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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

Form 10-K

 

 

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number: 814-00924

 

 

Sierra Income Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Maryland   45-2544432

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

375 Park Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10152   10152
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

(212) 759-0777

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).    Yes  ¨    No  x

There is no established market for the Registrant’s shares of common stock. The Registrant is currently conducting an ongoing public offering of its shares of common stock pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form N-2, which shares are being sold at a price of $10.20 per share, with discounts available for certain categories of purchasers, or at a price necessary to ensure that shares are not sold at a price per share, after deduction of selling commissions and dealer manager fees, that is below net asset value per share.

As of March 5, 2015, the Registrant had 59,796,803 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding.

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the registrant’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed subsequent to the date hereof, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days following the end of the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SIERRA INCOME CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PART I

     3   

Item 1. Business

     3   

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     39   

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

     73   

Item 2. Properties

     73   

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

     73   

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

     73   

PART II

     73   

Item  5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     73   

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

     77   

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     77   

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     97   

Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     97   

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     98   

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

     98   

Item 9B. Other Information

     98   

PART III

     98   

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

     98   

Item 11. Executive Compensation

     98   

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     98   

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     98   

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     98   

PART IV

     99   

Item 15. Exhibits and Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

     99   

Signatures

     100   

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I

In this annual report on Form 10-K, except as otherwise indicated, the terms:

 

   

“we”, “us”, “our”, “Sierra” and the “Company” refer to Sierra Income Corporation, a Maryland corporation.

 

   

“SIC Advisors” and the “Advisor” refer to SIC Advisors LLC, our investment advisor. SIC Advisors is a majority owned subsidiary of Medley LLC, which is controlled by Medley Management Inc., a publicly traded asset management firm, which in turn is controlled by Medley Group LLC, an entity wholly-owned by the senior professionals of Medley LLC.

 

   

“Medley” refers, collectively, to the activities and operations of Medley Capital LLC, Medley LLC, Medley Management Inc., Medley Group LLC, associated investment funds and their respective affiliates.

 

Item 1. Business

GENERAL

Sierra Income Corporation is a non-diversified closed-end management investment company incorporated in Maryland that has elected to be treated and is regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Company has elected and to intends to qualify to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2012, and intends to qualify annual thereafter. We are externally managed and advised by our investment adviser, SIC Advisors LLC (“SIC Advisors”) pursuant to an investment advisory agreement.

Our investment objective is to generate current income, and to a lesser extent, long-term capital appreciation. We intend to meet our investment objective by primarily lending to, and investing in the debt of privately owned U.S. middle market companies, which we define as companies with annual revenue between $50 million and $1 billion. We intend to focus primarily on making investments in first lien senior secured debt, second lien secured debt, and to a lesser extent, subordinated debt, of middle market companies in a broad range of industries. We expect that the majority of our debt investments will bear interest at floating interest rates, but our portfolio may also include fixed-rate investments. We will originate transactions sourced through our existing SIC Advisors’ network, and, to a lesser extent, expect to acquire debt securities through the secondary market. We may make equity investments in companies that we believe will generate appropriate risk adjusted returns, although we do not expect such investments to be a substantial portion of our portfolio.

Our Advisor

Our investment activities are managed by our investment adviser, SIC Advisors, which is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or the Advisers Act, and a majority owned subsidiary of Medley, LLC. SIC Advisors is responsible for sourcing potential investments, conducting due diligence on prospective investments, analyzing investment opportunities, structuring investments and monitoring our portfolio on an ongoing basis.

Our Investment Team, which is provided by our Advisor, has on average over 20 years of experience in the credit business, including originating, underwriting, principal investing and loan structuring. Our Advisor, through Medley, has access to over 70 employees, including over 35 investment, origination and credit management professionals, and over 35 operations, marketing and distribution professionals, each with extensive experience in their respective disciplines.

Medley serves as our administrator and provides us with office space, equipment and other office services. The responsibilities of our administrator include overseeing our financial records, preparing reports to our

 

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stockholders and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and generally monitoring the payment of our expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others.

Formation

Sierra Income Corporation was incorporated under the general corporation laws of the State of Maryland on June 13, 2011.

On April 17, 2012, we successfully reached our minimum escrow requirement and officially commenced our operations by receiving gross proceeds of $10,000,000 in exchange for 1,108,033 shares of common stock sold to SIC Advisors. Our offering period was initially scheduled to terminate two years after the initial offering date or, April 16, 2014, unless extended. At a meeting held on March 12, 2014, our board of directors approved an extension of our offering for an additional year. At a meeting held on March 4, 2015, our board of directors approved another extension of our offering for an additional year. Since commencing operations, we have sold a total of 59,796,803 shares of common stock for total gross proceeds of $586 million. The proceeds from the issuance of common stock as presented in our consolidated statements of changes in net assets and consolidated statements of cash flows are presented net of selling commissions and dealer manager fees.

Investment Process

Our Advisor, which is provided for by Medley, has cultivated a disciplined and repeatable process for executing, monitoring, structuring and exiting investments.

Identification and Sourcing. Our Advisor’s experience and reputation have allowed it to generate a substantial and continuous flow of attractive investment opportunities. Our Advisor maintains a strong and diverse network which results in sustained and high quality deal flow. We believe that the breadth and depth of experience of SIC Advisors’ Investment Team across strategies and asset classes, coupled with significant relationships built over the last 20 years, make them particularly qualified to uncover, evaluate and aggressively pursue attractive investment opportunities. We believe that SIC Advisors’ Investment Team has compiled a robust pipeline of transactions ready for possible inclusion in our portfolio by leveraging the broader Medley platform’s deal flow network.

Disciplined Underwriting. SIC Advisors’ Investment Team performs thorough due diligence and focuses on several key criteria in its underwriting process, including strong underlying business fundamentals, a meaningful equity cushion, experienced management, conservative valuation and the ability to deleverage through cash flows. We expect to often be the agent for the loans we originate and accordingly control the loan documentation and negotiation of covenants, which will allow us to maintain consistent underwriting standards. Our Advisor’s disciplined underwriting process also involves engagement of industry experts and third party consultants.

Prior to making an investment, the Investment Team subjects each potential borrower to an extensive credit review process, which typically begins with an analysis of the market opportunity, business fundamentals, company operating metrics and historical and projected financial analysis. The Investment Team also compares liquidity, operating margin trends, leverage, free cash flow and fixed charge coverage ratios for each potential investment to industry metrics. Areas of additional underwriting focus include management or sponsor (typically a private equity firm) experience, management compensation, competitive landscape, regulatory environment, pricing power, defensibility of market share and tangible asset values. Background checks are conducted and tax compliance information may also be requested on management teams and key employees. In addition, the Investment Team contacts customers, suppliers and competitors and perform on-site visits as part of a routine business due diligence process.

Our Advisor’s disciplined underwriting process also involves the engagement of industry experts and third party consultants. The Investment Team routinely uses third party consultants and market studies to corroborate

 

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valuation and industry specific due diligence, as well as provide quality of earnings analysis. Experienced legal counsel is engaged to evaluate and mitigate regulatory, insurance, tax or other company-specific risks.

After the Investment Team completes its final due diligence, each proposed investment is presented to our Advisor’s investment committee and subjected to extensive discussion and follow-up analysis, if necessary. A formal memorandum for each investment opportunity typically includes the results of business due diligence, multi-scenario financial analysis, risk-management assessment, results of third-party consulting work, background checks (where applicable) and structuring proposals. Our Advisor’s investment committee requires a majority vote to approve any investment, although unanimous agreement is sought.

Active Credit Management. Our Advisor employs active credit management. Our Advisor’s process includes frequent interaction with management, monthly or quarterly review of financial information and attendance at board of directors’ meetings as observers. The Investment Team also evaluates financial reporting packages provided by portfolio companies that detail operational and financial performance. Data is entered in our Advisor’s Asset Management System, or AMS, its proprietary, centralized electronic credit management database. AMS creates a centralized, dynamic electronic repository for all of our portfolio company data. Our Advisor’s AMS system generates comprehensive, standardized reports which aggregate operational updates, portfolio company financial performance, asset valuations, macro trends, management call notes and account history. AMS enables the Investment Team to have real-time access to the most recent information on our portfolio investments.

In addition to the data provided by our borrowers, our Advisor may also utilize various third parties to provide checks and balances throughout the credit management process. Independent valuation firms may be engaged to provide appraisals of asset and collateral values or external forensic accounting groups may be engaged to verify portfolio company financial reporting or perform cash reconciliation. Our Advisor believes this hands-on approach to credit management is a key contributor to our investment performance.

Investment Structure

For newly originated investments, SIC Advisors strives to negotiate an optimal combination of current and deferred interest payments, equity participation and prepayment penalties, along with suitable covenants and creditor rights which will generally be greater than the rights normally obtained by institutional investors in comparable transactions and may include such provisions as: specific rights to consult with and advise management, the right to inspect company books, records or facilities, as well as the right to review balance sheets and/or statements of income and cash flows of the company. SIC Advisors determines whether the investment structure, particularly the amount of debt, is appropriate for the portfolio company’s business, sometimes reassessing the investment’s risk/return profile and adjusting pricing and other terms as necessary. The Advisor’s investment team has in-depth restructuring, liquidation and bankruptcy experience which is vital to success as a lender over market cycles.

Investment Committee

The purpose of the investment committee is to evaluate and approve all investments by SIC Advisors’ Investment Team. The investment committee is comprised of a minimum of three members selected from senior members of SIC Advisors’ Investment Team. Approval of an investment requires a majority vote of the investment committee, although unanimous agreement is sought. The committee process is intended to bring the diverse experience and perspectives of the committee members to the analysis and consideration of every investment. The investment committee also serves to provide consistency and adherence to SIC Advisors’ investment philosophies and policies. The investment committee also determines appropriate investment sizing and suggests ongoing monitoring requirements.

In addition to reviewing investments, the committee meetings serve as a forum to discuss credit views and outlooks. Potential transactions and deal flow are also reviewed on a regular basis. Members of the investment

 

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committee are encouraged to share information and views on credits with the committee early in their analysis and throughout the evaluation process. This process improves the quality of the analysis and assists the deal team members to work more efficiently.

Managerial Assistance

As a BDC, we will offer, and must provide upon request, managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies. This assistance could involve, among other things, monitoring the operations of our portfolio companies, participating in board and management meetings, consulting with and advising officers of portfolio companies and providing other organizational and financial guidance. We may receive fees for these services and will reimburse Medley, as our administrator, for its allocated costs in providing such assistance subject to review and approval by our board of directors. Medley will provide such managerial assistance on our behalf to portfolio companies that request this assistance.

Competition

Our primary competitors to provide financing to private and middle-market companies are public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial finance companies, other BDCs, small business investment companies (“SBIC”) and private equity and hedge funds. Some competitors may have access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC or to the distribution and other requirements we must satisfy to maintain our favorable RIC tax status.

Staffing

We do not currently have any employees and do not expect to have any employees. Services necessary for our business are provided by individuals who are employees of SIC Advisors and Medley, pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement and the administration agreement. Our day-to-day investment operations are managed by our Advisor. In addition, we reimburse Medley for our allocable portion of expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, including our allocable portion of the cost of our officers and their respective staffs.

Administration

We entered into an administration agreement with Medley Capital LLC (the “Administration Agreement”) pursuant to which Medley Capital LLC furnishes us with administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. Medley Capital LLC is reimbursed for administrative expenses it incurs on the Company’s behalf in performing its obligations. Such costs are reasonably allocated to us on the basis of assets, revenues, time records or other reasonable methods. We do not reimburse Medley Capital LLC for any services for which it receives a separate fee or for rent, depreciation, utilities, capital equipment or other administrative items allocated to a controlling person of Medley Capital LLC. Medley Capital LLC is an affiliate of SIC Advisors.

Information Available

We maintain a website at http://www.sierraincomecorp.com and http://www.mdly.com. We make available, free of charge, on our website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference

 

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into this annual report on Form 10-K and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this annual report on Form 10-K or any other report we file with the SEC.

INVESTMENTS

We have built a diverse portfolio that includes senior secured first lien term loans, senior secured second lien term loans, senior secured first lien notes and warrants/equity.

The following table shows the investment portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value at December 31, 2014, exclusive of the underlying total return swap portfolio:

 

     Fair Value      Percentage  

Diversified/Conglomerate Service

   $ 106,805,052         17.3

Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

     44,507,635         7.2

Automobile

     44,416,368         7.2

Buildings and Real Estate

     43,348,116         7.0

Personal, Food, and Miscellaneous Services

     41,867,430         6.8

Oil and Gas

     39,601,369         6.4

Telecommunications

     38,077,579         6.2

Electronics

     36,038,502         5.9

Insurance

     34,535,811         5.6

Retail Stores

     31,774,476         5.2

Aerospace and Defense

     24,935,749         4.0

Finance

     22,708,362         3.7

Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber

     22,351,767         3.6

Hotels, Motels, Inns, and Gaming

     20,808,540         3.4

Mining, Steel, Iron, and Nonprecious Metals

     12,915,294         2.1

Cargo Transport

     12,589,103         2.0

Printing and Publishing

     12,437,500         2.0

Containers, Packaging, and Glass

     10,059,144         1.6

Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures, and Entertainment

     10,011,269         1.6

Personal and Nondurable Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only)

     3,758,756         0.6

Beverage, Food, and Tobacco

     1,866,703         0.3

Broadcasting and Entertainment

     1,500,568         0.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 616,915,093         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2014 for each portfolio company in which we had an investment. Other than these portfolio investments, our only formal relationships with our portfolio companies are the managerial assistance that we provide upon request and the board observer or participation rights we may receive in connection with our investment portfolio.

 

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Non-controlled/non-affiliated
investments – 126.8%

           

AAR Intermediate Holdings, LLC

  Oil and Gas  

Senior Secured First

Lien Term Loans

         
   

LIBOR + 12.000%,

1.000% Floor(3)(4)

    6/30/2015      $ 1,006,234      $ 1,006,234      $ 997,872        0.2
   

Senior Secured First

Lien Term Loans

LIBOR + 12.000%,

1.000% Floor(3)(4)

    3/30/2019        11,697,470        10,938,261        10,703,771        2.2
   

Warrants to purchase

1.98% of outstanding

company equity(4)(5)

    3/30/2019        790,778        790,778        598,870        0.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          13,494,482        12,735,273        12,300,513     

ALG USA Holdings, Inc.

  Leisure, Amusement,  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

         
  Motion Pictures, and Entertainment  

LIBOR + 9.000%,

1.250% Floor(6)

    2/28/2020        2,000,000        1,967,491        2,011,269        0.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        1,967,491        2,011,269     

Allen Edmonds Corp.

  Retail Stores  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

         
   

LIBOR + 9.000%,

1.000% Floor(3)(4)

    5/27/2019        7,000,000        7,000,000        7,070,000        1.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,000,000        7,000,000        7,070,000     

AM3 Pinnacle Corporation

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    10.000%(4)(7)     10/22/2018        6,533,857        6,533,857        6,533,857        1.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          6,533,857        6,533,857        6,533,857     

American Pacific Corp.

  Chemicals, Plastics,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  and Rubber   LIBOR + 6.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     2/27/2019        7,940,000        7,888,650        8,056,333        1.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,940,000        7,888,650        8,056,333     

Anaren, Inc.

  Aerospace and Defense  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

LIBOR + 8.250%,

1.000% Floor(6)

    8/18/2021        10,000,000        9,908,218        9,935,749        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        9,908,218        9,935,749     

Ascensus, Inc.

  Finance  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

LIBOR + 8.000%,

1.000% Floor(6)

    12/2/2020        4,000,000        3,948,926        4,000,000        0.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,000,000        3,948,926        4,000,000     

Associated Asphalt Partners, LLC

  Chemicals, Plastics,   Senior Secured First          
  and Rubber   Lien Notes 8.500%(8)     2/15/2018        2,000,000        2,013,443        1,993,534        0.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        2,013,443        1,993,534     

Asurion Corp.(9)

  Insurance  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

LIBOR + 7.500%,

1.000% Floor(6)

    3/3/2021        7,000,000        6,935,000        7,000,000        1.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,000,000        6,935,000        7,000,000     

 

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Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Atrium Innovations, Inc.(10)

  Healthcare,  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

         
 

Education, and

Childcare

 

LIBOR + 6.750%,

1.000% Floor(6)

    8/13/2021        5,000,000        4,977,296        4,743,856        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        4,977,296        4,743,856     

Bennu Oil & Gas, LLC

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.500%, 1.250% Floor(6)     11/1/2018        5,525,389        5,520,837        4,570,180        0.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,525,389        5,520,837        4,570,180     

Birch Communications, Inc.

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     7/18/2020        14,572,917        14,300,451        14,042,615        2.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          14,572,917        14,300,451        14,042,615     

Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping, Inc.

  Buildings and Real   Senior Secured First          
  Estate   Lien Notes 10.375%(8)     9/1/2021        7,500,000        7,641,129        7,600,484        1.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,500,000        7,641,129        7,600,484     

Charming Charlie, Inc.

  Retail Stores   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     12/24/2019        8,945,242        8,963,787        9,034,694        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          8,945,242        8,963,787        9,034,694     

Collective Brands Finance, Inc.(9)(10)

  Retail Stores   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 7.500%, 1.000% Floor(6)     3/11/2022        6,000,000        6,018,670        5,669,782        1.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          6,000,000        6,018,670        5,669,782     

Contmid, Inc.

  Automobile   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     10/25/2019        14,317,924        14,317,924        14,317,924        2.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          14,317,924        14,317,924        14,317,924     

ConvergeOne Holdings Corporation

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.000%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     6/17/2021        12,500,000        12,381,463        12,312,750        2.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          12,500,000        12,381,463        12,312,750     

Cornerstone Chemical Company

  Chemicals, Plastics,   Senior Secured First          
  and Rubber   Lien Notes(8)(11)     3/15/2018        2,500,000        2,587,841        2,550,000        0.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,500,000        2,587,841        2,550,000     

CP Opco, LLC

  Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures, and Entertainment   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     9/30/2020        8,000,000        8,000,000        8,000,000        1.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          8,000,000        8,000,000        8,000,000     

CRGT, Inc.

  Diversified/Conglomerate Service   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 6.500%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     12/19/2020        10,000,000        10,000,000        10,000,000        2.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        10,000,000        10,000,000     

Deltek, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.750%, 1.250% Floor(6)     10/10/2019        3,000,000        2,981,523        3,060,000        0.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        2,981,523        3,060,000     

 

9


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Drew Marine Partners LP

  Cargo Transport   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/19/2021        10,000,000        10,078,927        10,033,409        2.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        10,078,927        10,033,409     

Dynamic Energy Services International, LLC

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     3/6/2018        9,625,000        9,625,000        9,338,439        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          9,625,000        9,625,000        9,338,439     

EarthLink, Inc.(10)

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured First          
    Lien Notes 7.375%(8)(11)     6/1/2020        2,450,000        2,439,171        2,462,250        0.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,450,000        2,439,171        2,462,250     

Encompass Digital Media, Inc.(9)

  Broadcasting and   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Entertainment   LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     6/6/2022        1,500,000        1,486,019        1,500,568        0.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,500,000        1,486,019        1,500,568     

F.H.G. Corp.

 

Healthcare,

Education, and

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Childcare   LIBOR + 9.500%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     4/28/2019        15,000,000        15,000,000        14,880,354        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        15,000,000        14,880,354     

F.H.G. Corp. Cornerstone Research

  Healthcare,   Common Stock(4)(5)          
  Education, and Childcare         288        300,000        63,169        0.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          288        300,000        63,169     

Flexera Software, Inc.(9)

  Electronics   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     4/2/2021        5,000,000        5,018,504        4,852,592        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        5,018,504        4,852,592     

Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.(10)

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First          
    Lien Notes 8.625%(8)(11)     5/15/2018        5,400,000        5,413,659        4,731,750        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,400,000        5,413,659        4,731,750     

Genex Services, Inc.(9)

  Insurance   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/30/2022        9,500,000        9,531,763        9,299,753        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          9,500,000        9,531,763        9,299,753     

Green Field Energy Services, Inc.

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 13.000%(4)(8)(12)     11/15/2016        766,616        755,260        237,651        0.1
   

Warrants/Equity(4)(5)

    11/15/2021        709        29,000               0.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          767,325        784,260        237,651     

GTCR Valor Companies, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 5.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/30/2021        7,968,616        7,892,569        7,788,079        1.6

 

10


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 
    Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.000% Floor(6)     11/30/2021        4,000,000        3,961,852        3,914,693        0.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          11,968,616        11,854,421        11,702,772     

HBC Holdings, LLC

 

Diversified/

Conglomerate

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Service   LIBOR + 5.750%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     3/30/2020        14,962,500        14,962,500        14,962,500        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          14,962,500        14,962,500        14,962,500     

Hill International, Inc.

  Buildings and Real   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Estate   LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     9/25/2020        16,957,500        16,957,500        16,957,457        3.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          16,957,500        16,957,500        16,957,457     

Holland Acquisition Corp.

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/29/2018        5,000,000        4,921,900        4,599,148        0.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        4,921,900        4,599,148     

Ignite Restaurant Group, Inc.

  Personal, Food, and   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Miscellaneous Services   LIBOR + 7.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     2/13/2019        11,970,000        11,799,221        11,970,000        2.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          11,970,000        11,799,221        11,970,000     

Integra Telecom, Inc.

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.250% Floor(3)(4)     2/22/2020        735,455        733,682        728,204        0.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          735,455        733,682        728,204     

Interface Security Systems, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 9.250%(4)(8)     1/15/2018        3,417,000        3,463,712        3,484,637        0.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,417,000        3,463,712        3,484,637     

IronGate Energy Services, LLC

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 11.000%(8)     7/1/2018        3,000,000        2,957,768        2,588,307        0.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        2,957,768        2,588,307     

Isola USA(9)

  Electronics   Senior Secured First          
    Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.250%, 1.000% Floor(6)     11/29/2018        5,874,528        5,999,752        5,931,034        1.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,874,528        5,999,752        5,931,034     

JAC Holdings Corp.

  Automobile   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 11.500%(4)(8)     10/1/2019        12,000,000        12,000,000        12,000,000        2.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          12,000,000        12,000,000        12,000,000     

Jordan Reses Supply Company LLC

  Healthcare,   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Education, and Childcare   LIBOR + 11.000%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     4/24/2020        5,000,000        5,000,000        5,000,000        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        5,000,000        5,000,000     

Kik Custom Products, Inc.

  Healthcare,   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Education, and Childcare   LIBOR + 8.250%, 1.250% Floor(13)     10/29/2019        5,000,000        4,991,433        5,006,500        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        4,991,433        5,006,500     

Linc Energy Finance (USA), Inc.

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured Second          
    Lien Notes 12.500%(4)(8)     10/31/2017        500,000        498,615        504,137        0.1

 

11


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 
    Senior Secured Second Lien Notes 12.500%(4)     10/31/2017        500,000        487,623        504,137        0.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,000,000        986,238        1,008,274     

Liquidnet Holdings, Inc.

  Finance   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/22/2019        6,825,000        6,732,689        6,564,518        1.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          6,825,000        6,732,689        6,564,518     

Livingston International, Inc.(9)(10)

  Cargo Transport   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.250% Floor(6)     4/18/2020        2,658,504        2,654,268        2,555,694        0.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,658,504        2,654,268        2,555,694     

LTCG Holdings Corp.

  Healthcare,   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Education, and Childcare   LIBOR + 5.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     6/6/2020        3,900,000        3,882,146        3,912,136        0.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,900,000        3,882,146        3,912,136     

Miller Heiman, Inc.

  Diversified/Conglomerate Service   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 5.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     9/30/2019        24,687,500        24,687,500        24,687,500        5.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          24,687,500        24,687,500        24,687,500     

Nation Safe Drivers Holdings, Inc.

  Insurance   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.000%, 2.000% Floor(4)(6)(7)     9/29/2020        18,236,058        18,236,058        18,236,058        3.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          18,236,058        18,236,058        18,236,058     

New Media Holdings II, LLC

  Printing and   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Publishing   LIBOR + 6.250%, 1.000% Floor(6)     6/4/2020        12,437,500        12,437,500        12,437,500        2.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          12,437,500        12,437,500        12,437,500     

Newpage Corp.

  Containers, Packaging, and Glass   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.250%, 1.250% Floor(6)     2/11/2021        10,000,000        9,879,551        10,059,144        2.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        9,879,551        10,059,144     

Northern Lights Midco, LLC

  Finance   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 9.500%, 1.500% Floor(3)(4)     11/21/2019        4,700,000        4,700,000        4,700,000        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,700,000        4,700,000        4,700,000     

Northstar Aerospace, Inc.

  Aerospace and Defense   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 10.250%(4)(8)     10/15/2019        15,000,000        15,000,000        15,000,000        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        15,000,000        15,000,000     

OH Acquisition, LLC

  Finance   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 6.250%, 1.000% Floor(3)     8/29/2019        7,481,250        7,446,184        7,443,844        1.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,481,250        7,446,184        7,443,844     

Omnitracs, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/25/2021        7,000,000        7,014,550        7,007,467        1.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,000,000        7,014,550        7,007,467     

 

12


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Oxford Mining Company, LLC

  Mining, Steel, Iron,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  and Nonprecious Metals   LIBOR + 8.500%, 0.750% Floor, 3% PIK(4)(6)(7)     12/31/2018        11,864,407        11,864,407        11,864,407        2.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          11,864,407        11,864,407        11,864,407     

Pegasus Solutions, Inc.

  Diversified/   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Conglomerate Service   LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.500% Floor(3)(4)(7)     5/10/2017                             0.0
    Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.500% Floor(3)(4)     2/10/2018        3,593,304        3,593,304        3,593,304        0.7
    Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.500% Floor, PIK(3)(4)     11/10/2020        19,523,809        19,523,809        19,523,809        4.0
    Warrants to purchase 4.2% of the outstanding equity(4)(5)     02/10/2018        769,231        769,231        769,231        0.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          23,886,344        23,886,344        23,886,344     

Reddy Ice Group, Inc.

  Beverage, Food, and   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Tobacco   LIBOR + 9.500%, 1.250% Floor(3)(4)     10/1/2019        2,000,000        2,000,000        1,866,703        0.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        2,000,000        1,866,703     

Response Team Holdings, LLC

  Buildings and Real   Preferred Equity 12%(4)(5)       3,046,179        2,788,771        2,906,831        0.6
  Estate   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.500%, 2.000% Floor, 1% PIK(3)(4)     3/28/2019        15,206,579        15,206,579        15,287,086        3.1
    Warrants to purchase 3.70% of the outstanding common units(4)(5)     3/28/2019        257,407        257,407        596,258        0.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          18,510,165        18,252,757        18,790,175     

School Specialty, Inc.

  Healthcare,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Education, and Childcare   LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.000% Floor(6)     6/11/2019        10,895,272        10,815,266        10,901,620        2.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,895,272        10,815,266        10,901,620     

Securus Technologies, Inc.

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.250% Floor(6)     4/30/2021        2,000,000        1,984,030        1,997,903        0.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        1,984,030        1,997,903     

Sizzling Platter, LLC

  Personal, Food, and   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Miscellaneous Services   LIBOR + 7.500%, 1.000% Floor(6)     4/28/2019        15,000,000        15,000,000        15,303,157        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        15,000,000        15,303,157     

Survey Sampling International, LLC

  Diversified/   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Conglomerate Service   LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     12/16/2021        24,000,000        24,000,000        24,000,000        5.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          24,000,000        24,000,000        24,000,000     

 

13


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Tempel Steel Company

  Mining, Steel, Iron,   Senior Secured First          
  and Nonprecious Metals   Lien Notes 12.000%(4)(8)(11)     8/15/2016        1,115,000        1,108,838        1,050,887        0.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,115,000        1,108,838        1,050,887     

TGI Friday’s, Inc.

  Personal, Food, and   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Miscellaneous Services   LIBOR + 8.250%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     7/15/2021        15,000,000        14,786,434        14,594,273        3.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        14,786,434        14,594,273     

Tourico Holidays, Inc.

  Hotels, Motels, Inns,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  and Gaming   LIBOR + 7.500%, 1.000% Floor(3)     11/5/2018        15,000,000        15,000,000        15,000,000        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        15,000,000        15,000,000     

Travelclick, Inc.(9)

  Hotels, Motels, Inns,   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  and Gaming   LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     11/6/2021        6,000,000        5,915,121        5,808,540        1.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          6,000,000        5,915,121        5,808,540     

True Religion Apparel, Inc.

  Personal   Senior Secured Second          
  and Nondurable   Lien Term Loans          
  Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only)   LIBOR + 10.000%, 1.000% Floor(13)     1/30/2020        4,000,000        3,854,021        3,758,756        0.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,000,000        3,854,021        3,758,756     

U.S. Well Services, LLC(10)

  Oil and Gas   Warrants/Equity(5)     2/15/2019        1,731        173        227,107        0.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,731        173        227,107     

Valence Surface Technologies, Inc.

  Chemicals, Plastics,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  and Rubber   LIBOR + 5.500%, 1.000% Floor(3)     6/12/2019        9,874,459        9,808,191        9,751,900        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          9,874,459        9,808,191        9,751,900     

Velocity Pooling Vehicle, LLC

  Automobile   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.250%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     5/14/2022        20,625,000        17,904,357        18,098,444        3.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          20,625,000        17,904,357        18,098,444     

Vestcom International, Inc.

  Diversified/   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Conglomerate Service   LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(13)     9/30/2022        5,000,000        5,000,000        5,000,000        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        5,000,000        5,000,000     

YP LLC(9)

  Diversified/   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Conglomerate Service   LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.250% Floor(6)     6/4/2018        4,260,870        4,301,734        4,268,708        0.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,260,870        4,301,734        4,268,708     

Z Gallerie, LLC

  Retail Stores   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 6.500%, 1.000% Floor(13)     10/8/2020        10,000,000        9,889,189        10,000,000        2.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        9,889,189        10,000,000     

Total non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

        $ 620,968,517      $ 616,915,093        126.8
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

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Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity   Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Money market fund – 3.9%

           

Federated Prime Obligations Fund

      $ 19,032,637      $ 19,032,637      $ 19,032,637        3.9
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total money market fund

        $ 19,032,637      $ 19,032,637        3.9
         

 

 

   

 

 

   
Derivative Instrument - Long Exposure                 Notional
Amount
    Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
       

Total return swap with Citibank, N.A. (Note 5)

  Total Return Swap       $ 209,523,834      $ (7,651,597  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ 209,523,834      $ (7,651,597  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) 

All of our investments are domiciled in the United States except for Atrium Innovations, Inc. and Livingston International, Inc. which are domiciled in Canada. All investments are denominated in USD.

(2) 

Percentage is based on net assets of $486,519,913 as of December 31, 2014.

(3) 

The interest rate on these loans is subject to a base rate plus 1M LIBOR, which at December 31, 2014 was 0.17%. As the interest rate is subject to a minimum LIBOR floor which was greater than the 1M LIBOR rate at December 31, 2014, the prevailing rate in effect at December 31, 2014 was the base rate plus the LIBOR floor.

(4) 

An affiliated fund that is managed by an affiliate of SIC Advisors LLC also holds an investment in this security.

(5) 

Security is non-income producing.

(6) 

The interest rate on these loans is subject to a base rate plus 3M LIBOR, which at December 31, 2014 was 0.26%. As the interest rate is subject to a minimum LIBOR floor which was greater than the 3M LIBOR rate at December 31, 2014, the prevailing rate in effect at December 31, 2014 was the base rate plus the LIBOR floor.

(7) 

The investment has an unfunded commitment as of December 31, 2014 which is excluded from the presentation (see Note 11). Fair value includes an analysis of the unfunded commitment.

(8) 

Securities are exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities represent a fair value of $54,203,637 and 11.2% of net assets as of December 31, 2014 and are considered restricted.

(9) 

Security is also held in the underlying portfolio of the total return swap with Citibank, N.A. (see Note 5). The Company’s total commitment to Asurion Corp., Collective Brands Finance, Inc., Encompass Digital Media, Inc., Flexera Software, Inc., Genex Services, Inc., Isola USA, Livingston International, Inc., Travelclick, Inc., and YP LLC is $16,896,070 or 3.5%, $11,617,395 or 2.4%, $6,463,131 or 1.3%, $7,119,467 or 1.5%, $11,284,778 or 2.3%, 9,797,159 or 2.0%, $4,525,137 or 0.9%, $20,622,355 or 4.2%, 8,561,534 or 1.8%, respectively, of Net Assets as of December 31, 2014.

(10) 

The investment is not a qualifying asset under Section 55 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Non-qualifying assets represent 3.3% of the Company’s portfolio at fair value.

(11) 

Represents securities in Level 2 in the ASC 820 table (see Note 4).

(12) 

The investment was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2014.

(13) 

The interest rate on these loans is subject to a base rate plus 6M LIBOR, which at December 31, 2014 was 0.36%. As the interest rate is subject to a minimum LIBOR floor which was greater than the 6M LIBOR rate at December 31, 2014, the prevailing rate in effect at December 31, 2014 was the base rate plus the LIBOR floor.

 

1M 1 Month
3M 3 Month
6M 6 Month

As of December 31, 2014, the weighted average yield based upon original cost on our portfolio investments, including the yield on the equity component of the TRS, was approximately 9.8%. With respect to our directly held investments, and without regard to any position through our TRS, 10% of our income-bearing investment portfolio bore interest based on fixed rates, and 90% bore interest at floating rates, such as LIBOR or the Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”). The weighted average yield on income producing investments is computed based upon a combination of the cash flows to date and the contractual interest payments, principal amortization and fee notes due at maturity without giving effect to closing fees received, base management fees, incentive fees or general fund related expenses. Each floating rate loan uses LIBOR or ABR as its floating rate index. For each floating rate loan, the projected fixed-rate equivalent coupon rate used to forecast the interest cash flows was calculated by adding the interest rate spread specified in the relevant loan document to the fixed-rate equivalent LIBOR or ABR rate, duration-matched to the specific loan, adjusted by the LIBOR or ABR floor and/or cap in place on that loan.

 

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Table of Contents

Overview of Portfolio Companies

Set forth below is a brief description of the business of our portfolio companies as of December 31, 2014.

 

Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

AAR Intermediate Holdings, LLC

AAR Intermediate Holdings, LLC (“AAR”) provides field support services to oil and gas independent producers, drilling companies and midstream companies in the Denver-Julesburg Basin, with headquarters in the heart of the Wattenberg play in Greeley, CO. AAR builds, repairs, modifies and maintains oil and gas production equipment, sites, well and pipelines.

 

Access Media 3, Inc.

AM3 Pinnacle Corporation (D/B/A “Access Media 3, Inc.”) headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, is a rapidly growing triple-play provider of digital satellite television, high speed internet and voice services to the residential multi-dwelling unit (“MDU”) market in the United States and is one of the largest private cable operators in the country. The Company provides services to residential MDUs in 20 different markets across the United States via single-play, double-play and triple-play service options.

 

ALG USA Holdings, Inc.

Apple Leisure Group USA Holdings, LLC (“ALG”) is a leading vertically-integrated travel company that provides all-inclusive vacation experiences to Mexico and the Caribbean. ALG is comprised of 3 businesses: (i) AMResorts, #1 AIC resort management company in the Mexico and Caribbean markets; (ii) Apple Vacations, the largest tour operator and packaged vacation provider to Mexico and the Caribbean; and (iii) Amstar, a destination management company that provides ground transportation and excursion services in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

 

Allen Edmonds Corp.

Allen Edmonds Corporation founded in 1922 and headquartered in Port Washington, WI, manufactures men’s footwear, apparel and accessories that are distributed throughout the United States and internationally.

 

American Pacific Corp.

American Pacific Corporation (“AMPAC”) is a leading custom manufacturer of fine and specialty chemicals, serving the pharmaceutical and aerospace and defense industries. AMPAC, founded in 1955 and headquartered in Las Vegas, NV, operates in two primary business segments: (i) Fine Chemicals; and (ii) Specialty Chemicals. AMPAC’s customers consist of major government sub-contractors. AMPAC’s specialized technologies, customized products, highly trained and experienced workforce and ability to maintain compliance with rigorous regulatory requirements contribute to AMPAC’s strong retention rate, with an average tenure of 15 years for its top ten customers.

 

Anaren, Inc.

Founded in 1967 and headquartered in East Syracuse, NY, Anaren, Inc. is a leading provider of highly integrated microwave components, assemblies and subsystems for the aerospace, satellite, defense, wireless infrastructure, medical and industrial electronics end markets

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

worldwide. Anaren engages in the design, development and manufacture of highly integrated components, assemblies and subsystems. Anaren’s core competencies are in products that (i) receive, process and transmit microwave and radio frequency (“RF”) signals and (ii) manage the power levels of such RF signals. Anaren is divided into 2 reportable segments: Space & Defense Group and Wireless Group.

 

Ascensus, Inc.

Founded in 1980 and based in Dresher, PA, Ascensus, Inc. is the nation’s largest independent provider of outsourced retirement plan and administration services. Ascensus operates through two main divisions: the Plan Services Group (“PSG”) and the Retirement Products and Solutions Group (“RPS”). PSG provides outsourced recordkeeping, actuarial, compliance, and administrative services and defined benefit plans in the U.S. RPS is a leading provider of outsourced IRA and HSA administration and compliance services to financial institution partners.

 

Associated Asphalt Partners, LLC

Associated Asphalt Partners, LLC is one of the largest independent asphalt resellers in the United States. Associated Asphalt stores, blends, transports and sells a diverse mix of performance grade asphalt. Associated Asphalt’s facilities service the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states within the PADD I region of the U.S., which is the most densely populated PADD region and a net importer of asphalt.

 

Asurion Corp.

Asurion, LLC headquartered in Nashville, TN, is the world’s leading provider of technology protection services to the wireless, retail, and home service provider industries. Asurion serves over 100 million wireless subscribers and administers over 175 million extended service contracts in North America, Asia and Europe, making it the largest consumer technology protection company in the world.

 

Atrium Innovations, Inc.

Atrium Innovations Inc. founded in 1999 and headquartered in Quebec, Canada, is a globally recognized leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of vitamins, minerals and supplements. Atrium sells these products under several major brands with leading market positions, primarily marketed to healthcare practitioners and health food stores in North America and Europe.

 

Bennu Oil & Gas, LLC

Bennu Oil & Gas, LLC is a privately-held exploration and production company engaged in the production, development, acquisition and exploitation of crude oil and natural gas assets in the Gulf of Mexico (“GoM”). Bennu Oil & Gas was formed in September 2013 to acquire key producing properties and certain exploratory blocks in the deep-water and shelf GoM from the ATP Oil & Gas Corporation estate.

 

Birch Communications, Inc.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Birch Communications, Inc. is a provider of IP-based voice and data communications, cloud and managed services to 90,000 small and medium sized business as well as certain mid-market and enterprise

 

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Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

customers across all 50 states. Birch serves its customers through its 100% IP network located in 12 states. Birch also services its off-net customers through strategic agreements with incumbent local exchange carrier and competitive local exchange carrier.

 

Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping, Inc.

Brundage-Bone was founded in 1983 in Denver, CO. Brundage-Bone grew organically and in 1995 became the largest concrete pumper in the U.S. Following a successful restructuring, Brundage-Bone now owns the largest fleet of concrete placement equipment in North America, which includes 419 pieces of equipment with an average age of nine years, and is 4x its closest competitor.

 

Charming Charlie, Inc.

Charming Charlie is a destination retailer of fashion jewelry and accessories targeting women between the ages of 22 to 54. Charming Charlie is known for its fun, friendly, and fabulous brand which permeates its in-store and online experience. Charming Charlie offers a broad and constantly changing assortment of on-trend fashion and accessories including jewelry, shoes, handbags, and apparel at value prices under the Charming Charlie label.

 

Collective Brands Finance, Inc.

Collective Brands, Inc. dba Payless Inc. is one of the world’s largest footwear specialty retailers and sells more shoes to women and children in the U.S. than any other retailer. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Topeka, Kansas, Payless was founded on a strategy of selling low-cost, high-quality family footwear. In addition to footwear, Collective Brands also sells a broad array of accessories such as handbags, jewelry, bath-and-beauty products, and hosiery.

 

Contmid, Inc.

ContMid, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of highly engineered metal fasteners, cold formed parts, stampings and assemblies to the automotive and industrials markets.

 

ConvergeOne Holdings Corp.

ConvergeOne Holdings Corporation is a leading independent provider of innovative communications solutions and managed services to large and medium sized enterprises globally.

 

Cornerstone Chemical Company

Cornerstone Chemical Company is a market-leading, North American producer of critical intermediate and specialty chemicals including AN and melamine, which are marketed globally, and is a leading producer of sulfuric acid for the merchant market in the Gulf of Mexico region. Cornerstone is the sole producer of melamine in North America and one of only two AN merchant producers in North America. Cornerstone’s products are critical building block components of further value-added specialty chemicals utilized in a diverse range of end markets including residential and commercial construction, automotive, enhanced oil recovery and hydraulic fracturing, water treatment, consumer plastics and carbon fiber, among others.

 

CP Opco, LLC

CP Opco LLC (“Classic”) founded in 1978 and headquartered in Inglewood, CA, is the #1 event rental solutions provider in the United

 

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Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

States. Classic offers its customers a complete solution, pairing a broad portfolio of event rental products and temporary structures with value-added event services.

 

CRGT, Inc.

CRGT Inc. and its subsidiaries is a leading provider of custom software development, data analytics, and other high value technology services to federal government agencies. CRGT’s service offerings are organized into three business units: Agile Software Development , Data Analytics and Business Solutions, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Solutions. CRGT’s services and solutions are primarily provided to federal civilian agencies as well as the defense agencies, and the intelligence community.

 

Deltek, Inc.

Deltek Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of project focused enterprise software and information solutions. Deltek’s software is the most comprehensive solution in the SRP marketplace, providing end-to-end management of business development and project lifecycles. Deltek’s software solutions include functions for companies to track and win government contracts, manage resources internally, plan and budget projects and comply with strict regulatory reporting requirements. Deltek’s software falls into three segments: government contracting, information solutions and professional services.

 

Drew Marine Partners LP

Founded in 1928 and headquartered in Whippany, NJ, Drew Marine Global Holdings provides vessel performance products and fire, safety and rescue solutions products to maritime transportation vessels and offshore oil rigs, and serves over 5,000 customers in nearly every port worldwide through its direct delivery capability and extensive distributor network.

 

Dynamic Energy Services International, LLC

Dynamic Energy Services International LLC is a leading provider of full-service fabrication, construction and maintenance services to a broad range of worldwide markets including oil and gas, industrial and petrochemical markets.

 

EarthLink, Inc.

Earthlink, Inc. is an ISP provider servicing individual and business subscribers. EarthLink’s strategy is to offer bundled IT services to its large installed base of telecom customers. Those services include: cloud hosting, disaster recover, collocation, managed security, and secure email, all offered via EarthLink’s nationwide MPLS network.

 

Encompass Digital Media, Inc.

Encompass Digital Media, Inc’s. core business is to (i) capture content in any format from any source, (ii) manipulate, deliver and archive content so that it can be viewed anywhere, anytime, across current and future devices and platforms, and (iii) broadcast content into a continuous playout stream as a 24/7 linear television channel, or distribute it as video files for non-linear consumption, via satellite, fiber or IP. Encompass’ tier 1 clients include the world’s largest broadcasters, cable networks, corporations and the U.S. government.

 

F.H.G. Corp.

Capstone Nutrition is the fourth largest supplement contract manufacturer in the vitamins, minerals and supplements industry,

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

with more than 600k square feet of manufacturing space and capacity for continued growth. Capstone manufactures over 1,180 SKUs across a diversified set of VMS categories and sales channels.

 

Flexera Software, Inc.

Flexera Software LLC, headquartered in Itasca, IL, provides solutions that enable software publishers and software users to install, track, monitor and manage application usage to optimize utilization, ensure continuous compliance with contractual terms and conditions, and maximize return on the software investments. Flexera serves as the common interface between software licensors (independent software vendors and intelligent device manufactures) and licensees (enterprises and governments). Flexera’s comprehensive suite of AUM solutions can be found on more than 550M devices throughout the world.

