UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20192020

or

 

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

 

1934 For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

 

Commission file number: 814-00967

 

WHITEHORSE FINANCE, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware45-4247759
(State or Other Jurisdiction of(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)Identification No.)

1450 Brickell Avenue, 31st Floor

Miami, Florida

33131
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)

 

(305) 381-6999

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

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

 

Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which
Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per shareWHF

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

(Nasdaq Global Select Market)

6.50% Notes due 2025WHFBZ

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

(Nasdaq Global Select Market)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ¨ No ¨

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filerx
    
Non-accelerated filer¨Smaller reporting company¨
    
  Emerging growth company¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

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

 

As of November 12, 20196, 2020 the Registrant had 20,546,032 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

WHITEHORSE FINANCE, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
Part I.Financial Information3
Item 1.Financial Statements3
 Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 20192020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 201820193
 Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 (Unaudited) and 20182019 (Unaudited)4
 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 (Unaudited) and 20182019 (Unaudited)5
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 (Unaudited) and 20182019 (Unaudited)7
 Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of September 30, 20192020 (Unaudited) and December 31, 201820198
 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)1718
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations4145
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk5560
Item 4.Controls and Procedures5560
Part II.Other Information5661
Item 1.Legal Proceedings5661
Item 1A.Risk Factors5661
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds5864
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities5864
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures5864
Item 5.Other Information5864
Item 6.Exhibits5864

 


Part I. Financial Information

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2020  2019 
  (Unaudited)    
Assets        
Investments, at fair value        
Non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments $535,387  $546,744 
Non-controlled affiliate company investments  9,520   9,651 
Controlled affiliate company investments  50,388   33,293 
Total investments, at fair value (amortized cost $598,477 and $597,725, respectively)  595,295   589,688 
Cash and cash equivalents  8,863   4,294 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents  13,830   23,252 
Restricted foreign currency (cost of $233)  231    
Interest and dividend receivable  6,145   6,010 
Amounts receivable on unsettled investment transactions  815   360 
Prepaid expenses and other receivables  627   7,620 
Total assets $625,806  $631,224 
         
Liabilities        
Debt $291,924  $298,924 
Distributions payable  7,294   7,294 
Management fees payable  3,069   3,060 
Incentive fees payable  7,029   5,230 
Interest payable  853   1,674 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  1,035   1,944 
Advances received from unfunded credit facilities  39   143 
Total liabilities  311,243   318,269 
         
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 8)        
         
Net assets        
Common stock, 20,546,032 and 20,546,032 shares issued and outstanding, par value $0.001 per share, respectively, and 100,000,000 authorized  21   21 
Paid-in capital in excess of par  300,744   300,744 
Accumulated earnings  13,798   12,190 
Total net assets  314,563   312,955 
Total liabilities and total net assets $625,806  $631,224 
         
Number of shares outstanding  20,546,032   20,546,032 
Net asset value per share $15.31  $15.23 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

  September  30, 2019  December 31, 2018 
  (Unaudited)    
Assets        
Investments, at fair value        
Non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments $493,460  $459,399 
Non-controlled affiliate company investments  9,673   10,165 
Controlled affiliate company investments  24,410   - 
Total investments, at fair value (amortized cost $535,213 and $477,839, respectively)  527,543   469,564 
Cash and cash equivalents  9,827   24,148 
Restricted cash and cash equivalents  12,335   9,584 
Interest receivable  6,952   4,616 
Amounts receivable on unsettled investment transactions  9,219   5,608 
Prepaid expenses and other receivables  158   575 
Total assets $566,034  $514,095 
         
Liabilities        
Debt $231,966  $175,953 
Management and incentive fees payable  7,717   11,193 
Distributions payable  7,294   7,294 
Amounts payable on unsettled investment transactions  -   445 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  2,417   2,322 
Interest payable  1,067   1,562 
Advances received from unfunded credit facilities  79   30 
Total liabilities  250,540   198,799 
         
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 7)        
         
Net assets        
Common stock 20,546,032 and 20,546,032 shares issued and outstanding, par value $0.001 per share, respectively, and 100,000,000 authorized  21   21 
Paid-in capital in excess of par  301,557   301,557 
Accumulated undistributed earnings  13,916   13,718 
Total net assets  315,494   315,296 
Total liabilities and total net assets $566,034  $514,095 
         
Number of shares outstanding  20,546,032   20,546,032 
Net asset value per share $15.36  $15.35 
  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
  2020  2019  2020  2019 
Investment income                
From non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments                
Interest income $14,222  $14,865  $39,506  $42,104 
Fee income  741   2,246   1,571   6,328 
Dividend income  21   -   101   - 
From non-controlled affiliate company investments                
Dividend income  263   301   800   888 
From controlled affiliate company investments                
Interest income  682   343   1,913   343 
Dividend income  568   -   961   - 
Total investment income  16,497   17,755   44,852   49,663 
                 
Expenses                
Interest expense  2,770   3,495   9,661   9,744 
Base management fees  3,069   2,834   9,110   8,240 
Performance-based incentive fees  3,819   1,714   5,571   5,520 
Administrative service fees  171   159   512   475 
General and administrative expenses  601   660   2,212   1,875 
Total expenses, before fees waived  10,430   8,862   27,066   25,854 
Base management fee waived  -   -   -   (397)
Total expenses, net of fees waived  10,430   8,862   27,066   25,457 
Net investment income before excise tax  6,067   8,893   17,786   24,206 
Excise tax  137   238   513   712 
Net investment income after excise tax  5,930   8,655   17,273   23,494 
                 
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions                
Net realized gains (losses)                
Non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments  635   (2)  1,069   (2,020)
Foreign currency transactions  (1)  -   66   - 
Foreign currency forward contracts  (25)  -   (25)  - 
Net realized gains (losses)  609   (2)  1,110   (2,020)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)                
Non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments  12,659   (1,882)  6,303   1,042 
Non-controlled affiliate company investments  999   28   (131)  (492)
Controlled affiliate company investments  1,526   56   (1,316)  56 
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies  (92)  -   251   - 
Foreign currency forward contracts  3   -   -   - 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  15,095   (1,798)  5,107   606 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments  15,704   (1,800)  6,217   (1,414)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $21,634  $6,855  $23,490  $22,080 
                 
Per Common Share Data                
Basic and diluted earnings per common share $1.06  $0.34  $1.15  $1.08 
Dividends and distributions declared per common share $0.36  $0.36  $1.07  $1.07 
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding  20,546,032    20,546,032  20,546,032   20,546,032 

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements

3


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of OperationsChanges in Net Assets (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

  Three months ended September 30,  Nine months ended September 30, 
  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Investment income                
From non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments                
Interest income $14,865  $13,843  $42,104  $40,871 
Fee income  2,246   875   6,328   3,855 
From non-controlled affiliate company investments                
Dividend income  301   600   888   1,851 
From controlled affiliate company investments                
Interest income  343   -   343   - 
Total investment income  17,755   15,318   49,663   46,577 
                 
Expenses                
Interest expense  3,495   3,283   9,744   8,649 
Base management fees  2,834   2,761   8,240   7,813 
Performance-based incentive fees  1,714   4,865   5,520   10,900 
Administrative service fees  159   175   475   525 
General and administrative expenses  660   572   1,875   1,843 
Total expenses, before fees waived  8,862   11,656   25,854   29,730 
Base management fees waived  -  (115)  (397)  (115)
Total expenses, net of fees waived  8,862   11,541   25,457   29,615 
Net investment income before excise tax  8,893   3,777   24,206   16,962 
Excise tax  238   -   712   - 
Net investment income after excise tax  8,655   3,777   23,494   16,962 
                 
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments                
Net realized gains (losses)                
Non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments  (2)  17   (2,020)  90 
Net realized gains (losses)  (2)  17   (2,020)  90 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)                
Non-controlled/non-affiliate company investments  (1,882)  (1,164)  1,042   (2,125)
Non-controlled affiliate company investments  28   16,832   (492)  37,442 
Controlled affiliate company investments  56   -   56   - 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  (1,798)  15,668   606   35,317 
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments  (1,800)  15,685   (1,414)  35,407 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $6,855  $19,462  $22,080  $52,369 
                 
Per Common Share Data                
Basic and diluted earnings per common share $0.34  $0.95  $1.08  $2.55 
Dividends and distributions declared per common share $0.36  $0.36  $1.07  $1.07 
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding  20,546,032   20,545,726   20,546,032   20,536,591 
        Paid-in  Accumulated    
        Capital in  Undistributed    
  Common Stock  Excess of  (Overdistributed)  Total Net 
  Shares  Par amount  Par  Earnings  Assets 
Balance at June 30, 2019  20,546,032  $21  $301,557  $14,354  $315,932 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations:                    
Net investment income after excise tax  -   -   -   8,655   8,655 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments  -   -   -   (2)  (2)
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments
  -   -   -   (1,798)  (1,798)
Distributions declared  -   -   -   (7,293)  (7,293)
Balance at September 30, 2019  20,546,032  $21  $301,557  $13,916  $315,494 
                     
Balance at June 30, 2020  20,546,032  $21  $300,744  $(543) $300,222 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations:                    
Net investment income after excise tax  -   -   -   5,930   5,930 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments  -   -   -   609   609 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  -   -   -   15,095   15,095 
Distributions declared  -   -   -   (7,293)  (7,293)
Balance at September 30, 2020  20,546,032  $21  $300,744  $13,798  $314,563 

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

  Common Stock  

Paid-in

Capital in

Excess of

  

Accumulated

Undistributed

(Overdistributed)

  Total Net 
  Shares  Par amount  Par  Earnings  Assets 
Balance at June 30, 2018  20,531,948   20   302,292   (2,969)  305,281 
Stock issued in connection with distribution reinvestment plan  14,084   1   206   -   207 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations:                    
Net investment income after excise tax  -   -   -   3,777   3,777 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments  -   -   -   17   17 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  -   -   -   15,668   15,668 
Distributions declared  -   -   -   (7,296)  (7,296)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity  -   -   -   -   - 
Balance at September 30, 2018  20,546,032   21   302,498   15,135   317,654 
                     
Balance at June 30, 2019  20,546,032   21   301,557   14,354   315,932 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations:                    
Net investment income after excise tax  -   -   -   8,655   8,655 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments  -   -   -   (2)  (2)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  -   -   -   (1,798)  (1,798)
Distributions declared  -   -   -   (7,293)  (7,293)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity  -   -   -   -   - 
Balance at September 30, 2019  20,546,032   21   301,557   13,916   315,494 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements

5

WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) - continued

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 Common Stock  

Paid-in

Capital in

Excess of

 

Accumulated

Undistributed

(Overdistributed)

  Total Net       Paid-in Accumulated    
 Shares  Par amount  Par  Earnings  Assets       Capital in Undistributed    
Balance at December 31, 2017  20,531,948  $20  $302,292  $(15,360) $286,952 
Stock issued in connection with distribution reinvestment plan  14,084   1   206   -   207 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations:                    
Net investment income after excise tax  -   -   -   16,962   16,962 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments  -   -   -   90   90 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  -   -   -   35,317   35,317 
Distributions declared  -   -   -   (21,874)  (21,874)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity  -   -   -   -   - 
Balance at September 30, 2018  20,546,032   21   302,498  $15,135   317,654 
 Common Stock  Excess of  (Overdistributed)  Total Net 
                     Shares  Par amount  Par  Earnings  Assets 
Balance at December 31, 2018  20,546,032  $21  $301,557  $13,718  $315,296   20,546,032  $21  $301,557  $13,718  $315,296 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations:                                        
Net investment income after excise tax  -   -   -          23,494        23,494   -   -   -   23,494   23,494 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments  -   -   -   (2,020)  (2,020)  -   -   -   (2,020)  (2,020)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  -   -   -   606   606   -   -   -   606   606 
Distributions declared  -   -   -   (21,882)  (21,882)  -   -   -   (21,882)  (21,882)
Tax reclassification of stockholders’ equity  -   -   -   -   - 
Balance at September 30, 2019  20,546,032  $21  $301,557  $13,916   315,494   20,546,032  $21  $301,557  $13,916  $315,494 
                    
Balance at December 31, 2019  20,546,032  $21  $300,744  $12,190  $312,955 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations:                    
Net investment income after excise tax  -   -   -   17,273   17,273 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments  -   -   -   1,110   1,110 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  -   -   -   5,107   5,107 
Distributions declared  -   -   -   (21,882)  (21,882)
Balance at September 30, 2020  20,546,032  $21  $300,744  $13,798   314,563 

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 Nine months ended 
 

Nine months ended

September 30,

  September 30, 
 2019  2018  2020  2019 
Cash flows from operating activities                
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $22,080   52,369  $23,490  $22,080 
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash used in operating activities:        
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
Paid-in-kind income    (1,922)  (460)  (681)  (1,922)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments  2,020   (90)  (1,069)  2,020 
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  (606)  (35,317)
Net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments  (4,856)  (606)
Net unrealized appreciation on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies  (251)  - 
Accretion of discount  (3,346)  (3,503)  (2,169)  (3,346)
Amortization of deferred financing costs  746   933   767   746 
Acquisition of investments  (207,756)  (209,790)  (126,255)  (207,756)
Proceeds from principal payments and sales of portfolio investments  153,630   180,220   81,438   121,619 
Proceeds for sales of portfolio investments to STRS JV  47,985   32,011 
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Interest receivable  (1,344)  441)
Interest and dividend receivable  (135)  (1,344)
Prepaid expenses and other receivables  417   (336)  6,993   417 
Amounts receivable on unsettled investment transactions  (4,603)  184)  (455)  (4,603)
Amounts payable on unsettled investment transactions  (445)  7,780   -   (445)
Management and incentive fees payable  (3,476)  3,876 
Management fees payable  1,808   (3,765)
Incentive fees payable  (725)  289 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  95   41   -   95 
Interest payable  (495)  372   (821)  (495)
Advances received from unfunded credit facilities  49   (50)  (104)  49 
Net cash used in operating activities  (44,956)  (3,330)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  24,960   (44,956)
                
Cash flows from financing activities                
Borrowings  107,400   130,400   133,695   107,400 
Repayments of debt  (52,100)  (116,900)  (141,393)  (52,100)
Deferred financing costs  (32)  (847)  -   (32)
Distributions paid to common stockholders, net of distributions reinvested  (21,882)  (21,662)  (21,882)  (21,882)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  33,386   (9,009)  (29,580)  33,386 
        
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (2)  - 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  (11,570)  (12,339)  (4,622)  (11,570)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period  33,732   38,936   27,546   33,732 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $22,162   26,597  $22,924  $22,162 
                
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                
Interest paid $9,492   7,344  $9,728  $9,492 
Non-cash exchanges of investments 24,355   -   18,411   24,355 

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities that sum to the total of the same amounts presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows:

 

 September 30,  September 30, 
 2019  2018  2020  2019 
Cash and cash equivalents $9,827   11,481  $8,863  $9,827 
Restricted cash  12,335   15,116 
Restricted cash and restricted foreign currency  14,061   12,335 
                
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash presented in consolidated statements of cash flows $22,162   26,597  $22,924  $22,162 

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 20192020

(in thousands)

 

Investment Type(1) Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
 Acquisition Date(10) Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
 Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value(11)
  Fair Value
As A
Percentage
of Net
Assets
  Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
 Acquisition
Date(10)
 Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value(11)
 Fair Value
As A
Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
North America                                         
Debt Investments                                       
Advertising                                       
Fluent, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 9.04% 03/26/18 03/27/23  9,727  $9,727  $9,727   3.08 L+ 7.00% 7.50% 03/26/18 03/27/23 7,609 $7,609 $7,609 2.42%
 (0.50% Floor)                      (0.50% Floor)              
SmartSign Holdings LLC                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.50% 8.50% 08/21/20 10/11/24 7,763  7,612  7,763 2.47 
 (1.00% Floor)       15,372  15,221  15,372 4.89 
Agricultural & Farm Machinery                
Bad Boy Mowers Acquisition, LLC                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 5.75% 6.75% 12/19/19 12/06/25 10,307  10,037 10,152 3.23 
 (1.00% Floor)              
Air Freight & Logistics                                       
Access USA Shipping, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 10.04% 02/08/19 02/08/24  5,724   5,649   5,673   1.80  L+ 8.00% 9.00% 02/08/19 02/08/24 5,432  5,378 5,398 1.72 
 (1.50% Floor)                      (1.50% Floor)              
Application Software                                       
Connexity, Inc.                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.50% 10.00% 05/21/20 05/21/25 10,931  10,627 10,771 3.42 
 (1.50% Floor)              
Newscycle Solutions, Inc.                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 9.04% 06/14/19 12/29/22  5,330   5,233   5,224   1.66  L+ 7.00% 8.00% 06/14/19 12/29/22 5,114  5,050 4,774 1.52 
 (1.00% Floor)                      (1.00% Floor)              
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 7.00% 9.06% 06/14/19 12/29/22  241   238   237   0.08 
 (1.00% Floor)                     
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan L+ 7.00% 8.00% 06/14/19 12/29/22 301  298  281 0.09 
          5,571   5,471   5,461   1.74  (1.00% Floor)       16,346  15,975  15,826 5.03 
Automotive Retail                                         
Team Car Care Holdings, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan(12) base rate+ 7.99% 10.32% 02/26/18 02/23/23  16,837   16,580   16,837   5.34  base rate+ 7.99% 9.01% 02/26/18 02/23/23 16,330  16,154 15,953 5.07 
 (1.00% Floor)                      (1.00% Floor)              
BW Gas & Convenience Holdings, LLC                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.25% 6.40% 11/15/19 11/18/24 8,181  7,908  8,181 2.60 
 (0.00% Floor)       24,511  24,062  24,134 7.67 
Broadcasting                                       
Alpha Media, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 8.15% 08/14/18 02/25/22  5,629   5,506   5,623   1.78  P+ 7.50% 10.75% 08/14/18 02/25/22 5,075  5,010 4,849 1.54 
 (1.00% Floor)                      (2.00% Floor)                
Multicultural Radio Broadcasting, Inc.                       
Building Products                   
LHS Borrower, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 10.04% 12/28/17 12/28/22  16,588   16,373   16,588   5.26  L+ 6.75% 7.75% 09/30/20 09/30/25 19,499  19,063  19,062 6.06 
 (1.00% Floor)                      (1.00% Floor)                 
Rural Media Group, Inc.                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.71% 9.97% 12/29/17 12/29/22  7,133   7,043   7,048   2.23 
 (1.00% Floor)                     
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 6.75% 7.75% 09/30/20 09/30/25 -  -  - - 
          29,350   28,922   29,259   9.27  (1.00% Floor)       19,499  19,063  19,062 6.06 
Cable & Satellite                                         
Bulk Midco, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan(15) L+7.19% 8.19% 06/08/18 06/08/23 15,000  14,879 14,250 4.53 
 (1.00% Floor)              
Communications Equipment                
Ribbon Communications Operating Company, Inc.(5)                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.31% 9.68% 06/08/18 06/08/23  15,000   14,834   13,950   4.42  L+ 7.50% 7.65% 08/14/20 03/03/26 12,469  12,011 12,011 3.82 
 (1.00% Floor)                      (0.00% Floor)              
Communications Equipment                       
Sorenson Communications, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 8.60% 03/15/19 03/15/24  5,119   4,978   5,100   1.62  L+ 6.50% 6.72% 03/15/19 04/29/24 3,971  3,886  3,950 1.26 
 (0.00% Floor)                      (0.00% Floor)       16,440  15,897  15,961 5.08 
Construction & Engineering                                       
SFP Holding, Inc.                       
Atlas Intermediate Holdings LLC                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.25% 8.35% 07/26/19 09/01/22  6,172   6,172   6,172   1.96  L+ 6.25% 7.25% 05/26/20 02/13/26 15,269  14,404 14,810 4.71 
 (1.00% Floor)                     
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan(7) L+ 6.25% 8.45% 07/26/19 09/01/22  2,637   2,637   2,637   0.84 
 (6.25% Floor)                     
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 6.25% 8.41% 07/26/19 09/01/22  193   193   193   0.06 
                       
          9,002   9,002   9,002   2.86  (1.00% Floor)              
Data Processing & Outsourced Services                                       
FPT Operating Company, LLC/                                       
TLabs Operating Company, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.25% 10.35% 06/07/19 06/07/24  25,063   24,825   24,437   7.75  L+ 8.75% 9.75% 12/23/16 06/07/24 24,441  24,200 23,431 7.45 
 (1.00% Floor) (0.50%PIK)            
Geo Logic Systems Ltd. (5)                
First Lien Secured Term Loan (13) C +6.25% 7.25% 12/19/19 12/19/24 6,752  5,062 4,903 1.56 
 (1.00% Floor)              
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan (7)(13) C +6.25% 7.25% 12/19/19 12/19/24 -  -  (4)- 
 (1.00% Floor)                      (1.00% Floor) `     31,193  29,262  28,330 9.01 
Department Stores                                       
Mills Fleet Farm Group, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 9.04% 10/24/18 10/24/24  14,888   14,635   14,186   4.50  L+ 6.25% 7.25% 10/24/18 10/24/24 13,543  13,280 13,272 4.22 
 (1.00% Floor) (0.75% PIK)                    (1.00% Floor)              
Distributors                                       
Crown Brands, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 10.04% 01/28/19 01/25/24  5,801   5,676   5,669   1.80  L+ 8.00% 9.50% 01/28/19 01/25/24 5,727  5,632 4,868 1.55 
 (1.50% Floor)                      (1.50% Floor)              
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan(7) L+ 8.00% 10.04% 01/28/19 01/25/24  -   -   (1)  - 
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan L+ 8.00% 9.50% 06/10/20 01/25/24 850  850  723 0.23 
 (1.50% Floor)                      (1.50% Floor)       6,577  6,482  5,591 1.78 
          5,801   5,676   5,668   1.80 
Diversified Support Services         ��             
ImageOne Industries, LLC                       
Diversified Chemicals                
Sklar Holdings, Inc.                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 10.00% 12.04% 01/11/18 01/11/23  7,183   7,019   6,824   2.16  L+ 6.00% 8.00% 11/13/19 05/13/23 8,903  8,726 8,790 2.79 
 (1.00% Floor) (4.00% PIK)                    (1.00% Floor)              
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(4)(12) L+ 5.75% 9.33% 07/22/19 12/12/22  787   787   787   0.25 
                       
NNA Services, LLC                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 9.10% 10/16/18 10/16/23  9,954   9,793   9,894   3.14 
 (1.50% Floor)                     
          17,924   17,599   17,505   5.55 

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) - (continued)

September 30, 2019

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1) Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
 Acquisition Date(10) Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value(11)
  Fair Value
As A
Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
Food Retail                        
AG Kings Holdings, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan(8) L+ 11.95% 14.05% 08/10/16 08/10/21  13,046  $12,837  $8,480   2.69%
  (1.00% Floor) (2.00%PIK)                    
Crews of California, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 11.00% 13.04% 11/20/14 11/20/19  9,313   9,308   9,265   2.94 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.00%PIK)                    
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan L+ 11.00% 13.04% 06/05/15 11/20/19  5,211   5,207   5,184   1.64 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.00%PIK)                    
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan L+ 11.00% 13.04% 03/27/15 11/20/19  2,675   2,673   2,661   0.84 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.00%PIK)                    
           30,245   30,025   25,590   8.11 
Health Care Facilities                        
Grupo HIMA San Pablo, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan A L+ 9.00% 11.27% 05/15/19 04/30/19  3,855   3,855   3,276   1.04 
  (1.50% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Term Loan B L+ 9.00% 11.27% 02/01/13 04/30/19  13,511   13,511   11,484   3.64 
  (1.50% Floor)                      
Second Lien Secured Term Loan(8) N/A 15.75% 02/01/13 07/31/18  1,028   1,024   -   - 
    (2.00%PIK)                    
           18,394   18,390   14,760   4.68 
Health Care Services                        
CHS Therapy, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan A L+ 8.50% 10.63% 06/14/19 06/14/24  7,663   7,526   7,539   2.39 
  (1.50% Floor)                      
PMA Holdco, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.75% 9.85% 06/28/18 06/28/23  12,854   12,650   12,785   4.05 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
           20,517   20,176   20,324   6.44 
Home Furnishings                        
Sure Fit Home Products, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 9.75% 11.86% 10/26/18 07/13/22  5,320   5,240   5,107   1.62 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
Human Resources & Employment Services                        
Pluto Acquisition Topco, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.56% 8.81% 01/31/19 01/31/24  12,417   12,202   12,304   3.90 
  (1.50% Floor)                      
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail                        
Marlin DTC-LS Midco 2, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 8.04% 07/01/19 07/01/25  966   947   948   0.30 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 6.00% 8.04% 07/01/19 07/01/25  -   -   -   - 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
Potpourri Group, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.25% 10.35% 07/03/19 07/03/24  18,881   18,480   18,540   5.88 
  (0.00% Floor)                      
           19,847   19,427   19,488   6.18 
Internet Services & Infrastructure                        
London Trust Media Incorporated                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 10.26% 02/01/18 02/01/23  10,494   10,389   10,494   3.33 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
StackPath, LLC & Highwinds Capital, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 9.50% 12.14% 04/03/19 02/02/24  15,533   15,314   14,368   4.55 
  (1.00% Floor) (12.39%PIK)                    
           26,027   25,703   24,862   7.88 
Investment Banking & Brokerage                        
Arcole Acquisition Corp(5)                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan A L+ 8.25% 10.37% 11/29/18 11/30/23  5,326   5,244   5,193   1.65 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Term Loan B L+ 14.50% 16.62% 11/29/18 11/30/23  1,821   1,794   1,803   0.58 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.50%PIK)                    
JVMC Holdings Corp. (f/k/a RJO Holdings Corp)                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 8.54% 02/28/19 02/28/24  16,407   16,262   16,407   5.20 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
           23,554   23,300   23,403   7.42 
IT Consulting & Other Services                        
AST-Applications Software Technology LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 10.04% 01/10/17 01/10/23  4,246   4,193   4,119   1.31 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.00%PIK)                    
Leisure Facilities                        
Honors Holdings, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.88% 8.99% 09/06/19 09/06/24  9,405   9,257   9,254   2.93 
  (0.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan(7) L+ 6.88% 8.99% 09/06/19 09/06/24  -   -   (15)  - 
  (0.00% Floor)                      
Lift Brands, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 9.10% 04/16/18 04/16/23  10,776   10,616   10,276   3.26 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 6.00% 11.00% 04/16/18 04/16/23  203   200   176   0.06 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
           20,384   20,073   19,691  6.25 
Office Services & Supplies                        
Empire Office, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.75% 8.79% 04/12/19 04/12/24  12,383   12,158   12,186   3.86 
  (1.50% Floor)                      
Other Diversified Financial Services                        
Sigue Corporation(4)                        
Second Lien Secured Term Loan(4) L+ 12.00% 14.10% 12/27/13 04/30/20  24,904   24,903   24,655   7.81 
  (1.00% Floor)                      

See notes to consolidated financial statements


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) - (continued)

September 30, 2019

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1) Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
 Acquisition Date(10) Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value(11)
  Fair Value
As A
Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
Packaged Foods & Meats                        
Lenny & Larry's, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.98% 10.01% 05/15/18 05/15/23  12,303  $12,126  $11,934   3.78%
  (1.00% Floor) (1.18%PIK)                    
Poultry Holdings, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 5.75% 7.79% 06/28/19 06/28/25  7,827   7,677   7,670   2.43 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
           20,130   19,803   19,604   6.21 
Personal Products                        
Sunless, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 8.05% 08/13/19 08/13/24  4,877   4,782   4,781   1.52 
  (0.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 6.00% 8.05% 08/13/19 08/13/24  -   -   -   - 
  (0.00% Floor)                      
           4,877   4,782   4,781   1.52 
Research & Consulting Services                        
Nelson Worldwide, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.75% 11.09% 01/09/18 01/09/23  13,692   13,467   13,349   4.23 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
Restaurants                        
LS GFG Holdings Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 8.04% 11/30/18 11/19/25  10,262   9,991   9,876   3.13 
  (0.00% Floor)                      
Specialized Finance                        
Golden Pear Funding Assetco, LLC(5)                        
Second Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 10.50% 12.60% 09/20/18 03/20/24  17,500   17,216   17,441   5.53 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
Oasis Legal Finance, LLC(5)                        
Second Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 10.75% 12.85% 09/09/16 03/09/22  20,000   19,822   20,000   6.34 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC                        
Subordinated Note(4)(5)(7)(13)(14) L+ 6.50% 8.59% 07/19/19 N/A  19,484   19,484   19,484   6.18 
                         
           56,984   56,522   56,925   18.05 
Trading Companies & Distributors                        
Vessco Holdings, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 8.65% 08/22/19 08/22/24  14,175   13,902   13,897   4.40 
  (1.50% Floor)                      
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals                        
Source Code Midco, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.25% 10.52% 05/04/18 05/04/23  20,531   20,121   20,531   6.51 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
Trucking                        
Sunteck / TTS Holdings, LLC                        
Second Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 9.00% 11.12% 12/15/16 06/15/22  3,500   3,470   3,500   1.11 
  (1.00% Floor)                      
Total Debt Investments          522,395   515,746   505,757   160.35 
                         
                         
Equity Investments                        
Advertising                        
Fluent, Inc. (f/k/a Cogint, Inc.)(4)(9) N/A N/A 11/28/17 N/A  187   560   536   0.17 
                         
Diversified Support Services                        
Quest Events, LLC Preferred Units(4) N/A N/A 12/28/18 12/08/25  317   317   317   0.10 
ImageOne Industries, LLC Common A Units(4) N/A N/A 09/20/19 12/08/25  149   -   -   - 
           466   317   317   0.10 
                         
Food Retail                        
Crews of California, Inc. Warrants(4) N/A N/A 11/20/14 12/31/24  -   -   15   - 
Nicholas & Associates, LLC Warrants(4) N/A N/A 11/20/14 12/31/24  3   -   314   0.10 
Pinnacle Management Group, LLC Warrants(4) N/A N/A 11/20/14 12/31/24  3   -   314   0.10 
RC3 Enterprises, LLC Warrants(4) N/A N/A 11/20/14 12/31/24  3   -   314   0.10 
           9   -   957   0.30 
                         
Health Care Services                        
PMA Holdco, LLC Warrants(4) N/A N/A 06/28/18 06/28/28  8   -   454   0.14 
                         
Other Diversified Financial Services                        
RCS Creditor Trust Class B Units(4)(6) N/A N/A 10/01/17 N/A  143   -   -   - 
                         
SFS Global Holding Company Warrants(4) N/A N/A 06/28/18 12/28/25  -   -   -   - 
                         
Sigue Corporation Warrants(4) N/A N/A 06/28/18 12/28/25  22   2,890   3,818   1.21 
           165   2,890   3,818   1.21 
Specialized Finance                        
NMFC Senior Loan Program I LLC Units(4)(5)(6)N/A N/A 08/13/14 08/31/21  10,000   10,029   9,673   3.07 
                         
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC(4)(5)(7)(13)N/A N/A 07/19/19 08/31/21  4,871   4,871   4,927   1.56 
          14,871   14,900   14,600   4.63 
                         
Trading Companies & Distributors                        
Vessco Holdings, LLC(4) N/A N/A 08/22/19 12/31/22  489   800   800   0.25 
                         
Trucking                        
Fox Rent A Car, Inc. Warrants(4) N/A N/A 10/26/16 12/31/22  -   -   304   0.10 
                         
Total Equity Investments          16,195   19,467   21,786   6.90 
                         
Total Investments          538,590  $535,213  $527,543   167.25

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) - (continued)

September 30, 20192020

(in thousands)

 

(1) Except as otherwise noted, all investments are non-controlled/non-affiliate investments as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and provide collateral for the Company’s credit facility.

