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 March 31, 2022
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 001-36364
Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
27-3380000
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1500,
Dallas, TX
75201
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (469) 621-3001
Not applicable
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
TSLX
The New York Stock Exchange
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 the 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 Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value per share, outstanding at May 3, 2022 was 76,310,056.
SIXTH STREET SPECIALTY LENDING, INC.
INDEX
PAGE
NO.
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
4
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2022 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2021
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (Unaudited)
5
Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of March 31, 2022 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2021
6
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (Unaudited)
21
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (Unaudited)
22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
23
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
48
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
68
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
70
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
71
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
76
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
SIGNATURES
77
2
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about us, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements.
In addition to factors previously identified elsewhere in the reports and other documents Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc. has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance:
•
an economic downturn, including the current and future economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, could impair our portfolio companies’ abilities to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in those portfolio companies;
such an economic downturn could disproportionately impact the companies in which we have invested and others that we intend to target for investment, potentially causing us to experience a decrease in investment opportunities and diminished demand for capital from these companies;
such an economic downturn could also impact availability and pricing of our financing;
an inability to access the capital markets could impair our ability to raise capital and our investment activities;
inflation could negatively impact our business, including our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms, or could negatively impact our portfolio companies; and
the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this report, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2022, and elsewhere in our filings with the SEC.
Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, some of those assumptions are based on the work of third parties and any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate; as a result, forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could prove to be inaccurate. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this report should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or any other information contained herein, except as required by applicable law.
The “TSLX” and “TAO” marks are marks of Sixth Street.
3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
March 31,
December 31,
2022
2021
Assets
Investments at fair value
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (amortized cost of $2,301,668 and $2,354,984, respectively)
$
2,375,860
2,434,797
Non-controlled, affiliated investments (amortized cost of $0 and $12,666, respectively)
—
27,017
Controlled, affiliated investments (amortized cost of $64,362 and $64,362, respectively)
75,999
59,779
Total investments at fair value (amortized cost of $2,366,030 and $2,432,012, respectively)
2,451,859
2,521,593
Cash and cash equivalents (restricted cash of $19,069 and $14,399, respectively)
23,494
15,967
Interest receivable
11,674
10,775
Prepaid expenses and other assets
4,148
3,522
Total Assets
2,491,175
2,551,857
Liabilities
Debt (net of deferred financing costs of $17,755 and $19,147, respectively)
1,121,190
1,185,964
Management fees payable to affiliate
9,330
9,380
Incentive fees on net investment income payable to affiliate
7,877
9,789
Incentive fees on net capital gains accrued to affiliate
16,351
14,928
Dividends payable
31,162
30,926
Other payables to affiliate
2,943
3,149
Other liabilities
18,337
21,873
Total Liabilities
1,207,190
1,276,009
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Net Assets
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares
issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 76,366,724 and
76,067,586 shares issued, respectively; and 76,070,680 and 75,771,542 shares
outstanding, respectively
764
761
Additional paid-in capital
1,195,695
1,189,275
Treasury stock at cost; 296,044 and 296,044 shares held, respectively
(4,291
)
Distributable earnings
91,817
90,103
Total Net Assets
1,283,985
1,275,848
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
Net Asset Value Per Share
16.88
16.84
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2022
March 31, 2021
Income
Investment income from non-controlled, non-affiliated investments:
Interest from investments
64,233
61,765
Dividend income
235
507
Other income
1,762
2,277
Total investment income from non-controlled, non-affiliated investments
66,230
64,549
Investment income from non-controlled, affiliated investments:
133
211
545
Total investment income from non-controlled, affiliated investments
756
Investment income from controlled, affiliated investments:
1,065
936
1
Total investment income from controlled, affiliated investments
1,066
937
Total Investment Income
67,429
66,242
Expenses
Interest
9,602
8,953
Management fees
8,738
Incentive fees on net investment income
7,811
Incentive fees on net capital gains
1,424
4,515
Professional fees
1,484
1,395
Directors’ fees
191
194
Other general and administrative
1,459
1,866
Total expenses
31,367
33,472
Management fees waived (Note 3)
Net Expenses
Net Investment Income Before Income Taxes
36,062
32,770
Income taxes, including excise taxes
350
460
Net Investment Income
35,712
32,310
Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses):
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments
(5,622
9,363
Non-controlled, affiliated investments
(14,350
2,082
Controlled, affiliated investments
16,220
(1
Translation of other assets and liabilities in foreign currencies
(1,800
Interest rate swaps
(2,943
(1,822
Total net change in unrealized gains (losses)
(8,495
9,755
Realized gains (losses):
8
14,619
13,673
(33
Foreign currency transactions
(13
Total net realized gains (losses)
13,668
14,587
Total Net Unrealized and Realized Gains (Losses)
5,173
24,342
Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
40,885
56,652
Earnings per common share—basic
0.54
0.81
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding—basic
75,972,079
69,691,162
Earnings per common share—diluted
0.51
0.75
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding—diluted
81,536,251
77,356,492
Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of March 31, 2022
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
Company (1)(6)
Investment
Initial
Acquisition
Date
Reference
Rate and
Spread
Interest Rate
Amortized
Cost (2)(8)
Fair Value (9)
Percentage
of Net Assets
Debt Investments
Business services
Acceo Solutions,
Inc. (3)(4)(5)
First-lien loan (CAD 73,875 par, due 10/2025)
7/6/2018
C + 4.75
%
5.86
55,623
$60,919
(CAD 76,091)
4.7
Alpha Midco, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($65,388 par, due 8/2025)
8/15/2019
L + 7.50
8.56
64,323
66,592
5.2
Dye & Durham Corp. (3)(4)
First-lien loan (CAD 32,772 par, due 12/2027)
12/3/2021
C + 5.75
6.50
24,952
26,718
(CAD 33,372)
2.2
ExtraHop Networks, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($52,379 par, due 7/2027)
7/22/2021
8.51
51,097
51,462
4.0
ForeScout Technologies, Inc. (3)
First-lien loan ($6,054 par, due 8/2026)
8/17/2020
L + 9.50
10.60% (incl. 9.50% PIK)
5,940
6,086
0.5
Information Clearinghouse, LLC
and MS Market Service,
LLC (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($17,955 par, due 12/2026)
12/20/2021
L + 6.50
7.50
17,506
1.4
Netwrix Corp. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($70,600 par, due 9/2026)
9/30/2020
L + 6.00
7.00
69,427
70,600
5.5
ReliaQuest Holdings, LLC (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($48,964 par, due 10/2026)
10/8/2020
L + 8.25
9.26
48,015
50,884
WideOrbit, Inc. (3)
First-lien loan ($50,182 par, due 7/2025)
7/8/2020
L + 8.50
9.75
49,602
51,555
386,485
402,322
31.5
Communications
Celtra Technologies, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($34,913 par, due 11/2026)
11/19/2021
L + 7.00
8.00
33,881
33,865
2.6
IntelePeer Holdings, Inc.
First-lien loan ($34,956 par, due 12/2024) (3)
12/2/2019
34,897
34,694
2.7
Convertible note ($4,188 par, due 5/2028)
5/12/2021
6.00
6.00% PIK
4,152
4,167
0.3
72,930
72,726
5.6
Education
Astra Acquisition Corp. (3)
Second-lien loan ($43,490 par, due 10/2029)
10/25/2021
L + 8.88
9.63
42,647
42,511
3.3
Destiny Solutions Parent
Holding Company (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($60,000 par, due 6/2026)
6/8/2021
58,857
58,950
4.6
EMS Linq, Inc. (3)
First-lien loan ($56,216 par, due 12/2027)
12/22/2021
L + 6.25
7.26
54,966
54,754
4.3
Frontline Technologies
Group, LLC (3)
First-lien loan ($86,246 par, due 9/2023)
9/18/2017
L + 5.25
6.25
86,049
86,246
6.7
Illuminate Education,
Inc.(3)(5)
First-lien loan ($62,563 par, due 8/2022)
8/25/2017
7.25
62,434
62,563
4.9
304,953
305,024
23.8
Financial Services
AvidXchange, Inc. (3)(4)(5)
First-lien loan ($11,331 par, due 4/2024)
10/1/2019
L + 9.00
10.06
11,263
11,392
0.9
Bear OpCo, LLC (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($19,525 par, due 10/2024)
10/10/2019
19,224
19,330
1.5
BlueSnap, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($35,000 par, due 10/2024)
10/25/2019
L + 6.75
7.76
34,500
35,356
G Treasury SS, LLC (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($63,090 par, due 4/2023)
4/9/2018
62,481
64,085
5.0
Ibis Intermediate Co. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($1,538 par, due 5/2027)
5/28/2021
L + 5.00
5.50
1,411
1,597
0.1
Ibis US Blocker Co. (3)
First-lien loan ($12,947 par, due 5/2028)
8.75% PIK
12,679
12,720
1.0
Jonas Collections and
Recovery, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($27,313 par, due 6/2026)
6/21/2021
L + 5.75
6.75
26,818
26,971
2.1
Kyriba Corp.(3)
First-lien loan ($17,804 par, due 4/2025)
4/9/2019
10.50% (incl. 9.00% PIK)
17,571
17,937
First-lien loan (EUR 9,275 par, due 4/2025)
E + 9.00
9.00% PIK
10,306
10,397
(EUR 9,344)
0.8
First-lien revolving loan ($1,411 par, due 4/2025)
L + 7.25
8.75
1,389
First-lien revolving loan (EUR 336 par, due 4/2025)
E + 7.25
371
374
(EUR 336)
0.0
Passport Labs, Inc. (3)
First-lien loan ($17,197 par, due 4/2026)
4/28/2021
9.25% (incl. 4.125% PIK)
16,929
16,979
1.3
PrimeRevenue, Inc. (3)
First-lien loan ($22,507 par, due 12/2023)
12/31/2018
8.50
22,382
22,942
1.8
TradingScreen, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($45,000 par, due 4/2027)
4/30/2021
43,822
44,438
3.5
281,146
285,942
22.2
Healthcare
BCTO Ace Purchaser, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($54,859 par, due 11/2026)
11/23/2020
53,637
54,996
Caris Life Sciences, Inc.
First-lien loan ($5,000 par, due 9/2023)
9/21/2018
11.30
4,935
5,175
0.4
First-lien loan ($3,750 par, due 4/2025)
4/2/2020
3,559
3,984
Convertible note ($2,602 par, due 9/2023)
2,602
9,901
Homecare Software Solutions,
First-lien loan ($65,000 par, due 10/2026)
10/6/2021
SOFR + 5.60
6.60
63,525
63,700
Integrated Practice
Solutions, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($48,375 par, due 10/2024)
6/30/2017
47,355
49,101
3.8
175,613
186,857
14.6
Hotel, Gaming and Leisure
IRGSE Holding Corp. (3)(7)
First-lien loan ($30,261 par, due 6/2022)
9/29/2015
10.51
28,595
30,261
2.3
First-lien revolving loan ($12,327 par, due 6/2022)
12,327
40,922
42,588
Human Resource Support Services
Axonify, Inc. (3)(4)(5)
First-lien loan ($32,445 par, due 5/2026)
5/5/2021
31,708
32,156
2.5
DaySmart Holdings, LLC (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($48,637 par, due 10/2025)
12/18/2020
48,535
49,426
First-lien revolving loan ($3,000 par, due 10/2025)
3,003
3,045
0.2
Elysian Finco Ltd. (3)(4)(5)
First-lien loan ($15,747 par, due 1/2028)
1/31/2022
SOFR + 6.50
15,188
15,180
1.2
Employment Hero Holdings Pty
Ltd. (4)
First-lien loan (AUD 40,000 par, due 12/2026) (3)
12/6/2021
B + 6.50
27,397
29,210
(AUD 38,898)
PageUp People, Ltd. (3)(4)(5)
First-lien loan (AUD 15,982 par, due 12/2025)
1/11/2018
B + 5.50
11,756
11,462
(AUD 15,263)
First-lien loan (GBP 4,723 par, due 12/2025)
10/28/2021
S + 5.50
6.37
6,500
6,141
(GBP 4,664)
7
First-lien loan ($12,989 par, due 12/2025)
L + 5.50
6.51
12,971
12,827
PayScale Holdings, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($69,300 par, due 5/2024)
5/3/2019
7.01
68,416
69,300
5.4
PrimePay Intermediate,
First-lien loan ($26,933 par, due 12/2026)
12/17/2021
25,794
25,885
2.0
Modern Hire, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($29,449 par, due 5/2024)
5/15/2019
29,059
30,038
Workwell Acquisition Co. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($19,700 par, due 10/2025)
10/19/2020
8.25
19,245
19,849
299,572
304,519
23.6
Internet Services
Bayshore Intermediate #2,
L.P. (3)
First-lien loan ($29,417 par, due 10/2028)
10/1/2021
L + 7.75
8.50% PIK
28,754
28,701
Higher Logic, LLC (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($56,902 par, due 1/2024)
6/18/2018
8.26
56,451
57,186
4.4
Lithium Technologies,
LLC (3)
First-lien loan ($54,700 par, due 10/2022)
10/3/2017
L + 8.00
9.03
54,546
54,700
First-lien revolving loan ($1,320 par, due 10/2022)
9.00
1,314
1,319
Lucidworks, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($7,859 par, due 2/2027)
2/11/2022
SOFR + 7.50
8.50% (incl. 3.50% PIK)
7,859
7,837
0.6
Piano Software, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($51,703 par, due 2/2026)
2/25/2021
50,645
51,161
199,569
200,904
15.6
Marketing Services
Acoustic, L.P. (3)
First-lien note ($33,330 par, due 6/2024)
12/17/2019
32,588
31,747
Office Products
USR Parent, Inc. (3)(5)
ABL FILO term loan ($5,186 par, due 9/2022)
9/12/2017
5,186
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
Mississippi Resources,
LLC (3)(7)(15)
First-lien loan ($1,500 par, due 12/2022)
6/29/2018
P + 8.00
12.00
1,498
TRP Assets, LLC (3)
First-lien loan ($42,000 par, due 12/2025)
9.50
41,076
42,000
42,574
Other
Omnigo Software, LLC (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($40,660 par, due 3/2026)
3/31/2021
39,820
40,253
3.1
Pharmaceuticals
Biohaven Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (3)(4)
First-lien loan ($42,186 par, due 8/2025)
8/7/2020
10.01% (incl. 4.00% PIK)
41,321
43,979
3.4
First-lien loan ($22,957 par, due 9/2026)
9/30/2021
9.26% (incl. 4.00% PIK)
22,203
23,932
1.9
TherapeuticsMD, Inc. (3)(4)
First-lien loan ($31,350 par, due 6/2022)
4/24/2019
10.45
30,739
31,350
2.4
94,263
99,261
7.7
Retail and Consumer Products
99 Cents Only Stores
ABL FILO term loan ($25,000 par, due 5/2025)
9/6/2017
24,723
25,438
American Achievement,
Corp. (3)
First-lien loan ($25,615 par, due 9/2026)
9/30/2015
7.25% (incl. 6.75% PIK)
24,711
19,083
First-lien loan ($1,368 par, due 9/2026) (15)
6/10/2021
L + 14.00
15.00% (incl. 14.50% PIK)
1,368
99
Subordinated note ($4,740 par, due 9/2026) (15)
3/16/2021
L + 1.00
2.00% PIK
Moran Foods, LLC (3)
ABL FILO term loan ($32,933 par, due 4/2024)
4/1/2020
32,574
33,263
Neuintel, LLC (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($53,100 par, due 12/2026)
51,961
51,773
Project P Intermediate 2, LLC (3)
ABL FILO term loan ($75,000 par, due 5/2026)
11/8/2021
9.25
73,609
74,438
5.8
Tango Management Consulting,
First-lien loan ($39,300 par, due 12/2027)
12/1/2021
38,245
38,144
3.0
247,736
242,309
18.9
Transportation
Project44, Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($35,139 par, due 11/2027)
11/12/2021
33,876
34,039
Total Debt Investments
2,257,220
2,295,677
178.8
Equity and Other Investments
Business Services
Dye & Durham, Ltd. (4)(11)(13)
Common Shares (126,968 shares)
3,909
2,550
(CAD 3,185)
ReliaQuest, LLC (12)(13)(14)
Class A-1 Units (567,683 units)
11/23/2021
1,120
Sprinklr, Inc. (4)(11)(12)(13)
Common Shares (484,700 shares)
6/24/2021
4,180
5,768
WideOrbit, Inc. (12)
1,567,807 Warrants
327
2,482
9,536
11,920
Celtra Technologies, Inc. (12)(13)
Class A Units (1,250,000 units)
1,250
IntelePeer Holdings, Inc. (12)
Series C Preferred Shares (1,816,295 shares) (13)
4/8/2021
1,816
2,829
Series D Preferred Shares (1,598,874 shares) (13)
2,925
280,000 Warrants
2/28/2020
183
288
106,592 Warrants (13)
38
6,174
7,330
Astra 2L Holdings II LLC (12)(13)
Membership Interest (10.17% ownership)
1/13/2022
3,255
EMS Linq, Inc. (12)(13)
Class B Units (5,522,526 units)
5,523
RMCF IV CIV XXXV,
LP. (4)(12)(13)
Partnership Interest (11.94% ownership)
1,000
1,355
9,778
10,133
AvidXchange, Inc. (4)(11)(12)(13)
Common Shares (200,721 shares)
10/15/2021
1,022
1,616
Newport Parent Holdings, LP (12)
Class A-2 Units (131,569 units)
12/10/2020
4,177
2,527
Oxford Square Capital
Corp. (4)(11)
Common Shares (1,620 shares)
8/5/2015
Passport Labs, Inc. (12)(13)
17,534 Warrants
192
TradingScreen, Inc. (12)(13)(14)
Class A Units (600,000 units)
5/14/2021
600
5,997
4,942
Caris Life Sciences, Inc. (12)
Series C Preferred Shares (362,319 shares)
10/13/2020
2,265
Series D Preferred Shares (1,240,740 shares) (13)
5/11/2021
10,050
633,376 Warrants
2,743
569,991 Warrants
250
2,369
9
Valant Medical Solutions,
Inc. (12)(14)
Class A Units (121,772 units) (13)
3/10/2021
122
199
954,478 Warrants
4/8/2019
281
605
11,895
18,231
IRGSE Holding Corp. (7)(12)
Class A Units (33,790,171 units)
12/21/2018
21,842
33,368
Class C-1 Units (8,800,000 units)
100
43
21,942
33,411
Axonify, Inc. (4)(12)(13)(14)
Class A-1 Units (3,780,000 units)
3,780
ClearCompany, LLC (12)(14)
Series A Preferred Units (1,429,228 units)
8/24/2018
2,014
5,393
DaySmart Holdings, LLC (12)(14)
Class A Units (166,811 units)
1,347
2,158
Ltd. (4)(12)(13)
Series E Preferred Shares (113,250 shares)
3/1/2022
2,134
(AUD 2,842)
9,275
13,465
1.1
L.P. (12)(13)(14)
Common Units (12,330,709 units)
12,331
Lucidworks, Inc. (12)
Series F Preferred Shares (199,054 shares)
8/2/2019
800
808
Piano Software, Inc. (12)(13)
Series C-1 Preferred Shares (418,527 shares)
3,000
16,131
16,139
Validity, Inc. (12)
Series A Preferred Shares (3,840,000 shares)
5/31/2018
3,840
14,208
TherapeuticsMD, Inc. (12)
712,817 Warrants
8/5/2020
1,029
131
American Achievement, Corp. (12)
Class A Units (687 units)
50
Copper Bidco, LLC (10)
Trust Certificates (132,928 Certificates)
12/7/2020
493
1,529
Trust Certificates (996,958 Certificates)
1/30/2021
4,604
15,951
Neuintel, LLC (12)(13)(14)
Class A Units (1,176,494 units)
12/21/2021
8,097
20,530
1.6
Other Investments
Bain Capital Credit CLO Ltd,
Series 2018-1A (3)(4)(10)
Structured Product ($500 par, due 4/2031)
10/15/2020
L + 5.35
5.47
419
452
Carlyle Global Market Strategies
CLO Ltd, Series 2018-1A
(3)(4)(10)
Structured Product ($1,550 par, due 4/2031)
8/11/2020
5.88
1,228
1,414
CLO Ltd, Series 2017-4A
Structured Product ($4,150 par, due 1/2030)
9/3/2020
L + 6.15
6.27
3,469
3,876
5,116
5,742
Total Equity and Other
Investments
108,810
156,182
12.2
Total Investments
2,366,030
191.0
10
Interest Rate Swaps as of March 31, 2022
Company
Receives
Pays
Maturity Date
Notional
Amount
Fair
Market
Value
Upfront
(Payments) /
Receipts
Change in
Unrealized
Gains / (Losses)
Interest rate swap (a)
4.50%
L + 2.37%
8/1/2022
115,000
383
(809
L + 1.59%
50,000
301
(450
L + 1.60%
7,500
45
(67
L + 2.11%
27,531
(119
1,252
209
2,160
(9
96
17
42,819
(181
904
329
L + 1.99%
1/22/2023
150,000
902
(2,159
Interest rate swap (a)(e)
L + 2.28%
3.875%
11/1/2024
2,500
128
Interest rate swap (a)(b)
L
0.16%
7/30/2022
Total
397,510
1,322
2,380
Interest rate swap (a)(c)(d)
L + 2.25%
300,000
(7,330
(11,326
L + 2.46%
(1,488
(1,865
Interest rate swap (a)(c)
2.50%
L + 1.91%
8/1/2026
(24,221
(13,982
650,000
(33,039
(27,173
Cash collateral
35,520
Total derivatives
1,047,510
3,803
(30,116
(a)
Contains a variable rate structure. Bears interest at a rate determined by three-month LIBOR.