 

Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.

Gastar Exploration, founded in 1987 and based in Houston, TX, is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Appalachia and Texas. Gastar operates in the Marcellus Shale play in northern West Virginia and central Pennsylvania. Gastar also has assets in the Bossier play of the Hilltop area of east Texas.

 

Genex Services, Inc.

GENEX Services Inc. is the leading national provider of case management solutions to the workers’ compensation industry. GENEX has established the number one national position in case management, with ~13% market share of an approximately $2 billion market for case management services. GENEX offers return-to-work solutions to actively mitigate the steadily increasing cost of medical care associated with claims and helps in minimizing the lost productivity and other inefficiencies created by employees that miss work due to a workers’ compensation claim.

 

Green Field Energy Services, Inc.

Green Field Energy Services formed in 1969, is an independent oilfield services company that provides a wide range of services to oil and natural gas drilling and production companies. The Company’s Plan of Reorganization was confirmed in 2014.

 

GTCR Valor Companies, Inc.

GTCR Valor Companies is the largest global provider of integrated PR software suites and the second largest vendor of PR software services in the Americas; it is the top player in media analysis, media monitoring as well as contact management.

 

HBC Holdings, LLC

HBC Holdings, LLC founded in 1971 and based in Cranbury, NJ, is a leading omnichannel, value-added distributor of a broad assortment of hardware, plumbing and housewares products serving all retail formats; from local hardware stores and industrial suppliers to national retailers. Based in Moody, AL, Jones Stephens Corp. distributes specialty plumbing products to industrial suppliers and national retailers, primarily based in South, Northeast, and Midwest. Jones Stephens’ business model is to source, stock, and ship low velocity plumbing SKUs in less-than-truck loads or as individual items in 24 – 72 hours, allowing Holdings to earn a premium price/margin due to high service levels required. Holdings together with

 

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Table of Contents

Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

Jones Stephens, is a leading national competitor in the value-added hardware distribution market.

 

Hill International, Inc.

Hill International, Inc headquartered in Marlton, NJ and established in 1976, is the largest independent and ninth largest overall construction management firm in the U.S. according to ENR, and the largest construction claims practice in the world as measured by number of professionals and revenue. Hill helps clients manage their construction projects and programs more effectively so that projects are finished on time, within budget and with minimal claims.

 

Holland Acquisition Corp.

Founded in 1985, Holland Acquisitions, Corp is a leading provider of land services to blue-chip clients throughout the United States. Holland is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, with satellite offices in Houston, Texas and Washington, Pennsylvania. Holland offers a full-suite of land services in all three stages of the energy production cycle: upstream, midstream and downstream. Holland assists energy companies with all aspects of acquiring, selling and developing land and mineral rights.

 

Ignite Restaurant Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Houston, TX, Ignite Restaurant Group (“IRG”) operates and franchises over 350 restaurants throughout the US and internationally. Ignite offers a variety of chef-inspired food and beverages in a distinctive, casual, high-energy atmosphere. IRG’s portfolio includes Joe’s Crab Shack, Brick House Tavern + Tap and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

 

Integra Telecom, Inc.

Integra Telecom (“Integra”) is a regional fiber-based local exchange carrier that provides integrated communication services across 35 metropolitan areas in 11 states of the Western U.S. Integra owns (directly or under IRU) a fiber optic network with over 8,000 route miles of fiber, consisting of 3,000 route miles of metro fiber and 5,000 route miles of long haul fiber. Within its metro network, Integra has direct fiber connection to approximately 1,847 locations.

 

Interface Security Systems, Inc.

Interface Security Systems, Holdings, Inc. founded in 1995 and based in Missouri, is a national provider of physical security and secured managed network services to primarily large, commercial multi-site customers and provides the most comprehensive IP technology-enabled managed security solution in the market. Interface’s customer base includes large, multi-site commercial enterprises in the luxury retail, dining, quick-service restaurant and hospitality vertical sectors.

 

IronGate Energy Services, LLC

IronGate Energy Services, LLC is an independent provider of rental and tubular services to oil and gas drilling operators in the U.S. and Mexico. IronGate has field offices located in major oil and gas producing regions in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Rental services provide customers with equipment such as drill string components, surface pressure control equipment and specialty offshore equipment and tubing to both onshore and offshore customers. Tubular services provide installation of casing and tubing, replacing drill pipe and retrieving production tubing for both onshore and offshore customers.

 

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Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

Isola USA

Isola Group, founded in Germany in 1912, is a global material science company that designs, develops, and manufactures copper-clad laminate and prepreg used to fabricate advanced multilayer printed circuit boards. Isola sells its products globally to leading PCB fabricators, including Viasystems, Ruwel, Sanmina, TTM Technologies, and WUS Printed Circuit.

 

JAC Holdings Corp.

JAC Holdings Corporation is the leading North American designer and manufacturer of roof rack systems for light vehicles (including cross utility vehicles, SUVs, sports vehicles, pick-up trucks and minivans) for automotive OEMs. JAC generates sales from the sale of various types of roof racks, including raised side rails, low profile side rails, fixed cross bars and the only Swing-NPlace / stowable systems in the market. Additionally, JAC offers several complementary products including cargo systems, cross rails, ditch moldings, bumper pads.

 

Jordan Reses Supply Company

Jordan Reses Supply Company LLC (“JRS”), founded in 1985 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, is the leading national distributor of respiratory equipment solely focused on serving the Veterans Affairs and federal government. JRS is a leading supplier of sleep disorder products. JRS focuses on CPAP and BiPAP devices as well as the associated masks for the treatment of Sleep Apnea.

 

Kik Custom Products, Inc.

KIK Custom Products is one of North America’s largest manufacturers of consumer packaged goods with a client list that includes 80% of North America’s major retailers and some of the world’s leading CPG companies. KIK’s custom division manufactures products on a contract basis for over 70 CPG companies including such category leaders as Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and Henkel. KIK’s classic division is a leading manufacturer of packaged private label bleach in North America, supplying bleach and other household cleaners to over 80% of North America’s leading retailers.

 

Linc Energy Finance (USA), Inc.

Linc Energy Finance (USA), Inc. (“Linc”) was founded in 2011 by its parent corporation Linc Energy Ltd. Linc was formed for the purpose of acquiring crude oil and gas producing properties in the United States. Linc is currently engaged in the production, development and exploitation of crude oil and gas in Texas, Louisiana, Wyoming and Alaska.

 

Liquidnet Holdings, Inc.

Liquidnet Holdings, Inc. operates a global institutional equities trading network that many of the world’s top asset managers trust to execute their block trades with maximum anonymity and minimal price impact. Launched in 2001, Liquidnet brings together institutional buyers and sellers of large blocks of equity securities, enabling them to trade with each other directly and anonymously on its electronic trading platform.

 

Livingston International, Inc.

Livingston International, Inc. is North America’s largest pure-play, non-asset-based customs broker. Over 35,000 clients trust Livingston

 

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Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

to deliver critical customs clearance and trade compliance capabilities. Livingston utilizes its proprietary transaction-processing platform to provide services at virtually every major point of entry into Canada and the U.S.

 

LTCG Holdings Corp.

Long Term Care Group, Inc. provides business process outsourcing and assessment services for the long-term care insurance industry. LTCG offers end-to-end LTCI BPO services including: (i) application processing, underwriting and policy issuance; (ii) policy administration; (iii) claims processing and care management; (iv) assessments; and (v) professional services. LTCG offers proprietary services to 45 major multi-line insurance companies. Unlike insurance companies, LTCG bears no financial risk for the policies it administers.

 

Miller Heiman, Inc.

Providence Corporate Development Holding Company is a leading corporate training company focused on sales, project management, leadership, and credit training industry. Providence provides clients with innovative proprietary content, technology, tools, processes, and strategies that enable companies to consistently and profitably grow sales. PCDHC has grown to become a major player in the corporate training industry through the combination of Miller Heiman Inc., Informa Performance Improvement and IPS Learning, LLC.

 

Nation Safe Drivers Holdings, Inc.

Nation Safe Drivers Holdings, Inc is a leading provider of towing and roadside assistance services as well as supplemental insurance related products.

 

New Media Holdings II, LLC

New Media Holdings is one of the largest publisher of locally-based print and online media in the United States as measured by number of daily publications. New Media Holdings has over 1,000 sales representatives in the markets that it serves and generates three types of revenue: (i) advertising, including traditional print and digital; (ii) circulation, including home delivery subscription, single copy sales and digital subscriptions; and (iii) other revenue, including commercial printing and digital marketing services.

 

Newpage Corp.

NewPage Corporation, headquartered in Miamisburg, Ohio, is the #1 coated paper producer in North America and #4 worldwide. Coated paper is primarily used in media and marketing applications including catalogs, magazines, and commercial printing applications, such as high-end advertising brochures, annual reports, and direct mail advertising. NewPage customers include leading publishers, commercial printers, specialty retail merchandisers, and paper merchants.

 

Northern Lights Midco, LLC

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Seattle, WA, Northern Lights Capital Partners, LLC is a US-based private equity firm with investments in boutique asset managers. Northern Lights merged into a joint venture with The Treasury Group LTD (“TRG”), a publicly-traded Australia based firm. The combination formed a global,

 

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Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

integrated asset management platform with a history of strong organic and M&A growth that is positioned to be among the most attractive players in the multi-boutique asset manager industry. Simultaneously, Northern Lights acquired the remaining stakes of Aether, from which it will earn highly stable management fees on committed capital, and Seizert, from which Northern Lights will generate significant upside given Seizert’s growth trajectory.

 

Northstar Aerospace, Inc.

Northstar Aerospace, Inc is an independent manufacturer of flight-critical aerospace gears and power transmission systems for domestic and international military and commercial aircraft applications.

 

OH Acquisition, LLC

OptionsHouse LLC and tradeMONSTER Group, Inc. consolidated are online discount options and stock brokerages geared towards retail investors. The merger of OptionsHouse and TradeMonster consolidated two of the top-ranked options platforms to create the 5th largest retail options broker. The online trading platform routes customer orders to market makers and exchanges but does not hold customers’ trades on its balance sheet or face market risk.

 

Omnitracs, Inc.

Omnitracs, Inc. is one of the largest providers of satellite and terrestrial-based connectivity and location solutions to transportation and logistics companies. These fleet management systems enable customers to track their assets, communicate with their personnel, and collect/analyze data to optimize their businesses. Omnitracs’ core product offerings include in-cab and trailer hardware, recurring connectivity software & services, and SaaS-based applications.

 

Oxford Resource Partners, LP

Oxford Resource Partners, LP is a producer of high-value thermal coal and the largest producer of surface-mined coal in Ohio with its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. Oxford operates principally in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Oxford sells its coal primarily to large electric utilities under long-term supply contracts.

 

Pegasus Solutions, Inc.

Pegasus Distribution, Inc. is a leading full service platform that assists lodging providers in the distribution of hotel information to end consumers through various distribution channels. Pegasus has long standing relationships with the top ten hotel chains and is connected to major global distribution systems as well as 1,000+ online travel agents and metasearch sites.

 

Reddy Ice Group, Inc.

Reddy Ice Corporation (“Reddy Ice”) is the largest producer and distributor of packaged ice in the U.S., with #1 or #2 market share in the majority of its footprint, which spans 34 states, including Washington DC. Reddy Ice is based in Dallas, Texas with approximately 1,500 year-round employees, they add up to 600-700 employees during peak seasonal months. Reddy Ice owns or operates 58 ice manufacturing facilities, 74 distribution centers, and approximately 3,500 Ice Factories (ISBs), with daily ice manufacturing capacity of approximately 17,000 tons.

 

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Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

Response Team Holdings, LLC

Response Team 1, LLC founded in 2010 and headquartered in Raleigh, NC, provides mitigation, restoration, and ancillary services to single and multi-family prospects, healthcare organizations, schools, municipalities, and commercial businesses.

 

School Specialty, Inc.

School Specialty, Inc. has sold products to over 70% of the 130,000 U.S. schools and to over 50% of U.S. teachers. School’s educational resources segment offers the broadest range and deepest assortment of general supplies, supplemental learning products, classroom equipment and furniture available from a single source supplier. School has a portfolio of over 30,000 proprietary and branded products supported by customized value-added service solutions. Eighty percent of School’s product sales and solutions are non-discretionary. School is the largest national distributor of K-12 educational products and solutions.

 

Securus Technologies, Inc.

Securus Technologies, Inc. headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a leading independent provider of inmate telecommunications in North America, delivering turnkey solutions to over 850,000 inmates at ~2,200 correctional facilities across 45 U.S. states, District of Columbia and Canada. Inmate telecommunications services constitute a highly specialized niche market requiring sophisticated technological features unique to the correctional industry such as the ability to authenticate users, restrict access to certain phone numbers, monitor / analyze and record calls, and provide advanced billing and validation systems. Securus’ technological platform and customer oriented service model have helped Securus to secure ~2,000 multi-year, exclusive contracts. Through acquisitions made in 2013, Securus also provides public safety software to police departments, fire departments, and correctional institutions in 30 states, and electronic offender monitoring services to federal, state, and local governments.

 

Sizzling Platter, LLC

Sizzling Platter, LLC is a restaurant management company founded in 1963 that operates 215 restaurants including: 171 Little Caesars (“LC”) locations, 19 Sizzler locations, 18 Dunkin Donuts locations and 7 other limited service restaurants in the Western US as a franchisee. Sizzling Platter focuses on markets with attractive demographics which favor restaurants with average check sizes of ~$11 and households with total persons per household exceeding the national average of 2.6. These characteristics allow Sizzling Platter to outperform the restaurant industry as a whole with respect to same store sales during downturns.

 

Survey Sampling International, LLC

Survey Sampling International LLC (“SSI”) is a leading provider of global data collection services utilized by market research firms, consulting firms, corporate end-users, and public opinion firms to conduct survey research. SSI, founded in 1977 based in Shelton, Connecticut, founded the commercial sampling industry 37 years ago and has unrivaled experience and global expertise in survey sampling, data collection, and data analytics. SSI is the only company in the

 

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Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

industry to offer global, multi-mode access to respondents through online (web-based surveys), mobile (tablets and smart phones), and offline (telephone) means.

 

Tempel Steel Company

Tempel Steel Company is one of the world’s largest independent manufacturers of magnetic steel laminations used in the production of motors and transformers. Tempel has manufacturing operations in the U.S., Mexico, China and India, a distribution and steel services center in Canada and distribution centers in Pennsylvania and California.

 

TGI Friday’s, Inc.

Founded in 1965, TGI Friday’s Inc has a 50-year record of distinctive and iconic brand innovations, including the first “Happy Hour”, the introduction of Long Island ice tea, loaded potato skins and Jack Daniels-based food items.

 

Tourico Holidays, Inc.

Based in Orlando, Florida, Travel Holdings, Inc. (“THI”) is a technology-driven, global travel distributor providing business-to-business (“B2B”) and business-to-consumer (“B2C”) services with the following primary brands (i) Tourico Holidays which is a B2B wholesale distributor and (ii) Last Minute Travel which is a B2C offering of discounted travel products. Travel Holdings utilizes proprietary technology to supply travel inventory at competitive pricing and integrates with all segments of the online travel industry including retail, wholesale, group, travel agents, corporate and affiliates.

 

Travelclick, Inc.

TravelClick, Inc., headquartered in New York, NY, is a leading provider of cloud-based reservation systems, SaaS-based business intelligence and digital media solutions. TravelClick’s innovative solutions help its hotel customers increase revenue, reduce costs and improve performance. TravelClick’s Reservation Solutions enable its hotelier customers to book client reservations on hotel website and OTAs, via mobile device, by telephone or through a travel agent. TravelClick’s Business Intelligence Solutions provide powerful analytical tools to help hoteliers optimize pricing, manage demand and drive performance. TravelClick’s Digital Media Solutions provide hoteliers with multichannel marketing tools to cost-effectively target and acquire customers and service existing customers.

 

True Religion Apparel, Inc.

True Religion Apparel, Inc. is a global, design-based jeans and sportswear brand, based in Vernon, California. True Religion designs, manufactures, and markets True Religion Apparel products, which includes its premium True Religion Brand Jeans. True Religion’s product line is sold in branded retail and outlet stores, as well as department stores and boutiques in the US and abroad.

 

U.S. Well Services, LLC

US Well Services (“USWS”) is a Houston, Texas based oilfield service provider contracted to engage in pressure pumping and related services, including high-pressure hydraulic fracturing in unconventional oil and natural gas basins.

 

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Portfolio Company

Brief Description of Portfolio Company

 

 

Valence Surface Technologies, Inc.

Valence is the largest independently owned aerospace and defense metal processing company with a focus on highly-complex flight critical parts servicing the commercial aerospace, defense, satellite and UAV markets. The platform consists of seven businesses across five key geographical regions including Southern California, Oklahoma/Texas, Kansas, Southeast and Northwest. Valence operates in the larger aerospace and defense industry with a niche focus of metal processing services to commercial aerospace, defense, satellite and UAV platforms.

 

Velocity Pooling Vehicle, LLC

Motorsport Aftermarket Group (“MAG”) and Tucker Rocky compete in the parts and accessories sub segment of the larger U.S. motorcycle market. MAG is a leading manufacturer and is comprised of a group of highly recognizable brands serving nearly all product categories in the powersports aftermarket industry, including both on-road and off-road segments. Tucker Rocky is a leading distributor of proprietary and sourced brands to a variety of dealers and retailers.

 

Vestcom International, Inc.

Vestcom is the leading provider of outsourced shelf-edge information and media solutions to national grocery chains, convenience stores, and other big-box physical retailers. They are the only shelf-edge solution provider with a national footprint capable of serving large national accounts. Vestcom offers a broad suite of mutually exclusive solutions which can be grouped into three categories: (i) shelf labels to communicate price and product information; (ii) shelf-edge and instore ads to engage clients; and (iii) planogram related solutions to manage merchandising activities in the store.

 

YP LLC

YP Holdings LLC (“YP”) is the largest provider of local business print, online and mobile directory services in the world. Since being acquired by Cerberus Capital Management in May 2012, YP has been aggressive in establishing a variable cost structure, reducing headcount through automation, consolidating its real estate footprint and implementing vendor payment programs to decrease investment in working capital. YP offers a significant value proposition to its customers, specifically in rural communities throughout the United States, by providing bundled packages of print publications and services in addition to its suite of digital products and services.

 

Z Gallerie, LLC

Z Gallerie, LLC is a lifestyle retailer offering a variety of home goods including furniture, artwork, lighting, tabletop items, textiles and decorative accessories. Z Gallerie targets affluent females between the ages of 25 and 50 with household income of $70K+ who are seeking a more affordable alternative to premier home goods retailers such as Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND FEES

Investment Advisory Fees

We pay SIC Advisors a fee for its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement consisting of two components: a management fee and an incentive fee. We believe that this fee structure benefits stockholders by

 

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aligning the compensation of our Advisor with our overall investment performance. The cost of both the management fee and the incentive fee are ultimately borne by our stockholders.

Base Management Fee

The base management fee calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% of our gross assets payable quarterly in arrears. For purposes of calculating the base management fee, the term “gross assets” includes any assets acquired with the proceeds of leverage. The Advisor benefits when we incur debt or use leverage. For the first quarter of our operations, the base management fee was calculated based on the initial value of our gross assets. Subsequently, the base management fee is calculated based on our gross assets at the end of each completed calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial quarter are appropriately prorated.

Incentive Fee

The incentive fee is divided into two parts: (i) a subordinated incentive fee on income and (ii) an incentive fee on capital gains. Each part of the incentive fee is outlined below.

The subordinated incentive fee on income is earned on pre-incentive fee net investment income and is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar quarter during which the Investment Advisory Agreement is in effect. If the Investment Advisory Agreement is terminated, the fee will also become payable as of the effective date of the termination.

The subordinated incentive fee on income for each quarter is calculated as follows:

 

   

No subordinated incentive fee on income is payable in any calendar quarter in which the pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed a quarterly return to investors of 1.75% per quarter on our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter. We refer to this as the quarterly preferred return.

 

   

All of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the quarterly preferred return, but is less than or equal to 2.1875% on our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter in any quarter, is payable to the Advisor. We refer to this portion of our subordinated incentive fee on income as the catch up. It is intended to provide an incentive fee of 20% on all of our pre-incentive fee net investment income when our pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% on our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter in any quarter.

 

   

For any quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% on our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter, the subordinated incentive fee on income equals 20% of the amount of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, because the preferred return and catch up will have been achieved.

 

   

Pre-incentive fee net investment income is defined as interest income, dividend income and any other income accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter, including the base management fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee. Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.

 

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The following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the quarterly subordinated incentive fee on income:

 

LOGO

Percentage of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income Allocated to Quarterly Incentive Fee

The incentive fee on capital gains is earned on investments sold and is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year during which the Investment Advisory Agreement is in effect. In the case the Investment Advisory Agreement is terminated, the fee will also become payable as of the effective date of such termination. The fee equals 20% of our realized capital gains, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid incentive fee on capital gains. Incentive fee on capital gains is equal to our realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis. In order to provide an incentive for our Advisor to successfully execute a merger transaction involving us that is financially accretive and/or otherwise beneficial to our stockholders even if our Advisor will not act as an investment adviser to the surviving entity in the merger, we may seek exemptive relief from the SEC to allow us to pay our Advisor an incentive fee on capital gains in connection with our merger with and into another entity. Absent the receipt of such relief, our Advisor will not be entitled to an incentive fee on capital gains or any other incentive fee in connection with any such merger transaction.

Because of the structure of the subordinated incentive fee on income and the incentive fee on capital gains, it is possible that we may pay such fees in a quarter where we incur a net loss. For example, if we receive pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess of the 1.75% on our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter for a quarter, we will pay the applicable incentive fee even if we have incurred a net loss in the quarter due to a realized or unrealized capital loss. Our Advisor will not be under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of the incentive fee it receives that is based on prior period accrued income that we never receive as a result of a subsequent decline in the value of our portfolio.

The fees that are payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement for any partial period will be appropriately prorated. The fees will also be calculated using a detailed policy and procedure approved by our Advisor and our board of directors, including a majority of the independent directors, and such policy and procedure will be consistent with the description of the calculation of the fees set forth above.

Our Advisor may elect to defer or waive all or a portion of the fees that would otherwise be paid to it in its sole discretion.

Reimbursements

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, SIC Advisors bears all organizational and offering expenses on our behalf. Upon such time that we have raised $300 million in gross proceeds in connection with the sale of shares of our common stock, SIC Advisors shall no longer be obligated to bear, pay or otherwise be

 

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responsible for any ongoing organization and offering expenses on our behalf, and we will be responsible for paying or otherwise incurring all such organization and offering expenses. As of June 2, 2014 we are responsible for all ongoing organizational and offering expenses. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to reimburse SIC Advisors for any such organizational and offering expenses incurred by SIC Advisors not to exceed 1.25% of the gross subscriptions raised by us over the course of the offering period, which was initially scheduled to terminate two years from the initial offering date, unless extended. At a meeting held on March 12, 2014, our board of directors approved an extension of our offering for an additional year. At a meeting held on March 4, 2015, our board of directors approved another extension of our offering for an additional year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that organizational and offering expenses, together with sales commissions, the dealer manager fee and any discounts paid to members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, exceed 15% of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock pursuant to our registration statement or otherwise at the time of the completion of our offering, then SIC Advisors shall be required to pay or, if already paid by us, reimburse us for amounts exceeding such 15% limit.

Advisory Services

Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, our Advisor is responsible for the following:

 

   

determining the composition and allocation of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes;

 

   

identifying, evaluating, negotiating and structuring the investments we make;

 

   

performing due diligence on prospective portfolio companies;

 

   

executing, closing, servicing and monitoring the investments we make;

 

   

determining the securities and other assets that we will purchase, retain or sell; and

 

   

providing us with such other investment advisory, research and related services as we may, from time to time, reasonably require for the investment of our capital.

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, SIC Advisors has a fiduciary responsibility for the safeguarding and use of all of our funds and assets. SIC Advisors is also subject to liability under both the 1940 Act and the Advisors Act for a breach of these fiduciary duties.

SIC Advisors is primarily responsible for initially identifying, evaluating, negotiating and structuring our investments. These activities are carried out by its investment team and subject to the oversight of SIC Advisors’ senior investment personnel. Each investment that we make will require the unanimous approval of the investment committee before the investment may be made. Certain affiliated co-investment transactions may require the additional approval of our independent directors.

SIC Advisors’ services under the Investment Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and it is free to furnish similar services to other entities so long as its services to us are not impaired.

Indemnification of Our Advisor

The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the Advisor and its officers, directors, persons associated with SIC Advisors, stockholders (and owners of the stockholders), controlling persons and agents are entitled to indemnification from us for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) incurred by them in or by reason of any pending, threatened or completed action, suit, investigation or other proceedings arising out of or otherwise based on the performance of any of SIC Advisors’ duties or obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement, as applicable, or otherwise as our investment adviser, (i) to the extent such damages, liabilities, cost and expenses (A) are not fully reimbursed by insurance and (B) do not arise by reason of misfeasance, bad faith, or negligence in SIC Advisors’ performance

 

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of such duties or obligations, or SIC Advisors’ reckless disregard of such duties or obligations, and (ii) otherwise to the fullest extent such indemnification is consistent with the provisions of our articles of incorporation, the 1940 Act, the laws of the State of Maryland and other applicable law.

Term; Effective Date

The Investment Advisory Agreement was initially approved by our board of directors on April 5, 2012 and, pursuant to the 1940 Act, remained in effect for a period of two years. On March 12, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved the renewal of the Administration Agreement for an additional one-year term at an in person meeting. Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Investment Advisory Agreement will remain in effect from year-to-year thereafter if approved annually at on in person meeting of our board of directors by a majority of our directors who are not interested persons, or by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities.

Our board of directors held an in-person meeting on March 4, 2015, in order to consider and approve the annual continuance of the Investment Advisory Agreement. In its consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the board of directors focused on information it had received relating to, among other things: (a) the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services to be provided to us by our investment adviser, SIC Advisors; (b) comparative data with respect to advisory fees or similar expenses paid by other business development companies with similar investment objectives; (c) our projected operating expenses and expense ratio compared to business development companies with similar investment objectives; (d) any existing and potential sources of indirect income to SIC Advisors from its relationships with us and the profitability of those relationships; (e) information about the services to be performed and the personnel performing such services under the investment management agreement; (f) the organizational capability and financial condition of SIC Advisors and its affiliates; and (g) various other factors.

Based on the information reviewed and the discussions, the board of directors, including a majority of the non-interested directors, concluded that the investment management fee rates and terms are reasonable in relation to the services to be provided and approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for a period of one additional year, which will expire on April 5, 2016.

REGULATION

General

We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. A BDC is a special category of investment company under the 1940 Act that was added by Congress to facilitate the flow of capital to private companies and small public companies that do not have efficient or cost-effective access to public capital markets or other conventional forms of corporate financing. BDCs make investments in private or thinly-traded public companies in the form of long-term debt and/or equity capital, with the goal of generating current income or capital growth.

BDCs are closed-end funds that elect to be regulated as BDCs under the 1940 Act. As such, BDCs are subject to only certain provisions of the 1940 Act, as well as the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. BDCs are provided greater flexibility under the 1940 Act than are other investment companies in dealing with their portfolio companies, issuing securities, and compensating their managers. BDCs can be internally or externally managed and may qualify to elect to be taxed as RICs for federal tax purposes. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between BDCs and their affiliates, principal underwriters, and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. The 1940 Act requires that a majority of a BDC’s directors be persons other than “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the 1940 Act provides that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as a BDC unless approved by a majority of our outstanding voting securities.

 

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The 1940 Act defines “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” as the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of our outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy or (2) 50% of our voting securities.

We will generally not be able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, 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 of directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. In addition, we may generally issue new shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value in rights offerings to existing stockholders, in payment of dividends, and in certain other limited circumstances.

Generally, BDCs are prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with its affiliates without the prior approval of its board of directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC. The SEC has interpreted the prohibition on transactions with affiliates to prohibit “joint transactions” among entities that share a common investment adviser. The staff of the SEC has granted no-action relief permitting purchases of a single class of privately placed securities, provided that the adviser negotiates no term other than price and certain other conditions are met. However, on November 25, 2013, we received an exemptive order (the “Exemptive Order”) from the SEC that permits us to participate in negotiated co-investment transactions with certain affiliates, including Medley Capital Corporation, a publicly traded business development company, each of whose investment adviser is Medley LLC or an investment adviser controlled by Medley LLC, in a manner consistent with our investment objective, strategies and restrictions, as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors. Co-investment under the Exemptive Order is subject to certain conditions therein, including the condition that, in the case of each co-investment transaction, our board of directors determines that it would be advantageous for us to co-invest in a manner described in the Exemptive Order.

In situations where co-investment with other funds managed by SIC Advisors or its affiliates is not permitted or appropriate, such as when there is an opportunity to invest in different securities of the same issuer or where the different investments could be expected to result in a conflict between our interests and those of other clients of SIC Advisors or its affiliates, SIC Advisors or its affiliates will need to decide which client will proceed with the investment. SIC Advisors and/or its affiliates will make these determinations based on their policies and procedures, which generally require that such opportunities be offered to eligible accounts on an alternating basis that will be fair and equitable over time. Moreover, except in certain circumstances, we will be unable to invest in any issuer in which a fund managed by SIC Advisors or its affiliates has previously invested. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact business with our officers or directors or their affiliates.

Under the terms of the Exemptive Order permitting us to co-invest with other funds managed by SIC Advisors or its affiliates, a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors must make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the proposed transaction are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our investment strategies and policies.

Business Development Company Regulation: Qualifying Assets

Under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the company’s total assets. As discussed in greater detail below, the 1940 Act defines qualifying assets as principally including certain investments by a BDC in eligible portfolio companies. An eligible portfolio company is defined under the 1940 Act as any issuer which:

 

  1. is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;

 

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  2. is not an investment company (other than a small business investment company wholly owned by the BDC) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act; and

 

  3. satisfies any of the following:

 

  a. does not have any class of securities that is traded on a national securities exchange;

 

  b. has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange, but has an aggregate market value of outstanding voting and non-voting common equity of less than $250 million;

 

  c. is controlled by a BDC, either alone or as part of a group acting together, and the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio company; or

 

  d. is a small and solvent company having total assets of not more than $4 million and capital and surplus of not less than $2 million.

As relevant to our proposed business, the principal categories of qualifying assets under the 1940 Act are the following:

 

  1. Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the SEC.

 

  2. Securities of any eligible portfolio company that we control.

 

  3. Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.

 

  4. Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.

 

  5. Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to securities described in (1) through (4) above, or pursuant to the exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.

 

  6. Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.

In addition, a BDC must have been organized and have its principal place of business in the United States and be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described in (1), (2) or (3) above.

For purposes of Section 55(a) under the 1940 Act, we will treat each asset underlying the TRS as a qualifying asset if the obligor on such asset is an eligible portfolio company and as a non-qualifying asset if the obligor is not an eligible portfolio company. We may, however, accord different treatment to the TRS in the future in accordance with any applicable new rules or interpretations adopted by the staff of the SEC.

Business Development Company Regulation: Control and Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies

In order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, we must either control the issuer of the securities or make available to the issuer of the securities significant managerial assistance without the issuer having to request such assistance. Where we purchase such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, one of the other persons in the group may make available such

 

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managerial assistance. Making available managerial assistance includes any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers, or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.

Temporary Investments

Pending investment in other types of “qualifying assets,” as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment so that 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. Typically, we intend to invest in U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements, provided that such agreements are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price that is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, if more than 25% of our total assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we may not meet the diversification requirements in order to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. We expect that our Advisor will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.

Senior Securities

We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of debt and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, we must prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage.

For purposes of the asset coverage ratio test applicable to us as a BDC, we will treat the outstanding notional amount of the TRS, less the initial amount of any cash collateral required to be posted by Arbor under the TRS, as a senior security for the life of that instrument. We may, however, accord different treatment to the TRS in the future in accordance with any applicable new rules or interpretations adopted by the staff of the SEC.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain personal securities transactions. Persons subject to these codes may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by us, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the code’s requirements. We have attached our code of ethics as an exhibit to the registration statement. You may also read and copy our code of ethics at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, our code of ethics is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of our code of ethics, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.

Compliance Policies and Procedures

We and our Advisor have each adopted and implemented written compliance policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws and are required to review these

 

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compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation. Our chief compliance officer is responsible for administering our compliance policies and procedures and our Advisor’s chief compliance officer is responsible for administering the compliance policies and procedures for the Advisor.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to SIC Advisors. SIC Advisors will vote proxies according to our proxy voting policies and procedures which are set forth below. These guidelines are reviewed periodically by the Advisor as well as our board of directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change.

As an investment advisor registered under the 1940 Act, SIC Advisors has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, it recognizes that it must vote client securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of its clients. These policies and procedures for voting proxies for the investment advisory clients of SIC Advisors are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the 1940 Act.

Proxy Policies

SIC Advisors will vote proxies relating to our securities in a manner that it believes, in its discretion, to be in the best interest of our stockholders. It will review on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted for a stockholder vote taking into account relevant factors, including: (1) the impact on the value of the securities; (2) the anticipated costs and benefits associated with the proposal; (3) the effect on liquidity; and (4) customary industry and business practices. Although SIC Advisors will generally vote against proposals that may have a negative impact on its clients’ portfolio securities, it may vote for such a proposal if there exists compelling long-term reasons to do so.

The proxy voting decisions of SIC Advisors are made by its portfolio managers and investment professionals under the supervision of SIC Advisors legal/compliance department. To ensure that its vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, it will require that: (a) the recommended vote be approved by a member of SIC Advisors legal/compliance department prior to being submitted to the custodian; (b) associates involved in the decision making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how SIC Advisors intends to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties; and (c) where a material conflict of interest exists, the chief compliance officer designate an individual or group who can impartially help decide how to resolve such conflict.

Proxy Voting Records

You may obtain information, without charge, regarding how SIC Advisors voted proxies with respect to our portfolio securities by making a written request for proxy voting information to: Chief Compliance Officer, c/o Sierra Income Corporation at 375 Park Ave, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10152.

Securities Exchange Act and Sarbanes-Oxley Act

We are subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the Exchange Act, including the filing of quarterly, annual and current reports, proxy statements and other required items. In addition, we are subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which imposes a wide variety of regulatory requirements on publicly-held companies and their insiders. Many of these requirements will affect us. For example:

 

   

pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Exchange Act, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer are required to certify the accuracy of the financial statements contained in our periodic reports;

 

   

pursuant to Item 307 of Regulation S-K, our periodic reports are required to disclose our conclusions about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures; and

 

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pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, our management is required to prepare a report regarding its assessment of our internal control over financial reporting.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and its regulations. We intend to monitor our compliance with all regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance.

Other

We are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect us against larceny and embezzlement.

Election to Be Taxed as a RIC

We have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally do not have to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any income that we distribute to our stockholders from our tax earnings and profits. To maintain our qualification as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, in order to obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment, we must distribute to our stockholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of our “investment company taxable income,” which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, or the Annual Distribution Requirement.

Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company

If we:

 

   

maintain our qualification as a RIC; and

 

   

satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement,

then we will not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of our income we distribute (or are deemed to distribute) to stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gains not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.

We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our net ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which we paid no federal income tax, or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement. We generally will endeavor in each taxable year to avoid any U.S. federal excise tax on our earnings.

In order to maintain our qualification as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:

 

   

continue to qualify as a BDC under the 1940 Act at all times during each taxable year;

 

   

derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities, loans, gains from the sale of stock or other securities, net income from certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities, or the 90% Income Test; and

 

   

diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:

 

   

at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and

 

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no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” or the Diversification Tests.

For federal income tax purposes, we may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive a corresponding payment in cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or debt instruments that were issued with warrants), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. We anticipate that a portion of our income may constitute original issue discount or other income required to be included in taxable income prior to receipt of cash.

Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of the accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount. As a result, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary to obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. We may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax. Our ability to dispose of assets to meet our distribution requirements may be limited by (1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.

Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. See “Regulation — Senior Securities.” As a result, we may be prohibited from making distributions necessary to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. Even if we are not prohibited from making distributions, our ability to raise additional capital to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement may be limited. If we are not able to make sufficient distributions to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.

Certain of our investment practices may be subject to special and complex federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (1) treat dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income as non-qualified dividend income, (2) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (3) convert lower-taxed long-term capital gain into higher-taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income, (4) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (5) cause us to recognize income or gain without receipt of a corresponding distribution of cash, (6) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (7) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (8) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test. We intend to monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections to mitigate the potential adverse effect of these provisions, but there can be no assurance that any adverse effects of these provisions will be mitigated.

If we purchase shares in a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”), we may be subject to federal income tax on its allocable share of a portion of any “excess distribution” received on, or any gain from the disposition of, such shares even if our allocable share of such income is distributed as a taxable dividend to its

 

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stockholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest generally will be imposed on us in respect of deferred taxes arising from any such excess distribution or gain. If we invest in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code (a “QEF”), in lieu of the foregoing requirements, we will be required to include in income each year our proportionate share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed by the QEF. Alternatively, we may be able to elect to mark-to-market at the end of each taxable year its shares in a PFIC; in this case, we will recognize as ordinary income our allocable share of any increase in the value of such shares, and as ordinary loss our allocable share of any decrease in such value to the extent that any such decrease does not exceed prior increases included in its income. Under either election, we may be required to recognize in a year income in excess of distributions from PFICs and proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock during that year, and such income will nevertheless be subject to the Annual Distribution Requirement and will be taken into account for purposes of the 4% excise tax.

Failure to Maintain Our Qualification as a RIC

If we fail to satisfy the 90% Income Test or the Diversification Tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless continue to qualify as a RIC for such year if certain relief provisions are applicable (which may, among other things, require us to pay certain corporate-level federal taxes or to dispose of certain assets).

If we were unable to qualify for treatment as a RIC and the foregoing relief provisions are not applicable, we would be subject to tax on all of our taxable income at regular corporate rates, regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders. Distributions would not be required, and any distributions made in taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012 would be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary dividend income that, subject to certain limitations, may be eligible for the 15% maximum rate to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits provided certain holding period and other requirements were met. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, corporate distributees would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. To requalify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, we would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which we failed to qualify as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under Subchapter M of the Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the nonqualifying year, we could be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held by us during the period in which we failed to qualify as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 10 years, unless we made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of our requalification as a RIC.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Legislation was enacted on March 18, 2010 that will impose a 30% U.S. withholding tax on dividends paid by U.S. issuers to a foreign financial institution after December 31, 2013 and on the gross proceeds from the disposition of stock paid to a foreign financial institution after December 31, 2016, unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury Department (“Treasury”) to collect and provide to Treasury substantial information regarding U.S. account holders, including certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners, with such institution. The legislation also generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on dividends paid by U.S. issuers and on the gross proceeds from the disposition of stock paid to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or a certification identifying the direct and indirect substantial U.S. owners of the entity. Under certain circumstances, a holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Investors are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this recently enacted legislation on their investment in shares of our common stock.

 

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Item 1A.

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our common stock involves a number of significant risks. In addition to the other information contained in this prospectus, you should consider carefully the following information before making an investment in our common stock. The risks below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, the net asset value of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure

Capital markets are currently in a period of disruption and instability. These market conditions have materially and adversely affected debt and equity capital markets in the United States and abroad, which could have a negative impact on our business and operations.

In 2007, the global capital markets entered into a period of disruption as evidenced by a lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market and the failure of certain major financial institutions. Despite actions of the U.S. federal government and foreign governments, these events have contributed to worsening general economic conditions that are materially and adversely impacting the broader financial and credit markets and reducing the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular. While recent indicators suggest modest improvement in the capital markets, these conditions could continue for a prolonged period of time or worsen in the future. While these conditions persist, we and other companies in the financial services sector may be required to, or may choose to, seek access to alternative markets for debt and equity capital. Equity capital may be difficult to raise because, subject to some limited exceptions, we will not generally be able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below NAV per share. In addition, the debt capital that will be available, if at all, may be at a higher cost, and on less favorable terms and conditions in the future. Conversely, the portfolio companies in which we will invest may not be able to service or refinance their debt, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition as we would experience reduced income or even experience losses. The inability to raise capital and the risk of portfolio company defaults may have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Difficult market and political conditions may adversely affect our business in many ways, including by reducing the value or hampering the performance of the investments made by our funds, each of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our business is materially affected by conditions in the global financial markets and economic and political conditions throughout the world, such as interest rates, availability and cost of credit, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, changes in laws (including laws relating to our taxation, taxation of our investors, the possibility of changes to tax laws in either the United States or any non-U.S. jurisdiction and regulations on asset managers), trade barriers, commodity prices, currency exchange rates and controls and national and international political circumstances (including wars, terrorist acts and security operations). These factors are outside of our control and may affect the level and volatility of asset prices and the liquidity and value of investments, and we may not be able to or may choose not to manage our exposure to these conditions. Ongoing developments in the U.S. and global financial markets following the unprecedented turmoil in the global capital markets and the financial services industry in late 2008 and early 2009 continue to illustrate that the current environment is still one of uncertainty and instability for investment management businesses. These and other conditions in the global financial markets and the global economy may result in adverse consequences for our funds and their respective investee companies, which could restrict such funds’ investment activities and impede such funds’ ability to effectively achieve their investment objectives. In addition, because the fees we earn under our investment management agreements are based in part on the market value of our assets under management and in part on

 

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investment performance, if any of these factors cause a decline in our assets under management or result in non-performance of loans by investee companies, it would result in lower fees earned, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and the economic crisis in Europe could negatively impact our liquidity, financial condition and earnings.

Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation in February of 2014 to raise the federal debt ceiling through March of 2015, and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services affirmed its ‘AA+’ long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States and revised the outlook on the long-term rating from negative to stable in June of 2013, U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns together with signs of deteriorating sovereign debt conditions in Europe continue to present the possibility of a credit-rating downgrade, economic slowdowns, or a recession for the United States. The impact or any further downgrades to the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. These developments, along with any further European sovereign debt issues, could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. Continued adverse political and economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A failure or the perceived risk of a failure to raise the statutory debt limit of the United States could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In February of 2014, U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling through March of 2015. However, if legislation increasing the debt ceiling is not enacted beyond March of 2015 and the debt ceiling is reached, the federal government may stop or delay making payments on its obligations. A failure by Congress to raise the debt limit to the extent necessary would increase the risk of default by the United States on its obligations, as well as the risk of other economic dislocations. If the U.S. Government fails to complete its budget process or to provide for a continuing resolution before the expiration of the current continuing resolution (currently March 2015), another federal government shutdown may result. Such a failure or the perceived risk of such a failure, consequently, could have a material adverse effect on the financial markets and economic conditions in the United States and throughout the world. It could also limit our ability and the ability of our portfolio companies to obtain financing, and it could have a material adverse effect on the valuation of our portfolio companies. Consequently, the continued uncertainty in the general economic environment and potential debt ceiling implications, as well in specific economies of several individual geographic markets in which our portfolio companies operate, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may suffer credit losses.

Private debt in the form of secured loans to corporate and asset-based borrowers is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of credit loss, and therefore an investment in our securities may not be suitable for someone with a low tolerance for risk. These risks are likely to increase during an economic recession, such as the economic recession or downturn that the United States and many other countries have recently experienced or are experiencing.

It is unclear how increased regulatory oversight and changes in the method for determining LIBOR may affect the value of the financial obligations to be held or issued by us that are linked to LIBOR, or how such changes could affect our results of operations or financial condition.