(2) The investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” or “L”), which resets monthly, quarterly or semiannually, or the U.S. Prime Rate as published by the Wall Street Journal (“Prime” or “P”). The one, three and six-month LIBOR were 2.0%, 2.1% and 2.1%, respectively, as of September 30, 2019. The Prime was 5.0% as of September 30, 2019.

(3) The interest rate is the “all-in-rate” including the current index and spread, the fixed rate, and the payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest rate, as the case may be.

(4) The investment or a portion of the investment does not provide collateral for the Company’s credit facility.

(5) Not a qualifying asset under Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying asset unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of total assets. Qualifying assets represented 86% of total assets as of the date of the consolidated schedule of investments.

(6) Investment is a non-controlled/affiliate investment as defined by the 1940 Act.

(7) The investment has an unfunded commitment in addition to any amounts presented in the consolidated schedule of investments as of September 30, 2019. See Note 7.

(8) The investment is on non-accrual status.

(9) The fair value of the investment was determined using observable inputs. See Note 4. There are no legal restrictions on sales of the investment.

(10) Except as otherwise noted, all of the Company’s portfolio company investments, which as of the date of the consolidated schedule of investments represented 167% of the Company’s net assets or 93% of the Company’s total assets, are subject to legal restrictions on sales.

(11) Except as otherwise noted, the fair value of each investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs. See Note 4.

(12) The investment was comprised of two contracts, which were indexed to different base rates, L and P, respectively. The Spread Above Index and Interest Rate presented represent the weighted average of both contracts.

(13) Investment is a controlled affiliate investment as defined by the 1940 Act. On January 14, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement (as described in Note 3 hereto) with State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, a public pension fund established under Ohio law (“STRS Ohio”), to create WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund, LLC (“STRS JV”), a joint venture, which invests primarily in senior secured first and second lien term loans.

Diversified Support Services                   
ImageOne Industries, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 10.00% 11.00% 01/11/18 01/11/23 6,497 $6,355 $6,444 2.05%
  (1.00% Floor) (4.00%PIK)               
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(4)(7) L+ 10.00% 11.00% 07/22/19 12/12/22 731  731  731 0.23 
  (1.00% Floor) (4.00%PIK)               
NNA Services, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 8.50% 10/16/18 10/16/23 13,442  13,249  13,308 4.23
  (1.50% Floor)       20,670  20,335  20,483 6.51 
Education Services                   
EducationDynamics, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.75% 8.75% 11/26/19 11/26/24 13,936  13,697  13,936 4.43
  (1.00% Floor)                 
Food Retail                   
AG Kings Holdings, Inc.                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan(4)(8) P+ 11.00% 14.25% 08/10/16 08/10/21 21,644  8,612  8,541 2.72 
  (0.75% Floor) (2.00%PIK)               
Superpriority Secured Debtor-In-Possession Term Loan(4)(18) L+ 10.00% 11.00% 08/26/20 08/10/21 14,222  5,663  14,222 4.52 
  (1.00% Floor)       35,866  14,275  22,763 7.24 
Health Care Facilities                   
Grupo HIMA San Pablo, Inc.                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan A L+ 9.00% 9.25% 05/15/19 04/30/19 3,855  3,855  2,621 0.83 
                    
First Lien Secured Term Loan B L+ 9.00% 10.50% 02/01/13 04/30/19 13,511  13,511  9,188 2.92 
  (1.50% Floor)                 
Second Lien Secured Term Loan(8) N/A 15.75% 02/01/13 07/31/18 1,028  1,024  - - 
    (2.00%PIK)     18,394  18,390  11,809 3.75 
Health Care Services                   
CHS Therapy, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan A L+ 7.75% 9.25% 06/14/19 06/14/24 7,470  7,365  7,470 2.37 
  (1.50% Floor)                 
Lab Logistics, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 7.50% 10/16/19 09/25/23 106  105  106 0.03 
  (1.00% Floor)                 
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan L+ 6.50% 7.73% 10/16/19 09/25/23 5,249  5,219  5,249 1.67 
  (1.00% Floor)       12,825  12,689  12,825 4.07 
Home Furnishings                   
Sure Fit Home Products, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan(8) L+ 9.75% 10.75% 10/26/18 07/13/22 5,228  5,111  3,778 1.20 
  (1.00% Floor)                 
Interactive Media & Services                   
What If Media Group, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 7.50% 10/02/19 10/02/24 12,675  12,472  12,675 4.03 
  (1.00% Floor)                 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail                   
BBQ Buyer, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 9.50% 08/28/20 08/28/25 10,696  10,434  10,432 3.32 
  (1.50% Floor)                 
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan (7) L+ 8.00% 9.50% 08/28/20 02/28/21 -  -  - - 
  (1.50% Floor)                 
Potpourri Group, Inc.                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.25% 9.75% 07/03/19 07/03/24 18,034  17,732  17,855 5.68 
  (1.50% Floor)       28,730  28,166  28,287 9.00 
Investment Banking & Brokerage                   
Arcole Acquisition Corp(5)                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan A(4)(8)(19) L+ 10.25% 11.25% 11/29/18 11/30/23 5,231  5,159  4,708 1.50 
  (1.00% Floor)                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan B(4)(8)(19) L+ 16.50% 17.50% 11/29/18 11/30/23 1,826  1,785  1,643 0.52 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.50%PIK)               
Subordinated Unsecured Term Loan(4) L+ 9.00% 10.00% 07/31/20 10/31/20 291  291  291 0.09 
  (1.00% Floor)                 
JVMC Holdings Corp. (f/k/a RJO Holdings Corp)                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 7.50% 02/28/19 02/28/24 13,815  13,721  13,815 4.39 
  (1.00% Floor)       21,163  20,956  20,457 6.50 
IT Consulting & Other Services                   
AST-Applications Software Technology LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 9.00% 01/10/17 01/10/23 4,034  3,999  4,034 1.28 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.00%PIK)               
Leisure Facilities                   
Honors Holdings, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan (16) L+ 7.97% 8.97% 09/06/19 09/06/24 9,414  9,265  8,284 2.63 
  (1.00% Floor) (0.50%PIK)               
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan(16) L+ 7.61% 8.61% 09/06/19 09/06/24 4,638  4,591  4,081 1.30 
  (1.00% Floor) (0.50%PIK)               
Lift Brands, Inc. (aka Snap Fitness Holdings, Inc.)   `               
First Lien Secured Term Loan A L+ 3.25% 4.25% 06/29/20 06/29/25 5,659  5,576  5,571 1.77 
  (1.00% Floor)                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan B N/A 9.50% 06/29/20 06/29/25 1,136  1,109  1,107 0.35 
    (9.50%PIK)               
First Lien Secured Term Loan C (9) N/A 9.50% 06/29/20 N/A 1,268  1,265  1,265 0.40 
    (9.50%PIK)     22,115  21,806  20,308 6.45 
Office Services & Supplies                   
Empire Office, Inc.                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.75% 8.25% 04/12/19 04/12/24 10,895  10,741  10,644 3.38 
  (1.50% Floor)                 
Packaged Foods & Meats                   
Lenny & Larry's, LLC                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan(17) L+ 7.94% 8.94% 05/15/18 05/15/23 11,271  11,155  10,779 3.43 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.17%PIK)               
Property & Casualty Insurance                   
Policy Services Company, LLC (5)                   
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 7.00% 03/06/20 05/31/24 6,256  5,983  6,131 1.95 
  (1.00% Floor)                 

 

(14) Security is perpetualin nature with no defined maturity date.

See notes to the consolidated financial statements


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1)  

Spread

Above

Index(2)

  

Interest

Rate(3)

  Acquisition Date(10)  

Maturity

Date

  

Principal/

Share

Amount

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value(11)

  

Fair Value

As A

Percentage

of Net

Assets

 
North America                             
Debt Investments                             
Advertising                             
Fluent, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 7.00%
(0.50% Floor)
  9.52%  03/26/18  03/27/23   10,771  $10,771  $10,771   3.42%
Outcome Health                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 9.50%
(1.00% Floor)
  

12.31%

(3.00% PIK)

  12/22/16  12/22/21   7,943   7,581   6,408   2.03 
                18,714   18,352   17,179   5.45 
Automotive Retail                             
Team Car Care Holdings, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan (12)  base rate+ 7.99%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.54%  02/26/18  02/23/23   17,183   16,862   16,840   5.34 
Broadcasting                             
Alpha Media, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.50%
(1.00% Floor)
  9.00%  08/14/18  02/25/22   10,877   10,546   10,493   3.33 
Multicultural Radio Broadcasting, Inc.                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 8.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.52%  12/28/17  12/28/22   17,882   17,597   17,739   5.63 
Rural Media Group, Inc.                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 7.86%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.38%  12/29/17  12/29/22   7,000   6,888   6,860   2.18 
                35,759   35,031   35,092   11.14 
Cable & Satellite                             
Bulk Midco, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 7.33%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.10%  06/08/18  06/08/23   15,000   14,801   14,700   4.66 
Data Processing & Outsourced Services                             
FPT Operating Company, LLC/ TLabs Operating Company, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 8.25%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.60%  12/23/16  12/23/21   25,394   25,096   24,707   7.84 
Department Stores                             
Mills Fleet Farm Group, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.25%
(1.00% Floor)
  8.77%  10/24/18  10/24/24   15,000   14,708   14,707   4.66 
Diversified Support Services                             
Account Control Technology Holdings, Inc.                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 8.75%
(1.00% Floor)
  11.28%  04/28/17  04/28/22   3,933   3,857   3,920   1.24 
ImageOne Industries, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 10.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  

12.52%

(2.00% PIK)

  01/11/18  01/11/23   7,264   7,082   6,683   2.12 
NNA Services, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 7.00%  9.80%  10/16/18  10/16/23   10,434   10,234   10,202   3.24 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

12

WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (continued)

December 31, 2018

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1)  

Spread

Above

Index(2)

  

Interest

Rate(3)

  Acquisition Date(10)  

Maturity

Date

  

Principal/

Share

Amount

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value(11)

  

Fair Value

As A

Percentage

of Net

Assets

 
Quest Events, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.00%  8.81%  12/28/18  12/28/24   10,942  $10,724  $10,724   3.40%
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan (7)  L+ 6.00%  8.81%  12/28/18  12/28/24   -   -   -   - 
                32,573   31,897   31,529   10.00 
Food Retail                             
AG Kings Holdings, Inc.                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 9.95%
(1.00% Floor)
  12.75%  08/10/16  08/10/21   13,031   12,737   11,076   3.51 
Crews of California, Inc.                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 11.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  

13.44%

(1.00% PIK)

  11/20/14  11/20/19   10,354   10,320   10,251   3.25 
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan  L+ 11.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  

13.44%

(1.00% PIK)

  06/05/15  11/20/19   5,171   5,148   5,120   1.62 
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan  L+ 11.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  

13.44%

(1.00% PIK)

  03/27/15  11/20/19   2,974   2,961   2,944   0.93 
                31,530   31,166   29,391   9.31 
Health Care Facilities                             
Grupo HIMA San Pablo, Inc.                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 9.00%
(1.50% Floor)
  11.52%  04/01/18  05/31/19   14,065   14,065   11,955   3.79 
Second Lien Secured Term Loan (8)  N/A  

15.75%

(2.00% PIK)

  02/01/13  07/31/18   1,028   1,024   103   0.03 
                15,093   15,089   12,058   3.82 
Health Care Services                             
PMA Holdco, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 7.50%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.30%  06/28/18  06/28/23   14,875   14,591   14,577   4.62 
Home Furnishings                             
Sure Fit Home Products, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 9.50%
(1.00% Floor)
  12.31%  10/26/18  07/13/22   5,530   5,424   5,392   1.71 
Internet Retail                             
Clarus Commerce, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 8.42%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.95%  03/09/18  03/09/23   17,100   16,930   17,100   5.42 
Internet Services & Infrastructure                             
London Trust Media Incorporated                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 8.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.53%  02/01/18  02/01/23   10,925   10,791   10,816   3.43 
StackPath, LLC & Highwinds Capital, Inc.                             
Second Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 9.50%
(1.00% Floor)
  12.33%  02/03/17  02/02/24   18,000   17,673   14,760   4.68 
                28,925   28,464   25,576   8.11 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) - (continued)

December 31, 2018

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1)  

Spread

Above

Index(2)

  

Interest

Rate(3)

  Acquisition Date(10)  

Maturity

Date

  

Principal/

Share

Amount

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value(11)

  

Fair Value

As A

Percentage

of Net

Assets

 
Investment Banking & Brokerage                             
Arcole Acquisition Corp(5)                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan A  L+ 7.25%
(1.00% Floor)
  9.96%  11/29/18  11/30/23   7,588  $7,451  $7,448   2.36%
First Lien Secured Term Loan B  L+ 14.50%
(1.00% Floor)
  

17.21%

(1.50% PIK)

  11/29/18  11/30/23   1,870   1,837   1,836   0.58 
JVMC Holdings Corp.
(f/k/a RJO Holdings Corp)
                             
First Lien First Out Secured Term Loan  L+ 8.02%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.54%  05/05/17  05/05/22   12,488   12,300   12,726   4.04 
First Lien Last Out Secured Term Loan  L+ 12.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  14.52%  05/05/17  05/05/22   4,625   4,555   4,713   1.49 
                26,571   26,143   26,723   8.47 
IT Consulting & Other Services                             
AST-Applications Software Technology LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 8.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  

10.52%

(1.00% PIK)

  01/10/17  01/10/23   4,214   4,148   4,088   1.30 
                              
Leisure Facilities                             
Planet Fit Indy 10 LLC                             
First Lien Incremental Term Loan  L+ 7.25%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.04%  11/30/17  03/07/22   9,892   9,735   9,841   3.12 
First Lien Initial Delayed Draw Loan  L+ 7.25%
(1.00% Floor)
  9.82%  11/30/17  03/07/22   6,183   6,163   6,153   1.95 
First Lien Initial Term Loan  L+ 7.25%
(1.00% Floor)
  10.02%  11/30/17  03/07/22   130   129   130   0.04 
Lift Brands, Inc.                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 7.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  9.80%  04/16/18  04/16/23   10,858   10,663   10,433   3.31 
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan (7)  L+ 7.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  9.09%  04/16/18  04/16/23   128   126   110   0.03 
Honors Holdings, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 8.94%
(0.00% Floor)
  11.37%  07/17/18  07/17/23   7,500   7,398   7,355   2.33 
                34,691   34,214   34,022   10.78 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production                             
Caelus Energy Alaska O3, LLC                             
Second Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 7.50%  10.30%  04/04/14  04/15/20   17,342   16,876   17,342   5.50 
                              
Other Diversified Financial Services                             
Sigue Corporation(4)                             
Second Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 12.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  14.80%  12/27/13  09/30/19   24,904   24,904   24,344   7.72 
                              
Packaged Foods & Meats                             
Lenny & Larry’s, LLC                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.84%
(1.00% Floor)
  9.29%  05/15/18  05/15/23   13,449   13,214   12,777   4.05 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

14

WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (continued)

December 31, 2018September 30, 2020

(in thousands)

 

Investment Type(1)  

Spread

Above

Index(2)

  

Interest

Rate(3)

  Acquisition Date(10) 

Maturity

Date

 

Principal/

Share

Amount

 

Amortized

Cost

 

Fair

Value(11)

 

Fair Value

As A

Percentage

of Net

Assets

 
Research & Consulting Services                                   
Nelson Worldwide, LLC                                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.75%
(1.00% Floor)
  11.16%  01/09/18 01/09/23 14,303 $14,016 $13,903 4.41% L+ 9.25% 10.25% 01/09/18 01/09/23 12,708 $12,563 $12,453 3.96%
 (1.00% Floor)              
ALM Media, LLC                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 7.50% 11/25/19 11/25/24 15,159  14,908  14,401 4.58 
 (1.00% Floor)       27,867  27,471  26,854 8.54 
Restaurants                                 
LS GFG Holdings Inc.                                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00%  8.47%  11/30/18 11/19/25 10,340 10,033 10,020 3.18  P+ 5.00% 8.25% 11/30/18 11/19/25 10,159  9,934 8,534 2.71 
               
Specialized Consumer Services                
True Blue Car Wash, LLC                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.12% 8.12% 10/17/19 10/17/24 4,377  4,306 4,377 1.39 
 (1.00% Floor)              
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan L+ 7.12% 8.12% 10/17/19 10/17/24 2,018  2,000  2,018 0.64 
 (1.00% Floor)       6,395  6,306  6,395 2.03 
Specialized Finance                                 
Golden Pear Funding Assetco, LLC (5)                                 
Second Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 10.50%
(1.00% Floor)
  12.85%  09/20/18 03/20/24 17,500 17,168 17,150 5.44  L+ 10.50% 11.50% 09/20/18 03/20/24 17,500  17,279 17,500 5.56 
 (1.00% Floor)              
Oasis Legal Finance, LLC(5)                                 
Second Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 10.75%
(1.00% Floor)
  13.10%  09/09/16 03/09/22  20,000  19,768  20,000  6.34  L+ 10.75% 11.75% 09/09/16 03/09/22 12,500  12,435 12,500 3.97 
 (1.00% Floor)              
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC                
Subordinated Note(4)(5)(7)(9)(14) L+ 6.50% 6.66% 07/19/19 N/A 41,073  41,073  41,073 13.06 
         71,073  70,787  71,073 22.59 
Specialty Chemicals                
Flexitallic Group SAS                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 7.50% 10/28/19 10/29/26 11,662  11,407 10,846 3.45 
 (1.00% Floor)              
Systems Software                
Vero Parent, Inc.                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 7.00% 11/06/19 08/16/24 16,428  15,061 16,267 5.17 
           37,500  36,936  37,150  11.78  (1.00% Floor)              
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals                                 
Source Code Midco, LLC                                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.75%
(1.00% Floor)
  11.28%  05/04/18 05/04/23 14,182 13,874 13,898 4.41  L+ 8.25% 9.25% 05/04/18 05/04/23 22,634  22,295 22,633 7.19 
 (1.00% Floor)              
Trading Companies & Distributors                
Vessco Holdings, LLC                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.25% 8.75% 08/22/19 08/22/24 8,835  8,696 8,922 2.84 
 (1.50% Floor)              
                   
Total Debt Investments         602,578  569,408  566,230 180.00 
                  
Equity Investments                
Diversified Support Services                
Quest Events, LLC Preferred Units(4) N/A N/A 12/28/18 12/08/25 317  317 - - 
ImageOne Industries, LLC Common A Units(4) N/A N/A 09/20/19 N/A 225  - 169 0.05 
Health Care Services                
Lab Logistics Preferred Units (4) N/A N/A 10/29/19 N/A 2  857 857 0.27 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail                
BBQ Buyer, LLC Shares(4) N/A N/A 08/28/20 N/A 1,100  1,100 1,199 0.38 
Leisure Facilities                
Lift Brands, Inc. (aka Snap Fitness Holdings, Inc.) Class A Common Stock (4) N/A N/A 06/29/20 N/A 2  1,955 282 0.09 
Lift Brands, Inc. (aka Snap Fitness Holdings, Inc.) Warrants(4) N/A N/A 06/29/20 06/28/28 1  793  114 0.04 
         3  2,748  396 0.13 
Other Diversified Financial Services                
RCS Creditor Trust Class B Units(4)(6) N/A N/A 10/01/17 N/A 143  - - - 
SFS Global Holding Company Warrants(4) N/A N/A 06/28/18 12/28/25 -  - - - 
Sigue Corporation Warrants(4) N/A N/A 06/28/18 12/28/25 22  2,890  3,490 1.11 
         165  2,890  3,490 1.11 
Specialized Finance                  
NMFC Senior Loan Program I LLC Units (4)(5)(6) N/A N/A 08/13/14 08/31/22 10,000  10,029 9,520 3.03 
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC Interests (4)(5)(7)(14) N/A N/A 07/19/19 N/A 10,268  10,268  9,315 2.96 
         20,268  20,297  18,835 5.99 
Trading Companies & Distributors                  
Vessco Holdings, LLC Units(4) N/A N/A 08/22/19 N/A 506  860 4,090 1.30 
Trucking                                 
Sunteck / TTS Holdings, LLC                 
Second Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 9.00%
(1.00% Floor)
  11.79%  12/15/16 06/15/22  3,500  3,462  3,468  1.10 
Total Debt Investments           473,672  466,231  456,583  144.78 
Equity Investments                 
Advertising                 
Fluent, Inc. (f/k/a Cogint, Inc.)(4)(9) N/A  N/A  11/28/17 12/08/25 187 560 706 0.22%
Diversified Support Services                 
Quest Events, LLC                 
Preferred Units(4) N/A  N/A  12/28/18 12/08/25 317 317 317 0.10 
Food Retail                 
Crews of California, Inc. Warrants (4) N/A  N/A  11/20/14 12/31/24 - - 6 - 
Nicholas & Associates, LLC Warrants (4) N/A  N/A  11/20/14 12/31/24 2 - 131 0.04 
Pinnacle Management Group, LLC Warrants (4) N/A  N/A  11/20/14 12/31/24 2 - 131 0.04 
RC3 Enterprises, LLC Warrants (4)  N/A  N/A  11/20/14 12/31/24  2  -  131  0.04 
Europcar Mobility Group Earnout (4)(5) N/A N/A 10/31/19 12/31/22 -  -  29 0.01 
           6  -  399  0.12                   
Health Care Services                 
PMA Holdco, LLC Warrants(4) N/A  N/A  06/28/18 N/A 8 - 393 0.12 
Total Equity Investments         22,586  29,069  29,065 9.24 
                  
Total Investments         625,164 $598,477 $595,295 189.24%

 

See notes to the consolidated financial statements


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) - (continued)

December 31, 2018September 30, 2020

(in thousands)

 

Investment Type(1)  

Spread

Above

Index(2)

  

Interest

Rate(3)

  Acquisition Date(10)  

Maturity

Date

  

Principal/

Share

Amount

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value(11)

  

Fair Value

As A

Percentage

of Net

Assets

 
Other Diversified Financial Services                             
RCS Creditor Trust Class B Units (4)(6)  N/A  N/A  10/01/17  N/A   143  $-  $535   0.17%
SFS Global Holding Company Warrants (4)  N/A  N/A  06/28/18  N/A   -   -   -   - 
Sigue Corporation Warrants(4)  N/A  N/A  06/28/18  N/A   7   702   901   0.29 
                150   702   1,436   0.46 
Specialized Finance                             
NMFC Senior Loan Program I LLC Units (4)(5)(6)  N/A  N/A  08/13/14  06/13/20   10,000   10,029   9,630   3.05 
Trucking                             
Fox Rent A Car, Inc. Warrants(4)  N/A  N/A  10/26/16  N/A   -   -   100   0.03 
Total Equity Investments               10,668   11,608   12,981   4.10 
Total Investments              $484,340  $477,839  $469,564   148.88%

(1)Except as otherwise noted, all investments are non-controlled/non-affiliate investments as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and provide collateral for the Company’s credit facility.

 

(2)The investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” or “L”), which resets monthly, quarterly or semiannually, the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR” or “C”) or the U.S. Prime Rate as published by the Wall Street Journal (“Prime” or “P”). The one, three and six-month LIBOR were 2.5%0.1%, 2.8%0.2% and 2.9%0.3%, respectively, as of December 31, 2018.September 30, 2020. The Prime was 5.5%3.25% as of December 31, 2018.September 30, 2020. The CDOR was 0.5% as of September 30, 2020.

 

(3)The interest rate is the “all-in-rate” including the current index and spread, the fixed rate, and the payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest rate, as the case maybe.may be.

 

(4)The investment or a portion of the investment does not provide collateral for the Company’s credit facility.

 

(5)Not a qualifying asset under Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying asset unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of total assets. Qualifying assets represented 89%,81% of total assets as of the date of the consolidated schedule of investments.

 

(6)Investment is a non-controlled/affiliate investment as defined by the 1940 Act.

 

(7)The investment has an unfunded commitment in addition to any amounts presented in the consolidated schedule of investments as of December 31, 2018.September 30, 2020. See Note 7.8.

 

(8)The investment is on non-accrual status.

 

(9)The fair value of the investment was determined using observable inputs. See Note 4. There areSecurity is perpetual with no legal restrictions on sales of the investment.defined maturity date.

 

(10)Except as otherwise noted, all of the Company’s portfolio company investments, which as of the date of the consolidated schedule of investments represented 149%189% of the Company’s net assets or 91%95% of the Company’s total assets, are subject to legal restrictions on sales.

 

(11)Except as otherwise noted, theThe fair value of each investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs. See Note 4.5.

 

(12)The investment was comprised of two contracts, which were indexed to different base rates, L and P, respectively. The Spread Above Index and Interest Rate presented represent the weighted average of both contracts.

 

(13)Principal amount is denominated in Canadian dollars.

(14)Investment is a controlled affiliate investment as defined by the 1940 Act. On January 14, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement (as described in Note 4 hereto) with State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, a public pension fund established under Ohio law (“STRS Ohio”), to create WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund, LLC (“STRS JV”), a joint venture, which invests primarily in senior secured first and second lien term loans.

(15)In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 2.75% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(16)In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.50% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(17)In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.00% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(18)In August 2020, in conjunction with the AG Kings Holdings, Inc. bankruptcy, the Company converted approximately $14.2 million of its existing first lien secured term loan into a new superpriority secured debtor-in-possession term loan.

(19)On October 1, 2020, as part of a restructuring agreement between the Company and Arcole Acquisition Corp, the Company’s investments in first lien secured term loans to Arcole Acquisition Corp were equitized into common shares of Arcole Holding Corp.

