EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1702510
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 1702510_10-K_2023_0001702510-23-000009.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc., a Maryland corporation, is a specialty finance company that is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company. 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”). For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated 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”). We were formed on February 10, 2017, conducted our initial private offering (the “Initial 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”), and completed our initial closing of capital commitment on September 11, 2017 (the "Commencement,” or the “Initial Closing Date”). We held additional closings subsequent to the Initial Closing Date, with our final closing pursuant to the Initial Private Offering occurring on November 9, 2018. We commenced our loan origination and investment activities shortly after our initial capital drawdown from our investors in the Initial 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. In the first quarter of 2022, we commenced our New Continuous Offering, as discussed further in “-Corporate Structure” below. Our principal executive offices are located at One Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 3400, New York, New York 10017.
Our investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns and current income primarily through assembling a portfolio of 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, which we define as companies with approximately $25 million to $100 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), supported by financial sponsors. This core strategy is opportunistically supplemented with differentiated and complementary lending and 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, subordinated debt and investments in equities).
We invest primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt has been rated below investment grade, or would likely be rated below investment grade if such debt was rated. These securities, which are often referred to as “junk,” have
predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors- Risks Related to Our Investments- Our investments are risky and speculative.”
Our investment approach is focused on capital preservation based on long-term fundamental credit performance. Our Investment Adviser’s investment team utilizes a rigorous, systematic, and consistent investment process, refined over Carlyle’s 35-year history investing in private markets across multiple cycles, designed to achieve enhanced risk-adjusted returns. 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.
Corporate Structure
On January 21, 2022, stockholders approved (i) our conversion from a finite life private BDC with no interim liquidity to a private BDC with a perpetual life and a regular quarterly liquidity program by extending indefinitely our finite term and finite investment period and permitting us to accept new subscriptions for shares of our common stock in a new continuous private offering (the “New Continuous Offering”) and (ii) an amendment and restatement (the “Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement”) of our existing investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) with our Investment Adviser (the “January 2022 Proposals”). More specifically, in the case of the conversion to a perpetual life BDC, our stockholders approved:
•extending indefinitely our term, which was scheduled to end at the close of business on November 9, 2025;
•extending indefinitely our investment period (the “Investment Period”), which was scheduled to end at the close of business on September 11, 2022 (the “Original Investment Period”); and
•permitting us to accept new subscriptions in the New Continuous Offering.
Our Board of Directors may terminate the Investment Period at any time in its discretion. The Company may be dissolved 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.
On January 22, 2022, we and our Investment Adviser executed the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement. For additional information, see “-Our Investment Adviser.”
As of result of the stockholder approval of the January 2022 Proposals, we intend, subject to market and other conditions, to conduct recurring quarterly tender offers (“Quarterly Tender Offers”) for our common stock in order to offer regular liquidity to stockholders, the first of which commenced June 30, 2022. Initially, we expect to offer to repurchase through the Quarterly Tender Offers at least 3.5% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of the end of the calendar quarter immediately prior to the quarter in which the Quarterly Tender Offer is conducted, at a specific per share price based on our net asset value per share as of the last date of the quarter in which the Quarterly Tender Offer is conducted.
If during any consecutive 24-month period, we do not engage in a Quarterly Tender Offer in which we accept for purchase 100% of properly tendered shares (a “Qualifying Tender”), we will not make commitments for new portfolio investments (excluding short-term cash management investments under 30 days in duration) and will reserve available assets to satisfy future tender requests until a Qualifying Tender occurs, subject to our continuing to use available funds and liquidity for certain purposes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will continue to use available funds and liquidity (a) 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, during or after the end of the relevant 24-month period, (b) to fulfill investment commitments made or approved by our Investment Adviser’s investment committee prior to the expiration of the relevant 24-month period, (c) to fund follow-on investments made in existing portfolio companies (including transactions to hedge interest rate relating to such additional investments) and amounts to protect the value of existing investments (for example, without limitation, follow-on debt or equity investments made to protect existing investments) as necessary, (d) to engage in hedging transactions, (e) to fund obligations under any guarantee or indemnity made by us prior to the end of the relevant 24-month period, (f) to fulfill obligations with respect to any purchase price due from an investor on a drawdown date that such investor fails to pay or (g) as necessary for us to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the Investment Company Act and the Code.
In addition to engaging in Quarterly Tender Offers, our stockholders were provided with additional liquidity through a special, one-time tender offer launched by CDL Tender Fund 2022-1, L.P. (the “Purchaser”) which commenced on April 5, 2022. The Purchaser accepted for purchase $100 million in aggregate amount of our common stock at a price per share of
$20.13, equal to our net asset value per share, as determined by us on March 29, 2022, which represented 8.71% of the total number of our outstanding shares of common stock as of May 6, 2022.
We entered into separate subscription agreements with qualified investors providing for the private placement of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Initial Private Offering and have entered and intend to continue to enter into separate subscription agreements with qualified investors providing for the private placement of shares of our common stock pursuant to the New Continuous Offering. We intend to have additional closings of capital commitments to purchase our common stock pursuant to the New Continuous Offering.
Investors whose subscription agreements are accepted by us in the New Continuous Offering will be required to fund capital calls to purchase shares of our common stock up to the amount of their respective capital commitments each time we deliver a capital call notice, which will be issued based on our anticipated investment activities and capital needs and at least eight business days prior to funding. All purchases made pursuant to subscription agreements entered into pursuant to the Initial Private Offering 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).
Drawdowns may be issued at any time prior to the expiration of the Investment Period for any permitted purpose. Any capital commitments remaining from the Initial Private Offering terminated as of the date of the first closing in connection with the New Continuous Offering, which occurred on August 2, 2022.
No investor who participated in the Initial Private Offering or the New Continuous 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.
Certain members of our senior management team, Carlyle officers, employees, equity holders, advisors, operating executives, consultants, professionals and affiliates (collectively, the “Sponsor Investors”) have collectively committed to invest approximately $36,000,000 in the Company in connection with the Initial Private Offering. The Sponsor Investors may, but are not required to, purchase additional Shares in connection with the New Continuous Offering.
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.
We and our Investment Adviser have applied for exemptive relief from the SEC that, if granted, will permit us to issue in the New Continuous Offering multiple classes of shares of our common stock with varying sales loads, contingent deferred sales charges, and/or asset-based service and/or distribution fees, the details for which will be finalized at a later date at our discretion (the “Multi-Class Exemptive Relief'”). The SEC has not yet granted the Multi-Class Exemptive Relief, and there is no assurance that the relief will be granted.
In addition, we borrow money from financial institutions and may in the future issue debt securities or preferred stock, 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
CGCIM, our Investment Adviser, manages our investment activities, including sourcing potential investments, conducting research and due diligence on prospective investments, analyzing and structuring our investments and monitoring our investments on an ongoing basis.
Our Investment Adviser is part of Carlyle’s Global Credit segment, and benefits from the more than 230 experienced investment professionals across the origination, capital markets, underwriting and portfolio management teams. Our Investment Adviser’s investment committee that oversees our investment activities comprises several of the most senior credit professionals within the Global Credit segment, with backgrounds and expertise across multiple asset classes with significant industry experience and tenure. The 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 in the future serve, as investment adviser to other existing and future affiliated BDCs that have investment objectives similar to our investment objectives.
On June 26, 2017, the Company entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Investment Adviser. The initial term of the Investment Advisory Agreement was two years from June 26, 2017 and, unless terminated earlier, the Investment Advisory Agreement renewed automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance was 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 October 11, 2021, the Board, including all of its Independent Directors, reviewed the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, considered the mechanics of the changes and the Investment Adviser’s rationale for the changes and approved the terms of the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement for an initial term of two years, conditional upon stockholders’ approval of the proposal to convert the Company to a perpetual life BDC as discussed above.
On January 21, 2022, stockholders approved the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement as discussed above, which we executed on January 22, 2022. The terms of the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement were effective immediately upon execution of the agreement, except that the changes to the calculation of the income-based incentive fee became effective for the calendar quarter ending June 30, 2022. The Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement will continue in effect until January 21, 2024 and, unless terminated earlier, will renew automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of the Board and by the vote of a majority of the Independent Directors. The Amended and Restated 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 Amended and Restated 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.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the management fee was calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 1.00% 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 Original Investment Period (as defined below) 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 “Original 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 Investment Adviser agreed that effective September 12, 2021 the annual rate of its management fee would decrease from a rate of 1.25% to 1.00% of the Company's average Capital Under Management. 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. In connection with the execution of the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement on January 12, 2022, the calculation of the annual base management fee changed to 1.00% of the Company’s net asset value as of the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter (as adjusted for capital called, dividends reinvested, distributions paid and issuer share repurchases made during the current calendar quarter).
Under the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, the incentive fee consists of two parts: an income-based incentive fee and a capital gains incentive fee. Prior to January 12, 2022, the first part was calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equaled 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 was 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 exceeded a 7% annual return on weighted average cumulative capital called less cumulative distributions categorized as Returned Capital. In connection with the execution of the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement on January 12, 2022, the calculation of the income-based incentive fee changed by reducing the income-based incentive fee rate to 12.5% and by reducing the “hurdle rate” to 1.25% (5.0% annualized). The capital gains incentive fee rate was reduced to 12.5%.
Our Administrator
On April 18, 2017, the Company entered into an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with CGCA, our 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 9, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved 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, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer) 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.
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 with access to Carlyle’s finance, operations, legal, compliance and administrative professionals.
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”), pursuant to which State Street provides for certain administrative and professional services. State Street also serves as our custodian.
On May 9, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved the continuance of the Company’s Sub-Administration Agreements for an additional one-year term.
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 Global Investment Solutions. With $373 billion of assets under management (“AUM”) as of December 31, 2022, Carlyle’s teams invest across a range of strategies that leverage its deep industry expertise, local insights, and global resources to deliver attractive returns throughout an investment cycle. Carlyle employs nearly 2,100 employees, including more than 770 investment professionals in 29 offices across five continents, and serves more than 2,900 active carry fund investors from 88 countries.
Carlyle’s Global Credit segment, which had $146.3 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2022, advises products that pursue investment strategies across the credit spectrum, including: liquid credit, illiquid credit, and real assets credit, as well as platform initiatives such as Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund (“CTAC,” or the “Interval Fund”). Global Credit, which also includes Carlyle’s Insurance Solutions and Global Capital Markets businesses, has been Carlyle’s fastest-growing segment in the past four years, with total AUM nearly doubling in 2022 alone. 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. Carlyle draws on the expertise and underwriting capabilities of 233 investment
professionals dedicated to the Global Credit segment and leverages the resources and industry expertise of Carlyle’s global network to provide creative solutions for borrowers.
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 collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other investment vehicles. In 2022, in addition to the acquisition of the management contracts for the CBAM CLO portfolio, Carlyle closed six new U.S. CLOs and three CLOs in Europe with an aggregate size of $2.7 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, Carlyle’s loans and structured credit team advised structured credit funds totaling approximately $50.4 billion in AUM.
Illiquid Credit
•Direct Lending. Carlyle’s direct lending business includes Carlyle’s BDCs that invest primarily in middle market 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. As of December 31, 2022, Carlyle’s direct lending investment team advised AUM totaling approximately $9.4 billion.
•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. The team will also look to invest in real estate and 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). In certain investments, our funds may seek to restructure pre-reorganization debt claims into controlling positions in the equity of the reorganized companies. As of December 31, 2022, Carlyle’s opportunistic credit team advised products totaling approximately $12.8 billion in AUM.
Real Assets Credit
•Aircraft Finance. 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, 2022, Carlyle Aviation Partners had approximately $11.5 billion in AUM across active carry funds, securitization vehicles, liquid strategies, and other vehicles.
•Infrastructure Debt. Carlyle’s 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, 2022, Carlyle’s infrastructure debt team managed approximately $3.7 billion in AUM.
Other Credit
•Platform Initiatives. Carlyle’s platform initiatives include CTAC, its closed-end interval fund which invests across Carlyle’s entire credit platform, as well as cross-platform separately managed accounts which are tailored to invest across Carlyle’s credit platform based on the specific needs of individual investors. These products also include structured solutions which focus on private, primarily investment-grade investments, backed by assets with contractual cash flows. As of December 31, 2022, the Global Credit platform initiatives represented $6.1 billion in AUM.
•Insurance Solutions. Carlyle Insurance Solutions (“CIS”) combines Carlyle’s 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 Carlyle’s investment in Fortitude Re, as well as the strategic advisory services agreement with certain subsidiaries of Fortitude Re. As of December 31, 2022, AUM related to capital raised from third-party investors to acquire a controlling interest in Fortitude Re was $5.7 billion. As of December 31, 2022, AUM related to the strategic advisory services agreement was $45.2 billion, including the net asset value of investments in Carlyle products, which is also reflected in the AUM and fee-earning AUM of the strategy in which they are invested. Fortitude Re and certain Fortitude Re reinsurance counterparties have committed
approximately $9.2 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 L.L.C. 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 or loans, in respect of the activities described above and may elect to waive such fees.
Board of Directors
The Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of seven 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.
Competitive Strengths
Carlyle Global Credit’s key competitive strengths are based on Carlyle’s integrated platform - with a breadth of capabilities, scale of capital and depth of expertise - which Carlyle believes allows it to mitigate competition and thereby improve our ability to deliver on the expectations of shareholders. We believe the following characteristics distinguish Carlyle’s capabilities in private credit:
•Proven Direct Origination Approach. Carlyle Direct Lending’s business directly originates nearly 100% of its investments, sourced from both the dedicated direct lending origination team as well as from the many adjacent capabilities across the Carlyle Global Credit platform. This origination approach has resulted in a strong and diversified flow of opportunities, approximately 1,500 per annum, from which Carlyle believes it can select investments with the best potential risk/reward characteristics.
•Breadth of Capabilities. Carlyle believes it has one of the broadest credit investment capabilities in the market today. As a global private credit platform, Carlyle has the ability to invest across the capital structure in first lien, unitranche, second lien, junior debt and preferred equity. Carlyle Global Credit can potentially serve as a one-stop shop, providing creative and holistic solutions for borrowers across the capital structure, which allows it to pursue investment opportunities with limited competition.
•Scale of Capital. With $146.3 billion of AUM as of December 31, 2022 across its platform, Carlyle Global Credit maintains a significant capital base that can provide a full capital solution, delivering certainty of execution for borrowers and mitigating opportunities for competitive disintermediation.
•Depth of Expertise. Carlyle is a market leading global platform with $373 billion of AUM, an experienced and tenured bench of more than 770 investment professionals with well-established, long-standing relationships with sponsors, management teams, and industry experts, as of December 31, 2022. Carlyle believes that it brings differentiated diligence insights and extensive experience to inform credit selection. As a firm, Carlyle seeks to bring the collective power of the global platform with respect to individual investments, including sector credit analysts, Carlyle Private Equity’s deep knowledge and relationships with potential customers, suppliers or competitors of a given company, and internal dedicated diligence groups (e.g., government affairs and environment, social and corporate governance (“ESG”)). Carlyle believes this integrated and collaborative approach allows it to move faster and with higher conviction than its competitors in many scenarios.
•Rigorous Credit Selection. Carlyle employs a robust, iterative and heavily documented underwriting process for its Direct Lending business, which consists of four “gates” where a credit is reviewed and requires sign-off, including (i) at the point of origination, (ii) by the underwriting team, (iii) by Carlyle Direct Lending’s screening committee (the “Direct Lending Screening Committee” or the “Screening Committee”) and finally (iv) by Carlyle’s Illiquid Credit Investment Committee at our Investment Adviser that oversees our investment activities. This rigorous diligence approach has allowed for a less than 3% closing rate on the approximately 1,500 transactions that were reviewed by the deal team over the past 12 months.
•Defensive Approach. Carlyle approaches the direct lending business with a defensive mindset that permeates all aspects of investment selection. On a strategic level, Carlyle seeks to construct well diversified portfolios, heavily weighted towards non-cyclical industries, and applies only moderate leverage at the portfolio level in order to seek to generate sustainable income levels. In addition, in individual asset selection, Carlyle favors sponsored over non-sponsored borrowers, seeks to transact with sponsors it knows well (approximately 80% of Carlyle Direct Lending’s business is with repeat sponsors), works with companies it knows well via its significant incumbencies, seeks opportunities at the top of the capital structure, and primarily invests in transactions where Carlyle maintains leadership or roles with significant influence (approximately 90% of originations having a titled role in recent years).
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 middle market direct lending asset class has undergone tremendous growth and maturation over the past decade and is one of the largest sub-segments of private credit, a now $1,400+ billion market. Carlyle believes this growth has been driven by fundamentally sound, secular drivers, including the expansion of private market activity, increased bank regulation and consolidation and structural changes in liquid credit markets, all of which create a significant opportunity for private credit investing.
•Benefits of Traditional Middle Market Focus. Carlyle believes that there are meaningful benefits to investing in middle market directly originated assets, which allows the strategy to generate excess return as compared to traditional fixed income asset classes, with comparable risk performance. The excess return is generated by prudently taking incremental complexity and illiquidity risk. Traditional middle market companies offer more attractive economics in the form of upfront fees, spreads and prepayment penalties. In addition, senior secured middle market loans typically have strong defensive characteristics and structural protections, including priority in the capital structure and covenants, with a majority of middle market loans structured with financial covenants relative to the broadly syndicated markets. Additional protection may be gained through better credit documentation and control, enhanced management and diligence access, monitoring of assets, and significantly more influence in the instance of a workout scenario.
•Market Environment Favors Non-Traditional Lenders. The direct lending asset class has also benefited from an ongoing secular trend in the banking industry. Post Great Financial Crisis (“GFC”) in 2008, as tougher regulations have reshaped the landscape, traditional banks have reduced their lending capabilities by nearly 50% over the past ten years. As banks have retreated due to a number of new laws, regulations and regulatory guidance, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the federal bank regulatory agencies’ leveraged lending guidelines and Basel III regulatory capital framework, institutional investors have increased their lending capabilities to fill the void. Post-GFC, institutional investors now originate over 80% of primary leveraged loan issuances in the U.S., generating an incremental capital opportunity for the asset class.
•Favorable Capital Markets Trends. Over the past two decades, Carlyle has witnessed a secular trend with respect to the shift in economic activity from public to privately owned businesses due to less appetite for public market exposure. The number of public companies in the U.S. has dropped by over 50% from its peak, with a mirror image increase in the rise of private equity-backed companies. Overall public listing activity has declined by approximately two-thirds over the past forty years. These privately owned companies often prefer to finance themselves through the private markets, which has allowed for a natural expansion of the market opportunity for direct lenders on a secular basis for over a decade. Given current market dynamics, Carlyle believes that the asset class will continue to expand.
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 primarily composed of investments in senior secured loans, second lien secured loans and, to a significantly lesser
extent, subordinated loans of private, U.S. middle market companies. We also make selective bond, preferred and common equity investments. 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.
While we believe that the criteria listed above are important in identifying and investing in prospective portfolio companies, not all of these criteria will be necessarily met by each prospective portfolio company. In addition, we may change our investment objective, investment strategy and/or investment criteria over time without notice to or consent from our investors.
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 Process
Origination
The direct lending investment team’s multi-channel origination model generates attractive investment opportunities through a variety of sources, including over 250 private equity firms, financial institutions, other middle market lenders, strategic relationships and arrangements, financial advisors, and experienced management teams. The origination team supplements these relationships through personal visits and marketing campaigns focused on maximizing investment deal flow. It is their responsibility to identify specific opportunities, refine opportunities through candid exploration of the underlying facts and circumstances and to apply creative and flexible solutions to solve a borrower or sponsor’s financing needs. The team of origination professionals are located in New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles. Each originator maintains long-standing relationships with potential sources of deal flow and is responsible for covering a specified target market, organized by geography and secondarily by sector. Carlyle believes the originators’ strengths and breadth of relationships across a wide range of markets generate numerous financing opportunities, which enable it to be highly selective through its diligence and investment process, with less than 3% of total deals screened over the past 12 months closing. The direct lending investment team has cultivated very strong relationships with private equity sponsors with whom it works closely in sourcing and executing transactions. Carlyle believes that borrowers benefit from full financing solutions, access to the vast Carlyle network, and reliable execution.