As a result of concerns about the accuracy of the calculation of LIBOR, a number of British Bankers’ Association, or BBA, member banks entered into settlements with certain regulators and law enforcement agencies with respect to the alleged manipulation of LIBOR, and there are ongoing investigations by regulators and governmental authorities in various jurisdictions. Following a review of LIBOR conducted at the request of the U.K. government, on September 28, 2012, recommendations for reforming the setting and governing of

 

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LIBOR were released, which are referred to as the Wheatley Review. The Wheatley Review made a number of recommendations for changes with respect to LIBOR, including the introduction of S-5 statutory regulation of LIBOR, the transfer of responsibility for LIBOR from the BBA to an independent administrator, changes to the method of the compilation of lending rates and new regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms for ratesetting and a reduction in the number of currencies and tenors for which LIBOR is published. Based on the Wheatley Review and on a subsequent public and governmental consultation process, on March 25, 2013, the U.K. Financial Services Authority published final rules for the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority’s regulation and supervision of LIBOR, which are referred to as the FCA Rules. In particular, the FCA Rules include requirements that (1) an independent LIBOR administrator monitor and survey LIBOR submissions to identify breaches of practice standards and/or potentially manipulative behavior, and (2) firms submitting data to LIBOR establish and maintain a clear conflicts of interest policy and appropriate systems and controls. The FCA Rules took effect on April 2, 2013, and in early 2014 the NYSE Euronext replaced the BBA as LIBOR’s administrator. It is uncertain what additional regulatory changes or what changes, if any, in the method of determining LIBOR may be required or made by the U.K. government or other governmental or regulatory authorities. Accordingly, uncertainty as to the nature of such changes may adversely affect the market for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, derivatives and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us or on our overall financial condition or results of operations. In addition, any further changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, derivatives and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us or on our overall financial condition or results of operations.

Price declines in the corporate leveraged loan market may adversely affect the fair value of our portfolio, reducing our net asset value through increased net unrealized depreciation.

Prior to the onset of the financial crisis that began in 2007, securitized investment vehicles, hedge funds and other highly leveraged non-bank financial institutions comprised the majority of the market for purchasing and holding senior and subordinated debt. As the trading price of the loans underlying these portfolios began to deteriorate beginning in the first quarter of 2007, we believe that many institutions were forced to raise cash by selling their interests in performing assets in order to satisfy margin requirements or the equivalent of margin requirements imposed by their lenders. This resulted in a forced deleveraging cycle of price declines, compulsory sales, and further price declines, with falling underlying credit values, widespread redemption requests, and other constraints resulting from the credit crisis generating further selling pressure.

Conditions in the medium- and large-sized U.S. corporate debt market may experience similar or worse disruption or deterioration in the future, which may cause pricing levels to similarly decline or be volatile. As a result, our net asset value could decline through an increase in unrealized depreciation and incurrence of realized losses in connection with the sale of our investments, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our Advisor’s ability to manage and support our investment process. If the Advisor was to lose a significant number of its key professionals, our ability to achieve our investment objective could be significantly harmed.

We have no internal management capacity or employees other than our appointed executive officers and are dependent upon the investment expertise, skill and network of business contacts of our Advisor to achieve our investment objective. Our Advisor will evaluate, negotiate, structure, execute, monitor, and service our investments. Our future success depends to a significant extent on the continued service and coordination of our Advisor, including its key professionals. The departure of a significant number of our Advisor’s key professionals could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective.

Our ability to achieve our investment objective also depends on the ability of our Advisor to identify, analyze, invest in, finance, and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria. Our Advisor’s capabilities

 

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in structuring the investment process, providing competent, attentive and efficient services to us, and facilitating access to financing on acceptable terms depend on the involvement of investment professionals in an adequate number and of adequate sophistication to match the corresponding flow of transactions. To achieve our investment objective, our Advisor may need to retain, hire, train, supervise, and manage new investment professionals to participate in our investment selection and monitoring process. Our Advisor may not be able to find qualified investment professionals in a timely manner or at all. Any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the Investment Advisory Agreement has termination provisions that allow the agreement to be terminated by us on 60 days’ notice or by SIC Advisors on 120 days’ notice without penalty.

We depend upon senior management personnel of SIC Advisors for our future success, and if SIC Advisors is unable to retain qualified personnel or if SIC Advisors loses any member of its senior management team, our ability to achieve our investment objective could be significantly harmed.

We depend on our investment management team, or the Investment Team, which is provided by SIC Advisors, for the identification, final selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of our investments. Our Investment Team is integral to our asset management activities and has critical industry experience and relationships that we will rely on to implement our business plan. Our future success depends on our Investment Team’s continued service to SIC Advisors. The departure of any of the members of SIC Advisors’ Investment Team could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective. As a result, we may not be able to operate our business as we expect, and our ability to compete could be harmed, which could cause our operating results to suffer. In addition, we can offer no assurance that SIC Advisors will remain our investment adviser or our administrator.

Our investment adviser may not be able to achieve the same or similar returns as those achieved by our senior management and Investment Team while they were employed at prior positions.

The track record and achievements of the senior management and Investment Team of SIC Advisors are not necessarily indicative of future results that will be achieved by our investment adviser. As a result, our investment adviser may not be able to achieve the same or similar returns as those achieved by our senior management and Investment Team while they were employed at prior positions.

Because we expect to distribute substantially all of our net investment income and net realized capital gains to our stockholders, we will need additional capital to finance our growth and such capital may not be available on favorable terms or at all.

We have elected and qualified to be taxed for federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we must meet certain requirements, including source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements in order to not have to pay corporate-level taxes on income we distribute to our stockholders as dividends, which allows us to substantially reduce or eliminate our corporate-level tax liability. As a BDC, we are generally required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which includes all of our borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 200% at the time we issue any debt or preferred stock. This requirement limits the amount of our leverage. Because we will continue to need capital to grow our investment portfolio, this limitation may prevent us from incurring debt or issuing preferred stock and require us to raise additional equity at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. We cannot assure you that debt and equity financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, and debt financings may be restricted by the terms of any of our outstanding borrowings. In addition, as a BDC, we are generally not permitted to issue common stock priced below NAV without stockholder approval. If additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to curtail or cease new lending and investment activities, and our NAV could decline.

 

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The amount of any distributions we pay is uncertain. We may not be able to pay you distributions or be able to sustain them and our distributions may not grow over time.

We began declaring semi-monthly distributions to our stockholders beginning in July 2012 and intend to continue making semi-monthly distributions to stockholders, to the extent that we have assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a targeted level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. All distributions that we make will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC status and other factors as our board of directors may deem to be relevant. Our ability to pay distributions might be adversely affected by the impact of the risks described in this prospectus. In addition, the inability to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC may limit our ability to pay distributions. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will pay distributions to our stockholders in the future.

Our distribution proceeds may exceed our earnings, particularly during the period before we have substantially invested the net proceeds from our offering. We have not established any limit on the extent to which we may use borrowings, if any, or proceeds from this offering to fund distributions, which may reduce the amount of capital we ultimately invest in assets.

The distributions we pay to our stockholders may exceed earnings, particularly during the period before we have substantially invested the net proceeds from this offering. In the event that we encounter delays in locating suitable investment opportunities, we may pay our distributions from the proceeds of this offering or from borrowings in anticipation of future cash flow, which may constitute a return of your capital and will lower your tax basis in your shares. Distributions from the proceeds of this offering or from borrowings also could reduce the amount of capital we ultimately invest in portfolio companies. Accordingly, stockholders who receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution from us should not assume that such dividend or other distribution is the result of a net profit earned by us.

You will have limited opportunities to sell your shares and, to the extent you are able to sell your shares under our share repurchase program, you may not be able to recover the amount of your investment in our shares.

Our share repurchase program includes numerous restrictions that limit your ability to sell your shares. Unless our board of directors determines otherwise, we limit the number of shares to be repurchased during any calendar year to the number of shares we can repurchase with the proceeds we receive from the issuance of shares of our common stock under our distribution reinvestment plan. At the discretion of our board of directors, we may also use cash on hand, cash available from borrowings and cash from the sale of our investments as of the end of the applicable quarter to repurchase shares. We limit repurchases in each quarter to 2.5% of the weighted average number of shares of our common stock outstanding in the prior four calendar quarters. To the extent that the number of shares put to us for repurchase exceeds the number of shares that we are able to purchase, we will repurchase shares on a pro rata basis, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Further, we will have no obligation to repurchase shares if the repurchase would violate the restrictions on distributions under federal law or Maryland law, which prohibits distributions that would cause a corporation to fail to meet statutory tests of solvency. These limits may prevent us from accommodating all repurchase requests made in any year. In addition, our board of directors may suspend or terminate the share repurchase program. We will notify you of such developments: (i) in our periodic or current reports or (ii) by means of a separate mailing to you. In addition, we will have discretion to suspend or terminate the program, and to cease repurchases. Further, the program may have many limitations and should not be relied upon as a method to sell shares promptly and at a desired price.

Because our business model depends to a significant extent upon relationships with corporations, financial institutions and investment firms, the inability of the Advisor to maintain or develop these relationships, or the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.

SIC Advisors depends on its relationships with corporations, financial institutions and investment firms, and we rely indirectly to a significant extent upon these relationships to provide us with potential investment

 

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opportunities. If SIC Advisors fails to maintain its existing relationships or develop new relationships or sources of investment opportunities, we may not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom SIC Advisors have relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities, and, therefore, there is no assurance that such relationships will generate investment opportunities for us.

A significant portion of our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors and, as a result, there will be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.

The debt and equity securities in which we invest for which market quotations are not readily available will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of our board of directors. Most, if not all, of our investments (other than cash and cash equivalents) will be classified as Level 3 under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820 — Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. This means that our portfolio valuations will be based on unobservable inputs and our own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability in question. We expect that inputs into the determination of fair value of our portfolio investments will require significant management judgment or estimation. Even if observable market data are available, such information may be the result of consensus pricing information or broker quotes, which include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimers materially reduces the reliability of such information. We have retained the services of an independent service provider to review the valuation of these loans and securities. The types of factors that the board of directors may take into account in determining the fair value of our investments generally include, as appropriate, comparison to publicly traded securities including such factors as yield, maturity and measures of credit quality, the enterprise value of a portfolio company, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these loans and securities existed. Our net asset value could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such loans and securities.

Our board of directors may change our operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse to our stockholders.

Our board of directors has the authority to modify or waive our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies would have on our business, net asset value, operating results and the value of our common stock. However, the effects might be adverse, which could negatively impact our ability to pay you distributions and cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Moreover, we have significant flexibility in investing the net proceeds of this offering and may use the net proceeds from this offering in ways with which investors may not agree.

If SIC Advisors is unable to manage our investments effectively, we may be unable to achieve our investment objective.

Our ability to achieve our investment objective will depend on our ability to manage our business, which will depend, in turn, on the ability of SIC Advisors to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result largely will be a function of SIC Advisors’ investment process and, in conjunction with its role as our administrator, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us.

SIC Advisors’ senior management team is comprised of members of the senior management team for Medley LLC, and they manage other investment funds. They may also be required to provide managerial

 

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assistance to our portfolio companies. These demands on their time may distract them or slow our rate of investment. Any failure to manage our business effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.

We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including our ability or inability to make investments in companies that meet our investment criteria, the interest rate payable and default rates on the debt securities we acquire, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets, and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any previous period should not be relied upon as indicative of performance in future periods. These occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, the value of your investment in us and our ability to pay distributions to you and our other stockholders.

Any unrealized losses we experience on our portfolio may be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution.

As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized losses in our portfolio could be an indication of a portfolio company’s inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to the affected investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our income available for distribution in future periods. In addition, decreases in the market value or fair value of our investments will reduce our net asset value. See “Determination of Net Asset Value.”

We are uncertain of our sources for funding our future capital needs. If we cannot obtain debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, our ability to acquire investments and to expand our operations will be adversely affected.

The net proceeds from the sale of shares will be used for our investment opportunities, operating expenses and for payment of various fees and expenses such as management fees, incentive fees and other fees. Any working capital reserves we maintain may not be sufficient for investment purposes, and we may require debt or equity financing to operate. In addition, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders to maintain our RIC status. Accordingly, in the event that we need additional capital in the future for investments or for any other reason we may need to borrow from financial institutions in order to obtain such additional capital. These sources of funding may not be available to us due to unfavorable economic conditions, which could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. Consequently, if we cannot obtain debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, our ability to acquire investments and to expand our operations will be adversely affected. As a result, we would be less able to achieve portfolio diversification and our investment objective, which may negatively impact our results of operations and reduce our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

We are a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we are not limited with respect to the proportion of our assets that may be invested in securities of a single issuer.

We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, which means that we are not limited by the 1940 Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer. We are also not adopting any policy restricting the percentage of our assets that may be invested in a single portfolio company. To the extent that we assume large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, or within a particular industry, our net asset value may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the market’s

 

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assessment of the issuer. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company. Beyond our income tax diversification requirements applicable to RICs under Subchapter M of the Code, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and our investments could be concentrated in relatively few portfolio companies. See “Tax Matters.”

If we internalize our management functions, your interest in us could be diluted, we could incur other significant costs associated with being self-managed and may not be able to retain or replace key personnel, and we may have increased exposure to litigation as a result of internalizing our management functions.

We may internalize management functions provided by our Advisor. Our board of directors may decide in the future to acquire assets and personnel from our Advisor or its affiliates for consideration that would be negotiated at that time. There can be no assurances that we would be successful in retaining our Advisor’s key personnel in the event of a management internalization transaction. In the event we were to acquire our Advisor we cannot be sure of the form or amount of consideration or other terms relating to any such acquisition, which could take many forms, including cash payments, promissory notes and/or shares of our stock. The payment of such consideration could reduce our net investment income.

We cannot reasonably estimate the amount of fees to our Advisor we would avoid paying, and the costs we would incur, if we acquired our Advisor, or acquired assets and personnel from it. If the expenses we assume as a result of management internalization are higher than the expenses we avoid paying to our Advisor, our net investment income would be lower than it otherwise would have been had we not acquired these entities, or acquired assets and personnel from these entities.

Additionally, if we internalize our management functions, we could have difficulty integrating these functions. Currently, the officers and associates of Medley perform general and administrative functions, including accounting and financial reporting. We may fail to properly identify the appropriate mix of personnel and capital needs to operate as a stand-alone entity. An inability to manage an internalization transaction effectively could result in our incurring additional costs and divert our management’s attention from effectively managing our portfolio or our operations.

In recent years, management internalization transactions have been the subject of stockholder litigation. Stockholder litigation can be costly and time-consuming, and there can be no assurance that any litigation expenses we might incur would not be significant or that the outcome of litigation would be favorable to us. Any amounts we are required to expend defending any such litigation will reduce our net investment income.

Risks Related to SIC Advisors and its Respective Affiliates

Our dealer manager may face conflicts of interest as a result of a compensation arrangement between one of its affiliates and SIC Advisors.

In exchange for the provision of certain non-investment advisory services to SIC Advisors, and pursuant to a written agreement, an affiliate of the dealer manager, Strategic Capital, is entitled to receive up to 20% of the gross cash proceeds received by SIC Advisors from the management and incentive fees payable by us to SIC Advisors in its capacity as our investment adviser. The purpose of this arrangement is to permit our Advisor to capitalize upon the expertise of the executives of Strategic Capital and its affiliates in providing administrative and operational services with respect to non-exchange traded investment vehicles similar to us. Strategic Capital holds a non-voting interest in SIC Advisors which entitles it to 20% of the net proceeds received in connection with the sale or other strategic transaction involving SIC Advisors.

As a result of this compensation arrangement, our dealer manager has a financial interest in the performance of the assets recommended by SIC Advisors. The dealer manager may face conflicts of interest as a result and may have an incentive to influence our Advisor to select investments that may not be in our best interest.

 

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Our incentive fee structure may create incentives for SIC Advisors that are not fully aligned with the interests of our stockholders.

In the course of our investing activities, we will pay management and incentive fees to SIC Advisors. These fees are based on our gross assets. As a result, investors in our common stock will invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate of return than one might achieve through direct investments. Because these fees are based on our gross assets, SIC Advisors will benefit when we incur debt or use leverage. Additionally, under the incentive fee structure, SIC Advisors may benefit when capital gains are recognized and, because SIC Advisors determines when a holding is sold, SIC Advisors controls the timing of the recognition of such capital gains. Our board of directors is charged with protecting our interests by monitoring how SIC Advisors addresses these and other conflicts of interests associated with its management services and compensation. While they are not expected to review or approve borrowings or incurrence of leverage in the ordinary course, our independent directors approve our credit facilities, including the maximum amount of leverage we may employ, and will periodically review SIC Advisors’ services and fees as well as its portfolio management decisions and portfolio performance through their quarterly review of our portfolio and annual review of our investment advisory and administration agreements. In connection with these reviews, our independent directors will consider whether our fees and expenses (including those related to leverage) remain appropriate. As a result of this arrangement, SIC Advisors or its affiliates may from time to time have interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict.

The part of the incentive fee payable to SIC Advisors that relates to our net investment income will be computed and paid on income that may include interest income that has been accrued but not yet received in cash. This fee structure may be considered to involve a conflict of interest for SIC Advisors to the extent that it may encourage SIC Advisors to favor debt financings that provide for deferred interest, rather than current cash payments of interest. SIC Advisors may have an incentive to invest in deferred interest securities in circumstances where it would not have done so but for the opportunity to continue to earn the incentive fee even when the issuers of the deferred interest securities would not be able to make actual cash payments to us on such securities. This risk could be increased because SIC Advisors is not obligated to reimburse us for any incentive fees received even if we subsequently incur losses or never receive in cash the deferred income that was previously accrued.

SIC Advisors and its affiliates, including our officers and some of our directors, face conflicts of interest caused by compensation arrangements with us, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.

SIC Advisors and its affiliates receive substantial fees from us in return for their services, and these fees could influence the advice provided to us. Among other matters, because the base management fee that we pay to SIC Advisors is based on our gross assets, SIC Advisors may benefit if we incur indebtedness.

There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could affect our investment returns.

There may be times when SIC Advisors, its senior management and Investment Team, and members of its Investment Committee have interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict of interest. In particular, certain private investment funds managed by the senior members of SIC Advisors hold controlling or minority equity interests, or have the right to acquire such equity interests, in some of our portfolio companies. As a result, the senior members of SIC Advisors may face conflicts of interests in connection with making business decisions for these portfolio companies to the extent that such decisions affect the debt and equity holders in these portfolio companies differently. In addition, the senior members of SIC Advisors may face conflicts of interests in connection with making investment or other decisions, including granting loan waivers or concessions on our behalf with respect to these portfolio companies given that they also manage private investment funds that hold the equity interests in these portfolio companies.

 

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The time and resources that individuals associated with SIC Advisors devote to us may be diverted, and we may face additional competition due to the fact that SIC Advisors is not prohibited from raising money for or managing another entity that makes the same types of investments that we target.

SIC Advisors is not prohibited from raising money for and managing future investment entities that make the same types of investments as those we target. The time and resources that our Advisor devotes to us may be diverted, and during times of intense activity in other programs it may devote less time and resources to our business than is necessary or appropriate. As a result of these competing demands on their time and the fact that they may engage in other business activities on behalf of themselves and others, these individuals face conflicts of interest in allocating their time. These conflicts of interest could result in declines in the returns on our investments and the value of your investment. In addition, we may compete with any such investment entity for the same investors and investment opportunities. While we may co-invest with such investment entities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, the 1940 Act imposes significant limits on co-investment. In this regard, the Exemptive Order allows us additional latitude to co-invest with certain affiliates. Nevertheless, the Exemptive Order requires us to meet certain conditions in order to invest in certain portfolio companies in which our affiliates are investing or are invested. Affiliates of SIC Advisors, whose primary business includes the origination of investments, engage in investment advisory businesses with accounts that compete with us.

SIC Advisors may, from time to time, possess material non-public information, limiting our investment discretion.

SIC Advisors and members of its senior management and Investment Teams and Investment Committee may serve as directors of, or in a similar capacity with, companies in which we invest, the securities of which are purchased or sold on our behalf. In the event that material nonpublic information is obtained with respect to such companies, we could be prohibited for a period of time from purchasing or selling the securities of such companies by law or otherwise, and this prohibition may have an adverse effect on us.

We may be obligated to pay our Advisor incentive compensation even if we incur a net loss due to a decline in the value of our portfolio.

Our Investment Advisory Agreement entitles SIC Advisors to receive an incentive fee based on our net investment income regardless of any capital losses. In such case, we may be required to pay SIC Advisors an incentive fee for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or if we incur a net loss for that quarter.

Any incentive fee payable by us that relates to our net investment income may be computed and paid on income that may include interest that has been accrued but not yet received. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously included in the calculation of the incentive fee will become uncollectible. SIC Advisors is not obligated to reimburse us for any part of the incentive fee it received that was based on accrued income that we never received as a result of a subsequent default, and such circumstances would result in our paying an incentive fee on income we never receive.

For federal income tax purposes, we are required to recognize taxable income in some circumstances in which we do not receive a corresponding payment in cash (such as deferred interest that is accrued as original issue discount) and to make distributions with respect to such income to maintain our status as a RIC. Under such circumstances, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary to obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. This difficulty in making the required distribution may be amplified to the extent that we are required to pay an incentive fee with respect to such accrued income. As a result, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital, or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of being a RIC, see “Tax Matters.”

 

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The management and incentive fees we pay to our Advisor may induce our Advisor to make speculative investments.

The incentive fee payable by us to SIC Advisors may create an incentive for SIC Advisors to make investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangements. The way in which the incentive fee is determined may encourage SIC Advisors to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. In addition, the fact that our management fee is payable based upon our gross assets, which would include any borrowings for investment purposes, may encourage SIC Advisors to use leverage to make additional investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would disfavor holders of our common stock. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during cyclical economic downturns.

There are certain risks relating to the investment that SIC Advisors made in us.

SIC Advisors purchased 1,108,033.24 shares of our common stock for aggregate gross proceeds to us of $10,000,000. The issuance of shares to SIC Advisors was made immediately after the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, was declared effective by the SEC. Thus, SIC Advisors, or any person or entity to which such shares may be transferred, will be a significant stockholder for a period of time until we are able to raise substantial proceeds in this offering. As a result and given the fact that SIC Advisors is our investment advisor and certain of its principals serve as our executive officers and members of our board of directors, SIC Advisors will be able to exert significant influence over our management and policies. As a result, SIC Advisors, or any person or entity to which such shares may be transferred, may ultimately have the ability to take actions with respect to their voting of such shares that may not be in our or our stockholders’ best interest.

Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates will be restricted, which may limit the scope of investments available to us.

We are prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with certain of our affiliates without the prior approval of a majority of the independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities will be our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act, and we will generally be prohibited from buying or selling any securities from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of our board of directors. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with certain of our affiliates, which in certain circumstances could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times to the extent the transaction involves jointness), without prior approval of our board of directors and, in some cases, the SEC. If a person acquires more than 25% of our voting securities, we will be prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such person or certain of that person’s affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint transactions with such persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact business with our Advisor as well as our officers or directors or their affiliates. The SEC has interpreted the BDC regulations governing transactions with affiliates to prohibit certain “joint transactions” involving entities that share a common investment advisor. As a result of these restrictions, we may be prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than any security of which we are the issuer) from or to any portfolio company that is controlled by a fund managed by our Advisor or its respective affiliates without the prior approval of the SEC, which may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.

We may, however, invest alongside other clients of our Advisor and its affiliates, including other entities they manage in certain circumstances where doing so is consistent with applicable law, the Exemptive Order and SEC staff interpretations and guidance. For example, we may co-invest with such accounts consistent with guidance promulgated by the SEC staff permitting us and such other accounts to purchase interests in a single class of privately placed securities so long as certain conditions are met, including that our investment adviser, acting on our behalf and on behalf of other clients, negotiates no term other than price. We may also co-invest with our investment adviser’s other clients as otherwise permissible under regulatory guidance, applicable

 

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regulations and our Advisor’s allocation policy. Under this allocation policy, a fixed percentage of each opportunity, which may vary based on asset class and from time to time, will be offered to us and similar eligible accounts, as periodically determined by our Advisor and approved by our board of directors, including our independent directors. The allocation policy further provides that allocations among us and these other accounts will generally be made pro rata based on each account’s capital available for investment, as determined, in our case, by our Advisor. It is our policy to base our determinations as to the amount of capital available for investment based on such factors as the amount of cash on-hand, existing commitments and reserves, if any, the targeted leverage level, the targeted asset mix and diversification requirements and other investment policies and restrictions set by our board of directors or imposed by applicable laws, rules, regulations or interpretations. We expect that these determinations will be made similarly for other accounts. However, we can offer no assurance that investment opportunities will be allocated to us fairly or equitably in the short-term or over time.

In situations where co-investment with other clients of our Advisor or its affiliates is not permitted under the 1940 Act and related rules, existing or future staff guidance, or the terms and conditions of the Exemptive Order, our Advisor will need to decide which client or clients will proceed with the investment. Generally, we will not have an entitlement to make a co-investment in these circumstances and, to the extent that another client elects to proceed with the investment, we will not be permitted to participate. Moreover, except in certain circumstances, we will be unable to invest in any issuer in which a client of our Advisor or its affiliate holds a controlling interest. These restrictions may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.

We may make investments that could give rise to a conflict of interest.

We do not expect to invest in, or hold securities of, companies that are controlled by our Advisor’s affiliates’ clients. However, our Advisor’s affiliates’ clients may invest in, and gain control over, one of our portfolio companies. If our Advisor’s affiliates’ client, or clients, gains control over one of our portfolio companies, it may create conflicts of interest and may subject us to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act. As a result of these conflicts and restrictions, our Advisor may be unable to implement our investment strategy as effectively as they could have in the absence of such conflicts or restrictions. For example, as a result of a conflict or restriction, our Advisor may be unable to engage in certain transactions that they would otherwise pursue. In order to avoid these conflicts and restrictions, our Advisor may choose to exit these investments prematurely and, as a result, we would forego any positive returns associated with such investments. In addition, to the extent that another client holds a different class of securities than us as a result of such transactions, our interests may not be aligned.

There may be conflicts related to obligations SIC Advisors’ senior management and Investment Team and members of its Investment Committee have to other clients.

The members of the senior management and Investment Teams and the Investment Committee of SIC Advisors serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do, or of investment funds managed by SIC Advisors or its affiliates. In serving in these multiple capacities, they may have obligations to other clients or investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in our best interests or in the best interest of our stockholders. For example, the personnel that comprises SIC Advisors’ Investment Team, have management responsibilities for other investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles managed by affiliates of SIC Advisors.

Our investment objective may overlap with the investment objectives of such investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles. For example, affiliates of SIC Advisors currently manage private funds and managed accounts that are seeking new capital commitments and will pursue an investment strategy similar to our strategy, and we may compete with these and other entities managed by affiliates of SIC Advisors for capital and investment opportunities. As a result, those individuals may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among us and other investment funds or accounts advised by principals of, or affiliated with, SIC Advisors.

 

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We have received an order from the SEC which permits us to co-invest with certain other investment funds managed by SIC Advisors or its affiliates, subject to the conditions included therein. In situations where we cannot co-invest with other investment funds managed by SIC Advisors or its affiliates, the investment policies and procedures of SIC Advisors generally require that such opportunities be offered to us and such other investment funds on an alternating basis. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable to us.

Our ability to sell or otherwise exit investments in which affiliates of SIC Advisors also have an investment may be restricted.

We may be considered affiliates with respect to certain of our portfolio companies, as discussed under “Investments and Portfolio Companies.” Certain private funds advised by the senior members of SIC Advisors also hold interests in these portfolio companies and as such these interests may be considered a joint enterprise under applicable regulations. To the extent that our interests in these portfolio companies may need to be restructured in the future or to the extent that we choose to exit certain of these transactions, our ability to do so will be limited.

We are highly dependent on information systems and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay dividends.

Our business is highly dependent on our and third parties’ communications and information systems. Any failure or interruption of those systems, including as a result of the termination of an agreement with any third-party service providers, could cause delays or other problems in our activities. Our financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control and adversely affect our business. There could be:

 

   

sudden electrical or telecommunications outages;

 

   

natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes;

 

   

disease pandemics;

 

   

events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and

 

   

cyber-attacks.

These events, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

Risks Related to BDCs

We may face increasing competition for investment opportunities, which could delay deployment of our capital, reduce returns and result in losses.

We compete for investments with other BDCs and investment funds (including registered investment companies, private equity funds and mezzanine funds), as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks and other sources of funding. Moreover, alternative investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, have begun to invest in areas in which they have not traditionally invested, including making investments in our target market of privately owned U.S. companies. As a result of these new entrants, competition for investment opportunities in privately owned U.S. companies may intensify. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical, and marketing resources than we do. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of capital and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than we have. These characteristics could allow our competitors to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships and offer better pricing and more flexible structuring than we are able to do.

 

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We do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer, and we believe that some of our competitors make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates we offer. We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms, and structure criteria. If we are forced to match these criteria to make investments, we may not be able to achieve acceptable returns on our investments or may bear substantial risk of capital loss. A significant increase in the number and/or the size of our competitors in this target market could force us to accept less attractive investment terms. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC or the source of income, asset diversification and distribution requirements we must satisfy to maintain our RIC status. The competitive pressures we face may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. As a result of this competition, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time. Also we may not be able to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objective.

The requirement that we invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets could preclude us from investing in accordance with our current business strategy; conversely, the failure to invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets could result in our failure to maintain our status as a BDC.

As a BDC, the 1940 Act prohibits us from acquiring any assets other than certain qualifying assets unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. Therefore, we may be precluded from investing in what we believe are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets. Conversely, if we fail to invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could lose our status as a BDC, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and result of operations. Similarly, these rules could prevent us from making additional investments in existing portfolio companies, which could result in the dilution of our position.

Failure to maintain our status as a BDC would reduce our operating flexibility.

If we do not remain a BDC, we might be regulated as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act, which would subject us to substantially more regulatory restrictions and correspondingly decrease our operating flexibility.

Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations may adversely affect our business or cause us to alter our business strategy.

We and our portfolio companies will be subject to regulation at the local, state, and federal level. Changes to the laws and regulations governing our permitted investments may require a change to our investment strategy. Such changes could differ materially from our strategies and plans as set forth in this prospectus and may shift our investment focus from the areas of expertise of our Advisor. Thus, any such changes, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC and RIC will affect our ability to raise capital and the way in which we raise additional capital or borrow for investment purposes, which may have a negative effect on our growth. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

As a result of the annual distribution requirement to qualify as a RIC, we may need to access the capital markets periodically to raise cash to fund new investments. We may issue “senior securities,” including borrowing money from banks or other financial institutions only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such incurrence or issuance. If we issue senior securities, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. Our ability to issue different types of securities is also limited. Compliance with these requirements may unfavorably limit our investment opportunities and reduce our ability in comparison to other companies to profit from favorable

 

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spreads between the rates at which we can borrow and the rates at which we can lend. As a BDC, therefore, we intend to issue equity continuously at a rate more frequent than our privately owned competitors, which may lead to greater stockholder dilution.

We may borrow for investment purposes. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy the asset coverage test, which would prohibit us from paying distributions and could prevent us from qualifying as a RIC, which would generally result in a corporate-level tax on any income and net gains. If we cannot satisfy the asset coverage test, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our debt financing, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common stockholders.

In addition, we anticipate that as market conditions permit, we may securitize our loans to generate cash for funding new investments. To securitize loans, we may 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 to 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 loans before any of the debt securities would be exposed to such losses. Accordingly, if the pool of loans experienced a low level of losses due to defaults, we would earn an incremental amount of income on our retained equity but we would be exposed, up to the amount of equity we retained, to that proportion of any losses we would have experienced if we had continued to hold the loans in our portfolio. We would not treat the debt issued by such a subsidiary as senior securities.

Risks Related to our Investments

Our investments in prospective portfolio companies may be risky, and we could lose all or part of our investment.

We intend to pursue a strategy focused on investing primarily in the debt of privately owned U.S. companies with a focus on transactions sourced through the network of SIC Advisors.

 

   

Senior Secured Debt and Second Lien Secured Debt. When we invest in senior secured term debt and second lien secured debt, we will generally take a security interest in the available assets of these portfolio companies, including the equity interests of their subsidiaries. There is a risk that the collateral securing our investments may decrease in value over time or lose its entire value, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital. Also, in some circumstances, our security interest could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition, deterioration in a portfolio company’s financial condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral for the debt security. Consequently, the fact that debt is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the investment terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the investment should we be forced to enforce our remedies.

 

   

Subordinated Debt. Our subordinated debt investments will generally be subordinated to senior debt and will generally be unsecured. This may result in a heightened level of risk and volatility or a loss of principal, which could lead to the loss of the entire investment. These investments may involve additional risks that could adversely affect our investment returns. To the extent interest payments associated with such debt are deferred, such debt may be subject to greater fluctuations in valuations, and such debt could subject us and our stockholders to non-cash income. Since we will not receive any principal repayments prior to the maturity of some of our subordinated debt investments, such investments will be of greater risk than amortizing loans.

 

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Equity Investments. We expect to make selected equity investments. In addition, when we invest in senior and subordinated debt, we may acquire warrants or options to purchase equity securities or benefit from other types of equity participation. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of these equity interests and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.

Most loans in which we invest will not be rated by any rating agency and, if they were rated, they would be rated as below investment grade quality. Loans rated below investment grade quality are generally regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics and may carry a greater risk with respect to a borrower’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

To the extent original issue discount constitutes a portion of our income, we will be exposed to risks associated with the deferred receipt of cash representing such income.

Our investments may include original issue discount instruments. To the extent original issue discount constitutes a portion of our income, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with such income being required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash, including the following:

 

   

Original issue discount instruments may have unreliable valuations because the accruals require judgments about collectability.

 

   

Original issue discount instruments may create heightened credit risks because the inducement to trade higher rates for the deferral of cash payments typically represents, to some extent, speculation on the part of the borrower.

 

   

For accounting purposes, cash distributions to stockholders representing original issue discount income do not come from paid-in capital, although they may be paid from the offering proceeds. Thus, although a distribution of original issue discount income comes from the cash invested by the stockholders, the 1940 Act does not require that stockholders be given notice of this fact.

 

   

In the case of payment-in-kind, or PIK, “toggle” debt, the PIK election has the simultaneous effects of increasing the assets under management, thus increasing the base management fee, and increasing the investment income, thus increasing the incentive fee.

 

   

Original issue discount creates risk of non-refundable cash payments to the Advisor based on non-cash accruals that may never be realized.

Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies.

We intend to pursue a strategy focused on investing primarily in the debt of privately owned U.S. companies with a focus on transactions sourced through the network of SIC Advisors. Our portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, the debt in which we invest. By their terms, such debt instruments may entitle the holders to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments with respect to the debt instruments in which we invest. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution. After repaying such senior creditors, such portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equally with debt instruments in which we invest, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.

 

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Subordinated liens on collateral securing debt that we will make to our portfolio companies may be subject to control by senior creditors with first priority liens. If there is a default, the value of the collateral may not be sufficient to repay in full both the first priority creditors and us.

Certain debt investments that we will make in portfolio companies will be secured on a second priority basis by the same collateral securing senior secured debt of such companies. The first priority liens on the collateral will secure the portfolio company’s obligations under any outstanding senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by the company under the agreements governing the debt. The holders of obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral will generally control the liquidation of and be entitled to receive proceeds from any realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from the sale or sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the debt obligations secured by the second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral. If such proceeds are not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the debt obligations secured by the second priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against the company’s remaining assets, if any.

We may also make unsecured debt investments in portfolio companies, meaning that such investments will not benefit from any interest in collateral of such companies. Liens on such portfolio companies’ collateral, if any, will secure the portfolio company’s obligations under its outstanding secured debt and may secure certain future debt that is permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under its secured debt agreements. The holders of obligations secured by such liens will generally control the liquidation of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of such collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of such collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of such collateral would be sufficient to satisfy our unsecured debt obligations after payment in full of all secured debt obligations. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay the outstanding secured debt obligations, then our unsecured claims would rank equally with the unpaid portion of such secured creditors’ claims against the portfolio company’s remaining assets, if any.

The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing the debt investments we make in our portfolio companies with senior debt outstanding may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more inter-creditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an inter-creditor agreement, at any time that obligations that have the benefit of the first priority liens are outstanding, any of the following actions that may be taken in respect of the collateral will be at the direction of the holders of the obligations secured by the first priority liens: the ability to cause the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral; the ability to control the conduct of such proceedings; the approval of amendments to collateral documents; releases of liens on the collateral; and waivers of past defaults under collateral documents. We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if our rights are adversely affected.

There may be circumstances where our debt investments could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender liability claims.

If one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we actually provided managerial assistance to that portfolio company or a representative of us or SIC Advisors sat on the board of directors of such portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might re-characterize our debt investment and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. In situations where a bankruptcy carries a high degree of political significance, our legal rights may be subordinated to other creditors.

In addition, lenders in certain cases can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them when they become too involved in the borrower’s business or exercise control over a borrower. It is possible that we

 

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could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, including as a result of actions taken if we render significant managerial assistance to, or exercise control or influence over the board of directors of, the borrower.

We generally will not control the business operations of our portfolio companies and, due to the illiquid nature of our holdings in our portfolio companies, may not be able to dispose of our interest in our portfolio companies.

We do not expect to control most of our portfolio companies, even though we may have board representation or board observation rights, and our debt agreements may impose certain restrictive covenants on our borrowers. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions with which we disagree and the management of such company, as representatives of the holders of their common equity, may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests as debt investors. Due to the lack of liquidity for our investments in private companies, we may not be able to dispose of our interests in our portfolio companies as readily as we would like or at an appropriate valuation. As a result, a portfolio company may make decisions that could decrease the value of our portfolio holdings.

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.

We anticipate that our investments generally will be made in private companies. Substantially all of these securities will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will be otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we had previously recorded our investments. In addition, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we or our investment adviser has material non-public information regarding such portfolio company.

Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.

Many of our portfolio companies are susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay our debt investments during these periods. Therefore, our non-performing assets are likely to increase, and the value of our portfolio is likely to decrease during these periods. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of any collateral securing our senior secured or second lien secured debt. A severe recession may further decrease the value of such collateral and result in losses of value in our portfolio and a decrease in our revenues, net income, assets and net worth. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us on terms we deem acceptable. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.

A covenant breach by our portfolio companies may harm our operating results.

A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its debt and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize a portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt or equity securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting portfolio company.

An investment strategy focused primarily on privately held companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies.

We intend to invest primarily in privately held companies. Investments in private companies pose certain incremental risks as compared to investments in public companies including that they:

 

   

have reduced access to the capital markets, resulting in diminished capital resources and ability to withstand financial distress;

 

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may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their debt securities that we hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of us realizing any guarantees we may have obtained in connection with our investment;

 

   

may have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and changing market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;

 

   

are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on our portfolio company and, in turn, on us; and

 

   

generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. In addition, our executive officers, directors and members of the Advisor’s management may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in the portfolio companies.

In addition, investments in private companies tend to be less liquid. The securities of private companies are not publicly traded or actively traded on the secondary market and are, instead, traded on a privately negotiated over-the-counter secondary market for institutional investors. These privately negotiated over-the-counter secondary markets may be inactive during an economic downturn or a credit crisis. In addition, the securities in these companies will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. Also, under the 1940 Act, if there is no readily available market for these investments, we are required to carry these investments at fair value as determined by our board of directors. As a result if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we had previously recorded these investments. We may also face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we, SIC Advisors or any of their respective affiliates have material nonpublic information regarding such portfolio company or where the sale would be an impermissible joint transaction. The reduced liquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to dispose of them at a favorable price, and, as a result, we may suffer losses.

Finally, little public information generally exists about private companies and these companies may not have third-party debt ratings or audited financial statements. We must therefore rely on the ability of SIC Advisors to obtain adequate information through due diligence to evaluate the creditworthiness and potential returns from investing in these companies. Additionally, these companies and their financial information will not generally be subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules that govern public companies. If we are unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments.

Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio; our ability to make follow-on investments in certain portfolio companies may be restricted.

Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, provided that there are no restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments in order to: (1) increase or maintain in whole or in part our equity ownership percentage; (2) exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or (3) attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our initial investment.

We have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. We may elect not to make follow-on investments or otherwise lack sufficient funds to make those investments.

 

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Our failure to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and our initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful operation. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make such follow-on investment because we may not want to increase our concentration of risk, because we prefer other opportunities, because we are inhibited by compliance with BDC requirements or because we desire to maintain our RIC tax status. We also may be restricted from making follow-on investments in certain portfolio companies to the extent that affiliates of ours hold interests in such companies.

Our ability to invest in public companies may be limited in certain circumstances.

To maintain our status as a BDC, we are not permitted to acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions). Subject to certain exceptions for follow-on investments and distressed companies, an investment in an issuer that has outstanding securities listed on a national securities exchange may be treated as qualifying assets only if such issuer has a market capitalization that is less than $250 million at the time of such investment. In addition, we may invest up to 30% of our portfolio in opportunistic investments which will be intended to diversify or complement the remainder of our portfolio and to enhance our returns to stockholders. These investments may include private equity investments, securities of public companies that are broadly traded and securities of non-U.S. companies. We expect that these public companies generally will have debt securities that are non-investment grade.

Our investments in foreign securities may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.

Our investment strategy contemplates that a portion of our investments may be in securities of foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility.

Although it is anticipated that most of our investments will be denominated in U.S. dollars, our investments that are denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency may change in relation to the U.S. dollar. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we can offer no assurance that we will, in fact, hedge currency risk or, that if we do, such strategies will be effective. As a result, a change in currency exchange rates may adversely affect our profitability.

Prepayments of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return on equity.

We are subject to the risk that the investments we make in our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity. When this occurs, we will generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments, pending their future investment in new portfolio companies. These temporary investments will typically have substantially lower yields than the debt being prepaid and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these amounts. Any future investment in a new portfolio company may also be at lower yields than the debt that was repaid. As a result, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected if one or more of our portfolio companies elect to prepay amounts owed to us. Additionally, prepayments, net of prepayment fees, could negatively impact our return on equity.

 

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We may acquire indirect interests in loans rather than direct interests, which would subject us to additional risk.

We may make or acquire loans or investments through participation agreements. A participation agreement typically results in a contractual relationship only with the counterparty to the participation agreement and not with the borrower. SIC Advisors has adopted best execution procedures and guidelines to mitigate credit and counterparty risk when we acquire a loan through a participation agreement. In investing through participations, we will generally not have a right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement against the borrower, and we may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, we will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the counterparty selling the participation. In the event of insolvency of the counterparty, we, by virtue of holding participation interests in the loan, may be treated as its general unsecured creditor. In addition, although we may have certain contractual rights under the loan participation that require the counterparty to obtain our consent prior to taking various actions relating to the loan, we cannot guarantee that the counterparty will seek such consent prior to taking various actions. Further, in investing through participation agreements, we may not be able to conduct the due diligence on the borrower or the quality of the loan with respect to which it is buying a participation that we would otherwise conduct if we were investing directly in the loan, which may result in us being exposed to greater credit or fraud risk with respect to the borrower or the loan than we expected when initially purchasing the participation. See “Risks Related to Our Business — There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could affect our investment returns” above.

We have entered into total return swap agreements or other derivative transactions which expose us to certain risks, including market risk, liquidity risk and other risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage.

Our wholly-owned, special purpose financing subsidiary, Arbor, has entered into a TRS for a portfolio of senior secured assets with Citibank, N.A., or Citibank. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources — Total Return Swap” for a more detailed discussion of the terms of the TRS between Arbor and Citibank.

A TRS is a contract in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in the market value of the assets underlying the TRS, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate. A TRS effectively adds leverage to a portfolio by providing investment exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market. Because of the unique structure of a TRS, a TRS often offers lower financing costs than are offered through more traditional borrowing arrangements.

