EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1587987
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1587987_10-K_2021_0001587987-21-000047.json

---

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
We are an internally managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Additionally, we have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes, beginning with our 2015 tax year. Our investment activities are managed by our executive officers and supervised by our Board.
As a BDC, our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation primarily through loans originated by our business finance platform, which we sometimes refer to as an “ecosystem,” and our equity investments in certain portfolio companies that we control.
Our Business
We are an internally managed BDC that is a leading national non-bank lender that provides, together with our controlled portfolio companies, a wide range of business and financial solutions under the Newtek® brand to the SMB market. Newtek’s and its portfolio companies’ products and services include: Business Lending, including SBA 7(a) loans, SBA 504 loans and conventional loans, Electronic Payment Processing, Managed Technology Solutions (Cloud Computing), Technology Consulting, eCommerce, Accounts Receivable and Inventory Financing, personal and commercial lines Insurance Services, Web Services, Data Backup, Storage and Retrieval, and Payroll and Benefits Solutions to SMB accounts nationwide across all industries. We have an established and reliable platform that is not limited by client size, industry type or location. As a result, we believe we have a strong and diversified client base across every state in the U.S. and across a variety of different industries. In addition, we have developed a financial and technology based business model that enables us and our controlled portfolio companies to acquire and process our SMB clients in a cost effective manner. This capability is supported in large part by NewTracker®, our patented prospect management technology software which is similar to, but we believe is better suited for our needs, than the system popularized by Salesforce.com. We believe that our NewTracker® technology and low cost business model distinguishes us from our competitors.
We define SMBs as companies having revenues of $1,000,000 to $100,000,000. We focus on serving the SMB market, which we estimate to be over 27 million businesses in the United States. We believe that these businesses have historically been underserved by traditional financial institutions and typically lack the capital resources to build a competitive business and marketing infrastructure on their own. Further, in today’s economic climate, we believe SMBs have particular difficulty obtaining capital from traditional lending sources. While we do not compete directly with alternative online lenders such as The Lending Club, Prosper.com, OnDeck Capital, Inc. and Kabbage Inc., we do provide financing solutions as an alternative to traditional lending. We believe there is significant demand for such alternative financing among SMBs. Our lending solutions and our controlled portfolio companies’ outsourced business and financial solutions help clients manage and grow their businesses and compete effectively in today’s marketplace. We obtain our customers through referrals from various business partners, such as banks, insurance companies, credit unions and other affinity groups, as well as through our own direct sales force and advertising campaigns. We source, acquire and process SMB customers in a cost-effective manner without reliance on high cost sales staff and time consuming application processes.
In lending, we believe we are a leading capital provider to SMBs based on our loan volume. We originate loans through a variety of sourcing channels and through a disciplined underwriting process, and seek to achieve attractive risk-weighted returns. Our multi-faceted relationships with certain borrowers allow us to closely monitor their credit profile and take an active role in managing our investments. Further, our lending capabilities, coupled with the broad outsourced business and financial solutions of our controlled portfolio companies, create attractive cross-selling opportunities within our client base. We believe our business model creates powerful network effects which will help drive growth and operating leverage in our business. In addition, our SBA 7(a) loans originated by NSBF are structured so that the government guaranteed portion can be rapidly sold, which, based on our historic ability to securitize the unguaranteed portions, and assuming the continuation of current market conditions, allows us to quickly recover our principal and earn excess capital on each SBA 7(a) loan we originate, usually in less than a year. We may in the future determine to retain the government guaranteed or unguaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans for longer periods pending deployment of excess capital. From 2012 through 2020, based on dollar lending volume, NSBF has consistently been the largest non-bank SBA 7(a) lender, and as of December 31, 2020, is the third largest SBA 7(a) lender in the United States.
Newtek and its controlled portfolio companies use NewTracker®, our patented technology for receiving, processing and monitoring prospective customers. NewTracker® enables Newtek and its controlled portfolio companies to acquire SMB customers in a cost effective manner as it is all accomplished by skilled staff using state of the art technology without the need for high cost sales staff or applications processors. NewTracker® also permits our referral partners to have a real time window into the back office processing of the referrals they provide. In addition, NewTracker® automatically pre-populates any necessary forms or applications so the processing is efficient and also cost effective. Finally, NewTracker® also identifies opportunities for the cross-sale of other Newtek branded products or services.
Business Finance Ecosystem
SBA 7(a) Lending
Our portfolio includes guaranteed and unguaranteed non-affiliate SBA 7(a) loan investments that were made through NSBF, a nationally licensed SBA lender under the federal Section 7(a) loan program, which is part of our business finance ecosystem. The SBA is an independent government agency that facilitates one of the nation’s largest sources of SMB financing by providing credit guarantees for its loan programs. SBA 7(a) loans are partially guaranteed by the SBA, with SBA guarantees typically ranging between 50% and 90% of the principal and interest due. NSBF has a dedicated Senior Lending Team (as defined below) that originates and services SBA 7(a) loans to qualifying SMBs. NSBF sells the guaranteed portions of its SBA 7(a) loans, typically within two weeks of origination, and retains the unguaranteed portion until accumulating sufficient loans for a securitization. NSBF’s securitization process is as follows. After accumulating sufficient loans, the loans are transferred to a special purpose vehicle (a “Trust”), which in turn issues notes against the Trust’s assets in a private placement. The Trust’s primary source of income for repaying the securitization notes is the cash flows generated from the unguaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans owned by the Trust. Principal on the securitization notes will be paid by cash flow in excess of that needed to pay various fees related to the operation of the Trust and interest on the debt. Securitization notes have an expected maturity of approximately five years, and the Trust is dissolved when the securitization notes are paid in full, either at or prior to maturity.
We intend to continue to expand our business finance ecosystem primarily by expanding senior secured lending through NSBF, as well as through our portfolio companies that make SBA 504 loans, nonconforming conventional loans and provide accounts receivable and inventory financing, as discussed below. We believe NSBF’s SBA license, combined with NSBF’s PLP designation, provides us with a distinct competitive advantage over other SMB lenders that have not overcome these significant barriers-to-entry in our primary loan market. NSBF originated $196,752,000 of SBA 7(a) loans during 2020 and $517,692,000 of SBA 7(a) loans during 2019. As discussed below, one result of the uncertain economic impact to U.S. small businesses created by the COVID-19 pandemic was that the Company temporarily shifted the focus of NSBF from originating SBA 7(a) loans to originating PPP loans beginning in March 2020 through June 30, 2020, which materially decreased NSBF’s originations of SBA 7(a) loans during 2020. Further, in December 2020, Congress passed the Economic Aid Act (as defined below), which provides funding for PPP loans through March 31, 2021, and on January 11, 2021, the Company announced that NSBF would offer PPP loans through the end of the PPP. For more information, see “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - PPP Additional Rounds.” We believe that we will continue to be introduced to a variety of high-quality investment opportunities through our existing loan sourcing channels and our controlled portfolio companies’ relationships with their clients, and our status as a BDC which helps fuel the growth of our loan portfolio by providing us with better access to lower-cost capital.
Under the SBA’s 7(a) lending program, a bank or other lender such as NSBF underwrites a loan between $5,000 and $5,000,000 for a variety of general business purposes based on the SBA’s Loan Program Requirements (defined below) and the SBA provides a partial guarantee on the loan. Depending on the loan size, the SBA typically guarantees between 50% and 90% of the principal and interest due. The recoveries and expenses on the unguaranteed portions of these loans are shared pari passu between the SBA and the lender, which substantially reduces the loss severity on the unguaranteed portion of a loan for SBA 7(a) loan investors. SBA 7(a) loans are typically between ten and 25 years in maturity, four to five years in duration and bear interest at the prime rate plus a spread from 2.25% to 2.75%. Since the guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans carry the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, lenders may, and frequently do, sell the guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans in the capital markets, hold the unguaranteed portion and retain all loan servicing rights.
NSBF has a dedicated capital markets team that sells the guaranteed portions of its SBA 7(a) loans and securitizes the unguaranteed portions of its SBA 7(a) loans. Historically, NSBF has sold the guaranteed portions of its originated SBA 7(a) loans shortly after origination and retained the unguaranteed portions until accumulating sufficient loans for a securitization. NSBF has typically sold SBA guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans at premiums ranging from 106% to 120% of par value, and any portion of the premium that is above 110% of par value is shared equally between NSBF and the SBA. However, there is no guarantee that NSBF will be able to continue to earn premiums of 106% to 120% on future sales. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - We have specific risks associates with SBA loans.” Since December 2010, NSBF has maintained its securitization program for unguaranteed portions of its SBA 7(a) loans and has successfully completed ten securitization transactions with Standard & Poor’s AA or A ratings and advance rates as high as 83.5% of par value. NSBF’s most recent and largest securitization to date occurred in October 2019, when it sold $118,920,000 of unguaranteed SBA 7(a) loan-backed notes. NSBF intends to complete additional securitizations in the future. We may determine to retain the government guaranteed or unguaranteed portions of loans for longer periods, pending deployment of excess capital.
NSBF’s Senior Lending Team has focused on making smaller loans, approximately $1,000,000 or less, in order to maintain a diversified pool of loans that are dispersed both geographically and among industries, with a goal of limiting NSBF’s exposure to regional and industry-specific economic downturns. Specifically, as of December 31, 2020, NSBF’s loan portfolio consisted of 2,347 loans originated across 50 states in 78 different industries as defined by the North American Industry Classification System (“NAICS”). The following charts summarize NSBF’s mix of investment concentrations by industry and geography as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Distribution by NAICS Code Description
NAICS Code Description Number of Loans Aggregate Balance ($) Average Balance ($) Percentage of Balance
Food Services and Drinking Places 285 $ 36,343 $ 128 8.6 %
Truck Transportation 90 30,673 341 7.3 %
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 207 26,433 128 6.3 %
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries 111 25,062 226 6.0 %
Ambulatory Health Care Services 125 20,354 163 4.8 %
Repair and Maintenance 109 17,638 162 4.2 %
Specialty Trade Contractors 114 17,173 151 4.1 %
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 43 15,127 352 3.6 %
Administrative and Support Services 96 13,679 142 3.3 %
Food Manufacturing 26 13,173 507 3.1 %
Other 1,141 204,743 179 48.7 %
Total 2,347 $ 420,398 $ 179 100.0 %
Distribution by State
State Number of Loans Aggregate Balance ($) Average Balance ($) Percentage of Balance
Florida 268 $ 38,360 $ 143 9.1 %
California 189 34,798 184 8.3 %
New York 213 33,919 159 8.1 %
Texas 168 31,837 190 7.6 %
Connecticut 125 23,061 184 5.5 %
Pennsylvania 83 20,146 243 4.8 %
New Jersey 112 19,045 170 4.5 %
Illinois 85 17,874 210 4.3 %
North Carolina 72 15,690 218 3.7 %
Georgia 83 14,393 173 3.4 %
Other 949 171,276 180 40.7 %
Total 2,347 $ 420,398 $ 179 100.0 %
NSBF evaluates the credit quality of its loan portfolio by employing a risk rating system that is similar to the Uniform Classification System, which is the asset classification system adopted by the Federal Financial Institution Examinations Council. NSBF’s risk rating system is granular with multiple risk ratings in both the Acceptable and Substandard categories. Assignment of the ratings are predicated upon numerous factors, including credit risk scores, collateral type, loan to value ratios, industry, financial health of the business, payment history, other internal metrics/analysis, and qualitative assessments. Risk ratings are refreshed as appropriate based upon considerations such as market conditions, loan characteristics, and portfolio trends. NSBF’s gross SBA loans by credit quality indicator are as follows:
Risk Rating
Portfolio Number of Loans Aggregate Balance ($) Average Balance ($) Percentage of Balance
Risk Rating 1 - 4 2,132 $ 353,373 $ 166 84.0 %
Risk Rating 5 35 13,251 379 3.2 %
Risk Rating 6 179 53,408 298 12.7 %
Risk Rating 6/7 and 7 1 366 366 0.1 %
Total 2,347 $ 420,398 $ 179 100.0 %
The weighted average term to maturity and weighted average interest rate of NSBF’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2020 was 14.6 years and 6.2%, respectively.
Receivables Financing, Inventory Financing and SBA 504 Lending
The Company’s business finance ecosystem also includes NBC and NBL, both controlled portfolio companies, as well as NCL, a joint venture. NBC provides receivables financing, inventory financing and health care receivables financing, and management services to SMBs, which may obtain $10,000 to $2,000,000 per month through the sale of their trade receivables or the financing or their inventories. In addition, NBL funds SBA 504 loans which provide financing of fixed assets such as real estate or equipment and also provides loan origination services to our joint venture (see below).
Non-Conforming Commercial Lending
On November 27, 2018, the Company’s wholly-owned affiliate, Newtek Commercial Lending, Inc., and a wholly-owned affiliate of BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (“BlackRock TCP”), Conventional Lending TCP Holdings LLC, entered into a joint venture, NCL, governed by the Limited Liability Company Agreement for the JV. The Company and BlackRock TCP each committed to contribute an equal share of equity funding to the JV and each have equal voting rights on all material matters, with the intent to deploy capital over the course of time with additional leverage supported by a warehouse line of credit. The purpose of the JV was to originate commercial loans to middle-market companies as well as small businesses. Additionally, on April 29, 2019, the JV closed a $100 million senior-secured revolving credit facility, with a $100 million accordion feature, with Deutsche Bank. As a result of, among other things, the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the JV ceased originating loans during 2020 and in December 2020, DB and the JV agreed to amend the facility to end the revolving period.
Third Party Loan Servicing
SBL, a wholly-owned, controlled portfolio company, engages in third-party loan servicing for SBA and non-SBA loans and provides lending institutions with outsourced solutions for the entire SBA lending process, including credit analysis, structuring and eligibility, packaging, closing compliance and servicing. SBL provides loan origination solutions to NSBF and also provides loan origination and servicing solutions to NBL, NCL, and third parties such as banks, credit unions and government agencies including the FDIC.
The CARES Act - Paycheck Protection Program
On March 27, 2020, Congress passed, and the President of the United States signed into law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The CARES Act provided an over $2.00 trillion stimulus package to certain businesses and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with subsidies to certain existing SBA 7(a) borrowers in which the SBA paid all principal, interest, and fees on existing performing SBA 7(a) loans for six months beginning with such borrowers’ April 2020 payments. Among other things, the CARES Act allowed NSBF, as an SBA 7(a) lender, to originate loans under the newly-established PPP as an expansion of the existing SBA Section 7(a) loan program through June 30, 2020. On July 4, 2020, the President of the United States signed a bill to re-open the application window for the PPP until August 8, 2020. The first round of the PPP closed on August 8, 2020.
Under the PPP, SBA 7(a) lenders were automatically approved to extend 100% federally guaranteed PPP loans to certain small businesses for amounts up to 2.5 times of those businesses’ average monthly payroll expenses (capped at $10 million). The interest rate on PPP loans is capped at 1.00%, and the loans are forgivable after an 8 up to a 24 week forgiveness period, provided that the borrower uses the loans for eligible purposes (e.g., payroll/benefits (excluding employee compensation above $100,000), mortgage interest, rent and utilities) and maintains its payroll levels. The amount of loan forgiveness will be reduced if the borrower reduces salaries or terminates employees during the forgiveness period.
As a result of the uncertain economic impact to U.S. small businesses created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company’s Executive Committee and Senior Lending Team temporarily shifted the focus of NSBF from originating SBA 7(a) loans to originating PPP loans beginning in March 2020. On June 29, 2020, NSBF restarted its SBA 7(a) loan program and began accepting SBA 7(a) loan applications. During the duration of the first round of PPP, NSBF funded approximately 10,570 PPP loans totaling $1.19 billion though the PPP. Pursuant to the PPP, the SBA reimbursed a lender authorized to make a PPP loan at a rate, based on the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the PPP loan, of: (i) 5.00% for PPP loans of not more than $350,000; (ii) 3.00% for loans of more than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and (iii) 1.00% for loans of not less than $2,000,000.
On September 5, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (the “new Act”) was signed into law and made significant changes to the PPP to provide additional relief for small businesses. The new Act increased flexibility for small businesses that have been unable to rehire employees due to lack of employee availability or have been unable to operate as normal due to COVID-19 related restrictions. It extended the period that businesses have to use PPP funds to qualify for loan forgiveness to 24 weeks, up from 8 weeks under the original rules. The new Act also relaxed the requirements that loan recipients must adhere to in order to qualify for loan forgiveness. In addition, the new Act extended the payment deferral period for PPP loans until the date when the amount of loan forgiveness is determined and remitted to the lender. For PPP recipients who do not apply for forgiveness, the loan deferral period is 10 months after the applicable forgiveness period ends.
On December 27, 2020, the “The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act” (the “Economic Aid Act”) was enacted by Congress in order to provide additional assistance to the hardest-hit small businesses, nonprofits, and venues that are struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic Aid Act provides funding for PPP loans through March 31, 2021 and a second round of forgivable loans through the PPP for small businesses and nonprofits experiencing significant revenue losses, made programmatic improvements to PPP, funds grants to shuttered venues, and enacted emergency enhancements to other SBA lending programs. This critical assistance will provide small business owners with the capital they need to survive the pandemic and includes critical resources for the smallest businesses. The Economic Aid Act also provides additional subsidies to certain existing SBA 7(a) borrowers. Specifically, under the Economic Aid Act, the SBA will pay an additional three months of payments of principal, interest, and fees on existing performing SBA 7(a) loans approved prior to March 27, 2020, capped at $9,000 per borrower per month and new SBA 7(a) borrowers with loans approved from February 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021, will receive 5 months of payments of principal, interest, and fees, capped at $9,000 per month. For PPP loans made on or after December 27, 2020, SBA will pay lenders fees based on the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the loan, for processing PPP loans in the following amounts: (i) for loans of not more than $50,000, an amount equal to the lesser of fifty (50) percent or $2,500; (ii) five (5) percent for loans of more than $50,000 and not more than $350,000; (iii) three (3) percent for loans of more than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and (iv) one (1) percent for loans of at least $2,000,000.
On January 11, 2021, the Company announced that NSBF would immediately begin offering PPP second draw loans to eligible business as well as first draw PPP loans through the end of the PPP, set for March 31, 2021. See “Recent Developments - PPP Additional Rounds.” We continue to monitor legislative, regulatory, and supervisory developments related to the PPP, but there can be no assurance that the PPP will be further reauthorized, or that NSBF will be qualified to participate in any further reauthorization.
Controlled Portfolio Companies
In addition to our debt investments in portfolio companies through our business finance ecosystem, we also hold controlling interests in certain portfolio companies that, as of December 31, 2020, represented approximately 33% of our total investment portfolio. Specifically, we hold controlling interests in NMS, Mobil Money, NTS, SBL, NBC, NBL, NCL, TAM, NPS, NIA, EWS, POS, IPM, and SIDCO. We refer to these entities (among others), collectively, as our “controlled portfolio companies.” Our controlled portfolio companies provide us with an extensive network of business relationships that supplement our referral sources and that we believe will help us to maintain a robust pipeline of lending opportunities and expand our business finance ecosystem.
The revenues that our controlled portfolio companies generate, after deducting operating expenses, may be distributed to us. As a BDC, our Board will determine quarterly the fair value of our controlled portfolio companies in a similar manner as our other investments. In particular, our investments in our controlled portfolio companies are valued using a valuation methodology that incorporates both the market approach (guideline public company method) and the income approach (discounted cash flow analysis). In following these approaches, factors that we may take into account in determining the fair value of our investments include, as relevant: available current market data, including relevant and applicable market trading comparables, the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flows of forecasted future earnings, comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public, and enterprise values, among other factors. In addition, the Company has engaged third party valuation firms to provide valuation consulting services for the valuation of certain of our controlled portfolio companies.
Newtek Merchant Solutions (NMS)
NMS (a 2001 investment) markets credit and debit card processing services, check approval services and ancillary processing equipment and software to merchants who accept credit cards, debit cards, checks and other non-cash forms of payment. NMS utilizes a multi-pronged sales approach of both direct and indirect sales. NMS’ primary sales efforts focus on direct sales through our Your Business Solutions Company® brand. Their indirect sales channels consist of alliance partners, principally financial institutions (banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other related businesses), and independent sales agents across the United States. These referring organizations and associations are typically paid a percentage of the processing revenue derived from the respective merchants that they successfully refer to NMS. In 2020, NMS processed merchant transactions with sales volumes of $4.4 billion.
NMS has a number of competitive advantages which we believe will enable it to effectively compete in this market. These are:
•focus on non-traditional business generation: referral relationships, wholesale solicitations and financial institutions rather than independent sales agents;
•seeks to be a market leader in the implementation of technology in the payment processing business;
•It maintains its own staff of trained and skilled customer service representatives; and
•It markets and sells the latest in point-of-sale technology hardware and offers processing related cyber-security services.
NMS maintains its principal customer service and sales support offices in Lake Success, New York, with additional specialists located in Phoenix, Arizona. NMS’s personnel assist merchants with initial installation of equipment and on-going service, as well as any other special processing needs that they may have.
NMS’ development and growth are focused on selling their services to internally generated referrals, merchant referrals identified by Newtek alliance partners and by independent sales representatives. We believe NMS is different than most electronic payment processing companies who acquire their clients primarily through independent sales agents. NMS believes that its business model provides it with a competitive advantage by enabling it to acquire new merchant customers at a lower cost level for third-party commissions than the industry average. NMS’ business model allows it to own the customer as well as the stream of residual payments, as opposed to models which rely more heavily on independent sales agents.
POS on Cloud, LLC (POS) and Mobil Money, LLC
Our investment in payment processing companies additionally includes, POS, dba Newtek Payment Systems, a 2019 investment in a cloud based Point of Sale (POS) system for a variety of restaurant, retail, assisted living, parks and golf course businesses, which provides not only payments and purchase technology solutions, but also inventory, customer management, reporting, employee time clock, table and menu layouts, and ecommerce solutions as the central operating system for an SMB, as well as Mobil Money, a portfolio of taxi cab merchants and related licensed payment processing software.
Newtek Technology Solutions (NTS)
NTS offers web hosting and eCommerce, managed IT services, secure private cloud hosting, managed backup and disaster recovery, web design and application development, information technology security solutions, and other related services to customers worldwide.
NTS provides a full suite of outsourced IT infrastructure services, including managed IT services, private cloud (virtual) servers, shared server hosting, dedicated server hosting, and managed backup and disaster recovery, under the Newtek® Technology Solutions, Newtek® Web Services and Newtek Web Hosting® brands, for which it receives recurring monthly fees, as well as other fees such as set-up fees, consulting fees, and domain name registration fees, among others.
While there are many competitors in this space, we believe that NTS’ focus on proactive, reliable, and secure solutions sets us apart. Platforms are available within NTS’ cloud and non-cloud environment and are fully managed offerings as compared to NTS’ competitors.
NTS has a complete line of cloud-based business and eCommerce packages and Cloud Spaces to streamline the decision process for business owners and accommodate designers and developers that wish to build sites in both Microsoft and Linux environments. Included with this service offering is full customer service with a real human interface available on a 24/7/365 basis, which we believe further distinguishes NTS from its competitors who usually offer hosting without the support needed for the SMB market customer.
NTS currently operates data centers in Scottsdale, Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, and Edison, New Jersey. In the second quarter of 2020, NTS moved its main data center in Scottsdale to a new facility in Phoenix, which has resulted in a material reduction of NTS’ data center expense.
The data center facilities NTS employs to host its technologies conforms to The Uptime Institute’s 4-Tier Classification System which has become a global standard for third-party validation of data center critical infrastructure. The Tier Classification System defines the requirements and benefits of four distinct Tier classifications for data center infrastructure. Each Tier sets the appropriate criteria for power, cooling, maintenance, and capability to withstand a fault. Tiers are progressive; each Tier incorporates the requirements of all the lower Tiers. NTS operates its critical infrastructure within facilities that have a minimum rating of Tier 3-Certified. NTS data centers meet and exceed Uptime Institute Tier-3 standards in all categories which allows NTS to pursue and service, compliance-sensitive workloads from the financial services, healthcare, government and military sectors. In addition, NTS includes redundant, carrier-neutral network design for all its communications paths, multiple locations to host services, and a built in DDOS mitigation platform into the design of its data center services.
Throughout its affiliation with Newtek, over 70% of new NTS customers have come as a result of internal and external referrals without material expenditures by NTS for marketing or advertising. Many of NTS’ competitors are very price sensitive, offering minimal services at cut-rate pricing. While being cost competitive with most Linux- and Windows-based web hosting services, NTS has emphasized higher quality uptime, service and support as well as multiple control panel environments for the designer and developer community.
NTS has also launched a turnkey hosting service to meet financial institution needs for server hosting, disaster recovery and/or data storage, enabling these entities to comply with their strict regulatory requirements that demand very high security protocols and practices be in place.
International Professional Marketing (IPM) and SIDCO
IPM and SIDCO are wholly-owned portfolio companies which consult, strategize, design, and implement technology solutions for enterprise and commercial clients across the U.S., and are expected to complement the offerings of NTS. As part of the reorganization of the Company’s managed technology portfolio companies, as of January 1, 2021, IPM and SIDCO became subsidiaries of NTS.
Small Business Lending, LLC (SBL)
SBL provides third-party loan servicing for SBA and non-SBA loans and provides lending institutions with outsourced solutions for the entire SBA lending process, including credit analysis, structuring and eligibility, packaging, closing compliance and servicing. SBL provides loan origination solutions to NSBF and is also the loan origination and loan servicing provider for NBL and NCL.
Newtek Business Lending, LLC (NBL)
NBL provides SBA 504 loans and financing to the SMB market for the acquisition of fixed assets such as real estate or equipment.
Newtek Conventional Lending, LLC (NCL)
On May 20, 2019, the Company and its joint venture partner launched NCL to provide non-conforming conventional commercial and industrial term loans of up to $15,000,000 to U.S. middle-market companies and small businesses. NCL is a 50/50 joint venture between Newtek Commercial Lending, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newtek, and Conventional Lending TCP Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (Nasdaq:TCPC). Additionally, on April 29, 2019, the JV closed a $100 million senior-secured revolving credit facility, with a $100 million accordion feature, with Deutsche Bank. As a result of, among other things, the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the JV ceased originating loans during 2020 and in December 2020, DB and the JV agreed to amend the facility to end the revolving period.
Newtek Business Credit Solutions (NBC)
NBC provides accounts receivable and inventory financing, management services and managerial assistance to SMBs.
Newtek Insurance Agency (NIA)
NIA is a retail and wholesale brokerage insurance agency licensed in 50 states specializing in the sale of personal, commercial and health/benefits lines insurance products to customers of all of the Newtek portfolio companies as well as Newtek alliance partners. NIA offers insurance products from multiple insurance carriers providing a wide range of choice for its customers. NIA is also implementing programs with alliance partners to market commercial and personal insurance. A major sales channel for NIA is the SMB customer base of our lending platform and the other controlled portfolio companies which allow for many opportunities for cross sales between business lines.
Newtek Payroll and Benefits Solutions (NPS)
NPS offers an array of industry standard and very competitively priced payroll management, benefit, payment and tax reporting services to SMBs. These payroll and benefit solutions are marketed through all of Newtek’s available channels including the alliance partnerships and direct marketing campaigns. NPS also benefits by the access to the SMB customer base of the lending platform and the other controlled portfolio companies.
NPS provides full service payroll and benefit solutions across all industries, processing payroll via software as a service (SaaS) or phone solutions. They have an established and reliable platform that is not limited by client size, industry type or delivery interface. NPS assists clients in managing their payroll processing needs by calculating, collecting and disbursing their payroll funds, remitting payroll taxes and preparing and filing all associated tax returns. In addition, NPS offers clients a range of ancillary service offerings, including workers’ compensation insurance, time and attendance, 401(k) administration, pay cards, employee benefit plans, employee background screening, COBRA services, tax credit recovery, Section 125 and flexible benefits spending plans and expense management services.
Certified Capital Companies (Capcos)
Under state-created Capco programs, states provide a Capco with tax credits generally equal to the amount of funds the Capco raises from insurance company investors. The Capcos then issue the tax credits to its investors - a process which is designed to reduce the Capco’s investors’ state tax liabilities. In exchange for receiving the tax credits, the Capco is obligated to invest the funds raised in certain qualified businesses, which generally are defined by statute to include only businesses that meet certain criteria related to the size, location, number of employees, and other characteristics of the business. If a Capco fails to comply with the performance requirements of each state’s different Capco program, the tax credits are subject to forfeiture.
Under state law, a Capco that has invested in qualified businesses an amount equal to 100% of its initial certified capital is able to decertify (i.e., terminate its status as a Capco) and no longer be subject to any state Capco regulation. Upon voluntary decertification, the programs in about half of the states require that a Capco share any distributions to its equity holders with the state sponsoring the Capco. For those states that require a share of distributions, the sharing percentages vary, but are generally from 10% to 30%, usually on distributions above a specified internal rate of return for the equity owners of the Capco.
Based on the above and that the Capcos were formed to make investments in businesses, the entities were determined to be investment companies and are therefore consolidated subsidiaries of Newtek.
Our Capcos have historically invested in SMBs and, in addition to interest income and investment returns, have generated non-cash income from tax credits and non-cash interest and insurance expenses in addition to cash management fees and expenses. We have de-emphasized our Capco business in favor of growing our controlled portfolio companies and do not anticipate creating any new Capcos. While observing all requirements of the Capco programs and, in particular, financing qualified businesses meeting applicable state requirements as to limitations on the proportion of ownership of qualified businesses, we believe the growth of our controlled portfolio companies produces a strategic focus on providing goods and services to SMBs such as those in which our Capcos invest. We continue to invest in and lend to SMBs through our existing Capcos and intend to meet the goals of the Capco programs.
As the Capcos reach 100% investment we will seek to decertify them as Capcos, liquidate their remaining assets and thereby reduce their operational costs, particularly the legal and accounting costs associated with compliance. Eleven of our original sixteen Capcos have reached this stage and been de-certified and liquidated.
Newtek Branding
We have developed our branded line of products and services to offer a full service suite of business and financial solutions for the United States. SMB market. Newtek reaches potential customers through its integrated multi-channel approach featuring direct, indirect and direct outbound solicitation efforts. We continue to utilize and grow our primary marketing channel of strategic alliance partners as well as a direct marketing strategy to SMB customers through our “go to market” brand, Your Business Solutions Company®. Through our web presence, www.newtekone.com, we believe we are establishing ourselves as a preferred “go-to” provider for SMB financing and business solutions offered by NSBF and our controlled portfolio companies.
We market services through referrals from our strategic alliance partners such as Amalgamated Bank, Stifel Bank, Axiom Bank, Credit Union National Association, ENT Federal Credit Union, Legacy Bank, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Navy Federal Credit Union, New York Community Bank, Raymond James, Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, UBS, Meineke Dealers Purchasing Cooperative, Transworld Business Advisors, Army Navy Federal Credit Union, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Nassau Federal Educators Federal Credit Union, Spire Federal Credit Union, and True Value Company, among others, (using our patented NewTracker® referral management system) as well as direct referrals from our web presence, www.newtekone.com. Our NewTracker® referral system has a software application patent covering the systems and methods for tracking, reporting and performing processing activities and transactions in association with referral data and related information for a variety of product and service offerings in a business-to-business environment. The NewTracker® system provides for transparency between Newtek and referring parties and has been material in our ability to obtain referrals from a wide variety of sources. This patented system allows us and our alliance partners to review in real time the status of any referral as well as to provide real time compliance oversight by the respective alliance partner, which we believe creates confidence among the referred business client, the referring alliance partner and us. We own the NewTracker® patent, as well as all trademarks and other patented intellectual property used by us and our controlled portfolio companies.
Additional referrals are obtained from individual professionals in geographic markets that have signed up to provide referrals and earn commissions through our BizExec and TechExec Programs. Our BizExecs and TechExecs are traditionally information technology professionals, CPAs, independent insurance agents and sales and/or marketing professionals. In addition, electronic payment processing services are marketed through independent sales agents, and web technology and eCommerce services are marketed through internet-based marketing and third-party resellers. A common thread across all business lines of our controlled portfolio companies relates to acquiring customers at low cost and making strategic alliances primarily where we pay fees only for successful referrals. We seek to bundle our marketing efforts through our brand, our portal, our patented NewTracker® referral system, our web presence as Your Business Solutions Company® and one easy entry point of contact. We expect that this approach will allow us to continue to cross-sell the financing solutions of our business finance ecosystem to customers of our controlled portfolio companies and build upon our extensive deal sourcing infrastructure. The compensation which we pay for referrals is consistent with industry practices.
Market Opportunity
We believe that the limited amount of capital and financial products available to SMBs, coupled with the desire of these companies for flexible and partnership-oriented sources of capital and other financial products, creates an attractive investment environment for us to further expand our business finance ecosystem and overall brand. We believe the following factors will continue to provide us with opportunities to grow and deliver attractive returns to shareholders.
The SMB market represents a large, underserved market. We estimate the SMB market to include over 27 million businesses in the United States. We believe that SMBs, most of which are privately-held, are relatively underserved by traditional capital providers such as commercial banks, finance companies, hedge funds and collateralized loan obligation funds. Further, we believe that such companies generally possess conservative capital structures with significant enterprise value cushions, as compared to larger companies with more financing options. While the largest originators of SBA 7(a) loans have traditionally been regional and national banks, from 2012 through 2020, NSBF has consistently been the largest non-bank originator of SBA 7(a) loans by dollar lending volume and is currently the third largest SBA 7(a) lender in the United States. As a result, we believe we and our controlled portfolio companies are well positioned to provide financing to the types of SMBs that we have historically targeted and we have the technology and infrastructure in place presently to do it cost effectively in all 50 states and across many industries.
The increased capital requirements and other regulations placed on banks may reduce lending by traditional large financial institutions and community banks. While many SMBs were previously able to raise debt financing through traditional large financial institutions, we believe this approach to financing will continue to be constrained as continued implementation of U.S. and international financial reforms, such as Basel III, phase in and rules and regulations are promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. We believe that these regulations will increase capital requirements and have the effect of further limiting the capacity of traditional financial institutions to hold non-investment grade loans on their balance sheets. As a result, we believe that many of these financial institutions have de-emphasized their service and product offerings to SMBs, which we believe will make a higher volume of deal flow available to us.
Increased demand for comprehensive, business-critical SMB solutions. Increased competition and rapid technological innovation are creating an increasingly competitive business environment that requires SMBs to fundamentally change the way they manage critical business processes. This environment is characterized by greater focus on increased quality, lower costs, faster turnaround and heightened regulatory scrutiny. To make necessary changes and adequately address these needs, we believe that companies are focusing on their core competencies and utilizing cost-effective outsourced solutions to improve productivity, lower costs and manage operations more efficiently. Our controlled portfolio companies provide critical business solutions such as electronic payment processing, managed IT solutions, personal and commercial insurance services and full-service payroll and benefit solutions, receivables financing, funding of SBA 504 loans, which provide financing of fixed assets such as real estate or equipment, and non-conforming (non-SBA) commercial loans. We believe that each of these market segments are underserved for SMBs and since we are able to provide comprehensive financial and business solutions under one (the Newtek) platform, we beleive that we are well positioned to continue to realize growth from these product offerings.
Competitive Advantages
We believe that we are well positioned to take advantage of investment opportunities in SMBs due to the following competitive advantages:
Internally Managed Structure and Significant Management Resources. We are internally managed by our Executive Committee under the supervision of our Board and do not depend on an external investment advisor. As a result, we do not pay investment advisory fees and all of our income is available to pay our operating costs, which include employing investment and portfolio management professionals, and to make distributions to our shareholders. We believe that our internally managed structure provides us with a lower cost operating expense structure, when compared to other publicly traded and privately-held investment firms which are externally managed, and allows us the opportunity to leverage our non-interest operating expenses as we grow our investment portfolio. Our Senior Lending Team has developed one of the largest independent loan origination and servicing platforms that focuses exclusively on SMBs.
Business Model Enables Attractive Risk-Weighted Return on Investment in SBA 7(a) Lending. Our SBA 7(a) loans are structured so as to permit rapid sale of the U.S. government guaranteed portions, often within weeks of origination, and the unguaranteed portions have been successfully securitized, with the securitization notes being sold, usually within a year of origination. The return of principal and premium may result in an advantageous risk-weighted return on our original investment in each loan. We may determine to retain the government guaranteed or unguaranteed portions of loans pending deployment of excess capital.
State of the Art Technology. Our patented NewTracker® software enables us to board a SMB customer, process the application or inquiry, assemble necessary documents, complete the transaction and create a daily reporting system that is sufficiently unique as to receive a U.S. patent. NewTracker® enables us to identify a transaction, similar to a merchandise barcode or the customer management system used by SalesForce.com, then process a business transaction and generate internal reports used by management and external reports for strategic referral partners. NewTracker® allows our referral partners to have digital access into our back office and follow on a real time, 24/7 basis the processing of their referred customers. NewTracker® has been applied to all of the business and financial solutions we offer directly or through our controlled portfolio companies.
Established Direct Origination Platform with Extensive Deal Sourcing Infrastructure. We have established a direct origination pipeline for investment opportunities without the necessity for financial institutions or brokers as well as broad marketing channels that we believe allow for highly selective underwriting. We believe the combination of our brand, our portal, our patented NewTracker® technology, and our web presence as Your Business Solutions Company® have created an extensive deal sourcing infrastructure. Although we pay fees for loan originations that are referred to us by our alliance partners, our investment team works directly with the borrower to assemble and underwrite loans. We rarely invest in pre-assembled loans that are sold by investment banks or brokers. As a result, we believe that our unique national origination platform allows us to originate attractive credits at a low cost. During 2020 and 2019 we funded $196,752,000 and $517,692,000, respectively, of SBA 7(a) loans, with 2020 originations being negatively impacted by the Executive Team’s and Senior Lending Team’s decision to focus on PPP loan referrals, and not SBA 7(a) loan referrals, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We anticipate that our principal source of investment opportunities will continue to be in the same types of SMBs to which we currently provide financing. Our Executive Committee and Senior Lending Team will also seek to leverage our extensive network of additional referral sources, including law firms, accounting firms, financial, operational and strategic consultants and financial institutions, with whom we have completed investments. We believe our current infrastructure and expansive relationships will continue to enable us to review a significant amount of direct (or non-brokered) investment opportunities.
Experienced Senior Lending Team with Proven Track Record. We believe that our Senior Lending Team is one of the leading capital providers to SMBs. Our Senior Lending Team has expertise in managing the SBA process and has managed a diverse portfolio of investments with a broad geographic and industry mix. While the primary focus of NSBF is to expand its debt financing activities in SBA 7(a) loans, our Senior Lending Team is also focused on growing our business finance ecosystem through our controlled portfolio companies NBC, which provides receivables financing, inventory financing and health care receivables financing, NBL, which funds SBA 504 loans, and our joint venture program, which funds non-conforming (non-SBA) commercial loans.
