UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

or

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

Commission file number 814-00998

 

 

Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware

(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)

 

46-2176593

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

200 West Street, New York, New York   10282
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (212) 902-0300

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value

$0.001 per share

  GSBD   The New York Stock Exchange

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

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

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 ☒ 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 the 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 filer:

  

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 Act). YES ☐ NO ☒

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock at June 30, 2019 (based upon the closing sale price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2019) held by those persons deemed by the registrant to be non-affiliates was approximately $663.47 million. Shares of the registrant’s common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each entity or person that, to the registrant’s knowledge, owned 10% or more of the registrant’s outstanding common stock as of June 30, 2019 have been excluded from this number in that these persons may be deemed affiliates of the registrant. This determination of possible affiliate status for purposes of this computation is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding as of February 20, 2020 was 40,401,637.

 

 

 


GOLDMAN SACHS BDC, INC.

Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K for

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

          PAGE
   Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements        3
PART I.        5
ITEM 1.    Business        5
ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors        28
ITEM 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments        57
ITEM 2.    Properties        57
ITEM 3.    Legal Proceedings        57
ITEM 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures        57
PART II.        57
ITEM 5.    Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities        57
ITEM 6.    Selected Financial Data        59
ITEM 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations        60
ITEM 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk        78
ITEM 8.    Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data        79
ITEM 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure        125
ITEM 9A    Controls and Procedures        125
ITEM 9B.    Other Information        125
PART III.        126
ITEM 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance        126
ITEM 11.    Executive Compensation        132
ITEM 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters        133
ITEM 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence        133
ITEM 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services        134
PART IV.        136
ITEM 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules        136
ITEM 16    Form 10-K Summary        138

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “target,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe” or the negatives of, or other variations on, these terms or comparable terminology. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. Our forward-looking statements include information in this report regarding general domestic and global economic conditions, our future financing plans, our ability to operate as a business development company (“BDC”) and the expected performance of, and the yield on, our portfolio companies. There may be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control. The factors listed under “Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 10-K, as well as any cautionary language in this report, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements. The occurrence of the events described in these risk factors and elsewhere in this report could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report speaks only as of the date of this report. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. 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 (the “SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, registration statements on Form N-2, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Under Section 21E(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to statements made in periodic reports we file under the Exchange Act, such as this annual report on Form 10-K.

The following factors are among those that may cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements:

 

   

our future operating results;

   

changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or conditions affecting the financial and capital markets;

   

uncertainty surrounding the financial and political stability of the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and China;

   

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

   

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

   

the impact of increased competition;

   

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

   

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

   

the ability of our current and prospective portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

   

the relative and absolute performance of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., the investment adviser (the “Investment Adviser”) of the Company;

   

the use of borrowed money to finance a portion of our investments;

   

our ability to make distributions;

   

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

   

changes in interest rates, including the decommissioning of LIBOR;

   

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

   

the impact of future acquisitions and divestitures;

   

the effect of changes in tax laws and regulations and interpretations thereof;

   

our ability to maintain our status as a BDC and a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);

   

actual and potential conflicts of interest with the Investment Adviser and its affiliates;

   

general price and volume fluctuations in the stock market;

   

the ability of the Investment Adviser to attract and retain highly talented professionals;

   

the impact on our business from new or amended legislation or regulations;

   

the availability of credit and/or our ability to access the equity and capital markets;

   

currency fluctuations, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars;

   

the ability of the parties to consummate the Merger (as defined below) on the expected timeline, or at all;

 

3


   

the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Merger;

   

the effects of disruption on our business from the proposed Merger;

   

the combined company’s plans, expectations, objectives and intentions, as a result of the Merger; and

   

any potential termination of the Merger Agreement (as defined below) or action of our stockholders or the stockholders of Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp. (“GS MMLC”) with respect to any proposed transaction.

 

4


PART I.

Unless indicated otherwise in this annual report on Form 10-K or the context so requires, the terms “GS BDC,” “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, or, for periods prior to our conversion from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation (the “Conversion”), Goldman Sachs Liberty Harbor Capital, LLC. The terms “GSAM,” our “Adviser” or our “Investment Adviser” refer to Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership. The term “Group Inc.” refers to The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. The term “Goldman Sachs” refers to Group Inc., together with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (including its predecessors, “GS & Co.”), GSAM and its other subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

ITEM 1.

    BUSINESS

The Company

We are a specialty finance company focused on lending to middle-market companies. We are a closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition, we have elected to be treated, and expect to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. From our formation in 2012 through December 31, 2019, we have originated more than $3.69 billion in aggregate principal amount of debt and equity investments prior to any subsequent exits and repayments. We seek to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, capital appreciation primarily through direct originations of secured debt, including first lien, unitranche, including last-out portions of such loans, and second lien debt, and unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt, as well as through select equity investments.

“Unitranche” loans are first lien loans that may extend deeper in a company’s capital structure than traditional first lien debt and may provide for a waterfall of cash flow priority between different lenders in the unitranche loan. In a number of instances, we may find another lender to provide the “first-out” portion of such loan and retain the “last-out” portion of such loan, in which case, the “first-out” portion of the loan would generally receive priority with respect to payment of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder over the “last-out” portion that we would continue to hold. In exchange for the greater risk of loss, the “last-out” portion generally earns a higher interest rate than the “first-out” portion. We use the term “mezzanine” to refer to debt that ranks senior only to a borrower’s equity securities and ranks junior in right of payment to all of such borrower’s other indebtedness. We may make multiple investments in the same portfolio company.

We invest primarily in U.S. middle-market companies, which we believe are underserved by traditional providers of capital such as banks and the public debt markets. In describing our business, we generally use the term “middle-market companies” to refer to companies with between $5 million and $200 million of annual earnings before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) excluding certain one-time, and non-recurring items that are outside the operations of these companies. However, we may from time to time invest in larger or smaller companies. We generate revenues primarily through receipt of interest income from the investments we hold. In addition, we generate income from various loan origination and other fees, dividends on direct equity investments and capital gains on the sales of investments. Fees received from portfolio companies (directors’ fees, consulting fees, administrative fees, tax advisory fees and other similar compensation) are paid to us, unless, to the extent required by applicable law or exemptive relief therefrom, we only receive our allocable portion of such fees when invested in the same portfolio company as another client account managed by our Investment Adviser (including Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC (“GS PMMC”), GS MMLC and Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit II LLC (“GS PMMC II”) collectively with other such client accounts managed by our Investment Adviser, the “Accounts”). The companies in which we invest use our capital for a variety of purposes, including to support organic growth, fund acquisitions, make capital investments or refinance indebtedness.

The Merger

On December 9, 2019, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with GS MMLC, a Delaware corporation, Evergreen Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of us (“Merger Sub”), and GSAM, a Delaware limited partnership and investment adviser to each of us and GS MMLC. The Merger Agreement provides that, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into GS MMLC, with GS MMLC continuing as the surviving company (the “First Merger”) and, immediately thereafter, GS MMLC will merge with and into us, with us continuing as the surviving company (the “Second Merger” and, together with the First Merger, the “Merger”).

In the First Merger, each share of GS MMLC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger (other than certain excluded shares as described in the Merger Agreement) will be converted into 0.9939 shares of GS BDC common stock (the “Exchange Ratio”). The Exchange Ratio will only be adjusted if, between the date of the Merger Agreement and the effective time of the First Merger, (i) either GS BDC or GS MMLC declares or pays an extraordinary dividend, or (ii) the respective outstanding shares of GS BDC common stock or GS MMLC common stock shall have been increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities, in each case, as a result of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, combination or exchange of shares, or if a stock dividend or dividend payable in any other securities shall be declared with a record date within such period, other than shares issued pursuant to GS BDC’s distribution reinvestment plan, as permitted by the Merger Agreement. Any holder of GS MMLC common stock converted pursuant to the First Merger that would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of GS BDC common stock will receive cash in lieu thereof.

 

5


The Merger Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants, including, among others, covenants relating to the operation of each of GS BDC’s and GS MMLC’s businesses during the period prior to the closing of the Merger. The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement.

The representations and warranties and covenants set forth in the Merger Agreement have been made only for purposes of such agreement and were solely for the benefit of the parties to the Merger Agreement, may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties, including qualification by confidential disclosures made for purposes of allocating contractual risk between the parties to the Merger Agreement instead of establishing these matters as facts, and may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties that differ from those applicable to investors. Accordingly, the Merger Agreement is included with this filing only to provide investors with information regarding the terms of the Merger Agreement, and not to provide investors with any factual information regarding the parties to the Merger Agreement or their respective businesses.

Available Information

We file with or submit to the SEC periodic and current reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. We maintain a website at www.GoldmanSachsBDC.com and make all of our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other publicly filed information available, free of charge, on or through our website. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this annual report on Form 10-K or any other report we file with the SEC. You may also obtain such information by contacting us, in writing at: 200 West Street New York, New York 10282, or by telephone (collect) at (212) 902-0300. The SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may be obtained by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Investment Strategy

Our origination strategy focuses on leading the negotiation and structuring of the loans or securities in which we invest and holding the investments in our portfolio to maturity. In many cases we are the sole investor in the loan or security in our portfolio. Where there are multiple investors, we generally seek to control or obtain significant influence over the rights of investors in the loan or security. We generally seek to make investments that have maturities between three and ten years and range in size between $10 million and $75 million, although we may make larger or smaller investments on occasion.

Investment Portfolio

As of December 31, 2019, our portfolio (excluding our investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.) consisted of the following:

 

     December 31, 2019  
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair Value      Percentage of
Total
Portfolio at
Fair Value
 
     (in millions)         

First Lien/Senior Secured Debt

   $ 1,094.89      $ 1,080.67        74.3

First Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

     35.31        35.28        2.4

Second Lien/Senior Secured Debt

     263.44        234.02        16.1

Unsecured Debt

     7.41        7.41        0.5

Preferred Stock

     41.66        48.76        3.4

Common Stock

     67.14        48.11        3.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $     1,509.85      $     1,454.25        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, our portfolio consisted of 206 investments in 106 portfolio companies across 37 different industries. The largest industries in our portfolio, based on fair value as of December 31, 2019, were Health Care Providers & Services, Software, Interactive Media & Services and IT Services, which represented 10.9%, 8.2%, 7.4% and 6.5%, respectively, of our portfolio at fair value.

The geographic composition of our portfolio at fair value as of December 31, 2019 was United States 95.7%, Canada 2.6%, Ireland 1.4%, Germany 0.2% and Singapore 0.1%.

 

6


As of December 31, 2019, the weighted average yield by asset type of our total portfolio (excluding our investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.), at amortized cost and fair value, was as follows:

 

     December 31, 2019  
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
 

Weighted Average Yield(1)

     

First Lien/Senior Secured Debt(2)

     8.6%        9.1%  

First Lien/Last-Out Unitranche(2) (3)

     10.0        10.0  

Second Lien/Senior Secured Debt(2)

     9.2        11.2  

Unsecured Debt(2)

     11.7        11.7  

Preferred Stock(4)

             

Common Stock(4)

             

Total Portfolio

     8.2%        8.9%  

 

  (1)   

The weighted average yield of our portfolio does not represent the total return to our stockholders.

  (2)   

Computed based on (a) the annual actual interest rate or yield earned plus amortization of fees and discounts on the performing debt and other income producing investments as of the reporting date, divided by (b) the total investments (including investments on non-accrual and non-income producing investments) at amortized cost or fair value, respectively. This calculation excludes exit fees that are receivable upon repayment of the loan.

  (3)   

The calculation includes incremental yield earned on the “last-out” portion of the unitranche loan investments.

  (4)   

Computed based on (a) the stated coupon rate, if any, for each income-producing investment, divided by (b) the total investments (including investments on non-accrual and non-income producing investments) at amortized cost or fair value, respectively.

The following table presents certain selected information regarding our investment portfolio (excluding our investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.) as of December 31, 2019:

 

     December 31, 2019  

Number of portfolio companies

     106  

Percentage of performing debt bearing a floating rate(1)

     99.4%  

Percentage of performing debt bearing a fixed rate(1) (2)

     0.6%  

Weighted average yield on debt and income producing investments, at amortized cost(3)

     9.0%  

Weighted average yield on debt and income producing investments, at fair value(3)

     9.6%  

Weighted average leverage (net debt/EBITDA)(4)

     5.7x  

Weighted average interest coverage(4)

     2.4x  

Median EBITDA(4)

   $ 37.64 million  

 

  (1)   

Measured on a fair value basis. Excludes investments, if any, placed on non-accrual.

  (2)   

Includes income producing preferred stock investments.