The TRS with Citibank enables us, through our ownership of Arbor, to obtain the economic benefit of owning the assets subject to the TRS, despite the fact that such assets will not be directly held or otherwise owned by us or Arbor, in return for an interest-type payment to Citibank. Accordingly, the TRS is analogous to us borrowing funds to acquire assets and incurring interest expense to a lender.

The TRS is subject to market risk, liquidity risk and risk of imperfect correlation between the value of the TRS and the assets underlying the TRS. In addition, we may incur certain costs in connection with the TRS that could, in the aggregate, be significant.

A TRS is also subject to the risk that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations thereunder or that we will not be able to meet our obligations to the counterparty. In the case of the TRS with Citibank, Arbor is required to post cash collateral amounts to secure its obligations to Citibank under the TRS. Citibank, however, is not required to collateralize any of its obligations to Arbor under the TRS. Arbor bears the risk of depreciation with respect to the value of the assets underlying the TRS and is required, under the terms of the TRS, to post additional collateral on a dollar-for-dollar basis in the event of depreciation in the value of the underlying assets

 

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after such value decreases below a specified amount. The amount of collateral required to be posted by Arbor is determined primarily on the basis of the aggregate value of the underlying assets.

Arbor is required to initially cash collateralize a specified percentage of each asset (generally 25% of the market value of such asset) included under the TRS in accordance with margin requirements described in the TRS Agreement. The limit on the additional collateral that Arbor may be required to post pursuant to the TRS is equal to the difference between the full notional amount of the assets underlying the TRS and the amount of cash collateral already posted by Arbor (determined without consideration of the initial cash collateral posted for each asset included in the TRS). Arbor’s maximum liability under the TRS is the amount of any decline in the aggregate value of the assets subject to the TRS, less the amount of the cash collateral previously posted by Arbor. Therefore, the absolute risk of loss with respect to the TRS is the notional amount of the TRS.

In addition to customary events of default and termination events, the agreements governing the TRS with Citibank, which are collectively referred to herein as the TRS Agreement, contain the following termination events: (a) a failure to satisfy the portfolio criteria for at least 30 days; (b) a failure to post initial cash collateral or additional collateral as required by the TRS Agreement; (c) a default by Arbor or us with respect to indebtedness in an amount equal to or greater than the lesser of $10.0 million and 2% of our net asset value at such time; (d) a merger of Arbor or us meeting certain criteria; (e) either us or Arbor amending its constituent documents to alter our investment strategy in a manner that has or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect; (f) SIC Advisors ceasing to be the investment manager of Arbor or having authority to enter into transactions under the TRS Agreement on behalf of Arbor, and not being replaced by an entity reasonably acceptable to Citibank; (g) SIC Advisors ceasing to be our investment adviser; (h) Arbor failing to comply with its investment strategies or restrictions to the extent such non-compliance has or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect; (i) Arbor becoming liable in respect of any obligation for borrowed money, other than arising under the TRS Agreement; (j) we dissolve or liquidate; (k) there occurs, without the prior consent of Citibank, any material change to or departure from our policies or the policies of Arbor that may not be changed without the vote of our stockholders and that relates to Arbor’s performance of its obligations under the TRS Agreement; and (l) we violate certain provisions of the 1940 Act or our election to be regulated as a BDC is revoked or withdrawn.

In addition to the rights of Citibank to terminate the TRS following an event of default or termination event as described above, Citibank may terminate the TRS on or after the second anniversary of the effective date of the TRS. SIC Advisors may terminate the TRS on behalf of Arbor at any time upon providing 10 days prior notice to Citibank. Any termination by SIC Advisors on behalf of Arbor prior to the second anniversary of the effective date of the TRS will result in payment of an early termination fee to Citibank. Under the terms of the TRS, the early termination fee will equal the present value of the following two cash flows: (a) interest payments at a rate equal to 1.35% based on 70% of the maximum notional amount of $200,000,000, payable from the later of the first anniversary of the effective date of the TRS or the termination date until the second anniversary of the effective date of the TRS and (b) interest payments at a rate equal to 0.15% based on the maximum notional amount of $200,000,000, payable from the later of the first anniversary of the effective date of the TRS or the termination date until the second anniversary of the effective date of the TRS.

Other than during the first 365 days and the last 60 days of the term of the TRS, Arbor is required to pay a minimum usage fee of 1.00% on the amount equal to 85% of the average daily unused portion of the maximum amount permitted under the TRS. Arbor will also pay Citibank customary fees in connection with the establishment and maintenance of the TRS.

Upon any termination of the TRS, Arbor will be required to pay Citibank the amount of any decline in the aggregate value of the assets subject to the TRS or, alternatively, will be entitled to receive the amount of any appreciation in the aggregate value of such assets. In the event that Citibank chooses to exercise its termination rights, it is possible that Arbor will owe more to Citibank or, alternatively, will be entitled to receive less from Citibank than it would have if Arbor controlled the timing of such termination due to the existence of adverse market conditions at the time of such termination.

 

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In addition, because a TRS is a form of synthetic leverage, such arrangements are subject to risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage. See “— Risks Related to Debt Financing” below.

Hedging transactions may expose us to additional risks.

We may engage in currency or interest rate hedging transactions. If we engage in hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transaction may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price.

While we may enter into transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek or be able to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.

The disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.

We currently expect that a significant portion of our investments will involve lending directly to private companies. In connection with the disposition of an investment in private securities, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations turn out to be inaccurate or with respect to certain potential liabilities. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities that ultimately yield funding obligations that must be satisfied through our return of certain distributions previously made to us.

If we invest in the securities and obligations of distressed and bankrupt issuers, we might not receive interest or other payments.

We may invest in the securities and obligations of distressed and bankrupt issuers, including debt obligations that are in covenant or payment default. Such investments generally are considered speculative. The repayment of defaulted obligations is subject to significant uncertainties. Defaulted obligations might be repaid only after lengthy workout or bankruptcy proceedings, during which the issuer of those obligations might not make any interest or other payments. We may not realize gains from our equity investments.

Risks Relating to Debt Financing

At December 31, 2014, we had approximately $236.5 million of outstanding indebtedness under the syndicated revolving credit facility with ING Capital LLC and a revolving credit facility with JP Morgan Chase through Alpine Funding LLC, our wholly-owned special purpose financing subsidiary.

 

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Illustration. The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing below. The calculation assumes (i) $756.1 million in total assets, (ii) a weighted average cost of funds of 3.1875%, (iii) $236.5 million in debt outstanding and (iv) $486.5 million in stockholders’ equity. In order to compute the “Corresponding return to stockholders,” the “Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (net of expenses)” is multiplied by the assumed total assets to obtain an assumed return to us. From this amount, the interest expense is calculated by multiplying the assumed weighted average cost of funds times the assumed debt outstanding, and the product is subtracted from the assumed return to us in order to determine the return available to stockholders. The return available to stockholders is then divided by our stockholders’ equity to determine the “Corresponding return to stockholders.” Actual interest payments may be different.

 

Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (net of expenses)

     (10)%      (5)%      —%      5%      10%  

Corresponding return to stockholders(1)

       (17.1 )%       (9.3 )%       (1.5 )%       6.2      14.0

 

(1) In order for us to cover our annual interest payments on indebtedness, we must achieve annual returns on our December 31, 2014 total assets of at least 1.0%.

In addition, we have entered into a total return swap with Citi which provides us with exposure to a portfolio of loans with a maximum aggregate market value of $350 million. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Investments — We have entered into total return swap agreements or other derivative transactions which expose us to certain risks, including market risk, liquidity risk and other risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage.”

Because we use borrowed funds to make investments or fund our business operations, we are exposed to risks typically associated with leverage which increase the risk of investing in us.

We intend to borrow funds through draws from our Revolving Credit Facility to leverage our capital structure, which is generally considered a speculative investment technique. As a result:

 

   

our common shares may be exposed to an increased risk of loss because a decrease in the value of our investments may have a greater negative impact on the value of our common shares than if we did not use leverage;

 

   

if we do not appropriately match the assets and liabilities of our business, adverse changes in interest rates could reduce or eliminate the incremental income we make with the proceeds of any leverage;

 

   

our ability to pay dividends on our common stock may be restricted if our asset coverage ratio, as provided in the 1940 Act, is not at least 200% and any amounts used to service indebtedness or preferred stock would not be available for such dividends;

 

   

the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to periodic renewal by our lenders, whose continued participation cannot be guaranteed;

 

   

the Revolving Credit Facility contains covenants restricting our operating flexibility; and

 

   

we, and indirectly our stockholders, bear the cost of issuing and paying interest or dividends on such securities.

Covenants in the Revolving Credit Facility may restrict our financial and operating flexibility.

We maintain the Revolving Credit Facility with certain lenders party thereto from time to time and ING Capital LLC, as administrative agent. The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets, subject to certain exclusions. Availability of loans under the Revolving Credit Facility is linked to the valuation of the collateral pursuant to a borrowing base mechanism. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are subject to, among other things, a minimum borrowing/collateral base. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility require us to, among other things

 

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(i) make representations and warranties regarding the collateral as well as our business and operations, (ii) agree to certain indemnification obligations, and (iii) agree to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants. The documents for each of the Facilities also include default provisions such as the failure to make timely payments under the Revolving Credit Facility, as the case may be, the occurrence of a change in control, and our failure to materially perform under the operative agreements governing the Revolving Credit Facility, which, if not complied with, could accelerate repayment under the Facilities, thereby materially and adversely affecting our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

As a result of such covenants and restrictions in the Revolving Credit Facility, we will be limited in how we conduct our business and we may be unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to take advantage of new business opportunities. In addition, our ability to satisfy the financial requirements required by the Facilities can be affected by events beyond our control and we cannot assure you that we will meet these requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants in the future and, if we fail to do so, we may be in default under the Facilities, and we may be prohibited from undertaking actions that are necessary or desirable to maintain and expand our business.

Default under the Revolving Credit Facility could allow the lender(s) to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable. If the lender(s) declare amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility to be due, the lender(s) could proceed against the assets pledged to secure the debt under the Revolving Credit Facility. Any event of default, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our business if the lender(s) determine to exercise their rights.

Because we use debt to finance our investments, changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income.

Because we borrow money to make investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income in the event we use our existing debt to finance our investments. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds will increase to the extent we access the Revolving Credit Facility, since the interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility is floating, which could reduce our net investment income to the extent any debt investments have fixed interest rates. We expect that our long-term fixed-rate investments will be financed primarily with issuances of equity and long-term debt securities. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

You should also be aware that 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 of the amount of incentive fees payable to SIC Advisors.

If we borrow money, the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested in us will be magnified and may increase the risk of investing in us. Borrowed money may also adversely affect the return on our assets, reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders, and result in losses.

The use of borrowings, also known as leverage, increases the volatility of investments by magnifying the potential for gain or loss on invested equity capital. If we use leverage to partially finance our investments, through borrowing from banks and other lenders, you will experience increased risks of investing in our common stock. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. In addition, our stockholders will bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of our use of leverage, including interest expenses and any increase in the management or incentive fees payable to the Advisor.

 

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In addition, the dealer manager serves as the dealer manager for or participate in the distribution of the securities of other issuers. As a result, the dealer manager may experience conflicts of interest in allocating its time between this offering and such other issuers, which could adversely affect our ability to raise adequate proceeds through this offering and implement our investment strategy. Further, the participating broker-dealers retained by the dealer manager may have numerous competing investment products, some with similar or identical investment strategies and areas of focus as us, which they may elect to emphasize to their retail clients.

Investors will not know the purchase price per share at the time they submit their subscription agreements and could receive fewer shares of common stock than anticipated if our board of directors determines to increase the offering price to comply with the requirement that we avoid selling shares below net asset value.

The purchase price at which you purchase shares will be determined at each weekly closing date to ensure that the sales price is equal to or greater than the net asset value of our shares, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees. As a result, your purchase price may be higher than the prior subscription closing price per share, and therefore you may receive a smaller number of shares than if you had subscribed at the prior subscription closing price. See “Determination of Net Asset Value.”

Investors will not know the purchase price per share at the time they submit their subscription agreements and could pay a premium for their shares of common stock if our board of directors does not decrease the offering price in the event of a decline to our net asset value per share.

The purchase price at which you purchase shares will be determined at each weekly closing date to ensure that the sales price is equal to or greater than the net asset value of our shares, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees. In the event of a decrease to our net asset value per share, you could pay a premium of more than 2.5% for your shares of common stock if our board of directors does not decrease the offering price. A decline in our net asset value per share to an amount more than 2.5% below our current offering price, net of selling commissions and dealer manager fees, creates a rebuttable presumption that there has been a material change in the value of our assets such that a reduction in the offering price per share is warranted. This presumption may only be rebutted if our board of directors, in consultation with our management, reasonably and in good faith determines that the decline in net asset value per share is the result of a temporary movement in the credit markets or the value of our assets, rather than a more fundamental shift in the valuation of our portfolio. In the event that (i) net asset value per share decreases to more than 5% below our current net offering price and (ii) our board of directors believes that such decrease in net asset value per share is the result of a non-temporary movement in the credit markets or the value of our assets, our board of directors will undertake to establish a new net offering price that is not more than 2.5% above our net asset value per share. If our board of directors determines that the decline in our net asset value per share is the result of a temporary movement in the credit markets or the value of our assets, investors will purchase shares at an offering price per share, net of selling commissions and dealer manager fees, which represents a premium to the net asset value per share of greater than 2.5%. See “Plan of Distribution.”

If we are unable to raise substantial funds in our ongoing, continuous “best efforts” offering, we will be limited in the number and type of investments we may make, and the value of your investment in us may be reduced in the event our assets under-perform.

Our continuous offering is being made on a best efforts basis, whereby our dealer manager and participating broker-dealers are only required to use their best efforts to sell our shares and have no firm commitment or obligation to purchase any of the shares. To the extent that less than the maximum number of shares is subscribed for, the opportunity for diversification of our investments may be decreased and the returns achieved on those investments may be reduced as a result of allocating all of our expenses among a smaller capital base.

 

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Our shares are not listed on an exchange or quoted through a quotation system and will not be listed for the foreseeable future, if ever. Therefore, our stockholders will have limited liquidity and may not receive a full return of invested capital upon selling their shares.

Our shares are illiquid investments for which there is not a secondary market nor is it expected that any will develop in the future. A future liquidity event could include: (i) a listing of our shares on a national securities

We may use leverage to finance our investments. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our Advisor and our board of directors’ assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. There can be no assurance that leveraged financing will be available to us on favorable terms or at all. However, to the extent that we use leverage to finance our assets, our financing costs will reduce cash available for distributions to stockholders. Moreover, we may not be able to meet our financing obligations and, to the extent that we cannot, we risk the loss of some or all of our assets to liquidation or sale to satisfy the obligations. In such an event, we may be forced to sell assets at significantly depressed prices due to market conditions or otherwise, which may result in losses.

As a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which include all of our borrowings and any preferred stock that we may issue in the future, of at least 200%. If this ratio declines below 200%, we cannot incur additional debt and could be required to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when it is disadvantageous to do so. This could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we may not be able to make distributions. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our Advisor’s and our board of directors’ assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. The amount of leverage that we will employ will be subject to oversight by our board of directors, a majority of whom will be independent directors with no material interests in such transactions.

We will be exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates.

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. Since we may use debt to finance investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates when we have debt outstanding, our cost of funds will increase, which could reduce our net investment income.

In addition, due to the continuing effects of the prolonged economic crisis and recession that began in 2007, interest rates have recently been at or near historic lows. In the event of a significant rising interest rate environment, our portfolio companies with adjustable-rate debt could see their payments increase and there may be a significant increase in the number of our portfolio companies who are unable or unwilling to repay their debt. Investments in companies with adjustable-rate debt may also decline in value in response to rising interest rates if the rates at which they pay interest do not rise as much, or as quickly, as market interest rates in general. Similarly, during periods of rising interest rates, our investments with fixed rates may decline in value because they are locked in at below market yield.

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 such activities are not prohibited by the 1940 Act. These activities may limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to the hedged portfolio. Adverse developments resulting from changes in interest rates or hedging transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Risks Related to an Investment in our Common Stock

The success of this offering is dependent, in part, on the ability of the dealer manager to implement its business strategy, to hire and retain key employees and to successfully establish, operate and maintain a network of broker-dealers. Our dealer manager also serves as the dealer manager for the distribution of securities of other issuers and may experience conflicts of interest as a result.

The success of this offering and our ability to implement our business strategy is dependent upon the ability of our dealer manager to hire and retain key employees, establish, operate and maintain a network of licensed securities broker-dealers and other agents and implement its business strategy. If the dealer manager is unable to hire qualified employees, build a sufficient network of broker-dealers and implement its business strategy, we may not be able to raise adequate proceeds through this offering to implement our investment strategy.

In addition, the dealer manager serves as the dealer manager for or participate in the distribution of the securities of other issuers. As a result, the dealer manager may experience conflicts of interest in allocating its time between this offering and such other issuers, which could adversely affect our ability to raise adequate proceeds through this offering and implement our investment strategy. Further, the participating broker-dealers retained by the dealer manager may have numerous competing investment products, some with similar or identical investment strategies and areas of focus as us, which they may elect to emphasize to their retail clients.

Investors will not know the purchase price per share at the time they submit their subscription agreements and could receive fewer shares of common stock than anticipated if our board of directors determines to increase the offering price to comply with the requirement that we avoid selling shares below net asset value.

The purchase price at which you purchase shares will be determined at each weekly closing date to ensure that the sales price is equal to or greater than the net asset value of our shares, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees. As a result, your purchase price may be higher than the prior subscription closing price per share, and therefore you may receive a smaller number of shares than if you had subscribed at the prior subscription closing price. See “Determination of Net Asset Value.”

Investors will not know the purchase price per share at the time they submit their subscription agreements and could pay a premium for their shares of common stock if our board of directors does not decrease the offering price in the event of a decline to our net asset value per share.

The purchase price at which you purchase shares will be determined at each weekly closing date to ensure that the sales price is equal to or greater than the net asset value of our shares, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees. In the event of a decrease to our net asset value per share, you could pay a premium of more than 2.5% for your shares of common stock if our board of directors does not decrease the offering price. A decline in our net asset value per share to an amount more than 2.5% below our current offering price, net of selling commissions and dealer manager fees, creates a rebuttable presumption that there has been a material change in the value of our assets such that a reduction in the offering price per share is warranted. This presumption may only be rebutted if our board of directors, in consultation with our management, reasonably and in good faith determines that the decline in net asset value per share is the result of a temporary movement in the credit markets or the value of our assets, rather than a more fundamental shift in the valuation of our portfolio. In the event that (i) net asset value per share decreases to more than 5% below our current net offering price and (ii) our board of directors believes that such decrease in net asset value per share is the result of a non-temporary movement in the credit markets or the value of our assets, our board of directors will undertake to establish a new net offering price that is not more than 2.5% above our net asset value per share. If our board of directors determines that the decline in our net asset value per share is the result of a temporary movement in the credit markets or the value of our assets, investors will purchase shares at an offering price per share, net of selling commissions and dealer manager fees, which represents a premium to the net asset value per share of greater than 2.5%. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

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If we are unable to raise substantial funds in our ongoing, continuous “best efforts” offering, we will be limited in the number and type of investments we may make, and the value of your investment in us may be reduced in the event our assets under-perform.

Our continuous offering is being made on a best efforts basis, whereby our dealer manager and participating broker-dealers are only required to use their best efforts to sell our shares and have no firm commitment or obligation to purchase any of the shares. To the extent that less than the maximum number of shares is subscribed for, the opportunity for diversification of our investments may be decreased and the returns achieved on those investments may be reduced as a result of allocating all of our expenses among a smaller capital base.

Our shares are not listed on an exchange or quoted through a quotation system and will not be listed for the foreseeable future, if ever. Therefore, our stockholders will have limited liquidity and may not receive a full return of invested capital upon selling their shares.

Our shares are illiquid investments for which there is not a secondary market nor is it expected that any will develop in the future. A future liquidity event could include: (i) a listing of our shares on a national securities exchange; (ii) a merger or another transaction approved by our board of directors in which our stockholders will receive cash or shares of a listed company; or (iii) a sale of all or substantially all of our assets either on a complete portfolio basis or individually followed by a liquidation. Certain types of liquidity events, such as a listing, would allow us to retain our investment portfolio intact while providing our stockholders with access to a trading market for their securities.

There can be no assurance that a suitable transaction will be available or that market conditions will be favorable during that timeframe. Prior to a liquidity event, our share repurchase program may provide a limited opportunity for you to have your shares of common stock repurchased, subject to certain restrictions and limitations, at a price which may reflect a discount from the purchase price you paid for the shares being repurchased.

Also, since a portion of the public offering price from the sale of shares in this offering will be used to pay expenses and fees, the full offering price paid by the stockholders will not be invested in portfolio companies. As a result, you may not receive a return of all of your invested capital. If we do not successfully complete a liquidity event, liquidity for an investor’s shares will be limited to participation in our share repurchase program.

If our shares are listed on a national securities exchange or quoted through a quotation system, we cannot assure you a public trading market will develop or, if one develops, that such trading market can be sustained. Shares of companies offered in an initial public offering often trade at a discount to the initial offering price due to underwriting discounts and related offering expenses. Also, shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share of common stock may decline. We cannot predict whether our common stock, if listed, will trade at, above or below net asset value.

Our ability to conduct our continuous offering successfully is dependent, in part, on the ability of our dealer manager to successfully establish, operate and maintain relationships with a network of broker-dealers, which will in turn sell a sufficient number of shares of our common stock for us to achieve our investment objective.

Our dealer manager may not be able to sell a sufficient number of shares to allow us to have adequate funds to purchase a diversified portfolio of investments and generate income sufficient to cover our expenses.

The success of our public offering, and correspondingly our ability to implement our business strategy, is dependent upon the ability of our dealer manager to establish and maintain relationships with a network of licensed securities broker-dealers and other agents to sell our shares. If our dealer manager fails to perform, we

 

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may not be able to raise adequate proceeds through our public offering to implement our investment strategy. If we are unsuccessful in implementing our investment strategy, you could lose all or a part of your investment.

We are not obligated to complete a liquidity event; therefore, it will be difficult for an investor to sell his or her shares.

There can be no assurance that we will complete a liquidity event. If we do not successfully complete a liquidity event, liquidity for an investor’s shares will be limited to our share repurchase program, which we have no obligation to maintain.

The timing of our repurchase offers pursuant to our share repurchase program may be at a time that is disadvantageous to our stockholders.

When we make quarterly repurchase offers pursuant to the share repurchase program, we may offer to repurchase shares at a price that is lower than the price that investors paid for shares in our offering. As a result, to the extent investors paid an offering price that includes the related sales load and to the extent investors have the ability to sell their shares pursuant to our share repurchase program, then the price at which an investor may sell shares, which will be at a price equal to our most recently disclosed net asset value per share immediately prior to the date of repurchase, may be lower than what an investor paid in connection with the purchase of shares in our offering.

We may be unable to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds of our offering on acceptable terms in an acceptable timeframe.

Delays in investing the net proceeds of our offering may impair our performance. We cannot assure you we will be able to identify any investments that meet our investment objective or that any investment that we make will produce a positive return. We may be unable to invest the net proceeds of our offering on acceptable terms within the time period that we anticipate or at all, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.

Before making investments, we will invest the net proceeds of our public offering primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, repurchase agreements, and other high-quality debt instruments maturing in one year or less from the time of investment. This will produce returns that are significantly lower than the returns, which we expect to achieve when our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective. As a result, any distributions that we pay while our portfolio is not fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective may be lower than the distributions that we may be able to pay when our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective.

A stockholder’s interest in us will be diluted if we issue additional shares, which could reduce the overall value of an investment in us.

Our investors do not have preemptive rights to any shares we issue in the future. Our articles of incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 250,000,000 shares of common stock. Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, a majority of our entire board of directors may amend our articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of stock without stockholder approval. After an investor purchases shares, our board may elect to sell additional shares in the future, issue equity interests in private offerings, or issue share-based awards to our independent directors or persons associated with the Advisor. To the extent we issue additional equity interests at or below net asset value, after an investor purchases our shares, an investor’s percentage ownership interest in us will be diluted. In addition, depending upon the terms and pricing of any additional offerings and the value of our investments, an investor may also experience dilution in the net asset and fair value of his or her shares.

Under the 1940 Act, we generally are prohibited from issuing or selling our common stock at a price below net asset value per share, which may be a disadvantage as compared with certain public companies. We may,

 

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however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options, or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the current net asset value of our common stock if our board of directors and independent directors determine that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders, including a majority of those stockholders that are not affiliated with us, approve such sale. 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 of directors, closely approximates the fair value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease and you will experience dilution.

Preferred stock could be issued with rights and preferences that would adversely affect holders of our common stock.

This offering does not include an offering of preferred stock. However, under the terms of our articles of incorporation, our board of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval, which could potentially adversely affect the interests of existing stockholders. In the event we issue preferred stock, this prospectus will be supplemented accordingly; however, doing so would not require a stockholder vote, unless we seek to issue preferred stock that is convertible into our common stock.

If we issue preferred stock, the net asset value and market value of our common stock may become more volatile.

If we issue preferred stock, we cannot assure you that such issuance would result in a higher yield or return to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock would likely cause the net asset value and market value of our common stock to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to approach the net rate of return on our investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of our common stock would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to exceed the net rate of return on our portfolio, the leverage would result in a lower rate of return to the holders of our common stock than if we had not issued preferred stock. Any decline in the net asset value of our investments would be borne entirely by the holders of our common stock. Therefore, if the market value of our portfolio were to decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of our common stock than if we were not leveraged through the issuance of preferred stock. This greater net asset value decrease would also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for our common stock. We might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of the preferred stock or of losing our ratings on the preferred stock or, in an extreme case, our current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the dividend requirements on the preferred stock. In order to counteract such an event, we might need to liquidate investments in order to fund a redemption of some or all of the preferred stock. In addition, we would pay (and the holders of our common stock would bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred stock, including higher advisory fees if our total return exceeds the dividend rate on the preferred stock. Holders of preferred stock may have different interests than holders of our common stock and may at times have disproportionate influence over our affairs.

Holders of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of the board of directors and class voting rights on certain matters.

Holders of any preferred stock we might issue, voting separately as a single class, would have the right to elect two members of the board of directors at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears, would have the right to elect a majority of our directors until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred stockholders would have class voting rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion to open-end status, and accordingly would be able to veto any such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock and preferred stock, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies or the terms of our credit facilities, might impair our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC for

 

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federal income tax purposes. While we would intend to redeem our preferred stock to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain our qualification as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.

Certain provisions of the Maryland Corporation Law and the Investment Advisory Agreement could deter takeover attempts.

Our bylaws exempt us from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, which significantly restricts the voting rights of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition. If our board of directors were to amend our bylaws to repeal this exemption from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, that statute may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such a transaction. Although we do not presently intend to adopt such an amendment to our bylaws, there can be no assurance that we will not so amend our bylaws at some time in the future. We will not, however, amend our bylaws to make us subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act without our board of directors determining that doing so would not conflict with the 1940 Act and obtaining confirmation from the SEC that it does not object to that determination.

Additionally, our board of directors may, without stockholder action, authorize the issuance of shares of stock in one or more classes or series, including preferred stock. Our board of directors may also, without stockholder action, amend our articles of incorporation to increase the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change of control in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the value of our common stock.

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk.

The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal than alternative investment options. Our investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and aggressive and, therefore, an investment in our common stock may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.

The net asset value of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

The net asset value and liquidity, if any, of the market for shares of our common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include:

 

   

significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of business development companies or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of the companies;

 

   

changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs;

 

   

loss of RIC or BDC status;

 

   

changes in earnings or variations in operating results;

 

   

changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;

 

   

changes in accounting guidelines governing valuation of our investments;

 

   

any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors;

 

   

departure of SIC Advisors or certain of its respective key personnel;

 

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operating performance of companies comparable to us;

 

   

general economic trends and other external factors; and

 

   

loss of a major funding source.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.

The price which you pay for our shares may not reflect our current net asset value at the time of your subscription.

In the event of a material decline in our net asset value per share, which we consider to be a 2.5% decrease below our current net offering price, and subject to certain conditions, we will reduce our offering price accordingly. Also we will file a supplement to the prospectus with the SEC, or amend our registration statement if our net asset value per share: (i) declines more than 10% from the net asset value per share as of the effective date of this registration statement or (ii) increases to an amount that is greater than the net proceeds per share as stated in the prospectus. Therefore, the net proceeds per share, net of all sales load, from a new investor may be in excess of the then current net asset value per share.

Federal Income Tax Risks

We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code or to satisfy RIC distribution requirements.

To maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet the following minimum annual distribution, income source and asset diversification requirements. See “Tax Matters.”

The minimum annual distribution requirement for a RIC will be satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis at least 90% of our net ordinary taxable income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. We would also be taxed on any retained income and/or gains, including any short-term capital gains or long-term capital gains. We must also satisfy an additional annual distribution requirement during each calendar year in order to avoid a 4% excise tax on the amount of the under-distribution. Because we may use debt financing, we are subject to an asset coverage ratio requirement under the 1940 Act and may in the future become subject to certain financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment, or could be required to retain a portion of our income or gains, and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.

The income source requirement will be satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our income for each year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of stock or securities, or similar sources.

The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. To satisfy this requirement, at least 50% of the value of our assets must consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other acceptable securities; and no more than 25% of the value of our assets can be invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or

 

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businesses or of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships.” Failure to meet these requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Because most of our investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.

If we fail to qualify for or maintain RIC tax treatment for any reason and are subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution, and the amount of our distributions. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial conditions, and thus, our stockholders.

If we do not qualify as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” as defined in the Code, you will be taxed as though you received a distribution of some of our expenses.

A “publicly offered regulated investment company” is a RIC whose shares are either (i) continuously offered pursuant to a public offering, (ii) regularly traded on an established securities market or (iii) held by at least 500 persons at all times during the taxable year. If we are not a publicly offered RIC for any period, a non-corporate stockholder’s allocable portion of our affected expenses, including our management fees, will be treated as an additional distribution to the stockholder and will be deductible by such stockholder only to the extent permitted under the limitations described below. For non-corporate stockholders, including individuals, trusts, and estates, significant limitations generally apply to the deductibility of certain expenses of a non-publicly offered RIC, including advisory fees. In particular, these expenses, referred to as miscellaneous itemized deductions, are deductible to an individual only to the extent they exceed 2% of such a stockholder’s adjusted gross income, and are not deductible for alternative minimum tax purposes. While we anticipate that we will constitute a publicly offered RIC after our first tax year, there can be no assurance that we will in fact so qualify for any of our taxable years.

We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.

For federal income tax purposes, we may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive a corresponding payment in cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with PIK, interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or debt instruments that were issued with warrants), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. Furthermore, we may invest in non-U.S. corporations (or other non-U.S. entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that could be treated under the Code and U.S. Treasury regulations as “passive foreign investment companies” and/or “controlled foreign corporations.” The rules relating to investment in these types of non-U.S. entities are designed to ensure that U.S. taxpayers are either, in effect, taxed currently (or on an accelerated basis with respect to corporate level events) or taxed at increased tax rates at distribution or disposition. In certain circumstances this could require us to recognize income where we do not receive a corresponding payment in cash.

We anticipate that a portion of our income may constitute original issue discount or other income required to be included in taxable income prior to receipt of cash. Further, we may elect to amortize market discounts and include such amounts in our taxable income in the current year, instead of upon disposition, as an election not to do so would limit our ability to deduct interest expenses for tax purposes.

Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of the accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order

 

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to satisfy the annual distribution requirement, even if we will not have received any corresponding cash amount. As a result, we may have difficulty meeting the tax requirement to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, to maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. We may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital, make a partial share distribution, or forgo new investment opportunities for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, and choose not to make a qualifying share distribution, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax. See “Tax Matters.”

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

We do not own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to our operation. Our headquarters are currently located at 375 Park Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10152. Our administrator furnishes us office space and we reimburse it for such costs on an allocated basis.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Neither we nor SIC Advisors are currently subject to any material legal proceedings.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information

There is currently no market for our common stock, and we do not expect that a market for our shares will develop in the foreseeable future. No shares of our common stock have been authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans. Under Maryland law, our stockholders generally will not be personally liable for our debts or obligations.

As of March 5, 2015, we are offering our shares on a continuous basis at an offering price of $10.00 per share; however, to the extent that our net asset value increases, we intend to sell at a price necessary to ensure that shares are not sold at a price per share, after deduction of selling commissions and dealer manager fees, that is below our net asset value per share. In the event of a material decline in our net asset value per share, which we consider to be a 2.5% decrease below our current net offering price, and subject to certain conditions, we will reduce our offering price accordingly. Therefore, persons who tender subscriptions for our shares in our offering must submit subscriptions for a certain dollar amount, rather than a number of our shares and, as a result, may receive fractional shares.

In connection with each closing on the sale of shares offered in our continuous public offering, our board of directors or a committee thereof is required, within 48 hours of the time that each closing and sale is made, to make the determination that we are not selling shares at a price per share which, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees, is below our then current net asset value per share. Our board of directors will consider the following factors, among others, in making such determination:

 

   

the net asset value per share of our shares disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC;

 

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our management’s assessment of whether any material change in the net asset value per share has occurred (including through the realization of net gains on the sale of our portfolio investments) from the period beginning on the date of the most recently disclosed net asset value per share to the period ending two days prior to the date of the closing on and sale of our shares; and

 

   

the magnitude of the difference between the net asset value per share disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC and our management’s assessment of any material change in the net asset value per share since the date of the most recently disclosed net asset value per share, and the offering price of our shares at the date of closing.

Importantly, this determination does not require that we calculate net asset value in connection with each closing and sale of our shares, but instead it involves the determination by our board of directors or a committee thereof that we are not selling our shares at a price which, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees, is below the then current net asset value per share at the time at which the closing and sale is made.

Moreover, to the extent that there is even a remote possibility that we may (i) issue our shares at a price which, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees, is below the then current net asset value per share of our shares at the time at which the closing and sale is made or (ii) trigger the undertaking (which we provided to the SEC in our registration statement) to suspend the offering of our shares pursuant to our continuous public offering if the net asset value per share fluctuates by certain amounts in certain circumstances until our prospectus is amended, our board of directors or a committee thereof will elect, in the case of clause (i) above, either to postpone the closing until such time that there is no longer the possibility of the occurrence of such event or to undertake to determine net asset value within two days prior to any such sale to ensure that such sale will not be at a price which, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees, is below our then current net asset value per share, and, in the case of clause (ii) above, to comply with such undertaking or to undertake to determine net asset value to ensure that such undertaking has not been triggered.

In addition, a decline in our net asset value per share to an amount more than 2.5% below our current offering price, net of selling commissions and dealer manager fees, creates a rebuttable presumption that there has been a material change in the value of our assets such that a reduction in the offering price per share is warranted. This presumption may only be rebutted if our board of directors, in consultation with our management, reasonably and in good faith determines that the decline in net asset value per share is the result of a temporary movement in the credit markets or the value of our assets, rather than a more fundamental shift in the valuation of our portfolio. In the event that (i) net asset value per share decreases to more than 2.5% below our current net offering price and (ii) our board of directors believes that such decrease in the net asset value per share is the result of a non-temporary movement in the credit markets or the value of our assets, our board of directors will undertake to establish a new net offering price that is not more than 5% above our net asset value per share. If our board of directors determines that the decline in our net asset value per share is the result of a temporary movement in the credit markets or the value of our assets, investors will purchase shares at an offering price per share, net of selling commissions and dealer manager fees, which represents a premium to the net asset value per share of greater than 2.5%.

Set forth below is a chart describing the classes of our securities outstanding as of March 5, 2015:

 

Title of Class

   Amount
Authorized
     Amount
Held by
Us or
for Our
Account
     Amount
Outstanding
 

Common Stock

     250,000,000                 59,796,803   

As of March 5, 2015, we had 17,900 record holders of our common stock.

 

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Distributions

Our dividends, if any, are determined by the board of directors. We have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To maintain RIC qualification, we must distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of our net long-term capital losses, if any. We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on our undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income realized, but not distributed in the preceding year.

Our board of directors declared a series of semi-monthly distributions. These distributions represent an annualized yield of 8.00% based on our March 5, 2015 offering price of $10.00 per share:

 

Record Date

   Payment Date    Amount per share  

July 13 and 31, 2012

   August 1, 2012    $ 0.03333   

August 15 and 31, 2012

   September 4, 2012      0.03333   

September 14 and 28, 2012

   October 1, 2012      0.03333   

October 15 and 30, 2012

   October 31, 2012      0.03333   

November 15 and 29, 2012

   November 30, 2012      0.03333   

December 14 and 28, 2012

   December 31, 2012      0.03333   

January 15 and 31, 2013

   January 31, 2013      0.03333   

February 15 and 28, 2013

   February 28, 2013      0.03333   

March 15 and 29, 2013

   March 29, 2013      0.03333   

April 15 and 30, 2013

   April 30, 2013      0.03333   

May 15 and 31, 2013

   May 31, 2013      0.03333   

June 14 and 28, 2013

   June 28, 2013      0.03333   

July 15 and 31, 2013

   July 31, 2013      0.03333   

August 15 and 30, 2013

   August 30, 2013      0.03333   

September 13 and 30, 2013

   September 30, 2013      0.03333   

October 15 and 31, 2013

   October 31, 2013      0.03333   

November 15 and 29, 2013

   November 29, 2013      0.03333   

December 13 and 31, 2013

   December 31, 2013      0.03333   

January 15 and 31, 2014

   January 31, 2014      0.03333   

February 14 and 28, 2014

   February 28, 2014      0.03333   

March 14 and 31, 2014

   March 31, 2014      0.03333   

April 15 and 30, 2014

   April 30, 2014      0.03333   

May 15 and 30, 2014

   May 30, 2014      0.03333   

June 13 and 30, 2014

   June 30, 2014      0.03333   

July 15 and 31, 2014

   July 31, 2014      0.03333   

August 15 and 29, 2014

   August 29, 2014      0.03333   

September 15 and 30, 2014

   September 30, 2014      0.03333   

October 15 and 31, 2014

   October 31, 2014      0.03333   

November 14 and 28, 2014

   November 28, 2014      0.03333   

December 15 and 31, 2014

   December 31, 2014      0.03333   

January 15 and 30, 2015

   January 30, 2015      0.03333   

February 13 and 27, 2015

   February 27, 2015      0.03333   

March 13 and 31, 2015

   March 31, 2015      0.03333   

April 15 and 30, 2015

   April 30, 2015      0.03333   

May 15 and 29, 2015

   May 29, 2015      0.03333   

June 15 and 30, 2015

   June 30, 2015      0.03333   

 

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We may fund our cash distributions to stockholders from any sources of funds available to us, including offering proceeds, borrowings, net investment income from operations, capital gains proceeds from the sale of assets, non-capital gains proceeds from the sale of assets, dividends or other distributions paid to us on account of preferred and common equity investments in portfolio companies and expense reimbursements from SIC Advisors. The following table reflects, for tax purposes, the sources of the cash distributions that we have paid on our common stock during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

     As of
December 31,
2014
    As of
December 31,
2013
    As of
December 31,
2012
 

Capital in excess of par value

   $ (6,712,625   $      $ 328,132   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     18,993,598        236,207        (328,132

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from investments

     (12,280,973     (236,207       

The following table reflects, for tax purposes, the sources of the cash distributions that the Company has paid on its common stock during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

    Year ended
December  31,

2014
    Year Ended
December  31,

2013
    Year Ended
December  31,

2012
 

Source of Distribution

  Distribution
Amount(1)
    Percentage     Distribution
Amount
    Percentage     Distribution
Amount
    Percentage  

Return of capital from offering proceeds

  $          $          $       

Return of capital from borrowings

                                         

Net investment income

    20,880,983        72.5        6,032,061        100.0        637,330        100.0   

Net realized gain

    1,192,159        4.2                               

Return of capital (other)

    6,719,353        23.3                               
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions on a tax basis:

  $ 28,792,495        100.0   $ 6,032,061        100.0   $ 637,330        100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

We have derived the selected financial data below from our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 respectively, which has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

     At and for the
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    At and for the
Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Statement of Operations data:

    

Total investment income

   $ 39,391,455      $ 8,007,002   

Base management fees

     8,976,657        1,906,386   

Incentive fee

     (183,617     182,989   

All other expenses

     11,032,000        574,082   

Net investment income

     19,566,415        5,343,545   

Unrealized appreciation/depreciation on total investments

     (12,525,678     839,817   

Net realized gain/loss on total investments

     7,011,513        97,424   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     14,052,250        6,280,786   

Per share data:

    

Net asset value per common share at year end

   $ 8.97      $ 9.18   

Net investment income

     0.55        0.72   

Net realized gains/(losses) on total investments

     0.20        0.01   

Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on total investments

     (0.35     0.12   

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     0.40        0.85   

Dividends declared

     0.80        0.80   

Issuance of common stock above net asset value

     0.19        0.17   

Balance Sheet data at year end:

    

Total investment portfolio at fair value

   $ 616,915,093      $ 137,801,537   

Cash collateral on total return swap

     56,877,928        6,706,159   

Total investments

     673,793,021        144,507,696   

Cash and cash equivalents

     65,749,154        34,939,948   

Other assets

     16,523,457        6,759,194   

Total assets

     756,065,632        186,206,838   

Total liabilities

     269,545,719        33,204,565   

Total net assets

     486,519,913        153,002,273   

Other data:

    

Weighted average yield on total investments (1)

     10.8     10.0

Number of investments in investment portfolio at year end

     73        49   

 

(1) The weighted average yield represents amortized total investments yield to maturity including the yield of cash collateral on the total return swap.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Some of the statements in this annual report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, statements as to:

 

   

our future operating results;

 

   

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

 

   

changes in the economy;

 

   

risk associated with possible disruptions in our operations or the economy generally;

 

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the effect of investments that we expect to make;

 

   

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

   

actual and potential conflicts of interest with SIC Advisors and its affiliates;

 

   

the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its effect on the industries in which we invest;

 

   

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

   

the use of borrowed money to finance a portion of our investments;

 

   

the adequacy of our financing sources and working capital;

 

   

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies;

 

   

the ability of SIC Advisors to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments;

 

   

the ability of SIC Advisors and its affiliates to attract and retain highly talented professionals;

 

   

our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC and as a BDC; and

 

   

the effect of changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations or to tax legislation and our tax position.

Such forward-looking statements may include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “trend,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “potential,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or similar expressions. The forward looking statements contained in this annual report involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those implied or expressed in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors set forth as “Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 10-K.

We have based the forward-looking statements included in this report on information available to us on the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements, and future results could differ materially from historical performance. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we have filed or in the future may file with the SEC, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K, and current reports on Form 8-K.

Overview

We are an externally managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We are externally managed by SIC Advisors LLC, or SIC Advisors, which is a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act. SIC Advisors is responsible for sourcing potential investments, conducting due diligence on prospective investments, analyzing investment opportunities, structuring investments and monitoring our portfolio on an ongoing basis. In addition, we have elected and intend to qualify to be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code.

On April 17, 2012 we successfully reached the minimum escrow requirement and officially commenced operations by receiving gross proceeds of $10 million in exchange for 1,108,033.24 shares of our common stock sold to SIC Advisors. As of December 31, 2014, we have combined proceeds, as well as a modest amount of leverage through a revolving credit facility with ING Capital LLC and a revolving credit facility with JP Morgan Chase through Alpine Funding LLC, our wholly-owned special purpose financing subsidiary, which we have used to invest $621 million across 73 portfolio companies.

 

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Under our Investment Advisory Agreement, we pay SIC Advisors an annual management fee as well as an incentive fee based on our investment performance. Also, under the Administration Agreement, we reimburse Medley for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Medley Capital LLC in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including our allocable portion of the costs of compensation and related expenses of our chief compliance officer, chief financial officer and their respective staffs.

