month period. However, the Investment Adviser does not intend to have de minimis investments of less than 1.5% of our total assets (up to an aggregate of 10% of our total assets) independently reviewed.
The valuation process is conducted at the end of each fiscal quarter, with a portion of our valuations of portfolio companies without market quotations subject to review by one or more independent valuation firms each quarter. When an external event occurs with respect to one of our portfolio companies, such as when a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we expect to use the pricing indicated by such external event to corroborate our valuation.
With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, our Investment Adviser undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:
Fair value of publicly traded instruments is generally based on quoted market prices. Fair value of non-publicly traded instruments, and of publicly traded instruments for which quoted market prices are not readily available, may be determined based on other relevant factors, including without limitation, quotations from unaffiliated market makers or independent third party pricing services, the price activity of equivalent instruments and valuation pricing models. For those investments valued using quotations, the bid price is generally used unless we determine that it is not representative of an exit price.
Fair value is the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation models involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. Our fair value analysis includes an analysis of the value of any unfunded loan commitments. Financial investments recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements are categorized for disclosure purposes based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. The valuation hierarchical levels are based upon the transparency of the inputs to the valuation of the investment as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
Investments for which fair value is determined using inputs defined above as Level 3 are fair valued using the income and market approaches, which may include the discounted cash flow method, reference to performance statistics of industry comparables, relative comparable yield analysis and, in certain cases, third party valuations performed by independent valuation firms. The valuation methods can reference various factors and use various inputs such as assumed growth rates, capitalization rates and discount rates, loan-to-value ratios, liquidation value, relative capital structure priority, market comparables, compliance with applicable loan, covenant and interest coverage performance, book value, market derived multiples, reserve valuation, assessment of credit ratings of an underlying borrower, review of ongoing performance, review of financial projections as compared to actual performance, review of interest rate and yield risk. Such factors may be given different weighting depending on our assessment of the underlying investment, and we may analyze apparently comparable investments in different ways.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is 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 the financial instrument.
Fair value for each investment is derived using a combination of valuation methodologies that, in the judgment of the investment committee of the investment adviser are most relevant to such investment, including being based on one or more of the following: (i) market prices obtained from market makers for which the investment committee has deemed there to be enough breadth (number of quotes) and depth (firm bids) to be indicative of fair value, (ii) the price paid or realized in a completed transaction or binding offer received in an arm’s-length transaction, (iii) a discounted cash flow analysis, (iv) the guideline public company method, (v) the similar transaction method or (vi) the option pricing method.
86
Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income and Expense
We record our investment transactions on a trade date basis, which is the date when we have determined that all material terms have been defined for the transactions. These transactions could possibly settle on a subsequent date depending on the transaction type. All related revenue and expenses attributable to these transactions are reflected on our consolidated statements of operations commencing on the trade date unless otherwise specified by the transaction documents. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are recorded on the specific identification method.
We accrue interest income if we expect that ultimately we will be able to collect it. Generally, when an interest payment default occurs on a loan in our portfolio, or if our management otherwise believes that the issuer of the loan will not be able to service the loan and other obligations, we place the loan on non-accrual status and will cease recognizing interest income on that loan until all principal and interest is current through payment or until a restructuring occurs, such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. However, we remain contractually entitled to this interest. We may make exceptions to this policy if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. Accrued interest is written off when it becomes probable that such interest will not be collected and the amount of uncollectible interest can be reasonably estimated. Any original issue discount, as well as any other market purchase discount or premium on debt investments, are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense, respectively, over the maturity periods of the investments. Dividend income is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies.
Interest expense is recorded on an accrual basis. Certain expenses related to legal and tax consultation, due diligence, rating fees, valuation expenses and independent collateral appraisals may arise when we make certain investments. These expenses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as they are incurred.
Loan Origination, Facility, Commitment and Amendment Fees
We may receive fees in addition to interest income from the loans during the life of the investment. We may receive origination fees upon the origination of an investment. We defer these origination fees and deduct them from the cost basis of the investment and subsequently accrete them into income over the term of the loan. We may receive facility, commitment and amendment fees, which are paid to us on an ongoing basis. We accrue facility fees, sometimes referred to as asset management fees, as a percentage periodic fee on the base amount (either the funded facility amount or the committed principal amount). Commitment fees are based upon the undrawn portion committed by us and we record them on an accrual basis. Amendment fees are paid in connection with loan amendments and waivers and we account for them upon completion of the amendments or waivers, generally when such fees are receivable. We include any such fees in fee income on the consolidated statements of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, which discusses recent accounting pronouncements applicable to us, if any.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. During the period covered by our financial statements, many of the loans in our portfolio had floating interest rates, and we expect that many of our loans to portfolio companies in the future will also have floating interest rates. These floating rate loans are usually based on a base rate, such as SOFR, that resets on a periodic basis. Interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on our investments, the value of our common stock and our rate of return on invested capital. Since we plan to use debt to finance investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income.