Underwriting
The underwriting process is led by an experienced team of senior underwriters that are organized by sector and benefit from a deep base of shared information enabled by platform integration, as well as Carlyle resources. The typical deal timeline is sixty to ninety days and follows a multi-faceted four-step process:
1.Screening. The deal team reviews marketing materials and industry reports, compiles debt and equity comparables, reaches out to industry experts within the Carlyle network, identifies key credit strengths and risks and formulates a view on structure. The deal team then presents an initial analysis through a screening memo to the Screening Committee for high-level feedback and a decision to move forward with additional credit work. The Screening Committee is comprised of the Head of Direct Lending, the Investment Adviser’s Chief Investment Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Head of Sponsor Coverage, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, and two additional senior Managing Directors. Based on feedback from the committee, the deal team will prepare and disseminate an outcomes email that documents the takeaways from the meeting, including preferred financing structure as well as terms, key diligence items and next steps.
2.Formal Review. Following an indication from the Screening Committee to move forward in the diligence process, the deal team will compile a detailed diligence list and prepare for in-depth credit analysis. During this process, the deal team works closely with the private equity sponsor / borrower in all aspects of due diligence. Formal due diligence includes meeting with the management team, reviewing the data room and performing key financial analyses, creating a detailed financial model with sensitivities assuming various market environments, reviewing sell-side and third-party research, which includes 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 deal team fully leverages all internal Carlyle resources to aid in investment decisions. In addition, the deal team may utilize third-party expert networks to supplement their work to gain further insight into company and industry factors from various thought leaders across the company’s markets.
Our Investment Adviser incorporates formal ESG reviews into its investment process. All deals are thoroughly vetted leveraging sector- and sub-sector-specific Sustainability Accounting Standards Board standards. ESG diligence incorporates country risk assessments for corruption and anti-money laundering concerns as well. The underwriters are responsible for assessing these ESG risks and including their assessment in the deal memo that the Screening and Investment Committees will review.
The formal review part of the process is iterative and involves re-screening with members of the Screening Committee, typically two to four times over the course of the deal, to produce a fulsome investment memo and provide a full term sheet and commitment papers, subject to outstanding diligence items.
3.Final Investment Committee Approval. After the Screening Committee has signed off on the investment memo, the deal team prepares for the Investment Committee approval process. The deal team reviews and summarizes final third-
party industry work, performs outstanding ESG and regulatory due diligence, and begins drafting the definitive legal documentation for the transaction. Once the credit work for the transaction has been finalized, the deal team will finalize the investment memo and present the investment to the Investment Committee, where approval by a majority of the committee is required to approve a transaction. The Investment Committee has delegated approval of certain amendments, follow-on investments with existing borrowers, investments below certain size thresholds (existing or new platforms), and other matters as determined by the Investment Committee to the Screening Committee.
4.Closing. Once the investment has been approved and prior to funding, the deal team will prepare a closing memo documenting any updates since approval, changes to key legal terms, and the final financial covenant analysis. Once the sponsor / borrower legal diligence, and the know your customer, anti-money laundering and legal documentation have been finalized, the transaction will close and fund.
The deal team focuses on lending to companies that it believes are performing, high quality businesses with a focus on strong fundamentals, market leadership with unique competitive advantages and high barriers to entry, positive cash flow generation on a historical and pro-forma basis including downside scenarios, and modest loan-to-value across economic cycles. The deal team crafts a fulsome memo with pages including, but not limited to, diligence completed on a variety of industry, company-specific, financial and legal topics.
Portfolio and Risk Management
The investment team views proactive portfolio monitoring as a vital part of its investment process, which includes the ongoing review of a borrower by portfolio management, underwriting and workout professionals, with multiple layers of risk review and oversight. The investment team follows a rigorous monitoring strategy that utilizes a proprietary dashboard template for each transaction, which tracks financial performance, covenant compliance, follow-on transactions and amendments, and real-time updates to internal risk ratings based on qualitative and quantitative factors. 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 certain investments, 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.
In connection with the quarterly portfolio reviews, the investment team also compiles a quarterly risk report that examines, among other things, migration in the portfolio and loan level investment mix, industry diversification, internal risk ratings, revenue and EBITDA and leverage.
Frequency of review of individual loans is determined on a case-by-case basis, based on internal risk ratings as laid out below, total exposure and other criteria set forth by the Investment Committee. The direct lending team has developed an internal risk policy which regularly assesses the risk profile of each investment and rates them based on the following categories, which are referred to as internal risk ratings.
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 basis 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.
Beyond the policies detailed above, our Investment Adviser’s investment team performs analyses and projections to assess potential exposure of the portfolio to variable macroeconomic factors and market conditions. Sample analyses include assessing (i) the impact of rising operating costs on our borrowers and end consumers due to elevated inflation, particularly in food and energy, (ii) volatility in foreign exchange rates, (iii) Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, (iv) interest rate sensitivity, (v) disruptions in our supply chain and (vi) the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These analyses can take the form of periodic (weekly/monthly/quarterly) reports as well as ad hoc analysis based on current market conditions.
Portfolio Composition
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the fair value of our investments was approximately $2,091 million and $2,070 million, respectively, in 121 and 97 portfolio companies, respectively. The type, geography and industry compositions of our investments, each as a percentage of the fair value of our investments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, were as follows:
As of December 31,
Type-% of Fair Value 2022 2021
First Lien Debt 84.0 % 80.9 %
Second Lien Debt 12.5 16.3
Equity Investments 3.5 2.8
Total 100.0 % 100.0 %
As of December 31,
Type-% of Fair Value of First and Second Lien Debt 2022 2021
Floating Rate 97.7 % 97.6 %
Fixed Rate 2.3 2.4
Total 100.0 % 100.0 %
As of December 31,
Geography-% of Fair Value 2022 2021
Australia 0.1 % - %
Canada 5.4 5.9
Cyprus 1.3 1.4
Italy 0.3 0.2
Luxembourg 3.3 3.4
Sweden - -
United Kingdom 3.1 4.9
United States 86.5 84.2
Total 100.0 % 100.0 %
As of December 31,
Industry-% of Fair Value 2022 2021
Aerospace & Defense 7.8 % 9.4 %
Automotive 5.5 4.9
Beverage & Food 4.9 5.1
Business Services 9.6 8.1
Capital Equipment 4.4 4.8
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber 3.8 3.5
Construction & Building 2.5 2.0
Consumer Goods: Durable - -
Consumer Goods: Non-Durable 0.4 0.2
Consumer Services 6.6 3.1
Containers, Packaging & Glass 4.7 4.6
Diversified Financial Services 7.1 8.0
Energy: Oil & Gas 1.6 2.0
Environmental Industries 3.4 3.7
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 8.0 7.7
High Tech Industries 3.0 5.4
Leisure Products & Services 6.3 5.9
Media: Diversified & Production 1.9 3.3
Metals & Mining 0.4 0.1
Retail 1.5 3.0
Software 13.1 11.1
Sovereign & Public Finance - 1.9
Telecommunications 1.5 1.3
Transportation: Cargo 0.9 -
Utilities: Electric - -
Wholesale 1.1 0.9
Total 100.0 % 100.0 %
See the Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 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
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 line of business as we do or a related line of business 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. 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 must offer, and must provide upon request, 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 Item 1A. “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 Item 1A. “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 Item 1A. “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 from our portfolio companies, 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 Item 1A. “Risk Factors-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” and “-We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.”
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, Joshua Lefkowitz, Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc., One Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 3400, New York, NY 10017.
There have been no material changes to the Rule 17j-1 Codes 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 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 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 $1.235 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 the 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: Carlyle Credit Solutions, 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, CLOs, 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 may 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 the 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, our Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, a Vice President of Carlyle, and our Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary, a Managing Director 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. Our Investment Adviser has entered into a personnel agreement with Carlyle Employee Co., pursuant to which 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.

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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
•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 have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our business and operations.
•Inflation has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the business, results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies.
•Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.
•We are dependent upon our Investment Adviser for our future success, and there are significant potential conflicts of interest that could impact our investment returns.
•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 expect to raise additional capital in the near-term and may need to continue to raise additional capital to grow because we must distribute most of our income and intend to continue to conduct Quarterly Tender Offers.
•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.
•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 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 have increased and may in the future increase our cost of capital, reduce the ability of our portfolio companies to service their debt obligations and decrease our net investment income.
•The discontinuation of LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
•We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.
•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.
•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.
•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, and to issue conditional classes of common stock, subject to our receiving the Multi-Class Exemptive Relief from the SEC to do so.
•Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”) and of our 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, results of operations or those of our portfolio companies.
•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.
Risks Related to Our Investments
•Our investments are risky and speculative, 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 and may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, some of our investments in such companies, and our investment portfolio 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, and 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 ability to enter into transactions with Carlyle and our other affiliates is restricted.
•Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our investments.
•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.
•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 involves a high degree of risk.
•Quarterly Tender Offers are not guaranteed and, if implemented for any given quarter, will be for a limited number of our shares of common stock. You may not be able to sell your shares on timely basis.
•Our common stock is subject to transfer restrictions.
•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 may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
•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 results could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our NAV and the price of any other security that we may issue could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business and Structure
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 have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our business and operations.
U.S. capital markets continue to experience disruptions and volatility, including as a result of inflation, a rising interest rate environment, Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, in January 2023, the outstanding debt of the U.S. reached its statutory limit and the U.S. Treasury Department commenced taking extraordinary measures to prevent the U.S. from defaulting on its obligations. These events have contributed to unpredictable general economic conditions that are materially and adversely impacting the broader financial and credit 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.
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, including as a result of a default or the threat of default on its debt, or the perceived credit worthiness of the U.S. or other large global economies. In addition, the current U.S. political environment and the resulting uncertainties regarding actual and potential shifts in U.S. foreign investment, trade, taxation, economic, environmental and other policies under the current Administration, as well as the impact of geopolitical tension, such as a deterioration in the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China or in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, could lead to disruption, instability and volatility in the global markets. 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. Trade wars and volatility in the U.S. repo market, the U.S. high yield bond markets, the Chinese stock markets and global markets for commodities may affect other financial markets worldwide. 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 risks 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.
The COVID-19 outbreak has led, and for an unknown period of time may continue to lead, to disruptions in local, regional, national and global economic activity, adverse effects on the functioning of financial markets, impacts on market interest rates, increases in economic and market uncertainty, and disruptions to trade and supply chains. While economic activity has improved, disruptions to supply chains may continue and significant inflation has been seen in many segments of the global economy. Recurring COVID-19 outbreaks and the spread of new COVID-19 variants may lead to the re-introduction of public health restrictions. Ineffectual vaccines and treatment options 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 experience an economic downturn, and we anticipate our business and operations could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged economic downturn and uncertainty in the U.S. and other major markets.
Additionally, the Federal Reserve raised the Federal Funds Rate several times over the course of 2022 and early 2023 and is expected to continue to do so while inflation remains above historical levels in the United States. These developments, along with the United States government’s credit and deficit concerns, global economic uncertainties and market volatility and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, have caused and could continue to cause interest rates to be volatile, which may negatively impact our ability to access the capital markets on favorable terms.
Inflation has adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the business, results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies.
Certain of our portfolio companies are in industries that have been impacted by inflation. Recent inflationary pressures have increased the costs of labor, energy and raw materials and have adversely affected consumer spending, economic growth and out portfolio companies’ operations. If such portfolio companies are unable to pass any increases in their costs of operations along to their customers, it could adversely affect their operating results and impact their ability to pay interest and principal on our loans, particularly if interest rates rise in response to inflation. In addition, any projected future decreases in our portfolio companies’ operating results due to inflation could adversely impact the fair value of those investments. Any decreases in the fair value of our investments could result in future realized or unrealized losses and therefore reduce our net assets resulting from operations. Additionally, the Federal Reserve has raised, and has indicated its intent to continue raising, certain benchmark interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. See “-Changes in interest rates have increased and may in the future increase our cost of capital, reduce the ability of our portfolio companies to service their debt obligations and decrease our net investment income.”
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 or pay interest payments. Rising interest rates, inflation, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and supply chain disruptions heighten these risks. 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.
Any deterioration of general economic conditions may lead to significant declines in corporate earnings or loan performance, and the ability of corporate borrowers to service their debt, any of which could trigger a period of global economic slowdown, and have an adverse impact on our performance and financial results, and the value and the liquidity of our investments. In an economic downturn, we could have non-performing assets or an increase in non-performing assets, and we would anticipate that the value of our portfolio would decrease during these periods.
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.
We are dependent upon our Investment Adviser for our future success.
We do not have any employees. We depend on the diligence, skill, judgment 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 the Investment Committee to approve and monitor our middle market portfolio investments. The 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 the Investment Committee and the other investment professionals available to the Investment Adviser. Neither we nor the 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 the 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. The market for qualified professionals is extremely competitive across levels and areas of expertise, and our Investment Adviser may not be successful in its efforts to recruit, retain and motivate these professionals. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shift to a hybrid work model and, in recruiting efforts, our Investment Adviser has seen increased focus by prospective candidates on remote and hybrid work
arrangements and arrangements providing more flexibility, including around location. If there is a permanent shift to a longer-term fully remote model that does not require maintaining close proximity to a company’s offices in the markets in which our Investment Adviser competes for talent, it may experience an even further increase in competition for talent and it may be difficult to recruit and retain investment professionals.
In addition, we cannot assure you that our Investment Adviser 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 our Investment Adviser will replicate 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 Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement and in connection with managing us and certain other investment funds and accounts advised by our Investment Adviser or its affiliates, 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 expect to raise additional capital in the near-term and may need to continue to raise additional capital to grow because we must distribute most of our income and intend to continue to conduct Quarterly Tender Offers.
We expect to continue to issue equity securities in connection with capital drawdowns from our investors in the New Continuous Offering and expect to continue to borrow from financial institutions in the future. We may need to continue to raise additional capital to fund growth in our investments and conduct Quarterly Tender Offers. 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 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 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.
We have borrowed under credit facilities and in the future may borrow under additional debt facilities from financial institutions. As of December 31, 2022, we had outstanding $982 million aggregate principal amount of indebtedness.
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 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.
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 and the Code impose numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs and RICs, respectively, 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 Item 1 “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, 2022, our asset coverage calculated in accordance with the Investment Company Act was 217.21%. 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 any 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, including pursuant to the New Continuous Offering, 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. 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, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, the SPV, entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended, the “SPV Credit Facility”), which was subsequently amended. On May 13, 2020, our other wholly owned subsidiary, Carlyle Credit Solutions SPV LLC (“SPV2”), entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “SPV2 Credit Facility” and together with the SPV Credit Facility, the “Credit Facilities”), which was subsequently amended. Our Credit Facilities impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, remedies on default and similar matters. As of December 31, 2022, 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, 2022, we had $982 million of outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Facilities. Our weighted average effective interest rate as of December 31, 2022, was 6.00%, 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)
(24.21)% (14.66)%
(5.12)%
4.43%
13.97%
(1) Assumes, as of December 31, 2022, (i) $2,198.2 million in total assets, (ii) $982.4 million in outstanding indebtedness, (iii) $1,151.5 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 6.00%.
Based on an outstanding indebtedness of $982.4 million as of December 31, 2022, and the weighted average effective interest rate, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of financing costs), of 6.00% as of that date, our investment portfolio at fair value would have had to produce an annual return of approximately 2.68% 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 have increased and may in the future 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”), the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) and the U.S. Prime Rate (“Prime Rate” or “P”), so an increase in interest rates from their historically low 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. To address ongoing concerns about inflation, the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates over the course of 2022 and currently is expected to do so in 2023.
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, the recent increases in interest rates have made it easier for us to meet or exceed the incentive fee hurdle rate in our Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement and have resulted in increases 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.
The discontinuation of LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The UK Financial Conduct Authority and the administrator of LIBOR have announced that the publication of the most commonly used U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will cease to be provided or cease to be representative after June 30, 2023. The Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act enacted in March 2022 provides a statutory framework to replace USD LIBOR with a benchmark rate based on SOFR for contracts governed by U.S. law that have no fallbacks or fallbacks that would require the use of a poll or LIBOR-based rate. As the transition from LIBOR is ongoing, there continues to be uncertainty as to the ultimate effect of the transition on the financial markets for LIBOR-linked financial instruments.
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 Bank of England’s current nominated replacement for GBP-LIBOR is the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”). Given the inherent differences between LIBOR and SOFR, or any other alternative benchmark rate that may be established, including SONIA, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate.
In any event, LIBOR, to the extent it is published, is likely to perform differently than in the past and, ultimately, cease to exist as a global benchmark going forward. Until an alternative benchmark rate(s) becomes generally accepted and regularly implemented in the market, the uncertainty as to the future of LIBOR, its eventual phase-out, the transition to one or more alternate benchmark rate(s), and the implementation of such new benchmark rate(s) may impact a number of factors, which, either alone or in the aggregate, may cause a material adverse effect on our performance and our ability to achieve its investment objective. The Investment Adviser does not have prior experience in investing during a period of benchmark rate transition and there can be no assurance that the Investment Adviser will be able to manage our business in a profitable manner before, during or after such transition.
The discontinuance of LIBOR will require us to renegotiate credit agreements entered into prior to the discontinuation of LIBOR 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.
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 and the holders of our common stock.
Our executive officers and directors, other current and future principals of our Investment Adviser and certain members of the 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. In addition, our Investment Adviser’s investment team has responsibilities for sourcing and managing 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 Amended and Restated 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 transactions.
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 Amended and Restated 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 management fee is 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, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer) 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. In calculating our performance threshold, we use net assets 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. In particular, a portion of the incentive fees payable to the Investment Adviser is calculated based on the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of the Company’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to a “hurdle rate” of 1.25% per quarter (5% annualized) and a “catch-up” feature. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Accordingly, an increase in leverage may make it easier for the Company to meet or exceed the hurdle rate applicable to the income-based incentive fee and may result in an increase in the amount of income-based incentive fee payable to the Investment Adviser.
Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our common stock. In addition, our Investment Adviser receives the incentive fees based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike that portion of the incentive fees based on income, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the portion of the incentive fees based on net capital gains. As a result, our Investment Adviser may have incentive to invest more capital in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income producing securities. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns.
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 Item 1. “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 Item 1. “Business-Election to be Taxed as a RIC” for additional information.
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, and to issue conditional classes of common stock, subject to our receiving the Multi-Class Exemptive Relief from the SEC to do so.
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, and other classes of common stock, subject to our receiving the Multi-Class Exemptive Relief from the SEC to do so. 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.
Cyber incidents and cyber-attacks have been occurring globally at a more frequent and severe level and are expected to continue to increase in frequency and severity in the future. 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 Investment Adviser and third-party service providers, and the information systems of our portfolio companies. We, our Investment 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 ability to continue to operate depends on the services provided by our Investment Adviser, Administrator and sub-administrators. Each is 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 ability to continue to operate depends on the services provided by our Investment Adviser, Administrator and sub-administrators. Our Investment Adviser, our Administrator, and our sub-administrators each have the right to resign under the Amended and Restated 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 operations 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 Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement for any reason will be an event of default under the SPV Credit Facility or SPV2 Credit Facility, which could result in the immediate acceleration of the amounts due under the SPV Credit Facility or SPV2 Credit Facility.
Our Investment Adviser’s liability is limited under the Amended and Restated 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 Amended and Restated 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 Amended and Restated 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 Amended and Restated 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 Amended and Restated 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 Amended and Restated Investment Advisory 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 “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.
Some of the loans in which we may invest may be “covenant-lite” loans, which means the loans contain fewer covenants than other loans (in some cases, none) and may not include terms which allow the lender to monitor the performance of the borrower and declare a default if certain criteria are breached. An investment by us in a covenant-lite loan may potentially hinder the ability to reprice credit risk associated with the issuer and reduce the ability to restructure a problematic loan and mitigate potential loss. We may also experience delays in enforcing our rights under covenant-lite loans. As a result of these risks, our exposure to losses may be increased, which could result in an adverse impact on our net income and net asset value.
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. Effective September 8, 2022, the Investment Adviser, as the valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act, determines in good faith the fair value of our investment portfolio for which market quotations are not readily available. The Investment Adviser values 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 it in reviewing the determinations 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 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 our 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 Investment Adviser’s 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 securities. 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, including BDCs managed by our Investment Adviser or an affiliate, 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, which has appointed our Investment Adviser as the valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act. 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 our private offerings. 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.
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 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.