  (3)   

Computed based on (a) the annual actual interest rate or yield earned plus amortization of fees and discounts on the performing debt and other income producing investments as of the reporting date, divided by (b) the total performing debt and other income producing investments (excluding investments on non-accrual).

  (4)   

For a particular portfolio company, we calculate the level of contractual indebtedness net of cash (“net debt”) owed by the portfolio company and compare that amount to measures of cash flow available to service the net debt. To calculate net debt, we include debt that is both senior and pari passu to the tranche of debt owned by us but exclude debt that is legally and contractually subordinated in ranking to the debt owned by us. We believe this calculation method assists in describing the risk of our portfolio investments, as it takes into consideration contractual rights of repayment of the tranche of debt owned by us relative to other senior and junior creditors of a portfolio company. We typically calculate cash flow available for debt service at a portfolio company by taking EBITDA for the trailing twelve month period. Weighted average net debt to EBITDA is weighted based on the fair value of our debt investments, excluding investments where net debt to EBITDA may not be the appropriate measure of credit risk, such as cash collateralized loans and investments that are underwritten and covenanted based on recurring revenue.

     

For a particular portfolio company, we also calculate the level of contractual interest expense owed by the portfolio company, and compare that amount to EBITDA (“interest coverage ratio”). We believe this calculation method assists in describing the risk of our portfolio investments, as it takes into consideration contractual interest obligations of the portfolio company. Weighted average interest coverage is weighted based on the fair value of our performing debt investments, excluding investments where interest coverage may not be the appropriate measure of credit risk, such as cash collateralized loans and investments that are underwritten and covenanted based on recurring revenue.

 

     

Median EBITDA is based on our debt investments, including our exposure to underlying debt investments in the Senior Credit Fund and excluding investments where net debt to EBITDA may not be the appropriate measure of credit risk, such as cash collateralized loans and investments that are underwritten and covenanted based on recurring revenue.

 

     

Portfolio company statistics are derived from the most recently available financial statements of each portfolio company as of the reported end date. Statistics of the portfolio companies have not been independently verified by us and may reflect a normalized or adjusted amount. As of December 31, 2019 investments where net debt to EBITDA may not be the appropriate measure of credit risk represented 25.1% of total debt investmentsat fair value. Portfolio company statistics are derived from the most recently available financial statements of each portfolio company as of the respective reported end date. Portfolio company statistics have not been independently verified by us and may reflect a normalized or adjusted amount.

Floating rates are primarily London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a spread.

 

7


Corporate Structure

We were formed as a private fund in September 2012 and commenced operations in November 2012, using seed capital contributions we received from Group Inc. In March 2013, we elected to be treated as a BDC. We have elected to be treated, and expect to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. On March 18, 2015, our common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “GSBD”. On March 23, 2015, we closed our initial public offering (“IPO”), issuing 6,000,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $20.00 per share. Net of offering and underwriting costs, we received cash proceeds of $114.57 million. On April 21, 2015, we issued an additional 900,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option in connection with the IPO. On May 24, 2017, we sold 3,250,000 shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $22.50 per share. Net of underwriting costs and offering expenses, we received cash proceeds of $69.65 million. On May 26, 2017, we issued an additional 487,500 shares of our common stock pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of the option to purchase additional shares that we granted in connection with the May 24, 2017 sale of our common stock. Net of underwriting costs, we received additional cash proceeds of $10.64 million. As a result of the Conversion, subsequent share repurchases, the IPO and the follow-on equity offering completed in May 2017, as of December 31, 2019, Group Inc. owned 16.06% of our common stock.

Our Investment Adviser

GSAM serves as our Investment Adviser and has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990. Subject to the supervision of our Board of Directors, a majority of which is made up of independent directors (including an independent Chairman), GSAM manages our day-to-day operations and provides us with investment advisory and management services and certain administrative services.

GSAM is a subsidiary of Group Inc., a public company that is a bank holding company (a “BHC”), financial holding company (a “FHC”) and a world-wide, full-service financial services organization. Group Inc. is the general partner and owner of GSAM. GSAM has been providing financial solutions for investors since 1988 and had over $1.7 trillion of assets under supervision as of December 31, 2019.

The GSAM Private Credit Group

The Private Credit Group of GSAM (the “GSAM Private Credit Group”) is responsible for identifying investment opportunities, conducting research and due diligence on prospective investments, negotiating and structuring our investments and monitoring and servicing our investments. The GSAM Private Credit Group was comprised of 25 investment professionals, as of December 31, 2019, all of whom are dedicated to the our investment strategy and other funds that share a similar investment strategy with the Company. The GSAM Private Credit Group sits with a broader team known as the “GSAM Credit Alternatives Team” which has additional responsibilities other than those relating to the us. In addition, GSAM has risk management, legal, accounting, tax, information technology and compliance personnel, among others, who provide services to us. We benefit from the expertise provided by these personnel in our operations.

The GSAM Private Credit Group is dedicated primarily to private corporate credit investment opportunities in North America and utilizes a bottom-up, fundamental research approach to lending. The senior members of the GSAM Private Credit Group have been working together since 2006 and have an average of over 15 years of experience in leveraged finance and private transactions.

All investment decisions are made by the investment committee of GSAM’s Private Credit Group (the “Investment Committee”), which currently consists of five voting members: Brendan McGovern, Jon Yoder, David Yu, Jordan Walter and Michael Mastropaolo, as well as three non-voting members with operational and/or legal expertise. For biographical information about the voting members of the Investment Committee, see “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance—Biographical Information.” The Investment Committee is responsible for approving all of our investments. The Investment Committee also monitors investments in our portfolio and approves all asset dispositions. We expect to benefit from the extensive and varied relevant experience of the investment professionals serving on the Investment Committee, which includes expertise in privately originated and publicly traded leveraged credit, stressed and distressed debt, bankruptcy, mergers and acquisitions and private equity. The voting members of the Investment Committee collectively have over 50 years of experience in middle-market investment and activities related to middle-market investing. The membership of the Investment Committee may change from time to time.

Allocation of Opportunities

Our investment objectives and investment strategies are similar to those of other client accounts managed by our Investment Adviser (including GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II), and an investment appropriate for us may also be appropriate for those Accounts. This creates potential conflicts in allocating investment opportunities among us and such other Accounts, particularly in circumstances where the availability of such investment opportunities is limited, where the liquidity of such investment opportunities is limited or where co-investments by us and other Accounts are not permitted under applicable law.

We are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our independent directors (“Independent Directors”) and, in some cases, of the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of our outstanding voting securities is our affiliate for purposes of the Investment Company Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any assets from or to, or entering into certain “joint” transactions (which could include investments in the same portfolio company) with such affiliates, absent the prior approval of the Independent Directors. Our Investment Adviser and its affiliates, including persons that control, or are under common control with, us or our Investment Adviser, are also considered our affiliates under the Investment Company Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any assets from or to, or entering into “joint” transactions with, such affiliates without exemptive relief from the SEC.

 

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Subject to applicable law, we may invest alongside Goldman Sachs and its Accounts. In certain circumstances, negotiated co-investments by us and other Accounts may be made only pursuant to an order from the SEC permitting us to do so. Together with our Investment Adviser, GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II, we applied for and received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits us to participate in negotiated co-investment transactions with certain affiliates (including GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II), each of whose investment adviser is GSAM. After the date of the exemptive order, co-investments may be made subject to certain conditions, including that co-investments are made in a manner consistent with our investment objectives, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions, as well as regulatory requirements and pursuant to the conditions required by the exemptive relief and the co-investments are allocated fairly among participants. As a result of such order, there could be significant overlap in our investment portfolio and the investment portfolios of GS PMMC, GS MMLC, GS PMMC II and/or other funds managed by our Investment Adviser. If our Investment Adviser identifies an investment and we are unable to rely on our exemptive relief for that particular opportunity, our Investment Adviser will be required to determine which Accounts should make the investment at the potential exclusion of other Accounts. In such circumstances, the Investment Adviser will adhere to its investment allocation policy in order to determine the Account to which to allocate the opportunity. The policy provides that our Investment Adviser allocate opportunities through a rotation system or in such other manner as our Investment Adviser determines to be equitable. Accordingly, it is possible that we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by other Accounts.

We may also invest alongside other Accounts advised by our Investment Adviser and its affiliates in certain circumstances where doing so is consistent with applicable law and SEC staff guidance and interpretations. For example, we may invest alongside such Accounts consistent with guidance promulgated by the staff of the SEC permitting us and such other Accounts to purchase interests in a single class of privately placed securities so long as certain conditions are met, including that our Investment Adviser, acting on our behalf and on behalf of its other clients, negotiates no term other than price. We may also invest alongside our Investment Adviser’s other clients as otherwise permissible under SEC staff guidance and interpretations, applicable regulations and the allocation policy of our Investment Adviser.

To address these potential conflicts, our Investment Adviser has developed allocation policies and procedures that provide that personnel of our Investment Adviser making portfolio decisions for Accounts will make purchase and sale decisions and allocate investment opportunities among Accounts consistent with its fiduciary obligations. To the extent permitted by applicable law, these policies and procedures may result in the pro rata allocation of limited opportunities across eligible Accounts managed by a particular portfolio management team, but in many other cases the allocations reflect numerous other factors as described below. Accounts managed outside of the GSAM Private Credit Group are generally viewed separately for allocation purposes. There will be cases where certain Accounts receive an allocation of an investment opportunity when we do not and vice versa.

In some cases, due to information barriers that are in place, other Accounts may compete with us for specific investment opportunities without being aware that we are competing against each other. Goldman Sachs has a conflicts system in place above these information barriers to identify potential conflicts early in the process and determine if an allocation decision needs to be made. If the conflicts system detects a potential conflict, the legal and compliance departments of Goldman Sachs assess investment opportunities to determine whether a particular investment opportunity is required to be allocated to a particular Account (including us) or is prohibited from being allocated to a particular Account. Subject to a determination by the legal and compliance departments (if applicable), portfolio management teams are then charged with ensuring that investment opportunities are allocated to the appropriate Account.

Personnel of our Investment Adviser involved in decision-making for Accounts may make allocation related decisions for us and other Accounts by reference to one or more factors, including: the Account’s portfolio and its investment horizons, objectives, guidelines and restrictions (including legal and regulatory restrictions); strategic fit and other portfolio management considerations, including different desired levels of investment for different strategies; the expected future capacity of the applicable Accounts; limits on our Investment Adviser’s brokerage discretion; cash and liquidity considerations; and the availability of other appropriate investment opportunities. Suitability considerations, reputational matters and other considerations may also be considered. The application of these considerations may cause differences in the performance of different Accounts that have similar strategies. In addition, in some cases our Investment Adviser may make investment recommendations to Accounts where the Accounts make the investment independently of our Investment Adviser, which may result in a reduction in the availability of the investment opportunity for other Accounts (including us) irrespective of our Investment Adviser’s policies regarding allocation of investments. Additional information about our Investment Adviser’s allocation policies is set forth in Item 6 (“Performance-based Fees and Side-by-Side Management—Side-by-Side Management of Advisory Accounts; Allocation of Opportunities”) of our Investment Adviser’s Form ADV.

Our Investment Adviser, including the GSAM Credit Alternatives Team, may, from time to time, develop and implement new trading strategies or seek to participate in new investment opportunities and trading strategies. These opportunities and strategies may not be employed in all Accounts or may be employed pro rata among Accounts, even if the opportunity or strategy is consistent with the objectives of such Accounts.

During periods of unusual market conditions, our Investment Adviser may deviate from its normal trade allocation practices. For example, this may occur with respect to the management of unlevered and/or long-only Accounts that are typically managed on a side-by-side basis with levered and/or long-short Accounts.

 

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We may or may not receive opportunities referred by Goldman Sachs businesses and affiliates, but in no event do we have any rights with respect to such opportunities. Subject to applicable law, including the Investment Company Act, such opportunities or any portion thereof may be offered to other Accounts, Goldman Sachs, all or certain investors in us, or such other persons or entities as determined by Goldman Sachs in its sole discretion. We will have no rights and will not receive any compensation related to such opportunities. Certain of such opportunities may be referred to us by employees or other personnel of GS & Co., or by third-parties. If we invest in any such opportunities, GS & Co. or such third-parties may be entitled, to the extent permitted by applicable law, including the limitations set forth in Section 57(k) of the 1940 Act, to compensation from us or from the borrowers in connection with such investments. Any compensation we pay in connection with such referrals will be an operating expense and will accordingly be borne by us (and will not serve to offset any Management Fee or Incentive Fee payable to the Investment Adviser).

