EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1702510
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1702510_10-K_2021_0001702510-21-000012.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
We are an externally managed specialty finance company whose primary focus is making directly originated loans to middle market companies. We are managed by our Investment Adviser, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Carlyle Group Inc. We have elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Investment Company Act”). In addition, we have elected to be treated, and intend to continue to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Code”).
Our investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and current income primarily by investing in senior secured term loans to U.S. middle market companies in which private equity sponsors hold, directly or indirectly, a financial interest in the form of debt and/or equity. Our core investment strategy focuses on lending to U.S. middle market companies supported by financial sponsors, which we define as companies with approximately $25 million to $100 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), which we believe is a useful proxy for cash flow. This core strategy is supplemented with complementary specialty lending and opportunistic investing strategies, which take advantage of the broad capabilities of Carlyle's Global Credit platform while offering risk-diversifying portfolio benefits. We seek to achieve our investment objective primarily through direct origination of secured debt instruments, including first lien senior secured loans (which may include stand-alone first lien loans, first lien/last out loans and “unitranche” loans) and second lien senior secured loans (collectively, “Middle Market Senior Loans”), with a minority of our assets invested in higher yielding investments (which may include unsecured debt, mezzanine debt and investments in equities).
We invest primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt, if rated, is rated below investment grade, and, if not rated, would likely be rated below investment grade if it were rated (that is, below BBB- or Baa3, which is often referred to as “junk”). Exposure to below investment grade instruments involves certain risks, including speculation with respect to the borrower’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. See Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Investments-Our investments are risky and speculative”.
We generate revenues primarily in the form of interest income from the investments we hold. In addition, we generate income from dividends on direct equity investments, capital gains on the sales of loans and debt and equity securities and various loan origination and other fees.
In conducting our investment activities, we believe that we benefit from the significant scale and resources of Carlyle, including our Investment Adviser and its affiliates.
Formation Transactions and Corporate Structure
We were formed on February 10, 2017 as a Maryland corporation with the name Carlyle Private Credit, Inc., and our name was changed to TCG BDC II, Inc. on March 3, 2017. We are structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company. We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act. We also have elected to be treated, and intend to continue to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
We conducted a private offering (the “Private Offering”) of our shares of common stock to investors in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). On September 11, 2017 (the "Commencement", or the "Initial Closing Date"), we completed our initial closing of capital commitments of $185.8 million. We have held additional closings subsequent to the Initial Closing Date, with our final closing occurring on November 9, 2018. At each closing during the Private Offering, each investor participating in that closing made a capital commitment to purchase shares of our common stock pursuant to a subscription agreement entered into with us. Investors will be required to fund drawdowns to purchase shares of our common stock up to the amount of their respective capital commitments on an as-needed basis with a minimum of eight business days’ prior notice to the investors.
We commenced our loan origination and investment activities shortly after our initial capital drawdown from our investors in the Private Offering (the “Initial Drawdown” and the date on which the Initial Drawdown occurred, the “Initial Drawdown Date”), which was called on September 22, 2017 and settled by October 4, 2017. The proceeds from the Initial Drawdown and the Subscription Facility provided us with the necessary capital to commence operations. We anticipate raising additional equity capital for investment purposes through additional capital drawdowns from our investors in the Private Offering. We may issue debt securities or preferred stock and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the Investment Company Act. See “-Regulation-General-Regulation as a Business Development Company-Indebtedness and Senior Securities.”
Our Investment Adviser
Our investment activities are managed by our Investment Adviser. The principal executive offices of our Investment Adviser are located at One Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 3400, New York, NY 10017, with additional offices in Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles. Our Investment Adviser is responsible for sourcing potential investments, conducting research and due diligence on prospective investments, analyzing and structuring investments and monitoring investments on an ongoing basis.
Our Investment Adviser is served by origination, capital markets, underwriting and portfolio management teams comprised of experienced investment professionals across Carlyle's Global Credit segment, as defined below. Our investment approach is focused on long-term credit performance and principal preservation. Our Investment Adviser’s investment team utilizes a rigorous, systematic, and consistent investment process, refined over Carlyle’s 33-year history investing in private markets across multiple cycles, designed to achieve enhanced risk-adjusted returns.
Our Investment Adviser’s five-person investment committee is responsible for reviewing and approving our investment opportunities. The members of the investment committee have experience investing through different credit cycles. The investment committee is led by Mark Jenkins, a Managing Director and Head of Global Credit at Carlyle.
Our Investment Adviser also serves, and may serve in the future, as investment adviser to other existing and future affiliated BDCs that have investment objectives similar to our investment objectives.
Our Investment Adviser entered into a personnel agreement with The Carlyle Group Employee Co., L.L.C. (“Carlyle Employee Co.”), an affiliate of our Investment Adviser, pursuant to which Carlyle Employee Co. provides our Investment Adviser with access to investment professionals that comprise our Investment Adviser’s investment team. As of December 31, 2020, our Investment Adviser’s investment team included a team of more than 170 investment professionals across the Global Credit segment. Our Investment Adviser’s investment committee comprises five of the most senior credit professionals within the Global Credit segment, with backgrounds and expertise across asset classes and over 26 years of average industry experience and 10 years of average tenure. In addition, our Investment Adviser and its investment team are supported by a team of finance, operations and administrative professionals currently employed by Carlyle Employee Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carlyle.
Our Investment Adviser, its investment professionals, our executive officers and directors, and other current and future principals of our Investment Adviser serve or may serve as investment advisers, officers, directors or principals of entities or investment funds that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do and/or investment funds, accounts and other
similar arrangements advised by Carlyle. An affiliated investment fund, account or other similar arrangement currently formed or formed in the future and managed by our Investment Adviser or its affiliates may have overlapping investment objectives and strategies with our own and, accordingly, may invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by us. As a result, our Investment Adviser and/or its affiliates may face conflicts of interest arising out of the investment advisory activities of our Investment Adviser and other operations of Carlyle. See “-Allocation of Investment Opportunities and Potential Conflicts of Interest” and “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Structure-There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including the management of other investment funds and accounts by our Investment Adviser, which could impact our investment returns” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K for more information.
Our Administrator
CGCA, a Delaware limited liability company, serves as our Administrator. Pursuant to an administration agreement between us and the Administrator (the “Administration Agreement”), our Administrator provides services to us and we reimburse our Administrator for its costs and expenses and our allocable portion of overhead incurred by our Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including our allocable portion of the compensation of certain of our officers and staff. In addition, our Administrator has entered into a sub-administration agreement with Carlyle Employee Co. (the “Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreement”), which provides our Administrator with access to personnel. Our Administrator has also entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street” and such agreement, the “State Street Sub-Administration Agreement” and, together with the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreement, the “Sub-Administration Agreements”), pursuant to which State Street provides for certain administrative and professional services. State Street also serves as our custodian.
Carlyle
Our Investment Adviser and Administrator are affiliates of Carlyle. Carlyle is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Investment Solutions. With $246 billion of assets under management (“AUM”) as of December 31, 2020, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs 1,825 employees, including 678 investment professionals in 29 offices across five continents, and serves more than 2,650 active carry fund investors from 95 countries.
Carlyle’s Global Credit segment, which currently has $55.9 billion in assets under management, advises a group of 71 active funds that pursue investment strategies across the credit spectrum, including liquid credit, illiquid credit, and real assets credit. Since the establishment of Global Credit in 1999, these various capital sources provide the opportunity for Carlyle to offer highly customizable and creative financing solutions to borrowers to meet their specific capital needs. In 2020, Carlyle hired several new senior investment professionals to continue to build Global Credit’s investment breadth and geographical presence.
Primary areas of focus for Carlyle’s Global Credit segment include:
Liquid Credit
•Loans and Structured Credit. The structured credit funds invest primarily in performing senior secured bank loans through CLOs and other investment vehicles. In 2020, Carlyle closed three new U.S. CLOs and one CLO in Europe with a total of $1.3 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, of AUM at December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, Carlyle’s loans and structured credit team advised 52 structured credit funds and two carry funds in the United States, Europe, and Asia totaling, in the aggregate, approximately $29.4 billion in AUM.
Illiquid Credit
•Direct Lending. Carlyle’s direct lending business includes Carlyle’s BDCs, which invest primarily in first lien loans (which include unitranche, “first out” and “last out” loans) and second lien loans of middle market companies, typically defined as companies with annual EBITDA ranging from $25 million to $100 million, that lack access to the broadly syndicated loan and bond markets. In 2020, Carlyle expanded its direct lending capabilities by adding senior personnel to bolster its underwriting capabilities. As of December 31, 2020, Carlyle’s direct lending investment team advised two BDCs (including the Company) and five separately managed accounts, totaling, in the aggregate, $5.0 billion in AUM.
•Opportunistic Credit. Carlyle’s opportunistic credit team invests primarily in highly-structured and privately-negotiated capital solutions supporting corporate borrowers through secured loans, senior subordinated debt,
mezzanine debt, convertible notes, and other debt like instruments, as well as preferred and common equity in such borrowers. The team will also look to invest in special situations (i.e., event-driven opportunities that exhibit hybrid credit and equity features) as well as market dislocations (i.e., primary and secondary market investments in liquid debt instruments that arise as a result of temporary market volatility). As of December 31, 2020, Carlyle’s opportunistic credit team advised two funds and one separately managed account totaling, in the aggregate, $5.0 billion in AUM.
•Distressed Credit. The distressed credit funds generally invest in liquid and illiquid securities and obligations, including secured debt, senior and subordinated unsecured debt, convertible debt obligations, preferred stock and public and private equity of financially distressed companies in defensive and asset-rich industries. In certain investments, these funds may seek to restructure pre-reorganization debt claims into controlling positions in the equity of the reorganized companies. As of December 31, 2020, Carlyle’s distressed credit team advised three funds totaling, in the aggregate, approximately $3.2 billion in AUM.
Real Assets Credit
•Aircraft Financing and Servicing. Carlyle Aviation Partners, Ltd. (“Carlyle Aviation Partners”) is Carlyle's multi-strategy investment platform that is engaged in commercial aviation aircraft financing and investment throughout commercial aviation industry. As of December 31, 2020, Carlyle Aviation Partners had approximately $6.1 billion in AUM across four active carry funds, in addition to securitization vehicles and liquid strategies.
•Infrastructure Debt. Our Infrastructure debt team invests primarily in directly originated and privately negotiated debt instruments related to global infrastructure projects, primarily in the power, energy, transportation, water/waste, telecommunications and social infrastructure sectors. The team focuses primarily on senior, subordinated, and mezzanine debt and seeks to invest primarily in developed markets within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”). As of December 31, 2020, our infrastructure debt team managed $1.1 billion in AUM.
Other Credit
•Insurance Solutions. Carlyle Insurance Solutions (“CIS”) combines our deep insurance expertise with portfolio construction capabilities, capital sourcing and asset origination strengths to provide comprehensive liability funding/reinsurance, asset management and advisory solutions for (re)insurance companies and fund investors. The CIS team oversees the investment in Fortitude Holdings. As of December 31, 2020, AUM related to capital raised from third-party investors to acquire a controlling interest in Fortitude Holdings was $2.6 billion, and Fortitude and AIG have committed approximately $4.7 billion of capital to-date to various Carlyle strategies.
•Global Capital Markets. Carlyle Global Capital Markets (“GCM”) is a loan syndication and capital markets business that launched in 2018. The primary focus of GCM is to arrange, place, underwrite, originate and syndicate loans and underwrite securities of third parties and Carlyle portfolio companies through TCG Capital Markets L.L.C. and TCG Senior Funding L.L.C. TCG Capital Markets is a FINRA registered broker dealer. GCM may also act as the initial purchaser of such loans and securities. GCM receives fees, including underwriting, placement, structuring, transaction and syndication fees, commissions, underwriting and original issue discounts, interest payments and other compensation, which may be payable in cash or securities and/or loans, in respect of the activities described above and may elect to waive such fees.
Competitive Strengths
Carlyle Global Credit’s key competitive strengths are based on Carlyle’s integrated platform, which allows it to mitigate competition and thereby improve our ability to deliver on the expectations of shareholders. The following characteristics distinguish Carlyle’s capabilities:
Market Leading Direct Origination Platform. We have access to Carlyle Global Credit’s large direct origination platform, including a dedicated financial sponsor coverage team and the sourcing capabilities of other investment professionals on the platform who regularly generate attractive investment opportunities for the Company. Through these integrated efforts the origination team generates, and expects to continue to generate, a significant amount of differentiated, directly originated deal flow from which to select attractive investment opportunities.
Broad Product Capabilities. Carlyle Global Credit offers a broad range of leveraged finance products to the marketplace, which allows us to invest across the entire capital structure, as well as via specialty products such as asset-based and recurring revenue technology loans. These integrated and differentiated capabilities make our investment highly relevant to borrowers, as Carlyle Global Credit can construct comprehensive, tailored financing solutions. By doing so, Carlyle Global
Credit is able to more frequently assert greater control over structure, price and terms of investments, which we can leverage in seeking to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for our stockholders.
Scaled Capital Base. With $55.9 billion of AUM as of December 31, 2020, we believe Carlyle Global Credit’s hold sizes are among the largest in the market. Carlyle Global Credit's ability to deploy comparatively larger amounts of capital delivers certainty of execution for borrowers and mitigates the threat of competition, resulting in the ability to drive terms and generate attractive investment opportunities. In addition, scaled capital deployment allows Carlyle Global Credit to establish leadership positions in financing transactions, which results in improved informational access and incremental influence and control in debt financings.
Depth of Expertise. We benefit from our Investment Adviser’s utilization of the broader resources of Carlyle, which includes access to Carlyle’s relationships and institutional knowledge from over three decades of private market investing. Our Investment Adviser's dedicated, sector aligned underwriting teams have significant experience and tenure. These teams leverage Carlyle’s broader resources - nearly 680 investment professionals, more than 50 operating executives, information obtained through direct ownership of 256 companies, lending relationships with over 700 companies, and in-house government affairs, ESG and economic research teams - to generate differentiated diligence insights and inform fundamental credit selection. We believe our ability to draw on the experience and knowledge of these broader capabilities gives us a significant advantage during the underwriting process. As a firm, Carlyle seeks to bring the collective power of the global platform with respect to individual investments. We believe this integrated and collaborative approach allows us to move faster, and with higher conviction, than many of our competitors.
Rigorous Investment Process Conducted by Experienced Investment Team. Carlyle employs a robust, iterative and heavily documented underwriting process. Our Investment Adviser’s investment team comprises investment professionals who have extensive middle market lending experience. As of December 31, 2020, the investment team included a team of more than 170 investment professionals across the Global Credit segment. Our Investment Adviser’s investment committee comprises five of the most senior credit professionals within the Global Credit segment, with backgrounds and expertise across asset classes and over 26 years of average industry experience and 10 years of average tenure. We believe the breadth and depth of the investment team's experience in sourcing, structuring, executing, and monitoring a broad range of investments provides us with a significant competitive advantage in building a high quality portfolio of investments.
Defensive Investment Approach. Our portfolio has been defensively constructed, and is highly diversified by borrower, industry sector, sponsor relationships and other metrics. As of December 31, 2020, we had a portfolio of 117 investments in 84 portfolio companies across 24 industries and 49 unique sponsors. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 98.0% of our debt investments bore interest at floating rates, primarily subject to interest rate floors, and 84.1% of our portfolio was invested in first lien debt investments (including 6.2% first lien/last out loans).
Market Opportunity
We believe the middle market lending environment provides attractive investment opportunities as a result of a combination of the following factors:
Favorable Market Environment. We believe the middle market remains one of the most attractive investment areas due to its large size, superior value relative to the broadly syndicated loan market, and supply-demand imbalance that continues to favor non-bank lenders. We believe market yields remain attractive and leverage levels at middle market companies are stable, creating a favorable investment environment.
Large and Growing U.S. Middle Market. The U.S. middle market is the largest market by many measures, which is expected to enable us to invest selectively as approximately 70% of middle market loan volume is sponsor-backed. According to S&P Capital IQ, as of December 31, 2020, there are over 77,000 U.S. middle market companies generating between $20 million and $1 billion in annual revenue, compared with approximately 4,000 companies with revenue greater than $1 billion. We believe these middle market companies, both sponsored and non-sponsored, represent a significant growth segment of the U.S. economy and often require substantial capital investments to grow.
Benefits of Traditional Middle Market Focus - Leverage, Pricing and Risk. According to the S&P Global Market Intelligence LCD Quarterly Leveraged Lending Review (Q4 2020) and Fitch U.S. Leveraged Loan Default Insight (January 28, 2021), middle market companies, which we define as borrowers with EBITDA of approximately $25 million and $100 million, are generally less levered, have larger equity contributions, and experience lower rates of default versus large cap broadly syndicated loans, which we define as loans to borrowers with greater than $100 million of EBITDA. Middle market loans relative to broadly syndicated loans also tend to achieve more attractive economics in the form of upfront fees, spreads, and
prepayment penalties, and benefit from stronger defensive structures through terms including, but not limited to documentation, asset security, priority in payments, covenants, and information/governance, all of which potentially provide more favorable protection against credit deterioration. Middle market lenders like us are also often able to complete more thorough due diligence investigations prior to investment than lenders in the broadly syndicated space. We believe the confluence of these factors have resulted in, over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, middle market loans driving an approximate 150 to 200 basis points spread premium over broadly syndicated loans according to the S&P Global Market Intelligence LCD Leveraged Loan Index, without taking incremental credit risk as evidenced by lower default rates and higher recovery rates as compared to broadly syndicated loans.
Market Environment Favors Non-Traditional Lenders. Traditional middle market lenders, such as commercial and regional banks and commercial finance companies, have contracted their origination and lending activities and are focusing on more liquid asset classes or have exited the business. At the same time, institutional investors have sought to invest in larger, more liquid offerings, limiting the ability of middle market companies to raise debt capital through public capital markets. This has resulted in other capital providers, such as specialty finance companies, structured-credit vehicles such as CLOs, BDCs, and private investment funds, actively investing in the middle market. We believe the aforementioned changes and restrictions have created a large and growing market opportunity for alternative lenders such as us.
Favorable Capital Markets Trends. Current and future demand for middle market financings, driven by private equity investment and upcoming maturities are expected to provide us with ample deal flow. Current data from the Refinitiv suggests that approximately $553 billion of upcoming loan maturities for middle market companies are due between 2021 and 2027, and the Preqin PE North American Report suggests that there is approximately $865 billion of uninvested private equity capital as of December 31, 2020. We believe these refinancings and uninvested capital will provide a steady flow of attractive opportunities for well-positioned lenders with deep and longstanding sponsor and market relationships, particularly for providers of full capital structure financing solutions.
Investment Strategy
Our investment strategy is a continuation of a strategy adopted by the CDL platform. We focus on investing primarily in companies that we believe at the time of investment to be established and stable, with positive cash flow. Our investment portfolio is anticipated to primarily be composed of investments in senior secured loans, second lien secured loans and, potentially to a significantly lesser extent, subordinated loans of private, U.S. middle market companies. Our Investment Adviser aims to maintain an appropriate allocation among the various types of senior secured term loans, as well as junior secured debt and unsecured subordinated debt, to allow us to achieve our returns while maintaining our desired credit risk profile.
We typically target portfolio companies that exhibit some or all of the following characteristics at the time of investment:
•EBITDA of $25-$100 million;
•Minimum of 35% original sponsor cash equity in each transaction (typically higher);
•Sustainable leading positions in their respective markets;
•Scalable revenues and operating cash flow;
•Experienced management teams with successful track records;
•Stable, predictable cash flows with low technology and market risks;
•Diversified product offering and customer base;
•Low capital expenditures requirements;
•A North American base of operations;
•Strong customer relationships;
•Products, services or distribution channels having distinctive competitive advantages; and
•Defensible niche strategy or other barriers to entry.
Once we are fully invested, our investments in a portfolio company are expected generally to comply with the following limits, measured as a percentage of the sum of our aggregate capital commitments of $1.2 billion and our use of leverage up to the maximum amount permitted by the Investment Company Act (currently limited to a debt-to-equity ratio of 1 to 1):
•represent between 2% and 4%;
•no single portfolio company typically represent more than 10%;
•no single industry typically represent more than 20%; and
•our aggregate investments in non-U.S. portfolio companies typically do not exceed more than 15%.
We measure our compliance with these limits at the time of each investment. Before we are fully invested, our investments may fall outside of the above ranges.
Our Investment Adviser’s investment team intends to use a disciplined, credit-driven investment strategy that is a continuation of CDL’s strategy, including:
•pursuing investments in senior secured loans, and aiming to maintain the appropriate allocation among the various types of senior secured loans, as well as junior secured debt to allow us to achieve its returns while maintaining its desired credit risk profile;
•performing in-depth due diligence on companies, management teams and sponsors, and conducting fundamental credit and valuation analyses;
•seeking to structure investments to provide us with security, current cash pay interest, and additional upside through original issue discount (“OID”) or other fees; and
•active management of portfolio investments through ongoing dialogue with equity owners and management, monitoring of operational results, financial reports and compliance with covenants, company visits, and periodic evaluation of potential exit alternatives for part or all of each investment.
Investment Criteria and Transactional Structures
We invest primarily in transactions supported by private equity sponsors. We seek to invest in the following types of assets, with an emphasis on senior debt:
•traditional cash flow senior secured debt;
•unitranche senior secured debt financings;
•“last out” unitranche debt;
•second lien senior debt;
•traditional subordinated debt;
•preferred and common equity co-investments; and
•secondary and other opportunistic asset purchases.
As noted above, we may also from time to time participate in traditional subordinated debt financings, preferred and common equity co-investments. We may also make secondary purchases of all of the above types of investments and other securities on an opportunistic basis.
Investment Approach and Risk Monitoring of Investments
Our Investment Adviser utilizes a robust, iterative, and heavily documented due diligence underwriting process to evaluate all investment opportunities. Our Investment Adviser’s investment teams primarily consist of origination professionals, underwriters and portfolio management professionals. An investment team works on a particular transaction from initial screening through closing, and the same team continues to monitor the credit for the life cycle of the investment.
We view our investment process as consisting of the phases described below:
Origination. Our Investment Adviser has built a strong direct origination platform. Our Investment Adviser’s origination team sources approximately 1,400 opportunities per year with an ultimate investment rate by us of less than 5% annually. The scale of our Investment Adviser’s origination platform allows us to maximize access to investment opportunities, enhance overall investment selectivity and diversify risks in our portfolio. We further seek to reduce risk by partnering with experienced sponsors with strong track records. We believe lending to companies owned by leading private equity firms (versus non-sponsored companies) has several important and potentially defensive characteristics.
Carlyle's financial sponsor origination team covers over 200 private equity firms, financial institutions, other middle market lenders, strategic relationships and arrangements, financial advisors, and experienced management teams, generally organized on a regional basis with offices in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. It is their responsibility to source specific opportunities, identify potential loan candidates, and apply creative and flexible solutions to solve clients’ financing
needs. Each originator maintains long-standing relationships with potential sources of deal flow and is responsible for covering a specified target market. We believe those originators’ strength and breadth of relationships, combined with our platform's capabilities, allow us to source investments across a wide range of markets enabling our Investment Adviser to be highly selective in recommending investments.
Transaction Screening. After the originator and a senior investment team member have completed an initial screen, the investment team will prepare and present a screening memo that includes, but is not limited to, a business description, proposed transaction financing structures, preliminary financial analysis (including a cash flow forecast incorporating downside scenarios), debt and equity comparables, and the team's initial assessment of investment merits and key risks and market/industry considerations to a screening committee of senior members of the Direct Lending team (the "Screening Committee"). Based on feedback from the Screening Committee, the deal team will prepare and disseminate an outcome email that documents the takeaways from the meeting, including preferred financing structure as well as terms, key diligence items, and next steps.
Underwriting. Following an indication from the Screening Committee to move forward in the diligence process, the investment team will compile a detailed diligence list and prepare for in-depth credit analysis. During the investment process, the investment team works closely with the private equity sponsor / borrower in all aspects of due diligence. Formal due diligence includes meeting the management team, reviewing the data room and performing key financial analysis, creating a more detailed financial model with sensitivities across various market environments, reviewing sell-side and third party research including industry reports and financial diligence, following up with industry experts within the Carlyle network for additional feedback and drafting the commitment papers and term sheet. As part of the extensive due diligence process, the investment team fully leverages all internal Carlyle resources to aid in investment decisions. This includes, as needed, speaking to Carlyle Private Equity investment professionals (in accordance with information barrier restrictions), Carlyle operating executives, Carlyle’s Chief Economist & Director of Research, Carlyle’s government affairs professionals, and any executive within Carlyle’s private equity portfolio, which includes over 250 companies worldwide. In addition, the investment team may utilize third party expert networks to supplement its work to gain further insight into company and industry factors from various thought leaders across the company’s markets. Carlyle recently enhanced its due diligence process by incorporating formal ESG reviews. While ESG has always been a component of the screening process, all deals will now be thoroughly vetted using sector and sub-sector specific Sustainability Accounting Standards Board standards. ESG diligence will further incorporate country risk assessments for corruption and anti-money laundering concerns as well. This part of the process is iterative and involves re-screening with members of the Investment Adviser's investment committee before seeking final investment committee approval. Over the course of the underwriting process, the investment team crafts a fulsome memo, with diligence completed on a variety of industry, company-specific, financial and legal topics that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
•Overview of the opportunity, investment team recommendation, and risks and mitigants
•Structure, terms and pricing of the proposed facilities
•Sources and uses and capitalization table
•Industry growth (including total addressable market, penetration and whitespace), key industry trends, risk of disruption (with focus on technological disruption), competitive landscape and side-by-side analysis of key competitors, borrower's market position and reputation, industry fragmentation and consolidation trends, M&A trends and valuation multiples, barriers to entry for new adjacent or substitute players and regulatory framework
•Details on core product and service offering, including revenue visibility and quality, revenue and gross profit build-up by key products / services (including price and volume trends, if applicable), concentration and margins, and other relevant sector-specific metrics
•Customer diligence, including concentration, wallet share, tenure, health of customer base, contract details (if applicable), and sales and marketing team and related strategy
•Contracts, including maturity and termination, renewal waterfalls, ability to pass through costs, exclusivity
•Supply chain diligence, including supplier concentration, raw material exposure, pricing power and logistics
•Details on operations, including IT and technology, operating footprint (including real estate and leases, if applicable), distribution, and employee base
•Financial diligence, including cyclicality, seasonality, fixed and variable costs, EBITDA adjustments, capital expenditures, working capital (including aging and write-offs), detailed, bottom up cash flow modeling with sensitivities for key business risks, tax characteristics and tax shield, accounting policies (including revenue and cost recognition), bonding requirements, foreign exchange exposure, and earn-outs and off-balance sheet liabilities
•Financial model, including detailed, bottom-up cash flow model with sensitivities for key business risks
•Debt and equity comparables
•Details on management team, including quality, depth and reputation, and private equity sponsor (if applicable)
•Details on legal documentation, including construction of EBITDA and indebtedness, financial covenants and equity cures, affirmative covenants (including reporting requirements, audits, budgets, and maintaining good standing), permitted indebtedness, permitted liens and incremental facilities (including most favored nation protection), restricted payments and tax distributions, permitted acquisitions and investments, permitted divestitures and mandatory prepayments, events of default and cure periods, enforcement of remedies, security and collateral package, assignability of key contracts, leases, material IP or other key collateral, limitations on fundamental changes and transferring collateral, voting and assignment provisions, and other key terms
•Environmental, regulatory, or legal issues and insurance coverage
•Adherence with environmental, social and governance policies
•Items as to which approval is conditional and which require further due diligence and/or subsequent resolution
Monitoring. We view proactive portfolio monitoring as a vital part of the investment process, which includes the continuous review by the portfolio management, underwriting and workout teams, with multiple layers of risk review and oversight. Our Investment Adviser utilizes a proprietary credit surveillance dashboard, an Internal Risk Rating system and proprietary valuation model to assess risk in the portfolio. The portfolio management process involves a variety of ongoing and scheduled reviews that allow for early detection of issues and escalation to the Investment Committee and workout team to avoid credit losses. This process includes detailed portfolio dashboard updates, monthly reviews of watch list credits, quarterly meetings to conduct formal portfolio reviews, focused on technical analysis of financial performance, and portfolio diversification, and ongoing ad-hoc meetings to handle borrower-specific requests, including follow-on transactions and amendments. Our Investment Adviser supplements these processes with additional analyses and projections, including stress scenarios, to assess the potential exposure of our portfolio to variable macroeconomic factors and market conditions. For more information on the Internal Risk Ratings of our portfolio, see Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Portfolio and Investment Activity.”
Portfolio Composition
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of our investments was approximately $1,811.5 million and $1,370.1 million, respectively, in 84 and 68 portfolio companies, respectively. The type, geography and industry composition of our investments, each as a percentage of the fair value of our investments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:
As of December 31,
Type-% of Fair Value 2020 2019
First Lien Debt (excluding First Lien/Last Out Debt) 77.93 % 82.03 %
First Lien/Last Out Debt 6.17 2.63
Second Lien Debt 14.37 14.43
Equity Investments 1.53 0.91
Total 100.00 % 100.00 %
As of December 31,
Type-% of Fair Value of First and Second Lien Debt 2020 2019
Floating Rate 98.05 % 98.56 %
Fixed Rate 1.95 1.44
Total 100.00 % 100.00 %
As of December 31,
Geography-% of Fair Value 2020 2019
Canada 5.32 % 4.21 %
Cyprus 1.50 1.42
Jamaica - 0.01
Luxembourg 1.88 2.67
United Kingdom 5.29 2.65
United States 86.01 89.04
Total 100.00 % 100.00 %
As of December 31,
Industry-% of Fair Value 2020 2019
Aerospace & Defense 5.97 % 5.98 %
Automotive 3.70 2.83
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 10.26 9.42
Beverage, Food & Tobacco 4.23 3.46
Business Services 10.69 13.34
Capital Equipment 4.28 3.29
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber 1.42 1.97
Construction & Building 1.62 1.69
Consumer Services 2.72 1.60
Containers, Packaging & Glass 6.46 7.83
Durable Consumer Goods 0.52 0.76
Energy: Oil & Gas 2.10 0.71
Environmental Industries 3.94 -
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 3.83 8.29
High Tech Industries 9.21 6.39
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure 2.78 4.08
Media: Advertising, Printing & Publishing 0.54 4.06
Media: Diversified & Production 3.79 -
Retail 3.80 4.16
Software 11.85 14.14
Sovereign & Public Finance 2.13 2.73
Telecommunications 2.81 2.70
Transportation: Cargo 0.41 0.57
Wholesale 0.94 -
Total 100.00 % 100.00 %
See the Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 in our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on these investments, including a list of companies and type, cost and fair value of investments.
Allocation of Investment Opportunities and Potential Conflicts of Interest
An affiliated investment fund, account or other similar arrangement currently formed or formed in the future and managed by our Investment Adviser or its affiliates may have overlapping investment objectives and strategies with our own and, accordingly, may invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by us. This creates potential conflicts in allocating investment opportunities among us and such other investment funds, accounts and similar arrangements, particularly in circumstances where the availability or liquidity of such investment opportunities is limited or where co-investments by us and other funds, accounts or arrangements are not permitted under applicable law, as discussed below.
For example, Carlyle sponsors several investment funds, accounts and other similar arrangements, including, without limitation, structured credit funds, closed-end registered investment companies, BDCs, carry funds, and managed accounts and structured credit funds it may sponsor in the future. The SEC has granted us exemptive relief that permits us and certain of our affiliates to co-invest in suitable negotiated investments (the “Exemptive Relief”). If Carlyle is presented with investment opportunities that generally fall within our investment objective and other board-established criteria and those of other Carlyle funds, accounts or other similar arrangements (including other existing and future affiliated BDCs) whether focused on a debt strategy or otherwise, Carlyle allocates such opportunities among us and such other Carlyle funds, accounts or other similar arrangements in a manner consistent with the Exemptive Relief, our Investment Adviser’s allocation policies and procedures and Carlyle’s other allocation policies and procedures, where applicable, as discussed below. More specifically, investment opportunities in suitable negotiated investments for investment funds, accounts and other similar arrangements managed by our Investment Adviser, and other funds, accounts or similar arrangements managed by affiliated investment advisers that seek to co-invest with us or other Carlyle BDCs, are allocated in accordance with the Exemptive Relief. Investment opportunities for all other investment funds, accounts and other similar arrangements not managed by our Investment Adviser are allocated in
accordance with their respective investment advisers’ and Carlyle’s other allocation policies and procedures. Such policies and procedures may result in certain investment opportunities that are attractive to us being allocated to other funds that are not managed by our Investment Adviser. Carlyle’s, including our Investment Adviser’s, allocation policies and procedures are designed to allocate investment opportunities fairly and equitably among its clients over time, taking into account a variety of factors which may include the sourcing of the transaction, the nature of the investment focus of each such other Carlyle fund, accounts or other similar arrangements, each fund’s, account’s or similar arrangement’s desired level of investment, the relative amounts of capital available for investment, the nature and extent of involvement in the transaction on the part of the respective teams of investment professionals, any requirements contained in the limited partnership agreements and other governing agreements of the Carlyle funds, accounts or other similar arrangements and other considerations deemed relevant by Carlyle in good faith, including suitability considerations and reputational matters. The application of these considerations may cause differences in the performance of different Carlyle funds, accounts and similar arrangements that have similar strategies.