Assuming that the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2023 was to remain constant and that we took no actions to alter our existing interest rate sensitivity, the following table shows the annualized impact of hypothetical base rate changes in interest rates (dollars in thousands).
Increase (Decrease)
Net Increase
Basis Point Increase (Decrease)
in Interest Income
in Interest Expense
(Decrease)(1)
(300)
(19,854)
(6,292)
(13,562)
(200)
(13,254)
(4,195)
(9,059)
(100)
(6,627)
(2,097)
(4,530)
6,627
4,530
13,254
4,195
9,059
19,882
6,292
13,590
As of September 30, 2023, nearly all of the performing floating rate investments in our portfolio had interest rate floors. Variable-rate investments subject to a floor generally reset periodically to the applicable floor and, in the case of investments in our portfolio, quarterly to a floor based on base rates, only if the floor exceeds the index. Under these loans, we do not benefit from increases in interest rates until such rates exceed the floor and thereafter benefit from market rates above any such floor.
For a discussion of the risks associated with the discontinuation of LIBOR, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure — Since we are using debt to finance our investments, and we may use additional debt or preferred stock financing going forward, changes in interest rates may affect our cost of capital, net investment income, value of our common stock and our rate of return on invested capital” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Although management believes that this analysis is indicative of our existing sensitivity to interest rate changes, it does not adjust for changes in the credit markets, the size, credit quality or composition of the assets in our portfolio and other business developments, including borrowing, that could affect net increase in net assets resulting from operations or net income. It also does not adjust for the effect of the time-lag between a change in the relevant interest rate index and the rate adjustment under the applicable loan. Accordingly, we can offer no assurances that actual results would not differ materially from the statement above.
We may in the future hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options and forward contracts to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and applicable commodities laws. While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to the investments in our portfolio with fixed interest rates.
We may enter into foreign currency forward contracts from time to time to facilitate settlement of purchases and sales of investments denominated in foreign currencies and to hedge economically the impact that an adverse change in foreign exchange rates would have on the value of our investments denominated in foreign currencies. We currently utilize forward foreign currency exchange contracts to protect ourselves against fluctuations in exchange rates. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements. The following table provides a breakdown of our forward currency contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
88
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the period covered by this report, we, including our chief executive officer 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) under the Exchange Act). Based on our evaluation, our management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of material information about us required to be included in our periodic SEC filings. However, in evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, are based upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and 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 possible controls and procedures. There has not been any change in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Although we may, from time to time, be involved in litigation arising out of our operations in the normal course of business or otherwise, each of WhiteHorse Finance, WhiteHorse Advisers and WhiteHorse Administration is currently not a party to any material legal proceeding.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the below risk factor and other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the “Risk Factors” discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Our business and the businesses of our portfolio companies are dependent on bank relationships and recent concerns associated with the banking system may adversely impact us.
Earlier this year, the financial markets experienced volatility in connection with concerns that some banks, especially small and regional banks, may have significant investment-related losses that might make it difficult to fund demands to withdraw deposits and other liquidity needs. Although the federal government has announced measures to assist certain banks and protect depositors, some banks have already been impacted and others may be adversely impacted in the future, by such volatility. Our business and the businesses of our portfolio companies are dependent on bank relationships, and we are proactively monitoring the financial health of these relationships. Continued strain on the banking system may adversely impact the business, financial condition and results of operations of us and our portfolio companies.
We hold our cash and cash equivalents that we use to meet our working capital needs in deposit accounts at multiple financial institutions. The balance held in these accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation standard deposit insurance limit or similar government guarantee schemes. If a financial institution in which we hold such funds fails or is subject to significant adverse conditions in the financial or credit markets, we could be subject to a risk of loss of all or a portion of such uninsured funds or be subject to a delay in accessing all or a portion of such uninsured funds. Any such loss or lack of access to these funds could adversely impact our short-term liquidity and ability to meet our obligations. We also maintain investment accounts with other financial institutions in which we hold our investments and, if access to the funds we use for working capital is impaired, we may not be able to sell investments or transfer funds from our investment accounts to new accounts on a timely basis sufficient to meet our working capital needs.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 6. Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number
Description
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated August 24, 2023, between the Company and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (f/k/a American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on August 24, 2023)
Form of 7.875% Notes due 2028 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K, filed on August 24, 2023)
31.1*
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
31.2*
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.1*
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.2*
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
Filed herewith
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: November 9, 2023
By
/s/ Stuart Aronson
Stuart Aronson
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Joyson C. Thomas
Joyson C. Thomas
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)