In connection with certain of our investments, following our Investment Adviser’s determination that the appropriate portion of an applicable investment opportunity has been offered to us and other Accounts in accordance with the Investment Adviser’s allocation policy and applicable legal requirements, including the Investment Company Act and, if applicable, the terms of the SEC exemptive order on co-investments disclosed herein (collectively, “Applicable Law”), we and/or our Investment Adviser may have the opportunity to offer all or a portion of the excess amounts of such investment opportunity to other persons or entities. These opportunities include, for example, where our Investment Adviser has determined that while it is in our best interests to acquire the full amount of an investment available to it if the alternative is to not make the investment at all, it is further in our best interests of, due to diversification, portfolio management, leverage management, investment profile, risk tolerance or other exposure guidelines or limitations, cash flow or other considerations, for us to hold less economic exposure to the investment than such full amount. Subject to Applicable Law, such opportunities may be structured as an investment alongside us or as a purchase of a portion of the investment from us (through a syndication, participation or otherwise).

In all cases, subject to Applicable Law, our Investment Adviser has broad discretion in determining to whom and in what relative amounts to offer such opportunities, and factors our Investment Adviser may take into account, in its sole discretion, include whether such potential recipient is able to assist or provide a benefit to us in connection with the potential transaction or otherwise, whether our Investment Adviser believes the potential recipient is able to execute a transaction quickly, whether the potential recipient is expected to provide expertise or other advantages in connection with a particular investment, whether our Investment Adviser is aware of such potential recipient’s expertise or interest in these types of opportunities generally or in a subset of such opportunities or, the potential recipient’s target investment sizing. Recipients of these opportunities may, in accordance with Applicable Law, include one or more investors in us, one or more investors in other funds managed by the GSAM Credit Alternatives Team, clients or potential clients of Goldman Sachs, or funds or accounts established for any such persons. These opportunities may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. These opportunities will be offered to the recipients thereof on such terms as our Investment Adviser determines in its sole discretion, subject to Applicable Law, including on a no-fee basis or at prices higher or lower than those paid by us. As a result of these and other reasons, returns with respect to an opportunity may exceed investors’ returns with respect to our investment in the same opportunity.

For a further explanation of the allocation of opportunities and other conflicts and the risks related thereto, please see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Potential conflicts of interest with other businesses of Goldman Sachs could impact our investment returns.”

Market Opportunity

The GSAM Private Credit Group believes there is an attractive investment opportunity to invest in U.S. middle-market companies. Specifically:

 

   

The middle-market represents a large target market opportunity. According to the National Center for the Middle Market and the CIA World Factbook, the U.S. middle market is comprised of approximately 200,000 companies that represent approximately 33% of the private sector gross domestic product, employing approximately 47.9 million people.1 The GSAM Private Credit Group believes that there is an attractive investment environment for GSBD to provide loans to U.S. middle market companies.

 

   

There have been secular changes in ownership structures of middle-market companies. The GSAM Private Credit Group has observed a transformation in the ownership structures of private and public companies. The number of U.S. private-equity companies is at its highest level since 2000. Conversely, the number of listed U.S. domestic companies has dramatically declined over the same time period, yet the average market capitalization of listed U.S. companies has grown. The GSAM Private Credit Group believes that this has resulted in a shift in the ownership of middle-market companies and thus creating a larger market opportunity for us to provide debt capital to the companies that we expect to target.

 

   

There is a large amount of un-invested private equity capital for middle-market companies. There is a large amount of un-invested private equity capital for North America buyout funds. The GSAM Private Credit Group believes this creates additional capacity for us as the GSAM Private Credit Group expects private equity firms will seek to leverage their investments by combining equity capital with debt capital.

 

   

Changes in business strategy by banks have further reduced the supply of capital to middle-market companies. The trend of consolidation of regional banks into money center banks has reduced the focus of these businesses on middle-market lending. Money center banks traditionally focus on lending and providing other services to large corporate clients to whom they can deploy larger amounts of capital more efficiently. The GSAM Private Credit Group believes that this has resulted in fewer bank lenders to U.S. middle-market companies and reduced the availability of debt capital to the companies that we expect to target.

 

1 

Estimate for 2019 by the National Center for the Middle Market, which defined middle market as companies with annual revenue of $10 million—$1 billion. See http://www.middlemarketcenter.org (relying on data from the CIA World Factbook, available at https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/).

 

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The capital markets have been unable to fill the void in middle-market finance left by banks. While underwritten bond and syndicated loan markets have been robust in recent years, middle-market companies are rarely able to access these markets as participants are generally highly focused on the liquidity characteristics of the bond or loan being issued. For example, mutual funds and exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) are significant buyers of underwritten bonds and broadly syndicated loans. However, mutual funds and ETFs generally require the ability to liquidate their investments quickly in order to fund investor redemptions. Accordingly, the existence of an active secondary market for their investments is an important consideration in the initial investment decision. Because there is typically no active secondary market for the debt of U.S. middle-market companies, mutual funds and ETFs generally do not provide capital to U.S. middle-market companies. The GSAM Private Credit Group believes that this is likely to be a persistent problem for the capital markets and creates an advantage for investors like us who have a more stable capital base and can therefore invest in illiquid assets.

 

   

It is difficult for new lending platforms to enter the middle market and fill the capital void because it is very fragmented. While the middle market is a very large component of the U.S. economy, it is a highly fragmented space with thousands of companies operating in many different geographies and industries. Typically, companies that need capital find lenders and investors based on pre-existing relationships, referrals and word of mouth. Developing the many relationships and wide-spread recognition required to become source of capital to the middle market is a time consuming, highly resource-intensive endeavor. As a result, the GSAM Private Credit Group believes that it is difficult for new lending platforms to successfully enter the middle market, thereby providing insulation from rapid shifts in the supply of capital to the middle market that might otherwise disrupt pricing of capital.

Competitive Advantages

The Goldman Sachs Platform: Group Inc. is a leading global financial institution that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base, including companies and high net worth individuals, among others. The firm is headquartered in New York, and maintains offices across the United States and in all major financial centers around the world. Group Inc.’s asset management subsidiary, GSAM, is one of the world’s leading investment managers with over 698 investment professionals and approximately $1.7 trillion in assets under supervision as of December 31, 2019. 2 GSAM’s investment teams, including the GSAM Private Credit Group, capitalize on the relationships, market insights, risk management expertise, technology and infrastructure of Goldman Sachs. The GSAM Private Credit Group believes the Goldman Sachs platform delivers a meaningful competitive advantage in the following ways:

 

   

Origination of Investment Opportunities: Goldman Sachs has a preeminent network of relationships and the ability to provide valued intellectual, as well as financial, capital to middle-market borrowers which the GSAM Private Credit Group believes significantly enhances its origination capability. The GSAM Private Credit Group believes that many borrowers prefer to do business with Goldman Sachs and its advised funds because of its ability to offer further services to middle-market companies as they grow in their life cycle, including financial advice, acquisition opportunities and capital markets expertise. The GSAM Private Credit Group is also able to leverage the Goldman Sachs platform to provide borrowers with access to Goldman Sachs’ broad client network, which can be utilized to find new customers and partners as they seek to grow and execute their strategic plans.

 

   

Evaluation of Investment Opportunities: The GSAM Private Credit Group is comprised of seasoned professionals with significant private credit investing experience. The team draws on a diverse array of skill sets, spanning fundamental credit and portfolio management, as well as legal and transactional structuring expertise. The GSAM Private Credit Group is trained in, and utilizes, proprietary investment practices and procedures developed over many decades by Goldman Sachs, including those related to performing due diligence on prospective portfolio investments and reviewing the backgrounds of potential partners. Further, Goldman Sachs is an active participant in a wide array of industries, both in service to clients operating in many different industries and acting as a principal or customer in such industries. Accordingly, Goldman Sachs houses a tremendous amount of industry knowledge and experience. Subject to internal information barriers and related limitations, the GSAM Private Credit Group is able to draw upon these industry insights and expertise as it evaluates investment opportunities.

 

   

Risk Monitoring of Investments: The GSAM Private Credit Group has significant processes and procedures in place, including proprietary information technology systems, to monitor and evaluate the performance of its investments at the asset level. In addition, the GSAM Private Credit Group benefits from Goldman Sachs’ extensive risk management capabilities, which have been developed and honed over many investment cycles. The GSAM Private Credit Group’s portfolio is regularly reviewed and stressed under various scenarios by senior risk management personnel within Goldman Sachs. These scenarios are drawn from the expertise developed by Goldman Sachs for its own balance sheet. This risk monitoring is designed to minimize the risk of capital loss and maintain an investment portfolio that is expected to perform in a broad range of economic conditions.

 

2 

Assets Under Supervision (AUS) includes assets under management and other client assets for which Goldman Sachs does not have full discretion.

 

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Operating and Regulatory Structure

We have elected to be treated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act. As a BDC, we are generally prohibited from acquiring assets other than qualifying assets unless, after giving effect to any acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. Qualifying assets generally include securities of eligible portfolio companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt instruments maturing in one year or less from the time of investment. Under the rules of the Investment Company Act, “eligible portfolio companies” include (i) private U.S. operating companies, (ii) public U.S. operating companies whose securities are not listed on a national securities exchange (e.g., the NYSE) or registered under the Exchange Act, and (iii) public U.S. operating companies having a market capitalization of less than $250 million. Public U.S. operating companies whose securities are quoted on the over-the-counter bulletin board and through OTC Markets Group Inc. are not listed on a national securities exchange and therefore are eligible portfolio companies.

We have elected to be treated, and expect to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. As a RIC, we generally will not be required to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that we timely distribute to our stockholders as dividends if we meet certain source of income, distribution and asset diversification requirements. We intend to timely distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our annual taxable income for each year, except that we may retain certain net capital gains for reinvestment and we may choose to carry forward taxable income for distribution in the following year and pay any applicable tax. In addition, the distributions we pay to our stockholders in a year may exceed our net ordinary income and capital gains for that year and, accordingly, a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Distributions.”

Investments

We seek to create a portfolio that includes primarily direct originations of secured debt, including first lien, unitranche, including last-out portions of such loans, and second lien debt, and unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt, as well as through select equity investments. We expect to make investments through both primary originations and open-market secondary purchases. We currently do not limit our focus to any specific industry. If we are successful in achieving our investment objective, we believe that we will be able to provide our stockholders with consistent dividend distributions and attractive risk adjusted total returns.

As of December 31, 2019, our portfolio (which term does not include our investment in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.) on a fair value basis, was comprised of approximately 92.8% secured debt investments (76.7% in first lien debt (including 2.4% in first lien/last-out unitranche loans) and 16.1% in second lien debt), 0.5% in unsecured debt investments, 3.4% in preferred stock and 3.3% in common stock. We expect that our portfolio will continue to include secured debt, including first lien, unitranche, including last-out portions of such loans, and second lien debt, unsecured debt (including mezzanine debt) and, to a lesser extent, equities. In addition to investments in U.S. middle-market companies, we may invest a portion of our capital in opportunistic investments, such as in large U.S. companies, foreign companies, stressed or distressed debt, structured products or private equity. Such investments are intended to enhance our risk adjusted returns to stockholders, and the proportion of these types of investments will change over time given our views on, among other things, the economic and credit environment in which we are operating, although these types of investments generally will constitute less than 30% of our total assets.

In the future, we may also securitize a portion of our investments in any or all of our assets. We expect that our primary use of funds will be to make investments in portfolio companies, distribute cash to holders of our common stock and pay our operating expenses, including debt service to the extent we borrow or issue senior securities to fund our investments.

On January 4, 2017, the SEC granted GS PMMC, GS MMLC, GS PMMC II and us exemptive relief to co-invest with other funds managed by the GSAM Credit Alternatives investment team in a manner consistent with our investment objectives, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors. Additionally, if our Investment Adviser forms other funds in the future, we may co-invest on a concurrent basis with such other affiliates, subject to compliance with the exemptive relief, applicable regulations and regulatory guidance, as well as applicable allocation procedures.

Investment Criteria

We are committed to a value-oriented philosophy implemented by our Investment Adviser, which manages our portfolio and seeks to minimize the risk of capital loss without foregoing the potential for capital appreciation. We have identified several criteria, discussed below, that GSAM believes are important in identifying and investing in prospective portfolio companies.

These criteria provide general guidelines for our investment decisions. However, not all of these criteria will be met by each prospective portfolio company in which we choose to invest. Generally, we seek to use our experience and access to market information to identify investment candidates and to structure investments quickly and effectively.

 

   

Value orientation and positive cash flow. Our investment philosophy places a premium on fundamental analysis and has a distinct value orientation. We focus on companies in which we can invest at relatively low multiples of operating cash flow and that are profitable at the time of investment on an operating cash flow basis. Typically, we do not expect to invest in start-up companies or companies having speculative business plans.