See notes to consolidated financial statements


WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2019

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1) Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
 Acquisition
Date(10)
 Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value(11)
 Fair Value
As A
Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
North America                 
Debt Investments                 
Advertising                 
Fluent, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 8.80%03/26/18 03/26/24 9,337 $9,337 $9,337 2.98%
  (0.50% Floor)               
Agricultural & Farm Machinery                 
Bad Boy Mowers Acquisition, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 5.75% 7.38%12/19/19 12/06/25 10,385 10,073 10,073 3.22 
  (1.00% Floor)               
Air Freight & Logistics                 
Access USA Shipping, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 9.80%02/08/19 02/08/24 5,651 5,581 5,600 1.79 
  (1.00% Floor)               
Application Software                 
Newscycle Solutions, Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 8.80%06/14/19 12/29/22 5,263 5,174 5,136 1.64 
  (1.00% Floor)               
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 6.50% 9.77%06/14/19 12/29/22 265 262 259 0.08 
  (1.00% Floor)               
          5,528 5,436 5,395 1.72 
Automotive Retail                 
Team Car Care Holdings, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan(12) base rate+ 10.05%02/26/18 02/26/23 16,722 16,485 16,722 5.34 
  7.99%               
  (1.00% Floor)               
BW Gas & Convenience Holdings, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.25% 8.00%11/15/19 11/18/24 8,500 8,164 8,168 2.61 
  (1.00% Floor)               
          25,222 24,649 24,890 7.95 
Broadcasting                 
Alpha Media, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 7.87%08/14/18 02/25/22 5,405 5,299 5,405 1.73 
  (1.50% Floor)               
Rural Media Group, Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.71% 9.64%12/29/17 12/29/22 7,133 7,050 6,991 2.23 
  (1.00% Floor)               
          12,538 12,349 12,396 3.96 
Cable & Satellite                 
Bulk Midco, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan P+ 6.27% 11.02%06/08/18 06/08/23 15,000 14,845 14,250 4.45 
  (2.25% Floor)               
Communications Equipment                 
Sorenson Communications, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 8.44%03/15/19 04/29/24 4,875 4,749 4,857 1.55 
  (0.00% Floor)               
Data Processing & Outsourced Services                 
FPT Operating Company, LLC/ TLabs                 
Operating Company, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.25% 9.94%06/07/19 06/07/24 24,907 24,685 24,284 7.76 
  (1.00% Floor)               
Geo Logic Systems Ltd.(5)                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan(13) C+ 6.25% 8.26%12/19/19 12/19/24 21,718 16,231 16,415 5.25 
  (1.00% Floor)               
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7)(13) C+ 6.25%               
  (1.00% Floor) 8.26%12/19/19 12/19/24 - - - - 
          46,625 40,916 40,699 13.01 

See notes to consolidated financial statements


Whitehorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)

December 31, 2019

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1) Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
 Acquisition
Date(10)
 Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value(11)
 Fair Value
As A
Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
Department Stores                 
Mills Fleet Farm Group, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 9.04% 10/24/18 10/24/24 14,883 $14,591 $13,544 4.33%
  (1.00% Floor) (0.75%PIK)             
Distributors                 
Crown Brands, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 9.80% 01/28/19 01/25/24 5,727 5,610 5,596 1.79 
  (1.50% Floor)               
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan(7) L+ 8.00% 9.80% 01/28/19 01/25/24   (2) 
  (1.50% Floor)               
          5,727 5,610 5,594 1.79 
Diversified Chemicals                 
Sklar Holdings, Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 7.99% 11/13/19 05/13/23 8,902 8,731 8,731 2.79 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.00%PIK)             
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 6.00% 7.99% 11/13/19 05/13/20   2  
  (1.00% Floor) (1.00%PIK)             
          8,902 8,731 8,733 2.79 
Diversified Support Services                 
ImageOne Industries, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 10.00% 11.80% 01/11/18 01/11/23 7,261 7,097 6,898 2.20 
  (1.00% Floor) (4.00%PIK)             
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(4) L+ 10.00% 11.94% 07/22/19 12/12/22 525 525 525 0.17 
  (1.00% Floor) (4.00%PIK)             
NNA Services, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 8.84% 10/16/18 10/16/23 9,889 9,739 9,889 3.16 
  (1.50% Floor)               
          17,675 17,361 17,312 5.53 
Education Services                 
EducationDynamics, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.50% 9.42% 11/26/19 11/26/24 11,750 11,520 11,519 3.68 
  (1.00% Floor)               
Environmental & Facilities Services                 
WH Lessor Corp.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 7.79% 12/26/19 12/26/24 6,458 6,330 6,329 2.02 
  (1.00% Floor)               
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 6.00% 7.79% 12/26/19 12/26/24     
  (1.00% Floor)               
          6,458 6,330 6,329 2.02 
Food Retail                 
AG Kings Holdings, Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan(8) P+ 11.00% 15.75% 08/10/16 08/10/21 13,250 12,837 7,668 2.45 
  (2.25% Floor) (2.00%PIK)             
Health Care Facilities                 
Grupo HIMA San Pablo, Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan A L+ 9.00% 10.94% 05/15/19 04/30/19 3,855 3,855 3,276 1.05 
  (1.50% Floor)               
First Lien Secured Term Loan B L+ 9.00% 10.94% 02/01/13 04/30/19 13,511 13,511 11,484 3.67 
  (1.50% Floor)               
Second Lien Secured Term Loan(8) N/A 15.75% 02/01/13 07/31/18 1,028 1,024   
    (2.00%PIK)             
          18,394 18,390 14,760 4.72 

See notes to consolidated financial statements


Whitehorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)

December 31, 2019

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1) Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
 Acquisition
Date(10)
 Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value(11)
 Fair Value
As A
Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
Health Care Services                 
CHS Therapy, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan A L+ 8.50% 10.44% 06/14/19 06/14/24 7,615 $7,486 $7,615 2.43%
  (1.50% Floor)               
Lab Logistics, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 8.56% 10/16/19 09/25/23 107 106 106 0.03 
  (1.00% Floor)               
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw L+ 6.50%               
Loan(7) (1.00% Floor) 8.44% 10/16/19 09/25/23 5,289 5,251 5,251 1.68 
PMA Holdco, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.75% 9.69% 06/28/18 06/28/23 12,784 12,595 12,720 4.06 
  (1.00% Floor) (2.00%PIK)             
          25,795 25,438 25,692 8.20 
Home Furnishings                 
Sure Fit Home Products, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 9.75% 11.70% 10/26/18 07/13/22 5,250 5,178 5,040 1.61 
  (1.00% Floor)               
Human Resources & Employment Services                 
Pluto Acquisition Topco, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.31% 8.23% 01/31/19 01/31/24 12,354 12,152 12,354 3.95 
  (1.50% Floor)               
Interactive Media & Services                 
What If Media Group, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00% 8.80% 10/02/19 10/02/24 12,919 12,673 12,673 4.05 
  (1.00% Floor)               
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail                 
Potpourri Group, Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.25% 9.94% 07/03/19 07/03/24 18,763 18,385 18,424 5.89 
  (1.50% Floor)               
Investment Banking & Brokerage                 
Arcole Acquisition Corp(5)                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan A L+ 8.25% 10.16% 11/29/18 11/30/23 5,231 5,156 4,968 1.59 
  (1.00% Floor)               
First Lien Secured Term Loan B L+ 14.50% 16.41% 11/29/18 11/30/23 1,805 1,779 1,777 0.57 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.50%PIK)             
JVMC Holdings Corp.                 
(f/k/a RJO Holdings Corp)                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 8.30% 02/28/19 02/28/24 16,190 16,055 16,190 5.17 
  (1.00% Floor)               
          23,226 22,990 22,935 7.33 
IT Consulting & Other Services                 
AST-Applications Software Technology LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.00% 9.80% 01/10/17 01/10/23 4,236 4,187 4,236 1.35 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.00%PIK)             
Leisure Facilities                 
Honors Holdings, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.86% 8.74% 09/06/19 09/06/24 9,405 9,264 9,305 2.97 
  (1.00% Floor)               
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw L+ 6.00% 7.90% 09/06/19 09/06/24 4,662 4,616 4,612 1.47 
Loan (1.00% Floor)               
Lift Brands, Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.50% 9.44% 04/16/18 04/16/23 10,532 10,387 10,038 3.21 
  (1.00% Floor) (0.50%PIK)             
First Lien Secured Revolving P+ 6.00% 10.75% 04/16/18 04/16/23 158 156 131 0.04 
Loan(7) (2.76% Floor)               
          24,757 24,423 24,086 7.69 

See notes to consolidated financial statements


Whitehorse Finance, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)

December 31, 2019

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1) Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
 Acquisition
Date(10)
 Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value(11)
 Fair Value
As A
Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
Office Services & Supplies                 
Empire Office, Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.75% 8.55% 04/12/19 04/12/24 12,224 $12,015 $12,029 3.84%
  (1.50% Floor)               
Other Diversified Financial Services                 
Sigue Corporation(4)                 
Second Lien Secured Term L+ 12.00% 13.94% 12/27/13 05/01/20 24,904 24,905 24,655 7.88 
Loan(4) (1.00% Floor)               
Packaged Foods & Meats                 
Lenny & Larry’s, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.97% 9.71% 05/15/18 05/15/23 12,293 12,128 11,924 3.81 
  (1.00% Floor) (1.18%PIK)             
Research & Consulting Services                 
Nelson Worldwide, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 9.25% 11.23% 01/09/18 01/09/23 13,603 13,397 13,263 4.24 
  (1.00% Floor)               
ALM Media, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 8.44% 11/25/19 11/25/24 15,750 15,441 15,441 4.93 
  (1.00% Floor)               
          29,353 28,838 28,704 9.17 
Restaurants                 
LS GFG Holdings Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 7.80% 11/30/18 11/19/25 10,237 9,977 9,717 3.10 
  (0.00% Floor)               
Specialized Consumer Services                 
True Blue Car Wash, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.12% 9.91% 10/17/19 10/17/24 4,461 4,375 4,375 1.40 
  (1.00% Floor)               
First Lien Secured Revolving L+ 8.12%               
Loan(7) (1.00% Floor) 9.91% 10/17/19 10/17/24 - - (20)(0.01)
          4,461 4,375 4,355 1.39 
Specialty Chemicals                 
Flexitallic Group SAS                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 8.44% 10/28/19 10/29/26 11,750 11,461 11,463 3.66 
  (1.00% Floor)               
Specialized Finance                 
Golden Pear Funding Assetco,                 
LLC(5)                 
Second Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 10.50% 12.19% 09/20/18 03/20/24 17,500 17,232 17,500 5.59 
  (1.00% Floor)               
Oasis Legal Finance, LLC(5)                 
Second Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 10.75% 12.44% 09/09/16 03/09/22 20,000 19,841 20,000 6.39 
  (1.00% Floor)               
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund                 
LLC                 
Subordinated Note(4)(5)(7)(14)(15) L+ 6.50% 8.16% 07/19/19 NA 26,344 26,344 26,344 8.42 
          63,844 63,417 63,844 20.40 
Systems Software                 
Vero Parent, Inc.                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 7.91% 11/06/19 08/16/24 20,000 18,014 19,025 6.08 
  (1.00% Floor)               
Trading Companies & Distributors                 
Vessco Holdings, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.50% 8.41% 08/22/19 08/22/24 19,067 18,713 18,696 5.97 
  (1.50% Floor)               

See notes to consolidated financial statements


Whitehorse Finance, Inc. 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)

December 31, 2019

(in thousands)

Investment Type(1) Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
 Acquisition
Date(10)
 Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value(11)
 Fair Value
As A
Percentage
of Net
Assets
 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals                 
Source Code Midco, LLC                 
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.25% 10.18% 05/04/18 05/04/23 23,566 $ 23,112 $ 23,566 7.53%
  (1.00% Floor)               
Total Debt Investments         591,199 575,686 566,374 180.94 
Equity Investments                 
Advertising                 
Fluent, Inc. (f/k/a Cogint, Inc.)(4)(9) N/A N/A 11/28/17 N/A 187 560 467 0.15 
Diversified Support Services                 
Quest Events, LLC Preferred Units(4) N/A N/A 12/28/18 12/08/25 317 317 276 0.09 
ImageOne Industries, LLC Common A                 
Units(4) N/A N/A 09/20/19 N/A 149 - 48 0.02 
Health Care Services                 
Lab Logistics Preferred Units N/A N/A 10/29/19 N/A 2 857 857 0.27 
PMA Holdco, LLC Warrants(4) N/A N/A 06/28/18 06/28/28 8 - 461 0.15 
          10 857 1,318 0.42 
Other Diversified Financial Services                 
RCS Creditor Trust Class B Units(4)(6) N/A N/A 10/01/17 N/A 143 - - - 
SFS Global Holding Company Warrants(4) N/A N/A 06/28/18 12/28/25 - - - - 
Sigue Corporation Warrants(4) N/A N/A 06/28/18 12/28/25 22 2,890 3,721 1.19 
          165 2,890 3,721 1.19 
Specialized Finance                 
NMFC Senior Loan Program I LLC Units(4)(5)(6) N/A N/A 08/13/14 08/31/22 10,000 10,029 9,651 3.08 
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC(4)(5)(7)(14) N/A N/A 07/19/19 N/A 6,586 6,586 6,949 2.22 
Trading Companies & Distributors                 
Vessco Holdings, LLC(4) N/A N/A 08/22/19 N/A 489 800 800 0.26 
Trucking                 
Europcar Mobility Group(5) N/A N/A 10/31/19 12/31/22 - - 84 0.03 
Total Equity Investments         17,903 22,039 23,314 7.46 
Total Investments         609,102 $597,725 $589,688 188.40%

See notes to consolidated financial statements


Whitehorse Finance, Inc. 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - (Continued)

December 31, 2019

(in thousands)

(1)Except as otherwise noted, all investments are non-controlled/non-affiliate investments as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and provide collateral for the Company’s credit facility.

(2)The investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR” or “L”), which resets monthly, quarterly or semiannually, the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR” or “C”) or the U.S. Prime Rate as published by the Wall Street Journal (“Prime” or “P”). The one, three and six-month LIBOR were 1.8%, 1.9% and 1.9%, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. The Prime was 4.75% as of December 31, 2019. The CDOR was 2.1% as of December 31, 2019.

(3)The interest rate is the “all-in-rate” including the current index and spread, the fixed rate, and the payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest rate, as the case maybe.

(4)The investment or a portion of the investment does not provide collateral for the Company’s credit facility.

(5)Not a qualifying asset under Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying asset unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of total assets. Qualifying assets represented 84%, of total assets as of the date of the consolidated schedule of investments.

(6)Investment is a non-controlled/affiliate investment as defined by the 1940 Act.

(7)The investment has an unfunded commitment in addition to any amounts presented in the consolidated schedule of investments as of December 31, 2019. See Note 8.

(8)The investment is on non-accrual status.

(9)The fair value of the investment was determined using observable inputs. See Note 5. There are no legal restrictions on sales of the investment.

(10)Except as otherwise noted, all of the Company’s portfolio company investments, which as of the date of the consolidated schedule of investments represented 188% of the Company’s net assets or 93% of the Company’s total assets, are subject to legal restrictions on sales.

(11)Except as otherwise noted, the fair value of each investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs. See Note 5.

(12)The investment was comprised of two contracts, which were indexed to different base rates, L and P, respectively. The Spread Above Index and Interest Rate presented represent the weighted average of both contracts.

(13)Principal amount is denominated in Canadian dollars.

(14)Investment is a controlled affiliate investment as defined by the 1940 Act. On January 14, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement (as described in Note 4 hereto) with State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, a public pension fund established under Ohio law (“STRS Ohio”), to create WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund, LLC (“STRS JV’’), a joint venture, which invests primarily in senior secured first and second lien term loans.

(15)Security is perpetual with no defined maturity date.

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 


 

WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 20192020

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION

 

WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. (“WhiteHorse Finance” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In addition, for tax purposes, WhiteHorse Finance elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). WhiteHorse Finance’s common stock trades on the NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WHF.”

 

The Company’s investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns primarily by originating and investing in senior secured loans, including first lien and second lien facilities, to performing lower middle market companies across a broad range of industries that typically carry a floating interest rate based on a risk-free index rate such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and have a term of three to six years. While the Company focuses principally on originating senior secured loans to lower middle market companies, it may also opportunistically make investments at other levels of a company’s capital structure, including mezzanine loans or equity interests and may receive warrants to purchase common stock in connection with its debt investments.

 

WhiteHorse Finance’s investment activities are managed by H.I.G. WhiteHorse Advisers, LLC (“WhiteHorse Advisers”). H.I.G. WhiteHorse Administration, LLC (“WhiteHorse Administration”) provides administrative services necessary for the Company to operate.

Engaging in commodity interest transactions such as swap transactions or futures contracts for the Company may cause WhiteHorse Advisers to fall within the definition of “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”), and related regulations promulgated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”). On January 23, 2020, WhiteHorse Advisers claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the CEA and the CFTC regulations in connection with its management of the Company and, therefore, is not subject to CFTC registration or regulation under the CEA as a commodity pool operator with respect to its management of the Company.

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of WhiteHorse Finance and its wholly owned subsidiaries, WhiteHorse Finance Credit I, LLC (“WhiteHorse Credit”), and its subsidiary, WhiteHorse Finance (CA), LLC (“WhiteHorse California”), and WhiteHorse Finance Warehouse, LLC (“WhiteHorse Warehouse”). The Company meets the definition of an investment company under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946,Financial Services - Investment Companies, and therefore applies the accounting and reporting guidance discussed therein to its consolidated financial statements. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Additionally, the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related financial information have been prepared pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Articles 6, 10 and 12 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain disclosures accompanying the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP are omitted. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial results included herein contain all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for the fair presentation of financial statements for the interim periods included herein. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019. The current period’s results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the year ending December 31, 2019.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts or balances to conform to the industry classifications presented within the Company’s consolidated schedule of investments in the current fiscal year. These reclassifications had no effect on the consolidated results of operations or financial position for any period presented.2020.

 

Principles of Consolidation: Under the investment company rules and regulations pursuant to ASC Topic 946, WhiteHorse Finance is precluded from consolidating any entity other than another investment company. As provided under ASC Topic 946, WhiteHorse Finance generally consolidates any investment company when it owns 100% of its partners’ or members’ capital or equity units. The Company does not consolidate its investment in STRS JV. See further description of STRS JV in Note 3.4.

 

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The Company determines the fair value of its financial instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 820,Fair Value Measurements and DisclosuresDisclosures. . ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework used to measure fair value and requires disclosures for fair value measurements. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, the Company has categorized its financial instruments carried at fair value, based on the priority of the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of the market participant who holds the financial instrument. Therefore, when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that management believes market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument at the measurement date.

 


Investments are measured at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’sWhiteHorse Advisers’ investment committee, generally on a quarterly basis, and such valuations are reviewed by the audit committee of the board of directors and ultimately approved by the board of directors, based on, among other factors, consistently applied valuation procedures on each measurement date. Any changes to the valuation methodology are reviewed by management and the Company’s board of directors to confirm that the changes are justified. The Company continues to review and refine its valuation procedures in response to market changes.

 

The Company engages independent external valuation firms to periodically review material investments. These external reviews are used by the board of directors to review the Company’s internal valuation of each investment over the year.

 

Investment Transactions: The Company records investment transactions on a trade date basis. These transactions may settle subsequent to the trade date depending on the transaction type. Certain expenses related to legal and tax consultation, due diligence, rating fees, valuation expenses and independent collateral appraisals may arise when the Company makes certain investments. These expenses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as they are incurred.

Foreign currency translation: The Company’s books and records are maintained in U.S. dollars. Any foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:

(1)cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and cash equivalents, fair value of investments, interest receivable, and other assets and liabilities — at the spot exchange rate on the last business day of the period; and

(2)purchases and sales of investments, income and expenses — at the exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.

Although net assets and fair values are presented based on the applicable foreign exchange rates described above, the Company does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in fair values of investments held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments. Fluctuations arising from the translation of assets other than investments and liabilities are included with the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies on the consolidated statements of operations.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include, but are not limited to, currency fluctuations and revaluations and future adverse political, social and economic developments, which could cause investments in foreign markets to be less liquid and prices more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies or U.S. government securities.

 

Revenue Recognition: The Company’s revenue recognition policies are as follows:

 

Sales: Realized gains or losses on the sales of investments are calculated by using the specific identification method.

 

Investment Income: Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. The Company may also receive closing, commitment, prepayment, amendment and other fees from portfolio companies in the ordinary course of business.

 

Dividend income is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies.

 

Closing fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are deferred and recognized as interest income over the respective terms of the applicable loans. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, any unamortized loan closing fees are recorded as part of interest income. Commitment fees are based upon the undrawn portion committed by the Company and are recorded as interest income on an accrual basis. Prepayment, amendment and other fees are recognized when earned, generally when such fees are receivable, and are included in fee income on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company may invest in loans that contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest rate provision. PIK interest is accrued at the contractual rates and added to loan principal on the reset dates to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected.

 

Non-accrual loans: Loans are placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected. The Company may conclude that non-accrual status is not required if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. 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.

 


Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with financial institutions, and short-term liquid investments in money market funds with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents: Restricted cash and cash equivalents include amounts that are collected and held by the trustee appointed as custodian of the assets securing the Company’s revolving credit facility.Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6). Restricted cash is held by the trustee for the payment of interest expense and principal on the outstanding borrowings or reinvestment into new assets. Restricted cash that represents interest or fee income is transferred to unrestricted cash accounts by the trustee generally once a quarter after the payment of operating expenses and amounts due under the Company’s revolving credit facility.Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6).

 

Offering Costs: The Company may incur legal, accounting, regulatory, investment banking and other costs in relation to equity offerings. Offering costs are deferred and charged against paid-in capital in excess of par on completion of the related offering.

 


Deferred Financing Costs: Deferred financing costs represent fees and other direct incremental costs incurred in connection with the Company’s borrowings. These amounts are amortized and are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations over the estimated life of the borrowings. Deferred financing costs are presented in the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.

 

Income Taxes: The Company elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to maintain its status as a RIC, among other requirements, the Company is required to distribute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to its stockholders each taxable year generally of an amount at least equal to 90% of the sum of ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, out of the assets legally available for distribution. In addition, the Company will incur a nondeductible excise tax equal to 4% of the amount by which (1) 98% of ordinary income for the calendar year (taking into account certain deferrals and elections), (2) 98.2% of capital gains in excess of capital losses, adjusted for certain ordinary losses, for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gain income for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which the Company incurred no U.S. federal income tax exceed distributions for the year. The Company accrues estimated excise tax on the amount, if any, that estimated taxable income is expected to exceed the level of stockholder distributions described above.

 

The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statement is the largest benefit or expense that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. Any tax positions not deemed to satisfy the more likely than not threshold are reversed and recorded as tax benefit or tax expense, as appropriate, in the current year. Management has analyzed the Company’s tax positions, and the Company has concluded that the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits or unrecognized tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018.2019.

 

Penalties or interest that may be assessed related to any income taxes would be classified as general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company had no amounts accrued for interest or penalties as of September 30, 20192020 or December 31, 2018.2019. The Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months. The Company’s tax returns are subject to examination by federal, state and local taxing authorities. Because many types of transactions are susceptible to varying interpretations under U.S. federal and state income tax laws and regulations, the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements may be subject to change at a later date by the respective taxing authorities. Tax returns for each of the federal tax years since 20152016 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

As of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $538,612$609,762 and $481,919,$601,862 resulting in net unrealized depreciation of $11,069$14,467 and net unrealized depreciation of $12,355,$12,174, respectively. This is comprised of gross unrealized appreciation of $4,982$17,190 and $3,598,$5,223, and gross unrealized depreciation of $16,051$31,657 and $15,953,$17,397, on a tax basis, as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively.

 

Dividends and Distributions: Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Quarterly distribution payments are determined by the board of directors and are paid from taxable earnings estimated by management and may include a return of capital and/or capital gains. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually, although the Company may decide to retain such capital gains for investment.

 

The Company maintains an “opt out” distribution reinvestment plan for common stockholders. As a result, if the Company declares a distribution or other dividend, stockholders’ cash distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock, unless they specifically “opt out” of the distribution reinvestment plan so as to receive cash distributions.

 


Earnings per Share: The Company calculates earnings per share as earnings available to stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.

 

Risks and Uncertainties: In the normal course of business, the Company encounters primarily two significant types of economic risks: credit and market. Credit risk is the risk of default on the Company’s investments that result from an issuer’s, borrower’s or derivative counterparty’s inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of investments due to changes in interest rates, spreads or other market factors, including the value of the collateral underlying investments held by the Company. Refer to the “COVID-19 Developments” section in Note 8. Management believes that the carrying value of the Company’s investments are fairly stated, taking into consideration these risks along with estimated collateral values, payment histories and other market information.

 


Securities and Exchange Commission Disclosure Update and SimplificationReclassifications: In August 2018,Certain amounts in the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-10532,Disclosure Update and Simplification (the “SEC Release”) amending certain disclosure requirements that were redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated or superseded. The amendments are intended to facilitate the disclosure of information to investors and simplify compliance. The effective date for the SEC Release is effective for all filings on or after November 5, 2018. The Company first adopted the final rule under the SEC Releaseconsolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018. The SEC Release requires presentation changes to2019 and for the Company'snine months ended September 30, 2019 have been reclassified. These reclassifications had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated statementsfinancial position, results of assets and liabilities and consolidated statements of changes in net assets. The Company has evaluated the impact of the amendments and determined the effect of the adoption of the simplification rules on financial statements will be limited to the modification and removal of certain disclosures.operations or cash flows as previously reported.

 

Recent Accounting PronouncementsPronouncements:: During In March 2017,2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08,ASU 2020-04, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, to amend the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Under current guidance, entities generally amortize the premium as an adjustment of yield over the contractual lifeReference Rate Reform (Topic 848) Facilitation of the instrument.Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting if certain criteria are met. The new guidance shortenedis effective from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2020, the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted the provisions of the ASU 2017-08 effective January 1, 2019 and determined adoption of this standard did not have a material impact as the Company does not hold any material purchased callable debt securities at a premium.

In July 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-07,Codification Updates to SEC Sections, which clarifies the disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of codification topics by aligning them with the SEC’s regulations, thereby eliminating redundancies and making the codification easier to apply. This ASU was effective upon issuance. As the Company has already adopted the SEC Release, as discussed above, this ASU did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.statements.


 

NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTSFORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS

 

The following table showsCompany may enter into foreign currency forward contracts from time to time to facilitate settlement of purchases and sales of investments denominated in foreign currencies and to economically hedge the impact that an adverse change in foreign exchange rates would have on the value of the Company’s investments denominated in foreign currencies. A foreign currency forward contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated forward rate. These contracts are marked-to-market by recognizing the difference between the contract forward exchange rate and the forward market exchange rate on the last day of the period presented as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Realized gains or losses are recognized when forward contracts are settled. Risks arise as a result of the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Company attempts to limit counterparty risk by only dealing with well-known counterparties.

The Company utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to protect itself against fluctuations in exchange rates. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020, the Company recognized realized losses of $25 and December 31, 2018:$25, respectively, and unrealized gains of $3 and $0, respectively, in the statement of operations relating to forward currency exchange contracts held during the year. The Company may choose to renew contracts quarterly unless otherwise settled by the Company or the counterparty. There were no open contracts at September 30, 2020.

 

  September 30, 2019  December 31, 2018 
  Amortized Cost  Fair Value  Amortized Cost  Fair Value 
First lien secured loans $429,827   420,677  $365,356  $359,416 
Second lien secured loans  66,435   65,596   100,875   97,167 
Subordinated Note to STRS JV  19,484   19,484   -   - 
Equity (excluding STRS JV)  14,596   16,859   11,608   12,981 
Equity in STRS JV  4,871   4,927   -   - 
Total $535,213   527,543  $477,839  $469,564 

Realized gain (loss) on forward currency contracts recognized in income

  For the three  For the nine 
  months ended  months ended 
  September
30,
  September 
30,
 
Risk exposure category 2020  2020 
Foreign exchange $(25) $(25)

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward currency contracts recognized in income

  For the three  For the nine 
  months ended  months ended 
  September
 30,
  September 
30,
 
Risk exposure category 2020  2020 
Foreign exchange $3  $- 


The foreign currency forward contracts open at the end of the period are generally indicative of the volume of activity during the period.

NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS

Investments consisted of the following:

  September 30,
2020
  December 31, 2019 
  Amortized Cost  Fair Value  Amortized Cost  Fair Value 
First lien secured loans $497,306  $494,866  $486,340  $477,875 
Second lien secured loans  30,738   30,000   63,002   62,155 
Subordinated unsecured loans  291   291   -   - 
Subordinated Note to STRS JV  41,073   41,073   26,344   26,344 
Equity (excluding STRS JV)  18,801   19,750   15,453   16,365 
Equity in STRS JV  10,268   9,315   6,586   6,949 
Total $598,477   595,295  $597,725  $589,688 


The following table shows the portfolio composition by industry(1) grouping at fair value:

 

  September 30, 2019  December 31, 2018 
Advertising $10,263   2.04% $17,885   3.81%
Air Freight & Logistics  5,673   1.13   -   - 
Application Software  5,461   1.09   -   - 
Automotive Retail  16,837   3.34   16,840   3.59 
Broadcasting  29,259   5.82   35,092   7.47 
Cable & Satellite  13,950   2.77   14,700   3.13 
Communications Equipment  5,100   1.01   -   - 
Construction & Engineering  9,002   1.79   -   - 
Data Processing & Outsourced Services  24,437   4.86   24,707   5.26 
Department Stores  14,186   2.82   14,707   3.13 
Distributors  5,668   1.13   -   - 
Diversified Support Services  17,822   3.54   31,846   6.78 
Food Retail  26,547   5.28   29,790   6.34 
Health Care Facilities  14,760   2.93   12,058   2.57 
Health Care Services  20,778   4.13   14,970   3.19 
Home Furnishings  5,107   1.02   5,392   1.15 
Human Resources & Employment Services  12,304   2.45   -   - 
Internet Retail  19,488   3.87   17,100   3.64 
Internet Services & Infrastructure  24,862   4.94   25,576   5.45 
Investment Banking & Brokerage  23,403   4.65   26,723   5.69 
IT Consulting & Other Services  4,119   0.82   4,088   0.87 
Leisure Facilities  19,691   3.91   34,022   7.25 
Office Service & Supplies  12,186   2.42   -   - 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production  -   -   17,342   3.69 
Other Diversified Financial Services  28,473   5.66   25,780   5.49 
Packaged Foods & Meats  19,604   3.90   12,777   2.72 
Personal Products  4,781   0.95   -   - 
Research & Consulting Services  13,349   2.65   13,903   2.96 
Restaurants  9,876   1.96   10,020   2.13 
Specialized Finance  47,114   9.36   46,780   9.97 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals  20,531   4.08   13,898   2.96 
Trading Companies & Distributors  14,697   2.92   -   - 
Trucking  3,804   0.76   3,568   0.76 
Total $503,132   100.00% $469,564   100.00%

(1)Excludes investments in STRS JV. 
  September 30, 2020  December 31, 2019 
Advertising $15,372   2.82% $9,804   1.76%
Agricultural & Farm Machinery  10,152   1.86   10,073   1.81 
Air Freight & Logistics  5,398   0.99   5,600   1.01 
Application Software  15,826   2.90   5,395   0.97 
Automotive Retail  24,134   4.43   24,890   4.47 
Broadcasting  4,849   0.89   12,396   2.23 
Building Products  19,062   3.50   -   - 
Cable & Satellite  14,250   2.61   14,250   2.56 
Communications Equipment  15,961   2.93   4,857   0.87 
Construction & Engineering  14,810   2.72   -   - 
Data Processing & Outsourced Services  28,330   5.20   40,699   7.32 
Department Stores  13,272   2.43   13,544   2.43 
Distributors  5,591   1.03   5,594   1.01 
Diversified Chemicals  8,790   1.61   8,733   1.57 
Diversified Support Services  20,652   3.79   17,636   3.17 
Education Services  13,936   2.56   11,519   2.07 
Environmental & Facilities Services  -   -   6,329   1.14 
Food Retail  22,763   4.18   7,668   1.38 
Health Care Facilities  11,809   2.17   14,760   2.65 
Health Care Services  13,682   2.51   27,010   4.85 
Home Furnishings  3,778   0.69   5,040   0.91 
Human Resource & Employment Services  -   -   12,354   2.22 
Interactive Media & Services  12,675   2.33   12,673   2.28 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail  29,486   5.41   18,424   3.31 
Investment Banking & Brokerage  20,457   3.75   22,935   4.12 
IT Consulting & Other Services  4,034   0.74   4,236   0.76 
Leisure Facilities  20,704   3.80   24,086   4.33 
Office Services & Supplies  10,644   1.95   12,029   2.16 
Other Diversified Financial Services  3,490   0.64   28,376   5.10 
Packaged Foods & Meats  10,779   1.98   11,924   2.14 
Property & Casualty Insurance  6,131   1.13   -   - 
Research & Consulting Services  26,854   4.93   28,704   5.16 
Restaurants  8,534   1.57   9,717   1.75 
Specialized Consumer Services  6,395   1.17   4,355   0.78 
Specialized Finance  39,520   7.25   47,151   8.47 
Specialty Chemicals  10,846   1.99   11,463   2.06 
Systems Software  16,267   2.99   19,025   3.42 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals  22,633   4.15   23,566   4.24 
Trading Companies & Distributors  13,012   2.39   19,496   3.50 
Trucking  29   0.01   84   0.02 
Total $544,907   100.00% $556,395   100.00%

 

The(1) Excludes investments in STRS JV.


As of September 30, 2020 the portfolio companies underlying the Company’s investments are all located in the United States and its territories, except for Arcole Acquisition Corp and Geo Logic Systems Ltd. (which isare located in Canada). As of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the weighted average remaining termterms of the Company’s debt investments waswere approximately 3.73.5 years and 3.63.4 years, respectively.

 

As of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the total fair value of non-accrual loans were $8,480$18,670 and $103 as of the end of each respective period. $7,668, respectively.

 


An affiliated company is generally a portfolio company in which the Company owns 5% or more of its voting securities. A controlled affiliated company is generally a portfolio company in which the Company owns more than 25% of its voting securities or has the power to exercise control over its management or policies (including through a management agreement). The following table presents the schedule of investments in and advances to affiliated and controlled affiliated persons (as defined by the 1940 Act) as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019:2020:

 

Affiliated Person(1) Type of
Asset
  Amount of
dividends and
interest
included in
income
  Beginning
Fair Value at
December 31,
2018
  Purchases  Sales  Net
Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Ending Fair
Value at
September 30,
2019
 
Non-controlled affiliates                                                                                                                                        
NMFC Senior Loan Program I LLC Units  Equity  $888  $9,630  $-  $-  $-  $43  $9,673 
RCS Creditor Trust Class B Units  Equity   -   535   -   -   -   (535)  - 
Total Non-controlled affiliates     $888  $10,165  $-  $-  $-  $(492) $9,673 

Affiliated Person(1) Type of
Asset
  Amount of
dividends and
interest
included in
income
  Beginning
Fair Value at
December 31,
2018
  Purchases  Sales  Net
Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Ending Fair
Value at
September 30,
2019
 
Controlled affiliates                                                                                                                                                        
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC*  Subordinated Note  $343  $-  $19,484  $-  $-  $-  $19,484 
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC*  Equity   -   -   4,871   -   -   56   4,927 
Total Controlled affiliates     $343  $-  $24,355  $-  $-  $56  $24,411 
    Amount of                   
    dividends and  Beginning           Net Change in  Ending Fair 
    interest  Fair Value at        Net  Unrealized  Value at 
  Type of included in  December 31,        Realized  Appreciation  September 30, 
Affiliated Person(1) Asset income  2019  Purchases  Sales  Gain (Loss)  (Depreciation)  2020 
Non-controlled affiliates                              
NMFC Senior Loan                              
Program I LLC Units Equity $800  $9,651  $       —  $     —  $     —  $(131) $9,520 
Total Non-controlled affiliates   $800  $9,651  $  $  $  $(131) $9,520 

 

*The Company and STRS Ohio are the members of STRS JV, a joint venture formed as a Delaware limited liability company that is not consolidated by either member for financial reporting purposes. The members make investments in STRS JV in the form of LLC equity interests and interest-bearing subordinated notes as STRS JV makes investments, and all portfolio and other material decisions regarding STRS JV must be submitted to STRS JV’s board of managers which is comprised of an equal number of members appointed by each of the Company and STRS Ohio. Because management of STRS JV is shared equally between the Company and STRS Ohio, the Company does not believe it controls STRS JV for purposes of the 1940 Act or otherwise.

    Amount of                   
    dividends and  Beginning           Net Change in  Ending Fair 
    interest  Fair Value at        Net  Unrealized  Value at 
  Type of included in  December 31,        Realized  Appreciation  September 30, 
Affiliated Person(1) Asset income  2019  Purchases  Sales  Gain (Loss)  (Depreciation)  2020 
Controlled affiliates                              
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Subordinated                            
Fund LLC* Note $1,913  $26,344  $14,729  $   —  $       —  $     —  $41,073 
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC* Equity  961   6,949   3,682         (1,316)  9,315 
Total Controlled affiliates   $2,874  $33,293  $18,411  $  $  $(1,316) $50,388 

 


The following table presents the schedule of investments in and advances to affiliated and controlled affiliated persons (as defined by the 1940 Act) as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018:2019:

 

  Amount of              
  dividends and Beginning         Net Change in Ending Fair 
  interest Fair Value at       Net Unrealized Value at 
 Type of included in December 31,       Realized Appreciation December 31, 
Affiliated Person(1) Type of
Asset
  Amount of
dividends and
interest
included in
income
  Beginning
Fair Value
at December 31,
2017
  Purchases  Sales  Net
Realized
Gain (Loss)
  Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
  Ending Fair
Value at
December 31,
2018
  Asset income 2018 Purchases Sales Gain (Loss) (Depreciation) 2019 
Non-controlled affiliates                                                                                                                                                                    
Aretec Group, Inc.  Equity  $-  $17,314  $-  $(53,734) $33,041  $3,379  $- 
NMFC Senior Loan Program I LLC Units  Equity   2,132   18,504   -   (10,000)  (91)  1,217   9,630 
RCS Creditor Trust Class B Units  Equity   -   428   -   -   -   107   535 
NMFC Senior Loan                            
Program I LLC Units Equity $1,173  $9,630  $       —  $   $          —  $21   $9,651 
UnitsRCS Creditor Trust Class B Equity     535            (535)   
Total Non-controlled affiliates     $2,132  $36,246  $-  $(63,734) $32,950  $4,703  $10,165  $1,173  $10,165  $  $   $  $(514)  $9,651 

    Amount of                   
    dividends and  Beginning           Net Change in  Ending Fair 
    interest  Fair Value at        Net  Unrealized  Value at 
  Type of included in  December 31,        Realized  Appreciation  December 31, 
Affiliated Person(1) Asset income  2018  Purchases  Sales  Gain (Loss)  (Depreciation)  2019 
Controlled affiliates                              
WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Subordinated                            
Fund LLC * Note $936  $       —  $26,344  $  $        —  $          —  $26,344 

WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan

Fund LLC*

 Equity         —      6,586         363   6,949 
Total Controlled affiliates   $936   $  $32,930  $   $  $363  $33,293 

 

*The Company and STRS Ohio are the members of STRS JV, a joint venture formed as a Delaware limited liability company that is not consolidated by either member for financial reporting purposes. The members make investments in STRS JV in the form of limited liability company (“LLC”) equity interests and interest-bearing subordinated notes as STRS JV makes investments, and all portfolio and other material decisions regarding STRS JV must be submitted to STRS JV’s board of managers which is comprised of an equal number of members appointed by each of the Company and STRS Ohio. Because management of STRS JV is shared equally between the Company and STRS Ohio, the Company does not believe it controls STRS JV for purposes of the 1940 Act or otherwise.

(1)Refer to the consolidated schedule of investments for the principal amount, industry classification and other security detail of each portfolio company.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company placed its second lien investment in RCS Capital Corporation on non-accrual status in anticipation of a voluntary petition for a “pre-packaged” Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, which was filed on January 31, 2016. On May 23, 2016, the Company’s second lien investment, with a cost basis of $20,693, converted to 536,042 shares of common stock in Aretec Group, Inc. (previously known as RCS Capital Corporation). In October 2018, the Company realized its investment in Aretec Group, Inc. and sold all 536,042 shares of common stock.


WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC

 

On January 14, 2019, the Company entered into a limited liability companyan LLC operating agreement with STRS Ohio to co-manage a newly formed joint venture investment company, STRS JV, a Delaware limited liability company.LLC. STRS Ohio and the Company have committed to provide up to $125.0 million$125,000 of subordinated notes and equity to STRS JV, with STRS Ohio providing up to $50,000 and the Company providing up to $75,000, respectively.$75,000. STRS JV will invest primarily in lower middle market, senior secured debt facilities,, to performing lower middle market companies across a broad range of industries that typically carry a floating interest rate based on a risk-free index rate such as LIBOR and have a term of three to six years.

 

In July 2019, STRS JV formally launched operations. As of September 30, 2019,2020, STRS JV had total assets of $58,379.$170,818. STRS JV’s portfolio consisted of debt investments in five18 portfolio companies as of September 30, 2019.2020. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the largest investment by aggregate principal amount (including any unfunded commitments) in a single portfolio company in STRS JV’s portfolio was $13,728.$14,628. The five largest investments in portfolio companies by fair value in STRS JV totaled $54,942.$61,266. STRS JV invests in portfolio companies in the same industries in which the Company may directly invest.

 

The Company provides capital to STRS JV in the form of LLC equity interests and through interest-bearing subordinated notes. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company and STRS Ohio owned 60% and 40%, respectively, of the LLC equity interests of STRS JV. The Company’s investment in STRS JV consisted of equity contributions of $4,871$10,268 and advances of the subordinated notes of $19,484$41,073 as of September 30, 2019.2020. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company had commitments to fund equity interests and subordinated notes in STRS JV of $15,000 and $60,000, of which $10,129$4,732 and $40,516$18,927 were unfunded, respectively.

 

The Company and STRS Ohio each appoint two members to STRS JV’s four-person board of managers. All material decisions with respect to STRS JV, including those involving its investment portfolio, require unanimous approval of a quorum of the board of managers. Quorum is defined as (i) the presence of two members of the board of managers; provided that at least one individual is present that was elected, designated or appointed by each member; (ii) the presence of three members of the board of managers; provided that the individual that was elected, designated or appointed by the member with only one individual present shall be entitled to cast two votes on each matter; andor (iii) the presence of four members of the board of managers; provided that two individuals are present that were elected, designated or appointed by each member.

 

On July 19, 2019, STRS JV entered into a $125,000 credit and security agreement (the “STRS JV Credit Facility”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (“JPMorgan”). As of September 30, 2019,2020, the STRS JV Credit Facility had $125,000 of commitments subject to leverage and borrowing base restrictions with an interest rate based on a risk-free index rate such as LIBOR plus 2.55%. The final maturity date of the STRS JV Credit Facility is July 19, 2024. As of September 30, 2019,2020, STRS JV had $18.6 million$86,755 of outstanding borrowings under the STRS JV Credit Facility. At September 30, 2019,2020, the effective interest rate on the STRS JV Credit Facility was 4.85%2.84% per annum.

 


Below is a listing of STRS JV’s individual investments as of September 30, 2019:2020:

STRS JV Portfolio
(in thousands)

 

Investment Type(1) Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
  Acquisition Date(4)  Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value(5)
  Spread
Above
Index(2)
 Interest
Rate(3)
  Acquisition
Date(4)
  Maturity
Date
 Principal/
Share
Amount
  Amortized
Cost
  Fair
Value(5)
 
North America                                                
Debt Investments                                                
Advertising                        
SmartSign Holdings LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00%  7.00%   10/21/19  10/11/24  8,775  $8,632  $8,582 
 (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan L+ 6.00%  7.00%   10/21/19  10/11/24  -   -   (5)
 (1.00% Floor)            8,775   8,632   8,577 
Construction & Engineering                        
SFP Holding, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.25%  7.25%   12/13/19  09/01/22  6,499   6,497   6,330 
 (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan (6) L+ 6.25%  7.25%   12/13/19  09/01/22  4,287   4,284   4,119 
 (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan L+ 6.25%  7.25%   12/13/19  09/01/22  1,134   1,129   1,105
 (1.00% Floor)            11,920   11,910   11,554 
Data Processing & Outsourced Services                        
Geo Logic Systems Ltd.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan (7) L+ 6.24%  7.25%   01/22/20  12/19/24  14,558   10,951   10,572 
 (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan(7) L+ 6.24%  7.25%   01/22/20  12/19/24  -   -   (8)
 (1.00% Floor)            14,558   10,951   10,564 
Diversified Support Services                                                
Quest Events, LLC                                                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00%  7.00%   07/19/19  12/28/24  11,403   11,235   9,271 
 (1.00% Floor)  (3.50% PIK)                   
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan L+ 6.00%  7.00%   07/19/19  12/28/24  935   921   760 
 (1.00% Floor)  (3.50% PIK)         12,338   12,156   10,031 
Environmental & Facilities Services                        
WH Lessor Corp.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00%  8.10%  07/19/19  12/28/24  10,860   10,651   10,643  L+ 6.00%  7.00%   01/22/20  12/26/24  5,244   5,154   5,219 
 (1.00% Floor)                       (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan L+ 6.00%  8.10%  07/19/19  12/28/24  -   -   (1) L+ 6.00%  7.00%   01/22/20  12/26/24  -   -   6 
 (1.00% Floor)            10,860   10,651   10,642  (1.00% Floor)            5,244   5,154   5,225 
Health Care Services                                                
Akumin Corp.                                                
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00%  8.04%  07/19/19  05/31/24  13,666   13,412   13,401  L+ 8.00%  9.00%   07/19/19  05/31/24  13,619   13,357   13,347 
 (1.00% Floor)            13,666   13,412   13,401  (1.00% Floor)  (2.00% PIK)         13,619   13,357   13,347 
Human Resource & Employment Services                        
Pluto Acquisition Topco, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan(8) L+ 6.31%  7.81%   05/19/20  01/31/24  11,834   11,674   11,834 
 (1.50% Floor)            11,834   11,674   11,834 
Industrial Machinery                                                
FR Flow Control CB LLC                                                
First Lien Secured Term Loan B L+ 6.00%  8.10%  07/19/19  06/28/26  7,362   7,219   7,220  L+ 6.00%  7.00%   07/19/19  06/28/26  7,288   7,167   7,102 
 (1.00% Floor)                       (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Term Loan C L+ 6.00%  8.10%  07/19/19  06/28/26  2,870   2,814   2,815  L+ 6.00%  7.00%   07/19/19  06/28/26  2,870   2,823   2,797 
 (1.00% Floor)            10,232   10,033   10,035  (1.00% Floor)            10,158   9,990   9,899 
Internet Retail                        
Insurance Brokers                        
SelectQuote, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00%  7.00%   11/05/19  11/05/24  7,838   7,710   7,838 
 (1.00% Floor)            7,838   7,710   7,838 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail                        
Marlin DTC-LS Midco 2, LLC                                       
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 5.50%  6.50%   07/19/19  07/01/25  13,612   13,395   13,475 
 (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan L+ 5.50%  6.50%   07/19/19  07/01/25  -   -   6 
 (1.00% Floor)            13,612   13,395   13,481 
Investment Banking & Brokerage                        
TOUR Intermediate Holdings, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.00%  8.00%   05/19/20  05/15/25  8,299   8,155   8,175 
 (1.00% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan L+ 7.00%  8.00%   05/19/20  05/15/25  2,919   2,895   2,875 
 (1.00% Floor)            11,218   11,050   11,050 
Packaged Foods & Meats                        
Mikawaya Holdings, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 5.75%  7.00%   02/18/20  01/29/25  3,065   3,011   3,065 
 (1.25% Floor)                      
Poultry Holdings, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 5.75%  6.75%   10/21/19  06/28/25  7,748   7,619   7,283 
 (1.00% Floor)                      
Westrock Coffee Company, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 8.25%  9.75%   03/20/20  02/28/25  9,233   9,130   9,049 
 (1.50% Floor)  (1.00% PIK)         20,046   19,760   19,397 
Personal Products                        
Sunless, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00% 8.04%  07/19/19 07/01/25 12,784   12,536   12,552  L+ 6.50%  7.50%   10/21/19  08/13/24  4,834   4,740   4,350 
 (1.00% Floor)                    (1.00% Floor)  (0.50% PIK)                   
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan L+ 6.00%  8.04%  07/19/19  07/01/25  -   -   1  L+ 6.50%  7.50%   10/21/19  08/13/24  -   -   (112)
 (1.00% Floor)            12,784   12,536   12,553  (1.00% Floor)            4,834   4,740   4,238 
Systems Software                                             
arcserve (USA) LLC                                             
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.00%  8.12%  07/19/19  05/01/24  8,373   8,219   8,311  L+ 6.00%  7.00%   07/19/19  05/01/24  8,163   8,045   8,081 
 (1.00% Floor)            8,373   8,219   8,311  (1.00% Floor)            8,163   8,045   8,081 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals                        
PS Lightwave, Inc.                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 6.75%  8.25%   05/19/20  03/10/25  7,673   7,531   7,538 
 (1.50% Floor)                      
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan L+ 6.75%  8.25%   05/19/20  03/10/25  -   -   1 
 (1.50% Floor)            7,673   7,531   7,539 
Trading Companies & Distributors                        
Vessco Holdings, LLC                        
First Lien Secured Term Loan L+ 7.25%  8.75% �� 04/22/20  08/22/24  9,874   9,697   9,972 
 (1.50% Floor)                      
                                   9,874   9,697   9,972 
Total Investments              55,915  $54,851  $54,942               171,704  $165,752  $162,627 


1) All investments provide collateral for the STRS JV Credit Facility.

(1)Except as noted, all investments provide collateral for the STRS JV Credit Facility.

 

(2) The investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to LIBOR, which resets monthly, quarterly or semiannually. The one, three and six-month LIBOR were 2.0%, 2.1% and 2.1%, respectively, as of September 30, 2019.

(2)The investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to LIBOR, which resets monthly, quarterly or semiannually, or CDOR. The one, three and six-month LIBOR were 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively, as of September 30, 2020. The CDOR was 0.5% as of September 30, 2020.

 

(3) The interest rate is the “all-in-rate” including the current index and spread, the fixed rate, and the PIK interest rate, as the case may be.

(3)The interest rate is the “all-in-rate” including the current index and spread, the fixed rate, and the PIK interest rate, as the case may be.

 

(4) Except as otherwise noted, all of the STRS JV’s portfolio company investments, which as of the date of the portfolio represented 669% of STRS JV’s net assets or 94% of STRS JV’s total assets, are subject to legal restrictions on sales.

(4)Except as otherwise noted, all of the STRS JV’s portfolio company investments, which as of the date of the portfolio represented 1,048% of STRS JV’s net assets or 95% of STRS JV’s total assets, are subject to legal restrictions on sales.

 

(5) Except as otherwise noted, the
(5)The fair value of each investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs.

(6)The investment or a portion of the investment does not provide collateral for the STRS JV Credit Facility.

(7)Principal is denominated in Canadian dollars.

(8)In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, STRS JV is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.00% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

Below is a listing of STRS JV’s individual investments as of December 31, 2019:

  Spread           Principal/       
  Above  Interest  Acquisition  Maturity  Share  Amortized  Fair 
Investment Type(1) Index(2)  Rate(3)  Date(4)  Date  Amount  Cost  Value(5) 
North America                     
Debt Investments                     
Advertising                     
SmartSign Holdings LLC                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.00%   10.19%  10/21/19   10/11/24   8,841  $8,672  $8,672 
   (1.00% Floor)                         
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan  L+ 6.00%   10.19%  10/21/19   10/11/24          
   (1.00% Floor)               8,841   8,672   8,672 
Construction & Engineering                            
SFP Holding, Inc.                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.25%   8.14%  12/13/19   09/01/22   9,932   9,927   9,932 
   (1.00% Floor)                         
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan  L+ 6.25%   8.14%  12/13/19   09/01/22   85   84   85 
   (1.00% Floor)                         
First Lien Secured Delayed Draw Loan  L+ 6.25%   8.14%  12/13/19   12/14/20         47 
   (1.00% Floor)                         
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan  L+ 6.25%   8.41%  12/13/19   09/01/22   61   61   68 
   (1.00% Floor)               10,078   10,072   10,132 
Diversified Support Services                            
Quest Events, LLC                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.00%   7.94%  07/19/19   12/28/24   10,833   10,634   10,508 
   (1.00% Floor)                         
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan  L+ 6.00%   7.94%  07/19/19   12/28/24         (11)
   (1.00% Floor)               10,833   10,634   10,497 
Health Care Services                            
Akumin Corp.                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.00%   7.80%  07/19/19   05/31/24   13,632   13,392   13,482 
   (1.00% Floor)               13,632   13,392   13,482 
Industrial Machinery                            
FR Flow Control CB LLC                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan B  L+ 6.00%   7.94%  07/19/19   06/28/26   7,343   7,206   7,183 
   (1.00% Floor)                         
First Lien Secured Term Loan C  L+ 6.00%   7.94%  07/19/19   06/28/26   2,870   2,816   2,807 
   (1.00% Floor)               10,213   10,022   9,990 
Insurance Brokers                            
SelectQuote, Inc.                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.00%   7.70%  11/05/19   11/05/24   10,250   10,051   10,051 
   (1.00% Floor)               10,250   10,051   10,051 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail                            
Marlin DTC-LS Midco 2, LLC                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.00%   7.80%  07/19/19   07/01/25   13,715   13,463   13,644 
   (1.00% Floor)                         
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan  L+ 6.00%   7.80%  07/19/19   07/01/25         13 
   (1.00% Floor)               13,715   13,463   13,657 
Packaged Foods & Meats                     
Poultry Holdings, LLC                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 5.75%   7.55%  10/21/19   06/28/25   7,807   7,656   7,688 
   (1.00% Floor)               7,807   7,656   7,688 
Personal Products                            
Sunless, Inc.                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.00%   7.79%  10/21/19   08/13/24   4,864   4,773   4,779 
   (1.00% Floor)                         
First Lien Secured Revolving Loan  L+ 6.00%   7.79%  10/21/19   08/13/24         2 
   (1.00% Floor)               4,864   4,773   4,781 
Systems Software                            
arcserve (USA) LLC                            
First Lien Secured Term Loan  L+ 6.00%   7.91%  07/19/19   05/01/24   8,321   8,175   8,310 
   (1.00% Floor)               8,321   8,175   8,310 
Total Investments                  98,554  $96,910  $97,260 

(1)All investments provide collateral for the STRS JV Credit Facility.

(2)The investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to LIBOR, which resets monthly, quarterly or semiannually. The one, three and six-month LIBOR were 1.8%, 1.9% and 1.9%, respectively, as of December 31, 2019.

(3)The interest rate is the “all-in-rate” including the current index and spread, the fixed rate, and the PIK interest rate, as the case may be.

(4)Except as otherwise noted, all of the STRS JV’S portfolio company investments, which as of the date of the portfolio represented 840% of STRS JV’S net assets or 98% of STRS JV’S total assets or 98% of STRS JV’S total assets, are subject to legal restrictions on Sales.

(5)The fair value of each investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs.


 

As of September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, STRS JV had no investments on non-accrual status. STRS JV had outstanding commitments to fund investments totaling $1.9 million$8,420 and $8,592 under undrawn revolvers as of September 30, 2019.2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

 

Below is certain summarized financial information for STRS JV as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2020 and for the period July 19, 2019 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019 (dollars in thousands):

 

Selected Balance Sheet Information     September 30, 2020  December 31, 2019 
Assets:            
Investments, at fair value (amortized cost of $54,851) $54,942 
Investments, at fair value (amortized cost of $165,752, $96,910, respectively) $162,627  $97,260 
Cash and cash equivalents  2,917   7,444   1,552 
Other assets  520   747   726 
Total assets $58,379  $170,818  $99,538 
    
Liabilities:            
Credit facility  16,714  $85,226  $42,773 
Note payable to members  32,473   68,456   43,907 
Interest payable on credit facility  295   160   179 
Interest payable on notes to members  572   1,140   850 
Other liabilities  115   311   248 
Total liabilities $50,169   155,293   87,957 
Members’ equity  8,210   15,525   11,581 
Total liabilities and members’ equity $58,379  $170,818  $99,538 

 

 Three Months Ended Nine months Ended 
Selected Statement of Operations Information    September 30, 2020  September 30, 2020 
Interest income $1,022  $3,402  $8,948 
Total investment income $1,022  $3,402  $8,948 
    
Interest expense on credit facility  378   806   2,407 
Interest expense on notes to members  572   1,140   3,328 
Administrative fee  24   84   219 
Other expenses  58   40   314 
Total expenses $1,032  $2,070  $6,268 
    
Net investment income  (10)  1,332   2,680 
Net realized gains on investments  12 
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments  91 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $93 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments  (2)  (17)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  2,158   (3,254)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $3,488  $(591)

  For the period July 19, 2019
(commencement of operations)
 
Selected Statement of Operations Information through September 30, 2019 
Interest income $1,022 
Total investment income $1,022 
     
Interest expense on credit facility  378 
Interest expense on notes to members  572 
Administrative fee  24 
Other expenses  58 
Total expenses $1,032 
     
Net investment income  (10)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments  12 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  91 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations $93 

 


NOTE 45 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1:Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active public markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

Level 2:Significant other 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.