(b)
Interest rate swap was terminated or matured during the period.
(c)
Instrument is used in a hedge accounting relationship. The associated change in fair value is recorded along with the change in fair value of the hedged item within interest expense.
(d)
$2.5 million in aggregate notional value of these instruments is no longer designated as instruments in a hedge accounting relationship. The associated change in fair value of the de-designated portion is recorded within unrealized gain/(loss).
(e)
The fair market value of this instrument is presented net with the $2.5 million in aggregate notional value of instruments no longer designated as instruments in a hedge accounting relationship.
(1)
Certain portfolio company investments are subject to contractual restrictions on sales.
(2)
The amortized cost represents the original cost adjusted for the amortization of discounts and premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method.
(3)
Investment contains a variable rate structure, subject to an interest rate floor. Variable rate investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to either London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” or “L”), Euro Interbank Offer Rate (“Euribor” or “E”), Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR” or “C”), Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate (“BBSY” or “B”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA” or “S”) or an alternate base rate (which can include the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Prime Rate or “P”), all of which can include one-, two-, three- or six-month tenor, at the borrower’s option, which reset periodically based on the terms of the credit agreement. For investments with multiple interest rate contracts, the interest rate shown is the weighted average interest rate in effect at March 31, 2022.
(4)
This portfolio company is not a qualifying asset under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Under the 1940 Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying asset unless, at the time such acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of total assets. Non-qualifying assets represented 13.2% of total assets as of March 31, 2022.
(5)
In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this investment, which is the amount reflected in this schedule, the Company may be entitled to receive additional interest as a result of an arrangement with other members in the syndicate to the extent an investment has been allocated to “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any amounts due thereunder and the Company holds the “last out” tranche.
(6)
Under the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be an “Affiliated Person” of, as defined in the 1940 Act, a portfolio company, as the Company owns more than 5% of a portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities. Transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2022 in which the Company was an Affiliated Person of a portfolio company are as follows:
11
Non-controlled, Affiliated Investments during the three months ended March 31, 2022
Value at
Gross
Additions (a)
Reductions (b)
Net Change
In Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
Realized
Transfers
Dividend
MD America Energy,
LLC (c)
(12,667
Gross additions include increases in the cost basis of investments resulting from new investments, payment-in-kind interest or dividends, the amortization of any unearned income or discounts on debt investments, as applicable.
Gross reductions include decreases in the cost basis of investments resulting from principal collections related to investment repayments or sales, and the amortization of any premiums on debt investments, as applicable. When an investment is placed on non-accrual status, any cash flows received by the Company may be applied to the outstanding principal balance.
Includes investment in SMPA Holdings, LLC of 15,000 common equity units.
(7)
Under the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be both an “Affiliated Person” of and “Control,” as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act, this portfolio company, as the Company owns more than 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such portfolio company (including through a management agreement). Transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2022 in which the Company was an Affiliated Person of and was deemed to Control a portfolio company are as follows:
Controlled, Affiliated Investments during the three months ended March 31, 2022
IRGSE Holding Corp.
LLC
(8)
As of March 31, 2022, the estimated cost basis of investments for U.S. federal tax purposes was $2,380,931, resulting in estimated gross unrealized gains and losses of $149,015 and $81,339, respectively.
(9)
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC Topic 820”), unless otherwise indicated, the fair values of all investments were determined using significant unobservable inputs and are considered Level 3 investments. See Note 6 for further information related to investments at fair value.
(10)
This investment is valued using observable inputs and is considered a Level 2 investment. See Note 6 for further information related to investments at fair value.
(11)
This investment is valued using observable inputs and is considered a Level 1 investment. See Note 6 for further information related to investments at fair value.
(12)
This investment is non-income producing.
(13)
All or a portion of this security was acquired in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. As of March 31, 2022, the aggregate fair value of these securities is $63,431, or 4.9% of the Company’s net assets.
(14)
Ownership of equity investments may occur through a holding company or partnership.
(15)
Investment is on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2022.
12
Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2021
Company (1)
Fair Value (10)
First-lien loan (CAD 74,062 par, due 10/2025)
5.75
55,724
$60,246
(CAD 76,099)
First-lien loan ($64,435 par, due 8/2025)
63,312
65,469
5.1
First-lien loan (CAD 55,042 par, due 12/2027)
41,946
43,961
(CAD 55,529)
First-lien loan ($50,611 par, due 7/2027)
49,283
49,659
3.9
First-lien loan ($5,127 par, due 8/2026)
10.50% (incl. 9.50% PIK)
5,025
5,155
First-lien loan ($18,000 par, due 12/2026)
17,530
17,505
First-lien loan ($68,160 par, due 9/2026)
66,948
68,533
First-lien loan ($46,948 par, due 10/2026)
45,954
47,716
3.7
First-lien loan ($50,332 par, due 7/2025)
49,713
51,434
395,435
409,678
32.0
First-lien loan ($35,000 par, due 11/2026)
33,921
33,863
First-lien loan ($44,657 par, due 12/2024) (3)
44,564
44,184
Convertible note ($4,124 par, due 5/2028)
4,087
4,114
82,572
82,161
6.5
Astra Acquisition Corp. (3)(11)
42,629
42,729
First-lien loan ($53,522 par, due 6/2026)
52,318
52,622
4.1
54,921
54,916
First-lien loan ($86,466 par, due 9/2023)
86,237
86,682
6.8
Inc. (3)(5)
First-lien loan ($62,725 par, due 8/2022)
62,519
62,882
298,624
299,831
First-lien loan ($11,205 par, due 4/2024)
10.00
11,129
11,327
First-lien loan ($19,575 par, due 10/2024)
19,247
19,428
7.75
34,426
35,475
2.8
First-lien loan ($59,318 par, due 4/2023)
58,570
60,479
First-lien loan ($1,542 par, due 5/2027)
1,410
1,640
13
First-lien loan ($12,669 par, due 5/2028)
12,393
12,479
First-lien loan ($27,375 par, due 6/2026)
26,854
26,964
Kyriba Corp. (3)
First-lien loan ($17,412 par, due 4/2025)
17,163
17,673
First-lien loan (EUR 9,070 par, due 4/2025)
10,070
10,470
(EUR 9,206)
1,387
1,438
370
382
First-lien loan ($17,018 par, due 4/2026)
16,721
16,864
22,365
23,015
43,771
44,325
275,876
281,959
22.0
First-lien loan ($53,094 par, due 11/2026)
51,815
53,493
4.2
4,925
5,250
3,547
4,031
12,230
Clinicient, Inc. (3)
First-lien loan ($15,000 par, due 5/2024)
5/31/2019
14,920
15,150
First-lien revolving loan ($2,400 par, due 5/2024)
2,381
2,440
First-lien loan ($50,000 par, due 10/2026)
48,891
49,000
First-lien loan ($48,688 par, due 10/2024)
47,578
49,783
176,659
191,377
15.0
28,594
40,921
First-lien loan ($31,580 par, due 5/2026)
30,807
31,100
First-lien loan ($47,999 par, due 10/2025)
47,891
48,262
3,015
27,317
28,166
(AUD 38,740)
Convertible note (AUD 3,000 par, due 6/2027) (13)
12/13/2021
0.00
(AUD 2,936)
First-lien loan (AUD 17,400 par, due 12/2025)
12,806
12,115
(AUD 16,664)
14
6,499
6,317
12,970
First-lien loan ($69,475 par, due 5/2024)
68,493
69,822
First-lien loan ($27,000 par, due 12/2026)
25,787
25,775
First-lien loan ($29,639 par, due 5/2024)
29,206
30,232
First-lien loan ($19,750 par, due 10/2025)
19,239
19,899
286,152
289,664
22.7
First-lien loan ($28,772 par, due 10/2028)
28,090
28,148
First-lien loan ($57,262 par, due 1/2024)
56,753
57,835
4.5
First-lien loan ($56,020 par, due 10/2022)
55,783
55,439
Lucidworks, Inc. (9)
First-lien loan ($13,848 par, due 7/2024)
7/31/2019
12.00% (incl. 7.00% PIK)
13,766
13,917
First-lien loan ($49,328 par, due 2/2026)
48,292
48,711
202,684
204,050
16.0
32,544
ABL FILO term loan ($5,732 par, due 9/2022)
5,709
5,732
LLC (3)(6)
First-lien loan ($8,775 par, due 12/2024)
11/14/2018
8,775
0.7
LLC (3)(7)(16)
9.76
41,003
40,950
3.2
Verdad Resources Intermediate
Holdings, LLC (3)
First-lien loan ($25,233 par, due 10/2024)
4/10/2019
24,925
25,485
76,201
75,210
5.9
First-lien loan ($33,745 par, due 3/2026)
33,067
33,408
First-lien loan ($41,768 par, due 8/2025)
10.00% (incl. 4.00% PIK)
50,761
52,782
First-lien loan ($22,730 par, due 9/2026)
9.25% (incl. 4.00% PIK)
11,903
12,816
First-lien loan ($30,000 par, due 3/2024)
29,068
30,000
91,732
95,598
7.5
24,704
25,625
15
First-lien loan ($25,185 par, due 9/2026)
24,259
18,952
First-lien loan ($1,370 par, due 9/2026) (16)
1,370
92
Subordinated note ($4,740 par, due 9/2026) (16)
Designer Brands, Inc. (3)(4)
ABL First-lien loan ($46,875 par, due 8/2025)
45,974
48,398
ABL FILO term loan ($33,267 par, due 4/2024)
32,864
33,683
First-lien loan ($52,000 par, due 12/2026)
50,811
50,700
73,541
74,250
First-lien loan ($32,500 par, due 12/2027)
31,487
31,459
285,555
283,230
33,821
33,901
2,317,552
2,360,134
185.0
Dye & Durham, Ltd. (4)(12)(14)
4,455
(CAD 5,627)
ReliaQuest, LLC (13)(14)(15)
Sprinklr, Inc. (4)(12)(13)(14)
7,692
WideOrbit, Inc. (13)
13,594
Celtra Technologies, Inc. (13)(14)
IntelePeer Holdings, Inc. (13)
Series C Preferred Shares (1,816,295 shares) (14)
Series D Preferred Shares (1,065,916 shares) (14)
1,950
290
106,592 Warrants (14)
-
39
5,199
6,358
EMS Linq, Inc. (13)(14)
LP. (4)(13)(14)
6,523
AvidXchange, Inc. (4)(11)(13)(14)
2,785
Newport Parent Holdings, LP (13)
2,443
Corp. (4)(12)
Passport Labs, Inc. (13)(14)
TradingScreen, Inc. (13)(14)(15)
6,027
16
Caris Life Sciences, Inc. (13)
2,787
Series D Preferred Shares (1,240,740 shares) (14)
3,602
3,170
Inc. (13)(15)
Class A Units (77,144 units) (14)
118
502
11,850
20,229
IRGSE Holding Corp. (7)(13)
17,148
17,191
Axonify, Inc. (4)(13)(14)(15)
ClearCompany, LLC (13)(15)
5,035
DaySmart Holdings, LLC (13)(14)(15)
2,047
7,141
10,862
L.P. (13)(14)(15)
Lucidworks, Inc. (13)
820
Piano Software, Inc. (13)(14)
16,151
Validity, Inc. (13)
13,824
Oil, Gas and Consumable fuels
SMPA Holdings, LLC (6)
Common Units (15,000 units)
12/24/2020
3,892
18,242
TherapeuticsMD, Inc. (13)
121
American Achievement, Corp. (13)(14)
Copper Bidco, LLC (11)
1,562
Trust Certificates (996,958 Certificates) (14)
12,792
21,933
1.7
Neuintel, LLC (13)(14)(15)
16,285
26,545
Series 2018-1A (3)(4)(11)
417
463
(3)(4)(11)
1,223
1,464
3,455
3,865
5,095
5,792
114,460
161,459
12.6
2,432,012
197.6
Interest Rate Swaps as of December 31, 2021
13,440
1,192
(2,287
751
(1,390
112
(208
(328
621
(26
(510
394
3,061
(3,994
1.47%
7/30/2021
89
0.326%
6/9/2023
410,950
4,265
(6,699
3,996
(10,720
377
(1,676
(10,239
(5,866
(22,635
4,185
1,060,950
2,584
(29,334
Investment contains a variable rate structure, subject to an interest rate floor. Variable rate investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to either London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” or “L”), Euro Interbank Offer Rate (“Euribor” or “E”), Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR” or “C”), Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate (“BBSY” or “B”), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA” or “S”) or an alternate base rate (which can include the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Prime Rate or “P”), all of which can include one-, two-, three- or six-month tenor, at the borrower’s option, which reset periodically based on the terms of the credit agreement. For investments with multiple interest rate contracts, the interest rate shown is the weighted average interest rate in effect at December 31, 2021.
This portfolio company is not a qualifying asset under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Under the 1940 Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying asset unless, at the time such acquisition is
18
made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of total assets. Non-qualifying assets represented 14.8% of total assets as of December 31, 2021.
Under the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be an “Affiliated Person” of, as defined in the 1940 Act, this portfolio company, as the Company owns more than 5% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities. Transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021 in which the Company was an Affiliated Person of the portfolio company are as follows:
Non-controlled, Affiliated Investments during the year ended December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Gain/(Loss)(d)
12,892
(225
14,350
740
838
(d) In the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021, there is a realized loss on non-controlled, affiliated investments of $33 related to an escrow receivable for an investment in AFS Technologies, Inc. that is no longer held.
Under the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be both an “Affiliated Person” of and “Control,” as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act, this portfolio company, as the Company owns more than 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such portfolio company (including through a management agreement). Transactions during the year ended December 31, 2021 in which the Company was an Affiliated Person of and was deemed to Control a portfolio company are as follows:
Controlled, Affiliated Investments during the year ended December 31, 2021
Gain/(Losses)
36,676
5,653
17,450
4,039
As of December 31, 2021, the estimated cost basis of investments for U.S. federal tax purposes was $2,445,863, resulting in estimated gross unrealized gains and losses of $156,819 and $79,599, respectively.
These investments contain a fixed rate structure. The Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to swap to a floating rate. Refer to Note 5 for further information related to the Company’s interest rate swaps on investments.
19
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements (“Topic ASC 820”), unless otherwise indicated, the fair values of all investments were determined using significant unobservable inputs and are considered Level 3 investments. See Note 6 for further information related to investments at fair value.
All or a portion of this security was acquired in transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. As of December 31, 2021, the aggregate fair value of these securities is $83,839, or 6.6% of the Company’s net assets.
(16)
Investment is on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2021.
20
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
Shares
Par
Cost
Paid in Capital in
Excess of Par
Distributable
Earnings
Total Net
Balance at December 31, 2021
75,771,542
296,044
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations:
Net investment income
Net change in unrealized (losses) on investments and
foreign currency translation
Net realized gains on investments and foreign
currency transactions
Dividends to stockholders:
Stock issued in connection with dividend reinvestment plan
299,138
6,771
6,774
Dividends declared from net investment income
(39,522
Tax reclassification of stockholders' equity in accordance with
GAAP (1)
(351
351
Balance at March 31, 2022
76,070,680
Balance at December 31, 2020
67,684,209
680
1,025,676
139,250
1,161,315
Cumulative effect adjustment for the adoption of ASU
2020-06 (2)
(457
172
(285
Net change in unrealized gains on investments and
Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share
Transactions:
Issuance of common stock, net of offering and
underwriting costs
4,049,689
41
85,904
85,945
236,100
4,707
4,709
(123,004
(460
Balance at March 31, 2021
71,969,998
723
1,115,370
73,530
1,185,332
The Company’s tax year end is March 31st.
See Note 2 for further information related to the adoption of ASU 2020-06.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Increase in net assets resulting from operations
Adjustments to reconcile increase in net assets resulting from operations
to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on investments
3,752
(11,444
Net change in unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency transactions
1,800
(133
Net change in unrealized losses on interest rate swaps
1,822
Net realized (gains) on investments
(13,681
(14,586
Net realized (gains) losses on foreign currency transactions
(32
Net amortization of discount on investments
(4,764
(7,026
Amortization of deferred financing costs
1,443
Amortization of discount on debt
187
148
Purchases and originations of investments, net
(84,222
(170,432
Proceeds from investments, net
17,572
33,751
Repayments on investments
154,284
87,984
Paid-in-kind interest
(3,096
(2,125
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(922
(2,260
Interest receivable paid-in-kind
(35
(626
12,410
(50
347
(1,912
559
1,423
Payable to affiliate
(206
339
(33,651
(17,688
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
81,150
(25,849
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Borrowings on debt
134,530
404,159
Repayments on debt
(175,589
(423,092
Deferred financing costs
(52
(7,832
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of offering and underwriting costs
Dividends paid to stockholders
(32,512
(26,613
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
(73,623
32,567
Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
7,527
6,718
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period
13,274
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, End of Period
19,992
Supplemental Information:
Interest paid during the period
9,724
6,441
Excise and other taxes paid during the period
1,200
4,200
Dividends declared during the period
39,522
123,004
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
Reinvestment of dividends during the period
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Amounts in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
Organization
Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation formed on July 21, 2010. The Company was formed primarily to lend to, and selectively invest in, middle-market companies in the United States. The Company has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the 1940 Act. In addition, for tax purposes, the Company has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Company is managed by Sixth Street Specialty Lending Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”). On June 1, 2011, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, TC Lending, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. On March 22, 2012, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Sixth Street SL SPV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. On May 19, 2014, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Sixth Street SL Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. On December 9, 2020, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Sixth Street Specialty Lending Sub, LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company.
On March 21, 2014, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) and the Company’s shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “TSLX.”
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations for interim periods are not indicative of results to be expected for the full year. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement footnotes, prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted herein. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes related thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), on February 17, 2022.
The Company is an investment company and, therefore, applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies.
Fiscal Year End
The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents may consist of demand deposits, highly liquid investments (e.g., money market funds, U.S. Treasury notes, and similar type instruments) with original maturities of three months or less, and restricted cash pledged as collateral for certain centrally cleared derivative instruments. Cash and cash equivalents denominated in U.S. dollars are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company deposits its cash and cash equivalents with highly-rated banking corporations and, at times, cash deposits may exceed the insured limits under applicable law.
Investments at Fair Value
Loan originations are recorded on the date of the binding commitment, which is generally the funding date. Investment transactions purchased through the secondary markets are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds received (excluding prepayment fees, if any) and the amortized cost basis of the investment without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized, and include investments charged off during the period, net of recoveries. The net change in unrealized gains or losses primarily reflects the change in investment values and also includes the reversal of previously recorded unrealized gains or losses with respect to investments realized during the period.