Because we are a BDC, we are not generally permitted to make loans to companies controlled by Carlyle or other funds managed by Carlyle.
We are also not permitted to make any co-investments with clients of our Investment Adviser or its affiliates (including any fund managed by Carlyle) without complying with our Exemptive Relief, subject to certain exceptions, including with respect to our downstream affiliates. Co-investments made under the Exemptive Relief are subject to compliance with the conditions and other requirements contained in the Exemptive Relief, which could limit our ability to participate in a co-investment transaction. We may also co-invest with funds managed by Carlyle or any of its downstream affiliates, subject to compliance with applicable law and regulations, existing regulatory guidance, and our Investment Adviser’s and Carlyle’s other allocation policies and procedures.
While Carlyle and our Investment Adviser seek to implement their respective allocation processes in a fair and equitable manner under the particular circumstances, there can be no assurance that it will result in equivalent allocation of or participation in investment opportunities or equivalent performance of investments allocated to us as compared to the other entities. In some cases, due to information barriers that are in place, we and other Carlyle investment funds, accounts or other similar arrangements may compete with each other for specific investment opportunities without being aware that they are competing with each other. Carlyle has a conflict system in place above these information barriers to identify potential conflicts early in the process and determine if an allocation decision needs to be made or if an investment is precluded. If the conflicts system detects a potential conflict, the legal and compliance departments of Carlyle assess investment opportunities to determine whether a particular investment opportunity is required to be allocated to a particular investment fund, account or other similar arrangement (including us) or is prohibited from being allocated to a particular investment fund, account or similar arrangement. Subject to a determination by the legal and compliance departments (if applicable), portfolio management teams and, as applicable, the Investment Adviser's allocation committees, are then charged with ensuring that investment opportunities are allocated to the appropriate investment fund, account or similar arrangement in accordance with our Investment Adviser's allocation policies and procedures. In addition, in some cases Carlyle and our Investment Adviser may make investment recommendations to investment funds, accounts and other similar arrangements where the investment funds, accounts and other similar arrangements make the investment independently of Carlyle and our Investment Adviser. As a result, there are circumstances where investments appropriate for us are instead allocated, in whole or in part, to such other investment funds, accounts or other similar arrangements irrespective of our Investment Adviser’s and Carlyle’s other policies and procedures regarding allocation of investments. Where Carlyle otherwise has discretion to allocate investment opportunities among various funds, accounts and other similar arrangements, it should be noted that Carlyle may determine to allocate such investment opportunities away from us.
During periods of unusual market conditions, our Investment Adviser may deviate from its normal trade allocation practices. For example, this may occur with respect to the management of unlevered and/or long-only investment funds, accounts or similar arrangements that are typically managed on a side-by-side basis with levered and/or long-short investment funds, accounts or similar arrangements.
For potential conflicts of interest in allocating investment opportunities among the Company and other investment funds, accounts or similar arrangements advised by Carlyle, see Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Structure-There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including the management of other investment funds and accounts by our Investment Adviser, which could impact our investment returns.”
Election to be Taxed as a RIC
We have elected to be treated, and intend to continue to qualify annually, as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on
any net ordinary income or capital gains that we timely distribute to our stockholders as dividends. Instead, dividends we distribute generally will be taxable to the holders of our common stock, and any net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other tax attributes may not pass through to the holders of our common stock. To qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, we must distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (generally, our net ordinary income plus the excess of our realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction) for any taxable year (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”). The following discussion assumes that we qualify as a RIC and have satisfied the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we (1) qualify as a RIC, and (2) satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, then we are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of our net taxable income we distribute (or are deemed to distribute) to stockholders. We are subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on any income or capital gains not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.
In addition, if we fail to distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income for the 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 (the “Excise Tax Distribution Requirements”), we are liable for a 4% excise tax on the portion of the undistributed amounts of such income that are less than the amounts required to be distributed based on the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by us that is subject to corporate income tax for the tax year ending in that calendar year is considered to have been distributed by year end (or earlier if estimated taxes are paid).
In order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:
•continue to qualify as a BDC under the Investment Company 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 loans of certain securities, gains from the sale of stock or other securities or foreign currencies, 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 foreign currencies (the “90% Gross 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
◦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, or 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” (the “Diversification Tests”).
Moreover, 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 qualification as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Distribution Requirements, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous. If we are prohibited from making distributions or are unable to raise additional debt or equity capital or sell assets to make distributions, we may not be able to make sufficient distributions to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, and therefore would not be able to maintain our qualification as a RIC. Additionally, we may make investments that result in the recognition of ordinary income rather than capital gain, or that prevent us from accruing a long-term holding period. These investments may prevent us from making capital gain distributions as described below. We intend to monitor our transactions, make the appropriate tax elections and make the appropriate entries in our books and records when we make any such investments in order to mitigate the effect of these rules.
A RIC is limited in its ability to deduct expenses in excess of its “investment company taxable income” (which is, generally, ordinary income plus net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses). If our expenses in a given year exceed gross taxable income, we would have a net operating loss for that year. However, a RIC is not permitted to carry forward net operating losses to subsequent years. In addition, expenses can be used only to offset investment company taxable income, not net capital gain. Due to these limits on the deductibility of expenses, we may for U.S. federal income tax purposes have aggregate taxable income for several years that we distribute and that is taxable to our stockholders even if such income is greater than the aggregate net income we actually earned during those years. Such distributions may be made from our cash assets or by liquidation of investments, if necessary. We may realize gains or losses from such liquidations.
In the event we realize net capital gains from such transactions, a holder may receive a larger capital gain distribution than the holder would have received in the absence of such transactions.
Regulation
General-Regulation as a Business Development Company
We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act and have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code. A BDC must be organized in the United States for the purpose of investing in or lending to primarily private companies and making significant managerial assistance available to them. A BDC may use capital provided by public stockholders and from other sources to make long-term, private investments in businesses.
We may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC unless authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, as required by the Investment Company Act. A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the Investment Company Act as the lesser of: (a) 67% or more of such company’s voting securities present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company. We do not anticipate any substantial change in the nature of our business.
As with other companies regulated by the Investment Company Act, a BDC must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. A majority of our directors must be persons who are not “interested persons,” as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act (such directors are referred to as the “Independent Directors” and the directors who are not Independent Directors are referred to as the “Interested Directors”). We are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect the BDC. Furthermore, as a BDC, we are prohibited from protecting any director or officer against any liability to us or our stockholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office.
The Investment Company Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to certain transactions between BDCs and certain affiliates (including any investment advisers or sub-advisers), principal underwriters and certain affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. Because we are a BDC, we are not generally permitted to make loans to companies controlled by Carlyle or other funds managed by Carlyle. We are also not permitted to make any co-investments with our Investment Adviser or its affiliates (including any fund managed by Carlyle) without complying with our Exemptive Relief, subject to certain exceptions, including with respect to our downstream affiliates. Co-investments made under the Exemptive Relief are subject to compliance with the conditions and other requirements contained in the Exemptive Relief, which could limit our ability to participate in a co-investment transaction. We may also co-invest with funds managed by Carlyle or any of its downstream affiliates, subject to compliance with applicable law and regulations, existing regulatory guidance, and our Investment Adviser’s allocation policies and procedures.
As a BDC, we are generally required to meet a minimum “asset coverage” ratio after each issuance of senior securities. “Asset coverage” generally refers to a company’s total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by “senior securities,” as defined in the Investment Company Act, divided by total senior securities representing indebtedness and, if applicable, preferred stock. “Senior securities” for this purpose includes borrowings from banks or other lenders, debt securities and preferred stock.
We may invest up to 100% of our assets in securities acquired directly from issuers in privately negotiated transactions. With respect to such securities, we may, for the purpose of public resale, be deemed an “underwriter” as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Our intention is to not write (sell) or buy put or call options to manage risks associated with the publicly traded securities of our portfolio companies. We may enter into hedging transactions to manage the risks associated with interest rate and currency fluctuations. We may purchase or otherwise receive warrants or options to purchase the common stock of our portfolio companies in connection with acquisition financings or other investments. In connection with such an acquisition, we may acquire rights to require the issuers of acquired securities or their affiliates to repurchase them under certain circumstances.
We do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the Investment Company Act. Under these limits, except for registered money market funds, we generally cannot acquire more than 3% of the voting stock of any investment company (unless certain conditions are satisfied), invest more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one investment company or invest more than 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of investment companies in the aggregate. The portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies ordinarily will subject our stockholders to additional indirect expenses. Our investment portfolio is also subject to
diversification requirements by virtue of our intended status to be a RIC for U.S. tax purposes. See Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Structure” for more information.
In addition, investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act and private funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” pursuant to either Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act may not acquire directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock (measured at the time of the acquisition), unless the funds comply with an exemption under the Investment Company Act. As a result, certain of our investors may hold a smaller position in our shares than if they were not subject to these restrictions.
We are generally not able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value ("NAV") 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 NAV of our common stock if our Independent Directors determine that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our common stock is to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Independent Directors, closely approximates the market value of such shares (less any distributing commission or discount). In addition, we may generally issue new shares of our common stock at a price below NAV in rights offerings to existing stockholders, in payment of dividends and in certain other limited circumstances. See Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Structure-Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we will, raise additional capital. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.”
We are subject to periodic examination by the SEC for compliance with the Investment Company Act.
As a BDC, we are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. See Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Structure.”
Qualifying Assets
As a BDC, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets,” including securities and indebtedness of private U.S. companies and certain public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. We also may invest up to 30% of our portfolio in non-qualifying assets, as permitted by the Investment Company Act. Specifically, as part of this 30% basket, we may invest in entities that are not considered “eligible portfolio companies” (as defined in the Investment Company Act), including companies located outside of the United States, entities that are operating pursuant to certain exceptions under the Investment Company Act, and publicly traded entities whose public equity market capitalization exceeds the levels provided for under the Investment Company Act.
Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies
As a BDC, we must offer, and must provide upon request, significant 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. Our Investment Adviser may provide all or a portion of this assistance pursuant to our administration agreement, the costs of which will be reimbursed by us. We may receive fees for these services.
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, which we refer to, collectively, as “temporary investments,” so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. We may also 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 which 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 gross assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we would not meet the diversification tests in order to qualify as a RIC. Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. Our Investment Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.
Indebtedness and Senior Securities
We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to 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 a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factor-Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure-Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we will, raise additional capital. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.”
Codes of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and our Investment Adviser has adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, respectively (collectively, the “Rule 17j-1 Codes of Ethics”), which establish procedures for personal investments and restricts certain transactions and apply to, among others, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Rule 17j-1 Codes of Ethics generally do not permit investments by personnel subject to them in securities that may be purchased or sold by us. We have also adopted a Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Senior Financial Officers under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOX Code of Ethics”), which applies to, among others, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
We hereby undertake to provide a copy of these codes of ethics to any person, without charge, upon request. Requests for a copy of these codes of ethics may be made in writing addressed to the Secretary of the Company, Erik Barrios, TCG BDC II, Inc., One Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 3400, New York, NY.
There have been no material changes to the Rule 17j-1 Code of Ethics or the SOX Code of Ethics or material waivers of the code that apply to our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer.
Compliance Policies and Procedures
We and our Investment Adviser have each adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent violation of the federal securities laws and are required to review these compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation. Our Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for administering these policies and procedures.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) imposes a wide variety of regulatory requirements on publicly-held companies and their insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:
•pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer must certify the accuracy of the consolidated financial statements contained in our periodic reports;
•pursuant to Item 307 of Regulation S-K, our periodic reports must disclose our conclusions about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures;
•pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, our management must prepare a report regarding its assessment of our internal control over financial reporting and, starting from the date on which we are both (i) not an emerging growth company under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended (the “JOBS Act”) and (ii) are a reporting company that meets the definition of an “accelerated filer” or a “large accelerated filer” under Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, must obtain an audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting performed by our independent registered public accounting firm; and
•pursuant to Item 308 of Regulation S-K and Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, our periodic reports must disclose whether there were significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to material weaknesses.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our current policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. We will continue 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 therewith.
Compliance with the JOBS Act
We currently are, and following the completion of this offering expect to remain, an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act until the earliest of:
• up to five years measured from the date of the first sale of common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement;
• the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues are $1.07 billion or more;
• the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period; and
• the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of the common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any June 30.
Under the JOBS Act, we are exempt from the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which would require that our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. As long as we remain an emerging growth company or a reporting company that does not meet the definition of an “accelerated filer” or a “large accelerated filer” under Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This may increase the risk that material weaknesses or other deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting go undetected. See Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure-If we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may not be able to timely or accurately report our financial results, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.”
In addition, Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act and Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended by Section 102(b) of the JOBS Act, provide that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. However, pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act, we are choosing to “opt out” of such extended transition period, and as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. Our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to our Investment Adviser. The proxy voting policies and procedures of our Investment Adviser are set forth below. These guidelines are reviewed periodically by our Investment Adviser and our Independent Directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change.
An investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, our Investment Adviser recognizes that it must vote portfolio 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 are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the Advisers Act.
Our Investment Adviser will vote proxies relating to our portfolio securities in what it perceives to be the best interest of our stockholders. Our Investment Adviser will review on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted to a stockholder vote to determine its impact on the portfolio securities held by us. Although our Investment Adviser will generally vote against proposals that may have a negative impact on our portfolio securities, it may vote for such a proposal if there exist compelling long-term reasons to do so.
Our Investment Adviser’s proxy voting decisions will be made by its investment committee. To ensure that the vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, our Investment Adviser will require that: (1) anyone involved in the decision making
process disclose to our Investment Adviser’s investment committee, and Independent Directors, any potential conflict that he or she is aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any interested party regarding a proxy vote; and (2) employees involved in the decision making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how our Investment Adviser intends to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties.
Stockholders may obtain information regarding how we voted proxies by making a written request for proxy voting information to: TCG BDC II, Inc., c/o Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C., One Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 3400, New York, NY 10017.
Privacy Principles
We endeavor to maintain the privacy of our stockholders and to safeguard their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help stockholders understand what non-public personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share that information with select other parties.
We may collect non-public personal information about stockholders from our subscription agreements or other forms, such as name, address, account number and the types and amounts of investments, and information about transactions with us or our affiliates, such as participation in other investment programs, ownership of certain types of accounts or other account data and activity. We may disclose the non-public personal information that we collect from our stockholders or former stockholders, as described above, to our affiliates and service providers and as allowed by applicable law or regulation. Any party that receives this information from us is permitted to use it only for the services required by us and as allowed by applicable law or regulation, and is not permitted to share or use this information for any other purpose. We permit access only by authorized personnel who need access to that non-public personal information to provide services to us and our stockholders. We also maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards for non-public personal information that are designed to comply with applicable law.
Reporting Obligations and Available Information
We furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing audited financial statements, quarterly reports, and such other periodic reports as we determine to be appropriate or as may be required by law. We are required to comply with all periodic reporting, proxy solicitation and other applicable requirements under the Exchange Act.
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, as well as reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 regarding directors, officers or 10% beneficial owners of us, filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a), 15(d) or 16(a) of the Exchange Act, are available on the SEC website, which can be accessed at www.sec.gov.
Competition
Our primary competitors in providing financing to middle market companies include public and private funds, other BDCs, commercial and investment banks, collateralized loan obligations, commercial finance companies and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity and hedge funds. Many of our potential 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 funds and access to funding sources that will not be available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than we do, 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 Investment Company Act and the Code impose on us. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we will face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of this competition, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time, and we can offer no assurance that we will be able to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objective.
We expect to use the expertise of the members of our Investment Adviser’s investment committee and its investment team to assess investment risks and determine appropriate pricing for our investments. In addition, we expect that extensive direct origination resources, broad product capabilities, ability to commit capital in scale and the depth of expertise of our Investment Adviser’s investment team will enable us to learn about and compete effectively for, financing opportunities with attractive middle market companies in the industries in which we seek to invest. For additional information concerning the competitive risks we face, see Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Investments-We operate
in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and compete with investment vehicles sponsored or advised by our affiliates”.
Staffing
We do not currently have any employees. Our Chief Financial Officer, a Managing Director of Carlyle, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, a Principal of Carlyle, and our Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary, a Vice President of Carlyle, are retained by our Administrator pursuant to the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreement. Each of these professionals performs their respective functions for us under the terms of our Administration Agreement.
Our day-to-day investment operations are managed by our Investment Adviser. Pursuant to its personnel agreement with Carlyle Employee Co., our Investment Adviser has access to the members of its investment committee, and a team of additional experienced investment professionals who, collectively, comprise the Investment Adviser’s investment team. Our Investment Adviser may hire additional investment professionals to provide services to us.
Private Offering
We have entered into separate subscription agreements with qualified investors providing for the private placement of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Private Offering.
Closings
The first date on which we accepted subscriptions for shares of our common stock to be issued in the Private Offering is referred to as the “Initial Closing Date.” The last date on which we are authorized to accept subscriptions for shares of our common stock to be issued in the Private Offering must occur no later than 12 months following the Initial Closing Date, which is referred to as the “Final Closing Date”, provided that our Board of Directors may extend the Final Closing Date by up to an additional six-month period in its sole discretion (the end of such six-month period is referred to as the “Outside Date”).
On September 11, 2017, which is the Initial Closing Date, we completed our initial closing of capital commitments of $185.8 million. Our Final Closing Date occurred on September 11, 2018. On August 6, 2018, our Board of Directors approved an extension of the Final Closing Date. We have held additional closings subsequent to the Initial Closing Date, with our final closing occurring on November 9, 2018, which is the Outside Date.
Capital Drawdowns
Investors are required to fund drawdowns to purchase shares of our common stock up to the amount of their respective capital commitments each time we deliver a drawdown notice, which is issued based on our anticipated investment activities and capital needs and at least eight business days prior to funding. All purchases are generally made pro rata, in accordance with the remaining capital commitments of all investors, at a per share price equal to then-current NAV per share of our common stock as determined within two business days of the applicable drawdown notice, subject to the limitations of Section 23 under the Investment Company Act (which generally prohibits us from selling shares at a price below the then-current NAV per share of our common stock as determined within 48 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays, of such issuance, subject to certain exceptions).
The initial capital drawdown from investors in the Private Offering (the “Initial Drawdown” and the date on which the Initial Drawdown occurs, the “Initial Drawdown Date”) was called on September 22, 2017 and settled by October 4, 2017. The NAV per share of the Company’s common stock in the Initial Drawdown was deemed to be $20.
Investment Period
The investment period commenced on the Initial Closing Date and will continue until the third anniversary of the Final Closing Date, regardless of whether the Final Closing Date is extended to the Outside Date, provided that it may be extended by our Board of Directors, in its discretion, for one additional one-year period, and, such end date may be further extended thereafter with the approval of holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock (such period, including any extensions, the “Investment Period”). On January 11, 2021, the Board of Directors extended the Investment Period for one additional one-year period. Therefore, our Investment Period commenced on September 11, 2017 and is now scheduled to expire September 11, 2022. In addition, our Board of Directors may terminate the Investment Period at any time in its discretion.
Drawdowns may be issued at any time prior to the expiration of the Investment Period for any permitted purpose.
Following the end of the Investment Period, we will have the right to issue drawdowns only (i) to pay, and/or establish reserves for, our actual or anticipated expenses, including management and incentive fees, any amounts that may become due under any borrowings or other financings or similar obligations and any other liabilities, contingent or otherwise, whether incurred before or after the end of the Investment Period, (ii) to fulfill investment commitments made or approved by our Investment Adviser’s investment committee prior to the expiration of the Investment Period, (iii) to engage in hedging transactions, (iv) fund follow-on investments made in existing portfolio companies (including transactions to hedge interest rate relating to such additional investment), (v) fund obligations under any of our guarantee or indemnity made during the Investment Period, (vi) fulfill obligations with respect to any purchase price due from an investor on a drawdown date that such investor fails to pay or (vii) as necessary for us to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the Investment Company Act and the Code.
Right to Redraw Capital
Unused capital commitments will be increased by the aggregate amount of (i) any portion of distributions made by us to an investor during the Investment Period which represents (A) proceeds realized from the sale or repayment of any investment (as opposed to investment income) during the Investment Period (but not in excess of the cost of any such investment) or (B) a return of such investor’s capital contributions to the Company, as determined by the Board of Directors, and (ii) any amount drawn down by us from unused capital commitments to pay management fees, incentive fees, organizational expenses or our expenses may, to the extent such investor receive subsequent distributions (each such amount as described in clauses (i) and (ii), “Returned Capital”).
Recycling
Subject to the requirements in the Code and the terms of any borrowings or other financings or similar obligations, proceeds realized by us from the sale or repayment of any investment (as opposed to investment income) during the Investment Period (but not in excess of the cost of any such investment), may be retained and be used by us for purposes making investments or paying management fees, incentive fees, or our expenses. Any amounts so reinvested will not reduce an investor’s unused capital commitment.
Company Term
The term of the Company is seven years from the Final Closing Date or, if the Final Closing Date is extended, the Outside Date, subject to the Board of Directors’ right to liquidate the Company at any time and to extend the term of the Company for up to two successive one-year periods (the seven year period and successive extensions, the “Term”). Upon the request of the Board of Directors and the approval of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock, the Term of the Company may be further extended. Therefore, our Term will end on November 9, 2025, the seven year anniversary of the Outside Date, unless extended as noted above.
The Company will be dissolved (i) upon the expiration of its Term (as such Term may be extended pursuant to the above) or (ii) at any time upon a decision of our Board of Directors, subject to any necessary stockholder approvals and applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act.
Transfer of Our Common Stock
No investor who participated in the Private Offering will be permitted to sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of its shares or capital commitment unless we provide our prior written consent and the transfer is otherwise made in accordance with applicable law.
Sponsor Commitment
Certain members of our senior management team, Carlyle officers, employees, equity holders, advisers, operating executives, consultants, professionals and affiliates have collectively committed to invest at least 3% of the aggregate investor capital commitments (excluding any investors affiliated with Carlyle) or approximately $36 million by the end of the Outside Date (such amount, the “Carlyle Aggregate Commitment”). Carlyle will be permitted, but in no event will be required, to increase the Carlyle Aggregate Commitment at any time prior to the expiration or termination of the Investment Period.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risk Factor Summary
The following is only a summary of the principal risks that may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The following should be read in conjunction with the complete discussion of risk factors we face, which are set forth below under "-Risk Factors".
Risks Related to Our Business and Structure
•Our limited term and limited Investment Period may impact our investment strategy.
•We are currently operating in a period of capital markets disruption and economic uncertainty, and capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability in the future. These market conditions may materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the U.S. and abroad, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations. Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.
•The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, on our portfolio companies and the result of our operations. Our Investment Adviser’s employees are currently working remotely. An extended period of remote work arrangements could strain our business continuity plans, introduce operational risk, including but not limited to cybersecurity risks, and impair our ability to manage our business.
•Changes to U.S. tariff and import/export regulations may have a negative effect on our portfolio companies and, in turn, us.
•We are dependent upon our Investment Adviser for our future success, and there are significant potential conflicts of interest which could impact our investment returns. Our fee structure and the Investment Adviser’s limited liability under the Investment Advisory Agreement may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. Our Investment Adviser, Administrator and sub-administrators are able to resign upon 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time.
•Our financial condition, results of operations and ability to achieve our investment objective depend on our ability to source investments, access financing and manage future growth effectively. We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.
•Our investors have obligations to satisfy capital calls. We may be unable to pay our obligations when due if our investors fail to pay installments of their capital commitments to us when due.
•Any failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC or RIC would reduce our operating flexibility, may hinder our achievement of our investment objective, may limit our investment choices and may subject us to greater regulation. We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to maintain our qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code.
•We may need to raise additional capital to grow because we must distribute most of our income. Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we will, raise additional capital.
•We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us. Our indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial conditions or results of operations.
•Changes in interest rates may increase our cost of capital, reduce the ability of our portfolio companies to service their debt obligations and decrease our net investment income. Changes in or the discontinuation of LIBOR may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
•We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
•A portion of our income and fees may not be qualifying income for purposes of the income source requirement.
•If we are not treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” as defined in the Code, certain U.S. stockholders will be taxed as though they received a distribution of some of our expenses. If we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may not be able to timely or accurately report our financial results, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
•Certain investors are limited in their ability to make significant investments in us.
•Our Board of Directors is authorized to reclassify any unissued shares of common stock into one or more classes of preferred stock, which could convey special rights and privileges to its owners.
•Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”) and our Articles of Amendment and Restatement (as amended from time to time, the “Charter”) and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.
•Our Board of Directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval.
•We are highly dependent on information systems, and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business. Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business or those of our portfolio companies.
•Changes in laws or regulations governing our and our portfolio companies’ businesses, and any failure by us or our portfolio companies to comply with these laws or regulations, may adversely affect our and our portfolio companies’ businesses.
Risks Related to Our Investments
•Our investments are risky and speculative, and may be affected by force majeure events, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
•Our portfolio securities are generally illiquid and typically do not have a readily available market price.
•We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and compete with investment vehicles sponsored or advised by our affiliates.
•Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged, may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, some of our investments in such companies, and may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries.
•Declines in the prices of corporate debt securities and illiquidity in the corporate debt markets may adversely affect the fair value of our portfolio investments, reducing our NAV through increased net unrealized depreciation.
•To the extent we make investments in restructurings and reorganizations they may be subject to greater regulatory and legal risks than other traditional direct investments in portfolio companies.
•We have not yet identified all of the portfolio companies we will invest in.
•The financial projections of our portfolio companies could prove inaccurate. The due diligence investigation that our Investment Adviser carries out with respect to an investment opportunity may not reveal or highlight all relevant facts that may be necessary or helpful in evaluating such investment opportunity.
•Our portfolio companies prepay loans from time to time, which may have the effect of reducing our investment income if the returned capital cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater yields.
•Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our investments.
•The disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.
•Because we generally do not hold controlling equity interests in our portfolio companies, we may not be in a position to exercise control over our portfolio companies.
•We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.
•There are certain risks associated with holding debt obligations that have original issue discount or payment-in-kind interest.
Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock
•Investing in our common stock may involve a high degree of risk.
•Our investors are subject to transfer restrictions.
•There is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time.
•Non-U.S. stockholders may be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax on dividends we pay.
Risk Factors
An investment in the Company involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this report, before you decide whether to make an investment in the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company’s investment objective will be achieved or that an investor will receive a return of its capital. In addition, there will be occasions when the Investment Adviser and its affiliates may encounter potential conflicts of interest in connection with the Company. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. The following considerations, in addition to the considerations set forth elsewhere herein, should be carefully evaluated before making an investment in the Company. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and operating result could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our NAV could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business and Structure
Our limited term and limited Investment Period may impact our investment strategy.
Unless earlier liquidated by our Board of Directors or extended by our Board of Directors (and, to the extent necessary, holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock), our Term will end on November 9, 2025, the seven year anniversary of the Outside Date. Due to our finite Term, we may be required to sell investments at an inopportune time, which could adversely affect our performance and/or cause us to seek to invest in loans with a shorter term than would be the case if our Term was longer, which might adversely affect the nature and/or quality of our investments. Following the expiration of the Investment Period, which was extended to September 11, 2022 by the Board of Directors, we do not expect to reinvest proceeds realized by us from the sale or repayment of any investment. Accordingly, we may be required to distribute such proceeds to stockholders, which may cause our fixed expenses to increase as a percentage of assets under management. In addition, any proceeds realized by us from the sale or repayment of investments could result in an increased concentration of our portfolio, which could increase the risks associated with ownership of our common stock.
We are currently operating in a period of capital markets disruption and economic uncertainty, and capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability in the future. These market conditions may materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States and abroad, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations.
The U.S. capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption during the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. Some economists and major investment banks have expressed concern that the continued spread of the virus globally could lead to a world-wide economic downturn. Disruptions in the capital markets, which may be caused by political trends and government actions in the United States and elsewhere, have increased and many continue to increase the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. These and future market disruptions and/or illiquidity would be expected to have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the businesses of our portfolio companies, and the broader financial and credit markets. Disruptions may also reduce the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and to financial firms in particular. At various times, such disruptions have resulted in, and may in the future result in, a lack of liquidity in parts of the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector and the repricing of credit risk. Such conditions may occur for a prolonged period of time again, and may materially worsen in the future, including as a result of U.S. government shutdowns, or future downgrades to the U.S. government's sovereign credit rating or the perceived credit worthiness of the U.S. or other large global economics. Unfavorable economic conditions also would be expected to increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events have limited and could continue to limit our investment originations, and limit our ability to grow and could have a material negative impact on our operating results, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and the fair values of our debt and equity investments.
In addition, the U.S. and global capital markets have in the past, and may in the future, experience periods of extreme volatility and disruption during economic downturns and recessions Increases to budget deficits, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, or direct and contingent sovereign debt may create concerns about the ability of certain nations to service their sovereign debt obligations, and any risk resulting from any such debt crisis in Europe, the U.S. or elsewhere could have a detrimental impact on the global economy, sovereign and non-sovereign debt in certain countries and the financial condition of financial institutions generally. Austerity measures that certain countries may agree to as part of any debt crisis or disruptions to major financial trading markets may adversely affect world economic conditions, our business and the businesses of our portfolio companies. In June 2016, the UK officially left the EU on January 31, 2020 and an 11-month transition period commenced to obtain a new trade agreement. On December 30, 2020, the UK and the EU entered into a Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which must be formally ratified by both sides before it becomes effective. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is provisionally effective from January 1, 2021 until February 28, 2021 to give the parties time for ratification. The implications of the withdrawal and the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement are unclear.
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our portfolio companies and the results of our operations.
In late 2019 and early 2020, SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 emerged in China and spread rapidly across the world, including the U.S. This outbreak has led, and for an unknown period of time will continue to lead, to disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies affected thereby. With respect to the U.S. credit markets (in particular for middle market loans), this outbreak has resulted in, and until fully resolved is likely to continue to result in, the following among other things: (i) government imposition of various forms of “stay at home” orders and the closing of “non-essential”
businesses, resulting in significant disruption to the businesses of many middle-market loan borrowers including supply chains, demand and practical aspects of their operations, as well as in lay-offs of employees, and, while these effects are hoped to be temporary, some effects could be persistent or even permanent; (ii) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit;(iii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments and waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by such borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing at the maturity dates of their loans; (iv) volatility and disruption of these markets including greater volatility in pricing and spreads and difficulty in valuing loans during periods of increased volatility, and liquidity issues; and (v) rapidly evolving proposals and/or actions by state and federal governments to address problems being experienced by the markets and by businesses and the economy in general which will not necessarily adequately address the problems facing the loan market and middle market businesses. This outbreak is having, and any future outbreaks could have, an adverse impact on our portfolio companies and us and on the markets and the economy in general, and that impact could be material. Although, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) on March 27, 2020 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “Consolidated Appropriations Act”) on December 27, 2020, which contain provisions intended to mitigate the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is uncertain whether, or how much, our portfolio companies may benefit from the CARES Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act or any other subsequent legislation intended to provide financial relief or assistance. It is impossible to determine the scope of this outbreak, or any future outbreaks, how long any such outbreak, market disruption or uncertainties may last, the effect any governmental actions will have or the full potential impact on us and our portfolio companies.