 

Level 3:Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.

 

A review of the fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in or out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur. During the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 and 2018,2019, there were no changes in the observability of valuation inputs that would have resulted in a reclassification of assets between any levels.

 

Fair value for each investment is derived using a combination of valuation methodologies that, in the judgment of the investment committee of WhiteHorse Advisers are most relevant to such investment, including, without limitation, being based on one or more of the following: (i) market prices obtained from market makers for which the investment committee has deemed there to be enough breadth (number of quotes) and depth (firm bids) to be indicative of fair value, (ii) the price paid or realized in a completed transaction or binding offer received in an arm’s-length transaction, (iii) a discounted cash flow analysis, (iv) the guideline public company method, (v) the similar transaction method or (vi) the option pricing method.

 


The following table presents investments (as shown on the consolidated schedule of investments) that were measured at fair value as of September 30, 2020:

  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
First lien secured loans $  $  $494,866   494,866 
Second lien secured loans        30,000   30,000 
Subordinated unsecured loans        291   291 
Subordinated Note to STRS JV        41,073   41,073 
Equity (excluding STRS JV)        19,750   19,750 
Equity in STRS JV(1)           9,315 
Total investments $  $  $585,980   595,295 

The following table presents investments (as shown on the consolidated schedule of investments) that were measured at fair value as of December 31, 2019:

 

 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 
First lien secured loans $-  $-  $420,677  $420,677  $  $  $477,875  $477,875 
Second lien secured loans  -   -   65,596   65,596         62,155   62,155 
Subordinated Note to STRS JV  -   -   19,484   19,484         26,344   26,344 
Equity (excluding STRS JV)  536   -   16,323   16,859   467      15,898   16,365 
Equity in STRS JV(1)  -   -   -   4,927            6,949 
Total investments $536  $-  $522,080  $527,543  $467  $  $582,272  $589,688 

 

(1)The Company’s equity investment in STRS JV is measured using the net asset value per share as a practical expedient for fair value, and thus has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

 


The following table presents investments (as shown on the consolidated schedule of investments) that werechanges in investments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2018:using Level 3 inputs for the three months ended September 30, 2020:

 

  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
First lien secured loans $-  $-  $359,416  $359,416 
Second lien secured loans  -   -   97,167   97,167 
Equity  706   -   12,275   12,981 
Total investments $706  $-  $468,858  $469,564 
  First Lien  Second Lien  Subordinated  Subordinated       
  Secured  Secured   Unsecured  Notes to STRS     Total 
  Loans  Loans  Loans  JV  Equity  Investments 
Fair value, beginning of period $453,721   29,968   -   41,073   14,846   539,608 
Funding of investments  57,920   -   291   -   1,100   59,311 
Non-cash interest income  198   -   -   -   -   198 
Accretion of discount  680   28   -   -   -   708 
Proceeds from paydowns and sales  (27,507)  -   -   -   (632)  (28,139)
Realized gains  4   -   -   -   632  636
Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation  9,850   4   -   -   3,804   13,658 
Fair value, end of period $494,866   30,000   291   41,073   19,750   585,980 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held as of September 30, 2020 $9,980   4   -   -   3,804   13,788 

The following table presents the changes in investments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the nine months ended September 30, 2020:

  First Lien  Second Lien  Subordinated  Subordinated       
  Secured  Secured  Unsecured  Notes to STRS     Total 
  Loans  Loans  Loans  JV  Equity  Investments 
Fair value, beginning of period $477,875   62,155   -   26,344   15,898   582,272 
Funding of investments  122,057   -  291   14,729   3,908   140,985 
Non-cash interest income  681   -  -   -   -   681 
Accretion of discount  2,009   142   -   -   18   2,169 
Proceeds from paydowns and sales  (114,065)  (32,404)  -   -   (650)  (147,119)
Realized gains  281   -   -   -   632  913 
Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation  6,028   107   -   -   (56)  6,079 
Fair value, end of period $494,866   30,000   291   41,073   19,750   585,980 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held as of September 30, 2020 $6,090   109   -   -   (56)  6,143 

 

The following table presents the changes in investments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the three months ended September 30, 2019:

 

 First Lien Second Lien Subordinated      
 Secured Secured Notes to STRS     Total 
 

First Lien

Secured

Loans

  

Second Lien

Secured

Loans

  

 

Subordinated Notes to STRS
JV

  Equity  

Total

Investments

  Loans  Loans  JV  Equity  Investments 
Fair value, beginning of period $453,080  $65,700  $-  $15,040  $533,820  $453,080   65,700   -   15,040   533,820 
Funding of investments  79,498   -   19,484   1,480   100,462   79,498   -   19,484   1,480   100,462 
Non-cash interest income  605   -   -   -   605   605   -   -   -   605 
Accretion of discount  1,359   35   -   -   1,394   1,359   35   -   -   1,394 
Proceeds from paydowns and sales  (112,825)  -   -   -   (112,825)  (112,825)  -   -   -   (112,825)
Lien priority conversion  -   -   -   -   - 
Realized losses  (2)  -   -   -   (2)
Realized gains  (2)  -   -   -   (2)
Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation  (1,038)  (139)  -   (197)  (1,374)  (1,038)  (139)  -   (197)  (1,374)
Fair value, end of period $420,677  $65,596  $19,484  $16,323  $522,080  $420,677   65,596   19,484   16,323   522,080 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held as of September 30, 2019 $(1,042) $(138 $-  $(195 $(1,374) $(1,042)  (138)  -   (195)  (1,374)

 


The following table presents the changes in investments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the nine months ended September 30, 2019:

 

  

First Lien

Secured

Loans

  

Second Lien

Secured

Loans

  

 

Subordinated Notes to STRS
JV

  Equity  

Total

Investments

 
Fair value, beginning of period $359,416  $97,167  $-  $12,275  $468,858 
Funding of investments  204,180   -   19,484   2,990   226,654 
Non-cash interest income  1,350   567   -   -   1,917 
Accretion of discount  2,694   657   -   -   3,351 
Proceeds from paydowns and sales  (156,209)  (21,190  -   -   (177,399)
Lien priority conversion  14,472   (14,472  -   -   - 
Realized losses  (2,020)  -   -   -   (2,020)
Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation  (3,206)  2,867  -   1,058  719
Fair value, end of period $420,677  $65,596  $19,484  $16,323  $522,080 
Change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments still held as of September 30, 2019 $(3,736) $3,335  $-  $1,060  $659 


The following table presents the changes in investments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the three months ended September 30, 2018:

  

First Lien

Secured

Loans

  

Second Lien

Secured

Loans

  Equity  

Total

Investments

 
Fair value, beginning of period $308,560  $144,258  $58,095  $510,913 
Funding of investments  26,857   18,127   327   45,311 
Non-cash income  146   -   -   146 
Accretion of discount  474   632   -   1,106 
Proceeds from paydowns and sales  (11,327)  (52,670)  -   (63,997)
Realized losses  17   -   -   (17)
Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation  (1,288)  378   16,651   15,741 
Fair value, end of period $323,439  $110,725  $75,073  $509,237 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held as of September 30, 2018 $(1,282) $810  $16,651  $16,179 

The following table presents the changes in investments measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

 First Lien Second Lien Subordinated      
 Secured Secured Notes to STRS     Total 
 

First Lien

Secured

Loans

  

Second Lien

Secured

Loans

  Equity  

Total

Investments

  Loans  Loans  JV  Equity  Investments 
Fair value, beginning of period $230,261  $172,270  $37,328  $439,859  $359,416   97,167   -   12,275   468,858 
Funding of investments  191,313   18,150   327   209,790   204,180   -   19,484   2,990   226,654 
Non-cash income  461   -   -   461 
Non-cash interest income  1,350   567   -   -   1,917 
Accretion of discount  2,514   989   -   3,503   2,694   657   -   -   3,351 
Proceeds from paydowns and sales  (99,004)  (81,092)  -   (180,096)  (156,209)  (21,190)  -   -   (177,399)
Realized losses  (35)  -   -   (35)
Lien priority conversion  14,472   (14,472)  -   -   - 
Realized gains  (2,020)  -   -   -   (2,020)
Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation  (2,071)  408   37,418   35,755   (3,206)  2,867   -   1,058   719 
Fair value, end of period $323,439  $110,725  $75,073  $509,237  $(3,736)  3,335   -   1,060   659 
Change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments still held as of September 30, 2018 $(1,934) $755  $37,418  $36,239 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held as of September 30, 2019 $(3,736)  3,335   -   1,060   659 

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s investments are the discount rate, market quotes and exit multiples. An increase or decrease in the discount rate in isolation would result in significantly lower or higher fair value measurement, respectively. An increase or decrease in the market quote for an investment would in isolation result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively.

An increase or decrease in the exit multiple would in isolation result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurement, respectively. As the fair value of a debt investment diverges from par, which would generally be the case for non-accrual loans, the fair value measurement of that investment is more susceptible to volatility from changes in exit multiples as a significant unobservable input.

 


Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements is as follows:

 

Investment Type Fair Value at
September
30, 2019
 Valuation
Techniques
 Unobservable
Inputs
 Range
(Weighted Average)
 Fair Value at
September 30, 2020
 Valuation
Techniques
 Unobservable
Inputs
 Range
(Weighted Average)
First lien secured loans $228,924 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 8.6% – 47.1% (13.4%) $346,304 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 7.3% – 29.0% (10.6%)
     Exit EBITDA multiple 3.0x – 15.0x (7.4x)
  40,923 Guideline public companies LTM EBITDA multiple 1.8x – 6.3x (3.6x)
   Exit multiple 5.5x – 9.0x (7.4x)  27,984 Recent transaction Transaction price 97.8
 14,761 Market multiples and recent transaction Exit multiple 3.1x      Exit EBITDA multiple 14.3x
     Transaction price 93.5  78,924 Discounted cash flows, recent transaction and consensus market pricing Discount rate 8.1% – 10.7% (9.1%)
 787 Weighting of recent transaction and asset coverage Transaction price 100.0     Market pricing 96.5 – 100.9 (98.7)
 176,205 Weighting of discounted cash flows and consensus market pricing or recent transaction Discount rate 6.3% – 18.4% (9.2%)      Transaction price 96.3 – 100.3 (98.5)
   Market quotes or transaction price 97.3 – 100.0 (98.3)     Exit EBITDA multiple 6.0x – 11.0x (8.9x)
    Exit multiple 4.8x – 10.0x (7.6x)  731 Asset coverage - -
 $420,677     $494,866     
              
Second lien secured loans $48,155 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 9.7% – 18.5% (15.6%) $30,000 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 11.9% – 12.2% (12.0%)
     Exit multiple 6.0x – 8.0x (6.2x) $30,000     
 17,441 Weighting of discounted cash flows and consensus market pricing or recent transaction Discount rate 13.0%         
Subordinated Note to STRS JV $41,073 Enterprise value - -
    Market quotes or transaction price 98.0 $41,073      
 $65,596               
Subordinated Note to STRS JV 19,484 Enterprise value  - 
Subordinated unsecured loan $291 Guideline public companies LTM EBITDA multiple 6.3x
 $19,484       $291      
                 
Preferred Equity $317 Market multiples Exit multiple 9.4x $857 Similar transactions LTM EBITDA multiple 8.0x
 $317       $857      
                 
Common Equity $9,673 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 9.3% $9,831 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 0.2% - 18.4% (12.3%)
     Discount for lack of marketability 2.0%     Exit EBITDA Multiple 8.6x
  801 Recent transaction Exit Multiple 6.8x      Discount for lack of marketability 2.0%
 $10,474        1,199 Guideline public companies LTM EBITDA multiple 6.7x
              Discount for lack of marketability 35.0%
  4,259 Similar transactions LTM EBITDA multiple 6.0x – 14.3x (14.0x)
      Discount for lack of marketability 15.0%
 $15,289      
         
Warrant $5,228 Discounted cash flows and Discount rate 25.0% - 29.0% (25.3%) $3,604 Discounted cash flows and Discount rate 18.4% - 20.3% (20.2%)
   Option-pricing method Exit multiple 4.8x – 8.0x (5.6x)    Option-pricing method Exit EBITDA multiple 5.5x – 8.6x (5.6x)
     Volatility 1.3% - 25.0% (7.6%)      Volatility 3.0% - 7.5% (3.2%)
     Discount for lack of marketability 10.0% - 55.0% (17.7%)      Discount for lack of marketability 10.0% - 15.0% (10.2%)
 304 Expected Sale  -  $3,604      
 $                
  5,532      
Total Level 3 Investments $522,080     $585,980      

 


  Fair Value at     Range (Weighted
Investment Type 

Fair Value at
December
31, 2018

  

Valuation
Techniques

 

Unobservable
Inputs

 Range (Weighted Average)   December 31, 2019 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Inputs Average)
First lien secured loans $107,291  Discounted cash flows Discount rate  11.8% - 23.5% (15.2%)  $204,908 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 8.8% – 20.0% (10.9)%
       Exit multiple  4.5x - 7.0x (6.2x)       Exit multiple 4.8x – 9.0x (7.3x)
  11,955  Market multiples Exit multiple  2.9x   525 Asset coverage and Recent transaction Transaction price 100.0
  17,439  Weighting of discounted cash flows and expected repayment price Discount rate  10.5% - 14.9% (11.7%)   184,636 Discounted cash flows and consensus market pricing or recent transaction Discount rate 6.2% – 11.2% (9.1)%
     Repayment price  101.9       Market quotes or  
       Exit multiple  4.5x��      transaction price 97.1 – 99.7 (98.2)
  222,731  Weighting of discounted cash flows and consensus market pricing or recent transaction Discount rate  8.7% - 21.2% (11.5%)       Exit multiple 7.0x – 10.0x (8.2x)
     Market quotes or transaction price  79.8 - 100.0 (97.5)   22,429 Guideline public companies Exit multiple 4.0x – 5.0x (4.6x)
       Exit multiple  4.0x - 10.0x (7.2x)   5,405 Expected repayment Repayment price 100.0
 $359,416           59,972 Consensus market pricing or recent transaction Market quotes or transaction price 95.1 – 98.0 (96.6)
             $477,875      
Second lien secured loans $62,572  Discounted cash flows Discount rate  12.9% - 21.6% (18.2%)  $62,155 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 12.0% – 1 8.5% (14.9)%
       Exit multiple  5.5x - 8.0x (6.6x)       Exit multiple 6.0x
  103  Market multiples Exit multiple  2.9x  $62,155      
  17,150  Weighting of discounted cash flows and consensus pricing or recent transaction Discount rate  14.7% 
     Market quotes or transaction price  98.0 
  17,342  Expected repayment Repayment price  100.0 
Subordinated Note to STRS JV $26,344 Enterprise value  
 $97,167          $26,344      
Preferred Equity $317  Market multiples Exit multiple  9.4x  $1,133 Similar transactions Transaction multiple 9.4x – 9.5x (9.5x)
 $317          $1,133      
            
Common Equity $9,630  Weighting of discounted cash flows and recent transaction Discount rate  10.2%  $9,650 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 9.1%
       Transaction price  100.0 
       Discount for lack of marketability  2.0% 
  535  Consensus pricing Market quotes  $3.8/s       Discount for lack of marketability 2.0%
 $10,165          $849 Similar transactions Transaction multiple 6.0x – 6.8x (6.8x)
             $10,499      
Warrant $1,693  Discounted cash flows and Discount rate  22.0% - 30.3% (25.1%)  $4,182 Discounted cash flows and Discount rate 23.0% – 30.0% (23.8)%
     Option-pricing method Exit multiple  4.8x - 8.0x (5.9x)     Option-pricing method Exit multiple 5.5x – 8.0x (5.8x)
       Volatility  2.3% - 25.0% (8.7%)       Volatility 1.3% – 2.2% (2.1)%
       Discount for lack of marketability  13.0% - 55.0% (22.9%)       Discount for lack of marketability 10.0% – 13.0% (10.3)%
  100  Market multiples Exit multiple  5.5x  $4,182      
       Discount for lack of marketability  15.0% 
Earnout and Holdback $84 Discounted cash flows Discount rate 1.6%
 $1,793          $84      
Total Level 3 Investments $468,858          $582,272      

 


Valuation of investments may be determined by weighting various valuation techniques. Significant judgment is required in selecting the assumptions used to determine the fair values of these investments. The valuation methods selected for a particular investment are based on the circumstances and on the sufficiency of data available to measure fair value. If more than one valuation method is used to measure fair value, the results are evaluated and weighted, as appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range indicated by those results. A fair value measurement is the point within that range that is most representative of fair value in the circumstances.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary depending on the financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the nature of the instrument, whether the instrument is traded on an active exchange or in the secondary market and the current market conditions. To the extent that the valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires a greater degree of judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for financial instruments classified as Level 3.

 


The determination of fair value using the selected methodologies takes into consideration a range of factors including the price at which the investment was acquired, the nature of the investment, local market conditions, trading values on public and private exchanges for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment, compliance with agreed upon terms and covenants, and assessment of credit ratings of an underlying borrower. These valuation methodologies involve a significant degree of judgment to be exercised.

 

As it relates to investments which do not have an active public market, there is no single standard for determining the estimated fair value. Valuations of privately held investments are inherently uncertain, and they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. The determination of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed.

 


In some cases, fair value for such investments is best expressed as a range of values derived utilizing different methodologies from which a single estimate may then be determined. Consequently, fair value for each investment may be derived using a combination of valuation methodologies that, in the judgment of the investment professionals, are most relevant to such investment. The selected valuation methodologies for a particular investment are consistently applied on each measurement date. However, a change in a valuation methodology or its application from one measurement date to another is possible if the change results in a measurement that is equally or more representative of fair value in the circumstances.

 

The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s borrowings as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018.2019. The amortized cost disclosed below excludes debt issuance costs. The fair value of the Credit Facility (as defined in Note 5)6) was estimated by discounting remaining payments using applicable market rates or market quotes for similar instruments at the measurement date, if available. The fair value of the Company’s 6.0% private notes due 2023 (the “Private“2023 Private Notes”) was estimated using discounted future cash flows to the valuation date. The fair value of the 6.5% notes due 2025, (the “2025 Notes”) was estimated using the trailing 10-day volume weighted average quoted price as of the valuation date.

 

    September 30, 2019  December 31, 2018  Fair September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 
 

Fair
Value Level

  Amortized Cost  Fair Value  Amortized Cost  Fair Value  Value Level Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value 
JPM Credit Facility  3  $170,300  $174,075  $115,000  $116,759  3  $231,150  $231,567  $238,917  $243,435 
Private Notes  3   30,000   31,708   30,000   30,724 
2023 Private Notes 3   30,000   30,950   30,000   31,558 
2025 Notes  2   35,000   36,705   35,000   34,350  2   35,000   35,419   35,000   36,722 
     $235,300  $242,488  $180,000  $181,833     $296,150  $        297,936  $303,917  $311,715 

 

NOTE 56 - BORROWINGS

 

Historically, the 1940 Act has permitted the Company to issue “senior securities,” including borrowing money from banks or other financial institutions, only in amounts such that its asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such incurrence or issuance. In March 2018, the Small Business Credit Availability Act (the “SBCAA”) was enacted into law. The SBCAA, among other things, amended the 1940 Act to reduce the asset coverage requirements applicable to business development companies from 200% to 150% so long as the business development company meets certain disclosure requirements and obtains certain approvals. At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on August 1, 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved the reduced asset coverage ratio from 200% to 150%, such that the Company’s maximum debt-to-equity ratio increased from a prior maximum of 1.0x (equivalent of $1 of debt outstanding for each $1 of equity) to a maximum of 2.0x (equivalent to $2 of debt outstanding for each $1 of equity). As a result, the Company’s asset coverage requirements applicable to senior securities decreased from 200% to 150%, effective August 2, 2018. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company’s asset coverage for borrowed amounts was 234.1%206.2%.

 

Total borrowings outstanding and available as of September 30, 2019, was2020 were as follows:

 

 Maturity  Rate  Face Amount  Available  Maturity Rate Face Amount Available 
JPM Credit Facility  2021   L+2.75% $170,300   29,700   2024   L+2.50% $231,150   18,850 
Private Notes  2023   6.0%  30,000   - 
2023 Private Notes  2023   6.0%  30,000    
2025 Notes  2025   6.5%  35,000   -   2025   6.5%  35,000    
Total debt          235,300  $29,700           296,150  $18,850 
Debt issuance cost          (3,334)              (4,226)    
Total debt net issuance cost         $231,966              $291,924     

 


Total borrowings outstanding and available as of December 31, 2018, was2019 were as follows:

 

 Maturity  Rate  Face Amount  Available  Maturity Rate Face Amount Available 
JPM Credit Facility  2021   L+2.75% $115,000  $85,000   2024   L+2.50% $238,917  $11,083 
Private Notes  2023   6.0%  30,000   - 
2023 Private Notes  2023   6.0%  30,000    
2025 Notes  2025   6.5%  35,000   -   2025   6.5%  35,000    
Total debt          180,000  $85,000           303,917  $11,083 
Debt issuance cost          (4,047)              (4,993)    
Total debt net issuance cost         $175,953              $298,924     

 


Credit Facility: On December 23, 2015, WhiteHorse Credit entered into a $200,000 revolving credit and security agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (“JPMorgan”), as administrative agent and lender (the “Credit Facility”). On June 27, 2016, the Credit Facility was amended and restated to clarify certain terms. On June 29, 2017, WhiteHorse Credit and JPMorgan again amended and restated the terms of the Credit Facility to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date to December 29, 2021, (ii) increase the amount contained within the accordion feature which allows for the expansion of the borrowing limit from $220,000 to $235,000 and (iii) reduce the interest rate spread applicable on outstanding borrowings to 2.75%. On May 15, 2018, the terms of the Credit Facility were again amended and restated to, among other things, permit the financing of certain assets to be held by WhiteHorse California, a wholly owned subsidiary of WhiteHorse Credit.

The Credit Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% on outstanding borrowings. The Company is required to pay a non-usage fee which accrues at 1.00% per annum (or 0.60% per annum with respect to any date in which the aggregated amount of outstanding borrowings is greater than 77.5% of the total commitments), on the average daily unused amount of the financing commitments to the extent the aggregate principal amount available under the Credit Facility has not been borrowed. Prior to December 29, 2020, the Company, at its discretion and option, may increase the total borrowing limit under the Credit Facility from $200,000 to $235,000 (with the required minimum outstanding borrowings also increasing from $155,000 to $175,000) by submitting written notification of such intent and subject to consent from the lender and other terms provided for under the Credit Facility. In November 2018, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility, which, among other things, allows for a temporary reduction in the required minimum outstanding borrowings. On November 22, 2019, the terms of the Credit Facility were again amended and restated to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date from December 29, 2021 to November 22, 2024; (ii) increase the size of the facility from $200,000 to $250,000 with an additional $100,000 accordion feature, which allows for the expansion of the borrowing limit, exercisable in increments of at least $35,000 (the “Commitment”); (iii) reduce the interest rate spread applicable on outstanding borrowings from 2.75% to 2.50%; (iv) change the minimum borrowing amount from 77.5% to 70.0% of the Commitment; (v) increase the advance rate from 57% to 60%; and (vi) extend the non-call period from October 29, 2019 to November 22, 2021.

The Credit Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% on outstanding borrowings. The Company is required to pay a non-usage fee which accrues at 0.75% per annum on the average daily unused amount of the financing commitments to the extent the aggregate principal amount available under the Credit Facility has not been borrowed. Through May 19, 2019, the required minimum outstanding borrowings arewas $115,000 and then will bewas increased to $135,000 until August 20, 2019. In JulyBetween August 20, 2019 the Company entered into another amendment to further extend the required $135,000 minimum borrowing toand November 29, 2019. Thereafter,22, 2019, the required minimum outstanding borrowings will returnwas $155,000. Subsequent to $155,000.November 22, 2019 the minimum borrowing requirement is $175,000. In connection with the Credit Facility, WhiteHorse Credit pledged securities with a fair value of approximately $460,831$503,556 as of September 30, 20192020 as collateral. The Credit Facility has a final maturity date of December 29, 2021.November 22, 2024.

 


Under the Credit Facility, the Company has made certain customary representations and warranties and is required to comply with various covenants, including leverage restrictions, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company had $170,300$231,150 in outstanding borrowings and $29,700$18,850 undrawn under the Credit Facility. Weighted average outstanding borrowings were $166,449$191,666 and $138,244$207,941 at a weighted average interest rate of 5.09%2.80% and 5.29%, respectively,3.51% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.2020, respectively. At September 30, 2019,2020, the interest rate in effect on outstanding borrowings was 4.88%2.75%. The Company’s ability to draw down undrawn funds under the Credit Facility is determined by collateral and portfolio quality requirements stipulated in the credit and security agreement. At September 30, 2020, approximately $18,850 was available to be drawn by the Company based on these requirements.

 

2020 Notes:  On July 23, 2013, the Company completed a public offering of $30,000 of aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes, the net proceeds of which were used to reduce outstanding obligations under the Company’s unsecured term loan. Interest on the 2020 Notes had paid quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, at an annual rate of 6.50%. On July 10, 2018, the Company notified the trustee for its 2020 Notes of its election to redeem the $30,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes outstanding in full in accordance with the terms of the indenture agreement under which the 2020 Notes were issued. The redemption was completed on August 9, 2018. Following the redemption, none of the 2020 Notes remained outstanding, and they were delisted from the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Prior to August 9, 2018, the 2020 Notes were listed under the symbol “WHFBL.”

2023 Private Notes: On July 13, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Note“2023 Note Purchase Agreement”) to sell in a private offering $30,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured 2023 Private Notes to qualified institutional investors in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.amended (the “Securities Act”). Interest on the 2023 Private Notes is payable semiannually on February 7 and August 7, at a fixed, annual rate of 6.00%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.50%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 2023 Private Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. The 2023 Private Notes will mature on August 7, 2023, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the Company or its affiliates in accordance with their terms. The 2023 Private Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company. The closing of the transaction occurred on August 7, 2018. The Company used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem all of its 2020 Notes.

 

2025 Notes: On November 13, 2018, the Company completed a public offering of $35,000 of aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes, the net proceeds of which were used to fund investments in debt and equity securities and repay outstanding indebtedness under its revolving credit facility. Interest on the 2025 Notes is paid quarterly on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30 each year, at an annual rate of 6.50%. The 2025 Notes will mature on November 30, 2025 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time, or from time to time, at the Company’s option on or after November 30, 2021. The 2025 Notes are direct unsecured obligations and are structurally subordinate to borrowings under the Credit Facility and will rank equally in right of payment with the Company’s other outstanding and future unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness, including the 2023 Private Notes. The 2025 Notes are listed on the NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “WHFBZ.”

 


 

 

NOTE 67 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Investment Advisory Agreement: WhiteHorse Advisers serves as the Company’s investment adviser in accordance with the terms of an investment advisory agreement. The Company’s board of directors most recently re-approved the amended and restated investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on August. On November 1, 2019.2018, at an in-person meeting, the Company’s board of directors approved an amended and restated Investment Advisory Agreement. The Investment Advisory Agreement was amended and restated to reduce the base management fee on assets financed using leverage over 200% asset coverage (over 1.0x debt to equity) as further discussed below. The Company’s board of directors most recently re-approved the Investment Advisory Agreement on August 5, 2020. Subject to the overall supervision of the Company’s board of directors, WhiteHorse Advisers manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment management services to, the Company. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, WhiteHorse Advisers:

 

determines the composition of the investment portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to the portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes;

 

identifies, evaluates and negotiates the structure of the investments the Company makes (including performing due diligence on the Company’s prospective portfolio companies); and

 

closes, monitors and administers the investments the Company makes, including the exercise of any voting or consent rights.

 

In addition, WhiteHorse Advisers provides the Company with access to personnel and an investment committee. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Company pays WhiteHorse Advisers a fee for investment management services consisting of a base management fee and an incentive fee. The Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party.

 


Base Management Fee

 

Prior to November 1, 2018, the base management fee iswas calculated at an annual rate of 2.0% of the average carrying value of consolidated gross assets, including cash and cash equivalents and assets purchased with borrowed funds, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. Effective November 1, 2018, the base management fee is calculated at an annual rate ofequal to 2.0% of the average carrying value ofCompany’s consolidated gross assets (including cash and cash equivalents and assets purchased with borrowed funds); provided, however, the base management fee shallwill be calculated at an annual rate ofequal to 1.25% of the average carrying value ofCompany’s consolidated gross assets (including cash and cash equivalents and assets purchased with borrowed funds), that exceedsexceed the product of (i) 200% and (ii) the value of the Company’s total net assets, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. Base management fees are payable quarterly in arrears and are appropriately pro-rated for any partial month or quarter.