 

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Experienced management and established financial sponsor relationships. We generally require that our portfolio companies have an experienced management team. We also require the portfolio companies to have proper incentives in place to induce management to succeed and to act in concert with our interests as investors. In addition, we focus our investments in companies backed by strong financial sponsors that have a history of creating value and with whom members of our Investment Adviser have an established relationship.

 

   

Strong and defensible competitive market position. We seek to invest in target companies that have developed leading market positions within their respective markets and are well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities. We also seek companies that demonstrate significant competitive advantages versus their competitors, which should help to protect their market position and profitability while enabling us to protect our principal and avoid capital losses.

 

   

Viable exit strategy. We seek to invest in companies that GSAM believes will provide a steady stream of cash flow to repay our loans and reinvest in their respective businesses. We expect that such internally generated cash flow, leading to the payment of interest on, and the repayment of the principal of, our investments in portfolio companies to be a key means by which we exit from our investments over time. In addition, we also seek to invest in companies whose business models and expected future cash flows offer attractive exit possibilities. These companies include candidates for strategic acquisition by other industry participants and companies that may repay our investments through an initial public offering of common stock or other capital markets transactions.

 

   

Due diligence. Our Investment Adviser takes a bottom-up, fundamental research approach to our potential investments. It believes it is critical to conduct extensive due diligence on investment targets and in evaluating new investments. Our Investment Adviser conducts a rigorous due diligence process that is applied to prospective portfolio companies and draws from its experience, industry expertise and network of contacts. In conducting due diligence, our Investment Adviser uses information provided by companies, financial sponsors and publicly available information as well as information from relationships with former and current management teams, consultants, competitors and investment bankers.

Our due diligence typically includes:

 

   

review of historical and prospective financial information;

 

   

review of the capital structure;

 

   

analysis of the business and industry in which the company operates;

 

   

on-site visits;

 

   

interviews with management, employees, customers and vendors of the potential portfolio company;

 

   

review of loan documents;

 

   

background checks; and

 

   

research relating to the portfolio company’s management, industry, markets, products and services and competitors.

Upon the completion of due diligence and a decision to proceed with an investment in a company, the team leading the investment presents the investment opportunity to our Investment Committee. This committee determines whether to pursue the potential investment. All new investments are required to be reviewed by the Investment Committee. The members of the Investment Committee are employees of our Investment Adviser and they do not receive separate compensation from us or our Investment Adviser for serving on the Investment Committee.

Additional due diligence with respect to any investment may be conducted on our behalf (and at our expense) by attorneys prior to the closing of the investment, as well as other outside advisers, as appropriate.

Investment Committee

All investment decisions are made by the Investment Committee which consists of five voting members, Brendan McGovern, Jon Yoder, David Yu, Jordan Walter and Michael Mastropaolo, as well as three non-voting members with operational or legal expertise. Our Investment Committee is responsible for approving all of our investments. Our Investment Committee also monitors investments in our portfolio and approves all asset dispositions. We expect to benefit from the extensive and varied relevant experience of the investment professionals serving on our Investment Committee, which includes expertise in privately originated and publicly traded leveraged credit, stressed and distressed debt, bankruptcy, mergers and acquisitions and private equity.

The purpose of our Investment Committee is to evaluate and approve, as deemed appropriate, all investments by our Investment Adviser. Our Investment Committee process is intended to bring the diverse experience and perspectives of our Investment Committee’s members to the analysis and consideration of every investment. Our Investment Committee also serves to provide investment consistency and adherence to our Investment Adviser’s investment philosophies and policies. Our Investment Committee also determines appropriate investment sizing and suggests ongoing monitoring requirements.

In addition to reviewing investments, our Investment Committee meetings serve as a forum for discussing credit views and outlooks, as well as reviewing investments. Potential transactions and investment opportunities are also reviewed on a regular basis. Members of our Investment Adviser’s investment team are encouraged to share information and views on credits with our Investment Committee early in their analysis. This process improves the quality of the analysis and assists the deal team members to work more efficiently.

 

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Investment Structure

Once we determine that a prospective portfolio company is suitable for investment, we work with the management of that company and its other capital providers, including senior, junior and equity capital providers, to structure an investment. We negotiate among these parties and use creative and flexible approaches to structure our investment relative to the other capital in the portfolio company’s capital structure.

We expect our secured debt to have terms of approximately three to ten years. We generally obtain security interests in the assets of our portfolio companies that will serve as collateral in support of the repayment of this debt. This collateral may take the form of first or second priority liens on the assets of a portfolio company.

We use the term “mezzanine” to refer to debt that ranks senior only to a borrower’s equity securities and ranks junior in right of payment to all of such borrower’s other indebtedness. Mezzanine debt typically has interest-only payments in the early years, payable in cash or in-kind, with amortization of principal deferred to the later years of the mezzanine debt. In some cases, we may enter into mezzanine debt that, by its terms, converts into equity (or is issued along with warrants for equity) or additional debt securities or defers payments of interest for the first few years after our investment. Typically, our mezzanine debt investments have maturities of three to ten years.

We also invest in unitranche loans, which are loans that combine features of first-lien, second-lien and mezzanine debt, generally in a first-lien position. In a number of instances, we may find another lender to provide the “first-out” portion of such loan and retain the “last-out” portion of such loan, in which case, the “first-out” portion of the loan would generally receive priority with respect to payment of principal, interest and other amounts due thereunder over the “last-out” portion that we would continue to hold.

In the case of our secured debt and unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt investments, we seek to tailor the terms of the investments to the facts and circumstances of the transactions and the prospective portfolio companies, negotiating a structure that protects our rights and manages our risk while creating incentives for the portfolio companies to achieve their business plan and improve their profitability. For example, in addition to seeking a senior position in the capital structure of our portfolio companies, we seek to limit the downside potential of our investments by:

 

   

requiring a total return on our investments (including both interest and potential equity appreciation) that compensates us for credit risk;

 

   

incorporating “put” rights and call protection into the investment structure; and

 

   

negotiating covenants in connection with our investments that afford our portfolio companies as much flexibility in managing their businesses as possible, consistent with preservation of our capital. Such restrictions may include affirmative and negative covenants, default penalties, lien protection, change of control provisions and board rights, including either observation or participation rights. Our investments may include equity features, such as direct investments in the equity or convertible securities of portfolio companies or warrants or options to buy a minority interest in a portfolio company. Any warrants we may receive with our debt securities generally require only a nominal cost to exercise, so as a portfolio company appreciates in value, we may achieve additional investment return from these equity investments. We may structure the warrants to provide provisions protecting our rights as a minority-interest holder, as well as puts, or rights to sell such securities back to the company, upon the occurrence of specified events. In many cases, we may also obtain registration rights in connection with these equity investments, which may include demand and “piggyback” registration rights.

We expect to hold most of our investments to maturity or repayment but may sell certain investments earlier if a liquidity event takes place, such as the sale or refinancing of a portfolio company. We also may turn over our investments to better position the portfolio as market conditions change.

Ongoing relationships with portfolio companies

Monitoring

Our Investment Adviser monitors our portfolio companies on an ongoing basis. It monitors the financial trends of each portfolio company to determine if they are meeting their respective business plans and to assess the appropriate course of action for each company. Our Investment Adviser has several methods of evaluating and monitoring the performance and fair value of our investments, which may include the following:

 

   

assessment of success in adhering to the portfolio company’s business plan and compliance with covenants;

 

   

periodic or regular contact with portfolio company management and, if appropriate, the financial or strategic sponsor to discuss financial position, requirements and accomplishments;

 

   

comparisons to our other portfolio companies in the industry, if any;

 

   

attendance at and participation in board meetings or presentations by portfolio companies; and

 

   

review of monthly and quarterly financial statements and financial projections of portfolio companies.

 

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As part of the monitoring process, our Investment Adviser also employs an investment rating system to categorize our investments. In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, the Investment Adviser grades the credit risk of all investments on a scale of 1 to 4 no less frequently than quarterly. This system is intended primarily to reflect the underlying risk of a portfolio investment relative to our initial cost basis in respect of such portfolio investment (i.e., at the time of origination or acquisition), although it may also take into account under certain circumstances the performance of the portfolio company’s business, the collateral coverage of the investment and other relevant factors. The grading system is as follows:

 

   

investments with a grade of 1 involve the least amount of risk to our initial cost basis. The trends and risk factors for this investment since origination or acquisition are generally favorable, which may include the performance of the portfolio company or a potential exit;

 

   

investments with a grade of 2 involve a level of risk to our initial cost basis that is similar to the risk to our initial cost basis at the time of origination or acquisition. This portfolio company is generally performing as expected and the risk factors to our ability to ultimately recoup the cost of our investment are neutral to favorable. All investments or acquired investments in new portfolio companies are initially assessed a grade of 2;

 

   

investments with a grade of 3 indicate that the risk to our ability to recoup the initial cost basis of such investment has increased materially since origination or acquisition, including as a result of factors such as declining performance and non-compliance with debt covenants; however, payments are generally not more than 120 days past due; and

 

   

investments with a grade of 4 indicate that the risk to our ability to recoup the initial cost basis of such investment has substantially increased since origination or acquisition, and the portfolio company likely has materially declining performance. For debt investments with an investment grade of 4, in most cases, most or all of the debt covenants are out of compliance and payments are substantially delinquent. For investments graded 4, it is anticipated that we will not recoup our initial cost basis and may realize a substantial loss of our initial cost basis upon exit.

Our Investment Adviser grades the investments in our portfolio at least quarterly, and it is possible that the grade of a portfolio investment may be reduced or increased over time. For investments graded 3 or 4, the Investment Adviser enhances its level of scrutiny over the monitoring of such portfolio company.

Managerial Assistance

As a BDC, we must offer, and must provide upon request, significant managerial assistance to certain of our eligible portfolio companies within the meaning of Section 55 of the Investment Company Act. This assistance could involve, among other things, monitoring the operations of our portfolio companies, participating in board and management meetings, consulting with and advising officers of portfolio companies and providing other organizational and financial guidance. Our Investment Adviser or an affiliate thereof may provide such managerial assistance on our behalf to portfolio companies that request such assistance. We may receive fees for these services. See “—Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies.”

Competition

Our primary competitors provide financing to middle-market companies and include other BDCs, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”), private funds, including hedge funds, and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds. Some of our existing and potential competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us.

In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act imposes on us as a BDC.

While we expect to use the industry information of GSAM’s investment professionals to which we have access to assess investment risks and determine appropriate pricing for our investments in portfolio companies, we do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer and GSAM believes that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates we offer. Rather, we compete with our competitors based on our reputation in the market, our existing investment platform, the seasoned investment professionals of our Investment Adviser, our experience and focus on middle-market companies, our disciplined investment philosophy, our extensive industry focus and relationships and our flexible transaction structuring.

Staffing

We do not currently have any employees. Our day-to-day operations are managed by our Investment Adviser. Our Investment Adviser has hired and expects to continue to hire professionals with skills applicable to our business plan, including experience in middle-market investing, leveraged finance and capital markets.

Properties

We do not own any real estate or other properties materially important to our operations. Our principal executive offices are located at 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282. We believe that our office facilities are suitable and adequate for our business as it is contemplated to be conducted.

 

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Legal Proceedings

We and our Investment Adviser are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, although we may, from time to time, be involved in litigation arising out of operations in the normal course of business or otherwise.

Our Administrator

Pursuant to our Administration Agreement, our administrator is responsible for providing various accounting and administrative services to us. Our administrator is entitled to fees as described in “—Administration Agreement.” To the extent that our administrator outsources any of its functions, the administrator will pay any compensation associated with such functions. See “—Administration Agreement.”

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan, pursuant to which we will reinvest all cash distributions declared by our Board of Directors on behalf of investors who do not elect to receive their distributions in cash as provided below. As a result, if our Board of Directors declares a cash distribution, then our stockholders who have not elected (or have not previously been deemed to have elected) to “opt out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock as described below. We intend to continue to pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. Future quarterly distributions, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. All future distributions will be subject to lawfully available funds therefor, and no assurance can be given that we will be able to declare such distributions in future periods.

Each registered stockholder may elect to have distributions distributed in cash rather than participate in the plan. For any registered stockholder that does not so elect, distributions on such stockholder’s shares will be reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as the plan agent, in additional shares. The number of shares to be issued to the stockholder will be determined based on the total dollar amount of the cash distribution payable, net of applicable withholding taxes. The plan agent maintains all participants’ accounts in the plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts. Shares in the account of each participant are held by the plan agent on behalf of the participant in book entry form in the plan agent’s name or the plan agent’s nominee. Those stockholders whose shares are held through a broker or other nominee may receive cash distributions in cash by notifying their broker or nominee of their election.