Further, from an operational perspective, our Investment Adviser’s investment professionals are currently working remotely. An extended period of remote work arrangements could strain our business continuity plans, introduce operational risk, including but not limited to cybersecurity risks, and impair our ability to manage our business. In addition, we are highly dependent on third party service providers for certain communication and information systems. As a result, we rely upon the successful implementation and execution of the business continuity planning of such providers in the current environment. If one or more of these third parties to whom we outsource certain critical business activities experience operational failures as a result of the impacts from the spread of COVID-19, or claim that they cannot perform due to a force majeure, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
While several countries, as well as certain states in the United States, have relaxed public health restrictions with a view to partially or fully reopening their economies, recurring COVID-19 outbreaks have led to the re-introduction of such restrictions in certain states in the United States and globally and could continue to lead to the re-introduction of such restrictions elsewhere. These continued travel restrictions may prolong the global economic downturn. The absence or delay of viable treatment options or a widely available vaccine could lead people to continue to self-isolate and not participate in the economy at pre-pandemic levels for a prolonged period of time. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy and most other major global economies may continue to experience a recession, and we anticipate our business and operations could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged recession in the U.S. and other major markets. Some economists and major investment banks have expressed concerns that the continued spread of the virus globally could lead to a world-wide economic downturn.
Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.
Many of the portfolio companies in which we make investments may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay the loans we made to them during these periods. Therefore, our non-performing assets may increase and the value of our portfolio may decrease during these periods as we are required to record our investments at their current fair value. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our and our portfolio companies’ funding costs, limit our and our portfolio companies’ access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us or our portfolio companies. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and 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, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt that we hold. We may incur additional expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. In addition, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we will actually provide significant managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors.
Changes to U.S. tariff and import/export regulations may have a negative effect on our portfolio companies and, in turn, harm us.
There has been ongoing discussion and commentary regarding potential, significant changes to U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs, resulting in significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties and tariffs. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the United States. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our portfolio companies’ access to suppliers or customers and have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn would negatively impact us.
We are dependent upon our Investment Adviser for our future success.
We do not have any employees. We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of our Investment Adviser’s investment professionals and CDL to source appropriate investments for us. We depend on members of our Investment Adviser’s investment team to appropriately analyze our investments and our Investment Adviser’s investment committee to approve and monitor our middle market portfolio investments. Our Investment Adviser’s investment committee, together with the other members of its investment team, evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor our investments. Our future success will depend on the continued availability of the members of our Investment Adviser’s investment committee and the other investment professionals available to our Investment Adviser. Neither we nor our Investment Adviser has employment agreements with these individuals or other key personnel, and we cannot provide any assurance that unforeseen business, medical, personal or other circumstances would not lead any such individual to terminate his or her relationship with us. The loss of any senior investment professionals to which our Investment Adviser has access, including members of our Investment Adviser's investment committee, or a significant number of the investment professionals of our Investment Adviser, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective as well as on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that CGCIM will remain our investment adviser or that we will continue to have access to Carlyle’s investment professionals or its information and deal flow. If, due to extraordinary market conditions or other reasons, we and other funds managed by our Investment Adviser or its affiliates were to incur substantial losses, the revenues of our Investment Adviser and its affiliates may decline substantially. Such losses may hamper our Investment Adviser's and its affiliates' ability to provide the same level of service to us as it would have. Further, there can be no assurance that CGCIM will replicate its own or Carlyle’s historical success, and we caution you that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by other Carlyle-managed funds.
Our financial condition, results of operations and ability to achieve our investment objective depend on our ability to source investments, access financing and manage future growth effectively.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective and to grow depends on our ability to acquire suitable investments and monitor and administer those investments, which depends, in turn, on our Investment Adviser’s ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria.
Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of our Investment Adviser’s structuring of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us and its ability to access financing for us on acceptable terms. Our Investment Adviser’s investment team has substantial responsibilities under the investment advisory agreement between us and our Investment Adviser (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) and in connection with managing us and certain other investment funds and accounts advised by our Investment Adviser, and may also be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. These demands on their time, which will increase as the number of investments grow, may distract them or slow the rate of investment. In order for us to grow, Carlyle will need to hire, train, supervise, manage and retain new employees. However, we can offer no assurance that any such investment professionals will contribute effectively to the work of our Investment Adviser. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may need to raise additional capital to grow because we must distribute most of our income.
We may need additional capital to fund growth in our investments. We expect to continue to issue equity securities in connection with capital drawdowns from our investors in the Private Offering and expect to continue to borrow from financial institutions in the future. A reduction in the availability of new capital could limit our ability to grow. We elected to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code. To maintain our status as a RIC, among other requirements, we must distribute on a timely basis at least 90% of our investment company
taxable income to our stockholders to maintain our RIC status. As a result, any such cash earnings may not be available to fund investment originations or repay maturing debt.
We have borrowed under credit facilities and in the future may borrow under additional debt facilities from financial institutions. As of December 31, 2020, we had outstanding $881.0 million aggregate principal amount of indebtedness.
We expect to issue additional debt and equity securities to fund our growth. If we fail to obtain funds from such sources or from other sources to fund our investments, it could limit our ability to grow, which may have an adverse effect on the value of our securities. We may pursue growth through acquisitions or strategic investments in new businesses. Completion and timing of any such acquisitions or strategic investments may be subject to a number of contingencies and risks. There can be no assurance that the integration of an acquired business will be successful or that an acquired business will prove to be profitable or sustainable.
In addition, as a BDC, our ability to borrow or issue preferred stock may be restricted if our total assets are less than 200% of our total borrowings and preferred stock. Furthermore, equity capital may be difficult to raise because, subject to some limited exceptions, as a BDC, we are generally not able to issue additional shares of our common stock at a price per share less than NAV without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our Independent Directors.
Our investors have obligations to satisfy capital calls.
Capital calls will be issued by us from time to time at our discretion, including after the end of our Investment Period to satisfy certain specified uses, based upon our assessment of our needs and opportunities. To satisfy such capital calls, our investors may need to maintain a substantial portion of their commitment in assets that can be readily converted to cash. Except as specifically set forth in the subscription agreement, each investor’s obligation to satisfy capital calls will be unconditional. An investor’s obligation to satisfy capital calls will not in any manner be contingent upon our performance or prospects or upon any assessment thereof provided by our Investment Adviser. Capital calls may not provide all of the information an investor desires in a particular circumstance, and such information may not be made available and will not be a condition precedent for an investor to meet its funding obligation. Additionally, and notwithstanding the foregoing, our Investment Adviser will not be obligated to call 100% of any investor’s commitment during our Term.
If one or more of our investors are unable to make, or are contractually excused from making, their capital calls on any one investment, the capital call of the other investors will increase accordingly, possibly materially. The fees, costs and expenses incurred by our investors in fulfilling a capital call (whether it is bank fees, wire fees, value-added tax or other applicable charge imposed on an investor (including the fees, costs and expenses incurred by an investor in converting its local currency into dollars, if applicable)) will be borne solely by such investor and will be in addition to the amounts required by capital calls (and will not be part of or otherwise reduce their commitments and/or unpaid capital commitment, as applicable).
We may be unable to pay our obligations when due if our investors fail to pay installments of their capital commitments to us when due.
If an investor fails to pay installments of its capital commitment to us when due, and if the contributions made by non-defaulting investors and borrowings by us are inadequate to cover the defaulted contribution, we may be unable to pay our obligations when due. As a result, we may be subjected to significant penalties that could materially adversely affect the returns to our investors (including non-defaulting investors).
Any failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC or RIC would reduce our operating flexibility, may hinder our achievement of our investment objective, may limit our investment choices and may subject us to greater regulation.
The Investment Company Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs and RICs that do not apply to other types of investment vehicles. For example, under the Investment Company Act, we are required as a BDC to invest at least 70% of our total assets in specified types of “qualifying assets,” primarily in private U.S. companies or thinly-traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, in order to continue to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we are required to satisfy certain source-of-income, diversification and distribution requirements. These constraints, among others, may hinder our ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC”for additional information.
Furthermore, any failure to comply with the requirements imposed on us as a BDC by the Investment Company Act could cause the SEC to bring an enforcement action against us and/or expose us to claims of private litigants. In addition, upon approval of a majority of our outstanding voting securities as required by the Investment Company Act, we may elect to
withdraw our status as a BDC. If we decide to withdraw our election, or if we otherwise fail to qualify, or maintain our qualification, as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act, which would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions, significantly decrease our operating flexibility and could significantly increase our cost of doing business. In addition, any such failure could cause an event of default under our outstanding indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we will, raise additional capital. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.
We may issue debt securities or preferred stock and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the Investment Company Act. In addition, we may seek to securitize certain of our loans. Under the provisions of the Investment Company Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities only in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the Investment Company Act, equals at least 200% of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test, which may prohibit us from paying dividends and could prevent us from maintaining our status as a RIC or may prohibit us from repurchasing shares of our common stock. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Accordingly, any failure to satisfy this test could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. As of December 31, 2020, our asset coverage calculated in accordance with the Investment Company Act was 209.33%. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common stockholders. Furthermore, as a result of issuing senior securities, our common stockholders would also be exposed to typical risks associated with increased leverage, including an increased risk of loss resulting from increased indebtedness.
If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank “senior” to common stock in our capital structure, preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders, and the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.
We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below the NAV 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 NAV per share of our common stock if our Independent Directors determine that such sale is in the best interests of us and our stockholders and our stockholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our common stock are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Independent Directors, closely approximates the market value of such shares (less and distribution commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing more 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 holders of our common stock might experience dilution.
We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.
As part of our business strategy, we, including through our wholly owned subsidiaries, borrow from and may in the future issue senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Holders of these loans or senior securities would have fixed-dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our stockholders. If the value of our assets decreases, leverage will cause our NAV to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have without leverage. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause our net income to decline more sharply than it would have if we had not borrowed. This decline could negatively affect our ability to make dividend payments on our common stock.
Our ability to service our borrowings depends largely on our financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our Investment Adviser’s and our Board of Directors’ assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.
In addition to having fixed-dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, obligations to lenders may be secured by a first priority security interest in our portfolio of investments, our cash, and/or our right to call unused capital commitments from the stockholders. The lenders (or their agent) of our senior secured revolving
credit facility, entered into October 3, 2017 (as amended, the "Subscription Facility") have the right on behalf of us to directly call unused capital commitments and enforce remedies against the stockholders under certain circumstances. In the case of a liquidation event, such as the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, lenders and other creditors would receive proceeds to the extent of their security interest before any distributions are made to our stockholders.
On April 1, 2019, our wholly owned subsidiary, the SPV, entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the "SPV Credit Facility"), which was subsequently amended on October 25, 2019, February 7, 2020 and December 4, 2020. On May 13, 2020, our wholly owned subsidiary, TCG BDC II SPV LLC (“SPV2”), entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “SPV2 Credit Facility” and together with the Subscription Facility and the SPV Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities"), which was subsequently amended February 11, 2021. Our Credit Facilities impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, remedies on default and similar matters. As of December 31, 2020, we were in material compliance with the operating and financial covenants of our Credit Facilities. However, our continued compliance with these covenants depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, although we believe we will continue to be in compliance, we cannot assure you that we will continue to comply with the covenants in our Credit Facilities. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default. If we were unable to obtain a waiver of a default from the lenders or holders of that indebtedness, as applicable, those lenders or holders could accelerate repayment under that indebtedness, which may result in cross-acceleration of other indebtedness. An acceleration could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Lastly, we may be unable to obtain additional leverage, which would, in turn, affect our return on capital.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $881 million of outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Facilities. Our weighted average effective interest rate as of December 31, 2020, was 2.63%, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of upfront fees). Since we generally pay interest at a floating rate on our Credit Facilities, an increase in interest rates will generally increase our borrowing costs.
The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns on our portfolio, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical, and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table below.
Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (Net of Expenses)
Assumed annual returns on Company's portfolio (net of expenses) (10)% (5)% 0% 5% 10%
Corresponding return to common stockholder (1)
(21.96)%
(12.18)%
(2.41)%
7.37%
17.15%
(1) Assumes, as of December 31, 2020, (i) $1,883.3 million in total assets, (ii) $881.0 million in outstanding indebtedness, (iii) $963.1 million in net assets and (iv) weighted average effective interest rate, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of financing costs), of 2.63%.
Based on an outstanding indebtedness of $881.0 million as of December 31, 2020, and the weighted average effective interest rate, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of financing costs), of 2.63% as of that date, our investment portfolio at fair value would have had to produce an annual return of approximately 1.23% to cover annual interest payments on the outstanding debt. For more information on our indebtedness, see Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial conditions or results of operations.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our credit facilities or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable us to repay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before it matures. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling assets or seeking additional equity. We cannot assure you that any such actions, if necessary, could be effected on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or on terms that would not be disadvantageous to our stockholders or on terms that would not require us to breach the terms and conditions of our existing or future debt agreements.
Changes in interest rates may increase our cost of capital, reduce the ability of our portfolio companies to service their debt obligations and decrease our net investment income.
General interest rate fluctuations and changes in credit spreads on floating rate loans may have a substantial negative impact on our investments and investment opportunities and, accordingly, may have a material adverse effect on our rate of return on invested capital, our net investment income and our NAV. Substantially all of our debt investments have variable
interest rates that reset periodically based on benchmarks such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” or “L”) and the U.S. Prime Rate (“Prime Rate” or “P”), so an increase in interest rates from their historically low present levels may make it more difficult for our portfolio companies to service their obligations under the debt investments that we hold. Rising interest rates could also cause portfolio companies to shift cash from other productive uses to the payment of interest, which may have a material adverse effect on their business and operations and could, over time, lead to increased defaults.
Furthermore, because we typically borrow money to make investments, our net investment income depends, 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 to the extent we use debt to finance our investments. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income.
In general, rising interest rates will negatively impact the price of a fixed rate debt instrument and falling interest rates will have a positive impact on price. Adjustable rate instruments also react to interest rate changes in a similar manner, although generally to a lesser degree (depending, however, on the characteristics of the reset terms, including the index chosen, frequency of reset and reset caps or floors, among other factors). Interest rate sensitivity is generally more pronounced and less predictable in instruments with uncertain payment or prepayment schedules.
In addition, a rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to our debt investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates would make it easier for us to meet or exceed the incentive fee hurdle rate in our Investment Advisory Agreement and may result in a substantial increase in the amount of incentive fees payable to our Investment Adviser with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment income. Also, an increase in interest rates available to investors could make an investment in our common stock less attractive if we are not able to increase our distribution rate, which could reduce the value of our common stock.
Changes in or the discontinuation of LIBOR may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. The administrator of LIBOR has announced that it will consult on its intention to cease the publication of the one week and two month LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on December 31, 2021, and the remaining USD LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023. At this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative reference rates or any other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. It is possible that banks will not continue to provide submissions for the calculation of LIBOR. Similarly, it is not possible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, what rate or rates may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR, or what the effect of any such changes in views or alternatives may have on the financial markets for LIBOR-linked financial instruments.
To identify a successor rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (the "ARRC"), a U.S.-based group convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was formed. Financial regulators in the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan and Switzerland also formed working groups with the aim of recommending alternatives to LIBOR denominated in their local currencies. The ARRC has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") as its preferred alternative rate for LIBOR. SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions. Although SOFR appears to be the preferred replacement rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, it is unclear if other benchmarks may emerge or if other rates will be adopted outside the U.S.
The expected discontinuance of LIBOR may require us to renegotiate credit agreements entered prior to the discontinuation of LIBOR and extending beyond 2021 with our portfolio companies that utilize LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate, in order to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to receive attractive returns.
In addition, if LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate certain terms of our Credit Facilities. If we are unable to do so, amounts outstanding under the Credit Facilities may bear interest at a higher rate, which would increase the cost of our borrowings and, in turn, affect our return on capital.
Depending on several factors, including those set forth above, and the related costs of negotiating and documenting necessary changes to documentation, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely impacted by the market transition or reform of certain reference rates and benchmarks. Other factors include the pace of the transition to replacement or reformed rates, the specific terms and parameters for and market acceptance of any alternative
reference rates, prices and liquidity of trading markets for products based on alternative reference rates, and our ability to transition and develop appropriate systems and analytics for one or more alternative reference rates.
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.
We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including, the pace at which investments are made, the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the default rate on such securities, rates of repayment, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses and changes in unrealized appreciation or depreciation, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.
There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including the management of other investment funds and accounts by our Investment Adviser, which could impact our investment returns.
Our executive officers and directors, other current and future principals of our Investment Adviser and certain members of our Investment Adviser’s investment committee currently serve, and may continue to serve, as officers, directors or principals of other entities and affiliates of our Investment Adviser and funds managed by our affiliates that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do. Currently, our executive officers, as well as the other principals of our Investment Adviser manage other funds affiliated with Carlyle, including other existing and future affiliated BDCs, including TCG BDC, Inc. (“BDC I”). In addition, our Investment Adviser’s investment team has responsibilities for sourcing and managing U.S. middle market debt investments for certain other investment funds and accounts. Accordingly, they have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of, or may be adverse to the interests of, us or our stockholders. Although the professional staff of our Investment Adviser will devote as much time to our management as appropriate to enable our Investment Adviser to perform its duties in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the investment professionals of our Investment Adviser may have conflicts in allocating their time and services among us, on the one hand, and investment vehicles managed by Carlyle or one or more of its affiliates on the other hand.
Our Investment Adviser and its affiliated investment managers may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and affiliated investment vehicles that have overlapping objectives with ours. For example, certain affiliated investment vehicles may have arrangements that provide for higher management or incentive fees, greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, or permit the Investment Adviser and its affiliates to receive transaction fees not permitted under the Investment Company Act, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for our Investment Adviser or its affiliated investment managers to favor such other accounts. Furthermore, our Investment Adviser and its affiliated investment managers may form vehicles for the benefit of third-party investors that will be entitled to a portion of the allocation with respect to an investment. Such co-investment rights could result in us being allocated a smaller share of an investment than would otherwise be the case in the absence of such co-investment rights. Although our Investment Adviser will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with its allocation policies and procedures, it is possible that, in the future, we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by investment funds managed by our Investment Adviser or an investment manager affiliated with our Investment Adviser, including Carlyle.
We and our affiliates own and may continue to own investments at different levels of a portfolio company’s capital structure or otherwise own different classes of a portfolio company’s securities, which may give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest. Conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding our portfolio may benefit our affiliates. Our affiliates may pursue or enforce rights with respect to one of our portfolio companies, and those activities may have an adverse effect on us.
It is possible that Carlyle or an affiliated investment vehicle will invest in a company that is or becomes a competitor of a portfolio company of ours. Such investment could create a conflict between us, on the one hand, and Carlyle or the affiliated investment vehicle, on the other hand. In such a situation, Carlyle or our Investment Adviser may also have a conflict in the allocation of its own resources to our portfolio company. In addition, certain affiliated investment vehicles will be focused primarily on investing in other funds that may have strategies that overlap and/or directly conflict and compete with us.
As a result of the expansion of Carlyle’s platform into various lines of business in the alternative asset management industry, Carlyle is subject to a number of actual and potential conflicts of interest and subject to greater regulatory oversight than that to which it would otherwise be subject if it had just one line of business. In addition, as Carlyle expands its platform, the allocation of investment opportunities among its investment funds, including us, is expected to become more complex. In addressing these conflicts and regulatory requirements across Carlyle’s various businesses, Carlyle has implemented and may
continue to implement certain policies and procedures. For example, Carlyle has established an information barrier between Carlyle Global Credit, on the one hand, and the rest of Carlyle, on the other, which generally restricts the communications of Carlyle Global Credit with other Carlyle investment professionals pursuant to the information barrier policy. In addition, we may come into possession of material non-public information with respect to issuers in which we may be considering making an investment. As a consequence, we may be precluded from providing such information or other ideas to other funds affiliated with Carlyle that may benefit from such information or we may be precluded from otherwise consummating a contemplated investment. To the extent we or any other funds affiliated with Carlyle fail to appropriately deal with any such conflicts, it could negatively impact our reputation or Carlyle’s reputation and our ability to raise additional funds and the willingness of counterparties to do business with us or result in potential litigation against us.
In the ordinary course of business, we enter and may continue to enter into transactions with affiliates and portfolio companies that may be considered related party transactions. We have implemented certain policies and procedures whereby certain of our executive officers screen each of our transactions for any possible affiliations between the proposed portfolio investment, us and other affiliated persons, including our Investment Adviser, stockholders that own more than 5% of us, employees, officers and directors of us and our Investment Adviser and certain persons directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the foregoing persons. We will not enter into any agreements unless and until we are satisfied that doing so will not raise concerns under the Investment Company Act or, if such concerns exist, we have taken appropriate actions to seek Board of Directors review and approval or SEC exemptive relief for such transaction.
In the course of our investing activities, we pay management and incentive fees to our Investment Adviser and reimburse our Investment Adviser for certain expenses it incurs in accordance with our Investment Advisory Agreement. The base management fee is based on our gross assets and the incentive fee is paid on income, both of which include leverage. As a result, investors in our common stock invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments. Because the incentive fees are based on gross assets, our Investment Adviser benefits to the extent we incur debt or use leverage. Accordingly, there may be times when the senior management team of our Investment Adviser has interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict.
In addition, we pay our Administrator, an affiliate of our Investment Adviser, its costs and expenses and our allocable portion of overhead incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including, compensation paid to or compensatory distributions received by our officers (including our Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and their respective staff who provide services to us, operations staff who provide services to us, and internal audit staff in their role of performing our Sarbanes-Oxley Act internal control assessment. These arrangements create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors monitors. Despite Carlyle’s good faith judgment to arrive at a fair and reasonable expense allocation methodology, the use of any particular methodology may lead us to bear relatively more expense in certain instances and relatively less in other instances compared to what we would have borne if a different methodology had been used. However, Carlyle seeks to make allocations that are equitable on an overall basis in its good faith judgment.
We may be obligated to pay our Investment Adviser incentive compensation even if we incur a loss.
Our Investment Adviser is entitled to incentive compensation for each calendar quarter in an amount equal to a percentage of the excess of our pre-incentive fee net investment income for that quarter (before deducting incentive compensation) above a performance threshold for that quarter. We use net assets in calculating our performance threshold, which results in a lower hurdle rate than if we used gross assets like we do for determining our base management fee. Our pre-incentive fee net investment income for incentive compensation purposes excludes realized and unrealized capital losses and depreciation that we may incur in the calendar quarter, even if such capital losses or depreciation result in a net loss on our statement of operations for that quarter. Thus, we may be required to pay our Investment Adviser incentive compensation for a calendar quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or we incur a net loss for that quarter.
Our fee structure may induce our Investment Adviser to pursue speculative investments and incur leverage, and investors may bear the cost of multiple levels of fees and expenses.
The incentive fees payable by us to our Investment Adviser may create an incentive for our Investment Adviser to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The incentive fees payable to our Investment Adviser are calculated based on a percentage of our return on invested capital. This may encourage our Investment Adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our common stock.
The “catch-up” portion of the incentive fees may encourage our Investment Adviser to accelerate or defer interest payable by portfolio companies from one calendar quarter to another, potentially resulting in fluctuations in timing and dividend amounts.
Additionally, the incentive fee payable by us to our Investment Adviser may create an incentive for our Investment Adviser to cause us to realize capital gains or losses that may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. Under the incentive fee structure, our Investment Adviser benefits when we recognize capital gains and, because our Investment Adviser determines when an investment is sold, our Investment Adviser controls the timing of the recognition of such capital gains. Our Board of Directors is charged with protecting our stockholders’ interests by monitoring how our Investment Adviser addresses these and other conflicts of interest associated with its management services and compensation.
We may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the securities and instruments of other investment companies, including private funds, and, to the extent we so invest, bear our ratable share of any such investment company’s expenses, including management and performance fees. We also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to our Investment Adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of other investment companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our stockholders bears his or her share of the management and incentive fees of our Investment Adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any investment companies in which we invest.
We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to maintain our qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code.
Although we have elected to be treated, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain RIC status. To maintain RIC status and be relieved of U.S. federal income taxes on income and gains distributed to our stockholders, we must, among other things, have in effect an election to be treated, and continue to qualify, as a BDC under the Investment Company Act at all times during each taxable year and meet the Annual Distribution Requirement, the 90% Gross Income Test and the Diversification Tests (each as defined and explained more fully in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”).
If we fail to maintain our RIC status for any reason, and we do not qualify for certain relief provisions under the Code, we would be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes) regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders. In this event, the resulting taxes and any resulting penalties could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of our income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions to our stockholders, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of a RIC, see Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”
A portion of our income and fees may not be qualifying income for purposes of the income source requirement.
Some of the income and fees that we may recognize will not satisfy the income source requirement applicable to RICs. In order to ensure that such income and fees do not disqualify us as a RIC for a failure to satisfy such requirement, we may be required to recognize such income and fees indirectly through one or more entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such corporations will be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the amount of income available for distribution.
If we are not treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” as defined in the Code, certain U.S. stockholders will be treated as having received a dividend from us in the amount of such U.S. stockholders’ allocable share of the management and incentive fees paid to our Investment Adviser and certain of our other expenses.
We expect to be treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company” as a result of shares of our common stock being held by at least 500 persons at all times during the taxable year. However, we cannot assure you that we will be treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for all years. If we are not treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for any calendar year, each U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate will be treated as having received a dividend from us in the amount of such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of the management and incentive fees paid to our Investment Adviser and certain of our other expenses for the calendar year, and these fees and expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions of such U.S. stockholder. Miscellaneous itemized deductions generally are deductible by a U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate only for tax years of such U.S. stockholder beginning after 2025 and only to the extent that the aggregate of such U.S. stockholder’s miscellaneous itemized deductions exceeds 2% of such U.S. stockholder’s adjusted gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, are not deductible for purposes of the alternative minimum tax and are subject to the overall limitation on itemized deductions under the Code. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC" for additional information.
If we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may not be able to timely or accurately report our financial results, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are obligated to maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting, including the internal control evaluation and certification requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will not be required to comply with all of the requirements under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act until the date (i) we are no longer an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act and (ii) we are a reporting company that meets the definition of an “accelerated filer” or a “large accelerated filer” under Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act. Accordingly, our internal controls over financial reporting do not currently meet all of the standards contemplated by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that we may eventually be required to meet. Specifically, we are required to conduct annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. However, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until the date (i) we are no longer an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act and (ii) we are a reporting company that does not meet the definition of an “accelerated filer” or a “large accelerated filer” under Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act. If we are not able to implement the applicable requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, our operations, financial reporting or financial results could be adversely affected. Matters impacting our internal controls may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC, and result in a breach of the covenants under the agreements governing any of our financing arrangements. There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in us and the reliability of our financial statements. Additionally, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert that our internal controls are effective. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm were to report a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports. This could materially adversely affect us.
Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our operations, financial reporting or financial results could be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations.
Certain investors are limited in their ability to make significant investments in us.
Private funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” either pursuant to Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act are restricted from acquiring directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock (measured at the time of the acquisition), unless certain conditions are satisfied. Investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act and BDCs are also subject to this restriction as well as other limitations under the Investment Company Act that would restrict the amount that they are able to invest in our securities. As a result, certain investors will be limited in their ability to make significant investments in us at a time that they might desire to do so.
Our Board of Directors is authorized to reclassify any unissued shares of common stock into one or more classes of preferred stock, which could convey special rights and privileges to its owners.
Under the MGCL and our Charter, our Board of Directors is authorized to classify and reclassify any authorized but unissued shares of stock into one or more classes of stock, including preferred stock. Prior to the issuance of shares of each class or series, the Board of Directors is required by Maryland law and our Charter to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Thus, the Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. The cost of any such reclassification would be borne by our existing common stockholders. Certain matters under the Investment Company Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common stock on a proposal to cease operations as a BDC. In addition, the Investment Company Act provides that holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote separately from holders of common stock to elect two preferred stock directors. We currently have no plans to issue preferred stock, but may determine to do so in the future. The issuance of preferred stock convertible into shares of common stock might also reduce the net income per share and
NAV per share of our common stock upon conversion, provided, that we will only be permitted to issue such convertible preferred stock to the extent we comply with the requirements of Section 61 of the Investment Company Act. In addition, under the Investment Company Act, participating preferred stock and preferred stock constitutes a “senior security” for purposes of the 200% asset coverage test. These effects, among others, could have an adverse effect on an investment in our common stock.
Provisions of the MGCL and of our Charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.
The MGCL and our Charter and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of us or the removal of our directors. We are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act (“MBCA”), subject to any applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act. Our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution exempting from the MBCA any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our Board of Directors, including approval by a majority of our Independent Directors. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or our Board of Directors does not approve a business combination, the MBCA may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. Our bylaws exempt from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act (“Control Share Act”) acquisitions of our stock by any person. If we amend our bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Control Share Act, the Control Share Act also may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such a transaction. However, we will amend our bylaws to be subject to the Control Share Act only if our Board of Directors determines that it would be in our best interests and if the SEC staff does not object to our determination that our being subject to the Control Share Act does not conflict with the Investment Company Act.
We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our Charter classifying our Board of Directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and authorizing our Board of Directors to classify or reclassify shares of our stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, to amend our Charter without stockholder approval and to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our Charter and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our Board of Directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval.
Our Board of Directors has the authority to modify or, if applicable, waive our investment objectives, operating policies and strategies without prior notice (except as required by the Investment Company Act) and without stockholder approval. In addition, none of our investment policies is fundamental and any of them may be changed without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current investment objectives, operating policies or strategies would have on our business, operating results and value of our stock. Nevertheless, the effects may adversely affect our business and impact our ability to make distributions.
We are highly dependent on information systems, and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect our business and our ability to pay dividends.
Our business is highly dependent on the communications and information systems of our Investment Adviser, its affiliates and third parties. Any failure or interruption of those systems or services, including as a result of the termination or suspension 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 our business and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.
Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business or those of our portfolio companies by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of confidential information and/or damage to business relationships, or those of our portfolio companies, all of which could negatively impact our business, results of operations or financial condition.
A cyber incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity or availability of our information resources. These incidents may be an intentional attack or an unintentional event and could involve gaining unauthorized access to, use, alteration or destruction of our information systems for purposes of misappropriating assets, obtaining ransom payments, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption, or may involve phishing. The result of these incidents may include disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for stolen information, misappropriation of assets, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to our business relationships. This could result in significant losses, reputational damage, litigation, regulatory fines or penalties, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures and to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures arising from operational and security risks. The costs related to cybersecurity incidents may not be fully insured or indemnified. As our and our portfolio companies’ reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our information systems, both internal and those provided by our Adviser and third-party service providers, and the information systems of our portfolio companies. We, our Adviser and its affiliates have implemented processes, procedures and internal controls to help mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber intrusions, but these measures, as well as our increased awareness of the nature and extent of a risk of a cyber incident, may be ineffective and do not guarantee that a cyber incident will not occur or that our financial results, operations or confidential information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident.
Third parties with which we do business (including, but not limited to, service providers, such as accountants, custodians, transfer agents and administrators, and the issuers of securities in which we invest) may also be sources or targets of cybersecurity or other technological risks. We outsource certain functions and these relationships allow for the storage and processing of our information and assets, as well as certain investor, counterparty, employee and borrower information. While we engage in actions to reduce our exposure resulting from outsourcing, we cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by these third parties and ongoing threats may result in unauthorized access, loss, exposure or destruction of data, or other cybersecurity incidents, with increased costs and other consequences, including those described above. Privacy and information security laws and regulation changes, and compliance with those changes, may also result in cost increases due to system changes and the development of new administrative processes.
Changes in laws or regulations governing our business or the businesses of our portfolio companies, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations, and any failure by us or our portfolio companies to comply with these laws or regulations, may adversely affect our business and the businesses of our portfolio companies.
We and our portfolio companies are subject to laws and regulations at the U.S. federal, state and local levels and, in some cases, foreign levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may change from time to time, and new laws, regulations and interpretations may also come into effect. Any such new or changed laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business or the business of our portfolio companies. The legal, tax and regulatory environment for BDCs, investment advisers and the instruments that they utilize (including derivative instruments) is continuously evolving. In addition, there is significant uncertainty regarding recently enacted legislation and the regulations that have recently been adopted and future regulations that may or may not be adopted pursuant to such legislation) and, consequently, the full impact that such legislation will ultimately have on us and the markets in which we trade and invest is not fully known. Such uncertainty and any resulting confusion may itself be detrimental to the efficient functioning of the markets and the success of certain investment strategies.