Our investments in foreign securities may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Our investment strategy contemplates that a portion of our investments may be in securities of foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. These risks are likely to be more pronounced for investments in companies located in emerging markets and particularly for middle-market companies in these economies.
Although most of our investments are denominated in U.S. dollars, our investments that are denominated in a foreign currency are subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency may change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation, and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we can offer no assurance that we will, in fact, hedge currency risk or, that if we do, such strategies will be effective.
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 payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest 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 involves 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.
Quarterly Tender Offers are not guaranteed and, if implemented for any given quarter, will be for a limited number of our shares of common stock. You may not be able to sell your shares on timely basis.
The Company has conducted, and intends to continue to conduct, the Quarterly Tender Offers, but is not obligated to do so.
In any given quarter, the Investment Adviser may or may not recommend to the Board that the Company conduct a Quarterly Tender Offer. For example, if adverse market conditions occur, the Company does not have available cash on hand or other available capital resources necessary to conduct a Quarterly Tender Offer, or the Board otherwise believes that conducting a Quarterly Tender Offer would impose an undue burden on the Company and its stockholders then the Board, in its discretion, may determine to not conduct a Quarterly Tender Offer or otherwise alter or suspend the Company’s liquidity program. Accordingly, there may be periods during which no Quarterly Tender Offer is made. If during any consecutive 24-month period, the Company does not engage in a Quarterly Tender Offer in which the Company accepts for purchase 100% of properly tendered shares (a “Qualifying Tender”), the Company will not make commitments for new portfolio investments (excluding short-term cash management investments under 30 days in duration) and will reserve available assets to satisfy future tender requests until a Qualifying Tender occurs, subject to the Company continuing to use available funds and liquidity for certain purposes.
If a Quarterly Tender Offer is not made, stockholders may not be able to sell their shares in the relevant quarter or, if they are able to sell their shares, may be able to sell such shares only at substantial discounts from net asset value. In addition, any Quarterly Tender Offers and the Special Tender Offer will be for a limited number of our shares of common stock.
If the Company does conduct Quarterly Tender Offers, it may be required to sell portfolio securities it would otherwise hold to purchase shares that are tendered, which may result in losses and may increase Company expenses as a percentage of net assets.
Although the Company is permitted to borrow money to finance the repurchase of shares pursuant to the Quarterly Tender Offers, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain such financing at the time of any particular tender offer or that capacity will be available under any financing the Company has arranged to fund such tender offer.
Because stockholders will be able to participate in one or more Quarterly Tender Offers only up to their pro rata share of the number of shares of common stock tendered if the applicable tender offer is oversubscribed, stockholders may not be able to exit the Company or sell their desired amount of shares through one or more Quarterly Tender Offers.
Our common stock is 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.
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. 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 or fail to comply with certain covenants. 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. Investing a greater amount of assets in equity securities that do not pay current dividends may also inhibit our ability to make required interest payments to holders of our debt, which may cause a default under the terms of our debt agreements. Such a default could materially increase our cost of raising capital, as well as cause us to incur penalties under the terms of our debt agreements.
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 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 Item 1. “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 Item 1. “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 Item 1. “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 Item 1. “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 Item 1. “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 March 13, 2023, there were approximately 2,888 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, and reinvested in additional shares of common stock pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan as described below under “-Dividend Reinvestment Plan” unless a stockholder has opted out of the plan or is otherwise not a participant in the plan. 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.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan, pursuant to which we will reinvest all cash dividends declared by the Board of Directors on behalf of our stockholders on shares of our common stock purchased in the New Continuous Offering who do not elect to receive their dividends on such shares in cash. As a result, if the Board of Directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend or other distribution on shares of common stock purchased in the New Continuous Offering, then stockholders who have not opted out of our dividend reinvestment plan with respect to such shares will have their cash distributions on such shares purchased in the New Continuous Offering automatically reinvested in additional shares, rather than receiving the cash dividend or other distribution.
We intend to use newly issued shares of common stock to implement the plan. Shares issued under the dividend reinvestment plan will not reduce outstanding capital commitments. The plan may be terminated by the Company at any time upon notice in writing mailed to each stockholder of record.
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.
Share Repurchases
In the second quarter of 2022, we commenced a quarterly liquidity program pursuant to which we expect to conduct Quarterly Tender Offers to repurchase up to 3.5% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of the end of the calendar quarter immediately prior to the quarter in which the Quarterly Tender Offer is conducted, at a per share price based on the net asset value per share as of the last day of the quarter in which the Quarterly Tender Offer is conducted. However, the Board of Directors has the discretion to determine whether or not we will purchase common stock from stockholders, and we are not required to conduct tender offers on a quarterly basis or at all. If during any consecutive 24-month period, we do not engage in a Qualifying Tender, we will not make commitments for new portfolio investments (excluding short-term cash management investments under 30 days in duration) and, will reserve available assets to satisfy future tender requests until a Qualifying Tender occurs, subject to our continuing to use available funds and liquidity for certain purposes, as described in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K “Business - Corporate Structure.”
During the three months ended December 31, 2022, we repurchased in October 2022, upon completion of our tender offer that commenced September 29, 2022, 2,108,344 shares for a purchase price of $19.87 per share, or approximately $41.9 million in aggregate. In August 2022 and December 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the repurchase of 8,547 and 4,162 shares of the Company, respectively, which had been tendered by the investors in the Quarterly Tender Offers. These shares were not repurchased in the Quarterly Tender Offers and instead were repurchased by the Company at the prices per share of $19.80, or $170, and $19.87, or $83, respectively.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6.[Reserved]

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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 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, 2022 and 2021, including year-to-year comparisons between these years. Our MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2021, including year-to-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020, 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, 2021.
OVERVIEW
Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc., a Maryland corporation is a specialty finance company that is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company. We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act and have operated our business as a BDC since we began our investment activities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. We were incorporated in February 2017. We conducted the Initial Private Offering and intend to conduct the New Continuous 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. We have an indefinite term. Our principal executive offices are located at One Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 3400, New York, New York 10017.
Our investment objective is to generate attractive risk adjusted returns and current income primarily through assembling a portfolio of 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, which we define as companies with approximately $25 million to $100 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), supported by financial sponsors. This core strategy is opportunistically supplemented with differentiated and complementary lending and 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 investments that are typically higher yielding than Middle Market Senior Loans (which may include unsecured debt, mezzanine debt and investments in equities).
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. The Investment Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving our investment opportunities. The members of the Investment Committee include several of the most senior credit professionals within the Global Credit segment, with backgrounds and expertise across multiple asset classes with significant industry experience and tenure. As of December 31, 2022, our Investment Adviser’s investment team included a team of more than 230 investment professionals across the Carlyle Global Credit segment. The Investment Committee has delegated approval of certain amendments, follow-on investments with existing borrowers, investments below certain size thresholds (existing or new platforms), and other matters as determined by the Investment Committee to the Screening Committee. 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, relationships 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 or SOFR. 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 the Amended and Restated 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 the Administration Agreement between us and our Administrator; (iii) debt service and other costs of borrowings or other financing arrangements; and (iv) other operating expenses as detailed below:
•administration fees payable under our Administration Agreement and 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;
•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 management, 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 decline.
PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY
Below is a summary of certain characteristics of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2022, and 2021.
As of December 31,
2022 2021
Number of investments 156 126
Number of portfolio companies 121 97
Number of industries 26 25
Percentage of total investment fair value:
First Lien Debt 84.0 % 80.9 %
Second Lien Debt 12.5 % 16.3 %
Total secured debt 96.5 % 97.2 %
Equity investments 3.5 % 2.8 %
Percentage of debt investment fair value:
Floating rate(1)
97.7 % 97.6 %
Fixed interest rate 2.3 % 2.4 %
(1) Primarily subject to interest rate floors
Our investment activity for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 is presented below (information presented herein is at amortized cost unless otherwise indicated):
For the years ended December 31,
2022 2021
Investments:
Total investments, beginning of period $ 2,070,975 $ 1,833,385
New investments purchased 543,779 717,596
Net accretion of discount on investments 11,661 10,547
Net realized gain (loss) on investments (343) 10,822
Investments sold or repaid (486,288) (501,375)
Total Investments, end of period $ 2,139,784 $ 2,070,975
Principal amount of investments funded:
First Lien Debt $ 536,173 $ 598,411
Second Lien Debt 1,282 98,406
Equity Investments(1)
17,955 29,591
Total funded $ 555,410 $ 726,408
Principal amount of investments sold or repaid:
First Lien Debt $ (412,129) $ (452,112)
Second Lien Debt (71,338) (34,041)
Equity Investments(1)
(1,130) (13,878)
Total sold or repaid $ (484,597) $ (500,031)
Number of new funded investments 39 46
Average amount of new funded investments $ 13,943 $ 15,600
Percentage of new funded debt investments at floating interest rates 100 % 100 %
Percentage of new funded debt investments at fixed interest rates - % - %
(1) Based on cost/proceeds of equity activity. The prior period has been conformed to the current presentation.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, investments consisted of the following:
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
First Lien Debt $ 1,802,253 $ 1,755,773 $ 1,683,550 $ 1,674,715
Second Lien Debt 269,498 260,934 338,076 337,899
Equity Investments 68,033 74,164 49,349 57,469
Total $ 2,139,784 $ 2,090,871 $ 2,070,975 $ 2,070,083
The weighted average yields(1) for our first and second lien debt, based on the amortized cost and fair value as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, were as follows:
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
First Lien Debt 11.2 % 11.5 % 7.7 % 7.8 %
Second Lien Debt 12.7 % 13.1 % 9.1 % 9.1 %
First and Second Lien Debt Total 11.4 % 11.7 % 8.0 % 8.0 %
(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, 2022 and 2021. 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.
Total weighted average yields (which includes the effect of accretion of discount and amortization of premiums) of our first and second lien debt investments as measured on an amortized cost basis increased from 8.0% to 11.4% from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The increase in weighted average yields was primarily due to rising benchmark interest rates.
The following table summarizes the fair value of our performing and non-accrual/non-performing investments as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Fair Value Percentage Fair Value Percentage
Performing $ 2,083,695 99.7 % $ 2,059,247 99.5 %
Non-accrual(1)
7,176 0.3 % 10,836 0.5 %
Total $ 2,090,871 100.0 % $ 2,070,083 100.0 %
(1) For information regarding our non-accrual policy, see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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”. Pursuant to these risk policies, an Internal Risk Rating of 1 - 5, which ratings are defined below, is assigned to each debt investment in our portfolio. Key drivers of internal risk ratings include 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 basis 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 risk 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 assigned as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in millions) Fair Value % of Fair Value Fair Value % of Fair Value
Internal Risk Rating 1 $ 85.0 4.2 % $ 39.6 2.0 %
Internal Risk Rating 2 1,678.8 83.2 1,671.7 83.1
Internal Risk Rating 3 245.7 12.2 290.5 14.4
Internal Risk Rating 4 7.2 0.4 - -
Internal Risk Rating 5 - - 10.8 0.5
Total $ 2,016.7 100.0 % $ 2,012.6 100.0 %
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the weighted average Internal Risk Rating of our debt investment portfolio was 2.1 for both periods. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, one of our debt investments, with an aggregate fair value of $7.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively, was assigned an Internal Risk Rating of 4-5. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, one first lien debt investment in the portfolio with a fair value of $7.2 million and $10.8 million was on non-accrual status, which represented approximately 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively, 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, 2022 and 2021.
See the Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, in our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for more information on our investments, including a list of companies and type and amount of investments.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
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.
Net investment income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Total investment income $ 197,695 $ 166,324 $ 141,975
Total expenses (including Excise tax expense) 78,586 63,196 55,584
Net investment income (loss) $ 119,109 $ 103,128 $ 86,391
Investment Income
Investment income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
First Lien Debt $ 161,937 $ 139,353 $ 113,748
Second Lien Debt 30,135 25,488 26,785
Equity Investments 5,623 1,481 1,378
Cash - 2 64
Total investment income $ 197,695 $ 166,324 $ 141,975
The increase in investment income for the year ended December 31, 2022 from the comparable period in 2021 was primarily driven by an increase in interest income from higher weighted average interest rates and a higher average investment balance. As of December 31, 2022, the size of our portfolio increased to $2,139,784 from $2,070,975 as of December 31, 2021,
at amortized cost. As of December 31, 2022, the weighted average yield of our first and second lien debt on amortized cost increased to 11.4% from 8.0% as of December 31, 2021, on amortized cost, primarily due to rising benchmark interest rates on existing investments.
The increase in investment income for the year ended December 31, 2021 from the comparable period in 2020 was primarily driven by a higher average investment balance. As of December 31, 2021, the size of our portfolio increased to $2,070,975 from $1,833,385 as of December 31, 2020, at amortized cost. As of December 31, 2021, the weighted average yield of our first and second lien debt increased to 8.0% from 7.8% as of December 31, 2020, on amortized cost, primarily due to new fundings being originated at a higher weighted average yield than the yield of positions that were repaid or were sold.
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.
Expenses
Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 comprised the following:
For the years ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Management fees $ 11,770 $ 12,351 $ 11,631
Net investment income incentive fee 17,961 18,198 15,256
Professional fees 3,525 2,038 1,490
Administrative service fees 1,419 892 430
Interest expense and credit facility fees 40,953 27,502 24,941
Directors’ fees and expenses 351 335 239
Other general and administrative 2,527 1,880 1,597
Excise tax expense 80 100 -
Total expenses $ 78,586 $ 63,296 $ 55,584
Interest expense and credit facility fees for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were comprised of the following:
For the years ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Interest expense $ 38,136 $ 25,837 $ 22,425
Facility unused commitment fee 1,105 270 992
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,712 1,395 1,524
Total interest expense and credit facility fees $ 40,953 $ 27,502 $ 24,941
Cash paid for interest expense and credit facility fees $ 31,433 $ 24,642 $ 21,675
Average principal debt outstanding $ 923,838 $ 961,892 $ 726,109
Weighted average interest rate 4.07 % 2.65 % 3.04 %
The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 from the comparable period in 2021 was driven by higher weighted average interest rates. The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 from the comparable period in 2020 was driven by increased draws under the Credit Facilities related to increased deployment of capital for investments, offset by lower borrowing costs.
Below is a summary of the base management fees and incentive fees incurred during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Base management fees $ 11,770 $ 12,351 $ 11,631
Incentive fees on pre-incentive fee net investment income 17,961 18,198 15,256
Realized capital gains incentive fees - - -
Accrued capital gains incentive fees - - -
Total capital gains incentive fees - - -
Total incentive fees 17,961 18,198 15,256
Total base management fees and incentive fees $ 29,731 $ 30,549 $ 26,887
The decrease in management fees for the year ended December 31, 2022 from the comparable period in 2021 was driven by a reduction in our management fee from 1.25% to 1.0% that was effective on September 12, 2021. The decrease in incentive fees for the year ended December 31, 2022 from the comparable period in 2021 was driven by a reduction in our incentive fee rate in connection with the January 12, 2022 amendment and restatement of the Investment Advisory Agreement, partially offset by higher pre-incentive fee net investment income. The increase in management fees and incentive fees for the year ended December 31, 2021 from the comparable period in 2020 was driven by our increased deployment of capital and increased net investment income.
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we recorded no accrued capital gains incentive fees based upon our cumulative net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020. 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. 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. The increase in professional fees for the year ended December 31, 2022 from the comparable period in 2021 was primarily driven by higher legal fees due to the Company's conversion to a perpetual life BDC and ongoing activities associated therewith. 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, sub-administrative fees and other costs.
Net Realized Gain (Loss) and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we had realized gains on 8 investments totaling $5,578, offset by realized losses on 5 investments totaling $5,921. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we had realized gains on 15 investments totaling $10,949, offset by realized losses on 1 investment totaling $127. 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 years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we had a change in unrealized appreciation on 35, 91, and 64 investments, respectively, totaling $20,381, $42,839, and $24,270, respectively, which were offset by a change in unrealized depreciation on 134, 58, and 60 investments, respectively, totaling $68,402, $21,881, and $47,837, respectively.
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ (343) $ 10,822 $ (5,153)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (48,021) 20,958 (23,512)
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments $ (48,364) $ 31,780 $ (28,665)
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments by the types of investments for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
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 $ 3,532 $ (37,645) $ 1,426 $ 2,037 $ (4,697) $ (10,809)
Second Lien Debt (5,615) (8,387) (127) 14,447 (10) (15,160)
Equity Investments 1,740 (1,989) 9,523 4,474 (446) 2,402
Total $ (343) $ (48,021) $ 10,822 $ 20,958 $ (5,153) $ (23,567)
Net change in unrealized depreciation in our investments for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily driven by wider market yields, compared to a net change in unrealized appreciation in our investments for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was primarily driven by improving credit fundamentals and tightening market yields. Net change in unrealized depreciation in our investments for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 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 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, the repurchase of our shares through the Quarterly Tender Offer, and for other general corporate purposes. 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 which may arise at our portfolio companies.
Credit Facilities
We entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility with a lender on October 3, 2017, as amended from time to time (the “Subscription Facility”). The Subscription Facility was terminated and repaid in full on October 3, 2022. The Company was able to borrow amounts in U.S. Dollars or certain other permitted currencies. Borrowings under the Subscription Facility accrued interest at LIBOR plus an applicable spread of 1.95% per year, subject to a 0.50% floor on LIBOR. The Company was also required to pay an undrawn commitment fee of 0.25% per year. Subject to certain exceptions, the Subscription Facility was 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”), as amended from time to time. As of December 31, 2022, the maximum principal amount of the SPV Credit Facility was $700,000, 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, 2026, 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 SOFR (or, if applicable, a rate based on the prime rate or federal funds rate) plus 2.50% per year. 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 SPV Credit Facility is secured by 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 SPV Credit Facility, the “Credit Facilities”), as amended from time to time. The SPV2 Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to a principal amount of $550,000, 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 March 7, 2025 and a maturity date of March 7, 2030. 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 2.40% per year. 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, the SPV and SPV2 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 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, 2022 and 2021, we had $73,760 and $65,838, respectively, in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. The Credit Facilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
December 31, 2022
Total Facility Borrowings
Outstanding Unused
Portion (1)
Amount
Available (2)
SPV Credit Facility $ 700,000 $ 622,104 $ 77,896 $ 39,299
SPV2 Credit Facility 550,000 360,300 189,700 99,200
Total $ 1,250,000 $ 982,404 $ 267,596 $ 138,499
December 31, 2021
Total Facility Borrowings
Outstanding Unused
Portion (1)
Amount
Available (2)
Subscription Facility $ 50,000 $ 30,190 $ 19,810 $ 1,744
SPV Credit Facility 700,000 594,357 105,643 30,961
SPV2 Credit Facility 450,000 342,400 107,600 107,600
Total $ 1,200,000 $ 966,947 $ 233,053 $ 140,305
(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, 2022 and 2021 were 58,396,516 and 57,005,057, respectively.
The following table summarizes activity in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
For the year ended December 31,
2022 2021
Shares outstanding, beginning of period 57,005,057 49,062,820
Common stock issued 5,507,688 7,942,237
Repurchase of common stock (4,116,229) -
Shares outstanding, end of period 58,396,516 57,005,057
In the second quarter of 2022, the Company commenced a quarterly liquidity program pursuant to which the Company expects to conduct Quarterly Tender Offers to repurchase up to 3.5% of the number of shares of its common stock outstanding as of the end of the calendar quarter immediately prior to the quarter in which the Quarterly Tender Offer is conducted, at a per share price based on the net asset value per share as of the last date of the quarter in which the Quarterly Tender Offer is conducted.
The Company completed two Quarterly Tender Offers during the year ended December 31, 2022. An aggregate of 4,103,520 shares of common stock were repurchased pursuant to these Quarterly Tender Offers for an aggregate of $81,397. In August 2022 and December 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the repurchase of 8,547 and 4,162 shares of the Company, respectively, which had been tendered by the investors in the Quarterly Tender Offers. These shares were not repurchased in the Quarterly Tender Offers and instead were repurchased by the Company at the prices per share of $19.80, or $170, and $19.87, or $83, respectively.