The shares are acquired by the plan agent for the participants’ accounts either through (i) newly issued shares or (ii) by purchase of outstanding shares on the open market. If, on the payment date for any distribution, the most recently computed net asset value (“NAV”) per share as of the dividend payment date is equal to or less than the closing market price plus estimated per share fees (which include any applicable brokerage commissions the plan agent is required to pay) (such condition often referred to as a “premium”), the plan agent will invest the distribution amount in newly issued shares on behalf of the participants. The number of newly issued shares to be credited to a participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the distribution by the most recently computed NAV per share as of the dividend payment date; provided that, if the most recently computed NAV per share as of the dividend payment date is less than or equal to 95% of the closing market price on the dividend payment date, the dollar amount of the distribution will be divided by 95% of the closing market price per share on the dividend payment date. If on the dividend payment date, the most recently computed NAV per share as of that date is greater than the closing market price per share plus per share fees (such condition referred to as a “market discount”), the plan agent will invest the dividend amount in shares acquired on behalf of the participants by purchasing shares on the open market. Such open market purchases will continue on each successive business day until the entire dividend amount has been invested pursuant to open market purchases; provided, however, that if (a) the market discount shifts to a market premium, or (b) the open market purchases have not been completed by the last business day before the next date on which the common stock trades on an “ex-dividend” basis or 30 days after the dividend payment date, whichever is sooner, the plan agent will cease making open market purchases and will invest the entire uninvested portion of the dividend amount in newly issued common stock in the manner contemplated above.

Open-market purchases may be made on any securities exchange where shares are traded, in the over-the-counter market or in negotiated transactions, and may be on such terms as to price, delivery and otherwise as the plan agent will determine. Shares purchased in open market transactions by the plan agent will be allocated to a participant based on the average purchase price, excluding any brokerage charges or other charges, of all shares purchased in the open market with respect to any such distribution. The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after giving effect to payment of the distribution cannot be established until the value per share at which additional shares will be issued has been determined and elections of our stockholders have been tabulated.

If a participant elects by telephone, Internet, or written notice to the plan agent to have the plan agent sell all or a part of his or her shares and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan agent will process all sale instructions received no later than five business days after the date on which the order is received. Such sale will be made through the plan agent’s broker on the relevant market and the sale price will not be determined until such time as the broker completes the sale. In each case, the price to each participant will be the weighted average sale price obtained by the plan agent’s broker net of fees for each aggregate order placed by the plan agent and executed by the broker.

The plan agent’s fees for the handling of the reinvestment of distributions will be paid by us. However, each participant will pay a per share fee (currently $0.05) incurred in connection with open market purchases. If a participant elects by telephone, Internet, or written notice to the plan agent to have the plan agent sell all or a part of his or her shares and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan agent is authorized to deduct a $15 sales fee per trade and a per share fee of $0.12 from such proceeds. All per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the plan agent is required to pay.

 

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Participation in the plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty. Participants may terminate their accounts under the plan by notifying the plan agent by telephone, Internet, or written notice prior to the distribution record date. Such termination will be effective immediately if received by the plan agent prior to a distribution record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other distribution. The plan agent seeks to process termination notices received after the dividend record date but before the dividend payment date prior to such dividend payment date to the extent practicable but may in its sole discretion reinvest the participant’s dividends in common stock, as described above. If such dividends are reinvested, the plan agent will process the late termination notice as soon as practicable, but in no event later than five business days after the reinvestment is completed.

A stockholder who does not opt out of the dividend reinvestment plan will generally be subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as a stockholder who elects to receive its distributions in cash, and, for this purpose, a stockholder receiving a distribution in the form of additional shares will generally be treated as receiving a distribution in the amount of cash that the stockholder would have received if it had elected to receive the distribution in cash. If we issue additional shares with a fair market value equal to or greater than net asset value, however, stockholders will be treated as receiving a distribution in the amount of the fair market value of the distributed shares. Because a stockholder that participates in the dividend reinvestment plan will not actually receive any cash, such a stockholder will not have such cash available to pay any applicable taxes on the deemed distribution. A stockholder that participates in the dividend reinvestment plan and thus is treated as having invested in additional shares of our stock will have a basis in such additional shares of stock equal to the total dollar amount treated as a distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The stockholder’s holding period for such stock will commence on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the stockholder’s account. Stockholders that participate in the dividend reinvestment plan will receive tax information annually for their personal records and to help them prepare their federal income tax return. For further information as to tax consequences of participation in the plan, participants should consult with their own tax advisors.

We reserve the right to amend or terminate the plan upon notice in writing to each participant at least 30 days prior to any record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by us. There is no direct transaction fee to participants with regard to purchases in the plan; however, we reserve the right to amend the plan to include a transaction fee payable by the participants. Notice will be sent to participants of any amendments as soon as practicable after such action by us.

All correspondence concerning the plan should be directed to the plan agent at Computershare Trust Company, N.A, P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233, with overnight correspondence being directed to the plan agent at Computershare Trust Company, N.A, 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202; by calling 855-807-2742; or through the plan agent’s website at www.computershare.com/investor. Participants who hold their shares through a broker or other nominee should direct correspondence or questions concerning the dividend reinvestment plan to their broker or nominee.

Management Agreements

Investment Management Agreement

We have entered into an investment management agreement (as amended and restated as of June 15, 2018, the “Investment Management Agreement”) with the Investment Adviser, pursuant to which the Investment Adviser manages our investment program and related activities.

We are seeking shareholder approval of the amendment and restatement of the Investment Management Agreement between GSAM and us (as amended, the “New Investment Management Agreement”). The New Investment Management Agreement would amend and restate the Investment Management Agreement in order to exclude any amounts resulting solely from the purchase accounting for any premium or discount paid for the acquisition of assets in a merger, such as the premium to NAV to be paid for the shares of GS MMLC common stock in the Merger, from the calculation of the income incentive fee under such agreement. None of the other material terms will change in the New Investment Management Agreement as compared to the Investment Management Agreement, including the services to be provided, the management fee and the capital gain incentive fee. If approved by our stockholders, the New Investment Management Agreement would take effect upon, and be contingent on, the closing of the Merger.

Management Services

Pursuant to the terms of our Investment Management Agreement, GSAM, subject to the overall supervision of our Board of Directors, manages our day-to-day investment-related operations and provides investment management services to us.

Subject to compliance with applicable law and published SEC guidance, nothing contained in the Investment Management Agreement in any way precludes, restricts or limits the activities of our Investment Adviser or any of its respective subsidiaries or affiliated parties. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Our Investment Adviser, its principals, investment professionals and employees and the members of its Investment Committee have certain conflicts of interest.”

Management Fee

We pay the Investment Adviser a management fee (the “Management Fee”), which accrues and is payable quarterly in arrears. The Management Fee (i) was calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% (0.375% per quarter) (the “Original Rate”) through June 14, 2018 and (ii) an annual rate of 1.00% (0.25% per quarter) (the “New Rate”) thereafter, in each case, of the average value of our gross assets (excluding cash or cash equivalents (such as investments in money market funds) but including assets purchased with borrowed amounts) at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. The Management Fee for any partial quarter (including any quarter during which both the Original Rate and the New Rate were in effect) will be appropriately prorated based on the actual number of days elapsed relative to the total number of days in such calendar quarter.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2019, Management Fees amounted to $14.70 million. As of December 31, 2019, $3.65 million remained payable. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Management Fees amounted to $15.97 million.

Incentive Fee

The incentive fee (the “Incentive Fee”) payable to our Investment Adviser consists of two components that are determined independent of each other, with the result that one component may be payable even if the other is not.

A portion of the Incentive Fee is based on our income and a portion is based on our capital gains, each as described below. Our Investment Adviser is entitled to receive the Incentive Fee based on income from us if our Ordinary Income (as defined below) exceeds a quarterly “hurdle rate” of 1.75%. For this purpose, the hurdle is computed by reference to our NAV and does not take into account changes in the market price of our common stock.

Beginning with the calendar quarter that commenced on January 1, 2015, the Incentive Fee based on income is determined and paid quarterly in arrears at the end of each calendar quarter by reference to our aggregate net investment income, as adjusted as described below, from the calendar quarter then ending and the eleven preceding calendar quarters (or if shorter, the number of quarters that have occurred since January 1, 2015) (such period, the “Trailing Twelve Quarters”). The Incentive Fee based on capital gains is determined and paid annually in arrears at the end of each calendar year by reference to an Annual Period.

The hurdle amount for the Incentive Fee based on income is determined on a quarterly basis and is equal to 1.75% multiplied by our NAV at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. The hurdle amount is calculated after making appropriate adjustments for subscriptions (which includes all issuances by us of shares of our common stock, including issuances pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan) and distributions that occurred during the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. The Incentive Fee for any partial period will be appropriately prorated.

In connection with the Merger, GSAM has agreed to waive a portion of its incentive fee for the next five quarters, commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2019 and through and including the quarter ending December 31, 2020, otherwise payable by us under the Investment Management Agreement and, if the New Investment Management Agreement is approved by our stockholders and adopted by us upon consummation of the Merger, the New Investment Management Agreement, for each such quarter in an amount sufficient to ensure that our net investment income per weighted share outstanding for such quarter is at least $0.48 per share.

Quarterly Incentive Fee Based on Income. For the portion of the Incentive Fee based on income, we pay our Investment Adviser a quarterly Incentive Fee based on the amount by which (A) aggregate net investment income (“Ordinary Income”) in respect of the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters exceeds (B) the hurdle amount for such Trailing Twelve Quarters. The amount of the excess of (A) over (B) described in this paragraph for such Trailing Twelve Quarters is referred to as the “Excess Income Amount.” For the avoidance of doubt, Ordinary Income is net of all fees and expenses, including the Management Fee but excluding any Incentive Fee.

The Incentive Fee based on income for each quarter is determined as follows:

 

   

No Incentive Fee based on income is payable to our Investment Adviser for any calendar quarter for which there is no Excess Income Amount;

 

   

100% of the Ordinary Income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle amount, but is less than or equal to an amount, which we refer to as the “Catch-up Amount,” determined as the sum of 2.1875% multiplied by our NAV at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters is included in the calculation of the Incentive Fee based on income; and

 

   

20% of the Ordinary Income that exceeds the Catch-up Amount is included in the calculation of the Incentive Fee based on income.

The amount of the Incentive Fee based on income that is paid to our Investment Adviser for a particular quarter is equal to the excess of the Incentive Fee so calculated minus the aggregate Incentive Fees based on income that were paid in respect of the first eleven calendar quarters (or the portion thereof) included in the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters but not in excess of the Incentive Fee Cap (as described below).

The Incentive Fee based on income that is paid to our Investment Adviser for a particular quarter is subject to a cap (the “Incentive Fee Cap”). The Incentive Fee Cap for any quarter is an amount equal to (a) 20% of the Cumulative Net Return (as defined below) during the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters minus (b) the aggregate Incentive Fees based on income that were paid in respect of the first eleven calendar quarters (or the portion thereof) included in the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters.

“Cumulative Net Return” means (x) the Ordinary Income in respect of the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters minus (y) any Net Capital Loss, if any, in respect of the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap is zero or a negative value, we will pay no Incentive Fee based on income to our Investment Adviser for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter is a positive value but is less than the Incentive Fee based on income that is payable to our Investment Adviser for such quarter (before giving

 

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effect to the Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, we will pay an Incentive Fee based on income to our Investment Adviser equal to the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter is equal to or greater than the Incentive Fee based on income that is payable to our Investment Adviser for such quarter (before giving effect to the Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, we will pay an Incentive Fee based on income to our Investment Adviser equal to the Incentive Fee calculated as described above for such quarter without regard to the Incentive Fee Cap.

“Net Capital Loss” in respect of a particular period means the difference, if positive, between (i) aggregate capital losses, whether realized or unrealized, in such period and (ii) aggregate capital gains, whether realized or unrealized, in such period.

The following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the Incentive Fee based on income:

Incentive Fee based on Income

Percentage of Ordinary Income comprising the Incentive Fee based on Income

(expressed as an annualized rate(1) of return on the value of net assets as of the beginning

of each of the quarters included in the Trailing Twelve Quarters)

 

LOGO

 

(1)

The Incentive Fee is determined on a quarterly basis but has been annualized for purposes of the above diagram. The diagram also does not reflect the Incentive Fee Cap.

Annual Incentive Fee Based on Capital Gains. The portion of the Incentive Fee based on capital gains is calculated on an annual basis. For the period beginning on January 1 of each calendar year and ending on December 31 of the calendar year or, in the case of our first and last year, the appropriate portion thereof (each, an “Annual Period”), we pay our Investment Adviser an Incentive Fee equal to (A) 20% of the difference, if positive, of the sum of our aggregate realized capital gains, if any, computed net of our aggregate realized capital losses, if any, and our aggregate unrealized capital depreciation, in each case from April 1, 2013 until the end of such Annual Period minus (B) the cumulative amount of Incentive Fees based on capital gains previously paid to our Investment Adviser from April 1, 2013. For the avoidance of doubt, unrealized capital appreciation is excluded from the calculation in clause (A), above.