Flexible, Customized Financing Solutions for Seasoned, Smaller Businesses. While NSBF’s primary focus is to expand its lending by activities by providing SBA 7(a) loans to SMBs, we also seek to offer SMBs a variety of attractive financing structures, as well as cost effective and efficient business solutions, to meet their capital needs through our subsidiaries and controlled portfolio companies. In particular, through our controlled portfolio companies, we offer larger loans, between $5,000,000 and $15,000,000, greater than loans available with the SBA guarantee, but with a higher interest rate to compensate for the increased risk. Unlike many of our competitors, we believe we have the business finance ecosystem that allows us to provide a complete package of business solutions and financing options for SMBs, which allows for cross-selling opportunities and improved client retention. We expect that a large portion of our capital will be loaned to companies that need growth capital, acquisition financing or funding to recapitalize or refinance existing debt facilities. Our lending will continue to focus on making loans to SMBs that:
•have 3 to 10 years of operational history;
•significant experience in management;
•credit worthy owners who provide a personal guarantee for our investment;
•show a strong balance sheet to collateralize our investments; and
•show sufficient cash flow to be able to service the payments on our investments comfortably.
Although we may make investments in start-up businesses, we generally seek to avoid investing in high-risk, early-stage enterprises that are only beginning to develop their market share or build their management and operational infrastructure with limited collateral.
Disciplined Underwriting Policies and Rigorous Portfolio Management. We pursue rigorous due diligence of all prospective investments originated through our business finance ecosystem. Our Senior Lending Team has developed what we believe to be an extensive underwriting due diligence process, which includes a review of the operational, financial, legal and industry performance and outlook for the prospective investment, including quantitative and qualitative stress tests, review of industry data and when necessary, consultation with outside experts regarding the creditworthiness of the borrower. These processes continue during the portfolio monitoring process, when we will conduct field examinations, when appropriate, review all compliance certificates and covenants and regularly assess the financial and business conditions and prospects of portfolio companies. In addition, SBL is a third-party servicer for commercial, SBA 7(a) and other government guaranteed investments, whose exceptional servicing capabilities with compact timelines for loan resolutions and dispositions has attracted various third-party portfolios to SBL. SBL also services the loans funded by NBL and our joint venture, and provides loan origination and closing services to NSBF pursuant to an SBA approved lender service provider agreement.
Business Development Company Status
Our predecessor was formed on June 29, 1999 under the laws of the State of New York and, on November 12, 2014, in connection with our election to be regulated as a BDC, merged with and into us for the purpose of reincorporating under the laws of the State of Maryland.
As a BDC, we are required to meet regulatory tests, including the requirement to invest at least 70% of our gross assets in “qualifying assets.” Qualifying assets generally include debt or equity securities of private or thinly traded public U.S. companies and cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, as a BDC, and pursuant to the approval that we received from our shareholders on July 26, 2018, we are not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing we have an asset coverage for total borrowings of at least 150% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 66 2/3% of the value of our total assets). See “Regulation.”
As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we timely distribute to our shareholders. To maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”).
Investments
We engage in various investment strategies from time to time in order to achieve our overall investment objectives.
Portfolio Company Characteristics
We have and will continue to target investments in future portfolio companies that generate both current income and capital appreciation. In each case, the following criteria and guidelines are applied to the review of a potential investment however, not all criteria are met in every single investment, nor do we guarantee that all criteria will be met in the investments we will make in the future. We have and will continue to limit our investments to the SMB market.
Experienced Management with Meaningful Investment. We seek to invest in companies in which senior or key managers have significant company-or industry-level experience and have significant equity ownership. It has been our experience that these experienced managers are more committed to the portfolio company’s success and more likely to manage the company in a manner that protects our debt and equity investments.
Significant Invested Capital. We believe that the existence of an appropriate amount of equity beneath our debt capital provides valuable support for our investment. In addition, the degree to which the particular investment is a meaningful one for the portfolio company’s owners (and their ability and willingness to invest additional equity capital as and to the extent necessary) are also important considerations.
Appropriate Capital Structures. We seek to invest in portfolio companies that are appropriately capitalized. First, we examine the amount of equity that is being invested by the company’s equity owners to determine whether there is a sufficient capital cushion beneath our invested capital. We also analyze the amount of leverage, and the characteristics of senior debt with lien priority over our senior subordinated debt. A key consideration is a strong balance sheet and sufficient free cash flow to service any debt we may invest.
Strong Competitive Position. We invest in portfolio companies that have developed strong, defensible product or service offerings within their respective market segment(s). These companies should be well positioned to capitalize on organic and strategic growth opportunities, and should compete in industries with strong fundamentals and meaningful barriers to entry. We further analyze prospective portfolio investments in order to identify competitive advantages within their industry, which may result in superior operating margins or industry-leading growth.
Customer and Supplier Diversification. We expect to invest in portfolio companies with sufficiently diverse customer and supplier bases. We believe these companies will be better able to endure industry consolidation, economic contraction and increased competition than those that are not sufficiently diversified. However, we also recognize that from time to time, an attractive investment opportunity with some concentration among its customer base or supply chain will present itself. We believe that concentration issues can be evaluated and, in some instances (whether due to supplier or customer product or platform diversification, the existence and quality of long-term agreements with such customers or suppliers or other select factors), mitigated, thus presenting a superior risk-weighted pricing scenario.
Investment Objectives
Debt Investments
We target our debt investments, which are principally made through our business finance ecosystem under the SBA 7(a) program, to produce generally, a coupon rate of prime plus 2.25% to 2.75% which enables us to generate rapid sales of the guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans in the secondary market, historically producing gains and with a yield on investment in excess of 30%. We typically structure our debt investments with the maximum seniority and collateral along with personal guarantees from portfolio company owners, in many cases collateralized by other assets including real estate. In most cases, our debt investment will be collateralized by a first lien on the assets of the portfolio company and a first or second lien on assets of guarantors, in both cases primarily real estate. All SBA 7(a) loans are made with personal guarantees from any owner(s) of 20% or more of the portfolio company’s equity. As of December 31, 2020, substantially all of our SBA 7(a) portfolio at fair value consisted of debt investments that were secured by first or second priority liens on the assets of the portfolio company.
•First Lien Loans. Our first lien loans generally have terms of one to twenty-five years, provide for a variable interest rate, contain no prepayment penalties (however, the SBA will charge the borrower a prepayment fee if the loan has a maturity of 15 or more years and is prepaid during the first three years) and are secured by a first priority security interest in all existing and future assets of the borrower. Our first lien loans may take many forms, including revolving lines of credit, term loans and acquisition lines of credit.
•Second Lien Loans. Our second lien loans generally have terms of five to twenty-five years, also primarily provide for a variable interest rate, contain no prepayment penalties (however, the SBA will charge the borrower a prepayment fee if the loan has a maturity of 15 or more years and is prepaid during the first three years) and are secured by a second priority security interest in all existing and future assets of the borrower. We typically only take second lien positions on additional collateral where we also have first lien positions on business assets.
•Unsecured Loans. We make few unsecured investments, primarily to our controlled portfolio companies, which because of our equity ownership are deemed to be more secure. Typically, these loans are to meet short-term funding needs.
We typically structure our debt investments to include non-financial covenants that seek to minimize our risk of capital loss such as lien protection and prohibitions against change of control. Our debt investments have strong protections, including default penalties, information rights and, in some cases, affirmative, negative and financial covenants.
In addition to the investment objectives described above, the Company temporarily shifted its debt investment strategy during the first half of 2020 to focus on PPP lending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the Company’s investment objectives relating to its PPP lending during fiscal 2020 may differ from the objectives described above. For more information, see “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - PPP Additional Rounds.”
Equity Investments
While the vast majority of our investments have been structured as debt, we have in the past and expect in the future to make selective equity investments primarily as either strategic investments to enhance the integrated operating platform or, to a lesser degree, under the Capco programs. For investments in our controlled portfolio companies, we focus more on tailoring them to the long-term growth needs of the companies than to immediate return. Our objective with these companies is to foster the development of the businesses as a part of the integrated operational platform of serving the SMB market, so we may reduce the burden on these companies to enable them to grow faster than they would otherwise as another means of supporting their development and that of the integrated whole.
In Capco investments, we often make debt investments in conjunction with being granted equity in the company in the same class of security as the business owner receives upon funding. We generally seek to structure our equity investments to provide us with minority rights provisions and event-driven put rights.
Investment Process
The following discussion relates to the Company’s investment selection process in connection with SBA 7(a) lending. The Company’s investment selection process for PPP lending during fiscal 2020 may differ from the process described below. For more information, see “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - PPP Additional Rounds.”The members of our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee are responsible for all aspects of our investment selection process. The discussion below describes our investment procedures. The stages of our investment selection process are as follows:
Loan and Deal Generation/Origination
We believe that the combination of our brand, our portal, our patented NewTracker® technology, and our web presence as Your Business Solutions Company® have created an extensive loan and deal sourcing infrastructure. This is maximized through long-standing and extensive relationships with industry contacts, commercial and investment bankers, entrepreneurs, services providers (such as lawyers and accountants), as well as current and former clients, portfolio companies and our extensive network of strategic alliance partners. We supplement our relationships by the selective use of advertising aimed primarily at lending to the SMB market. We believe we have developed a reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable source of capital, providing value-added advice, prompt processing, and management and operations support to our portfolio companies.
We market our loan and investment products and services, and those of our controlled portfolio companies, through referrals from our alliance partners such as Amalgamated Bank, Stifel Bank, Axiom Bank, Credit Union National Association, ENT Federal Credit Union, Legacy Bank, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Navy Federal Credit Union, New York Community Bank, Raymond James, Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, UBS, Meineke Dealers Purchasing Cooperative, Transworld Business Advisors, Army Navy Federal Credit Union, Teachers Federal Credit Union, Nassau Federal Educators Federal Credit Union, Spire Federal Credit Union, and True Value Company, among others using our patented NewTracker® referral system as well as direct referrals from our web presence, www.newtekone.com. The patent for our NewTracker® referral system is a software application patent covering the systems and methods for tracking, reporting and performing processing activities and transactions in association with referral data and related information for a variety of product and service offerings in a business-to-business environment providing further for security and transparency between referring parties. NewTracker® allows us and our alliance partners to review in real time the status of any referral as well as to provide real time compliance oversight by the respective alliance partner, which we believe creates confidence between the referred business client, the referring alliance partner and us.
Additional deal sourcing and referrals are obtained from individual professionals in geographic markets that have signed up to provide referrals and earn commissions through our BizExec and TechExec Programs. The BizExecs and TechExecs are traditionally information technology professionals, CPAs, independent insurance agents and sales and/or marketing professionals. In addition, electronic payment processing services are marketed through independent sales representatives and web technology and eCommerce services are marketed through internet-based marketing and third-party resellers. A common thread across all business lines of our subsidiaries and controlled portfolio companies relates to acquiring customers at low cost. We seek to bundle our marketing efforts through our brand, our portal, NewTracker®, our web presence as Your Business Solutions Company® and one easy entry point of contact. We expect that this approach will allow us to continue to cross-sell the business and financial solutions of our subsidiaries and controlled portfolio companies to our customers and customers of our controlled portfolio companies, and to build upon our extensive deal sourcing infrastructure.
Screening
We screen all potential debt or equity investment proposals that we receive for suitability and consistency with our investment criteria. See “Portfolio Company Characteristics,” above. In screening potential investments, our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee utilize a value-oriented investment philosophy and commit resources to managing downside exposure. If a potential investment meets our basic investment criteria, a business service specialist or other member of our team is assigned to perform preliminary due diligence.
SBA Lending Procedures
We originate loans under the SBA 7(a) Program (authorized by section 7(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 636(a)), in accordance with our credit and underwriting policy, which incorporates by reference the applicable regulations and the SBA Standard Operating Procedures, Lender and Development Company Loan Program (“SOP 50 10”) (collectively, “SBA Loan Program Requirements”) as they relate to the financing and servicing of such loans.
During the initial application process for a loan originated under the SBA 7(a) Program, a Newtek business service specialist assists and guides the applicant through the application process, which begins with the submission of an online form through our customized loan portal. The online loan processing system collects required information and ensures that all necessary forms are provided to the applicant and filled out. The system conducts two early automatic screenings focused primarily on whether (i) the requested loan is for an eligible purpose, (ii) the requested loan is for an eligible amount and (iii) the applicant is an eligible borrower. If the applicant is eligible to fill out the entire application, the online system pre-qualifies the applicant based on preset credit parameters that meet the standards of Newtek and the SBA.
Once the online form and the application materials have been completed, our underwriting department (the “Underwriting Department”) becomes primarily responsible for reviewing and analyzing the application in order to accurately assess the level of risk being undertaken in making a loan. The Underwriting Department is responsible for assuring that all information necessary to prudently analyze the risk associated with a loan application has been obtained and has been analyzed. Credit files are developed and maintained with the documentation received during the application process in such a manner as to facilitate file review during subsequent developments during the life of the loan.
Required Information
For a loan originated under the SBA 7(a) Program, the primary application document is SBA Form 1919 (Borrower Information Form) (“Form 1919”). Among other things, Form 1919 requires identifying information about the applicant, loan request, indebtedness, the principals, current or previous government financing, and certain other disclosures.
In addition to Form 1919, the following additional information is required:
•an SBA Form 912 (Statement of Personal History), if question 1, 2, or 3 of Form 1919 is answered affirmatively;
•an SBA Form 413 (Personal Financial Statement), for all owners of 20% or more (including the assets of the owner’s spouse and any minor children), and proposed guarantors;
•business financial statements dated within 180 days prior to submission to SBA, consisting of (a) year-end balance sheets for the last three years, including detailed debt schedule, (b) year-end profit & loss (P&L) statements for the last three years, (c) reconciliation of net worth, (d) interim balance sheet, and (e) interim P&L statements;
•a list of names and addresses of any subsidiaries and affiliates, including concerns in which the applicant holds a controlling interest and other concerns that may be affiliated by stock ownership, franchise, proposed merger or otherwise with the applicant, and business financial statements meeting the same requirements as above of such subsidiaries and affiliates;
•the applicant’s original business license or certificate of doing business;
•records of any loans the applicant may have applied for in the past;
•signed personal and business U.S. federal income tax returns of the principals of the applicant’s business for previous three years;
•personal resumes for each principal;
•a brief history of the business and its challenges, including an explanation of why the SBA loan is needed and how it will help the business;
•a copy of the applicant’s business lease, or note from the applicant’s landlord, giving terms of proposed lease; and
•if purchasing an existing business, (a) current balance sheet and P&L statement of business to be purchased, (b) previous two years U.S. federal income tax returns of the business, (c) proposed Bill of Sale including Terms of Sale, and (d) asking price with schedule of inventory, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures.
We view current financial information as the foundation of sound credit analysis. To that end, we verify all business income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and generally request that financial statements be submitted on an annual basis after the loan closes. For business entities or business guarantors, we request U.S. federal income tax returns for each fiscal year-end to meet the prior three-year submission requirement. For interim periods, we will accept management-prepared financial statements. The most recent financial information may not be more than 180 days old at the time of the approval of the loan, but we generally request that the most recent financial information not be older than 90 days in order to provide time for underwriting and submission to SBA for guaranty approval, if required. For individuals or personal guarantors, we require a personal financial statement dated within 180 days of the application (sixty days is preferred) and personal income tax returns for the prior three years. In connection with each yearly update of business financial information, the personal financial information of each principal must also be updated. Spouses are required to sign all personal financial statements in order for the Underwriting Department to verify compliance with the SBA’s personal resource test. In addition, the Underwriting Department will ensure that there has been no adverse impact on financial condition of the applicant or its principals since the approval of the loan. If closing does not occur within ninety days of the date on which the loan is approved, updated business and personal financial statements must be obtained and any adverse change must be addressed before the proceeds of the loan may be disbursed. If closing does not occur within six months of the date on which the loan is approved, the applicant is generally required to reapply for the loan.
Stress Test
The standard underwriting process requires a stress test on the applicant’s interest rate to gauge the amount of increase that can be withstood by the applicant’s cash flow and still provide sufficient cash to service debt. The applicant’s cash flow is tested up to a 2% increase in interest rate. If the applicant’s debt service coverage ratio decreases to 1:1 or less than 1:1, the loan may only be made as an exception to our Underwriting Guidelines and would require the approval of our credit committee.
Required Site Visit
No loan will be funded without an authorized representative of NSBF first making a site visit to the business premises. We generally use a contracted vendor to make the required site visit but may from time to time send our own employees to perform this function. Each site visit will generate a narrative of the business property as well as photographs of the business property. Additional site visits will be made when a physical on-site inspection is warranted.
Credit Assessment of Applicant
Loan requests are assessed primarily based upon an analysis of the character, cash flow, capital, liquidity and collateral involved in the transaction.
Character: We require a personal credit report to be obtained on any principal or guarantor involved in a loan transaction. Emphasis is placed upon the importance of individual credit histories, as this is a primary indicator of an individual’s willingness and ability to repay debt. Any material negative credit information must be explained in writing by the principal, and must be attached to the personal credit report in the credit file. No loan will be made where an individual’s credit history calls into question the repayment ability of the business operation. A loan request from an applicant who has declared bankruptcy within the ten years preceding the loan application will require special consideration. A thorough review of the facts behind the bankruptcy and impact on creditors will be undertaken in determining whether the principal has demonstrated the necessary willingness and ability to repay debts. In addition, we will examine whether the applicant and its principals and guarantors have abided by the laws of their community. Any situation where a serious question concerning a principal’s character exists will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Unresolved character issues are grounds for declining a loan request regardless of the applicant’s financial condition or performance.
Cash Flow: We recognize that cash flow is the primary and desired source of repayment on any loan, and therefore is the primary focus of the credit decision. Any transaction in which the repayment is not reasonably assured through cash flow will be declined, regardless of other possible credit strengths. At a minimum, combined EBITDA will be used to evaluate repayment ability. Other financial analysis techniques will be employed as needed to establish the reasonableness of repayment. Where repayment is based on past experience, the applicant must demonstrate minimum combined cash flow coverage of 1.2 times based upon the most recent fiscal year-end financial statement. A determination of the ability to repay will not be based solely upon interim operating results. Where repayment ability is not evident from historical combined earnings (including new businesses and changes of ownership), projections will be analyzed to determine whether repayment ability is reasonably assured. For changes in ownership, monthly cash flow forecasts will be analyzed to determine adequacy to meet all of the borrower’s needs.
For business acquisition applications, the applicant will be required to submit projections and support such projections by detailed assumptions made for all major revenue and expense categories and an explanation of how the projections will be met. Analysis must include comparisons with relevant Risk Management Association (“RMA”) industry averages. EBITDA must be reasonably forecast to exceed debt service requirements by at least 1.2 times, after accounting for the initial phase of operations. For change of ownership applications, projections will also be measured against the actual historical financial results of the seller of the business concern. Projections must demonstrate repayment ability of not less than 1.2 times.
Capital: Capital is a strong traditional indicator of the financial health of a business. For going concern entities, the pro-forma leverage position, as measured by the debt to tangible net worth ratio, may not exceed the RMA industry median or 4 to 1, whichever is greater. For change of ownership transactions, generally 25% of total project costs should be contributed as equity resulting in debt to tangible net worth ratio of 3 to 1.
For a change of ownership transaction where a substantial portion of intangibles are included within the transaction, adequacy of capital will be determined based upon an evaluation of the business value and level of injection. In determining the legitimacy of the business value, the loan underwriter must utilize two SBA approved valuation methods, as outlined in SBA SOP 50 10. If the business value is found to be acceptable, and the equity injection into the project is within our requirements as outlined herein, then the capital position will be considered satisfactory.
As a general rule, shareholder and affiliate loans may be added back to net worth only if such loans will be subordinated for the life of the SBA loan, with no principal or interest payments to be made. Financing by the seller of the business may also be considered as equity if the loan will be placed on full standby for the life of the SBA loan. Adjustments to net worth to account for the difference between the book value and appraised value of fixed assets may be made only when supported by a current appraisal. Appraisals on a “subject to” basis are not acceptable.
Liquidity: Liquidity, as measured by the current ratio, must be in line with the RMA industry average. An assessment of the adequacy of working capital is required. An assessment of the liquidity of a business is essential in determining the ability to meet future obligations. Lending to cash businesses such as hotels and restaurants requires less analysis of the liquidity of the business due to the timing of cash receipts. Industries with large receivables, payables, and inventory accounts require thorough review of the cash cycle of the business and evaluation of the applicant’s ability to manage these accounts. The current and quick ratios and turnover of receivables, payables and inventory are measured against the RMA industry median in determining the adequacy of these liquidity measures.
Collateral: We are required to reasonably secure each loan transaction with all worthwhile and available assets. Pursuant to SBA SOP 50 10, we may not (and will not) decline a loan if the only weakness in the application is the value of collateral in relation to the loan amount, provided that all assets available to the business and its principals have been pledged. As set forth in SBA SOP 50 10, the SBA considers a loan to be fully secured if the lender has taken a security interest in all available fixed assets with a combined “net book value” adjusted up to the loan amounts below. For 7(a) loans, “fixed assets” means real estate, including land and structures and machinery and equipment owned by the business. “Net book value” is defined as an asset’s original price minus depreciation and amortization.
We attempt to secure each loan transaction with as much real estate and liquid asset collateral as necessary; however, all fixed assets must be evaluated. Fixed assets are evaluated on the basis of the net book value to determine the realizable value among collateral types. Valuation factors are applied as follows:
•Commercial real estate - 75%
•Residential real estate - 85%
•Vacant land - 50%
•Machinery & Equipment - 50%
•Furniture & Fixtures - 10%
•Accounts receivable & inventory - 20%
•Leasehold improvements - 5%
•Certificate of Deposit - 100%
•Regulated Licenses - will vary dependent upon type of license and geographic area. The liquidation rate used must be fully justified.
In addition to an assessment of the criteria specified above, there are certain special industry-specific requirements that will be considered in the loan application decision.
Change of Ownership: The minimum equity injection required in a change of ownership transaction is generally 20% but may be lower for specific industries such as medical and dental practices, gas stations and convenience stores, flag hotels and “strong” non-lodging franchises.
In the event of financing from the seller of the business, the applicant must inject not less than 10% of the project cost; the seller of the business may provide the balance on a complete standby basis for the life of the SBA loan. Exceptions to the equity requirement are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
For a change of ownership transaction, the application must be accompanied by a business plan including reasonable financial projections. The financial performance of the seller of the business must be evaluated based upon three years of corporate income tax returns and a current interim financial statement. Projections for the applicant must be in line with the historical financial performance at the business location. In cases where financial performance of the seller of the business is poor, a satisfactory explanation must be provided to detail the circumstances of performance. Projections for the applicant must be accompanied by detailed assumptions and be supported by information contained in the business plan.
Management should have related experience in the industry and demonstrate the ability to successfully operate the business. In the absence of satisfactory related experience, an assessment of management’s experience and capabilities, given the complexity and nature of the business, will be made. In the case of a franchise, we will generally take into account the reputation of a franchisor for providing worthwhile management assistance to its franchisees.
We carefully review change of ownership transactions. The loan underwriter will review the contract for sale, which will be included in the credit file. The contract for sale must include a complete breakdown of the purchase price, which must be justified through either a third party appraisal or directly by the loan underwriter through an approved valuation method specified in SBA SOP 50 10. The contract of sale must evidence an arm’s length transaction (but transactions between related parties are permitted so long as they are on an arm’s-length basis) which will preserve the existence of the small business or promote its sound development. In addition, a satisfactory reason for the sale of the business must be provided. The seller of the business must provide the prior three years of business tax returns and a current interim financial statement, as applicable.
Also, in connection with a change of ownership transaction, the Loan Processing area of the Underwriting Department will order Uniform Commercial Code searches on the seller of the existing business. If such a search identifies any adverse information, the Loan Processor will advise the Underwriting Manager or Operations Manager so a prudent decision may be made with respect to the application.
Real Estate Transactions: Loan proceeds for the acquisition or refinancing of land or an existing building or for renovation or reconstruction of an existing building must meet the following criteria:
•the property must be at least 51% owner-occupied pursuant to SBA policies; and
•loan proceeds may not be used to remodel or convert any rental space in the property.
Loan proceeds for construction or refinancing of construction of a new building must meet the following criteria:
•the property must be at least 60% owner-occupied pursuant to SBA policies; and
•if the building is larger than current requirements of the applicant, projections must demonstrate that the applicant will need additional space within three years, and will use all of the additional space within ten years.
Commercial real estate appraisals are required on all primary collateral prior to the loan closing. In general, appraisals will be required as follows:
•for loans up to $100,000 - a formal opinion of value prepared by a real estate professional with knowledge of the local market area;
•for loans from $100,000 to $500,000 - a limited summary appraisal completed by a state certified appraiser;
•for loans from $500,000 to $1 million - a limited summary appraisal by a Member of the Appraisal Institute (“MAI”) appraiser; and
•for loans over $1 million - a complete self-contained appraisal by a MAI appraiser.
Environmental screenings and an environmental questionnaire are required for all commercial real estate taken as collateral.
In general, environmental reports are required as follows:
•for real estate valued up to $500,000 - a transaction screen including a records review;
•for real estate valued in excess of $500,000 - a Phase I Environmental Report; and
•for the following types of property, a Phase I Environmental Report will be required regardless of property value: gasoline service stations, car washes, dry cleaners and any other business known to be in environmentally polluting industries.
In all cases for commercial real estate taken as collateral:
•if further testing is recommended, the recommended level of testing will be performed prior to the loan closing; and
•if the report indicates remedial action to be taken by the business, such actions must be completed prior to the loan closing and a closure letter must be provided prior to funding.
Medical Professionals: In connection with a loan application relating to the financing of a medical business, all medical licenses will be verified, with the loss or non-renewal of license constituting grounds for denial of the application. In addition, medical professionals must provide evidence of malpractice liability insurance of at least $2,000,000 or the loan amount, whichever is higher. Malpractice insurance must be maintained for the life of the loan.
Franchise Lending: All franchise loan applications will be evaluated as to eligibility by accessing SBA’s Franchise Registry. If the franchise is listed in the registry and the current franchise agreement is the same as the agreement listed in the registry, Newtek will not review the franchise agreement. However, the franchise agreement will be reviewed for eligibility by the loan underwriter when either of the following applies: (i) the franchise is not listed on the SBA’s Franchise Registry or (ii) the franchise is on the registry, but the franchisor has not provided a “Certification of No Change on Behalf of a Registered Franchisor” or a “Certification of Changes on Behalf of a Registered Franchisor.”
Credit Package
For each loan application, the loan underwriter will prepare a credit package (the “Credit Package”). All credit and collateral issues are addressed in the Credit Package, including but not limited to, the terms and conditions of the loan request, use of proceeds, collateral adequacy, financial condition of the applicant and business, management strength, repayment ability and conditions precedent. The Underwriting Department will recommend approval, denial or modification of the loan application. The Credit Package is submitted to our credit committee for further review and final decision regarding the loan application.
Other than rejections for ineligibility of the applicant, the type of business or the loan purpose, NSBF may decline a loan application for the following reasons:
•after taking into consideration prior liens and considered along with other credit factors, the net value of the collateral offered as security is not sufficient to protect the interest of the U.S. Government;
•lack of reasonable assurance of ability to repay loan (and other obligations) from earnings;
•lack of reasonable assurance that the business can be operated at a rate of profit sufficient to repay the loan (and other obligations) from earnings;
•disproportion of loan requested and of debts to tangible net worth before and after the loan;
•inadequate working capital after the disbursement of the loan;
•the result of granting the financial assistance requested would be to replenish funds distributed to the owners, partners, or shareholders;
•lack of satisfactory evidence that the funds required are not obtainable without undue hardship through utilization of personal credit or resources of the owner, partners or shareholders;
•the major portion of the loan requested would be to refinance existing indebtedness presently financed through normal lending channels;
•credit commensurate with applicant’s tangible net worth is already being provided on terms considered reasonable;
•gross disproportion between owner’s actual investment and the loan requested;
•lack of reasonable assurance that applicant will comply with the terms of the loan agreement;
•unsatisfactory experience on an existing loan; or
•economic or physical injury not substantiated.
If a loan application is accepted, we will issue a commitment letter to the applicant. After approval, the SBA and NSBF enter into a Loan Authorization Agreement which sets forth the terms and conditions for the SBA’s guaranty on the loan. The closing of a loan is handled by an internal attorney, whose primary responsibility is closing the loan in accordance with the related Loan Authorization in a manner consistent with prudent commercial loan closing procedures, to ensure that the SBA will not repudiate its guaranty due to ineligibility, noncompliance with SBA Rules and Regulations or defective documentation. Before loan proceeds are disbursed, the closing attorney will verify the applicant’s required capital injection, ensure that proceeds are being used for a permitted purpose and ensure that other requirements of the Loan Authorization Agreement (including, but not limited to, required insurance and lien positions and environmental considerations) and SBA Rules and Regulations (including the use of proper SBA forms) have been met.
Maintenance of Credit Files
A credit file is developed on each borrowing account. Credit files, in either hard copy format or electronic copy, are maintained by the Underwriting Department and organized according to a specified format. The file contains all documentation necessary to show: (a) the basis of the loan, (b) purpose, compliance with policy, conditions, rate, terms of repayment, collateral, and (c) the authority for granting the loan. The credit file is subject to review or audit by the SBA at any time. Upon final action being taken on a loan application, information necessary for closing and servicing will be copied and maintained, while information not considered necessary will be transferred to off-site storage. Once a loan has been disbursed in full, credit files containing all documentation will be transferred to the file room or other electronic storage media and maintained under the authority of the administration staff. Any individual needing an existing credit file must obtain it from the administration staff member having responsibility for safeguarding all credit files or access it by a prearranged electronic file process. Removal of any information from the file will compromise the credit file and is prohibited.
Other, Primarily Equity Investments
Due Diligence and Underwriting
In making loans or equity investments other than SBA 7(a) loans or similar conventional loans to SMBs, our Executive Committee will take a direct role in screening potential loans or investments, in supervising the due diligence process, in the preparation of deal documentation and the completion of the transactions. The members of the Executive Committee and/or Senior Lending Team complete due diligence and analyze the relationships among the prospective portfolio company’s business plan, operations and expected financial performance. Due diligence may address some or all of the following depending on the size and nature of the proposed investment:
•on-site visits with management and relevant key employees;
•in-depth review of historical and projected financial statements, including covenant calculation work sheets;
•interviews with customers and suppliers;
•management background checks;
•review reports by third-party accountants, outside counsel and other industry, operational or financial experts; and/or
•review material contracts.
During the underwriting process, significant, ongoing attention is devoted to sensitivity analyses regarding whether a company might bear a significant “downside” case and remain profitable and in compliance with assumed financial covenants. These “downside” scenarios typically involve assumptions regarding the loss of key customers and/or suppliers, an economic downturn, adverse regulatory changes and other relevant stressors that we attempt to simulate in our quantitative and qualitative analyses. Further, we continually examine the effect of these scenarios on financial ratios and other metrics.
Approval, Documentation and Closing
Upon the completion of the due diligence process, the Executive Committee will review the results and determine if the transaction should proceed to approval. If approved by our Senior Lending Team and Executive Committee, the underwriting professionals heretofore involved proceed to documentation.
As and to the extent necessary, key documentation challenges are brought before our Senior Lending Team and Executive Committee for prompt discussion and resolution. Upon the completion of satisfactory documentation and the satisfaction of closing conditions, final approval is sought from our Executive Committee before closing and funding.
Ongoing Relationships with Portfolio Companies
Monitoring, Managerial Assistance
We have and will continue to monitor our portfolio companies on an ongoing basis. We monitor the financial trends of each portfolio company to determine if it is meeting its business plan and to assess the appropriate course of action for each company. We generally require our portfolio companies to provide annual audits, quarterly unaudited financial statements with management discussion and analysis and covenant compliance certificates, and monthly unaudited financial statements. Using these monthly financial statements, we calculate and evaluate all financial covenants and additional financial coverage ratios that might not be part of our covenant package in the loan documents. For purposes of analyzing a portfolio company’s financial performance, we sometimes adjust their financial statements to reflect pro-forma results in the event of a recent change of control, sale, acquisition or anticipated cost savings. Additionally, we believe that, through our integrated marketing and sale of each business and financial solution offered by NSBF and our controlled portfolio companies, to our controlled portfolio companies and non-affiliate portfolio companies, we have in place extensive and robust monitoring capabilities.
We have several methods of evaluating and monitoring the performance and fair value of our investments, including the following:
•assessment of success in adhering to each portfolio company’s business plan and compliance with covenants;
•periodic and regular contact with portfolio company management to discuss financial position, requirements and accomplishments;
•comparisons to our other portfolio companies in the industry, if any;
•attendance at and participation in board meetings; and/or
•review of monthly and quarterly financial statements and financial projections for portfolio companies.
As part of our valuation procedures, we risk rate all of our investments including loans. In general, our rating system uses a scale of 1 to 8, with 1 being the lowest probability of default and principal loss. Our internal rating is not an exact system, but is used internally to estimate the probability of: (i) default on our debt securities and (ii) loss of our debt or investment principal, in the event of a default. In general, our internal rating system may also assist our valuation team in its determination of the estimated fair value of equity securities or equity-like securities. Our internal risk rating system generally encompasses both qualitative and quantitative aspects of our portfolio companies.
Our internal loan and investment risk rating system incorporates the following eight categories:
Rating Summary Description
1 Acceptable - Highest Quality - Loans or investments that exhibit strong financial condition and repayment capacity supported by adequate financial information. Generally, as loans these credits are well secured by marketable collateral. These credits are current and have not demonstrated a history of late-pay or delinquency. There are no or few credit administration weaknesses. This score represents a combination of a strong acceptable credit and adequate or better credit administration. Newly underwritten loans or investments may be rated in this category if they clearly possess above-average attributes in all of the above areas. In general, as investments these credits are performing within our internal expectations, and potential risks to the applicable investment are considered to be neutral or favorable compared to any potential risks at the time of the original investment.
2 Acceptable - Average Quality - These loans or investments are supported by financial condition and repayment strengths that offset marginal weaknesses. Generally, as loans these credits are secured but may be less than fully secured. These loans are current or less than 30 days past due and may or may not have a history of late payments. They may contain non-material credit administration weaknesses or errors in verifying that do not put the guaranty at risk or cause wrong or poor credit decisions to be made. This risk rating should also be used to assign an initial risk rating to loans or investments that are recommended for approval by underwriting. Without a performance history and/or identified credit administration deficiencies, emphasis should be placed on meeting or exceeding underwriting standards collateral protection, industry experience, and guarantor strength. It is expected that most of our underwritten loans will be of this quality.
3 Acceptable - Below Average - These loans or investments are the low-end range of acceptable. Loans would be less than fully secured and probably have a history of late pay and/or delinquency, though not severe. They contain one or more credit administration weaknesses that do not put the guaranty at risk or cause wrong or poor credit decisions to be made. This risk rating may also be used to identify new loans or investments that may not meet or exceed all underwriting standards, but are approved because of offsetting strengths in other areas. These credits, while of acceptable quality, typically do not possess the same strengths as those in the 1 or 2 categories. In general, the investment may be performing below internal expectations and quantitative or qualitative risks may have increased materially since the date of the investment.
4 Other Assets Especially Mentioned (OAEM or Special Mention) - Strong - These loans or investments are currently protected by sound worth and cash flow or other paying capacity, but exhibit a potentially higher risk situation than acceptable credits. While there is an undue or unwarranted credit risk, it is not yet to the point of justifying a substandard classification. Generally, these loans demonstrate some delinquency history and contain credit administration weaknesses. Performance may show signs of slippage, but can still be corrected. Credit does not require a specific allowance at this point but a risk of loss is present.
5 Substandard - Workout - These assets contain well defined weaknesses and are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower. Generally, loan collateral protects to a significant extent. There is a possibility of loss if the deficiencies are not corrected and secondary sources may have to be used to repay credit. Credit administration can range from very good to adequate indicating one or more oversights, errors, or omissions which are considered significant but not seriously misleading or causing an error in the loan decision. Performance has slipped and there are well-defined weaknesses. A specific allowance is in order or risk of loss is present.
6 Substandard - Liquidation - These assets contain well defined weaknesses and are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or investee. In addition, the weaknesses are so severe that resurrection of the credit is unlikely. For loans, secondary sources will have to be used for repayment. Credits in this category would be severely stressed, non-accrual, and the business may be non-viable. There could be character and significant credit administration issues as well. A specific allowance should be established or the lack of one clearly justified.
7 Doubtful - This classification contains all of the weaknesses inherent in a substandard classification but with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or repayment of principal in full, on the basis of existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. The probability of loss is very high, but the exact amount may not be estimable at the current point in time. Loans in this category are severely stressed, generally non-accrual and/or involve a non-viable operation. Collateral may be difficult to value because of limited salability, no ready and available market, or unknown location or condition of the collateral. Credit administration weaknesses can range from few to severe and may jeopardize the credit as well as the guaranty. All such loans or investments should have a specific allowance.
8 Loss - Loans or investments classified as loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is no longer warranted. This classification does not mean that the credit has no recovery or salvage value but, rather, it is not practical to defer writing off this asset. It is also possible that the credit decision cannot be supported by the credit administration process. Documents and verification are lacking; analysis is poor or undocumented, there is no assurance that the loan is eligible or that a correct credit decision was made. Loss loans are loans where a loss total can be clearly estimated. Losses should be taken during the period in which they are identified.
We will monitor and, when appropriate, change the investment ratings assigned to each loan or investment in our portfolio. In connection with our valuation process, our management team will review these investment ratings on a quarterly basis, and our Board will review and affirm such ratings. The investment rating of a particular investment should not, however, be deemed to be a guarantee of the investment’s future performance.
Historically, we have offered to provide significant operating and managerial assistance to our portfolio companies and have provided significant operating and managerial assistance to our controlled portfolio companies. As a BDC, we will continue to offer, and must provide upon request, managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. This assistance will typically involve, among other things, monitoring the operations and financial performance of our portfolio companies, participating in board and management meetings, consulting with and advising officers of portfolio companies and providing other organizational and financial assistance. We may sometimes receive fees for these services.
Valuation Procedures
We conduct the valuation of our assets, pursuant to which our net asset value shall be determined, at all times consistent with GAAP and the 1940 Act. Our valuation procedures are set forth in more detail below:
Securities for which market quotations are readily available on an exchange shall be valued at such price as of the closing price on the day of valuation. We may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of our investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value assets. When doing so, we will determine whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. If determined adequate, we will use the quote obtained. We also employ independent third-party valuation firms for certain of our investments for which there is not a readily available market value.
Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available or for which the pricing source does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of our Board, does not represent fair value, which we expect will represent a substantial majority of the investments in our portfolio, shall be valued as follows: (i) each portfolio company or investment is initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and discussed with our Senior Lending Team and Executive Committee; (iii) independent third-party valuation firms engaged by, or on behalf of, the Board will conduct independent appraisals, review management’s preliminary valuations and prepare separate preliminary valuation conclusions on a selected basis; (iv) the Board reviews the preliminary valuations of members of our Senior Lending Team and Executive Committee and/or that of the third-party valuation firm and responds to the valuation recommendation with comments, if any; and (v) the Board will discuss valuations and determine the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith.
Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates not susceptible to substantiation by auditing procedures. Accordingly, under current auditing standards, the notes to our financial statements will refer to the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our financial statements.
The determination of fair value will generally be based on the following factors, as relevant:
•the nature and realizable value of any collateral;
•adherence to the portfolio company’s business plan and compliance with covenants;
•periodic and regular contact with the portfolio company’s management to discuss financial position, requirements and accomplishments;
•comparison to portfolio companies in the same industry, if any;
•the portfolio company’s ability to make payments;
•the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flow;
•the markets in which the portfolio company does business; and
•comparisons to publicly traded securities.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which a pricing source is not sufficient may include, but are not limited to, the following:
•private placements and restricted securities that do not have an active trading market;
•securities whose trading has been suspended or for which market quotes are no longer available;
•debt securities that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market;
•securities whose prices are stale;
•securities affected by significant events; and
•securities that our investment professionals believe were priced incorrectly.
Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act was recently adopted by the SEC and establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. We are evaluating the impact of adopting Rule 2a-5 on the consolidated financial statements and intend to comply with the new rule’s requirements on or before the compliance date in September 2022.
Competition
We compete for SBA 7(a) and other SMB loans with other financial institutions and various SMB lenders, as well as other sources of funding. Additionally, competition for investment opportunities has emerged among alternative investment vehicles, such as collateralized loan obligations, some of which are sponsored by other alternative asset investors, as these entities have begun to focus on making investments in SMBs. As a result of these new entrants, competition for our investment opportunities may intensify. Many of these entities have greater financial and managerial resources than we do, but we believe that they invariably lack the ability to process loans as quickly as we can and do not have the depth of our customer service capabilities. We believe we will be able to compete with these entities primarily on the basis of our financial technology infrastructure, our experience and reputation, our deep industry knowledge and ability to provide customized business solutions, our willingness to make smaller investments than other specialty finance companies, the breadth of our contacts, our responsive and efficient investment analysis and decision-making processes, and the investment terms we offer.
We and our controlled portfolio companies compete in a large number of markets for the sale of financial and business solutions to SMBs. Each of our controlled portfolio companies competes not only against suppliers in its particular state or region of the country but also against suppliers operating on a national or even a multi-national scale. None of the markets in which our controlled portfolio companies compete are dominated by a small number of companies that could materially alter the terms of the competition.
Our electronic payment processing portfolio companies compete with entities including Global Payments, First National Bank of Omaha and Paymentech, L.P. Our managed technology solutions portfolio company competes with 1&1, Hosting.com, Discount ASP, Maxum ASP, GoDaddy®, Yahoo!®, BlueHost®, iPowerWeb®, Amazon Web Services®, Microsoft® Azure, Google®, and RackSpace among others.
Our business finance ecosystem competes with regional and national banks and non-bank lenders. Intuit® is bundling electronic payment processing, web hosting and payroll services similar to ours in offerings that compete in the same SMB market.
In many cases, we believe that our competitors are not as able as we are to take advantage of changes in business practices due to technological developments and, for those with a larger size, are unable to offer the personalized service that many SMB owners and operators desire.
While we compete with many different providers in our various businesses, we have been unable to identify any direct and comprehensive competitors that deliver the same broad suite of services focused on the needs of the SMB market with the same marketing strategy as we do. We believe that some of the competitive advantages of our platform include:
•compatible products such as our e-commerce offerings that we are able to bundle to increase sales, reduce costs and reduce risks for our customers and enable us to sell two, three, or four products at the same time;
•the patented NewTracker® referral system, which allows us and our portfolio companies to process new business utilizing a web-based, centralized processing point and provides back end scalability, and allows our alliance partners to offer a centralized access point for their SMB clients as part of their larger strategic approach to marketing, thus demonstrating their focus on providing a suite of services to the SMB market in addition to their core service;
•the focus on developing and marketing business solutions and financial products and services aimed at the SMB market;
•scalability, which allows us to size our business solutions capabilities very quickly to meet customer and market needs;
•the ability to offer personalized service and competitive rates;
•a strategy of multiple channel distribution, which gives us maximum exposure in the marketplace;
•high quality customer service 24/7/365 across all business lines, with a focus primarily on absolute customer service and;
•a telephonic interview process, as opposed to requiring handwritten or data-typing processes, which allows us to offer high levels of customer service and satisfaction, particularly for SMB owners who do not get this service from our competitors
Revenues by Geographic Area
During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, all of our revenue was derived from customers in the United States.
Human Capital including Senior Lending Team and Executive Committee
As an internally managed BDC, the long-term success of our Company depends on our people. Our team comprises experienced investment professionals, executive officers and treasury, finance, risk management, administrative support, IT and human resources professionals.
The key members of our senior lending team (“Senior Lending Team”), many of whom have worked together for more than ten years, each have over 25 years of experience in finance-related fields. These investment professionals have worked together to screen opportunities, underwrite new investments and manage a portfolio of investments in SMBs through two recessions, a credit crunch, the dot-com boom and bust and a historic, leverage-fueled asset valuation bubble. Each member brings a complementary component to a team well-rounded in finance, accounting, operations, strategy, business law and executive management.
Because we are internally managed by our Executive Committee, which includes Barry Sloane, Peter Downs, Michael A. Schwartz and Nicholas Leger, under the supervision of our Board, and do not depend on a third-party investment advisor, we do not pay investment advisory fees and all of our income is available to pay our operating costs and to make distributions to our shareholders. While our portfolio companies are independently managed, our Executive Committee also oversees our controlled portfolio companies and, to the extent that we may make additional equity investments in the future, the Executive Committee will also have primary responsibility for the identification, screening, review and completion of such investments. We do not expect to focus our resources on investing in additional stand-alone equity investments, but may elect to do so from time to time on an opportunistic basis, if such opportunities arise. Messrs. Sloane and Downs have been involved together in the structuring and management of equity investments for the past seventeen years.
The retention of our Senior Lending Team and Executive Committee is material to the management of our business. The departure of key investment personnel could adversely affect our business and cause us to lose current and potential investment opportunities. As such, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits structure that we believe is attractive to our current and prospective professionals. As we hire and develop individuals, we take succession planning into account and have succession plans in place for each of our senior leaders.
As of December 31, 2020 our workforce consisted of 110 professionals. We strive to continue to create a welcoming and inclusive work environment for our employees. We are committed to recruiting, motivating. and developing a diversity of talent and to create an inclusive community where all individuals are welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. In order to support a culture of learning, we provide many training opportunities for our employees to continue to build their skills and increase their effectiveness as members of a team, including offering a variety of external and internal classes and training sessions as well as hands-on learning and one-on-one mentorship. We continue to encourage dialogue between managers and employees and have increased the frequency of our communications with employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are committed to fostering a workplace conducive to the open communication of any concerns regarding unethical, fraudulent or illegal activities. Feedback from employees on matters related to their employment or our operations including its financial statement disclosures, accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters is greatly appreciated and helps to build a stronger organization. Each director, officer, regular full-time, part-time and temporary employee of the Company has the ability to report confidentially under this whistleblower policy: (a) questionable or improper accounting, internal controls, auditing matters, disclosure, or fraudulent business practices and (b) illegal or unethical behavior that has occurred, is ongoing, or is about to occur of an applicable law, rule, regulation or policy of the Company. We protect the confidentiality of those making reports of possible misconduct to the maximum extent permitted by law. Our no retaliation policy prohibits retaliation against those who report activities believed in good faith to be a violation of any law, rule, regulation or internal policy.
We maintain and ensure compliance of all directors, officers and employees to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) which is acknowledged in writing on joining and annually by all our employees, as a continued condition of employment. Our Code of Ethics establishes applicable policies, guidelines, and procedures that promote ethical practices and conduct by the Company and all its employees, officers, and directors. Our Code of Ethics can be found on our website at http:/investor.newtekbusinessservices.com/corporate-governance.
We aim to provide a safe environment at work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of our employees, clients, customers, and vendors has been at the forefront of our decisions regarding when it is safe for employees to return to work in the office. Accordingly, we have encouraged employees to work from home in regions where doing so is recommended by local guidance. Following local and CDC guidance, we have made our offices accessible to those who prefer to work in the office, with restrictions and safety protocols in place, including limiting office capacity. For those hesitant to return to the office, we have continued to support remote work as an option during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to protecting the physical safety of our employees, we seek to promote a safe environment that is free of harassment or bullying. We do not tolerate discrimination and harassment of any kind including but not limited to sexual, gender identity, race, religion, ethnicity, age, or disability, among others.
During the pandemic, we have encouraged employee health and wellness by being aware that employees need flexibility during this time and have different needs. We have made information and services available to support employees. We emphasize employee engagement, particularly during the ongoing pandemic, by encouraging ongoing dialogue with managers, colleagues and leaders. Communications have been more frequent during this time so that employees can stay connected and that we understand our employees’ diverse needs. We monitor our attrition and analyze reasons for leaving the Company. We value employee feedback and make adjustments to employees’ needs and concerns as they are raised.
Available Information
We are subject to the informational requirements of the SEC and in accordance with those requirements file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s web site is http://www.sec.gov. Our principal offices are located at 4800 T Rex Avenue, Suite 120, Boca Raton, Florida and our telephone number is (212) 356-9500. Our website may be directly accessed at http://www.newtekone.com. We make available through our website, free of charge, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. These documents may be directly accessed at http://investor.newtekbusinessservices.com. Information contained on our website is not a part of this report.
Regulation
We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We have also elected to be treated for tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between BDCs and their affiliates (including any investment advisers or sub-advisers), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters and requires that a majority of the directors be persons other than “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.
In addition, the 1940 Act provides that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw our election as, a BDC unless approved by “a majority of our outstanding voting securities” as defined in the 1940 Act. A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the 1940 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.
We generally are not able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, issue and sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value of our common stock if (1) our Board determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and (2) our stockholders have approved our policy and practice of making such sales within the preceding 12 months. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price which, in the determination of our board of directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities. At a July 10, 2020 special meeting of shareholders, our shareholders authorized us to sell shares of our common stock (during the following 12 months) at a price below its then current net asset value per share subject to certain conditions (including that the cumulative number of shares sold does not exceed 20% of its then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such sale). During 2020, the Company did not sell any shares of its common stock at a price below then-current net asset value per share.
Under the 1940 Act, a BDC generally may not issue senior securities unless the ratio of its total assets (less total liabilities other than indebtedness represented by senior securities) to its total indebtedness represented by senior securities plus preferred stock, if any, is at least 200%. This means that a BDC generally may borrow up to $1 for every $1 of investor equity. However, legislation enacted in March 2018 modified the 1940 Act by allowing a BDC to increase the maximum amount of leverage it may incur from an asset coverage ratio of 200% to an asset coverage ratio of 150%, if, among other things, shareholders representing at least a majority of the votes cast, when quorum is met, approve a proposal to do so. At a special meeting of shareholders held on July 26, 2018, our stockholders approved a proposal to reduce our minimum required asset coverage to 150%, effective July 27, 2018. As a result, we generally may borrow up to $2 for every $1 of investor equity. See “Senior Securities; Coverage Ratio.”
We may be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our Board who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC.
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, or the Securities Act. We do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Prior to January 19, 2021, except for registered money market funds, we generally were prohibited from acquiring more than 3% of the voting stock of any registered investment company, investing more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one investment company, or investing more than 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of more than one investment company without obtaining exemptive relief from the SEC. However, the SEC adopted new rules, which became effective on January 19, 2021, that allow us to acquire the securities of other investment companies in excess of the 3%, 5% and 10% limitations without obtaining exemptive relief if we comply with certain conditions. With regard to that portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies, it should be noted that such investments might indirectly subject our stockholders to additional expenses as they will indirectly be responsible for the costs and expenses of such companies. None of our investment policies are fundamental and any may be changed without stockholder approval.
Exemptive Relief
On May 10, 2016, we received an order from the SEC for exemptive relief that, with the shareholders’ approval we received on July 27, 2016, allows us to take certain actions that would otherwise be prohibited by the 1940 Act, as applicable to BDCs. Specifically, the order permits us to (i) issue restricted stock awards to our officers, employees and employee and non-employee directors, (ii) issue stock options to our employees, (iii) withhold shares of the Company’s common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations relating to the vesting of restricted stock or the exercise of options that were granted to pursuant to the 2014 Plan or the Amended Stock Plan, and (iv) permit participants to pay the exercise price of Options that were granted to them pursuant to the 2014 Plan or will be granted to them pursuant to Amended Stock Plan with shares of Applicant’s common stock.
In addition, on January 20, 2021, we applied for an order of the SEC pursuant to Section 6(c) of the 1940 Act granting an exemption from the provisions of Section 12(d)(3) to the extent necessary to permit the Company to organize, acquire, and continue to wholly own the securities of an entity that will be an indirect wholly-owned portfolio company of the Company, that intends to operate as an investment adviser (the “Adviser Subsidiary”) registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, which application is pending.
Qualifying Assets
Under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the company’s total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our proposed business are the following:
(1)Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the 1940 Act as any issuer which:
(a) is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;
(b) is not an investment company (other than a small business investment company wholly owned by the BDC) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act: and
(c) does not have any class of securities listed on a national securities exchange; or if it has securities listed on a national securities exchange such company has market capitalization of less than $250 million; is controlled by the BDC and has an affiliate of a BDC on its board of directors; or meets such other criteria as may be established by the SEC.
(2)Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.
(3)Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.
(4)Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to securities described in (1) through (3) above, or pursuant to the exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.
(5)Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.
Control, as defined by the 1940 Act, is presumed to exist where a BDC beneficially owns more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of the portfolio company.
We do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Prior to January 19, 2021, except for registered money market funds, we generally were prohibited from acquiring more than 3% of the voting stock of any registered investment company, investing more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one investment company, or investing more than 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of more than one investment company without obtaining exemptive relief from the SEC. However, the SEC adopted new rules, which became effective on January 19, 2021, that allow us to acquire the securities of other investment companies in excess of the 3%, 5% and 10% limitations without obtaining exemptive relief if we comply with certain conditions. With regard to that portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies, it should be noted that such investments might subject our stockholders to additional expenses. None of our investment policies are fundamental and any may be changed without stockholder approval.
Significant Managerial Assistance
A BDC must have been organized and have its principal place of business in the United States and must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described in “Qualifying Assets” above. BDCs generally must offer to make available to the issuer of the securities significant managerial assistance, except in circumstances where either (i) the BDC controls such issuer of securities or (ii) the BDC purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together and one of the other persons in the group makes available such managerial assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.
Temporary Investments
Pending investment in other types of “qualifying assets,” as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as temporary investments, so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. Typically, we invest in highly rated commercial paper, U.S. Government agency notes, U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements relating to such securities that 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. Consequently, repurchase agreements are functionally similar to loans. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, the 1940 Act and certain diversification tests in order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes typically require us to limit the amount we invest with any one counterparty. Our management monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.
Warrants and Options
Under the 1940 Act, a BDC is subject to restrictions on the amount of warrants, options, restricted stock or rights to purchase shares of capital stock that it may have outstanding at any time. Under the 1940 Act, we may generally only offer warrants provided that (i) the warrants expire by their terms within ten years, (ii) the exercise or conversion price is not less than the current market value at the date of issuance, (iii) our stockholders authorize the proposal to issue such warrants, and our Board approves such issuance on the basis that the issuance is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and (iv) if the warrants are accompanied by other securities, the warrants are not separately transferable unless no class of such warrants and the securities accompanying them has been publicly distributed. The 1940 Act also provides that the amount of our voting securities that would result from the exercise of all outstanding warrants, as well as options and rights, at the time of issuance may not exceed 25% of our outstanding voting securities. In particular, the amount of capital stock that would result from the conversion or exercise of all outstanding warrants, options or rights to purchase capital stock cannot exceed 25% of the BDC’s total outstanding shares of capital stock.
Senior Securities; Coverage Ratio
We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock if we meet certain asset coverage requirements. On April 27, 2018, we announced that our Board, including a “required majority” (as such term is defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act”) of the Board, approved a proposal to reduce our asset coverage requirement as set forth in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act, from 200% to 150%. Such change would have been effective April 27, 2019. However, on July 26, 2018, our stockholders approved a proposal to reduce our asset coverage requirement to 150%, effective July 27, 2018. In addition, we may not be permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on our outstanding common shares, or purchase any such shares, unless, at the time of such declaration or purchase, we have asset coverage of at least 150% after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution, or purchase price. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary purposes. For a discussion of the risks associated with the resulting leverage, see “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Business And Structure - Because we borrow money, the potential for loss on amounts invested in us is magnified and may increase the risk of investing in us.”
As of December 31, 2020, we had an aggregate principal amount of senior securities outstanding of $457,931,000 and our asset coverage ratio was 174%.
Issuance of Shares Below Current Net Asset Value
At a special meeting of shareholders held on August 2, 2019, our stockholders authorized us to issue common stock at a discount from our NAV per share, effective for a period that expired on June 12, 2020. Under the approved proposal, our Board, subject to its fiduciary duties and regulatory requirements, had the discretion to determine the amount of the discount, and as a result, the discount could be up to 100% of net asset value per share. At a special meeting of shareholders held on July 10, 2020, our stockholders authorized us to issue common stock at a discount from our NAV per share, effective for a period expiring on the earlier of July 10, 2021, or the date of our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders. We have agreed to limit the number of shares that we issue at a price below NAV pursuant to this authorization so that the aggregate dilutive effect on our then outstanding shares will not exceed 20%. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not sell any shares of common stock at a price below NAV per share.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain transactions by our personnel. Our code of ethics generally does not permit investments by our employees in securities that may be purchased or held by us. The code of ethics is published and available on the Company’s website at http://investor.newtekbusinessservices.com/corporate-governance is attached as an exhibit and is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of the code of ethics, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
Compliance Policies and Procedures
We have 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 and designate a chief compliance officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures. Mr. Michael Schwartz currently serves as our Chief Compliance Officer.
Privacy Principles
We are committed to maintaining the privacy of our shareholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.
Generally, we do not receive any non-public personal information relating to our shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of our shareholders may become available to us. We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent).
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (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 Exchange Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer must certify the accuracy of the consolidated financial statements contained in our periodic reports;
•pursuant to Item 307 of Regulation S-K, our periodic reports must disclose our conclusions about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures;
•pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, our management must prepare a report regarding its assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting; 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 or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and 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.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
We vote proxies relating to our portfolio securities in a manner in which we believe is in the best interest of our stockholders. We 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 we generally vote against proposals that may have a negative impact on our portfolio securities, we may vote for such a proposal if there exists compelling long-term reasons to do so.
Our proxy voting decisions are made by our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee, which are responsible for monitoring each of our investments. To ensure that our vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, we require that: (i) anyone involved in the decision making process disclose to our chief compliance officer 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 (ii) employees involved in the decision making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how we intend to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties.
Stockholders may obtain information regarding how we voted proxies with respect to our portfolio securities by making a written request for information to: Chief Compliance Officer, 1981 Marcus Avenue, Suite 130, Lake Success, NY 11042.
Other
We will be periodically examined by the SEC for compliance with the Exchange Act and the 1940 Act.
We are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect us against larceny and embezzlement. Furthermore, as a BDC, we are prohibited from protecting any director or officer against any liability to 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.
We are required to adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws, review these policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation. We have designated Michael Schwartz to be our Chief Compliance Officer to be responsible for administering these policies and procedures.
Nasdaq Global Market Requirements
We have adopted certain policies and procedures intended to comply with the Nasdaq Global Market’s corporate governance rules. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all future listing standards that are approved by the SEC and will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance therewith.
Regulation as a Small Business Lending Company
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, NSBF, is licensed by the SBA as an SBLC that originates loans through the SBA 7(a) Program. The SBA 7(a) Program is the SBA’s primary loan program. In order to operate as an SBLC, a licensee is required to maintain a minimum regulatory capital (as defined by SBA regulations) of the greater of (1) 10% of its outstanding loans receivable and other investments or (2) $1,000,000. In addition, a SBLC is subject to certain other regulatory restrictions.
The SBA generally reduces risks to lenders by guaranteeing major portions of qualified loans made to small businesses. This enables lenders to provide financing to small businesses when funding may otherwise be unavailable or not available on reasonable terms. Under the SBA 7(a) Program, the SBA typically guarantees 75% of qualified loans over $150,000. The eligibility requirements of the SBA 7(a) Program vary by the industry of the borrower and affiliates and other factors.
The SBA grants PLP status to certain lenders originating SBA 7(a) loans based on achievement of certain standards in lending which are regularly monitored by the SBA. NSBF has been granted national PLP status and originates, sells and services SBA 7(a) loans. As a Preferred Lender, NSBF is authorized to place SBA guarantees on SBA 7(a) loans without seeking prior SBA review and approval. Designated PLP lenders are delegated the authority to process, close, service, and liquidate most SBA guaranteed loans without prior SBA review. PLP lenders are authorized to make SBA guaranteed loans, subject only to a brief eligibility review and assignment of a loan number by SBA. In addition, they are expected to handle servicing and liquidation of all of their SBA loans with limited involvement of SBA. If NSBF were to lose PLP status, it would have a material adverse impact on NSBF’s ability to originate loans at current levels. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - NSBF’s failure to maintain PLP status or maintain its SBA 7(a) license could adversely affect our results of operations.”
Among other things, SBLCs are required to: submit to the SBA for review a credit policy that demonstrates the SBLC’s compliance with the SBA Loan Program Requirements for origination, servicing and liquidation of 7(a) loans; submit to the SBA for review and approval annual validation, with supporting documentation and methodologies, demonstrating that any scoring model used by the SBLC is predictive of loan performance; obtain SBA approval for loan securitization and borrowings; and adopt and fully implement an internal control policy which provides adequate direction for effective control over and accountability for operations, programs, and resources.
Pursuant to the SBA’s regulations, the SBA is released from liability on its guaranty of a 7(a) loan and may, in its sole discretion, refuse to honor a guaranty purchase request in full or in part, or recover all or part of the funds already paid in connection with a guaranty purchase, if the lender failed to comply materially with a SBA Loan Program Requirement; failed to make, close, service or liquidate the loan in a prudent manner; placed the SBA at risk through improper action or inaction; failed to disclose a material fact to the SBA in a timely manner; or misrepresented a material fact to the SBA regarding the loan. In certain instances, the SBA may refuse to honor a guaranty purchase request in full (referred to by the SBA as a “denial”) or in part (referred to by the SBA as a “repair”), or recover all or part of the funds already paid in connection with a guaranty purchase. In the event of a repair or denial, liability on the guaranty, in whole or part, would be transferred to NSBF. In addition, the growth in the number of loans made by NSBF, changes in SBA regulations and economic factors may adversely impact our current repair and denial rates. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - We have specific risks associated with SBA loans.”
In connection with NSBF’s 2018 examination by the SBA, NSBF entered into a voluntary agreement with the SBA pursuant to NSBF’s commitment to operate under the SBA Loan Program Requirements. The agreement formalizes many of the actions previously taken by NSBF to strengthen its operational procedures as they relate to NSBF’s delegated lender authority. Consistent with the terms of the agreement, NSBF has established a segregated restricted cash account in the amount of $10 million to account for potential post-purchase repairs and denials of guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans, and agreed to take certain actions to demonstrate the sufficiency of NSBF’s liquidity. NSBF also agreed to repurchase the guaranteed portions of several loans in the amount of approximately $5.6 million, and establish certain additional reporting and compliance procedures. In relation to the rapid growth of our 7(a) loan portfolio, we continue to assess and develop our policies and procedures to facilitate the successful implementation of our business, liquidity and operations.
The SBA restricts the ability of an SBLC to lend money to any of its officers, directors and employees or to invest in associates thereof. The SBA also prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a “change of control” of an SBLC. A “change of control” is any event which would result in the transfer of the power, direct or indirect, to direct the management and policies of a SBLC, whether through ownership, contractual arrangements or otherwise. SBLCs are periodically examined and audited by the SBA to determine compliance with SBA regulations.
Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company
For any taxable year in which we:
•qualify as a RIC; and
•satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement,
We generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of our income we distribute (or are deemed to distribute) to stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gains not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.
We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our net ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and net capital gains that we recognized in preceding years, but were not distributed during such years, and on which we paid no corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”). We generally will endeavor in each taxable year to make sufficient distributions to our stockholders to avoid any U.S. federal excise tax on our earnings.
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 1940 Act at all times during each taxable year;
•derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of certain securities, gains from the sale of stock or other securities, net income from certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities (the “90% Income Test”); and
•diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:
•at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and
•no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (the “Diversification Tests”).
Qualified earnings may exclude such income as management fees received in connection with our subsidiaries or other potential outside managed funds and certain other fees.
We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or issued with warrants), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as PIK interest, deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock, or certain income with respect to equity investments in foreign corporations. Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount. The Company does not currently hold investments that have original issue discount.
Gain or loss realized by us from the sale or exchange of warrants acquired by us as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be treated as capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term or short-term, depending on how long we held a particular warrant.
Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement. However, under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. 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 status as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous. If we are prohibited from making distributions or are unable to obtain cash from other sources to make the distributions, we may fail to qualify as a RIC, which would result in us becoming subject to corporate-level federal income tax.
In addition, we will be partially dependent on our subsidiaries for cash distributions to enable us to meet the RIC distribution requirements. Some of our subsidiaries may be limited by the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and SBA regulations, from making certain distributions to us that may be necessary to maintain our status as a RIC. We may have to request a waiver of the SBA’s restrictions for our subsidiaries to make certain distributions to maintain our RIC status. We cannot assure you that the SBA will grant such waiver. If our subsidiaries are unable to obtain a waiver, compliance with the SBA regulations may cause us to fail to qualify as a RIC, which would result in us becoming subject to corporate-level federal income tax.
The remainder of this discussion assumes that we will qualify as a RIC and will have satisfied the Annual Distribution Requirement for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Any transactions in options, futures contracts, constructive sales, hedging, straddle, conversion or similar transactions, and forward contracts will be subject to special tax rules, the effect of which may be to accelerate income to us, defer losses, cause adjustments to the holding periods of our investments, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains, convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses or have other tax consequences. These rules could affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to stockholders. We do not currently intend to engage in these types of transactions.
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 (e.g., as the result of large amounts of equity-based compensation), we would experience 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 tax purposes have aggregate taxable income for several years that we are required to 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 required 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, stockholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than in the absence of such transactions.
Investment income received from sources within foreign countries, or capital gains earned by investing in securities of foreign issuers, may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. In this regard, withholding tax rates in countries with which the United States does not have a tax treaty are often as high as 35% or more. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries that may entitle us to a reduced rate of tax or exemption from tax on this related income and gains. The effective rate of foreign tax cannot be determined at this time since the amount of our assets to be invested within various countries is not now known. We do not anticipate being eligible for the special election that allows a RIC to treat foreign income taxes paid by such RIC as paid by its stockholders.
If we purchase shares in a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, we may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by us to our stockholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on us in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains. If we invest in a PFIC and elect to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code, or QEF, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, we will be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, even if such income is not distributed to it. Alternatively, we can elect to mark-to-market at the end of each taxable year our shares in a PFIC; in this case, we will recognize as ordinary income any increase in the value of such shares and as ordinary loss any decrease in such value to the extent it does not exceed prior increases included in income. Under either election, we may be required to recognize in a year income in excess of our distributions from PFICs and our proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock during that year, and such income will nevertheless be subject to the Annual Distribution Requirement and will be taken into account for purposes of the 4% U.S. federal excise tax. We intend to limit and/or manage our holdings in PFICs to minimize our liability for any taxes and related interest charges.
Income inclusion from a QEF will be “good income” for purposes of the 90% Income Test provided that they are derived in connection with an investment in stocks and securities or the QEF distributes such income to us in the same taxable year to which the income is included in our income.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by us in connection with certain transactions involving non-dollar debt securities, certain foreign currency futures contracts, foreign currency option contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Code provisions that generally treat such gains and losses as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to our stockholders. Any such transactions that are not directly related to our investment in securities (possibly including speculative currency positions or currency derivatives not used for hedging purposes) could, under future Treasury regulations, produce income not among the types of “qualifying income” from which a RIC must derive at least 90% of its annual gross income.
Failure to Qualify as a RIC
If we fail to satisfy the 90% Income Test or the Diversification Tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless continue to qualify as a RIC for such year if certain relief provisions are applicable (which may, among other things, require us to pay certain corporate-level federal taxes or to dispose of certain assets).
If we were unable to qualify for treatment as a RIC and the foregoing relief provisions are not applicable, we would be subject to tax on all of our taxable income at regular corporate rates, regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders. Distributions would not be required, and any distributions would be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and, subject to certain limitations, may be eligible for the 20% maximum rate for non-corporate taxpayers provided certain holding period and other requirements were met. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, corporate distributees would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. Generally, a non-taxable return of capital will reduce an investor’s basis in our stock for federal tax purposes, which will result in higher tax liability when the stock is sold. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains. Certain written disclosure will present a calculation of return of capital on a tax accounting basis.
To requalify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, we would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which we failed to qualify as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under Subchapter M of the Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the non-qualifying year, we could be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held by us during the period in which we failed to qualify as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 5 years, unless we made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of our requalification as a RIC.

---

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
The following is a summary of the risk factors that we believe are most relevant to our business. These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, we think could cause our actual results to differ significantly from anticipated or historical results. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the value of our common stock could decline and shareholders may lose all or part of their investment. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless required by law.
An investment in our securities involves risks. The following is a summary of the principal risks that you should carefully consider before investing in our securities.
Risks Related to the Economy
•Events outside of our control, including public health crises, could negatively affect our portfolio companies and our results of our operations.
•Economic recessions could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.
•Capital markets are currently experiencing disruption and instability and we cannot predict how long these conditions will continue. Such market conditions could materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States and abroad, which could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
•If we cannot obtain additional capital because of either regulatory or market price constraints, we could be forced to curtail or cease our new lending and investment activities, our net asset value could decrease and our level of distributions and liquidity could be affected adversely.
Risks Related to Our Business and Structure
•We are dependent upon our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee for our future success, and if we are unable to hire and retain qualified personnel or if we lose any member of our Senior Lending Team or our Executive Committee our ability to achieve our investment objective could be significantly harmed.
•Our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value, with our Board having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there is uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.
•Because we borrow money, the potential for loss on amounts invested in us is magnified and may increase the risk of investing in us.
•Any unrealized depreciation we experience in our portfolio may be an indication of a portfolio company’s inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to affected loans or a potential impairment of the value of affected equity investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our income and gains available for distribution in future periods.
•If we are unable to source investments effectively, we may be unable to achieve our investment objective.
•Any failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC would reduce our operating flexibility.
•We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results.
•Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations may adversely affect our business or cause us to alter our business strategy.
•Because we have received the approval of our stockholders, we are subject to 150% asset coverage beginning after July 26, 2018.
•We may not be able to pay distributions to our shareholders, our distributions may not grow over time and a portion of our distributions may be a return of capital.
Risk Related to SBA Lending
•NSBF, our wholly-owned subsidiary, is subject to regulation by the SBA, which has specific risks.
•We have specific risks associated with SBA loans.
Risks Related to U.S. Federal Income Tax
•We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to maintain our qualification as a RIC or are unable to make the distributions required to maintain RIC tax treatment.
•Because we intend to distribution substantially all of our income to our shareholders to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC, we will continue to need additional capital to finance our growth, and regulations governing our operations as a BDC will affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital and make distributions.
Risks Related to Our Investments Generally
• Our investments are very risky and highly speculative.
•The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.
•We are a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we may invest a significant portion of our assets in a relatively small number of issuers, which subjects us to a risk of significant loss if any of these issuers defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or as a result of a downturn in the particular industry.
•Defaults by our portfolio companies will harm our operating results.
•Prepayments of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return on equity.
•If the assets securing the loans that we make decrease in value, then we may lack sufficient collateral to cover losses.
Risks Related to Our Securities
•Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially.
•Our shareholders may experience dilution upon repurchase of common shares.
•Stockholders may incur dilution if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock or issue securities to subscribe to, convert to or purchase shares of our common stock.
RISKS RELATED TO THE ECONOMY
Events outside of our control, including public health crises, could negatively affect our portfolio companies and our results of our operations.
Periods of market volatility have occurred and could continue to occur in response to pandemics or other events outside of our control. These types of events have adversely affected and could continue to adversely affect operating results for us and for our portfolio companies. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has delivered a shock to the global economy. This outbreak has led and for an unknown period of time will continue to lead to disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies affected thereby, including a recession and a steep increase in unemployment in the United States.
With respect to the U.S. credit markets, this outbreak has resulted in, and until fully resolved is likely to continue to result in, the following among other things: (i) government imposition of various forms of shelter-in-place orders and the closing of “non-essential” businesses, resulting in significant disruption to the businesses of many middle-market loan borrowers including supply chains, demand and practical aspects of their operations, as well as in lay-offs of employees, and, while these effects are hoped to be temporary, some effects could be persistent or even permanent; (ii) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit; (iii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments and waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by such borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing at the maturity dates of their loans; (iv) volatility and disruption of these markets including greater volatility in pricing and spreads and difficulty in valuing loans during periods of increased volatility, and liquidity issues; and (v) rapidly evolving proposals and/or actions by state and federal governments to address problems being experienced by the markets and by businesses and the economy in general which will not necessarily adequately address the problems facing the loan market and middle market businesses.
While several countries, as well as certain states, counties and cities in the United States, have relaxed initial public health restrictions with the view to partially or fully reopening their economies, many cities have since experienced a surge in the reported number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These surges have led to the re-introduction of such restrictions and business shutdowns in certain states in the United States and globally and could continue to lead to the re-introduction of such restrictions elsewhere. Health advisors warn that recurring COVID-19 outbreaks will continue if reopening is pursued too soon or in the wrong manner, which may lead to the re-introduction or continuation of certain public health restrictions (such as instituting quarantines, prohibitions on travel and the closure of offices, businesses, schools, retail stores and other public venues). Additionally, as of late December 2020, travelers from the United States are not allowed to visit Canada, Australia or the majority of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. These continued travel restrictions may prolong the global economic downturn. In addition, although the Federal Food and Drug Administration authorized vaccines for emergency use starting in December 2020, it remains unclear how quickly the vaccines will be distributed nationwide and globally or when “herd immunity” will be achieved and the restrictions that were imposed to slow the spread of the virus will be lifted entirely. The delay in distributing the vaccines or spread of COVID variants could lead people to continue to self-isolate and not participate in the economy at pre-pandemic levels for a prolonged period of time. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy and most other major global economies may continue to experience a recession, and we anticipate our business and operations could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged recession in the United States and other major markets.
This outbreak is having, and any future outbreaks could have, an adverse impact on the markets and the economy in general, which could have a material adverse impact on, among other things, the ability of lenders to originate loans, the volume and type of loans originated, and the volume and type of amendments and waivers granted to borrowers and remedial actions taken in the event of a borrower default, each of which could negatively impact the amount and quality of loans available for investment by us and returns to us, among other things. As of the date of this annual report on Form 10-K, it is impossible to determine the scope of this outbreak, or any future outbreaks, how long any such outbreak, market disruption or uncertainties may last, the effect any governmental actions will have or the full potential impact on us and our portfolio companies. Any potential impact to our results of operations will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that could emerge regarding the duration and severity of COVID-19 and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control. These potential impacts, while uncertain, could adversely affect our and our portfolio companies’ operating results.
If the economy is unable to substantially reopen, and high levels of unemployment continue for an extended period of time, loan delinquencies, loan non-accruals, problem assets, and bankruptcies may increase. In addition, collateral for our loans may decline in value, which could cause loan losses to increase and the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors could decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us. An increase in loan delinquencies and non-accruals or a decrease in loan collateral and guarantor net worth could result in increased costs and reduced income which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additionally, oil prices collapsed to an 18-year low on supply glut concerns, as shutdowns across the global economy sharply reduced oil demand while Saudi Arabia and Russia engaged in a price war. Central banks and governments have responded with liquidity injections to ease the strain on financial systems and stimulus measures to buffer the shock to businesses and consumers. These measures have helped stabilize certain portions of the financial markets over the short term, but volatility will likely remain elevated until the health crisis itself is under control (via fewer new cases, lower infection rates and/or verified treatments). There are still many unknowns and new information is incoming daily, compounding the difficulty of modeling outcomes for epidemiologists and economists alike.
We cannot be certain as to the duration or magnitude of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the markets in which we and our portfolio companies operate, including with respect to travel restrictions, business closures, mitigation efforts (whether voluntary, suggested, or mandated by law) and corresponding declines in economic activity that may negatively impact the U.S. economy and the markets for the various types of goods and services provided by U.S. middle market companies. Depending on the duration, magnitude and severity of these conditions and their related economic and market impacts, certain portfolio companies may suffer declines n earnings and could experience financial distress, which could cause them to default on their financial obligations to us and their other lenders.
We will also be negatively affected if our operations and effectiveness or the operations and effectiveness of a portfolio company (or any of the key personnel or service providers of the foregoing) is compromised or if necessary or beneficial systems and processes are disrupted.
Any public health emergency, including the COVID-19 pandemic or any outbreak of other existing or new epidemic diseases, or the threat thereof, and the resulting financial and economic market uncertainty could have a significant adverse impact on us and the fair value of our investments. Our valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and are often based on estimates, comparisons and qualitative evaluations of private information that may not show the complete impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting measures taken in response thereto. These potential impacts, while uncertain, could adversely affect our and our portfolio companies’ operating results.
Any public health emergency, including the COVID-19 pandemic or any outbreak of other existing or new epidemic diseases, or the threat thereof, and the resulting financial and economic market uncertainty could have a significant adverse impact on us and the fair value of our investments and our portfolio companies.