Investments for which market quotations are readily available are typically valued at those market quotations. To validate market quotations, the Company utilizes a number of factors to determine if the quotations are representative of fair value, including the source and number of the quotations. Debt and equity securities that are not publicly traded or whose market prices are not readily available, as is the case for substantially all of our investments, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), based on, among other things, the input of the Adviser, the Company’s Audit Committee and independent third-party valuation firms engaged at the direction of the Board.
As part of the valuation process, the Board takes into account relevant factors in determining the fair value of its investments, including and in combination of: the estimated enterprise value of a portfolio company (that is, the total value of the portfolio company’s net debt and equity), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments based on its earnings and cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to any similar publicly traded securities, and overall changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets that may affect the price at which similar investments may be made in the future. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, the Board considers whether the pricing indicated by the external event corroborates its valuation.
The Board undertakes a multi-step valuation process, which includes, among other procedures, the following:
The valuation process begins with each investment being initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment in conjunction with the portfolio management team.
The Adviser’s management reviews the preliminary valuations with the investment professionals. Agreed upon valuation recommendations are presented to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee reviews the valuations presented and recommends values for each investment to the Board.
The Board reviews the recommended valuations and determines the fair value of each investment; valuations that are not based on readily available market quotations are valued in good faith based on, among other things, the input of the Adviser, Audit Committee and, where applicable, other third parties including independent third-party valuation firms engaged at the direction of the Board.
The Company conducts this valuation process on a quarterly basis.
The Board has engaged independent third-party valuation firms to perform certain limited procedures that the Board has identified and requested them to perform in connection with the valuation process. At March 31, 2022, the independent third-party valuation firms performed their procedures over substantially all of the Company’s investments. Upon completion of such limited procedures, the third-party valuation firms concluded that the fair value, as determined by the Board, of those investments subjected to their limited procedures, appeared reasonable.
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The Company applies Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC Topic 820”), as amended, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP and required disclosures of fair value measurements. ASC Topic 820 determines fair value to be the price that would be received for an investment in a current sale, which assumes an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Market participants are defined as buyers and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market (which may be a hypothetical market) that are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, the Company considers its principal market to be the market that has the greatest volume and level of activity. ASC Topic 820 specifies a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes and ranks the level of observability of inputs used in determination of fair value. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, these levels are summarized below:
Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.
Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfers occur. In addition to using the above inputs in investment valuations, the Company applies the valuation policy approved by its Board that is consistent with ASC Topic 820. Consistent with the valuation policy, the Company evaluates the source of inputs, including any markets in which its investments are trading (or any markets in which securities with similar attributes are trading), in determining fair value. When a security is valued based on prices provided by reputable dealers or pricing services (that is, broker quotes), the Company subjects those prices to various additional criteria in making the determination as to whether a particular investment would qualify for treatment as a Level 2 or Level 3 investment. For example, the Company reviews pricing provided by dealers or pricing services in order to determine if observable market information is being used, versus unobservable inputs. Some additional factors considered include the number of prices obtained as well as an assessment as to their quality, such as the depth of the relevant market relative to the size of the Company’s position.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Company’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of such investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values that may ultimately be realized. Further, such investments are generally less liquid than publicly traded securities and may be subject to contractual and other restrictions on resale. If the Company were required to liquidate a portfolio investment in a forced or liquidation sale, it could realize amounts that are different from the amounts presented and such differences could be material.
In addition, changes in the market environment, including the impact of changes in broader market indices and credit spreads, and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different than the unrealized gains or losses reflected herein.
Financial and Derivative Instruments
The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities at fair value in its consolidated financial statements, pursuant to ASC Topic 815 Derivatives and Hedging, further clarified by the FASB’s issuance of the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging, which was adopted in 2019 by the Company. For all derivative instruments designated in a hedge accounting relationship, the entire change in the fair value of the hedging instrument shall be recorded in the same line item of the consolidated statements of operations as the hedged item. The Company uses certain interest rate swaps as derivative instruments to hedge the Company’s fixed rate debt, and therefore both the periodic payment and the change in fair value for the effective hedge, if applicable, will be recognized as components of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. For derivative contracts entered into by the Company that are not designated in a hedge accounting relationship, the Company presents changes in the fair value through current period earnings.
In the normal course of business, the Company has commitments and risks resulting from its investment transactions, which may include those involving derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are measured in terms of the notional contract amount and derive their value based upon one or more underlying instruments. While the notional amount gives some indication of the Company’s derivative activity, it generally is not exchanged, but is only used as the basis on which interest and other payments are exchanged. Derivative instruments are subject to various risks similar to non-derivative instruments including market, credit, liquidity, and operational risks. The Company manages these risks on an aggregate basis as part of its risk management process.
Derivatives, including the Company’s interest rate swaps, for which broker quotes are available are typically valued at those broker quotes.
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Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contract and interest rate swap receivables or payables pending settlement are offset, and the net amount is included with receivable or payable for foreign currency forward contracts or interest rate swaps in the consolidated balance sheets when, and only when, they are with the same counterparty, the Company has the legal right to offset the recognized amounts, and it intends to either settle on a net basis or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Foreign Currency
Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:
cash and cash equivalents, market value of investments, outstanding debt on revolving credit facilities, other assets and liabilities: at the spot exchange rate on the last business day of the period; and
purchases and sales of investments, borrowings and repayments of such borrowings, income and expenses: at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
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. The Company’s current approach to hedging the foreign currency exposure in its non-U.S. dollar denominated investments is primarily to borrow the par amount in local currency under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility to fund these investments. Fluctuations arising from the translation of foreign currency borrowings are included with the net change in unrealized gains (losses) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies on the consolidated statements of operations.
Investments denominated in foreign currencies and foreign currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin, including unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
Equity Offering Expenses
The Company records expenses related to equity offerings as a reduction of capital upon completion of an offering of registered securities. The costs associated with renewals of the Company’s shelf registration statement are expensed as incurred.
Debt Issuance Costs
The Company records origination and other expenses related to its debt obligations as deferred financing costs, which are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related debt liability. These expenses are deferred and amortized using the effective interest method, or straight-line method, over the stated maturity of the debt obligation.
Interest and Dividend Income Recognition
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis and includes the amortization of discounts and premiums. Discounts and premiums to par value on securities purchased or originated are amortized into interest income over the contractual life of the respective security using the effective interest method. The amortized cost of investments represents the original cost adjusted for the amortization of discounts and premiums, if any.
Unless providing services in connection with an investment, such as syndication, structuring or diligence, all or a portion of any loan fees received by the Company will be deferred and amortized over the investment’s life using the effective interest method.
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when management has reasonable doubt that the borrower will pay principal or interest in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest has been paid and, in management’s judgment, the borrower is likely to make principal and interest payments in the future. Management may determine to not place a loan on non-accrual status if, notwithstanding any failure to pay, the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.
Dividend income on preferred equity securities is recorded on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income on common equity securities is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly-traded portfolio companies.
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Other Income
From time to time, the Company may receive fees for services provided to portfolio companies by the Adviser. The services that the Adviser provides vary by investment, but may include syndication, structuring, diligence fees, or other service-based fees, and fees for providing managerial assistance to our portfolio companies and are recognized as revenue when earned.
Earnings per share
The Company's earnings per share ("EPS") amounts have been computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations by the weighted average number of shares of common stock assuming all potential shares had been issued and the additional shares of common stock were dilutive. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution, using the if-converted method for convertible debt, which could occur if all potentially dilutive securities were exercised.
Reimbursement of Transaction-Related Expenses
The Company may receive reimbursement for certain transaction-related expenses in pursuing investments. Transaction-related expenses, which are expected to be reimbursed by third parties, are typically deferred until the transaction is consummated and are recorded in Prepaid expenses and other assets on the date incurred. The transaction-related costs of pursuing investments not otherwise reimbursed are borne by the Company and for successfully completed investments included as a component of the investment’s cost basis.
Cash advances received in respect of transaction-related expenses are recorded as Cash and cash equivalents with an offset to Other liabilities or Other payables to affiliates. Other liabilities or Other payables to affiliates are relieved as reimbursable expenses are incurred.
Income Taxes, Including Excise Taxes
The Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, and the Company intends to operate in a manner so as to continue to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. To qualify as a RIC, the Company must, among other things, distribute to its stockholders in each taxable year generally at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, and net tax-exempt income for that taxable year. To maintain its RIC status, the Company, among other things, has made and intends to continue to make the requisite distributions to its stockholders, which generally relieves the Company from corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes.
The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are reserved and recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes are included in income tax expense. Conclusions regarding tax positions are subject to review and may be adjusted at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.
Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, the Company can be expected to carry forward taxable income (including net capital gains, if any) in excess of current year dividend distributions from the current tax year into the next tax year and pay a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax on such taxable income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that the estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions from such income, the Company accrues excise tax on estimated excess taxable income.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 we recorded a net expense of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for U.S. federal excise tax and other taxes.
Dividends to Common Stockholders
Dividends to common stockholders are recorded on the record date. The amount to be paid out as a dividend is determined by the Board and is generally based upon the earnings estimated by the Adviser. Net realized long-term capital gains, if any, would generally be distributed at least annually, although the Company may decide to retain such capital gains.
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The Company has adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of any dividends declared in cash on behalf of stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, if the Board authorizes, and it declares, a cash dividend, then the stockholders who have not “opted out” of the dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Company’s common stock, rather than receiving the cash dividend. The Company expects to use newly issued shares to satisfy the dividend reinvestment plan.
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2021
In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-06 (“ASU 2020-06”) “Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity.” This guidance reduces the number of accounting models for convertible instruments and makes targeted improvements to the disclosures for convertible instruments and earnings per share guidance. ASU 2020-06 is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2020-06 under the modified retrospective basis during the period ended March 31, 2021. The impact of the Company’s adoption under the modified retrospective basis required a cumulative effect adjustment to opening net assets for the remaining unamortized discount on the 2022 Convertible Notes, and a requirement for the Company to calculate diluted earnings per share using the if-converted method which assumes full share settlement for the aggregate value of the 2022 Convertible Notes. The Company’s adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows or notes to the consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-04 (“ASU 2020-04”) “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” and in January 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2021-01 (“ASU 2021-01”) “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope.” This guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company expects that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, result of operations or cash flows.
3. Agreements and Related Party Transactions
Administration Agreement
On March 15, 2011, the Company entered into the Administration Agreement with the Adviser. Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, the Adviser provides administrative services to the Company. These services include providing office space, equipment and office services, maintaining financial records, preparing reports to stockholders and reports filed with the SEC, and managing the payment of expenses and the oversight of the performance of administrative and professional services rendered by others. Certain of these services are reimbursable to the Adviser under the terms of the Administration Agreement. In addition, the Adviser is permitted to delegate its duties under the Administration Agreement to affiliates or third parties and the Company pays or reimburses the Adviser for certain expenses incurred by any such affiliates or third parties for work done on its behalf.
In February 2017, the Board of Directors of the Company and the Adviser entered into an amended and restated administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) reflecting certain clarifications to the agreement to provide greater detail regarding the scope of the reimbursable costs and expenses of the Administrator’s services.
In November 2021, the Board renewed the Administration Agreement. Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Administration Agreement will remain in effect until November 2022, and may be extended subject to required approvals. The Administration Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty on 60 days’ written notice to the other party.
No person who is an officer, director or employee of the Adviser or its affiliates and who serves as a director of the Company receives any compensation from the Company for his or her services as a director. However, the Company reimburses the Adviser (or its affiliates) for the allocable portion of the costs of compensation, benefits, and related administrative expenses of our officers who provide operational and administrative services to us pursuant to the Administration Agreement, their respective staffs and other professionals who provide services to us (including, in each case, employees of the Adviser or an affiliate). Such reimbursable amounts include the allocable portion of the compensation paid by the Adviser or its affiliates to the Company’s Chief Financial
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Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and other professionals who provide operational and administrative services to us pursuant to the Administration Agreement, including individuals who provide “back office” or “middle office” financial, operational, legal and/or compliance services to us. The Company reimburses the Adviser (or its affiliates) for the allocable portion of the compensation paid by the Adviser (or its affiliates) to such individuals based on the percentage of time those individuals devote, on an estimated basis, to the business and affairs of the Company and in acting on behalf of the Company. The Company may also reimburse the Adviser or its affiliates for the allocable portion of overhead expenses (including rent, office equipment and utilities) attributable thereto. Directors who are not affiliated with the Adviser receive compensation for their services and reimbursement of expenses incurred to attend meetings.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred expenses of $0.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for administrative services payable to the Adviser under the terms of the Administration Agreement.
Investment Advisory Agreement
On April 15, 2011, the Company entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement was subsequently amended on December 12, 2011. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Company. The Adviser’s services under the Investment Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and the Adviser is free to furnish similar or other services to others so long as its services to the Company are not impaired. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Company will pay the Adviser the Management Fee and may also pay certain Incentive Fees.
The Management Fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.5% based on the average value of the Company’s gross assets calculated using the values at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters, adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the period. The Management Fee is payable quarterly in arrears.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, Management Fees (gross of waivers) were $9.3 million and $8.7 million, respectively.
The Adviser intends to waive a portion of the Management Fee payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement by reducing the Management Fee on assets financed using leverage over 200% asset coverage (in other words, over 1.0x debt to equity) (the “Leverage Waiver”). Pursuant to the Leverage Waiver, the Adviser intends to waive the portion of the Management Fee in excess of an annual rate of 1.0% on the average value of the Company’s gross assets as of the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters that exceeds the product of (i) 200% and (ii) the average value of our net asset value at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. Any waived Management Fees are not subject to recoupment by the Adviser. The Adviser did not waive any management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 pursuant to the Leverage Waiver.
The Incentive Fee consists of two parts, as follows:
(i)
The first component, payable at the end of each quarter in arrears, equals 100% of the pre-Incentive Fee net investment income in excess of a 1.5% quarterly “hurdle rate,” the calculation of which is further explained below, until the Adviser has received 17.5% of the total pre-Incentive Fee net investment income for that quarter and, for pre-Incentive Fee net investment income in excess of 1.82% quarterly, 17.5% of all remaining pre-Incentive Fee net investment income for that quarter. The 100% “catch-up” provision for pre-Incentive Fee net investment income in excess of the 1.5% “hurdle rate” is intended to provide the Adviser with an Incentive Fee of 17.5% on all pre-Incentive Fee net investment income when that amount equals 1.82% in a quarter (7.28% annualized), which is the rate at which catch-up is achieved. Once the “hurdle rate” is reached and catch-up is achieved, 17.5% of any pre-Incentive Fee net investment income in excess of 1.82% in any quarter is payable to the Adviser.
Pre-Incentive Fee net investment income means dividends, interest and fee income accrued by the Company during the calendar quarter, minus the Company’s operating expenses for the quarter (including the Management Fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement to the Administrator, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the Incentive Fee). Pre-Incentive Fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with pay-in-kind interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that the Company may not have received in cash. Pre-Incentive Fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital gains or losses.
(ii)
The second component, payable at the end of each fiscal year in arrears, equaled 15% through March 31, 2014 and, beginning April 1, 2014, equals a weighted percentage of cumulative realized capital gains from the Company’s inception to the end of that fiscal year, less cumulative realized capital losses and unrealized capital losses. This component of the Incentive Fee is referred to as the Capital Gains Fee. Each year, the fee paid for this component of the Incentive Fee is net of the aggregate amount of any previously paid Capital Gains Fee for prior periods. For capital gains that accrue following March 31, 2014, the
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Incentive Fee rate is 17.5%. The Company accrues, but does not pay, a capital gains Incentive Fee with respect to unrealized capital gains because a capital gains Incentive Fee would be owed to the Adviser if the Company were to sell the relevant investment and realize a capital gain. The weighted percentage was intended to ensure that for each fiscal year following the completion of the IPO, the portion of the Company’s realized capital gains that accrued prior to March 31, 2014, was subject to an Incentive Fee rate of 15% and the portion of the Company’s realized capital gains that accrued beginning April 1, 2014 is subject to an Incentive Fee rate of 17.5%.
For purposes of determining whether pre-Incentive Fee net investment income exceeds the hurdle rate, pre-Incentive Fee net investment income is expressed as a rate of return on the value of the Company’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter.
Section 205(b)(3) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or the Advisers Act, prohibits the Adviser from receiving the payment of fees on unrealized gains until those gains are realized, if ever. There can be no assurance that such unrealized gains will be realized in the future.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, Incentive Fees were $9.3 million and $12.3 million, respectively, of which $7.9 million and $7.8 million, respectively, were realized and payable to the Adviser. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, $1.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively of Incentive Fees were accrued related to cumulative unrealized capital gains in excess of cumulative net realized capital gains less any cumulative unrealized losses and capital gains incentive fees paid inception to date. As of March 31, 2022, these accrued Incentive Fees are not contractually payable to the Adviser.
Since the Company’s IPO, with the exception of its waiver of Management Fees and certain Incentive Fees attributable to the Company’s ownership of certain investments and the Leverage Waiver, the Adviser has not waived its right to receive any Management Fees or Incentive Fees payable pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement.
In November 2021, the Board renewed the Investment Advisory Agreement. Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Investment Advisory Agreement will remain in effect until November 2022, and may be extended subject to required approvals. The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of an assignment and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party.
From time to time, the Adviser may pay amounts owed by the Company to third-party providers of goods or services, including the Board, and the Company will subsequently reimburse the Adviser for such amounts paid on its behalf. Amounts payable to the Adviser are settled in the normal course of business without formal payment terms.
4. Investments at Fair Value
Under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to separately identify non-controlled investments where it owns 5% or more of a portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities as investments in “affiliated” companies. In addition, under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to separately identify investments where it owns more than 25% of a portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities and/or had the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company as investments in “controlled” companies. Detailed information with respect to the Company’s non-controlled, non-affiliated; non-controlled, affiliated; and controlled, affiliated investments is contained in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, including the consolidated schedules of investments. The information in the tables below is presented on an aggregate portfolio basis, without regard to whether they are non-controlled, non-affiliated; non-controlled, affiliated; or controlled, affiliated investments.
Investments at fair value consisted of the following at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Amortized Cost (1)
Fair Value
Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
First-lien debt investments
2,207,273
2,239,027
31,754
Second-lien debt investments
(136
Mezzanine debt investments
7,300
14,139
6,839
Equity and other investments
47,372
85,829
30
December 31, 2021
2,265,555
2,298,856
33,301
9,368
18,549
9,181
46,999
89,581
The amortized cost represents the original cost adjusted for the amortization of discounts or premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method.
The industry composition of investments at fair value at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is as follows:
16.9
16.8
12.9
11.9
11.4
8.3
8.4
13.0
8.8
8.7
10.7
12.3
100.0
The geographic composition of investments at fair value at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is as follows:
United States
Midwest
11.3
12.5
Northeast
25.7
24.2
South
23.4
West
31.8
Australia
Canada
5.7
United Kingdom
5. Derivatives
Interest Rate Swaps
The Company enters into interest rate swap transactions from time to time to hedge fixed rate debt obligations and certain fixed rate debt investments. The Company’s interest rate swaps are all with one counterparty and are centrally cleared through a registered commodities exchange. Refer to the consolidated schedule of investments for additional disclosure regarding these interest rate swaps.
31
The following tables present the amounts paid and received on the Company’s interest rate swap transactions, excluding upfront fees, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
Notional Amount
Paid
Received
Net
Interest rate swap
(745
1,294
549
(227
563
336
(34
84
(306
159
(147
(24
(12
(482
(232
(830
1,687
857
(1,813
2,906
1,093
(320
484
164
(23
(8
(1,526
1,792
266
(6,330
9,246
2,916
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Interest rate swap (1)
11,700
(41
(754
540
(231
332
49
(310
163
(11
(842
1,688
846
5,000
(4
(1,815
1,091
(324
160
(853
1,083
230
1,021,391
(5,256
8,303
3,047
The notional amount of certain interest rate swaps may be more or less than the Company’s investment in individual portfolio companies as a result of arrangements with other lenders in the syndicate, amortization, or interest income paid-in-kind.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $2.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, in net change in unrealized losses, on interest rate swaps not designated as hedging instruments in the consolidated statement of operations related to the swap transactions. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $27.2 million and $14.6 million in net change in unrealized losses, respectively, on interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, this amount is offset by a decrease of $13.2 million and $5.6 million, respectively, for a change in the carrying value of the 2024 Notes and a decrease of $14.0 million and $9.0 million, respectively, for a change in carrying value of the 2026 Notes.