We accrue, but not pay, a portion of the Incentive Fee based on capital gains with respect to net unrealized appreciation. Under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), we are required to accrue an Incentive Fee based on capital gains that includes net realized capital gains and losses and net unrealized capital appreciation and depreciation on investments held at the end of each period. In calculating the accrual for the Incentive Fee based on capital gains, we consider the cumulative aggregate unrealized capital appreciation in the calculation, since an Incentive Fee based on capital gains would be payable 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 Management Agreement. This accrual is calculated using the aggregate cumulative realized capital gains and losses and aggregate cumulative unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. If such amount is positive at the end of a period, then we record a capital gains incentive fee equal to 20% of such amount, minus the aggregate amount of actual Incentive Fees based on capital gains paid in all prior periods. If such amount is negative, then there is no accrual for such period. There can be no assurance that such unrealized capital appreciation will be realized in the future. For the avoidance of doubt, the Incentive Fee examples below reflect the calculation of the Incentive Fee payable under the Investment Management Agreement rather than accruals of the Incentive Fee as required by GAAP.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we incurred Incentive Fees based on income of $9.22 million. As of December 31, 2019, $1.85 million remained payable. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we incurred Incentive Fees based on income of $13.99 million. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we did not accrue any Incentive Fees based on capital gains.

Example of Calculation of the Incentive Fee based on Income Assumptions

Assumptions(1)

 

   

Quarter 1

 

   

Net Asset Value at the start of Quarter 1 = $100.0 million

 

   

Quarter 1 Ordinary Income = $6.0 million

 

   

Quarter 1 Net Capital Gain = $1.0 million

 

   

Quarter 1 Hurdle Amount = $1.75 million (calculated based on an annualized 7.00% hurdle rate)

 

   

Quarter 1 Catch-up Amount = $2.1875 million (calculated based on an annualized 8.75% rate)

 

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Quarter 2

 

   

Net Asset Value at the start of Quarter 2 = $100.0 million

 

   

Quarter 2 Ordinary Income = $1.5 million

 

   

Quarter 2 Net Capital Gain = $1.0 million

 

   

Quarter 2 Hurdle Amount = $1.75 million (calculated based on an annualized 7.00% hurdle rate)

 

   

Quarter 2 Catch-up Amount = $2.1875 million (calculated based on an annualized 8.75% rate)

 

   

Quarter 3

 

   

Net Asset Value at the start of Quarter 3 = $100.0 million

 

   

Quarter 3 Ordinary Income = $2.0 million

 

   

Quarter 3 Net Capital Loss = ($6.0) million

 

   

Quarter 3 Hurdle Amount = $1.75 million (calculated based on an annualized 7.00% hurdle rate)

 

   

Quarter 3 Catch-up Amount = $2.1875 million (calculated based on an annualized 8.75% rate)

 

   

Quarter 4

 

   

Net Asset Value at the start of Quarter 4 = $100.0 million

 

   

Quarter 4 Ordinary Income = $3.5 million

 

   

Quarter 4 Net Capital Gain = $3.0 million

 

   

Quarter 4 Hurdle Amount = $1.75 million (calculated based on an annualized 7.00% hurdle rate)

 

   

Quarter 4 Catch-up Amount = $2.1875 million (calculated based on an annualized 8.75% rate)

 

(1) 

For illustrative purposes, Net Asset Value is assumed to be $100.0 million as of the beginning of all four quarters and does not give effect to gains or losses in the preceding quarters.

Determination of Incentive Fee based on income

In Quarter 1, the Ordinary Income of $6.0 million exceeds the Hurdle Amount of $1.75 million and the Catch-up Amount of $2.1875 million. There are no Net Capital Losses. As a result, an Incentive Fee based on income of $1.2 million ((100% of $437,500) + (20% of $3,812,500)) is payable to our Investment Adviser for Quarter 1.

In Quarter 2, the Quarter 2 Ordinary Income of $1.5 million does not exceed the Quarter 2 Hurdle Amount of $1.75 million, but the aggregate Ordinary Income for the Trailing Twelve Quarters of $7.5 million exceeds the aggregate Hurdle Amount for the Trailing Twelve Quarters of $3.5 million and the aggregate Catch-up Amount for the Trailing Twelve Quarters of $4.375 million. There are no Net Capital Losses. As a result, an Incentive Fee based on income of $300,000 ($1.5 million ((100% of $875,000) + (20% of 3,125,000)) minus $1.2 million paid in Quarter 1) is payable to our Investment Adviser for Quarter 2.

In Quarter 3, the aggregate Ordinary Income of the Trailing Twelve Quarters of $9.5 million exceeds the aggregate Hurdle Amount for the Trailing Twelve Quarters of $5.25 million and the aggregate Catch-up Amount for the Trailing Twelve Quarters of $6.5625 million. However, there is an aggregate Net Capital Loss of ($4.0) million for the Trailing Twelve Quarters. As a result, the Incentive Fee Cap would apply. The Incentive Fee Cap equals $(400,000), calculated as follows:

(20% x ($9.5 million minus $4.0 million)) minus $1.5 million paid in Quarters 1 and 2. Because the Incentive Fee Cap is a negative value, there is no Incentive Fee based on income payable to our Investment Adviser for Quarter 3.

In Quarter 4, the aggregate Ordinary Income of the Trailing Twelve Quarters of $13.0 million exceeds the aggregate Hurdle Amount for the Trailing Twelve Quarters of $7.0 million and the aggregate Catch-up Amount for the Trailing Twelve Quarters of $8.75 million. The calculation of the Incentive Fee based on income would be $1.1 million ($2.6 million (100% of $1.75 million) + (20% of $4.25 million) minus $1.5 million paid in Quarters 1 and 2). However, there is an aggregate Net Capital Loss of ($1.0) million for the Trailing Twelve Quarters. As a result, the Incentive Fee Cap would apply. The Incentive Fee Cap equals $900,000 calculated as follows:

(20% x ($13.0 million minus $1.0 million)) minus $1.5 million. Because the Incentive Fee Cap is positive but less than the Incentive Fee based on income of $1.1 million calculated prior to applying the Incentive Fee Cap, an Incentive Fee based on income of $900,000 is payable to our Investment Adviser for Quarter 4.

 

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Examples of Calculation of Incentive Fee based on Capital Gains

Assumptions

 

   

Year 1: $20 million investment made in Company A (“Investment A”), $30 million investment made in Company B (“Investment B”) and $25 million investment made in Company C (“Investment C”)

 

   

Year 2: Investment A sold for $30 million, fair value of Investment B determined to be $25 million and fair value of Investment C determined to be $27 million

 

   

Year 3: fair value of Investment B determined to be $29 million and Investment C sold for $30 million

 

   

Year 4: fair value of Investment B determined to be $40 million

Determination of Incentive Fee based on capital gains

The Incentive Fee based on capital gains, if any, would be:

 

   

Year 1: None

 

   

Year 2: $1.0 million

The portion of the Incentive Fee based on capital gains equals (A) 20% of the difference, if positive, of the sum of our aggregate realized capital gains, if any, computed net of our aggregate realized capital losses, if any, and our aggregate unrealized capital depreciation, if any, in each case from April 1, 2013 until the end of the applicable Annual Period minus (B) the cumulative amount of Incentive Fees based on capital gains previously paid to our Investment Adviser from April 1, 2013.

Therefore, using the assumptions above, the Incentive Fee based on capital gains equals (A) 20% x ($10.0 million—$5.0 million) minus (B) $0.

Therefore, the Incentive Fee based on capital gains equals $1.0 million.

 

   

Year 3: $1.8 million, which is calculated as follows:

The Incentive Fee based on capital gains equals (A) 20% x ($15.0 million—$1.0 million) minus (B) $1.0 million.

Therefore, the Incentive Fee based on capital gains equals $1.8 million.

 

   

Year 4: $200,000, which is calculated as follows:

The Incentive Fee based on capital gains equals (x) (A) 20% x ($15.0 million—$0 million) minus (B) $2.8 million.

Therefore, the Incentive Fee based on capital gains equals $200,000.

Board Approval of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

Our Board of Directors determined at an in person meeting held on July 29, 2019 to approve the continuation of the Investment Management Agreement. In its consideration of the renewal of the Investment Management Agreement, the Board of Directors focused on information it had received relating to, among other things:

 

   

the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services provided to us by the Investment Adviser;

 

   

the contractual terms of the Investment Management Agreement, including the structure of the Management Fee imposed on gross assets (excluding cash) and the Incentive Fee imposed on net investment income and capital gains;

 

   

comparative data with respect to the advisory fees and other expenses paid by other externally managed BDCs with similar investment objectives and strategies;

 

   

information about the services performed and the personnel performing such services under the Investment Management Agreement;

 

   

comparative data with respect to our investment performance and the performance of other BDCs with comparable investment objectives and strategies;

 

   

the Investment Adviser’s revenues and pre-tax profit margins with respect to its management of us;

 

   

any existing and potential benefits to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates from its relationship with us;

 

   

other potential benefits to us as a result of our relationship with the Investment Adviser; and

 

   

such other matters as the Board of Directors determined were relevant to their consideration of the Investment Management Agreement.

In connection with their consideration of the renewal of the Investment Management Agreement, our Board of Directors gave weight to each of the factors described above, but did not identify any one particular factor as controlling their decision. After deliberation and consideration of all of the information provided, including the factors described above, the Board of Directors concluded, in the exercise of

 

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their business judgment, that the management fees paid by us were reasonable in light of the services provided to us by the Investment Adviser, the Investment Adviser’s costs, and our current and reasonably foreseeable asset levels. The Board of Directors unanimously concluded that the Investment Adviser’s continued management likely would benefit us and our stockholders and that the Investment Management Agreement should be approved and continued with respect to us until August 31, 2020.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid our Investment Adviser a total of $28.66 million in fees (excluding fees that are accrued but not paid) pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, which consisted of $17.59 million in Management Fees and $11.07 million in Incentive Fees. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we paid our Investment Adviser a total of $34.35 million in fees (excluding fees that are accrued but not paid) pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, which consisted of $17.18 million in Management Fees and $17.17 million in Incentive Fees. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid our Investment Adviser a total of $21.46 million in fees (excluding fees that are accrued but not paid) pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, which consisted of $14.48 million in Management Fees and $6.98 million in Incentive Fees.

Duration and Termination

The Investment Management Agreement will remain in full force and effect for successive annual periods, but only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (a) the vote of a majority of our Independent Directors and (b) by a vote of a majority of our Board of Directors or of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act. The Investment Management Agreement may, on 60 days’ written notice to the other party, be terminated in its entirety at any time without the payment of any penalty, by our Board of Directors, by vote of a majority of our outstanding voting stock or by our Investment Adviser. The Investment Management Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—We are dependent upon management personnel of our Investment Adviser for our future success.”

Limitation of Liability of Our Investment Adviser and the Company

The Investment Management Agreement provides that our Investment Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by us in connection with the matters to which the Investment Management Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from our Investment Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by our Investment Adviser of its obligations and duties under the Investment Management Agreement. Any person, even though also employed by our Investment Adviser, who may be or become an employee of and paid by us will be deemed, when acting within the scope of such employment, to be acting in such employment solely for us and not as our Investment Adviser’s employee or agent. These protections may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Our Investment Adviser will be paid the Management Fee even if the value of your investment declines and our Investment Adviser’s Incentive Fee may create incentives for it to make certain kinds of investments.”

Organization of our Investment Adviser

Our Investment Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The principal executive offices of our Investment Adviser are located at 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282.