On December 30, 2022, the Company commenced a Quarterly Tender Offer pursuant to which the Company offered to repurchase up to 2,117,816 shares, representing 3.5% of the number of shares of its common stock as of September 30, 2022. On January 30, 2023, the Quarterly Tender Offer expired and the Company accepted 2,117,816 shares for purchase, representing approximately 3.6% of the total number of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The purchase price of the shares tendered is the Company’s net asset value as of December 31, 2022, or $19.72 per share. For more information on the Quarterly Tender Offers, see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Dividends and Distributions
The following table summarizes our dividends declared and payable during the three most recent fiscal years:
Date Declared Record Date Payment Date Per Share Amount
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
March 30, 2021 March 30, 2021 April 16, 2021 $ 0.48
June 29, 2021 June 29, 2021 July 16, 2021 $ 0.48
September 29, 2021 September 29, 2021 October 15, 2021 $ 0.49
December 30, 2021 December 30, 2021 January 18, 2022 $ 0.48
March 25, 2022 March 25, 2022 April 18, 2022 $ 0.60 (1)
June 15, 2022 June 15, 2022 July 19, 2022 $ 0.48
September 14, 2022 September 14, 2022 October 19, 2022 $ 0.51
December 21, 2022 December 21, 2022 January 20, 2023 $ 0.52 (1)
(1) Includes capital gain distribution of $0.103745 per share for the April 18, 2022 dividend payment and $0.053510 per share for the January 20, 2023 dividend payment.
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. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, no accrual has been made for any such exposure in the consolidated financial statements, included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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,
2022 2021
Unfunded delayed draw commitments $ 79,647 $ 66,093
Unfunded revolving commitments 79,427 70,272
Total unfunded commitments $ 159,074 $ 136,365
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. These estimates and judgments are based on historical information, information currently available to us and on various other assumptions management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could vary from those estimates and we may change our estimates and assumptions in future evaluations. Changes in these estimates and assumptions may have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We believe the critical accounting policies discussed below affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part II, Item 8, as well as 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. Effective September 8, 2022, the Investment Adviser, as the valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act, determines in good faith the fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio for which market quotations are not readily available. The Investment Adviser 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 Investment Adviser 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 Investment Adviser determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to U.S. GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. The Investment Adviser 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, 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 other than Credit Fund 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) if applicable, prior to September 8, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) reviewed the assessments of the Investment Adviser and the third-party valuation firm; and (v) if applicable, prior to September 8, 2022, the Board of Directors discussed the valuation recommendations of the Audit Committee and determined 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, 2022 and 2021.
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 for further information on fair value measurements.
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
Non-Accrual Income
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 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 current or there is no longer any reasonable doubt that such principal or interest will be collected in full and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. Management may determine not to 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 SPV2 are disregarded entities for tax purposes and are consolidated with the tax return of the Company.

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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. Our Investment Adviser, as the valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act, values our investments for which market quotations are not readily available in good faith at fair value 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. In addition, 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, 2022, on a fair value basis, approximately 2.3% of our debt investments bear interest at a fixed rate and approximately 97.7% of our 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 or SOFR, with many of these investments also having a reference rate floor. Additionally, our Credit Facilities are also subject to floating interest rates and are typically paid based on floating LIBOR or SOFR 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, 2022 and 2021. These hypothetical calculations are based on a model of the settled debt investments in our portfolio held as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022 As of December 31, 2021
Basis Point Change Interest Income Interest Expense Net Investment Income Interest Income Interest Expense Net Investment Income
Up 300 basis points $ 61,521 $ (29,472) $ 32,049 $ 46,242 $ (28,722) $ 17,520
Up 200 basis points $ 41,014 $ (19,648) $ 21,366 $ 26,312 $ (19,024) $ 7,288
Up 100 basis points $ 20,507 $ (9,824) $ 10,683 $ 6,396 $ (9,326) $ (2,930)
Down 100 basis points $ (20,379) $ 9,824 $ (10,555) $ (178) $ 1,870 $ 1,692
Down 200 basis points $ (40,733) $ 19,343 $ (21,390) $ (178) $ 1,870 $ 1,692
Down 300 basis points $ (60,198) $ 28,792 $ (31,406) $ (178) $ 1,870 $ 1,692

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42)
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc. (the “Company”), including the consolidated schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022, 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, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022, 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, 2022 and 2021, by correspondence with the custodian, debt agents, and the underlying investees; when replies were not received from the debt agents and the underlying investees, we performed other auditing procedures. 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.
Tysons, VA
March 13, 2023
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
ASSETS
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated, at fair value (amortized cost of $2,139,784 and $2,070,975, respectively) $ 2,090,871 $ 2,070,083
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 73,760 65,838
Receivable for investments sold 2,107 5,424
Interest and dividend receivable 21,648 24,410
Prepaid expenses and other assets 9,427 7,389
Receivable for issuance of common stock 349 3,846
Total assets $ 2,198,162 $ 2,176,990
LIABILITIES
Secured borrowings (Note 5)
$ 982,404 $ 966,947
Payable for investments purchased 97 93
Due to Investment Adviser - 448
Interest and credit facility fees payable (Note 5)
13,559 5,576
Dividend Payable (Note 7)
30,366 27,362
Management and incentive fees payable (Note 4)
7,703 7,763
Administrative service fees payable (Note 4)
854 239
Common stock proceeds received in advance 8,860 -
Other accrued expenses and liabilities 2,818 2,321
Total liabilities 1,046,661 1,010,749
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6 and 9)
NET ASSETS
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 58,396,516, and 57,005,057 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively 584 570
Paid-in capital in excess of par value 1,188,720 1,160,819
Total distributable earnings (loss) (37,803) 4,852
Total net assets $ 1,151,501 $ 1,166,241
NET ASSETS PER SHARE $ 19.72 $ 20.46
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Investment income:
From non-controlled/non-affiliated investments:
Interest income $ 179,764 $ 153,485 $ 127,818
PIK income 10,937 6,818 4,110
Other income 6,994 6,021 10,047
Total investment income 197,695 166,324 141,975
Expenses:
Management fees (Note 4)
11,770 12,351 11,631
Net investment income incentive fee (Note 4)
17,961 18,198 15,256
Professional fees 3,525 2,038 1,490
Administrative service fees (Note 4)
1,419 892 430
Interest expense and credit facility fees (Note 5)
40,953 27,502 24,941
Directors’ fees and expenses 351 335 239
Other general and administrative 2,527 1,880 1,597
Total expenses 78,506 63,196 55,584
Net investment income (loss) before taxes 119,189 103,128 86,391
Excise tax expense 80 100 -
Net investment income (loss) 119,109 103,028 86,391
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
Net realized gain (loss) from:
Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (343) 10,822 (5,153)
Currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities (410) (136) (1,887)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation):
Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (48,021) 20,958 (23,512)
Net change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities 8,551 5,469 (3,653)
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and non-investment assets and liabilities (40,223) 37,113 (34,205)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $ 78,886 $ 140,141 $ 52,186
Basic and diluted earnings per common share (Note 7)
$ 1.36 $ 2.75 $ 1.18
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding-basic and diluted (Note 7)
57,991,971 50,982,223 44,300,431
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations:
Net investment income (loss) $ 119,109 $ 103,028 $ 86,391
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and non-investment assets and liabilities (753) 10,686 (7,040)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (48,021) 20,958 (23,512)
Net change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities 8,551 5,469 (3,653)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations 78,886 140,141 52,186
Capital transactions:
Common stock issued 109,868 165,000 259,820
Repurchase of common stock (81,649) - -
Dividends declared (Note 10)
(121,845) (102,036) (85,979)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions (93,626) 62,964 173,841
Net increase (decrease) in net assets (14,740) 203,105 226,027
Net assets at beginning of year 1,166,241 963,136 737,109
Net assets at end of year $ 1,151,501 $ 1,166,241 $ 963,136
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollar amounts in thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $ 78,886 $ 140,141 $ 52,186
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 1,712 1,395 1,524
Net accretion of discount on investments (11,661) (10,547) (7,966)
Paid-in-kind interest (13,386) (7,200) (5,829)
Net realized (gain) loss on investments and non-investment
assets and liabilities 753 (10,686) 7,040
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments 48,021 (20,958) 23,512
Net change in unrealized currency (gains) losses on non-investment asset and liabilities (8,551) (5,469) 3,653
Cost of investments purchased and change in payable for investments purchased (530,777) (710,576) (696,100)
Proceeds from sales and repayments of investments and change in receivable for investments sold 489,606 497,610 244,617
Changes in operating assets:
Interest receivable 2,762 (11,774) 172
Prepaid expenses and other assets (2,038) (713) (346)
Changes in operating liabilities:
Due to Investment Adviser (448) (38) (30)
Interest and credit facility fees payable 7,983 106 1,245
Management and incentive fee payable (60) 326 2,533
Administrative service fees payable 615 179 27
Other accrued expenses and liabilities 497 640 297
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 63,914 (137,564) (373,465)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of change in receivable for issuance of common stock and common stock received in advance 122,225 163,116 259,820
Repurchase of common stock (81,649) - -
Borrowings on Credit Facilities 394,733 445,420 702,597
Repayments of Credit Facilities (370,748) (354,096) (475,381)
Dividends paid in cash (118,841) (98,440) (79,488)
Debt issuance costs paid (1,712) (2,815) (2,803)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (55,992) 153,185 404,745
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 7,922 15,621 31,280
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year 65,838 50,217 18,937
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year $ 73,760 $ 65,838 $ 50,217
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest, including credit facility fees, paid during the year $ 31,433 $ 24,642 $ 21,675
Taxes, including excise tax, paid during year $ - $ - $ -
Dividends declared during the year $ 121,845 $ 102,036 $ 85,979
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
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 (84.0% of fair value)
ADPD Holdings, LLC ^+# (2)(3)(6)(13) Consumer Services SOFR 6.00%
10.37% 8/16/2022 8/15/2028 $ 19,826 $ 19,300 $ 19,141 1.66 %
Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company ^+ (2)(3)(6) Containers, Packaging & Glass LIBOR 6.25%
10.67% 12/17/2020 12/17/2026 17,099 16,818 16,899 1.47
Airnov, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Containers, Packaging & Glass LIBOR 5.00%
9.75% 12/20/2019 12/19/2025 25,253 25,031 25,094 2.18
Allied Universal Holdco LLC ^ (2)(3)(13) Business Services LIBOR 3.75%
8.17% 2/17/2021 5/14/2028 493 494 467 0.04
Alpine Acquisition Corp II ^+ (2)(3)(6)(13) Transportation: Cargo SOFR 5.50%
9.76% 4/19/2022 11/30/2026 20,889 20,467 19,988 1.74
American Physician Partners, LLC +# (2)(3)(13) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals SOFR 6.75%, 3.50% PIK
14.67% 1/7/2019 8/5/2022 41,107 41,107 35,486 3.08
American Physician Partners, LLC ^ (2)(3)(6)(13) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals SOFR 6.75%, 3.50% PIK
14.67% 12/16/2022 2/15/2023 838 801 788 0.07
Analogic Corporation ^+# (2)(3)(6) Capital Equipment LIBOR 5.25%
9.67% 6/22/2018 6/22/2024 27,226 27,083 26,552 2.31
Applied Technical Services, LLC ^ (2)(3)(6) Business Services LIBOR 5.75%
10.52% 12/29/2020 12/29/2026 533 524 531 0.06
Appriss Health, LLC ^+# (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 7.25%
11.54% 5/6/2021 5/6/2027 44,333 43,605 42,519 3.69
Apptio, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Software LIBOR 6.00%
9.94% 1/10/2019 1/10/2025 36,961 36,660 36,961 3.21
Ascend Buyer, LLC # (2)(3)(6)(13) Containers, Packaging & Glass SOFR 6.25%
10.67% 9/30/2021 9/30/2028 12,497 12,264 12,255 1.06
Associations, Inc. ^# (2)(3)(6) Construction & Building SOFR 4.00%, 2.50% PIK
11.04% 7/2/2021 7/2/2027 12,851 12,751 12,448 1.08
Atlas AU Bidco Pty Ltd (Australia) ^ (2)(3)(6)(7) High Tech Industries SOFR 7.25%
11.48% 12/15/2022 12/12/2029 1,445 1,398 1,398 0.12
Aurora Lux FinCo S.Á.R.L. (Luxembourg) +# (2)(3)(7) Software LIBOR 6.00%
10.32% 12/24/2019 12/24/2026 36,469 35,892 34,463 2.99
Avalara, Inc. +# (2)(3)(6) Diversified Financial Services SOFR 7.25%
11.83% 10/19/2022 10/19/2028 13,500 13,139 13,051 1.13
Barnes & Noble, Inc. +# (2)(3)(10)(13) Retail SOFR 8.31%
12.73% 8/7/2019 12/20/2026 27,848 27,105 26,771 2.32
BlueCat Networks, Inc. (Canada) ^+ (2)(3)(6)(7) High Tech Industries SOFR 4.00%, 2.00% PIK
10.46% 8/8/2022 8/8/2028 12,794 12,503 12,367 1.08
BMS Holdings III Corp. +# (2)(3) Construction & Building LIBOR 5.50%
10.23% 9/30/2019 9/30/2026 29,057 28,625 28,534 2.48
Bradyifs Holdings, LLC # (2)(3)(6)(13) Wholesale SOFR 6.25%
10.83% 2/21/2020 11/22/2025 19,437 19,190 19,215 1.67
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
Bubbles Bidco S.P.A. (Italy) ^ (2)(6)(7) Consumer Goods: Non-Durable LIBOR 9.25% (100% PIK)
11.38% 10/20/2021 10/20/2028 € 5,189 $ 5,815 $ 5,505 0.48 %
Bubbles Bidco S.P.A. (Italy) ^ (2)(6)(7) Consumer Goods: Non-Durable LIBOR 6.25%
8.38% 10/20/2021 10/20/2028 € - - (40) -
Celerion Buyer, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals SOFR 6.50%
10.64% 11/3/2022 11/3/2029 $ 1,576 1,528 1,527 0.13
Chartis Holding, LLC ^+# (2)(3)(6) Business Services LIBOR 5.00%
9.77% 5/1/2019 5/1/2025 38,764 38,396 38,488 3.34
Chemical Computing Group ULC (Canada) ^+ (2)(3)(6)(7)(13) Software SOFR 4.50%
8.57% 8/30/2018 8/30/2024 14,231 14,195 14,019 1.22
CircusTrix Holdings, LLC ^+ (2)(3) Leisure Products & Services LIBOR 5.50%
9.88% 2/2/2018 1/16/2024 10,555 10,531 10,476 0.91
CircusTrix Holdings, LLC ^ (2)(3) Leisure Products & Services LIBOR 5.50%
9.88% 1/8/2021 7/16/2023 557 500 557 0.05
Comar Holding Company, LLC +# (2)(3)(6) Containers, Packaging & Glass LIBOR 5.75%
10.47% 6/18/2018 6/18/2024 42,400 42,137 40,944 3.56
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) ^+# (2)(3)(6)(7) Software SOFR 5.50%
9.17% 7/2/2019 7/2/2026 55,639 54,975 55,065 4.78
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) # (2)(3)(7) Software SOFR 7.50%
11.06% 9/3/2020 7/2/2026 1,860 1,823 1,848 0.16
CPI Intermediate Holdings, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Telecommunications SOFR 5.50%
9.68% 10/6/2022 10/6/2029 3,872 3,790 3,776 0.33
CST Holding Company # (2)(3)(6)(13) Consumer Goods: Non-Durable SOFR 6.75%
10.97% 11/1/2022 11/1/2028 2,516 2,436 2,434 0.21
DCA Investment Holding LLC + (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals SOFR 6.41%
10.46% 3/11/2021 4/3/2028 12,104 11,966 11,458 1.00
Denali Midco 2, LLC # (2)(3)(6)(13) Consumer Services SOFR 6.50%
10.92% 9/15/2022 12/22/2027 7,696 7,411 7,317 0.64
Dermatology Associates ^ (2)(3)(13) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals SOFR 6.25% (100% PIK)
10.80% 2/15/2018 3/31/2023 9,126 9,126 9,117 0.79
Dermatology Associates ^ (2)(3)(9)(10) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals SOFR 11.40% (100% PIK)
12.77% 2/15/2018 3/31/2023 10,096 6,106 7,176 0.62
Diligent Corporation ^ (2)(3)(6) Telecommunications LIBOR 6.25%
10.63% 8/4/2020 8/4/2025 659 647 630 0.05
Dwyer Instruments, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Capital Equipment LIBOR 6.00%
10.74% 7/21/2021 7/21/2027 13,765 13,535 13,536 1.19
Eliassen Group, LLC ^+ (2)(3)(6) Business Services SOFR 5.50%
10.07% 4/14/2022 4/14/2028 20,956 20,628 20,673 1.80
Ellkay, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 6.25%
11.00% 9/14/2021 9/14/2027 14,107 13,847 13,540 1.18
EPS Nass Parent, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Utilities: Electric LIBOR 5.75%
10.48% 4/19/2021 4/19/2028 922 906 877 0.08
Excel Fitness Holdings, Inc. ^+ (2)(3)(6)(13) Leisure Products & Services SOFR 5.25%
10.25% 4/29/2022 4/29/2029 6,671 6,541 6,344 0.55
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
Excel Fitness Holdings, Inc. # (2)(3)(13) Leisure Products & Services SOFR 5.75%
10.53% 8/11/2022 4/29/2029 $ 2,868 $ 2,785 $ 2,792 0.24 %
Excelitas Technologies Corp. ^+# (2)(3)(6)(13) Capital Equipment SOFR 5.75%
10.12% 8/12/2022 8/12/2029 6,348 6,214 6,092 0.53
Excelitas Technologies Corp. + (2) Capital Equipment EURIBOR 5.75%
7.55% 8/12/2022 8/12/2029 € 2,551 2,567 2,633 0.23
FPG Intermediate Holdco, LLC ^ (2)(3)(6)(13) Consumer Services SOFR 6.50%
10.92% 8/5/2022 3/5/2027 854 693 469 0.04
Greenhouse Software, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Software SOFR 7.00%
11.58% 3/1/2021 9/1/2028 32,796 32,065 31,504 2.74
Guidehouse LLP ^ (2)(3) Sovereign & Public Finance LIBOR 6.25%
10.63% 9/30/2022 10/16/2028 80 78 78 0.01
Hadrian Acquisition Limited (United Kingdom) + (2)(3)(7) Diversified Financial Services SONIA 5.26%, 3.47% PIK
12.16% 2/28/2022 2/28/2029 £ 7,338 9,550 8,672 0.75
Hadrian Acquisition Limited (United Kingdom) + (2)(3)(6)(7) Diversified Financial Services SONIA 5.00%, 2.75% PIK
11.18% 2/28/2022 2/28/2029 £ 1,790 2,048 2,087 0.18
Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc. +# (2)(3)(6) Business Services LIBOR 5.25%
9.95% 12/13/2017 12/13/2024 10,846 10,809 10,774 0.94
Heartland Home Services, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Consumer Services LIBOR 5.75%
10.10% 2/10/2022 12/15/2026 3,863 3,821 3,773 0.33
Heartland Home Services, Inc. +# (2)(3)(6) Consumer Services LIBOR 6.00%
10.38% 12/15/2020 12/15/2026 31,614 31,148 31,283 2.72
Hercules Borrower LLC ^+ (2)(3)(6) Environmental Industries LIBOR 6.50%
10.67% 12/14/2020 12/14/2026 18,497 18,136 17,818 1.55
Hoosier Intermediate, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 5.50%
10.11% 11/15/2021 11/15/2028 17,155 16,831 16,131 1.40
HS Spa Holdings Inc. ^+ (2)(3)(6) Consumer Services SOFR 5.75%