In addition, as private equity firms become more influential participants in the U.S. and global financial markets and economy generally, there recently has been pressure for greater governmental scrutiny and/or regulation of the private equity industry. It is uncertain as to what form and in what jurisdictions such enhanced scrutiny and/or regulation, if any, on the private equity industry may ultimately take. Therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether any such scrutiny or initiatives will have an adverse impact on the private equity industry, including our ability to effect operating improvements or restructurings of our portfolio companies or otherwise achieve our objectives.
Over the last several years, there also has been an increase in regulatory attention to the extension of credit outside of the traditional banking sector, raising the possibility that some portion of the non-bank financial sector will be subject to new
regulation. While it cannot be known at this time whether any regulation will be implemented or what form it will take, increased regulation of non-bank credit extension could negatively impact our operating results or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or otherwise adversely affect our business.
Our Investment Adviser, Administrator and sub-administrators are able to resign upon 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.
Our Investment Adviser, our Administrator and our sub-administrators have the right to resign under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Administration Agreement and the Sub-Administration Agreements, respectively, upon 60 days’ written notice, whether a replacement has been found or not. If any of them resigns, it may be difficult to find a replacement with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If a replacement is not found quickly, our business, results of operation and financial condition as well as our ability to pay distributions are likely to be adversely affected and the value of our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by our Investment Adviser, our Administrator and their affiliates, including certain of our sub-administrators. Even if a comparable service provider or individuals performing such services are retained, whether internal or external, their integration into our business and lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, the termination by our Investment Adviser of our Investment Advisory Agreement for any reason will be an event of default under the SPV Credit Facility, which could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the SPV Credit Facility. Similarly, it will be an event of default under the Subscription Facility if our Investment Adviser or an affiliate of our Investment Adviser ceases to manage us, which could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the Subscription Facility.
Our Investment Adviser’s liability is limited under the Investment Advisory Agreement, and we are required to indemnify our Investment Adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Our Investment Adviser has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services described in the Investment Advisory Agreement, and it will not be responsible for any action of our Board of Directors in declining to follow our Investment Adviser’s advice or recommendations. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, our Investment Adviser and its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons and members and any other person or entities affiliated with it will not be liable to us for their acts under the Investment Advisory Agreement, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. We have agreed to indemnify, defend and protect our Investment Adviser and its members and their respective officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons and members and any other person or entities affiliated with it with respect to all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses arising out of or otherwise based upon the performance of any of our Investment Adviser’s duties or obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement or otherwise as an Investment Adviser for us, and not arising out of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties under the Investment Advisory and Agreement. These protections may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. See “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Structure-Our fee structure may induce our Investment Adviser to pursue speculative investments and incur leverage, and investors may bear the cost of multiple levels of fees and expenses” for additional information.
Risks Related to Our Investments
Our investments are risky and speculative.
We invest primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt, if rated, is rated below investment grade and, if not rated, would likely be rated below investment grade if it were rated. Investments rated below investment grade are generally considered higher risk than investment grade instruments. Bonds that are rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “high yield bonds” or “junk bonds.” Exposure to below investment grade instruments involves certain risks, including speculation with respect to the borrower’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. In our first lien loans, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the loan’s terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies. To the extent we hold second lien senior secured loans and junior debt investments, holders of first lien loans may be repaid before us in the event of a bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding. This may result in an above average amount of risk and loss of principal. Unitranche loans generally allow the borrower to make a large lump sum payment of principal at the end of the loan term, and there is a
heightened risk of loss if the borrower is unable to pay the lump sum or refinance the amount owed at maturity. When we invest in loans, we have acquired and may in the future acquire equity securities as well. However, 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.
In addition, investing in middle market companies involves a number of significant risks, including:
•these companies 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 on any guarantees or security we may have obtained in connection with our investment;
•they typically 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 market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;
•they 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 a portfolio company and, in turn, on us;
•there is generally little public information about these companies. These companies and their financial information are usually not subject to the Exchange Act and other regulations that govern public companies, and we may be unable to uncover all material information about these companies, which may prevent us from making a fully informed investment decision and cause us to lose money on our investments;
•they 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 our Investment Adviser may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in the portfolio companies;
•changes in laws and regulations, as well as their interpretations, may adversely affect their business, financial structure or prospects; and
•they may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity.
Our portfolio securities are generally illiquid and typically do not have a readily available market price and, in such a case, we will value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by our Board of Directors, or its designee, which valuation is inherently subjective and may not reflect what we may actually realize from the sale of the investment.
Substantially all of our portfolio investments are in the form of debt investments that are not publicly traded and are illiquid compared to publicly traded securities, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to realize returns on such investments in a timely manner. The fair value of these illiquid portfolio securities is not readily determinable, and the due diligence process that our Investment Adviser undertakes in connection with our investments may not reveal all the facts that may be relevant in connection with such investment. We value these investments on at least a quarterly basis in accordance with our valuation policy, which is at all times consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Our Board of Directors utilizes the services of a third-party valuation firm to aid in determining the fair value of these investments as well as the recommendations of our Investment Adviser’s investment professionals, which are based upon the most recent portfolio company financial statements available and projected financial results of each portfolio company. The Board of Directors discusses valuations and determines, or will designate our Investment Adviser to determine, the fair value in good faith based on the input of our Investment Adviser (if not the Board's designee) and the third-party valuation firm. The participation of our Investment Adviser in our valuation process, and the indirect pecuniary interest in our Investment Adviser by the Interested Directors on our Board of Directors, could result in a conflict of interest, because the management fee is based on gross assets and also because our Investment Adviser is receiving performance-based incentive fees.
The factors that are considered in the fair value pricing of our investments include the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparisons to publicly traded companies, discounted cash flow, relevant credit market indices, and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we
consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments 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 securities existed. Also, since these valuations are, to a large extent, based on estimates, comparisons and qualitative evaluations of private information, it could make it more difficult for investors to value accurately our investments and could lead to undervaluation or overvaluation of our common stock. In addition, the valuation of these types of securities may result in substantial write-downs and earnings volatility. If our Investment Adviser is 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. Also, privately held companies frequently have less diverse product lines and smaller market presence than larger competitors.
Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio can reduce our NAV by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer unrealized losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our NAV as of a particular date may be materially greater than or less than the value that would be realized if our assets were to be liquidated as of such date. For example, if we were required to sell a certain asset or all or a substantial portion of our assets on a particular date, the actual price that we would realize upon the disposition of such asset or assets could be materially less than the value of such asset or assets as reflected in our NAV. Volatile market conditions could also cause reduced liquidity in the market for certain assets, which could result in liquidation values that are materially less than the values of such assets as reflected in our NAV.
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and compete with investment vehicles sponsored or advised by our affiliates.
The activity of identifying, completing and realizing attractive investments is highly competitive and involves a high degree of uncertainty. The availability of investment opportunities generally will be subject to market conditions. In particular, in light of changes in such conditions, including changes in long-term interest rates, certain types of investments may not be available to us on terms that are as attractive as the terms on which opportunities were available to previous investment programs sponsored by Carlyle. A number of entities compete with us to make the types of investments that we target in middle market companies. We compete with other BDCs, public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial finance companies, and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds, some of which are affiliates of us. Furthermore, over the past several years, an ever-increasing number of debt and credit opportunities funds have been formed and many such existing funds have grown substantially in size. Additional funds with similar objectives may be formed in the future by Carlyle or by other unrelated parties. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Consequently, it is possible that competition for appropriate investment opportunities may increase, thus reducing the number of investment opportunities available to us and adversely affecting the terms upon which investments can be made. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act and the Code impose on us. The competitive pressures we face may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of this competition, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time, and, accordingly, we may incur legal, due diligence and other costs on investments which may not be successful and we may not recover all of our costs, which would adversely affect returns. We can offer no assurance that we will be able to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objective.
We do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer, and we believe that some of our competitors may 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. However, if we match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of credit loss.
Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged.
Some of our portfolio companies are highly leveraged, which may have adverse consequences to these companies and to us as an investor. These companies may be subject to restrictive financial and operating covenants and the leverage may impair these companies’ ability to finance their future operations and capital needs. As a result, these companies’ flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to take advantage of business opportunities may be limited. Further, a leveraged company’s income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money were not used. Moreover, rising interest rates may significantly increase a company's or project's interest expense, or a significant
industry downturn may affect a company's ability to generate positive cash flow, in either case causing an inability of a leveraged company to service outstanding debt. In the event such leveraged company cannot generate adequate cash flow to meet debt obligations, the company may default on its loan agreements or be forced into bankruptcy resulting in a restructuring or liquidation of the company. Leveraged companies may enter into bankruptcy proceedings at higher rates than companies that are not leveraged.
Depending on the facts and circumstances of our investments and the extent of our involvement in the management of a portfolio company, upon the bankruptcy of a portfolio company, a bankruptcy court may recharacterize our debt investments as equity interests and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. This could occur even though we may have structured our investment as senior debt.
Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, some of our investments in such companies and if there is a default, we may experience a loss on our investment.
To the extent we invest in second lien, mezzanine or other instruments, our portfolio companies typically may be permitted to incur other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, such debt instruments. By their terms, such debt instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we will be entitled to receive payments in respect of the debt securities 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 in respect of our investment. In such cases, after repaying such senior creditors, such portfolio company may not have sufficient remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equally with debt securities 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.
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 intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an intercreditor 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.
We may also make unsecured loans to portfolio 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 loan 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 loan obligations after payment in full of all secured loan obligations. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay the outstanding secured loan 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.
Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or if there is a downturn in a particular industry.
We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, which means that we are not limited by the Investment Company Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer, excluding limitations on investments in other investment companies. Although we do not intend to focus our investments in any specific industries, our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and under the Credit Facilities, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and while we do not target any specific industries, our investments may be concentrated in relatively few industries. As a result, the aggregate returns we will realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of one or more investments. Additionally, a downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could also significantly impact our aggregate returns.
Declines in the prices of corporate debt securities and illiquidity in the corporate debt markets may adversely affect the fair value of our portfolio investments, reducing our NAV through increased net unrealized depreciation.
As a BDC, we are required to account for our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of our Board of Directors. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and suffer additional unrealized losses, which would reduce our NAV and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
To the extent we make investments in restructurings and reorganizations they may be subject to greater regulatory and legal risks than other traditional direct investments in portfolio companies.
We have in the past and may in the future make investments in restructurings that involve, or otherwise invest in the debt securities of, companies that are experiencing or are expected to experience severe financial difficulties. These severe financial difficulties may never be overcome and may cause such companies to become subject to bankruptcy proceedings. As such, these investments could subject us to certain additional potential liabilities that may exceed the value of our original investment therein. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful financing to companies experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high.
We have not yet identified all of the portfolio companies we will invest in.
We have not yet identified all of the potential investments for our portfolio that we will acquire with the proceeds of the Private Offering. Our Investment Adviser will select our investments over time. Our stockholders will have no input with respect to investment decisions. These factors increase the uncertainty, and thus the risk, of investing in our common stock.
The financial projections of our portfolio companies could prove inaccurate.
We generally evaluate the capital structure of portfolio companies on the basis of financial projections prepared by the management of such portfolio companies. These projected operating results are normally based primarily on judgments of the management of the portfolio companies. In all cases, projections are only estimates of future results that are based upon assumptions made at the time that the projections are developed. General economic conditions, which are not predictable with accuracy, along with other factors may cause actual performance to fall short of the financial projections that were used to establish a given portfolio company’s capital structure. Because of the leverage that is typically employed by our portfolio companies, this could cause a substantial decrease in the value of our investment in the portfolio company. The inaccuracy of financial projections could thus cause our performance to fall short of our expectations.
In addition, when sourcing debt investments, we expect to rely significantly upon representations made to us by the borrower. There can be no assurance that such representations are accurate or complete, or that any due diligence undertaken would identify any misrepresentation or omission.
The due diligence investigation that our Investment Adviser carries out with respect to an investment opportunity may not reveal or highlight all relevant facts that may be necessary or helpful in evaluating such investment opportunity, and will not result in the investment being successful.
Before we make investments, our Investment Adviser will typically conduct due diligence that it deems reasonable and appropriate based on the facts and circumstances applicable to each investment. Due diligence may entail evaluation of important and complex business, financial, tax, accounting, environmental and legal issues. Outside consultants, legal advisors, accountants, credit rating agencies, investment banks and other third parties may be involved in the due diligence process to varying degrees depending on the type of investment. When conducting due diligence and making an assessment regarding an investment, our Investment Adviser will rely on the resources available to it, including information provided by the portfolio companies and, in some circumstances, third-party investigations. In addition, investment analyses and decisions by our Investment Adviser may be required to be undertaken on an expedited basis to take advantage of certain investment opportunities. In such cases, the information available to our Investment Adviser at the time of making an investment decision may be limited. The due diligence investigation that our Investment Adviser carries out with respect to an investment opportunity may not reveal or highlight all relevant facts that may be necessary or helpful in evaluating such investment opportunity. Moreover, the due diligence investigation does not ensure that such investment will be successful. In addition, Carlyle’s Environmental, Social and Governance program may cause us not to make an investment we otherwise would have made or impact other action taken or refrained from.
Our portfolio companies prepay loans from time to time, which may have the effect of reducing our investment income if the returned capital cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater yields.
Loans are generally prepayable at any time, most of them at no premium to par. We are generally unable to predict the rate and frequency of such repayments. Whether a loan is prepaid will depend both on the continued positive performance of the portfolio company and the existence of favorable financing market conditions that allow such portfolio company the ability to replace existing financing with less expensive capital. In periods of rising interest rates, the risk of prepayment of floating rate loans may increase if other financing sources are available. As market conditions change frequently, we will often be unable to predict when, and if, this may be possible for each of our portfolio companies. In the case of some of these loans, having the loan called early may have the effect of reducing our actual investment income below our expected investment income if the capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater yields.
Our ability to enter into transactions with Carlyle and our other affiliates is restricted.
As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. We and any company controlled by us, on the one hand, and our upstream affiliates, or our Investment Adviser and its affiliates, on the other hand, are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions without the prior approval of our Independent Directors (as defined below) and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is our upstream affiliate for purposes of the Investment Company Act, and we or a company controlled by us are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than our securities) from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of our Independent Directors and so long as such person does not own more than 25% of our outstanding voting securities or otherwise control us. We or a company controlled by us are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to our Investment Adviser or its affiliates, or any person who owns more than 25% of our voting securities or is otherwise deemed to control, be controlled by, or be under common control with, us, with such persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC.
The Investment Company Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with our upstream affiliates, or our Investment Adviser or its affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without prior approval of our Independent Directors and, in some cases, the SEC (other than in certain limited situations pursuant to current regulatory guidance as described below). The analysis of whether a particular transaction constitutes a joint transaction requires a review of the relevant facts and circumstances then existing. The SEC has granted us Exemptive Relief that permits us and certain present and future funds advised by our Investment Adviser and certain other present and future investment advisers controlling, controlled by or under common control with our Investment Adviser to co-invest in suitable negotiated investments. Co-investments made under the Exemptive Relief are subject to compliance with the conditions and other requirements contained in the Exemptive Relief, which could limit our ability to participate in a co-investment transaction. In addition to co-investing pursuant to our Exemptive Relief, we may also co-invest with funds managed by Carlyle or any of its downstream affiliates, subject to compliance with applicable law and regulations, existing regulatory guidance, our Investment Adviser’s allocation procedures and Carlyle’s other allocation policies and procedures, where applicable. For example, we may invest alongside such investors consistent with guidance promulgated by the SEC staff permitting us and an affiliated person to purchase interests in a single class of privately placed securities so long as certain conditions are met, including that we negotiate no term other than price. We may, in certain cases, also make investments in securities owned by affiliates that we acquire from non-affiliates. In such circumstances, our ability to participate in any restructuring of such investment or other transaction involving the issuer of such investment may be limited, and as a result, we may realize a loss on such investments that might have been prevented or reduced had we not been restricted in participating in such restructuring or other transaction.
Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our investments.
Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we have made and may continue to make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments to:
•increase or maintain in whole or in part our equity ownership percentage;
•exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or
•attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our investment.
We may elect not to make follow-on investments, may be constrained in our ability to employ available funds, or otherwise may lack sufficient funds to make those investments. We have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. However, doing so could be placing even more capital at risk in existing portfolio companies.
The 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 investment. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make a follow-on investment because we may not want to increase our concentration of risk, because we prefer other opportunities or because we are inhibited by compliance with BDC requirements or the desire to maintain our tax status.
The disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.
A significant portion of our investments involve private securities. 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 potential liabilities. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities that ultimately result in funding obligations that we must satisfy through our return of distributions previously made to us.
Because we generally do not hold controlling equity interests in our portfolio companies, we may not be in a position to exercise control over our portfolio companies or to prevent decisions by management of our portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments.
Although we may do so in the future, currently we do not intend to hold controlling equity positions in our portfolio companies. Accordingly, we may not be able to control decisions relating to a minority equity investment, including decisions relating to the management and operation of the portfolio company and the timing and nature of any exit. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree, and that the management and/or stockholders of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to our interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of the investments that we typically hold in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of our investments. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could suffer as a result.
We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in 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, credit default swaps, 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, credit risk premiums, 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 transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation at an acceptable price. The success of any hedging transactions we may enter into will depend on our ability to correctly predict movements in currencies and interest rates. Therefore, while we may enter into such 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 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 effect of 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. Income derived from hedging transactions is generally not eligible to be distributed to non-U.S. stockholders free from U.S. withholding tax. We may be unable or determine not to hedge against particular risks, including if we determine that available hedging transactions are not available at an appropriate price.
There are certain risks associated with holding debt obligations that have original issue discount or payment-in-kind interest.
Original issue discount (“OID”) may arise if we hold securities issued at a discount or in certain other circumstances. OID and PIK create the risk that incentive fees will be paid to the Investment Adviser based on non-cash accruals that
ultimately may not be realized, while the Investment Adviser will be under no obligation to reimburse us for these fees. We hold investments that result in OID interest and PIK interest.
The higher interest rates of OID instruments reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with these instruments, and OID instruments generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans. Even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual collection is supposed to occur at the maturity of the obligation.
OID instruments may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require continuing judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. OID income may also create uncertainty about the source of our cash dividends.
For accounting purposes, any cash dividends to stockholders representing OID income are not treated as coming from paid-in capital, even if the cash to pay them comes from the proceeds of issuances of our common stock. As a result, despite the fact that a dividend representing OID income could be paid out of amounts invested by our stockholders, the Investment Company Act does not require that stockholders be given notice of this fact by reporting it as a return of capital.
PIK interest has the effect of generating investment income at a compounding rate, thereby further increasing the incentive fees payable to the Investment Adviser. Similarly, all things being equal, the deferral associated with PIK interest also increases the loan-to-value ratio at a compounding rate.
Our investments may be affected by force majeure events.
Our investments may be affected by force majeure events (e.g. events beyond the control of the party claiming that the event has occurred, including, without limitation, acts of God, fire, flood, earthquakes, outbreaks of infectious disease, pandemic or any other serious public health concern, war, trade war, cyber security breaches, terrorism and labor strikes). Some force majeure events may adversely affect the ability of a party (including a portfolio company or a counterparty to us or a portfolio company) to perform its obligations until it is able to remedy the force majeure event. In addition, the cost to a portfolio company or us of repairing or replacing damaged assets resulting from such force majeure event could be considerable. Certain force majeure events (such as war or an outbreak of an infectious disease) could have a broader negative impact on the world economy and international business activity generally, or in any of the countries in which we may invest specifically.
Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock
Investing in our common stock may involve a high degree of risk.
The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and volatility or loss of principal. 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.
Our investors are subject to transfer restrictions.
Our investors may not sell, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of (in each case, a “Transfer”) any common stock unless (i) we give consent and (ii) the Transfer is made in accordance with applicable securities laws. No Transfer will be effectuated except by registration of the Transfer on our books. Each transferee must agree to be bound by these restrictions and all other obligations as an investor in us.
If the current period of capital market disruption and instability continues for an extended period of time, there is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time and a portion of our distributions to you may be a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. Our ability to pay distributions might be adversely affected by the impact of one or more of the risk factors described in this Form 10-K, including the COVID-19 pandemic described in this Form 10-K. For example, if corporate offices, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities and factories in the jurisdictions, including the United States, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be or are again subject to temporary closures for an extended period of time, it could result in reduced cash flows to us from our existing portfolio companies, which could reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders. If we declare a dividend, we may be forced to sell some of our investments in order to make cash dividend payments. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. The Credit Facilities may also limit our ability to declare dividends if we default under certain provisions. Further, if we invest a greater amount of assets in equity securities that do not pay current dividends, it could reduce the amount available for distribution. See Part II, Item 5 of this Form 10-K “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities-Distributions” for additional information.
The distributions we pay to our stockholders in a year may exceed our taxable income for that year and, accordingly, a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes that would reduce a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock and correspondingly increase such stockholder’s gain, or reduce such stockholder’s loss, on disposition of such shares. Distributions in excess of a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock will constitute capital gains to such stockholder.
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in our taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as OID or accruals on a contingent payment debt instrument, which may occur if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan or possibly in other circumstances or contracted or payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, which generally represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. Any such income would be treated as income earned by us and therefore would be subject to the Annual Distribution Requirement (as defined and explained more fully in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”). We also may be required to include in our taxable income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash. The credit risk associated with the collectability of deferred payments may be increased as and when a portfolio company increases the amount of interest on which it is deferring cash payment through deferred interest features. Our investments with a deferred interest feature may represent a higher credit risk than loans for which interest must be paid in full in cash on a regular basis. For example, even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual collection is scheduled to occur upon maturity of the obligation.
Because in certain cases we may recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty making distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement necessary for us to maintain our status as a RIC. Accordingly, we may need to sell some of our assets at times and/or at prices that we would not consider advantageous, we may need to raise additional equity or debt capital, or we may need to forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business (or be unable to take actions that are advantageous to our business) to enable us to make distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement. However, under the Investment Company Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless an “asset coverage” test is met. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Regulation-Indebtedness and Senior Securities” for additional information.
If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may fail to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes). Additionally, we may make investments that result in the recognition of ordinary income rather than capital gain, or that prevent us from accruing a long-term holding period. These investments may prevent us from making capital gain distributions. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC” for additional information.
Alternatively, we may, with the consent of all our stockholders, designate an amount as a consent dividend (i.e., a deemed dividend). In that case, although we would not distribute any actual cash to our stockholders, the consent dividend would be treated like an actual dividend under the Code for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. This would allow us to deduct the amount of the consent dividend and our stockholders would be required to include that amount in income as if it were actually distributed. For additional discussion regarding the tax implications of a RIC, see Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC.”
Non-U.S. stockholders may be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax on dividends we pay.
Distributions of our “investment company taxable income” to a non-U.S. stockholder that are not effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States may be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty) to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Certain properly designated dividends are generally exempt from withholding of U.S. federal income tax, including certain dividends that are paid in respect of our (i) “qualified net interest income” (generally, our U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which we or the non-U.S. stockholder are at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of our net short-term capital gain over our long-term capital loss for such taxable year), and certain other requirements were satisfied. No assurance can be given as to whether any of our distributions will be eligible for this exemption from withholding of U.S. federal income tax or, if eligible, will be designated as such by us. See Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC” for additional information.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
We maintain our principal executive office at One Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 3400, New York, NY 10017. We do not own any real estate.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company may become party to certain lawsuits in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies. The Company is not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against the Company. See also Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Market Information
Our outstanding common stock will be offered and sold in transactions exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D, as well as under Regulation S under the Securities Act. There is no established public trading market for our common stock currently, nor can we give any assurance that one will develop.
Holders
As of February 26, 2021, there were approximately 2,834 holders of record of our common stock.
Distributions
To the extent that we have taxable income available, we intend to distribute quarterly dividends to our stockholders. The amount of our dividends, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. Any dividends to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. We anticipate that our distributions will generally be paid from taxable earnings, including interest and capital gains generated by our investment portfolio, and any other income, including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees, that we receive from portfolio companies. However, if we do not generate sufficient taxable earnings during a year, all or part of a distribution may constitute a return of capital. The specific tax characteristics of our dividends and other distributions will be reported to stockholders after the end of each calendar year.
We have elected to be treated, and intend to continue to qualify annually, as a RIC. To maintain our qualification as a RIC, we must, among other things, distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders on an annual basis. In order to avoid certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we intend to distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of: (1) 98% of our ordinary income for the calendar year; (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year; and, (3) any undistributed ordinary income and capital gain net income for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no U.S. federal income tax less certain over-distributions in prior years. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute realized net capital gains (i.e., net long term capital gains in excess of short term capital losses), if any, at least annually, we may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for investment, pay U.S. federal income tax on such amounts at regular corporate tax rates, and elect to treat such gains as deemed distributions to stockholders. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, to the extent that we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the Investment Company Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.
Dividends and distributions, if any, are paid in cash to our stockholders. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the Investment Company Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings.
During the period from September 11, 2017 (Commencement) to December 31, 2017, no dividends or distributions had been declared or paid by the Company.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities and Use of Proceeds
Except as previously reported by the Company on its current reports on Form 8-K, the Company did not sell any securities within the past three years that were not registered under the Securities Act.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not applicable.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 6 of this Form 10-K “Selected Financial Data” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” This discussion contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those described in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors.” Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to factors discussed under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) within this section is focused on the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, including year-to-year comparisons between these years. Our MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2019, including year-to-year comparisons between 2019 and 2018, can be found in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
OVERVIEW
We were incorporated on February 10, 2017 as a Maryland corporation with the name Carlyle Private Credit, Inc., and our name was changed to TCG BDC II, Inc. on March 3, 2017. We are structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company. We are conducting the Private Offering of our shares of common stock to investors in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act. We have elected to be treated, and intend to continue to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
Our investment objective is to generate attractive risk adjusted returns and current income primarily by investing in senior secured term loans to U.S. middle market companies in which private equity sponsors hold, directly or indirectly, a financial interest in the form of debt and/or equity. Our core investment strategy focuses on lending to U.S. middle market companies supported by financial sponsors, which we define as companies with approximately $25 million to $100 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), which we believe is a useful proxy for cash flow. This core strategy is supplemented with complementary specialty lending and opportunistic investing strategies, which take advantage of the broad capabilities of Carlyle's Global Credit platform while offering risk-diversifying portfolio benefits. We seek to achieve our investment objective primarily through direct origination of secured debt instruments, including first lien senior secured loans (which may include stand-alone first lien loans, first lien/last out loans and “unitranche” loans) and second lien senior secured loans (collectively, “Middle Market Senior Loans”), with a minority of our assets invested in higher yielding investments (which may include unsecured debt, mezzanine debt and investments in equities).
We invest primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt, if rated, is rated below investment grade, and, if not rated, would likely be rated below investment grade if it were rated (that is, below BBB- or Baa3, which is often referred to as "junk"). Exposure to below investment grade instruments involves certain risks, including speculation with respect to the borrower's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. See Item 1A of this Form 10-K “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Investments-Our investments are risky and speculative.”
We are externally managed by our Investment Adviser, an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act. Our Administrator provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate. Both our Investment Adviser and our Administrator are wholly owned subsidiaries of Carlyle Investment Management L.L.C., a subsidiary of Carlyle. Our Investment Adviser's five-person investment committee is responsible for reviewing and approving our investment opportunities. The members of the investment committee have experience investing through different credit cycles. As of December 31, 2020, our Investment Adviser's team included over 170 investment professionals across the Carlyle Global Credit segment. Our Investment Adviser's investment committee comprises five of the most senior credit professionals within the Global Credit segment with backgrounds and expertise across asset classes and over 26 years of average industry experience and 10 years of average tenure. In addition, our Investment Adviser and its investment team are supported by a team of finance, operations and administrative professionals currently employed by Carlyle Employee Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carlyle.
In conducting our investment activities, we believe that we benefit from the significant scale and resources of Carlyle, including our Investment Adviser and its affiliates.
KEY COMPONENTS OF OUR CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Investments
Our level of investment activity can and does vary substantially from period to period depending on many factors, including the amount of debt available to middle market companies, the general economic environment and the competitive environment for the type of investments we make.
Revenue
We generate revenue primarily in the form of interest income on debt investments we hold. In addition, we generate income from dividends on direct equity investments, capital gains on the sales of loans and debt and equity securities and various loan origination and other fees. Our debt investments generally have a stated term of five to eight years and generally bear interest at a floating rate usually determined on the basis of a benchmark such as LIBOR. Interest on these debt investments is generally paid quarterly. In some instances, we receive payments on our debt investments based on scheduled amortization of the outstanding balances. In addition, we receive repayments of some of our debt investments prior to their scheduled maturity date. The frequency or volume of these repayments fluctuates significantly from period to period. Our portfolio activity also reflects the proceeds of sales of securities. We may also generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, amendment, structuring or due diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and consulting fees.
Expenses
Our primary operating expenses include the payment of: (i) investment advisory fees, including management fees and incentive fees, to our Investment Adviser pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) between us and our Investment Adviser; (ii) costs and other expenses and our allocable portion of overhead incurred by our Administrator in performing its administrative obligations under an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) between us and our Administrator; and (iii) other operating expenses as detailed below:
•our organization expenses and initial offering costs incurred prior to the filing of our election to be regulated as a BDC (the initial offering costs amortized over the 12 months beginning on the Initial Drawdown Date) in an amount of $1,500;
•administration fees payable under our Sub-Administration Agreements, including related expenses;
•the costs of any other offerings of our common stock and other securities, if any;
•calculating individual asset values and our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firms);
•expenses, including travel expenses, incurred by our Investment Adviser, or members of our Investment Adviser team managing our investments, or payable to third parties, performing due diligence on prospective portfolio companies and, if necessary, expenses of enforcing our rights;
•certain costs and expenses relating to distributions paid on our shares;
•debt service and other costs of borrowings or other financing arrangements;
•the allocated costs incurred by our Investment Adviser in providing managerial assistance to those portfolio companies that request it;
•amounts payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making or holding investments;
•the costs associated with subscriptions to data service, research-related subscriptions and expenses and quotation equipment and services used in making or holding investments;
•transfer agent and custodial fees;
•costs of hedging;
•commissions and other compensation payable to brokers or dealers;
•federal and state registration fees;
•any U.S. federal, state and local taxes, including any excise taxes;
•independent director fees and expenses;
•costs of preparing financial statements and maintaining books and records, costs of preparing tax returns, costs of Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance and attestation and costs of filing reports or other documents with the SEC (or other regulatory bodies), and other reporting and compliance costs, including registration and listing fees, and the compensation of professionals responsible for the preparation or review of the foregoing;
•the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to our stockholders (including printing and mailing costs), the costs of any stockholders’ meetings and the compensation of investor relations personnel responsible for the preparation of the foregoing and related matters;
•the costs of specialty and custom software for monitoring risk, compliance and overall portfolio, including any development costs incurred prior to the filing of our election to be regulated as a BDC;
•our fidelity bond;
•directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums;
•indemnification payments;
•direct fees and expenses associated with independent audits, agency, consulting and legal costs; and
•all other expenses incurred by us or our Administrator in connection with administering our business, including our allocable share of certain officers and their staff compensation.
We expect our general and administrative expenses to be relatively stable or to decline as a percentage of total assets during periods of asset growth and to increase during periods of asset declines.
PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY
Below is a summary of certain characteristics of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.