We intend to meet our investment objective by primarily lending to, and investing in the debt of privately owned U.S. middle market companies, which we define as companies with annual revenue between $50 million and $1 billion. We intend to focus primarily on making investments in first lien senior secured debt, second lien secured debt, and to a lesser extent, subordinated debt, of middle market companies in a broad range of industries. We expect that the majority of our debt investments will bear interest at floating interest rates, but our portfolio may also include fixed-rate investments. We will originate transactions sourced through our existing SIC Advisors’ network, and, to a lesser extent, expect to acquire debt securities through the secondary market. We may make equity investments in companies that we believe will generate appropriate risk adjusted returns, although we do not expect such investments to be a substantial portion of our portfolio.

The level of our investment activity depends on many factors, including the amount of debt and equity capital available to prospective portfolio companies, the level of merger, acquisition and refinancing activity for such companies, the availability of credit to finance transactions, the general economic environment and the competitive environment for the types of investments we make. Based on prevailing market conditions, we anticipate that we will invest the proceeds from each subscription closing generally within 30-90 days. The precise timing will depend on the availability of investment opportunities that are consistent with our investment objective and strategies. Any distributions we make during such period may be substantially lower than the distributions that we expect to pay when our portfolio is fully invested.

As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets,” including securities of private or thinly traded public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, we are only allowed to borrow money such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowing, with certain limited exceptions. To obtain and maintain our RIC status, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. To be eligible for tax treatment under Subchapter M for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, for the taxable year.

Revenues

We generate revenue in the form of interest on the debt securities that we hold and distributions and capital gains on other interests that we acquire in our portfolio companies. We expect that the senior debt we invest in will generally have stated terms of three to ten years and that the subordinated debt we invest in will generally have stated terms of five to ten years. Our senior and subordinated debt investments bear interest at a fixed or floating rate. Interest on debt securities is generally payable monthly, quarterly or semiannually. In addition, some of our investments provide for deferred interest payments or PIK interest. The principal amount of the debt securities and any accrued but unpaid interest generally will become due at the maturity date. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of commitment and other fees in connection with transactions. Original issue discounts and market discounts or premiums will be capitalized, and we will accrete or amortize such amounts as interest income. We will record prepayment premiums on loans and debt securities as interest income. Dividend income, if any, will be recognized on an accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts.

 

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Expenses

Our primary annual operating expenses consist of the payment of advisory fees and the reimbursement of expenses under our Investment Advisory Agreement with SIC Advisors and our Administration Agreement with Medley Capital LLC. We bear other expenses, which include, among other things:

 

   

corporate, organizational and offering expenses relating to offerings of our common stock, subject to limitations included in our Investment Advisory Agreement;

 

   

the cost of calculating our net asset value, including the related fees and cost of any third-party valuation services;

 

   

the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of shares of our common stock and other securities;

 

   

fees payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, monitoring our financial and legal affairs, making investments, and valuing investments, including fees and expenses associated with performing due diligence reviews of prospective investments;

 

   

interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments;

 

   

transfer agent and custodial fees;

 

   

fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts subject to limitations included in the Investment Advisory Agreement;

 

   

federal and state registration fees and any stock exchange listing fees;

 

   

federal, state and local taxes;

 

   

independent directors’ fees and expenses, including travel expenses;

 

   

costs of director and stockholder meetings, proxy statements, stockholders’ reports and notices;

 

   

costs of fidelity bonds, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance and other types of insurance;

 

   

direct costs, including those relating to printing of stockholder reports and advertising or sales materials, mailing, long distance telephone and staff subject to limitations included in the Investment Advisory Agreement;

 

   

fees and expenses associated with independent audits and outside legal costs, including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the 1940 Act and applicable federal and state securities laws;

 

   

brokerage commissions for our investments;

 

   

all other expenses incurred by us or the Advisor in connection with administering our investment portfolio, including expenses incurred by our Advisor in performing certain of its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement; and

 

   

the reimbursement of the compensation of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer, whose salary is paid by Medley, to the extent that each such reimbursement amount is annually approved by our independent director committee and subject to the limitations included in our Administration Agreement.

Reimbursement of Medley for Administrative Services

We reimburse Medley Capital LLC for the administrative expenses necessary for its performance of services to us. However, such reimbursement is made at an amount equal to the lower of Medley Capital LLC’s actual costs or the amount that we would be required to pay for comparable administrative services in the same geographic location. Also, such costs will be reasonably allocated to us on the basis of assets, revenues, time records or other reasonable methods. We will not reimburse Medley Capital LLC for any services for which it

 

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receives a separate fee or for rent, depreciation, utilities, capital equipment or other administrative items allocated to a controlling person of Medley Capital LLC.

Portfolio and Investment Activity

As of December 31, 2014, our investment portfolio consisted of investments in 73 portfolio companies with a fair value of $616.9 million, and was comprised of 54.3% Senior Secured first lien term loans, 35.9% Senior Secured second lien term loans, 8.7% Senior Secured first lien notes, 0.2% Senior Secured second lien notes, 0.5% preferred equity, and 0.4% warrants.

As of December 31, 2013, our portfolio consisted of investments in 49 portfolio companies with a fair value of $137.8 million, and was comprised of 20.8% Senior Secured first lien term loans, 41.0% Senior Secured second lien term loans, 34.4% senior secured notes, 3.8% Senior Secured second lien notes and 0.0% warrants.

As of December 31, 2014, our income-bearing investment portfolio, which represented 99.6% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average yield based upon the cost of our portfolio investments of approximately 9.1%, and 10.0% of our income-bearing portfolio bore interest based on fixed rates, and 90.0% of our income-bearing portfolio bore interest on floating rates, such as LIBOR.

As of December 31, 2013, our income-bearing investment portfolio, which represented 99.9% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average yield based upon the cost of our portfolio investments of approximately 9.9%, and 43.3% of our income-bearing portfolio bore interest based on fixed rates, and 56.7% of our income-bearing portfolio bore interest on floating rates, such as LIBOR.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, we invested $441.6 million of principal in directly originated transactions across 39 new portfolio companies and $137.7 million of principal in syndicated transactions across 34 new portfolio companies. As of December, 2014, the investment portfolio was comprised of $476.4 million of principal in directly originated transactions across 47 portfolio companies and $145.1 million of principal in syndicated transactions across 26 portfolio companies. The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of our investment portfolio not including cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Percentage     Value      Percentage  

Senior secured first lien term loans

   $ 335,675,585         54.0   $ 335,182,650         54.3

Senior secured second lien term loans

     223,990,513         36.1        221,863,203         35.9   

Senior secured first lien notes

     55,380,821         8.9        53,699,500         8.7   

Senior secured second lien notes

     986,238        
0.2
  
    1,008,274        
0.2
  

Warrants/Equity

     4,935,360         0.8        5,161,466         0.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 620,968,517         100.0   $ 616,915,093         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments, not including cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2013:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Percentage     Fair Value      Percentage  

Senior secured first lien term loans

   $ 28,617,156         20.9   $ 28,583,326         20.8

Senior secured first lien notes

     47,352,921         34.5        47,427,311         34.4   

Senior secured second lien term loans

     56,224,549         40.9        56,481,247         41.0   

Senior secured second lien notes

     5,108,477         3.7        5,254,676         3.8   

Warrants/Equity

     29,173                54,977           
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 137,332,276         100.0   $ 137,801,537         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Our weighted average represents total investments’ yield to maturity including the yield of cash collateral on total return swap and, at December 31, 2014 was as follows:

 

     Percentage
of Total
Investments
    Weighted
Average
Current
Yield for
Total
Investments
 

Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans

     49.8        9.6

Senior Secured First Lien Notes

     8.0        10.8   

Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans

     32.9        10.5   

Senior Secured Second Lien Notes

     0.1        12.2   

Equity/Warrants

     9.2        18.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     10.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping, including the TRS underlying loans, based on fair value at December 31, 2014:

 

    Investments
at Fair
Value(1)
    Percentage
of Total
Portfolio(1)
    Value of
TRS
Underlying
Loans
    Percentage
of TRS
Underlying
Loans
    Total
Investments

at Fair Value
including the
value of TRS
Underlying
Loans
    Percentage
of Total
Portfolio
Including
the value
of TRS
Underlying
Loans
 

Diversified/Conglomerate Service

  $ 106,805,052        17.3   $ 25,491,398        12.6   $ 132,296,450        16.2

Electronics

    36,038,502        5.9     27,024,812        13.4     63,063,316        7.7

Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

    44,507,635        7.2     5,406,335        2.7     49,913,969        6.1

Automobile

    44,416,368        7.2     3,613,276        1.8     48,029,644        5.9

Insurance

    34,535,811        5.6     11,731,730        5.8     46,267,541        5.7

Buildings and Real Estate

    43,348,116        7.0            0.0     43,348,118        5.3

Retail Stores

    31,774,476        5.2     11,021,194        5.5     42,795,670        5.2

Oil and Gas

    39,601,369        6.4     3,075,557        1.5     42,676,920        5.2

Personal, Food, and Miscellaneous Services

    41,867,430        6.8            0.0     41,867,431        5.1

Telecommunications

    38,077,579        6.2            0.0     38,077,579        4.7

Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming

    20,808,540        3.4     16,642,831        8.3     37,451,371        4.6

Aerospace and Defense

    24,935,749        4.0     4,863,250        2.4     29,798,999        3.6

Mining, Steel, Iron, and Nonprecious Metals

    12,915,294        2.1     15,525,000        7.7     28,440,295        3.5

Printing and Publishing

    12,437,500        2.0     15,752,838        7.8     28,190,338        3.4

Diversified/Conglomerate Manufacturing

           0.0     25,290,000        12.5     25,290,000        3.1

Cargo Transport

    12,589,103        2.0     11,711,089        5.8     24,300,193        3.0

Finance

    22,708,362        3.7            0.0     22,708,362        2.8

Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber

    22,351,767        3.6            0.0     22,351,767        2.7

Containers, Packaging, and Glass

    10,059,144        1.6     8,727,195        4.3     18,786,340        2.3

Broadcasting and Entertainment

    1,500,568        0.3     13,763,859        6.8     15,264,428        1.9

Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures, Entertainment

    10,011,269        1.6            0.0     10,011,269        1.2

Personal and Nondurable Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only)

    3,758,756        0.6            0.0     3,758,756        0.5

Machinery (Non-Agriculture, Non-Construction, Non-Electronic)

           0.0     1,897,639        0.9     1,897,639        0.2

Beverage, Food and Tobacco

    1,866,703        0.3            0.0     1,866,703        0.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 616,915,093        100.0   $ 201,538,003        100.0   $ 818,453,095        100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Does not include TRS underlying loans

 

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SIC Advisors regularly assesses the risk profile of each of our portfolio investments and rates each of them based on the following categories, which we refer to as SIC Advisors’ investment credit rating:

 

Credit

Rating

  

Definition

1    Investments that are performing above expectations.
2    Investments that are performing within expectations, with risks that are neutral or favorable compared to risks at the time of origination or purchase.
   All new loans are rated ‘2’.
3    Investments that are performing below expectations and that require closer monitoring, but where no loss of interest, dividend or principal is expected.
   Companies rated ‘3’ may be out of compliance with financial covenants, however, loan payments are generally not past due.
4    Investments that are performing below expectations and for which risk has increased materially since origination or purchase.
   Some loss of interest or dividend is expected, but no loss of principal.
   In addition to the borrower being generally out of compliance with debt covenants, loan payments may be past due (but generally not more than 180 days past due).
5    Investments that are performing substantially below expectations and whose risks have increased substantially since origination or purchase.
   Most or all of the debt covenants are out of compliance and payments are substantially delinquent.
   Some loss of principal is expected.

The following table shows the distribution of our investment portfolio, not including cash and cash equivalents, on the 1 to 5 investment performance rating scale at fair value as of:

 

     December 31, 2014     December 31, 2013  

Investment Performance Rating

   Investments at
Fair Value
     Percentage     Investments at
Fair Value
     Percentage  

1

   $           $ 2,198,601         1.6

2

     616,677,442         100        135,280,191         98.2   

3

                              

4

                              

5

     237,651         0.0        322,745         0.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 616,915,093         100.0   $ 137,801,537         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Results of Operations

Operating results for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

 

     For the year ended
December 31, 2014
    For the period ended
December 31, 2013
 

Total investment income

   $ 39,391,455      $ 8,007,002   

Total expenses, net

     19,825,040        2,663,457   

Net investment income

     19,566,415        5,343,545   

Net realized gains (losses) on total investments

     7,011,513        97,424   

Net unrealized gains (losses) on total investments

     (12,525,678     839,817   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 14,052,250      $ 6,280,786   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Investment Income

For the year ended December 31, 2014, investment income totaled $39,391,455, of which $31,447,370 was attributable to portfolio interest, $7,943,860 was attributable to other fee income, and $225 to interest from cash and cash equivalents.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, investment income totaled $8,007,002, of which $7,386,700 was attributable to portfolio interest, $619,861 was attributable to other fee income, and $441 to interest from cash and cash equivalents.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the year and period ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were as follows:

 

     For the year ended
December 31, 2014
    For the year ended
December 31, 2013
 

Base management fees

   $ 8,976,657      $ 1,906,386   

Organizational and offering costs reimbursed to an affiliate

     4,640,250        1,761,943   

Interest and financing expenses

     3,138,389        215,059   

General and administrative

     2,786,629        701,778   

Professional fees

     2,355,985        956,114   

Administrator expenses

     1,698,537        592,585   

Directors fees

     174,600        154,084   

Insurance expenses

     158,735        131,770   

Incentive fees

     (183,617     182,989   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses before expense reimbursement

   $ 25,047,136      $ 6,602,708   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, total net expense reimbursement from SIC Advisors pursuant to the Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement was $5,222,096. Net expenses after taking into account the expense reimbursement from SIC Advisors, were $19,825,040 for the year ended December 31, 2014.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, total expense reimbursement from SIC Advisors pursuant to the Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement was $3,939,251. Net expenses after taking into account the expense reimbursement from SIC Advisors, were $2,663,457 for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement

On June 29, 2012, the Company entered into an Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement (the “Expense Support Agreement”) with SIC Advisors. Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, SIC Advisors has agreed to reimburse the Company for operating expenses in an amount equal to the difference between distributions paid to the Company’s stockholders in each month, less the sum of the Company’s net investment income, the Company’s net realized capital gains and dividends paid to the Company from its portfolio companies during such period (“Expense Support Reimbursement”). To the extent that no dividends or other distributions are paid to the Company’s stockholders in any given month, then the Expense Support Reimbursement for such month shall be equal to such amount necessary in order for Available Operating Funds for the month to equal zero. The terms of the Expense Support Agreement commenced as of the date that the Company’s registration statement was declared effective by the SEC and continued monthly thereafter until December 31, 2012. Subsequently, the Company’s board of directors approved amendments to the Expense Support Agreement that extended the term from December 31, 2012 to June 30, 2015.

Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, the Company has a conditional obligation to reimburse SIC Advisors for any amounts funded by SIC Advisors under the Expense Support Agreement if (and only to the

 

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extent that), during any fiscal quarter occurring within three years of the date on which SIC Advisors incurred a liability for such amount, the sum of the Company’s net investment income, the Company’s net capital gains and the amount of any dividends and other distributions paid to the Company from its portfolio companies (to the extent not included in net investment income or net capital gains for tax purposes) exceeds the distributions paid by the Company to stockholders. The purpose of the Expense Support Agreement is to avoid such distributions being characterized as returns of capital for GAAP purposes and to reduce operating expenses until the Company has raised sufficient capital to be able to absorb such expenses.

Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, the Company will reimburse SIC Advisors for expense support payments it previously made following any calendar quarter in which the Company received net investment income, net capital gains and dividends from its portfolio companies in excess of the distributions paid to the Company’s stockholders during such calendar quarter (the “Excess Operating Funds”). Any such reimbursement will be made within three years of the date that the expense support payment obligation was incurred by SIC Advisors, subject to the conditions described below. The amount of the reimbursement during any calendar quarter will equal the lesser of (i) the Excess Operating Funds received during the quarter and (ii) the aggregate amount of all expense payments made by SIC Advisors that have not yet been reimbursed. In addition, the Company will only make reimbursement payments if its “operating expense ratio” (as described in footnote 1 to the table below) is equal to or less than its operating expense ratio at the time the corresponding expense payment was incurred and if the annualized rate of its regular cash distributions to the Company’s stockholders is equal to or greater than the annualized rate of the Company’s regular cash distributions to stockholders at the time the corresponding expense payment was incurred.

As of December 31, 2014, we recorded $6,995,930 in our consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as due from affiliate relating to the Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a net expense support reimbursement of $5,222,096 on the consolidated statement of operations. Expense reimbursements to SIC Advisors will be accrued as they become probable and estimable. For the year ended December 31, 2014 gross expenses before expense reimbursement from SIC Advisors pursuant to the Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement was $25,047,136 and net expenses after taking into account the expense reimbursement from SIC Advisors, was $19,825,040.

As of December 31, 2013, we recorded $2,592,989 in our consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as due from affiliate relating to the Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded an expense reimbursement of $3,939,251 on the consolidated statement of operations. Expense reimbursements to SIC Advisors will be accrued as they become probable and estimable. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we did not record any Expense Repayments to SIC Advisors.

Net Realized Gains/Losses from Investments

We measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of an investment, without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized.

During the year ended December 31, 2014 we recognized $7,011,513 in net realized losses on total investments. During the period ended December 31, 2013, we recognized $97,424 of net realized gains on our portfolio investments.

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments reflects the net change in the fair value of our total investments. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we had unrealized depreciation of $12,525,678 on total investments. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we had unrealized appreciation of $839,817 on our portfolio investments.

 

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Changes in Net Assets from Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $14,052,250 versus a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $6,280,786 for the year ended December 31, 2013. Based on 35,425,825 and 7,426,660 weighted average common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, our per share net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $0.40 for the year ended December 31, 2014 versus a per share net increase in net assets from operations of $0.85 for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

As a BDC, we distribute substantially all of our net income to our stockholders and have an ongoing need to raise additional capital for investment purposes. To fund growth, we have a number of alternatives available to increase capital; including raising equity, increasing debt, and funding from operational cash flow.

Our liquidity and capital resources have been generated primarily from the net proceeds of our public offering of common stock.

As of December 31, 2014, we had $65.7 million in cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2013, we had $34.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. In the future, we may generate cash from future offerings of securities, future borrowings and cash flows from operations, including interest earned from the temporary investment of cash in U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. Our primary use of funds is investments in our targeted asset classes, cash distributions to our stockholders, and other general corporate purposes.

In order to satisfy the Code requirements applicable to a RIC, we intend to distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our taxable income, but we may also elect to periodically spillover certain excess undistributed taxable income from one tax year into the next tax year. In addition, as a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which include borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 200%. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow.

On December 4, 2013, we entered into a three-year senior secured syndicated revolving credit facility with a one-year term out period (the “ING Facility”) pursuant to a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) with certain lenders party thereto from time to time and ING Capital LLC, as administrative agent. The ING Facility matures on December 4, 2017 and is secured by substantially all of our assets, subject to certain exclusions as further set forth in a Guarantee, Pledge and Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”) entered into in connection with the Revolving Credit Agreement, among us, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, ING Capital LLC, as Administrative Agent, each Financial Agent and Designated Indebtedness Holder party thereto and ING Capital LLC, as Collateral Agent. The ING Facility also includes usual and customary representations, covenants and events of default for senior secured revolving credit facilities of this nature. As of December 31, 2014, our borrowings under the ING Facility totaled $115,000,000 and were recorded as part of revolving credit facility payable on our consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

On July 23, 2014, our newly-formed, wholly-owned, special purpose financing subsidiary, Alpine Funding LLC (“Alpine”), entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Alpine Credit Facility”) pursuant to a Loan Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent and lender, the Financing Providers from time to time party thereto, SIC Advisors LLC, as the portfolio manager, and the Collateral Administrator, Collateral Agent and Securities Intermediary party thereto (the “Loan Agreement”). Alpine’s obligations to JPMorgan under the Alpine Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Alpine, including its portfolio of loans. The obligations of Alpine under the Alpine Credit Facility are non-recourse to the Company.

 

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Borrowings under the Alpine Credit Facility are subject to compliance with a net asset value coverage ratio with respect to the current value of Alpine’s portfolio and various eligibility criteria must be satisfied with respect to the initial acquisition of each loan in Alpine’s portfolio. Any amounts borrowed under the Alpine Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest thereunder will be due and payable, on January 23, 2019. As of December 31, 2014, Alpine’s borrowings under the Alpine Credit Facility totaled $121,500,000 and were recorded as part of revolving credit facility payable on our consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have entered into certain contracts under which we have material future commitments. On April 5, 2012, we entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with SIC Advisors in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Investment Advisory Agreement became effective as of April 17, 2012, the date that we met the minimum offering requirement. Pursuant to the 1940 Act, the initial term of the Investment Advisory Agreement was for two years from its effective date, with one-year renewals subject to approval by our board of directors, a majority of whom must be independent directors. On March 4, 2015, the board of directors approved the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term at an in-person meeting. SIC Advisors serves as our investment advisor in accordance with the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement. Payments under our Investment Advisory Agreement in each reporting period consist of (i) a management fee equal to a percentage of the value of our gross assets and (ii) an incentive fee based on our performance.

On April 5, 2012, we entered into the Administration Agreement with Medley Capital LLC with an initial term of two years, pursuant to which Medley Capital LLC furnishes us with administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. On March 4, 2015, the board of directors approved the renewal of the Administration Agreement for an additional one-year term at an in-person meeting. Medley Capital LLC is reimbursed for administrative expenses it incurs on our behalf in performing its obligations. Such costs are reasonably allocated to us on the basis of assets, revenues, time records or other reasonable methods. We do not reimburse Medley Capital LLC for any services for which it receives a separate fee or for rent, depreciation, utilities, capital equipment or other administrative items allocated to a controlling person of Medley Capital LLC.

If any of our contractual obligations discussed above are terminated, our costs may increase under any new agreements that we enter into as replacements. We would also likely incur expenses in locating alternative parties to provide the services we expect to receive under the investment advisory agreement and administration agreement. Any new investment advisory agreement would also be subject to approval by our stockholders.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

On August 27, 2013, Arbor Funding LLC (“Arbor”), a newly-formed, wholly-owned financing subsidiary of the Company, entered into a total return swap (“TRS”) with Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”).

The TRS with Citibank enables Arbor to obtain the economic benefit of the loans underlying the TRS, despite the fact that such loans will not be directly held or otherwise owned by Arbor, in return for an interest-type payment to Citibank. Accordingly, the TRS is analogous to Arbor utilizing leverage to acquire loans and incurring an interest expense to a lender.

SIC Advisors acts as the investment manager of Arbor and has discretion over the composition of the basket of loans underlying the TRS. The terms of the TRS are governed by an ISDA 2002 Master Agreement, the Schedule thereto and Credit Support Annex to such Schedule, and the Confirmation exchanged thereunder, between Arbor and Citibank, which collectively establish the TRS, and are collectively referred to herein as the “TRS Agreement”.

Our derivative asset from Citibank, net of amounts available for offset under a master netting agreement as of December 31, 2014 was $56.9 million, which is recorded on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as receivable due on total return swap.

 

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Transactions in total return swap contracts during the year ended December 31, 2014 were $6.4 million in realized gains and $8.0 million in unrealized losses, which is recorded on the consolidated statements of operations.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average notional par amount of total return swap contracts was $141.6 million.

Distributions

We have elected and intend to continue to qualify to be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code. To obtain and maintain RIC tax treatment, we must, among others things, distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders. In order to avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of: (i) 98% of our ordinary income for the calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of our capital gains in excess of capital losses for the one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made by us to use our taxable year) and (iii) any ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no federal income tax.

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 the tax. In that event, we will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.

We currently intend to distribute net capital gains (i.e., net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually out of the assets legally available for such distributions. However, we may decide in the future to retain such capital gains for investment and elect to treat such gains as deemed distributions to you. If this happens, you will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if you had received an actual distribution of the capital gains that we retain and reinvested the net after tax proceeds in us. In this situation, you would be eligible to claim a tax credit (or, in certain circumstances, a tax refund) equal to your allocable share of the tax we paid on the capital gains deemed distributed to you. We can offer no assurance that we will continue to achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior securities, we may be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.

Subject to our board of directors’ discretion and applicable legal restrictions, we expect to authorize and pay monthly distributions to our stockholders. Any distributions to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. We expect to continue making monthly distributions unless our results of operations, our general financial condition, general economic conditions, or other factors prohibit us from doing so. From time to time, but not less than quarterly, we will review our accounts to determine whether distributions to our stockholders are appropriate. We have not established limits on the amount of funds we may use from available sources to make distributions. We expect that for a significant time after the commencement of this offering, substantially all of our distributions will result from expense support payments made by SIC Advisors that may be subject to repayment by us within three years. The purpose of this arrangement is to avoid such distributions being characterized as returns of capital for GAAP purposes. We may still have distributions which could be characterized as a return of capital for tax purposes. Such distributions are not based on our investment performance and can only be sustained if we achieve positive investment performance in future periods and/or SIC Advisors continues to make Expense Support Payments under the Expense Support Agreement. Any future reimbursements to SIC Advisors will reduce the distributions that may otherwise be available for distribution to stockholders. There can be no assurance that we will achieve the performance necessary to sustain our distributions or that we will be able to pay distributions at all. SIC Advisors has no obligation to make Expense Support Payments pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement after December 31, 2014, unless the Expense

 

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Support Agreement is extended. For the year ended December 31, 2014, if net Expense Support Payments of $5,222,096 were not made by SIC Advisors, approximately 18% and 26% of the distributions would have been a return of capital, respectively.

Our distributions may exceed our earnings, which we refer to as a return of capital, especially during the period before we have invested substantially all of the proceeds of this offering. As a result, a portion of the distributions we make may represent a return of capital for tax purposes. Our use of the term “return of capital” merely means distributions in excess of our earnings and as such may constitute a return on your individual investments and does not mean a return on capital. Therefore stockholders are advised that they should be aware of the differences with our use of the term “return of capital” and “return on capital.”

 

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The following table reflects the cash distributions per share that we have declared or paid to our stockholders since we commenced operations in April 2012. Stockholders of record as of each respective record date were entitled to receive the distribution. These distributions represent an annualized yield of 8.00% based on our current offering price of $10.00 per share. The determination of the tax attributes (i.e., paid from ordinary income, paid from net capital gains on the sale of securities, and/or a return of paid-in-capital surplus which is a nontaxable distribution) of distributions is made annually as of the end of our fiscal year based upon our taxable income for the full year and distributions paid for the full year. Stockholders of record as of each respective record date will be entitled to receive the distribution. Below are the details for each respective distribution;

 

Record Date

   Payment Date   

Amount per share

 

July 13 and 31, 2012

   August 1, 2012    $ 0.03333   

August 15 and 31, 2012

   September 4, 2012      0.03333   

September 14 and 28, 2012

   October 1, 2012      0.03333   

October 15 and 30, 2012

   October 31, 2012      0.03333   

November 15 and 29, 2012

   November 30, 2012      0.03333   

December 14 and 28, 2012

   December 31, 2012      0.03333   

January 15 and 31, 2013

   January 31, 2013      0.03333   

February 15 and 28, 2013

   February 28, 2013      0.03333   

March 15 and 29, 2013

   March 29, 2013      0.03333   

April 15 and 30, 2013

   April 30, 2013      0.03333   

May 15 and 31, 2013

   May 31, 2013      0.03333   

June 14 and 28, 2013

   June 28, 2013      0.03333   

July 15 and 31, 2013

   July 31, 2013      0.03333   

August 15 and 30, 2013

   August 30, 2013      0.03333   

September 13 and 30, 2013

   September 30, 2013      0.03333   

October 15 and 31, 2013

   October 31, 2013      0.03333   

November 15 and 29, 2013

   November 29, 2013      0.03333   

December 13 and 31, 2013

   December 31, 2013      0.03333   

January 15 and 31, 2014

   January 31, 2014      0.03333   

February 14 and 28, 2014

   February 28, 2014      0.03333   

March 14 and 31, 2014

   March 31, 2014      0.03333   

April 15 and 30, 2014

   April 30, 2014      0.03333   

May 15 and 30, 2014

   May 30, 2014      0.03333   

June 13 and 30, 2014

   September 30, 2014      0.03333   

July 15 and July 31, 2014

   July 31, 2014      0.03333   

August 15 and August 29, 2014

   August 29, 2014      0.03333   

September 15 and September 30, 2014

   September 30, 2014      0.03333   

October 15 and October 31, 2014

   October 31, 2014      0.03333   

November 14 and 28, 2014

   November 28, 2014      0.03333   

December 15 and 31, 2014

   December 31, 2014      0.03333   

January 15 and 30, 2015

   January 30, 2015      0.03333   

February 13 and 27, 2015

   February 27, 2015      0.03333   

March 13 and 31, 2015

   March 31, 2015      0.03333   

April 15 and 30, 2015

   April 30, 2015      0.03333   

May 15 and 29, 2015

   May 29, 2015      0.03333   

June 15 and 30, 2015

   June 30, 2015      0.03333   

We have adopted an “opt in” distribution reinvestment plan pursuant to which our common stockholders may elect to have the full amount of any cash distributions reinvested in additional shares of our common stock. As a result, if we declare a cash distribution, stockholders that have “opted in” to our distribution reinvestment plan will have their distribution 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 federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash distributions.

 

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Each year a statement on Internal Revenue Service Form 1099-DIV (or such successor form) identifying the source of the distribution (i.e., paid from ordinary income, paid from net capital gain on the sale of securities, or a return of capital) will be mailed to our stockholders. The tax basis of shares must be reduced by the amount of any return of capital distributions, which will result in an increase in the amount of any taxable gain (or a reduction in any deductible loss) on the sale of shares.

Related Party Transactions

On October 19, 2011, SIC Advisors entered into a subscription agreement to purchase 110.80 shares of common stock for cash consideration of $1,000. The consideration represents $9.025 per share.

On April 17, 2012, SIC Advisors purchased 1,108,033.24 shares of our common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of $10,000,000. The consideration represents $9.025 per share.

We have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement and Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement with SIC Advisors in which our senior management holds an equity interest. Members of our senior management also serve as principals of other investment managers affiliated with SIC Advisors that do, and may in the future, manage investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles with investment objectives similar to ours.

We have entered into an Administration Agreement with Medley Capital LLC, pursuant to which Medley Capital LLC furnishes us with administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. Medley Capital LLC is reimbursed for administrative expenses it incurs on our behalf. We do not reimburse Medley Capital LLC for any services for which it receives a separate fee or for rent, depreciation, utilities, capital equipment or other administrative items allocated to a controlling person of Medley Capital LLC. Medley Capital LLC is an affiliate of SIC Advisors.

We have entered into a dealer manager agreement with SC Distributors, LLC and pay them a dealer manager fee of up to 2.75% of gross proceeds raised in the offering. An affiliated entity of SC Distributors, LLC owns an equity interest in SIC Advisors, which provides the right to receive a fixed percentage of the management fees received by SIC Advisors.

We have entered into a license agreement with SIC Advisors under which SIC Advisors has agreed to grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “Sierra” for specified purposes in our business. Under this agreement, we will have a right to use the “Sierra” name, subject to certain conditions, for so long as SIC Advisors or one of its affiliates remains our investment advisor. Other than with respect to this limited license, we will have no legal right to the “Sierra” name.

Management Fee

We pay SIC Advisors a fee for its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The fee consists of two components: a base management fee and an incentive fee.

The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% of our gross assets and is payable quarterly in arrears. The incentive fee consists of :

 

   

An incentive fee on net investment income (“subordinated incentive fee on income”) is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and is based upon pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding quarter. No subordinated incentive fee on income is payable in any calendar quarter in which pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed a quarterly return to stockholders of 1.75% per quarter on the Company’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding

 

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fiscal quarter, or the preferred quarterly return. All pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the quarterly preferred return, but is less than or equal to 2.1875% of net assets at the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter in any quarter, will be payable to SIC Advisors. The Company refers to this portion of its subordinated incentive fee on income as the catch up. It is intended to provide an incentive fee of 20% on pre-incentive fee net investment income when pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% of net assets at the end of the immediately preceding quarter in any quarter. For any quarter in which the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% of net assets at the end of the immediately preceding quarter, the subordinated incentive fee on income shall equal 20% of the amount of pre-incentive fee net investment income, because the preferred return and catch up will have been achieved.

 

   

A capital gains incentive fee will be earned on realized investments and shall be payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year during which the IAA is in effect. If the IAA is terminated, the fee will become payable as of the effective date of such termination. The capital gains incentive fee is based on our realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, which we refer to as “net realized capital gains.” The capital gains incentive fee equals’ 20% of net realized capital gains, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gains incentive fee.

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, SIC Advisors bears all organization and offering expenses on our behalf. Upon such time that we have raised $300 million in gross proceeds in connection with the sale of shares of our common stock, SIC Advisors shall no longer be obligated to bear, pay or otherwise be responsible for any ongoing organization and offering expenses on our behalf, and we will be responsible for paying or otherwise incurring all such organization and offering expenses. As of June 2, 2014 we are responsible for all ongoing organizational and offering expenses. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to reimburse SIC Advisors for any such organizational and offering expenses incurred by SIC Advisors not to exceed 1.25% of the gross subscriptions raised by us over the course of the offering period, which was initially scheduled to terminate two years from the initial offering date, unless extended. At a meeting held on March 12, 2014, our board of directors approved an extension of our offering for an additional year. At a meeting held on March 4, 2015, our board of directors approved another extension of our offering for an additional year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that organizational and offering expenses, together with sales commissions, the dealer manager fee and any discounts paid to members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, exceed 15% of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock pursuant to our registration statement or otherwise at the time of the completion of our offering, then SIC Advisors shall be required to pay or, if already paid by us, reimburse us for amounts exceeding such 15% limit.

Critical Accounting Policies

This discussion of our expected operating plans is based upon our expected consolidated financial statements, which will be prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements will require our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. In addition to the discussion below, we will describe our critical accounting policies in the notes to our future consolidated financial statements.

Valuation of Investments

The Company applies fair value accounting to all of its financial instruments in accordance with the 1940 Act and ASC Topic 820 — Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework used to measure fair value and requires disclosures for fair value measurements. In

 

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accordance with ASC 820, the Company has categorized its financial instruments carried at fair value, based on the priority of the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as identified below and discussed in Note 4.

 

   

Level 1 — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. Publicly listed equities and publicly listed derivatives will be included in Level 1. In addition, securities sold, but not yet purchased and call options will be included in Level 1. We will not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably affect the quoted price.

 

   

Level 2 — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. In certain cases, debt and equity securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices, market transactions in comparable investments, and various relationships between investments. Investments which are generally expected to be included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, convertible debt indexed to publicly listed securities, and certain over-the-counter derivatives.

 

   

Level 3 — Pricing inputs are unobservable for the investment and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the investment. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant judgment or estimation. Investments that are expected to be included in this category are our private portfolio companies.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of the market participant who holds the financial instrument rather than an entity specific measure. Therefore, when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that management believes market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument at the measurement date.

Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations, which are generally obtained from an independent pricing service or multiple broker-dealers or market makers. We weight the use of third-party broker quotes, if any, in determining fair value based on our understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote was an indicative price or binding offer. However, debt investments with remaining maturities within 60 days that are not credit impaired are valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which approximates fair value. Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by the Company’s board of directors based upon input from management and third party valuation firms. Because these investments are illiquid and because there may not be any directly comparable companies whose financial instruments have observable market values, these loans are valued using a fundamental valuation methodology, consistent with traditional asset pricing standards, that is objective and consistently applied across all loans and through time.

The Company uses third-party valuation firms to assist the board of directors in the valuation of its portfolio investments. The valuation reports generated by the third-party valuation firms consider the evaluation of financing and sale transactions with third parties, expected cash flows and market based information, including comparable transactions, performance multiples, and movement in yields of debt instruments, among other factors. Based on market data obtained from the third-party valuation firms, the Company uses a combined market yield analysis and an enterprise model of valuation. In applying the market yield analysis, the value of the Company’s loans is determined based upon inputs such as the coupon rate, current market yield, interest rate spreads of similar securities, the stated value of the loan, and the length to maturity. In applying the enterprise model, the Company uses a waterfall analysis which takes into account the specific capital structure of the borrower and the related seniority of the instruments within the borrower’s capital structure into consideration.

 

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To estimate the enterprise value of the portfolio company, we weigh some or all of the traditional market valuation methods and factors based on the individual circumstances of the portfolio company in order to estimate the enterprise value. The methodologies for performing investments may be based on, among other things: valuations of comparable public companies, recent sales of private and public comparable companies, discounting the forecasted cash flows of the portfolio company, third party valuations of the portfolio company, considering offers from third parties to buy the company, estimating the value to potential strategic buyers and considering the value of recent investments in the equity securities of the portfolio company. For non-performing investments, we may estimate the liquidation or collateral value of the portfolio company’s assets and liabilities using an expected recovery model. We may estimate the fair value of warrants based on a model such as the Black-Scholes model or simulation models or a combination thereof.

The Company undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter when valuing investments for which market quotations are not readily available, as described below:

 

   

the Company’s quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio investment being initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for monitoring the portfolio investment;

 

   

conclusions are then documented and discussed with senior management; and

 

   

an independent valuation firm engaged by the Company’s board of directors prepares an independent valuation report for approximately one third of the portfolio investments each quarter on a rotating quarterly basis on non fiscal year-end quarters, such that each of these investments will be valued by an independent valuation firm at least twice per annum when combined with the fiscal year-end review of all the investments by independent valuation firms, exclusive of TRS underlying portfolio.

In addition, all of the Company’s investments are subject to the following valuation process:

 

   

management reviews preliminary valuations and their own independent assessment;

 

   

the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors reviews the preliminary valuations of senior management and independent valuation firms; and

 

   

the Company’s board of directors discusses valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in the Company’s portfolio in good faith based on the input of SIC Advisors, the respective independent valuation firms and the audit committee.

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 differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.

We will value the TRS in accordance with the TRS Agreement. Pursuant to the TRS Agreement, the value of the TRS will be based on the increase or decrease in the value of the assets underlying the TRS, together with accrued interest income, interest expense and certain other expenses incurred under the TRS. The assets underlying the TRS will be valued by Citibank. Citibank will base its valuation on the indicative bid prices provided by an independent third-party pricing service. Bid prices reflect the highest price that market participants may be willing to pay. These valuations will be sent to us for review and testing. Our board of directors will review and approve the value of the TRS, as well as the value of the assets underlying the TRS, on a quarterly basis as part of their quarterly determination of net asset value. To the extent our board of directors has any questions or concerns regarding the valuation of the assets underlying the TRS, such valuation will be discussed or challenged pursuant to the terms of the TRS. For additional disclosures on the TRS, see “— Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources — Total Return Swap.”

 

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Revenue Recognition

We record interest income on an accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts. For loans and debt securities with contractual PIK interest, which represents contractual interest accrued and added to the principal balance, we generally will not accrue PIK interest for accounting purposes if the portfolio company valuation indicates that such PIK interest is not collectible. We do not accrue as a receivable interest on loans and debt securities or accounting purposes if we have reason to doubt our ability to collect such interest. Original issue discounts, market discounts or premiums are accreted or amortized using the effective interest method as interest income. We record prepayment premiums on loans and debt securities as interest income. Dividend income, if any, is recognized on an accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amount.

Net Realized Gains or Losses and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation

We measure net realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, but considering unamortized upfront fees and prepayment penalties. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including any reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation, when gains or losses are realized.

Payment-in-Kind Interest

We have investments in our portfolio that contain a PIK interest provision. Any PIK interest is added to the principal balance of such investments and is recorded as income, if the portfolio company valuation indicates that such PIK interest is collectible. In order to maintain our status as a RIC, substantially all of this income must be paid out to stockholders in the form of dividends, even if we have not collected any cash.

Organization and Offering Expenses

As of June 2, 2014, the Company is responsible for all ongoing organization and offering expenses.

Federal Income Taxes

We have elected to be treated for federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders from our tax earnings and profits. To obtain and maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must, among other things, meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any.

Recent Developments

The Company issued common shares and received gross proceeds of approximately $51.0 million subsequent to December 31, 2014.

On February 6, 2015, Alpine entered into Amendment No. 1 to its existing Loan Agreement (the “Amendment”). The Amendment increased the maximum financing commitments available from $150 million to $300 million.

On February 13, 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 5 to its existing ING Credit Facility, which increased the financing commitments available from $150 million to $170 million.

On March 4, 2015, the Board of Directors elected to extend the offering period through April 17, 2016.

 

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Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. Under the terms of the TRS between Arbor and Citibank, Arbor will pay fees to Citibank at a floating rate based on LIBOR in exchange for the right to receive the economic benefit of a portfolio of assets having a maximum notional amount of $350,000,000. We expect any future credit facilities, total return swap agreements or other financing arrangements that we or any of our subsidiaries may enter into will also be based on a floating interest rate. As a result, we are subject to risks relating to changes in market interest rates. In periods of rising interest rates, when we or our subsidiaries have debt outstanding or swap agreements in effect, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income, especially to the extent we hold fixed rate investments.

In addition, any investments we make that are denominated in a foreign currency will be subject to risks associated with changes in currency exchange rates. These risks include the possibility of significant fluctuations in the foreign currency markets, the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls and potential illiquidity in the secondary market. These risks will vary depending upon the currency or currencies involved.