As of March 31, 2022, the swap transactions had a fair value of ($31.7) million which is netted against cash collateral on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021, the swap transactions had a fair value of ($1.6) million which is netted against cash collateral on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
The Company is required under the terms of its derivatives agreements to pledge assets as collateral to secure its obligations underlying the derivatives. The amount of collateral required varies over time based on the mark-to-market value, notional amount and remaining term of the derivatives, and may exceed the amount owed by the Company on a mark-to-market basis. Any failure by the Company to fulfill any collateral requirement (e.g., a so-called “margin call”) may result in a default. In the event of a default by a counterparty, the Company would be an unsecured creditor to the extent of any such overcollateralization.
32
As of March 31, 2022, $19.1 million of cash is pledged as collateral under the Company’s derivative agreements and is included in restricted cash as a component of cash and cash equivalents on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021, $14.4 million of cash is pledged as collateral under the Company’s derivative agreements and is included in restricted cash as a component of cash and cash equivalents on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
The Company may enter into other derivative instruments and incur other exposures with the same or other counterparties in the future.
6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following tables present fair value measurements of investments as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Fair Value Hierarchy at March 31, 2022
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
9,941
23,222
123,019
Total investments at fair value
2,418,696
(31,717
2,420,142
Fair Value Hierarchy at December 31, 2021
12,154
32,072
117,233
74,801
2,434,638
(1,601
73,200
2,519,992
Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the beginning of the quarter in which the transfers occur.
The following tables present the changes in the fair value of investments for which Level 3 inputs were used to determine the fair value as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
As of and for the Three Months Ended
First-lien
debt
investments
Second-lien
Mezzanine
Equity
and other
Balance, beginning of period
Purchases or originations
79,947
4,275
84,222
Repayments / redemptions
(146,096
(17,557
(163,653
3,032
64
3,096
Net change in unrealized gains (losses)
(1,546
(236
(2,341
3,268
(855
Net realized gains
111
13,666
13,777
Net amortization of discount on securities
4,723
4,742
Transfers within Level 3
(2,134
Transfers into (out of) Level 3
Balance, End of Period
33
Astra Acquisition Corp. was transferred into Level 3 from Level 2 for fair value measurement purposes during the three months ended March 31, 2022, as a result of changes in the observability of inputs into the security valuation for this portfolio company.
2,158,551
5,037
10,982
75,150
2,249,720
152,707
653
153,905
(74,042
(11,827
(85,869
161
98
2,125
10,828
292
2,543
13,651
10,689
10,719
3,240
3,259
(6,613
2,253,180
5,506
14,171
68,040
2,340,897
The following tables present information with respect to the net change in unrealized gains or losses on investments for which Level 3 inputs were used in determining fair value that are still held by the Company at March 31, 2022 and 2021:
Net Change in Unrealized
Gains or (Losses)
for the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2022 on
March 31, 2021 on
Investments Held at
1,745
11,962
17,618
7,823
16,786
22,620
The following tables present the fair value of Level 3 Investments at fair value and the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuations as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. 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.
Valuation
Unobservable
Range (Weighted
Impact to Valuation
from an
Technique
Input
Average)
Increase to Input
Income approach (1)
Discount rate
7.1% — 12.8% (9.8%)
Decrease
Income approach
11.1% — 11.1% (11.1%)
Income approach (2)
6.4% — 11.0% (9.7%)
Market Multiple (3)
Comparable multiple
3.8x — 19.3x (8.7)
Increase
Includes $19.2 million of debt investments which were valued using an asset valuation waterfall.
Includes $0.1 million of debt investments which were valued using an asset valuation waterfall.
Includes $39.2 million of equity investments which were valued using an asset valuation waterfall, $8.2 million of equity investments using a Black-Scholes model, and $3.3 million of equity investments which, due to the proximity of the transactions relative to the measurement date, were valued using the cost of the investments.
34
6.6% — 12.2% (9.6%)
6.2% — 9.3% (8.5%)
4.5x — 9.5x (6.0x)
Includes $19.0 million of first-lien debt investments which were valued using an asset valuation waterfall.
Includes $2.1 million of debt investments which, due to the proximity of the transactions relative to the measurement date, were valued using the cost of the investments and $0.1 million of debt investments which were valued using an asset valuation waterfall.
Includes $22.0 million of equity investments which were valued using an asset valuation waterfall, $7.7 million of equity investments using a Black-Scholes model, and $26.2 million of equity investments which, due to the proximity of the transactions relative to the measurement date, were valued using the cost of the investments.
The Company typically determines the fair value of its performing Level 3 debt investments utilizing a yield analysis. In a yield analysis, a price is ascribed for each investment based upon an assessment of current and expected market yields for similar investments and risk profiles. Additional consideration is given to the expected life, portfolio company performance since close, and other terms and risks associated with an investment. Among other factors, a determinant of risk is the amount of leverage used by the portfolio company relative to the total enterprise value of the company, and the rights and remedies of our investment within each portfolio company’s capital structure.
Significant unobservable quantitative inputs typically considered in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Level 3 debt investments primarily include current market yields, including relevant market indices, but may also include quotes from brokers, dealers, and pricing services as indicated by comparable investments. If debt investments are credit impaired, an enterprise value analysis may be used to value such debt investments; however, in addition to the methods outlined above, other methods such as a liquidation or wind-down analysis may be utilized to estimate enterprise value. For the Company’s Level 3 equity investments, multiples of similar companies’ revenues, earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) or some combination thereof and comparable market transactions are typically used.
Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value
Debt
The fair value of the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, which is categorized as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy, as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximates its carrying value as the outstanding balance is callable at carrying value.
The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s 2022 Convertible Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Outstanding
Principal
Value (1)
2022 Convertible Notes
99,990
124,455
121,710
2023 Notes
152,332
153,953
2024 Notes
347,500
348,299
362,703
2026 Notes
276,150
296,520
897,490
901,236
934,886
The fair value is based on broker quotes received by the Company and is categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
35
Other Financial Assets and Liabilities
The carrying amounts of the Company’s assets and liabilities, other than investments at fair value and the 2022 Convertible Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, approximate fair value due to their short maturities or their close proximity of the originations to the measurement date. Under the fair value hierarchy, cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 while the Company’s other assets and liabilities, other than investments at fair value and Revolving Credit Facility, are classified as Level 2.
7. Debt
In accordance with the 1940 Act, with certain limitations, the Company is allowed to borrow amounts such that its asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least 150% after such borrowing. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company’s asset coverage was 209.6% and 205.4%, respectively.
Debt obligations consisted of the following as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Aggregate
Committed
Available (1)
Carrying
Value (2)(3)
Revolving Credit Facility
1,510,000
277,262
1,232,738
266,090
99,807
149,468
335,046
270,779
Total Debt
2,407,490
1,174,752
The amount available may be subject to limitations related to the borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility and asset coverage requirements.
The carrying values of the Revolving Credit Facility, 2022 Convertible Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are presented net of the combination of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts totaling $11.2 million, $0.2 million, $0.5 million, $3.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively.
The carrying values of the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are presented inclusive of an incremental ($8.8) million and ($24.2) million, respectively, which represents an adjustment in the carrying values of the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, each resulting from a hedge accounting relationship.
316,442
1,193,558
304,607
99,673
149,306
347,896
284,482
1,213,932
The carrying values of the Revolving Credit Facility, 2022 Convertible Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are presented net of the combination of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts totaling $11.8 million, $0.3 million, $0.7 million, $4.0 million and $5.3 million, respectively.
The carrying values of the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are presented inclusive of an incremental $4.4 million and ($10.2) million, respectively, which represents an adjustment in the carrying values of the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, each resulting from a hedge accounting relationship.
36
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the components of interest expense were as follows:
Interest expense
9,762
9,471
Commitment fees
1,125
1,068
Accretion of original issue discount
Swap settlement
(2,915
(3,081
Total Interest Expense
Average debt outstanding (in millions)
1,211.0
1,122.7
Weighted average interest rate
Average 1-month LIBOR rate
On August 23, 2012, the Company entered into a senior secured revolving credit agreement with Truist Bank (as a successor by merger to SunTrust Bank), as administrative agent, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, and certain other lenders (as amended and restated, the “Revolving Credit Facility”).
As of March 31, 2022, aggregate commitments under the facility were $1.510 billion. Pursuant to an amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility dated as of April 25, 2022 (the “Twelfth Amendment”), the aggregate commitments under the facility were increased to $1.585 billion. The facility includes an uncommitted accordion feature that allows the Company, under certain circumstances, to increase the size of the facility to up to $2.0 billion.
Pursuant to the Twelfth Amendment, with respect to $1.510 billion in commitments, the revolving period, during which period the Company, subject to certain conditions, may make borrowings under the facility, was extended from to April 24, 2026 and the stated maturity date was extended from to April 23, 2027. For the remaining $75.0 million of commitments, (A) with respect to $25.0 million of commitments, the revolving period ends January 31, 2024 and the stated maturity is January 31, 2025 and (B) with respect to $50.0 million of commitments, the revolving period ends February 4, 2025 and the stated maturity is February 4, 2026.
The Company may borrow amounts in U.S. dollars or certain other permitted currencies. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had outstanding debt denominated in Australian dollars (AUD) of 59.0 million, British pounds (GBP) of 4.7 million, Canadian dollars (CAD) of 111.6 million, and Euro (EUR) of 9.4 million on its Revolving Credit Facility, included in the Outstanding Principal amount in the table above.
The Revolving Credit Facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $75.0 million. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had less than $0.1 million letters of credit issued through the Revolving Credit Facility, and as of December 31, 2021, the Company had no outstanding letters of credit issued through the Revolving Credit Facility. The amount available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility is reduced by any letters of credit issued through the Revolving Credit Facility.
Amounts drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility, including amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, bear interest at either the applicable reference rate plus an applicable credit spread adjustment, plus a margin of either 1.75% or 1.875%, or the base rate plus a margin of either 0.75% or 0.875%, in each case, based on the total amount of the borrowing base relative to the sum of the total commitments (or, if greater, the total exposure) under the Revolving Credit Facility plus certain other designated secured debt. The Company may elect either the applicable reference rate or base rate at the time of drawdown, and loans may be converted from one rate to another at any time, subject to certain conditions. The Company also pays a fee of 0.375% on undrawn amounts and, in respect of each undrawn letter of credit, a fee and interest rate equal to the then applicable margin while the letter of credit is outstanding.
The Revolving Credit Facility is guaranteed by Sixth Street SL SPV, LLC, TC Lending, LLC and Sixth Street SL Holding, LLC. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a perfected first-priority security interest in substantially all the portfolio investments held by the Company and each guarantor. Proceeds from borrowings may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments.
37
The Revolving Credit Facility includes customary events of default, as well as customary covenants, including restrictions on certain distributions and financial covenants. In accordance with the terms of the Twelfth Amendment, the financial covenants require:
an asset coverage ratio of no less than 1.5 to 1 on the last day of any fiscal quarter;
stockholders’ equity of at least $500 million plus 25% of the net proceeds of the sale of equity interests after January 31, 2020; and
a minimum asset coverage ratio of no less than 2 to 1 with respect to (i) the consolidated assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors (including certain limitations on the contribution of equity in financing subsidiaries) to (ii) the secured debt of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors plus unsecured senior securities of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors that mature within 90 days of the date of determination (the “Obligor Asset Coverage Ratio”).
The Revolving Credit Facility also contains certain additional concentration limits in connection with the calculation of the borrowing base, based on the Obligor Asset Coverage Ratio.
Net proceeds received from the Company’s common stock issuance in February 2021 and net proceeds received from the issuance of the 2026 Notes were used to pay down borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility.
In February 2017, the Company issued in a private offering $115.0 million aggregate principal amount convertible notes due August 2022 (the “2022 Convertible Notes”). The 2022 Convertible Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The 2022 Convertible Notes are unsecured, and bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year, payable semiannually. In June 2018, the Company issued an additional $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2022 Convertible Notes. The additional 2022 Convertible Notes were issued with identical terms, and are fungible with and are part of a single series with the previously outstanding $115.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s existing 2022 Convertible Notes issued in February 2017. The 2022 Convertible Notes will mature on August 1, 2022. The 2022 Convertible Notes will be convertible into a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, at the Company’s election. As of March 31, 2022, the estimated adjusted conversion price was approximately $17.97 per share of common stock. In connection with the offering of 2022 Convertible Notes in February 2017 and the reopening in June 2018, the Company entered into interest rate swaps to align the interest rates of its liabilities with its investment portfolio, which consists of predominately floating rate loans. The notional amount of the interest rate swaps matches the amount of principal outstanding, and matures on August 1, 2022, matching the maturity date of the 2022 Convertible Notes.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased on the open market and extinguished $29.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes for $29.5 million. These repurchases resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of less than $0.7 million. This gain is included in the extinguishment of debt in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the repurchases of the 2022 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount equal to the amount of 2022 Convertible Notes repurchased, which had the effect of reducing the notional exposure of the fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, which were entered into in connection with the issuance of the 2022 Convertible Notes, to match the remaining principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding. As a result of the swaps, the Company’s effective interest rate on the outstanding 2022 Convertible Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 2.11% (on a weighted-average basis).
Holders were entitled to convert their 2022 Convertible Notes at their option at any time prior to February 1, 2022 only under certain circumstances. On or after February 1, 2022 until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at any time.
On September 30, 2021, the Company notified the trustee and holders of the 2022 Convertible Notes that the terms of one of the conversion features had been met and the notes were eligible for conversion at the option of the holders. The notes remained convertible until October 12, 2021. During this period $42.8 million aggregate principal amount of notes were surrendered for conversion and the Company elected combination settlement. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, $42.8 million of principal of the 2022 Convertible Notes were converted and were settled with a combination of cash and 2,324,820 shares of the Company’s common stock. In connection with the settlement of the 2022 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with an aggregate notional amount equal to the amount of 2022 Convertible Notes settled, which had the effect of reducing the notional exposure of the fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, which were entered into in connection with the issuance
of the 2022 Convertible Notes, to match the remaining principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding. As a result of the swaps, the Company’s effective interest rate on the outstanding 2022 Convertible Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 2.11% (on a weighted-average basis).
On January 26, 2022, the Company notified the trustee and holders of the 2022 Convertible Notes that the terms of settlement for the notes at the Company’s election are a combination settlement of cash and stock to occur after the 40 day observation period described in the notes indenture. The Company has elected to settle any 2022 Convertible Notes that are converted between February 1, 2022 and August 1, 2022 with a specified cash amount (as defined in the indenture governing the 2022 Convertible Notes) of $20.00 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes and any additional amounts in stock based on the applicable conversion rate as described in the indenture.
The 2022 Convertible Notes are the Company’s unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payment to the Company’s future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the 2022 Convertible Notes; equal in right of payment to the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of the Company’s secured indebtedness (including unsecured indebtedness that the Company later secures) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by the Company’s subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the components of interest expense related to the 2022 Convertible Notes were as follows:
1,624
134
1,259
1,815
Total interest expense in the table above does not include the effect of the interest rate swaps. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company received $2.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively, and paid $1.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively, related to the settlements of its interest rate swaps, excluding upfront fees related to the 2022 Convertible Notes. These net amounts are reflected in interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. See Note 5 for further information about the Company’s interest rate swaps.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the components of the carrying value of the 2022 Convertible Notes and the stated interest rate were as follows:
Principal amount of debt
(183
(317
Carrying value of debt
Stated interest rate
4.50
The stated interest rate in the table above does not include the effect of the interest rate swaps. The Company’s swap-adjusted interest rate was three month LIBOR plus 2.11% (on a weighted average basis) for the 2022 Convertible Notes. See Note 5 for further information about the Company’s interest rate swaps.
The indenture governing the 2022 Convertible Notes contains certain covenants, including covenants requiring the Company to comply with the applicable asset coverage ratio requirement under the 1940 Act and to provide financial information to the holders of the 2022 Convertible Notes under certain circumstances. These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the indenture governing the 2022 Convertible Notes. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the indenture governing the 2022 Convertible Notes.
The 2022 Convertible Notes are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 470-20. During the period ended March 31, 2021, the Company early adopted ASU 2020-06 and in accordance with this guidance reclassified the remaining unamortized discount on the 2022 Convertible Notes from the carrying value of the instrument to “additional paid-in capital” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As a requirement under ASU 2020-06 the Company calculates diluted earnings per shares using the if-converted method which assumes full share settlement for the aggregate value of the 2022 Convertible Notes.
The average daily closing price of the Company’s common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was greater than the estimated adjusted conversion price for the 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding as of March 31, 2022. The average daily closing price of the Company’s common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was greater than the estimated adjusted conversion price for the 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding as of March 31, 2021.
In January 2018, the Company issued $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes that mature on January 22, 2023 (the “2023 Notes”). The principal amount of the 2023 Notes is payable at maturity. The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year, payable semi-annually commencing on July 22, 2018, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company’s option at any time at par plus a “make whole” premium. Total proceeds from the issuance of the 2023 Notes, net of underwriting discounts and offering costs, were $146.9 million. The Company used the net proceeds of the 2023 Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
In connection with the 2023 Notes offering, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to align the interest rates of its liabilities with the Company’s investment portfolio, which consists of predominately floating rate loans. The notional amount of the interest rate swap is $150.0 million, which matures on January 22, 2023, matching the maturity date of the 2023 Notes. As a result of the swap, the Company’s effective interest rate on the 2023 Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 1.99%. See Note 5 for further information about the Company’s interest rate swaps.
In November 2019, the Company issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes that mature on November 1, 2024 (the “2024 Notes”). The principal amount of the 2024 Notes is payable at maturity. The 2024 Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.875% per year, payable semi-annually commencing on May 1, 2020, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at our option at any time at par plus a “make whole” premium. Total proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 Notes, net of underwriting discounts, offering costs and original issue discount were $292.9 million. The Company used the net proceeds of the 2024 Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
On February 5, 2020, the Company issued an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes that mature on November 1, 2024. The additional 2024 Notes are a further issuance of, fungible with, rank equally in right of payment with and have the same terms (other than the issue date and the public offering price) as the initial issuance of 2024 Notes. Total proceeds from the issuance of the additional 2024 Notes, net of underwriting discounts, offering costs and original issue premium were $50.1 million. The Company used the net proceeds of the 2024 Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
In connection with the 2024 Notes offering and the reopening of the 2024 Notes, the Company entered into interest rate swaps to align the interest rates of its liabilities with the Company’s investment portfolio, which consists of predominately floating rate loans. The notional amount of the two interest rates swaps is $300.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, each of which matures on November 1, 2024, matching the maturity date of the 2024 Notes. As a result of the swaps, the Company’s effective interest rate on the 2024 Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 2.28% (on a weighted average basis). The interest expense related to the 2024 Notes is offset by proceeds received from the interest rate swaps designated as a hedge. The swap adjusted interest expense is included as a component of interest expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 the effective hedge interest rate swaps had a fair value of ($8.8) million and $4.4 million, respectively, which is offset within interest expense by an equal, but opposite, fair value change for the hedged risk on the 2024 Notes.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased on the open market and extinguished $2.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes for $2.4 million. These repurchases resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of less than $0.1 million. This gain is included in the extinguishment of debt in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the repurchase of the 2024 Notes, the Company entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with a notional amount equal to the amount of 2024 Notes repurchased, which had the effect of reducing the notional exposure of the fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, which were entered into in connection with the issuance of the 2024 Notes, to match the remaining principal amount of the 2024 Notes outstanding. As a result of the swap, the Company’s effective interest rate on the outstanding 2024 Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 2.28% (on a weighted average basis).