10.45% 6/2/2022 6/2/2029 8,605 8,422 8,336 0.72
iCIMS, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Software SOFR 7.25%
11.52% 8/18/2022 8/18/2028 25,719 25,251 24,443 2.12
Infront Luxembourg Finance S.À R.L. (Luxembourg) +# (2)(7) Leisure Products & Services LIBOR 9.00%
10.95% 5/28/2021 5/28/2027 € 33,000 39,215 34,707 3.01
Integrity Marketing Acquisition, LLC +# (2)(3) Diversified Financial Services LIBOR 6.05%
9.95% 1/15/2020 8/27/2025 24,351 24,155 23,538 2.04
Integrity Marketing Acquisition, LLC # (2)(3) Diversified Financial Services LIBOR 6.05%
10.57% 8/7/2020 8/27/2025 7,833 7,782 7,551 0.66
IQN Holding Corp. ^+ (2)(3)(6) Business Services SOFR 5.25%
9.64% 5/2/2022 5/2/2029 6,823 6,749 6,699 0.58
Jeg's Automotive, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Automotive LIBOR 6.00%
10.75% 12/22/2021 12/22/2027 16,521 16,181 15,325 1.33
K2 Insurance Services, LLC ^+# (2)(3)(6) Diversified Financial Services LIBOR 5.00%
9.73% 7/3/2019 7/1/2026 25,051 24,770 24,788 2.15
Kaseya, Inc. + (2)(3)(6) High Tech Industries SOFR 5.75%
10.33% 6/23/2022 6/23/2029 35,453 34,725 34,324 2.98
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
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 LIBOR 5.75%
10.16% 10/18/2019 10/18/2026 $ 51,929 $ 51,315 $ 48,694 4.23 %
LinQuest Corporation # (2)(3) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 5.75%
9.10% 7/28/2021 7/28/2028 9,875 9,710 8,927 0.78
Liqui-Box Holdings, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Containers, Packaging & Glass LIBOR 4.50%
8.35% 6/3/2019 6/3/2024 2,034 2,022 2,034 0.18
LVF Holdings, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Beverage & Food LIBOR 6.25%
10.98% 6/10/2021 6/10/2027 41,295 40,564 38,736 3.36
Material Holdings, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Business Services SOFR 6.00%
10.67% 8/19/2021 8/19/2027 15,982 15,701 15,202 1.32
Maverick Acquisition, Inc. ^+# (2)(3) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 6.25%
10.98% 6/1/2021 6/1/2027 43,522 42,846 36,159 3.14
Medical Manufacturing Technologies, LLC # (2)(3)(6)(13) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals SOFR 5.50%
10.18% 12/23/2021 12/23/2027 14,450 14,185 14,154 1.23
NEFCO Holding Company LLC +# (2)(3)(6)(13) Construction & Building SOFR 6.50%
10.95% 8/5/2022 8/5/2028 11,051 10,777 10,769 0.94
North Haven Fairway Buyer, LLC ^+# (2)(3)(6) Consumer Services SOFR 6.50%
11.08% 5/17/2022 5/17/2028 11,530 10,959 11,098 0.96
North Haven Stallone Buyer, LLC ^ (2)(3)(6) Consumer Services SOFR 5.75%
10.34% 10/11/2022 5/24/2027 - (4) (4) -
Oak Purchaser, Inc. ^+ (2)(3)(6) Business Services SOFR 5.50%
9.48% 4/28/2022 4/28/2028 5,851 5,779 5,663 0.49
Performance Health Holdings, Inc. # (2)(3) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 6.00%
10.73% 7/12/2021 7/12/2027 6,444 6,342 6,276 0.55
PF Atlantic Holdco 2, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Leisure Products & Services LIBOR 5.50%
10.25% 11/12/2021 11/12/2027 29,515 28,852 28,819 2.50
PF Growth Partners, LLC + (2)(3) Leisure Products & Services LIBOR 5.00%
9.48% 7/1/2019 7/11/2025 7,957 7,900 7,902 0.69
Project Castle, Inc. # (2)(3) Capital Equipment SOFR 5.50%
10.08% 6/24/2022 6/1/2029 7,481 6,733 6,013 0.52
Prophix Software Inc. (Canada) ^+ (2)(3)(6)(7) Software LIBOR 6.50%
10.67% 2/1/2021 2/1/2026 14,618 14,361 14,618 1.27
PXO Holdings I Corp. ^+ (2)(3)(6)(13) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber SOFR 5.50%
9.05% 3/8/2022 3/8/2028 8,534 8,364 8,357 0.73
QNNECT, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Aerospace & Defense SOFR 7.00%
11.11% 11/2/2022 11/2/2029 2,641 2,542 2,541 0.22
Quantic Electronics, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 6.25%
10.97% 11/19/2020 11/19/2026 15,582 15,344 14,768 1.28
Quantic Electronics, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 6.25%
10.95% 3/1/2021 3/1/2027 9,832 9,652 9,218 0.80
Radwell Parent, LLC # (2)(3)(6)(13) Wholesale SOFR 6.75%
11.33% 12/1/2022 4/1/2029 4,651 4,503 4,501 0.39
Regency Entertainment, Inc. + (2)(3) Media: Diversified & Production LIBOR 6.75%
11.13% 5/22/2020 10/22/2025 40,000 39,529 39,520 3.43
Riveron Acquisition Holdings, Inc. +# (2)(3) Diversified Financial Services LIBOR 5.75%
10.48% 5/22/2019 5/22/2025 19,374 19,203 19,374 1.68
RSC Acquisition, Inc. +# (2)(3)(6)(13) Diversified Financial Services SOFR 5.50%
9.83% 11/1/2019 11/1/2026 33,554 33,136 31,983 2.78
Sapphire Convention, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Telecommunications LIBOR 5.25%
9.80% 11/20/2018 11/20/2025 28,051 27,771 27,341 2.37
SCP Eye Care HoldCo, LLC ^ (2)(3)(6)(13) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals SOFR 5.75%
9.47% 10/7/2022 10/7/2029 122 117 118 0.01
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
Smarsh Inc. ^+ (2)(3)(6) Software SOFR 6.50%
11.29% 2/18/2022 2/18/2029 $ 3,673 $ 3,596 $ 3,493 0.30 %
SPay, Inc. ^+ (2)(3) Leisure Products & Services LIBOR 5.75%, 3.50% PIK
13.73% 6/15/2018 6/17/2024 24,292 24,176 21,332 1.85
Speedstar Holding, LLC +# (2)(3) Automotive LIBOR 7.00%
11.73% 1/22/2021 1/22/2027 26,694 26,305 26,510 2.30
Spotless Brands, LLC +# (2)(3)(6)(13) Consumer Services SOFR 6.50%
10.80% 6/21/2022 7/25/2028 33,832 33,179 32,779 2.85
Tank Holding Corp. ^+ (2)(3)(6)(13) Capital Equipment SOFR 5.75%
10.16% 3/31/2022 3/31/2028 19,009 18,655 18,486 1.61
TCFI Aevex LLC +# (2)(3) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 6.00%
10.38% 3/18/2020 3/18/2026 28,558 28,217 26,099 2.27
The Carlstar Group LLC # (2)(3)(6)(13) Automotive SOFR 6.50%
10.92% 7/8/2022 7/8/2027 14,446 14,087 14,210 1.23
Trader Corporation (Canada) +# (2)(3)(6)(7) Automotive CDOR 6.75%
11.61% 12/22/2022 12/22/2029 C$ 1,208 864 869 0.08
Trafigura Trading LLC ^ (2)(3)(6)(12)(13) Metals & Mining SOFR 8.35%
12.89% 7/26/2021 1/13/2023 8,250 8,076 8,185 0.71
Tufin Software North America, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6)(13) Software SOFR 7.69%
12.01% 8/17/2022 8/17/2028 27,040 26,502 26,162 2.27
Turbo Buyer, Inc. +# (2)(3)(6) Automotive LIBOR 6.00%
11.15% 12/2/2019 12/2/2025 41,997 41,404 41,211 3.58
U.S. Legal Support, Inc. ^+ (2)(3)(6)(13) Business Services SOFR 5.75%
10.33% 11/30/2018 11/30/2024 21,790 21,629 21,379 1.86
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) + (7) Beverage & Food FIXED 7.50%, 1.00% PIK
8.50% 9/15/2019 9/15/2026 € 18,495 19,778 20,045 1.74
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ (7) Beverage & Food FIXED 11.00% (100% PIK)
11.00% 10/22/2020 9/15/2026 € 3,384 3,826 3,858 0.34
US INFRA SVCS Buyer, LLC +# (2)(3) Environmental Industries LIBOR 6.50%, 0.25% PIK
11.47% 4/13/2020 4/13/2026 56,693 56,016 53,796 4.67
USALCO, LLC # (2)(3) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber LIBOR 6.00%
10.73% 10/19/2021 10/19/2027 990 973 941 0.08
USR Parent Inc. + (2)(3) Retail SOFR 7.60%
11.72% 4/22/2022 4/25/2027 4,222 4,185 4,025 0.35
Westfall Technik, Inc. ^+# (2)(3) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber SOFR 6.25%
10.83% 9/13/2018 9/13/2024 27,918 27,759 27,326 2.37
Westfall Technik, Inc. # (2)(3) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber SOFR 6.25%
10.79% 7/1/2021 9/13/2024 4,957 4,882 4,852 0.42
Wineshipping.com LLC # (2)(3)(6) Beverage & Food LIBOR 5.75%
10.15% 10/29/2021 10/29/2027 14,617 14,322 13,212 1.15
Yellowstone Buyer Acquisition, LLC ^ (2)(3) Consumer Goods: Durable LIBOR 5.75%
10.07% 9/13/2021 9/13/2027 444 437 427 0.04
YLG Holdings, Inc. + (2)(3) Consumer Services LIBOR 5.00%
9.53% 9/30/2020 11/1/2025 9,802 9,591 9,783 0.85
First Lien Debt Total $ 1,802,253 $ 1,755,773 152.48 %
Second Lien Debt (12.5% of fair value)
11852604 Canada Inc. (Canada) ^ (2)(3)(7) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 9.50% (100% PIK)
13.70% 9/30/2021 9/30/2028 $ 7,587 $ 7,451 $ 7,398 0.64 %
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
AI Convoy S.A.R.L (United Kingdom) +# (2)(3)(7) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 8.25%
12.92% 1/17/2020 1/17/2028 $ 30,327 $ 29,841 $ 31,237 2.71 %
Aimbridge Acquisition Co., Inc. + (2) Leisure Products & Services LIBOR 7.50%
11.62% 2/1/2019 2/1/2027 21,047 20,713 19,024 1.65
AP Plastics Acquisition Holdings, LLC +# (2)(3) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber LIBOR 7.50%
11.85% 8/10/2021 8/10/2029 38,180 37,263 36,639 3.18
AQA Acquisition Holdings, Inc. + (2)(3) High Tech Industries LIBOR 7.50%
12.23% 5/14/2021 3/3/2029 5,538 5,422 5,271 0.46
Blackbird Purchaser, Inc. ^+ (2)(3)(6) Capital Equipment LIBOR 7.50%
11.88% 12/14/2021 4/8/2027 9,194 8,991 8,490 0.74
Brave Parent Holdings, Inc. + (2) Software LIBOR 7.50%
11.88% 10/3/2018 4/19/2026 18,197 17,978 17,504 1.52
Drilling Info Holdings, Inc. ^ (2) Energy: Oil & Gas LIBOR 8.25%
12.64% 2/11/2020 7/30/2026 18,600 18,283 18,740 1.63
Jazz Acquisition, Inc. + (2) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 8.00%
12.38% 6/13/2019 6/18/2027 23,450 23,227 21,875 1.90
Outcomes Group Holdings, Inc. # (2) Business Services LIBOR 7.50%
12.23% 10/23/2018 10/26/2026 1,731 1,728 1,690 0.15
PAI Holdco, Inc. + (2)(3) Automotive LIBOR 5.50%, 2.00% PIK
11.91% 10/28/2020 10/28/2028 14,089 13,772 13,874 1.20
Peraton Corp. + (2)(3) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 7.75%
12.09% 2/24/2021 2/1/2029 11,941 11,790 11,550 1.00
Quartz Holding Company + (2) Software LIBOR 8.00%
12.38% 4/2/2019 4/2/2027 11,900 11,754 11,420 0.99
Stonegate Pub Company Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) ^ (2)(7) Beverage & Food SONIA 8.50%
11.74% 3/12/2020 3/12/2028 £ 20,000 24,831 22,281 1.93
TruGreen Limited Partnership + (2)(3) Consumer Services LIBOR 8.50%
13.43% 11/16/2020 11/2/2028 13,000 12,794 11,120 0.97
World 50, Inc. # (11) Business Services FIXED 11.50%
11.50% 1/10/2020 1/9/2027 24,017 23,660 22,821 1.97
Second Lien Debt Total $ 269,498 $ 260,934 22.66 %
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(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 Investments (3.5% of fair value)
ANLG Holdings, LLC ^ (8) Capital Equipment 6/22/2018 592 $ 592 $ 675 0.06 %
Appriss Health, LLC ^ (8) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 5/6/2021 1 500 482 0.04
Atlas Ontario LP (Canada) ^ (7)(8) Business Services 4/7/2021 5,114 5,114 5,114 0.44
Avenu Holdings, LLC ^ (8) Sovereign & Public Finance 9/28/2018 172 104 545 0.05
Blackbird Holdco, Inc. ^ (8) Capital Equipment 12/14/2021 7 7,206 6,807 0.59
Buckeye Parent, LLC ^ (8) Automotive 12/22/2021 442 442 288 0.03
Chartis Holding, LLC ^ (8) Business Services 5/1/2019 433 428 595 0.05
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) ^ (7)(8) Software 7/2/2019 250 250 641 0.06
ECP Parent, LLC ^ (8) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 3/29/2018 268 - 290 0.03
GB Vino Parent, L.P. ^ (8) Beverage & Food 10/29/2021 4 351 249 0.02
Integrity Marketing Group, LLC ^ (8) Diversified Financial Services 12/21/2021 16,705 16,472 16,597 1.44
K2 Insurance Services, LLC ^ (8) Diversified Financial Services 7/3/2019 433 306 867 0.08
NearU Holdings LLC ^ (8) Consumer Services 8/16/2022 25 2,470 2,470 0.21
NEFCO Holding Company LLC ^ (8) Construction & Building 8/5/2022 1 628 628 0.05
North Haven Goldfinch Topco, LLC ^ (8) Containers, Packaging & Glass 6/18/2018 2,315 2,315 1,300 0.11
Pascal Ultimate Holdings, L.P ^ (8) Capital Equipment 7/21/2021 36 364 850 0.07
Picard Parent, Inc. ^ (8) High Tech Industries 9/30/2022 9 8,526 8,520 0.74
Profile Holdings I, LP ^ (8) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber 3/8/2022 3 262 336 0.03
Sinch AB (Sweden) ^ (7)(8) High Tech Industries 3/26/2019 104 1,168 382 0.03
Talon MidCo 1 Limited ^ ^ (8) Software 8/17/2022 145,632 1,456 1,611 0.14
Tank Holding Corp. ^ ^ (8) Capital Equipment 3/26/2019 850 - 2,687 0.23
Titan DI Preferred Holdings, Inc. ^ (8) Energy: Oil & Gas 2/11/2020 14,666 14,439 14,263 1.24
Turbo Buyer, Inc. ^ (8) Automotive 12/2/2019 1,925 933 2,307 0.20
U.S. Legal Support Investment Holdings, LLC ^ (8) Business Services 11/30/2018 641 641 551 0.05
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ (7)(8) Beverage & Food 10/22/2020 2 € 2,131 2,816 0.24
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ (7)(8) Beverage & Food 10/22/2020 1 € 532 1,227 0.11
W50 Parent LLC ^ (8) Business Services 1/10/2020 500 190 698 0.06
Zenith American Holding, Inc. ^ (8) Business Services 12/13/2017 439 213 368 0.03
Equity Investments Total $ 68,033 $ 74,164 6.44 %
Total investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated $ 2,139,784 $ 2,090,871 181.58 %
Total investments $ 2,139,784 $ 2,090,871 181.58 %
^ Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiary, “we,” “us,” “our,” “CARS” or the “Company”). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Carlyle Credit Solutions SPV LLC (the “SPV”) or Carlyle Credit Solutions SPV2 LLC (“SPV2”).
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
+ 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 or SPV2.
# 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, 2022, 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, 2022, 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”), the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) 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, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the reference rates for all LIBOR loans were the 30-day LIBOR at 4.39%, the 90-day LIBOR at 4.77%, the 180-day LIBOR at 5.14%, the 30-day SOFR at 4.36%, the 90-day SOFR at 4.59%, and the daily SONIA at 3.43%.
(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 Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C., the Company’s investment adviser, as the valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act (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, 2022, 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
ADPD Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw 0.50 % $ 598 $ (15)
ADPD Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw 0.50 2,166 (53)
ADPD Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw 0.50 3,902 (96)
ADPD Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,243 (31)
Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company Revolver 0.50 1,708 (17)
Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company Delayed Draw 1.00 1,000 (10)
Airnov, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,292 (13)
Alpine Acquisition Corp II Revolver 0.50 3,447 (128)
American Physician Partners, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 1,673 (33)
Analogic Corporation Revolver 0.50 294 (7)
Applied Technical Services, LLC Revolver 0.50 37 -
Appriss Health, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,963 (114)
Apptio, Inc. Revolver 0.50 947 -
Ascend Buyer, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,284 (23)
Associations, Inc. Revolver 0.50 723 (21)
Atlas AU Bidco Pty Ltd (Australia) Revolver 0.50 134 (4)
Avalara, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,350 (41)
Blackbird Purchaser, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 3,065 (176)
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
BlueCat Networks, Inc. (Canada) Delayed Draw 0.50 % $ 1,619 $ (45)
BlueCat Networks, Inc. (Canada) Delayed Draw 0.50 958 (27)
Bradyifs Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,539 (26)
Bubbles Bidco S.P.A. (Italy) Delayed Draw 2.80 € 873 -
Bubbles Bidco S.P.A. (Italy) Revolver - € 537 -
Celerion Buyer, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 249 (6)
Celerion Buyer, Inc. Revolver 0.50 125 (3)
Chartis Holding, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,401 (16)
Chemical Computing Group ULC (Canada) Revolver 0.50 903 (13)
Comar Holding Company, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,467 (49)
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) Revolver 0.50 3,000 (29)
CPI Intermediate Holdings, Inc. Delayed Draw - 927 (19)
CST Holding Company Revolver 0.50 212 (6)
DCA Investment Holding LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 111 (6)
Denali Midco 2, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 2,286 (87)
Diligent Corporation Revolver 0.50 33 (1)
Dwyer Instruments, Inc. Revolver 0.50 994 (15)
Dwyer Instruments, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 161 (2)
Eliassen Group, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 3,310 (38)
Ellkay, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,786 (64)
EPS Nass Parent, Inc. Revolver 0.50 30 (1)
EPS Nass Parent, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 37 (2)
Excel Fitness Holdings, Inc. Revolver 0.50 438 (20)
Excelitas Technologies Corp. Revolver 0.50 320 (12)
Excelitas Technologies Corp. Delayed Draw 0.50 303 (11)
FPG Intermediate Holdco, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 7,946 (347)
Greenhouse Software, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,471 (54)
Greenhouse Software, Inc. Revolver 0.50 733 (27)
Hadrian Acquisition Limited (United Kingdom) Delayed Draw 2.33 £ 1,043 (19)
Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,219 (7)
Heartland Home Services, Inc. Delayed Draw 0.75 1,259 (22)
Heartland Home Services, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,780 (27)
Hercules Borrower LLC Revolver 0.50 1,929 (64)
Hoosier Intermediate, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,600 (87)
HS Spa Holdings Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,235 (34)
iCIMS, Inc. Delayed Draw - 6,831 (249)
iCIMS, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,449 (89)
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
IQN Holding Corp. Revolver 0.50 % $ 489 $ (8)
IQN Holding Corp. Delayed Draw 1.00 696 (11)
Jeg's Automotive, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 3,333 (201)
K2 Insurance Services, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,290 (22)
Kaseya, Inc. Delayed Draw 0.50 1,146 (33)
Kaseya, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,054 (60)
Lifelong Learner Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 4 -
Liqui-Box Holdings, Inc. Revolver 0.50 596 -
LVF Holdings, Inc. Revolver 0.50 992 (54)
LVF Holdings, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 4,670 (254)
Material Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw - 977 (44)
Material Holdings, LLC Revolver 1.00 499 (22)
Medical Manufacturing Technologies, LLC Revolver 0.50 723 (14)
Medical Manufacturing Technologies, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 413 (8)
NEFCO Holding Company LLC Revolver 0.50 1,527 (30)
NEFCO Holding Company LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 760 (15)
NEFCO Holding Company LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 1,106 (22)
North Haven Fairway Buyer, LLC Delayed Draw 0.50 82 (1)
North Haven Fairway Buyer, LLC Delayed Draw 0.50 11,162 (201)
North Haven Fairway Buyer, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,269 (23)
North Haven Stallone Buyer, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 200 (4)
Oak Purchaser, Inc. Revolver 0.50 584 (14)
Oak Purchaser, Inc. Delayed Draw 0.50 1,623 (38)
PF Atlantic Holdco 2, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 7,448 (130)
PF Atlantic Holdco 2, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,759 (48)
Prophix Software Inc. (Canada) Revolver 0.50 2,658 -
PXO Holdings I Corp. Delayed Draw 1.00 443 (8)
PXO Holdings I Corp. Revolver 0.50 657 (12)
QNNECT, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 693 (21)
Quantic Electronics, LLC Revolver 0.50 276 (14)
Quantic Electronics, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 2,126 (109)
Radwell Parent, LLC Revolver 0.38 349 (10)
RSC Acquisition, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,096 (50)
Sapphire Convention, Inc. Revolver 0.50 4,188 (92)
SCP Eye Care HoldCo, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 39 (1)
SCP Eye Care HoldCo, LLC Revolver 0.50 17 -
Smarsh Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 408 (17)
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
Smarsh Inc. Revolver 0.50 % $ 204 $ (9)
Spotless Brands, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,096 (33)
Tank Holding Corp. Revolver 0.38 690 (18)
The Carlstar Group LLC Revolver 0.50 3,657 (48)
Trader Corporation (Canada) Revolver 0.50 C$ 91 (3)
Trafigura Trading LLC Revolver 0.50 388 (3)
Tufin Software North America, Inc. Delayed Draw - 115 (4)
Tufin Software North America, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,339 (41)
Turbo Buyer, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,151 (38)
U.S. Legal Support, Inc. Revolver 0.50 638 (12)
Wineshipping.com LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 1,609 (127)
Wineshipping.com LLC Revolver 0.50 1,509 (120)
Total unfunded commitments $ 159,074 $ (4,353)
(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, 2022, the aggregate fair value of these securities is $74,164, or 6.44% of the Company’s net assets.