During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company incurred base management fees of $3,069 and $9,110, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company incurred base management fees of $2,834 and $7,843, net of fees waived, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred base management fees of $2,646 and $7,698, net of fees waived respectively. WhiteHorse Advisers has agreed to waive that portion of the base management fee payable with respect to cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents to which it would otherwise be entitled under the Investment Advisory Agreement for the fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2018, December 31, 2018, March 31, 2019 and June 30, 2019; and for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019 only to the extent that the determination of base management fees would otherwise include June 30, 2019 cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of calculating the average carrying value of consolidated gross assets.

 

Performance-basedPerformance-Based Incentive Fee

 

The performance-based incentive fee consists of two components that are independent of each other, except as provided by the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism discussed below.

 

The calculations of these two components have been structured to include a fee limitation such that no incentive fee will be paid to the investment adviser for any quarter if, after such payment, the cumulative incentive fees paid to the investment adviser for the period that includes the current fiscal quarter and the 11 full preceding fiscal quarters, referred to as the “Incentive Fee Look-back Period,” would exceed 20.0% of the Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return (as defined below) during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period.

Each quarterly incentive fee is subject to the Incentive Fee Cap (as defined below) and a deferral mechanism through which the investment adviser may recap a portion of such deferred incentive fees, which is referred to together as the “Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism.”


This limitation is accomplished by subjecting each incentive fee payable to a cap, which is referred to as the “Incentive Fee Cap.” The Incentive Fee Cap in any quarter is equal to (a) 20.0% of Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return (as defined below) during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period less (b) cumulative incentive fees of any kind paid to the investment adviser during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period. To the extent the Incentive Fee Cap is zero or a negative value in any quarter, the Company will pay no incentive fee to its investment adviser in that quarter. The Company will only pay incentive fees to the extent allowed by the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. To the extent that the payment of incentive fees is limited by the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism, the payment of such fees may be deferred and paid in subsequent quarters up to three years after their date of deferment, subject to applicable limitations included in the Investment Advisory Agreement. The deferral component of the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism may cause incentive fees that accrued during one fiscal quarter to be paid to the investment adviser at any time during the 11 full fiscal quarters following such initial full fiscal quarter.

 

The “Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return” refers to the sum of (a) Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined below) for each period during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period and (b) the sum of cumulative realized capital gains, cumulative realized capital losses, cumulative unrealized capital depreciation and cumulative unrealized capital appreciation during the applicable Incentive Fee Look-back Period.

 

The first component, which is income-based (the “Income Incentive Fee”), is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears and is determined based on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. For this purpose, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” means, in each case on a consolidated basis, interest income, distribution income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees received from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Company’s operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”), any interest expense and any dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.


The operation of the first component of the incentive fee for each quarter is as follows:

 

no incentive fee is payable to the Company’s investment adviser in any calendar quarter in which Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed the “Hurdle Rate” of 1.75% (7.00% annualized);

 

100% of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the Hurdle Rate but is less than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to the Company’s investment adviser. This portion of the Company’s Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (which exceeds the Hurdle Rate but is less than 2.1875%) is referred to as the “catch-up.” The effect of the catch-up is that, if such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter, the investment adviser will receive 20% of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income as if the Hurdle Rate did not apply; and

 

20% of the amount of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized) is payable to ourthe Company’s investment adviser (once the Hurdle Rate is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 20% of all Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income).


The portion of such incentive fee that is attributable to deferred interest (such as PIK interest or original issue discount) will be paid to the investment adviser, together with interest from the date of deferral to the date of payment, only if and to the extent that the Company actually receives such interest in cash, and any accrual will be reversed if and to the extent such interest is reversed in connection with any write-off or similar treatment of the investment giving rise to any deferred interest accrual. Any reversal of such amounts would reduce net income for the quarter by the net amount of the reversal (after taking into account the reversal of incentive fees payable) and would result in a reduction and possibly elimination of the incentive fees for such quarter.

 

There is no accumulation of amounts on the Hurdle Rate from quarter to quarter and, accordingly, there is no clawback of amounts previously paid if subsequent quarters are below the quarterly Hurdle Rate and there is no delay of payment if prior quarters are below the quarterly Hurdle Rate. Since the Hurdle Rate is fixed, as interest rates rise, it will be easier for the investment adviser to surpass the Hurdle Rate and receive an incentive fee based on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income.

 

Net investment income used to calculate this component of the incentive fee is also included in the amount of consolidated gross assets used to calculate the 2.0% base management fee. These calculations will be appropriately prorated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current quarter.

 

The second component, the capital gains component of the incentive fee (the “Capital Gains Incentive Fee”), which is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), commenced on January 1, 2013, and equals 20% of cumulative aggregate realized capital gains from January 1 through the end of each calendar year, computed net of aggregate cumulative realized capital losses and aggregate cumulative unrealized capital depreciation through the end of each year (the “Capital Gains Incentive Fee Base”), less the aggregate amount of any previously paid Capital Gains Incentive Feescapital gains incentive fees and subject to the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. If such amount is negative, then no Capital Gains Incentive Feecapital gains incentive fee will be payable for the year. Additionally, if the Investment Advisory Agreement is terminated as of a date that is not a calendar year end, the termination date will be treated as though it were a calendar year end for purposes of calculating and paying the Capital Gains Incentive Fee.capital gains incentive fee. The capital gains component of the incentive fee is not subject to any minimum return to stockholders.

 

In accordance with GAAP, the Company is also required to include the aggregate unrealized capital appreciation on investments in the calculation and accrue a capital gains incentive fee on a quarterly basis if such unrealized capital appreciation were realized, even though such unrealized capital appreciation is not permitted to be considered in calculating the fee actually payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement. If the Capital Gains Incentive Fee Base, adjusted as required by GAAP to include unrealized capital appreciation, is positive at the end of a reporting period, then GAAP requires the Company to accrue a Capital Gains Incentive Fee equal to 20% of such amount, less the aggregate amount of any Capital Gains Incentive Fees previously paid and Capital Gains Incentive Fees accrued under GAAP in all prior periods. If such amount is negative, then there is no accrual for such period. The resulting accrual under GAAP in a given period may result in either additional expense (if such cumulative amount is greater than in the prior period) or a reversal of previously recorded expense (if such cumulative amount is less than in the prior period). There can be no assurance that such unrealized capital appreciation will be realized in the future. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company accrued Capital Gains Incentive Fees of $1,870 and $1,243, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company accrued a Capital Gains Incentive Fee reversal of $(360) and $(283), respectively, which accruals are included in performance-based incentive fees in the consolidated statements of operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company accrued a Capital Gains Incentive Fee of $3,137 and $5,328, respectively. operations. As of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, included in management and incentive fees payable on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities were $414$1,870 and $4,707,$626, respectively, for cumulative accruals of Capital Gains Incentive Fees under GAAP, including any amounts payable pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement as described above.


Because of the structure of the incentive fee, it is possible that the Company may pay an incentive fee in a quarter where it incurs a loss subject to the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. For example, if the Company receives Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income in excess of the Hurdle Rate, it will pay the applicable Income Incentive Fee even after incurring a loss in that quarter due to realized and unrealized capital losses.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company incurred total performance-based incentive fees of $3,819 and $5,571, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company incurred total performance-based incentive fees of $1,741 and $5,520, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred total performance-based incentive fees of $4,865 and $10,900, respectively.

 


Administration Agreement: Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, WhiteHorse Administration furnishes the Company with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services to enable the Company to operate. Under the Administration Agreement, WhiteHorse Administration performs, or oversees the performance of, the Company’s required administrative services, which include being responsible for the financial records which the Company is required to maintain and preparing reports to its stockholders and reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).Commission. In addition, WhiteHorse Administration assists the Company in determining and publishing its net asset value, oversees the preparation and filing of its tax returns and the printing and dissemination of reports to its stockholders and generally oversees the payment of the Company’s expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Company by others. Payments under the Administration Agreement equal an amount based upon the Company’s allocable portion of WhiteHorse Administration’s overhead in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and the Company’s allocable portion of the cost of its chief financial officer and chief compliance officer along with their respective staffs. Under the Administration Agreement, WhiteHorse Administration also provides on the Company’s behalf managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which the Company is required to provide such assistance. The Administration Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 60 days’ written notice to the other party. To the extent that WhiteHorse Administration outsources any of its functions, the Company will pay the fees associated with such functions on a direct basis without any profit to WhiteHorse Administration.

 

Substantially all the Company’s payments of operating expenses to third parties were made by a related party, for which such third party received reimbursement from the Company.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company incurred allocated administrative service fees of $171 and $513, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company incurred allocated administrative service fees of $159 and $475, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred allocated administrative service fees of $175 and $525, respectively.


Co-investments with Related Parties: At September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018, certain2019, officers or employees affiliated with or employed by WhiteHorse Advisers and its related entities maintained no co-investments in the Company’s investments of $0 and $0, respectively.investments.

 

At September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, certain funds affiliated with WhiteHorse Advisers and its related entities maintained co-investments in the Company’s investments of $1,630,663$2,631,300 and $1,015,838,$2,241,494, respectively.

 

STRS JV:JV: For the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2019,2020, the Company sold $56,366$1,335 and $66,397 of investments to STRS JV at fair value and recognized $2$0 and $(3) of net realized losses. At September 30, 2019, the Company had amounts payable of $453 to STRS JV, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. loss, respectively.

 

NOTE 78 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Commitments: In the normal course of business, the Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its borrowers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities. The Company attempts to limit its credit risk by conducting extensive due diligence and obtaining collateral where appropriate.

 

The balance of unfunded commitments to extend credit was approximately $6.5 million$2,306 and $1.6 million$9,056 as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively. Commitments to extend credit consist principally of the unused portions of commitments that obligate the Company to extend credit, such as revolving credit arrangements or similar transactions. These commitments are often subject to financial or non-financial milestones and other conditions to borrow that must be achieved before the commitment can be drawn. In addition, the commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The following table summarizes the Company’s unfunded commitments as of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018:2019:

 

 Unfunded Commitment as of 
 Unfunded Commitment as of  September 30, December 31, 
 

September 30,
2019

  December 31,
2018
  2020  2019 
Revolving Loan Commitments:                
        
BBQ Buyer, LLC $823  $ 
Geo Logic Systems Ltd.  306   1,288 
ImageOne Industries, LLC  56    
LHS Borrower, LLC  1,121    
Lift Brands, Inc. $549  $624      594 
Marlin DTC–LS Midco 2, LLC  71   - 
Newscycle Solutions, Inc.  60   -      36 
Quest Events, LLC  -   935 
SFP Holding, Inc.  489     
Sunless, Inc.  1,330   - 
WH Lessor Corp.     646 
  2,499   1,559   2,306   2,564 
Delayed Draw Loan Commitments:                
Crown Brands LLC  850   -      850 
Honors Holdings, LLC  2,432   - 
SFP Holding, Inc.  762   - 
Lab Logistics, LLC     572 
Sklar Holdings, Inc.     3,039 
True Blue Car Wash, LLC     2,031 
  4,044   -      6,492 
Total Unfunded Commitments $6,543  $1,559  $2,306  $9,056 

 

As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company had commitments to fund equity interests and subordinated notes in STRS JV of $15 million$15,000 and $60 million,$60,000, of which $10.1 million$4,732 and $40.5 million$18,927 was unfunded, respectively. The capital commitments cannot be drawn without an affirmative vote by both the Company’s and STRS Ohio’s representatives on STRS JV’s board of managers.


Indemnification: In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties that provide general indemnifications. The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not occurred. The Company expects the risk of any future obligation under these indemnifications to be remote.

 

Legal Proceedings: In the normal course of business, the Company, the investment adviserWhiteHorse Advisers and the administratorWhiteHorse Administration may be subject to legal and regulatory proceedings that are generally incidental to its ongoing operations. While there can be no assurance of the ultimate disposition of any such proceedings, the Company does not believe any such disposition will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

COVID-19 Developments: In addition, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and subsequent to September 30, 2020, the current pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (commonly known as “ COVID-19”) has had a significant impact on the U.S. economy. Certain of the Company's portfolio companies have been adversely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and may continue to have an adverse impact on the Company’s future net investment income, the fair value of its portfolio investments, its financial condition and the results of operations and financial condition of the Company’s portfolio companies.

 

NOTE 89 - FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The following is a schedule of financial highlights:

 

 Nine months ended 
 

Nine months ended
September 30,

  September 30, 
 2019  2018  2020  2019 
Per share data:(1)                
Net asset value, beginning of period $15.35  $13.98  $15.23  $15.35 
                
Net investment income  1.14   0.83   0.84   1.14 
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments  (0.06)  1.72 
Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments  0.31   (0.06)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  1.08   2.55   1.15   1.08 
                
Distributions declared from net investment income  (1.07)  (1.07)  (1.07)  (1.07)
Net asset value, end of period $15.36  $15.46  $15.31  $15.36 
                
Total annualized return based on market value(2)  12.72%  4.78%  (38.12)%  12.72%
Total annualized return based on net asset value  9.27%  23.10%  10.37%  9.27%
Net assets, end of period $315,494  $317,656  $314,563  $315,494 
Per share market value at end of period $13.93  $13.90  $9.79  $13.93 
Shares outstanding end of period  20,546,032   20,546,032   20,546,032   20,546,032 
��               
Ratios/Supplemental data:(3)                
Ratio of expenses before incentive fees to average net assets(4)(5)  8.67%  8.25%  12.18%  8.67%
Ratio of incentive fees to average net assets(4)  2.32%  4.81%  2.46%  2.32%
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets(4)(5)  10.99%  13.06%  9.72%  10.99%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(4)(5)  9.86%  7.48%  7.63%  9.86%
Portfolio turnover ratio  30.72%  37.36%  22.06%  30.72%

 

(1)Calculated using the average shares outstanding method.

 

(2)Total return is based on the change in market price per share during the period and takes into account distributions, if any, reinvested in accordance with the distribution reinvestment plan.

 

(3)With the exception of the portfolio turnover rate, ratios are reported on an annualized basis.

 

(4)WhiteHorse Advisers did not waive any base management fees during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, WhiteHorse Advisers irrevocably waived $397 of base management fees. Excluding these management fee waivers, the ratios to average net assets consisting of the ratio of expenses before incentive fees, ratio of incentive fees, ratio of total expenses and ratio of net investment income would have been 8.84%, 2.28%, 11.12% and 9.73%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, WhiteHorse Advisers irrevocably waived $115 of base management fees. Excluding these management fee waivers, the ratios to average net assets consisting of the ratio of expenses before incentive fees, ratio of incentive fees, ratio of total expenses and ratio of net investment income would have been 8.30%, 4.80%, 13.10% and 7.44%, respectively.

 

(5)Calculated using total expenses, including income tax provision.

 

Financial highlights are calculated for each securities class taken as a whole. An individual stockholder’s return and ratios may vary based on the timing of capital transactions.


NOTE 910 - CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS PER COMMON SHARE

 

The following information sets forth the computation of the basic and diluted per share net increase in net assets resulting from operations:

 

 Three months ended Nine months ended 
 

Three months ended
September 30,

  

Nine months ended
 September 30,

  September 30,  September 30, 
 2019  2018  2019  2018  2020  2019  2020  2019 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $6,855  $19,462  $22,080  $52,369  $21,634  $6,855  $23,490  $22,080 
Weighted average shares outstanding  20,546,032   20,545,726   20,546,032   20,536,591   20,546,032   20,546,032   20,546,032   20,546,032 
Basic and diluted per share net increase in net assets resulting from operations $0.34  $0.95  $1.08  $2.55  $1.06  $0.34  $1.15  $1.08 

 

NOTE 1011 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The Company has evaluated events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are issued and has determined that, other than the item disclosed below, there were no additional subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Subsequent to the quarter ended September 30, 2019,On October 9, 2020, the Company received financial information that indicateddeclared a declinespecial distribution of $0.125 per share, which will be payable on December 10, 2020 to stockholders of record as of October 30, 2020.

On October 20, 2020, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “2025 Note Purchase Agreement”) governing the issuance of $40,000 in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes (the “2025 Private Notes ”) to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. The 2025 Private Notes have a fixed interest rate of 5.375% and are due on October 20, 2025, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by the performance of Grupo Hima San Pablo, Inc. BasedCompany or its affiliates in accordance with their terms. Interest on the information currently available, the Company expects to reduce the fair value mark of its first lien secured term loan investment from 85% to 80% of face value during the fourth quarter, but this conclusion2025 Private Notes will be due semiannually. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.375%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 2025 Private Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. In addition, the Company is obligated to offer to repay the 2025 Private Notes at par if certain change basedin control events occur. The 2025 Private Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by the Company. The 2025 Private Notes were delivered and paid for on additional information which may become available.

October 20, 2020. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to refinance and/or redeem existing debt and/or for general corporate purposes.


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. In this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the “Company”, "we", "us", "our" and "WhiteHorse Finance" refer to WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries; “STRS Ohio” refers to State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, a public pension fund established under Ohio law; and “STRS JV” refers to WHF STRS Ohio Senior Loan Fund LLC, a joint venture formed together by us and STRS Ohio.subsidiaries.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Some of the statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

our future operating results;

 

our ability to consummate new investments and the impact of such investments;

 

our ability to continue to effectively manage our business due to the significant disruptions caused by the current pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (commonly known as “COVID-19”);

our business prospects and the prospects of our prospective portfolio companies;companies, including as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic;

 

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

our expected financings and investments and ability to fund commitments to STRS JV;

 

changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or conditions affecting the financial and capital markets, which could result in changes to the value of our assets;assets, including changes from the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic;

 

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

 

the impact of increased competition;

 

the ability of our investment adviser to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor our investments;

 

our expected financings and investments and the rate at which our investments are refunded by portfolio companies;

 

our ability to pay dividends or make distributions;

 

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

 

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

 

the impact of future acquisitions and divestitures.

 

We use words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “intends,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “plan” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors set forth in “Item 1A-Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 

We have based the forward-looking statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q on information available to us on the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we in the future may file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, in the future, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

 

You should understand that under Sections 27A(b)(2)(B) and (D) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Sections 21E(b)(2)(B) and (D) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, do not apply to statements made in connection with this quarterly report on Form 10-Q or any periodic reports we file under the Exchange Act.

41


Overview

 

We are an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. In addition, for tax purposes, we elected to be treated as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.

 

We were formed on December 28, 2011 and commenced operations on January 1, 2012. We were originally capitalized with approximately $176.3 million of contributed assets from H.I.G. Bayside Debt & LBO Fund II, L.P. and H.I.G. Bayside Loan Opportunity Fund II, L.P., each of which is an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, L.L.C., or H.I.G. Capital. These assets were contributed as of January 1, 2012 in exchange for 11,752,383 units in WhiteHorse Finance, LLC. On December 4, 2012, we converted from a Delaware limited liability company into a Delaware corporation and elected to be treated as a business development company under the 1940 Act.

 

On December 4, 2012, we priced our initial public offering, or the IPO, selling 6,666,667 shares.shares of common stock. Concurrent with the IPO, certain of our directors and officers, the managers of H.I.G. WhiteHorse Advisers, LLC, or WhiteHorse Advisers, and their immediate family members or entities owned by, or family trusts for the benefit of, such persons, purchased an additional 472,673 shares through a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act. Our shares are listed on the NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WHF.”

On November 20, 2015, we completed a non-transferable subscription rights offering, or the Rights Offering, to our stockholders of record as of October 23, 2015. The rights entitled record stockholders to subscribe for up to an aggregate of 3,321,033 shares of our common stock at a price equal to $13.55 per share, the closing price of WhiteHorse Finance stock as of October 16, 2015. Record stockholders received one right for each share of common stock owned on the record date. The rights entitled the holders to purchase one new share of common stock for every 4.511505 rights held, and record stockholders who fully exercised their rights were entitled to subscribe, subject to certain limitations and allotment, for additional shares that remained unsubscribed as a result of any unexercised rights. The Rights Offering was fully subscribed, and net proceeds, after payment of the dealer manager fees and other offering expenses, was approximately $44.0 million.

On June 30, 2017, we completed an offering of 2,200,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $13.97 per share. WhiteHorse Advisers agreed to bear a portion of the underwriting discounts and commissions in connection with the offering, such that the issuance of shares resulted in net proceeds to us of approximately $30.3 million, which was at or above our net asset value, or NAV, per share at the time of the offering.

 

We are a direct lender targeting debt investments in privately held, lower middle market companies located in the United States. We define the lower middle market as those companies with enterprise values between $50 million and $350 million. Our investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns primarily by originating and investing in senior secured loans, including first lien and second lien facilities, to performing lower middle market companies across a broad range of industries. Such loans typically carry a floating interest rate based on a risk-free index rate such as the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus a spread and typically have a term of three to six years. While we focus principally on originating senior secured loans to lower middle market companies, we may also opportunistically make investments at other levels of a company’s capital structure, including mezzanine loans or equity interests, and in companies outside of the lower middle market, to the extent we believe the investment presents an opportunity to achieve an attractive risk-adjusted return. We also may receive warrants to purchase common stock in connection with our debt investments. We expect to generate current income through the receipt of interest payments, as well as origination and other fees, capital appreciation and dividends.

 


Our investment activities are managed by WhiteHorse Advisers and are supervised by our board of directors, a majority of whom are independent of us, WhiteHorse Advisers and its affiliates. Under our investment advisory agreement with WhiteHorse Advisers, or the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay WhiteHorse Advisers an annual base management fee based on our average consolidated gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our investment performance. We have also entered into an administration agreement, or the Administration Agreement, with H.I.G. WhiteHorse Administration, LLC, or WhiteHorse Administration. Under our Administration Agreement, we have agreed to reimburse WhiteHorse Administration for our allocable portion (subject to the review and approval of our independent directors) of overhead and other expenses incurred by WhiteHorse Administration in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement.

 

COVID-19 Developments

The rapid spread of COVID-19 and the related effect on the U.S. and world economy has had adverse consequences on the business operations of some of our portfolio companies and has adversely affected, and will likely continue to adversely affect, our operations and the operations of our investment adviser (including those relating to us). Our investment adviser has been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business and the business of our portfolio companies and has been focused on proactively engaging with our portfolio companies in order to collaborate with the management teams of certain portfolio companies to assess and evaluate the steps each portfolio company can take in response to the impacts of COVID-19.

We cannot predict the full impact of COVID-19, including its duration in the United States and worldwide and the extent of the economic impact of the outbreak, including with respect to the travel restrictions, business closures and other quarantine measures imposed on service providers and other individuals by various local, state, and federal governmental authorities, as well as non-U.S. governmental authorities. As such, the extent to which COVID-19 and/or other disease pandemics may continue to negatively affect our and our portfolio companies’ operating results and financial condition, or the duration of any potential business or supply-chain disruption for us, our investment adviser and/or our portfolio companies, is uncertain, especially in light of the resurgence of the virus in various cities in the United States and throughout the world. Due to the ongoing business disruptions caused by COVID-19, some of our portfolio companies have experienced financial distress and have defaulted on their financial obligations to us and their other capital providers. Some of our portfolio companies have curtailed their business operations, furloughed or laid off employees, terminated relationships with service providers and deferred capital expenditures and may continue to do so for a prolonged period of time if another wave of the virus occurs. Such developments could permanently impair the business operations of our portfolio companies and likely result in a decrease in the value of our investment in any such portfolio company.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the related disruption and financial distress experienced by our portfolio companies have already had adverse effects on our results of operations, which are described in further detail below, and we expect that such adverse effects will continue for the duration of the pandemic and potentially for some time thereafter. In connection with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have restructured and may need to restructure additional investments in some of our portfolio companies, which has resulted in and could result in additional diminished interest payments or in permanent impairments on our investments. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic discussed above increase the risk that more of our portfolio investments may be placed on non-accrual status in the future. Any decreases in our net investment income would increase the portion of our cash flows dedicated to distribution payments to stockholders and to servicing our existing debt under our revolving credit facility, or the Credit Facility, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender, or the Lender.

As of September 30, 2020, we are permitted under the 1940 Act, as a business development company, to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% after such borrowing. While we are in compliance with our asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act as of September 30, 2020, we are required to comply with various covenants pursuant to the Credit Facility. If we fail to satisfy the covenants of the Credit Facility or are unable to cure any event of default or obtain a waiver from the applicable lender, it could result in foreclosure by the lenders under the Credit Facility, which would accelerate our repayment obligations under the Credit Facility and thereby resulting in a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions to our stockholders. As of September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with all covenants and other requirements of the Credit Facility.

We are also subject to financial risks, including changes in market interest rates. As of September 30, 2020, nearly all of our debt investments at fair value were at floating rates, which are generally based on a risk-free index rate such as LIBOR, and many of which are subject to certain floors. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks have reduced certain interest rates and LIBOR has decreased. A prolonged reduction in interest rates will reduce our gross investment income and could result in a decrease in our net investment income if such decreases in LIBOR are not offset by a corresponding increase in the spread over LIBOR that we earn on any portfolio investments, a decrease in our operating expenses or a decrease in the interest rate of our floating interest rate liabilities tied to LIBOR. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for an analysis of the impact of hypothetical base rate changes in interest rates.


Over the past four years, our management team has sought strategies that will help us weather periods of economic decline. We have attempted to avoid deeply cyclical sectors and have only made loans where we believed a repeat of the Great Recession would allow us to recover 100% of our loans. We have focused on moderate leverage, first lien lending and have not extended a new second lien loan since 2018. Additionally, we have taken a conservative position on the Company’s liquidity, making sure we have a top-tier leverage partner and very significant cushion against default.

Over the past several months, the WhiteHorse Advisers credit team has been in close contact with the owners and management teams of each of our portfolio companies. With the rapid onset of the crisis, these owners and management teams have been actively assessing the likely impacts to their businesses and are continuing to coordinate with us to guide their companies through the fallout. In dealing with the economic decline that is occurring now and in the coming quarters, we are operating under a philosophy that we will work hand in hand with our borrowers to support them. We expect owners to support their firms with additional equity where possible, and we will react to this by showing flexibility in our terms as appropriate.

We will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and guidance from U.S. and international authorities, including federal, state and local public health authorities and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. In these circumstances, there may be developments outside our control requiring us to adjust our plan of operation. As such, given the dynamic nature of this situation, we cannot reasonably quantify the full effect of COVID-19 on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the future. However, we do expect that it will continue to have a negative impact on cash flows earned by us during the fourth quarter of 2020, which would result in a material adverse effect on our future net investment income, the fair value of our portfolio investments, and the results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies.

Revenues

 

We generate revenue in the form of interest payable on the debt securities that we hold and capital gains and distributions, if any, on the portfolio company investments that we originate or acquire. Our debt investments, whether in the form of senior secured loans or mezzanine loans, typically have terms of three to six years and bear interest at a fixed or floating rate based on a spread over LIBOR or other agreed upon referencean equivalent risk-free index rate. Interest on debt securities is generally payable monthly or quarterly, with the amortization of principal generally being deferred for several years from the date of the initial investment. In some cases, we may also defer payments of interest for the first few years after our investment. The principal amount of the debt securities and any accrued but unpaid interest generally becomes due at the maturity date. In addition, we generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring or diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and possibly consulting fees. We capitalize loan origination fees, original issue discount and market discount, and we then amortize such amounts as interest income. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, we record any unamortized loan origination fees as interest income. We record prepayment premiums on loans and debt securities as fee income when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies.


Expenses

 

Our primary operating expenses include (1) investment advisory fees to WhiteHorse Advisers; (2) the allocable portion of overhead under the Administration Agreement; (3) the interest expense on our outstanding debt; and (4) other operating costs as detailed below. Our investment advisory fees compensate our investment adviser for its work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, consummating and monitoring our investments.

 

We bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including:

 

our organization;

 

calculating our net asset value and net asset value per share (including the costs and expenses of independent valuation firms);

 

fees and expenses, including travel expenses, incurred by WhiteHorse Advisers or payable to third parties in performing due diligence on prospective portfolio companies, monitoring our investments and, if necessary, enforcing our rights;

 

the costs of all future offerings of common shares and other securities, and other incurrences of debt;

 

the base management fee and any incentive fee;

 

distributions on our shares;

 

transfer agent and custody fees and expenses;

 

amounts payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, evaluating, making and disposing of investments;

 

brokerage fees and commissions;

 


registration fees;

 

listing fees;

 

taxes;

 

independent directors’ fees and expenses;

 

costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws;

 

the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to our stockholders, including printing costs;

 

costs of holding stockholder meetings;

 

our fidelity bond;

 

directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance and any other insurance premiums;

 

litigation, indemnification and other non-recurring or extraordinary expenses;

 

direct costs and expenses of administration and operation, including audit and legal costs;

 

fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts, including deal sourcing and marketing to financial sponsors;

 

dues, fees and charges of any trade association of which we are a member; and

 

all other expenses reasonably incurred by us or WhiteHorse Administration in connection with administering our business, including rent and our allocable portion of the costs and expenses of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer along with their respective staffs.