Expenses

Our Investment Adviser pays all costs incurred by it in connection with the performance of its duties under the Investment Management Agreement. Our Investment Adviser pays the compensation and expenses of all its personnel and makes available, without expense to us, the services of such of its partners, officers and employees as may duly be elected as our officers or directors, subject to their individual consent to serve and to any limitations imposed by law. Our Investment Adviser is not required to pay any of our expenses other than those specifically allocated to it, including as set forth below. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, our Investment Adviser is not required to pay: (i) our operational and organizational expenses; (ii) fees and expenses, including travel expenses, incurred by our Investment Adviser or payable to third parties related to our investments, including, among others, professional fees (including the fees and expenses of consultants and experts) and fees and expenses from evaluating, monitoring, researching and performing due diligence on investments and prospective investments; (iii) interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments; (iv) fees and expenses incurred by us in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (v) brokers’ commissions; (vi) fees and expenses associated with calculating our NAV (including the costs and expenses of any independent valuation firm); (vii) legal, auditing or accounting expenses; (viii) taxes or governmental fees; (ix) the fees and expenses of our administrator, transfer agent or sub-transfer agent; (x) the cost of preparing stock certificates or any other expenses, including clerical expenses of issue, redemption or repurchase of our shares; (xi) the expenses of and fees for registering or qualifying our shares for sale and of maintaining our registration and registering us as a broker or a dealer; (xii) the fees and expenses of our directors who are not affiliated with our Investment Adviser; (xiii) the cost of preparing and distributing reports, proxy statements and notices to our stockholders, the SEC and other regulatory authorities; (xiv) costs of holding stockholder meetings; (xv) listing fees; (xvi) the fees or disbursements of custodians of our assets, including expenses incurred in the performance of any obligations enumerated by our certificate of incorporation or bylaws insofar as they govern agreements with any such custodian; (xvii) insurance premiums; or (xviii) costs incurred in connection with any claim, litigation, arbitration, mediation, government investigation or dispute in connection with our business and the amount of any judgment or settlement paid in connection therewith, or the enforcement of our rights against any person and indemnification or contribution expenses payable by us to any person and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of our business. Our Investment Adviser is not required to pay expenses of activities which are primarily intended to result in sales of our shares, including, all costs and expenses associated with the preparation and distribution of any offering memorandum, subscription agreements, registration statements, prospectuses or stockholder application forms.

 

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Our Investment Adviser may impose a voluntary cap on the amount of expenses that will be borne by us on a monthly or annual basis. Any such expense cap may be increased, decreased, waived or eliminated at any time at our Investment Adviser’s sole discretion.

To the extent that expenses to be borne by us pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement are paid by our Investment Adviser, we will reimburse our Investment Adviser for such expenses, provided, however, that our Investment Adviser may elect, from time to time and in its sole discretion, to bear certain of our expenses set forth above, including organizational and other expenses.

Administration Agreement

Pursuant to the Administration Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company, our administrator, our administrator is responsible for providing various accounting and administrative services to us.

The Administration Agreement provides that the administrator is not liable to us for any damages or other losses arising out of the performance of its services thereunder except under certain circumstances, and contains provisions for the indemnification of the administrator by us against liabilities to other parties arising in connection with the performance of its services to us.

We pay the administrator fees for its services as we determine are commercially reasonable in our sole discretion. We also reimburse the administrator for all reasonable expenses. To the extent that our administrator outsources any of its functions, the administrator pays any compensation associated with such functions.

We are not obligated to retain our administrator. The Administration Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon 30 days’ written notice to the other party.

The terms of any administration agreement that we may enter with any subsequent administrator may differ materially from the terms of the Administration Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company in effect prior to such retention, including providing for a fee structure that results in us, directly or indirectly, bearing higher fees for similar services and other terms that are potentially less advantageous to us. Our stockholders will not be entitled to receive prior notice of the engagement of an alternate administrator or of the terms of any agreement that is entered into with such administrator.

Transfer Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. serves as our transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”), dividend agent and registrar.

License Agreement

We are party to a license agreement with an affiliate of Goldman Sachs pursuant to which we have been granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the “Goldman Sachs” name. Under this agreement, we do not have a right to use the Goldman Sachs name if GSAM or another affiliate of Goldman Sachs is not our Investment Adviser or if our continued use of such license results in a violation of applicable law, results in a regulatory burden or has adverse regulatory consequences. Other than with respect to this limited license, we have no legal right to the “Goldman Sachs” name.

Regulation

We have elected to be treated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act. As with other companies regulated by the Investment Company Act, a BDC must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. The Investment Company Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between BDCs and their affiliates (including any investment advisers or sub-advisers), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters and requires that a majority of the directors be persons other than “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act. In addition, the Investment Company Act provides that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw our election as, a BDC unless approved by a majority of our outstanding voting securities. A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the Investment Company Act as the vote: (i) of 67% or more of the voting securities present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company, whichever is less.

Any issuance of preferred stock must comply with the requirements of the Investment Company Act. The Investment Company Act requires, among other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and before any dividend or other distribution is made with respect to our common stock and before any purchase of common stock is made, such preferred stock together with all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on such preferred stock are in arrears by two full years or more. Certain other matters under the Investment Company Act require a separate class vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would be entitled to vote separately as a class from the holders of common stock on a proposal involving a plan of reorganization adversely affecting such securities.

 

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We may invest up to 100% of our assets in securities acquired directly from issuers in privately negotiated transactions. With respect to such securities, we may, for the purpose of public resale, be deemed a “principal underwriter” as that term is defined under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). We may purchase or otherwise receive warrants, which offer an opportunity (not a requirement) to purchase common stock of a portfolio company in connection with an acquisition financing or other investments. Similarly, we may acquire rights that obligate an issuer of acquired securities or their affiliates to repurchase the securities at certain times, under certain circumstances. We do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company whereby our investment would exceed the limits imposed by the Investment Company Act. Under these limits, we generally cannot (1) acquire more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any registered investment company, (2) invest more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one registered investment company or (3) invest more than 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of registered investment companies in general. These limitations do not apply where we acquire interests in a money market fund as long as we do not pay a sales charge or service fee in connection with the purchase. With respect to the portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies, it should be noted that such investments might subject our stockholders to additional expenses. None of our policies described above are fundamental and each such policy may be changed without stockholder approval, subject to any limitations imposed by the Investment Company Act.

Private funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” pursuant to either Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act are also subject to certain of the limits under the Investment Company Act noted above. Specifically, such private funds may not acquire directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock (measured at the time of the acquisition). Investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act are also subject to the restriction as well as other limitations under the Investment Company Act that would restrict the amount that they are able to invest in our securities. As a result, certain investors would be required to hold a smaller position in our shares than if they were not subject to such restrictions.

Qualifying Assets

Under the Investment Company Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act, which are referred to as “qualifying assets,” unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets (not including certain assets specified in the Investment Company Act) represent at least 70% of the company’s total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our proposed business are the following:

 

  (1)

Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding thirteen months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the Investment Company Act as any issuer that:

 

  (a)

is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;

 

  (b)

is not an investment company (other than a small business investment company (“SBIC”) wholly owned by the BDC) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the Investment Company Act; and

 

  (c)

satisfies any of the following:

 

   

does not have any class of securities listed on a national securities exchange or has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange but has an aggregate market value of outstanding common equity of less than $250 million;

 

   

is controlled by a BDC or a group of companies including a BDC, and the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio company; or

 

   

is a small and solvent company having total assets of not more than $4 million and capital and surplus of not less than $2 million.

 

  (2)

Securities of any eligible portfolio company that we control.

 

  (3)

Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities, was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.

 

  (4)

Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own at least 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.

 

  (5)

Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to securities described in (1) through (4) above, or pursuant to the exercise of options, warrants or rights relating to such securities.

 

  (6)

Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.

Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies

A BDC must be organized and have its principal place of business in the United States and must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described in (1), (2) or (3) above under “Qualifying Assets.” However, in order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, the BDC must also either control the issuer of the securities or offer to make available to the issuer of the securities (other than small and solvent companies described above) significant managerial assistance; except that, where the

 

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BDC purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, one of the other persons in the group may make available such managerial assistance (as long as the BDC does not make available significant managerial assistance solely in this fashion). Making available significant managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.

Temporary Investments

As a BDC, pending investment in other types of “qualifying assets,” as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash items (such as money market funds), U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as temporary investments, so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. We may invest in U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements, provided that such agreements are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price which is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, if more than 25% of our total assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we would generally not meet the asset diversification requirements in order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. Our Investment Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.

Indebtedness and Senior Securities

As a BDC, we are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of shares of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage ratio, as defined under the Investment Company Act, is at least equal to 200%, or 150% if certain requirements are met, immediately after each such issuance. The Small Business Credit Availability Act modified the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act to reduce the required asset coverage ratio applicable to BDCs to 150%, subject to certain approval and disclosure requirements. On June 15, 2018, our stockholders approved the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act to us. As a result of this approval, we are now permitted to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least 150% after such borrowing (if certain requirements are met), rather than 200%, as previously required. In addition, except in limited circumstances, while any indebtedness and senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or stock unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. A loan is presumed to be made for temporary purposes if it is repaid within 60 days and is not extended or renewed; otherwise it is presumed to not be for temporary purposes. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital.”

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and we have also approved our Investment Adviser’s Code of Ethics that it adopted in accordance with Rule 17j-1 and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act. These Codes of Ethics establish, among other things, procedures for personal investments and restrict certain personal securities transactions, including transactions in securities that are held by us. Personnel subject to each code may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the code’s requirements. The Codes of Ethics are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies may also be obtained by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

We have delegated the voting of portfolio securities to our Investment Adviser. For client accounts for which our Investment Adviser has voting discretion, our Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures (the “Proxy Voting Policy”) for the voting of proxies. Under the Proxy Voting Policy, our Investment Adviser’s guiding principles in performing proxy voting are to make decisions that favor proposals that tend to maximize a company’s shareholder value and are not influenced by conflicts of interest. To implement these guiding principles for investments in publicly traded equities, our Investment Adviser has developed customized proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”) that it generally applies when voting on behalf of client accounts. These Guidelines address a wide variety of individual topics, including, among other matters, shareholder voting rights, anti-takeover defenses, board structures, the election of directors, executive and director compensation, reorganizations, mergers, issues of corporate social responsibility and various shareholder proposals.

The Proxy Voting Policy, including the Guidelines, is reviewed periodically to assure that it continues to be consistent with our Investment Adviser’s guiding principles. The Guidelines embody the positions and factors our Investment Adviser generally considers important in casting proxy votes.

Our Investment Adviser has retained a third-party proxy voting service (the “Proxy Service”), currently Institutional Shareholder Services, to assist in the implementation and administration of certain proxy voting-related functions including operational, recordkeeping, and reporting services. The Proxy Service also prepares a written analysis and recommendation (a “Recommendation”) of each proxy vote that reflects the Proxy Service’s application of the Guidelines to particular proxy issues. While it is our Investment Adviser’s policy generally to follow the Guidelines and Recommendations from the Proxy Service, our Investment Adviser’s portfolio management teams (the “Portfolio Management Teams”) may, on certain proxy votes, seek approval to diverge from the Guidelines or a Recommendation by following an

 

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“override” process. Such decisions are subject to a review and approval process, including a determination that the decision is not influenced by any conflict of interest. A Portfolio Management Team that receives approval through the override process to cast a proxy vote that diverges from the Guidelines and/or a Recommendation may vote differently than other Portfolio Management Teams that did not seek to override the vote. In forming their views on particular matters, the Portfolio Management Teams are also permitted to consider applicable regional rules and practices, including codes of conduct and other guides, regarding proxy voting, in addition to the Guidelines and Recommendations. Our Investment Adviser may hire other service providers to replace or supplement the Proxy Service with respect to any of the services our Investment Adviser currently receives from the Proxy Service.

From time to time, our Investment Adviser may face regulatory, compliance, legal or logistical limits with respect to voting securities that it may purchase or hold for client accounts, which can affect our Investment Adviser’s ability to vote such proxies, as well as the desirability of voting such proxies. Among other limits, federal, state and foreign regulatory restrictions or company specific ownership limits, as well as legal matters related to consolidated groups, may restrict the total percentage of an issuer’s voting securities that our Investment Adviser can hold for clients and the nature of our Investment Adviser’s voting in such securities. Our Investment Adviser’s ability to vote proxies may also be affected by, among other things: (i) late receipt of meeting notices; (ii) requirements to vote proxies in person; (iii) restrictions on a foreigner’s ability to exercise votes; (iv) potential difficulties in translating the proxy; (v) requirements to provide local agents with unrestricted powers of attorney to facilitate voting instructions; and (vi) requirements that investors who exercise their voting rights surrender the right to dispose of their holdings for some specified period in proximity to the shareholder meeting.

Our Investment Adviser conducts periodic due diligence meetings with the Proxy Service which include a review of the Proxy Service’s general organizational structure, new developments with respect to research and technology, work flow improvements and internal due diligence with respect to conflicts of interest.

Our Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing its proxy voting decisions that our Investment Adviser makes on behalf of a client account and to help assure that such decisions are made in accordance with our Investment Adviser’s fiduciary obligations to its clients. These policies and procedures include our Investment Adviser’s use of the Guidelines and Recommendations from the Proxy Service, the override approval process previously discussed, and the establishment of information barriers between our Investment Adviser and other Goldman Sachs’ businesses. Notwithstanding such proxy voting policies and procedures, actual proxy voting decision of our Investment Adviser may have the effect of benefitting the interest of other clients or businesses of other divisions or units of Goldman Sachs and/or its affiliates, provided that our Investment Adviser believes such voting decisions to be in accordance with its fiduciary obligations.