(9)Loan was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2022.
(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. 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.
(12)The investment is secured by receivables purchased from the portfolio company, with an implied discount of 12.89%. The investment was made via a tranched participation arrangement between the purchaser of such receivables and the Company. The investment has a secondary priority behind the rights of such purchaser.
(13)Loans include a credit spread adjustment that ranges from 0.10% to 0.26%.
As of December 31, 2022, investments at fair value consisted of the following:
Type Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
First Lien Debt $ 1,802,253 $ 1,755,773 84.0 %
Second Lien Debt 269,498 260,934 12.5
Equity Investments 68,033 74,164 3.5
Total $ 2,139,784 $ 2,090,871 100.0 %
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The rate type of debt investments at fair value as of December 31, 2022 was as follows:
Rate Type Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value of First and Second Lien Debt
Floating Rate $ 2,024,487 $ 1,969,983 97.7 %
Fixed Rate 47,264 46,724 2.3
Total $ 2,071,751 $ 2,016,707 100.0 %
The industry composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2022 was as follows:
Industry Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
Aerospace & Defense $ 173,169 $ 162,374 7.8 %
Automotive 113,988 114,594 5.5
Beverage & Food 106,335 102,424 4.9
Business Services 203,998 200,407 9.6
Capital Equipment 91,940 92,821 4.4
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber 79,503 78,451 3.8
Construction & Building 52,781 52,379 2.5
Consumer Goods: Durable 437 427 -
Consumer Goods: Non-Durable 8,251 7,899 0.4
Consumer Services 139,784 137,565 6.6
Containers, Packaging & Glass 100,587 98,526 4.7
Diversified Financial Services 150,561 148,508 7.1
Energy: Oil & Gas 32,722 33,003 1.6
Environmental Industries 74,152 71,614 3.4
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 173,512 166,460 8.0
High Tech Industries 63,742 62,262 3.0
Leisure Products & Services 141,213 131,953 6.3
Media: Diversified & Production 39,529 39,520 1.9
Metals & Mining 8,076 8,185 0.4
Retail 31,290 30,796 1.5
Software 276,758 273,752 13.1
Sovereign & Public Finance 182 623 -
Telecommunications 32,208 31,747 1.5
Transportation: Cargo 20,467 19,988 0.9
Utilities: Electric 906 877 -
Wholesale 23,693 23,716 1.1
Total $ 2,139,784 $ 2,090,871 100.0 %
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The geographical composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2022 was as follows:
Geography Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
Australia $ 1,398 $ 1,398 0.1 %
Canada 111,536 111,939 5.4
Cyprus 26,267 27,946 1.3
Italy 5,815 5,465 0.3
Luxembourg 75,107 69,170 3.3
Sweden 1,168 382 -
United Kingdom 66,270 64,277 3.1
United States 1,852,223 1,810,294 86.5
Total $ 2,139,784 $ 2,090,871 100.0 %
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
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 (80.9% of fair value)
Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company ^+ (2)(3)(6) Containers, Packaging & Glass LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 12/17/2020 12/17/2026 $ 14,357 $ 14,014 $ 14,555 1.25 %
Airnov, Inc. ^# (2)(3)(6) Containers, Packaging & Glass LIBOR 5.00% 6.00% 12/20/2019 12/19/2025 24,869 24,578 24,869 2.13
Allied Universal Holdco LLC ^ (2)(3) Business Services LIBOR 4.25% 4.46% 2/17/2021 7/10/2026 497 500 498 0.04
American Physician Partners, LLC +# (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 6.75%, 1.50% PIK 9.25% 1/7/2019 2/21/2022 38,097 38,093 38,097 3.27
Analogic Corporation ^+# (2)(3)(6) Capital Equipment LIBOR 5.25% 6.25% 6/22/2018 6/22/2024 26,675 26,441 26,395 2.26
Applied Technical Services, LLC ^ (2)(3)(6) Business Services LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 12/29/2020 12/29/2026 536 525 534 0.05
Appriss Health, LLC ^+# (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 7.25% 8.25% 5/6/2021 5/6/2027 44,444 43,581 44,493 3.82
Apptio, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Software LIBOR 7.25% 8.25% 1/10/2019 1/10/2025 36,488 36,053 36,488 3.13
Ascend Buyer, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Containers, Packaging & Glass LIBOR 5.75% 6.50% 9/30/2021 9/30/2028 12,838 12,569 12,618 1.08
Associations, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Construction & Building LIBOR 4.00%, 2.50% PIK 7.50% 7/2/2021 7/2/2027 11,570 11,457 11,599 0.99
Aurora Lux FinCo S.Á.R.L. (Luxembourg) +# (2)(3)(7) Software LIBOR 6.00% 7.00% 12/24/2019 12/24/2026 36,844 36,142 33,192 2.85
Avenu Holdings, LLC +# (2)(3) Sovereign & Public Finance LIBOR 5.25% 6.25% 9/28/2018 9/28/2024 37,882 37,621 37,880 3.25
Barnes & Noble, Inc. +# (2)(3)(10) Retail LIBOR 6.50% 7.50% 8/7/2019 12/20/2026 28,933 27,917 28,146 2.41
BlueCat Networks, Inc. (Canada) + (2)(3)(7) High Tech Industries LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 10/30/2020 10/30/2026 22,936 22,540 23,165 1.99
BMS Holdings III Corp. +# (2)(3) Construction & Building LIBOR 5.50% 6.50% 9/30/2019 9/30/2026 29,357 28,826 28,906 2.48
Bubbles Bidco S.P.A. (Italy) ^ (2)(3)(7)(6) Consumer Goods: Non-Durable LIBOR 9.25% (100% PIK) 9.25% 10/20/2021 10/20/2028 € 4,700 5,312 5,167 0.44
Bubbles Bidco S.P.A. (Italy) ^ (2)(3)(7)(6) Consumer Goods: Non-Durable LIBOR 6.25% 6.25% 10/20/2021 10/20/2028 € - (9) (9) -
Chartis Holding, LLC ^+# (2)(3)(6) Business Services LIBOR 5.50% 6.50% 5/1/2019 5/1/2025 39,165 38,647 39,165 3.36
Chemical Computing Group ULC (Canada) ^+ (2)(3)(7)(6) Software LIBOR 4.50% 5.50% 8/30/2018 8/30/2024 14,378 14,297 14,309 1.23
Chudy Group, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 6/30/2021 6/30/2027 826 812 842 0.07
CircusTrix Holdings, LLC ^+ (2)(3) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure LIBOR 5.50%, 2.50% PIK 9.00% 2/2/2018 1/16/2024 10,528 10,492 9,401 0.81
CircusTrix Holdings, LLC ^ (2)(3) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure LIBOR 5.50%, 2.50% PIK 9.00% 1/8/2021 7/16/2023 697 640 697 0.06
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
Cobblestone Intermediate Holdco LLC # (2)(3) Consumer Services LIBOR 5.50% 6.25% 1/29/2020 1/29/2026 $ 723 $ 718 $ 712 0.06 %
Comar Holding Company, LLC +# (2)(3)(6) Containers, Packaging & Glass LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 6/18/2018 6/18/2024 41,358 40,925 40,472 3.47
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) ^+# (2)(3)(7)(6) Software LIBOR 5.00% 6.00% 7/2/2019 7/2/2026 56,209 55,372 56,180 4.82
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) # (2)(3)(7) Software LIBOR 7.00% 8.00% 9/3/2020 7/2/2026 1,879 1,833 1,902 0.16
DCA Investment Holding, LLC + (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 6.25% 7.00% 3/11/2021 3/12/2027 10,841 10,678 10,777 0.92
Derm Growth Partners III, LLC ^ (2)(3)(9) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 2/15/2018 5/31/2022 16,140 14,730 10,836 0.93
Designer Brands Inc. +# (2)(3)(7) Retail LIBOR 8.50% 9.75% 8/7/2020 8/7/2025 34,090 33,436 33,691 2.88
Diligent Corporation ^ (2)(3)(6) Telecommunications LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 8/4/2020 8/4/2025 603 587 616 0.05
DTI Holdco, Inc. # (2)(3) High Tech Industries LIBOR 4.75% 5.75% 12/18/2018 9/30/2023 1,934 1,883 1,907 0.16
Dwyer Instruments, Inc # (2)(3)(6) Capital Equipment LIBOR 5.50% 6.25% 7/21/2021 7/21/2027 12,463 12,206 12,427 1.07
Ellkay, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 9/14/2021 9/14/2027 14,249 13,943 13,923 1.19
EPS Nass Parent, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Utilities: Electric LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 4/19/2021 4/19/2028 887 869 879 0.08
Ethos Veterinary Health LLC +# (2)(3) Consumer Services LIBOR 4.75% 4.85% 5/17/2019 5/15/2026 10,720 10,652 10,720 0.92
Greenhouse Software, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Software LIBOR 6.50% 7.50% 3/1/2021 3/1/2027 15,196 14,858 14,870 1.28
Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc. +# (2)(3)(6) Business Services LIBOR 5.25% 6.25% 12/13/2017 12/13/2024 11,487 11,425 11,365 0.97
Heartland Home Services, Inc +# (2)(3)(6) Consumer Services LIBOR 6.00% 7.00% 12/15/2020 12/15/2026 30,096 29,538 30,233 2.59
Hercules Borrower LLC ^+ (2)(3)(6) Environmental Industries LIBOR 6.50% 7.50% 12/14/2020 12/14/2026 18,453 18,012 18,865 1.62
Hoosier Intermediate, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 5.50% 6.50% 11/15/2021 11/15/2028 16,479 16,108 16,101 1.38
iCIMS, Inc. +# (2)(3) Software LIBOR 6.50% 7.50% 9/12/2018 9/12/2024 29,019 28,693 29,019 2.49
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Wholesale LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 2/21/2020 11/22/2025 18,952 18,623 18,958 1.63
Infront Luxembourg Finance S.À R.L. (Luxembourg) +# (2)(3)(7) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure LIBOR 9.00% 9.00% 5/28/2021 5/28/2027 € 33,000 39,110 36,537 3.13
Integrity Marketing Acquisition, LLC +# (2)(3) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 1/15/2020 8/27/2025 24,601 24,345 24,476 2.10
Integrity Marketing Acquisition, LLC # (2)(3) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate LIBOR 5.50% 6.25% 8/7/2020 8/27/2025 7,913 7,844 7,832 0.67
Jeg's Automotive, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Automotive LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 12/22/2021 12/22/2027 15,000 14,602 14,602 1.25
K2 Insurance Services, LLC ^+# (2)(3)(6) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate LIBOR 5.00% 6.00% 7/3/2019 7/1/2026 25,305 25,010 25,261 2.17
Kaseya, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) High Tech Industries LIBOR 5.50%, 1.00% PIK 7.50% 5/3/2019 5/3/2025 28,064 27,705 27,886 2.39
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
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 LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 10/18/2019 10/18/2026 $ 52,420 $ 51,662 $ 48,069 4.12 %
LinQuest Corporation # (2)(3) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 5.75% 6.50% 7/28/2021 7/28/2028 9,975 9,785 9,816 0.84
Liqui-Box Holdings, Inc. # (2)(3)(6) Containers, Packaging & Glass LIBOR 4.50% 5.50% 6/3/2019 6/3/2024 1,490 1,474 1,229 0.11
LVF Holdings, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Beverage, Food & Tobacco LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 6/10/2021 6/10/2027 41,227 40,357 40,056 3.43
Material Holdings, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Business Services LIBOR 5.75% 6.50% 8/19/2021 8/19/2027 14,886 14,552 14,692 1.26
Maverick Acquisition, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 6.00% 7.00% 6/1/2021 6/1/2027 43,942 43,025 42,869 3.68
Medical Manufacturing Technologies, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals SOFR 6.00% 7.00% 12/23/2021 12/23/2027 10,640 10,327 10,327 0.89
MMIT Holdings, LLC # (2)(3)(6) High Tech Industries LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 9/15/2021 9/15/2027 11,087 10,858 10,853 0.93
NES Global Talent Finance US, LLC (United Kingdom) +# (2)(3)(7) Energy: Oil & Gas LIBOR 5.50% 6.50% 5/9/2018 5/11/2023 9,688 9,634 9,424 0.81
Performance Health Holdings, Inc. # (2)(3) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 6.00% 7.00% 7/12/2021 7/12/2027 7,182 7,048 7,083 0.61
PF Atlantic Holdco 2, LLC ^# (2)(3)(6) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure LIBOR 6.00% 7.00% 11/12/2021 11/12/2027 27,723 26,941 26,923 2.31
PF Growth Partners, LLC + (2)(3) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure LIBOR 5.50% 6.50% 7/1/2019 7/11/2025 8,039 7,962 7,922 0.68
Prophix Software Inc. (Canada) ^+ (2)(3)(7)(6) Software LIBOR 6.50% 7.50% 2/1/2021 2/1/2026 14,618 14,313 14,791 1.27
Quantic Electronics, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 11/19/2020 11/19/2026 14,625 14,333 14,418 1.24
Quantic Electronics, LLC # (2)(3)(6) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 3/1/2021 3/1/2027 8,882 8,663 8,727 0.75
Redwood Services Group, LLC +# (2)(3) High Tech Industries LIBOR 6.00% 7.00% 11/13/2018 6/6/2024 40,864 40,370 40,863 3.50
Regency Entertainment, Inc. +# (2)(3) Media: Diversified & Production LIBOR 6.75% 7.75% 5/22/2020 10/22/2025 70,000 68,949 68,832 5.90
Riveron Acquisition Holdings, Inc. +# (2)(3) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 5/22/2019 5/22/2025 19,574 19,337 19,574 1.68
RSC Acquisition, Inc. +# (2)(3)(6) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate LIBOR 5.50% 6.25% 11/1/2019 11/1/2026 34,486 33,970 34,622 2.97
Sapphire Convention, Inc. ^+# (2)(3)(6) Telecommunications LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 11/20/2018 11/20/2025 29,906 29,528 25,528 2.19
SPay, Inc. ^+ (2)(3) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure LIBOR 2.30%, 6.95% PIK 10.25% 6/15/2018 6/17/2024 23,005 22,809 20,218 1.73
Speedstar Holding, LLC +# (2)(3)(6) Automotive LIBOR 7.00% 8.00% 1/22/2021 1/22/2027 27,225 26,687 27,536 2.36
TCFI Aevex LLC +# (2)(3)(6) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 6.00% 7.00% 3/18/2020 3/18/2026 28,867 28,414 24,601 2.11
The Leaders Romans Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) Term Loan B + (2)(3)(7) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate SONIA 6.25%,
2.50% PIK 9.50% 7/23/2019 6/30/2024 £ 21,299 26,332 28,830 2.47
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
The Leaders Romans Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) Term Loan C + (2)(3)(7)(6) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate SONIA 6.25%,
2.50% PIK 9.50% 7/23/2019 6/30/2024 £ 6,164 $ 7,778 $ 9,848 0.84 %
Trafigura Trading LLC ^ (2)(3)(6)(12) Metals & Mining LIBOR 8.40% 8.75% 7/26/2021 7/18/2022 $ 2,236 2,234 2,086 0.18
Turbo Buyer, Inc. +# (2)(3)(6) Automotive LIBOR 6.00% 7.00% 12/2/2019 12/2/2025 42,428 41,652 41,537 3.56
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) + (7) Beverage, Food & Tobacco FIXED 7.50%, 1.00% PIK 8.50% 9/15/2019 9/15/2026 € 18,536 19,701 21,473 1.84
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ (7) Beverage, Food & Tobacco FIXED 11.00% PIK 11.00% 10/22/2020 9/15/2026 € 3,036 3,439 3,559 0.31
US INFRA SVCS Buyer, LLC +# (2)(3)(6) Environmental Industries LIBOR 6.50% 7.50% 4/13/2020 4/13/2026 58,708 57,673 57,068 4.89
USALCO, LLC # (2)(3) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber LIBOR 6.00% 7.00% 10/19/2021 10/19/2027 1,000 981 980 0.08
USLS Acquisition, Inc. ^+ (2)(3)(6) Business Services LIBOR 5.50% 6.50% 11/30/2018 11/30/2024 21,513 21,271 21,263 1.82
Westfall Technik, Inc. ^+# (2)(3) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 9/13/2018 9/13/2024 27,920 27,673 27,661 2.37
Westfall Technik, Inc. # (2)(3) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber LIBOR 6.25% 7.25% 7/1/2021 9/13/2024 4,958 4,865 4,929 0.42
Wineshipping.com LLC # (2)(3)(6) Beverage, Food & Tobacco LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 10/29/2021 10/29/2027 14,459 14,110 14,111 1.21
Yellowstone Buyer Acquisition, LLC ^ (2)(3) Consumer Goods: Durable LIBOR 5.75% 6.75% 9/13/2021 9/13/2027 449 440 440 0.04
YLG Holdings, Inc. + (2)(3) Consumer Services LIBOR 5.25% 6.25% 9/30/2020 11/1/2025 9,903 9,650 9,903 0.85
First Lien Debt Total $ 1,683,550 $ 1,674,715 143.60 %
Second Lien Debt (16.3% of fair value)
11852604 Canada Inc. (Canada) ^ (2)(3)(7) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals LIBOR 9.50% (100% PIK) 10.50% 9/30/2021 9/30/2028 $ 6,590 $ 6,432 $ 6,425 0.55 %
AI Convoy S.A.R.L (United Kingdom) +# (2)(3)(7) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 8.25% 9.25% 1/17/2020 1/17/2028 30,327 29,771 31,464 2.69
Aimbridge Acquisition Co., Inc. + (2)(3) Hotel, Gaming & Leisure LIBOR 7.50% 7.60% 2/1/2019 2/1/2027 21,047 20,647 19,600 1.68
AP Plastics Acquisition Holdings, LLC +# (2)(3) Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber LIBOR 7.50% 8.25% 8/10/2021 8/10/2029 38,180 37,168 38,394 3.29
AQA Acquisition Holdings, Inc. ^ (2)(3) High Tech Industries LIBOR 7.50% 8.00% 5/14/2021 3/3/2029 5,538 5,409 5,543 0.48
Blackbird Purchaser, Inc. ^ (2)(3)(6) Capital Equipment LIBOR 7.50% 8.25% 12/14/2021 4/8/2027 9,195 8,949 8,949 0.77
Brave Parent Holdings, Inc. + (2)(3) Software LIBOR 7.50% 7.60% 10/3/2018 4/19/2026 18,197 17,923 18,197 1.56
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated (1)
Footnotes Industry Reference Rate (2)
Spread (2)
Interest Rate (2)
Acquisition Date Maturity Date Par/ Principal Amount Amortized Cost (4)
Fair Value (5)
Percentage of Net Assets
Drilling Info Holdings, Inc. ^ (2)(3) Energy: Oil & Gas LIBOR 8.25% 8.35% 2/11/2020 7/30/2026 $ 18,600 $ 18,212 $ 18,786 1.61 %
Jazz Acquisition, Inc. + (2)(3) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 8.00% 8.10% 6/13/2019 6/18/2027 23,450 23,188 20,826 1.79
Outcomes Group Holdings, Inc. # (2)(3) Business Services LIBOR 7.50% 7.85% 10/23/2018 10/26/2026 1,731 1,728 1,731 0.15
PAI Holdco, Inc. + (2)(3) Automotive LIBOR 5.50%, 2.00% PIK 8.50% 10/28/2020 10/28/2028 13,806 13,446 13,806 1.18
Peraton Corp. ^ (2)(3) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 7.75% 8.50% 2/24/2021 2/1/2029 12,300 12,126 12,345 1.06
Quartz Holding Company + (2)(3) Software LIBOR 8.00% 8.10% 4/2/2019 4/2/2027 11,900 11,728 11,900 1.02
Stonegate Pub Company Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) ^ (2)(3)(7) Beverage, Food & Tobacco SONIA 8.50% 8.60% 3/12/2020 3/12/2028 £ 20,000 24,787 22,263 1.91
Tank Holding Corp. +# (2)(3) Capital Equipment LIBOR 8.25% 8.35% 3/26/2019 3/26/2027 41,479 40,905 41,894 3.59
TruGreen Limited Partnership ^ (2)(3) Consumer Services LIBOR 8.50% 9.25% 11/16/2020 11/2/2028 13,000 12,769 13,260 1.14
World 50, Inc. # (11) Business Services FIXED 11.50% 11.50% 1/10/2020 1/9/2027 24,017 23,595 23,827 2.04
WP CPP Holdings, LLC + (2)(3) Aerospace & Defense LIBOR 7.75% 8.75% 7/18/2019 4/30/2026 29,500 29,293 28,689 2.46
Second Lien Debt Total $ 338,076 $ 337,899 28.97 %
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(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 Investments (2.8% of fair value)
ANLG Holdings, LLC ^ (8) Capital Equipment 6/22/2018 592 $ 592 $ 821 0.07 %
Appriss Health, LLC ^ (8) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 5/6/2021 - 445 466 0.04
Atlas Ontario LP (Canada) ^ (7)(8) Business Services 4/7/2021 5,114 5,114 5,114 0.44
Avenu Holdings, LLC ^ (8) Sovereign & Public Finance 9/28/2018 172 172 491 0.04
Blackbird Holdco, Inc. ^ (8) Capital Equipment 12/14/2021 6 6,308 6,308 0.54
Buckeye Parent, LLC ^ (8) Automotive 12/22/2021 442 442 442 0.04
Chartis Holding, LLC ^ (8) Business Services 5/1/2019 433 433 690 0.06
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) ^ (8) Software 7/2/2019 250 250 454 0.04
ECP Parent, LLC ^ (8) Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 3/29/2018 268 - 290 0.02
GB Vino Parent, L.P. ^ (8) Beverage, Food & Tobacco 10/29/2021 4 351 351 0.03
Integrity Marketing Group, LLC ^ (8) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 12/21/2021 15,038 14,738 14,738 1.26
K2 Insurance Services, LLC ^ (8) Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 7/3/2019 433 306 651 0.06
Mailgun Technologies, Inc. ^ (8) High Tech Industries 3/26/2019 104 - 1,328 0.11
North Haven Goldfinch Topco, LLC ^ (8) Containers, Packaging & Glass 6/18/2018 2,315 2,315 2,411 0.21
Pascal Ultimate Holdings, L.P ^ (8) Capital Equipment 7/21/2021 36 364 364 0.03
Tank Holding Corp. ^ (8) Capital Equipment 3/26/2019 850 482 1,260 0.12
Titan DI Preferred Holdings, Inc. ^ (8) Energy: Oil & Gas 2/11/2020 12,843 12,587 12,969 1.11
Turbo Buyer, Inc. ^ (8) Automotive 12/2/2019 1,925 933 2,774 0.24
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ (8) Beverage, Food & Tobacco 10/22/2020 3 1,934 2,600 0.22
Unifrutti Financing PLC (Cyprus) ^ ^ (8) Beverage, Food & Tobacco 10/22/2020 - 532 837 0.07
USLS Acquisition, Inc. ^ ^ (8) Business Services 11/30/2018 641 641 940 0.08
W50 Parent LLC ^ (8) Business Services 1/10/2020 500 190 762 0.07
Zenith American Holding, Inc. ^ (8) Business Services 12/13/2017 440 220 408 0.03
Equity Investments Total $ 49,349 $ 57,469 4.93 %
Total investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated $ 2,070,975 $ 2,070,083 177.50 %
Total investments $ 2,070,975 $ 2,070,083 177.50 %
^ Denotes that all or a portion of the assets are owned by Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiary, “we,” “us,” “our,” “CARS” or the “Company”). Accordingly, such assets are not available to creditors of Carlyle Credit Solutions SPV LLC (the “SPV”) or Carlyle Credit Solutions 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 or SPV2.