The extent of the impact of any public health emergency, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on our and our portfolio companies’ operational and financial performance will depend on many factors, including the duration and scope of such public health emergency, the actions taken by governmental authorities to contain its financial and economic impact, the extent of any related travel advisories and restrictions implemented, the impact of such public health emergency on overall supply and demand, goods and services, investor liquidity, consumer confidence and levels of economic activity and the extent of its disruption to important global, regional and local supply chains and economic markets, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. In addition, our and our portfolio companies’ operations may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily or permanently halted, as a result of government quarantine measures, voluntary and precautionary restrictions on travel or meetings and other factors related to a public health emergency, including its potential adverse impact on the health of any of our or our portfolio companies’ personnel. This could create widespread business continuity issues for us and our portfolio companies.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted and is likely to further adversely impact our operations and the operations of our borrowers, customers, portfolio companies and business partners. A number of factors impacting us or our borrowers, customers or business partners could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition, including but not limited to:
•increases in loan delinquencies, losses and charge-offs;
•increases in borrowers seeking and being granted deferments of principal and interest payments, especially following the conclusion of the six months of payments made directly by the SBA under provisions of the CARES Act, which could negatively impact cash flow from net interest and servicing payments normally available to the Company, during the deferment period;
•collateral for loans, including real estate, may decline in value, which could cause loan losses to increase;
•demand for our, and our portfolio companies’, business products and solutions may decline, making it difficult to grow or maintain our assets and income;
•net worth and liquidity of the guarantors on our loans may decline, which could cause loan losses to increase;
•our risk management policies and practices may be negatively impacted by among, other things, changes in the SBA 7(a) loan program, including changes to SBA rules, regulations and SBA standard operating procedures;
•cyber risk has increased as criminals have sought to take advantage of the changes of business practices necessitated by COVID-19.
These factors may also cause the valuation of our investments to differ materially from the values that we may ultimately realize. Our valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and are often based on estimates, comparisons and qualitative evaluations of private information. As a result, our valuations may not show the completed or continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting measures taken in response thereto. Any public health emergency, including the COVID-19 pandemic or any outbreak of other existing or new epidemic diseases, or the threat thereof, and the resulting financial and economic market uncertainty could have a significant adverse impact on us and the fair value of our investments and our portfolio companies.
As of the date of this Form 10-K, it is impossible to determine the scope of this outbreak, or any future outbreaks, how long any such outbreak, market disruption or uncertainties may last, the effect any governmental actions will have or the full potential impact on us and our portfolio companies. As the potential impact of COVID-19 is difficult to predict, the extent to which COVID-19 could negatively affect our and our portfolio companies’ operating results or the duration of any potential business or supply-chain disruption, is uncertain. Any potential impact to our results of operations will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that could emerge regarding the duration and severity of COVID-19 and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control. These potential impacts, while uncertain, could adversely affect our and our portfolio companies’ operating results.
If the economy is unable to substantially reopen, and high levels of unemployment continue for an extended period of time, loan delinquencies, loan non-accruals, problem assets, and bankruptcies may increase. In addition, collateral for our loans may decline in value, which could cause loan losses to increase and the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors could decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us. An increase in loan delinquencies and non-accruals or a decrease in loan collateral and guarantor net worth could result in increased costs and reduced income which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Economic recessions or downturns, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.
Many of our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay our debt
investments during these periods. The recent global outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted economic markets, and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Some economists and major investment banks have expressed concern that the continued spread of the virus globally could lead to a world-wide economic downturn. In the past, instability in the global capital markets resulted in disruptions in liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market and the failure of major domestic and international financial institutions. In particular, in past periods of instability, the financial services sector was negatively impacted by significant write-offs as the value of the assets held by financial firms declined, impairing their capital positions and abilities to lend and invest. In addition, continued uncertainty surrounding the impact of trade deals between Britain and the European Union following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union and uncertainty between the United States and other countries, including China, with respect to trade policies, treaties, and tariffs, among other factors, have caused disruption in the global markets. There can be no assurance that market conditions will not worsen in the future.
In an economic downturn, we may have non-performing assets or non-performing assets may increase, and the value of our
portfolio is likely to decrease during these periods. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of any collateral securing our loans. A severe recession may further decrease the value of such collateral and result in losses of value in our portfolio and a decrease in our revenues, net income, assets and net worth. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us on terms we deem acceptable. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.
The occurrence of recessionary conditions and/or negative developments in the domestic and international credit markets may
significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the value of our investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Any such unfavorable economic conditions, including rising interest rates, may also increase our funding costs, limit our access to capital markets or negatively impact our ability to obtain financing, particularly from the debt markets. In addition, any future financial market uncertainty could lead to financial market disruptions and could further impact our ability to obtain financing.
These events could limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and negatively impact our operating results and
financial condition.
Global economic, political and market conditions may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our revenue growth and profitability.
The current worldwide financial markets situation, as well as various social and political tensions in the United States and around the world, may contribute to increased market volatility, may negatively impact the secondary market for the sale of guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans, may have long term effects on the United States and worldwide financial markets, and may cause economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. We monitor developments and seek to manage our investments in a manner consistent with achieving our investment objective, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so.
In August 2011 and then affirmed in August 2013, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services lowered its long term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. from “AAA” to “AA+”. Additionally, in January of 2012, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services lowered its long term sovereign credit rating for several large European countries. These ratings negatively impacted global markets and economic conditions. Although U.S. lawmakers have taken steps to avoid further downgrades, U.S. budget deficit concerns and similar conditions in Europe, China and elsewhere have increased the possibility of additional credit rating downgrades and worsening global economic and market conditions. The current political climate has also intensified concerns about a potential trade war between the United States and China in connection with each country’s recent proposed tariffs on the other country’s products. There can be no assurance that current or future governmental measures to mitigate these conditions will be effective. These conditions, government actions and future developments may cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may adversely affect our ability to access debt financing on favorable terms and may increase the interest costs of our borrowers, hampering their ability to repay us. Continued or future adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In October 2014, the Federal Reserve announced that it was concluding its bond buying program, or quantitative easing, which was designed to stimulate the economy and expand the Federal Reserve’s holdings of long term securities, suggesting that key economic indicators, such as the unemployment rate, had showed signs of improvement since the inception of the program. The Federal Reserve raised the Federal funds rate throughout the course of 2015 through 2018 and then pivoted in the fourth quarter of 2018 towards easier monetary policy and cut rates several times in 2019. Most recently, in March 2020, in response to the recent global outbreak of COVID-19, the Federal Reserve announced a $700 billion quantitative easing program and further reduced the Federal funds rate to near-zero. This development, along with the United States government’s credit and deficit concerns, concerns about financial stability in Europe and an economic slowdown in China, could cause interest rates to be volatile, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt and equity markets on favorable terms.
Capital markets are currently experiencing disruption and instability and we cannot predict how long these conditions will continue. Such market conditions could materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States and abroad, which could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As a BDC, we must maintain our ability to raise additional capital for investment purposes. Without sufficient access to the capital markets or credit markets, we may be forced to curtail our business operations or we may not be able to pursue new business opportunities. The U.S. and global capital markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption during the economic downturn that began in mid-2007, and the U.S. economy was in a recession for several consecutive calendar quarters during the same period.
In 2010, a financial crisis emerged in Europe, triggered by high budget deficits and rising direct and contingent sovereign debt, which created concerns about the ability of certain nations to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations. Risks resulting from such debt crisis, including any austerity measures taken in exchange for the bail out of certain nations, and any future debt crisis in Europe or any similar crisis elsewhere could have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, sovereign and non-sovereign debt in certain countries and the financial condition of financial institutions generally.
In June 2016, the United Kingdom (the “UK”) held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union, or “Brexit,” and, accordingly, on February 1, 2017, the U.K. Parliament voted in favor of allowing the U.K. government to begin the formal process of Brexit. The initial negotiations on Brexit commenced in June 2017. Brexit created political and economic uncertainty and instability in the global markets (including currency and credit markets), and especially in the United Kingdom and the European Union, and this uncertainty and instability may last indefinitely. On January 31, 2020, the UK ended its membership in the European Union. Under the terms of the withdrawal agreement negotiated and agreed between the UK and the European Union, the UK’s departure from the European Union was followed by a transition period (the “Transition Period”), which ran until December 31, 2020 and during which the UK continued to apply European Union law and was treated for all material purposes as if it were still a member of the European Union.
On December 24, 2020, the European Union and UK governments signed a trade deal that became provisionally effective on January 1, 2021 and that now governs the relationship between the UK and European Union (the “Trade Agreement”). The Trade Agreement implements significant regulation around trade, transport of goods and travel restrictions between the UK and the European Union. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the longer term economic, legal, political and social implications of Brexit are unclear at this stage and are likely to continue to lead to ongoing political and economic uncertainty and periods of increased volatility in both the UK and in wider European markets for some time. In particular, Brexit could lead to calls for similar referendums in other European jurisdictions, which could cause increased economic volatility in the European and global markets. This mid- to long-term uncertainty could have adverse effects on the economy generally and on our ability to earn attractive returns. In particular, currency volatility could mean that our returns are adversely affected by market movements. Potential decline in the value of the British Pound and/or the Euro against other currencies, along with the potential further downgrading of the UK’s sovereign credit rating, could also have an impact on the performance of certain investments made in the UK or Europe. There is continued concern about national-level support for the Euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among European Economic and Monetary Union member countries.
A failure or the perceived risk of a failure to raise the statutory debt limit of the U.S. could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns, or a recession in the United States. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling on multiple occasions, including a suspension of the federal debt ceiling in August 2019, ratings agencies have lowered or threatened to lower the long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States. Further, the federal debt ceiling is scheduled to come back into effect on August 1, 2021, unless Congress takes legislative action to further extend or defer it.
The impact of this or any further downgrades to the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. Absent further quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve, these developments could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. In addition, disagreement over the federal budget has caused the U.S. federal government to shut down for periods of time. Continued adverse political and economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we cannot obtain additional capital because of either regulatory or market price constraints, we could be forced to curtail or cease our new lending and investment activities, our net asset value could decrease and our level of distributions and liquidity could be affected adversely.
Our ability to secure additional financing and satisfy our financial obligations under indebtedness outstanding from time to time will depend upon our future operating performance, which is subject to the prevailing general economic and credit market conditions, including interest rate levels and the availability of credit generally, and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The prolonged continuation or worsening of current economic and capital market conditions could have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure financing on favorable terms, if at all.
If we are unable to obtain additional debt capital, then our equity investors will not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage to the extent that our investment strategy is successful and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or fundings to our portfolio companies.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND STRUCTURE
We are dependent upon our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee for our future success, and if we are unable to hire and retain qualified personnel or if we lose any member of our Senior Lending Team or our Executive Committee our ability to achieve our investment objective could be significantly harmed.
We depend on our Senior Lending Team and Executive Committee as well as other key personnel for the identification, final selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of our investments. These executive officers and employees have critical industry experience and relationships that we rely on to implement our business plan. Our future success depends on the continued service of our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee and the replacement of any departing individuals with others of comparable skills and experience. The departure of any of the members of our Senior Lending Team, our Executive Committee or a significant number of our senior personnel could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective. As a result, we may not be able to operate our business as we expect, and our ability to compete could be harmed, which could cause our operating results to suffer.
Our financial condition and results of operations will depend on our ability to manage and deploy capital effectively.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective will depend on our ability to manage and deploy capital, which will depend, in turn, on our management’s ability to identify, evaluate and monitor, and our ability to finance and invest in, companies that meet our investment criteria.
Accomplishing our investment objective on a cost-effective basis will largely be a function of our management’s handling of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services and our access to investments offering acceptable terms. In addition to monitoring the performance of our existing investments, our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee is called upon, from time to time, to provide managerial assistance to some of our portfolio companies.
These demands on their time may distract them or slow the rate of investment. Even if we are able to grow and build upon our investment operations, any failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The results of our operations will depend on many factors, including the availability of opportunities for investment, readily accessible short and long-term funding alternatives in the financial markets and economic conditions. Furthermore, if we cannot successfully operate our business or implement our investment policies and strategies as described herein, it could negatively impact our ability to pay dividends.
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, which could reduce returns and result in losses.
We compete for investments with other financial institutions and various SMB lenders, as well as other sources of funding. Additionally, competition for investment opportunities has emerged among alternative investment vehicles, such as CLOs, some of which are sponsored by other alternative asset investors, as these entities have begun to focus on making investments in SMBs. As a result of these new entrants, competition for our investment opportunities may intensify. Many of our competitors will be substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of capital 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 will have. These characteristics could allow our competitors to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships and offer better pricing and more flexible structuring than we will be able to offer. We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. If we are forced to match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, we may not be able to achieve acceptable returns on our investments or may bear substantial risk of capital loss. Furthermore, many of our competitors will have greater experience operating under, or will not be subject to, the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act will impose on us as a BDC, or the source-of-income, asset diversification, and distribution requirements we must satisfy to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC.
If we are unable to source investments effectively, we may be unable to achieve our investment objective.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our Senior Lending Team’s and our Executive Committee’s ability to identify, evaluate and invest in suitable companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of our marketing capabilities, our management of the investment process, our ability to provide efficient services and our access to financing sources on acceptable terms. In addition to monitoring the performance of our existing investments, members of our Senior Lending Team, our Executive Committee and our other investment professionals may also be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. These demands on their time may distract them or slow the rate of investment. To grow, we need to continue to hire, train, supervise and manage new employees and to implement computer and other systems capable of effectively accommodating our growth. However, we cannot provide assurance that any such employees will contribute to the success of our business or that we will implement such systems effectively. Failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business model depends to a significant extent upon strong referral relationships, and our inability to maintain or further develop these relationships, as well as the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.
We expect that members of our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee will maintain their relationships with intermediaries, financial institutions, investment bankers, commercial bankers, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, consultants, alliance partners, and other individuals within their networks, and we will rely, to a significant extent, upon these relationships to provide us with potential investment opportunities. If our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee fail to maintain its existing relationships or develop new relationships with sources of investment opportunities, we may not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom members of our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee have relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities, and, therefore, there is no assurance that such relationships will generate investment opportunities for us.
Our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value, with our Board having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there is uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.
Under the 1940 Act, we are required to carry our portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined by us, with our Board having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, our estimate of fair value. Typically, there is not a public market for the securities of the privately held companies in which we invest. As a result, we value these securities annually and quarterly at fair value based on various inputs, including management, third-party valuation firms and our audit committee, and with the oversight, review and approval of our Board.
The determination of fair value and consequently, the amount of unrealized gains and losses in our portfolio, are to a certain degree, subjective and dependent on a valuation process approved by our Board. Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of our investments include external events, such as private mergers, sales and acquisitions involving comparable companies. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. Our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed. Due to this uncertainty, our fair value determinations may cause our net asset value on a given date to materially understate or overstate the value that we may ultimately realize on one or more of our investments. As a result, investors purchasing our common stock based on an overstated net asset value would pay a higher price than the value of our investments might warrant. Conversely, investors selling stock during a period in which the net asset value understates the value of our investments will receive a lower price for their stock than the value of our investments might warrant.
Any unrealized depreciation we experience in our portfolio may be an indication of a portfolio company’s inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to affected loans or a potential impairment of the value of affected equity investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our income and gains available for distribution in future periods.
As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good faith by our Board. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments will be recorded as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized depreciation in our portfolio could be an indication of a portfolio company's inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to affected loans or a potential impairment of the value of affected equity investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our income and gains available for distribution in future periods.
Because we borrow money, the potential for loss on amounts invested in us is magnified and may increase the risk of investing in us.
Borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for loss on investments in our indebtedness and on invested equity capital. As we use leverage to partially finance our investments, investors will experience increased risks of investing in our securities. If the value of our assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net asset value attributable to our common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. Conversely, if the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged our business. Similarly, any increase in our income in excess of interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net investment income to increase more than it would without the leverage, while any decrease in our income would cause net investment income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to pay common stock dividends, scheduled debt payments or other payments related to our securities. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique.
Illustration: The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table below:
Assumed Return on Our Portfolio1
(net of expenses)
(10)% (5)% 0% 5% 10%
Corresponding net return to shareholders2
(29.51)% (17.12)% (4.73)% 7.66% 20.06%
(1) Assumes $840,979,000 in total assets, $457,931,000 in debt outstanding, $339,353,000 in net assets as of December 31, 2020, and an average cost of funds of 3.50%. Actual interest payments may be different.
(2) In order for us to cover our annual interest payments on indebtedness, we must achieve annual returns on our December 31, 2020 total assets of at least 1.91%.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective may depend in part on our ability to access additional leverage on favorable terms, and there can be no assurance that such additional leverage can in fact be achieved.
To the extent we borrow money to finance our investments, changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income.
To the extent we borrow money to finance investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income in the event we borrow money to finance our investments. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income. We expect that our long-term fixed-rate investments will be financed primarily with equity and/or long-term debt. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. If we do not implement these techniques properly, we could experience losses on our hedging positions, which could be material. In addition, depending on the frequency and magnitude of rising interest rates, these interest rate increases could negatively impact premiums received on the sale of guaranteed SBA loans, and further, could increase prepayment speeds on outstanding SBA loans, potentially negatively impacting the Company’s financial results.
Because we have received the approval of our shareholders, we are subject to 150% asset coverage beginning after July 26, 2018.
At the Company’s Special Meeting of Shareholders, held on July 26, 2018, its shareholders approved, among other things, the reduction of the Company’s asset coverage requirements for senior securities from 200% to 150%, effective July 27, 2018. As a result, we are able to increase our leverage up to an amount that reduces our asset coverage ratio from 200% to 150% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 66 2/3% of the value of our assets) beginning on July 27, 2018, assuming that additional borrowings are available. As of December 31, 2020, we had aggregate principal amount of senior securities outstanding of $457,931,000, and our asset coverage was 174%.
Leverage magnifies the potential for loss on investments in our indebtedness and on invested equity capital. As we use leverage to partially finance our investments, investors will experience increased risks of investing in our securities. If the value of our assets increases, then the additional leverage would cause the net asset value attributable to our common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had we not increased our leverage. Conversely, if the value of our assets decreases, the additional leverage would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not increased our leverage. Similarly, any increase in our income in excess of interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net investment income to increase more than it would without the additional leverage, while any decrease in our income would cause net investment income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not increased our leverage. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to pay common stock dividends, scheduled debt payments or other payments related to our securities. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique.
In addition, the ability of BDCs to increase their leverage will increase the capital available to BDCs and thus competition for the investments that we seek to make. This may negatively impact pricing on the investments that we do make and adversely affect our net investment income and results of operations.
Any failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC would reduce our operating flexibility.
We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their gross assets in specified types of securities, primarily in private 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. Furthermore, any failure to comply with the requirements imposed on BDCs by the 1940 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 shareholders, we may elect to withdraw our status as a BDC. If we decide to withdraw our election, or if we otherwise fail to maintain our qualification, as a BDC, we may be subject to the substantially greater regulation under the 1940 Act as a closed-end investment company. Compliance with such regulations would significantly decrease our operating flexibility, and could significantly increase our costs of doing business.
Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to raise additional capital and the way in which we do so. 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 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, and pursuant to the approval that we received from our shareholders on July 26, 2018, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% of gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. See “Regulation.” If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. 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. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common shareholders. Continuing to expand our debt financing activities in SBA 7(a) loans, SBA 504 loans and conventional loans will require us to raise additional capital. The failure to continue to generate such loans on a consistent basis could have a material impact on our results of operations, and accordingly, our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
We generally may not issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. However, at a July 10, 2020 special meeting of shareholders, our shareholders authorized us to sell shares of our common stock (during the following 12 months) at a price below its then current net asset value per share subject to certain conditions (including that the cumulative number of shares sold does not exceed 20% of its then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such sale). We also may sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if our Board determines that such sale is in our best interests and in the best interests of our shareholders, and our shareholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our shareholders at that time will decrease, and shareholders may experience dilution.
Our executive officers and employees, through the Adviser Subsidiary, are expected to manage other investment funds or accounts, including external parties, that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do, which may result in significant conflicts of interest.
We have applied for exemptive relief which, if granted, would allow us to acquire the Adviser Subsidiary. Our executive officers and employees, through the Adviser Subsidiary, are expected to manage other investment funds that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do, and which funds may be invested in by us and/or our executive officers and employees. Accordingly, they may have obligations to such other entities, the fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the interests of us or our stockholders. Our relationship with external parties may require us to commit resources to achieving the external parties’ investment objectives, while such resources are currently solely devoted to achieving our investment objective. Our investment objective and investment strategies may be very similar to those of external parties and it is likely that an investment appropriate for us or external parties would be appropriate for the other entity. Because the Adviser Subsidiary may receive performance-based fee compensation from external parties, this may provide an incentive to allocate opportunities to external parties instead of us. Accordingly, we and the Adviser Subsidiary will establish policies and procedures governing the allocation investment opportunities between us and external parties. We may be limited in or unable to participate in certain investments based upon such allocation policy. Although we will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, we may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and external parties managed by the Adviser Subsidiary.
We may not be able to pay distributions to our shareholders, our distributions may not grow over time and a portion of our distributions may be a return of capital.
We intend to pay distributions to our shareholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure investors 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, among other things, the impact of one or more of the risk factors described in this annual report. In addition, the inability to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC can limit our ability to pay distributions. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC tax treatment, compliance with applicable BDC regulations and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure investors that we will pay distributions to our shareholders in the future.
When we make distributions, we will be required to determine the extent to which such distributions are paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of an investor’s basis in our stock and, assuming that an investor holds our stock as a capital asset, thereafter as a capital gain. Generally, a non-taxable return of capital will reduce an investor’s basis in our stock for federal tax purposes, which will result in higher tax liability when the stock is sold. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.
Our Board may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or shareholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.
Although we must obtain shareholder approval to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC, our Board has the authority to modify or waive our investment objective, current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies without prior notice and without shareholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies would have on our business, net asset value, operating results and value of our stock. However, the effects might be adverse, which could negatively impact our ability to make distributions and cause shareholders to lose all or part of their investment.
Internal control deficiencies could impact the accuracy of our financial results or prevent the detection of fraud. As a result, shareholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common stock.
Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Any failure by us to identify future deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting in a timely manner or remediate any such deficiencies, could prevent us from accurately and timely reporting our financial results. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.
We are required to disclose changes made in our internal control and procedures on a quarterly basis and our management is required to assess the effectiveness of these controls annually. An independent assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls could detect problems that our management’s assessment might not. Undetected material weaknesses in our internal controls could lead to financial statement restatements and require us to incur the expense of remediation. In the event that we are unable to maintain or achieve compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules, the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected.
Our business is subject to increasingly complex corporate governance, public disclosure and accounting requirements that are costly and could adversely affect our business and financial results.
We are subject to changing rules and regulations of federal and state government as well as the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed. These entities, including the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the SEC and the Nasdaq Global Market, have issued a significant number of new and increasingly complex requirements and regulations over the course of the last several years and continue to develop additional regulations and requirements in response to laws enacted by Congress. Our efforts to comply with existing requirements, or any revised or amended requirements, have resulted in, and may continue to result in, an increase in expenses and a diversion of management’s time from other business activities.
In addition, our failure to keep pace with any such rules, or for our management to appropriately address compliance with such rules fully and in a timely manner, exposes us to an increasing risk of inadvertent non-compliance. While our management team takes reasonable efforts to ensure that we are in full compliance with all laws applicable to its operations, the increasing rate and extent of regulatory change increases the risk of a failure to comply, which may result in our ability to operate our business in the ordinary course or may subject us to potential fines, regulatory findings or other matters that may materially impact our business.
Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations may adversely affect our business or cause us to alter our business strategy.
We and our portfolio companies are subject to applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, including, without limitation, federal immigration laws and regulations. New legislation may be enacted or new interpretations, rulings or regulations could be adopted, including those governing the types of investments we are permitted to make, any of which could harm us and our shareholders, potentially with retroactive effect. Additionally, any changes to the laws and regulations governing our operations relating to permitted investments may cause us to alter our investment strategy in order to avail ourselves of new or different opportunities. Such changes could result in material differences to the strategies and plans set forth herein and may result in our investment focus shifting from the areas of expertise of our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee to other types of investments in which our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee may have less expertise or little or no experience. Thus, any such changes, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
RISKS RELATED TO SBA LENDING
NSBF, our wholly-owned subsidiary, is subject to regulation by the SBA, which has specific risks.
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, NSBF, is licensed by the SBA as an SBLC. In order to operate as an SBLC, a licensee is required to maintain a minimum regulatory capital (as defined by SBA regulations) of the greater of (1) 10% of its outstanding loans receivable and other investments or (2) $1,000,000. Moreover, before consenting to a securitization, NSBF and other securitizers must be considered well capitalized by the SBA. For NSBF and other SBLC securitizers, the SBA will consider it well capitalized if it maintains a minimum unencumbered paid in capital and paid in surplus equal to at least 10% of its assets, excluding the guaranteed portion of 7(a) loans. In addition, an SBLC is subject to certain other regulatory restrictions. Among other things, SBLCs are required to: establish, adopt, and maintain a formal written capital plan; submit to the SBA for review a credit policy that demonstrates the SBLC’s compliance with the applicable regulations and the SBA’s Standard Operating Procedures for origination, servicing and liquidation of 7(a) loans; submit to the SBA for review and approval annual validation, with supporting documentation and methodologies, demonstrating that any scoring model used by the SBLC is predictive of loan performance; obtain SBA approval for loan securitization and borrowings; and adopt and fully implement an internal control policy which provides adequate direction for effective control over and accountability for operations, programs, and resources.
Additionally, in connection with our 2018 examination by the SBA, NSBF entered into a voluntary agreement with the SBA to meet certain other requirements and conditions. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - If NSBF fails to comply with SBA regulations in connection with the origination, servicing, or liquidation of an SBA 7(a) loan, liability on the SBA guaranty, in whole or in part, could be transferred to NSBF.”
We have specific risks associated with SBA loans.
We have generally sold the guaranteed portion of SBA loans in the secondary market. Such sales have resulted in our earning premiums and creating a stream of servicing income. Sale prices for guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans can be negatively impacted by market conditions, in particular a higher interest rate environment, which can lead to higher prepayments during the period, resulting in lower sale prices in the secondary market. A reduction in the price of guaranteed SBA 7(a) loans could negatively impact our business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue originating these loans, or that a secondary market will exist for, or that we will continue to realize premiums upon the sale of the guaranteed portions of the SBA 7(a) loans.
If NSBF fails to comply with SBA regulations in connection with the origination, servicing, or liquidation of an SBA 7(a) loan, liability on the SBA guaranty, in whole or part, could be transferred to NSBF.
Since we sell the guaranteed portion of substantially all of our SBA 7(a) loan portfolio, we retain credit risk on the non-guaranteed portion of the SBA loans. We share pro rata with the SBA in any recoveries. In the event of default on an SBA loan, our pursuit of remedies against a borrower is subject to SBA approval.
If we fail to comply with certain of the SBA’s regulations in connection with the origination, servicing, or liquidation of an SBA 7(a) loan, the SBA may be released from liability on its guaranty of a 7(a) loan, and may refuse to honor a guaranty purchase request in full (referred to by SBA as a “denial”) or in part (referred to by SBA as a “repair”), or recover all or part of the funds already paid in connection with a guaranty purchase. In the event of a repair or denial, liability on the guaranty, in whole or part, would be transferred to NSBF. In addition, the growth in the number of loans made by NSBF, changes in SBA regulations and economic factors may adversely impact our current repair and denial rate. In connection with NSBF’s 2018 examination by the SBA, NSBF entered into a voluntary agreement with the SBA. We have adopted the agreement pursuant to our commitment to operate under the SBA’s Loan Program Requirements and the agreement formalizes many of the actions NSBF had previously taken to strengthen its operational procedures as they relate to NSBF’s delegated lender authority. Consistent with the terms of the agreement, NSBF established a segregated restricted cash account in the amount of $10 million to account for potential post-purchase repairs and denials of guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans, and take certain actions to demonstrate the sufficiency of NSBF’s liquidity. NSBF also agreed to repurchase the guaranteed portions of several loans in the amount of approximately $5.6 million, and establish certain additional reporting and compliance procedures. In relation to the rapid growth of our 7(a) loan portfolio, we continue to assess and develop our policies and procedures to facilitate the successful implementation of our business, liquidity and operations.
Curtailment of the government-guaranteed loan programs could adversely affect our results of operations.
Although the SBA 7(a) Program has been in existence since 1953, there can be no assurance that the federal government will maintain the SBA 7(a) program, or that it will continue to guarantee loans at current levels. Furthermore, in an effort to support our communities during the pandemic, we are participating in the PPP under the CARES Act whereby loans to small businesses are made and those loans are subject to the regulatory requirements that would require forbearance of loan payments for a specified time or that would limit our ability to pursue all available remedies in the event of a loan default. If the borrower under the PPP loan fails to qualify for loan forgiveness, we may be at the heightened risk of holding these loans at unfavorable interest rates as compared to the loans to customers that we would have otherwise extended credit. If we cannot continue originating and selling government-guaranteed loans, we will generate fewer origination fees and our ability to generate gains on the sale of loans will decrease. From time-to-time, the government agencies that guarantee these loans reach their internal budgeted limits and cease to guarantee loans for a stated time period. In addition, these agencies may change their rules for extending loans. Also, Congress may adopt legislation that would have the effect of discontinuing or changing the SBA’s programs. Non-governmental programs could replace government programs for some borrowers, but the terms might not be equally acceptable. If these changes occur, the volume of loans to SMBs and industrial borrowers of the types that now qualify for government-guaranteed loans could decline, as could the profitability of these loans.
Curtailment of our ability to utilize the SBA 7(a) Loan Program by the Federal government could adversely affect our results of operations.
We are dependent upon the federal government to maintain the SBA 7(a) program. There can be no assurance that the SBA 7(a) program will be maintained or that loans will continue to be guaranteed at current levels. From time-to-time the SBA has reached its internal budgeted limits and ceased to guarantee loans for a stated period of time. In addition, the SBA may change its rules regarding loans or Congress may adopt legislation or fail to approve a budget that would have the effect of discontinuing, reducing availability of funds for, or changing loan programs. Non-governmental programs could replace government programs for some borrowers, but the terms might not be equally acceptable. If these changes occur, the volume of loans to small businesses that now qualify for government guaranteed loans could decline, as could the profitability of these loans.
NSBF’s failure to maintain PLP status or maintain its SBA 7(a) license could adversely affect our results of operations.
NSBF has been granted PLP status and originates, sells and services small business loans and is authorized to place SBA guarantees on loans without seeking prior SBA review and approval. Being a national lender, PLP status allows NSBF to expedite loans since NSBF is not required to present applications to the SBA for concurrent review and approval. The loss of PLP status would adversely impact our marketing efforts and ultimately loan origination volume which would negatively impact our results of operations.
There can be no assurance that NSBF will be able to maintain its status as a PLP or that NSBF can maintain its SBA 7(a) license. If NSBF cannot continue originating and selling government guaranteed loans at current levels, we would experience a decrease in future servicing spreads and earned premiums and negatively impact our results of operations.
Our loans under the Section 7(a) Loan Program involve a high risk of default and such default could adversely impact our results of operations.
Loans to small businesses involve a high risk of default. Such loans are generally not rated by any statistical rating organization. Small businesses usually have smaller product lines and market shares than larger companies and therefore may be more vulnerable to competition and general economic conditions. These businesses’ success typically depends on their management talents and efforts of one person or a small group of persons whose death, disability or resignation would adversely affect the business. Because these businesses frequently have highly leveraged capital structures, reduced cash flow resulting from economic downturns can severely impact the businesses’ ability to meet their obligations, which could impact our results of operations. The portions of Section 7(a) loans to be retained by us do not benefit directly from any SBA guarantees; in an event of default, however, we and the SBA typically cooperate in collateral foreclosure or other work-out efforts and share in any resulting collections.
The loans we make under the Section 7(a) Loan Program face competition.
There are several other non-bank lenders as well as a large number of banks that participate in the SBA Section 7(a) Loan Program. All of these participants compete for the business of eligible borrowers. In addition, pursuant to the 1940 Act, the Company is limited as to the amount of indebtedness it may have. Accordingly, we may be at a competitive disadvantage with regard to other lenders or financial institutions that may be able to achieve greater leverage at a lower cost and are not subject to SBA regulations.
A governmental failure to fund the SBA could adversely affect NSBF’s SBA 7(a) loan originations and our results of operations.
We are dependent upon the Federal government to maintain the SBA 7(a) Program. NSBF’s lending business could be materially and adversely affected by circumstances or events limiting the availability of funds for this program. In October 2013, Congress failed to approve a budget, which, in turn, eliminated availability of funds for the SBA 7(a) program. At the time, the government shutdown affected SBA 7(a) lenders’ ability to originate SBA 7(a) loans. More recently, the government shut down in January 2018 due to a lapse in appropriations, and the SBA closed all non-disaster related programs and activities, including the SBA 7(a) program. The government could again fail to fund the SBA which would affect NSBF’s ability to originate government guaranteed loans and to sell the government guaranteed portions of those loans in the secondary market. Any failure to fund the SBA could adversely affect NSBF’s SBA 7(a) loan originations and our results of operations.
Moreover, due to what has been described as a technical drafting error, the CARES Act and the PPP did not initially create separate authorization levels for the SBA 7(a) program and the PPP, which could have left the SBA 7(a) program temporarily unfunded. The error was corrected with the July 4, 2020 extension of the PPP through August 8, 2020; however, if the SBA 7(a) program were to become unfunded, NSBF will not be able to originate SBA 7(a) loans until such funding is restored.
A government shutdown could adversely affect NSBF’s SBA 7(a) loan originations and our results of operations.
We are dependent upon the Federal government to maintain the SBA 7(a) program. NSBF’s lending business could be materially and adversely affected by circumstances or events limiting the availability of funds for this program. In October 2013, Congress failed to approve a budget, which, in turn, eliminated availability of funds for the SBA 7(a) program. At the time, the government shutdown affected SBA 7(a) lenders’ ability to originate SBA 7(a) loans. More recently, the partial government shut down in December 2018 until January 2019, the longest standing partial shutdown in history, resulted in a halt to the SBA 7(a) program. The government could again experience a government shutdown which would affect NSBF’s ability to originate government guaranteed loans and to sell the government guaranteed portions of those loans in the secondary market. Any government shutdown could adversely affect NSBF’s SBA 7(a) loan originations and our results of operations.
As a participating lender in the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), the Company and NSBF are subject to additional credit risks and risks of litigation from NSBF’s customers or other parties regarding NSBF’s processing of loans for the PPP and risks that the SBA may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties.
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the CARES Act, which included a $349 billion loan program administered through the SBA referred to as the PPP. Under the PPP, small businesses and other entities and individuals can apply for loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved regulated lenders that enroll in the program, subject to numerous limitations and eligibility criteria. On or about April 16, 2020, the SBA notified lenders that the $349 billion earmarked for the PPP was exhausted. Congress approved additional funding for the PPP of approximately $320 billion on April 24, 2020. NSBF is participating as a lender in the PPP. The PPP opened on April 3, 2020; however, because of the short timeframe between the passing of the CARES Act and the opening of the PPP, there has been some ambiguity in the laws, rules and guidance regarding the operation of the PPP, which may expose the Company and NSBF to risks relating to noncompliance with the PPP. During the duration of the PPP, NSBF funded approximately 10,570 PPP loans totaling $1.19 billion. Since the opening of the PPP, several large banks participating in the PPP have been subject to litigation regarding the process and procedures that such banks have used in processing applications for the PPP. The Company and NSBF may be exposed to the risk of litigation, from both customers and non-customers that approached the Company and NSBF regarding PPP loans, regarding its process and procedures used in processing applications for the PPP. If any such litigation is filed against the Company or NSBF and is not resolved in a manner favorable to the Company or NSBF, it may result in significant financial liability or adversely affect the Company’s or NSBF’s reputation. In addition, litigation can be costly, regardless of outcome. Any financial liability, litigation costs or reputational damage caused by PPP related litigation could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Moreover, after the PPP launched, rules and guidance regarding the PPP were not readily available at the start of the program, and the SBA and other government agencies continue to release additional rules and guidance that change or update the requirements and expectations of the regulatory agencies administering the PPP and regulating participating lenders. As of the date of this report, there remains some ambiguity in the laws, rules, and guidance regarding the operation of the PPP, with a number of important aspects of the PPP where regulatory agencies have not provided adequate or complete guidance, particularly with respect to process, procedures and criteria for forgiveness and servicing of PPP loans.
NSBF also has credit risk on PPP loans if a determination is made by the SBA that there is a deficiency in the manner in which a PPP loan was originated, funded, or serviced by NSBF, such as an issue with the eligibility of a borrower to receive a PPP loan, which may or may not be related to the ambiguity in the laws, rules and guidance regarding the operation of the PPP or additional or new laws, rules, and guidance. In the event of a loss resulting from a default on a PPP loan and a determination by the SBA that there was a deficiency in the manner in which the PPP loan was originated, funded, or serviced by NSBF, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty, or, if it has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of any loss related to the deficiency from the Company.
In addition, in order to facilitate NSBF’s involvement as an authorized lender in the PPP, during the second quarter of 2020, NSBF entered into PPP loan participation agreements where NSBF originated PPP loans and sold participating interests to four banks. See “PPP Loan Participations.” In accordance with the terms of the PPP participation agreements and SBA regulations and guidance, NSBF, as the originating lender, must continue to hold the PPP loan note, the PPP loan documents and service the PPP loan (i.e., retain all servicing rights). Moreover, as the originating lender, NSBF is the party responsible to the SBA with respect to all servicing actions, including requests for advance purchases and loan forgiveness, and will be the party eligible for the guarantee purchase of the PPP loan. NSBF has agreed that it will repurchase from the Participants on demand the Participants’ Percentage of any outstanding principal and interest under the applicable PPP Loan under certain standard representations and warranties, including in the event of a loss due to fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of NSBF or any failure to recover under the SBA guarantee as a result of any deficiency in documenting or servicing such PPP Loan by NSBF.
We could be adversely affected by weakness in the residential housing and commercial real estate markets.
Weakness in residential home and commercial real estate values could impair our ability to collect on defaulted SBA loans as real estate is pledged in many of our SBA loans as part of the collateral package.
RISKS RELATED TO U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX
We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to maintain our treatment as a RIC or are unable to make the distributions required to maintain RIC tax treatment.
Although we have elected to be treated as a RIC, no assurance can be given that we will be able to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC in the future. To maintain our tax treatment as a RIC, we must meet certain source-of-income, asset diversification, and distribution requirements.
The income source requirement will be satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our income for each year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of stock or securities or similar sources.
The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. Failure to meet those requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of our qualification as a RIC. Because most of our investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses. The Annual Distribution Requirement for a RIC will be satisfied if we distribute to our shareholders on an annual basis at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of our net long-term capital losses, if any. Because we use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC.
If we fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment for any reason and remain or become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions.
We cannot predict how tax reform legislation will affect us, our investments, or our stockholders, and any such legislation could adversely affect our business.