 

WhiteHorse Advisers orand WhiteHorse Administration may pay for certain expenses that we incur, which are subject to reimbursement by us.


Recent Developments

 

In October 2019, we contributed an additional set of assets, which included four new issuers of senior secured debt facilities to STRS JV.

Subsequent to the quarter ended September 30, 2019,2020, market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to adversely affect the business operations of some, if not all, of our portfolio companies and have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our operations and the operations of our investment adviser. While we receivedare closely monitoring this situation, we cannot predict the impact of COVID-19 on our future financial informationcondition, results of operations or cash flows with any level of certainty. However, we do expect that indicatedthe COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have a decline in the performance of Grupo Hima San Pablo, Inc. Basedmaterial adverse impact on the information currently available, we expect to reduceour future net investment income, the fair value mark from 85% to 80% of face value of our first lien secured term loan investment duringportfolio investments, and the quarter endedresults of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies. For more information, see “COVID-19 Developments” above.

On October 9, 2020, we declared a special distribution of $0.125 per share, which will be payable on December 31, 2019, but this conclusion10, 2020 to stockholders of record as of October 30, 2020.

On October 20, 2020, we entered into an agreement governing the issuance of $40 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes, or the 2025 Private Notes, to qualified institutional investors in a private placement. The 2025 Private Notes have a fixed interest rate of 5.375% and are due on October 20, 2025, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us or our affiliates in accordance with their terms. Interest on the 2025 Private Notes will be due semiannually. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.375%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 2025 Private Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. In addition, we are obligated to offer to repay the 2025 Private Notes at par if certain change basedin control events occur. The 2025 Private Notes are general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by us. The 2025 Private Notes were delivered and paid for on additional information which may become available.October 20, 2020. We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the debt outstandings under the JPM Credit Facility.

 


Consolidated Results of Operations

 

The consolidated results of operations described below may not be indicative of the results we report in future periods. Net investment income and net increase in net assets can vary substantially from period to period due to various reasons, including the level of new investments and the recognition of realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation. As a result, quarterly comparisons of net increases in net assets resulting from operations may not be meaningful.

 

Investment Income

 

Investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 totaled $17.8$16.5 million and $49.7 million,$44.9 million. respectively, and was primarily attributable to interest, dividends and fees earned from investments in portfolio companies. This compares to investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 of $15.3$17.8 million and $46.6$49.7 million, respectively. Investment income decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in non-recurring fee income, increase in non-accrual loans, as well as the decrease in LIBOR from September 30, 2019 to September 30, 2020. Investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 included $0.6 million and $1.3 million of non-recurring fee income, respectively. Included in investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $2.1 million and $6.0 million, respectively, of non-recurring fee income. Non-recurring fee income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 totaled $0.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively. We expect to generate some level of non-recurring fee income during most quarters from prepayments, amendments and other sources.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Expenses, net of any fees waived and excluding excise tax, totaled $10.4 million and $27.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. This compares to expenses of $8.9 million and $25.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. This compares to expenses of $11.5

Interest expense totaled $2.8 million and $29.6$9.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.

Interest expense totaled2020, respectively, and $3.5 million and $9.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. We incurredThe decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower interest rates resulting from a decrease in LIBOR, partially offset by a higher borrowing base.

Base management fees totaled (net of $3.3fees waived, if any) $3.1 million and $8.6$9.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The increase was due to the additional interest expense incurred as a result of our $35 million unsecured notes due 2025, which were issued in November 2018, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense incurred on our revolving credit facility due to lower average borrowing balances2020, respectively, and floating interest rates.

Base management fees (net of fees waived, if any) totaled $2.8 million and $7.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $2.6 million and $7.7 million forrespectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.2020, there were no base management fees waived. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, WhiteHorse Advisers waived approximately $0.0 million and $0.4 million in base management fees, respectively.  For

Performance-based incentive fees totaled $3.8 million and $5.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, WhiteHorse Advisers waived approximately $0.1 million2020, respectively and $0.1 million, respectively, in base management fees.

Performance-based incentive fees totaled $1.7 million and $5.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $4.9 million and $10.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The decreaseincrease in performance-based incentive fees was mainly attributable to additional accruals fora $1.9 million accrual of the capital gains incentive fee component, recorded in the prior year’s comparative periods, which was driven by gains recognized in the increaseportfolio in unrealized appreciation in Aretec Group, Inc. in 2018.the current period.

 

Administrative service fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20192020 totaled $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. This compares to administrative fees of $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, respectively.

 

General and administrative expenses were $0.6 million and $2.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively and $0.7 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively and $0.6 million and $1.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.

 

Excise Tax Expense

We have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. In order to be subject to tax as a RIC, we are required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements, as well as timely distribute dividends to our stockholders dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, and determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid for each tax year. We have made and intend to continue to make the requisite distributions to our stockholders that will generally relieve us from U.S. federal income taxes.


Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, we may choose to retain taxable income in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year in an amount less than what would trigger payments of U.S. federal income tax under Subchapter M of the Code. We may then be required to incur a 4% excise tax on such income. To the extent that we determine that our estimated current year annual taxable income may exceed estimated current year distributions, we accrue excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we accrued a net excise tax expense of $0.1 million and $0.5 million, and $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for U.S. federal excise tax. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, no excise tax expenses were accrued.

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we incurred a net realized gains on investments of approximately $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which was primarily driven by sales or paydowns of portions of our positions in PMA Holdco, LLC, Fluent, LLC and Vero Parent, Inc. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we incurred a net realized loss of approximately $2 thousand$0.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively, which was driven by the sale of our remaining position in Outcome Health.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018,2020, we incurred arecorded net realized gainunrealized appreciation of approximately $17 thousand$15.2 million and $90 thousand,$4.9 million, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded net unrealized depreciation of $1.8 million and net unrealized appreciation of $0.6 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, we generated net unrealized appreciation of $15.7 million and $35.3 million, respectively. Unrealized appreciation and depreciation generally arise from credit-related adjustments and the reversal of unrealized depreciation or appreciation due to repayments or disposals. Net unrealized depreciationappreciation during the three months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to fair value decreases on our investments in AG Kings Holdings Inc., Grupo HIMA San Pablo, Inc., Fox Rent A Car, Inc. and Fluent, Inc., partially offset by fair value increases on our investment in Stackpath LLC & Highwinds Capital, Inc. Net unrealized appreciation during the nine months ended September 30, 20192020 was primarily attributable to fair value increases on our investments in Grupo HIMA San Pablo, Inc. and Sigue Corporation, as well as the reversal of prior unrealized depreciation upon the full disposition of our investment in Outcome Health, partially offset by fair value markdowns on our investments in AG KingsKing Holdings Inc., Bulk Midco, LLCVessco Holdings, and Stackpath LLC & Highwinds Capital, Inc.Mills Fleet Farm Group LLC.

 


Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

This “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section should be read in conjunction with the “COVID-19 Developments” section above.

 

As a business development company, we distribute substantially all of our net income to our stockholders. We generate cash primarily from offerings of securities, borrowings under the Credit Facility, (as defined below), offerings of securities, and cash flows from operations, including interest earned from the temporary investment of cash in U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. We expect to fund a portion of our investments through future borrowings. In the future, we may obtain borrowings under other credit facilities and from issuances of senior securities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. We may also borrow funds to the extent we determine that additional capital would allow us to take advantage of additional investment opportunities, if the market for debt financing presents attractively priced debt financing opportunities or if our board of directors determines that leveraging our portfolio would be in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders.

 

Our board of directors may decide to issue common stock, such as through at-the-market offerings, direct placements or otherwise, to finance our operations rather than issuing debt or other senior securities. Any decision to sell shares below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock is subject to stockholder approval and a determination by our board of directors that such issuance and sale is in our and our stockholders’ best interests. Any sale or other issuance of shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value per share results in immediate dilution to our stockholders’ interests in our common stock and a reduction in our net asset value per share. WeIf we were to issue additional shares of our common stock during the next 12 months, we do not intend to issue shares below theirthe then-current net asset value per share during the next twelve months.share.

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents include amounts that are collected and held by the trustee appointed as custodian of the assets securing the Credit Facility. Restricted cash is held by the trustee for the payment of interest expense and principal on the outstanding borrowings or reinvestment into new assets. Restricted cash that represents interest or fee income is transferred to unrestricted cash accounts by the trustee generally once a quarter after the payment of operating expenses and amounts due under the Credit Facility.

 

Our operating activities provided cash and cash equivalents of $25.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily from the net proceeds received from realizations and repayments on our investments as well as cash provided from the net change in working capital. Our financing activities used cash and cash equivalents of $30.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to repayments on the Credit Facility and the payment of distributions to stockholders.

Our operating activities used cash and cash equivalents of $45.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily due to the net acquisition of investments. Our financing activities provided cash and cash equivalents of $33.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, primarily from net borrowings under our revolving credit facility,the Credit Facility, partially offset by the payment of distributions to stockholders.

Our operating activities used cash and cash equivalents of $3.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily from the net acquisition of investments. Our financing activities used cash and cash equivalents of $9.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily from net repayments under our revolving and the payment of distributions to stockholders.

 

As of September 30, 2019,2020, we had cash and cash equivalent resources of $22.2$22.9 million, including $9.8$14.1 million of restricted cash. As of the same date, we had approximately $29.7$18.9 million undrawn and available to be drawn under the Credit Facility based on the collateral and portfolio quality requirements stipulated in the related credit agreement.


As of December 31, 2018,2019, we had cash and cash equivalent resources of $33.7$27.5 million, including $9.6$23.2 million of restricted cash. As of the same date, we had $85.0$11.1 million undrawn under the Credit Facility based on the collateral and portfolio quality requirements stipulated in the related credit and security agreement.

 

STRS JV

In January 2019, we and STRS Ohio, formed a joint venture, STRS JV, thatwhich invests primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien and second lien facilities, to performing lower middle market companies across a broad range of industries that typically carry a floating interest rate based on the LIBOR or an equivalent risk-free index rate and have a term of three to six years. STRS JV was formed as a Delaware limited liability company and is not consolidated by either us or STRS Ohio for financial reporting purposes. On July 19, 2019, STRS JV formally launched operations. As of September 30, 2019,2020, STRS JV had total assets of $58.4$170.8 million. STRS JV’s portfolio consisted of debt investments in five18 portfolio companies as of September 30, 2019.2020. As of September 30, 2019,2020, the five largest investments in portfolio companies in STRS JV’s portfolio totaled $54.9$61.3 million. STRS JV invests in portfolio companies in the same industries in which we may directly invest.

 

We provide capital to STRS JV in the form of limited liability company, or LLC, equity interests and subordinated notes. As of September 30, 2019,2020, we and STRS Ohio owned 60% and 40%, respectively, of the LLC equity interests of STRS JV. Our investment in STRS JV consisted of equity contributions and subordinated note advances of $4.9$10.3 million and $19.5$41.1 million as of September 30, 2019,2020, respectively. As of the same date, we had commitments to fund equity interests and subordinated notes in STRS JV of $15 million and $60 million, of which $10.1$4.7 million and $40.5$18.9 million waswere unfunded, respectively. STRS JV is managed by a four-person board of managers, two of whom are selected by us and two of whom are selected by STRS Ohio.

 

All material decisions with respect to STRS JV, including those involving its investment portfolio, require unanimous approval of a quorum of the board of managers. Quorum is defined as (i) the presence of two members of the board of managers; provided that at least one individual is present that was elected, designated or appointed by each member; (ii) the presence of three members of the board of managers; provided that the individual that was elected, designated or appointed by the member with only one individual present is entitled to cast two votes on each matter; andor (iii) the presence of four members of the board of managers; provided that two individuals are present that were elected, designated or appointed by each member.

 

Below is a summary of STRS JV’sJV's portfolio as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

 

 September
 30, 2020
 December 31, 2019 
Total investments(1) $54,942  $162,627  $97,260 
Weighted average effective yield on total portfolio(2)  8.6%  8.1  8.5%
Number of portfolio companies in STRS JV  5   18   10 
Largest portfolio company investment(1) $13,401  $13,481  $13,657 
Total of five largest portfolio company investments(1) $54,942  $61,266  $57,819 

 

(1)At fair value.

(1)    At fair value.

(2)    Weighted average effective yield is computed by dividing (a) annualized interest income (including interest income resulting from the amortization of fees and discounts) by (b) the weighted average cost of investment.

(2)Weighted average effective yield is computed by dividing (a) annualized interest income (including interest income resulting from the amortization of fees and discounts) by (b) the weighted average cost of investment.

 

Investments consisted of the following:

 

 September 30, 2019  September 30, 2020  December 31, 2019 
 Amortized Cost  Fair Value  Amortized Cost  Fair Value  Amortized Cost  Fair Value 
First lien secured loans $54,851   54,942  $165,752  $162,627  $96,910  $97,260 
Total $54,851   54,942  $165,752  $162,627  $96,910  $97,260 

 


The following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value:

 

 September 30, 2019  September 30,
2020
  December 31, 2019 
Advertising $8,577   5.3% $8,672   8.9%
Construction & Engineering  11,554   7.1   10,132   10.4 
Data Processing & Outsourced Services  10,564   6.5   -   - 
Diversified Support Services $10,642   19.4%  10,031   6.2   10,497   10.8 
Environmental & Facilities Services  5,225   3.2   -   - 
Health Care Services  13,401   24.4   13,347   8.2   13,482   13.9 
Human Resource & Employment Services  11,834   7.3   -   - 
Industrial Machinery  10,035   18.3   9,899   6.1   9,990   10.3 
Internet Retail  12,553   22.8 
Insurance Brokers  7,838   4.8   10,051   10.3 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail  13,481   8.3   13,657   14.1 
Investment Banking & Brokerage  11,050   6.8   -   - 
Packaged Foods & Meats  19,397   11.9   7,688   7.9 
Personal Products  4,238   2.6   4,781   4.9 
Systems Software  8,311   15.1   8,081   5.0   8,310   8.5 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals  7,539   4.6   -   - 
Trading Companies & Distributors  9,972   6.1   -   - 
Total $54,942   100.00% $162,627   100.00% $97,260   100.00%

 

See Note 34 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on STRS JV’s portfolio and selected balance sheet information as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and selected statement of operations information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and for the period July 19, 2019 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019.

 


Credit Facility

 

On December 23, 2015, our wholly owned subsidiary, WhiteHorse Finance Credit I, LLC, or WhiteHorse Credit, entered into athe $200 million revolving credit and security agreement, or the Credit Facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, or the Lender. On June 27, 2016, the Credit Facility was amended and restated to clarify certain terms. On June 29, 2017, the Credit Facility was again amended and restated to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date to December 29, 2021, (ii) increase the amount contained within the accordion feature which allows for the expansion of the borrowing limit from $220 million to $235 million and (iii) reduce the interest rate spread applicable on outstanding borrowings to 2.75%. On May 15, 2018, the terms of the Credit Facility were again amended and restated to, among other things, permit the financing of certain assets to be held by WhiteHorse Finance (CA), LLC, or WhiteHorse California, a wholly owned subsidiary of WhiteHorse Credit. On November 19, 2018, we entered into an amendment, which, among other things, allowedallows for an increase in the advance rate and a temporary reduction, through August 19, 2019, in the required minimum outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. In July

On November 22, 2019, the temporary reductionterms of the Credit Facility were again amended and restated to, among other things, (i) extend the maturity date from December 29, 2021 to November 22, 2024; (ii) increase the size of the facility from $200 million to $250 million with an additional $100 million accordion feature, which allows for the expansion of the borrowing limit, exercisable in increments of at least $35 million, or the required minimumCommitment; (iii) reduce the interest rate spread applicable on outstanding borrowings was extendedfrom 2.75% to 2.50%; (iv) change the minimum borrowing amount from 77.5% to 70.0% of the Commitment; (v) increase the advance rate from 57% to 60%; and (vi) extend the non-call period from October 29, 2019 to November 29, 2019 by executing another amendment.22, 2021.

 

As of September 30, 2019,2020, there was approximately $170.3$231.2 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility and, based on collateral and portfolio requirements stipulated in the Credit Facility agreement, approximately $29.7$18.9 million was available to be drawn on such date. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets of WhiteHorse Credit, which included loans with a fair value of $461$503.6 million as of September 30, 2019.2020.

 

As of December 31, 2018,2019, there was $115$238.9 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility and, based on collateral and portfolio requirements stipulated in the Credit Facility agreement, approximately $85$11.1 million was available to be drawn on such date. The Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets of WhiteHorse Credit, which included loans with a fair value of $432.2$394.9 million as of December 31, 2018.2019.

The Credit Facility provides for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount up to $250 million with an accordion feature which allows for the expansion of the borrowing limit up to $350 million, subject to consent from the Lender and other customary conditions. The required minimum outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility are $175 million, unless the accordion feature is exercised, at which time the required minimum outstanding borrowings will be $245 million.


 

Under the Credit Facility, there are two coverage tests that WhiteHorse Credit must meet on specified compliance dates in order to permit WhiteHorse Credit to make new borrowings and to make distributions in the ordinary course - a borrowing base test and a market value test. The borrowing base test compares, at any given time, the aggregate outstanding amount of all Lender advances under the Credit Facility less the amount of principal proceeds in respect of the collateral on deposit in the accounts to the NAVnet asset value of the collateral, as set forth in the credit agreement and related documentation. To meet the borrowing base test, this ratio must be less than or equal to 57%50%, as set forth in the credit agreement and related documentation. Similarly,To meet the market value test, measuresthe value of WhiteHorse Credit’s portfolio investments must exceed a minimum of 165% of the aggregate outstanding amount of all Lender advances under the Credit Facility net of the amount of principal proceeds in respect of the collateral on deposit in the accounts to the NAV of the collateral. To meet the borrowing base test, this ratio must be less than or equal to 65%, as set forth in the credit agreement and related documentation.

 

Advances under the Credit Facility are based on the three-month LIBOR plus an annual spread of 2.75%2.50%. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. WhiteHorse Credit is required to pay a non-usage fee which accrues at 1.00%0.75% per annum (or 0.60% per annum with respect to any date in which the aggregated amount of outstanding borrowings is greater than 77.5% of the total commitments), on the average daily unused amount of the financing commitments, to the extent the aggregate principal amount available under the Credit Facility has not been borrowed. WhiteHorse Credit paid an upfront fee and incurred certain other customary costs and expenses in connection with obtaining the Credit Facility. Any amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest thereunder will be due and payable, on December 29, 2021.November 22, 2024.

 

The Credit Facility and the related documents require WhiteHorse Finance and WhiteHorse Credit to, among other things, agree to make certain customary representations and to comply with customary affirmative and negative covenants. The Credit Facility also includes customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature, including breaches of representations, warranties or covenants by WhiteHorse Finance or WhiteHorse Credit, the occurrence of a change in control, or failure to maintain certain required ratios.

 


If we fail to perform our obligations under the credit agreement or the related agreements, an event of default may occur, which could cause the Lender to accelerate all of the outstanding debt and other obligations under the Credit Facility or to exercise other remedies under the credit agreement. Any such developments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

If any of our contractual obligations discussed above is terminated, our costs under new agreements that we enter into may increase. In addition, we will likely incur significant time and expense in locating alternative parties to provide the services we expect to receive under our Investment Advisory Agreement and our Administration Agreement. Any new investment management agreement would also be subject to approval by our stockholders.

 

2020 Notes

On July 23, 2013, we completed a public offering of $30.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due 2020, or the 2020 Notes, the net proceeds of which were used to reduce outstanding obligations under an unsecured term loan. Interest on the 2020 Notes had paid quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, at an annual rate of 6.50%. On July 10, 2018, we notified American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the trustee of our 2020 Notes, of our election to redeem the $30.0 million of aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes outstanding, and instructed the trustee to provide notice of such redemption to the holders of the 2020 Notes in accordance with the terms of the indenture agreement under which the 2020 Notes were issued. The redemption was completed on August 9, 2018, and the 2020 Notes were delisted from the NASDAQ Global Select Market where they were previously listed under the symbol “WHFBL.”

2023 Private Notes

 

On July 13, 2018, we entered into an agreement, or the 2023 Note Purchase Agreement, to sell in a private offering $30.0$30 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes, or the 2023 Private Notes, to qualified institutional investors in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.Act. Interest on the 2023 Private Notes is payable semiannually on February 7 and August 7, at a fixed, annual rate of 6.00%. This interest rate is subject to increase (up to 6.50%) in the event that, subject to certain exceptions, the 2023 Private Notes cease to have an investment grade rating. The 2023 Private Notes mature on August 7, 2023, unless redeemed, purchased or prepaid prior to such date by us or our affiliates in accordance with their terms. The 2023 Private Notes are general unsecured obligations that rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness that we may issue.issue, including the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Private Notes. The closing of the transaction occurred on August 7, 2018. We used the net proceeds from this offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem all of the 2020 Notes, as discussed above.

 

2025 Notes

On November 13, 2018, we completed a public offering of $35.0 million of aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes due 2025, or the 2025 Notes, the net proceeds of which were used to fund investments in debt and equity securities and repay outstanding indebtedness under our revolving credit facility. Interest on the 2025 Notes is paid quarterly on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30 each year, at a fixed, annual rate of 6.50%. The 2025 Notes will mature on November 30, 2025 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time, or from time to time, at our option on or after November 30, 2021. The 2025 Notes will rank equally in right of payment with our other outstanding and future unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness, including the 2023 Private Notes and the 2025 Private Notes. The 2025 Notes will effectively rank behind all of our existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured in respect of which we subsequently grant security) in right of payment, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, including our Credit Facility. The 2025 Notes are listed on the NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “WHFBZ.”


 

Portfolio Investments and Yield

 

As of September 30, 2020, our investment portfolio consisted primarily of senior secured loans across 73 positions in 54 companies with an aggregate fair value of $595.3 million. As of that date, the majority of our portfolio was comprised of senior secured loans to lower middle market borrowers and nearly all of those loans were variable-rate investments (primarily indexed to LIBOR) with fixed-rate loan investments representing 0.4% based on fair value. As of September 30, 2020, our portfolio had an average investment size of $7.7 million based on fair value (average debt investment size of $8.8 million), with investment sizes ranging from zero to $23.4 million and a weighted average effective yield of 9.2% (and a weighted average effective yield on income-producing debt investments of 9.9%).

As of December 31, 2019, our investment portfolio consisted primarily of senior secured loans across 6566 positions in 4851 companies with an aggregate fair value of $527.5$589.7 million. As of that date, the majority of our portfolio was comprised of senior secured loans to lower middle market borrowers and nearly all of those loans were variable-rate investments (primarily indexed to LIBOR) with the single fixed-rate loan investment representing 0% based on fair value. As of September 30,December 31, 2019, our portfolio had an average investment size of $8.0$8.7 million based on fair value (average debt investment size of $9.9$10.2 million), with investment sizes ranging from less than $0.1 millionzero to $24.7$26.3 million and a weighted average effective yield of 10.5%9.9% (and a weighted average effective yield on income-producing debt investments of 11.0%10.4%).

As of December 31, 2018, our investment portfolio consisted primarily of senior secured loans across 53 positions in 39 companies with an aggregate fair value of $469.6 million. As of that date, the majority of our portfolio was comprised of senior secured loans to lower middle market borrowers and nearly all of those loans were variable-rate investments (primarily indexed to LIBOR) with the single fixed-rate loan investment representing less than 0.1% based on fair value. As of December 31, 2018, our portfolio had an average investment size of $8.9 million (average debt investment size of $10.1 million), with investment sizes ranging from less than $0.1 million to $24.7 million and a weighted average effective yield of 11.8% (and a weighted average effective yield on income-producing debt investments of 11.9%). 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we invested $126.3 million in new and existing portfolio companies, offset by repayments and sales of $129.4 million. Proceeds from sales totaled $54.2 million while repayments included $9.8 million of scheduled repayments and $65.4 million of unscheduled repayments.

For the nine months ended September��30, 2019, we invested $207.8 million in new and existing portfolio companies, offset by repayments and sales of $153.6 million. Proceeds from sales totaled $37.5 million while repayments included$17.1 $17.1 million of scheduled repayments and $99 million of unscheduled repayments.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we invested $209.8 million in new and existing portfolio companies, partially offset by repayments and sales of $180.2 million. Proceeds from sales totaled $4.8 million while repayments included $6.7 million of scheduled repayments and $168.7 million of unscheduled repayments.

 

STRS JV

As of September 30, 2019, STRS JV’s portfolio totaled $54.9 million, consisting of eight positions in five portfolio companies with an average position size of $6.9 million and having a weighted average yield on debt investments of 8.6%.


We actively monitor and manage our portfolio with regard to individual company performance as well as general market conditions. Investment decisions on new originations generally include an analysis of the impact of the new loan on our broader portfolio, including a “top-down” assessment of portfolio diversification and risk exposure. This assessment includes a review of portfolio concentration by issuer, industry, geography and type of credit as well as an evaluation of our portfolio’s exposure to macroeconomic factors and cyclical trends.

 

We believe that consistent, active monitoring of individual companies and the broader market is integral to portfolio management and a critical component of our investment process. Our investment adviser uses several methods to evaluate and monitor the performance and fair value of our investments, which may include the following:

 

frequent discussions with management and sponsors, including board observation rights where possible;

 

comparing/analyzing financial performance to the portfolio company’s business plan, as well as our internal projections developed at underwriting;

 

tracking portfolio company compliance with covenants as well as other metrics identified at initial investment stage, such as acquisitions, divestitures, product development and specified management hires; and

 

periodic review by the investment committee of each asset in the portfolio and more rigorous monitoring of “watch list” positions.

 

As part of the monitoring process, our investment adviser regularly assesses the risk profile of each of our investments and, on a quarterly basis, grades each investment on a risk scale of 1 to 5. This risk rating system is intended to identify and assess risks relative to when we initially made the investment and could be impacted by such factors as company-specific performance, changes in collateral, changes in potential exit opportunities or macroeconomic conditions.

 

All investments are initially assigned a rating of 2, as this grade represents a company that is meeting initial expectations with regard to performance and outlook. A rating may be improved to a 1 if, in the opinion of our investment adviser, a portfolio company’s risk of loss has been reduced relative to initial expectations. An investment will be assigned a rating of 3 if the risk of loss has increased relative to initial expectations and will be assigned a rating of 4 if our investment principal is at a material risk of not being fully repaid. A rating of 5 indicates an investment is in payment default and has significant risk of not receiving full repayment.

 


The following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment performance rating scale at fair value:

 

InvestmentInvestment  September 30, 2019  December 31, 2018  September 30, 2020  December 31, 2019 

Performance

Rating

Performance

Rating

  

Investments at Fair Value

(Dollars in Millions)

  

Percentage of

Total Portfolio

  

Investments at Fair Value

(Dollars in Millions)

  

Percentage of

Total Portfolio

  Investments at Fair Value
(Dollars in Millions)
 Percentage of
Total Portfolio
 Investments at Fair Value
(Dollars in Millions)
 Percentage of
Total Portfolio
 
1  $-   -% $29.5   6.3%
2   426.7   80.9   376.3   80.1 
3   92.3   17.5   63.7   13.6 
4   8.5   1.6   0.1   0.0 
5   -   -   -   - 
Total Portfolio  $527.5   100.0% $469.6   100.0%
1 $85.9  14.4%  13.4  2.3%
2                  369.4  62.1   491.4  83.3 
3 127.7        21.5   77.2  13.1 
4 3.8  0.6   -  - 
5  8.5  1.4   7.7  1.3 
Total Portfolio $595.3  100.0% $589.7  100.0%

 


During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, thirteen investment positions moved from a rating of 2 to a rating of 3 or 4, largely due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. See the “COVID-19 Developments” section in Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements.

Inflation

 

Inflation has not had a significant effect on our results of operations in any of the reporting periods presented in our consolidated financial statements. However, from time to time, inflation may impact the operating results of our portfolio companies.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We may become a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of our business to meet the financial needs of our portfolio companies. These instruments may include commitments to extend credit and involve elements of liquidity and credit risk in excess of the amount recognized on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. As of September 30, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, we had commitments to fund approximately $6.5$2.3 million and $1.6$9.1 million, respectively, of revolving lines of credit or delayed draw facilities to our portfolio companies. STRS JV had outstanding commitments to fund investments totaling $1.9 million under undrawn revolvers as of September 30, 2019. We reasonably believe that we have sufficient assets to adequately cover and allow us to satisfy our outstanding unfunded commitments.