On February 3, 2021, the Company issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes that mature on August 1, 2026 (the “2026 Notes”). The principal amount of the 2026 Notes is payable at maturity. The 2026 Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.50%
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per year, payable semi-annually commencing on August 1, 2021, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company’s option at any time at par plus a “make whole” premium. Total proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Notes, net of underwriting discounts, offering costs and original issue discount were $293.7 million. The Company used the net proceeds of the 2026 Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
In connection with the issuance of the 2026 Notes, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to align the interest rates of its liabilities with the Company’s investment portfolio, which consists of predominately floating rate loans. The notional amount of the interest rate swap is $300.0 million, which matures on August 1, 2026, matching the maturity date of the 2026 Notes. As a result of the swap, the Company’s effective interest rate on the 2026 Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 1.91%. The interest expense related to the 2026 Notes is offset by proceeds received from the interest rate swaps designated as a hedge. The swap adjusted interest expense is included as a component of interest expense on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 the effective hedge interest rate swaps had a fair value of ($24.2) million and ($10.2) million, respectively, which is offset within interest expense by an equal, but opposite, fair value change for the hedged risk on the 2026 Notes.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the components of interest expense related to the 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes were as follows:
6,929
6,300
594
523
7,710
6,971
Total interest expense in the table above does not include the effect of the interest rate swaps related to the 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 the Company received $6.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively, and paid $4.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively, related to the settlements of its interest rate swaps, excluding upfront fees, related to the 2023, 2024 and 2026 Notes. These net amounts are reflected in interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. See Note 5 for further information about the Company’s interest rate swaps.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the components of the carrying value of the 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes and the stated interest rate were as follows:
Original issue discount, net of accretion
(1,001
(1,759
(1,091
(1,853
(524
(2,635
(3,241
(683
(2,886
(3,426
Fair value of an effective hedge
(8,818
4,373
3.875
2.50
The stated interest rate in the table above does not include the effect of the interest rate swaps. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company’s swap-adjusted interest rate on the 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes is three month LIBOR plus 1.99%, 2.28% (on a weighted average basis), and 1.91%, respectively.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the indentures governing the 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Portfolio Company Commitments
From time to time, the Company may enter into commitments to fund investments; such commitments are incorporated into the Company’s assessment of its liquidity position. The Company’s senior secured revolving loan commitments are generally available on a borrower’s demand and may remain outstanding until the maturity date of the applicable loan. The Company’s senior secured delayed draw term loan commitments are generally available on a borrower’s demand and, once drawn, generally have the same remaining term as the associated loan agreement. Undrawn senior secured delayed draw term loan commitments generally have a shorter availability period than the term of the associated loan agreement.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had the following commitments to fund investments in current portfolio companies:
Alpha Midco, Inc. - Delayed Draw
3,434
4,444
American Achievement, Corp. - Revolver
2,403
AvidXchange, Inc. - Delayed Draw
895
1,021
Axonify, Inc. - Delayed Draw
5,985
6,850
Bayshore Intermediate #2, L.P. - Revolver
2,398
BCTO Ace Purchaser, Inc. - Delayed Draw
12,301
Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Delayed Draw
12,500
BlueSnap, Inc. - Delayed Draw & Revolver
Clinicient, Inc. - Revolver
1,600
DaySmart Holdings, LLC - Delayed Draw
3,992
4,630
Destiny Solutions Parent Holding Company - Delayed Draw
6,478
Dye & Durham Corp. - Delayed Draw & Revolver
7,973
7,884
Elysian Finco Ltd. - Delayed Draw & Revolver
8,544
Employment Hero Holdings Pty Ltd. - Delayed Draw & Revolver
17,272
16,722
EMS Linq, Inc. - Revolver
8,784
ExtraHop Networks, Inc. - Delayed Draw
22,621
24,389
ForeScout Technologies, Inc. - Revolver
500
G Treasury SS, LLC - Delayed Draw
3,214
6,986
Ibis Intermediate Co. - Delayed Draw
6,338
IntelePeer Holdings, Inc. - Delayed Draw
2,643
IRGSE Holding Corp. - Revolver
673
Kyriba Corp. - Revolver
Lithium Technologies, LLC - Revolver
1,979
Lucidworks, Inc. - Delayed Draw & Revolver
833
3,333
Netwrix Corp. - Delayed Draw & Revolver
2,751
6,351
Neuintel, LLC - Delayed Draw
8,600
PageUp People, Ltd. - Delayed Draw
31,165
30,173
Passport Labs, Inc. - Delayed Draw & Revolver
8,333
8,334
Piano Software, Inc. - Delayed Draw
PrimePay Intermediate, LLC - Delayed Draw
8,000
PrimeRevenue, Inc. - Delayed Draw & Revolver
Project44, Inc. - Delayed Draw
19,861
ReliaQuest Holdings, LLC - Delayed Draw & Revolver
27,861
29,877
Tango Management Consulting, LLC - Delayed Draw & Revolver
31,950
38,750
TRP Assets, LLC - Delayed Draw
18,000
Verdad Resources Intermediate Holdings, LLC - Delayed Draw
7,778
WideOrbit, Inc. - Revolver
4,756
Workwell Acquisition Co. - Delayed Draw
10,000
Total Portfolio Company Commitments (1)(2)
314,364
332,074
Represents the full amount of the Company’s commitments to fund investments on such date. Commitments may be subject to limitations on borrowings set forth in the agreements between the Company and the applicable portfolio company. As a result, portfolio companies may not be eligible to borrow the full commitment amount on such date.
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The Company’s estimate of the fair value of the current investments in these portfolio companies includes an analysis of the fair value of any unfunded commitments.
Other Commitments and Contingencies
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company did not have any unfunded commitments to fund investments to new borrowers that were not current portfolio companies as of such date.
From time to time, the Company may become a party to certain legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of its business. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, management is not aware of any material pending or threatened litigation that would require accounting recognition or financial statement disclosure.
9. Net Assets
In February 2021, the Company issued a total of 4,000,000 shares of common stock at $21.30 per share. Net of underwriting fees and offering costs, the Company received total cash proceeds of $84.9 million. Subsequent to the offering the Company issued an additional 49,689 shares in March 2021 pursuant to the overallotment option granted to underwriters and received, net of underwriting fees, total cash proceeds of $1.0 million.
In December 2021, the Company issued a total of 2,324,820 shares of common stock, or $42.3 million as settlement for the conversion of $42.8 million of the 2022 Convertible Notes.
The Company has a dividend reinvestment plan, whereby the Company may buy shares of its common stock in the open market or issue new shares in order to satisfy dividend reinvestment requests. The number of shares to be issued to a stockholder is determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the cash dividend or distribution payable to a stockholder by the market price per share of the Company’s common stock at the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the payment date of a distribution, or if no sale is reported for such day, the average of the reported bid and ask prices. However, if the market price per share on the payment date of a cash dividend or distribution exceeds the most recently computed net asset value per share, the Company will issue shares at the greater of (i) the most recently computed net asset value per share and (ii) 95% of the current market price per share (or such lesser discount to the current market price per share that still exceeded the most recently computed net asset value per share). Shares purchased in open market transactions by the plan administrator will be allocated to a stockholder based on the average purchase price, excluding any brokerage charges or other charges, of all shares of common stock purchased in the open market.
Pursuant to the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan, the following tables summarize the shares issued to stockholders who have not opted out of the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. All shares issued to stockholders in the tables below are newly issued shares.
Date Declared
Dividend (1)
Record Date
Shares Issued
November 2, 2021
Base
December 15, 2021
January 14, 2022
233,542
February 17, 2022
Supplemental
February 28, 2022
65,596
Total Shares Issued
November 4, 2020
December 15, 2020
January 15, 2021
211,904
February 17, 2021
February 26, 2021
24,196
See Note 11 for further information on base, supplemental and special dividends.
On August 4, 2015, the Company's Board authorized the Company to acquire up to $50 million in aggregate of the Company’s common stock from time to time over an initial six month period, and has continued to authorize the refreshment of the $50 million amount authorized under and extension of the stock repurchase program prior to its expiration since that time, most recently as of May 3, 2022. The amount and timing of stock repurchases under the program may vary depending on market conditions, and no assurance can be given that any particular amount of common stock will be repurchased.
No shares were repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
10. Earnings per share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
Numerator for basic earnings per share
Denominator for basic weighted average shares
Numerator for increase in net assets per share
Adjustment for interest expense and deferred financing
costs on 2022 Convertible Notes, incentive fee and
excise tax, net
998
1,439
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
41,883
58,091
Adjustment for dilutive effect of 2022 Convertible Notes
5,564,172
7,665,330
Denominator for diluted weighted average shares
The 2022 Convertible Notes will be convertible into a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, at the Company’s election which can be dilutive to common stockholders. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is the amount of earnings (loss) available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period including any additional shares of common stock that would be issued if all potentially dilutive securities were exercised. Upon adoption of ASU 2020-06 during the period ended March 31, 2021 the Company is required to disclose diluted EPS using the if-converted method. The if-converted method is a method of computing EPS that assumes conversion of convertible securities at the beginning of the reporting period and is intended to show the maximum dilution effect to common stockholders regardless of how the conversion can occur.
For the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per common share, the average daily closing price of the Company’s common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively, was greater than the estimated adjusted conversion price for the 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding as of March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, respectively. Therefore, for these periods presented in the consolidated financial statements the Company applied the if-converted method for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per common share.
11. Dividends
The Company has historically paid a dividend to stockholders on a quarterly basis. The Company has a dividend framework that provides for a quarterly base dividend and a variable supplemental dividend, subject to satisfaction of certain measurement tests and the approval of the Board.
The following tables summarize dividends declared during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
Payment Date
Dividend per Share
0.11
March 15, 2022
April 18, 2022
0.41
Total Dividends Declared
0.52
44
0.05
March 15, 2021
April 15, 2021
Special
March 25, 2021
April 8, 2021
1.25
1.71
The dividends declared during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were derived from net investment income, determined on a tax basis.
12. Income Taxes
The tax character of shareholder distributions attributable to the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows
Ordinary Income
Capital Gains
The tax basis components of distributable earnings as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:
Undistributed net investment income - tax basis
42,619
17,209
Undistributed net realized gains - tax basis
33,228
14,818
Net unrealized gains on investments
67,675
77,220
Other temporary differences
(51,705
(19,144
Total distributable earnings - book basis
The following reconciles increase in net assets resulting from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 to taxable income at March 31, 2022 and 2021:
Increase in net assets resulting from
operations
Adjustments:
Net unrealized (gains) losses on investments
8,495
(9,755
Other income (loss) for tax purposes, not book
999
(135
Deferred organization costs
(25
Other expenses not currently deductible
Other book-tax differences
1,475
(2,414
Taxable Income
52,180
44,783
Note: Taxable income is an estimate and is not fully determined until the Company’s tax return is filed. The Company’s tax year end is March 31st.
Taxable income generally differs from increase in net assets resulting from operations due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses, and generally excludes net unrealized gains or losses, as unrealized gains or losses are generally not included in taxable income until they are realized.
The Company makes certain adjustments to the classification of stockholders’ equity as a result of permanent book-to-tax differences, which include differences in the book and tax basis of certain assets and liabilities, and nondeductible federal taxes or losses among other items. To the extent these differences are permanent, they are charged or credited to additional paid in capital, or distributable earnings, as appropriate. In addition, due to the Company’s differing fiscal, tax, and excise tax year ends, the best estimates available are recorded to the above accounts in the period that such differences arise or are identifiable.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company increased distributable earnings and decreased additional paid in capital by $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which was primarily attributable to U.S. federal excise taxes.
The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Sixth Street SL Holding, LLC, is a taxable subsidiary in which the Company holds certain equity investments. Sixth Street SL Holding, LLC is not consolidated for U.S. federal income tax purposes and may generate income tax expense as a result of its ownership of certain portfolio companies. The income tax expense, or benefit, and the related tax assets and liabilities, if any, are reflected in our Statement of Operations.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had a net deferred tax liability of $1.9 million, pertaining to net operating losses and unrealized gains related to five and six of its investments, respectively. The Company carried back a portion of its operating losses to the previous tax years generating a $0.3 million tax refund for the year ended December 31, 2021.
During the period April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022, the Company’s estimated U.S. federal taxable income exceeded its distributions made from such taxable income during the tax year; consequently, the Company has elected to carry forward the excess for distribution to shareholders. The amount carried forward is estimated to be approximately $44.7 million, which is inclusive of dividends payable as of March 31, 2022 of $31.2 million, all of which is expected to be ordinary income, although these amounts will not be finalized until the 2021 tax returns are filed in 2022.
To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will exceed its estimated current year dividends from such taxable income, the Company accrues excise tax on estimated excess taxable income. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, a net expense of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, was recorded for U.S. federal excise tax.
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13. Financial Highlights
The following per share data and ratios have been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements. The following are the financial highlights for one share of common stock outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Per Share Data (7)
Net asset value, beginning of period
17.16
Net investment income (1)
0.47
0.46
Net realized and unrealized
gain (1)
0.07
0.35
Total from operations
Issuance of common stock, net of
offering costs (2)
0.02
0.23
Dividends declared from net
investment income (2)
(0.52
(1.71
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets
0.04
(0.67
Net Asset Value, End of Period
16.47
Per share market value at end of
period
23.29
21.03
Total return based on market value
with reinvestment of dividends (3)
1.83
9.62
Total return based on market value (4)
1.80
9.59
Total return based on net asset
value (5)
3.33
5.94
Shares Outstanding, End of Period
Ratios / Supplemental Data (6)
Ratio of net expenses to average
net assets
9.91
11.57
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets
11.16
11.01
Portfolio turnover
13.55
18.77
Net assets, end of period
The per share data was derived by using the weighted average shares outstanding during the period.
The per share data was derived by using the actual shares outstanding at the date of the relevant transactions.
(3) Total return based on market value with dividends reinvested is calculated as the change in market value per share during the period plus declared dividends per share, assuming reinvestment of dividends, divided by the beginning market value per share
Total return based on market value is calculated as the change in market value per share during the period plus declared dividends per share, divided by the beginning market value per share.
Total return based on net asset value is calculated as the change in net asset value per share during the period plus declared dividends per share, divided by the beginning net asset value per share.
The ratios reflect an annualized amount.
Table may not sum due to rounding.
14. Subsequent Events
The Company’s management has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements included herein. There have been no subsequent events, except as already disclosed, that occurred during such period that would require disclosure in this Form 10-Q or would be required to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion also should be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” set forth on page 3 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Overview
Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc. is a Delaware corporation formed on July 21, 2010. The Adviser is our external manager. We have four wholly owned subsidiaries, TC Lending, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which holds a California finance lender and broker license, Sixth Street SL SPV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in which we hold assets that were previously used to support our asset-backed credit facility, Sixth Street SL Holding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in which we hold certain investments, and Sixth Street Specialty Lending Sub, LLC, a Cayman Islands limited liability company, in which we plan to hold certain investments.
We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act and as a RIC under the Code. We made our BDC election on April 15, 2011. As a result, we are required to comply with various statutory and regulatory requirements, such as:
the requirement to invest at least 70% of our assets in “qualifying assets”;
source of income limitations;
asset diversification requirements; and
the requirement to distribute (or be treated as distributing) in each taxable year at least 90% of our investment company taxable income and tax-exempt interest for that taxable year.
Our shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “TSLX.”
Our Investment Framework
We are a specialty finance company focused on lending to middle-market companies. Since we began our investment activities in July 2011, through March 31, 2022, we have originated approximately $20.4 billion aggregate principal amount of investments and retained approximately $8.4 billion aggregate principal amount of these investments on our balance sheet prior to any subsequent exits and repayments. We seek to generate current income primarily in U.S.-domiciled middle-market companies through direct originations of senior secured loans and, to a lesser extent, originations of mezzanine and unsecured loans and investments in corporate bonds and equity securities.
By “middle-market companies,” we mean companies that have annual EBITDA, which we believe is a useful proxy for cash flow, of $10 million to $250 million, although we may invest in larger or smaller companies on occasion. As of March 31, 2022, our core portfolio companies, which exclude certain investments that fall outside of our typical borrower profile and represent 90.6% of our total investments based on fair value, had weighted average annual revenue of $117.4 million and weighted average annual EBITDA of $31.0 million.
We invest in first-lien debt, second-lien debt, mezzanine and unsecured debt and equity and other investments. Our first-lien debt may include stand-alone first-lien loans; “last out” first-lien loans, which are loans that have a secondary priority behind super-senior “first out” first-lien loans; “unitranche” loans, which are loans that combine features of first-lien, second-lien and mezzanine debt, generally in a first-lien position; and secured corporate bonds with similar features to these categories of first-lien loans. Our second-lien debt may include secured loans, and, to a lesser extent, secured corporate bonds, with a secondary priority behind first-lien debt.
The debt in which we invest typically is not rated by any rating agency, but if these instruments were rated, they would likely receive a rating of below investment grade (that is, below BBB- or Baa3 as defined by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Services, respectively), which is often referred to as “junk.”
The companies in which we invest use our capital to support organic growth, acquisitions, market or product expansion and recapitalizations (including restructurings). As of March 31, 2022, the largest single investment based on fair value represented 3.5% of our total investment portfolio.
As of March 31, 2022, the average investment size in each of our portfolio companies was approximately $35.5 million based on fair value.
Through our Adviser, we consider potential investments utilizing a four-tiered investment framework and against our existing portfolio as a whole:
Business and sector selection. We focus on companies with enterprise value between $50 million and $1 billion. When reviewing potential investments, we seek to invest in businesses with high marginal cash flow, recurring revenue streams and where we believe credit quality will improve over time. We look for portfolio companies that we think have a sustainable competitive advantage in growing industries or distressed situations. We also seek companies where our investment will have a low loan-to-value ratio.
We currently do not limit our focus to any specific industry and we may invest in larger or smaller companies on occasion. We classify the industries of our portfolio companies by end-market (such as healthcare, and business services) and not by the products or services (such as software) directed to those end-markets.
As of March 31, 2022, the largest industry represented 16.9% of our total investment portfolio based on fair value.
Investment Structuring. We focus on investing at the top of the capital structure and protecting that position. As of March 31, 2022, approximately 93.1% of our portfolio was invested in secured debt, including 91.3% in first-lien debt investments. We carefully perform diligence and structure investments to include strong investor covenants. As a result, we structure investments with a view to creating opportunities for early intervention in the event of non-performance or stress. In addition, we seek to retain effective voting control in investments over the loans or particular class of securities in which we invest through maintaining affirmative voting positions or negotiating consent rights that allow us to retain a blocking position. We also aim for our loans to mature on a medium term, between two to six years after origination. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the weighted average term on new investment commitments in new portfolio companies was 5.7 years.
Deal Dynamics. We focus on, among other deal dynamics, direct origination of investments, where we identify and lead the investment transaction. A substantial majority of our portfolio investments are sourced through our direct or proprietary relationships.
Risk Mitigation. We seek to mitigate non-credit-related risk on our returns in several ways, including call protection provisions to protect future interest income. As of March 31, 2022, we had call protection on 95.1% of our debt investments based on fair value, with weighted average call prices of 107.3% for the first year, 104.3% for the second year and 101.3% for the third year, in each case from the date of the initial investment. As of March 31, 2022, 99.0% of our debt investments based on fair value bore interest at floating rates, with 100.0% of these subject to interest rate floors, which we believe helps act as a portfolio-wide hedge against inflation.
Relationship with our Adviser and Sixth Street
Our Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company. Our Adviser acts as our investment adviser and administrator and is a registered investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act. Our Adviser sources and manages our portfolio through a dedicated team of investment professionals predominately focused on us. Our Investment Team is led by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Adviser’s Co-Chief Investment Officer Joshua Easterly and our Adviser’s Co-Chief Investment Officer Alan Waxman, both of whom have substantial experience in credit origination, underwriting and asset management. Our investment decisions are made by our Investment Review Committee, which includes senior personnel of our Adviser and affiliates of Sixth Street Partners, LLC, or “Sixth Street.”
Sixth Street is a global investment business with over $60 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2022. Sixth Street’s core platforms include Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Sixth Street Specialty Lending Europe, which is aimed at European middle-market loan originations, Sixth Street TAO, which has the flexibility to invest across all of Sixth Street’s private credit market investments, Sixth Street Opportunities, which focuses on actively managed opportunistic investments across the credit cycle, Sixth Street Credit Market Strategies, which is the firm’s “public-side” credit investment platform focused on investment opportunities in broadly syndicated leveraged loan markets, Sixth Street Growth, which provides financing solutions to growing companies, Sixth Street Fundamental Strategies, which primarily invests in secondary credit, and Sixth Street Agriculture, which invests in niche agricultural opportunities. Sixth Street has a long-term oriented, highly flexible capital base that allows it to invest across industries, geographies, capital structures and asset classes. Sixth Street has extensive experience with highly complex, global public and private investments executed through primary originations, secondary market purchases and restructurings, and has a team of over 370 investment and operating professionals. As of March 31, 2022, thirty-five (35) of these personnel are dedicated to our business, including twenty-seven (27) investment professionals.