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
# 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, 2021, 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, 2021, 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, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the reference rates for all LIBOR loans were the 30-day LIBOR at 0.10%, the 90-day LIBOR at 0.22% and the 180-day LIBOR rate at 0.33%.
(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, 2021, 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 Delayed Draw 1.00 % $ 1,700 $ 17
Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company Delayed Draw 1.00 2,102 21
Advanced Web Technologies Holding Company Revolver 0.50 1,813 18
Airnov, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,917 -
American Physician Partners, LLC Revolver 0.50 550 -
Analogic Corporation Revolver 0.50 1,102 (11)
Applied Technical Services, LLC Revolver 0.50 40 -
Appriss Health, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,963 3
Apptio, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,420 -
Ascend Buyer, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,070 (17)
Associations, Inc. Revolver 0.50 723 2
Blackbird Purchaser, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 3,065 (61)
Bubbles Bidco S.P.A. (Italy) Delayed Draw 2.80 € 873 (30)
Bubbles Bidco S.P.A. (Italy) Revolver - € 537 (9)
Chartis Holding, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,401 -
Chemical Computing Group ULC (Canada) Revolver 0.50 903 (4)
Chudy Group, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 138 2
Chudy Group, LLC Revolver 0.50 34 1
Comar Holding Company, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,935 (59)
Cority Software Inc. (Canada) Revolver 0.50 3,000 (1)
DCA Investment Holding, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 1,495 (8)
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
Diligent Corporation Delayed Draw 1.00 % $ 110 $ 2
Diligent Corporation Revolver 0.50 47 1
Dwyer Instruments, Inc Delayed Draw 1.00 1,003 (3)
Dwyer Instruments, Inc Revolver 0.50 411 (1)
Ellkay, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,786 (37)
EPS Nass Parent, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 85 (1)
EPS Nass Parent, Inc. Revolver 0.50 25 -
Greenhouse Software, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,471 (29)
Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc. Revolver 0.50 813 (8)
Heartland Home Services, Inc Delayed Draw 1.00 2,072 8
Heartland Home Services, Inc Revolver 0.50 2,687 10
Hercules Borrower LLC Revolver 0.50 2,160 43
Hoosier Intermediate, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,400 (48)
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 48 -
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 750 -
Individual FoodService Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,426 -
Jeg's Automotive, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 3,333 (67)
Jeg's Automotive, LLC Revolver 0.50 1,667 (33)
K2 Insurance Services, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,290 (4)
Kaseya, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 585 (3)
Kaseya, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,542 (9)
Lifelong Learner Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 4 -
Liqui-Box Holdings, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,140 (113)
LVF Holdings, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 4,670 (116)
LVF Holdings, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,459 (36)
Material Holdings, LLC Delayed Draw - 1,916 (21)
Material Holdings, LLC Revolver 1.00 806 (9)
Maverick Acquisition, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 4,679 (101)
Maverick Acquisition, Inc. Delayed Draw 1.00 1,290 (28)
Medical Manufacturing Technologies, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 4,132 (83)
Medical Manufacturing Technologies, LLC Revolver 0.50 930 (19)
MMIT Holdings, LLC Revolver 0.50 857 (17)
PF Atlantic HoldCo 2, LLC Revolver 0.50 2,759 (55)
PF Atlantic HoldCo 2, LLC Delayed Draw 0.75 9,517 (190)
Prophix Software Inc. (Canada) Revolver 0.50 2,657 27
Quantic Electronics, LLC Revolver 0.50 557 (7)
Quantic Electronics, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 3,164 (41)
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
Investments-non-controlled/non-affiliated Type Unused Fee Par/ Principal Amount Fair Value
Quantic Electronics, LLC Revolver 0.50 % $ 824 $ (11)
RSC Acquisition, Inc. Revolver 0.50 510 2
Sapphire Convention, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,560 (345)
Speedstar Holding, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 3,775 38
TCFI Aevex LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 521 (75)
TCFI Aevex LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 417 (60)
The Leaders Romans Bidco Limited (United Kingdom) Delayed Draw 1.56 £ 1,902 399
Trafigura Trading LLC Revolver 0.50 7,762 (133)
Turbo Buyer, Inc. Revolver 0.50 2,151 (43)
US INFRA SVCS Buyer, LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 9,972 (236)
US INFRA SVCS Buyer, LLC Revolver 0.50 525 (12)
USLS Acquisition, Inc. Revolver 0.50 1,134 (12)
Wineshipping.com LLC Delayed Draw 1.00 1,986 (39)
Wineshipping.com LLC Revolver 0.50 1,430 (28)
Total unfunded commitments $ 136,365 $ (1,679)
(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, 2021, the aggregate fair value of these securities is $57,469, or 4.93% of the Company’s net assets.
(9)Loan was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2021.
(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. 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.
(12)The investment is secured by receivables purchased from the portfolio company, with an implied discount of 8.75%. The investment was made via a tranched participation arrangement between the purchaser of such receivables and the Company. The investment has a secondary priority behind the rights of such purchaser.
As of December 31, 2021, investments at fair value consisted of the following:
Type Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
First Lien Debt $ 1,683,550 $ 1,674,715 80.9 %
Second Lien Debt 338,076 337,899 16.3
Equity Investments 49,349 57,469 2.8
Total $ 2,070,975 $ 2,070,083 100.0 %
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The rate type of debt investments at fair value as of December 31, 2021 was as follows:
Rate Type Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value of First and Second Lien Debt
Floating Rate $ 1,974,891 $ 1,963,755 97.6 %
Fixed Rate 46,735 48,859 2.4
Total $ 2,021,626 $ 2,012,614 100.0 %
The industry composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2021 was as follows:
Industry Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
Aerospace & Defense $ 198,598 $ 193,755 9.4 %
Automotive 97,762 100,697 4.9
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 159,660 165,832 8.0
Beverage, Food & Tobacco 105,211 105,250 5.1
Business Services 170,503 169,058 8.1
Capital Equipment 96,247 98,418 4.8
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber 70,687 71,964 3.5
Construction & Building 40,283 40,505 2.0
Consumer Goods: Durable 440 440 -
Consumer Goods: Non-Durable 5,303 5,158 0.2
Consumer Services 63,327 64,828 3.1
Containers, Packaging & Glass 95,875 96,154 4.6
Energy: Oil & Gas 40,433 41,179 2.0
Environmental Industries 75,685 75,933 3.7
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals 162,197 159,660 7.7
High Tech Industries 108,765 111,545 5.4
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure 128,601 121,298 5.9
Media: Advertising, Printing & Publishing - - -
Media: Diversified & Production 68,949 68,832 3.3
Metals & Mining 2,234 2,086 0.1
Retail 61,353 61,837 3.0
Software 231,462 231,302 11.1
Sovereign & Public Finance 37,793 38,371 1.9
Telecommunications 30,115 26,144 1.3
Transportation: Cargo - - -
Utilities: Electric 869 879 -
Wholesale 18,623 18,958 0.9
Total $ 2,070,975 $ 2,070,083 100.0 %
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2021
(dollar amounts in thousands)
The geographical composition of investments at fair value as of December 31, 2021 was as follows:
Geography Amortized Cost Fair Value % of Fair Value
Canada $ 120,151 $ 122,340 5.9 %
Cyprus 25,606 28,469 1.4
Italy 5,303 5,158 0.2
Jamaica - - -
Luxembourg 75,252 69,729 3.4
United Kingdom 98,302 101,829 4.9
United States 1,746,361 1,742,558 84.2
Total $ 2,070,975 $ 2,070,083 100.0 %
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT SOLUTIONS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2022
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION
Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc. (“CARS” or the “Company”) is a Maryland corporation formed on February 10, 2017 and 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 Inc. 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 has elected to be treated, and intends 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 through assembling a portfolio of 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”) supported by financial sponsors. The Company invests 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 its assets invested in higher yielding investments (which may include unsecured debt, subordinated debt and investments in equities). The Middle Market Senior Loans are generally made to private U.S. middle market companies that are, in many cases, controlled by private equity firms.
The Company invests primarily in loans to middle market companies whose debt has been rated below investment grade, or would likely be rated below investment grade if it was rated. These securities, which are often referred to as “junk,” have predominately speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
On September 11, 2017 ("Commencement"), the Company completed its initial closing of capital commitments (the “Initial Closing”) and subsequently commenced substantial investment operations. On January 21, 2022, stockholders approved the Company's conversion from a finite life private BDC with no interim liquidity to a private BDC with a perpetual life and a regular quarterly liquidity program. The conversion extends indefinitely the Company's term and finite investment period and permits the Company to accept new subscriptions for shares of its common stock in a new continuous private offering (the “New Continuous Offering”).
Effective March 3, 2017 the Company changed its name from Carlyle Private Credit, Inc. to TCG BDC II, Inc., and the Company’s name was changed again to Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc. on March 29, 2022.
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.
Carlyle Credit Solutions SPV LLC (the “SPV,” formerly TCG BDC II SPV LLC) 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.
Carlyle Credit Solutions SPV 2 LLC (“SPV2,” formerly TCG BDC II SPV 2 LLC and 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.
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 subsidiaries, the SPVs. 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, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 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, cash equivalents and restricted cash 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. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had restricted cash balances of $51,725 and $31,553, respectively, which represent amounts that are collected by trustees who have been appointed as custodians of the assets securing certain of the Company’s financing transactions, and held for payment of interest expense and principal on the outstanding borrowings, or
reinvestment into new assets. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, approximately $2,399 and $269, respectively, of the restricted cash balances were denominated in a foreign currency.
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. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the fair value of the loans in the portfolio with PIK provisions was $206,773 and $197,006, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company earned $10,937, $6,818 and $4,110 in PIK income, which is included in interest income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2022, the Company began presenting PIK income as a separate financial statement line item in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, which had previously been included in interest income. Prior periods have been conformed to the current presentation.
Other Income
Other income may include income such as consent, waiver, amendment, unused, underwriting, arranger 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 prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company earned $6,994, $6,021 and $10,047, respectively, in other income, primarily from prepayment, amendment and underwriting fees.
Non-Accrual Income
Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 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 current or there is no longer any reasonable doubt that such principal or interest will be collected in full and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. Management may determine not to 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, 2022 and 2021, the fair value of the loan in the portfolio on non-accrual status was $7,176 and $10,836, respectively. The remaining first and second lien debt investments were performing and current on their interest payments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
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,” which was terminated October 3, 2022, “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 interest expense and credit facility fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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 prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The amortization of such costs is included in interest expense and credit facility fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In 2021, the Company separately presented deferred financing costs on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and credit facility fees on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In 2022, these amounts are presented as a component of prepaid expenses and other assets and interest expense and credit facility fees on their respective statements. Prior periods have been conformed to the current presentation.
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. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company incurred excise tax of $80 and $100, respectively. The Company did not incur excise tax for the year ended December 31, 2020.
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 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, and may then be reinvested in shares of common stock at the election of the common stockholder pursuant to the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan.
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.
Earnings Per Common Share
The Company computes earnings per common share in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”). Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing the net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities.
Recent Accounting Standards Updates
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 London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which expanded the scope of Topic 848 to include derivative instruments impacted by discounting transition. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which defers the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. 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 the adoption of ASU 2020-04, 2021-01, and 2022-06 on its consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect this guidance to impact its consolidated financial statements.
3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company applies fair value accounting in accordance with the terms of FASB 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. Effective September 8, 2022, the Investment Adviser, as the valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act, determines in good faith the fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio for which market quotations are not readily available. The Investment Adviser 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 Investment Adviser 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 Investment Adviser determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to U.S. GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. The Investment Adviser 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 the Investment Adviser; (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) if applicable, prior to September 8, 2022, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) reviewed the assessments of the Investment Adviser and the third-party valuation firm; and (v) if applicable, prior to September 8, 2022, the Board of Directors discussed the valuation recommendations of the Audit Committee and determined 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, 2022, 2021, and 2020.
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. Financial instruments in this category 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. Financial instruments in this category generally include 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 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, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022 and 2021:
December 31, 2022
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
First Lien Debt $ - $ - $ 1,755,773 $ 1,755,773
Second Lien Debt - - 260,934 260,934
Equity Investments - - 74,164 74,164
Total $ - $ - $ 2,090,871 $ 2,090,871
December 31, 2021
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
First Lien Debt $ - $ - $ 1,674,715 $ 1,674,715
Second Lien Debt - - 337,899 337,899
Equity Investments - - 57,469 57,469
Total $ - $ - $ 2,070,083 $ 2,070,083
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, 2022
First
Lien Debt Second
Lien Debt Equity
Investments Total
Balance, beginning of year $ 1,674,715 $ 337,899 $ 57,469 $ 2,070,083
Purchases 524,543 1,281 17,955 543,779
Sales (61,802) (23,704) - (85,506)
Paydowns (357,814) (41,838) (1,130) (400,782)
Accretion of discount 10,244 1,298 119 11,661
Net realized gains (losses) 3,532 (5,615) 1,740 (343)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) (37,645) (8,387) (1,989) (48,021)
Balance, end of year $ 1,755,773 $ 260,934 $ 74,164 $ 2,090,871
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 $ (31,037) $ (8,002) $ (661) $ (39,700)
Financial Assets
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
First
Lien Debt Second
Lien Debt Equity
Investments Total
Balance, beginning of year $ 1,523,542 $ 260,258 $ 27,735 $ 1,811,535
Purchases 591,907 96,098 29,591 717,596
Sales (101,802) (9,800) (12,316) (123,918)
Paydowns (351,854) (24,041) (1,562) (377,457)
Accretion of discount 9,459 1,064 24 10,547
Net realized gains (losses) 1,426 (127) 9,523 10,822
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) 2,037 14,447 4,474 20,958
Balance, end of year $ 1,674,715 $ 337,899 $ 57,469 $ 2,070,083
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 $ 1,784 $ 14,174 $ 4,921 $ 20,879
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 Investment Adviser 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, 2022 and 2021:
Fair Value as Valuation Techniques Significant
Unobservable
Inputs Range Weighted
Average
of December 31, 2022 Low High
Investments in First Lien Debt $ 1,677,160 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 4.84 % 17.96 % 8.80 %
62,319 Consensus Pricing Indicative Quotes 97.00 % 100.00 % 98.5 %
16,294 Income Approach Discount Rate 9.03 % 9.03 % 9.03 %
Market Approach Comparable Multiple 10.51x 10.51x 10.51x
Total First Lien Debt 1,755,773
Investments in Second Lien Debt 260,934 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 8.96 % 13.33 % 10.30 %
Total Second Lien Debt 260,934
Investments in Equity 74,164 Income Approach Discount Rate 7.22 % 11.94 % 9.45 %
Market Approach Comparable Multiple 9.10x 17.24x 10.91x
Total Equity Investments 74,164
Total Level 3 Investments $ 2,090,871
Fair Value as of December 31, 2021
Valuation Techniques Significant
Unobservable
Inputs Range Weighted
Average
Low High
Investments in First Lien Debt $ 1,430,227 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 3.90 % 13.99 % 7.13 %
233,652 Consensus Pricing Indicative Quotes 98.00 % 100.00 % 98.17 %
Total First Lien Debt 10,836 Income Approach Discount Rate 11.55 % 11.55 % 11.55 %
Total First Lien Debt 1,674,715
Investments in Second Lien Debt 300,262 Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 7.11 % 15.83 % 9.55 %
37,637 Consensus Pricing Indicative Quotes 97.25 % 98.00 % 97.43 %
Total Second Lien Debt 337,899
Investments in Equity 57,469 Income Approach Discount Rate 7.22 % 10.19 % 8.31 %
Market Approach Comparable Multiple 9.10x 16.43x 11.86x
Total Equity Investments 57,469
Total Level 3 Investments $ 2,070,083
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 in isolation 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 in isolation 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, 2022 and 2021:
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Secured borrowings $ 982,404 $ 982,404 $ 966,947 $ 966,947
Total $ 982,404 $ 982,404 $ 966,947 $ 966,947
The carrying values of the secured borrowings generally approximate their respective fair values due to their variable interest rates. Secured borrowings are categorized as Level 3 within the hierarchy.