As of December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Number of investments 117 87 49
Number of portfolio companies 84 68 41
Number of industries 24 21 17
Number of sponsors 49 45 31
Percentage of total investment fair value:
First Lien Debt (excluding First Lien/Last Out) 77.9 % 82.0 % 86.0 %
First Lien/Last Out 6.2 % 2.6 % - %
Second Lien Debt 14.4 % 14.4 % 13.0 %
Total secured debt 98.5 % 99.1 % 99.0 %
Equity investments 1.5 % 0.9 % 1.0 %
Percentage of debt investment fair value:
Floating rate (1)
98.0 % 98.6 % 100.0 %
Fixed interest rate 2.0 % 1.4 % - %
(1) Primarily subject to interest rate floors
Our investment activity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is presented below (information presented herein is at amortized cost unless otherwise indicated):
For the years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Investments:
Total investments, beginning of period $ 1,368,431 $ 513,010 $ 80,407
New investments purchased 702,179 966,653 489,168
Net accretion of discount on investments 7,966 4,114 1,226
Net realized gain (loss) on investments (5,153) 269 (24)
Investments sold or repaid (240,038) (115,615) (57,767)
Total Investments, end of period $ 1,833,385 $ 1,368,431 $ 513,010
Principal amount of investments funded:
First Lien Debt (excluding First Lien/Last Out) $ 480,916 $ 775,308 $ 433,367
First Lien/Last Out 98,380 36,910 -
Second Lien Debt 117,842 167,740 60,147
Equity Investments 11,817 5,432 5,267
Total $ 708,955 $ 985,390 $ 498,781
Principal amount of investments sold or repaid:
First Lien Debt (excluding First Lien/Last Out) $ (178,439) $ (80,689) $ (34,569)
First Lien/Last Out (20,864) (223) -
Second Lien Debt (44,003) (34,848) (23,227)
Equity Investments (500) - -
Total $ (243,806) $ (115,760) $ (57,796)
Number of new funded investments 42 44 43
Average amount of new funded investments $ 16,719 $ 21,969 $ 11,376
Percentage of new funded debt investments at floating interest rates 97.74 % 97.79 % 100.00 %
Percentage of new funded debt investments at fixed interest rates 2.26 % 2.21 % - %
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, investments consisted of the following:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
First Lien Debt (excluding First Lien/Last Out Debt) $ 1,422,326 $ 1,411,858 $ 1,123,859 $ 1,123,850
First Lien/Last Out Debt 112,088 111,684 36,110 36,056
Second Lien Debt 274,882 260,258 197,196 197,732
Equity Investments 24,089 27,735 11,266 12,510
Total $ 1,833,385 $ 1,811,535 $ 1,368,431 $ 1,370,148
The weighted average yields(1) for our first and second lien debt, based on the amortized cost and fair value as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
First Lien Debt (excluding First Lien/Last Out) 7.46 % 7.51 % 8.06 % 8.06 %
First Lien/Last Out 9.03 % 9.06 % 9.63 % 9.65 %
First Lien Debt Total 7.57 % 7.63 % 8.11 % 8.11 %
Second Lien Debt 9.04 % 9.55 % 10.24 % 10.21 %
First and Second Lien Debt Total 7.80 % 7.91 % 8.42 % 8.42 %
(1)Weighted average yields include the effect of accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and are based on interest rates as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Weighted average yield on debt and income producing securities at fair value is computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of OID and market discount earned on accruing debt included in such securities, divided by (b) total first lien and second lien debt at fair value included in such securities.
Weighted average yield on debt and income producing securities at amortized cost is computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of OID and market discount earned on accruing debt included in such securities, divided by (b) total first lien and second lien debt at amortized cost included in such securities. Actual yields earned over the life of each investment could differ materially from the yields presented above.
See the Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, in our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for more information on these investments, including a list of companies and type and amount of investments.
As part of the monitoring process, our Investment Adviser has developed risk assessment policies pursuant to which it regularly assesses the risk profile of each of our debt investments and rates each of them based on the following categories, which we refer to as “Internal Risk Ratings”. During the second quarter of 2020, our Investment Advisor reevaluated and revised its Internal Risk Ratings and policies across the Carlyle Direct Lending platform to more appropriately assess portfolio risk across all market conditions, including the current COVID-19 environment. The revised methodology incorporates greater focus on expectations for future company performance and industry outlook, and creates greater consistency in risk rating assignment across all investments by removing from the ratings methodology the direct tie of historical financial results to the “base case” projections derived at the time of our initial investment. Under the revised methodology, an Internal Risk Rating of 1 - 5, which are defined below, is assigned to each debt investment in our portfolio, compared to Internal Risk Ratings of 1 - 6 under the legacy methodology. Key drivers of internal risk ratings used in the revised methodology are substantially the same as the legacy methodology, including financial metrics, financial covenants, liquidity and enterprise value coverage.
Internal Risk Ratings Definitions
Rating Definition
1 Borrower is operating above expectations, and the trends and risk factors are generally favorable.
2 Borrower is operating generally as expected or at an acceptable level of performance. The level of risk to our initial cost bases is similar to the risk to our initial cost basis at the time of origination. This is the initial risk rating assigned to all new borrowers.
3 Borrower is operating below expectations and level of risk to our cost basis has increased since the time of origination. The borrower may be out of compliance with debt covenants. Payments are generally current although there may be higher risk of payment default.
4 Borrower is operating materially below expectations and the loan’s risk has increased materially since origination. In addition to the borrower being generally out of compliance with debt covenants, loan payments may be past due, but generally not by more than 120 days. It is anticipated that we may not recoup our initial cost basis and may realize a loss of our initial cost basis upon exit.
5 Borrower is operating substantially below expectations and the loan’s risk has increased substantially since origination. Most or all of the debt covenants are out of compliance and payments are substantially delinquent. It is anticipated that we will not recoup our initial cost basis and may realize a substantial loss of our initial cost basis upon exit.
Our Investment Adviser monitors and, when appropriate, changes the investment ratings assigned to each debt investment in our portfolio. Our Investment Adviser reviews our investment ratings in connection with our quarterly valuation process. The below table summarizes the Internal Risk Ratings as of December 31, 2020. Given the forward-looking nature of certain elements of the revised methodology, it is impracticable to recast the risk ratings for the portfolio as of December 31, 2019 using the revised methodology.
December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in millions) Fair Value % of Fair Value
Internal Risk Rating 1 $ 40.1 2.3 %
Internal Risk Rating 2 1,425.2 79.9
Internal Risk Rating 3 310.3 17.4
Internal Risk Rating 4 - -
Internal Risk Rating 5 8.2 0.4
Total $ 1,783.8 100.0 %
As of December 31, 2020, the weighted average Internal Risk Rating of our debt investment portfolio was 2.2, and one debt investment, with an aggregate fair value of $8.2 million was assigned an Internal Risk Rating of 4-5.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
The net increase or decrease in net assets from operations may vary substantially from period to period as a result of various factors, including the recognition of realized gains and losses and net change in unrealized appreciation and depreciation. As a result, quarterly comparisons may not be meaningful.
Investment Income
Investment income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
First Lien Debt $ 113,748 $ 66,896 $ 19,504
Second Lien Debt 26,785 17,209 6,804
Equity Investments 1,378 - -
Cash 64 35 -
Total investment income $ 141,975 $ 84,140 $ 26,308
The increase in investment income for the year ended December 31, 2020 from the comparable period in 2019 was primarily driven by a higher weighted average loan balance, offset by the impact of a lower average LIBOR. The size of our portfolio at amortized cost increased to $1,833,385 as of December 31, 2020 from $1,368,431 as of December 31, 2019, and total principal amount of investments outstanding increased to $1,871,618 as of December 31, 2020 from $1,374,033 as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, the weighted average yield of our first and second lien debt on amortized cost decreased to 7.80% from 8.42% as of December 31, 2019 primarily due to a decrease in LIBOR.
Interest income on our first and second lien debt investments is dependent on the composition and credit quality of the portfolio. Generally, we expect the portfolio to generate predictable quarterly interest income based on the terms stated in each loan’s credit agreement. As of December 31, 2020, one loan in the portfolio with a fair value of $8,151 was on non-accrual status, which represented approximately 0.4% of the total investments at fair value. The remaining first and second lien debt investments were performing and current on their interest payments as of December 31, 2020 and for the year then ended. As of December 31, 2019, one loan in the portfolio with a fair value of $11,469 was on non-accrual status, which represented approximately 0.8% of the total investments at fair value.
Net investment income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Total investment income $ 141,975 $ 84,140 $ 26,308
Total expenses 55,584 34,848 12,254
Net investment income (loss) $ 86,391 $ 49,292 $ 14,054
Expenses
For the years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Organization costs $ - $ - $ 7
Offering cost - - 795
Management fees 11,631 6,259 2,174
Net investment income incentive fee 15,256 8,701 1,881
Professional fees 1,490 852 626
Administrative service fees 430 270 435
Interest expense 22,425 15,500 4,388
Credit facility fees 2,516 2,103 1,115
Directors’ fees and expenses 239 195 200
Other general and administrative 1,597 968 633
Total expenses $ 55,584 $ 34,848 $ 12,254
Interest expense and credit facility fees for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were comprised of the following:
For the years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Interest expense $ 22,425 $ 15,500 $ 4,388
Facility unused commitment fee 992 899 416
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,524 1,204 699
Total interest expense and credit facility fees $ 24,941 $ 17,603 $ 5,503
Cash paid for interest expense $ 21,675 $ 13,274 $ 2,683
The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the comparable period in 2019 was driven by increased draws under the Facilities related to increased deployment of capital for investments, offset by lower borrowing costs from a reduction in LIBOR. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the average interest rate on borrowings decreased to 3.04% from 3.90%, and average principal debt outstanding increased to $726,109 from $392,145.
For the Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Base management fees $ 11,631 $ 6,259 $ 2,174
Incentive fees on pre-incentive fee net investment income 15,256 8,701 1,881
Realized capital gains incentive fees - - -
Accrued capital gains incentive fees - - -
Total capital gains incentive fees - - -
Total incentive fees 15,256 8,701 1,881
Total base management fees and incentive fees $ 26,887 $ 14,960 $ 4,055
The increase in management fees and incentive fees for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the comparable period in 2019 were driven by our increased deployment of capital resulting in increased net investment income. The accrual for any capital gains incentive fee under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) in a given period may result in an additional expense if such cumulative amount is greater than in the prior period or a reduction of previously recorded expense if such cumulative amount is less than in the prior period. If such cumulative amount is negative, then there is no accrual. No incentive fees on capital gains have been paid for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on the incentive and management fees.
Professional fees include legal, rating agencies, audit tax, valuation, technology and other professional fees incurred related to the management of the company. Administrative service fees represent fees paid to the Administrator for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the
administration agreement, including our allocable portion of the cost of certain of our executive officers and their respective staff. Other general and administrative expenses include insurance, filing, research, subscriptions and other costs. The increase in professional fees, administrative service fees and other general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was primarily driven by the deployment of capital.
Net Realized Gain (Loss) and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
For the years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ (5,153) $ 269 $ (24)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (23,512) 4,300 (3,465)
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments $ (28,665) $ 4,569 $ (3,489)
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we had realized gains on 2 investments totaling $22, offset by realized losses on 6 investments totaling $5,175. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we had realized gains on 2 investments totaling $299, offset by realized losses on 1 investment totaling $30. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had a change in unrealized appreciation on 64 and 58 investments, respectively, totaling $24,270 and $13,256, respectively, which were offset by a change in unrealized depreciation on 60 and 33 investments, respectively, totaling $47,837 and $8,956, respectively.
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments by the type of investments for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Net realized gain (loss) on investments Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments Net realized gain (loss) on investments Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments Net realized gain (loss) on investments Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
First Lien Debt $ (4,697) $ (10,809) $ - $ 1,889 $ (24) $ (2,576)
Second Lien Debt (10) (15,160) - 940 - (662)
Equity Investments (446) 2,402 269 1,471 - (227)
Total $ (5,153) $ (23,567) $ 269 $ 4,300 $ (24) $ (3,465)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in our investments for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the comparable period in 2019 was primarily driven by unrealized depreciation related to investments more heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with higher market yields.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We generate cash from the net proceeds of offerings of our common stock and through cash flows from operations, including investment sales and repayments as well as income earned on investments and cash equivalents. We may also fund a portion of our investments through borrowings under the Credit Facilities, as defined below, and the issuance of debt, as well as through securitization of a portion of our existing investments. The primary use of existing funds and any funds raised in the future is expected to be for investments in portfolio companies, repayment of indebtedness, cash distributions to our stockholders and for other general corporate purposes.
While aggregate economic activity continued to improve through the fourth quarter of 2020, the dispersion in performance across industries and geographies has been substantial. The slower than anticipated global vaccination rollout, combined with uncertainties regarding new variants of the virus, will prolong the risk of continued disruption deeper into the year, and we expect that the pace and magnitude of economic recovery will be uneven. This continued market and business disruption may impact certain aspects of our liquidity. Depreciation in the valuations of our investments may adversely impact collateral eligibility, which would reduce the availability under the Credit Facilities. We are therefore continuously and critically monitoring our operating results, liquidity and anticipated capital requirements. Our capacity under the Facilities as of
December 31, 2020 was well in excess of our unfunded commitments. We believe our current cash position, available capacity on our revolving credit facilities and net cash provided by operating activities will provide us with sufficient resources to meet our obligations and continue to support our investment objectives, including reserving for the capital needs that may arise at our portfolio companies.
We entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility with a lender on October 3, 2017, which was subsequently amended on March 14, 2018, November 16, 2018, May 12, 2020 and October 2, 2020 (as amended, the “Subscription Facility”). As of December 31, 2020, the maximum principal amount of the Subscription Facility was $75,000 (reduced from $265,000 as of December 31, 2019) and is subject to availability under the Subscription Facility, which is based on certain of the Company's unfunded investor equity capital commitments, and restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act. The Subscription Facility has a maturity date of October 3, 2022. The Company may borrow amounts in U.S. Dollars or certain other permitted currencies. Borrowings under the Subscription Facility bear interest currently at LIBOR plus an applicable spread of 1.95% per year (1.55% per year as of December 31, 2019), subject to a 0.50% floor on LIBOR. The Company is also required to pay an undrawn commitment fee of 0.25% per year. Subject to certain exceptions, the Subscription Facility is secured by a first lien security interest in our equity investors’ unfunded capital commitments.
We entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility with a lender on April 1, 2019 (the “SPV Credit Facility”), which was subsequently amended on October 25, 2019, February 7, 2020 and December 4, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the maximum principal amount of the SPV Credit Facility was $600,000, and is subject to availability under the SPV Credit Facility and restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act. The SPV Credit Facility has a maturity date of April 1, 2024, with one one-year extension option, subject to the SPV's and the lender's consent. The SPV may borrow amounts in U.S. Dollars or certain other permitted currencies. Borrowings under the SPV Credit Facility bear interest initially at LIBOR (or, if applicable, a rate based on the prime rate or federal funds rate) plus 2.25% per year with a step-up based on collateral coverage and asset mix. The SPV is also required to pay an undrawn commitment fee of between 0.50% and 0.75% per year. Payments under the SPV Credit Facility are made quarterly. The lenders have a first lien security interest on substantially all of the assets of the SPV.
We entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility with a lender on May 13, 2020 (the “SPV2 Credit Facility”, together with the Subscription Facility and the SPV Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities"), which was subsequently amended on February 11, 2021. The SPV2 Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to a principal amount of $250,000 as of December 31, 2020 ($350,000 following the February 2021 amendment), subject to availability under the SPV2 Credit Facility and restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act. The SPV2 Credit Facility has a revolving period through May 13, 2023, and a maturity date of May 13, 2028. Borrowings under the SPV2 Credit Facility bear interest initially at LIBOR (or, if applicable, a rate based on the prime rate or federal funds rate plus 0.50%) plus 2.95% per year (2.76% following the February 2021 amendment). SPV2 is also required to pay an undrawn commitment fee of 0.25% per year. Payments under the SPV2 Credit Facility are made quarterly. The lenders have a security interest on substantially all of the assets of SPV2.
Although we believe that we, the SPV and SPV2 will remain in compliance, there are no assurances that we or the SPV will continue to comply with the covenants in the Credit Facilities, as applicable. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the Subscription Facility, the SPV Credit Facility and/or the SPV2 Credit Facility that, if we or the SPV were unable to obtain a waiver from the applicable lenders, could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the respective facility, and thereby have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, to the extent that we cannot meet our financing obligations, 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.
For more information on the Credit Facilities, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had $50,217 and $18,937 respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. The Credit Facilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, 2020
Total Facility Borrowings
Outstanding Unused
Portion (1)
Amount
Available (2)
Subscription Facility $ 75,000 $ 75,233 $ - $ -
SPV Credit Facility 600,000 595,723 4,277 4,277
SPV2 Credit Facility 250,000 210,000 40,000 11,393
Total $ 925,000 $ 880,956 $ 44,277 $ 15,670
December 31, 2019
Total Facility Borrowings
Outstanding Unused
Portion (1)
Amount
Available (2)
Subscription Facility $ 265,000 $ 231,700 $ 33,300 $ 25,749
SPV Credit Facility 600,000 416,500 183,500 183,500
Total $ 865,000 $ 648,200 $ 216,800 $ 209,249
(1)The unused portion is the amount upon which commitment fees are based.
(2)Available for borrowing based on the computation of collateral to support the borrowings and subject to compliance with applicable covenants and financial ratios.
Equity Activity
Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were 49,062,820 and 35,769,223, respectively. The following table summarizes activity in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
For the year ended December 31,
2020 2019
Shares outstanding, beginning of period 35,769,223 14,229,500
Common stock issued 13,293,597 21,539,723
Shares outstanding, end of period 49,062,820 35,769,223
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations was as follows as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
As of December 31,
Payment Due by Period 2020 2019
Less than 1 Year $ - $ 231,700
1-3 Years 75,233 -
3-5 Years 595,723 416,500
More than 5 Years 210,000 -
Total $ 880,956 $ 648,200
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $880,956 and $648,200, respectively, of secured borrowings were outstanding under the Credit Facilities. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we incurred $22,425 and $15,500, respectively, of interest expense and $992 and $899, respectively, of unused commitment fees.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In the ordinary course of our business, we enter into contracts or agreements that contain indemnifications or warranties. Future events could occur which may give rise to liabilities arising from these provisions against us. We believe that the likelihood of such an event is remote; however, the maximum potential exposure is unknown. No accrual has been made in
these consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for any such exposure.
We have in the past and may in the future become obligated to fund commitments such as revolving credit facilities, bridge financing commitments, or delayed draw commitments.
We had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans as of the indicated dates:
Par Value as of December 31,
2020 2019
Unfunded delayed draw commitments $ 71,561 $ 79,156
Unfunded revolving commitments 56,362 54,249
Total unfunded commitments $ 127,923 $ 133,405
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
The following table summarizes our dividends declared and payable since inception through December 31, 2020:
Date Declared Record Date Payment Date Per Share Amount
March 12, 2018 March 12, 2018 April 17, 2018 $ 0.30
June 6, 2018 June 6, 2018 July 18, 2018 $ 0.37
September 13, 2018 September 13, 2018 October 18, 2018 $ 0.40
December 26, 2018 December 26, 2018 January 18, 2019 $ 0.46
March 12, 2019 March 12, 2019 April 18, 2019 $ 0.47
June 11, 2019 June 11, 2019 July 18, 2019 $ 0.51
September 10, 2019 September 10, 2019 October 18, 2019 $ 0.50
December 10, 2019 December 10, 2019 January 17, 2020 $ 0.50
March 4, 2020 March 4, 2020 April 17, 2020 $ 0.53
June 30, 2020 June 30, 2020 July 17, 2020 $ 0.45
September 28, 2020 September 28, 2020 October 16, 2020 $ 0.46
December 14, 2020 December 14, 2020 January 15, 2021 $ 0.50
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets, and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. Our critical accounting policies, including those relating to the valuation of our investment portfolio, are described below. The critical accounting policies should be read in connection with our “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company applies fair value accounting in accordance with the terms of Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value as the amount that would be exchanged to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transfer between market participants at the measurement date. The Company values securities/instruments traded in active markets on the measurement date by multiplying the closing price of such traded securities/instruments by the quantity of shares or amount of the instrument held. The Company may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of its investments, such as its securities/instruments traded in active markets and its liquid securities/instruments that are not traded in active markets, from pricing services, brokers, or counterparties (i.e. “consensus pricing”). When doing so, the Company determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to U.S. GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. The Company may use the quote obtained or alternative pricing sources may be utilized including valuation techniques typically utilized for illiquid securities/instruments.
Securities/instruments that are illiquid or for which the pricing source does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser or the Board of Directors, does not represent fair value shall each be valued as of the measurement date using all techniques appropriate under the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available. These valuation techniques may vary by investment and include comparable public market valuations, comparable precedent transaction valuations and/or discounted cash flow analyses. The process generally used to determine the applicable value is as follows: (i) the value of each portfolio company or investment is initially reviewed by the investment professionals responsible for such portfolio company or investment and, for non-traded investments, a standardized template designed to approximate fair market value based on observable market inputs, updated credit statistics and unobservable inputs is used to determine a preliminary value, which is also reviewed alongside consensus pricing, where available; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and reviewed by a valuation committee comprised of members of senior management; (iii) the Board of Directors engages a third-party valuation firm to provide positive assurance on portions of the Middle Market Senior Loans and equity investments portfolio each quarter (such that each non-traded investment is reviewed by a third-party valuation firm at least once on a rolling twelve month basis) including a review of management’s preliminary valuation and conclusion on fair value; (iv) the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) reviews the assessments of the Investment Adviser and the third-party valuation firm and provides the Board of Directors with any recommendations with respect to changes to the fair value of each investment in the portfolio; and (v) the Board of Directors discusses the valuation recommendations of the Audit Committee and determines the fair value of each investment in the portfolio in good faith based on the input of the Investment Adviser and, where applicable, the third-party valuation firm.
All factors that might materially impact the value of an investment are considered, including, but not limited to the assessment of the following factors, as relevant:
•the nature and realizable value of any collateral;
•call features, put features and other relevant terms of debt;
•the portfolio company’s leverage and ability to make payments;
•the portfolio company’s public or private credit rating;
•the portfolio company’s actual and expected earnings and discounted cash flow;
•prevailing interest rates and spreads for similar securities and expected volatility in future interest rates;
•the markets in which the portfolio company does business and recent economic and/or market events; and
•comparisons to comparable transactions and publicly traded securities.
Investment performance data utilized are the most recently available financial statements and compliance certificate received from the portfolio companies as of the measurement date which in many cases may reflect a lag in information.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Company’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been reported had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is reasonably possible that the difference could be material.
In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the realized gains or losses on investments to be different from the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation currently reflected in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which ranks the level of observability of market price inputs used in measuring investments at fair value. The observability of inputs is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of investment and the characteristics specific to the investment and state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Investments with readily available quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from quoted prices in active markets generally have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment applied in determining fair value.
For further information on the fair value hierarchies, our framework for determining fair value and the composition of our portfolio, see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management’s estimates are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. Assumptions and estimates regarding the valuation of investments and their resulting impact on incentive fees involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity and these assumptions and estimates may be significant to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material.
Investments
Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, and includes investments charged off during the period, net of recoveries. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K reflects the net change in the fair value of investments, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized.
Revenue Recognition
Interest from Investments and Realized Gain/Loss on Investments
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis and includes the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Discounts from and premiums to par value on debt investments purchased are accreted/amortized into interest income over the life of the respective security using the effective interest method. The amortized cost of debt investments represents the original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, if any. At time of exit, the realized gain or loss on an investment is the difference between the amortized cost at time of exit and the cash received at exit using the specific identification method.
The Company has loans in its portfolio that contain PIK provisions. PIK represents interest that is accrued and recorded as interest income at the contractual rates, increases the loan principal on the respective capitalization dates, and is generally due at maturity. Such income is included in interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Other Income
Other income may include income such as consent, waiver, amendment, unused, syndication and prepayment fees associated with the Company’s investment activities as well as any fees for managerial assistance services rendered by the Company to the portfolio companies. Such fees are recognized as income when earned or the services are rendered. The Company may receive fees for guaranteeing the outstanding debt of a portfolio company. Such fees are amortized into other income over the life of the guarantee. The unamortized amount, if any, is included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Non-Accrual Income
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest are paid current and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. Management may not place a loan on non-accrual status if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code, and intends to make the required distributions to its stockholders as specified therein. In order to qualify as a RIC, the Company must meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. If such requirements are met, then the Company is generally required to pay income taxes only on the portion of its taxable income and gains it does not distribute.
The minimum distribution requirements applicable to RICs require the Company to distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (“ICTI”), as defined by the Code, each year. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year 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.
In addition, based on the excise distribution requirements, the Company is subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on undistributed income unless the Company distributes in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of 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. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Company that is subject to corporate income tax is considered to have been distributed.
The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its consolidated financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely than not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes, if any, are included in income tax expense.
The SPV and SPV 2 are disregarded entities for tax purposes and are consolidated with the tax return of the Company.
Dividends and Distributions to Common Stockholders
To the extent that the Company has taxable income available, the Company intends to make quarterly distributions to its common stockholders. Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the record date. The amount to be distributed is determined by the Board of Directors each quarter and is generally based upon the taxable earnings estimated by management and available cash. Net realized capital gains, if any, are generally distributed at least annually, although the Company may decide to retain such capital gains for investment.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory Agreement
On June 26, 2017, the Company entered into an investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) with the Investment Adviser. Unless terminated earlier, the Investment Advisory Agreement renews automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of the Board of Directors and by the vote of a majority of the directors who are not “interested persons” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act (the “Independent Directors”). On May 29, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved the continuance of the Company's Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser for an additional one-year term. The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of an assignment and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon at least 60 days’ written notice to the other party.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement and subject to the overall supervision of the Board of Directors, the Investment Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Company. For providing these services, the Investment Adviser receives fees from the Company consisting of two components-a management fee and an incentive fee.
The management fee has been calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 1.25% of the Company’s average Capital Under Management (as defined below) at the end of the then-current quarter and the prior calendar quarter (and, in the case of the Company’s first quarter, the Company’s Capital Under Management as of such quarter-end). “Capital Under Management” means cumulative capital called, less cumulative distributions categorized as Returned Capital (as defined in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Private Offering-Right to Redraw Capital.”). For the avoidance of doubt, Capital Under Management does not include capital acquired through the use of leverage, and Returned Capital does not include distributions of the Company’s investment income (i.e., proceeds received in respect of interest payments, dividends or fees, net of expenses) or net realized capital gains to the investors. On January 11, 2021, in connection with the extension of the
Investment Period to September 11, 2022, the Company entered into a letter agreement with the Investment Adviser, under which the Adviser agreed that its management fee will be calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Company's average Capital Under Management, effective September 12, 2021.
The incentive fee consists of two parts. The first part has been calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals 15% of pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to a preferred return of 1.75% per quarter (7% annualized), or “hurdle rate,” and a “catch-up” feature. The second part has been determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year in an amount equal to 15% of realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses on a cumulative basis and unrealized capital depreciation less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees, provided that no incentive fee on capital gains is payable to the Investment Adviser unless cumulative total return exceeds a 7% annual return on weighted average cumulative capital called less cumulative distributions categorized as Returned Capital.
Administration Agreement
On April 18, 2017, the Company entered into an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with the Administrator. Unless terminated earlier, the Administration Agreement renews automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of the Board of Directors or by a majority vote of the outstanding voting securities of the Company and (ii) the vote of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors. The Administration Agreement may not be assigned by a party without the consent of the other party and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon at least 60 days’ written notice to the other party. On May 29, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved at an in-person meeting the continuance of the Company’s Administration Agreement with the Administrator for an additional one-year term.
Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides services and receives reimbursements equal to an amount that reimburses the Administrator for its costs and expenses and the Company's allocable portion of overhead incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including the Company's allocable portion of the compensation paid to or compensatory distributions received by the Company’s officers (including the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and respective staff who provide services to the Company, operations staff who provide services to the Company, and any internal audit staff, to the extent internal audit performs a role in the Company's Sarbanes-Oxley Act internal control assessment. Reimbursement under the Administration Agreement occurs quarterly in arrears.
Sub-Administration Agreements
On June 26, 2017, the Administrator entered into sub-administration agreements with Carlyle Employee Co. (the “Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreement”). Pursuant to the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreements, Carlyle Employee Co. provides the Administrator with access to personnel.
On June 22, 2017, the Administrator entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street” and, such agreement, the “State Street Sub-Administration Agreement” and, together with the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreements, the “Sub-Administration Agreements”).
On May 29, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved at an in-person meeting the continuance of the Company’s Sub-Administration Agreements for an additional one-year term.
Placement Fees
On June 26, 2017, the Company entered into a placement fee arrangement with TCG Securities, L.L.C. (“TCG”), a licensed broker-dealer and an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, which may require stockholders to pay a placement fee to TCG for TCG’s services.
Board of Directors
The Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of six members, four of whom are Independent Directors. The Board of Directors has established an audit committee and a pricing committee of the Board of Directors, and may establish additional committees in the future.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in the valuations of our investment portfolio and interest rates.
Valuation Risk
Our investments may not have a readily available market price, and we value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors in accordance with our valuation policy. There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. 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 our investments may fluctuate from period to period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is possible that the difference could be material.
Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2020, on a fair value basis, two of our debt investments bear interest at a fixed rate. All of our other debt investments bear interest at a floating rate, which primarily are subject to interest rate floors. Interest rates on the investments held within our portfolio of investments are typically based on floating LIBOR, with many of these investments also having a LIBOR floor. Additionally, our Credit Facilities are also subject to floating interest rates and are currently paid based on floating LIBOR rates.
Interest rate sensitivity refers to the change in earnings that may result from changes in the level of interest rates. There can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our income in the future.
The following table estimates the potential changes in net cash flow generated from interest income, should interest rates increase or decrease by 100, 200 or 300 basis points. Interest income is calculated as revenue from interest generated from our settled portfolio of debt investments held as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. These hypothetical calculations are based on a model of the settled debt investments in our portfolio held as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and are only adjusted for assumed changes in the underlying base interest rates and the impact of that change on interest income. Interest expense is calculated based on outstanding secured borrowings as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and based on the terms of our Credit Facilities. Interest expense on our Credit Facilities is calculated using the interest rate as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, adjusted for the hypothetical changes in rates, as shown below. We intend to continue to finance a portion of our investments with borrowings and the interest rates paid on our borrowings may impact significantly our net interest income.
We regularly measure exposure to interest rate risk. We assess interest rate risk and manage interest rate exposure on an ongoing basis by comparing our interest rate sensitive assets to our interest rate sensitive liabilities. Based on that review, we determine whether or not any hedging transactions are necessary to mitigate exposure to changes in interest rates.
Based on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the following table shows the annual impact on net investment income of base rate changes in interest rates for our settled debt investments (considering interest rate floors for variable rate instruments) and outstanding secured borrowings assuming no changes in our investment and borrowing structure:
As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019
Basis Point Change Interest Income Interest Expense Net Investment Income Interest Income Interest Expense Net Investment Income
Up 300 basis points $ 41,532 $ (26,429) $ 15,103 $ 40,344 $ (19,382) $ 20,962
Up 200 basis points $ 23,732 $ (17,619) $ 6,113 $ 26,896 $ (12,921) $ 13,975
Up 100 basis points $ 5,936 $ (8,810) $ (2,874) $ 13,448 $ (6,461) $ 6,987
Down 100 basis points $ (317) $ 1,766 $ 1,449 $ (11,620) $ 6,461 $ (5,159)
Down 200 basis points $ (317) $ 1,766 $ 1,449 $ (13,878) $ 11,996 $ (1,882)
Down 300 basis points $ (317) $ 1,766 $ 1,449 $ (14,265) $ 11,996 $ (2,269)

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
TCG BDC II, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
TCG BDC II, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of TCG BDC II, Inc. (the “Company”), including the consolidated schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations, changes in its net assets, and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, by correspondence with the custodian, directly with counterparties and management of the portfolio companies, debt agents and brokers, as applicable, or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.