Our Adviser consults with Sixth Street in connection with a substantial number of our investments. The Sixth Street platform provides us with a breadth of large and scalable investment resources. We believe we benefit from Sixth Street’s market expertise, insights into industry, sector and macroeconomic trends and intensive due diligence capabilities, which help us discern market conditions that vary across industries and credit cycles, identify favorable investment opportunities and manage our portfolio of investments. Sixth Street and its affiliates will refer all middle-market loan origination activities for companies domiciled in the United States to us and conduct those activities through us. The Adviser will determine whether it would be permissible, advisable or otherwise appropriate for us to pursue a particular investment opportunity allocated to us.
On December 16, 2014, we were granted an exemptive order from the SEC that allows us to co-invest, subject to certain conditions and to the extent the size of an investment opportunity exceeds the amount our Adviser has independently determined is appropriate to invest, with certain of our affiliates (including affiliates of Sixth Street) in middle-market loan origination activities for companies domiciled in the United States and certain “follow-on” investments in companies in which we have already co-invested pursuant to the order and remain invested. On December 28, 2021, we filed a further application for co-investment exemptive relief with the SEC to better align our existing co-investment relief with more recent SEC exemptive orders. There can be no assurance when or if the SEC will grant a further order in response to our application. Until such time a new order is granted, we will continue to operate under the terms of our current exemptive order.
We believe our ability to co-invest with Sixth Street affiliates is particularly useful where we identify larger capital commitments than otherwise would be appropriate for us. We expect that with the ability to co-invest with Sixth Street affiliates we will continue to be able to provide “one-stop” financing to a potential portfolio company in these circumstances, which may allow us to capture opportunities where we alone could not commit the full amount of required capital or would have to spend additional time to locate unaffiliated co-investors.
Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration Agreement, the Adviser’s services are not exclusive, and the Adviser is free to furnish similar or other services to others, so long as its services to us are not impaired. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, we will pay the Adviser the base management fee, or the Management Fee, and may also pay certain incentive fees, or the Incentive Fees.
Under the terms of the Administration Agreement, the Adviser also provides administrative services to us. These services include providing office space, equipment and office services, maintaining financial records, preparing reports to stockholders and reports filed with the SEC, and managing the payment of expenses and the oversight of the performance of administrative and professional services rendered by others. Certain of these services are reimbursable to the Adviser under the terms of the Administration Agreement.
Key Components of Our Results of Operations
We focus primarily on the direct origination of loans to middle-market companies domiciled in the United States.
Our level of investment activity (both the number of investments and the size of each investment) can and does vary substantially from period to period depending on many factors, including the amount of debt and equity capital generally available to middle-market companies, the level of merger and acquisition activity for such companies, the general economic environment and the competitive environment for the types of investments we make.
In addition, as part of our risk strategy on investments, we may reduce certain levels of investments through partial sales or syndication to additional investors.
Revenues
We generate revenues primarily in the form of interest income from the investments we hold. In addition, we may generate income from dividends on direct equity investments, capital gains on the sale of investments and various loan origination and other fees. Our debt investments typically have a term of two to six years, and, as of March 31, 2022, 99.0% of these investments based on fair value bore interest at a floating rate, with 100.0% of these subject to interest rate floors. Interest on debt investments is generally payable quarterly or semiannually. Some of our debt investments provide for deferred interest payments or PIK interest. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, 4.6% of our total investment income was comprised of PIK interest.
Changes in our net investment income are primarily driven by the spread between the payments we receive from our investments in our portfolio companies against our cost of funding, rather than by changes in interest rates. Our investment portfolio primarily consists of floating rate loans, and our credit facilities, 2022 Convertible Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, after taking into account the effect of the interest rate swaps we have entered into in connection with these securities, all bear interest at floating rates. Macro trends in base interest rates like LIBOR or other reference rates may affect our net investment income over the long term. However, because we generally originate loans to a limited number of portfolio companies each quarter, and those investments also vary in size, our results in any given period—including the interest rate on investments that were sold or repaid in a period compared to the interest rate of new investments made during that period—often are idiosyncratic, and reflect the characteristics of the particular portfolio companies that we invested in or exited during the period and not necessarily any trends in our business.
In addition to interest income, our net investment income is also driven by prepayment and other fees, which also can vary significantly from quarter to quarter. The level of prepayment fees is generally correlated to the movement in credit spreads and risk premiums, but also will vary based on corporate events that may take place at an individual portfolio company in a given period—e.g., merger and acquisition activity, initial public offerings and restructurings. As noted above, generally a small but varied number of portfolio companies may make prepayments in any quarter, meaning that changes in the amount of prepayment fees received can vary significantly between periods and can vary without regard to underlying credit trends.
Loan origination fees, original issue discount and market discount or premium are capitalized, and we accrete or amortize such amounts as interest income using the effective interest method for term instruments and the straight-line method for revolving or delayed draw instruments. Repayments of our debt investments can reduce interest income from period to period. We record prepayment premiums on loans as interest income when earned. We also may generate revenue in the form of commitment, amendment, structuring, syndication or due diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and consulting fees. The frequency or volume of these items of revenue may fluctuate significantly.
Dividend income on common equity investments is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies.
Our portfolio activity also reflects the proceeds of sales of investments. We recognize realized gains or losses on investments based on the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of the investment without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. We record current period changes in fair value of investments that are measured at fair value as a component of the net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.
Our primary operating expenses include the payment of fees to our Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement, expenses reimbursable under the Administration Agreement and other operating costs described below. Additionally, we pay interest expense on our outstanding debt. We bear all other costs and expenses of our operations, administration and transactions, including those relating to:
calculating individual asset values and our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firms);
expenses, including travel expenses, incurred by the Adviser, or members of our Investment Team, or payable to third parties, in respect of due diligence on prospective portfolio companies and, if necessary, in respect of enforcing our rights with respect to investments in existing portfolio companies;
the costs of any public offerings of our common stock and other securities, including registration and listing fees;
the Management Fee and any Incentive Fee;
certain costs and expenses relating to distributions paid on our shares;
administration fees payable under our Administration Agreement;
costs of preparing financial statements and maintaining books and records and filing reports or other documents with the SEC (or other regulatory bodies) and other reporting and compliance costs, and the compensation of professionals responsible for the preparation of the foregoing, including the allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other professionals who provide operational and administrative services to us pursuant to the Administration Agreement (based on the percentage of time those individuals devote, on an estimated basis, to our business and affairs);
debt service and other costs of borrowings or other financing arrangements;
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the Adviser’s allocable share of costs incurred in providing significant managerial assistance to those portfolio companies that request it;
amounts payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making or holding investments;
transfer agent and custodial fees;
costs of hedging;
commissions and other compensation payable to brokers or dealers;
taxes;
Independent Director fees and expenses;
the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to our stockholders (including printing and mailing costs), the costs of any stockholders’ meetings and the compensation of investor relations personnel responsible for the preparation of the foregoing and related matters;
our fidelity bond;
directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums;
indemnification payments;
direct costs and expenses of administration, including audit, accounting, consulting and legal costs; and
all other expenses reasonably incurred by us in connection with making investments and administering our business.
We expect that during periods of asset growth, our general and administrative expenses will be relatively stable or will decline as a percentage of total assets, and will increase as a percentage of total assets during periods of asset declines.
Leverage
While as a BDC the amount of leverage that we are permitted to use is limited in significant respects, we use leverage to increase our ability to make investments. The amount of leverage we use in any period depends on a variety of factors, including cash available for investing, the cost of financing and general economic and market conditions, however, under the 1940 Act, our total borrowings are limited so that our asset coverage ratio cannot fall below 150% immediately after any borrowing, as defined in the 1940 Act. In any period, our interest expense will depend largely on the extent of our borrowing and we expect interest expense will increase as we increase leverage over time within the limits of the 1940 Act. In addition, we may dedicate assets as collateral to financing facilities from time to time.
Market Trends
We believe trends in the middle-market lending environment, including the limited availability of capital from traditional regulated financial institutions, strong demand for debt capital and specialized lending requirements, are likely to continue to create favorable opportunities for us to invest at attractive risk-adjusted rates.
Subsequent to the global financial crisis, the implementation of regulatory changes such as Basel III requirements, Leverage Lending Guidance, and the Volker Rule, tightened risk appetites and reduced the capacity of traditional lenders to serve middle-market companies. We believe that these dynamics create a significant opportunity for us to directly originate investments. We also believe that the large amount of uninvested capital held by private equity firms will continue to drive deal activity, which may in turn create additional demand for debt capital.
This market dynamic is further exacerbated by the specialized due diligence and underwriting capabilities, as well as extensive ongoing monitoring, required for middle-market lending. We believe middle-market lending is generally more labor-intensive than lending to larger companies due to smaller investment sizes and the lack of publicly available information on these companies. As a result, the opportunities for dedicated private lenders such as us has continued to expand.
An imbalance between the supply of, and demand for, middle-market debt capital creates attractive pricing dynamics for investors such as BDCs. The negotiated nature of middle-market financings also generally provides for more favorable terms to the lenders, including stronger covenant and reporting packages, better call protection and lender-protective change of control provisions. We believe that BDCs have flexibility to develop loans that reflect each borrower’s distinct situation, provide long-term relationships and a potential source for future capital, which renders BDCs, including us, attractive lenders.
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In late 2019 and early 2020, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and related respiratory disease COVID-19 spread rapidly across the world, including to the United States. This outbreak has led to, and for an unknown and potentially significant period of time will continue to lead to, disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies affected thereby. To date, cross border commercial activity and market sentiment have been negatively impacted by the outbreak and government and other measures seeking to contain its spread. The federal government and the Federal Reserve, as well as foreign governments and central banks, have implemented significant fiscal and monetary policies in response to these disruptions, and additional government and regulatory responses may be possible. It is currently impossible to determine the scope of this or any future outbreak, how long any such outbreak and market disruption, volatility or uncertainty may last, the effect any governmental actions and changes in base interest rates will have or the full potential impact on us, our industry and our portfolio companies.
Portfolio and Investment Activity
As of March 31, 2022, our portfolio based on fair value consisted of 91.3% first-lien debt investments, 1.7% second-lien investments, 0.6% mezzanine debt investments, and 6.4% equity and other investments. As of December 31, 2021, our portfolio based on fair value consisted of 91.2% first-lien debt investments, 1.7% second-lien debt investments, 0.7% mezzanine debt investments, and 6.4% equity and other investments.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, our weighted average total yield of debt and income-producing securities at fair value (which includes interest income and amortization of fees and discounts) was 10.1% and 10.0%, respectively, and our weighted average total yield of debt and income-producing securities at amortized cost (which includes interest income and amortization of fees and discounts) was 10.3% and 10.2%, respectively.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had investments in 69 and 72 portfolio companies, respectively, with an aggregate fair value of $2,451.9 million and $2,521.6 million, respectively.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the principal amount of new investments funded was $52.8 million in two new portfolio companies and eight existing portfolio companies. For this period, we had $144.4 million aggregate principal amount in exits and repayments.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the principal amount of new investments funded was $130.4 million in two new portfolio companies and six existing portfolio companies. For this period, we had $85.1 million aggregate principal amount in exits and repayments.
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Our investment activity for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 is presented below (information presented herein is at par value unless otherwise indicated).
($ in millions)
New investment commitments:
Gross originations
304.5
381.6
Less: Syndications/sell downs
225.2
236.2
Total new investment commitments
79.3
145.4
Principal amount of investments funded:
48.5
129.2
Equity and other
52.8
130.4
Principal amount of investments sold or repaid:
140.5
81.1
144.4
85.1
Number of new investment commitments in
new portfolio companies
Average new investment commitment amount in
16.5
36.3
Weighted average term for new investment
commitments in new portfolio companies
(in years)
Percentage of new debt investment commitments
at floating rates
at fixed rates
Weighted average interest rate of new
investment commitments
9.5
9.8
Weighted average spread over LIBOR of new
floating rate investment commitments
8.6
9.6
Weighted average interest rate on investments
fully sold or paid down
9.7
11.0
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, our investments consisted of the following:
Amortized Cost
2,239.0
2,207.3
2,298.9
2,265.6
42.5
42.6
42.7
14.2
7.3
18.6
9.4
156.2
108.8
161.4
114.4
2,451.9
2,366.0
2,521.6
2,432.0
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The following tables show the fair value and amortized cost of our performing and non-accrual investments as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Performing
2,451.7
2,521.4
Non-accrual (1)
2,362.6
99.9
2,428.6
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when management has reasonable doubt that the borrower will pay principal or interest in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest has been paid and, in management’s judgment, the borrower is likely to make principal and interest payments in the future. Management may determine to not place a loan on non-accrual status if, notwithstanding any failure to pay, the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.
The weighted average yields and interest rates of our performing debt investments at fair value as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 were as follows:
Weighted average total yield of debt and income
producing securities (1)
10.1
10.0
Weighted average interest rate of debt and income
producing securities
Weighted average spread over LIBOR of all floating
rate investments (2)
Weighted average total portfolio yield at fair value was 9.5% at March 31, 2022 and 9.4% at December 31, 2021.
Includes fixed rate investments for which we entered into interest rate swap agreements to swap to floating rates.
The Adviser monitors our portfolio companies on an ongoing basis. The Adviser monitors the financial trends of each portfolio company to determine if it is meeting its business plans and to assess the appropriate course of action for each company. The Adviser has a number of methods of evaluating and monitoring the performance and fair value of our investments, which may include the following:
assessment of success of the portfolio company in adhering to its business plan and compliance with covenants;
periodic and regular contact with portfolio company management and, if appropriate, the financial or strategic sponsor, to discuss financial position, requirements and accomplishments;
comparisons to other companies in the industry;
attendance at, and participation in, board meetings; and
review of monthly and quarterly financial statements and financial projections for portfolio companies.
As part of the monitoring process, the 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. Risk assessment is not standardized in our industry and our risk assessment may not be comparable to ones used by our competitors. Our assessment is based on the following categories:
An investment is rated 1 if, in the opinion of the Adviser, it is performing as agreed and there are no concerns about the portfolio company’s performance or ability to meet covenant requirements. For these investments, the Adviser generally prepares monthly reports on investment performance and intensive quarterly asset reviews.
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An investment is rated 2 if it is performing as agreed, but, in the opinion of the Adviser, there may be concerns about the company’s operating performance or trends in the industry. For these investments, in addition to monthly reports and quarterly asset reviews, the Adviser also researches any areas of concern with the objective of early intervention with the portfolio company.
An investment will be assigned a rating of 3 if it is paying its obligations to us as agreed but a material covenant violation is expected. For these investments, in addition to monthly reports and quarterly asset reviews, the Adviser also adds the investment to its “watch list” and researches any areas of concern with the objective of early intervention with the portfolio company.
An investment will be assigned a rating of 4 if a material covenant has been violated, but the company is making its scheduled payments on its obligations to us. For these investments, the Adviser generally prepares a bi-monthly asset review email and generally has monthly meetings with the portfolio company’s senior management. For investments where there have been material defaults, including bankruptcy filings, failures to achieve financial performance requirements or failure to maintain liquidity or loan-to-value requirements, the Adviser often will take immediate action to protect its position. These remedies may include negotiating for additional collateral, modifying investment terms or structure, or payment of amendment and waiver fees.
A rating of 5 indicates an investment is in default on its interest and/or principal payments. For these investments, our Adviser reviews the investments on a bi-monthly basis and, where possible, pursues workouts that achieve an early resolution to avoid further deterioration of our investment. The Adviser retains legal counsel and takes actions to preserve our rights, which may include working with the portfolio company to have the default cured, to have the investment restructured or to have the investment repaid through a consensual workout.
The following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment performance rating scale at fair value as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Investment performance ratings are accurate only as of those dates and may change due to subsequent developments relating to a portfolio company’s business or financial condition, market conditions or developments, and other factors.
Investments at
Performance
Percentage of
Rating
Total Portfolio
2,181.5
89.0
2,264.8
89.8
219.6
8.9
175.8
7.0
50.6
80.8
Includes investments with an amortized cost of $1.5 million for which the fair value as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was $0.
Results of Operations
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
Total investment income
67.4
66.2
Less: Net expenses
31.4
33.4
Net investment income before income taxes
36.0
32.8
Less: Income taxes, including excise taxes
35.7
32.3
Net realized gains (1)
13.7
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) (1)
(8.5
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
40.9
56.7
Includes foreign exchange hedging activity.
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Investment Income
65.4
62.9
Interest from investments, which includes amortization of upfront fees and prepayment fees, increased from $62.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $65.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in interest from investments was primarily the result of an increase in prepayment fees related to paydowns, and an increase in interest earned due to a larger average portfolio size for the period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Accelerated amortization of upfront fees, which were primarily from unscheduled paydowns, decreased from $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Prepayment fees increased from $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Accelerated amortization of upfront fees and prepayment fees primarily resulted from full paydowns on three portfolio investments, partial paydowns on one portfolio investment, and earning prepayment fees on three portfolio investments during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Accelerated amortization of upfront fees and prepayment fees primarily resulted from full paydowns on four portfolio investments, partial paydowns on four portfolio investments, a partial realization of one portfolio investment and earning prepayment fees on seven portfolio investments during the three months ended March 31, 2022. Other income decreased from $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, primarily due to decreased amendment and other fees during the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.
Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
9.0
9.3
Incentive fees related to pre-incentive fee net investment
income
7.9
7.8
Incentive fees related to realized/unrealized capital gains
Directors fees
Interest expense, including other debt financing expenses, increased from $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $9.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average debt outstanding from $1,112.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $1,211.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The average interest rate on our debt outstanding remained constant at 2.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Management Fees
Management Fees increased from $8.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 due to an increase in average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. The Adviser did not waive any Management Fees for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
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Incentive Fees
Incentive Fees related to pre-Incentive Fee net investment income increased from $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $7.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. This increase resulted from an increase in interest from investments and an increase in prepayment fees for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Adviser did not waive any Incentive Fees related to pre-Incentive Fee net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 or 2021. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, $1.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively, of Incentive Fees were accrued related to cumulative unrealized capital gains in excess of cumulative net realized capital gains less cumulative unrealized losses and capital gains incentive fees paid inception to date. As of March 31, 2022, these accrued Incentive Fees are not contractually payable to the Adviser.
Professional Fees and Other General and Administrative Expenses
Professional fees increased from $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Other general and administrative expenses decreased from $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 to $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
We have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, and we intend to operate in a manner so as to continue to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. To qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, distribute to our stockholders in each taxable year generally at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, and net tax-exempt income for that taxable year. To maintain our RIC status, we, among other things, have made and intend to continue to make the requisite distributions to our stockholders, which generally relieve us from corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes.
Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, we can be expected to carry forward taxable income (including net capital gains, if any) in excess of current year dividend distributions from the current tax year into the next tax year and pay a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax on such taxable income, as required. To the extent that we determine that our estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions from such income, we accrue excise tax on estimated excess taxable income.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we recorded a net expense of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for U.S. federal excise tax and other taxes.