Legislative or other actions relating to taxes could have a negative effect on us. The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Treasury Department. We cannot predict with certainty how any changes in the tax laws might affect us, our stockholders, or our portfolio investments. New legislation and any U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting such legislation could significantly and negatively affect our ability to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to us and our stockholders of such qualification, or could have other adverse consequences. Stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisor regarding tax legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our securities.
Because we intend to distribute substantially all of our income to our shareholders to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC, we will continue to need additional capital to finance our growth, and regulations governing our operation as a BDC will affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital and make distributions.
As a RIC, we generally are required to distribute substantially all of our ordinary income to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement and the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement (discussed below), which consequently increases the need to raise additional debt and equity capital. Furthermore, as a result of issuing senior securities, we would also be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank “senior” to common stock in our capital structure, preferred shareholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of our common shareholders, 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 your best interest.
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we are required to include in our taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as original issue discount, which may arise if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan or possibly in other circumstances, or PIK interest. Such original issue discount or increases in loan balances as a result of contractual PIK arrangements will be included in our taxable income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in our taxable income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash. Since, in certain cases, we may recognize taxable income before or without receiving corresponding cash payments, we may have difficulty meeting the Annual Distribution Requirement necessary to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC. Accordingly, to satisfy our RIC distribution requirements, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.
We may in the future choose to pay dividends in our own stock, in which case investors may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash they receive.
We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in part in our stock. In accordance with certain applicable Treasury regulations and published guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service, a publicly offered RIC may treat a distribution of its own stock as fulfilling the RIC distribution requirements if each shareholder may elect to receive his or her entire distribution in either cash or stock of the RIC, subject to a limitation that the aggregate amount of cash to be distributed to all shareholders must be at least 20% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many shareholders elect to receive cash, the cash available for distribution must be allocated among the shareholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). In no event will any shareholder, electing to receive cash, receive less than the lesser of (a) the portion of the distribution such shareholder has elected to receive in cash or (b) an amount equal to his or her entire distribution times the percentage limitation on cash available for distribution. If these and certain other requirements are met, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend paid in stock will be equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of stock. Taxable shareholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the amount of the dividends as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly reported as a capital gain dividend) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. shareholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such dividends in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. shareholder sells the stock it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to non-U.S. shareholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock. In addition, if a significant number of our shareholders determine to sell shares of our stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our stock.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INVESTMENTS GENERALLY
Our investments are very risky and highly speculative.
We invest primarily in senior secured term loans and select equity investments issued by companies, some of which are highly leveraged. The majority of senior secured loans are SBA 7(a) loans and the majority of equity investments are comprised of controlled affiliate equity investments.
Senior Secured Loans. There is a risk that the collateral securing our loans, in most cases real estate, may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital, and, in some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition, deterioration in a portfolio company’s financial condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral for the loan. Consequently, 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. In some cases we may take second lien position on additional business or personal assets to secure further our first lien positions.
Equity Investments. We occasionally invest directly in the equity securities of portfolio companies. The equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.
In addition, investing in SMBs 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 any guarantees 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 our portfolio company and, in turn, on us;
•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;
•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; and
•our executive officers and directors may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in the portfolio companies.
An investment strategy focused primarily on smaller privately held companies involves a high degree of risk and presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies, a dependence on the talents and efforts of only a few key portfolio company personnel and a greater vulnerability to economic downturns.
Our portfolio consists primarily of debt and equity investments in smaller privately-owned companies. Investing in these types of companies involves a number of significant risks. Typically, the debt in which we invest is not initially rated by any rating agency; however, we believe that if such investments were rated, they would be below investment grade. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as “high yield” or “junk,” have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Compared to larger publicly-owned companies, these small companies may be in a weaker financial position and experience wider variations in their operating results, which may make them more vulnerable to economic downturns. Typically, these companies need more capital to compete; however, their access to capital is limited and their cost of capital is often higher than that of their competitors. Our portfolio companies often face intense competition from larger companies with greater financial, technical and marketing resources and their success typically depends on the managerial talents and efforts of an individual or a small group of persons. Therefore, any loss of its key employees could affect a portfolio company’s ability to compete effectively and harm its financial condition. Further, some of these companies conduct business in regulated industries that are susceptible to regulatory changes. These factors could impair the cash flow of our portfolio companies and result in other events, such as bankruptcy. These events could limit a portfolio company’s ability to repay its obligations to us, which may have an adverse effect on the return on, or the recovery of, our investment in these businesses. Deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition and prospects may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the loan’s collateral.
Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and we are required to rely on the ability of our Senior Lending Team and our Executive Committee to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If we are unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments. Also, privately held companies frequently have less diverse product lines and smaller market presence than larger competitors. These factors could adversely affect our investment returns as compared to companies investing primarily in the securities of public companies.
We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates.
The majority of our debt investments are based on floating rates, primarily the Prime Rate. General interest rate fluctuations can be expected to have a substantial impact on the interest income we receive on our debt investments. For example, a reduction in interest rates could decrease the value of any investments we hold which earn floating interest rates. Alternatively, an increase in interest rates could decrease the value of any investments we hold which earn fixed interest rates.
General interest rate fluctuations may also have an impact on the value of our stock and our rate of return on invested capital. Because we have borrowed money, our net investment income depends, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate that our investments yield. 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. For example, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance if such increases cause our borrowing costs to rise at a rate in excess of the rate that our investments yield, thereby decreasing our net 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 dividend rate, which could reduce the value of our common stock.
If general interest rates rise, there is a risk that the borrowers on our debt investments in floating rate loans will be unable to pay escalating interest amounts, which could result in a default under their loan documents with us. Rising interest rates could also cause borrowers 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. In addition, rising interest rates may increase pressure on us to provide fixed rate loans to our borrowers, which could adversely affect our net investment income in the future as interest rates continue to fluctuate.
LIBOR is the basic rate of interest used in lending transactions between banks on the London interbank market and is widely used as a reference for setting the interest rate on loans globally. We do hold some floating rate debt investments that are tied to LIBOR.
The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that it will not compel panel banks to contribute to LIBOR after 2021. It is unclear if at that time LIBOR will cease to exist or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. Central banks and regulators in a number of major jurisdictions (for example, United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Switzerland and Japan) have convened working groups to find, and implement the transition to, suitable replacements for interbank offered rates (“IBORs”). To identify a successor rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”), a U.S.-based group convened by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was formed. The ARRC has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as its preferred alternative rate for LIBOR. SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions. In addition, on March 25, 2020, the FCA stated that although the central assumption that firms cannot rely on LIBOR being published after the end of 2021 has not changed, the outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted the timing of many firms’ transition planning, and the FCA will continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on transition timelines and update the marketplace as soon as possible. Although SOFR appears to be the preferred replacement rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, at this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative reference rates or other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United States, United Kingdom or elsewhere or, whether the COVID-19 outbreak will have further effect on LIBOR transition plans. Furthermore, on November 30, 2020, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE) announced that the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (IBA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICE and the administrator of LIBOR, will consider extending the LIBOR transition deadline to June 30, 2023. The announcement was supported by the FCA and the U.S. Federal Reserve. Despite the announcement, regulators continue to emphasize the importance of LIBOR transition planning.
The elimination of LIBOR or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR could have an adverse impact on the market value of and/or transferability of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us or on our overall financial condition or results of operations. If LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate the credit agreements extending beyond 2021 with our portfolio companies that utilize LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate, in order to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established, which may have an adverse effect on our overall financial condition or results of operations. Following the replacement of LIBOR, some or all of these credit agreements may bear interest at a lower interest rate, which could have an adverse impact on the value of our investments in these portfolio companies and, as a result on our results of operations.
Our investments in leveraged portfolio companies may be risky, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Investment in leveraged companies involves a number of significant risks. Leveraged companies in which we invest may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their loans and debt securities that we hold. Such developments may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of our realizing any guarantees that we may have obtained in connection with our investment. Smaller leveraged companies also may have less predictable operating results and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance their expansion or maintain their competitive position.
Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies.
Our portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with, or in some cases senior to, the debt in which we invest. By their terms, such debt instruments may entitle the holders to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments with respect to the debt instruments in which we invest. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution. After repaying such senior creditors, such portfolio company may not have sufficient remaining assets to repay its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equally with debt instruments in which we invest, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.
Second priority liens on collateral securing loans that we make to our portfolio companies may be subject to control by senior creditors with first priority liens. If there is a default, the value of the collateral may not be sufficient to repay in full both the first priority creditors and us.
Certain loans that we make are secured by a second priority security interest in the same collateral pledged by a portfolio company to secure senior first lien debt owed by the portfolio company to commercial banks or other traditional lenders. Often the senior lender has procured covenants from the portfolio company prohibiting the incurrence of additional secured debt without the senior lender’s consent. Prior to and as a condition of permitting the portfolio company to borrow money from us secured by the same collateral pledged to the senior lender, the senior lender will require assurances that it will control the disposition of any collateral in the event of bankruptcy or other default. In many such cases, the senior lender will require us to enter into an “intercreditor agreement” prior to permitting the portfolio company to borrow from us. Typically the intercreditor agreements we will be requested to expressly subordinate our debt instruments to those held by the senior lender and further provide that the senior lender shall control: (1) the commencement of foreclosure or other proceedings to liquidate and collect on the collateral; (2) the nature, timing and conduct of foreclosure or other collection proceedings; (3) the amendment of any collateral document; (4) the release of the security interests in respect of any collateral; and (5) the waiver of defaults under any security agreement. Because of the control we may cede to senior lenders under intercreditor agreements we may enter, we may be unable to realize the proceeds of any collateral securing some of our loans.
If we make subordinated investments, the obligors or the portfolio companies may not generate sufficient cash flow to service their debt obligations to us.
We may make subordinated investments that rank below other obligations of the obligor in right of payment. Subordinated investments are subject to greater risk of default than senior obligations as a result of adverse changes in the financial condition of the obligor or economic conditions in general. If we make a subordinated investment in a portfolio company, the portfolio company may be highly leveraged, and its relatively high debt-to-equity ratio may create increased risks that its operations might not generate sufficient cash flow to service all of its debt obligations.
The disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.
We currently expect that substantially all of our investments will involve loans and private securities. In connection with the disposition of an investment in loans and 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.
There may be circumstances where our debt investments could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender liability claims.
Even though we may have structured certain of our investments as secured loans, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, and based upon principles of equitable subordination as defined by existing case law, a bankruptcy court could subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors and transfer any lien securing such subordinated claim to the bankruptcy estate. The principles of equitable subordination defined by case law have generally indicated that a claim may be subordinated only if its holder is guilty of misconduct or where the senior loan is re-characterized as an equity investment and the senior lender has actually provided significant managerial assistance to the bankrupt debtor. We may also be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with respect to a borrower’s business or instances where we exercise control over the borrower. It is possible that we could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, including as a result of actions taken in rendering significant managerial assistance or actions to compel and collect payments from the borrower outside the ordinary course of business.
The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.
We generally invest in companies whose securities are not publicly traded, and whose securities will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. There is no established trading market for the securities in which we invest. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for us to sell these investments when desired. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we had previously recorded these investments. As a result, we do not expect to achieve liquidity in our investments in the near-term. Further, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we have material non-public information regarding such portfolio company.
Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio.
Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments, in order to: (1) increase or maintain in whole or in part our equity ownership percentage; (2) exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or a subsequent financing; or (3) attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our investment. We may elect not to make follow-on investments or otherwise lack sufficient funds to make those investments. We will have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. 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 operation. 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 do not want to increase our concentration of risk, we prefer other opportunities, we are subject to BDC requirements that would prevent such follow-on investments, or the follow-on investment would affect our qualification as a RIC.
Our portfolio may lack diversification among portfolio companies which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these companies default on its obligations under any of its debt instruments.
Our portfolio holds a limited number of controlled affiliate portfolio companies. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC under the Code, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and our investments may be concentrated in relatively few companies. As our portfolio is less diversified than the portfolios of some larger funds, we are more susceptible to failure if a single loan fails. Similarly, the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment.
We are a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we may invest a significant portion of our assets in a relatively small number of issuers, which subjects us to a risk of significant loss if any of these
issuers defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or as a result of a downturn in the particular industry.
We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we may invest a significant portion of our assets in a relatively small number of issuers in a limited number of industries. As of December 31, 2020, our three largest investments, NMS, NTS and NBL equaled approximately 13%, 4% and 5%, respectively, of the fair value of our total assets. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and while we are not targeting any specific industries, relatively few industries may become significantly represented among our investments. To the extent that we assume large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, our net asset value may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the market’s assessment of the issuer, changes in fair value over time or a downturn in any particular industry. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company.
Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of industries, which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if there is a downturn in a particular industry in which a number of our investments are concentrated.
Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of industries. A downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could significantly impact the aggregate returns we realize. If an industry in which we have significant investments suffers from adverse business or economic conditions, as these industries have to varying degrees, a material portion of our investment portfolio could be affected adversely, which, in turn, could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
Because we may not hold controlling equity interests in certain of 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.
We do not currently hold controlling equity positions in the majority of our portfolio companies where our investments are in the form of debt, particularly SBA loans. 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 shareholders 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 debt and equity 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.
Defaults by our portfolio companies will harm our operating results.
A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. Any extension or restructuring of our loans could adversely affect our cash flows. In addition, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, even though we may have structured our interest as senior debt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we actually provided managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might recharacterize our debt holding and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. If any of these occur, it could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.
If we and our portfolio companies are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our business and prospects could be harmed, and if we and our portfolio companies are required to devote significant resources to protecting their intellectual property rights, the value of our investment could be reduced.
The proprietary software essential to our business and that of our controlled portfolio companies is owned by us and made available to them for their use. Our future success and competitive position will depend in part upon our ability to maintain and protect proprietary technology used in our products and services. We will rely, in part, on patent, trade secret and trademark law to protect that technology, but competitors may misappropriate our intellectual property, and disputes as to ownership of intellectual property may arise. We may, from time to time, be required to institute litigation to enforce the patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights, protect trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or defend against claims of infringement. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.
Prepayments of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return on equity.
We will be subject to the risk that the investments we make in our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity; most of our SBA loans do not carry prepayment penalties. When this occurs, we will generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments or repay outstanding debt, depending on future investment in new portfolio companies. Temporary investments will typically have substantially lower yields than the debt being prepaid and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these amounts. Any future investment in a new portfolio company may also be at lower yields than the debt that was repaid. As a result, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected if one or more of our portfolio companies elect to prepay amounts owed to us. Additionally, prepayments could negatively impact our return on equity, which could result in a decline in the market price of our securities.
We may not realize gains from our equity investments.
Certain investments that we may make in the future include warrants or other equity securities. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including the risk of further dilution as a result of additional issuances, inability to access additional capital and failure to pay current distributions. Investments in preferred securities involve special risks, such as the risk of deferred distributions, credit risk, illiquidity and limited voting rights. In addition, we may from time to time make non-control, equity investments in portfolio companies. Our goal is ultimately to realize gains upon our disposition of such equity interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.
We also may be unable to realize any value if a portfolio company does not have a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business, recapitalization or public offering, which would allow us to sell the underlying equity interests. We will often seek puts or similar rights to give us the right to sell our equity securities back to the portfolio company issuer. We may be unable to exercise these puts rights for the consideration provided in our investment documents if the issuer is in financial distress.
An increase in non-accrual assets would reduce our income and increase our expenses.
If our level of non-accrual assets in our SBA lending business rises in the future, it could adversely affect our investment income and earnings. Non-accrual assets are primarily loans on which borrowers are not making their required payments. Non-accrual assets also include loans that have been restructured to permit the borrower to have smaller payments and real estate that has been acquired through foreclosure of unpaid loans. To the extent that our financial assets are non-accrual, we will have less cash available for lending and other activities.
If the assets securing the loans that we make decrease in value, then we may lack sufficient collateral to cover losses.
To attempt to mitigate credit risks, we will typically take a security interest in the available assets of our portfolio companies. There is no assurance that we will obtain or properly perfect our liens. There is a risk that the collateral securing our loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of a portfolio company to raise additional capital. In some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. Consequently, 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 that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies.
In addition, because we may invest in technology-related companies, a substantial portion of the assets securing our investment may be in the form of intellectual property, if any, inventory and equipment and, to a lesser extent, cash and accounts receivable. Intellectual property, if any, that is securing our loan could lose value if, among other things, the company’s rights to the intellectual property are challenged or if the company’s license to the intellectual property is revoked or expires, the technology fails to achieve its intended results or a new technology makes the intellectual property functionally obsolete. Inventory may not be adequate to secure our loan if our valuation of the inventory at the time that we made the loan was not accurate or if there is a reduction in the demand for the inventory.
Similarly, any equipment securing our loan may not provide us with the anticipated security if there are changes in technology or advances in new equipment that render the particular equipment obsolete or of limited value, or if the company fails to adequately maintain or repair the equipment. Any one or more of the preceding factors could materially impair our ability to recover principal in a foreclosure.
The Company is a Guarantor on a number of credit facilities entered into by certain of its subsidiaries and controlled portfolio companies
As discussed further herein, the Company is a guarantor on credit facilities entered into by NSBF, NBL, NMS and NBC with various lenders. If any of these borrowers default on these lines of credit, we would be required to make payments under the guarantees, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.
If we engage in hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to certain risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in 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 increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. 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 intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against interest rate fluctuations affecting the value of securities in our portfolio.
Our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited.
In November 2020, the SEC adopted new rules regarding the ability of a BDC (or a registered investment company) to use derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations. BDCs that use derivatives would be subject to a value-at-risk leverage limit, certain other derivatives risk management program and testing requirements and requirements related to board reporting. These new requirements would apply unless the BDC qualified as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the SEC’s adopted rules. A BDC that enters into reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions would need to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions could either (i) comply with the asset coverage requirements of the Section 18 of the 1940 Act when engaging in reverse repurchase agreements or (ii) choose to treat such agreements as derivative transactions under the adopted rule. Under the adopted rule, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. If the BDC cannot meet this test, it is required to treat unfunded commitments as a derivatives transaction subject to the requirements of the rule. Collectively, these requirements may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CONTROLLED PORTFOLIO COMPANIES - NEWTEK MERCHANT SOLUTIONS (NMS)
We could be adversely affected if either of NMS’ two bank sponsorships is terminated.
Because NMS is not a bank, it is unable to belong to and directly access the Visa® and MasterCard® bankcard associations. The Visa® and MasterCard® operating regulations require NMS to be sponsored by a bank in order to process bankcard transactions. A bank sponsorship is an agreement under which a financial institution that has a membership with MasterCard®, Visa® or American Express sponsors an independent sales organization, like NMS, that markets credit card processing services to merchants who accept credit cards as a form of payment, gains access to the Visa®, MasterCard®, and American Express networks. NMS is currently sponsored by two banks. If either of the sponsorships is terminated, and NMS is not able to secure or transfer the respective merchant portfolio to a new bank sponsor or sponsors, the business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the electronic payment processing business could be materially adversely affected. If both the sponsorships are terminated and NMS is unable to secure a bank sponsor for the merchant portfolios, it will not be able to process bankcard transactions for the affected portfolios. Consequently, the loss of both of NMS’ sponsorships would have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, NMS’ agreements with sponsoring banks gives the sponsoring banks substantial discretion in approving certain elements of its business practices, including its solicitation, application and qualification procedures for merchants, the terms of their agreements with merchants, the processing fees that they charge, their customer service levels and its use of independent sales organizations and independent sales agents. We cannot guarantee that
NMS’ sponsoring banks’ actions under these agreements would not be detrimental to us.
Other service providers, some of whom are NMS’ competitors, are necessary for the conduct of NMS’ business. The termination by service providers of these arrangements with NMS or their failure to perform these services efficiently and effectively may adversely affect NMS’ relationships with the merchants whose accounts it serves and may cause those merchants to terminate their processing agreements with NMS.
If NMS or its processors or bank sponsors fail to adhere to the standards of the Visa® and MasterCard® bankcard associations, its registrations with these associations could be terminated and it could be required to stop providing payment processing services for Visa® and MasterCard®.
Substantially all of the transactions NMS processes involve Visa® or MasterCard®. If NMS, its bank sponsors or its processors fail to comply with the applicable requirements of the Visa® and MasterCard® bankcard associations, Visa® or MasterCard® could suspend or terminate its registration. The termination of NMS’ registration or any changes in the Visa® or MasterCard® rules that would impair its registration could require it to stop providing payment processing services, which would have a material adverse effect on its business and could be detrimental to us.
On occasion, NMS experiences increases in interchange and sponsorship fees. If it cannot pass along these increases to its merchants, its profit margins will be reduced.
NMS pays interchange fees or assessments to bankcard associations for each transaction it processes using their credit, debit and gift cards. From time to time, the bankcard associations increase the interchange fees that they charge processors and the sponsoring banks, which generally pass on such increases to NMS. From time to time, the sponsoring banks increase their fees as well. If NMS is not able to pass these fee increases along to merchants through corresponding increases in its processing fees, its profit margins in this line of business will be reduced.
Unauthorized disclosure of merchant or cardholder data, whether through breach of our computer systems or otherwise, could expose us to liability and business losses.
Through NMS, we collect and store sensitive data about merchants and cardholders, and we maintain a database of cardholder data relating to specific transactions, including payment, card numbers and cardholder addresses, in order to process the transactions and for fraud prevention and other internal processes. If anyone penetrates our network security or otherwise misappropriates sensitive merchant or cardholder data, we could be subject to liability or business interruption. While we subject these systems to periodic independent testing and review, we cannot guarantee that our systems will not be penetrated in the future. If a breach of our system occurs, we may be subject to liability, including claims for unauthorized purchases with misappropriated card information, impersonation or other similar fraud claims. Similar risks exist with regard to the storage and transmission of such data by our processors. In the event of any such a breach, we may also be subject to a class action lawsuit. SMBs are less prepared for the complexities of safeguarding cardholder data than their larger counterparts. In the event of noncompliance by a customer of card industry rules, we could face fines from payment card networks. There can be no assurance that we would be able to recover any such fines from such customer.
NMS is liable if its processing merchants refuse or cannot reimburse charge-backs resolved in favor of their customers.
If a billing dispute between a merchant and a cardholder is not ultimately resolved in favor of the merchant, the disputed transaction is “charged back” to the merchant’s bank and credited to the account of the cardholder. If NMS or its processing banks are unable to collect the charge-back from the merchant’s account, or if the merchant refuses or is financially unable due to bankruptcy or other reasons to reimburse the merchant’s bank for the charge-back, NMS must bear the loss for the amount of the refund paid to the cardholder’s bank. Most of NMS’ merchants deliver products or services when purchased, so a contingent liability for charge-backs is unlikely to arise, and credits are issued on returned items. However, some of its merchants do not provide services until sometime after a purchase, which increases the potential for contingent liability and future charge-backs. NMS and the sponsoring bank can require that merchants maintain cash reserves under its control to cover charge-back liabilities but such reserves may not be sufficient to cover the liability or may not even be available to them in the event of a bankruptcy or other legal action.
NMS has potential liability for customer or merchant fraud.
Credit card fraud occurs when a merchant’s customer uses a stolen card (or a stolen card number in a card-not-present transaction) to purchase merchandise or services. In a traditional card-present transaction, if the merchant swipes the card, receives authorization for the transaction from the card issuing bank and verifies the signature on the back of the card against the paper receipt signed by the customer, the card issuing bank remains liable for any loss. In a fraudulent card-not-present transaction, even if the merchant receives authorization for the transaction, the merchant is liable for any loss arising from the transaction. Many NMS customers are small and transact a substantial percentage of their sales over the Internet or by telephone or mail orders. Because their sales are card-not-present transactions, these merchants are more vulnerable to customer fraud than larger merchants, and NMS could experience charge-backs arising from cardholder fraud more frequently with these merchants.
Merchant fraud occurs when a merchant, rather than a customer, knowingly uses a stolen or counterfeit card or card number to record a false sales transaction or intentionally fails to deliver the merchandise or services sold in an otherwise valid transaction. Anytime a merchant is unable to satisfy a charge-back, NMS is ultimately responsible for that charge-back unless it has required that a cash reserve be established. We cannot assure that the systems and procedures NMS has established to detect and reduce the impact of merchant fraud are or will be effective. Failure to effectively manage risk and prevent fraud could increase NMS charge-back liability and adversely affect its results of operations.
NMS payment processing systems may fail due to factors beyond its control, which could interrupt its business or cause it to lose business and likely increase costs.
NMS depends on the uninterrupted operations of our computer network systems, software and our processors’ data centers. Defects in these systems or damage to them due to factors beyond its control could cause severe disruption to NMS’ business and other material adverse effects on its payment processing businesses.
The electronic payment processing business is undergoing very rapid technological changes which may make it difficult or impossible for NMS to compete effectively.
The introduction of new technologies, primarily mobile payment capabilities, and the entry into the payment processing market of new competitors, Apple, Inc., for example, could dramatically change the competitive environment and require significant changes and costs for NMS to remain competitive. There is no assurance that NMS will have the capability to stay competitive with such changes.
NMS and others in the payment processing industry have come under increasing pressures from various regulatory agencies seeking to use the leverage of the payment processing business to limit or modify the practices of merchants which could lead to increased costs.
Various agencies, particularly the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), have within the past few years attempted to pressure merchants to discontinue or modify various sales or other practices. As a part of the payment processing industry, processors such as NMS could experience pressure and/or litigation aimed at restricting access to credit card sales by such merchants. These efforts could cause an increase in the cost to NMS of doing business or otherwise make its business less profitable and may subject NMS to assess penalties for not taking actions deemed sufficiently aggressive to limit such practices. As a result of a litigation brought by the FTC in October 2012, NMS voluntarily entered into, and is presently operating under, a permanent injunction with respect to certain of its business practices.
Increased regulatory focus on the payments industry may result in costly new compliance burdens on NMS’ clients and on NMS itself, leading to increased costs and decreased payments volume and revenues.
Regulation of the payments industry has increased significantly in recent years. Complying with these and other regulations increases costs and can reduce revenue opportunities. Similarly, the impact of such regulations on clients may reduce the volume of payments processed. Moreover, such regulations can limit the types of products and services that are offered. Any of these occurrences can materially and adversely affect NMS’ business, prospects for future growth, financial condition and results of operations.
Examples include:
•Data Protection and Information Security. Aspects of NMS’ operations and business are subject to privacy and data protection regulation. NMS’ financial institution clients are subject to similar requirements under the guidelines issued by the federal banking agencies. In addition, many individual states have enacted legislation requiring consumer notification in the event of a security breach.
•Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing. The U.S.A. PATRIOT Act requires NMS to maintain an anti-money laundering program. Sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, restrict NMS from dealing with certain parties considered to be connected with money laundering, terrorism or narcotics. NMS has controls in place designed to ensure OFAC compliance, but if those controls should fail, it could be subject to penalties, reputational damage and loss of business.
•Money Transfer Regulations. As NMS expands its product offerings, it may become subject to money transfer regulations, increasing regulatory oversight and costs of compliance.
•Formal Investigation. If NMS is suspected of violating government statutes, such as the Federal Trade Commission Act or the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, governmental agencies may formally investigate NMS. As a result of such a formal investigation, criminal or civil charges could be filed against NMS and it could be required to pay significant fines or penalties in connection with such investigation or other governmental investigations. Any criminal or civil charges by a governmental agency, including any fines or penalties, could materially harm NMS’ business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Currently, NMS is operating under an order for injunctive relief it voluntarily entered into with the Federal Trade Commission.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CONTROLLED PORTFOLIO COMPANIES - NEWTEK TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS (NTS)
NTS operates in a highly competitive industry in which technological change can be rapid.
The information technology business and its related technology involve a broad range of rapidly changing technologies. NTS equipment and the technologies on which it is based may not remain competitive over time, and others may develop superior technologies that render its products non-competitive, without significant additional capital expenditures. Some of NTS’ competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater market presence as well as greater financial, technical, operational, marketing and other resources and experience than NTS. In the event that such a competitor expends significant sales and marketing resources in one or several markets, NTS may not be able to compete successfully in such markets. We believe that competition will continue to increase, placing downward pressure on prices. Such pressure could adversely affect NTS gross margins if it is not able to reduce its costs commensurate with such price reductions. There can be no assurances that NTS will remain competitive.
NTS’ technology solutions business depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of its computer and communications hardware systems and infrastructure.
Despite precautions taken by NTS against possible failure of its systems, interruptions could result from natural disasters, power loss, the inability to acquire fuel for its backup generators, telecommunications failure, terrorist attacks and similar events. NTS also leases telecommunications lines from local, regional and national carriers whose service may be interrupted. NTS’ business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed by any damage or failure that interrupts or delays its operations. There can be no assurance that NTS’ insurance will cover all of the losses or compensate NTS for the possible loss of clients occurring during any period that NTS is unable to provide service.
NTS’ inability to maintain the integrity of its infrastructure and the privacy of confidential information would materially affect its business.
The NTS infrastructure is potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, viruses or similar problems. If its security measures are circumvented, it could jeopardize the security of confidential information stored on NTS’ systems, misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in NTS’ operations. We may be required to make significant additional investments and efforts to protect against or remedy security breaches. Security breaches that result in access to confidential information could damage our reputation and expose us to a risk of loss or liability. The security services that NTS offers in connection with customers’ networks cannot assure complete protection from computer viruses, break-ins and other disruptive problems. The occurrence of these problems may result in claims against NTS or us or liability on our part. These claims, regardless of their ultimate outcome, could result in costly litigation and could harm our business and reputation and impair NTS’ ability to attract and retain customers.
NTS could be adversely affected by information security breaches or cyber security attacks.
NTS’ web and cloud services involve the storage and transmission of our customers’, employees’, and portfolio companies’ proprietary information. NTS’ business relies on its digital technologies, computer and email systems, software, and networks to conduct its operations. NTS’ technologies, systems and networks may become the target of criminal cyber-attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information of NTS or third parties with whom NTS deals, or otherwise disrupt our or our customers’ or other third parties’ business operations. It is critical to NTS’ business strategy that its facilities and infrastructure remain secure and are perceived by the marketplace to be secure. Although NTS believes it employs appropriate security technologies, NTS cannot guarantee that the security technologies (including data encryption processes, intrusion detection systems) it employs or, the comprehensive risk assessments it conducts, or its other internal control procedures will assure the security of its customers’ data. If NTS’ security measures are breached as a result of third-party action, employee error or otherwise, and as a result, its customers’ data becomes available to unauthorized parties, NTS and our other portfolio companies could incur liability and its reputation would be damaged, which could lead to the loss of current and potential customers. In addition, NTS will be required to expend significant capital and other resources to detect, remedy, protect against or alleviate breaches of its network and security, and it may not be able to remedy these problems in a timely manner, or at all. Because techniques used by outsiders to obtain unauthorized network access or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, NTS may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. For example, in early 2018 following an unauthorized third party misappropriating three of NTS’ domain names, NTS’ management and forensic investigators determined that attackers compromised a portion of its shared webhosting system, and may have acquired certain customer information limited to its shared webhosting customers, and/or gained access to certain of its shared webhosting servers. In response, NTS has taken a range of steps designed to further secure its systems, enhance its security protections, enhance access controls, and prevent future unauthorized activity. For more information on risks relating to cybersecurity, see “Risks Related to Cybersecurity.”
NTS’ business depends on Microsoft Corporation and others for the licenses to use software as well as other intellectual property in the managed technology solutions business.
NTS’ managed technology business is built on technological platforms relying on the Microsoft Windows® products and other intellectual property that NTS currently licenses. As a result, if NTS is unable to continue to have the benefit of those licensing arrangements or if the products upon which its platform is built become obsolete, its business could be materially and adversely affected.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CONTROLLED PORTFOLIO COMPANIES - NEWTEK INSURANCE AGENCY (NIA)
NIA depends on third parties, particularly property and casualty insurance companies, to supply the products marketed by its agents.
NIA contracts with property and casualty insurance companies typically provide that the contracts can be terminated by the supplier without cause. NIA’s inability to enter into satisfactory arrangements with these suppliers or the loss of these relationships for any reason would adversely affect the results of its insurance business. Also, NIA’s inability to obtain these products at competitive prices could make it difficult for it to compete with larger and better capitalized providers of such insurance services.
If NIA fails to comply with government regulations, its insurance agency business would be adversely affected.
NIA insurance agency business is subject to comprehensive regulation in the various states in which it conducts business. NIA’s success will depend in part upon its ability to satisfy these regulations and to obtain and maintain all required licenses and permits. NIA’s failure to comply with any statutes and regulations could have a material adverse effect on it. Furthermore, the adoption of additional statutes and regulations, changes in the interpretation and enforcement of current statutes and regulations could have a material adverse effect on it.
NIA does not have any control over the commissions it earns on the sale of insurance products which are based on premiums and commission rates set by insurers and the conditions prevalent in the insurance market.
NIA earns commissions on the sale of insurance products. Commission rates and premiums can change based on the prevailing economic and competitive factors that affect insurance underwriters. In addition, the insurance industry has been characterized by periods of intense price competition due to excessive underwriting capacity and periods of favorable premium levels due to shortages of capacity. We cannot predict the timing or extent of future changes in commission rates or premiums or the effect any of these changes will have on the operations of NIA.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CONTROLLED PORTFOLIO COMPANIES - NEWTEK PAYROLL AND BENEFIT SOLUTIONS (NPS)
Unauthorized disclosure of employee data, whether through a cyber-security breach of our computer systems or otherwise, could expose NPS to liability and business losses.
NPS collects and stores sensitive data about individuals in order to process the transactions and for other internal processes. If anyone penetrates its network security or otherwise misappropriates sensitive individual data, NPS could be subject to liability or business interruption. NPS is subject to laws and rules issued by different agencies concerning safeguarding and maintaining the confidentiality of this information. Its activities have been, and will continue to be, subject to an increasing risk of cyber-attacks, the nature of which is continually evolving. Cyber-security risks include unauthorized access to privileged and sensitive customer information, including passwords and account information of NPS’ customers. While it subjects its data systems to periodic independent testing and review, NPS cannot guarantee that its systems will not be penetrated in the future. Experienced computer programmers and hackers may be able to penetrate NPS’ network security, and misappropriate or compromise our confidential information, create system disruptions, or cause shutdowns. As a result, NPS’ customers’ information may be lost, disclosed, accessed or taken without its customers’ consent. If a breach of NPS’ system occurs, it may be subject to liability, including claims for impersonation or other similar fraud claims. In the event of any such breach, NPS may also be subject to a class action lawsuit. Any significant violations of data privacy could result in the loss of business, litigation and regulatory investigations and penalties that could damage NPS’ reputation, and the growth of its business could be adversely affected. For more information on risks relating to cybersecurity, see “Risks Related to Cybersecurity.”
NPS is subject to risks surrounding Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) payments.
Credit risk in ACH payments arises when a party to a contract fails to deposit funds required to settle the contract. This can occur if a client of NPS suffers losses, enters into bankruptcy or defrauds NPS. In such an event, NPS could bear the financial burden of settling the customer’s contract.
NPS’ systems may be subject to disruptions that could adversely affect its business and reputation.
NPS’ payroll business relies heavily on its payroll, financial, accounting and other data processing systems. If any of these systems or any of the vendors which supply them fails to operate properly or becomes disabled even for a brief period of time, NPS could suffer financial loss, a disruption of its business, liability to clients, regulatory intervention or damage to its reputation. NPS has disaster recovery plans in place to protect its businesses against natural disasters, security breaches, military or terrorist actions, power or communication failures or similar events. Despite NPS’ preparations, its disaster recovery plans may not be successful in preventing the loss of client data, service interruptions, and disruptions to its operations or damage to its important facilities.
If NPS fails to adapt its technology to meet client needs and preferences, the demand for its services may diminish.
NPS operates in industries that are subject to rapid technological advances and changing client needs and preferences. In order to remain competitive and responsive to client demands, NPS continually upgrades, enhances and expands its existing solutions and services. If NPS fails to respond successfully to technological challenges, the demand for its services may diminish.
NPS could incur unreimbursed costs or damages due to delays in processing inherent in the banking system.
NPS generally determines the availability of customer (employer) funds prior to making payments to employees or taxing authorities, and such employer funds are generally transferred in to its accounts prior to making payments out. Due to the structure of the banking system however, there are times when NPS may make payroll or tax payments and not immediately receive the funds to do so from the employer. There can be no assurance that the procedures NPS has in place to prevent these occurrences or mitigate the damages will be sufficient to prevent loss to its business. In addition, NPS could incur unreimbursed costs or damages due to delays in processing customer payrolls or payroll taxes in a timely manner.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CONTROLLED PORTFOLIO COMPANIES - NEWTEK BUSINESS CREDIT SOLUTIONS (NBC)
An unexpected level of defaults in NBC’s accounts receivables or inventory portfolios would reduce its income and increase its expenses.
If NBC’s level of non-accrual assets in its receivable financing or inventory financing business rises in the future, it could adversely affect its revenue, earnings and cash flow. Non-accrual assets primarily consist of receivables for which the customer has not made timely payment. In certain situations, NBC may restructure the receivable to permit such a customer to have smaller payments over a longer period of time. Such a restructuring or non-payment by a receivables or inventory customer will result in lower revenue and less cash available for NBC’ operational activities.
NBC’s reserve for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover unexpected losses.
NBC’s business depends on the behavior of its customers. In addition to its credit practices and procedures, NBC maintains a reserve for credit losses on its accounts receivable and inventory portfolios, which it has judged to be adequate given the receivables it purchases. NBC periodically reviews its reserve for adequacy considering current economic conditions and trends, charge-off experience and levels of non-accrual assets, and adjusts its reserve accordingly. However, because of recent unstable economic conditions, its reserves may prove inadequate, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.
NBC depends on outside financing to support its receivables financing and inventory financing business.
NBC’s receivables and inventory financing business depends on outside financing to support its acquisition of receivables. Termination of the credit lines for any reason would have a material adverse effect on its business, including but not limited to, the liquidation of its receivables portfolios to pay down the lines. If funds from such sale were insufficient to completely pay down the line of credit, NBC’s would be responsible for any short fall. We are a guarantor on the Sterling Receivable and Inventory Facility at NBC. Maximum borrowings under the Sterling Receivable and Inventory Facility are $35,000,000. The Sterling Receivable and Inventory Facility matures in August 2022 and automatically renews annually. At December 31, 2020, total principal owed by NBC was $18,411,000.
We have guaranteed NBC’s obligations under this facility. If NBC defaults on this line of credit, we would be required to make payments under the guarantee, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, if NBC loses this line of credit and NBC is unable to renew or replace this line of credit, it would materially impact the business of NBC and have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - PORTFOLIO COMPANIES
Our portfolio companies may, from time to time, be involved in various legal matters, which may have an adverse effect on their operations and/or financial condition.