New York, NY
February 26, 2021
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated, at fair value (amortized cost of $1,833,385 and $1,368,431, respectively) $ 1,811,535 $ 1,370,148
Cash and cash equivalents 50,217 18,937
Deferred financing costs 4,542 3,263
Receivable for investment sold 1,659 6,160
Interest receivable from non-controlled/non-affiliated investments 12,636 12,808
Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,676 2,330
Total assets $ 1,883,265 $ 1,413,646
LIABILITIES
Secured borrowings (Note 5) $ 880,956 $ 648,200
Payable for investments purchased 273 -
Due to Investment Adviser 486 516
Interest and credit facility fees payable (Note 5) 5,470 4,225
Dividend Payable (Note 7) 23,766 17,275
Management and incentive fees payable (Note 4) 7,437 4,904
Administrative service fees payable (Note 4) 60 33
Other accrued expenses and liabilities 1,681 1,384
Total liabilities 920,129 676,537
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6 and 9)
NET ASSETS
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 49,062,820, and 35,769,223 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively 491 358
Paid-in capital in excess of par value 996,001 736,328
Total distributable earnings (loss) (33,356) 423
Total net assets $ 963,136 $ 737,109
NET ASSETS PER SHARE $ 19.63 $ 20.61
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Investment income:
From non-controlled/non-affiliated investments:
Interest income $ 131,928 $ 79,210 $ 25,003
Other income 10,047 4,930 1,305
Total investment income 141,975 84,140 26,308
Expenses:
Organization costs (Note 2) - - 7
Offering costs (Note 2) - - 795
Management fees (Note 4) 11,631 6,259 2,174
Net investment income incentive fees (Note 4) 15,256 8,701 1,881
Professional fees 1,490 852 626
Administrative service fees (Note 4) 430 270 435
Interest expense (Note 5) 22,425 15,500 4,388
Credit facility fees (Note 5) 2,516 2,103 1,115
Directors’ fees and expenses 239 195 200
Other general and administrative 1,597 968 633
Total expenses 55,584 34,848 12,254
Net investment income (loss) 86,391 49,292 14,054
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (5,153) 269 (24)
Currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities (1,887) (96) -
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation):
Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (23,512) 4,300 (3,465)
Net change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities (3,653) (2,134) -
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and non-investment assets and liabilities (34,205) 2,339 (3,489)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $ 52,186 $ 51,631 $ 10,565
Basic and diluted earnings per common share (Note 7) $ 1.18 $ 2.20 $ 1.34
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding-Basic and Diluted (Note 7) 44,300,431 23,431,444 7,907,949
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations:
Net investment income (loss) $ 86,391 $ 49,292 $ 14,054
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and non-investment assets and liabilities (7,040) 173 (24)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (23,512) 4,300 (3,465)
Net change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities (3,653) (2,134) -
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations 52,186 51,631 10,565
Capital transactions:
Common stock issued 259,820 444,943 210,306
Dividends Declared (Note 10) (85,979) (48,679) (14,379)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions 173,841 396,264 195,927
Net increase (decrease) in net assets 226,027 447,895 206,492
Net assets at beginning of year/period 737,109 289,214 82,722
Net assets at end of year/period $ 963,136 $ 737,109 $ 289,214
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $ 52,186 $ 51,631 $ 10,565
Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,524 1,204 699
Amortization of deferred offering costs - - 795
Net accretion of discount on investments (7,966) (4,114) (1,226)
Paid-in-kind interest (5,829) (1,557) -
Net realized (gain) loss on investments and non-investment
assets and liabilities 7,040 (173) 24
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments 23,512 (4,300) 3,465
Net change in unrealized currency (gains) losses on non-investment asset and liabilities 3,653 2,134 -
Cost of investments purchased and change in payable for investments purchased (696,100) (967,056) (494,761)
Proceeds from sales and repayments of investments and change in receivable for investments sold 244,617 110,698 56,524
Changes in operating assets:
Interest receivable 172 (10,627) (1,760)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (346) (1,757) (202)
Changes in operating liabilities:
Due to Investment Adviser (30) 498 (2,729)
Interest and credit facility fees payable 1,245 2,377 1,702
Management and incentive fee payable 2,533 2,884 1,768
Administrative service fees payable 27 (45) -
Other accrued expenses and liabilities 297 481 603
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (373,465) (817,722) (424,533)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 259,820 444,943 210,306
Borrowings on Credit Facilities 702,597 986,666 367,050
Repayments of Credit Facilities (475,381) (558,300) (210,100)
Dividends paid in cash (79,488) (37,948) (7,834)
Debt issuance costs paid (2,803) (2,947) (1,136)
Offering cost paid - - (78)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 404,745 832,414 358,208
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 31,280 14,692 (66,325)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year/period 18,937 4,245 70,570
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year/period $ 50,217 $ 18,937 $ 4,245
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid during the year/period $ 21,675 $ 13,274 $ 2,683
Dividends declared during the year/period $ 85,979 $ 48,679 $ 14,379
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate & Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
First Lien Debt (84.66%)
Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company ^+ (2) (3) (6) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 6.00% 7.00% 12/17/2020 12/17/2026 $ 12,084 $ 11,719 $ 11,716 1.22 %
Airnov, Inc. ^+# (2) (3) (6) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 5.25% 6.25% 12/20/2019 12/19/2025 42,388 41,794 42,407 4.40
Alpine SG, LLC +# (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 5.75% 6.75% 2/2/2018 11/16/2022 15,301 15,224 15,186 1.58
Alpine SG, LLC # (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 8.50% 9.50% 7/24/2020 11/16/2022 1,618 1,577 1,612 0.17
Alpine SG, LLC + (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 6.50% 7.50% 11/2/2020 11/16/2022 10,750 10,453 10,698 1.11
American Physician Partners, LLC +# (2) (3) (6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 6.75% 7.75% 1/7/2019 12/21/2021 39,412 39,101 37,302 3.88
Analogic Corporation ^+# (2) (3) (6) Capital Equipment L + 5.25% 6.25% 6/22/2018 6/22/2024 25,462 25,140 25,462 2.64
Anchor Hocking, LLC # (2) (3) Durable Consumer Goods L + 11.75% 12.75% 1/25/2019 1/25/2024 9,758 9,548 9,358 0.97
Applied Technical Services, LLC ^ (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.75% 6.75% 12/29/2020 12/29/2026 395 382 382 0.04
Apptio, Inc. ^+# (2) (3) (6) Software L + 7.25% 8.25% 1/10/2019 1/10/2025 35,541 34,985 36,110 3.75
At Home Holding III, Inc. +# (2) (3) (7) Retail L + 9.00% 10.00% 6/12/2020 7/27/2022 17,500 17,167 17,411 1.81
Aurora Lux FinCo S.Á.R.L. (Luxembourg) +# (2) (3) (7) Software L + 5.75% 6.75% 12/24/2019 12/24/2026 37,219 36,395 33,988 3.53
Avenu Holdings, LLC +# (2) (3) Sovereign & Public Finance L + 5.25% 6.25% 9/28/2018 9/28/2024 38,273 37,871 38,273 3.97
Barnes & Noble, Inc. + (2) (3) (10) Retail L + 5.50% 6.50% 8/7/2019 8/7/2024 16,744 16,424 15,808 1.64
BlueCat Networks, Inc. (Canada) + (2) (3) (7) High Tech Industries L + 6.25% 7.25% 10/30/2020 10/30/2026 22,936 22,486 22,477 2.33
BMS Holdings III Corp. +# (2) (3) Construction & Building L + 5.25% 6.25% 9/30/2019 9/30/2026 29,658 29,027 29,317 3.04
Central Security Group, Inc. ^ (2) (3) Consumer Services L + 6.00% 7.00% 10/16/2020 10/16/2025 $1,431 $1,431 $1,223 0.13
Chartis Holding, LLC ^+# (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.50% 6.50% 5/1/2019 5/1/2025 39,565 38,869 39,583 4.11
Chemical Computing Group ULC (Canada) ^+ (2) (3) (6) (7) Software L + 5.00% 6.00% 8/30/2018 8/30/2023 14,526 14,397 14,526 1.51
CircusTrix Holdings, LLC ^+ (2) (3) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure L + 6.75% (100% PIK) 7.75% 2/2/2018 12/6/2021 10,023 9,974 8,093 0.84
Cobblestone Intermediate Holdco LLC ^ (2) (3) (6) Consumer Services L + 4.75% 5.75% 1/29/2020 1/29/2026 719 713 724 0.08
Comar Holding Company, LLC +# (2) (3) (6) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 5.50% 6.50% 6/18/2018 6/18/2024 39,657 39,061 39,823 4.13
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) ^+# (2) (3) (6) (7) Software L + 5.25% 6.25% 7/2/2019 7/2/2026 56,778 55,771 57,202 5.94
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) # (2) (3) (7) Software L + 7.25% 8.25% 9/3/2020 7/2/2026 1,898 1,843 1,935 0.20
Derm Growth Partners III, LLC ^ (2) (3) (9) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 6.25% (100% PIK) 7.25% 2/15/2018 5/31/2022 16,271 16,175 8,151 0.85
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate & Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
Designer Brands Inc. +# (2) (3) (7) Retail L + 8.50% 9.75% 8/7/2020 8/7/2025 $ 35,909 $ 35,068 $ 35,621 3.70 %
Diligent Corporation ^ (2) (3) (6) Telecommunications L + 6.25% 7.25% 8/4/2020 8/4/2025 579 561 589 0.06
DTI Holdco, Inc. # (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 4.75% 5.75% 12/18/2018 9/30/2023 1,954 1,877 1,741 0.18
Ensono, LP +# (2) (3) Telecommunications L + 5.25% 5.40% 4/30/2018 6/27/2025 8,450 8,391 8,387 0.87
Ensono, LP + (2) (3) Telecommunications L + 5.75% 5.90% 6/25/2020 6/27/2025 18,131 18,007 17,995 1.87
Ethos Veterinary Health LLC +# (2) (3) (6) Consumer Services L + 4.75% 4.90% 5/17/2019 5/15/2026 10,794 10,691 10,609 1.10
Helios Buyer, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Consumer Services L + 6.00% 7.00% 12/15/2020 12/15/2026 17,499 16,912 16,908 1.76
Hercules Borrower LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Environmental Industries L + 6.50% 7.50% 12/14/2020 12/14/2026 18,592 18,076 18,073 1.88
Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc. + (2) (3) (6) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 5.75% 6.50% 11/25/2020 11/25/2026 15,607 15,311 15,307 1.59
iCIMS, Inc. ^+# (2) (3) Software L + 6.50% 7.50% 9/12/2018 9/12/2024 29,019 28,600 28,937 3.00
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC # (2) (3) (6) Wholesale L + 6.25% 7.25% 2/21/2020 11/22/2025 15,439 15,095 14,943 1.55
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC # (2) (3) (6) Wholesale L + 6.25% 7.25% 12/31/2020 11/22/2025 2,196 2,135 2,134 0.22
Innovative Business Services, LLC +# (2) (3) (6) High Tech Industries L + 5.50% 6.50% 4/5/2018 4/5/2023 15,979 15,674 15,644 1.62
Integrity Marketing Acquisition, LLC +# (2) (3) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 5.75% 6.75% 1/15/2020 8/27/2025 24,851 24,535 25,053 2.60
Integrity Marketing Acquisition, LLC ^ (2) (3) (6) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 6.25% 7.25% 8/7/2020 8/27/2025 5,224 5,136 5,304 0.55
K2 Insurance Services, LLC ^+# (2) (3) (6) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 5.00% 6.00% 7/3/2019 7/1/2024 25,577 25,148 25,581 2.66
Kaseya, Inc. ^+# (2) (3) (6) High Tech Industries L + 4.00%, 3.00% PIK 8.00% 5/3/2019 5/2/2025 23,693 23,301 23,796 2.47
Lifelong Learner Holdings, LLC ^+# (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.75% 6.75% 10/18/2019 10/18/2026 47,627 46,712 43,160 4.48
Liqui-Box Holdings, Inc. ^ (2) (3) (6) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 4.50% 5.50% 6/3/2019 6/3/2024 1,368 1,346 1,112 0.12
Mailgun Technologies, Inc. ^+# (2) (3) (6) High Tech Industries L + 5.00% 6.00% 3/26/2019 3/26/2025 19,991 19,662 19,618 2.04
NES Global Talent Finance US, LLC (United Kingdom) +# (2) (3) (7) Energy: Oil & Gas L + 5.50% 6.50% 5/9/2018 5/11/2023 9,789 9,698 8,859 0.92
Paramit Corporation +# (2) (3) Capital Equipment L + 4.50% 5.50% 5/3/2019 5/3/2025 6,213 6,188 6,089 0.63
Paramit Corporation # (2) (3) (6) Capital Equipment L + 5.25% 6.25% 11/24/2020 5/3/2025 3,029 2,912 2,909 0.30
Park Place Technologies, LLC + (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 5.00% 6.00% 11/19/2020 11/19/2027 20,000 19,211 19,150 1.99
PF Growth Partners, LLC + (2) (3) (6) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure L + 7.00% 8.00% 7/1/2019 7/11/2025 7,294 7,198 6,778 0.70
PPC Flexible Packaging, LLC +# (2) (3) (6) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 6.00% 7.00% 11/23/2018 11/23/2024 17,696 17,501 17,638 1.83
Propel Insurance Agency, LLC # (2) (3) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 5.00% 6.00% 4/30/2019 6/1/2024 2,339 2,327 2,316 0.24
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate & Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
Redwood Services Group, LLC +# (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 6.00% 7.00% 11/13/2018 6/6/2023 $ 16,952 $ 16,688 $ 16,908 1.76 %
Redwood Services Group, LLC # (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 8.50% 9.50% 8/14/2020 6/6/2023 3,474 3,383 3,494 0.36
Redwood Services Group, LLC ^# (2) (3) (6) High Tech Industries L + 7.25% 8.25% 10/19/2020 6/6/2023 15,108 14,719 15,186 1.58
Regency Entertainment, Inc. +# (2) (3) Media: Diversified & Production L + 6.75% 7.75% 5/22/2020 10/22/2025 70,000 68,728 68,616 7.12
Riveron Acquisition Holdings, Inc. +# (2) (3) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 5.75% 6.75% 5/22/2019 5/22/2025 19,774 19,474 19,907 2.07
RSC Acquisition, Inc. ^+# (2) (3) (6) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 5.50% 6.50% 11/1/2019 11/1/2026 57,386 56,366 57,978 6.02
Sapphire Convention, Inc. ^+# (2) (3) (6) Telecommunications L + 6.25% 7.25% 11/20/2018 11/20/2025 28,812 28,340 23,999 2.49
Smile Doctors, LLC +# (2) (3) (6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 6.00% 7.00% 10/6/2017 10/6/2022 23,439 23,356 22,956 2.38
Southern Graphics, Inc. + (2) (3) (10) Media: Advertising, Printing & Publishing L + 6.50% 7.50% 10/30/2020 10/23/2023 9,959 9,769 9,849 1.02
Sovos Brands Intermediate, Inc. +# (2) (3) Beverage, Food & Tobacco L + 4.75% 4.96% 11/16/2018 11/20/2025 19,698 19,551 19,529 2.03
SPay, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure L + 5.75%, 2.00% PIK 8.75% 6/15/2018 6/17/2024 21,365 21,098 17,318 1.80
Tank Holding Corp. ^ (2) (3) (6) Capital Equipment L + 3.50% 3.74% 3/26/2019 3/26/2024 - - (1) -
TCFI Aevex LLC +# (2) (3) (6) Aerospace & Defense L + 6.00% 7.00% 3/18/2020 3/18/2026 26,070 25,535 25,961 2.70
The Leaders Romans Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) Term Loan C + (2) (3) (6) (7) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 6.50%, 3.00% PIK 10.25% 7/23/2019 6/30/2024 £ 3,757 4,690 5,743 0.60
The Leaders Romans Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) Term Loan B + (2) (3) (7) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 6.50%, 3.00% PIK 10.25% 7/23/2019 6/30/2024 £ 20,740 25,411 28,078 2.92
Trump Card, LLC ^+# (2) (3) (6) Transportation: Cargo L + 5.50% 6.50% 6/26/2018 4/21/2022 7,594 7,563 7,444 0.77
Turbo Buyer, Inc. +# (2) (3) (6) Automotive L + 5.25% 6.25% 12/2/2019 12/2/2025 32,497 31,765 32,816 3.41
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) + (7) Beverage, Food & Tobacco 7.50%, 1.00% PIK 8.50% 9/15/2019 9/15/2026 € 18,352 19,358 21,915 2.28
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ (7) Beverage, Food & Tobacco 11.00% PIK 11.00% 10/22/2020 9/15/2026 € 2,596 2,904 3,025 0.31
US INFRA SVCS Buyer, LLC ^+# (2) (3) (6) Environmental Industries L + 6.00% 7.00% 4/13/2020 4/13/2026 53,459 52,208 53,298 5.53
USLS Acquisition, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.75% 6.75% 11/30/2018 11/30/2024 21,447 21,128 19,981 2.07
USLS Acquisition, Inc. ^ (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.75% 6.75% 9/3/2020 11/30/2024 - (22) - -
VRC Companies, LLC +# (2) (3) Business Services L + 6.50% 7.5% 1/29/2019 3/31/2023 57,186 56,718 57,186 5.94
Westfall Technik, Inc. ^+# (2) (3) (6) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber L + 6.25% 7.25% 9/13/2018 9/13/2024 27,715 27,383 25,729 2.67
Wheel Pros, LLC + (2) (3) Automotive L + 5.25% 6.25% 11/18/2020 11/6/2027 18,750 18,286 18,390 1.91
YLG Holdings, Inc. + (2) (3) (6) Consumer Services L + 6.25% 7.25% 9/30/2020 11/1/2025 7,020 6,729 6,865 0.71
Zemax Software Holdings, LLC ^+# (2) (3) (6) Software L + 5.75% 6.75% 6/25/2018 6/25/2024 10,685 10,542 10,413 1.08
Zenith Merger Sub, Inc. +# (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.25% 6.25% 12/13/2017 12/13/2023 18,098 17,944 17,941 1.86
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate & Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
First Lien Debt Total $ 1,534,414 $ 1,523,542 158.19 %
Second Lien Debt (14.43%)
AI Convoy S.A.R.L (United Kingdom) +# (2) (3) (7) Aerospace & Defense L + 8.25% 9.25% 1/17/2020 1/17/2028 $ 30,327 $ 29,705 $ 31,222 3.24 %
Aimbridge Acquisition Co., Inc. + (2) (3) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure L + 7.50% 7.65% 2/1/2019 2/1/2027 21,047 20,585 18,206 1.89
Brave Parent Holdings, Inc. + (2) (3) Software L + 7.50% 7.64% 10/3/2018 4/19/2026 19,062 18,721 19,062 1.98
Outcomes Group Holdings, Inc. # (2) (3) Business Services L + 7.50% 7.75% 10/23/2018 10/26/2026 3,461 3,455 3,461 0.36
Drilling Info Holdings, Inc. ^ (2) (3) Energy: Oil & Gas L + 8.25% 8.40% 2/11/2020 7/30/2026 18,600 18,145 18,228 1.89
Jazz Acquisition, Inc. + (2) (3) Aerospace & Defense L + 8.00% 8.15% 6/13/2019 6/18/2027 23,450 23,151 18,146 1.88
PAI Holdco, Inc. + (2) (3) Automotive L + 6.25%, 2.00% PIK 9.25% 10/28/2020 10/28/2028 13,530 13,132 13,328 1.38
Pharmalogic Holdings Corp. ^ (2) (3) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 8.00% 9.00% 6/7/2018 12/11/2023 800 797 782 0.08
Quartz Holding Company + (2) (3) Software L + 8.00% 8.15% 4/2/2019 4/2/2027 11,900 11,702 11,808 1.23
Stonegate Pub Company Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) ^ (2) (3) (7) Beverage, Food & Tobacco L + 8.50% 8.54% 3/12/2020 3/12/2028 £ 20,000 24,729 21,902 2.27
Tank Holding Corp. +# (2) (3) Capital Equipment L + 8.25% 8.40% 3/26/2019 3/26/2027 41,479 40,819 40,583 4.22
TruGreen Limited Partnership ^ (2) (3) Consumer Services L + 8.50% 9.25% 11/16/2020 11/2/2028 13,000 12,743 13,000 1.35
Ultimate Baked Goods MIDCO, LLC + (2) (3) Beverage, Food & Tobacco L + 8.00% 9.00% 8/9/2018 8/9/2026 8,333 8,204 7,946 0.83
World 50, Inc. ^ (11) Business Services 11.50% 11.50% 1/10/2020 1/9/2027 10,000 9,822 9,846 1.02
WP CPP Holdings, LLC +# (2) (3) Aerospace & Defense L + 7.75% 8.75% 7/18/2019 4/30/2026 39,500 39,172 32,738 3.40
Second Lien Debt Total $ 274,882 $ 260,258 27.02 %
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Acquisition
Date Shares/ Units Cost Fair Value (5)
Percentage of
Net Assets
Equity Investment (0.91%)
ANLG Holdings, LLC ^ (8) Capital Equipment 6/22/2018 592 592 865 0.09
Avenu Holdings, LLC ^ (8) Sovereign & Public Finance 9/28/2018 172 172 345 0.04
BK Intermediate Company, LLC ^ (8) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 5/27/2020 288 288 209 0.02
Central Security Group, Inc. ^ (8) Consumer Services 10/16/2020 68 - - -
Chartis Holding, LLC ^ (8) Business Services 5/1/2019 433 433 571 0.06
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) ^ (8) Software 7/2/2019 250 250 295 0.03
GRO Sub Holdco, LLC ^ (8) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 3/29/2018 500 - - -
K2 Insurance Services, LLC ^ (8) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 7/3/2019 433 433 676 0.07
Mailgun Technologies, Inc. ^ (8) High Tech Industries 3/26/2019 424 424 784 0.08
North Haven Goldfinch Topco, LLC ^ (8) Containers, Packaging & Glass 6/18/2018 2,315 2,315 3,043 0.32
Paramit Corporation ^ (8) Capital Equipment 6/17/2019 150 500 758 0.08
PPC Flexible Packaging, LLC ^ (8) Containers, Packaging & Glass 2/1/2019 965 965 1,302 0.14
SiteLock Group Holdings, LLC ^ (8) High Tech Industries 4/5/2018 446 446 526 0.05
Tank Holding Corp. ^ (8) Capital Equipment 3/26/2019 850 482 943 0.10
Titan DI Preferred Holdings, Inc. ^ (8) Energy: Oil & Gas 2/11/2020 11,246 10,959 11,021 1.13
Turbo Buyer, Inc. ^ (8) Automotive 12/2/2019 1,925 1,925 2,444 0.25
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ (8) Beverage, Food & Tobacco 10/22/2020 € 2 2,232 2,307 0.24
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ (8) Beverage, Food & Tobacco 10/22/2020 € 1 - - -
USLS Acquisition, Inc. ^ (8) Business Services 11/30/2018 641 641 565 0.06
W50 Parent LLC ^ ^ (8) Business Services 1/10/2020 500 500 575 0.06
Zenith American Holding, Inc. ^ ^ (8) Business Services 12/13/2017 440 220 343 0.04
Zillow Topco LP ^ (8) Software 6/25/2018 313 312 163 0.02
Equity Investments Total $ 24,089 $ 27,735 2.88 %
Total investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated $ 1,833,385 $ 1,811,535 188.09 %
Total investments $ 1,833,385 $ 1,811,535 188.09 %
^ Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by TCG BDC II, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiary, “we,” “us,” “our,” “BDC II” or the “Company”). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of TCG BDC II SPV LLC (the “SPV”) or TCG BDC II SPV2 LLC ("SPV2").
+ Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, the SPV. The SPV has entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “SPV Credit Facility”). The lenders of the SPV Credit Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of the SPV (see Note 5, Borrowings to these consolidated financial statements). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the Company.
# Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, SPV2. SPV2 has entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the "SPV2 Credit Facility", and together with the Subscription Facility and the SPV Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities"). The lenders of the SPV2 Credit Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of SPV2 (see Note 5, Borrowings, to these consolidated financial statements). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the Company or the SPV.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of debt and equity investments held by the Company are domiciled in the United States. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Investment Company Act”), the Company would be deemed to “control” a portfolio company if the Company owned more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities and/or held the power to exercise control over the management or policies of the portfolio company. As of December 31, 2020, the Company does not “control” any of these portfolio companies.
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Under the Investment Company Act, the Company would be deemed an “affiliated person” of a portfolio company if the Company owns 5% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities. As of December 31, 2020, the Company is not an “affiliated person” of any of these portfolio companies. Certain portfolio company investments are subject to contractual restrictions on sales.
(2)Variable rate loans to the portfolio companies bear interest at a rate that is determined by reference to either LIBOR (“L”) or an alternate base rate (commonly based on the Federal Funds Rate or the U.S. Prime Rate), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, the Company has indicated the reference rate used and provided the spread and the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the reference rates for all LIBOR loans were the 30-day LIBOR at 0.15%, the 90-day LIBOR at 0.25% and the 180-day LIBOR rate at 0.26%.
(3)Loan includes interest rate floor feature, which is generally 1.00%.
(4)Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion/amortization of discounts/premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method.
(5)Fair value is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, to these consolidated financial statements), pursuant to the Company’s valuation policy. The fair value of all first lien and second lien debt investments and equity investments was determined using significant unobservable inputs.
(6)As of December 31, 2020, the Company had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans:
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
First and Second Lien Debt-unfunded delayed draw and revolving term loans commitments
Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company Revolver 0.50 $ 1,708 $ (34)
Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company Delayed Draw 1.00 4,597 (92)
Airnov, Inc. (Clariant) Revolver 0.50 4,167 2
American Physician Partners, LLC Revolver 0.50 550 (29)
Analogic Corporation Revolver 0.50 2,572 -
Applied Technical Services Delayed Draw 1.00 132 (3)
Applied Technical Services Revolver 0.50 53 (1)
Apptio, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,367 36
Chartis Holding, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 4,406 2
Chartis Holding, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,401 1
Chemical Computing Group ULC (Canada) Revolver 0.50 903 -
Cobblestone Intermediate Holdco LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 11 -
Comar Holding Company, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 2,110 8
Comar Holding Company, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,935 11
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) Revolver 0.50 3,000 21
Diligent Corporation Delayed Draw 1.00 141 2
Lifelong Learner Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,754 (229)
Diligent Corporation Revolver 0.50 47 1
Ethos Veterinary Health LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 2,696 (37)
Helios Buyer, Inc. Delayed Draw 0.00 9,344 (187)
Helios Buyer, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,652 (53)
Hercules Borrower LLC Revolver 0.50 2,160 (54)
Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 4,393 (66)
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 139 (3)
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 2,580 (65)
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,836 (46)
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 165 (4)
Integrity Marketing Acquisition, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 $ 2,763 $ 28
K2 Insurance Services, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,290 -
K2 Insurance Services, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 1,571 -
Kaseya, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 1,852 7
Kaseya, Inc. Revolver 0.50 787 3
Lifelong Learner Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 3,379 (281)
Liqui-Box Holdings, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,262 (123)
Mailgun Technologies, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,342 (23)
Paramit Corp. Delayed Draw 0.00 2,931 (59)
PF Growth Partners, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 823 (52)
PPC Flexible Packaging, LLC Revolver 0.50 881 (3)
Redwood Services Group, LLC Delayed Draw 3.63 5,707 22
RSC Acquisition, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,824 18
Sapphire Convention, Inc. (Smart City) Revolver 0.50 3,655 (542)
Sitelock, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,232 (41)
Smile Doctor, LLC Revolver 0.50 707 (14)
SPay, Inc. Revolver 0.50 655 (120)
Tank Holding Corp. Revolver 0.25 47 (1)
TCFI AEVEX, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 3,476 (13)
The Leaders Romans Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) Term Loan C Delayed Draw 1.63 204 26
Trump Card, LLC Revolver 0.50 635 (12)
Turbo Buyer, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,151 20
US INFRA SVCS Buyer, LLC (AIMS Companies) Revolver 0.50 4,550 (10)
US INFRA SVCS Buyer, LLC (AIMS Companies)
Delayed Draw 1.00 11,728 (27)
USLS Acquisition, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,418 (91)
USLS Acquisition, Inc. Delayed Draw 0.50 591 -
Westfall Technik, Inc. Revolver 0.50 431 (30)
YLG Holdings, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 2,965 (46)
Zemax Software Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 642 (15)
Zenith Merger Sub, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 2,996 (22)
Zenith Merger Sub, Inc. Revolver 0.50 609 (4)
Total unfunded commitments $ 127,923 $ (2,224)
(7)The Company has determined the indicated investments are non-qualifying assets under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act. Under the Investment Company Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying assets unless, at the time such acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets.
(8)Security acquired in transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act, unless otherwise noted. As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate fair value of these securities is $27,735, or 2.88% of the Company's net assets.
(9)Loan was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2020.
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
(10)In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this loan, which is the amount reflected in this schedule, the Company is entitled to receive additional interest as a result of an agreement among lenders as follows: Southern Graphics, Inc. (1.71%), and Barnes & Noble, Inc. (1.83%). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/last out loan, which has a secondary priority behind the first lien/first out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
(11)Represents a corporate mezzanine loan, which is subordinated to senior secured term loans of the portfolio company.