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses
The following table summarizes our net realized and unrealized gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
Net realized gains on investments
Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions
(0.0
Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency investments
Net realized losses on foreign currency borrowings
(0.1
Net Realized Gains (Losses)
Change in unrealized gains on investments
29.7
30.9
Change in unrealized losses on investments
(33.5
(19.4
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on
(3.8
11.5
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency borrowings
(1.8
Unrealized losses on foreign currency cash
Unrealized losses on interest rate swaps
(2.9
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Foreign
Currency Transactions and Interest Rate Swaps
(4.7
(1.7
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)
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For the three months ended March 31, 2022, and 2021, we had net realized gains on investments of $13.7 million and $14.6 million, respectively, primarily driven by one investment and two investments, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we had net realized losses of less than $0.1 million on foreign currency transactions and for the three months ended March 31 2021, we had net realized gains on foreign currency transactions of less than $0.1 million, primarily as a result of translating foreign currency related to our non-USD denominated investments. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we had net realized gains of $0.1 million on foreign currency investments and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 we had net realized losses of less than $0.1 million, on foreign currency investments. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we had net realized losses of $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively, on foreign currency borrowings. The net realized losses on foreign currency borrowings were a result of payments on our revolving credit facility.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we had $29.7 million in unrealized gains on 31 portfolio company investments, which was offset by $33.5 million in unrealized losses on 40 portfolio company investments. Unrealized gains resulted from an increase in fair value, primarily due to positive portfolio company specific developments. Unrealized losses primarily resulted from widening credit spreads, the reversal of prior period unrealized gains due to realizations and negative portfolio company specific developments. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we had $30.9 million in unrealized gains on 48 portfolio company investments, which was offset by $19.4 million in unrealized losses on 20 portfolio company investments. Unrealized gains resulted from an increase in fair value, primarily due to tightening of credit spreads and positive portfolio company specific developments. Unrealized losses primarily resulted from the reversal of prior period unrealized gains due to realizations and negative portfolio company specific developments.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we had unrealized losses on foreign currency borrowings of $1.8 million, and for the three months ended March 31, 2021, we had unrealized gains of $0.1 million on foreign currency borrowings, as a result of fluctuations in the AUD, CAD, EUR and GBP exchange rates. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we had unrealized losses on foreign currency cash of less than $0.1 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we had unrealized losses on interest rate swaps of $2.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, due to fluctuations in interest rates and the periodic settlement of interest rate swaps.
Realized Gross Internal Rate of Return
Since we began investing in 2011 through March 31, 2022, weighted by capital invested, our exited investments have generated an average realized gross internal rate of return to us of 18.6% (based on total capital invested of $6.0 billion and total proceeds from these exited investments of $7.6 billion). Ninety-two percent of these exited investments resulted in a realized gross internal rate of return to us of 10% or greater.
Gross IRR, with respect to an investment, is calculated based on the dates that we invested capital and dates we received distributions, regardless of when we made distributions to our stockholders. Initial investments are assumed to occur at time zero, and all cash flows are deemed to occur on the fifteenth of each month in which they occur.
Gross IRR reflects historical results relating to our past performance and is not necessarily indicative of our future results. In addition, gross IRR does not reflect the effect of Management Fees, expenses, Incentive Fees or taxes borne, or to be borne, by us or our stockholders, and would be lower if it did.
Average gross IRR is the average of the gross IRR for each of our exited investments (each calculated as described above), weighted by the total capital invested for each of those investments.
Average gross IRR on our exited investments reflects only invested and realized cash amounts as described above, and does not reflect any unrealized gains or losses in our portfolio.
Internal rate of return, or IRR, is a measure of our discounted cash flows (inflows and outflows). Specifically, IRR is the discount rate at which the net present value of all cash flows is equal to zero. That is, IRR is the discount rate at which the present value of total capital invested in each of our investments is equal to the present value of all realized returns from that investment. Our IRR calculations are unaudited.
Capital invested, with respect to an investment, represents the aggregate cost basis allocable to the realized or unrealized portion of the investment, net of any upfront fees paid at closing for the term loan portion of the investment. Capital invested also includes realized losses on hedging activity, with respect to an investment, which represents any inception-to-date realized losses on foreign currency forward contracts or foreign currency borrowings allocable to the investment, if any.
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Realized returns, with respect to an investment, represents the total cash received with respect to each investment, including all amortization payments, interest, dividends, prepayment fees, upfront fees (except upfront fees paid at closing for the term loan portion of an investment), administrative fees, agent fees, amendment fees, accrued interest, and other fees and proceeds. Realized returns also include realized gains on hedging activity, with respect to an investment, which represents any inception-to-date realized gains on foreign currency forward contracts or foreign currency borrowings allocable to the investment, if any.
Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Hedging
We use interest rate swaps to hedge our fixed rate debt and certain fixed rate investments. We have designated certain interest rate swaps to be in a hedge accounting relationship. See Note 2 for additional disclosure regarding our accounting for derivative instruments designated in a hedge accounting relationship. See Note 5 for additional disclosure regarding these derivative instruments and the interest payments paid and received. See Note 7 for additional disclosure regarding the carrying value of our debt. Our current approach to hedging the foreign currency exposure in our non-U.S. dollar denominated investments is primarily to borrow the par amount in local currency under our Revolving Credit Facility to fund these investments. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we incurred $1.8 million of unrealized losses and $0.1 million of unrealized gains, respectively, on the translation of our non-U.S. dollar denominated debt into U.S. dollars; such amounts approximate the corresponding unrealized gains and losses on the translation of our non-U.S. dollar denominated investments into U.S. dollars for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
See Note 2 for additional disclosure regarding our accounting for foreign currency. See Note 7 for additional disclosure regarding the amounts of outstanding debt denominated in each foreign currency at March 31, 2022. See our consolidated schedule of investments for additional disclosure regarding the foreign currency amounts (in both par and fair value) of our non-U.S. dollar denominated investments.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity and capital resources are derived primarily from proceeds from equity issuances, advances from our credit facilities, and cash flows from operations. The primary uses of our cash and cash equivalents are:
investments in portfolio companies and other investments and to comply with certain portfolio diversification requirements;
the cost of operations (including paying our Adviser);
debt service, repayment, and other financing costs; and
cash dividends to the holders of our shares.
We intend to continue to generate cash primarily from cash flows from operations, future borrowings and future offerings of securities. We may from time to time enter into additional debt facilities, increase the size of existing facilities or issue debt securities. Any such incurrence or issuance would be subject to prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual and regulatory restrictions and other factors. In accordance with the 1940 Act, with certain limited exceptions, we are only allowed to incur borrowings, issue debt securities or issue preferred stock if immediately after the borrowing or issuance the ratio of total assets (less total liabilities other than indebtedness) to total indebtedness plus preferred stock, is at least 150%. For more information, see “Key Components of Our Results of Operations — Leverage” above. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, our asset coverage ratio was 209.6% and 205.4%, respectively. We carefully consider our unfunded commitments for the purpose of planning our capital resources and ongoing liquidity, including our financial leverage. Further, we maintain sufficient borrowing capacity within the 150% asset coverage limitation under the 1940 Act and the asset coverage limitation under our credit facilities to cover any outstanding unfunded commitments we are required to fund.
Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2022, taken together with cash available under our credit facilities, is expected to be sufficient for our investing activities and to conduct our operations in the near term. As of March 31, 2022, we had approximately $1.2 billion of availability on our Revolving Credit Facility, subject to asset coverage limitations.
As of March 31, 2022, we had $23.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, including $19.1 million of restricted cash, an increase of $7.5 million from December 31, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, cash provided from operating activities was $81.2 million, primarily attributable to repayments and proceeds from investments of $171.9 million and an increase in net assets resulting from operations of $40.9 million which was partially offset by funding portfolio investments of $84.2 million, and other operating activity of $47.4 million. Cash used in financing activities was $73.6 million during the period due to paydowns on our Revolving Credit Facility of $175.6 million, dividends paid of $32.5 million, and deferred financing costs of less than $0.1 million, which was partially offset by borrowings of $134.5 million.
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As of March 31, 2022, we had $19.1 million of restricted cash pledged as collateral under our interest rate swap agreements, an increase of $4.7 million from December 31, 2021 primarily due to a decrease in the fair value of our swaps.
On February 23, 2021, we issued a total of 4,000,000 shares of common stock at $21.30 per share. Net of underwriting fees and offering costs, we received total cash proceeds of $84.9 million. Subsequent to the offering we issued an additional 49,689 shares in March 2021 pursuant to the overallotment option granted to underwriters and received, net of underwriting fees, total cash proceeds of $1.0 million.
In December 2021, we issued a total of 2,324,820 shares of common stock, or $42.3 million as settlement for the conversion of $42.8 million of the 2022 Convertible Notes.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we also issued 299,138 and 236,100 shares of our common stock, respectively, to investors who have not opted out of our dividend reinvestment plan for proceeds of $6.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively. On April 18, 2022, we issued 239,376 shares of our common stock through our dividend reinvestment plan for proceeds of $5.3 million, which is not reflected in the number of shares issued for the three months ended March 31, 2022 in this section or the consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
On August 4, 2015, our Board authorized us to acquire up to $50 million in aggregate of our common stock from time to time over an initial six month period, and has continued to authorize the refreshment of the $50 million amount authorized under and extension of the stock repurchase program prior to its expiration since that time, most recently as of May 3, 2022. The amount and timing of stock repurchases under the program may vary depending on market conditions, and no assurance can be given that any particular amount of common stock will be repurchased.
Aggregate Principal
Amount Committed
1,510.0
277.3
1,232.7
266.1
99.8
150.0
149.4
347.5
335.1
300.0
270.8
2,407.5
1,174.8
1,121.2
61
316.4
1,193.6
304.6
99.7
149.3
347.9
284.5
1,213.9
1,186.0
The carrying values of the Revolving Credit Facility, 2022 Convertible Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are presented net of the combination of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts totaling $11.8 million, $0.3 million, $0.7 million and $4.0 million and $5.3 million, respectively.
The carrying values of the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes are presented inclusive of an incremental $4.4 million and ($10.2) million, which represents an adjustment in the carrying values of the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, each resulting from a hedge accounting relationship.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with the terms of our debt arrangements. We intend to continue to utilize our credit facilities to fund investments and for other general corporate purposes.
On August 23, 2012, we entered into a senior secured revolving credit agreement with Truist Bank (as successor by merger to SunTrust Bank), as administrative agent, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, and certain other lenders (as amended and restated, the “Revolving Credit Facility”).
As of March 31, 2022, aggregate commitments under the facility were $1.510 billion. Pursuant to an amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility dated as of April 25, 2022 (the “Twelfth Amendment”), the aggregate commitments under the facility were increased to $1.585 billion. The facility includes an uncommitted accordion feature that allows us, under certain circumstances, to increase the size of the facility to up to $2.0 billion.
Pursuant to the Twelfth Amendment, with respect to $1.510 billion in commitments, the revolving period, during which period we, subject to certain conditions, may make borrowings under the facility, was extended from to April 24, 2026 and the stated maturity date was extended from to April 23, 2027. For the remaining $75.0 million of commitments, (A) with respect to $25.0 million of commitments, the revolving period ends January 31, 2024 and the stated maturity is January 31, 2025 and (B) with respect to $50.0 million of commitments, the revolving period ends on February 4, 2025 and the stated maturity is February 4, 2026.
We may borrow amounts in U.S. dollars or certain other permitted currencies. As of March 31, 2022, we had outstanding debt denominated in Australian Dollars (AUD) of 59.0 million, British pounds (GBP) of 4.7 million, Canadian Dollars (CAD) of 111.6 million, and Euro (EUR) of 9.4 million on our Revolving Credit Facility, included in the Outstanding Principal amount in the table above.
The Revolving Credit Facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to an aggregate amount of $75.0 million. As of March 31, 2022 we had less than $0.1 million letters of credit issued through the Revolving Credit Facility and as of December 31, 2021, we had no outstanding letters of credit issued through the Revolving Credit Facility. The amount available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility is reduced by any letters of credit issued through the Revolving Credit Facility.
Amounts drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility, including amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, bear interest at either the applicable reference rate plus an applicable credit spread adjustment, plus a margin of either 1.75% or 1.875%, or the base rate plus a margin of either 0.75% or 0.875%, in each case, based on the total amount of the borrowing base relative to the sum of the total commitments (or, if greater, the total exposure) under the Revolving Credit Facility plus certain other designated secured debt. We may elect either the applicable reference rate or base rate at the time of drawdown, and loans may be converted from one rate to another at any time, subject to certain conditions. We also pay a fee of 0.375% on undrawn amounts and, in respect of each undrawn letter of credit, a fee and interest rate equal to the then applicable margin while the letter of credit is outstanding.
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The Revolving Credit Facility is guaranteed by Sixth Street SL SPV, LLC, TC Lending, LLC and Sixth Street SL Holding, LLC. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a perfected first-priority security interest in substantially all the portfolio investments held by us and each guarantor. Proceeds from borrowings may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments.
minimum asset coverage ratio of no less than 2 to 1 with respect to (i) the consolidated assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors (including certain limitations on the contribution of equity in financing subsidiaries) to (ii) the secured debt of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors plus unsecured senior securities of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors that mature within 90 days of the date of determination (the “Obligor Asset Coverage Ratio”).
In February 2017, we issued in a private offering $115.0 million aggregate principal amount convertible notes due August 2022 (the “2022 Convertible Notes”). The 2022 Convertible Notes were issued in a private placement only to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The 2022 Convertible Notes are unsecured, and bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year, payable semiannually. In June 2018, we issued an additional $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2022 Convertible Notes. The additional 2022 Convertible Notes were issued with identical terms, and are fungible with and are part of a single series with the previously outstanding $115.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2022 Convertible Notes issued in February 2017. The 2022 Convertible Notes will mature on August 1, 2022. The 2022 Convertible Notes will be convertible into a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election. As of March 31, 2022, the estimated adjusted conversion price was approximately $17.97 per share of common stock. In connection with the offering of 2022 Convertible Notes in February 2017 and the reopening in June 2018, we entered into interest rate swaps to align the interest rates of our liabilities with our investment portfolio, which consists of predominately floating rate loans. The notional amount of the interest rate swaps matches the amount of principal outstanding, and matures on August 1, 2022, matching the maturity date of the 2022 Convertible Notes.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we repurchased on the open market and extinguished $29.7 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes for $29.5 million. These repurchases resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of less than $0.7 million. This gain is included in the extinguishment of debt in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the repurchases of the 2022 Convertible Notes, we entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount equal to the amount of 2022 Convertible Notes repurchased, which had the effect of reducing the notional exposure of the fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, which were entered into in connection with the issuance of the 2022 Convertible Notes, to match the remaining principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding. As a result of the swaps, our effective interest rate on the outstanding 2022 Convertible Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 2.11% (on a weighted-average basis).
On September 30, 2021, we notified the trustee and holders of the 2022 Convertible Notes that the terms of one of the conversion features had been met and the notes were eligible for conversion at the option of the holders. The notes remained convertible until October 12, 2021. During this period $42.8 million aggregate principal amount of notes were surrendered for conversion and we elected combination settlement. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, $42.8 million of principal of the 2022 Convertible Notes were converted and were settled with a combination of cash and 2,324,820 shares of our common stock. In connection with the settlement of the 2022 Convertible Notes, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with an aggregate notional amount equal to the amount of 2022 Convertible Notes settled, which had the effect of reducing the notional exposure of the fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, which were entered into in connection with the issuance of the 2022 Convertible Notes, to match the remaining principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding. As a result of the swaps, our effective interest rate on the outstanding 2022 Convertible Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 2.11% (on a weighted-average basis).
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On January 26, 2022, we notified the trustee and holders of the 2022 Convertible Notes that the terms of settlement for the notes at our election are a combination settlement of cash and stock to occur after the 40 day observation period described in the notes indenture. We have elected to settle any 2022 Convertible Notes that are converted between February 1, 2022 and August 1, 2022 with a specified cash amount (as defined in the indenture governing the 2022 Convertible Notes) of $20.00 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes and any additional amounts in stock based on the applicable conversion rate as described in the indenture.
The 2022 Convertible Notes are our unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payment to our future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the 2022 Convertible Notes; equal in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness that is not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness (including unsecured indebtedness that we later secure) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by our subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities.
The indenture governing the 2022 Convertible Notes contains certain covenants, including covenants requiring us to comply with the applicable asset coverage ratio requirement under the 1940 Act and to provide financial information to the holders of the 2022 Convertible Notes under certain circumstances. These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the indenture governing the 2022 Convertible Notes. As of March 31, 2022, we were in compliance with the terms of the indenture governing the 2022 Convertible Notes.
The 2022 Convertible Notes are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 470-20. During the period ended March 31, 2021, we early adopted ASU 2020-06 and in accordance with this guidance reclassified the remaining unamortized discount on the 2022 Convertible Notes from the carrying value of the instrument to “additional paid-in capital” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As a requirement under ASU 2020-06 we calculate diluted earnings per shares using the if-converted method which assumes full share settlement for the aggregate value of the 2022 Convertible Notes.
The average daily closing price of our common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was greater than the estimated adjusted conversion price for the 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding as of March 31, 2022.
In January 2018, we issued $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes that mature on January 22, 2023 (the “2023 Notes”). The principal amount of the 2023 Notes is payable at maturity. The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year, payable semi-annually commencing on July 22, 2018, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at our option at any time at par plus a “make whole” premium. Total proceeds from the issuance of the 2023 Notes, net of underwriting discounts and offering costs, were $146.9 million. We used the net proceeds of the 2023 Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
In connection with the 2023 Notes offering, we entered into an interest rate swap to align the interest rates of our liabilities with our investment portfolio, which consists of predominately floating rate loans. The notional amount of the interest rate swap is $150.0 million, which matures on January 22, 2023, matching the maturity date of the 2023 Notes. As a result of the swap, our effective interest rate on the 2023 Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 1.99%.
In November 2019, we issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes that mature on November 1, 2024 (the “2024 Notes”). The principal amount of the 2024 Notes is payable at maturity. The 2024 Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.875% per year, payable semi-annually commencing on May 1, 2020, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at our option at any time at par plus a “make whole” premium. Total proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 Notes, net of underwriting discounts, offering costs and original issue discount were $292.9 million. We used the net proceeds of the 2024 Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
On February 5, 2020, we issued an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes that mature on November 1, 2024. The additional 2024 Notes are a further issuance of, fungible with, rank equally in right of payment with and have the same terms (other than the issue date and the public offering price) as the initial issuance of 2024 Notes. Total proceeds from the issuance of the additional 2024 Notes, net of underwriting discounts, offering costs and original issue premium were $50.1 million. We used the net proceeds of the 2024 Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
In connection with the 2024 Notes offering and reopening of the 2024 Notes, we entered into interest rate swaps to align the interest rates of our liabilities with our investment portfolio, which consists of predominately floating rate loans. The notional amount of the two interest rates swaps is $300.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, each of which matures on November 1, 2024, matching the maturity date of the 2024 Notes. As a result of the swaps, our effective interest rate on the 2024 Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 2.28% (on a weighted average basis).
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we repurchased on the open market and extinguished $2.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes for $2.4 million. These repurchases resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt of less than $0.1 million. This gain is included in the extinguishment of debt in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the repurchase of the 2024 Notes, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with a notional amount equal to the amount of 2024 Notes repurchased, which had the effect of reducing the notional exposure of the fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, which were entered into in connection with the issuance of the 2024 Notes, to match the remaining principal amount of the 2024 Notes outstanding. As a result of the swap, our effective interest rate on the outstanding 2024 Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 2.28% (on a weighted average basis).
On February 3, 2021, we issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes that mature on August 1, 2026 (the “2026 Notes”). The principal amount of the 2026 Notes is payable at maturity. The 2026 Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.50% per year, payable semi-annually commencing on August 1, 2021, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at our option at any time at par plus a “make whole” premium. Total proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Notes, net of underwriting discounts, offering costs and original issue discount were $293.7 million. We used the net proceeds of the 2026 Notes to repay outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility.
In connection with the issuance of the 2026 Notes, we entered into an interest rate swap to align the interest rates of our liabilities with our investment portfolio, which consists of predominately floating rate loans. The notional amount of the interest rate swap is $300.0 million, which matures on August 1, 2026, matching the maturity date of the 2026 Notes. As a result of the swap, our effective interest rate on the 2026 Notes is three-month LIBOR plus 1.91%.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
From time to time, we may enter into commitments to fund investments. We incorporate these commitments into our assessment of our liquidity position. Our senior secured revolving loan commitments are generally available on a borrower’s demand and may remain outstanding until the maturity date of the applicable loan. Our senior secured delayed draw term loan commitments are generally available on a borrower’s demand and, once drawn, generally have the same remaining term as the associated loan agreement. Undrawn senior secured delayed draw term loan commitments generally have a shorter availability period than the term of the associated loan agreement. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had the following commitments to fund investments in current portfolio companies:
6.0
6.9
8.0
8.5
17.3
16.7
22.6
24.4
6.3
6.4
31.1
30.2
19.9
27.9
29.9
38.8
18.0
4.8
314.4
332.1
Represents the full amount of our commitments to fund investments on such date. Commitments may be subject to limitations on borrowings set forth in the agreements between us and the applicable portfolio company. As a result, portfolio companies may not be eligible to borrow the full commitment amount on such date.