From time to time, we may be subject to legal actions as well as various regulatory, governmental and law enforcement inquiries, investigations and subpoenas. In any such claims or actions, demands for substantial monetary damages may be asserted against our portfolio companies and may result in financial liability for us or an adverse effect on our reputation among investors. We may be unable to accurately estimate our portfolio companies’ exposure to litigation risk. In regulatory enforcement matters, claims for disgorgement, the imposition of penalties, and the imposition of other remedial sanctions against our portfolio companies are possible, and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
As a result of a litigation brought by the FTC in October 2012, NMS voluntarily entered into, and is presently operating under, a permanent injunction with respect to certain of its business practices.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CAPCO BUSINESS
The Capco programs and the tax credits they provide are created by state legislation and implemented through regulation, and such laws and rules are subject to possible action to repeal or retroactively revise the programs for political, economic or other reasons. Such an attempted repeal or revision would create substantial difficulty for the Capco programs and could, if ultimately successful, cause us material financial harm.
The tax credits associated with the Capco programs and provided to our Capcos’ investors are to be utilized by the investors over a period of time, which is typically ten years. Much can change during such a period and it is possible that one or more states may revise or eliminate the tax credits. Any such revision or repeal could have a material adverse economic impact on our Capcos, either directly or as a result of the Capco’s insurer’s actions. Any such final state action that jeopardizes the tax credits could result in the provider of our Capco insurance assuming partial or full control of the particular Capco in order to minimize its liability under the Capco insurance policies issued to our investors.
Because our Capcos are subject to requirements under state law, a failure of any of them to meet these requirements could subject the Capco and our shareholders to the loss of one or more Capcos.
Despite the fact that we have met all applicable minimum requirements of the Capco programs in which we still participate, each Capco remains subject to state regulation until it has invested 100% of its funds and otherwise remains in full legal compliance. There can be no assurance that we will continue to be able to do so. A major regulatory violation, while not fatal to our Capco business, would materially increase the cost of operating the Capcos.
We know of no other publicly-held company that sponsors and operates Capcos as a part of its business. As such, there are, to our knowledge, no other companies against which investors may compare our Capco business and its operations, results of operations and financial and accounting structures.
In the absence of any meaningful peer group comparisons for our Capco business, investors may have a difficult time understanding and judging the strength of our business. This, in turn, may have a depressing effect on the value of our stock.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR SECURITIES
As of December 31, 2020, our CEO beneficially owns and has shared voting power over approximately 5.3% of our common stock, and may be able to exercise significant influence over the outcome of most shareholder actions.
Because of his ownership of and shared voting power over our stock, Barry Sloane, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, may be able to exercise significant influence over actions requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors, the adoption of amendments to the certificate of incorporation, approval of stock incentive plans and approval of major transactions such as a merger or sale of assets. This could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company, deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a change in control and have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock.
Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially.
The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially. The price of our common stock may be higher or lower depending on many factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
•price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
•investor demand for our stock;
•significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of BDCs or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;
•changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines with respect to RICs, BDCs, or SBLCs;
•failure to qualify as a RIC, or the loss of RIC status;
•any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;
•changes, or perceived changes, in the value of our portfolio investments;
•departures of key Company personnel;
•operating performance of companies comparable to us; or
•general economic conditions and trends and other external factors.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Due to the potential volatility of our stock price once a market for our stock is established, we may become the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.
Future issuances of our common stock or other securities, including preferred shares, may dilute the per share book value of our common stock or have other adverse consequences to our common shareholders.
Our Board has the authority, without the action or vote of our shareholders, to issue all or part of the approximately 178,030,005 authorized but unissued shares of our common stock. Our business strategy relies upon investments in and acquisitions of businesses using the resources available to us, including our common stock. Additionally, we anticipate granting additional options or restricted stock awards to our employees and directors in the future. Absent exemptive relief, a BDC generally may not issue restricted stock to its directors, officers and employees. In May 2016, the SEC issued an order granting the Company’s request for exemptive relief to allow us to amend our equity compensation plan and make such grants and awards, subject to shareholder approval. We may also issue additional securities, through public or private offerings, in order to raise capital. Future issuances of our common stock will dilute the percentage of ownership interest of current shareholders and could decrease the per share book value of our common stock. In addition, option holders may exercise their options at a time when we would otherwise be able to obtain additional equity capital on more favorable terms. In July 2016, our shareholders approved the amendments to our equity compensation plan, and certain restricted stock awards granted thereunder.
We may also issue additional securities, through public or private offerings, in order to raise capital. Future issuances of our common stock will dilute the percentage of ownership interest of current shareholders and could decrease the per share book value of our common stock. In addition, option holders may exercise their options at a time when we would otherwise be able to obtain additional equity capital on more favorable terms.
Pursuant to our amended and restated charter, our Board is authorized to classify any unissued shares of stock and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of stock of any class or series from time to time, into one or more classes or series of stock, including preferred stock. If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank “senior” to common stock in our capital structure, preferred shareholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of our common shareholders, 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 your best interest. We will not generally be able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock if our Board determines that such sale is in our best interests and in the best interests of our shareholders, and our shareholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our shareholders at that time will decrease, and shareholders may experience dilution.
Our shareholders may experience dilution upon the repurchase of common shares.
The Company has instituted in the past, and may institute in the future, programs that may allow the Company to repurchase the Company’s outstanding common shares on the open market. Under such programs, purchases generally may be made at management’s discretion from time to time in open-market transactions, in accordance with all applicable securities laws and regulations, which may have a dilutive effect on current shareholders. Most recently, on December 17, 2018, the Company announced that its Board approved a share repurchase program under which the Company was able to repurchase up to 300,000 of the Company’s outstanding common shares on the open market. The program terminated on June 18, 2019, was extended on June 21, 2019 and terminated on December 18, 2019.
Dilution may occur under repurchase programs if the Company repurchases shares of its common stock at prices that are below the Company’s net asset value per share. This may cause a proportionately smaller increase in our shareholders' interest in our earnings and assets and their voting interest in us than the decrease in our assets resulting from such repurchase. As a result of any such dilution, our market price per share may decline. The actual dilutive effect will depend on the number of shares of common stock that could be so repurchased, the price and the timing of any repurchases under any such program.
The authorization and issuance of “blank check” preferred shares could have an anti-takeover effect detrimental to the interests of our shareholders.
Our certificate of incorporation allows our Board to issue preferred shares with rights and preferences set by the Board without further shareholder approval. The issuance of these “blank check” preferred shares could have an anti-takeover effect detrimental to the interests of our shareholders. For example, in the event of a hostile takeover attempt, it may be possible for management and the Board to impede the attempt by issuing the preferred shares, thereby diluting or impairing the voting power of the other outstanding common shares and increasing the potential costs to acquire control of us. Our Board has the right to issue any new shares, including preferred shares, without first offering them to the holders of common shares, as they have no preemptive rights. The Company does not currently intend to issue preferred shares.
Our business and operation could be negatively affected if we become subject to any securities litigation or shareholder activism, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of investment strategy and impact our stock price.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Stockholder activism, which could take many forms or arise in a variety of situations, has been increasing in the BDC space recently. While we are currently not subject to any securities litigation or shareholder activism, due to the potential volatility of our stock price and for a variety of other reasons, we may in the future become the target of securities litigation or shareholder activism. Securities litigation and shareholder activism, including potential proxy contests, could result in substantial costs and divert management’s and our board of directors’ attention and resources from our business. Additionally, such securities litigation and shareholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with service providers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Also, we may be required to incur significant legal fees and other expenses related to any securities litigation and activist shareholder matters. Further, our stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any securities litigation and shareholder activism.
Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.
The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of Newtek or the removal of our directors. We are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. Our Board has adopted a resolution exempting from the Business Combination Act any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our Board, including approval by a majority of our independent directors. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or our Board does not approve a business combination, the Business Combination Act 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 acquisitions of our stock by any person. If we amend our Bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, the Maryland Control Shares Acquisition Act may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such a transaction.
The SEC staff has rescinded its position that, under the 1940 Act, an investment company may not avail itself of the Maryland Control Share Act. As a result, we may amend our bylaws to be subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act only if our Board determines that it would be in our best interest.
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 in three classes serving staggered three-year terms and authorizing our Board 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 shareholder approval and to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock 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 shareholders.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
All of the common stock held by our executive officers and directors, represents approximately 1,321,000 shares, or approximately 6% of our total outstanding shares as of December 31, 2020. Such shares are generally freely tradable in the public market. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.
If we issue preferred stock, the net asset value and market value of our common stock will likely become more volatile.
We cannot assure you that the issuance of preferred stock would result in a higher yield or return to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock would likely cause the net asset value and market value of the common stock to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to approach the net rate of return on our investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of the common stock would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to exceed the net rate of return on our portfolio, the leverage would result in a lower rate of return to the holders of common stock than if we had not issued preferred stock. Any decline in the net asset value of our investments would be borne entirely by the holders of common stock. Therefore, if the market value of our portfolio were to decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of common stock than if we were not leveraged through the issuance of preferred stock. This greater net asset value decrease would also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the common stock. We might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of the preferred stock or of losing our ratings, if any, on the preferred stock or, in an extreme case, our current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the dividend requirements on the preferred stock. To counteract such an event, we might need to liquidate investments to fund a redemption of some or all of the preferred stock. In addition, we would pay (and the holders of common stock would bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred stock, including higher advisory fees if our total return exceeds the dividend rate on the preferred stock. Holders of preferred stock may have different interests than holders of common stock and may at times have disproportionate influence over our affairs.
Stockholders may incur dilution if we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock or issue securities to subscribe to, convert to or purchase shares of our common stock.
The 1940 Act prohibits us from selling shares of our common stock at a price below the current net asset value per share of such stock, with certain exceptions. One such exception is prior shareholder approval of issuances below net asset value provided that our Board makes certain determinations. On July 10, 2020, at our special meeting of shareholders, our shareholders approved a proposal that authorizes us to sell up to 20% of our common stock at a price below the Company’s then-current net asset value per share (during the following 12 months), subject to certain conditions. Any decision to sell shares of our common stock below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock or securities to subscribe to, convert to, or purchase shares of our common stock would be subject to the determination by our Board that such issuance is in our and our shareholders’ best interests.
If we were to sell shares of our common stock below net asset value per share, such sales would result in an immediate dilution to the net asset value per share. This dilution would occur as a result of the sale of shares at a price below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock and a proportionately greater decrease in a shareholder’s interest in our earnings and assets and voting interest in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. In addition, if we issue securities to subscribe to, convert to or purchase shares of common stock, the exercise or conversion of such securities would increase the number of outstanding shares of our common stock. Any such exercise would be dilutive on the voting power of existing shareholders, and could be dilutive with regard to dividends and our net asset value, and other economic aspects of the common stock. Because the number of shares of common stock that could be so issued and the timing of any issuance is not currently known, the actual dilutive effect cannot be predicted; however, the example below illustrates the effect of dilution to existing shareholders resulting from the sale of common stock at prices below the net asset value of such shares.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR NOTES
The 2024 Notes, the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes together, the “Notes” are unsecured and therefore are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we have outstanding or may incur in the future.
In July 2019 and February 2021, we issued $63,250,000 and $5,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes, respectively. In January 2021, we issued $115,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes. In November 2020, we issued $5,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes and in January 2021 we issued an additional $10,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes. The Notes are not secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of our subsidiaries. As a result, the Notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we or our subsidiaries have outstanding or may incur in the future (or any indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant security). In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and the existing or future secured indebtedness of our subsidiaries may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness to receive full payment of their indebtedness before the assets may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of the Notes.
The Notes are structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.
The Notes are obligations exclusively of the Company and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the Notes and the Notes are not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. Any assets of our subsidiaries will not be directly available to satisfy the claims of our creditors, including holders of the Notes.
Except to the extent we are a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, all claims of creditors (including trade creditors) and holders of preferred stock, if any, of our subsidiaries will have priority over our equity interests in such subsidiaries (and therefore the claims of our creditors, including holders of the Notes) with respect to the assets of such subsidiaries. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of one or more of our subsidiaries, our claims would still be effectively subordinated to any security interests in the assets of any such subsidiary and to any indebtedness or other liabilities of any such subsidiary senior to our claims. Consequently, the Notes are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish as financing vehicles or otherwise.
The indenture under which the Notes were issued contains limited protection for holders of the Notes.
The indentures under which the Notes were issued offers limited protection to holders of the Notes. The terms of the indentures and the Notes do not restrict our or any of our subsidiaries’ ability to engage in, or otherwise be a party to, a variety of corporate transactions, circumstances or events that could have a material adverse impact on your investment in the Notes. In particular, the terms of the indentures and the Notes do not place any restrictions on our or our subsidiaries’ ability to:
•issue securities or otherwise incur additional indebtedness or other obligations, including (1) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be equal in right of payment to the Notes, (2) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be secured and therefore rank effectively senior in right of payment to the Notes, (3) indebtedness of ours that is guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries and which therefore is structurally senior to the Notes and (4) securities, indebtedness or obligations issued or incurred by our subsidiaries that would be senior to our equity interests in our subsidiaries and therefore rank structurally senior to the Notes with respect to the assets of our subsidiaries, in each case other than an incurrence of indebtedness or other obligation that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(A) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions, but giving effect to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC. Currently, these provisions generally prohibit us from making additional borrowings, including through the issuance of additional debt or the sale of additional debt securities, unless our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% after such borrowings;
•pay dividends on, or purchase or redeem or make any payments in respect of, capital stock or other securities ranking junior in right of payment to the Notes, including subordinated indebtedness, in each case other than dividends, purchases, redemptions or payments that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act, or any successor provisions, giving effect to (i) any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC and (ii) no-action relief granted by the SEC to another BDC (or to the Company if it determines to seek such similar no-action or other relief) permitting the BDC to declare any cash dividend or distribution notwithstanding the prohibition contained in Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act in order to maintain the BDC’s status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code (these provisions generally prohibit us from declaring any cash dividend or distribution upon any class of our capital stock, or purchasing any such capital stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is below 150% at the time of the declaration of the dividend or distribution or the purchase and after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase);
•sell assets (other than certain limited restrictions on our ability to consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets);
•enter into transactions with affiliates;
•create liens (including liens on the shares of our subsidiaries) or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
•make investments; or
•create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to us from our subsidiaries.
In addition, the indentures do not require us to offer to purchase the Notes in connection with a change of control, asset sale or any other event. Furthermore, the terms of the indentures and the Notes do not protect holders of the Notes in the event that we experience changes (including significant adverse changes) in our financial condition, results of operations or credit ratings, as they do not require that we or our subsidiaries adhere to any financial tests or ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity. Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt and take a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the Notes may have important consequences for holders of the Notes, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Notes or negatively affecting the trading value of the Notes.
Other debt we issue or incur in the future could contain more protections for its holders than the indentures and the Notes, including additional covenants and events of default. The issuance or incurrence of any such debt with incremental protections could affect the market for and trading levels and prices of the Notes.
If we default on our obligations to pay other indebtedness that we may incur in the future, we may not be able to make payments on the Notes.
In the future, we may enter into agreements to incur additional indebtedness, including a secured credit facility. A default under such agreements to which we may be a party that is not waived by the required lenders or holders, and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness could make us unable to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and substantially decrease the market value of the Notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on such future additional indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants, in the instruments governing such future additional indebtedness, we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders of other debt we may incur in the future could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If we are unable to repay debt, lenders having secured obligations could proceed against the collateral securing the debt. Because any future credit facilities likely will have customary cross-default provisions, if the indebtedness under any future credit facility is accelerated, we may be unable to repay or finance the amounts due.
We may choose to redeem the Notes when prevailing interest rates are relatively low.
On or after August 1, 2021 and February 1, 2022, we may choose to redeem the 2024 Notes and 2026 Notes, respectively, especially if prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rates on the 2024 Notes or 2026 Notes. In addition, we may choose to redeem the 2025 Notes at any time at our option. If prevailing rates are lower at the time of redemption, holders of the Notes may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as the interest rate on the Notes being redeemed. Our redemption right also may adversely impact your ability to sell the Notes as the optional redemption date or period approaches.
On November 21, 2016, the Company announced that its Board approved a repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to 10%, or $832,400 in aggregate principal amount, of its 2022 Notes and up to 10%, or $4,025,000 in aggregate principal amount, of its 2021 Notes through open market purchases, including block purchases, in such manner as will comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act. The repurchase plan expired on May 21, 2017.
On March 22, 2018, the Company redeemed all $40,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes on the redemption date at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per Note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from December 31, 2017, through, but excluding, the Redemption Date.
On August 29, 2019, the Company redeemed all $8,324,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes on the redemption date at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per Note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from July 1, 2019, through, but excluding, the redemption date.
On February 22, 2021, the Company redeemed all $57,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes on the redemption date at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per Note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from December 31, 2020 through, but excluding, the redemption date.
The trading market or market value of our publicly traded debt securities may fluctuate.
The 2024 and 2026 Notes are new issues of debt securities listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbols “NEWTL” and “NEWTZ,” respectively. Although the Notes are listed on Nasdaq, we cannot assure you that a trading market for our publicly issued debt securities will be maintained. In addition to our creditworthiness, many factors may materially adversely affect the trading market for, and market value of, our publicly issued debt securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
•the time remaining to the maturity of these debt instruments;
•the outstanding principal amount of debt securities with terms identical to these debt securities;
•the ratings assigned by the national statistical rating agencies;
•the general economic environment;
•the supply of debt securities trading in the secondary market, if any;
•the level, direction and volatility of market interest rates generally; and
•market rates of interest higher or lower than rates borne by the debt securities.
You should be aware that there may be a limited number of buyers should holders of the Notes decide to sell the securities. This too may materially adversely affect the market value of the debt securities of the trading market for the debt securities.
RISKS RELATED TO CYBERSECURITY
We could be adversely affected by information security breaches or cyber security attacks.
Our business operations and our portfolio companies’ business operations rely upon secure information technology systems for data processing, storage and reporting. Despite security and controls design, implementation and updating, such information technology systems could become subject to cyber-attacks. Network, system, application and data breaches could result in operational disruptions or information misappropriation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, our business operations and our portfolio companies’ business operations involve the storage and transmission of Newtek, portfolio company, customer and employee proprietary information. Our businesses rely on our digital technologies, computer and email systems, software, and networks to conduct operations. Our technologies, systems and networks may become the target of criminal cyber-attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information of us, our portfolio companies, or third parties with whom we and our portfolio companies deal, or otherwise disrupt our or our customers’ or other third parties’ business operations. It is critical to our business strategy that our facilities and infrastructure remain secure and are perceived by the marketplace to be secure. Although we believe we and our IT providers employ appropriate security technologies (including data encryption processes, intrusion detection systems), and conduct comprehensive risk assessments and other internal control procedures to assure the security of our and our customers’ data, we cannot guarantee that these measures will be sufficient for this purpose. If our and our IT provider’s security measures are breached as a result of third-party action, employee error or otherwise, and as a result our or our customers’ data becomes available to unauthorized parties, we could incur liability and our reputation would be damaged, which could lead to the loss of current and potential customers. If we experience any breaches of our network security or sabotage, we might be required to expend significant capital and other resources to detect, remedy, protect against or alleviate these and related problems, and we may not be able to remedy these problems in a timely manner, or at all. Because techniques used by outsiders to obtain unauthorized network access or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. For example, in early 2018, an unauthorized third-party misappropriated three of NTS’ domain names. NTS’ management and forensic investigators determined that attackers compromised a portion of NTS’ shared webhosting system, and may have acquired certain customer information limited to its shared webhosting customers, and/or gained access to certain of its shared webhosting servers. In response, NTS has taken a range of steps designed to further secure its systems, enhance its security protections, enhance access controls, and prevent future unauthorized activity.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, we and our portfolio companies may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. Although we have insurance in place that covers such incidents, the cost of a breach or cyber-attack could well exceed any such insurance coverage.
The failure in cyber-security systems, as well as the occurrence of events unanticipated in our disaster recovery systems and management continuity planning could impair our ability to conduct business effectively.
The occurrence of a disaster, such as a cyber-attack against us or against a third-party that has access to our data or networks, a natural catastrophe, an industrial accident, failure of our disaster recovery systems, or consequential employee error, could have an adverse effect on our ability to communicate or conduct business, negatively impacting our operations and financial condition. This adverse effect can become particularly acute if those events affect our electronic data processing, transmission, storage, and retrieval systems, or impact the availability, integrity, or confidentiality of our data.
We and our portfolio companies depend heavily upon computer systems to perform necessary business functions. Despite our implementation of a variety of security measures, our computer systems, networks, and data, like those of other companies, could be subject to cyber-attacks and unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction, such as from physical and electronic break-ins or unauthorized tampering. If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary, and other information processed, stored in, and transmitted through our computer systems and networks. Such an attack could cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in financial losses, litigation, regulatory penalties, client dissatisfaction or loss, reputational damage, and increased costs associated with mitigation of damages and remediation. If unauthorized parties gain access to such information and technology systems, they may be able to steal, publish, delete or modify private and sensitive information, including nonpublic personal information related to stockholders (and their beneficial owners) and material nonpublic information. The systems we have implemented to manage risks relating to these types of events could prove to be inadequate and, if compromised, could become inoperable for extended periods of time, cease to function properly or fail to adequately secure private information. Breaches such as those involving covertly introduced malware, impersonation of authorized users and industrial or other espionage may not be identified even with sophisticated prevention and detection systems, potentially resulting in further harm and preventing them from being addressed appropriately. The failure of these systems or of disaster recovery plans for any reason could cause significant interruptions in our and our portfolio companies’ operations and result in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to stockholders, material nonpublic information and other sensitive information in our possession.
A disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our business, including a disruption involving electronic communications or other services used by us or third parties with whom we conduct business, or directly affecting our headquarters, could have a material adverse impact on our ability to continue to operate our business without interruption. Our disaster recovery programs may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such a disaster or disruption. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse us for our losses, if at all.
Third parties with which we do business may also be sources of cybersecurity or other technological risk. We outsource certain functions and these relationships allow for the storage and processing of our information, as well as client, counterparty, employee, and borrower information. While we engage in actions to reduce our exposure resulting from outsourcing, ongoing threats may result in unauthorized access, loss, exposure, destruction, or other cybersecurity incident that affects our data, resulting in increased costs and other consequences as described above.
In addition, cybersecurity has become a top priority for regulators around the world, and some jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals of data security breaches involving certain types of personal data. If we fail to comply with the relevant laws and regulations, we could suffer financial losses, a disruption of our businesses, liability to investors, regulatory intervention or reputational damage.
We and our service providers are currently impacted by quarantines and similar measures being enacted by governments in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which are obstructing the regular functioning of business workforces (including requiring employees to work from external locations and their homes). Policies of extended periods of remote working, whether by us or by our service providers, could strain technology resources, introduce operational risks and otherwise heighten the risks described above. Remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts that seek to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the risks described above are heightened under current conditions.
We and our portfolio companies are subject to risks associated with “phishing” and other cyber-attack.
Our business and the business of our portfolio companies relies upon secure information technology systems for data processing, storage and reporting. Despite careful security and controls design, implementation and updating, ours and our portfolio companies’ information technology systems could become subject to cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking”, malicious software coding, social engineering or “phishing” attempts) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Our employees have been and expect to continue to be the target of fraudulent calls, emails and other forms of activities. 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, regulatory fines or penalties, or other adverse effects on 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 related to cyber-attacks.
Our and our service providers’ increased use of mobile and cloud technologies could heighten the risk of a cyber-attack as well as other operational risks, as certain aspects of the security of such technologies may be complex, unpredictable or beyond their control. Our and other service providers’ reliance on mobile or cloud technology or any failure by mobile technology and cloud service providers to adequately safeguard their systems and prevent cyber-attacks could disrupt their operations and result in misappropriation, corruption or loss of personal, confidential or proprietary information. In addition, there is a risk that encryption and other protective measures against cyber-attacks may be circumvented, particularly to the extent that new computing technologies increase the speed and computing power available.
Additionally, remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to cyber-attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts that seek to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the risks associated with cyber-attacks are heightened under current conditions.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results.
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly and annual operating results due to a number of factors, including our ability or inability to make investments in companies that meet our investment criteria, the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the default rate of such securities, the level of portfolio dividend and fee income, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.
There is uncertainty surrounding potential legal, regulatory and policy changes by new presidential administrations in the United States that may directly affect financial institutions and the global economy.
As a result of the November 2020 elections in the United States, the Democratic Party gained control of both the Presidency and Senate from the Republican Party. Therefore, changes in federal policy, including tax policies, and at regulatory agencies are expected to occur over time through policy and personnel changes, which may lead to changes involving the level of oversight and focus on the financial services industry or the tax rates paid by corporate entities. The nature, timing and economic and political effects of potential changes to the current legal and regulatory framework affecting financial institutions remain highly uncertain. Uncertainty surrounding future changes may adversely affect our operating environment and therefore our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Certain historical data regarding our business properties, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity does not reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures and therefore does not purport to be representative of our future performance.
The information included in this Annual Report and our other reports filed with the SEC includes information regarding our business, properties, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity as of dates and for periods before the impact of COVID-19 and related containment measures (including quarantines and government orders requiring the closure of certain businesses, limiting travel, requiring that individuals stay at home or shelter in place and closing borders. This historical information therefore does not reflect the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related containment measures. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on historical information regarding our businesses, properties, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, as that data does not reflect the adverse impact of COVID-19 and therefore does not purport to be representative of the future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or other financial or operating results of us, our properties or our business.
Government intervention in the credit markets could adversely affect our business.
The central banks and, in particular, the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken unprecedented steps since the financial crises of 2008-2009 and the COVID-19 global pandemic. It is impossible to predict if, how, and to what extent the United States and other governments would further intervene in the credit markets. Such intervention is often prompted by politically sensitive issues involving family homes, student loans, real estate speculation, credit card receivables, pandemics, etc., and could, as a result, be contrary to what we would predict from an “economically rational” perspective.
Changes to United States tariff and import/export regulations may have a negative effect on our portfolio companies and, in turn, harm us.
As a result of the 2020 U.S. election, the Democratic Party currently controls the executive and legislative branches of government. Significant changes to U.S. trade policy may occur as a result of the administration change, including the United States re-entering, withdrawing from or renegotiate various trade agreements or other actions that would change current trade policies of the United States. We cannot predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the financial stability of the United States. Such actions could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Terrorist attacks, acts of war, global health emergencies, or natural disasters may affect any market for our securities, impact the businesses in which we invest and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
Terrorist acts, acts of war, global health emergencies or natural disasters may disrupt our operations, as well as the operations of the businesses in which we invest. Such acts have created, and continue to create, economic and political uncertainties and have contributed to global economic instability. Future terrorist activities, military or security operations, global health emergencies or natural disasters could further weaken the domestic/global economies and create additional uncertainties, which may negatively impact the businesses in which we invest directly or indirectly and, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Losses from terrorist attacks, global health emergencies and natural disasters are generally uninsurable.
We are highly dependent on information systems and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our securities and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
Our business is highly dependent on our communications and information systems. Certain of these systems are provided to us by third-party service providers. Any failure or interruption of such systems, including as a result of the termination of an agreement with any such third party service provider, could cause delays or other problems in our activities. This, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our securities and our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
We are subject to risks related to corporate social responsibility.
Our business faces increasing public scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) activities. We risk damage to our brand and reputation if we fail to act responsibly in a number of areas, such as environmental stewardship, corporate governance and transparency and considering ESG factors in our investment processes. Adverse incidents with respect to ESG activities could impact the value of our brand, the cost of our operations and relationships with investors, all of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, new regulatory initiatives related to ESG could adversely affect our business.
The effect of global climate change may impact the operations of our portfolio companies.
There may be evidence of global climate change. Climate change creates physical and financial risk and some of our portfolio companies may be adversely affected by climate change. For example, the needs of customers of energy companies vary with weather conditions, primarily temperature and humidity. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of any changes. Increases in the cost of energy could adversely affect the cost of operations of our portfolio companies if the use of energy products or services is material to their business. A decrease in energy use due to weather changes may affect some of our portfolio companies’ financial condition, through decreased revenues. Extreme weather conditions in general require more system backup, adding to costs, and can contribute to increased system stresses, including service interruptions.
In December 2015 the United Nations, of which the U.S. is a member, adopted a climate accord (the "Paris Agreement") with the long-term goal of limiting global warming and the short-term goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. On November 4, 2016, the past administration announced that the U.S. would cease participation in the Paris Agreement with the withdrawal taking effect on November 4, 2020. However, on January 20, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden signed an executive order to rejoin the Paris Agreement. As a result, some of our portfolio companies may become subject to new or strengthened regulations or legislation, which could increase their operating costs and/or decrease their revenues.

---

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
We conduct our principal business activities in facilities leased from unrelated parties at market rates. Our headquarters are located in Boca Raton, Florida. Our operating subsidiaries have properties which are material to the conduct of their business as noted below. In addition, our Capcos maintain offices in each of the states in which they operate.
Below is a list of our leased offices and space as of December 31, 2020 which are material to the conduct of our business:
Location Lease expiration Purpose Approximate square feet
4800 T Rex Avenue
Boca Raton, FL 33431 April 2026 Corporate headquarters and NSBF lending operations 7,800
1981 Marcus Avenue
Lake Success, NY 11042 April 2027 Lending operations, corporate operations, NY Capco offices and certain controlled portfolio companies’ offices 36,000
1985 Marcus Avenue
Lake Success, NY 11042 April 2027 Lending operations and certain controlled portfolio companies’ offices 7,300
4 Park Plaza
Irvine, CA 92614 February 2021 NSBF lending operations 3,300
14 East Washington Street
Orlando, FL 32801 August 2022 NSBF lending operations and certain controlled portfolio companies’ offices 1,700
We elected not to renew the lease in Irvine, California upon its expiration in February 2021. We believe that our leased facilities are adequate to meet our current needs.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its wholly-owned portfolio companies may from time to time be party to lawsuits and claims. The Company evaluates such matters on a case by case basis and its policy is to contest vigorously any claims it believes are without compelling merit. The Company is not currently involved in any litigation matters that are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition. For legal proceedings involving controlled portfolio companies, refer to Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As a result of a litigation brought by the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) in October 2012, NMS voluntarily entered into, and is presently operating under, a permanent injunction with respect to certain of its business practices.

---

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
None.
PART II

---

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Price Range of Common Stock
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NEWT.” High and low prices for the common stock over the previous two years are set forth below, based on the highest and lowest intraday sales price per share during that period.
Price Range NAV (1)
Premium of High Sales Price to NAV (2)
Premium of Low Sales Price to NAV (2)
High Low
First Quarter $20.74 $17.23 $15.31 35% 13%
Second Quarter $23.83 $19.70 $15.33 55% 29%
Third Quarter $23.99 $20.21 $15.41 56% 31%
Fourth Quarter $23.73 $20.75 $15.70 51% 32%
First Quarter $23.09 $7.59 $15.00 54% (49)%
Second Quarter $18.84 $9.03 $15.66 20% (42)%
Third Quarter $20.50 $16.73 $15.13 35% 11%
Fourth Quarter $19.82 $16.24 $15.45 28% 5%
(1) Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high and low sales prices. The values reflect net asset value per share and are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period.
(2)Calculated as the respective high or low sales price divided by net asset value and subtracting 1.
The last reported price for our common stock on March 26, 2021 was $26.86 per share.
Shares of BDCs may trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount from net asset value or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term are separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value will decrease. It is not possible to predict whether our shares will trade at, above, or below net asset value. Since our conversion to a BDC, our shares of common stock have traded at prices both less than and exceeding our NAV per share.
Holders
As of March 26, 2021, there were approximately 89 holders of record of our common stock.
Fees and Expenses
The following table is intended to assist stockholders in understanding the costs and expenses that stockholders will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that many of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this Annual Report contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “you,” “us” or “Newtek,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, the Company will pay such fees and expenses out of its net assets and, consequently, stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in Newtek Business Services Corp. However stockholders will not be required to deliver any money or otherwise bear personal liability or responsibility for such fees or expenses.
Stockholder transaction expenses:
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)1
- %
Offering expenses borne by the Company (as a percentage of offering price)2
- %
Dividend reinvestment plan fees3
$ 15.00
Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)4
- %
Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock)5:
Operating expenses6
12.45 %
Interest payments on borrowed funds7
5.27 %
Other expenses8
0.02 %
Acquired funds fees and expenses9
- %
Total annual expenses10
17.74 %
(1) In the event that the securities applicable to a prospectus relates to shares that are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will disclose the applicable sales load and the example will be updated accordingly.
(2) A prospectus supplement corresponding to each offering will disclose the applicable estimated amounts of offering expenses of the offering and offering expenses borne by the Company as a percentage of the offering price.
(3) The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.” The plan administrator’s fees will be paid by the Company. There will be no brokerage charges or other charges to stockholders who participate in the plan except that, if a participant elects by written notice to the plan administrator to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a $15.00 transaction fee plus a $0.10 per share brokerage commission from the proceeds.
(4) Total stockholder transaction expenses may include sales load and will be disclosed in a future prospectus supplement, if any.
(5) The annualized expenses are based on the Company’s expenses and net asset value for the year ended December 31, 2020 and as of December 31, 2020.
(6) “Operating expenses” represents an estimate of the Company’s annual operating expense. The Company does not have an investment advisor. We are internally managed by our executive officers under the supervision of our Board. As a result, we do not pay investment advisory fees. Instead we pay the operating costs associated with employing investment management professionals.
(7) The Company may borrow funds from time to time to make investments to the extent that the economic situation is conducive to doing so. “Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds” represents estimated interest and fee payments on borrowed funds by estimating our annualized interest, fees and other debt-related expenses incurred for the year ended December 31, 2020, including our bank notes payable, 2024 Notes, 2023 Notes, 2025 Notes, Notes payable - related party and securitization notes payable.
(8) “Other expenses” consist of estimated transfer agent expenses related to our dividend reinvestment plan.
(9) We have no current intention to invest in the securities of other investment companies. However, we are permitted to make such investments in limited circumstances under the 1940 Act. If we were to make such investments, we would incur fees and our stockholders would pay two levels of fees. As we have no current expectation of making any such investments, any estimate of the amount of such fees would be highly speculative.
(10) The holders of shares of our common stock indirectly bear the cost associated with our annual expenses.
Example
The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed that our annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
A stockholder would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return $ 186 $ 587 $ 1,030 $ 2,343
The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. Further, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock, generally determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the dividend payment date, which may be at, above or below net asset value.
Sales of Unregistered Securities
We issue shares of common stock that are not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act in connection with the DRIP. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 we issued 50,900, 54,200, and 61,000 shares of common stock, respectively, valued at $810,000, $1,127,000, and $1,099,000, respectively to shareholders in connection with the DRIP.
We also issue shares of common stock that are not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act in connection with dividends on unvested restricted stock awards. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 we issued an additional 12,400, 12,200, and 11,200 shares, respectively, valued at $228,000, $267,000, and $211,000, respectively, related to dividends on unvested restricted stock awards.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, in connection with our investment in Mobil Money, we issued 10,966 shares of restricted common stock.
Distributions
In order to be subject to tax as a RIC, we must timely distribute to our shareholders, in respect of each taxable year, dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount generally at least equal to the Annual Distribution Requirement. Upon satisfying this requirement in respect of a taxable year, we generally will not be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any income we distribute to our shareholders as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
However, as a RIC we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income and gains unless we make distributions treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a timely manner to our shareholders in respect of each calendar year of an amount at least equal to the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement. We will not be subject to this excise tax on any amount on which we incurred U.S. federal corporate income tax (such as the tax imposed on a RIC’s retained net capital gains).
Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a taxable year, we may choose to carry over taxable income in excess of current taxable year distributions treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes from such taxable income into the next taxable year and incur a 4% U.S. federal excise tax on such taxable income, as required. The maximum amount of excess taxable income that may be carried over for distribution in the next taxable year under the Code is the total amount of distributions treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes paid in the following taxable year, subject to certain declaration and payment guidelines. To the extent we choose to carry over taxable income into the next taxable year, distributions declared and paid by us in a taxable year may differ from our taxable income for that taxable year as such distributions may include the distribution of current taxable year taxable income, the distribution of prior taxable year taxable income carried over into and distributed in the current taxable year, or returns of capital.
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 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings. Our ability to make distributions will be limited by the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act. See “Item 1. Business- Regulation.”
The following table summarizes our dividend declarations and distributions through December 31, 2020:
Record Date Payment Date Distribution Declared
March 30, 2015 April 13, 2015 $ 0.39
June 29, 2015 July 15, 2015 $ 0.47
October 22, 2015 November 3, 2015 $ 0.50
November 18, 2015(1)
December 31, 2015 $ 2.69
January 7, 2016 January 19, 2016 $ 0.40
March 22, 2016 March 31, 2016 $ 0.35
June 20, 2016 June 30, 2016 $ 0.35
September 20, 2016 September 30, 2016 $ 0.43
December 15, 2016 December 30, 2016 $ 0.40
March 20, 2017 March 31, 2017 $ 0.36
May 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 $ 0.40
September 22, 2017 September 29, 2017 $ 0.44
December 18, 2017 December 28, 2017 $ 0.44
March 15, 2019 March 29, 2019 $ 0.40
June 14, 2019 June 28, 2019 $ 0.46
September 20, 2019 September 30, 2019 $ 0.58
December 16, 2019 December 30, 2019 $ 0.71
March 18, 2020 March 31, 2020 $ 0.44
July 15, 2020 July 31, 2020 $ 0.56
September 21, 2020 September 30, 2020 $ 0.58
December 18, 2020 December 30, 2020 $ 0.47
$ 11.82
(1) The Special dividend was declared as a result of the Company’s RIC election for tax year 2015 and represents the distribution of 100% of the Company’s accumulated earnings and profits through December 31, 2014. Pursuant to applicable Treasury Regulation and IRS guidance, 27% of the dividend was paid in cash and 73% was paid in newly issued shares of our common stock.
Our Board maintains a variable distribution policy with the objective of distributing four quarterly distributions in an amount that approximates 90 - 100% of our estimated annual taxable income for a particular taxable year. In addition, at the end of our taxable year, our Board may choose to pay an additional special distribution, or fifth distribution, so that we may distribute approximately all of our annual taxable income in the taxable year in which it was earned, or may elect to maintain the option to spill over our excess taxable income into the following taxable year as part of any future distribution payments.
Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would generally be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of a shareholder’s tax basis in our shares, and any distributions paid in excess of a shareholder’s tax basis in our shares would generally be treated as a capital gain. The determination of the tax attributes of our distributions is made annually as of the end of our taxable year and is generally based upon our taxable income for the full taxable year and distributions paid for the full taxable year. Of the distributions declared during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, 100% were distributions derived from our current and accumulated earnings and profits and capital gains, see NOTE 17-INCOME TAXES. There can be no certainty to shareholders that this determination is representative of the tax attributes of the 2021 distributions that we anticipate would be made to shareholders.