As of December 31, 2020, investments at fair value consisted of the following:
Type Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
First Lien Debt (excluding First Lien/Last Out Debt) $ 1,422,326 $ 1,411,858 77.93 %
First Lien/Last Out Debt 112,088 111,684 6.17
Second Lien Debt 274,882 260,258 14.37
Equity Investments 24,089 27,735 1.53
Total $ 1,833,385 $ 1,811,535 100.00 %
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The rate type of debt investments at fair value as of December 31, 2020 was as follows:
Rate Type Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value of First and Second Lien Debt
Floating Rate $ 1,777,212 $ 1,749,014 98.05 %
Fixed Rate 32,084 34,786 1.95
Total $ 1,809,296 $ 1,783,800 100.00 %
The industry composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2020 was as follows:
Industry Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
Aerospace & Defense $ 117,563 $ 108,067 5.97 %
Automotive 65,108 66,978 3.70
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 178,831 185,943 10.26
Beverage, Food & Tobacco 76,978 76,624 4.23
Business Services 196,802 193,594 10.69
Capital Equipment 76,633 77,608 4.28
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber 27,383 25,729 1.42
Construction & Building 29,027 29,317 1.62
Consumer Services 49,219 49,329 2.72
Containers, Packaging & Glass 114,701 117,041 6.46
Durable Consumer Goods 9,548 9,358 0.52
Energy: Oil & Gas 38,802 38,108 2.10
Environmental Industries 70,284 71,371 3.94
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 79,717 69,400 3.83
High Tech Industries 165,125 166,820 9.21
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure 58,855 50,395 2.78
Media: Advertising, Printing & Publishing 9,769 9,849 0.54
Media: Diversified & Production 68,728 68,616 3.79
Retail 68,659 68,840 3.80
Software 213,518 214,439 11.85
Sovereign & Public Finance 38,043 38,618 2.13
Telecommunications 55,299 50,970 2.81
Transportation: Cargo 7,563 7,444 0.41
Wholesale 17,230 17,077 0.94
Total $ 1,833,385 $ 1,811,535 100.00 %
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The geographical composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2020 was as follows:
Geography Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
Canada $ 94,747 $ 96,435 5.32 %
Cyprus 24,494 27,247 1.50
Jamaica - - -
Luxembourg 36,395 33,988 1.88
United Kingdom 94,233 95,804 5.29
United States 1,583,516 1,558,061 86.01
Total $ 1,833,385 $ 1,811,535 100.00 %
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2019
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate & Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
First Lien Debt (84.66%)
Aero Operating, LLC (Dejana Industries, Inc.) ^+ (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 7.25% 9.03% 1/5/2018 12/29/2022 $ 6,737 $ 6,687 $ 6,604 0.90 %
Airnov, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 5.25% 6.15% 12/20/2019 12/19/2025 42,708 42,009 42,006 5.70
Alpine SG, LLC ^+ (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 6.50% 8.42% 2/2/2018 11/16/2022 15,301 15,187 15,244 2.07
American Physician Partners, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 6.50% 8.44% 1/7/2019 12/21/2021 38,235 37,820 38,110 5.17
Analogic Corporation ^+ (2) (3) (6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 6.00% 7.79% 6/22/2018 6/22/2024 34,784 34,190 34,027 4.62
Anchor Hocking, LLC ^ (2) (3) Durable Consumer Goods L + 8.75% 10.65% 1/25/2019 1/25/2024 10,707 10,410 10,359 1.41
Apptio, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Software L + 7.25% 8.96% 1/10/2019 1/10/2025 35,541 34,872 35,237 4.78
Aurora Lux FinCo S.Á.R.L. (Accelya) (Luxembourg) + (2) (3) (7) Software L + 6.00% 5.46% 12/24/2019 12/24/2026 37,500 36,563 36,563 4.96
Avenu Holdings, LLC + (2) (3) Sovereign & Public Finance L + 5.25% 7.19% 9/28/2018 9/28/2024 38,665 38,126 37,227 5.05
Barnes & Noble, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (10) Retail L + 5.50% 9.06% 8/7/2019 8/7/2024 17,637 17,223 17,196 2.33
BMS Holdings III Corp. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Construction & Building L + 5.25% 7.19% 9/30/2019 9/30/2026 23,275 22,549 23,182 3.14
Central Security Group, Inc. + (2) (3) Consumer Services L + 5.63% 7.42% 4/5/2018 10/6/2021 3,491 3,481 3,002 0.41
Chartis Holding, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.25% 7.28% 5/1/2019 5/1/2025 37,949 37,107 37,565 5.10
Chemical Computing Group ULC (Canada) ^+ (2) (3) (6) (7) Software L + 5.25% 7.04% 8/30/2018 8/30/2023 14,674 14,500 14,539 1.97
Circustrix Holdings, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure L + 5.50% 7.29% 2/2/2018 12/6/2021 9,397 9,331 9,247 1.25
Comar Holding Company, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 5.25% 7.04% 6/18/2018 6/18/2024 27,783 27,253 27,101 3.68
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) ^+ (2) (3) (6) (7) Software L + 5.50% 7.59% 7/2/2019 7/2/2026 43,800 42,877 42,864 5.82
Derm Growth Partners III, LLC (Dermatology Associates) ^ (2) (3) (9) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 6.25% (100% PIK) 8.19% 2/15/2018 5/31/2022 16,262 16,136 11,469 1.56
Digicel Limited (Jamaica) ^+ (7) Telecommunications 6.00% 6.00% 7/23/2019 4/15/2021 250 202 195 0.03
DTI Holdco, Inc. ^ (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 4.75% 6.67% 12/18/2018 9/30/2023 1,974 1,872 1,841 0.25
Ensono, LP + (2) (3) Telecommunications L + 5.25% 7.04% 4/30/2018 6/27/2025 8,537 8,466 8,537 1.16
Ethos Veterinary Health LLC ^ (2) (3) (6) Consumer Services L + 4.75% 6.79% 5/17/2019 5/15/2026 10,869 10,747 10,807 1.47
GRO Sub Holdco, LLC (Grand Rapids) ^ (2) (3) (6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 6.00% 7.94% 2/28/2018 2/22/2023 6,465 6,384 6,085 0.83
iCIMS, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Software L + 6.50% 8.29% 9/12/2018 9/12/2024 23,930 23,507 23,928 3.25
Innovative Business Services, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) High Tech Industries L + 5.50% 7.52% 4/5/2018 4/5/2023 16,143 15,768 15,880 2.15
K2 Insurance Services, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 5.00% 7.21% 7/3/2019 7/1/2024 22,027 21,485 22,062 2.99
Kaseya Inc. ^ (2) (3) (6) High Tech Industries L + 5.50%, 1.00% PIK 7.71% 5/3/2019 5/2/2025 19,545 19,149 19,590 2.66
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate & Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
Lifelong Learner Holdings, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.75% 7.49% 10/18/2019 10/18/2026 $ 47,046 $ 45,944 $ 46,479 6.31 %
Liqui-Box Holdings, Inc. ^ (2) (3) (6) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 4.50% 6.41% 6/3/2019 6/3/2024 - (26) (37) (0.01)
Mailgun Technologies, Inc. ^ (2) (3) (6) High Tech Industries L + 5.00% 6.95% 3/26/2019 3/26/2025 20,194 19,798 19,870 2.70
National Carwash Solutions, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Automotive L + 6.00% 7.69% 8/7/2018 4/28/2023 9,511 9,301 9,411 1.28
NES Global Talent Finance US, LLC (United Kingdom) + (2) (3) (7) Energy: Oil & Gas L + 5.50% 7.42% 5/9/2018 5/11/2023 9,890 9,763 9,763 1.32
Nexus Technologies, LLC + (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 5.50%, 1.50% PIK 7.44% 12/11/2018 12/5/2023 6,172 6,121 5,621 0.76
Northland Telecommunications Corporation ^+ (2) (3) (6) Media: Broadcast & Subscription L + 5.75% 7.54% 10/1/2018 10/1/2025 55,749 54,938 55,660 7.55
Paramit Corporation ^ (2) (3) Capital Equipment L + 4.50% 6.22% 5/3/2019 5/3/2025 6,298 6,244 6,268 0.85
PF Growth Partners, LLC ^ (2) (3) (6) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure L + 5.00% 6.79% 7/1/2019 7/11/2025 7,161 7,045 7,135 0.97
PPC Flexible Packaging, LLC + (2) (3) (6) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 5.50% 7.21% 11/23/2018 11/23/2024 15,433 15,218 15,291 2.07
Pretium Packaging, LLC + (2) (3) Containers, Packaging & Glass L + 5.00% 6.90% 8/15/2019 11/14/2023 19,224 19,050 19,224 2.61
Propel Insurance Agency, LLC ^ (2) (3) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 4.25% 6.44% 4/30/2019 6/1/2024 2,363 2,347 2,353 0.32
Redwood Services Group, LLC ^+ (2) (3) High Tech Industries L + 6.00% 8.12% 11/13/2018 6/6/2023 8,427 8,363 8,342 1.13
Riveron Acquisition Holdings, Inc. + (2) (3) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 6.00% 8.19% 5/22/2019 5/22/2025 19,969 19,608 19,587 2.66
RSC Acquisition, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 5.50% 7.38% 11/1/2019 11/1/2026 55,950 54,778 55,514 7.53
Sapphire Convention, Inc. (Smart City) ^+ (2) (3) (6) Telecommunications L + 5.25% 7.26% 11/20/2018 11/20/2025 28,577 28,006 28,329 3.84
Smile Doctors, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 6.00% 7.94% 10/6/2017 10/6/2022 22,227 22,100 21,996 2.98
Sovos Brands Intermediate, Inc. + (2) (3) Beverage, Food & Tobacco L + 5.00% 6.79% 11/16/2018 11/20/2025 19,899 19,725 19,750 2.68
SPay, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure L + 5.75% 7.54% 6/15/2018 6/17/2024 20,512 20,179 18,694 2.54
Tank Holding Corp. ^ (2) (3) (6) Capital Equipment L + 4.00% 5.76% 3/26/2019 3/26/2024 - - - -
The Leaders Romans Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) ^ (2) (3) (6) (7) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 6.75%, 3.50% PIK 7.54% 7/23/2019 6/30/2024 £ 19,612 24,887 26,566 3.60
Transform SR Holdings, LLC + (2) (3) (10) Retail L + 7.25% 9.18% 2/11/2019 2/12/2024 19,050 18,887 18,860 2.56
Trump Card, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Transportation: Cargo L + 5.50% 7.44% 6/26/2018 4/21/2022 7,918 7,865 7,869 1.07
Turbo Buyer, Inc. (Portfolio Holdings, Inc.) ^+ (2) (3) (6) Automotive L + 6.00% 7.69% 12/2/2019 12/2/2025 27,897 27,033 27,439 3.72
USLS Acquisition, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.75% 7.69% 11/30/2018 11/30/2024 22,139 21,746 21,674 2.94
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ (2) (3) (7) Beverage, Food & Tobacco 7.50%, 1.00% PIK 8.50% 9/15/2019 9/15/2026 € 18,170 19,036 19,397 2.63
VRC Companies, LLC + (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 6.50% 8.29% 1/29/2019 3/31/2023 44,731 44,231 44,681 6.06
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate & Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
Westfall Technik, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber L + 5.75% 7.66% 9/13/2018 9/13/2024 $ 27,973 $ 27,346 $ 26,962 3.66 %
WP CPP Holdings, LLC (CPP) ^ (2) (3) Aerospace & Defense L + 3.75% 5.55% 7/18/2019 4/30/2025 20,000 19,818 19,826 2.69
Zemax Software Holdings, LLC ^+ (2) (3) (6) Software L + 5.75% 7.69% 6/25/2018 6/25/2024 10,146 9,966 10,087 1.37
Zenith Merger Sub, Inc. ^+ (2) (3) (6) Business Services L + 5.25% 7.19% 12/13/2017 12/13/2023 16,948 16,751 16,828 2.28
First Lien Debt Total $ 1,159,969 $ 1,159,906 157.36 %
Second Lien Debt (14.43%)
Access CIG, LLC ^ (2) (3) Business Services L + 7.75% 9.44% 2/14/2018 2/27/2026 $ 2,700 $ 2,680 $ 2,681 0.36 %
Aimbridge Acquisition Co., Inc. ^ (2) (3) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure L + 7.50% 9.19% 2/1/2019 2/1/2027 21,047 20,528 20,862 2.83
Brave Parent Holdings, Inc. + (2) (3) Software L + 7.50% 9.42% 10/3/2018 4/19/2026 19,062 18,672 18,261 2.48
Outcomes Group Holdings, Inc. ^ (2) (3) Business Services L + 7.50% 9.40% 10/23/2018 10/26/2026 4,500 4,490 4,487 0.61
Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc. ^ (2) (3) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate L + 7.50% 9.29% 12/3/2019 12/19/2025 2,500 2,475 2,493 0.34
Jazz Acquisition, Inc. ^ (2) (3) Aerospace & Defense L + 8.00% 9.94% 6/13/2019 6/18/2027 23,450 23,117 23,225 3.15
Le Tote, Inc. ^ (2) (3) Retail L + 6.75% 8.50% 11/8/2019 11/8/2024 21,428 20,907 20,892 2.83
Pathway Vet Alliance, LLC ^ (2) (3) (6) Consumer Services L + 8.50% 10.44% 11/14/2019 12/23/2025 8,050 7,814 8,074 1.10
Pharmalogic Holdings Corp. ^ (2) (3) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals L + 8.00% 9.79% 6/7/2018 12/11/2023 800 797 796 0.11
Quartz Holding Company (QuickBase, Inc.) ^ (2) (3) Software L + 8.00% 9.71% 4/2/2019 4/2/2027 11,900 11,679 11,662 1.58
Tank Holding Corp. + (2) (3) Capital Equipment L + 8.25% 11.03% 3/26/2019 3/26/2027 37,380 36,725 37,223 5.05
Ultimate Baked Goods MIDCO, LLC (Rise Baking) + (2) (3) Beverage, Food & Tobacco L + 8.00% 9.79% 8/9/2018 8/9/2026 8,333 8,187 8,243 1.12
WP CPP Holdings, LLC (CPP) + (2) (3) Aerospace & Defense L + 7.75% 9.68% 7/18/2019 4/30/2026 39,500 39,125 38,833 5.27
Second Lien Debt Total $ 197,196 $ 197,732 26.83 %
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Acquisition
Date Shares/ Units Cost Fair Value (5)
Percentage of
Net Assets
Equity Investment (0.91%)
ANLG Holdings, LLC ^ (8) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 6/22/2018 880 $ 880 $ 973 0.13 %
Avenu Holdings, LLC ^ (8) Sovereign & Public Finance 9/28/2018 172 172 154 0.02
Chartis Holding, LLC ^ (8) Business Services 5/1/2019 433 433 589 0.08
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) ^ (8) Software 7/2/2019 250 250 306 0.04
GRO Sub Holdco, LLC (Grand Rapids) ^ (8) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 3/29/2018 500 500 137 0.02
K2 Insurance Services, LLC ^ (8) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 7/3/2019 433 433 486 0.07
Mailgun Technologies, Inc. ^ (8) High Tech Industries 3/26/2019 424 424 605 0.08
North Haven Goldfinch Topco, LLC ^ (8) Containers, Packaging & Glass 6/18/2018 2,315 2,315 2,542 0.34
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Acquisition
Date Shares/ Units Cost Fair Value (5)
Percentage of
Net Assets
Paramit Corporation ^ (8) Capital Equipment 6/17/2019 150 $ 500 $ 501 0.07 %
PPC Flexible Packaging, LLC ^ (8) Containers, Packaging & Glass 2/1/2019 965 965 1,174 0.16
SiteLock Group Holdings, LLC ^ (8) High Tech Industries 4/5/2018 446 446 587 0.08
Tank Holding Corp. ^ (8) Capital Equipment 3/26/2019 850 850 1,035 0.14
Turbo Buyer, Inc. (Portfolio Holdings, Inc.) ^ (8) Automotive 12/2/2019 1,925 1,925 1,925 0.26
USLS Acquisition, Inc. ^ (8) Business Services 11/30/2018 641 641 720 0.10
Zenith American Holding, Inc. ^ (8) Business Services 12/13/2017 440 220 418 0.06
Zillow Topco LP ^ (8) Software 6/25/2018 313 312 358 0.05
Equity Investments Total $ 11,266 $ 12,510 1.71 %
Total investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated $ 1,368,431 $ 1,370,148 185.88 %
Total investments $ 1,368,431 $ 1,370,148 185.88 %
^ Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by TCG BDC II, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiary, “we,” “us,” “our,” “BDC II” or the “Company”). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of TCG BDC II SPV LLC (the “SPV”).
+ Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, the SPV. The SPV has entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “SPV Credit Facility” and, together with the Subscription Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). The lenders of the SPV Credit Facility have a first lien security interest in substantially all of the assets of the SPV (see Note 5, Borrowings to these consolidated financial statements). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of the Company.
(1)Unless otherwise indicated, issuers of debt and equity investments held by the Company) are domiciled in the United States. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Investment Company Act”), the Company would be deemed to “control” a portfolio company if the Company owned more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities and/or held the power to exercise control over the management or policies of the portfolio company. As of December 31, 2019, the Company does not “control” any of these portfolio companies. Under the Investment Company Act, the Company would be deemed an “affiliated person” of a portfolio company if the Company owns 5% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities. As of December 31, 2019, the Company is not an “affiliated person” of any of these portfolio companies. Certain portfolio company investments are subject to contractual restrictions on sales.
(2)Variable rate loans to the portfolio companies bear interest at a rate that is determined by reference to either LIBOR (“L”) or an alternate base rate (commonly based on the Federal Funds Rate or the U.S. Prime Rate), which generally resets quarterly. For each such loan, the Company has indicated the reference rate used and provided the spread and the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, the reference rates for all LIBOR loans were the 30-day LIBOR at 1.76%, the 90-day LIBOR at 1.91% and the 180-day LIBOR rate at 1.91%.
(3)Loan includes interest rate floor feature, which is generally 1.00%.
(4)Amortized cost represents original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion/amortization of discounts/premiums, as applicable, on debt investments using the effective interest method.
(5)Fair value is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, to these consolidated financial statements), pursuant to the Company’s valuation policy. The fair value of all first lien and second lien debt investments and equity investments was determined using significant unobservable inputs.
(6)As of December 31, 2019, the Company had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans:
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
First and Second Lien Debt-unfunded delayed draw and revolving term loans commitments
Aero Operating, LLC (Dejana Industries, Inc.) Revolver 1.00 % $ 333 $ (6)
Airnov, Inc. Revolver 0.50 4,167 (63)
American Physician Partners, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,500 (5)
Analogic Corporation Revolver 0.50 3,029 (61)
Apptio, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,367 (19)
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
BMS Holdings III Corp. Delayed Draw 1.00 % $ 6,667 $ (21)
Chartis Holding, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,401 (20)
Chartis Holding, LLC Delayed Draw 0.50 6,402 (52)
Chemical Computing Group ULC (Canada) Revolver 0.50 903 (8)
Comar Holding Company, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 5,136 (103)
Comar Holding Company, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,168 (23)
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) Revolver 0.50 3,000 (60)
Ethos Veterinary Health LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 2,696 (12)
GRO Sub Holdco, LLC (Grand Rapids) Revolver 0.50 1,071 (54)
iCIMS, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,252 -
Innovative Business Services, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,232 (32)
K2 Insurance Services, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,290 3
K2 Insurance Services, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 5,344 6
Kaseya Inc. Revolver 0.50 661 1
Kaseya Inc. Delayed Draw 0.50 1,918 4
Lifelong Learner Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 3,802 (38)
Lifelong Learner Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw - 5,756 (58)
Liqui-Box Holdings, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,630 (37)
Mailgun Technologies, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,342 (20)
National Carwash Solutions, Inc. Revolver 0.50 310 (2)
National Carwash Solutions, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 3,352 (25)
Northland Telecommunications Corporation Revolver 0.50 3,646 (5)
Pathway Vet Alliance, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 7,950 12
PF Growth Partners, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 1,028 (3)
PPC Flexible Packaging, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,957 (16)
RSC Acquisition, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,824 (13)
RSC Acquisition, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 1,994 (15)
Sapphire Convention, Inc. (Smart City) Revolver 0.50 4,528 (34)
Smile Doctors, LLC Revolver 0.50 707 (7)
Smile Doctors, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 1,477 (14)
SPay, Inc. Revolver 0.50 682 (58)
Tank Holding Corp. Revolver 0.50 47 -
The Leaders Romans Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) Delayed Draw 1.69 £ 3,533 (94)
Trump Card, LLC Revolver 0.50 369 (2)
Turbo Buyer, Inc. (Portfolio Holdings, Inc.) Revolver 0.50 2,151 (28)
Turbo Buyer, Inc. (Portfolio Holdings, Inc.) Delayed Draw 1.00 4,904 (64)
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
USLS Acquisition, Inc. Revolver 0.50 % $ 946 $ (19)
VRC Companies, LLC Delayed Draw 0.75 5,095 (5)
Westfall Technik, Inc. Revolver 0.50 431 (11)
Westfall Technik, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 12,190 (304)
Zemax Software Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,284 (7)
Zenith Merger Sub, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 3,714 (20)
Zenith Merger Sub, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,219 (7)
Total unfunded commitments $ 133,405 $ (1,419)
(7)The Company has determined the indicated investments are non-qualifying assets under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act. Under the Investment Company Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying assets unless, at the time such acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets.
(8)Security acquired in transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act, unless otherwise noted. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate fair value of these securities is $12,510, or 1.71% of the Company's net assets.
(9)Loan was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2019.
(10)In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this loan, which is the amount reflected in this schedule, the Company is entitled to receive additional interest as a result of an agreement among lenders as follows: Barnes & Noble, Inc. (1.83%). Pursuant to the agreement among lenders in respect of this loan, this investment represents a first lien/first out loan with respect to principal, interest and other payments.
As of December 31, 2019, investments at fair value consisted of the following:
Type Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
First Lien Debt (excluding First Lien/Last Out Debt) $ 1,123,859 $ 1,123,850 82.03 %
First Lien/Last Out Debt 36,110 36,056 2.63
Second Lien Debt 197,196 197,732 14.43
Equity Investments 11,266 12,510 0.91
Total $ 1,368,431 $ 1,370,148 100.00 %
The rate type of debt investments at fair value as of December 31, 2019 was as follows:
Rate Type Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value of First and Second Lien Debt
Floating Rate $ 1,337,927 $ 1,338,046 98.56 %
Fixed Rate 19,238 19,592 1.44 %
Total $ 1,357,165 $ 1,357,638 100.00 %
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The industry composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2019 was as follows:
Industry Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
Aerospace & Defense $ 82,060 $ 81,884 5.98 %
Automotive 38,259 38,775 2.83
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 126,013 129,061 9.42
Beverage, Food & Tobacco 46,948 47,390 3.46
Business Services 180,930 182,726 13.34
Capital Equipment 44,319 45,027 3.29
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber 27,346 26,962 1.97
Construction & Building 22,549 23,182 1.69
Consumer Services 22,042 21,883 1.60
Containers, Packaging & Glass 106,784 107,301 7.83
Durable Consumer Goods 10,410 10,359 0.76
Energy: Oil & Gas 9,763 9,763 0.71
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 118,807 113,593 8.29
High Tech Industries 87,128 87,580 6.39
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure 57,083 55,938 4.08
Media: Broadcast & Subscription 54,938 55,660 4.06
Retail 57,017 56,948 4.16
Software 193,198 193,805 14.14
Sovereign & Public Finance 38,298 37,381 2.73 %
Telecommunications 36,674 37,061 2.70
Transportation: Cargo 7,865 7,869 0.57
Total $ 1,368,431 $ 1,370,148 100.00 %
TCG BDC II, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The geographical composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2019 was as follows:
Geography Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
Canada $ 57,627 $ 57,709 4.21 %
Cyprus 19,036 19,397 1.42
Jamaica 202 195 0.01
Luxembourg 36,563 36,563 2.67
United Kingdom 34,650 36,329 2.65
United States 1,220,353 1,219,955 89.04
Total $ 1,368,431 $ 1,370,148 100.00 %
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TCG BDC II, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2020
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION
TCG BDC II, Inc. (“BDC II” or the “Company”) is a Maryland corporation formed on February 10, 2017 with the name Carlyle Private Credit, Inc., which was changed to TCG BDC II, Inc. on March 3, 2017. The Company is structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company. The Company is managed by its investment adviser, Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C., “CGCIM” or “Investment Adviser”), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Carlyle Group L.P. The Company has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Investment Company Act”). In addition, the Company intends to elect to be treated, and to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Code”).
The Company’s investment objective is to generate attractive risk adjusted returns and current income primarily by investing in senior secured term loans to U.S. middle market companies in which private equity sponsors hold, directly or indirectly, a financial interest in the form of debt and/or equity. The Company's core investment strategy focuses on lending to U.S. middle market companies, which the Company defines as companies with approximately $ 25 million to $100 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), which the Company believes is a useful proxy for cash flow. The Company complements this core strategy with additive, diversifying assets including, but not limited to, specialty lending investments. The Company seeks to achieve its investment objective primarily through direct origination of secured debt instruments, including first lien senior secured loans (which may include stand-alone first lien loans, first lien/last out loans and “unitranche” loans) and second lien senior secured loans (collectively, “Middle Market Senior Loans”), with the balance of its assets invested in higher yielding investments (which may include unsecured debt, mezzanine debt and investments in equities).
The Company invests primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt, if rated, is rated below investment grade, and if not rated, would likely be rated below investment grade if it were rated (that is, below BBB- or Baa3, which is often referred to as "junk"). Exposure to below investment grade instruments involves certain risks, including speculation with respect to the borrower's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. See Item 1A of this Form 10-K, "Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Investments-Our investments are risky and speculative."
On September 11, 2017 ("Commencement"), the Company completed its initial closing of capital commitments (the “Initial Closing”) and subsequently commenced substantial investment operations.
The Company is an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012.
The Company is externally managed by the Investment Adviser, an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Carlyle Global Credit Administration L.L.C., (“CGCA” or the “Administrator”) provides the administrative services necessary for the Company to operate. Both the Investment Adviser and the Administrator are wholly owned subsidiaries of Carlyle Investment Management L.L.C., a subsidiary of The Carlyle Group Inc. “Carlyle” refers to The Carlyle Group Inc. and its affiliates and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than portfolio companies of its affiliated funds), a global investment firm publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “CG”. Refer to the sec.gov website for further information on Carlyle.
TCG BDC II SPV LLC (the “SPV”) is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed on January 28, 2019. The SPV invests in first and second lien senior secured loans. The SPV is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and is consolidated in these consolidated financial statements commencing from the date of its formation, January 28, 2019.
TCG BDC II SPV 2 LLC (“SPV2”, collectively with the SPV, the “SPVs”) is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed on March 10, 2020. SPV2 is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and is consolidated in these consolidated financial statements commencing from the date of its formation, March 10, 2020.
As a BDC, the Company is required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. As part of these requirements, the Company must not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified in the Investment Company Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of its total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions).
To qualify as a RIC, the Company must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its stockholders generally at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. Pursuant to this election, the Company generally does not have to pay corporate level taxes on any income that it distributes to stockholders, provided that the Company satisfies those requirements.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company is an investment company for the purposes of accounting and financial reporting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services-Investment Companies ("ASC 946"). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, the SPV. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. U.S. GAAP for an investment company requires investments to be recorded at fair value. The carrying value for all other assets and liabilities approximates their fair value.
The annual consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for annual financial information and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-K and Article 6 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for the fair presentation of consolidated financial statements for the year and period presented have been included.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management’s estimates are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. Assumptions and estimates regarding the valuation of investments and their resulting impact on management and incentive fees involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity and these assumptions and estimates may be significant to the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material.
Investments
Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, and includes investments charged off during the period, net of recoveries. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments as presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations reflects the net change in the fair value of investments, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized. See Note 3 to these consolidated financial statements for further information about fair value measurements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and highly liquid investments (e.g. money market funds, U.S. treasury notes) with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held with two large financial institutions and cash held in such financial institutions may, at times, exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limit.
Revenue Recognition
Interest from Investments and Realized Gain/Loss on Investments
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis and includes the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Discounts from and premiums to par value on debt investments purchased are accreted/amortized into interest income over the life of the respective security using the effective interest method. The amortized cost of debt investments represents the original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion
of discounts and amortization of premiums, if any. At time of exit, the realized gain or loss on an investment is the difference between the amortized cost at time of exit and the cash received at exit using the specific identification method.
The Company may have loans in its portfolio that contain payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provisions. PIK represents interest that is accrued and recorded as interest income at the contractual rates, increases the loan principal on the respective capitalization dates, and is generally due at maturity. Such income is included in interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of the loans with PIK provisions was $129,447 and $82,643, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company earned $4,110 and $1,318 in PIK income, which is included in interest income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, no loans in the portfolio contained PIK provisions.
Other Income
Other income may include income such as consent, waiver, amendment, unused, underwriting and prepayment fees associated with the Company’s investment activities as well as any fees for managerial assistance services rendered by the Company to the portfolio companies. Such fees are recognized as income when earned or the services are rendered. The Company may receive fees for guaranteeing the outstanding debt of a portfolio company. Such fees are amortized into other income over the life of the guarantee. The unamortized amount, if any, is included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company earned $10,047, $4,930 and $1,305, respectively, in other income, primarily from underwriting, prepayment and amendment fees.
Non-Accrual Income
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest are paid current and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. Management may not place a loan on non-accrual status if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of the loan in the portfolio on non-accrual status was $8,151 and $11,469, respectively. The remaining first and second lien debt investments were performing and current on their interest payments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Credit Facilities - Related Costs, Expenses and Deferred Financing Costs
The Company, the SPV and SPV2 have each entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the "Subscription Facility", "SPV Credit Facility" and "SPV2 Credit Facility", respectively, and together, the "Credit Facilities"). Interest expense and unused commitment fees on the Credit Facilities are recorded on an accrual basis. Unused commitment fees are included in credit facility fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Credit Facilities are recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value.
Deferred financing costs include capitalized expenses related to the closing or amendments of the Credit Facilities. Amortization of deferred financing costs for each credit facility is computed on the straight-line basis over the respective term of each credit facility. The unamortized balance of such costs is included in deferred financing costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The amortization of such costs is included in credit facility fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Organization and Offering Costs
The Company agreed to reimburse the Investment Adviser for initial organization and offering costs incurred on behalf of the Company up to $1,500. As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, $1,500 of initial organization and offering costs had been incurred by the Company and $629, $629 and $544, respectively, of excess initial organization and offering costs had been incurred by the Investment Adviser. The $1,500 of incurred organization and offering costs are allocated to all stockholders based on their respective capital commitment and are re-allocated amongst all stockholders at the time of each capital drawdown subsequent to the Initial Closing. The Company’s initial organization costs incurred were expensed and the initial offering costs are being amortized over one year.
Income Taxes
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code, and intends to make the required distributions to its stockholders as specified therein. In order to qualify as a RIC, the Company must meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. If such requirements are met, then the Company is generally required to pay income taxes only on the portion of its taxable income and gains it does not distribute.
The minimum distribution requirements applicable to RICs require the Company to distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (“ICTI”), as defined by the Code, each year. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year 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.
In addition, based on the excise distribution requirements, the Company is subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on undistributed income unless the Company distributes in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of 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. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Company that is subject to corporate income tax is considered to have been distributed.
The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its consolidated financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely than not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. The SPVs are disregarded entities for tax purposes and are consolidated with the tax return of the Company. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes, if any, are included in income tax expense.
Dividends and Distributions to Common Stockholders
To the extent that the Company has taxable income available, the Company intends to make quarterly distributions to its common stockholders. Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the record date. The amount to be distributed is determined by the Board of Directors each quarter and is generally based upon the taxable earnings estimated by management and available cash. Net realized capital gains, if any, are generally distributed at least annually, although the Company may decide to retain such capital gains for investment.
Dividends and distributions, if any, are paid in cash to common stockholders.
Functional Currency
The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. Dollar. Investments are generally made in the local currency of the country in which the investment is domiciled and are translated into U.S. Dollars with foreign currency translation gains or losses recorded within net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in the accompanying consolidated Statements of Operations. Foreign currency translation gains and losses on non-investment assets and liabilities are separately reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Recent Accounting Standards Updates
On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU is intended to introduce new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on instruments within scope based on an estimate of current expected credit losses. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 to have a material impact on its financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848),” which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging transactions as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting
ASU 2020-04 on its consolidated financial statements.
3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company applies fair value accounting in accordance with the terms of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value as the amount that would be exchanged to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transfer between market participants at the measurement date. The Company values securities/instruments traded in active markets on the measurement date by multiplying the closing price of such traded securities/instruments by the quantity of shares or amount of the instrument held. The Company may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of its investments, such as its securities/instruments traded in active markets and its liquid securities/instruments that are not traded in active markets, from pricing services, brokers, or counterparties (i.e., “consensus pricing”). When doing so, the Company determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to U.S. GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. The Company may use the quote obtained or alternative pricing sources may be utilized including valuation techniques typically utilized for illiquid securities/instruments.
Securities/instruments that are illiquid or for which the pricing source does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser or the Company’s Board of Directors, does not represent fair value shall each be valued as of the measurement date using all techniques appropriate under the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available. These valuation techniques may vary by investment and include comparable public market valuations, comparable precedent transaction valuations and/or discounted cash flow analyses. The process generally used to determine the applicable value is as follows: (i) the value of each portfolio company or investment is initially reviewed by the investment professionals responsible for such portfolio company or investment and, for non-traded investments, a standardized template designed to approximate fair market value based on observable market inputs, updated credit statistics and unobservable inputs is used to determine a preliminary value, which is also reviewed alongside consensus pricing, where available; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and reviewed by a valuation committee comprised of members of senior management; (iii) the Board of Directors engages a third-party valuation firm to provide positive assurance on portions of the Middle Market Senior Loans and equity investments portfolio each quarter (such that each non-traded investment is reviewed by a third-party valuation firm at least once on a rolling twelve month basis) including a review of management’s preliminary valuation and conclusion on fair value; (iv) the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) reviews the assessments of the Investment Adviser and the third-party valuation firm and provides the Board of Directors with any recommendations with respect to changes to the fair value of each investment in the portfolio; and (v) the Board of Directors discusses the valuation recommendations of the Audit Committee and determines the fair value of each investment in the portfolio in good faith based on the input of the Investment Adviser and, where applicable, the third-party valuation firm.
All factors that might materially impact the value of an investment are considered, including, but not limited to the assessment of the following factors, as relevant:
•the nature and realizable value of any collateral;
•call features, put features and other relevant terms of debt;
•the portfolio company’s leverage and ability to make payments;
•the portfolio company’s public or private credit rating;
•the portfolio company’s actual and expected earnings and discounted cash flow;
•prevailing interest rates and spreads for similar securities and expected volatility in future interest rates;
•the markets in which the portfolio company does business and recent economic and/or market events; and
•comparisons to comparable transactions and publicly traded securities.
Investment performance data utilized are the most recently available financial statements and compliance certificates received from the portfolio companies as of the measurement date which in many cases may reflect a lag in information.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Company’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been reported had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is reasonably possible that the difference could be material.
In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the realized gains or losses on investments to be different from the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation currently reflected in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which ranks the level of observability of market price inputs used in measuring investments at fair value. The observability of inputs is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of investment and the characteristics specific to the investment and state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Investments with readily available quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from quoted prices in active markets generally have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment applied in determining fair value.
Investments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in determination of fair values, as follows:
•Level 1-inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in Level 1 generally include unrestricted securities, including equities and derivatives, listed in active markets. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where the Company holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
•Level 2-inputs to the valuation methodology are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date and are those other than quoted prices in active markets. The type of financial instruments in this category generally includes less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.
•Level 3-inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are in this category generally include investments in privately-held entities and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement. The Investment Adviser’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment.
Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the beginning of the year in which the transfers occur. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no transfers between levels.