 

Distributions

 

In order to maintain our status as a RIC and to avoid the imposition of corporate-level tax on income, we must distribute dividends to our stockholders each taxable year of an amount generally at least equal to the sum of 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses out of the assets legally available for distribution. In order to avoid the imposition of certain excise taxes imposed on RICs, we must distribute dividends in respect of each calendar year of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gains in excess of capital losses, or capital gain net income, adjusted for certain ordinary losses, for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gain net income for preceding years that were not distributed during such years on which we incurred no U.S. federal income tax.

 

During theboth three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we declared to stockholders distributions of $0.3552020 and $1.065 per share, respectively, for total distributions of $7.3 million and $21.9 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, we declared to stockholders distributions of $0.355 and $1.065 per share, respectively for total distributions of $7.3 million and $21.9 million, respectively.

 

The timing and amount of our quarterly distributions, if any, are determined by our board of directors. While we intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution, we may not be able to achieve operating results that will allow us to make distributions at a specific level or to increase the amount of our distributions from time to time. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions due to the asset coverage requirements applicable to us as a business development company under the 1940 Act. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including the possible loss of our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC. We cannot assure stockholders that they will receive any distributions.

 

To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions paid for that fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a return of capital to our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the source of a distribution to our stockholders may be the original capital invested by the stockholder rather than our income or gains. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019,2020, we estimate that distributions to stockholders included $21.9 million of long-term capital gains,ordinary income, for tax purposes, based on earnings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20182019 and current earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.2020. The specific tax characteristics of the distribution will be reported to stockholders on or after the end of the calendar year 20192020 and in our periodic reports with the SEC. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution payment carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is only ordinary income or gains.

In addition, in order to satisfy the annual distribution requirement applicable to RICs, we may declare a significant portion of our dividends in shares of our common stock instead of in cash. As long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash (which portion may be as low as 10% of such dividend, for dividends declared on or before December 31, 2020 and after that, 20% of such dividend under published guidance from the Internal Revenue Service) and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a stockholder generally would be subject to tax on 100% of the fair market value of the dividend on the date the dividend is received by the stockholder in the same manner as a cash dividend, even though most of the dividend was paid in shares of our common stock.


 

We have adopted an “opt out” distribution reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a distribution, then stockholders’ cash distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock unless a stockholder specifically “opts out” of our distribution reinvestment plan. If a stockholder opts out, that stockholder receives cash distributions. Although distributions paid in the form of additional shares of our common stock will generally be subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes in the same manner as cash distributions, stockholders participating in our distribution reinvestment plan will not receive any corresponding cash distributions with which to pay any such applicable taxes.

 


Contractual Obligations

 

A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations as of September 30, 20192020 is as follows:

 

  Payments Due by Period (Dollars in millions) 
 Payments Due by Period (Dollars in millions)  Less Than More Than 5 
 Total  

Less Than

1 Year

  1 - 3 Years  3 - 5 Years  More Than 5 Years   Total   1 Year   1 - 3 Years   3 - 5 Years   Years 
Credit Facility $170.3       170.3  $-  $-  $231.2  $-  $-  $231.2  $- 
Private Notes  30.0   -   -   30.0   - 
2023 Private Notes  30.0   -   30.0   -   - 
2025 Notes  35.0   -   -   -   35.0   35.0   -   -   -   35.0 
Total contractual obligations $235.3  $-  $170.3  $30.0  $35.0  $296.2  $-  $30.0  $231.2  $35.0 

 

As of September 30, 2019,2020, we had $29.7$18.9 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility.

 

We entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with WhiteHorse Advisers in accordance with the 1940 Act on December 4, 2012. It2012, which was most recently amended on November 1, 2018. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, WhiteHorse Advisers manages our day-to-day investment operations and provides us with access to personnel and an investment committee and certain other resources so that we may fulfill our obligation to act as a portfolio manager of WhiteHorse Credit under the Credit Facility. Payments under the Investment Advisory Agreement in future periods will be equal to (1) a management fee equal to 2% of the value of our consolidated gross assets; provided, however, that the management fee on consolidated gross assets financed using leverage over 200% asset coverage (in other words, over 1.0x debt to equity), if any, will be equal to 1.25% and (2) an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement” in Note 67 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

We also entered into the Administration Agreement with WhiteHorse Administration on December 4, 2012. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, WhiteHorse Administration furnishes us with office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. WhiteHorse Administration also furnishes us with resources necessary for us to act as portfolio manager to WhiteHorse Credit under the Credit Facility. If requested to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies, WhiteHorse Administration will be paid an additional amount based on the services provided, which amount will not, in any case, exceed the amount we receive from the portfolio companies for such services. Payments under the Administration Agreement will be based upon our allocable portion of WhiteHorse Administration’s overhead expenses in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and our allocable portion of the costs of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer along with their respective staffs.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

We have entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:

 

WhiteHorse Advisers manages our day-to-day operations and provides investment management services to us pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement.

 

WhiteHorse Administration and certain of its affiliates provide us with the office facilities and administrative services, including access to the resources necessary for us to perform our obligations towards certain portfolio companies, pursuant to the Administration Agreement.

 

We have entered into a license agreement with an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital pursuant to which we have been granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the “WhiteHorse” name.

 


WhiteHorse Advisers, WhiteHorse Administration or their respective affiliates may have other clients with similar, different or competing investment objectives. In serving in these multiple capacities, WhiteHorse Advisers, WhiteHorse Administration or their respective affiliates may have obligations to other clients or investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. Such persons may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among us and other investment funds or accounts advised by or affiliated with WhiteHorse Advisers or WhiteHorse Administration. WhiteHorse Advisers or its affiliates will seek to allocate investment opportunities among eligible accounts in a manner that is fair and equitable over time and consistent with its allocation policy. However, we can offer no assurance that such opportunities will be allocated to us fairly or equitably in the short-term or over time.

 


We depend on the communications and information systems and policies of WhiteHorse Advisers and its affiliates as well as certain third-party service providers to monitor and prevent cybersecurity incidents. Our board of directors and management periodically review and assess the effectiveness of such communications and information systems and policies.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. We have identified the following as critical accounting policies.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

Under the investment company financial accounting guidance, as formally codified in Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 946,Financial Services - Investment Companies, we are precluded from consolidating any entity other than another investment company. As provided under ASC Topic 946, we generally consolidate any investment company when we own 100% of its partners’ or members’ capital or equity units. We own a 100% equity interest in each of WhiteHorse Credit and WhiteHorse Finance Warehouse, LLC, or WhiteHorse Warehouse, which are investment companies for accounting purposes. As such, we have consolidated the accounts of WhiteHorse Credit and WhiteHorse Warehouse into our financial statements. As a result of this consolidation, the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility is treated as our indebtedness.

 

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

 

We value our investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820 -Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. ASC Topic 820’s definition of fair value focuses on exit price in the principal, or most advantageous, market and prioritizes the use of market-based inputs over entity-specific inputs within a measurement of fair value.

 

Our portfolio consists primarily of debt investments. These investments are valued at their bid quotations obtained from unaffiliated market makers or other financial institutions that trade in similar investments or based on prices provided by independent third party pricing services. For investments where there are no available bid quotations, fair value is derived using proprietary models that consider the analyses of independent valuation agents as well as credit risk, liquidity, market credit spreads and other applicable factors for similar transactions.

 

Due to the nature of our strategy, our portfolio includes relatively illiquid investments that are privately held. Valuations of privately held investments are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. The determination of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed. Our net asset value could be materially affected if the determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher or lower than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such investments.

 

Our board of directors is ultimately responsible for determining the fair value of the portfolio investments that are not publicly traded, whose market prices are not readily available on a quarterly basis in good faith or any other situation where portfolio investments require a fair value determination. Our board of directors has retained one or more independent valuation firms to review the valuation of each portfolio investment that does not have a readily available market quotation at least once during each 12-month period. Independent valuation firms retained by our board of directors provide a valuation review on approximately 25% of our investments for which market quotations are not readily available each quarter to ensure that the fair value of each investment for which a market quote is not readily available is reviewed by an independent valuation firm at least once during each 12-month period. However, our board of directors does not intend to havede minimis investments of less than 1.5% of our total assets (up to an aggregate of 10% of our total assets) independently reviewed.

 


The valuation process is conducted at the end of each fiscal quarter, with a portion of our valuations of portfolio companies without market quotations subject to review by one or more independent valuation firms each quarter. When an external event occurs with respect to one of our portfolio companies, such as when a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we expect to use the pricing indicated by such external event to corroborate our valuation.

 

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, our board of directors undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

 

Our quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by investment professionals of our investment adviser responsible for credit monitoring in accordance with our valuation procedures.

 

Preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and discussed with our investment committee and our investment adviser.

 

The audit committee of the board of directors reviews these preliminary valuations, and on a quarterly basis, reviews the bases of the valuations by our investment adviser and the independent valuation firms.

 

At least once annually, the valuation for each portfolio investment is reviewed by an independent valuation firm.

 

The board of directors discusses valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith.

 

Fair value of publicly traded instruments is generally based on quoted market prices. Fair value of non-publicly traded instruments, and of publicly traded instruments for which quoted market prices are not readily available, may be determined based on other relevant factors, including without limitation, quotations from unaffiliated market makers or independent third party pricing services, the price activity of equivalent instruments and valuation pricing models. For those investments valued using quotations, the bid price is generally used unless we determine that it is not representative of an exit price.

 

Fair value is the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation models involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. Our fair value analysis includes an analysis of the value of any unfunded loan commitments. Financial investments recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements are categorized for disclosure purposes based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. The valuation hierarchical levels are based upon the transparency of the inputs to the valuation of the investment as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

Level 1:Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active public markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

Level 2:Significant other 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.

 

Level 3:Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 


Investments for which fair value is determined using inputs defined above as Level 3 are fair valued using the income and market approaches, which may include the discounted cash flow method, reference to performance statistics of industry comparables, relative comparable yield analysis and, in certain cases, third party valuations performed by independent valuation firms. The valuation methods can reference various factors and use various inputs such as assumed growth rates, capitalization rates and discount rates, loan-to-value ratios, liquidation value, relative capital structure priority, market comparables, compliance with applicable loan, covenant and interest coverage performance, book value, market derived multiples, reserve valuation, assessment of credit ratings of an underlying borrower, review of ongoing performance, review of financial projections as compared to actual performance, review of interest rate and yield risk. Such factors may be given different weighting depending on our assessment of the underlying investment, and we may analyze apparently comparable investments in different ways.

 


In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, a financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.

 

Fair value for each investment is derived using a combination of valuation methodologies that, in the judgment of the investment committee of the investment adviser are most relevant to such investment, including being based on one or more of the following: (i) market prices obtained from market makers for which the investment committee has deemed there to be enough breadth (number of quotes) and depth (firm bids) to be indicative of fair value, (ii) the price paid or realized in a completed transaction or binding offer received in an arm’s-length transaction, (iii) a discounted cash flow analysis, (iv) the guideline public company method, (v) the similar transaction method or (vi) the option pricing method.

 

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income and Expense

 

We record our investment transactions on a trade date basis, which is the date when we have determined that all material terms have been defined for the transactions. These transactions could possibly settle on a subsequent date depending on the transaction type. All related revenue and expenses attributable to these transactions are reflected on our consolidated statements of operations commencing on the trade date unless otherwise specified by the transaction documents. Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are recorded on the specific identification method.

 

We accrue interest income if we expect that ultimately we will be able to collect it. Generally, when an interest payment default occurs on a loan in our portfolio, or if our management otherwise believes that the issuer of the loan will not be able to service the loan and other obligations, we place the loan on non-accrual status and will cease recognizing interest income on that loan until all principal and interest is current through payment or until a restructuring occurs, such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. However, we remain contractually entitled to this interest. We may make exceptions to this policy if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. Accrued interest is written off when it becomes probable that such interest will not be collected and the amount of uncollectible interest can be reasonably estimated. Any original issue discount, as well as any other market purchase discount or premium on debt investments, are accreted or amortized to interest income or expense, respectively, over the maturity periods of the investments. Dividend income is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies.

 

Interest expense is recorded on an accrual basis. Certain expenses related to legal and tax consultation, due diligence, rating fees, valuation expenses and independent collateral appraisals may arise when we make certain investments. These expenses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as they are incurred.

 

Loan Origination, Facility, Commitment and Amendment Fees

 

We may receive fees in addition to interest income from the loans during the life of the investment. We may receive origination fees upon the origination of an investment. We defer these origination fees and deduct them from the cost basis of the investment and subsequently accrete them into income over the term of the loan. We may receive facility, commitment and amendment fees, which are paid to us on an ongoing basis. We accrue facility fees, sometimes referred to as asset management fees, as a percentage periodic fee on the base amount (either the funded facility amount or the committed principal amount). Commitment fees are based upon the undrawn portion committed by us and we record them on an accrual basis. Amendment fees are paid in connection with loan amendments and waivers and we account for them upon completion of the amendments or waivers, generally when such fees are receivable. We include any such fees in fee income on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, which discusses recent accounting pronouncements applicable to us. us, if any.

 


 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. During the period covered by our financial statements, many of the loans in our portfolio had floating interest rates, and we expect that many of our loans to portfolio companies in the future will also have floating interest rates. These loans are usually based on a floating rate based on LIBOR that resets quarterly to the applicable LIBOR. Interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on our investments, the value of our common stock and our rate of return on invested capital. Since we plan to use debt to finance investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. In addition, U.S. and global capital markets have experienced a higher level of stress due to the global COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in an increase in the level of volatility across such markets and a general decline in value of securities held by us. 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.

 

Assuming that the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as of September 30, 20192020 was to remain constant and that we took no actions to alter our existing interest rate sensitivity, the following table shows the annualized impact of hypothetical base rate changes in interest rates (dollars in thousands).

 

Basis Point Increase (Decrease) 

Increase 
(Decrease) in
Interest Income

  

Increase
(Decrease) in
Interest Expense

 

Net
Increase
(Decrease)

 
 Increase(Decrease) in Increase(Decrease) in    
 Interest Interest Net 
Basis Point Increase(Decrease) Income  Expense  Increase(Decrease) 
(100) $(545) (1,703)1,158  $(782)  (541)  (241)
100  9,527  1,703 7,824   2,119   2,311   (192)
200  14,741  3,406 11,335   7,829   4,623   3,206 
300  19,954  5,109 14,845   13,821   6,934   6,887 
400  25,168  6,812 18,356   19,812   9,246   10,559 
500  30,382  8,515 21,867   25,803   11,557   14,246 

 

As of September 30, 2019,2020, nearly all of the performing floating rate investments in our portfolio had interest rate floors. Variable-rate investments subject to a floor generally reset periodically to the applicable floor and, in the case of investments in our portfolio, quarterly to a floor based on LIBOR, only if the floor exceeds the index. Under these loans, we do not benefit from increases in interest rates until such rates exceed the floor and thereafter benefit from market rates above any such floor.

For a discussion of the risks associated with the discontinuation of LIBOR, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure — Since we are using debt to finance our investments, and we may use additional debt or preferred stock financing going forward, changes in interest rates may affect our cost of capital, net investment income, value of our common stock and our rate of return on invested capital” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

Although management believes that this analysis is indicative of our existing sensitivity to interest rate changes, it does not adjust for changes in the credit markets, the size, credit quality or composition of the assets in our portfolio and other business developments, including borrowing, that could affect net increase in net assets resulting from operations or net income. It also does not adjust for the effect of the time-lag between a change in the relevant interest rate index and the rate adjustment under the applicable loan. Accordingly, we can offer no assurances that actual results would not differ materially from the statement above.

 

We utilized forward foreign currency contracts to protect ourselves against fluctuations in exchange rates. We may in the future hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options and forward contracts to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and applicable commodities laws. While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to the investments in our portfolio with fixed interest rates. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of foreign exchange forward contracts.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decrease in LIBOR and a general reduction of certain interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks. A continued decline in interest rates, including LIBOR, has resulted in, and could continue to, result in a reduction of our gross investment income. In addition, our net investment income could also decline if such decreases in LIBOR are not offset by, among other things, a corresponding increase in the spread over LIBOR in our portfolio investments, a decrease in our operating expenses or a decrease in the interest rates of our liabilities that are tied to LIBOR. See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—COVID-19 Developments.”

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

As of the period covered by this report, we, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on our evaluation, our management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of material information about us required to be included in our periodic SEC filings. However, in evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, are based upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and 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.

 


Part II. Other Information

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Although we may, from time to time, be involved in litigation arising out of our operations in the normal course of business or otherwise, each of WhiteHorse Finance, WhiteHorse Advisers and WhiteHorse Administration is currently not a party to any material legal proceedings.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the below risk factors and other information set forth in this report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the “Risk Factors” discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

The interest rates of our floating-rate loans to our portfolio companies that extend beyond 2021 might be subject to change based on recent regulatory changes

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 typically use LIBOR as a reference rate in floating-rate loans we extend to portfolio companies such that the interest due to us pursuant to a term loan extended to a portfolio company is calculated using LIBOR. The terms of our debt investments generally include minimum interest rate floors which are calculated based on LIBOR.

On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is unclear if at that time whether LIBOR will cease to exist or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. As such, the potential effect of any such event on our net investment income cannot yet be determined. The U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with a new index calculated by short term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities. 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 to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established. In addition, any further changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market value for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We intend to continue to finance our investments with borrowed money, which will magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.

The use of leverage, including through the issuance of senior securities, magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested. We have incurred leverage in the past and currently incur leverage through the Credit Facility, 2023 Private Notes, 2025 Notes and the 2025 Private Notes and from time to time, intend to incur additional leverage to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. The use of leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique and increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. In the future, we may borrow from, and issue senior securities, to banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Holders of these senior securities will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, and we would expect such holders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default.

 

WhiteHorse Credit has pledged, and expects to continue to pledge, all or substantially all of its assets. WhiteHorse Credit has granted, and may in the future grant, a security interest in all or a portion of its assets under the Credit Facility. In addition, under the terms of the Credit Facility, we must use the net proceeds of any investments that we sell to repay amounts then due with respect to our debt and certain other amounts owing under the Credit Facility before applying such net proceeds to other uses, such as distributing them to our stockholders.

 

We may pledge up to 100% of our assets and may grant a security interest in all of our assets under the terms of any debt instruments into which we may enter. In addition, under the terms of any credit facility or other debt instrument we enter into, we are likely to be required by its terms to use the net proceeds of any investments that we sell to repay a portion of the amount borrowed under such facility or instrument before applying such net proceeds to any other uses.

 

If the value of our assets decreases, leverage would cause our NAVnet asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged, thereby magnifying losses or eliminating our equity stake in a leveraged investment. Similarly, any decrease in our revenue or income will cause our net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline would also negatively affect our ability to make distributions on our common stock or preferred stock. Our ability to service our debt will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. In addition, our common stockholders will bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of our use of leverage, including interest expenses and any increase in the management fee payable to WhiteHorse Advisers.

 

As a business development company, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which include all of our borrowings and any preferred stock that we may issue in the future, of at least 150%, subject to certain disclosure requirements, as is specified in the 1940 Act. If this ratio declines below 150%, we cannot incur additional debt and could be required to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when it is disadvantageous to do so. This could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we may not be able to make distributions to our stockholders. As of September 30, 2019,2020, our total outstanding indebtedness was $235.3$296.2 million and our asset coverage was 234.1%206.2%.

 

The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on WhiteHorse Advisers’sAdvisers’ and our board of directors’ assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our borrowings under the Credit Facility, the 2023 Private Notes, the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Private Notes or obtain other credit at all or on terms acceptable to us.

 


In addition, the terms governing the Credit Facility and the 2023 Private Notes, the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Private Notes and any indebtedness that we incur in the future could impose financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that may hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or make the distributions required to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC.

 


The

Each of the 2023 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2025 Note Purchase Agreement governing the 2023 Private Notes and the 2025 Private Notes, respectively, contains additional terms and conditions for senior unsecured notes issued in a private placement, including minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum asset coverage ratio, maximum debt to equity ratio and prohibitions on certain of our fundamental changes or the fundamental changes of the Company or any subsidiary guarantor. TheEach of the 2023 Note Purchase Agreement and the 2025 Note Purchase Agreement also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under other indebtedness of the Company or certain significant subsidiaries, certain judgements and orders, and certain events of bankruptcy.

 

The breach of any of the covenants or restrictions, unless cured within the applicable grace period, would result in a default under the applicable indebtedness arrangement that would permit the lenders thereunder to declare all amounts outstanding to be due and payable. In such an event, we may not have sufficient assets to repay such indebtedness. As a result, any default could have serious consequences to our financial condition. An event of default or an acceleration under these arrangements could also cause a cross-default or cross-acceleration of another debt instrument or contractual obligation, which would adversely impact our liquidity. We may not be granted waivers or amendments to these arrangements if for any reason we are unable to comply with it, and we may not be able to refinance such arrangements on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

 

At the Company’sour annual meeting of stockholders held on August 1, 2018, the Company’sour stockholders approved the reduced asset coverage requirements applicable to senior securities from 200% to 150%, effective on August 2, 2018, such that the Company’sour maximum debt-to-equity ratio increased from a prior maximum of 1.0x (equivalent of $1 of debt outstanding for each $1 of equity) to a maximum of 2.0x (equivalent to $2 of debt outstanding for each $1 of equity).

 

The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock as of September 30, 2019,2020, assuming that we employ leverage such that our asset coverage equals (1) our actual asset coverage as of September 30, 20192020 and (2) 150%, each at various annual returns, net of expenses and as of September 30, 2019.2020. The purpose of this table is to assist investors in understanding the effects of leverage. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table below.

 

 Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (Net of Expenses)  Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (Net of Expenses) 
 -10% -5% 0% 5% 10%   -10%   -5%   0%   5%   10% 
Corresponding return to common stockholder assuming actual asset coverage as of September 30, 2019 (1)  (20.5)% (12.2)% (3.8)% 4.6% 12.9%
Corresponding return to common stockholder assuming actual asset coverage as of September 30, 2020 (1)  (21.8)%  (12.3)%  (2.8)%  6.6%  16.1%
Corresponding return to common stockholder assuming 150% asset coverage (2)    (39.3)% (24.7)% (10.0)% 4.6% 19.2%  (40.4)%  (23.8)%  (7.2)%  9.4%  26.0%

 

(1)Assumes $566.0$625.8 million in total assets, $235.3$296.2 million in debt outstanding and $315.5$314.6 million in net assets as of September 30, 2019,2020, and an average cost of funds of 5.3%3.5%, which is our weighted average borrowing cost as of September 30, 2019.2020.

 

(2)Assumes $961.7$1,075 million in total assets, $631.0$629.1 million in debt outstanding and $315.5$314.6 million in net assets as of September 30, 2019,2020, and an average cost of funds of 5.0%3.1%, which would be our weighted average borrowing cost assuming 150% asset coverage as of September 30, 2019.2020.

 

Based on our outstanding indebtedness of $235.3$296.2 million as of September 30, 20192020 and an average cost of funds of 4.9%2.8%, 6.0% and 6.5%, which were the effective annualized interest rates of the Credit Facility, 2023 Private Notes and 2025 Notes, respectively, as of that date, our investment portfolio must experience an annual return of at least 2.3 %1.8% to cover annual interest payments on our outstanding indebtedness.

 

Based on our outstanding indebtedness of $631.0$629.1 million on an assumed 150% asset coverage ratio and an average cost of funds of 4.9%2.8%, 6.0% and 6.5%, which were the effective annualized interest rates of the Credit Facility, 2023 Private Notes and 2025 Notes, respectively, as of that date, our investment portfolio must experience an annual return of at least 3.4%2.2% to cover annual interest payments on our outstanding indebtedness.

 

Global capital markets could enter a period of severe disruption and instability due to disease pandemics and other serious health events, future recessions, political instability, geopolitical turmoil and foreign hostilities. These market conditions have historically had and could again have a materially adverse effect on debt and equity capital markets in the United States, which could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The U.S. and global capital markets have, from time to time, experienced periods of disruption characterized by the freezing of available credit, a lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant losses in the principal value of investments, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market, the failure of major financial institutions and general volatility in the financial markets. During these periods of disruption, general economic conditions deteriorated with material and adverse consequences for the broader financial and credit markets, and the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole, and financial services firms in particular, was reduced significantly. These conditions may reoccur for a prolonged period of time or materially worsen in the future. In addition, continuing uncertainty arising from the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (commonly known as “Brexit”) could lead to further market disruptions and currency volatility, potentially weakening consumer, corporate and financial confidence and resulting in lower economic growth for companies that rely significantly on Europe for their business activities and revenues. Furthermore, uncertainty between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties and tariffs, among other factors, have caused disruptions in the global markets, including markets in which we participate, and we cannot assure you that these market conditions will not continue or worsen in the future. We may in the future have difficulty accessing debt and equity capital markets, and a severe disruption in the global financial markets, deterioration in credit and financing conditions or uncertainty regarding U.S. government spending and deficit levels, Brexit or other global economic and political conditions, including future recessions, political instability, geopolitical turmoil and foreign hostilities, and disease, pandemics and other serious health events, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


In December 2019, COVID-19 was first detected in the city of Wuhan in the Hubei province of China. The spread of COVID-19 has resulted in governmental orders imposing travel restrictions and prolonged closures of many corporate offices, retail stores, manufacturing facilities, factories and other common places of public congregation around the world, which has materially disrupted the demand for our portfolio companies’ products and services and is making it more difficult for our portfolio companies to conduct their businesses. In addition, supply chains worldwide have been interrupted, slowed, or rendered inoperable as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increasing number of individuals are becoming ill, quarantined, or otherwise unable to work and/or travel due to health reasons or governmental restrictions. Governmental mandates to control the outbreak have resulted in forced shutdowns of our portfolio companies’ facilities for extended periods. These prolonged disruptions in the business of our portfolio companies, including disruptions in their supply chains, have adversely affected their ability to obtain the necessary raw materials or components to make their products and caused a decline in the demand for their products or services. This may require, or in some cases already has required, our portfolio companies to furlough or lay off employees, terminate relationships with service providers or otherwise significantly curtail their standard business operations, which would likely cause, or already has caused, a negative impact on their operating results.

The global impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve and is adversely affecting our operations and the operations of our portfolio companies. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in, and will continue to result in, among other things, the following: (i) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit; (ii) 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; (iii) volatility and disruption of markets including greater volatility in pricing and spreads, difficulty in valuing loans during periods of increased volatility, and liquidity issues; (iv) reduction in certain interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks and decreased LIBOR; and (v) unfavorable economic conditions that would be expected to increase borrowers’ funding costs, limit borrowers’ access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to borrowers. These factors are limiting our portfolio companies’ access to capital in a time of great economic distress. While government authorities have introduced creative proposals to address the needs of businesses, such actions may not adequately address the problems facing our portfolio companies.

The outbreak is likely to have a continued adverse impact on economic and market conditions and has triggered, and will likely continue to trigger a prolonged period of global economic slowdown. The full impact on global markets from COVID-19 is difficult to predict, and the degree to which COVID-19 will continue to negatively affect our operating results or the duration of any potential business disruption remains uncertain. In addition, the financial conditions and results of operations presented in this report, including our financial statements, reflect our financial position as of September 30, 2020, and may not be indicative of the full fiscal year as we expect the adverse effects of COVID-19 to be more pronounced in future periods. The full negative impact of COVID-19 on our business and results of operations will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of COVID-19 and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to reduce the spread of the virus and prevent another wave of infections, all of which are beyond our control. These future events, while unpredictable, will likely adversely affect our operating results and the operating results of our portfolio companies.

We are currently operating in a period of capital markets disruption and economic uncertainty.

The U.S. capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption following the global outbreak of COVID-19. Disruptions in the capital markets have increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. Such disruptions are adversely affecting our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and future market disruptions and/or illiquidity will continue to negatively impact us. These unfavorable economic conditions are also increasing our funding costs and limiting our access to the capital markets, and may result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us in the future. These events have limited and will continue to limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and negatively impact our operating results and the fair values of our debt and equity investments.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT INDEX
NumberDescription
10.1Second Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated July 19, 2019 by and among WhiteHorse Finance Credit I, LLC, as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender, the financial providers thereto, and WhiteHorse Finance, Inc., as portfolio manager (incorporated herein by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 814-00967), filed on August 9, 2019).
31.1*Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-OxleySarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002*
31.2*Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.1*Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.2*Certification by Chief 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              

 

* Filed herewith

58


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 WhiteHorse Finance, Inc.
  
Dated: November 12, 20199, 2020By/s/ Stuart Aronson
  Stuart Aronson
  Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
Dated: November 12, 20199, 2020By/s/ Joyson C. Thomas
  Joyson C. Thomas
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)