Based on our consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2014, the following table shows the approximate increase (decrease) in components of net assets resulting from operations of hypothetical base rate changes in interest rates, assuming no changes in our investment and capital structure:

 

Basis point increase

   Interest
Income
     Interest
Expense
     Net Increase
(Decrease)
 

100

   $ 1,111,684       $ 1,790,000       $ (678,316

200

     6,339,990         4,155,000         2,184,990   

300

     11,923,673         6,520,000         5,403,673   

400

     17,507,355         8,885,000         8,622,355   

500

     23,091,038         11,250,000         11,841,038   

Based on our consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2013, the following table shows the approximate increase (decrease) in components of net assets resulting from operations of hypothetical base rate changes in interest rates, assuming no changes in our investment and capital structure:

 

Basis point increase

   Interest
Income
     Interest
Expense
    Net Increase
(Decrease)
 

100

   $ 780,646       $ (160,000   $ 620,646   

200

     1,561,291         (320,000     1,241,291   

300

     2,341,937         (480,000     1,861,937   

400

     3,122,583         (640,000     2,482,583   

500

     3,903,229         (800,000     3,103,229   

 

Item 8: Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     F-1   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-4   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December  31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-6   

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

     F-7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-20   


Table of Contents

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the preparation of our annual financial statements, management has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 1992 (“COSO”). Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of those controls. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, our internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Sierra Income Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of Sierra Income Corporation (the Company), including the consolidated schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of December 31, 2014 by correspondence with the custodian, directly with counterparties and management of the portfolio companies and debt agents or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies were not received, as applicable. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Sierra Income Corporation at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst and Young LLP

New York, New York

March 5, 2015

 

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Sierra Income Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2014     December 31, 2013  

ASSETS

    

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments, at fair value (amortized cost of $620,968,517 and $137,332,276, respectively)

   $ 616,915,093      $ 137,801,537   

Cash and cash equivalents

     65,749,154        34,939,948   

Cash collateral on total return swap (Note 5)

     56,877,928        6,706,159   

Due from affiliate (Note 7)

     6,995,930        2,592,989   

Interest receivable

     5,213,605        1,989,128   

Deferred financing costs

     2,675,682        1,150,139   

Receivable due on total return swap (Note 5)

     1,095,582        155,317   

Unsettled trades receivable

     424,641        496,250   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     118,017        23,975   

Unrealized appreciation on total return swap (Note 5)

            351,396   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $     756,065,632      $     186,206,838   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Revolving credit facilities payable

   $ 236,500,000      $ 16,000,000   

Unsettled trades payable

     16,935,000        15,492,500   

Unrealized depreciation on total return swap (Note 5)

     7,651,597          

Management fee payable

     3,271,387        814,655   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     2,427,843        495,893   

Due to affiliate (Note 7)

     1,574,737        33,311   

Interest payable

     648,497        33,055   

Administrator fees payable

     450,058        152,162   

Deferred tax liability

     86,600          

Provisional Incentive fee expenses

            182,989   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 269,545,719      $ 33,204,565   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments (Note 11)

    

NET ASSETS

    

Common stock, par value $.001 per share, 250,000,000 common shares authorized, 54,260,324 and 16,663,500 common shares issued and outstanding, respectively

   $ 54,260      $ 16,664   

Capital in excess of par value

     494,060,576        152,552,912   

Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) (distribution in excess of net realized gain/(loss)) from investments and total return swap

     (5,408,243     (138,783

Accumulated undistributed/(distributions in excess) net investment income

     9,518,341        (249,177

Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and total return swap

     (11,705,021     820,657   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net assets

     486,519,913        153,002,273   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and net assets

   $ 756,065,632      $ 186,206,838   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE

   $ 8.97      $ 9.18   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3


Table of Contents

Sierra Income Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
             2014                     2013                     2012          

INVESTMENT INCOME

      

Interest from non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

   $ 31,064,590      $ 7,386,120      $ 1,224,165   

Other fee income

     7,943,860        619,861        6,750   

Paid-in-kind interest income

     382,780        580        3,911   

Interest from cash

     225        441        290   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     39,391,455        8,007,002        1,235,116   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

      

Base management fee

     8,976,657        1,906,386        319,530   

Organizational and offering costs reimbursed to SIC Advisors (Note 7)

     4,640,250        1,761,943        328,132   

Interest and financing expenses

     3,138,389        215,059        47,529   

General and administrative expenses

     2,786,629        701,778        362,616   

Offering costs

     2,355,985                 

Professional fees

     1,698,537        956,114        630,021   

Administrator expenses

     1,300,971        592,585        375,677   

Directors fees

     174,600        154,084        146,861   

Insurance expenses

     158,735        131,770          

Incentive fee

     (183,617     182,989        628   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross expenses

     25,047,136        6,602,708        2,210,994   

Net expense support reimbursement (Note 7)

     (5,222,096     (3,939,251     (1,465,910
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     19,825,040        2,663,457        745,084   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INVESTMENT INCOME

     19,566,415        5,343,545        490,032   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

     623,653        (57,893     22,298   

Net realized gain on total return swap (Note 5)

     6,387,860        155,317          

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

     (4,522,685     488,421        (19,160

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on total return swap (Note 5)

     (8,002,993     351,396          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net gain/(loss) on investments and total return swap

     (5,514,165     937,241        3,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 14,052,250      $ 6,280,786      $ 493,170   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE - BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

   $ 0.40      $ 0.85      $ 0.48   

WEIGHTED AVERAGE - BASIC AND DILUTED NET INVESTMENT INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

   $ 0.55      $ 0.72      $ 0.48   

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING - BASIC AND DILUTED (Note 10)

     35,425,825        7,426,660        1,031,621   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

Sierra Income Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
      2014     2013     2012  

INCREASE FROM OPERATIONS

      

Net investment income

   $ 19,566,415      $ 5,343,545      $ 490,032   

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

     623,653        (57,893     22,298   

Net realized gain on total return swap (Note 5)

     6,387,860        155,317          

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

     (4,522,685     488,421        (19,160

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on total return swap (Note 5)

     (8,002,993     351,396          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     14,052,250        6,280,786        493,170   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDER DISTRIBUTIONS

      

Distributions from return of capital

     (6,719,353              

Distributions from net realized gains

     (6,502,690            (22,298

Distributions from net investment income (Note 2)

     (15,570,452     (6,032,061     (615,032
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets from shareholder distributions

     (28,792,495     (6,032,061     (637,330
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMMON SHARE TRANSACTIONS

      

Issuance of common shares, net of underwriting costs

     339,513,689        130,100,012        20,766,142   

Issuance of common shares pursuant to distribution reinvestment plan

     13,160,550        2,117,061          

Repurchase of common shares

     (4,416,354     (86,507       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from common share transactions

     348,257,885        132,130,566        20,766,142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     333,517,640        132,379,291        20,621,982   

Net assets at beginning of year

     153,002,273        20,622,982        1,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets at end of year (including distribution in excess of net investment income and accumulated undistributed net investment income/(loss) of $9,518,341, $(249,177) and $203,132, respectively)

   $ 486,519,913      $ 153,002,273      $ 20,622,982   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value per common share

   $ 8.97      $ 9.18      $ 8.96   

Common shares outstanding, beginning of year

     16,663,500        2,300,573          

Issuance of common shares

     36,646,905        14,141,784        2,300,573   

Issuance of common shares pursuant to distribution reinvestment plan

     1,428,312        230,611          

Repurchase of common shares

     (478,393     (9,468       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common shares outstanding, end of year

     54,260,324        16,663,500        2,300,573   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE

   $ 0.80      $ 0.80      $ 0.40   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

Sierra Income Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012  

Cash flows from operating activities

      

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 14,052,250      $ 6,280,786      $ 493,170   

ADJUSTMENT TO RECONCILE NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS TO NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Paid-in-kind interest income

     (382,780     (580     (3,911

Net amortization of premium on investments

     (259,197     35,451        52,416   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     (1,525,543     (1,150,139       

Net realized (gain)/loss on investments

     (623,653     57,893        (22,298

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

     4,522,685        (488,421     19,160   

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on total return swap (Note 5)

     8,002,993        (351,396       

Purchases, originations and participations

     (608,324,075     (145,799,374     (39,612,584

Proceeds from sale of investments and principal repayments

     125,953,464        38,973,705        8,987,006   

(Increase)/decrease in operating assets:

      

Cash collateral on total return swap (Note 5)

     (50,171,769     (6,706,159       

Unsettled trades receivable

     71,609        (496,250       

Due from affiliate

     (4,402,941     (1,778,175     (814,814

Interest receivable

     (3,224,477     (1,204,491     (784,637

Receivable due on total return swap (Note 5)

     (940,265     (155,317       

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (94,042     (15,026     (8,949

Increase/(decrease) in operating liabilities:

      

Unsettled trades payable

     1,442,500        15,492,500          

Management fee payable

     2,456,732        643,338        171,317   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     1,931,950        31,532        464,361   

Provisional Incentive fee

     (182,989     182,361        628   

Administrator fees payable

     297,896        23,703        128,459   

Interest payable

     615,442        22,226        10,829   

Directors fee

            (40,081     40,081   

Deferred tax liability

     86,600                 

Due to affiliate

     1,541,426        (22,616     55,927   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (509,156,184     (96,464,530     (30,823,839
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

     321,500,000        16,000,000          

Repayments of revolving credit facility

     (101,000,000              

Borrowings under prime broker margin account

            (17,345,794     17,345,794   

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of underwriting costs

     339,513,689        130,100,012        20,685,944   

Payment of cash dividends

     (15,631,945     (3,915,000     (557,132

Repurchase of common shares

     (4,416,354     (86,507       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     539,965,390        124,752,711        37,474,606   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH

     30,809,206        28,288,181        6,650,767   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

     34,939,948        6,651,767        1,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

   $ 65,749,154      $ 34,939,948      $ 6,651,767   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Information

      

Cash paid during the year for interest

   $ 2,522,947      $ 157,279      $ 47,529   

Supplemental non-cash information

      

Paid-in-kind interest income

   $ 382,780      $ 580      $ 3,911   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

   $ 1,525,543      $ 1,150,139      $   

Net amortization of premium on investments

   $ 259,197      $ (35,451   $ (52,416

Issuance of common shares in connection with distribution reinvestment plan

   $ 13,160,550      $ 2,117,061      $ 80,198   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

Sierra Income Corporation

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

As of December 31, 2014

 

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Non-controlled/non-affiliated
investments – 126.8%

           

AAR Intermediate Holdings, LLC

  Oil and Gas  

Senior Secured First

Lien Term Loans

         
   

LIBOR + 12.000%,

1.000% Floor(3)(4)

    6/30/2015      $ 1,006,234      $ 1,006,234      $ 997,872        0.2
   

Senior Secured First

Lien Term Loans

LIBOR + 12.000%,

1.000% Floor(3)(4)

    3/30/2019        11,697,470        10,938,261        10,703,771        2.2
   

Warrants to purchase

1.98% of outstanding

company equity(4)(5)

    3/30/2019        790,778        790,778        598,870        0.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          13,494,482        12,735,273        12,300,513     

ALG USA Holdings, Inc.

  Leisure, Amusement,  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

         
  Motion Pictures, and Entertainment  

LIBOR + 9.000%,

1.250% Floor(6)

    2/28/2020        2,000,000        1,967,491        2,011,269        0.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        1,967,491        2,011,269     

Allen Edmonds Corp.

  Retail Stores  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

         
   

LIBOR + 9.000%,

1.000% Floor(3)(4)

    5/27/2019        7,000,000        7,000,000        7,070,000        1.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,000,000        7,000,000        7,070,000     

AM3 Pinnacle Corporation

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    10.000%(4)(7)     10/22/2018        6,533,857        6,533,857        6,533,857        1.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          6,533,857        6,533,857        6,533,857     

American Pacific Corp.

  Chemicals, Plastics,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  and Rubber   LIBOR + 6.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     2/27/2019        7,940,000        7,888,650        8,056,333        1.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,940,000        7,888,650        8,056,333     

Anaren, Inc.

  Aerospace and Defense  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

LIBOR + 8.250%,

1.000% Floor(6)

    8/18/2021        10,000,000        9,908,218        9,935,749        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        9,908,218        9,935,749     

Ascensus, Inc.

  Finance  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

LIBOR + 8.000%,

1.000% Floor(6)

    12/2/2020        4,000,000        3,948,926        4,000,000        0.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,000,000        3,948,926        4,000,000     

Associated Asphalt Partners, LLC

  Chemicals, Plastics,   Senior Secured First          
  and Rubber   Lien Notes 8.500%(8)     2/15/2018        2,000,000        2,013,443        1,993,534        0.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        2,013,443        1,993,534     

Asurion Corp.(9)

  Insurance  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

LIBOR + 7.500%,

1.000% Floor(6)

    3/3/2021        7,000,000        6,935,000        7,000,000        1.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,000,000        6,935,000        7,000,000     

 

F-7


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Atrium Innovations, Inc.(10)

  Healthcare,  

Senior Secured Second

Lien Term Loans

         
 

Education, and

Childcare

 

LIBOR + 6.750%,

1.000% Floor(6)

    8/13/2021        5,000,000        4,977,296        4,743,856        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        4,977,296        4,743,856     

Bennu Oil & Gas, LLC

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.500%, 1.250% Floor(6)     11/1/2018        5,525,389        5,520,837        4,570,180        0.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,525,389        5,520,837        4,570,180     

Birch Communications, Inc.

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     7/18/2020        14,572,917        14,300,451        14,042,615        2.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          14,572,917        14,300,451        14,042,615     

Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping, Inc.

  Buildings and Real   Senior Secured First          
  Estate   Lien Notes 10.375%(8)     9/1/2021        7,500,000        7,641,129        7,600,484        1.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,500,000        7,641,129        7,600,484     

Charming Charlie, Inc.

  Retail Stores   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     12/24/2019        8,945,242        8,963,787        9,034,694        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          8,945,242        8,963,787        9,034,694     

Collective Brands Finance, Inc.(9)(10)

  Retail Stores   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 7.500%, 1.000% Floor(6)     3/11/2022        6,000,000        6,018,670        5,669,782        1.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          6,000,000        6,018,670        5,669,782     

Contmid, Inc.

  Automobile   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     10/25/2019        14,317,924        14,317,924        14,317,924        2.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          14,317,924        14,317,924        14,317,924     

ConvergeOne Holdings Corporation

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.000%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     6/17/2021        12,500,000        12,381,463        12,312,750        2.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          12,500,000        12,381,463        12,312,750     

Cornerstone Chemical Company

  Chemicals, Plastics,   Senior Secured First          
  and Rubber   Lien Notes(8)(11)     3/15/2018        2,500,000        2,587,841        2,550,000        0.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,500,000        2,587,841        2,550,000     

CP Opco, LLC

  Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures, and Entertainment   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     9/30/2020        8,000,000        8,000,000        8,000,000        1.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          8,000,000        8,000,000        8,000,000     

CRGT, Inc.

  Diversified/Conglomerate Service   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 6.500%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     12/19/2020        10,000,000        10,000,000        10,000,000        2.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        10,000,000        10,000,000     

Deltek, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.750%, 1.250% Floor(6)     10/10/2019        3,000,000        2,981,523        3,060,000        0.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        2,981,523        3,060,000     

 

F-8


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Drew Marine Partners LP

  Cargo Transport   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/19/2021        10,000,000        10,078,927        10,033,409        2.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        10,078,927        10,033,409     

Dynamic Energy Services International, LLC

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     3/6/2018        9,625,000        9,625,000        9,338,439        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          9,625,000        9,625,000        9,338,439     

EarthLink, Inc.(10)

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured First          
    Lien Notes 7.375%(8)(11)     6/1/2020        2,450,000        2,439,171        2,462,250        0.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,450,000        2,439,171        2,462,250     

Encompass Digital Media, Inc.(9)

  Broadcasting and   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Entertainment   LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     6/6/2022        1,500,000        1,486,019        1,500,568        0.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,500,000        1,486,019        1,500,568     

F.H.G. Corp.

 

Healthcare,

Education, and

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Childcare   LIBOR + 9.500%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     4/28/2019        15,000,000        15,000,000        14,880,354        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        15,000,000        14,880,354     

F.H.G. Corp. Cornerstone Research

  Healthcare,   Common Stock(4)(5)          
  Education, and Childcare         288        300,000        63,169        0.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          288        300,000        63,169     

Flexera Software, Inc.(9)

  Electronics   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     4/2/2021        5,000,000        5,018,504        4,852,592        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        5,018,504        4,852,592     

Gastar Exploration USA, Inc.(10)

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First          
    Lien Notes 8.625%(8)(11)     5/15/2018        5,400,000        5,413,659        4,731,750        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,400,000        5,413,659        4,731,750     

Genex Services, Inc.(9)

  Insurance   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/30/2022        9,500,000        9,531,763        9,299,753        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          9,500,000        9,531,763        9,299,753     

Green Field Energy Services, Inc.

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 13.000%(4)(8)(12)     11/15/2016        766,616        755,260        237,651        0.1
   

Warrants/Equity(4)(5)

    11/15/2021        709        29,000               0.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          767,325        784,260        237,651     

GTCR Valor Companies, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 5.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/30/2021        7,968,616        7,892,569        7,788,079        1.6

 

F-9


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 
    Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.000% Floor(6)     11/30/2021        4,000,000        3,961,852        3,914,693        0.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          11,968,616        11,854,421        11,702,772     

HBC Holdings, LLC

 

Diversified/

Conglomerate

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Service   LIBOR + 5.750%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     3/30/2020        14,962,500        14,962,500        14,962,500        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          14,962,500        14,962,500        14,962,500     

Hill International, Inc.

  Buildings and Real   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Estate   LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     9/25/2020        16,957,500        16,957,500        16,957,457        3.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          16,957,500        16,957,500        16,957,457     

Holland Acquisition Corp.

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/29/2018        5,000,000        4,921,900        4,599,148        0.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        4,921,900        4,599,148     

Ignite Restaurant Group, Inc.

  Personal, Food, and   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Miscellaneous Services   LIBOR + 7.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     2/13/2019        11,970,000        11,799,221        11,970,000        2.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          11,970,000        11,799,221        11,970,000     

Integra Telecom, Inc.

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.250% Floor(3)(4)     2/22/2020        735,455        733,682        728,204        0.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          735,455        733,682        728,204     

Interface Security Systems, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 9.250%(4)(8)     1/15/2018        3,417,000        3,463,712        3,484,637        0.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,417,000        3,463,712        3,484,637     

IronGate Energy Services, LLC

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 11.000%(8)     7/1/2018        3,000,000        2,957,768        2,588,307        0.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        2,957,768        2,588,307     

Isola USA(9)

  Electronics   Senior Secured First          
    Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.250%, 1.000% Floor(6)     11/29/2018        5,874,528        5,999,752        5,931,034        1.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,874,528        5,999,752        5,931,034     

JAC Holdings Corp.

  Automobile   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 11.500%(4)(8)     10/1/2019        12,000,000        12,000,000        12,000,000        2.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          12,000,000        12,000,000        12,000,000     

Jordan Reses Supply Company LLC

  Healthcare,   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Education, and Childcare   LIBOR + 11.000%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     4/24/2020        5,000,000        5,000,000        5,000,000        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        5,000,000        5,000,000     

Kik Custom Products, Inc.

  Healthcare,   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Education, and Childcare   LIBOR + 8.250%, 1.250% Floor(13)     10/29/2019        5,000,000        4,991,433        5,006,500        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        4,991,433        5,006,500     

Linc Energy Finance (USA), Inc.

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured Second          
    Lien Notes 12.500%(4)(8)     10/31/2017        500,000        498,615        504,137        0.1

 

F-10


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 
    Senior Secured Second Lien Notes 12.500%(4)     10/31/2017        500,000        487,623        504,137        0.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,000,000        986,238        1,008,274     

Liquidnet Holdings, Inc.

  Finance   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/22/2019        6,825,000        6,732,689        6,564,518        1.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          6,825,000        6,732,689        6,564,518     

Livingston International, Inc.(9)(10)

  Cargo Transport   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.250% Floor(6)     4/18/2020        2,658,504        2,654,268        2,555,694        0.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,658,504        2,654,268        2,555,694     

LTCG Holdings Corp.

  Healthcare,   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Education, and Childcare   LIBOR + 5.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     6/6/2020        3,900,000        3,882,146        3,912,136        0.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,900,000        3,882,146        3,912,136     

Miller Heiman, Inc.

  Diversified/Conglomerate Service   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 5.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     9/30/2019        24,687,500        24,687,500        24,687,500        5.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          24,687,500        24,687,500        24,687,500     

Nation Safe Drivers Holdings, Inc.

 

Insurance

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 8.000%, 2.000% Floor(4)(6)(7)     9/29/2020        18,236,058        18,236,058        18,236,058        3.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          18,236,058        18,236,058        18,236,058     

New Media Holdings II, LLC

  Printing and   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Publishing   LIBOR + 6.250%, 1.000% Floor(6)     6/4/2020        12,437,500        12,437,500        12,437,500        2.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          12,437,500        12,437,500        12,437,500     

Newpage Corp.

  Containers, Packaging, and Glass   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.250%, 1.250% Floor(6)     2/11/2021        10,000,000        9,879,551        10,059,144        2.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        9,879,551        10,059,144     

Northern Lights Midco, LLC

  Finance   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 9.500%, 1.500% Floor(3)(4)     11/21/2019        4,700,000        4,700,000        4,700,000        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,700,000        4,700,000        4,700,000     

Northstar Aerospace, Inc.

  Aerospace and Defense   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 10.250%(4)(8)     10/15/2019        15,000,000        15,000,000        15,000,000        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        15,000,000        15,000,000     

OH Acquisition, LLC

  Finance   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 6.250%, 1.000% Floor(3)     8/29/2019        7,481,250        7,446,184        7,443,844        1.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,481,250        7,446,184        7,443,844     

Omnitracs, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     5/25/2021        7,000,000        7,014,550        7,007,467        1.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,000,000        7,014,550        7,007,467     

 

F-11


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Oxford Mining Company, LLC

  Mining, Steel, Iron,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  and Nonprecious Metals   LIBOR + 8.500%, 0.750% Floor, 3% PIK(4)(6)(7)     12/31/2018        11,864,407        11,864,407        11,864,407        2.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          11,864,407        11,864,407        11,864,407     

Pegasus Solutions, Inc.

  Diversified/   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Conglomerate Service   LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.500% Floor(3)(4)(7)     5/10/2017                             0.0
    Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.500% Floor(3)(4)     2/10/2018        3,593,304        3,593,304        3,593,304        0.7
    Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.500% Floor, PIK(3)(4)     11/10/2020        19,523,809        19,523,809        19,523,809        4.0
    Warrants to purchase 4.2% of the outstanding equity(4)(5)     02/10/2018        769,231        769,231        769,231        0.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          23,886,344        23,886,344        23,886,344     

Reddy Ice Group, Inc.

  Beverage, Food, and   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Tobacco   LIBOR + 9.500%, 1.250% Floor(3)(4)     10/1/2019        2,000,000        2,000,000        1,866,703        0.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        2,000,000        1,866,703     

Response Team Holdings, LLC

  Buildings and Real   Preferred Equity 12%(4)(5)       3,046,179        2,788,771        2,906,831        0.6
  Estate   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.500%, 2.000% Floor, 1% PIK(3)(4)     3/28/2019        15,206,579        15,206,579        15,287,086        3.1
    Warrants to purchase 3.70% of the outstanding common units(4)(5)     3/28/2019        257,407        257,407        596,258        0.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          18,510,165        18,252,757        18,790,175     

School Specialty, Inc.

  Healthcare,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Education, and Childcare   LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.000% Floor(6)     6/11/2019        10,895,272        10,815,266        10,901,620        2.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,895,272        10,815,266        10,901,620     

Securus Technologies, Inc.

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.250% Floor(6)     4/30/2021        2,000,000        1,984,030        1,997,903        0.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        1,984,030        1,997,903     

Sizzling Platter, LLC

  Personal, Food, and   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Miscellaneous Services   LIBOR + 7.500%, 1.000% Floor(6)     4/28/2019        15,000,000        15,000,000        15,303,157        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        15,000,000        15,303,157     

Survey Sampling International, LLC

  Diversified/   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Conglomerate Service   LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.000% Floor(6)     12/16/2021        24,000,000        24,000,000        24,000,000        5.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          24,000,000        24,000,000        24,000,000     

 

F-12


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Tempel Steel Company

  Mining, Steel, Iron,   Senior Secured First          
  and Nonprecious Metals   Lien Notes 12.000%(4)(8)(11)     8/15/2016        1,115,000        1,108,838        1,050,887        0.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,115,000        1,108,838        1,050,887     

TGI Friday’s, Inc.

  Personal, Food, and   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Miscellaneous Services   LIBOR + 8.250%, 1.000% Floor(4)(6)     7/15/2021        15,000,000        14,786,434        14,594,273        3.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        14,786,434        14,594,273     

Tourico Holidays, Inc.

  Hotels, Motels, Inns,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  and Gaming   LIBOR + 7.500%, 1.000% Floor(3)     11/5/2018        15,000,000        15,000,000        15,000,000        3.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          15,000,000        15,000,000        15,000,000     

Travelclick, Inc.(9)

  Hotels, Motels, Inns,   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  and Gaming   LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(6)     11/6/2021        6,000,000        5,915,121        5,808,540        1.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          6,000,000        5,915,121        5,808,540     

True Religion Apparel, Inc.

  Personal   Senior Secured Second          
  and Nondurable   Lien Term Loans          
  Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only)   LIBOR + 10.000%, 1.000% Floor(13)     1/30/2020        4,000,000        3,854,021        3,758,756        0.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,000,000        3,854,021        3,758,756     

U.S. Well Services, LLC(10)

  Oil and Gas   Warrants/Equity(5)     2/15/2019        1,731        173        227,107        0.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,731        173        227,107     

Valence Surface Technologies, Inc.

  Chemicals, Plastics,   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  and Rubber   LIBOR + 5.500%, 1.000% Floor(3)     6/12/2019        9,874,459        9,808,191        9,751,900        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          9,874,459        9,808,191        9,751,900     

Velocity Pooling Vehicle, LLC

  Automobile   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
    LIBOR + 7.250%, 1.000% Floor(3)(4)     5/14/2022        20,625,000        17,904,357        18,098,444        3.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          20,625,000        17,904,357        18,098,444     

Vestcom International, Inc.

  Diversified/   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans          
  Conglomerate Service   LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.000% Floor(13)     9/30/2022        5,000,000        5,000,000        5,000,000        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        5,000,000        5,000,000     

YP LLC(9)

  Diversified/   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans          
  Conglomerate Service   LIBOR + 6.750%, 1.250% Floor(6)     6/4/2018        4,260,870        4,301,734        4,268,708        0.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,260,870        4,301,734        4,268,708     

Z Gallerie, LLC

  Retail Stores   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 6.500%, 1.000% Floor(13)     10/8/2020        10,000,000        9,889,189        10,000,000        2.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          10,000,000        9,889,189        10,000,000     

Total non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

        $ 620,968,517      $ 616,915,093        126.8
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

F-13


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity   Par/Share
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Money market fund – 3.9%

           

Federated Prime Obligations Fund

      $ 19,032,637      $ 19,032,637      $ 19,032,637        3.9
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total money market fund

        $ 19,032,637      $ 19,032,637        3.9
         

 

 

   

 

 

   
Derivative Instrument - Long Exposure                 Notional
Amount
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
       

Total return swap with Citibank, N.A. (Note 5)

  Total Return Swap       $ 209,523,834      $ (7,651,597  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ 209,523,834      $ (7,651,597  
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) 

All of our investments are domiciled in the United States except for Atrium Innovations, Inc. and Livingston International, Inc. which are domiciled in Canada. All investments are denominated in USD.

(2) 

Percentage is based on net assets of $486,519,913 as of December 31, 2014.

(3) 

The interest rate on these loans is subject to a base rate plus 1M LIBOR, which at December 31, 2014 was 0.17%. As the interest rate is subject to a minimum LIBOR floor which was greater than the 1M LIBOR rate at December 31, 2014, the prevailing rate in effect at December 31, 2014 was the base rate plus the LIBOR floor.

(4) 

An affiliated fund that is managed by an affiliate of SIC Advisors LLC also holds an investment in this security.

(5) 

Security is non-income producing.

(6) 

The interest rate on these loans is subject to a base rate plus 3M LIBOR, which at December 31, 2014 was 0.26%. As the interest rate is subject to a minimum LIBOR floor which was greater than the 3M LIBOR rate at December 31, 2014, the prevailing rate in effect at December 31, 2014 was the base rate plus the LIBOR floor.

(7) 

The investment has an unfunded commitment as of December 31, 2014 which is excluded from the presentation (see Note 11). Fair value includes an analysis of the unfunded commitment.

(8) 

Securities are exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities represent a fair value of $54,203,637 and 11.2% of net assets as of December 31, 2014 and are considered restricted.

(9) 

Security is also held in the underlying portfolio of the total return swap with Citibank, N.A. (see Note 5). The Company’s total commitment to Asurion Corp., Collective Brands Finance, Inc., Encompass Digital Media, Inc., Flexera Software, Inc., Genex Services, Inc., Isola USA, Livingston International, Inc., Travelclick, Inc., and YP LLC is $16,896,070 or 3.5%, $11,617,395 or 2.4%, $6,463,131 or 1.3%, $7,119,467 or 1.5%, $11,284,778 or 2.3%, 9,797,159 or 2.0%, $4,525,137 or 0.9%, $20,622,355 or 4.2%, 8,561,534 or 1.8%, respectively, of Net Assets as of December 31, 2014.

(10) 

The investment is not a qualifying asset under Section 55 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Non-qualifying assets represent 3.3% of the Company’s portfolio at fair value.

(11) 

Represents securities in Level 2 in the ASC 820 table (see Note 4).

(12) 

The investment was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2014.

(13) 

The interest rate on these loans is subject to a base rate plus 6M LIBOR, which at December 31, 2014 was 0.36%. As the interest rate is subject to a minimum LIBOR floor which was greater than the 6M LIBOR rate at December 31, 2014, the prevailing rate in effect at December 31, 2014 was the base rate plus the LIBOR floor.

 

1M 1 Month
3M 3 Month
6M 6 Month

 

F-14


Table of Contents

Sierra Income Corporation

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

As of December 31, 2013

 

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments – 90.1%

           

Access Media 3, Inc.

 

Telecommunications

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans 10.00%(3)     10/22/2018      $ 7,000,000      $ 7,000,000      $ 7,000,000        4.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,000,000        7,000,000        7,000,000     

Aderant North America, Inc.

 

 

Electronics

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.750%, 1.250% Floor(3)     6/20/2019        450,000        450,000        453,861        0.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          450,000        450,000        453,861     

Alcatel - Lucent USA, Inc.

 

Telecommunications

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 4.750%, 1.000% Floor     1/30/2019        990,000        985,662        993,712        0.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          990,000        985,662        993,712     

ALG USA Holdings, Inc.

 

 

Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures, and Entertainment

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.250% Floor     2/28/2020        2,000,000        1,963,092        2,007,080        1.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        1,963,092        2,007,080     

Allen Edmonds Corp.

 

Retail Stores

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.00%, 1.00% Floor(3)     5/27/2019        7,000,000        7,000,000        7,000,000        4.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,000,000        7,000,000        7,000,000     

American Apparel, Inc.

 

Retail Stores

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 13.000%(3)(4)     4/15/2020        2,500,000        2,459,496        2,300,000        1.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,500,000        2,459,496        2,300,000     

Ascensus, Inc.

  Finance   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor     12/2/2020        4,000,000        3,940,522        3,940,522        2.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,000,000        3,940,522        3,940,522     

Associated Asphalt Partners LLC

 

 

Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 8.500%(4)     2/15/2018        5,000,000        5,036,563        5,130,000        3.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        5,036,563        5,130,000     

Bennu Oil & Gas, LLC

 

Oil and Gas

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.00%, 1.25% Floor     11/1/2018        1,122,857        1,113,148        1,113,148        0.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,122,857        1,113,148        1,113,148     

Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.(5)

 

Retail Stores

  Senior Secured Second Lien Notes 10.625%     7/15/2017        1,698,000        1,622,374        1,695,844        1.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,698,000        1,622,374        1,695,844     

Caesars Entertainment Operating Co., Inc.

 

 

 

Hotels, Motels, Inns, and Gaming

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 11.250%(5)     6/1/2017        3,000,000        3,153,543        3,056,250        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        3,153,543        3,056,250     

 

F-15


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Charming Charlie, Inc.

 

Retail Stores

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor     1/9/2019        6,000,000        6,000,000        6,000,000        3.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          6,000,000        6,000,000        6,000,000     

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.

 

 

Beverage, Food, and Tobacco

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 11.000%(4)     12/1/2017        1,500,000        1,504,143        1,614,675        1.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,500,000        1,504,143        1,614,675     

Cornerstone Chemical Company

 

 

Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 9.375%     3/15/2018        2,000,000        2,000,000        2,080,000        1.4
    Senior Secured First Lien Notes 9.375%(4)     3/15/2018        2,500,000        2,611,122        2,600,000        1.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,500,000        4,611,122        4,680,000     

Deltek, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.750%, 1.250% Floor     10/10/2019      $ 3,000,000      $ 2,978,006      $ 3,034,560        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        2,978,006        3,034,560     

Dispensing Dynamics International, Inc.

 

 

 

Personal and Nondurable Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only)

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 12.500%(4)     1/1/2018        2,200,000        2,179,668        2,223,342        1.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,200,000        2,179,668        2,223,342     

Drew Marine Partners LP

 

Cargo Transport

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor     5/19/2021        3,000,000        2,992,638        2,992,638        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        2,992,638        2,992,638     

EarthLink, Inc.

  Telecommunications   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 7.375%(4)(5)     6/1/2020        2,450,000        2,437,636        2,453,062        1.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,450,000        2,437,636        2,453,062     

Erickson Air-Crane, Inc. (5)

 

 

Aerospace and Defense

  Senior Secured Second Lien Notes 8.250%(4)     5/1/2020        1,953,000        1,966,979        2,016,472        1.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,953,000        1,966,979        2,016,472     

Gastar Exploration USA, Inc. (5)

 

Oil and Gas

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 8.625%(4)     5/15/2018        3,000,000        3,000,000        2,958,750        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        3,000,000        2,958,750     

Gibson Brands, Inc.

 

Personal and Nondurable Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only)

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 8.875%(4)     8/1/2018        3,000,000        3,056,289        3,069,270        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        3,056,289        3,069,270     

Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company

 

 

Grocery

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.000%, 2.000% Floor(3)     3/13/2017        932,467        948,787        952,002        0.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          932,467        948,787        952,002     

Green Field Energy Services, Inc.

 

 

Oil and Gas

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 13.000%(3)(4)     11/15/2016        766,616        755,914        322,744        0.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          766,616        755,914        322,744     

 

F-16


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Green Field Energy Services, Inc., Warrants, expires 11/15/21

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and Gas

  Warrants/Equity (3) (6)       709        29,000               0.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          709        29,000            

Greenway Medical Technologies, Inc.(7)

 

 

Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor     11/4/2021        1,000,000        985,218        985,218        0.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,000,000        985,218        985,218     

Healogics, Inc.

  Healthcare, Education, and Childcare   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.000%, 1.250% Floor     2/5/2020        2,000,000        1,996,440        2,040,000        1.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        1,996,440        2,040,000     

Holland Acquisition Corp.

 

 

Oil and Gas

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.000%, 1.000% Floor     5/29/2018        5,000,000        4,904,352        4,917,000        3.2
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        4,904,352        4,917,000     

IDQ Holdings, Inc.

 

Automobile

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 11.500%(4)     4/1/2017        1,000,000        1,035,523        1,066,250        0.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,000,000        1,035,523        1,066,250     

Integra Telecom, Inc.

 

Telecommunications

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.250% Floor(3)     2/22/2020        1,618,000        1,607,900        1,650,360        1.1
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,618,000        1,607,900        1,650,360     

Interface Security Systems, Inc.

 

Electronics

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 9.250%(3) (4)     1/15/2018      $ 3,417,000      $ 3,476,530      $ 3,492,550        2.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,417,000        3,476,530        3,492,550     

IronGate Energy Services LLC

 

 

Oil and Gas

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 11.000%(4)     7/1/2018        3,000,000        2,948,441        3,029,850        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        2,948,441        3,029,850     

Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc.

 

 

 

Automobile

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.500%, 1.250% Floor     8/15/2020        5,000,000        5,000,000        5,053,000        3.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          5,000,000        5,000,000        5,053,000     

Kik Custom Products, Inc.

 

 

Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.25%, 1.25% Floor     10/29/2019        3,000,000        2,970,000        2,970,000        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,000,000        2,970,000        2,970,000     

Linc Energy Finance (USA), Inc.

 

 

Oil and Gas

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 12.500%(3) (4)     10/31/2017        500,000        498,368        545,925        0.4
             
    Senior Secured First Lien Notes 12.500%(3)     10/31/2017        500,000        485,222        545,925        0.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,000,000        983,590        1,091,850     

 

F-17


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par
Amount
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Liquidnet Holdings, Inc.

 

 

Finance

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.000%, 1.250% Floor     5/7/2017        2,887,500        2,862,362        2,867,576        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,887,500        2,862,362        2,867,576     

Livingston International, Inc.(7)

 

 

Cargo Transport

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.250% Floor(5)     4/18/2020        2,658,504        2,653,733        2,685,089        1.8
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,658,504        2,653,733        2,685,089     

Maxim Crane Works Holdings, Inc.(7)

 

 

 

Oil and Gas

  Senior Secured Second Lien Notes 12.250%(4)     4/15/2015        1,500,000        1,519,124        1,542,360        1.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,500,000        1,519,124        1,542,360     

Michael Baker International, Inc.

 

 

Diversified/Conglomerate Service

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 8.25%(4)     10/15/2018        2,500,000        2,500,000        2,511,528        1.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,500,000        2,500,000        2,511,528     

Omnitracs, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 7.75%, 1.00% Floor     4/29/2020        7,000,000        7,015,128        7,015,128        4.6
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          7,000,000        7,015,128        7,015,128     

Prince Minerals Holding Corp.

 

 

 

Mining, Steel, Iron, and Nonprecious Metals

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 11.500%(3) (4)     12/15/2019        1,200,000        1,187,246        1,310,568        0.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,200,000        1,187,246        1,310,568     

Reddy Ice Group, Inc.

 

 

Beverage, Food, and Tobacco

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 9.500%, 1.250% Floor(3)     10/1/2019        2,000,000        2,000,000        1,942,460        1.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        2,000,000        1,942,460     

Renaissance Learning, Inc.

 

 

Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 7.75%, 1.00% Floor     5/14/2021        3,500,000        3,447,888        3,447,888        2.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,500,000        3,447,888        3,447,888     

School Specialty, Inc.

 

Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.500%, 1.000% Floor     6/11/2019        2,985,000        2,936,006        2,864,585        1.9
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,985,000        2,936,006        2,864,585     

Securus Technologies, Inc.

 

 

Telecommunications

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 7.750%, 1.250% Floor     4/30/2021      $ 2,000,000      $ 1,981,227      $ 1,988,280        1.3
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,000,000        1,981,227        1,988,280     

Sesac Holdco II, Inc.

 

Broadcasting and Entertainment

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.750%, 1.250% Floor(3)     7/12/2019        2,250,000        2,294,369        2,300,535        1.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,250,000        2,294,369        2,300,535     

Sizzling Platter, LLC

 

Beverage, Food, and Tobacco

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 12.250%(3) (4)     4/15/2016        2,063,000        2,124,725        2,198,601        1.4
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,063,000        2,124,725        2,198,601     

 

F-18


Table of Contents

Company(1)

 

Industry

 

Type of Investment

  Maturity     Par
Amount/
Quantity
    Cost     Fair
Value
    % of
Net Assets(2)
 

Sorenson Communications

 

Telecommunications

  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 8.250%, 1.250% Floor     10/31/2014        2,979,987        2,979,987        2,988,451        2.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          2,979,987        2,979,987        2,988,451     

Tempel Steel Company

 

Mining, Steel, Iron, and Nonprecious Metals

  Senior Secured First Lien Notes 12.000%(3) (4)     8/15/2016        1,115,000        1,105,791        1,085,921        0.7
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,115,000        1,105,791        1,085,921     

True Religion Apparel, Inc.

 

Personal and Nondurable Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only)

  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans LIBOR + 10.000%, 1.000% Floor     1/30/2020        4,000,000        3,835,240        3,861,480        2.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          4,000,000        3,835,240        3,861,480     

U.S. Well Services, LLC(5)

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured First Lien Notes 14.500%(3) (4)     2/15/2017        3,816,605        3,796,701        3,832,100        2.5
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          3,816,605        3,796,701        3,832,100     

U.S. Well Services, LLC, Warrants, expires 2/15/19

  Oil and Gas   Warrants/Equity (3) (6)       1,731        173        54,977        0.0
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          1,731        173        54,977     

Total non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

          $ 137,332,276      $ 137,801,537        90.1
         

 

 

   

 

 

   
Derivative
Instrument -
Long
Exposure
                      Notional
Amount
    Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
       

Total return swap with Citibank, N.A. (Note 5)

    Total Return Swap       $ 24,855,700      $ 351,396     
         

 

 

   

 

 

   
          $ 24,855,700      $ 351,396     
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) 

All of our investments are domiciled in the United States except for Livingston International, Inc. which is domiciled in Canada.

(2) 

Percentage is based on net assets of $153,002,273 as of December 31, 2013.

(3) 

An affiliated fund that is managed by an affiliate of SIC Advisors LLC also holds an investment in this security.

(4) 

Securities are exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities represent a fair value of $45,303,968 and 29.6% of net assets as of December 31, 2013 and are considered restricted.

(5) 

The investment is not a qualifying asset under Section 55 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Non-qualifying assets represent 11.5% of the Company’s portfolio at fair value.

(6) 

Security is non-income producing.

(7) 

Security is also held in the underlying portfolio of the total return swap with Citibank, N.A. (see Note 5). The Company’s total commitment to Greenway Medical Technologies, Inc., Livingston International, Inc. and Maxim Crane Works Holdings, Inc. is $2,470,218 or 1.6%, $4,654,532 or 3.0% and $2,034,860 or 1.3%, respectively, of Net Assets as of December 31, 2013.

 

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SIERRA INCOME CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2014

Note 1. Organization

Sierra Income Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated under the general corporation laws of the State of Maryland on June 13, 2011 and formally commenced operations on April 17, 2012. The Company is an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Company is externally managed by SIC Advisors LLC (“SIC Advisors”), a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The Company has elected and intends to continue to qualify to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Company’s fiscal year-end is December 31st.

On April 17, 2012, the Company successfully reached its minimum escrow requirement and officially commenced operations by issuing 1,108,033 shares of common stock to SIC Advisors for gross proceeds of $10,000,000. The Company’s offering period is currently scheduled to terminate on April 17, 2016, unless further extended. Since commencing its operations, the Company has sold a total of 54,260,324 shares of common stock, which includes shares issued as part of the distribution reinvestment plan (see Note 13), for total proceeds of $550.1 million, which includes the shares sold to SIC Advisors. The proceeds from the issuance of common stock are presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of changes in net assets and consolidated statements of cash flows and are presented net of selling commissions and dealer manager fees.

On August 15, 2013, the Company formed Arbor Funding LLC, a wholly-owned financing subsidiary (see Note 6).

On June 18, 2014, the Company formed Alpine Funding LLC, a wholly-owned financing subsidiary (see Note 6).

The Company has formed and expects to continue to form certain taxable subsidiaries (the “Taxable Subsidiaries”), which are taxed as corporations for federal income tax purposes. These Taxable Subsidiaries allow the Company to hold equity securities of portfolio companies organized as pass-through entities while continuing to satisfy the requirements of a RIC under the Code.

The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income, and to a lesser extent, long-term capital appreciation. The Company intends to meet its investment objective by investing primarily in the debt of privately owned U.S. companies with a focus on senior secured debt, second lien debt and, to a lesser extent, subordinated debt. The Company will originate transactions sourced through SIC Advisors’ direct origination network, and also expects to acquire debt securities through the secondary market. The Company may make equity investments in companies that it believes will generate appropriate risk adjusted returns, although it does not expect this to be a substantial portion of the portfolio.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and includes the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Alpine Funding LLC, Arbor Funding LLC, and the Taxable Subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company and related financial information have been

 

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prepared pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-K of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the financial results included herein contain all adjustments and reclassifications that are necessary for the fair presentation of financial statements for the periods included herein. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers cash equivalents to be highly liquid investments or investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents include deposits in a money market account. The Company deposits its cash in a financial institution which, at times, may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits.

Offering Costs

Offering costs incurred directly by the Company are expensed in the period incurred. See Note 7 regarding offering costs paid for by SIC Advisors.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Deferred Financing Costs

Financing costs, incurred in connection with the Company’s credit facilities (discussed in Note 6), are deferred and amortized over the life of each facility, respectively.

Indemnification

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contractual agreements that provide general indemnifications against losses, costs, claims and liabilities arising from the performance of individual obligations under such agreements. The Company has had no prior claims or payments pursuant to such agreements. The Company’s individual maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. However, based on management’s experience, the Company expects the risk of loss to be remote.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is recorded on an accrual basis. The Company records amortized or accreted discounts or premiums as interest income using the effective interest method. Dividend income, if any, is recognized on an accrual basis to the extent that the Company expects to collect such amount.

Origination/closing, amendment and transaction break-up fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are recognized as income in the period that the Company becomes entitled to such fees. Other fees related to loan administration requirements are capitalized as deferred revenue and recorded into income over the respective period.

Prepayment penalties received by the Company for debt instruments paid back to the Company prior to the maturity date are recorded as income upon receipt.

 

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The Company holds debt investments in its portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest provision. PIK interest, which represents contractually deferred interest added to the investment balance that is generally due at maturity, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. PIK interest is not accrued if the Company does not expect the issuer to be able to pay all principal and interest when due. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 the Company earned $382,780, $580, and $3,911 in PIK interest, respectively.

Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade-date basis. Realized gains or losses on investments are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of investment, without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. The Company reports changes in fair value of investments that are measured at fair value as a component of the net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. For total return swap transactions (discussed in Note 5), periodic payments are received or made at the end of each settlement period, but prior to settlement are recorded as realized gains or losses on total return swap in the consolidated statements of operations.