The following tables summarize the Company’s investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, 2020
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
First Lien Debt $ - $ - $ 1,523,542 $ 1,523,542
Second Lien Debt - - 260,258 260,258
Equity Investments - - 27,735 27,735
Total $ - $ - $ 1,811,535 $ 1,811,535
December 31, 2019
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
First Lien Debt $ - $ - $ 1,159,906 $ 1,159,906
Second Lien Debt - - 197,732 197,732
Equity Investments - - 12,510 12,510
Total $ - $ - $ 1,370,148 $ 1,370,148
The changes in the Company’s investments at fair value for which the Company has used Level 3 inputs to determine fair value and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings for Level 3 investments still held are as follows:
Financial Assets
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
First
Lien Debt Second
Lien Debt Equity
Investments Total
Balance, beginning of year $ 1,159,906 $ 197,732 $ 12,510 $ 1,370,148
Purchases 568,129 120,373 13,677 702,179
Sales (24,295) (2,673) (54) (27,022)
Paydowns (171,345) (41,303) (368) (213,016)
Accretion of discount 6,653 1,299 14 7,966
Net realized gains (losses) (4,697) (10) (446) (5,153)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (10,809) (15,160) 2,402 (23,567)
Balance, end of year $ 1,523,542 $ 260,258 $ 27,735 $ 1,811,535
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings related to investments still held at the reporting date included on the Consolidated Statements of Operations $ (10,818) $ (14,899) $ 2,402 $ (23,315)
Financial Assets
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
First
Lien Debt Second
Lien Debt Equity
Investments Total
Balance, beginning of year $ 438,742 $ 66,207 $ 5,478 $ 510,427
Purchases 796,206 164,669 5,778 966,653
Sales (19,087) - (486) (19,573)
Paydowns (61,194) (34,848) - (96,042)
Accretion of discount 3,350 764 - 4,114
Net realized gains (losses) - - 269 269
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) 1,889 940 1,471 4,300
Balance, end of year $ 1,159,906 $ 197,732 $ 12,510 $ 1,370,148
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings related to investments still held at the reporting date included on the Consolidated Statement of Operations $ 1,765 $ 1,025 $ 1,471 $ 4,261
The Company generally uses the following framework when determining the fair value of investments that are categorized as Level 3:
Investments in debt securities are initially evaluated to determine whether the enterprise value of the portfolio company is greater than the applicable debt. The enterprise value of the portfolio company is estimated using a market approach and an income approach. The market approach utilizes market value (EBITDA) multiples of publicly traded comparable companies and available precedent sales transactions of comparable companies. The Company carefully considers numerous factors when selecting the appropriate companies whose multiples are used to value its portfolio companies. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type of organization, similarity to the business being valued, relevant risk factors, as well as size, profitability and growth expectations. The income approach typically uses a discounted cash flow analysis of the portfolio company.
Investments in debt securities that do not have sufficient coverage through the enterprise value analysis are valued based on an expected probability of default and discount recovery analysis.
Investments in debt securities with sufficient coverage through the enterprise value analysis are generally valued using a discounted cash flow analysis of the underlying security. Projected cash flows in the discounted cash flow typically represent the relevant security’s contractual interest, fees and principal payments plus the assumption of full principal recovery at the security’s expected maturity date. The discount rate to be used is determined using an average of two market-based methodologies. Investments in debt securities may also be valued using consensus pricing.
Investments in equities are generally valued using a market approach and/or an income approach. The market approach utilizes EBITDA multiples of publicly traded comparable companies and available precedent sales transactions of comparable companies. The income approach typically uses a discounted cash flow analysis of the portfolio company.
The following tables summarize the quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 instruments which are carried at fair value as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Fair Value as Valuation Techniques Significant
Unobservable
Inputs Range Weighted
Average
of December 31, 2020 Low High
Investments in First Lien Debt $ 1,154,102 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 4.36 % 16.60 % 7.52 %
361,290 Consensus Pricing Indicative Quotes 89.11 % 100.00 % 97.73 %
8,150 Income Approach Discount Rate 12.80 % 12.80 % 12.80 %
Total First Lien Debt 1,523,542
Investments in Second Lien Debt 214,520 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 7.14 % 15.27 % 9.96 %
45,738 Consensus Pricing Indicative Quotes 82.88 % 100.00 % 87.75 %
Total Second Lien Debt 260,258
Investments in Equity 27,735 Income Approach Discount Rate 7.22 % 11.17 % 7.70 %
Market Approach Comparable Multiple 7.67x 16.43x 9.10x
Total Equity Investments 27,735
Total Level 3 Investments $ 1,811,535
Fair Value as of December 31, 2019 Valuation Techniques Significant
Unobservable
Inputs Range Weighted
Average
Low High
Investments in First Lien Debt $ 850,376 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 4.04 % 16.36 % 7.52 %
309,530 Consensus Pricing Indicative Quotes 77.94 % 100.00 % 98.13 %
Total First Lien Debt 1,159,906
Investments in Second Lien Debt 138,007 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 7.40 % 9.76 % 8.64 %
59,725 Consensus Pricing Indicative Quotes 97.50 % 98.31 % 98.03 %
Total Second Lien Debt 197,732
Investments in Equity 12,510 Income Approach Discount Rate 7.76 % 12.09 % 7.94 %
Market Approach Comparable Multiple 6.37x 16.65x 9.22x
Total Equity Investments 12,510
Total Level 3 Investments $ 1,370,148
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments in first and second lien debt securities are discount rates, indicative quotes and comparable EBITDA multiples. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Significant decreases in indicative quotes or comparable EBITDA multiples in isolation may result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments in equities are discount rates and comparable EBITDA multiples. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Significant decreases in comparable EBITDA multiples would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
Financial instruments disclosed but not carried at fair value
The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s secured borrowings disclosed but not carried at fair value as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Secured borrowings $ 880,956 $ 880,956 $ 648,200 $ 648,200
Total $ 880,956 $ 880,956 $ 648,200 $ 648,200
The carrying values of the secured borrowings approximate their respective fair values and are categorized as Level 3 within the hierarchy. Secured borrowings are valued generally using discounted cash flow analysis. The significant
unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s secured borrowings are discount rates. Significant increases in discount rates would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement.
The carrying value of other financial assets and liabilities approximates their fair value based on the short term nature of these items.
4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory Agreement
On June 26, 2017, the Company entered into an investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) with the Investment Adviser. Unless terminated earlier, the Investment Advisory Agreement renews automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of the Board of Directors and by the vote of a majority of the Independent Directors. On May 29, 2020, the Company's Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved at an in-person meeting the continuance of the Company's Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser for an additional one-year term. The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of an assignment and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon at least 60 days’ written notice to the other party.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement and subject to the overall supervision of the Board of Directors, the Investment Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Company. For providing these services, the Investment Adviser receives fees from the Company consisting of two components-a management fee and an incentive fee.
The management fee has been calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 1.25% of the Company’s average Capital Under Management (as defined below) at the end of the then-current quarter and the prior calendar quarter (and, in the case of the Company’s first quarter, the Company’s Capital Under Management as of such quarter-end). “Capital Under Management” means cumulative capital called, less cumulative distributions categorized as Returned Capital. “Returned Capital” means unused capital commitments increased by the aggregate amount of (i) any portion of distributions made by the Company to an investor during the Investment Period which represents (A) proceeds realized from the sale or repayment of any investment (as opposed to investment income) during the Investment Period (but not in excess of the cost of any such investment) or (B) a return of such investor’s capital contributions to the Company, as determined by the Board of Directors, and (ii) any amount drawn down by the Company from unused capital commitments to pay management fees, incentive fees, organizational expenses or Company expenses, to the extent such investor receives subsequent distributions. The "Investment Period" commenced on September 11, 2017 and was scheduled to expire September 11, 2021. On January 11, 2021, the Board of Directors extended the Investment Period for one additional one-year period through September 11, 2022. On January 11, 2021 the Company, in connection with the extension of the Investment Period to September 11, 2022, entered into a letter agreement with the Investment Adviser, under which the Adviser agreed that its management fee will be calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Company's average Capital Under Management, effective September 12, 2021. For the avoidance of doubt, Capital Under Management does not include capital acquired through the use of leverage, and Returned Capital does not include distributions of the Company’s investment income (i.e., proceeds received in respect of interest payments, dividends or fees, net of expenses) or net realized capital gains to the investors.
The incentive fee consists of two parts. The first part has been calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equals 15% of pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to a preferred return of 1.75% per quarter (7% annualized), or “hurdle rate,” and a “catch-up” feature. The second part has been determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year in an amount equal to 15% of realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses on a cumulative basis and unrealized capital depreciation less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees, provided that no incentive fee on capital gains is payable to the Investment Adviser unless cumulative total return exceeds a 7% annual return on weighted average cumulative capital called less cumulative distributions categorized as Returned Capital.
Below is a summary of the base management fees and incentive fees incurred during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Base management fees $ 11,631 $ 6,259 $ 2,174
Incentive fees on pre-incentive fee net investment income 15,256 8,701 1,881
Realized capital gains incentive fees - - -
Accrued capital gains incentive fees - - -
Total capital gains incentive fees - - -
Total incentive fees 15,256 8,701 1,881
Total base management fees and incentive fees $ 26,887 $ 14,960 $ 4,055
Accrued capital gains incentive fees are based upon the cumulative net realized and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from inception. Accordingly, the accrual for any capital gains incentive fee under U.S. GAAP in a given period may result in an additional expense if such cumulative amount is greater than in the prior period or a reduction of previously recorded expense if such cumulative amount is less than in the prior period. If such cumulative amount is negative, then there is no accrual.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $7,437 and $4,904, respectively, were included in management and incentive fees payable in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Administration Agreement
On April 18, 2017, the Company entered into an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with the Administrator. Unless terminated earlier, the Administration Agreement renews automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of the Board of Directors or by a majority vote of the outstanding voting securities of the Company and (ii) the vote of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors. The Administration Agreement may not be assigned by a party without the consent of the other party and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon at least 60 days’ written notice to the other party. On May 29, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved at an in-person meeting the continuance of the Company’s Administration Agreement with the Administrator for an additional one-year term.
Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides services and receives reimbursements equal to an amount that reimburses the Administrator for its costs and expenses and the Company's allocable portion of overhead incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including the Company's allocable portion of the compensation paid to or compensatory distributions received by the Company’s officers (including the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and respective staff who provide services to the Company, operations staff who provide services to the Company, and any internal audit staff , to the extent internal audit performs a role in the Company's internal control assessment under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). Reimbursement under the Administration Agreement occurs quarterly in arrears.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, the Company incurred $430, $270 and $435, respectively, in fees under the Administrative Agreement, which were included in administrative service fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $60 and $33, respectively, was unpaid and included in administrative service fees payable in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Sub-Administration Agreements
On June 26, 2017, the Administrator entered into sub-administration agreements with The Carlyle Employee Co. L.L.C. ("Carlyle Employee Co.") (the “Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreement”). Pursuant to the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreement, Carlyle Employee Co. provides the Administrator with access to personnel.
On June 22, 2017, the Administrator entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street” and, such agreement, the “State Street Sub-Administration Agreement” and, together with the Carlyle Sub-Administration Agreements, the “Sub-Administration Agreements”).
On May 29, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved at an in-person meeting the continuance of the Company’s Sub-Administration Agreements for an additional one year term.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, fees incurred in connection with the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement, which amounted to $694, $481 and $479, respectively, were included in other general and administrative in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $1,000 and $1,033, respectively, was unpaid and included in other accrued expenses and liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Placement Fees
On June 26, 2017, the Company entered into a placement fee arrangement with TCG Securities, L.L.C. (“TCG”), a licensed broker-dealer and an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, which may require stockholders to pay a placement fee to TCG for TCG’s services.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 TCG earned $2,310, $1,290, $219, respectively, in placement fees from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the issuance or sale of the Company’s common stock and paid the amounts as placement fees to sub-placement agents.
Board of Directors
The Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of six members, four of whom are Independent Directors. The Board of Directors has established an audit committee and a pricing committee of the Board of Directors, and may establish additional committees in the future. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company incurred $239, $195 and $200, respectively, in fees and expenses associated with its Independent Directors’ services on the Company’s Board of Directors and the Audit Committee. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $60 and $0, respectively, was unpaid and included in other accrued expenses and liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
5. BORROWINGS
The Company, the SPV and SPV2 are party to the Credit Facilities. In accordance with the Investment Company Act, the Company is currently only allowed to borrow amounts such that its asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least 200% after such borrowing. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, asset coverage was 209.33% and 213.72%, respectively, and the Company, the SPV and SPV2 were in compliance with all covenants and other requirements of their respective credit facility agreements. Below is a summary of the borrowings and repayments under the Credit Facilities for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.
For the years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Outstanding borrowing, beginning of period $ 648,200 $ 217,700 $ 60,750
Borrowings 702,597 986,666 367,050
Repayments (475,381) (558,300) (210,100)
Foreign currency translation 5,540 2,134 -
Outstanding borrowing, end of period $ 880,956 $ 648,200 $ 217,700
Subscription Facility
The Company entered into the Subscription Facility with a lender on October 3, 2017, which was subsequently amended on March 14, 2018, November 16, 2018, May 12, 2020 and October 2, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the Subscription Facility provides for secured borrowings of $75,000 (reduced from $265,000 as of December 31, 2019). The maximum principal amount is subject to availability under the Subscription Facility, which is based on certain of the Company's unfunded investor equity capital commitments, and restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act. The Subscription Facility has a maturity date of October 3, 2022. The Company may borrow amounts in U.S. Dollars or certain other permitted currencies. Borrowings under the Subscription Facility bear interest currently at LIBOR plus an applicable spread of 1.95% per year (1.55% per year as of December 31, 2019), subject to a 0.50% floor on LIBOR. The Company also pays a fee of 0.25% per year on undrawn amounts under the Subscription Facility.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Subscription Facility is secured by a first lien security interest in the Company’s unfunded investor equity capital commitments. The Subscription Facility includes customary covenants, certain limitations on
the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, and other maintenance covenants, as well as usual and customary events of default for senior secured revolving credit facilities of this nature.
SPV Credit Facility
The SPV entered into the SPV Credit Facility with a lender on April 1, 2019, which was subsequently amended on October 25, 2019, February 7, 2020 and December 4, 2020. The SPV Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings of $600,000 as of December 31, 2020, subject to availability under the SPV Credit Facility and restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act. The SPV Credit Facility has a revolving period through October 15, 2022, and a maturity date of April 1, 2024, with one one-year extension option, subject to the SPV's and the lender's consent. The SPV may borrow amounts in U.S. Dollars or certain other permitted currencies. Borrowings under the SPV Credit Facility bear interest initially at LIBOR (or, if applicable, a rate based on the prime rate or federal funds rate) plus 2.25% per year with a 0.45% step-up based on collateral coverage and asset mix. The SPV also pays a fee of between 0.50% and 0.75% per year on undrawn amounts under the SPV Credit Facility. Payments under the SPV Credit Facility are made quarterly. The lenders have a first lien security interest on substantially all of the assets of the SPV.
SPV2 Credit Facility
SPV2 entered into the SPV2 Credit Facility with a lender on May 13, 2020, which was subsequently amended on February 11, 2021. The SPV2 Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to a principal amount of $250,000 as of December 31, 2020 ($350,000 following the February 2021 amendment), subject to availability under the SPV2 Credit Facility and restrictions imposed on borrowings under the Investment Company Act. The SPV2 Credit Facility has a revolving period through May 13, 2023, and a maturity date of May 13, 2028. Borrowings under the SPV2 Credit Facility bear interest initially at LIBOR (or, if applicable, a rate based on the prime rate or federal funds rate plus 0.50%) plus 2.95% (2.76% following the February 2021 amendment). SPV2 is pays a fee of 0.25% per year on undrawn amounts under the SPV2 Credit Facility. Payments under the SPV2 Credit Facility are made quarterly. The lender has a security interest on substantially all of the assets of SPV2.
Short Term Liabilities
In order to finance certain investment transactions, the Company may, from time to time, enter into repurchase agreements with Macquarie US Trading LLC (“Macquarie”), whereby the Company sells to Macquarie an investment that it holds and concurrently enters into an agreement to repurchase the same investment at an agreed-upon price at a future date, not to exceed 90-days from the date it was sold (the “Macquarie Transaction”).
In accordance with ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, these Macquarie Transactions meet the criteria for secured borrowings. Accordingly, the investment financed by the Macquarie Transaction remains on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and the Company records a liability to reflect its repurchase obligation to Macquarie (the “Repurchase Obligation”). The Repurchase Obligation is secured by the respective investment that is the subject of the repurchase agreement. Interest expense associated with the Repurchase Obligation is reported on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations within Other expenses.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding Repurchase Obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company entered into $27,396 of repurchase agreements with a weighted average interest rate of 3.50%.
Summary of Credit Facilities
The Credit Facilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, 2020
Total Facility Borrowings
Outstanding Unused
Portion (1)
Amount
Available (2)
Subscription Facility $ 75,000 $ 75,233 $ - $ -
SPV Credit Facility 600,000 595,723 4,277 4,277
SPV2 Credit Facility 250,000 210,000 40,000 11,393
Total $ 925,000 $ 880,956 $ 44,277 $ 15,670
December 31, 2019
Total Facility Borrowings
Outstanding Unused
Portion (1)
Amount
Available (2)
Subscription Facility $ 265,000 $ 231,700 $ 33,300 $ 25,749
SPV Credit Facility 600,000 416,500 183,500 183,500
Total $ 865,000 $ 648,200 $ 216,800 $ 209,249
(1)The unused portion is the amount upon which commitment fees are based.
(2)Available for borrowing based on the computation of collateral to support the borrowings and subject to compliance with applicable covenants and financial ratios.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the components of interest expense and credit facility fees were as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Interest expense $ 22,425 $ 15,500 $ 4,388
Facility unused commitment fee 992 899 416
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,524 1,204 699
Total interest expense and credit facility fees $ 24,941 $ 17,603 $ 5,503
Cash paid for interest expense $ 21,675 $ 13,274 $ 2,683
Average principal debt outstanding $ 726,109 $ 392,145 $ 115,637
Weighted average interest rate 3.04 % 3.90 % 3.74 %
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the components of interest and credit facility fees payable were as follows:
As of December 31,
2020 2019
Interest expense payable $ 5,384 $ 3,988
Unused commitment fees payable 86 237
Total interest expense and credit facility fees payable $ 5,470 $ 4,225
Weighted average interest rate (1)
2.63 % 3.91 %
(1) Based on floating LIBOR rates.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
A summary of significant contractual payment obligations was as follows as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31,
Payment Due by Period 2020 2019
Less than 1 Year $ - $ 231,700
1-3 Years 75,233 -
3-5 Years 595,723 416,500
More than 5 Years 210,000 -
Total $ 880,956 $ 648,200
In the ordinary course of its business, the Company enters into contracts or agreements that contain indemnification or warranties. Future events could occur that lead to the execution of these provisions against the Company. The Company believes that the likelihood of such an event is remote; however, the maximum potential exposure is unknown. No accrual has been made in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 for any such exposure.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had $1,227,312 and $1,227,687, respectively, in total capital commitments from stockholders, of which $259,700 and $489,896, respectively, was unfunded. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, current officers had $450 and $450, respectively, in capital commitments to the Company.
The Company had the following unfunded commitments to fund delayed draw and revolving senior secured loans as of the indicated dates:
Par Value as of December 31,
2020 2019
Unfunded delayed draw commitments $ 71,561 $ 79,156
Unfunded revolving commitments 56,362 54,249
Total unfunded commitments $ 127,923 $ 133,405
7. NET ASSETS
The Company has the authority to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 per share par value.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued 13,293,597 shares for $259,820. The following table summarizes capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2020:
Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value Accumulated Net Investment Income (Loss) Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss) Accumulated Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) Total Net Assets
Shares Amount
Balance, beginning of year 35,769,223 $ 358 $ 736,328 $ 691 $ 149 $ (417) $ 737,109
Common stock issued 13,293,597 133 259,687 - - - 259,820
Net investment income (loss) - - - 86,391 - - 86,391
Net realized gain (loss) - - - - (5,153) - (5,153)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments - - - - - (23,512) (23,512)
Net change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities - - - - (1,887) (3,653) (5,540)
Dividends declared - - - (85,979) - - (85,979)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP - - (14) 14 - - -
Balance, end of year 49,062,820 $ 491 $ 996,001 $ 1,117 $ (6,891) (27,582) $ 963,136
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued 21,539,723 shares for $444,943. The following table summarizes capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2019:
Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value Subscribed But Unissued Shares Subscription Receivable Accumulated Net Investment Income (Loss) Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss) Accumulated Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) Total Net Assets
Shares Amount
Balance, beginning of year 14,229,500 $ 142 $ 291,820 $ 24,953 $ (24,953) $ (141) $ (24) $ (2,583) $ 289,214
Common stock issued 21,539,723 216 444,727 (24,953) 24,953 - - - 444,943
Net investment income (loss) - - - - - 49,292 - - 49,292
Net realized gain (loss) on investments - - - - - - 269 - 269
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments - - - - - - - 4,300 4,300
Realized and unrealized currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities - - - - - - - (96) (2,134) (2,230)
Dividends declared - - - - - (48,679) - - (48,679)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP - - (219) - - 219 - - -
Balance, end of year 35,769,223 $ 358 $ 736,328 $ - $ - $ 691 $ 149 (417) $ 737,109
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 10,098,817 shares for $210,306. The following table summarizes capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2018:
Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value Subscribed But Unissued Shares Subscription Receivable Accumulated Net Investment Income (Loss) Accumulated Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments Accumulated Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments Total Net Assets
Shares Amount
Balance, beginning of year 4,130,683 $ 41 $ 82,507 $ - $ - $ (708) $ - $ 882 $ 82,722
Common stock issued 10,098,817 101 210,205 - - - - - 210,306
Subscribed but unissued shares - - - 24,953 - - - - 24,953
Subscription receivable - - - - (24,953) - - - (24,953)
Net investment income (loss) - - - - - 14,054 - - 14,054
Net realized gain (loss) on investments - - - - - - (24) - (24)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments - - - - - - - (3,465) (3,465)
Dividends declared - - - - - (14,379) - - (14,379)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP - - (892) - - 892 - - -
Balance, end of year 14,229,500 $ 142 $ 291,820 $ 24,953 $ (24,953) $ (141) $ (24) (2,583) $ 289,214
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2020:
Shares Issued Proceeds Received
March 18, 2020 1,959,038 $ 40,004
March 31, 2020 7,168,466 140,000
May 28, 2020 2,636,256 49,816
December 30, 2020 1,529,837 30,000
Total 13,293,597 $ 259,820
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2019:
Shares Issued Proceeds Received
January 10, 2019 1,218,407 $ 24,953
February 28, 2019 1,677,049 35,000
March 26, 2019 1,940,070 39,990
May 8, 2019 1,195,615 25,000
June 26, 2019 2,912,624 60,000
August 14, 2019 2,873,565 60,000
September 25, 2019 3,654,971 75,000
November 6, 2019 4,847,311 100,000
December 26, 2019 1,220,111 25,000
Total 21,539,723 $ 444,943
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2018:
Shares Issued Proceeds Received
March 7, 2018 240,800 $ 4,941
March 28, 2018 587,788 12,003
May 16, 2018 694,960 14,414
June 7, 2018 454,599 9,469
June 20, 2018 1,947,292 39,998
August 22, 2018 1,207,628 25,307
September 13, 2018 1,387,273 29,174
September 26, 2018 1,206,560 25,000
November 29, 2018 2,371,917 50,000
Total 10,098,817 $ 210,306
On December 28, 2018, the Company issued a capital call and delivered capital drawdown notices totaling $24,953. Subscribed but unissued shares are presented in equity with a deduction of subscriptions receivable until cash is received for a subscription. There were 1,218,407 subscribed but unissued shares as of December 31, 2018.
Subscription and share issuance transactions during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were executed at an offering price at a premium to net asset value in order to effect a reallocation of organizational costs to subsequent investors. Such subscription transactions increased net asset value by $0.01 per share, $0.07 per share, and $0.11 per share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The Company computes earnings per common share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per common share were calculated by dividing net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations attributable to the Company by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the year/period.
Basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $ 52,186 $ 51,631 $ 10,565
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 44,300,431 23,431,444 7,907,949
Basic and diluted earnings per common share $ 1.18 $ 2.20 $ 1.34
The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared since inception:
Date Declared Record Date Payment Date Per Share Amount
March 12, 2018 March 12, 2018 April 17, 2018 $ 0.30
June 6, 2018 June 6, 2018 July 18, 2018 $ 0.37
September 13, 2018 September 13, 2018 October 18, 2018 $ 0.40
December 26, 2018 December 26, 2018 January 18, 2019 $ 0.46
March 12, 2019 March 12, 2019 April 18, 2019 $ 0.47
June 11, 2019 June 11, 2019 July 18, 2019 $ 0.51
September 10, 2019 September 10, 2019 October 18, 2019 $ 0.50
December 10, 2019 December 10, 2019 January 17, 2020 $ 0.50
March 4, 2020 March 4, 2020 April 17, 2020 $ 0.53
June 30, 2020 June 30, 2020 July 17, 2020 $ 0.45
September 28, 2020 September 28, 2020 October 16, 2020 $ 0.46
December 14, 2020 December 14, 2020 January 15, 2021 $ 0.50
8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following is a schedule of consolidated financial highlights for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Per Share Data:
Net asset value per share, beginning of year/period $ 20.61 $ 20.32 $ 20.03
Net investment income (loss) (1)
1.95 2.10 1.78
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (1.00) 0.10 (0.07)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations 0.95 2.20 1.71
Dividends declared (2)
(1.94) (1.98) (1.53)
Effect of offering price of subscriptions (3)
0.01 0.07 0.11
Net asset value per share, end of year/period $ 19.63 $ 20.61 $ 20.32
Number of shares outstanding, end of year/period 49,062,820 35,769,223 14,299,500
Total return based on net asset value (4)
4.66 % 11.17 % 9.09 %
Net assets, end of year/period $ 963,136 $ 737,109 $ 289,214
Ratio to average net assets:
Expenses before incentive fees 4.60 % 5.06 % 5.84 %
Expenses after incentive fees 6.34 % 6.74 % 6.90 %
Net investment income (loss) 9.85 % 9.54 % 7.92 %
Interest expense and credit facility fees 2.84 % 3.41 % 3.10 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Asset coverage, end of year/period 209.33 % 213.72 % 232.85 %
Portfolio turnover 15.03 % 12.47 % 20.41 %
Total committed capital, end of year/period 1,227,312 1,227,687 1,227,938
Ratio of total contributed capital to total committed capital, end of year/period 81.28 % 60.09 % 23.85 %
Weighted-average shares outstanding 44,300,431 23,431,444 7,907,949
(1)Net investment income (loss) per share was calculated as net investment income (loss) for the year divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the year.
(2)Dividends declared per share was calculated as the sum of dividends declared during the year divided by the number of shares outstanding at the quarter-end date (refer to Note 7, Net Assets, to these consolidated financial statements).
(3)Increase (decrease) is due to the offering price of subscriptions during the year (refer to Note 7, Net Assets, to these consolidated financial statements).
(4)Total return based on net asset value is based on the change in net asset value per share during the year/period plus the declared dividends divided by the beginning net asset value for the year. Total return for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is inclusive of an increase (decrease) in net asset value related to the offering price of subscriptions $0.01 per share, $0.07 per share and $0.11 per share, respectively. Excluding the effects of these common stock issuances, total return would have been 4.61%, 10.83%, and 8.54%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (refer to Note 7, Net Assets, to these consolidated financial statements).
9. LITIGATION
The Company may become party to certain lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of current matters, if any, will materially impact the Company or its consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company was not subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to the Company’s knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against the Company.
In addition, portfolio investments of the Company could be the subject of litigation or regulatory investigations in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any current contingent liabilities of its portfolio investments, if any, will materially affect the Company or these consolidated financial statements.
10. TAX
The Company has not recorded a liability for any uncertain tax positions pursuant to the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by federal and certain state, local and foreign tax regulators. As of December 31, 2020 the Company has filed a tax return and therefore is subject to examination. The Company has elected a tax year-end of June 30 concurrent with the filing of the Company's first tax return.
Book and tax basis differences relating to stockholder dividends and distributions and other permanent book and tax differences are reclassified among the Company’s capital accounts. In addition, the character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from U.S. GAAP. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, permanent differences primarily due to the tax treatment of offering costs resulted in a net decrease in total distributable loss by $14 and $220, respectively, and net decrease in additional paid-in capital in excess of par by $14 and $220, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Total earnings and NAV were not affected.
The Company’s taxable income for each period is an estimate and will not be finally determined until the Company files its tax return for each year. Therefore, the final taxable income, and the taxable income earned in each period and carried forward for distribution in the following period, may be different than this estimate. The estimated tax character of dividends declared for the periods from July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 was as follows:
For the Period from July, 1 2020 to December 31, 2020 For the Period from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020
Ordinary income $ 45,631 $ 70,413
Long-term capital gains $ - $ 233
Tax return of capital $ - $ -
Income Tax Information and Distributions to Stockholders
As of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
As of
June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
Undistributed ordinary income $ 2,010 $ 1,875
Other book/tax temporary differences(1)
(316) (342)
Capital loss carryforwards (2,156) -
Undistributed capital gains - 233
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments(2)
(61,875) (1,376)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on non-investment assets and liabilities (452) -
Total accumulated earnings (deficit) $ (62,789) $ 390
(1)Consists of the unamortized portion of organization costs as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019.
(2)The difference between the book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments is attributable to the tax treatment of partnership investments.
As of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments were as follows:
As of
June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
Cost of investments $ 1,646,160 $ 791,927
Gross unrealized appreciation on investments 7,602 4,084
Gross unrealized depreciation on investments (69,477) (5,460)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments $ (61,875) $ (1,376)
For tax purposes, net realized capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains, if any. Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an indefinite period, and such losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, the Company had $2,156 and $0, of capital loss carryforwards, respectively, of which $1,767 and $0 were short-term capital loss carryforwards, respectively, and $389 and $0, were long-term capital loss carryforwards, respectively.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued. There have been no subsequent events that require recognition or disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued, except as disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them of material information relating to the Company that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of its Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of its consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 was effective.
This Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm due to an exemption for emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
Information relating to our codes of ethics, which apply to, among others, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business-Regulation-Code of Ethics.”

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of this annual report
The following reports and consolidated financial statements are set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(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 Amendment and Restatement (1)
3.2 Bylaws (1)
4.1 Form of Subscription Agreement (1)
4.2 Description of Registered Securities *
10.1 Investment Advisory Agreement (1)
10.2 Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement *
10.3 Administration Agreement (1)
10.4 Form of Indemnification Agreement (1)
10.5 Revolving Credit Agreement (1)
10.6 Master Custodian Agreement (2)
10.7 First Amendment, dated as of March 14, 2018, to the Revolving Credit Agreement, among TCG BDC II, Inc., as borrower, each of the Lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as lead arranger. (3)
10.8 Second Amendment, dated as of November 16, 2018, to the Revolving Credit Agreement, among TCG BDC II, Inc., as borrower, each of the Lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent.(4)
10.9 Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2019 and Conformed through Amendment No. 1 dated as of October 25, 2019, among TCG BDC II SPV LLC as borrower, the Lenders party hereto, the Collateral Administrator, Collateral Agent and Securities Intermediary Party hereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and TCG BDC II, Inc., as Servicer.(7)
10.10 Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2020, among TCG BDC II SPV2 LLC, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association as administrative agent.†(5)
10.11 Fourth Amendment, dated as of October 2, 2020, to the Revolving Credit Agreement among TCG BDC II, Inc, as borrower, each of the lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent.(6)
21.1 List of Subsidiaries*
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
* Filed herewith.
† Information in this exhibit (indicated by brackets) has been redacted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-12G/A filed by the Company on November 20, 2017 (File No. 000-55848)
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K filed by the Company on March 1, 2018 (File No. 000-55848)
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on May 4, 2018 (File No. 000-55848)
(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Form 10-K filed by the Company on February 28, 2019 (File No. 000-55848)
(5) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 11, 2020 (File No. 000-55848)
(6) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1. to the Company's Form 10-Q filed by the Company on November 9, 2020 (File No. 000-55848)
(7) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Form 10-K filed by the Company on March 5, 2020 (Filed No. 000-55848)