Continued Credit Discipline and Strong Credit Performance
Hercules’ net cumulative realized gain/(loss) position, since its first origination activities in October 2004 through September 30, 2021, (including net loan, warrant and equity activity) on investments, totaled ($65.1) million, on a GAAP basis, spanning 17 years of investment activities.
When compared to total net new debt investment commitments during the same period of over $12.6 billion, the total realized gain/(loss) since inception of ($65.1) million represents approximately 52 basis points “bps,” or 0.52%, of cumulative debt commitments, or an effective annualized loss rate of 3.0 bps, or 0.03%.
Realized Gains/(Losses)
During Q3 2021, Hercules had net realized gains of $21.1 million comprised of gross realized gains of $25.0 million due to the sale of equity and warrant investments, offset by ($3.9) million of gross realized losses primarily due to the loss on debt extinguishment and the write-off of one debt investment.
Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)
During Q3 2021, Hercules recorded ($35.6) million of net unrealized depreciation on our debt, equity and warrant investments, primarily attributable to ($23.6) million of unrealized depreciation due to the reversal of unrealized appreciation upon acquisition or liquidation of our equity and warrant investments, and ($8.3) million of net unrealized depreciation attributable to valuation movements on the equity, warrant portfolio, and investment fund portfolio.
Portfolio Asset Quality
As of September 30, 2021, the weighted average grade of the debt investment portfolio, at cost, improved to 1.92, compared to 1.93 as of June 30, 2021, based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest quality. Hercules’ policy is to generally adjust the credit grading down on its portfolio companies as they approach their expected need for additional growth equity capital to fund their respective operations for the next 9-14 months. Various companies in the Company’s portfolio will require additional rounds of funding from time to time to maintain their operations.
Additionally, Hercules may selectively downgrade portfolio companies, from time to time, if they are not meeting the Company’s financing criteria, or underperforming relative to their respective business plans.
As of September 30, 2021, grading of the debt investment portfolio at fair value, excluding warrants and equity investments, was as follows:
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