We maintain an “opt-out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common shareholders. As a result, if we declare a distribution, cash distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock unless the shareholder specifically “opts out” of the dividend reinvestment plan and chooses to receive cash distributions. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we issued 50,900 and 54,200 shares, respectively, of common stock to shareholders in connection with the DRIP.
The Company has a stock-based compensation plan as discussed in NOTE 11-STOCK BASED COMPENSATION. Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020:
Plan Category (a)
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (c)
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders None None 2,776,845 shares
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders None None None
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the return on our common stock with that of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index, the NASDAQ Composite Index, the Russell 2000, and S&P Small Cap 600 for the period from December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2020. The graph assumes that, on January 1, 2016, a person invested $100 in each of our common stock, the Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500 Index, Russell 2000 and S&P Small Cap 600. The graph measures total shareholder return, which takes into account both changes in stock price and dividends. It assumes that dividends paid are invested in like securities.
Senior Securities
Information about our senior securities is shown in the following table as of the end of each fiscal year for the past ten years. The information as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011 has been derived from Newtek Business Services Corp. and Subsidiaries’, and Newtek Business Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries’, consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by independent registered public accounting firms. Information as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was audited by RSM US LLP and information as of December 31, 2012, and 2011 was audited by our previous independent registered public accounting firm. RSM US LLP’s report on the senior securities table as of December 31, 2020 is attached as an exhibit to this Annual Report.
Class and Year (1)
Total Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Treasury Securities (2)
(in thousands)
Asset Coverage Ratio Per Unit (3)
Involuntary Liquidation Preference Per Unit (4)
Average Market Value Per Unit (5)
Securitization Trust
December 31, 2020 $ 221,752 $ 3,595 $ - $ N/A
2019 276,637 2,754 - N/A
2018 220,137 2,839 - N/A
2017 165,432 3,018 - N/A
2016 120,945 3,184 - N/A
2015 91,745 3,692 - N/A
2014 79,520 3,634 - N/A
2013 60,140 2,966 - N/A
2012 22,039 5,933 - N/A
2011 26,368 3,758 - N/A
Bank Notes Payable
December 31, 2020 86,339 9,234 - N/A
2019 30,000 25,392 - N/A
2018 34,700 18,010 - N/A
2017 - - - N/A
2016 5,100 75,512 - N/A
2015 29,100 11,641 - N/A
2014 43,023 6,716 - N/A
2013 41,218 4,327 - N/A
2012 39,823 3,284 - N/A
2011 13,565 7,305 - N/A
Notes Payable Related Parties
December 31, 2020 24,090 33,096 - N/A
2019 12,163 62,633 - N/A
2018 16,840 37,111 - N/A
2017 7,001 71,324 - N/A
2016 1,400 275,081 - N/A
2015 5,647 59,990 - N/A
2014 - - - N/A
2013 - - - N/A
2012 - - - N/A
2011 - - - N/A
Notes due 2025
December 31, 2020 5,000 159,457 - N/A
Notes due 2024
December 31, 2020 63,250 12,605 - 963
2019 63,250 12,044 - 1,009
Notes due 2023 (6)
December 31, 2020 57,500 13,866 - 983
2019 57,500 13,248 - 1,027
2018 57,500 10,869 1,023
Notes due 2022 (7)
December 31, 2020 - - - N/A
2019 - - - N/A
2018 8,324 75,078 - 968
2017 8,324 59,988 - 1,018
2016 8,324 46,265 - 969
2015 8,324 40,697 - 1,025
2014 - - - N/A
2013 - - - N/A
2012 - - - N/A
2011 - - - N/A
Notes due 2021 (8)
December 31, 2020 - - - N/A
2019 - - - N/A
2018 - - - N/A
2017 40,250 12,406 - 1,019
2016 40,250 9,568 - 972
2015 - - - N/A
2014 - - - N/A
2013 - - - N/A
2012 - - - N/A
2011 - - - N/A
(1) The Company issued $115 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes in January 2021 and $5 million of the additional 2024 Notes in February 2021, which is not reflected in this table.
(2) Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at the end of the period presented.
(3) Asset coverage per unit is the ratio of the carrying value of our total consolidated assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. Asset coverage per unit is expressed in terms of dollar amounts per $1,000 of indebtedness.
(4) The amount to which such class of senior security would be entitled upon the involuntary liquidation of the issuer in preference to any security junior to it. The “-” indicates information that the SEC expressly does not require to be disclosed for certain types of senior securities.
(5) Not applicable for senior securities that are not registered for public trading. The average market values per unit for our 2024 Notes, 2023 Notes, 2022 Notes, and for our 2021 Notes are based on the average daily prices of such notes and are expressed per $1,000 of indebtedness.
(6) The Company redeemed all $57,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes on February 22, 2021.
(7) The Company redeemed all $8,324,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes on August 29, 2019.
(8) The Company redeemed all $40,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes on March 23, 2018.

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following selected statements of operations and balance sheet data have been derived from the audited financial statements for each of the five years ended December 31, 2020. The Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the five years ended December 31, 2020 have been audited by RSM US LLP. The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by reference to, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto, available at www.sec.gov.
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Statement of Operations Data:
Investment income $ 92,201 $ 59,295 $ 49,515 $ 38,914 $ 30,965
Expenses $ 60,216 $ 64,914 $ 57,003 $ 46,795 $ 40,225
Net investment loss $ 31,985 $ (5,619) $ (7,488) $ (7,881) $ (9,260)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 33,619 $ 41,135 $ 35,678 $ 38,976 $ 27,305
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) $ 1,634 $ 46,754 $ 43,166 $ 46,857 $ 36,565
Per Share Data:
Net investment loss $ 1.51 $ (0.29) $ (0.40) $ (0.45) $ (0.64)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 1.59 $ 2.13 $ 1.91 $ 2.25 $ 1.88
Dividends declared $ 2.05 $ 2.15 $ 1.80 $ 1.64 $ 1.53
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):
Investments, at fair value $ 671,188 $ 659,044 $ 541,096 $ 456,689 $ 345,224
Total assets $ 840,979 $ 797,411 $ 653,341 $ 519,611 $ 401,450
Total debt $ 451,782 $ 431,928 $ 331,630 $ 216,252 $ 171,242
Total liabilities $ 501,626 $ 475,185 $ 365,896 $ 241,282 $ 192,356
Total net assets $ 339,353 $ 322,226 $ 287,445 $ 278,329 $ 209,094
Common shares outstanding at end of period 21,970 20,530 18,919 18,457 14,624

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Introduction and Certain Cautionary Statements
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the results of operations and financial position of the Company together with its subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes.
The statements in this Annual Report may contain forward-looking statements relating to such matters as anticipated future financial performance, business prospects, legislative developments and similar matters. We note that a variety of factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in the forward-looking statements such as intensified competition and/or operating problems in our operating business projects and their impact on revenues and profit margins or additional factors as described under “Risk Factors” above.
Executive Overview
We are a leading national non-bank lender and own and control certain portfolio companies under the Newtek® brand (our “controlled portfolio companies,” as defined below) that provide a wide range of business and financial solutions to SMBs. Newtek's and its portfolio companies’ business and financial solutions include: Business Lending, including origination of SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and nonconforming (non SBA) conventional loans, as well as PPP loans in the second and third quarters of 2020, Electronic Payment Processing, Managed Technology Solutions (Cloud Computing), Technology Consulting, eCommerce, Accounts Receivable and Inventory Financing, personal and commercial Insurance Services, Web Services, Data Backup, Storage and Retrieval, and Payroll and Benefits Solutions to SMB accounts nationwide across all industries. We have an established and reliable platform that is not limited by client size, industry type, or location. As a result, we believe we have a strong and diversified client base across every state in the United States. and across a variety of different industries. In addition, we have developed a financial and technology based business model that enables us and our controlled portfolio companies to acquire and process our SMB clients in a very cost effective manner. This capability is supported in large part by NewTracker®, our patented prospect management technology software, which is similar to, but we believe better suited for our needs than, the system popularized by Salesforce.com. We believe that this technology and business model distinguishes us from our competitors.
We consolidate the following wholly-owned subsidiaries:
Newtek Small Business Finance, LLC
Newtek Asset Backed Securities, LLC
CCC Real Estate Holdings, LLC
The Whitestone Group, LLC
Wilshire DC Partners, LLC
Wilshire Holdings I, Inc.
Wilshire Louisiana BIDCO, LLC
Wilshire Louisiana Partners II, LLC
Wilshire Louisiana Partners III, LLC
Wilshire Louisiana Partners IV, LLC
Wilshire New York Advisers II, LLC
Wilshire New York Partners III, LLC
Wilshire Partners, LLC
Exponential Business Development Co., Inc.
Newtek Commercial Lending, Inc.
Newtek LSP Holdco, LLC
Newtek Business Services Holdco 1, Inc.
Newtek Business Services Holdco 2, Inc.
Newtek Business Services Holdco 3, Inc.
Newtek Business Services Holdco 4, Inc.
Newtek Business Services Holdco 5, Inc. (formerly Banc-Serv Acquisition, Inc.)
Newtek Business Services Holdco 6, Inc.
We are an internally-managed, closed-end, non-diversified investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. In addition, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code beginning with our 2015 tax year. As a BDC and a RIC, we are also subject to certain constraints, including limitations imposed by the 1940 Act and the Code. As a result, previously consolidated subsidiaries are now recorded as investments in controlled portfolio companies, at fair value. NSBF is a consolidated subsidiary and originates loans under the SBA's 7(a) loan program.
Our common shares are currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NEWT”.
NSBF, a nationally licensed SBA lender under the federal Section 7(a) loan program, has been granted PLP status and originates, sells and services SBA 7(a) loans and is authorized to place SBA guarantees on loans without seeking prior SBA review and approval. Being a national lender with PLP status allows NSBF to expedite the origination of loans since NSBF is not required to present applications to the SBA for concurrent review and approval. The loss of PLP status would adversely impact our marketing efforts and ultimately our loan origination volume which would negatively impact our results of operations.
As a BDC, our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation primarily through loans originated by our business finance ecosystem and our equity investments in certain portfolio companies that we control.
We target our debt investments, which are principally made through our business finance ecosystem under the SBA 7(a) program, to produce a coupon rate of prime plus 2.25% to 2.75% which enables us to generate rapid sales of guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans in the secondary market. We typically structure our debt investments with the maximum seniority and collateral along with personal guarantees from portfolio company owners, in many cases collateralized by other assets including real estate. In most cases, our debt investment will be collateralized by a first lien on the assets of the portfolio company and a first or second lien on assets of guarantors, in both cases primarily real estate. All SBA loans are made with personal guarantees from any owner(s) of 20% or more of the portfolio company’s equity. The amount of new debt investments, particularly SBA 7(a) loans that we originate, will directly impact future investment income. In addition, future amounts of unrealized appreciation or depreciation on our investments, as well as the amount of realized gains or losses, will also fluctuate depending upon economic conditions and the performance of our investment portfolio. The changes in realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation or depreciation could have a material impact on our operating results.
We typically structure our debt investments to include non-financial covenants that seek to minimize our risk of capital loss such as lien protection and prohibitions against change of control. Our debt investments have what we believe are strong protections, including default penalties, information rights and, in some cases, board observation rights and affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Debt investments in portfolio companies, including the controlled portfolio companies, have historically and are expected to continue to comprise the majority of our overall investments in number and dollar volume.
While the vast majority of our investments have been structured as debt, we have in the past and expect in the future to make selective equity investments primarily as either strategic investments to enhance the integrated operating platform or, to a lesser degree, under the Capco programs. For investments in our controlled portfolio companies, we focus more on tailoring them to the long term growth needs of the companies than to return. Our objectives with these companies is to foster the development of the businesses as a part of the integrated operational platform of serving the SMB market, so we may reduce the burden on these companies to enable them to grow faster than they would otherwise and as another means of supporting their development.
We regularly engage in discussions with third parties with respect to various potential transactions. We may acquire an investment or a portfolio of investments or an entire company or sell a portion of our portfolio on an opportunistic basis. We, our subsidiaries, or our affiliates may also agree to manage certain other funds that invest in debt, equity or provide other financing or services to companies in a variety of industries for which we may earn management or other fees for our services. We may also invest in the equity of these funds, along with other third parties, from which we would seek to earn a return and/or future incentive allocations. We may enter into new joint venture partnerships to create additional third-party capital to originate loans. Some of these transactions could be material to our business. Consummation of any such transaction will be subject to completion of due diligence, finalization of key business and financial terms (including price) and negotiation of final definitive documentation as well as a number of other factors and conditions including, without limitation, the approval of our board of directors and required regulatory or third-party consents and, in certain cases, the approval of our shareholders. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any such transaction would be consummated. Any of these transactions or funds may require significant management resources either during the transaction phase or on an ongoing basis depending on the terms of the transaction.
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and established the PPP. Specifically, the CARES Act included $349 billion to establish the PPP that expanded the existing SBA Section 7(a) loan program until June 30, 2020 to provide 100% federally-backed loans to eligible businesses. Subsequently, on April 3, 2020, the SBA, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Treasury (the “Treasury”), adopted the PPP interim final rule (the “Regulations”) to implement the PPP and effectuate the expansion of the Section 7(a) loan program. The Regulations established additional rules and requirements of the PPP, including loan forgiveness, and were amended from time to time to provide additional guidance and clarifications. Congress approved additional funding for the PPP of approximately $320 billion on April 24, 2020. As a result of the uncertain economic impact to U.S. small businesses created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company’s Executive Committee and Lending Team temporarily shifted the focus of NSBF from originating SBA 7(a) loans to originating PPP loans beginning in March 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020, NSBF funded approximately 10,500 PPP loans totaling $1.19 billion. On July 4, 2020, a bill was passed to re-open the application window for the PPP until August 8, 2020. The first round of PPP closed on August 8, 2020. See “Recent Developments - PPP Additional Rounds.” We continue to monitor legislative, regulatory, and supervisory developments related to the PPP, but there can be no assurance that the PPP will be further reauthorized, or that NSBF will be qualified to participate in any further reauthorization.
COVID-19 Developments
In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Shortly thereafter, the President of the United States declared a National Emergency throughout the United States attributable to such outbreak. The outbreak has become increasingly widespread in the United States, including in the markets in which the Company operates. In accordance with guidance from various state and local governments, the majority of the Company’s employees continue to work remotely, which has not impacted our ability to maintain operations, including financial reporting systems, internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures.
We have and continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 on our portfolio companies. We cannot predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its duration in the United States and worldwide, the effectiveness of governmental responses designed to mitigate the strain to businesses and the economy, and the magnitude of the economic impact of the outbreak. The COVID-19 pandemic and preventative measures taken to contain or mitigate its spread have caused, and are continuing to cause, business shutdowns, cancellations of events and travel, significant reductions in demand for certain goods and services, reductions in business activity and financial transactions, supply chain interruptions and overall economic and financial market instability both globally and in the United States. Such effects will likely continue for the duration of the pandemic, which is uncertain, and for some period thereafter.
While several countries, as well as certain states, counties and cities in the United States, have relaxed initial public health restrictions with a view to partially or fully reopening their economies, many cities world-wide have since experienced a surge in the reported number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These increases have led to the re-introduction of restrictions and business shutdowns in certain states, counties and cities in the United States and globally and could continue to lead to the re-introduction of such restrictions and business shutdowns elsewhere. Additionally, as of late December 2020, travelers from the United States were not allowed to visit Canada, Australia, or the majority of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. These continued travel restrictions may prolong the global economic downturn. In addition, although the Federal Food and Drug Administration authorized vaccines for emergency use starting in December 2020, it remains unclear how quickly the vaccine will be distributed nationwide and globally or when “herd immunity” will be achieved and the restrictions that were imposed to slow the spread of the virus will be lifted entirely. The delay in distributing the vaccines 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
economics may continue to experience a recession, and we anticipate our business and operations could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged recession in the U.S. and other major markets. Some economists and major investment banks have expressed concern that the continued spread of the virus globally could lead to a world-wide economic downturn.
As such, we are unable to predict the duration of any business and supply-chain disruptions, the extent to which COVID-19 will negatively affect our and our portfolio companies’ operating results or the impact that such disruptions may have on our results of operations and financial condition. Though the magnitude of the impact remains to be seen, we expect our portfolio companies to potentially be negatively impacted. We believe that certain negative impacts to our SBA 7(a) borrowers may have been muted, in part, due to provisions of the CARES Act that provided for six months of principal, interest and fees to be paid by the SBA directly to NSBF beginning in April 2020. With the end of the SBA’s payment of principal, interest and fees on behalf of our SBA 7(a) borrowers, we may see increases in loan delinquencies and borrowers requesting loan deferments. A deferment is the postponement of scheduled loan payments of principal and/or interest to a later date. Generally, the amount deferred should not exceed six cumulative monthly payments or 20% of the original amount of loan, whichever is less. In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced and may continue to experience a decline in SBA 7(a) loan originations and gains on sale from guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans.
Moreover, COVID-19 has adversely impacted and is likely to further adversely impact our operations and the operations of our borrowers, customers, portfolio companies and business partners. For example, as a result of the significant uncertainty due to COVID-19 we could experience declining values of other financial assets and other negative impacts on our financial position, including possible constraints on liquidity and capital, as well as higher costs of capital. A number of factors impacting us or our portfolio companies, borrowers, customers or business partners could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition, including but not limited to:
•increases in loan delinquencies, losses and charge-offs;
•increases in borrowers seeking and being granted deferments of principal and interest payments, which could negatively impact cash flow from net interest and servicing payments normally available to the Company, during the deferment period;
•collateral for loans, including real estate, may decline in value, which could cause loan losses to increase;
•demand for our, and our portfolio companies’, business products and solutions may decline, making it difficult to grow or maintain our assets and income;
•net worth and liquidity of the guarantors on our loans may decline, which could cause loan losses to increase;
•our risk management policies and practices may be negatively impacted by among, other things, changes in the SBA 7(a) Program, including changes to SBA Loan Program Requirements;
•cyber risk has increased as criminals have sought to take advantage of the changes of business practices necessitated by COVID-19.
We are continuing to assess what additional adverse financial and operational consequences may result from the global spread of COVID-19 and the associated economic turbulence, however, the extent of such consequences remains uncertain as of the filing of this Form 10-K as we do not believe there have been comparable recent events that provide guidance as to the effect the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic may have, and the ultimate impact of the outbreak is highly uncertain and subject to change.
Revenues
We generate revenue in the form of interest, dividend, servicing and other fee income on debt and equity investments. Our debt investments typically have terms of 10 to 25 years and bear interest at prime plus a margin. 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 receive servicing income related to the guaranteed portions of SBA investments which we originate and sell into the secondary market. These recurring fees are earned daily and recorded when earned. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of packaging, prepayment, legal and late fees. We record such fees related to loans as other income. Dividends are recorded as dividend income on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income is recorded at the time dividends are declared. Distributions of earnings from portfolio companies are evaluated to determine if the distribution is income, return of capital or realized gain. In addition, under the PPP that began in the second quarter of 2020, the SBA reimburses the Company for originating loans and such SBA reimbursements are included as interest income on PPP loans. Income earned in connection with the PPP should not be viewed as recurring. The first round of PPP closed on August 8, 2020. Congress enacted the Economic Aid Act on December 27, 2020, which provides funding for PPP loans through March 31, 2021. See “Recent Developments - PPP Additional Rounds.”
We recognize realized gains or losses on investments based on the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the cost basis of the investment without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. We record current period changes in fair value of investments and assets that are measured at fair value as a component of the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments or servicing assets, as appropriate, in the consolidated statements of operations.
Expenses
Our primary operating expenses are salaries and benefits, interest expense, origination and servicing and other general and administrative costs, such as professional fees, marketing, referral fees, servicing costs and rent. Since we are an internally-managed BDC with no outside adviser or management company, the BDC incurs all the related costs to operate the Company.
Guarantees
The Company is a guarantor on the Sterling Receivable and Inventory Facility at NBC. Maximum borrowings under the Sterling Receivable and Inventory Facility are $35,000,000. The Sterling Receivable and Inventory Facility matures in August 2022 and automatically renews annually. At December 31, 2020, total principal owed by NBC was $18,411,000. In addition, the Company deposited $750,000 to collateralize the guarantee. At December 31, 2020, the Company determined that it is not probable that payments would be required to be made under the guarantee.
The Company is a guarantor on the NBL Facility. Maximum borrowings under the NBL Facility are $75,000,000 with an accordion feature to increase maximum borrowings to $150,000,000. The lenders’ commitments terminate in November 2022, with all amounts due under the NBL Facility maturing in November 2023. At December 31, 2020, total principal owed by NBL was $44,216,000. At December 31, 2020, the Company determined that it is not probable that payments would be required to be made under the guarantee.
The Company is a guarantor on the Webster Facility, a term loan facility between NMS with Webster Bank with an aggregate principal amount up to $50,000,000. The Webster Facility matures in November 2023. At December 31, 2020, total principal outstanding was $36,375,000. At December 31, 2020, the Company determined that it is not probable that payments would be required to be made under the guarantee.
Newtek Conventional Lending, LLC (NCL)
We established a 50/50 joint venture between Newtek Commercial Lending, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newtek, and Conventional Lending TCP Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary of BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (Nasdaq:TCPC). NCL provides non-conforming conventional commercial and industrial term loans to U.S. middle-market companies and small businesses. Refer to NOTE 3-INVESTMENTS for selected financial information and a schedule of investments of NCL as of December 31, 2020.
Unfunded Commitments
At December 31, 2020, the Company had $3,263,000 of unfunded commitments in connection with its SBA 7(a) non-affiliate investments related to portions of loans originated which are partially funded. The Company will fund these commitments from the same sources it uses to fund its other investment commitments.
At December 31, 2020, NCL had $568,000 of unfunded commitments in connection with partial funding of certain of its non-conforming conventional commercial and industrial term loan investments. NCL will fund 50% of the total unfunded commitments. NCL will fund these commitments from the same sources it uses to fund its other investment commitments.
Loan Portfolio Asset Quality and Composition
The following tables set forth distributions of the cost basis of the Company’s SBA 7(a) loan portfolio at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, in thousands. The tables include loans in which NSBF owns 100% as a result of NSBF originating the loan and subsequently repurchasing the guaranteed portion from the SBA. The total of 100% NSBF-owned loans at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is $16,931,000 and $11,307,000, respectively.
Distribution by Business Type
As of December 31, 2020
Business Type # of Loans Balance Average Balance % of Balance
Existing Business 1,850 $ 342,636 $ 185 81.5 %
Business Acquisition 275 56,797 207 13.5 %
Start-Up Business 222 20,965 96 5.0 %
Total 2,347 $ 420,398 $ 179 100.0 %
As of December 31, 2019
Business Type # of Loans Balance Average Balance % of Balance
Existing Business 1,892 $ 349,320 $ 185 81.3 %
Business Acquisition 273 58,155 207 13.5 %
Start-Up Business 230 22,221 96 5.2 %
Total 2,395 $ 429,696 $ 179 100.0 %
Distribution by Borrower Credit Score
December 31, 2020
Credit Score # of Loans Balance Average Balance % of Balance
500 to 550 19 $ 4,038 $ 213 1.0 %
551 to 600 61 16,435 269 3.9 %
601 to 650 316 64,564 204 15.4 %
651 to 700 704 119,077 169 28.3 %
701 to 750 717 125,217 175 29.8 %
751 to 800 462 82,507 179 19.6 %
801 to 850 65 8,451 130 2.0 %
Not available 3 109 36 - %
Total 2,347 $ 420,398 $ 179 100.0 %
December 31, 2019
Credit Score # of Loans Balance Average Balance % of Balance
500 to 550 20 $ 4,315 $ 216 1.0 %
551 to 600 66 18,296 277 4.3 %
601 to 650 344 69,265 201 16.1 %
651 to 700 749 126,797 169 29.5 %
701 to 750 709 124,725 176 29.0 %
751 to 800 439 77,646 177 18.1 %
801 to 850 65 8,528 131 2.0 %
Not available 3 124 41 - %
Total 2,395 $ 429,696 $ 179 100.0 %
Distribution by Primary Collateral Type
December 31, 2020
Collateral Type # of Loans Balance Average Balance % of Balance
Commercial Real Estate 933 $ 218,958 $ 235 52.1 %
Machinery and Equipment 403 78,356 194 18.6 %
Accts Receivable and Inventory 259 44,270 171 10.5 %
Residential Real Estate 500 39,406 79 9.4 %
Other 89 30,653 344 7.3 %
Unsecured 124 5,421 44 1.3 %
Furniture and Fixtures 25 1,695 68 0.4 %
Liquid Assets 14 1,639 117 0.4 %
Total 2,347 $ 420,398 $ 179 100.0 %
December 31, 2019
Collateral Type # of Loans Balance Average Balance % of Balance
Commercial Real Estate 962 $ 225,434 $ 234 52.5 %
Machinery and Equipment 420 82,725 197 19.3 %
Residential Real Estate 507 41,713 82 9.7 %
Accounts Receivable and Inventory 255 39,380 154 9.2 %
Other 105 32,380 308 7.5 %
Unsecured 104 4,362 42 1.0 %
Furniture and Fixtures 28 2,674 96 0.6 %
Liquid Assets 14 1,026 73 0.2 %
Total 2,395 $ 429,696 $ 179 100.0 %
Distribution by Days Delinquent
December 31, 2020
Delinquency Status # of Loans Balance Average Balance % of Balance
Accrual
Current 2,071 $ 340,756 $ 165 81.1 %
31 to 60 days 62 12,679 205 3.0 %
61 to 90 days - - - - %
91 days or greater 32 11,520 360 2.7 %
Non-accrual 182 55,443 305 13.2 %
Total 2,347 $ 420,398 $ 179 100.0 %
December 31, 2019
Delinquency Status # of Loans Balance Average Balance % of Balance
Accrual
Current 2,086 $ 338,919 $ 162 78.8 %
31 to 60 days 48 14,459 301 3.4 %
61 to 90 days - - - - %
91 days or greater 48 17,233 359 4.0 %
Non-accrual 213 59,085 277 13.8 %
Total 2,395 $ 429,696 $ 179 100.0 %
Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Set forth below is a comparison of the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. For a comparison of the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, see the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the SEC on March 16, 2020.
Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Investment Income
(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Change
Investment income:
Interest income - PPP loans $ 37,743 $ - $ 37,743
Interest income - SBA 7(a) loans 26,652 29,492 (2,840)
Interest income - non-control investments 403 - 403
Dividend income 13,556 14,398 (842)
Servicing income 11,154 10,078 1,076
Other income 2,693 5,328 (2,635)
Total investment income $ 92,201 $ 59,296 $ 32,905
Interest Income
The Company began earning interest income from PPP loans in the second quarter of 2020 under the CARES Act, which allowed NSBF, as an SBA 7(a) lender, to originate loans under the newly-established PPP. Under the PPP, current SBA 7(a) lenders were automatically approved to extend 100% federally guaranteed PPP loans to certain small businesses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, NSBF originated $1.19 billion of PPP loans resulting in $37,743,000 of fees generated. Pursuant to the PPP, the interest rate on PPP loans is capped at 1.0%. In addition, the SBA will reimburse a lender authorized to make a PPP loan at a rate, based on the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the PPP loan, of: (i) 5% for PPP loans of not more than $350,000; (ii) 3% for loans of more than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and (iii) 1% for loans of not less than $2,000,000. Such SBA reimbursements are included in Interest Income - PPP Loans. Income earned in connection with the PPP should not be viewed as recurring. The first round of PPP closed on August 8, 2020. Congress enacted the Economic Aid Act on December 27, 2020, which provides funding for PPP loans through March 31, 2021. See “Recent Developments - PPP Additional Rounds.”
The decrease in interest income from SBA 7(a) loans was attributable to the decrease in the average Prime Rate in effect on our portfolio from 5.38% to 3.63% over the twelve month period. The decrease was partially offset by $451,000 of interest income relating to the full payoff of a loan in non-accrual status during the second quarter of 2020, as well as the average outstanding accrual portfolio of SBA non-affiliate investments increasing to $363,907,000 from $339,128,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in the average outstanding accrual portfolio resulted from the origination of new SBA non-affiliate investments period over period.
Dividend Income
Dividend income was earned from the following portfolio companies for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Change
Newtek Merchant Solutions, LLC (NMS) $ 9,450 $ 11,490 $ (2,040)
International Professional Marketing, Inc. 350 900 (550)
SIDCO, LLC 825 700 125
Mobil Money, LLC - 375 (375)
Newtek Conventional Lending, LLC 1,227 822 405
Newtek Business Lending, LLC 1,600 - 1,600
EMCAP Loan Holdings, LLC 104 111 (7)
Total dividend income $ 13,556 $ 14,398 $ (842)
Dividend income is dependent on portfolio company earnings. Current year dividend income may not be indicative of future period dividend income, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. See “COVID-19 Developments.”
The decrease in dividend income was driven by dividend income related to our payment processing portfolio company, NMS, decreasing $2,040,000 period over period due to COVID-19 pandemic-related lower processing volumes. The decrease was offset by $1,600,000 of dividend income from NCL for year ended December 31, 2020, which stemmed from NCL’s achievement of profitability in 2020 and positive net income for the year.
NSBF Servicing Portfolio and Related Servicing Income
The following table represents the NSBF originated servicing portfolio and servicing income earned for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
(in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Change
Total NSBF originated servicing portfolio $ 1,704,160 $ 1,770,864 $ (66,704)
Total average NSBF originated portfolio earning servicing income
$ 1,109,155 $ 1,031,260 $ 77,895
Total servicing income earned $ 11,154 $ 10,078 $ 1,076
The increase in servicing income was attributable to the increase in total portfolio investments for which we earn servicing income. The portfolio earning servicing income increased $77,895,000 period over period. The increase was attributable to an increase in SBA 7(a) non-affiliate investments period over period.
Other Income
Other income relates primarily to legal, packaging, prepayment, and late fees earned from SBA 7(a) loans. The decrease was
related to an decrease in legal, prepayment and packaging fees earned as a result of the lower volume of SBA 7(a) loans originated of $196,752,000 compared to $517,692,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As a result of the uncertain economic impact to U.S. small businesses created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company temporarily shifted the focus of NSBF from originating SBA 7(a) loans to originating PPP loans beginning in March 2020 through the conclusion of round one of the PPP during 2020.
Expenses:
(in thousands) Year Ended
December 31, 2020 Year Ended
December 31, 2019 Change
Salaries and benefits $ 14,211 $ 14,305 $ (94)
Interest 17,877 20,422 (2,545)
Depreciation and amortization 402 501 (99)
Professional fees 3,718 3,807 (89)
Origination and loan processing 8,431 9,215 (784)
Origination and loan processing - related party 9,855 9,944 (89)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities 54 42 12
Other general and administrative costs 5,668 6,427 (759)
Total expenses $ 60,216 $ 64,914 $ (4,698)
Interest Expense
The following is a summary of interest expense by facility for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Change
Notes payable - Securitization Trusts $ 7,853 $ 11,148 $ (3,295)
Bank notes payable 1,436 2,122 (686)
Notes due 2022 - 469 (469)
Notes due 2023 4,064 4,065 (1)
Notes due 2024 4,057 1,701 2,356
Notes due 2025 37 - 37
Notes payable - related parties 430 911 (481)
Other - 6 (6)
Total interest expense $ 17,877 $ 20,422 $ (2,545)
The decrease in interest expense period over period is primarily related to the decrease from Notes payable - Securitization Trusts, Bank notes payable, and Notes payable - related parties. Interest on Notes payable - Securitization Trusts decreased as a result of declining interest rates and principal balances year over year. The decreases in interest expense from Bank notes payable and Notes payable - related parties were related to a decrease in the average outstanding balance and interest rates period over period. The decrease in interest expense related to our redemption of the 2022 Notes was offset by an additional $2,356,000 of interest from the issuance of $63,250,000 of 2024 Notes and $37,000 of interest from the issuance of $5,000,000 2025 Notes.
Origination and Loan Processing
The decrease in Origination and Loan Processing expenses was attributed to a decrease in SBA 7(a) loan fundings.
Net Realized Gains and Net Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation
Net realized gains from SBA non-affiliate investments for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $11,368,000 and $47,816,000, respectively, which included realized losses of $8,367,000 and $3,924,000, respectively.
Net Realized Gains on SBA Non-Affiliate Investments
Year Ended
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
# of Debt Investments $ Amount
(in thousands) # of Debt Investments $ Amount
(in thousands)
SBA non-affiliate investments originated 239 $ 196,752 659 $ 517,692
SBA guaranteed non-affiliate investments sold 225 $ 153,662 633 $ 394,248
Realized gains recognized on sale of SBA guaranteed non-affiliate investments - $ 19,735 - $ 51,740
Average sale price as a percent of principal balance1
- 110.78 % - 111.16 %
(1) Realized gains greater than 110.00% must be split 50/50 with the SBA in accordance with SBA regulations. The realized gains recognized above reflects amounts net of split with the SBA.
As a result of the uncertain economic impact to U.S. small businesses created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company’s Executive Committee and Lending Team temporarily shifted the focus of NSBF from originating SBA 7(a) loans to originating PPP loans beginning in March 2020, resulting in a lower volume of SBA 7(a) loans for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 2019.
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments
(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Change
Net unrealized depreciation on SBA guaranteed non-affiliate investments $ (795) $ (225) $ (570)
Net unrealized depreciation on SBA unguaranteed non-affiliate investments (176) (6,291) 6,115
Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on controlled investments (8,237) 11,211 (19,448)
Change in deferred taxes 999 (3,164) 4,163
Total net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments $ (8,209) $ 1,531 $ (9,740)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on SBA guaranteed non-affiliate investments relates to guaranteed portions of SBA debt investments made which the Company sells into a secondary market. Unrealized appreciation of SBA guaranteed investments represents the fair value adjustment of guaranteed portions of loans which have not yet been sold. Unrealized depreciation represents the reversal of unrealized appreciation when the SBA 7(a) loans are sold.
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Controlled Investments
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) was derived from the following portfolio companies for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Change
Newtek Merchant Solutions, LLC (NMS) $ (9,750) $ 5,000 $ (14,750)
Newtek Technology Solutions, Inc. (NTS)1
10,200 500 9,700
CDS Business Services, Inc. (6,660) (2,000) (4,660)
International Professional Marketing, Inc.1
- 850 (850)
SIDCO, LLC1
- (1,170) 1,170
PMTWorks Payroll, LLC (150) (622) 472
banc-serv Partners, LLC (BSP) - (286) 286
Small Business Lending, LLC - 6,002 (6,002)
Newtek Insurance Agency, LLC (65) - (65)
Newtek Conventional Lending, LLC (827) 1,853 (2,680)
Titanium Asset Management LLC 265 (316) 581
Mobil Money, LLC (1,250) - (1,250)
Total net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on controlled investments $ (8,237) $ 10,441 $ (18,678)
(1) On January 1, 2021, IPM and SIDCO became subsidiaries of NTS and as a result, the year ended December 31, 2020 valuation of NTS and related unrealized appreciation represents that of the combined entity.
Provision for Deferred Taxes on Unrealized Appreciation of Investments
Certain consolidated subsidiaries of ours are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated with the Company for income tax purposes, but are consolidated for GAAP purposes, and may generate income tax liabilities or assets from temporary differences in the recognition of items for financial reporting and income tax purposes at the subsidiaries. During the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized a provision for deferred taxes of $999,000 and $3,164,000 related to the net unrealized appreciation of controlled portfolio company investments, respectively.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our liquidity and capital resources are derived from our Capital One Facility, Notes payable - related parties, 2023 Notes, 2024 Notes, securitization transactions and cash flows from operations, including investment sales and repayments, and income earned. Our primary use of funds from operations includes investments in portfolio companies and payments of fees and other operating expenses we incur. We have used, and expect to continue to use, our borrowings and the proceeds from the turnover of our portfolio and from public and private offerings of securities to finance our investment objectives. We may raise additional equity or debt capital through both registered offerings off a shelf registration, including “at-the-market”, or ATM, and private offerings of securities. As of December 31, 2020, our asset coverage was 174% based on $457,931,000 of aggregate principal amount of senior securities outstanding. On July 26, 2018, our shareholders approved the application of the modified asset coverage requirement as set forth in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act. As a result, our minimum required asset coverage ratio decreased from 200% to 150%, effective July 27, 2018.
Public Offerings
ATM Program
The 2017 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement provided that we may offer and sell up to 4,400,000 shares of common stock from time to time through the placement agents. From inception through July 8, 2019, we sold 1,618,375 shares of our common stock at a weighted average price of $18.07 per share. Proceeds, net of offering costs and expenses were $28,466,000. On July 8, 2019, the Company gave notice to terminate the 2017 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement, with such termination effective as of July 9, 2019.
On July 10, 2019, the Company entered into the 2019 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement. The 2019 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement provided that the Company may offer and sell up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock from time to time through the placement agents. From inception through June 24, 2020, we sold 1,716,517 shares of our common stock at a weighted average price of $21.88 per share. Proceeds, net of offering costs and expenses were $37,554,000. On June 24, 2020, the Company terminated the 2019 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement. The Company paid the ATM placement agents $758,000 in compensation.
We used the net proceeds for funding investments in debt and equity securities in accordance with our investment objective and strategies and for general corporate purposes including funding investments, repaying outstanding indebtedness and other general corporate purposes.
On June 25, 2020, the Company entered into the 2020 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement. The 2020 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement provides that the Company may offer and sell up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock from time to time through the placement agents. From inception through December 31, 2020, we sold 1,022,579 shares of our common stock at a weighted average price of $17.95 per share. Proceeds, net of offering costs and expenses were $18,334,000. The company paid the placement agents $374,000 in compensation during the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, there were 1,977,421 shares of common stock available for sale under the 2020 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement.