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. The initial term of the Investment Advisory Agreement was two years from June 26, 2017 and, unless terminated earlier, the Investment Advisory Agreement will renew 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 October 11, 2021, the Board, including all of its Independent Directors, reviewed and approved the terms of an amended and restated investment advisory agreement for an initial term of two years, conditional upon stockholders’ approval of the proposal to convert the Company to a perpetual life BDC as discussed above.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, which was amended and restated effective as of January 21, 2022 as discussed below, 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.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the management fee was calculated and payable quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 1.00% 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 Original Investment Period (as defined below) 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 “Original 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 Investment Adviser agreed that effective September 12, 2021 the annual rate of its management fee would decrease from a rate of 1.25% to 1.00% of the Company's average Capital Under Management. 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.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the incentive fee consisted of two parts. The first part was calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and equaled 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 was 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 exceeded a 7% annual return on weighted average cumulative capital called less cumulative distributions categorized as Returned Capital.
On January 21, 2022, stockholders approved the amended and restated investment advisory agreement, which the Company entered into effective as of the date of such approval (the “Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, (i) the income-based incentive fee rate was reduced from 15.0% to 12.5%, and the "hurdle rate" was reduced from 1.75% (7.0% annualized) to 1.25% (5.0% annualized); (ii) the capital gains incentive fee was reduced from 15.0% to 12.5%; and (iii) the calculation of the annual base management fee was
changed to 1.00% of the Company's net asset value as of the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter (as adjusted for capital called, dividends reinvested, distributions paid and issuer share repurchases made during the current calendar quarter) from 1.00% of the Company's average capital under management. The terms of the Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement were effective upon execution of the agreement, except for the change to the income-based incentive fee which became effective for the calendar quarter ending June 30, 2022. The Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement will continue in effect until January 21, 2024 and, unless terminated earlier, will renew automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of the Board and by the vote of a majority of the Independent Directors. The Amended and Restated 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.
Below is a summary of the base management fees and incentive fees incurred under the Investment Advisory Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Base management fees $ 11,770 $ 12,351 $ 11,631
Incentive fees on pre-incentive fee net investment income 17,961 18,198 15,256
Realized capital gains incentive fees - - -
Accrued capital gains incentive fees - - -
Total capital gains incentive fees - - -
Total incentive fees 17,961 18,198 15,256
Total base management fees and incentive fees $ 29,731 $ 30,549 $ 26,887
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, 2022 and 2021, $7,703 and $7,763, 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.
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, 2022, 2021, and 2020, the Company incurred $1,419, $892 and $430, 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, 2022 and 2021, $854 and $239, 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 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 9, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved the continuance of the Company’s Sub-Administration Agreements for an additional one year term.
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, fees incurred in connection with the State Street Sub-Administration Agreement, which amounted to $911, $794 and $694, respectively, were included in other general and administrative in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, $842 and $726, 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, 2022, 2021, and 2020 TCG received $3,133, $2,762, $2,310, 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 seven 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, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $351, $335 and $239, 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, 2022 and 2021, $- and $99, 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 as described below. 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, 2022 and 2021, asset coverage was 217.21% and 220.61%, 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, 2022, 2021, and 2020.
For the years ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Outstanding borrowing, beginning of period $ 966,947 $ 880,956 $ 648,200
Borrowings 394,733 445,420 702,597
Repayments (370,748) (354,096) (475,381)
Foreign currency translation (8,528) (5,333) 5,540
Outstanding borrowing, end of period $ 982,404 $ 966,947 $ 880,956
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. The Subscription Facility was terminated and repaid in full on October 3, 2022. The Company could borrow amounts in U.S. Dollars or certain other permitted currencies. Borrowings under the Subscription Facility accrued interest at LIBOR plus an applicable spread of 1.95% per year as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020), subject to a 0.50% floor on LIBOR. The Company also paid a fee of 0.25% per year on undrawn amounts under the Subscription Facility.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Subscription Facility was secured by a first lien security interest in the Company’s unfunded investor equity capital commitments. The Subscription Facility included 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, December 4, 2020, June 2, 2021, December 28, 2021 and March 28, 2022. The SPV Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings of $700,000 as of December 31, 2022, 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, 2024, and a maturity date of April 1, 2026, 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 SOFR (or, if applicable, a rate based on the prime rate or federal funds rate) plus 2.50% per year. 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, August 13, 2021, March 7, 2022 and September 20, 2022. The SPV2 Credit Facility provides for secured borrowings during the applicable revolving period up to a principal amount of $550,000 as of December 31, 2022, 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 March 7, 2025, and a maturity date of March 7, 2030. 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 2.40%. SPV2 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, generally 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, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no outstanding Repurchase Obligations. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company did not enter into any repurchase agreements. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company entered into $58,921 of repurchase agreements, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.00%.
Summary of Credit Facilities
The Credit Facilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
December 31, 2022
Total Facility Borrowings
Outstanding Unused
Portion (1)
Amount
Available (2)
SPV Credit Facility $ 700,000 $ 622,104 $ 77,896 $ 39,299
SPV2 Credit Facility 550,000 360,300 189,700 99,200
Total $ 1,250,000 $ 982,404 $ 267,596 $ 138,499
December 31, 2021
Total Facility Borrowings
Outstanding Unused
Portion (1)
Amount
Available (2)
Subscription Facility $ 50,000 $ 30,190 $ 19,810 $ 1,744
SPV Credit Facility 700,000 594,357 105,643 30,961
SPV2 Credit Facility 450,000 342,400 107,600 107,600
Total $ 1,200,000 $ 966,947 $ 233,053 $ 140,305
(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, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the components of interest expense and credit facility fees were as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Interest expense $ 38,136 $ 25,837 $ 22,425
Facility unused commitment fee 1,105 270 992
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,712 1,395 1,524
Total interest expense and credit facility fees $ 40,953 $ 27,502 $ 24,941
Cash paid for interest expense and credit facility fees $ 31,433 $ 24,642 $ 21,675
Average principal debt outstanding $ 923,838 $ 961,892 $ 726,109
Weighted average interest rate 4.07 % 2.65 % 3.04 %
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the components of interest and credit facility fees payable were as follows:
As of December 31,
2022 2021
Interest expense payable $ 13,344 $ 5,506
Unused commitment fees payable 215 70
Total interest expense and credit facility fees payable $ 13,559 $ 5,576
Weighted average interest rate (1)
6.00 % 2.63 %
(1) Based on floating LIBOR and SOFR rates.
6. COMMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
A summary of significant contractual payment obligations was as follows as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
December 31,
Payment Due by Period 2022 2021
Less than 1 Year $ - $ 30,190
1-3 Years - -
3-5 Years 622,104 594,357
More than 5 Years 360,300 342,400
Total $ 982,404 $ 966,947
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, 2022 and 2021 for any such exposure.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had $1,285,690 and $1,227,312, respectively, in total capital commitments from stockholders, of which $13,210 and $64,700, respectively, was unfunded. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, current officers had $500 and $300, 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,
2022 2021
Unfunded delayed draw commitments $ 79,647 $ 66,093
Unfunded revolving commitments 79,427 70,272
Total unfunded commitments $ 159,074 $ 136,365
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 twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased and extinguished 4,116,229 shares for $81,649, in connection with the Quarterly Tender Offers as discussed below.
The following tables summarize capital activity during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 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, January 1, 2022
57,005,057 $ 570 $ 1,160,819 $ 2,212 $ 3,795 $ (1,155) $ 1,166,241
Common stock issued 5,507,688 55 109,813 - - - 109,868
Repurchased stock (4,116,229) (41) (81,608) - - - (81,649)
Net investment income (loss) - - - 119,109 - - 119,109
Net realized gain (loss) - - - - (753) - (753)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments - - - - - (48,021) (48,021)
Net change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities - - - - - 8,551 8,551
Dividends declared - - - (112,806) (9,039) - (121,845)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP - - (304) 304 - - -
Balance, December 31, 2022
58,396,516 $ 584 $ 1,188,720 $ 8,819 $ (5,997) (40,625) $ 1,151,501
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, January 1, 2021
49,062,820 $ 491 $ 996,001 $ 1,117 $ (6,891) $ (27,582) $ 963,136
Common stock issued 7,942,237 79 164,921 - - - 165,000
Net investment income (loss) - - - 103,028 - - 103,028
Net realized gain (loss) - - - - 10,822 - 10,822
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments - - - - - 20,958 20,958
Net change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on non-investment assets and liabilities - - - - (136) 5,469 5,333
Dividends declared - - - (102,036) - - (102,036)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP - - (103) 103 - - -
Balance, December 31, 2021
57,005,057 $ 570 $ 1,160,819 $ 2,212 $ 3,795 (1,155) $ 1,166,241
Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value 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, January 1, 2020
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, December 31, 2020
49,062,820 $ 491 $ 996,001 $ 1,117 $ (6,891) $ (27,582) $ 963,136
Share Issuance
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2022:
Shares Issued Proceeds Received
June 30, 2022 3,233,368 $ 64,700
September 28, 2022 2,274,320 45,168
Total 5,507,688 $ 109,868
The following table summarizes total shares issued and proceeds received related to capital activity during the year ended December 31, 2021:
Shares Issued Proceeds Received
June 29, 2021 2,427,186 $ 50,000
September 22, 2021 2,405,003 50,000
December 30, 2021 3,110,048 65,000
Total 7,942,237 $ 165,000
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
On December 23, 2022, the Company delivered a capital drawdown notice to its investors relating to the issuance of 674,324 shares for an aggregate offering price of approximately $13.2 million. The shares were issued on January 6, 2023.
Subscription and share issuance transactions during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 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 for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Earnings Per Share
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,
2022 2021 2020
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $ 78,886 $ 140,141 $ 52,186
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 57,991,971 50,982,223 44,300,431
Basic and diluted earnings per common share $ 1.36 $ 2.75 $ 1.18
Dividends
The following table summarizes the Company’s dividends declared for the three most recent fiscal years:
Date Declared Record Date Payment Date Per Share Amount
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
March 30, 2021 March 30, 2021 April 16, 2021 $ 0.48
June 29, 2021 June 29, 2021 July 16, 2021 $ 0.48
September 29, 2021 September 29, 2021 October 15, 2021 $ 0.49
December 30, 2021 December 30, 2021 January 18, 2022 $ 0.48
March 25, 2022 March 25, 2022 April 18, 2022 $ 0.60 (1)
June 15, 2022 June 15, 2022 July 19, 2022 $ 0.48
September 14, 2022 September 14, 2022 October 19, 2022 $ 0.51
December 21, 2022 December 21, 2022 January 20, 2023 $ 0.52 (1)
(1) Includes capital gain distribution of $0.103745 per share for the April 18, 2022 dividend payment and $0.053510 per share for the January 20, 2023 dividend payment.
Special Tender Offer
On April 5, 2022, CDL Tender Fund 2022-1, L.P. (the “Purchaser”) launched a tender offer (the “Special Tender Offer”) to purchase up to $100,000,000 in aggregate amount of shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $20.13 per share (the “Special Tender Offer Purchase Price”), which represented the net asset value per share of the Company’s common stock as determined by the Company on March 29, 2022. The Special Tender Offer expired on May 3, 2022. The Purchaser accepted for purchase $100,000,000 in aggregate amount of the Company’s common stock at the Special Tender Offer Purchase Price, which represented approximately 8.71% of the total number of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock as of May 6, 2022. As of the date of the Special Tender Offer, the Purchaser was wholly owned by its limited partners, the Investment Adviser, Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund, a Delaware statutory trust, and AlpInvest Indigo I CI-A, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership which is advised by an affiliate of the Investment Adviser. These limited partners contributed approximately $28.6 million, $50.0 million and $21.4 million, respectively, in cash to the Purchaser to fund the purchase of the shares. Effective as of June 15, 2022, the Investment Adviser assigned its entire interest in the Purchaser to a third party for $28.4 million and as of that date no longer owns shares indirectly through the Purchaser.
Quarterly Tender Offers
In the second quarter of 2022, the Company commenced a quarterly liquidity program pursuant to which the Company expects to conduct quarterly tender offers (the “Quarterly Tender Offer”) to repurchase up to 3.5% of the number of shares of its common stock outstanding as of the end of the calendar quarter immediately prior to the quarter in which the Quarterly Tender Offer is conducted, at a per share price based on the net asset value per share as of the last date of the quarter in which the Quarterly Tender Offer is conducted. However, the Board of Directors has the discretion to determine whether or not the Company will purchase common stock from stockholders, and the Company is not required to conduct tender offers on a quarterly basis or at all. If during any consecutive 24-month period, the Company does not engage in a quarterly tender offer in which the Company accepts for purchase 100% of properly tendered shares (a “Qualifying Tender”), the Company generally will not make commitments for new portfolio investments (excluding short-term cash management investments under 30 days in duration) and will reserve available assets to satisfy future tender requests until a Qualifying Tender occurs, subject to the Company continuing to use available funds and liquidity for certain purposes.
The following summarizes the Quarterly Tender Offers for the year ended December 31, 2022:
Payment Date Percentage of Outstanding Shares Offered to Repurchase Price Paid Per Share Repurchase Pricing Date Amount Repurchased Shares Repurchased Percentage of Outstanding Shares Repurchased(1)
August 12, 2022 3.5% $ 19.80 June 30, 2022 $ 39,504 1,995,176 3.3 %
November 14, 2022 3.5% $ 19.87 September 30, 2022 $ 41,893 2,108,344 3.5 %
(1)Percentage based on the total shares as of the close of the previous quarter
In August 2022 and December 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the repurchase of 8,547 and 4,162 shares of the Company, respectively, which had been tendered by the investors in the Quarterly Tender Offers. These shares were not repurchased in the Quarterly Tender Offers and instead were repurchased by the Company at the prices per share of $19.80, or $170, and $19.87, or $83, respectively.
On December 30, 2022, the Company commenced a Quarterly Tender Offer pursuant to which the Company offered to repurchase up to 2,117,816 shares, representing 3.5% of the number of shares of its common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2022. On January 30, 2023, the Quarterly Tender Offer expired and the Company accepted 2,117,816 shares for purchase, representing approximately 3.6% of the total number of shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The purchase price of the shares tendered is the Company’s net asset value per share as of December 31, 2022, or $19.72 per share. In accordance with the terms of the Quarterly Tender Offer, a non-interest bearing, non-transferable and non-negotiable promissory note has been issued to the Company’s stockholders that participated in the tender offer, which is being held on the stockholder’s behalf, entitling the tendering stockholder to receive payment in an aggregate amount equal to the net asset value of the tendered shares as of December 31, 2022 less the 2% early repurchase fee applicable to shares that have not been outstanding for at least one year.
8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following is a schedule of consolidated financial highlights for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
For the Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Per Share Data:
Net asset value per share, beginning of year $ 20.46 $ 19.63 $ 20.61
Net investment income (loss) (1)
2.05 2.02 1.95
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments (0.69) 0.73 (1.00)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations 1.36 2.75 0.95
Dividends declared (2)
(2.11) (1.93) (1.94)
Effect of offering price of subscriptions (3)
0.01 0.01 0.01
Net asset value per share, end of year $ 19.72 $ 20.46 $ 19.63
Number of shares outstanding, end of year 58,396,516 57,005,057 49,062,820
Total return based on net asset value (4)
6.65 % 14.06 % 4.66 %
Net assets, end of year/period $ 1,151,501 $ 1,166,241 $ 963,136
Ratio to average net assets:
Expenses before incentive fees 5.16 % 4.30 % 4.60 %
Expenses after incentive fees 6.69 % 6.03 % 6.34 %
Net investment income (loss) 10.15 % 9.82 % 9.85 %
Interest expense and credit facility fees 3.49 % 2.62 % 2.84 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data:
Asset coverage, end of year 217.21 % 220.61 % 209.33 %
Portfolio turnover 23.78 % 25.67 % 15.03 %
Total committed capital, end of year 1,285,690 1,227,312 1,227,312
Ratio of total contributed capital to total committed capital, end of year 98.97 % 94.73 % 81.28 %
Weighted-average shares outstanding 57,991,971 50,982,223 44,300,431
(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, assuming reinvestment of dividends in accordance with the dividend reinvestment plan, divided by the beginning net asset value for the year. Total return for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was inclusive of an increase (decrease) in net asset value related to the offering price of subscriptions $0.01 per share, $0.01 per share and $0.01 per share, respectively. Excluding the effects of these common stock issuances, total return would have been 6.59%, 14.01%, and 4.61%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 (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, 2022 and 2021, 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, 2022 and 2021.
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, 2022, 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, 2022 and 2021, permanent differences primarily due to non-deductible excise tax paid and non-deductible expenses from investments in partnerships resulted in a net decrease in total distributable loss by $304 and $103, respectively, and a net decrease in additional paid-in capital in excess of par by $304 and $103, 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, 2022 to December 31, 2022 and July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 was as follows:
For the Period from July, 1 2022 to December 31, 2022 For the Period from July 1, 2021 to
June 30, 2022
Ordinary income $ 56,941 $ 109,636
Long-term capital gains $ 3,125 $ 5,914
Tax return of capital $ - $ -
Income Tax Information and Distributions to Stockholders
As of June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
As of
June 30, 2022 June 30, 2021
Undistributed ordinary income $ 26,240 $ 25,096
Other book/tax temporary differences(1)
(27,627) (25,005)
Capital loss carryforwards - (3,233)
Undistributed capital gains 5,592 -
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments(2)
(46,604) 1,989
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on non-investment assets and liabilities 9,531 (4,424)
Total accumulated earnings (deficit) $ (32,868) $ (5,577)
(1)Consists of dividends payable as well as the unamortized portion of organization costs as of June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021.
(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, 2022 and June 30, 2021, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments were as follows:
As of
June 30, 2022 June 30, 2021
Cost of investments $ 2,033,294 $ 1,921,824
Gross unrealized appreciation on investments 13,976 34,140
Gross unrealized depreciation on investments (60,580) (32,151)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments $ (46,604) $ 1,989
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, 2022, the Company had no capital loss carryforwards. As of June 30, 2021, the Company had $3,233, of capital loss carryforwards, of which $2,347 were short-term capital loss carryforwards and $886 were long-term capital loss carryforwards.
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, 2022 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, 2022 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, 2022 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.

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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 2023 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-Codes 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 2023 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 2023 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 2023 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 2023 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, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2022 and 2021
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 Articles of Amendment (3)
3.3 Bylaws (1)
4.1 Form of Subscription Agreement (1)
4.2 Description of Registered Securities *
10.1 Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement (4)
10.2 Administration Agreement (1)
10.3 Form of Indemnification Agreement (1)
10.4 Master Custodian Agreement (2)
10.5 Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2021 and Conformed through Amendment No. 2 dated as of March 28, 2022, 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.(5)
10.6 Amended and Restated Loan and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2020 and Conformed through Amendment No. 3 dated as of March 7, 2022, 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.†(6)
10.7 Fourth Amendment, dated September 20, 2022, to the Loan and Security Agreement, 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.†(7)
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 Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed by the Company on March 29, 2022 (File No. 814-01248)
(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed by the Company on January 25, 2022 (File No. 814-01248)
(5) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on May 10, 2022 (File No. 814-01248)
(6) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on May 10, 2022 (File No. 814-01248)
(7) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed by the Company on November 14, 2022 (File No. 814-01248)