Management reviews all loans that become 90 days or more past due on principal and interest or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected for possible placement on management’s designation of non-accrual status. Accrued interest is generally reserved 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 is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current, although the Company may make exceptions to this general rule if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. At December 31, 2014, one portfolio company was on non-accrual status with a fair value of $237,651 or 0.1% of the fair value of the Company’s portfolio. At December 31, 2013, one portfolio company was on non-accrual status with a fair value of $322,745 or 0.2% of the fair value of the Company’s portfolio.

Investment Classification

The Company classifies its investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Company would be deemed to “control” a portfolio company if it owns more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities and/or had the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. The Company refers to such investments in portfolio companies that it “controls” as “Controlled Investments.” Under the 1940 Act, the Company would be deemed to be an “Affiliated Person” of a portfolio company if it owns between 5% and 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or if it is under common control with such portfolio company. The Company refers to such investments in Affiliated Persons as “Affiliated Investments.” As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has no Controlled Investments or Affiliated Investments.

Valuation of Investments

The Company applies fair value accounting to all of its financial instruments in accordance with the 1940 Act and Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework used to measure fair value and requires disclosures for fair value measurements. In accordance with ASC 820, the Company has categorized its financial instruments carried at fair value, based on the priority of the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note 4. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of the market participant who holds the financial instrument rather than an entity specific measure. Therefore, when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that management believes market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument at the measurement date.

 

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Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations, which are generally obtained from an independent pricing service or multiple broker-dealers or market makers. The Company weighs the use of third-party broker quotes, if any, in determining fair value based on management’s understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote was an indicative price or binding offer. However, debt investments with remaining maturities within 60 days that are not credit impaired are valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which approximates fair value. Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by the Company’s board of directors based upon input from management and third party valuation firms. Because these investments are illiquid and because there may not be any directly comparable companies whose financial instruments have observable market values, these loans are valued using a fundamental valuation methodology, consistent with traditional asset pricing standards, that is objective and consistently applied across all loans and through time.

The methodologies utilized by the Company in estimating its fair value of its investments categorized as Level 3 generally fall into the following two categories:

 

   

The “Market Approach” uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable (that is, similar) assets, liabilities, or a group of assets and liabilities, such as a business.

 

   

The “Income Approach” converts future amounts (for example, cash flows or income and expenses) to a single current (that is, discounted) amount. When the income approach is used, the fair value measurement reflects current market expectations about those future amounts.

The Company uses third-party valuation firms to assist the board of directors in the valuation of its portfolio investments. The valuation reports generated by the third-party valuation firms consider the evaluation of financing and sale transactions with third parties, expected cash flows and market based information, including comparable transactions, performance multiples, and movement in yields of debt instruments, among other factors. Based on market data obtained from the third-party valuation firms, the Company uses a combined market yield analysis and an enterprise model of valuation. In applying the market yield analysis, the value of the Company’s loans is determined based upon inputs such as the coupon rate, current market yield, interest rate spreads of similar securities, the stated value of the loan, and the length to maturity. In applying the enterprise model, the Company uses a waterfall analysis which takes into account the specific capital structure of the borrower and the related seniority of the instruments within the borrower’s capital structure into consideration. To estimate the enterprise value of the portfolio company, the Company weighs some or all of the traditional market valuation methods and factors based on the individual circumstances of the portfolio company in order to estimate the enterprise value. The methodologies for performing investments may be based on, among other things: valuations of comparable public companies, recent sales of private and public comparable companies, discounting the forecasted cash flows of the portfolio company, third party valuations of the portfolio company, considering offers from third parties to buy the company, estimating the value to potential strategic buyers and considering the value of recent investments in the equity securities of the portfolio company. For non-performing investments, the Company may estimate the liquidation or collateral value of the portfolio company’s assets and liabilities using an expected recovery model. The Company may estimate the fair value of warrants based on a model such as the Black-Scholes model or simulation models or a combination thereof.

The methodologies and information that the Company utilizes when applying the Market Approach for performing investments includes, among other things:

 

   

valuations of comparable public companies (Guideline Comparable approach),

 

   

recent sales of private and public comparable companies (Guideline Comparable approach),

 

   

recent acquisition prices of the company, debt securities or equity securities (Acquisition Price Approach),

 

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external valuations of the portfolio company, offers from third parties to buy the company (Estimated Sales Proceeds approach),

 

   

subsequent sales made by the company of its investments (Expected Sales Proceeds approach); and

 

   

estimating the value to potential buyers.

The methodologies and information that the Company utilizes when applying the Income Approach for performing investments includes:

 

   

discounting the forecasted cash flows of the portfolio company or securities (Discounted Cash Flow “DCF” approach); and

 

   

Black-Scholes model or simulation models or a combination thereof (Income Approach – Option Model) with respect to the valuation of warrants.

Over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative contracts, such as total return swaps (discussed in Note 5) are fair valued using models that measure the change in fair value of reference assets underlying the swaps offset against any fees payable to the swap counterparty. The fair values of the reference assets underlying the swaps are determined using similar methods as described above for debt and equity investments where the Company also invests directly in such assets.

The Company undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter when valuing investments for which market quotations are not readily available, as described below:

 

   

the Company’s quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio investment being initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for monitoring the portfolio investment;

 

   

conclusions are then documented and discussed with senior management; and

 

   

an independent valuation firm engaged by the Company’s board of directors prepares an independent valuation report for approximately one third of the portfolio investments each quarter on a rotating quarterly basis on non-fiscal year-end quarters, such that each of these investments will be valued by an independent valuation firm at least twice per annum when combined with the fiscal year-end review of all the investments by independent valuation firms.

In addition, all of the Company’s investments are subject to the following valuation process:

 

   

management reviews preliminary valuations and their own independent assessment;

 

   

the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors reviews the preliminary valuations of senior management and independent valuation firms; and

 

   

the Company’s board of directors discusses valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in the Company’s portfolio in good faith based on the input of SIC Advisors, the respective independent valuation firms and the audit committee.

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 differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s long-term obligations are discussed in Note 4.

 

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New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 “Financial Services — Investment Companies (Topic 946) Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements” (“ASU 2013-08”). ASU 2013-08 clarifies the characteristics of an investment company and requires reporting entities to disclose information about the following items: (i) the type and amount of financial support provided to investee companies, including situations in which the Company assisted an investee in obtaining financial support, (ii) the primary reasons for providing the financial support, (iii) the type and amount of financial support the Company is contractually required to provide to an investee, but has not yet provided, and (iv) the primary reasons for the contractual requirement to provide the financial support. The amendments in ASU 2013-08 are effective for an entity’s interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013. Earlier application is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact this accounting standards update will have on our financial statements.

Federal Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. In order to qualify as a RIC, among other things, the Company is required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (“ICTI”) including PIK, as defined by the Code, and net tax-exempt interest income (which is the excess of the Company’s gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) for each taxable year in order to be eligible for tax treatment under subchapter M of the Code. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year which generated such ICTI.

The Company will be subject to a nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax of 4% on undistributed income if it does not distribute at least 98% of its ordinary income in any calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for each one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions for excise tax purposes, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned.

The Company’s Taxable Subsidiaries accrue income taxes payable based on the applicable corporate rates on the unrealized gains generated by the investments held by the Taxable Subsidiaries. Such deferred tax liabilities amounted to $86,600 for the year ended December 31, 2014, and are recorded as a component of accounts payable and accrued expenses on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. The change in deferred tax liabilities is included as a component of net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. There were no such deferred tax liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2013 or 2012.

ICTI generally differs from net investment income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses. The Company may be required to recognize ICTI in certain circumstances in which it does not receive cash. For example, if the Company holds debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount, the Company must include in ICTI each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Company in the same taxable year. The Company may also have to include in ICTI other amounts that it has not yet received in cash, such as 1) PIK interest income and 2) interest income from investments that have been classified as non-accrual for financial reporting purposes. Interest income on non-accrual investments is not recognized for financial reporting purposes, but generally is recognized in ICTI. Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will

 

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be included in the Company’s ICTI for the year of accrual, the Company may be required to make a distribution to its stockholders in order to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements, even though the Company will not have received and may not ever receive any corresponding cash amount. ICTI also excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, as investment gains or losses are not included in taxable income until they are realized.

Although the Company files federal and state tax returns, the Company’s major tax jurisdiction is federal. The Company’s federal tax returns from inception-to-date remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Company accounts for income taxes in conformity with ASC Topic 740 - Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 provides guidelines for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in financial statements. ASC 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to meet a “more-likely-than-not” threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current period. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. There were no material uncertain income tax positions at December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, or December 31, 2012.

Permanent differences between ICTI and net investment income for financial reporting purposes are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect their tax character. Differences in classification may also result from the treatment of short-term gains as ordinary income for tax purposes. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company reclassified for book purposes amounts arising from permanent book/tax differences related to the different tax treatment of realized gain/(loss) on swaps, defaulted bonds, and certain fee income as follows:

 

     As of
December 31,
2014
    As of
December 31,
2013
    As of
December 31,
2012
 

Capital in excess of par value

   $ 6,728      $      $ 328,132   

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

     5,771,555        236,207        (328,132

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from investments

     (5,778,283     (236,207       

The following table reflects, for tax purposes, the sources of the cash distributions that the Company has paid on its common stock during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

 

    Year ended
December  31,

2014
    Year Ended
December  31,

2013
    Year Ended
December  31,

2012
 

Source of Distribution

  Distribution
Amount(1)
    Percentage     Distribution
Amount
    Percentage     Distribution
Amount
    Percentage  

Return of capital from offering proceeds

  $          $          $       

Return of capital from borrowings

                                         

Ordinary income

    20,880,983        72.5        6,032,061        100.0        637,330        100.0   

Net realized gain

    1,192,159        4.2                               

Return of capital (other)

    6,719,353        23.3                               
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions on a tax basis:

  $ 28,792,495        100.0   $ 6,032,061        100.0   $ 637,330        100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For federal income tax purposes, the cost of investments owned at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $615,465,538, $137,344,332, and $36,595,644, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, gross

 

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unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were $2,524,081 and $1,074,526, respectively, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of $1,449,555. For the year ended December 31, 2013, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were $1,379,930 and $922,725, respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $457,205. For the year ended December 31, 2012, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were $352,398 and $364,831, respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $12,433.

At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis detailed below differ from the amounts reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities by temporary and other book/tax differences, primarily relating to the tax treatment of dividends payable, defaulted bonds, outstanding loan fees, mark to market on total return swaps and unamortized upfront fees, as follows:

 

     As of
December 31,
2014
    As of
December 31,
2013
    As of
December 31,
2012
 

Undistributed net investment income

   $      $ 110,912      $ 196,405   

Accumulated capital gains (losses)

                     

Other temporary differences

     (2,315     3,363        6,727   

Post October loss deferrals

     (9,376,397              

Capital loss carryover

            (138,783       

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     1,783,789        457,205        (19,160
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Components of tax distributable earnings at year end

   $ (7,594,923   $ 432,697      $ 183,972   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company utilized capital loss carryforwards from previous years in the amount of $ 138,783.

Segments

The Company invests in various industries. The Company separately evaluates the performance of each of its investment relationships. However, because each of these investment relationships has similar business and economic characteristics, they have been aggregated into a single investment segment. All applicable segment disclosures are included in or can be derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 3 for further information.

Company Investment Risk, Concentration of Credit Risk, and Liquidity Risk

SIC Advisors has broad discretion in making investments for the Company. Investments generally consist of debt instruments that may be affected by business, financial market or legal uncertainties. Prices of investments may be volatile, and a variety of factors that are inherently difficult to predict, such as domestic or international economic and political developments, may significantly affect the results of the Company’s activities and the value of its investments. In addition, the value of the Company’s portfolio may fluctuate as the general level of interest rates fluctuates.

The value of the Company’s investments in loans and bonds may be detrimentally affected to the extent, among other things, that a borrower defaults on its obligations, there is insufficient collateral and/or there are extensive legal and other costs incurred in collecting on a defaulted loan, observable secondary or primary market yields for similar instruments issued by comparable companies increase materially or risk premiums required in the market between smaller companies, such as the Company’s borrowers, and those for which market yields are observable, increase materially. SIC Advisors may attempt to minimize these risks by maintaining low loan-to-liquidation values with each loan and the collateral underlying the loan.

The Company’s assets may, at any time, include securities and other financial instruments or obligations that are illiquid or thinly traded, making purchase or sale of such securities and financial instruments at desired prices or in desired quantities difficult. Furthermore, the sale of any such investments may be possible only at substantial discounts, and it may be extremely difficult to value any such investments accurately.

 

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Note 3. Investments

The following table shows the composition of the Company’s portfolio investments by industry classification at fair value at December 31, 2014:

 

     Fair Value      Percentage  

Diversified/Conglomerate Service

   $ 106,805,052         17.3

Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

     44,507,635         7.2

Automobile

     44,416,368         7.2

Buildings and Real Estate

     43,348,116         7.0

Personal, Food, and Miscellaneous Services

     41,867,430         6.8

Oil and Gas

     39,601,369         6.4

Telecommunications

     38,077,579         6.2

Electronics

     36,038,502         5.9

Insurance

     34,535,811         5.6

Retail Stores

     31,774,476         5.2

Aerospace and Defense

     24,935,749         4.0

Finance

     22,708,362         3.7

Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber

     22,351,767         3.6

Hotels, Motels, Inns, and Gaming

     20,808,540         3.4

Mining, Steel, Iron, and Nonprecious Metals

     12,915,294         2.1

Cargo Transport

     12,589,103         2.0

Printing and Publishing

     12,437,500         2.0

Containers, Packaging, and Glass

     10,059,144         1.6

Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures, and Entertainment

     10,011,269         1.6

Personal and Nondurable Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only)

     3,758,756         0.6

Beverage, Food, and Tobacco

     1,866,703         0.3

Broadcasting and Entertainment

     1,500,568         0.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 616,915,093         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Note 5 for industry classifications of the underlying TRS reference assets as of December 31, 2014.

 

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The following table shows the composition of the Company’s portfolio investments by industry classification at fair value at December 31, 2013:

 

     Fair Value      Percentage  

Oil and Gas

   $ 18,862,779         13.7

Telecommunications

     17,073,865         12.4

Retail Stores

     16,995,844         12.3

Electronics

     13,996,099         10.2

Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

     12,307,691         8.9

Chemicals, Plastics, and Rubber

     9,810,000         7.1

Personal and Nondurable Consumer Products (Manufacturing Only)

     9,154,092         6.7

Finance

     6,808,098         4.9

Automobile

     6,119,250         4.4

Beverage, Food, and Tobacco

     5,755,736         4.2

Cargo Transport

     5,677,727         4.1

Hotels, Motels, Inns, and Gaming

     3,056,250         2.2

Diversified/Conglomerate Service

     2,511,528         1.8

Mining, Steel, Iron, and Nonprecious Metals

     2,396,489         1.7

Broadcasting and Entertainment

     2,300,535         1.7

Aerospace and Defense

     2,016,472         1.5

Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures, and Entertainment

     2,007,080         1.5

Grocery

     952,002         0.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 137,801,537         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Note 5 for industry classifications of the underlying TRS reference assets as of December 31, 2013.

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of the Company’s portfolio investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Percentage     Value      Percentage  

Senior secured first lien term loans

   $ 335,675,585         54.0   $ 335,182,650         54.3

Senior secured second lien term loans

     223,990,513         36.1        221,863,203         35.9   

Senior secured first lien notes

     55,380,821         8.9        53,699,500         8.7   

Senior secured second lien notes

     986,238         0.2        1,008,274         0.2   

Warrants/Equity

     4,935,360         0.8        5,161,466         0.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 620,968,517         100.0   $ 616,915,093         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of the Company’s portfolio investments as of December 31, 2013:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Percentage     Fair
Value
     Percentage  

Senior secured first lien term loans

   $ 28,617,156         20.9   $ 28,583,326         20.8

Senior secured first lien notes

     47,352,921         34.5        47,427,311         34.4   

Senior secured second lien term loans

     56,224,549         40.9        56,481,247         41.0   

Senior secured second lien notes

     5,108,477         3.7        5,254,676         3.8   

Warrants/Equity

     29,173                54,977           
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 137,332,276         100.0   $ 137,801,537         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table shows the composition of the Company’s portfolio investments by geography classification at fair value at December 31, 2014:

 

Geography

   Fair Value      Percentage  

United States

   $ 609,615,543         98.8

Canada

     7,299,550         1.2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 616,915,093         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table shows the composition of the Company’s portfolio investments by geography classification at fair value at December 31, 2013:

 

Geography

   Fair Value      Percentage  

United States

   $ 135,116,448         98.1

Canada

     2,685,089         1.9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 137,801,537         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In connection with certain of the Company’s investments, the Company receives warrants which are obtained for the objective of increasing the total investment returns and are not held for hedging purposes. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the total fair value of warrants were $2,191,466 and $54,977, respectively, and were included in investments at fair value on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. Total realized and unrealized gains related to warrants for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $319,073 and $39,862, respectively and were recorded on the consolidated statement of operations in those accounts. The warrants are received in connection with individual investments and are not subject to master netting arrangements. The Company acquired warrants in 3 portfolio companies during the year ended December 31, 2014.

In June 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-08 “Financial Services - Investment Companies (Topic 946) Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure Requirements” (“ASU 2013-08”). ASU 2013-08 clarifies the characteristics of an investment company and requires reporting entities to disclose information about the following items: (i) the type and amount of financial support provided to investee companies, including situations in which the Company assisted an investee in obtaining financial support, (ii) the primary reasons for providing the financial support, (iii) the type and amount of financial support the Company is contractually required to provide to an investee, but has not yet provided, and (iv) the primary reasons for the contractual requirement to provide the financial support. The Company adopted ASU 2013-08 for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 as the amendments in ASU 2013-08 are effective for an entity’s interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2013.

As part of the Company’s investment objective, in addition to purchasing loans on the secondary market, it makes loans directly to privately-held middle market companies to help provide these companies with capital as the trend of bank consolidation that has occurred over the last 20 years has reduced the amount of capital available for such companies. As of December 31, 2014, the Company held loans it has made directly to 47 investee companies with aggregate principal amounts of $476.4 million. As of December 31, 2013, the Company held loans it has made directly to 28 investee companies with aggregate principal amounts of $80.8 million. During the years ended December 31, 2014, the Company made 39 loans to investee companies, respectively, with aggregate principal amounts of $440.5 million. The details of the Company’s loans have been disclosed on the consolidated schedule of investments as well as in Note 4. In addition to providing loans to investee companies, from time to time the Company assists investee companies in securing financing from other sources by introducing such investee companies to sponsors or by leading a syndicate of lenders to provide the investee companies with financing. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not make any such introductions or lead any syndicates. Affiliates of the Company’s Advisor do not serve as officers or directors of any investee companies or provide managerial direction as part of their roles.

 

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In addition to the loans that the Company has provided, the Company has unfunded commitments to provide additional financings through undrawn term loans or revolving lines of credit. The details of such arrangements are disclosed in Note 11.

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements

The Company follows ASC 820 for measuring the fair value of portfolio investments. Fair value is the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters.

Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation models involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. The Company’s fair value analysis includes an analysis of the value of any unfunded loan commitments. Financial investments recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements are categorized for disclosure purposes based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. The valuation hierarchical levels are based upon the transparency of the inputs to the valuation of the investment as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

   

Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

 

   

Level 2—Valuations based on inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable at the measurement date. This category includes quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets including actionable bids from third parties for privately held assets or liabilities, and observable inputs other than quoted prices such as yield curves and forward currency rates that are entered directly into valuation models to determine the value of derivatives or other assets or liabilities.

 

   

Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and where there is little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. The inputs for the determination of fair value may require significant management judgment or estimation and is based upon management’s assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities. These investments include debt and equity investments in private companies or assets valued using the market or income approach and may involve pricing models whose inputs require significant judgment or estimation because of the absence of any meaningful current market data for identical or similar investments. The inputs in these valuations may include, but are not limited to, capitalization and discount rates, beta and EBITDA multiples. The information may also include pricing information or broker quotes which include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimer would result in classification as Level 3 information, assuming no additional corroborating evidence.

In addition to using the above inputs in investment valuations, the Company employs the valuation policy approved by the board of directors that is consistent with ASC 820 (see Note 2). Consistent with the Company’s valuation policy, the Company evaluates the source of inputs, including any markets in which the Company’s investments are trading, in determining fair value.

 

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The following table presents the fair value measurements of the Company’s total investments, by major class according to the fair value hierarchy, as of December 31, 2014:

 

Type of Investment

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Senior secured first lien term loans

   $       $       $ 335,182,650       $ 335,182,650   

Senior secured first lien notes

             10,794,887         42,904,613         53,699,500   

Senior secured second lien term loans

                     221,863,203         221,863,203   

Senior secured second lien notes

                     1,008,274         1,008,274   

Warrants/Equity

                     5,161,466         5,161,466   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $                 —       $   10,794,887       $ 606,120,206       $ 616,915,093   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Instrument-Long Exposure

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Liability

           

Total return swap with Citibank, N.A.

   $       $       $ 7,651,597       $ 7,651,597   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the fair value measurements of the Company’s total investments, by major class according to the fair value hierarchy, as of December 31, 2013:

 

Type of Investment

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Senior secured first lien term loans

   $       $       $ 28,583,326       $ 28,583,326   

Senior secured first lien notes

             5,509,312         41,917,999         47,427,311   

Senior secured second lien term loans

                     56,481,247         56,481,247   

Senior secured second lien notes

                     5,254,676         5,254,676   

Warrants/Equity

                     54,977         54,977   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $                 —       $     5,509,312       $ 132,292,225       $ 137,801,537   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Instrument-Long Exposure

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Asset

           

Total return swap with Citibank, N.A.

   $       $       $ 351,396       $ 351,396   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                     351,396         351,396   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for total investments that use Level 3 inputs for the year ended December 31, 2014 based off of fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2014:

 

    Senior
Secured
First Lien
Notes
    Senior
Secured
Second
Lien
Notes(2)
    Senior
Secured
First Lien
Term Loans
    Senior
Secured
Second Lien
Term Loans
    Warrants/
Equity
    Total
Return
Swap
    Total  

Balance, December 31, 2013

  $ 40,826,149      $ 6,346,526      $ 28,583,326      $ 56,481,247      $ 54,977      $ 351,396      $ 132,643,621   

Purchases

    54,677,725               380,092,810        227,164,713        4,718,478               666,653,726   

Sales

    (44,270,385     (5,257,512     (73,295,027     (59,601,135     (80,692            (182,504,751

Transfers in/(out)

    (8,765,921                                        (8,765,921

Amortization of discount/(premium)

    (25,065     9,741        107,134        232,377                      324,187   

Paid-in-kind interest income

                  114,379               268,401               382,780   

Net realized gains (losses)

    1,387,799        141,943        39,133        (29,992                   1,538,883   

Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation)

    (925,689     (232,424     (459,105     (2,384,007     200,302        (8,002,993     (11,803,916
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

  $ 42,904,613      $ 1,008,274      $ 335,182,650      $ 221,863,203      $ 5,161,466      $ (7,651,597   $ 598,468,609   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in investments held as of December 31, 2014(1)

  $ (612,315   $ (86,225   $ (752,448   $ (2,088,094   $ 437,133      $ (8,002,993   $ (11,104,942
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(1) Amount is included in the related amount on investments and derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.
(2) Includes assets previously classified as senior secured first lien notes.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are reported at the beginning of the reporting period in which they occur. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded $8,765,921 in transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 due to an increase in observable inputs in market data and no other transfers between levels.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for total investments that use Level 3 inputs for the year ended December 31, 2013 based off of fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2013:

 

     Senior
Secured
First Lien

Notes
    Senior
Secured
Second
Lien Notes
    Senior
Secured
First Lien

Term Loans
    Senior
Secured
Second Lien

Term Loans
    Warrants/
Equity
     Total
Return
Swap
     Total  

Balance, December 31, 2012

   $ 18,214,286      $ 4,336,912      $ 1,962,630      $ 2,928,247      $ 15,115       $       $ 27,457,190   

Purchases

     32,361,031        8,413,823        28,305,402        57,666,279        9,021                 126,755,556   

Sales

     (8,618,478     (8,218,562     (1,665,340     (4,372,805                     (22,875,185

Transfers in

            1,659,221                                      1,659,221   

Transfers out

            (1,508,330                                   (1,508,330

Amortization of discount/(premium)

     (70,796     7,674        3,929        5,556                        (53,637

Paid-in-kind interest income

                   580                               580   

Net realized gains

     (306,571     422,374        9,955        21,621                        147,379   

Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation)

     338,527        141,564        (33,830     232,349        30,841         351,396         1,060,847   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

   $ 41,917,999      $ 5,254,676      $ 28,583,326      $ 56,481,247      $ 54,977       $ 351,396       $ 132,643,621   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in investments still held as of December 31, 2013 (1)

   $ 79,617      $ 90,431      $ (33,858   $ 221,794      $ 54,803       $ 351,396       $ 764,183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Amount is included in the related amount on investments and derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are reported at the beginning of the reporting period in which they occur. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded $1,508,330 of transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 due to an increase in observable market data and $1,659,221, in transfers from Level 2 to Level 3 due to a decrease in observable market data.

 

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The following table presents the quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements of the Company’s total investments, as of December 31, 2014:

 

     Fair Value     Valuation techniques(1)   Unobservable
input(1)
  Range (weighted
average)
 

Senior secured first lien term loans

     $335,182,650      Income approach (DCF)   Market yield     7.23% - 17.63% (10.60%
     Market Approach (Recent
Acquisition Price)
  Market yield     7.50% -13.03% (10.11%

Senior secured first lien notes

     $42,904,613      Income approach (DCF)   Market yield     8.50% - 16.30% (11.02%
     Enterprise valuation
analysis
  EBITDA multiple(2)
Estimated liquidation

proceeds

   
 
 
4.00x - 8.00x (2.00x)
$189.1M - $222.4M
($205.8M)
  
  
  

Senior secured second lien term loans

     $221,863,203      Income approach (DCF)   Market yield     6.71% -15.27% (10.55%
     Market Approach (Recent
Acquisition Price)
  Recent arms-length
transaction
    8.50% -10.96% (10.32%

Senior secured second lien notes

     1,008,274      Income approach (DCF)   Market yield     12.16% -12.16% (12.16%

Warrants/Equity

     $5,161,466      Enterprise valuation
analysis
  Estimated liquidation
proceeds
      
     Market approach (Guideline
Comparable)
  EBITDA multiple(2)     3.50x (14.00x
     Income Approach (DCF)   EBITDA multiple(2)     13.14% - 13.14% (13.14%

Total return swap

     $(7,651,597   Market Approach (Recent
Acquisition Price)
  Recent arms-length
transaction
    N/A   
     Income approach (DCF)   Market yield of
underlying assets
    5.84% - 14.87% (8.43%

 

(1) For purposes of the Company’s description of its valuation techniques in the table above, the prior year presentation has been updated to conform to that of the current year. In the prior year, the Company’s valuation technique of utilizing third party market yields to derive a discount rate in estimating the fair value of our debt investments was described as a market approach as it utilized third party yield data. In the current year, we have re-categorized this technique as an Income Approach (DCF). In the prior year, our valuation technique of estimating the fair value of our investments using EBITDA multiples was categorized as an Enterprise Valuation Analysis. In the current year we have re-categorized this technique as a Market Approach (Guideline Comparable).
(2) Represents amounts used when the Company has determined that market participants would use such multiples when measuring the fair value of these investments.

The following table presents the quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements of the Company’s total investments, as of December 31, 2013:

 

    Fair Value     Valuation techniques(1)   Unobservable input(1)   Range (weighted
average)
 

Senior secured first lien term loans

    $28,583,326      Income approach (DCF)   Market yield     5.66% - 10.51% (9.52%)  

Senior secured first lien notes

    $41,595,255      Income approach (DCF)   Market yield     7.35% - 15.05% (10.22%)   
    $322,744      Enterprise valuation analysis   Estimated liquidation proceeds     $189.0M - $222.4M   
          ($205.8M)   

Senior secured second lien term loans

    $56,481,247      Income approach (DCF)   Market yield     8.05% - 11.83% (9.65%)   

Senior secured second lien notes

    $5,254,676      Income approach (DCF)   Market yield     7.59% - 10.67% (9.23%)   

Warrants/Equity

    $54,977      Enterprise valuation analysis   EBITDA multiple(2)     5.00x (5.00x)   
      Liquidation proceeds     $189.0M - $222.4M   
          ($205.8M)   

Total return swap

    $351,396      Income approach (DCF)   Market yield of underlying assets     5.16% - 10.18% (8.49%)   

 

(1) For purposes of the Company’s description of its valuation techniques in the table above, the prior year presentation has been updated to conform to that of the current year. In the prior year, the Company’s valuation technique of utilizing third party market yields to derive a discount rate in estimating the fair value of our debt investments was described as a market approach as it utilized third party yield data. In the current year, we have re-categorized this technique as an Income Approach (DCF). In the prior year, our valuation technique of estimating the fair value of our investments using EBITDA multiples was categorized as an Enterprise Valuation Analysis. In the current year we have re-categorized this technique as a Market Approach (Guideline Comparable).
(2) Represents amounts used when the Company has determined that market participants would use such multiples when measuring the fair value of these investments.

 

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The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s debt and derivative investments are market yields. Significant increases in market yields would result in significantly lower fair value measurements.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s warrants/equity investments are comparable company EBITDA multiples. Significant decreases in EBITDA multiples in isolation would result in significantly lower fair value measurements.

Note 5. Total Return Swap

On August 27, 2013, the Company, through its wholly-owned financing subsidiary, Arbor Funding LLC (“Arbor”), entered into a total return swap (“TRS”) with Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”) that is indexed to a basket of loans.

The TRS with Citibank enables Arbor, to obtain the economic benefit of the loans underlying the TRS, despite the fact that such loans will not be directly held or otherwise owned by Arbor, in return for an interest-type payment to Citibank.

SIC Advisors acts as the investment manager of Arbor and has discretion over the composition of the basket of loans underlying the TRS. The terms of the TRS are governed by an ISDA 2002 Master Agreement, the Schedule thereto and Credit Support Annex to such Schedule, and the Confirmation exchanged thereunder, between Arbor and Citibank, which collectively establish the TRS, and are collectively referred to herein as the “TRS Agreement”. On March 21, 2014, the Company amended and restated its Confirmation Letter Agreement (the “Amended Confirmation Agreement”) with Citibank. The Amended Confirmation Agreement increases the maximum market value (determined at the time each such loan becomes subject to the TRS) of the portfolio of loans that Arbor may select from $100,000,000 to $200,000,000, and increased the interest rate payable to Citibank from LIBOR plus 1.30% per annum to LIBOR plus 1.35% per annum. Other than the foregoing, the Amended Confirmation Agreement did not change any of the other terms of the TRS.

On July 23, 2014, the Company, through Arbor, entered into the Second Amended and Restated Confirmation Letter Agreement (the “Second Amended Confirmation Agreement”) with Citi. The Second Amended Confirmation Agreement increases the maximum market value (determined at the time each such loan becomes subject to the TRS) of the portfolio of loans that Arbor may select from $200,000,000 to $350,000,000. Other than the foregoing, the Second Amended Confirmation Agreement did not change any of the other terms of the TRS.

Pursuant to the terms of the TRS Agreement, as amended by the Second Amended Confirmation Agreement, and subject to conditions customary for transactions of this nature, Arbor may select a portfolio of loans with a maximum market value (determined at the time each such loan becomes subject to the TRS) of $350,000,000, which is also referred to as the maximum notional amount of the TRS. Each individual loan, and the portfolio of loans taken as a whole, must meet criteria described in the Amended TRS Agreement. Arbor receives from Citibank a periodic payment on set dates that is based upon any coupons, both earned and accrued, generated by the loans underlying the TRS, subject to limitations described in the Amended TRS Agreement as well as any fees associated with the loans included in the portfolio. Arbor pays to Citibank interest at a rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.35% per annum. In addition, upon the termination or repayment of any loan subject to the TRS, Arbor either receives from Citibank the appreciation in the value of such loan, or pays to Citibank any depreciation in the value of such loan.

Citibank may terminate the TRS on or after the second anniversary of the effectiveness of the TRS. SIC Advisors may terminate the TRS on behalf of Arbor at any time upon providing 10 days prior notice to Citibank. Any termination by SIC Advisors on behalf of Arbor prior to the second anniversary of the effectiveness of the TRS will result in payment of an early termination fee to Citibank. The early termination fee shall equal the

 

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present value of the following two cash flows: (a) interest payments at a rate equal 1.35% based on 70% of the maximum notional amount of $350,000,000, payable from the later of the first anniversary of the effectiveness of the TRS or the termination date until the second anniversary of the effectiveness of the TRS and (b) interest payments at a rate equal to 0.15% based on the maximum notional amount of $350,000,000, payable from the later of the first anniversary of the effectiveness of the TRS or the termination date until the second anniversary of the effectiveness of the TRS.

Arbor is required to pay a minimum usage fee in connection with the TRS of 1.35% on the amount equal to 85% of the average daily unused portion of the maximum amount permitted under the TRS. Such minimum usage fee will not apply during the first 365 days and last 60 days of the term of the TRS. Arbor will also pay Citibank customary fees in connection with the establishment and maintenance of the TRS. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Arbor did not pay any minimum usage fees.

Arbor is required to initially cash collateralize a specified percentage of each loan (generally 25% to 35% of the market value of such loan) included under the TRS in accordance with margin requirements described in the Amended TRS Agreement. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Arbor has posted $56,877,928 and $6,706,159, respectively, in collateral to Citibank in relation to the TRS which is recorded on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as cash collateral on total return swap. Arbor may be required to post additional collateral from time to time as a result of a decline in the mark-to-market value of the portfolio of loans subject to the TRS. The obligations of Arbor under the Amended TRS Agreement are non-recourse to the Company and the Company’s exposure under the Amended TRS Agreement is limited to the value of the Company’s investment in Arbor, which generally equals the value of cash collateral provided by Arbor under the Amended TRS Agreement.

In connection with the TRS, Arbor has made customary representations and warranties and is required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar transactions. In addition to customary events of default and termination events included in the form ISDA 2002 Master Agreement, the Amended TRS Agreement contains the following termination events: (a) a failure to satisfy the portfolio criteria for at least 30 days; (b) a failure to post initial cash collateral or additional collateral as required by the Amended TRS Agreement; (c) a default by Arbor or the Company with respect to indebtedness in an amount equal to or greater than the lesser of $10,000,000 and 2% of the Company’s net asset value at such time; (d) a merger of Arbor or the Company meeting certain criteria; (e) the Company or Arbor amending their respective constituent documents to alter their investment strategy in a manner that has or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect; and (f) SIC Advisors ceasing to be the investment manager of Arbor or to have authority to enter into transactions under the Amended TRS Agreement on behalf of Arbor, and not being replaced by an entity reasonably acceptable to Citibank. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company did not have any derivatives with contingent features in net liability positions. Therefore, if a trigger event had occurred, no amount would have been required to be posted by the Company.

The Company’s maximum credit risk exposure as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is $56,877,928 and $6,706,159, respectively, which is recorded on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as cash collateral on total return swap.

The Company’s receivable from Citibank represents realized amounts from payments on underlying loans in the total return swap portfolio which as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $1,095,582 and $155,317, respectively, which is recorded on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as receivable due on total return swap. The Company does not offset collateral posted in relation to the TRS with any unrealized appreciation or depreciation outstanding in the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

Transactions in total return swap contracts during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 resulted in and $6,387,860 and $155,317 in realized gains/(losses) and $(8,002,993) and $351,396 in unrealized gains/(losses), respectively, which is recorded on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

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The Company only held one derivative position as of the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the derivative held is subject to a netting arrangement. The following table represents the Company’s gross and net amounts after offset under Master Agreements (“MA”) of the derivative assets and liabilities presented by derivative type net of the related collateral pledged by the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

    Gross
Derivative  Assets/

(Liabilities)
Subject to MA
    Derivative Amount
Available for
Offset
    Net Amount Presented
in the Consolidated
Statements of Assets
and Liabilities
    Cash
Collateral
Received
    Net Amount  of
Derivative
Assets/(Liabilities)
 

December 31, 2014

                             

Total Return Swap(1)

  $ (7,651,597   $      $ (7,651,597   $      $ (7,651,597

December 31, 2013

                             

Total Return Swap(1)

  $ 351,396      $      $ 351,396      $      $ 351,396   

 

(1)

Cash was posted for initial margin requirements for the total return swap as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and is reported on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as cash collateral on total return swap.

The following represents the volume of the Company’s derivative transactions during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Year ended
December 31
 
     2014      2013  

Average notional par amount of contracts

   $ 141,623,592       $ 13,545,525 (1) 

 

(1) 

Position was open for four months during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

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The following is a summary of the TRS reference assets as of December 31, 2014:

 

Company(1)

  Industry   Type of
Investment
  Coupon
Rate
  Maturity     Par
Amount
    Initial
Notional
Cost(2)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Answsers Corporation

  Electronics   Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
5.250%,
1.00%
Floor
    10/1/2021        15,000,000      $ 14,475,000      $ 14,212,500      $ (262,500

ANVC Merger Corp.

  Aerospace and
Defense
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.500%,
1.00%
Floor
    2/18/2021        4,962,500        4,912,875        4,863,250        (49,625

AP Gaming I, LLC

  Electronics   Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
8.250%,
1.000%
Floor
    12/18/2020        6,699,375        6,498,394        6,665,878        167,484   

Asurion Corporation

  Insurance   Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
3.750%,
1.25%
Floor
    5/24/2019        9,897,301        9,896,070        9,754,186        (141,884

Atkore International, Inc.

  Mining, Steel,
Iron, and
Nonprecious
Metals
  Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
6.750%,
1.00%
Floor
    10/9/2021        10,000,000        10,032,500        9,750,000        (282,500

Bowlmore AMF Corporation

 

Broadcasting and
Entertainment

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
6.250%,
1.00%
Floor
    9/18/2021        9,000,000        8,865,000        8,820,000        (45,000

Collective Brands Finance Inc.

 

Retail Stores

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.000%,
1.00%
Floor
    3/11/2021        5,970,000        5,947,613        5,432,700        (514,913

Encompass Digital Media, Inc.

 

Broadcasting and
Entertainment

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.500%,
1.000%
Floor
    6/6/2021        4,987,500        4,962,563        4,943,859        (18,704

Fieldwood Energy LLC

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
7.125%,
1.250%
Floor
    9/30/2020        4,246,305        4,317,500        3,075,557        (1,241,943

Flexera Software, Inc.

  Electronics   Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
7.000%,
1.000%
Floor
    4/2/2021        2,250,000        2,266,875        2,183,667        (83,208

Genex Services, Inc.

  Insurance   Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.250%,
1.000%
Floor
    5/21/2021        1,995,000        1,985,025        1,977,544        (7,481

Hudson Products Holdings, Inc.

 

Machinery
(Non-Agriculture,
Non-Construction,
Non-Electronic)

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.000%,
1.000%
Floor
    3/15/2019        1,975,000        1,965,125        1,897,639        (67,486

Iqor US, Inc.

  Diversified/
Conglomerate
Service
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
5.00%,
1.000%
Floor
    4/1/2021        7,746,032        7,591,111        7,126,349        (464,762

Isola USA

  Electronics   Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
8.250%,
1.000%
Floor
    11/23/2018        3,925,000        3,866,125        3,962,768        96,643   

Livingston International, Inc.

 

Cargo Transport

  Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
7.750%,
1.250%
Floor(1)(3)
    4/16/2020        1,954,783        1,969,443        1,879,187        (90,256

Maxim Crane Works LP

  Diversified/
Conglomerate
Service
  Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
9.250%,
1.000%
Floor
    11/26/2018        3,500,000        3,567,500        3,517,500        (50,000

Mohegan Tribal Gaming

  Hotels, Motels,
Inns and Gaming
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.500%,
1.000%
Floor
    11/19/2019        1,985,000        1,965,150        1,903,833        (61,317

 

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Table of Contents

Company(1)

  Industry   Type of
Investment
  Coupon
Rate
  Maturity     Par
Amount
    Initial
Notional
Cost(2)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Nine West Holdings, Inc.

  Retail Stores   Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
3.750%,
1.000%
Floor
    10/8/2019        5,985,000        5,970,038        5,588,494        (381,544

Packaging Coordinators, Inc.

 

Containers,
Packaging, and
Glass

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.250%,
1.000%
Floor
    8/1/2021        5,000,000        4,950,000        4,812,500        (137,500

Pharmed Group Corporation

 

Healthcare,
Education, and
Childcare

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
3.250%,
1.000%
Floor
    1/28/2021        485,000        482,575        468,834        (13,741

Pharmed Group Corporation

 

Healthcare,
Education, and
Childcare

  Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
6.750%,
1.000%
Floor
    1/28/2022        5,000,000        4,975,000        4,937,500        (37,500

Polymer Group, Inc.

  Containers,
Packaging,
and Glass
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.250%,
1.000%
Floor
    12/19/2019        3,979,360        3,974,397        3,914,695        (59,702

Preferred Sands Holding Company, LLC

 

Mining, Steel,
Iron, and
Nonprecious
Metals

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
5.750%,
1.000%
Floor
    7/31/2020        7,000,000        6,930,000        5,775,000        (1,155,000

Sungard Availability Services Capital, Inc.

 

Diversified/
Conglomerate
Service

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
5.000%,
1.000%
Floor
    3/31/2019        11,940,000        11,887,763        10,578,840        (1,308,923

Tensar Corp.

  Diversified/
Conglomerate
Manufacturing
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.750%,
1.000%
Floor
    7/9/2021        12,000,000        11,880,000        10,740,000        (1,140,000

Thomson Multimedia

  Printing and
Publishing
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
6.000%,
1.000%
Floor
    3/31/2020        5,970,000        6,073,281        5,902,838        (170,443

Travelclick, Inc.

  Hotels,
Motels, Inns
and Gaming
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.500%,
1.250%
Floor
    5/12/2021        14,963,449        14,813,815        14,738,998        (74,817

Tribune Publishing Co.

  Printing and
Publishing
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.750%,
1.000%
Floor
    8/4/2021        10,000,000        9,920,000        9,850,000        (70,000

Viking Acquisition, Inc.

  Automobile   Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
4.250%,
1.250%
Floor
    11/5/2016        3,660,571        3,665,146        3,613,276        (51,870

Visant Corporation

  Diversified/
Conglomerate
Manufacturing
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
6.000%,
1.000%
Floor
    9/23/2021        15,000,000        14,700,000        14,550,000        (150,000

YP, LLC

  Diversified/
Conglomerate
Services
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
6.750%,
1.250%
Floor
    6/4/2018        4,260,870        4,292,826        4,268,709        (24,117

YRC Worldwide, Inc.

  Cargo
Transport
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term loans
  LIBOR +
7.000%,
1.000%
Floor
    2/13/2019        9,937,437        9,925,124        9,831,902        (93,222
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $ 209,523,834      $ 201,538,003      $ (7,985,831

Total accrued interest income, net of expenses

                  334,234   
               

 

 

 

Total unrealized depreciation on total return swap

                $ (7,651,597

 

(1)

All investments are domiciled in the United States except for Livingston International, Inc., which is domiciled in Canada.

(2)

Represents the initial amount of par of an investment in which the TRS is referenced.

(3)

The investment is not a qualifying asset under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

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Table of Contents

The following is a summary of the TRS reference assets as of December 31, 2013:

 

Company(1)

  Industry   Type of
Investment
  Coupon
Rate
  Maturity     Par
Amount
    Initial
Notional
Cost(2)
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.

 

Broadcasting and
Entertainment

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
7.500%,

1.250%
Floor

    6/29/2018        2,981,250      $ 2,966,345      $ 2,988,703      $ 22,358   

AP Gaming I, LLC

  Electronics   Senior Secured
First Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
8.250%,

1.000%
Floor(3)

    12/18/2020        6,750,000        6,547,500        6,581,250        33,750   

El Pollo Loco Inc.