Debt Offerings
On November 27, 2020, the Company and Trustee entered into the Fifth Supplemental Indenture to the Base Indenture between the Company and the Trustee, relating to the issuance, offer and sale of $5 million aggregate principal amount of its 2025 Notes. The offering was consummated pursuant to the terms of a purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") among the Company and an accredited investor. The Purchase Agreement provided for the 2025 Notes to be issued to the purchaser in a private placement in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes were approximately $4.8 million, after deducting structuring fees and estimated offering expenses, each payable by the Company. The 2025 Notes are the Company’s direct unsecured obligations and rank: (i) pari passu with the Company’s other outstanding and future unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior to any of the Company’s future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the 2025 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to all the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which the Company subsequently grants security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company exercised its option to issue up to $10 million of additional 2025 Notes to the purchaser, and issued $10 million in additional 2025 Notes to the purchaser in an exempt offering in January 2021. See Note 19 - Subsequent Events in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
In July 2019, the Company and the Trustee entered into the Fourth Supplemental Indenture to the Base Indenture between the Company and the Trustee, relating to the Company’s issuance, offer and sale of $55,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Notes due 2024. The Company granted an overallotment option of up to $8,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes. The sale of the 2024 Notes generated proceeds of approximately $53,186,000, net of underwriter's fees and expenses. In July 2019 the underwriters exercised their option to purchase $8,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes for an additional $8,003,000 in net proceeds. The 2024 Notes are the Company’s direct unsecured obligations and rank: (i) pari passu with the Company’s other outstanding and future unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior to any of the Company’s future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the 2024 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to all the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which the Company subsequently grants security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of the Company’s subsidiaries.
The 2024 Notes will mature on August 1, 2024 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company’s option at any time or from time to time on or after August 1, 2021, at a redemption price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest payments otherwise payable for the then-current quarterly interest period accrued to but not including the date fixed for redemption. The 2024 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per year payable quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 of each year, commencing on November 1, 2019, and trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “NEWTL.” At December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the 2024 Notes.
In February 2018, the Company and the Trustee entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture to the Base Indenture between the Company and the Trustee, relating to the Company’s issuance, offer and sale of $50,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Notes due 2023. The Company granted an overallotment option of up to $7,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The sale of the Notes generated proceeds of approximately $47,901,000, net of underwriter's fees and expenses. In February 2018, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase $7,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of notes for an additional $7,275,000 in net proceeds. The 2023 Notes are the Company’s direct unsecured obligations and rank: (i) pari passu with the Company’s other outstanding and future unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior to any of the Company’s future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the 2023 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to all the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which the Company subsequently grants security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of the Company’s subsidiaries.
The 2023 Notes were scheduled to mature on March 1, 2023 and could be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company’s option at any time or from time to time on or after March 1, 2020, at a redemption price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest payments otherwise payable for the then-current quarterly interest period accrued to but not including the date fixed for redemption. The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.25% per year payable quarterly on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 of each year, commencing on June 1, 2018, and trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “NEWTI.” The Company redeemed the 2023 Notes in February 2021. See NOTE 19-SUBSEQUENT EVENTS in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
In April 2016, the Company and the Trustee, entered into the Second Supplemental Indenture to the Base Indenture between the Company and the Trustee, relating to the Company’s issuance, offer and sale of $35,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.0% Notes due 2021. The Company granted an overallotment option of up to $5,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes. The sale of the Notes generated proceeds of approximately $33,750,000, net of underwriter's fees and expenses. In May 2016, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase $5,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of notes for an additional $5,066,000 in net proceeds. The 2021 Notes are the Company’s direct unsecured obligations and rank: (i) pari passu with the Company’s other outstanding and future unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior to any of the Company’s future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the 2021 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to all the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which the Company subsequently grants security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of the Company’s subsidiaries.
On March 22, 2018, the Company redeemed all $40,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per Note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from December 31, 2017, through, but excluding, the redemption date.
In September 2015, the Company and the Trustee entered into the Base Indenture and the First Supplemental Indenture relating to the Company's issuance, offer, and sale of $8,324,000, including the underwriter's partial exercise of their over-allotment option, in aggregate principal amount of the 7.5% Notes due 2022. The 2022 Notes are the Company’s direct unsecured obligations and rank: (i) pari passu with the Company’s other outstanding and future unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior to any of the Company’s future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the 2022 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to all the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which the Company subsequently grants security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of the Company’s subsidiaries.
On August 29, 2019, the Company redeemed all $8,324,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes on the redemption date of August 29, 2019 at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per Note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from July 1, 2019, through, but excluding, the redemption date.
The Base Indenture, and each supplemental indenture thereto, contains certain covenants including covenants requiring the Company to comply with (regardless of whether it is subject to) the asset coverage requirements set forth in Section 18(a)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act as modified by Section 61(a) of the 1940 Act (or any successor provisions), to comply with (regardless of whether it is subject to) the restrictions on dividends, distributions and purchase of capital stock set forth in Section 18(a)(1)(B) of the 1940 Act as modified by Section 61(a) of the 1940 Act and to provide financial information to the holders of the Notes and the Trustee if the Company should no longer be subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act. These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the Base Indenture, as supplemented by each supplemental indenture thereto. The Base Indenture provides for customary events of default and further provides that the Trustee or the holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes may declare such Notes immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of any event of default after expiration of any applicable grace period. At December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the Notes.
Capital One Facilities
In May 2017, NSBF amended its Capital One facility to increase the facility from $50,000,000 to $100,000,000 and reduce the interest rate. The facility was amended again in June 2018 and the portion of the facility collateralized by the government guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans, was reduced to Prime minus 0.75% (previously Prime minus 0.25%). The interest rate on the portion of the facility, collateralized by the non-guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans, was reduced to Prime plus 0.25% (previously Prime plus 0.75%). The facility provides for a 55% advance rate on the non-guaranteed portions of the SBA 7(a) loans NSBF originates, and a 90% advance rate on the guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans NSBF originates. In addition, the amendment extended the date on which the facility will convert to a term loan from May 16, 2017 to May 11, 2020 and extended the maturity date of the facility to May 11, 2022. In June 2019, the facility was increased from $100,000,000 to $150,000,000. In April 2020, Capital One advised NSBF that it was establishing a reserve against the non-guaranteed borrowing base, which reserve effectively reduced the advance rate on the non-guaranteed portions of the SBA 7(a) loans NSBF originates by 50%. On May 7, 2020, NSBF amended its existing line of credit with Capital One to, among other things, extend the maturity date on which the credit facility will convert into a term loan for a period of three years to May 7, 2023, with the term loan maturing on May 7, 2025.
At December 31, 2020, there was $33,839,000 and $52,500,000 outstanding under the unguaranteed and guaranteed lines of credit, respectively. At December 31, 2020, we were in full compliance with all applicable loan covenants.
Notes Payable - Related Parties
In June 2015, the Company entered into the Related Party RLOC with certain controlled portfolio companies. Maximum borrowings under the Related Party RLOC were $38,000,000. In June 2017, the Related Party RLOC was amended to increase maximum borrowings to $50,000,000. The outstanding balance had an interest rate equal to 1 month LIBOR (with a floor of 0.50%) plus 6.0% or at a rate equal to the greater of the Prime Rate or 3.5% plus 5.0%. In November 2018, the Related Party RLOC was amended to reduce the interest rate to the lesser of 1 month LIBOR plus 2.5% or the Prime Rate plus 1.5%.
At December 31, 2020, the Related Party RLOC interest rate was 2.74%. The Related Party RLOC has a maturity date of November 8, 2023. Outstanding borrowings due to NMS at December 31, 2020 were $24,090,000.
Securitization Transactions
Since 2010, NSBF has engaged in securitizations of the unguaranteed portions of its SBA 7(a) loans. In the securitization, it uses a special purpose entity (the “Trust”) which is considered a variable interest entity. Applying the consolidation requirements for VIEs under the accounting rules in ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing, and ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, which became effective January 1, 2010, the Company determined that as the primary beneficiary of the securitization vehicle, based on its power to direct activities through its role as servicer for the Trust and its obligation to absorb losses and right to receive benefits, it needed to consolidate the Trusts. NSBF therefore consolidated the entity using the carrying amounts of the Trust’s assets and liabilities. NSBF reflects the assets in SBA Unguaranteed Non-Affiliate Investments and reflects the associated financing in Notes Payable - Securitization trusts on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
In November 2016, NSBF completed its seventh securitization which resulted in the transfer of $56,073,000 of unguaranteed portions of SBA loans to the 2016-1 Trust. The 2016-1 Trust in turn issued securitization notes for the par amount of $53,444,000, consisting of $43,632,000 Class A notes and $9,812,000 of Class B notes, against the assets in a private placement. The Class A and Class B notes received an “A” and “BBB+” rating by S&P, respectively, and the final maturity date of the notes is February 2042. The Class A and Class B notes bear interest at an average rate of 1 month LIBOR plus 3.0% and 4.25%, respectively. Generally, in the event that the one-month LIBOR or Prime Rate becomes unavailable or otherwise unpublished, NSBF will select as a replacement a comparable alternative index over which it has no direct control and which is readily verifiable, in accordance with the terms of the 2016-1 securitization transaction documents.
In December 2017, NSBF completed its eighth securitization which resulted in the transfer of $76,188,000 of unguaranteed portions of SBA loans to the 2017-1 Trust. The 2017-1 Trust in turn issued securitization notes for the par amount of $75,426,000, consisting of $58,111,000 Class A notes and $17,315,000 of Class B notes, against the assets in a private placement. The Class A and Class B notes received an “A” and “BBB-” rating by S&P, respectively, and the final maturity date of the notes is February 2043. The Class A and Class B notes bear interest at a rate of 1 month LIBOR plus 2.0% and 3.0%, respectively. Generally, in the event that the one-month LIBOR or Prime Rate becomes unavailable or otherwise unpublished, NSBF will select as a replacement a comparable alternative index over which it has no direct control and which is readily verifiable, in accordance with the terms of the 2017-1 securitization transaction documents.
In October 2018, the 2013-1 Trust was terminated as a result of NSBF purchasing the 2013-1 Trust assets, with the 2013-1 Trust’s noteholders receiving the redemption price. Certain of the 2013-1 Trust’s assets were subsequently transferred to the 2018-1 Trust.
In November 2018, NSBF completed its ninth securitization which resulted in the transfer of $108,551,000 of unguaranteed portions of SBA loans to the 2018-1 Trust. The 2018-1 Trust in turn issued securitization notes for the par amount of $108,551,000, consisting of $82,876,000 Class A notes and $25,675,000 of Class B notes, against the assets in a private placement. The Class A and Class B notes received an “A” and “BBB-” rating by S&P, respectively, and the final maturity date of the notes is February 2044. Generally, in the event that the one-month LIBOR or Prime Rate becomes unavailable or otherwise unpublished, NSBF will select as a replacement a comparable alternative index over which it has no direct control and which is readily verifiable, in accordance with the terms of the 2018-1 securitization transaction documents.
In March 2019, the 2010-1 Trust was terminated as a result of NSBF purchasing the 2010-1 Trust assets, with the 2010-1 Trust’s noteholders receiving the redemption price.
In July 2019, the 2014-1 Trust was terminated as a result of NSBF purchasing the 2014-1 Trust assets, with the 2014-1 Trust’s noteholders receiving the redemption price.
In October 2019, NSBF completed its tenth securitization which resulted in the transfer of $118,920,000 of unguaranteed portions of SBA loans to the 2019-1 Trust, The 2019-1 Trust in turn issued securitization notes for the par amount of $118,920,000, consisting of $93,540,000 of Class A notes and $25,380,000 Class B notes, against the assets in a private placement. The Class A and Class B notes received an “A” and “BBB-” rating by S&P, respectively, and the final maturity date of the notes is December 2044. The Class A and Class B notes bear interest at an average rate of LIBOR plus 1.83% across both classes. Generally, in the event that the one-month LIBOR or Prime Rate becomes unavailable or otherwise unpublished, NSBF will select as a replacement a comparable alternative in accordance with the terms of the 2019-1 securitization transaction documents.
PPP Loan Participations
Beginning in April 2020, NSBF engaged in the origination of PPP loans. This first round of PPP closed on August 8, 2020. During the duration of the first round of PPP during 2020, NSBF funded approximately 10,570 PPP loans totaling $1.19 billion. To facilitate NSBF’s involvement as a lender in the PPP, during the second quarter of 2020, NSBF entered into PPP loan participation agreements where NSBF originated PPP loans and sold 90% participating interests to UBS Bank USA (“UBS”), Stifel Bank (“Stifel”), Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. (“Morgan Stanley”), and Amalgamated Bank (“Amalgamated”), collectively, the “Participants.” The participations were sold at par due to the short term maturity of the loans. NSBF and the Participants share proportionally in all interest and principal payments made on the loans. Subsequently, UBS, Stifel and Amalgamated amended their participation agreements with NSBF to allow the banks purchase up to 100% participation interests in certain of the PPP loans originated by NSBF. In connection with the amendments, UBS, Stifel, and Amalgamated purchased the remaining 10% participation interests in their participation loans, bringing their participation interests to 100%, while Morgan Stanley continues to hold 90% participation interests as of December 31, 2020. In total, during 2020, NSBF sold participations in $1.19 billion of PPP loans and continues to hold the PPP loan notes and the PPP loan documents in order to service the loans. The servicing liability in connection with the PPP loans was deemed immaterial. PPP loan origination fees are recognized as interest income on sale of PPP loan participations.
A transfer of financial assets must meet the sale criteria under the accounting rules in ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing, in order to be considered a sale instead of a secured borrowing. The Company determined that the sale criteria are met and the Participants’ interests in the PPP loans are not held on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As stated in the PPP loan participation agreements, the intention of the parties is for the participation agreements to be absolute and true sales and not secured borrowings. In accordance with the terms of the PPP loan participation agreements and SBA regulations and guidance, NSBF, as the originating lender, retains all servicing rights and is the party responsible to the SBA with respect to all servicing actions, including requests for advance purchases and loan forgiveness, and will be the party eligible for the guarantee purchase of the PPP loan. For the 100% participations, the entire financial asset is considered to have been sold since a 100% ownership interest in the underlying asset’s cash flows has been sold to a third party and only the servicing rights remain with NSBF. For the 90% participations, the transfers met all the conditions of a participating interest as defined by ASC 860 to potentially qualify for sale accounting including (i) there is a proportionate ownership interest in an entire financial asset, (ii) all cash flows are divided proportionately among the participants, (iii) the parties’ rights are parri passu, and (iv) no party has the right to pledge or exchange the entire PPP loan unless all participating interest holders agree. The Company obtained true sale opinions and concluded that legal isolation is met under ASC 860-10-45-5a. As required under ASC 860 for sale accounting, the Company does not have an option or obligation to reacquire the assets, except for standard representations and warranties, such as in the event of fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct on the part of the Company, or failure to meet the ongoing contractual obligations to service the PPP loans. Owners of participations in PPP loans also have credit protection in the form of a 100% irrevocable government guarantee.
Congress enacted the Economic Aid Act on December 27, 2020, which, among other things, provides funding for PPP loans through March 31, 2021. See “Recent Developments - PPP Additional Rounds.” We continue to monitor legislative, regulatory, and supervisory developments related to the PPP, but there can be no assurance that the PPP will be further reauthorized, or that NSBF will be qualified to participate in any further reauthorization.
Cash Flows and Liquidity
As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s unused sources of liquidity consisted of $2,765,000 available through the Capital One facility; $6,217,000 available through notes payable with related parties; and $2,073,000 in unrestricted cash.
Restricted cash of $49,352,000 as of December 31, 2020 is primarily held by NSBF. The majority, or $48,600,000 of restricted cash includes reserves in the event payments are insufficient to cover interest and/or principal with respect to securitizations and loan principal and interest collected which are due to loan participants.
The Company generated and used cash as follows:
(in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 17,763 $ (88,957)
Net cash used in investing activities (10) (126)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 465 90,940
Net increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash 18,218 1,857
Cash and restricted cash, beginning of period 33,207 31,350
Cash and restricted cash, end of period $ 51,425 $ 33,207
During the year ended December 31, 2020, operating activities provided cash of $17,763,000, consisting primarily of (i) $1,356,710,000 of proceeds from the sale of SBA 7(a) guaranteed loan investments, (ii) $61,976,000 of principal payments received from SBA non-affiliate investments and (iii) $19,221,000 in return of investment from controlled investments.
These increases were offset by (i) $1,389,763,000 of SBA 7(a) and PPP loan investments funded and (ii) $51,437,000 of investments in controlled portfolio companies, including $4,957,000 in NCL and $40,285,000 in NBL.
Net cash used in financing activities was $465,000 consisting primarily of (i) $54,885,000 of principal payments related to securitization notes payable and (ii) $42,583,000 of dividend payments.
These uses were offset by (i) $25,571,000 of net proceeds from the sale of common shares under the 2019 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement and 2020 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement, (ii) $56,339,000 of net borrowings under our bank notes payable, and (iii) net borrowings under the Related Party RLOC of $11,927,000.
Contractual Obligations
The following table represents the Company’s obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2020:
(in thousands) Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations Total 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter
Bank notes payable $ 86,339 $ - $ - $ 86,339 $ - $ - $ -
Securitization notes payable1
221,752 - - - - - 221,752
Notes due 20231
57,500 - - 57,500 - - -
Notes due 20241
63,250 - - - 63,250 - -
Notes due 20251
5,000 - - - - 5,000 -
Notes payable - related parties 24,090 - - 24,090 - - -
Employment agreements 403 403 - - - - -
Operating leases 10,132 1,604 1,576 1,619 1,663 1,708 1,962
Totals $ 468,466 $ 2,007 $ 1,576 $ 169,548 $ 64,913 $ 6,708 $ 223,714
(1) Amounts represent principal only and are not shown net of unamortized debt issuance costs. See NOTE 8-BORROWINGS.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following items as critical accounting policies.
Fair Value Measurements
We value investments for which market quotations are readily available at their market quotations. However, a readily available market value is not expected to exist for many of the investments in our portfolio, and we value these portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board under our valuation policy and process. We may seek pricing information with respect to certain of our investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value such investments. We also employ independent third party valuation firms for certain of our investments for which there is not a readily available market value.
The application of our valuation methods may include comparisons of the portfolio companies to peer companies that are public, the enterprise value of a portfolio company, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings, discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we will consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the private equity valuation. 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 investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments and may differ materially from values that may ultimately be received or settled.
Our Board is ultimately and solely responsible for determining, in good faith, the fair value of investments that are not publicly traded, whose market prices are not readily available on a quarterly basis or any other situation where portfolio investments require a fair value determination.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels for disclosure purposes. The Company carries all investments at fair value. Additionally, the Company carries its servicing assets at fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority (Level 1) to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and gives the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). An asset or liability’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of the significant input to its valuation. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as certain U.S. Treasury, other U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed debt securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes certain U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed debt securities, corporate debt securities, derivative contracts and residential mortgage loans held-for-sale.
Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category generally includes certain private equity investments, retained residual interests in securitizations, residential mortgage servicing rights, and highly structured or long-term derivative contracts.
Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act was recently adopted by the SEC and establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. We are evaluating the impact of adopting Rule 2a-5 on the consolidated financial statements and intend to comply with the new rule's requirements on or before the compliance date in September 2022.
Valuation of Investments
Level 1 investments are valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 investments are valued using market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data and quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities. Level 3 investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board, based on input of management, the audit committee and independent valuation firms that have been engaged at the direction of the Board to assist in the valuation of certain portfolio investments without a readily available market quotation at least once during a trailing twelve-month period under a valuation policy and a consistently applied valuation process.
When determining fair value of Level 3 debt and equity investments, the Company may take into account the following factors, where relevant: the enterprise value of a portfolio company, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparisons to publicly traded securities, and changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments may be made and other relevant factors. The primary methods for determining enterprise value include a discounted cash flow analysis and a multiple analysis whereby appropriate multiples are applied to the portfolio company’s EBITDA or revenue. The enterprise value analysis is performed to determine the value of equity investments and to determine if debt investments are credit impaired. If debt investments are credit impaired, the Company will use the enterprise value analysis or a liquidation basis analysis to determine fair value. For debt investments that are not determined to be credit impaired, the Company uses a market interest rate yield analysis to determine fair value.
In addition, for certain debt investments, the Company may base its valuation on quotes provided by an independent third party broker.
For certain investments, the Company generally calculates the fair value of the investment primarily based on the NAV of the entity and adjusts the fair value for other factors that would affect the fair value of the investment. The Company uses this valuation approach for its investment in NCL.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of Level 3 investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values that may ultimately be received or settled. Further, such investments are generally subject to legal and other restrictions or otherwise are less liquid than publicly traded instruments. If the Company were required to liquidate a portfolio investment in a forced or liquidation sale, the Company may realize significantly less than the value at which such investment had previously been recorded.
The Company’s investments are subject to market risk. Market risk is the potential for changes in the value due to market changes. Market risk is directly impacted by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the investments are traded.
Changes in the market environment, portfolio company performance and other events that may occur over the lives of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be materially different than the valuations currently assigned. We determine the fair value of each individual investment and record changes in fair value as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Our investment portfolio is carried on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities at fair value with any adjustments to fair value recognized as "Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)" on the consolidated statements of operations until the investment is realized, usually upon exit, resulting in any gain or loss being recognized as a "Net realized gains (losses)."
Our Board has the final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, our determination of the fair value for our investment portfolio and our valuation procedures, consistent with 1940 Act requirements. We believe our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 approximates fair value as of those dates based on the markets in which we operate and other conditions in existence on those reporting dates.
Valuation of Servicing Assets
The Company accounts for servicing assets in accordance with ASC 860-50 Transfers and Servicing - Servicing Assets and Liabilities. Servicing assets are measured at fair value at each reporting date and the Company reports changes in the fair value of servicing assets in earnings in the period in which the changes occur. The valuation model for servicing assets incorporates assumptions including, but not limited to, servicing costs, discount rate, prepayment rate, and default rate. Considerable judgement is required to estimate the fair value of servicing assets and as such these assets are classified as Level 3 in our fair value hierarchy.
Income Recognition
Management reviews all loans that become 90 days or more past due on principal or interest or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected for possible placement on management’s designation of non-accrual status. Interest receivable is analyzed regularly and may be reserved against when deemed uncollectible. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current, although we may make exceptions to this general rule if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.
In addition, under the PPP that began in the second quarter of 2020, the SBA reimburses the Company for originating loans. Such SBA reimbursements are included as interest income on PPP loans. Such fees are accounted for under ASC-310 Receivables and deferred until the loan is sold to one of our PPP Participants. Income earned in connection with the PPP should not be viewed as recurring. The first round of PPP closed on August 8, 2020. Congress enacted the Economic Aid Act on December 27, 2020, which provides for, among other things, funding for PPP loans through March 31, 2021. See “Recent Developments - PPP Additional Rounds.”
We receive servicing income related to the guaranteed portions of SBA loan investments which we sell into the secondary market. These recurring fees are earned and recorded daily. Servicing income is earned for the full term of the loan or until the loan is repaid.
We receive a variety of fees from borrowers in the ordinary course of conducting our business, including packaging fees, legal fees, late fees and prepayment fees. All other income is recorded when earned.
Dividends are recorded as dividend income on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income is recorded at the time dividends are declared. Distributions of earnings from a portfolio companies are evaluated to determine if the distribution is income, return of capital or realized gain.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based upon the differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. If available evidence suggests that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
The Company’s U.S. federal and state income tax returns prior to fiscal year 2015 are generally closed, and management continually evaluates expiring statutes of limitations, audits, proposed settlements, changes in tax law and new authoritative rulings.
The Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code beginning with the 2015 tax year and operates in a manner so as to continue to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. The RIC tax return includes Newtek Business Services Corp. and NSBF, a single member LLC disregarded for tax purposes. None of the Company’s other subsidiaries are included in the RIC tax return. The Company will evaluate and record any deferred tax assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries that are not included in the RIC tax return. In order to maintain its RIC tax treatment, among other things, the Company is required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each tax year. The Company intends to make the requisite distributions to its stockholders, which will generally relieve the Company from U.S. federal income taxes with respect to any income that is distributed to its stockholders as dividends.
Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to retain taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions and would distribute such taxable income in the next tax year. The Company would then pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income, determined on a calendar year basis, could exceed estimated current calendar year dividend distributions, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, no U.S. federal excise taxes were due.
The Company’s Taxable Subsidiaries accrue income taxes payable based on the applicable corporate rates on the net unrealized appreciation generated by the controlled investments held by the Taxable Subsidiaries. Such deferred tax liabilities amounted to $11,406,000 and $12,405,000 at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and are recorded as deferred tax liabilities on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. The change in deferred tax liabilities is included as a component of net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.
New Accounting Standards
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,(“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts and transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is effective upon issuance of ASU 2020-04 for contract modifications on a prospective basis. While the Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2020-04, the Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2020, the SEC adopted amendments to the financial disclosure requirements in Regulation S-X including the significance tests in the “significant subsidiary” definition in Rule 1-02(w), Securities Act Rule 405, and Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 to improve their application and to assist registrants in making more meaningful determinations of whether a subsidiary or an acquired or disposed business is significant. In addition, to address the unique attributes of investment companies and business development companies, the SEC updated the significance tests in Rule 1-02(w), Securities Act Rule 405, and Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 by (i) revising the investment test to compare the registrant’s investments in and advances to the acquired or disposed business to the registrant’s aggregate worldwide market value if available; (ii) revising the income test by adding a revenue component; (iii) expanding the use of pro forma financial information in measuring significance; and (iv) conforming, to the extent applicable, the significance threshold and tests for disposed businesses to those used for acquired businesses. The amendment became effective January 1, 2021; however, voluntary compliance with the final amendments will be permitted in advance of the effective date. No significant changes to our significant subsidiaries are expected.
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-08, Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, (“ASU 2020-08”). This ASU clarifies that an entity should reevaluate whether a callable debt security is within the scope of ASC paragraph 310-20-35-33 for each reporting period. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application is not permitted. All entities should apply ASU 2020-08 on a prospective basis as of the beginning of the period of adoption for existing or newly purchased callable debt securities. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements since the Company does not have any convertible debt.
In November 2020, the SEC published Release No. IC-34084 Use of Derivatives by Registered Investment Companies and Business Development Companies and adopted rules amending Rule 18f-4 and Rule 6c-11. Under the newly adopted rules, BDCs that use derivatives will be subject to a value-at-risk leverage limit, a derivatives risk management program and testing requirements and requirements related to board reporting. These new requirements will apply unless the BDC qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined under the adopted rules. Under the new rule, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has, among other things, a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. Compliance is required by August 19, 2022. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 815), (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. ASU 2019-12 also improves the consistent application of, and simplifies, GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. The standard is effective for all entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2019-12 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act was recently adopted by the SEC and establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. We are evaluating the impact of adopting Rule 2a-5 on the consolidated financial statements and intend to comply with the new rule's requirements on or before the compliance date in September 2022.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
There were no off balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2020.
Recent Developments
Common Stock
From January 1, 2021 through March 26, 2021 the Company sold 430,470 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $20.93 per share under the 2020 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement. Proceeds, net of offering costs and expenses were $9,011,000. As of March 26, 2021, there were 1,546,951 shares of common stock available for sale under the 2020 ATM Equity Distribution Agreement.
Issuance of Notes due 2025
On January 6, 2021 the Company completed an offering of $10 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.85% notes due 2025. The offering was consummated pursuant to the terms of a purchase agreement dated November 27, 2020 among the Company and an accredited investor by a placement notice delivered to the purchaser prior to March 31, 2021. The purchase agreement provides for the Notes to be issued to the Purchaser in a private placement. The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes were approximately $9.7 million, after deducting structuring fees and estimated offering expenses, each payable by the Company. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes to fund investments in debt and equity in accordance with its investment objectives and strategies. Under the Purchase Agreement, the Company may, by mutual agreement of the parties, issue up to $15 million in aggregate principal amount of additional Notes by placement notice delivered to the Purchaser after March 31, 2021 and before November 30, 2022.
Issuance of Notes due 2026 and Redemption of Notes due 2023
On January 22, 2021, the Company closed a public offering of $115,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2026 Notes, including $15,000,000 in aggregate principal amount sold pursuant to a fully-exercised overallotment option. The 2026 Notes will mature on February 1, 2026 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at Newtek’s option on or after February 1, 2022. The 2026 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.50% per year payable quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1, of each year, beginning May 1, 2021. Total net proceeds received after deducting underwriters’ discount and expenses was $11,287,500. The 2026 Notes are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “NEWTZ.” A portion of the proceeds were used to redeem the outstanding 2023 Notes, which occurred on February 22, 2021.
Issuance of Additional Notes due 2024
On February 16, 2021, the Company issued an additional $5,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2024 Notes. The Notes are treated as a single series with the existing 2024 Notes and have the same terms as the 2024 Notes outstanding prior to February 16, 2021. The Notes will have the same CUSIP number and will be fungible and rank equally with the Existing Notes. Upon issuance of the Notes, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 5.75% Notes due 2024 increased to $68,250,000.
Dividends
On February 23, 2021, the Company declared a first quarter 2021 cash dividend of $0.50 per share, which is payable on March 31, 2021 to shareholders of record as of March 22, 2021.
PPP Additional Rounds
On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid Act was enacted by Congress in order to provide additional assistance to the hardest-hit small businesses, nonprofits, and venues that are struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic Aid Act provides funding for PPP loans through March 31, 2021 and a second round of forgivable loans through the PPP for small businesses and nonprofits experiencing significant revenue losses, made programmatic improvements to PPP, funds grants to shuttered venues, and enacted emergency enhancements to other SBA lending programs. This assistance will provide small business owners with the capital they need to survive the pandemic and includes critical resources for the smallest businesses. The Economic Aid Act also provides additional subsidies to certain existing SBA 7(a) borrowers. Specifically, under the Economic Aid Act, the SBA will pay an additional three months of payments of principal, interest, and fees on existing performing SBA 7(a) loans approved prior to March 27, 2020, capped at $9,000 per borrower per month and new SBA
7(a) borrowers with loans approved from February 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021, will receive 5 months of payments of principal, interest, and fees, capped at $9,000 per month. Beginning in January 2021, NSBF began offering PPP Second Draw Loans to eligible business. Eligibility for PPP Second Draw loans is limited to small businesses that have no more than 300 employees and demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in gross revenues between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. PPP Second Draw loans have a maximum loan size of 2.5X average monthly payroll costs, up to $2 million. In addition, small businesses assigned to the industry NAICS code 72 (Accommodation and Food Services) can receive PPP Second Draw loans equal to 3.5X average monthly payroll costs in order to helps these businesses combat onerous State and local restrictions. Borrowers are eligible to receive full loan forgiveness if they spend at least 60 percent of their PPP Second Draw loan on payroll costs over a time period of their choosing between 8 weeks and 24 weeks. In addition, NSBF is also offering PPP loans (first draw loans) through March 31, 2021. For PPP loans made on or after December 27, 2020, SBA will pay lenders fees based on the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the loan, for processing PPP loans in the following amounts: (i) for loans of not more than $50,000, an amount equal to the lesser of fifty (50) percent or $2,500; (ii) five (5) percent for loans of more than $50,000 and not more than $350,000; (iii) three (3) percent for loans of more than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and (iv) one (1) percent for loans of at least $2,000,000.
As of the date of this filing, the PPP Extension Act of 2021 has been passed by Congress and the Senate and is pending signature by the President of the United States. The bill would extend the deadline to submit PPP applications from March 31, 2021 to May 31, 2021.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Uncertainty with respect to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced significant volatility in the financial markets, and the effect of the volatility could materially impact our market risks, including those listed below.
We consider the principal types of risk in our investing activities to be fluctuations in interest rates and loan portfolio valuations and the availability of the secondary market for our SBA loans. Risk management systems and procedures are designed to identify and analyze our risks, to set appropriate policies and limits and to continually monitor these risks and limits by means of reliable administrative and information systems and other policies and programs.
NSBF primarily lends at an interest rate of prime, which resets on a quarterly basis, plus a fixed margin. The Capital One revolver lines are on a prime plus or minus a fixed factor basis and the securitization notes are at prime or 1 month LIBOR, plus a fixed margin, whichever is less. As a result, the Company believes it has matched its cost of funds to its interest income in its financing activities. However, because of the differential between the amount lent and the smaller amount financed a significant change in market interest rates will have a material effect on our income. In periods of sharply rising interest rates, our cost of funds will increase at a slower rate than the interest income earned on the loans we have originated; this should improve our net investment income, holding all other factors constant. However, a reduction in interest rates will result in the Company experiencing a reduction in investment income; that is, its interest income will decline more quickly than interest expense resulting in a net reduction of benefit to investment income.
NSBF depends on the availability of secondary market purchasers for the guaranteed portions of SBA loans and the premium received on such sales to support its lending operations. Sale prices for guaranteed portions of SBA 7(a) loans could be negatively impacted by market conditions, in particular a higher interest rate environment, which typically lead to higher prepayments during the period, resulting in lower sale prices in the secondary market. A reduction in the price of guaranteed SBA 7(a) loans could negatively impact our business.
We do not have significant exposure to changing interest rates on invested cash (includes cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash) which was approximately $51,425,000 at December 31, 2020. We do not purchase or hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All of our transactions are conducted in U.S. dollars and we do not have any foreign currency or foreign exchange risk. We do not trade commodities or have any commodity price risk.
We believe that we have placed our demand deposits, cash investments and their equivalents with high credit-quality financial institutions. As of December 31, 2020, cash deposits in excess of insured amounts totaled approximately $27,815,000.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Our consolidated financial statements and related notes begin on Page, which are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
As of December 31, 2020 (the end of the period covered by this report), we, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provided reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our periodic SEC filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. However, in evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. There has not been any change in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) 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 the financial statements.
Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based upon criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our assessment, management determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020 based on the criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
The information required by Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 14 is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days following the end of our fiscal year.
PART IV

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)(1) Financial Statements.
(a)(2) The following financial statement schedule is filed herewith:
Schedule of Investments In and Advances to Affiliates as of December 31, 2020
No other financial statement schedules are filed herewith because (1) such schedules are not required or (2) the information has been presented in the aforementioned financial statements.
(a)(3) Exhibits.
The following exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Number Description
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Newtek Business Services Corp. (Previously filed in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-191499) filed on November 3, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein).
3.2
Bylaws of Newtek Business Services Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-195998), filed September 24, 2014).
4.1
Form of Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-195998), filed September 24, 2014).
4.2
Description of Securities filed herewith.
4.3
Base Indenture, dated as of September 23, 2015, between Newtek, as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit d.2 to Newtek’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2, No. 333-204915, filed September 23, 2015).
4.4
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2019, between Newtek, as issuer, and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit d.8 to Newtek’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2, No. 333-224976, filed July 29, 2019).
4.5
Form of Global Note with respect to the 5.75% Notes due 2024 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit d.8 to Newtek’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2, No. 333-224976, filed July 29, 2019).
4.6
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 27, 2020, relating to the 6.85% Notes due 2025, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed November 27, 2020).
4.7
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 6, 2021, relating to the 6.85% Notes due 2025, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 6, 2021).
4.8
Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated of January 22, 2021 between Newtek Business Services Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 22, 2021).
4.9
Form of 5.50 % Notes due 2026 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 22, 2021).
4.10
Eighth Supplement Indenture dated of February 16, 2021 between Newtek Business Services Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 16, 2021).
4.11
Form of 5.75 % Notes due 2024 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 16, 2021).
10.1
Form of Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Previously filed in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-191499) filed on November 3, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein).
10.2
Newtek Business Services Corp. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8.6 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No. 333-195998), filed September 24, 2014).
10.3
Guaranty, dated as of February 28, 2011, by and between Newtek Business Services, Inc. and Sterling National Bank (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10.2 to Newtek Business Services, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16123), filed March 3, 2011).
10.4
Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2017, by and among Newtek Small Business Finance, LLC, Capital One, National Association and UBS Bank USA as Lenders, and Capital One, National Association as Administrative Agent, Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger (Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 16, 2017).
10.5
Second Amended and Restated Guaranty of Payment and Performance, dated as of May 11, 2017, delivered by Newtek Business Services Corp. in favor of Capital One, National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent, and the Lenders under the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 16, 2017).
10.6
Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2018, by and among Newtek Business Lending, LLC and Capital One, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit k.4 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Newtek’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, No. 333-224976, filed August 31, 2018).
10.7
Guaranty of Payment and Performance, dated as of July 31, 2018, by and among Newtek and Capital One, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit k.5 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Newtek’s Registration Statement on Form N-2, No. 333-224976, filed August 31, 2018).
10.8
Omnibus Amendment No. 3 to Loan Documents, dated as of September 13, 2019, by and among Newtek Small Business Finance, LLC, Capital One, National Association and UBS Bank USA as Lenders, and Capital One, National Association as Administrative Agent filed herewith.
10.9
Amended and Restated Form of Custody Agreement dated as of October 30, 2015 by and between Newtek Business Services Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Newtek Business Services Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 (File No. 814-01035) filed on November 5, 2015.
10.10
Membership Purchase Agreement, dated July 23, 2015, by and among Newtek Business Services Corp., Newtek Business Services Holdco1, Inc., Premier Payments LLC and Jeffrey Rubin (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-01035), filed on July 29, 2015).
10.11
Omnibus Amendment No. 2 to Loan Documents, dated as of June 24, 2019, by and among Newtek Small Business Finance, LLC, and UBS Bank USA, as lender, and Capital One, National Association as Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 24, 2019).
10.17
Credit Agreement dated November 8, 2018, by and among Universal Processing Services of Wisconsin LLC and Premier Payments LLC, and the several banks and other parties from time to time parties thereto as lenders and Webster Bank, National Association. (Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit k.6 to Newtek’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2, No. 333-224976, filed December 14, 2018).
10.18
Parent Guaranty Agreement, dated November 8, 2018, by and among the Company and Webster Bank, National Association. (Incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit k.7 to Newtek’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to its Registration Statement on Form N-2, No. 333-224976, filed December 14, 2018).
10.19
Limited Liability Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2018, by and between Newtek Commercial Lending, Inc. and Conventional Lending TCP Holdings LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 29, 2018).
10.20
Employment Agreement with Barry Sloane, dated March 15, 2021 filed herewith.
10.21
Employment Agreement with Michael A. Schwartz, dated March 15, 2021 filed herewith.
10.22
Employment Agreement with Peter Downs, dated March 15, 2021 filed herewith.
10.23
Omnibus Amendment No. 4 to Loan Documents, dated as of May 7, 2020, by and among Newtek Small Business Finance, LLC, Capital One, National Association and UBS Bank USA as Lenders and Capital One, National Association as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 11, 2020).
10.24
Employment Agreement by and between Newtek Business Services Corp. and Nicholas Leger dated as of February 5, 2021 (Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Newtek’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 8, 2021).
14.1
Code of Ethics (Previously filed in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-191499) filed on November 3, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein).
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant filed herewith.
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1
Certification by Principal Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, furnished herewith.
31.2
Certification by Principal Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, furnished herewith.
32.1
Certification by Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 filed herewith.
32.2
Certification by 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.
99.1
Financial Statements of Newtek Merchant Solutions, LLC and Subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 (audited) filed herewith.
99.2
Financial Statements of Newtek Merchant Solutions, LLC and Subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 (audited) filed herewith.
99.3
Financial Statements of Newtek Merchant Solutions, LLC and Subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 (audited) filed herewith.
99.4
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Supplemental Information filed herewith.