Our estimate of the fair value of the current investments in these portfolio companies includes an analysis of the fair value of any unfunded commitments.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we did not have any unfunded commitments to fund new investments to new borrowers that were not current portfolio companies as of such date.
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We have certain contracts under which we have material future commitments. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, our Adviser provides us with investment advisory and management services. For these services, we pay the Management Fee and the Incentive Fee.
Under the Administration Agreement, our Adviser furnishes us with office facilities and equipment, provides us clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities and provides us with other administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. We reimburse our Adviser or its affiliates for the allocable portion (subject to the review and approval of our Board) of expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, and the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions. Such reimbursable amounts include the allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other professionals who provide operational and administrative services to us pursuant to the Administration Agreement. We reimburse the Adviser (or its affiliates) for the allocable portion of the compensation paid by the Adviser (or its affiliates) to such individuals based on a percentage of time those individuals devote, on an estimated basis, to our business and affairs. We may also reimburse the Adviser or its affiliates for the allocable portion of overhead expenses (including rent, office equipment and utilities) attributable thereto. Our Adviser also offers on our behalf significant managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which we are required to offer to provide such assistance.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our contractual payment obligations as of March 31, 2022 is as follows:
Payments Due by Period
Less than
1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
After 5 years
Total Contractual Obligations
250.0
577.3
In addition to the contractual payment obligations in the tables above, we also have commitments to fund investments and to pledge assets as collateral under the terms of our derivatives agreements.
Distributions
We have elected and qualified to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code. To maintain our RIC status, we must distribute (or be treated as distributing) in each taxable year dividends for tax purposes equal to at least 90 percent of the sum of our:
investment company taxable income (which is generally our ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, for such taxable year; and
net tax-exempt interest income (which is the excess of our gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) for such taxable year.
As a RIC, we (but not our stockholders) generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders.
We intend to distribute annually all or substantially all of such income. To the extent that we retain our net capital gains or any investment company taxable income, we generally will be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax. We may choose to retain our net capital gains or any investment company taxable income, and pay the U.S. federal excise tax described below.
Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax payable by us. To avoid this tax, we must distribute (or be treated as distributing) during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of:
98% of our net ordinary income excluding certain ordinary gains or losses for that calendar year;
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98.2% of our capital gain net income, adjusted for certain ordinary gains and losses, recognized for the twelve-month period ending on October 31 of that calendar year; and
100% of any income or gains recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years.
While we intend to distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% U.S. federal excise tax, sufficient amounts of our taxable income and capital gains may not be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of this tax. In that event, we will be liable for this tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.
We intend to pay quarterly dividends to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. All dividends will be paid at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our earnings, financial condition, maintenance of our RIC status, compliance with applicable BDC regulations and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time.
To the extent our current taxable earnings for a year fall below the total amount of our distributions for that 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. Stockholders should read any written disclosure carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.
We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a cash dividend or other distribution, each stockholder that has not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their dividends or distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock rather than receiving cash dividends. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of common stock will be subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash distributions.
Related-Party Transactions
We have entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:
the Investment Advisory Agreement;
the Administration Agreement; and
an ongoing agreement with an affiliate of TPG Global, LLC governing, inter alia, the parties’ respective ownership of and rights to use the “Sixth Street” and “TPG” trademarks and certain variations thereof.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets, and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. Our critical accounting policies, including those relating to the valuation of our investment portfolio, are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2022, and elsewhere in our filings with the SEC.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are subject to financial market risks, including valuation risk, interest rate risk and currency risk.
Valuation Risk
We have invested, and plan to continue to invest, primarily in illiquid debt and equity securities of private companies. Most of our investments will not have a readily available market price, and we value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board in accordance with our valuation policy. There is no single standard for determining fair value. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. If we were required to liquidate a portfolio investment in a forced or liquidation sale, we may realize amounts that are different from the amounts presented and such differences could be material.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate sensitivity refers to the change in earnings that may result from changes in the level of interest rates. We also fund portions of our investments with borrowings. Our net investment income is affected by the difference between the rate at which we invest and the rate at which we borrow. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income.
We regularly measure our exposure to interest rate risk. We assess interest rate risk and manage our interest rate exposure on an ongoing basis by comparing our interest rate-sensitive assets to our interest rate-sensitive liabilities. Based on that review, we determine whether or not any hedging transactions are necessary to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates.
As of March 31, 2022, 99.0% of our debt investments based on fair value in our portfolio bore interest at floating rates, with 100.0% of these subject to interest rate floors. Our credit facilities also bear interest at floating rates, and in connection with our 2022 Convertible Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, which bear interest at fixed rates, we entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps in order to align the interest rates of our liabilities with our investment portfolio.
Assuming that our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2022 were 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 (considering interest rate floors for floating rate instruments):
Basis Point Change
Interest Income
Interest Expense
Net Interest Income
Up 300 basis points
74.6
35.2
39.4
Up 200 basis points
48.6
23.5
25.1
Up 100 basis points
22.8
11.7
11.1
Down 25 basis points
(0.8
(2.8
Down 50 basis points
(1.0
(5.4
Although we believe that this analysis is indicative of our existing sensitivity to interest rate changes, it does not adjust for changes in the credit market, credit quality, the size and composition of the assets in our portfolio and other business developments that could affect our net income. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that actual results would not differ materially from the analysis above.
We may in the future hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using hedging instruments such as additional interest rate swaps, futures, options and forward contracts. While hedging activities may mitigate our exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates, certain hedging transactions that we may enter into in the future, such as interest rate swap agreements, may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of changes in interest rates with respect to our portfolio investments.
Currency Risk
From time to time, we may make investments that are denominated in a foreign currency. These investments are translated into U.S. dollars at each balance sheet date, exposing us to movements in foreign exchange rates. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we cannot assure you that such strategies will be effective or without risk to us. We may seek to utilize instruments such as, but not limited to, forward contracts to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates. We also have the ability to borrow in certain foreign currencies under our Revolving Credit Facility. Instead of entering into a foreign exchange forward contract in connection with loans or other investments we have made that are denominated in a foreign currency, we may borrow in that currency to establish a natural hedge against our loan or investment. To the extent the loan or investment is based on a floating rate other than a rate under which we can borrow under our Revolving Credit Facility, we may seek to utilize interest rate derivatives to hedge our exposure to changes in the associated rate.
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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under loans to or other contracts with our portfolio companies. We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against us.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and the risk factors set forth below, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. These risks are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates.
The majority of our debt investments are based on floating rates, such as LIBOR, EURIBOR, SOFR, the Federal Funds Rate or the Prime Rate. General 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. On one hand, a reduction in the interest rates on new investments relative to interest rates on current investments could have an adverse impact on our net interest income, which also could be negatively impacted by our borrowers making prepayments on their loans. On the other hand, an increase in interest rates could increase the interest repayment obligations of our borrowers and result in challenges to their financial performance and ability to repay their obligations, adversely affecting the credit quality of our investments.
An increase in interest rates could also decrease the value of any investments we hold that earn fixed interest rates, including subordinated loans, senior and junior secured and unsecured debt securities and loans and high yield bonds, and also could increase our interest expense, thereby decreasing our net income. Moreover, an increase in interest rates available to investors could make investment in our common stock less attractive if we are not able to increase our dividend rate, which could reduce the value of our common stock. Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates and the decision to end its quantitative easing policy, may also adversely affect the value, volatility and liquidity of dividend- and interest-paying securities. Market volatility, rising interest rates and/or a return to unfavorable economic conditions could adversely affect our business.
A rise in the general level of interest rates typically leads to higher interest rates applicable to our debt investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates may result in an increase in the amount of the Incentive Fee payable to the Adviser.
We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. These techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
Our Revolving Credit Facility is subject to variable rates that expose us to interest rate risk. We may also incur additional indebtedness subject to variable rates in the future. When interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same.
U.S. dollar borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate derived from SOFR. SOFR is a relatively new reference rate and has a very limited history. The future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted based on its limited historical performance. Since the initial publication of SOFR in April 2018, changes in SOFR have, on occasion, been more volatile than changes in other benchmark or market rates, such as U.S. dollar LIBOR. The use of SOFR is relatively new, and there could be unanticipated difficulties or disruptions with the calculation and publication of SOFR. Additionally, any successor rate to SOFR under our revolving credit facility may not have the same characteristics as SOFR or LIBOR. As a result, the amount of interest we may pay on our revolving credit facility is difficult to predict.
Pursuant to Section 61(a)(2)(C)(ii) of the 1940 Act, the principal risk factors associated with our senior securities are set forth below. However, since we already use leverage in optimizing our investment portfolio, the principal risk factors associated with our senior securities do not represent material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
Legislation allows us to incur additional leverage.
Under the 1940 Act, a BDC generally is not permitted to incur borrowings, issue debt securities or issue preferred stock unless immediately after the borrowing or issuance the ratio of total assets (less total liabilities other than indebtedness) to total indebtedness plus preferred stock is at least 200%. However, under the SBCAA, which became law in March 2018, BDCs have the ability to elect to become subject to a lower asset coverage requirement of 150%, subject to the receipt of the requisite board or stockholder approvals under the SBCAA and satisfaction of certain other conditions.
On October 8, 2018, our stockholders approved the application of the minimum asset coverage ratio of 150% to us, as set forth in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act, as amended by the SBCAA. As a result and subject to certain additional disclosure requirements, as of October 9, 2018, our minimum asset coverage ratio was reduced from 200% to 150%. In other words, pursuant to Section 61(a) of the 1940 Act, as amended by the SBCAA, we are permitted to potentially increase our maximum debt-to-equity ratio from an effective level of one-to-one to two-to-one.
As a result, you may face increased investment risk. We may not be able to implement our strategy to utilize additional leverage successfully. Any impact on returns or equity or our business associated with additional leverage may not outweigh the additional risk.
Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital.
The 1940 Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets in securities of nonpublic or thinly traded U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. These constraints may hinder the Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.
We may need to periodically access the debt and equity capital markets to raise cash to fund new investments in excess of our repayments, and we may also need to access the capital markets to refinance existing debt obligations to the extent such maturing obligations are not repaid with availability under our revolving credit facilities or cash flows from operations.
Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to raise additional capital, and the ways in which we can do so. Raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage, and may result in dilution to our current stockholders. The 1940 Act limits our ability to incur borrowings and issue debt securities and preferred stock, which we refer to as senior securities, requiring that after any borrowing or issuance the ratio of total assets (less total liabilities other than indebtedness) to total indebtedness plus preferred stock, is at least 150%.
We may need to continue to borrow from financial institutions and issue additional securities to fund our growth. Unfavorable economic or capital market conditions may increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or could result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. An inability to successfully access the capital markets may limit our ability to refinance our existing debt obligations as they come due and/or to fully execute our business strategy and could limit our ability to grow or cause us to have to shrink the size of our business, which could decrease our earnings, if any. Consequently, if the value of our assets declines or we are unable to access the capital markets we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when this may be disadvantageous. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common stockholders. If we borrow money or issue senior securities, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.
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If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank senior to common stock in our capital structure. Preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and may have other rights, preferences or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in your best interest. Holders of our common stock will directly or indirectly bear all of the costs associated with offering and servicing any preferred stock that we issue. In addition, any interests of preferred stockholders may not necessarily align with the interests of holders of our common stock and the rights of holders of shares of preferred stock to receive dividends would be senior to those of holders of shares of our common stock.
Our Board may decide to issue additional common stock to finance our operations rather than issuing debt or other senior securities. However, we generally are not able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, elect to issue and sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value of our common stock if our Board determines that the sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders have approved our policy and practice of making these sales within the preceding 12 months. Pursuant to approval granted at a special meeting of stockholders held on May 26, 2021, we are currently permitted to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock at a price below our then-current net asset value per share, subject to the approval of our Board and certain other conditions. Such stockholder approval expires on May 26, 2022. On April 13, 2022, we filed a definitive proxy statement for a special meeting of stockholders, to be held on May 26, 2022. The definitive proxy statement sets forth a proposal to be voted upon at the special meeting that, if approved by stockholders, would have the effect of extending this approval to the one-year anniversary of the date of the special meeting. However, there is no assurance such approval will be obtained. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board, closely approximates the market value of those securities (less any distribution commission or discount). In the event we sell shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value per share, existing stockholders will experience net asset value dilution. This dilution would occur as a result of the sale of shares at a price below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock and would cause a proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders’ interest in our earnings and assets and their voting interest in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. As a result of any such dilution, our market price per share may decline. Because the number of shares of common stock that could be so issued and the timing of any issuance is not currently known, the actual dilutive effect cannot be predicted.
In addition to issuing securities to raise capital as described above, we could securitize our investments to generate cash for funding new investments. To securitize our investments, we likely would create a wholly owned subsidiary, contribute a pool of loans to the subsidiary and have the subsidiary issue primarily investment grade debt securities to purchasers who we would expect would be willing to accept a substantially lower interest rate than the loans earn. We would retain all or a portion of the equity in the securitized pool of loans. Our retained equity would be exposed to any losses on the portfolio of investments before any of the debt securities would be exposed to the losses. An inability to successfully securitize our investment portfolio could limit our ability to grow or fully execute our business and could adversely affect our earnings, if any. The successful securitization of our investment could expose us to losses because the portions of the securitized investments that we would typically retain tend to be those that are riskier and more apt to generate losses. The 1940 Act also may impose restrictions on the structure of any securitization. In connection with any future securitization of investments, we may incur greater set-up and administration fees relating to such vehicles than we have in connection with financing of our investments in the past.
We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss and increases the risk of investing in us.
As part of our business strategy, we borrow from and may in the future issue additional senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Holders of these loans or senior securities would have fixed-dollar claims on our assets that have priority over the claims of our stockholders. If the value of our assets decreases, leverage will cause our net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have without leverage. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause our net income to decline more sharply than it would have if we had not borrowed. This decline could negatively affect our ability to make dividend payments on our common stock. Our ability to service our borrowings depends largely on our financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. In addition, the Management Fee is payable based on our gross assets, including cash and assets acquired through the use of leverage, which may give our Adviser an incentive to use leverage to make additional investments. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our Adviser’s and our Board’s assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.
Our credit facilities and indentures governing our indebtedness also impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, remedies on default and similar matters. As of March 31, 2022, we are in compliance with the covenants of our credit facilities and indentures. However, our continued compliance with these covenants depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, although we believe we will continue to be in compliance, we cannot assure you that we will
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continue to comply with the covenants in our credit facilities and indentures. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default. If we were unable to obtain a waiver of a default from the lenders or holders of that indebtedness, as applicable, those lenders or holders could accelerate repayment under that indebtedness. An acceleration could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Lastly, we may be unable to obtain additional leverage, which would, in turn, affect our return on capital.
As of March 31, 2022, we had $1,174.8 million of outstanding indebtedness, which had an annualized interest cost of 2.26% under the terms of our debt, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of upfront fees) and giving effect to the swap-adjusted interest rates on our 2022 Convertible Notes, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes. As of March 31, 2022, as adjusted to give effect to the interest rate swaps, the interest rate on the 2022 Convertible Notes was three-month LIBOR plus 2.11% (on a weighted-average basis) and the interest rate on the 2023 Notes was three-month LIBOR plus 1.99%, and the interest rate on the 2024 Notes was three-month LIBOR plus 2.28% (on a weighted-average basis), and the interest rate on the 2026 Notes was three-month LIBOR plus 1.91%.
For us to cover these annualized interest payments on indebtedness, we must achieve annual returns on our investments of at least 1.1%. Since we generally pay interest at a floating rate on our debt, an increase in interest rates will generally increase our borrowing costs. We expect that our annualized interest cost and returns required to cover interest will increase if we issue additional debt securities.
In order to assist investors in understanding the effects of leverage, the following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns, net of expenses. Leverage generally magnifies the return of stockholders when the portfolio return is positive and magnifies their losses when the portfolio return is negative. Actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing below.
Effects of Leverage Based on Actual Amount of Borrowings Incurred by us as of March 31, 2022
Assumed Return on Our Portfolio
(net of expenses) (1)
-10%
-5%
0%
5%
10%
Corresponding return to stockholder (2)
-21.5
-11.8
-2.1
7.6
The assumed portfolio return is required by SEC regulations and is not a prediction of, and does not represent, our projected or actual performance. Actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table. Pursuant to SEC regulations, this table is calculated as of March 31, 2022. As a result, it has not been updated to take into account any changes in assets or leverage since March 31, 2022.
In order to compute the “Corresponding return to stockholder,” the “Assumed Return on Our Portfolio” is multiplied by the total value of our assets at March 31, 2022 to obtain an assumed return to us. From this amount, the interest expense (calculated by multiplying the weighted average stated interest rate of 2.3% by the approximately $1,174.8 million of principal debt outstanding) is subtracted to determine the return available to stockholders. The return available to stockholders is then divided by the total value of our net assets at March 31, 2022 to determine the “Corresponding return to stockholder.”
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial conditions or results of operations.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our credit facilities or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before it matures. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling assets or seeking additional equity. We cannot assure you that any such actions, if necessary, could be effected on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or on terms that would not be disadvantageous to our stockholders or on terms that would not require us to breach the terms and conditions of our existing or future debt agreements.
Even in the event the value of your investment declines, the Management Fee and, in certain circumstances, the Incentive Fee will still be payable to the Adviser.
Even in the event the value of your investment declines, the Management Fee and, in certain circumstances, the Incentive Fee will still be payable to the Adviser. The Management Fee is calculated as a percentage of the value of our gross assets at a specific time, which would include any borrowings for investment purposes, and may give our Adviser an incentive to use leverage to make additional investments. In addition, the Management Fee is payable regardless of whether the value of our gross assets or your
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investment have decreased. The use of increased leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would disfavor holders of our common stock. Given the subjective nature of the investment decisions that our Adviser will make on our behalf, we may not be able to monitor this potential conflict of interest.
The Incentive Fee is calculated as a percentage of pre-Incentive Fee net investment income. Since pre-Incentive Fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital gains or losses, it is possible that we may pay an Incentive Fee in a quarter in which we incur a loss. For example, if we receive pre-Incentive Fee net investment income in excess of the quarterly minimum hurdle rate, we will pay the applicable Incentive Fee even if we have incurred a loss in that quarter due to realized and unrealized capital losses. In addition, because the quarterly minimum hurdle rate is calculated based on our net assets, decreases in our net assets due to realized or unrealized capital losses in any given quarter may increase the likelihood that the hurdle rate is reached in that quarter and, as a result, that an Incentive Fee is paid for that quarter. Our net investment income used to calculate this component of the Incentive Fee is also included in the amount of our gross assets used to calculate the Management Fee.
Also, one component of the Incentive Fee is calculated annually based upon our realized capital gains, computed net of realized capital losses and unrealized capital losses on a cumulative basis. As a result, we may owe the Adviser an Incentive Fee during one year as a result of realized capital gains on certain investments, and then incur significant realized capital losses and unrealized capital losses on the remaining investments in our portfolio during subsequent years. Incentive Fees earned in prior years cannot be clawed back even if we later incur losses.
In addition, the Incentive Fee payable by us to the Adviser may create an incentive for the Adviser to make investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such a compensation arrangement. The Adviser receives the Incentive Fee based, in part, upon capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike the portion of the Incentive Fee that is based on income, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the portion of the Incentive Fee based on capital gains. As a result, the Adviser may have an incentive to invest more in companies whose securities are likely to yield capital gains, as compared to income-producing investments. Such a practice could result in our making more speculative investments than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during cyclical economic downturns.
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Item 5. Other Information.
Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibits.
Twelfth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2022, among Sixth Street Specialty Lending, Inc. as Borrower, the Lenders party therto and Truist Bank (as successor by merger to SunTrust Bank), as Administrative Agent
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 3, 2022
By:
/s/ Joshua Easterly
Joshua Easterly
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Ian Simmonds
Ian Simmonds
Chief Financial Officer