  Personal, Food,
and Miscellaneous
Services
  Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
8.500%,

1.000%
Floor

    4/9/2019        1,500,000        1,485,000        1,507,500        22,500   

Fieldwood Energy LLC

  Oil and Gas   Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
7.125%,

1.250%
Floor

    9/30/2020        1,000,000        970,000        1,020,000        50,000   

Greenway Medical Technologies, Inc.

 

Healthcare,
Education, and
Childcare

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
5.000%,

1.000%
Floor

    11/2/2020        1,500,000        1,485,000        1,492,500        7,500   

Isola USA

  Diversified/
Conglomerate
Service
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
8.250%,

1.000%
Floor

    11/23/2018        4,000,000        3,940,000        4,020,000        80,000   

Livingston International, Inc.

 

Diversified/
Conglomerate
Manufacturing

  Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
7.750%,

1.250%
Floor(1)(4)

    4/18/2020        1,954,783        1,969,443        1,976,813        7,370   

Maxim Crane Works Holdings, Inc.

 

Diversified/
Conglomerate
Service

  Senior Secured
Second Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
9.250%,

1.000%
Floor(3)

    11/26/2018        500,000        492,500        501,250        8,750   

McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

 

Healthcare,
Education, and
Childcare

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
7.750%,

1.250%
Floor

    3/22/2019        1,994,987        2,024,912        2,029,062        4,150   

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority

 

Hotels, Motels,
Inns, and Gaming

  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
4.500%,

1.000%
Floor

    11/19/2019        2,000,000        1,980,000        2,028,760        48,760   

Polymer Group Inc.

  Containers,
Packaging, and
Glass
  Senior Secured
First Lien
Term Loan
  LIBOR +
4.250%,

1.000%
Floor(3)

    12/13/2019        1,000,000        995,000        1,004,380        9,380   
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $ 24,855,700      $ 25,150,218      $ 294,518   

Total accrued interest income, net of expenses

                  56,878   
               

 

 

 

Total unrealized appreciation on total return swap

                $ 351,396   

 

(1)

All investments are domiciled in the United States except for Livingston International, Inc., which is domiciled in Canada.

(2)

Represents the initial amount of par of an investment in which the TRS is referenced.

(3)

The referenced asset or portion thereof is unsettled as of December 31, 2013.

(4)

The investment is not a qualifying asset under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Note 6. Borrowings

As a BDC, the Company is only allowed to employ leverage to the extent that its asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after giving effect to such leverage. The amount of leverage that the Company employs at any time depends on its assessment of the market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.

 

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Table of Contents

The fair value of the Company’s debt obligation is determined in accordance with ASC 820, which defines fair value in terms of the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The fair value of the Company’s margin borrowings are estimated based upon market interest rates for its own borrowings or entities with similar credit risk, adjusted for nonperformance risk, if any. The Company’s debt obligation is recorded at its carrying value, which approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2014, Alpine’s borrowings under the Alpine Credit Facility totaled $121,500,000 and was recorded as part of revolving credit facility payable on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

Prime Brokerage Agreement

Prior to December 4, 2013 the Company maintained a prime brokerage account and margin borrowing facility (the “Margin Facility”) with Barclays Capital Inc. (“Barclays”) for investment purposes that was based on the fair value of investments held at Barclays as determined by Barclays. The prime brokerage account and margin borrowing facility was closed on December 4, 2013.

ING Credit Facility

On November 24, 2014, the Company entered into Amendment 3 to its existing senior secured syndicated revolving credit facility (the “ING Credit Facility”) pursuant to a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) with certain lenders party thereto from time to time and ING Capital LLC, as administrative agent. The ING Credit Facility matures on December 4, 2017 and is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, subject to certain exclusions as further set forth in a Guarantee, Pledge and Security Agreement (the “Security Agreement”) entered into in connection with the Revolving Credit Agreement, among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, ING Capital LLC, as Administrative Agent, each Financial Agent and Designated Indebtedness Holder party thereto and ING Capital LLC, as Collateral Agent. The ING Credit Facility also includes usual and customary representations, covenants and events of default for senior secured revolving credit facilities of this nature.

The ING Credit Facility allows for the Company, at its option, to borrow money at a rate of either (i) an alternate base rate plus 1.75% per annum or (ii) LIBOR plus 2.75% per annum. The interest rate margins are subject to certain step-downs upon the satisfaction of certain conditions described in the Revolving Credit Agreement. The alternate base rate will be the greatest of (i) the U.S. Prime Rate set forth in the Wall Street Journal, (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1%, and (iii) three month LIBOR plus 1%. As of December 31, 2014, the commitment under the ING Credit Facility was $150,000,000, and the ING Credit Facility includes an accordion feature that allows for potential future expansion of the ING Credit Facility up to a total of $500,000,000. Availability of loans under the ING Credit Facility is linked to the valuation of the collateral pursuant to a borrowing base mechanism.

The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders based on the daily unused portion of the aggregate commitments under the ING Credit Facility. The commitment fee is (i) 0.50% for the initial six month period commencing on the closing date and (ii) thereafter, 1% of the aggregate unused commitments if the used portion of the aggregate commitments is less than or equal to 35% of the aggregate commitments, or 0.50% if the used portion of the aggregate commitments is greater than 35% of the aggregate commitments. The ING Credit Facility provides that the Company may use the proceeds of the facility for general corporate purposes, including making investments in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategy.

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement are subject to, among other things, a minimum borrowing base. Substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral under the Revolving Credit Agreement. The ING Credit Facility requires the Company to, among other things (i) make representations and warranties regarding the collateral as well the Company’s business and operations, (ii) agree to certain indemnification obligations, and (iii) agree to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants. The

 

F-41


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documents for the Revolving Credit Agreement also include default provisions, such as the failure to make timely payments under the Revolving Credit Agreement, the occurrence of a change in control, and the failure by the Company to materially perform under the operative agreements governing the Revolving Credit Agreement, which, if not complied with, could accelerate repayment under the Revolving Credit Agreement, thereby materially and adversely affecting the Company’s liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

In connection with the security interest established under the Security Agreement, the Company, ING Capital LLC, in its capacity as collateral agent, and State Street Bank and Trust Company, in its capacity as the Company’s custodian, entered into a Control Agreement dated as of December 4, 2013 (the “Control Agreement”), in order to, among other things, perfect the security interest granted pursuant to the Security Agreement in, and provide for control over, the related collateral.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013 the carrying amount of the Company’s borrowings under the ING Credit Facility approximated their fair value. The fair value of the Company’s debt obligation is determined in accordance with ASC 820, which defines fair value in terms of the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The fair value of the Company’s borrowing under the ING Credit Facility is estimated based upon market interest rates of the Company’s borrowing or entities with similar credit risk, adjusted for nonperformance risk, if any. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the ING Credit Facility would be deemed to be Level 3, as defined in Note 4.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $1,992,919 and $1,150,139 of financing costs related to the ING Credit Facility have been capitalized and are being amortized over the respective terms, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded $2,653,616 and $215,059, respectively, of interest and financing expenses related to the ING Credit Facility, of which $2,049,638 and $179,505 was attributable to interest and $603,978 and $35,554 was attributable to amortization of deferred financing costs, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s outstanding borrowings under the ING Credit Facility were $115,000,000 and $16,000,000, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company’s weighted average outstanding debt balance and interest rate on the ING Credit Facility was $58,538,462 and 3.2%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company’s weighted average outstanding debt balance and interest rate on the ING Credit Facility was $1,008,219 and 0.2%, respectively.

Alpine Credit Facility

On July 23, 2014, the Company’s newly-formed, wholly-owned, special purpose financing subsidiary, Alpine Funding LLC (“Alpine”), entered into a revolving credit facility (the “Alpine Credit Facility”) pursuant to a Loan Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent and lender, the Financing Providers from time to time party thereto, SIC Advisors LLC, as the portfolio manager, and the Collateral Administrator, Collateral Agent and Securities Intermediary party thereto (the “Loan Agreement”). Alpine’s obligations to JPMorgan under the Alpine Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Alpine, including its portfolio of loans. The obligations of Alpine under the Alpine Credit Facility are non-recourse to the Company.

The Alpine Credit Facility provides for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount up to $150,000,000 on a committed basis. Borrowings under the Alpine Credit Facility are subject to compliance with a net asset value coverage ratio with respect to the current value of Alpine’s portfolio and various eligibility criteria must be satisfied with respect to the initial acquisition of each loan in Alpine’s portfolio. Any amounts borrowed under the Alpine Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest thereunder will be due and payable, on January 23, 2019.

Pricing under the Alpine Credit Facility for each one month calculation period is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for an interest period of one month, plus a spread of 3.25% per annum. If LIBOR is unavailable, pricing will be determined at the prime rate offered by JPMorgan or the federal funds

 

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effective rate, plus a spread of 3.25% per annum. Interest is payable monthly in arrears. Beginning February 22, 2015, Alpine will be required to pay a non-usage fee equal to 0.50% on the average daily unused amount of the financing commitments to the extent the aggregate principal amount available under the Alpine Credit Facility has not been borrowed. Alpine also paid a set-up fee and incurred certain other customary costs and expenses in connection with obtaining the Alpine Credit Facility.

Borrowings of Alpine will be considered borrowings of the Company for purposes of complying with the asset coverage requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940 Act, as amended, applicable to business development companies.

Pursuant to a Sale and Contribution Agreement entered into between the Company and Alpine (the “Sale Agreement”) in connection with the Alpine Credit Facility, the Company may sell loans or contribute cash or loans to Alpine from time to time and will retain a residual interest in any assets contributed through its ownership of Alpine or will receive fair market value for any assets sold to Alpine. In certain circumstances the Company may be required to repurchase certain loans sold to Alpine. In addition to the acquisition of loans pursuant to the Sale Agreement, Alpine may purchase additional assets from various sources. Alpine has appointed SIC Advisors LLC to manage its portfolio of assets pursuant to the terms of a Portfolio Management Agreement between SIC Advisors LLC and Alpine.

As of December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of the Company’s borrowings under the Alpine Credit Facility approximated the fair value. The fair value of the Company’s debt obligation is determined in accordance with ASC 820, which defines fair value in terms of the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The fair value of the Company’s borrowing under the Alpine Credit Facility is estimated based upon market interest rates of the Company’s borrowing or entities with similar credit risk, adjusted for nonperformance risk, if any. At December 31, 2014, the Alpine Credit Facility would be deemed to be Level 3, as defined in Note 4.

As of December 31, 2014, $1,050,000 of financing costs related to the Alpine Credit Facility has been capitalized and is being amortized over the respective terms. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded $1,192,092 of interest and financing expenses related to the Alpine Credit Facility, of which $1,088,751 was attributable to interest and $103,341 was attributable to amortization of deferred financing costs. As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s outstanding borrowing under the Alpine Credit Facility was $121,500,000. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the weighted average outstanding debt balance and interest rate on the Alpine Credit Facility was $34,730,769 and 1.6%.

Note 7. Agreements

Investment Advisory Agreement

On April 15, 2012, the Company entered into an investment advisory agreement (“IAA”) with SIC Advisors to manage the Company’s investment activities. The IAA became effective as of April 17, 2012, the date that the Company met its minimum offering requirement. Pursuant to the 1940 Act, the initial term of the IAA was for two years from its effective date, with one-year renewals subject to approval by the Company’s board of directors, a majority of whom must be independent directors. On March 12, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved the renewal of the IAA for an additional one-year term at an in-person meeting. Pursuant to the IAA, SIC Advisors implements the Company’s business strategy on a day-to-day basis and performs certain services for the Company, subject to oversight by the Company’s board of directors. SIC Advisors is responsible for, among other duties, determining investment criteria, sourcing, analyzing and executing investment transactions, asset sales, financings and performing asset management duties. Under the IAA, the Company has agreed to pay SIC Advisors a management fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of a base management fee and an incentive fee.

The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% of the Company’s gross assets payable quarterly in arrears. For purposes of calculating the base management fee, the term “gross assets” includes any

 

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assets acquired with the proceeds of leverage. “Gross assets” also includes any cash collateral posted with respect to the TRS, adjusted for realized and unrealized appreciation. For the first quarter of the Company’s operations, the base management fee was calculated based on the initial value of the Company’s gross assets. Subsequently, the base management fee is calculated based on the gross assets at the end of each completed calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial quarter are appropriately prorated. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company recorded an expense for base management fees of $8,976,657, $1,906,386, and $319,530, respectively, of which $3,271,387, $814,655, and $171,317 were payable at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

The incentive fee consists of the following two parts:

An incentive fee on net investment income (“subordinated incentive fee on income”) is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and is based upon pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding quarter. No subordinated incentive fee on income is payable in any calendar quarter in which pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed a quarterly return to stockholders of 1.75% per quarter on the Company’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter (the “Preferred Quarterly Return”). All pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the Preferred Quarterly Return, but is less than or equal to 2.1875% of net assets at the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter in any quarter, will be payable to SIC Advisors. The Company refers to this portion of its Subordinated Incentive Fee on Income as the “Catch Up”. It is intended to provide an incentive fee of 20% on pre-incentive fee net investment income when pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% of net assets at the end of the immediately preceding quarter in any quarter. For any quarter in which the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% of net assets at the end of the immediately preceding quarter, the Subordinated Incentive Fee on Income shall equal 20% of the amount of pre-incentive fee net investment income, because the Preferred Quarterly Return and Catch Up will have been achieved. There is no incentive on net investment income earned on the TRS.

A capital gains incentive fee will be earned on realized investments and shall be payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year during which the IAA is in effect. If the IAA is terminated, the fee will also become payable as of the effective date of such termination. The fee equals 20% of the realized capital gains, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gains incentive fees. Incentive fee on capital gains is equal to realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis. There is no capital gains incentive fee earned on the TRS.

Under GAAP, the Company calculates capital gains incentive fees as if the Company had realized all assets at their fair values and liabilities at their settlement amounts as of the reporting date. GAAP requires that the capital gains incentive fee accrual assume the cumulative aggregate unrealized capital appreciation is realized, even though such unrealized capital appreciation is not payable under the IAA. Accordingly, the Company accrues a provisional capital gains incentive fee taking into account any unrealized gains or losses. There can be no assurance that such unrealized capital appreciation will be realized in the future and that the provisional capital gains incentive fee will become payable.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company recorded a change in provisional capital gains incentive fee of $(183,617), $182,989, $628, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company recorded a provisional capital gains incentive fee payable of $0, $182,989 and $628, respectively.

Prior to June 2, 2014, SIC Advisors bore all organizational and offering expenses, as defined in the IAA, on behalf of the Company until the Company’s gross proceeds in connection with the sale of its common stock exceeded $300,000,000. As of June 2, 2014, the Company is responsible for all ongoing organization and offering expenses.

 

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Pursuant to the terms of the IAA, the Company has agreed to reimburse SIC Advisors for any such organizational and offering expenses incurred by SIC Advisors (“O&O Reimbursable Expenses”) not to exceed 1.25% of the gross subscriptions raised by the Company over the course of the offering period, which is currently scheduled to terminate April 17, 2016, unless further extended.

In the event that other organizational and offering expenses exceed 5.25% of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to its public offering or one or more private offerings at the time of the completion of the offering or other organizational and offering expenses, together with selling commissions, dealer manager fees and any discounts paid to members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, exceed 15% of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to its public offering or one or more private offerings at the time of the completion of the offering, then SIC Advisors shall be required to pay without reimbursement from the Company, or, if already paid by the Company, reimburse the Company, for amounts exceeding such 5.25% and 15% limit, as appropriate.

For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the period from June 13, 2011 (inception) through December 31, 2012, SIC Advisors incurred O&O Reimbursable Expenses of $1,880,248, $1,066,517, and $2,984,676, respectively. Of the total $5,931,441 O&O Reimbursable Expenses incurred from inception through December 31, 2014, $4,599,762, $1,784,559, and $272,205 were recorded as reimbursement expense to SIC Advisors during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company made reimbursement payments to SIC Advisors of $4,640,250, $1,761,943 and $328,132, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $73,799 and $33,311 have been accrued and are reflected in the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as part of due to affiliate, respectively. The remaining unreimbursed amount will be eligible for reimbursement to the extent the Company receives subscriptions until April 17, 2016, which is the currently scheduled date that the offering period ends, unless it is extended. O&O Reimbursable Expenses paid for by SIC Advisors and reimbursed by the Company will be expensed on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Administration Agreement

On April 5, 2012, the Company entered into an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with Medley Capital LLC, pursuant to which Medley Capital LLC furnishes the Company with administrative services necessary to conduct its day-to-day operations. On March 12, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved the renewal of the Administration Agreement for an additional one-year term at an in-person meeting. Medley Capital LLC is reimbursed for administrative expenses it incurs on the Company’s behalf in performing its obligations. Such costs are reasonably allocated to the Company on the basis of assets, revenues, time records or other reasonable methods. The Company does not reimburse Medley Capital LLC for any services for which it receives a separate fee or for rent, depreciation, utilities, capital equipment or other administrative items allocated to a controlling person of Medley Capital LLC. Medley Capital LLC is an affiliate of SIC Advisors. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded an expense of $1,300,971, $592,585, and $375,677, relating to administrator expenses. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $450,058 and $152,162 in administrator expenses payable, respectively.

Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement

On June 29, 2012, the Company entered into an Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement (the “Expense Support Agreement”) with SIC Advisors. Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, SIC Advisors has agreed to reimburse the Company for operating expenses in an amount equal to the difference between distributions paid to the Company’s stockholders in each month, less the sum of the Company’s net investment income, the Company’s net realized capital gains and dividends paid to the Company from its portfolio companies during such period (“Expense Support Reimbursement”). To the extent that no dividends or other distributions are paid to the Company’s stockholders in any given month, then the Expense Support Reimbursement for such month shall be equal to such amount necessary in order for Available Operating Funds

 

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for the month to equal zero. The terms of the Expense Support Agreement commenced as of the date that the Company’s registration statement was declared effective by the SEC and continued monthly thereafter until December 31, 2012. Most recently, on December 9, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved an extension of the Expense Support Agreement through June 30, 2015.

Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, the Company has a conditional obligation to reimburse SIC Advisors for any amounts funded by SIC Advisors under the Expense Support Agreement if, and only to the extent that, during any fiscal quarter occurring within three years of the date on which SIC Advisors incurred a liability for such amount, the sum of the Company’s net investment income, the Company’s net capital gains and the amount of any dividends and other distributions paid to the Company from its portfolio companies, to the extent not included in net investment income or net capital gains for tax purposes, exceeds the distributions paid by the Company to stockholders. The purpose of the Expense Support Agreement is to avoid such distributions being characterized as returns of capital for GAAP purposes, to the extent possible, and to reduce operating expenses until the Company has raised sufficient capital to be able to absorb such expenses.

Pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement, the Company will reimburse SIC Advisors for expense support payments it previously made following any calendar quarter in which the Company received net investment income, net capital gains and dividends from its portfolio companies in excess of the distributions paid to the Company’s stockholders during such calendar quarter (the “Excess Operating Funds”). Any such reimbursement will be made within three years of the date that the expense support payment obligation was incurred by SIC Advisors, subject to the conditions described below. The amount of the reimbursement during any calendar quarter will equal the lesser of (i) the Excess Operating Funds received during the quarter and (ii) the aggregate amount of all expense payments made by SIC Advisors that have not yet been reimbursed. In addition, the Company will only make reimbursement payments if its “operating expense ratio” (as described in footnote 1 to the table below) is equal to or less than its operating expense ratio at the time the corresponding expense payment was incurred and if the annualized rate of its regular cash distributions to the Company’s stockholders is equal to or greater than the annualized rate of the Company’s regular cash distributions to stockholders at the time the corresponding expense payment was incurred.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded net Expense Support Reimbursements of $5,222,096, $3,939,251, and $1,465,910, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations and gross Expense Support Reimbursements of $6,759,600 for the year ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded $6,995,930 and $2,592,989, respectively, in its consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as due from affiliate relating to the Expense Support Agreement. Repayments of amounts paid by SIC Advisors to the Company under the Expense Support Agreement will be accrued as they become probable and estimable. The Company may only remit payment to SIC Advisors for Expense Support Reimbursements to the extent that the Company’s excess net income eligible for reimbursement (i) does not cause the Operating Expense Ratio to exceed such ratio in effect at the time that the original Expense Payment Obligation was incurred, and (ii) to the extent that the current Annualized Distribution Rate is not below such rate in effect at the time that the original Expense Payment Obligation was incurred. The Company refers to Expense Support Reimbursements that are eligible for reimbursement to SIC Advisors by virtue of having satisfied the conditions described above as a “Crystalized Reimbursement.” For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded $1,623,963 in Crystalized Reimbursement. From inception through December 31, 2013, the Company did not record any Crystalized Reimbursements. As of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the total amounts eligible for reimbursement of the Company to SIC Advisors was $10,540,799, $5,405,162 and $1,465,910, respectively.

 

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The following table provides information regarding liabilities incurred by SIC Advisors pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement as well as other information relating to the Company’s ability to reimburse SIC Advisors for such payments:

 

Quarter Ended

   Amount of
Expense
Payment
Obligation
     Amount
Repaid to

SIC
Advisors
     Operating
Expense
Ratio(1)
    Annualized
Distribution
Rate(2)
    Eligible
to be Repaid
Through

June 30, 2012

   $ 454,874       $ 454,874         6.13     8.00   June 30, 2015

September 30, 2012

     437,303         437,303         4.05     8.00   September 30, 2015

December 31, 2012

     573,733         573,733         3.91     8.00   December 31, 2015

March 31, 2013

     685,404         35,028         1.71     8.00   March 31, 2016

June 30, 2013

     732,425                 1.00     7.84   June 30, 2016

September 30, 2013

     1,262,848                 0.83     7.84   September 30, 2016

December 31, 2013

     1,258,575                 0.45     7.84   December 31, 2016

March 31, 2014

     1,313,470                 0.45     7.80   March 31, 2017

June 30, 2014

     2,143,066                 0.38     7.80   June 30, 2017

September 30, 2014

     1,717,593         123,025         0.38     7.77   September 30, 2017

December 31, 2014

     1,585,471                 0.47     8.00   December 31, 2017

 

(1) 

“Operating Expense Ratio” is as of the date the expense support payment obligation was incurred by SIC Advisors and includes all expenses borne by the Company, except for organizational and offering expenses, base management and incentive fees owed to SIC Advisors, and interest expense, as a percentage of net assets.

(2) 

“Annualized Distribution Rate” equals the annualized rate of distributions paid to stockholders based on the amount of the regular cash distribution paid immediately prior to the date the expense support payment obligation was incurred by SIC Advisors. “Annualized Distribution Rate” does not include special cash or stock distributions paid to stockholders.

Note 8. Related Party Transactions

On October 19, 2011, SIC Advisors entered into a subscription agreement to purchase 110.80 shares of common stock for cash consideration of $1,000. The consideration represents $9.025 per share.

On March 31, 2012, SIC Advisors entered into a subscription agreement to purchase 1,108,033.24 shares of common stock for cash consideration of $10,000,000. The purchase was made on April 17, 2012. The consideration represents $9.025 per share.

Due from affiliate relates to amounts due from SIC Advisors pursuant to the Expense Support Agreement as discussed in Note 7.

Due to affiliate relates to reimbursements of organizational and offering expenses pursuant to the IAA paid to SIC Advisors as discussed in Note 7.

An affiliate of the Company’s dealer manager has an ownership interest in SIC Advisors.

Opportunities for co-investments may arise when SIC Advisors or an affiliated adviser becomes aware of investment opportunities that may be appropriate for the Company and other clients or affiliated funds. As a BDC, the Company was substantially limited in its ability to co-invest in privately negotiated transactions with affiliated funds until it obtained an exemptive order from the SEC on November 25, 2013 (the “Exemptive Order”). The Exemptive Order permits the Company to participate in negotiated co-investment transactions with certain affiliates, each of whose investment adviser is Medley LLC, the parent company of SIC Advisors, or an investment adviser controlled by Medley LLC, in a manner consistent with its investment objective, strategies

 

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and restrictions, as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors. Co-investment under the Exemptive Order is subject to certain conditions therein, including the condition that, in the case of each co-investment transaction, the Company’s board of directors determines that it would be advantageous for the Company to co-invest in a manner described in the Exemptive Order. Before receiving the Exemptive Order, the Company only participated in co-investments that were allowed under existing regulatory guidance, such as syndicated loan transactions where price was the only negotiated term, which limited the types of investments that the Company could make. Please refer to footnote 4 to the consolidated schedule of investments as of December 31, 2014 for disclosures regarding securities also held by affiliated funds.

Note 9. Directors Fees

The Company’s independent directors receive an annual retainer fee of $30,000 and further receive a fee of $2,500 ($1,000 for telephonic attendance) for each regularly scheduled board meeting and a fee of $1,000 for each special board meeting and all committee meetings as well as reimbursement of reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each board or committee meeting. In addition, the chairman of the audit committee receives an annual retainer of $10,000, while the chairman of any other committee receives an annual retainer of $2,500. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company recorded directors’ fees expenses of $174,600, $154,084, and $146,861, respectively, of which $0, $0, and $40,081 was payable at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Note 10. Earnings Per Share

In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 260 – Earnings per Share (“ASC 260”), basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Other potentially dilutive common shares, and the related impact to earnings, are considered when calculating earnings per share on a diluted basis.

The following table sets forth the computation of the weighted average basic and diluted net increase in net assets per share from operations for the years ended December 31,:

 

     2014      2013      2012  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations

   $ 14,052,250       $ 6,280,786       $ 493,170   

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     35,425,825         7,426,660         1,031,621   

Earnings per common share-basic and diluted

   $ 0.40       $ 0.85       $ 0.48   

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company’s investment portfolio may contain debt investments that are in the form of lines of credit and unfunded delayed draw commitments, which require the Company to provide funding when requested by portfolio companies in accordance with the terms of the underlying loan agreements. As of December 31, 2014 the Company had $12,625,200 unfunded commitments under loan and financing agreements. As of December 31, 2013 the Company had no unfunded commitments under loan and financing agreements.

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  

AM3 Pinnacle Corporation

   $ 144,424       $   

Nation Safe Drivers Holdings, Inc.

     2,440,421           

Oxford Mining Company, LLC

     8,135,593           

Pegasus Solutions, Inc.

     1,904,762           
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 12,625,200       $             —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Note 12. Other Fee Income

The other fee income consists of origination/closing fee, amendment fee, prepayment penalty, administrative agent fee, transaction break-up fee and other miscellaneous fees. The following tables summarize the Company’s other fee income for the years ended December 31:

 

         2014          2013      2012  

Origination fee

   $ 6,495,134       $ 311,145       $ 6,750   

Prepayment fee

     889,548         29,900           

Amendment fee

     214,517         273,930           

Administrative agent fee

     26,738         1,726           

Other fees

     317,923         3,160           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other fee income

   $ 7,943,860       $ 619,861       $ 6,750   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 13. Distributions and Share Repurchase Plan Distributions

Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount to be paid out as a dividend is determined by the Company’s board of directors.

The Company has adopted an “opt in” distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) pursuant to which the Company’s common stockholders may elect to have the full amount of any cash distributions reinvested in additional shares of the Company’s common stock. As a result, if the Company declares a cash dividend or other distribution, each stockholder that has “opted in” to the Company’s reinvestment plan will have their distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Company’s common stock rather than receiving cash distributions. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of common stock will be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash distributions. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company distributed a total of $28,792,495, of which, $15,631,945 was in cash and $13,160,550 was in the form of common shares associated with the DRIP. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company distributed a total of $6,032,061, of which, $3,915,000, was in cash and $2,117,061 was in the form of common shares associated with the DRIP. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company distributed a total of $637,330, of which, $557,132, was in cash and $80,198 was in the form of common shares associated with the DRIP.

 

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The following table reflects the cash distributions per share that the Company declared or paid to its stockholders since it commenced operations in April 2012. Stockholders of record as of each respective record date were entitled to receive the distribution.

 

Record Date

   Payment Date    Amount per share  

July 13 and 31, 2012

   August 1, 2012    $ 0.03333   

August 15 and 31, 2012

   September 4, 2012      0.03333   

September 14 and 28, 2012

   October 1, 2012      0.03333   

October 15 and 30, 2012

   October 31, 2012      0.03333   

November 15 and 29, 2012

   November 30, 2012      0.03333   

December 14 and 28, 2012

   December 31, 2012      0.03333   

January 15 and 31, 2013

   January 31, 2013      0.03333   

February 15 and 28, 2013

   February 28, 2013      0.03333   

March 15 and 29, 2013

   March 29, 2013      0.03333   

April 15 and 30, 2013

   April 30, 2013      0.03333   

May 15 and 31, 2013

   May 31, 2013      0.03333   

June 14 and 28, 2013

   June 28, 2013      0.03333   

July 15 and 31, 2013

   July 31, 2013      0.03333   

August 15 and 30, 2013

   August 30, 2013      0.03333   

September 13 and 30, 2013

   September 30, 2013      0.03333   

October 15 and 31, 2013

   October 31, 2013      0.03333   

November 15 and 29, 2013

   November 29, 2013      0.03333   

December 13 and 31, 2013

   December 31, 2013      0.03333   

January 15 and 31, 2014

   January 31, 2014      0.03333   

February 14 and 28, 2014

   February 28, 2014      0.03333   

March 14 and 31, 2014

   March 31, 2014      0.03333   

April 15 and 30, 2014

   April 30, 2014      0.03333   

May 15 and 30, 2014

   May 30, 2014      0.03333   

June 13 and 30, 2014

   June 30, 2014      0.03333   

July 15 and 31, 2014

   July 31, 2014      0.03333   

August 15 and 29, 2014

   August 29, 2014      0.03333   

September 15 and 30, 2014

   September 30, 2014      0.03333   

October 15 and 31, 2014

   October 31, 2014      0.03333   

November 14 and 28, 2014

   November 28, 2014      0.03333   

December 15 and 31, 2014

   December 31, 2014      0.03333   

January 15 and 30, 2015

   January 30, 2015      0.03333   

February 13 and 27, 2015

   February 27, 2015      0.03333   

March 13 and 31, 2015

   March 31, 2015      0.03333   

April 15 and 30, 2015

   April 30, 2015      0.03333   

May 15 and 29, 2015

   May 29, 2015      0.03333   

June 15 and 30, 2015

   June 30, 2015      0.03333   

The Company’s distributions may be funded from offering proceeds or borrowings, which may constitute a return of capital and reduce the amount of capital available to the Company for investment. Any capital returned to stockholders through distributions will be distributed after payment of fees and expenses.

The Company’s previous distributions to stockholders were funded from temporary Expense Support Reimbursements that are subject to repayment to SIC Advisors. These distributions were not based on the Company’s investment performance and may not continue in the future. If SIC Advisors had not agreed to make Expense Support Reimbursements, these distributions would have come from paid-in-capital. The reimbursement of these payments owed to SIC Advisors will reduce the future distributions to which stockholders would otherwise be entitled.

 

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The determination of the tax attributes (i.e., paid from ordinary income, paid from net capital gains on the sale of securities, and/or a return of paid-in-capital surplus which is a nontaxable distribution) of distributions is made annually as of the end of the Company’s fiscal year based upon its taxable income for the full year and distributions paid for the full year.

Share Repurchase Program

In June 2013, the Company commenced a share repurchase program pursuant to which it intends to conduct quarterly share repurchases, of up to 2.5% of the weighted average number of outstanding shares in any 3-month period or 10% of the weighted average number of outstanding shares in any 12-month period. The purpose of the share repurchase program is to allow stockholders to sell their shares back to the Company at a price equal to the most recently disclosed net asset value per share of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to the date of repurchase. Shares will be purchased from stockholders participating in the program on a pro rata basis. Unless the Company’s board of directors determines otherwise, the number of shares to be repurchased during any calendar year will be limited to the proceeds received in association with the sale of shares of common stock under the distribution reinvestment plan.

The following table reflects activity under the Company’s Share Repurchase Plan:

 

Offer Date

     Quantity Offered        Price per Share        Repurchase Date        Repurchase Quantity  

6/4/13

       16,652         $ 9.18                       

8/8/13

       32,627         $ 9.13           9/27/13           3,642   

11/7/13

       60,966         $ 9.14           12/19/13           5,826   

3/12/14

       120,816         $ 9.18           4/25/14           9,835   

5/6/14

       199,476         $ 9.20           6/13/14           17,777   

8/5/14

       294,068         $ 9.25           9/12/14           35,887   

11/5/14

       411,894         $ 9.22           12/24/14           411,894   

 

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Note 14. Financial Highlights

The following is a schedule of financial highlights of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and the period ended December 31, 2012:

 

     2014     2013     For the Period
from April 17, 2012
(commencement of
operations) through
December 31, 2012
 

Per Share Data:(1)

      

Net asset value at beginning of period

   $ 9.18      $ 8.96      $ 9.03   

Net investment income/(loss)

     0.55        0.72        0.33   

Net realized gains/(losses) on investments and total return swap

     0.20        0.01        0.01   

Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and total return swap

     (0.35     0.12        (0.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets

     0.40        0.85        0.33   

Distributions from return of capital

     (0.19              

Distributions declared from net investment income(2)

     (0.61     (0.80     (0.39

Distributions from net realized capital gains

                   (0.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to stockholders

     (0.80     (0.80     (0.40

Issuance of common stock above net asset value(3)

     0.19        0.17          

Net asset value at end of period

     8.97        9.18        8.96   

Total return based on net asset value(4)(5)

     6.48     11.75     3.35

Portfolio turnover rate

     37.17     51.30     18.86

Shares outstanding at end of period

     54,260,324        16,663,500        2,300,573   

Net assets at end of period

     486,519,913        153,002,273        20,622,982   

Ratios (annualized):

      

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(5)

     6.09     7.56     5.64 (6)

Ratio of net expenses (including incentive fees) to average net assets(5)

     6.17     3.77     8.58 (6)

Ratio of incentive fees to average net assets

     (0.06 )%      0.26     0.01 (6)

Supplemental data (annualized):

      

Asset coverage ratio per unit(7)

   $ 2,250      $ 5,480      $ 2,189   

Percentage of non-recurring fee income(8)

     20.10     7.72     0.55

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets

     6.23     3.59     24.90 (6)

Ratio of interest and financing related expenses to average net assets

     0.98     0.26     0.55 (6)

 

(1) The per share data was derived by using the weighted average shares outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and the period ended December 31, 2012, which were 35,425,825, 7,426,660, and 1,452,160, respectively.
(2) The per share data for distributions is the actual amount of paid distributions per share during the period.
(3) Shares issued under the DRIP (see Note 13) as well as the continuous issuance of shares of common stock may cause on incremental increase/decrease in net asset value per share due to the effect of issuing shares at amounts that differ from the prevailing net asset value at each issuance.
(4) Total annual returns are historical and assume reinvestments of all dividends and distributions at prices obtained under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan, and no sales charge.
(5) Total returns, ratios of net investment income/(loss), and ratios of net expenses to average net assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and the period ended December 31, 2012, prior to the effect of the Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement were as follows: total return 5.00%, 8.88%, and (4.00%) and ratio of net investment income/(loss): 4.51%, 2.04%, and (12.01%) and ratio of net expenses to average net assets: 7.87%, 9.61%, and 27.22%, respectively.
(6) Annualized. The period from June 10, 2011 (inception) to April 16, 2012 is not presented as the Company had not commenced operations.
(7) Asset coverage per unit is the ratio of the carrying value of our total consolidated assets for regulatory purposes, which includes the underlying fair value of net TRS, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities to the aggregate amount of Senior Securities representing indebtedness and the implied leverage on the TRS. Asset coverage per unit is expressed in terms of dollars per $1,000 of indebtedness.
(8) Represents the impact of non-recurring fees over total investment income.

 

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Note 15. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

 

    Quarter Ended  
    December 31,
2014
    September 30,
2014
    June 30,
2014
    March 31,
2014
 

Total Investment Income

  $ 15,926,766      $ 12,054,651      $ 6,813,824      $ 4,596,214   

Total Investment Income per Common Share

    0.31        0.30        0.23        0.23   

Net Investment Income

    9,005,148        4,312,499        3,756,119        2,492,649   

Net Investment Income per Common Share

    0.18        0.11        0.13        0.12   

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

    (12,958,538     2,010,264        3,479,210        1,954,899   

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) per Common Share

    (0.25     0.05        0.12        0.10   

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

    (3,953,390     6,322,763        7,235,329        4,447,548   

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

    (0.08     0.16        0.25        0.22   

Net Asset Value per Common Share at End of Quarter

    8.97        9.22        9.25        9.20   

 

    Quarter Ended  
    December 31,
2013
    September 30,
2013
    June 30,
2013
    March 31,
2013
 

Total Investment Income

  $ 3,393,010      $ 2,029,631      $ 1,526,284      $ 1,058,077   

Total Investment Income per Common Share

    0.25        0.26        0.30        0.33   

Net Investment Income

    2,029,585        1,625,608        1,154,119        534,233   

Net Investment Income per Common Share

    0.15        0.21        0.22        0.17   

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

    925,855        (181,452     (664,116     856,954   

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) per Common Share

    0.07        (0.02     (0.13     0.27   

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

    2,955,440        1,444,156        490,003        1,391,187   

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

    0.22        0.18        0.09        0.43   

Net Asset Value per Common Share at End of Quarter

    9.18        9.14        9.13        9.18   

 

     For the Period  from
April 17, 2012
(commencement of
operations) to

December 31, 2012
 

Total Investment Income

   $ 1,235,116   

Total Investment Income per Common Share

     1.20   

Net Investment Income

     490,032   

Net Investment Income per Common Share

     0.48   

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

     3,138   

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) per Common Share

     0.00

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     493,170   

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

     0.48   

Net Asset Value per Common Share at End of Quarter

     8.96   

 

* Rounds to less than $0.01 per share

 

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Note 16. Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements included herein. There have been no subsequent events that occurred during such period that would require disclosure in this Form 10-K or would be required to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014, except as disclosed below.

The Company issued common shares and received gross proceeds of approximately $51.0 million subsequent to December 31, 2014.

On February 6, 2015, Alpine entered into Amendment No. 1 to its existing Loan Agreement (the “Amendment”). The Amendment increased the maximum financing commitments available from $150 million to $300 million.

On February 13, 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 5 to its existing ING Credit Facility, which increased the financing commitments available from $150 million to $170 million.

On March 4, 2015, the Board of Directors elected to extend the offering period through April 17, 2016.

Note 17. Tax Information (unaudited)

The Form 1099-DIV you receive will show the tax status of all distributions paid to your account in calendar year 2014. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Company. As required by the Internal Revenue Code and/or regulations, shareholders must be notified regarding the status of capital gains dividends.

Capital Gains Dividends

The Company hereby designates as a capital gain dividend with respect to the taxable year ended December 31, 2014, $1,192,159 or, if subsequently determined to be different, the amount included within the Company’s 2014 tax filing.

 

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Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls

In accordance with Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K and determined that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Change In Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

No change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the year ended December 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy statement relating to our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by Item 14 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

  a. The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:

The following consolidated financial statements are set forth in Item 8:

 

     Page  

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

     F-1   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-4   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December  31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

     F-6   

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013

     F-7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-20   

 

  b. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or hereby incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed with the SEC:

 

3.1    Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant(1)
3.2    Articles of Amendment of the Registrant(1)
3.3    Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Registrant(3)
3.4    Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Registrant(6)
3.5    Form of Bylaws of the Registrant(1)
10.1    Form of Subscription Agreement (15)
10.2    Amended and Restated Distribution Reinvestment Plan(8)
10.3    Investment Advisory Agreement(5)
10.4    Form of Dealer Manager Agreement(2)
10.5    Form of Participating Broker-Dealer Agreement (Included as Exhibit A to the Form of Dealer Manager Agreement)(2)
10.6    Custodian Agreement(2)
10.7    Form of Administration Agreement(2)
10.8    Form of License Agreement(5)
10.9    Form of Escrow Agreement(4)
10.10    Expense Support and Reimbursement Agreement(7)
10.11    ISDA 2002 Master Agreement, together with the Schedule thereto and Credit Support Annex to such Schedule, each dated as of August 27, 2013, by and between Arbor Funding LLC and Citibank, N.A.(9)

 

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10.12    Confirmation Letter Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2013, by and between Arbor Funding LLC and Citibank, N.A.(9)
10.13    Confirmation Letter Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2014, by and between Arbor Funding LLC and Citibank, N.A. (10)
10.14    Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement among the Company as borrower, the Lenders party thereto, and ING Capital LLC, as Administrative Agent, dated December 4, 2013. (11)
10.15    Guarantee, Pledge and Security Agreement among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, ING Capital LLC, as Administrative Agent, each Financial Agent and Designated Indebtedness Holder party thereto and ING Capital LLC, as Collateral Agent, dated December 4, 2013. (10)
10.16    Control Agreement among the Company, ING Capital LLC, as collateral agent, and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as the Company’s Custodian, dated December 4, 2013. (10)
10.17    Loan Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014, by and among Alpine Funding LLC, as company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, the Financing Providers from time to time party thereto, SIC Advisors LLC, as the portfolio manager, and the Collateral Administrator, Collateral Agent and Securities Intermediary party thereto. (12)
10.18    Sale and Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014, by and between Sierra Income Corporation, as seller, and Alpine Funding LLC, as purchaser. (12)
10.19    Portfolio Management Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014, by and between Alpine Funding LLC, as borrower and SIC Advisors LLC, as portfolio manager. (12)
10.20    Second Amended and Restated Confirmation Letter Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014, by and between Arbor Funding LLC and Citibank, N.A. (12)
10.21    Amendment No. 2 to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 21, 2014, by and among the Company as borrower, SIC RT1 LLC, as Subsidiary Guarantor, the Lenders party thereto and ING Capital LLC, as Administrative Agent. (13)
10.22    Amendment No. 3 to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 21, 2014, by and among the Company as borrower, SIC RT1 LLC, as Subsidiary Guarantor, the Lenders party thereto and ING Capital LLC, as Administrative Agent. (14)
10.23    Amendment No. 1 to the Loan Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014, by and among Alpine Funding LLC, as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, the Financing Providers from time to time party thereto, SIC Advisors LLC, as the portfolio manager, and the Collateral Administrator, Collateral Agent and Securities Intermediary party thereto. (16)
14.1    Code of Ethics(2)
21.1    List of Subsidiaries
24    Power of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto)
31.1    Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* 

Filed herewith.

 

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(1) 

Previously filed in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-175624), filed on November 3, 2011, and incorporated by reference herein.

(2) 

Previously filed in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-175624), filed on February 21, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein.

(3) 

Previously filed in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-175624), filed on March 12, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein.

(4) 

Previously filed in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-175624), filed on March 21, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein.

(5) 

Previously filed in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-175624), filed on April 10, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein.

(6) 

Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein.

(7) 

Previously filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein.

(8) 

Previously filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein.

(9) 

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 3, 2013, and incorporated by reference herein.

(10) 

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein.

(11) 

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2013, and incorporated by reference herein.

(12) 

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 23, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein.

(13) 

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 22, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein.

(14) 

Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 25, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein.

(15) 

Previously filed in connection with Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-200595), filed on November 11, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein.

(16) 

Previously filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 10, 2015, and incorporated by reference herein.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: March 5, 2015   Sierra Income Corporation.
  By  

/s/ Seth Taube

   

Seth Taube

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  By  

/s/ Richard T. Allorto, Jr.

   

Richard T. Allorto, Jr.

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Richard T. Allorto, Jr. and Seth Taube as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with full power substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or their substitute or substitutes may do or case to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Seth Taube

   Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (Principal Executive Officer)   March 5, 2015

/s/ Richard T. Allorto, Jr.

   Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   March 5, 2015

/s/ Brook Taube

   Director   March 5, 2015

/s/ Oliver T. Kane

   Director   March 5, 2015

/s/ Valerie Lancaster Beal

   Director   March 5, 2015

/s/ Steve Byers

   Director   March 5, 2015

 

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