Voting decisions with respect to fixed income securities and the securities of privately held issuers generally will be made by our Investment Adviser based on its assessment of the particular transactions or other matters at issue.

Information regarding how we vote proxies relating to portfolio securities during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2019 is available upon request by writing to Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc., Attention: Katherine Schneider, Investor Relations, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282.

Privacy Principles

The following information is provided to help investors understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

We generally will not receive any nonpublic personal information relating to stockholders who purchase our common stock. We may collect nonpublic personal information regarding our existing investors from sources such as subscription agreements, investor questionnaires and other forms; individual investors’ account histories; and correspondence between us and individual investors. We may share information that we collect regarding an investor with our affiliates and the employees of such affiliates for everyday business purposes, for example, to service the investor’s accounts and, unless an investor opts out, provide the investor with information about other products and services offered by us or our affiliates that may be of interest to the investor. In addition, we may disclose information that we collect regarding investors to third parties who are not affiliated with us (i) as authorized by our investors in investor subscription agreements or our organizational documents; (ii) as required by applicable law or in connection with a properly authorized legal or regulatory investigation, subpoena or summons, or to respond to judicial process or government regulatory authorities having property jurisdiction; (iii) as required to fulfill investor instructions; or (iv) as otherwise permitted by applicable law to perform support services for investor accounts or process investor transactions with us or our affiliates.

Any party not affiliated with us that receives nonpublic personal information relating to investors from us is required to adhere to confidentiality agreements and to maintain appropriate safeguards to protect your information. Additionally, for officers, employees and agents of ours and our affiliates, access to such information is restricted to those who need such access to provide services to us and investors. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to seek to guard investor nonpublic personal information. For a discussion of the risks associated with cyber incidents, see “Item 1A—Risk Factors—Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information and/or damage to our business relationships, all of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and operating results.”

 

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Other

We may also be prohibited under the Investment Company Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of the members of our Board of Directors who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC. The SEC has interpreted the prohibition on transactions by BDCs with affiliates to prohibit “joint” transactions among entities that share a common investment adviser or under common control with the investment adviser. The staff of the SEC has granted no-action relief permitting purchases of a single class of privately placed securities provided that the adviser negotiates no term other than price and certain other conditions are met. Except in certain limited circumstances, we will be unable to invest in any issuer in which another client sponsored or managed by our Investment Adviser has previously invested, including GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II. On January 4, 2017, the SEC granted GS PMMC, GS MMLC, GS PMMC II and us, as well as certain other funds that may be managed by GSAM, including the GSAM Credit Alternatives investment team, in the future, exemptive relief to make negotiated co-investments, subject to certain terms and conditions in the exemptive relief. As a result of the exemptive relief, there could be significant overlap in our portfolio and the investment portfolios of GS PMMC, GS MMLC, GS PMMC II and/or other funds established by the GSAM Credit Alternatives Team that are able to rely on the order.

As a BDC, the SEC will periodically examine us for compliance with the Investment Company Act.

We are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company, to protect against larceny and embezzlement, covering each of our officers and employees, who may singly, or jointly with others, have access to our securities or funds. Furthermore, as a BDC, we are prohibited from protecting any director, officer, investment adviser or underwriter against any liability to us or our stockholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office.

We and our Investment Adviser are each required to adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws, review these policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation and designate a chief compliance officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures.

Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), imposes a wide variety of regulatory requirements on publicly held companies and their insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:

 

   

our principal executive officer and principal financial officer must certify the accuracy of the financial statements contained in our periodic reports;

 

   

our periodic reports must disclose the conclusions of our principal executive and principal financial officers about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures;

 

   

our management must prepare an annual report regarding its assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, which must be audited by our independent registered public accounting firm; and

 

   

our periodic reports must disclose whether there were any changes in our internal controls over financing reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all future regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and will take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance therewith.

Compliance with Listing Requirements

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GSBD.” As a listed company on the NYSE, we are subject to various listing standards including corporate governance listing standards. We believe we are in compliance with these rules.

Compliance with the Bank Holding Company Act

As a BHC and FHC, the activities of Group Inc. and its affiliates are subject to certain restrictions imposed by the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), and related regulations. BHCs and FHCs are subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board (the “Federal Reserve”). Because Group Inc. may be deemed to “control” us within the meaning of the BHCA, restrictions under the BHCA could apply to us as well. Accordingly, the BHCA and other applicable banking laws, rules, regulations and guidelines, and their interpretation and administration by the appropriate regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, may restrict our investments, transactions and operations and may restrict the transactions and relationships between our Investment Adviser, Group Inc. and their affiliates, on the one hand, and us on the other hand. For example, the BHCA regulations applicable to Group Inc. and us may, among other things, restrict our ability to make certain investments or the size of certain investments, impose a maximum holding period on some or all of our investments and restrict our and our Investment Adviser’s ability to participate in the management and operations of the companies in which we invest. In addition, certain BHCA regulations may require aggregation of the positions owned, held or controlled by related entities. Thus, in certain circumstances, positions held by Group Inc. and its affiliates (including our Investment Adviser) for client and proprietary accounts may need to be aggregated with positions held by us. In this case, where BHCA regulations impose a cap on the amount of a position that may be held, Goldman Sachs may utilize available capacity to make investments for its proprietary accounts or for the accounts of other clients, which may require us to limit and/or liquidate certain investments. Additionally, Goldman Sachs may in the future, in its sole discretion and without notice to investors, engage in activities impacting us and/or our Investment Adviser in order to comply with the BHCA or other legal requirements applicable to, or reduce or eliminate the impact or applicability of any bank regulatory or other restrictions on, Goldman Sachs, us or other funds and accounts managed by our Investment Adviser and its affiliates. In addition, Goldman Sachs may cease in the future to qualify as a FHC, which may subject us to additional restrictions. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the bank regulatory requirements applicable to Goldman Sachs and us, or the interpretation thereof, will not change, or that any such change will not have a material adverse effect on us. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Our activities may be limited as a result of potentially being deemed to be controlled by a bank holding company.”

 

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ITEM 1A.

    RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves certain risks relating to our structure and investment objective. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this report, before you decide whether to make an investment in our securities. The risks set forth below are not the only risks we face, and we may face other risks that we have not yet identified, which we do not currently deem material or which are not yet predictable. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, our NAV and the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure

The capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States, which may have a negative impact on our business and operations.

From time to time, capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. For example, from 2008 to 2009, the global capital markets were unstable as evidenced by the lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market and the failure of major financial institutions. Despite actions of the U.S. federal government and various foreign governments, these events contributed to worsening general economic conditions that materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular. There have been more recent periods of volatility and there can be no assurance that adverse market conditions will not repeat themselves in the future. If similar adverse and volatile market conditions repeat in the future, we and other companies in the financial services sector may have to access, if available, alternative markets for debt and equity capital in order to grow. Equity capital may be particularly difficult to raise during periods of adverse or volatile market conditions because, subject to some limited exceptions, as a BDC, we are generally not able to issue additional shares of our common stock at a price less than NAV per share without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our Independent Directors. Volatile economic conditions may lead to strategic initiatives such as merger activity in the BDC space.

Moreover, the re-appearance of market conditions similar to those experienced from 2008 through 2009 for any substantial length of time or worsened market conditions, including as a result of U.S. government shutdowns or the perceived creditworthiness of the United States, could make it difficult for us to borrow money or to extend the maturity of or refinance any indebtedness we may have under similar terms and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. The debt capital that will be available to us in the future, if any, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms and conditions than what we currently experience. If we are unable to raise or refinance debt, then investors in our common stock may not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or to fund existing commitments to our portfolio companies.

Given the periods of extreme volatility and dislocation in the capital markets from time to time, many BDCs have faced, and may in the future face, a challenging environment in which to raise or access capital. In addition, significant changes in the capital markets, including the extreme volatility and disruption over the past several years, has had, and may in the future have, a negative effect on asset valuations of our investments and on the potential for liquidity events involving these investments. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). As a result, volatility in the capital markets can adversely affect our investment valuations. Further, the illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments to access capital if required. As a result, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments if we were required to sell them for liquidity purposes. In addition, a prolonged period of market illiquidity may cause us to reduce the volume of loans and debt securities we originate and/or fund and adversely affect the value of our portfolio investments, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. An inability to raise or access capital could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Global economic, political and market conditions may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our revenue growth and profitability.

The current worldwide financial market situation, as well as various social and political tensions in the United States and around the world, have contributed and may continue to contribute to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the United States and worldwide financial markets, and may cause economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. We monitor developments and seek to manage our investments in a manner consistent with achieving our investment objective, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so.

 

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In August 2011 and then affirmed in August 2013, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States from “AAA” to “AA+”. Additionally, in January of 2012, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating for several large European countries. These ratings negatively impacted global markets and economic conditions. Although U.S. lawmakers have taken steps to avoid further downgrades, U.S. budget deficit concerns and similar conditions in Europe, China and elsewhere have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and worsening global economic and market conditions. There can be no assurance that current or future governmental measures to mitigate these conditions will be effective. These conditions, government actions and future developments may cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may adversely affect our ability to access debt financing on favorable terms and may increase the interest costs of our borrowers, hampering their ability to repay us. Continued or future adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In October 2014, the Federal Reserve announced that it was concluding its bond-buying program, or quantitative easing, which was designed to stimulate the economy and expand the Federal Reserve’s holdings of long-term securities, suggesting that key economic indicators, such as the unemployment rate, had showed signs of improvement since the inception of the program. It is possible that, without quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve, these developments, along with the United States government’s credit and deficit concerns and other global economic conditions, could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. Additionally, the Federal Reserve has raised its federal funds target rate five times since December 2016. However, if key economic indicators, such as the unemployment rate or inflation, do not progress at a rate consistent with the Federal Reserve’s objectives, the target range for the federal funds rate may further increase and cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms and may also increase the costs of our borrowers, hampering their ability to repay us.

Legislation may be adopted that could significantly affect the regulation of U.S. financial markets. Areas subject to potential change, amendment or repeal include the Dodd-Frank Act and the authority of the Federal Reserve and the Financial Stability Oversight Council. These or other regulatory changes could result in greater competition from banks and other lenders with which we compete for lending and other investment opportunities. The United States may also potentially withdraw from or renegotiate various trade agreements and take other actions that would change current trade policies of the United States. We cannot predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the financial stability of the United States. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operation as a BDC imposes numerous constraints on us and significantly reduces our operating flexibility. In addition, if we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company, which would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions.

The Investment Company Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs. For example, BDCs generally are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of qualifying U.S. private companies or thinly traded public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the time of investment. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective. Furthermore, any failure to comply with the requirements imposed on BDCs by the Investment Company Act could cause the SEC to bring an enforcement action against us and/or expose us to claims of private litigants.

We may be precluded from investing in what our Investment Adviser believes are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we will be prohibited from making any additional investment that is not a qualifying asset and could be forced to forgo attractive investment opportunities. Similarly, these rules could prevent us from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies (which could result in the dilution of our position).

If we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company that is required to register under the Investment Company Act, which would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions and significantly decrease our operating flexibility. In addition, any such failure could cause an event of default under any outstanding indebtedness we might have, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We will be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on all of our income if we are unable to maintain our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

Although we have elected to be treated, and expect to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain RIC status. To maintain RIC status and be relieved of U.S. federal income taxes on income and gains distributed to our stockholders, we must meet the annual distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements described below.

 

 

The annual distribution requirement for a RIC will generally be satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (generally, our net ordinary income plus the excess of our realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction) for each taxable year. Because we use debt financing, we are subject to an asset coverage ratio requirement under the Investment Company Act, and we are subject to certain covenants contained in our credit agreements and other debt financing agreements. This asset coverage ratio requirement and these covenants could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions to our stockholders that are necessary for us to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, and thus are unable to make sufficient distributions to our stockholders, we could fail to maintain our RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes).

 

 

The source-of-income requirement will be satisfied if at least 90% of our gross income for each year is derived from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of stock or securities, payments with respect to loans of certain securities, net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities.

 

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The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if, at the end of each quarter of our taxable year, at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other acceptable securities, and no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships.” Failure to meet these requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of our RIC status. Because most of our investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.

If we fail to maintain our RIC status for any reason, and we do not qualify for certain relief provisions under the Code, we would be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes). In this event, the resulting taxes and any resulting penalties could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of our income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions to our stockholders, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

We are dependent upon management personnel of our Investment Adviser for our future success.

We do not have any employees. We depend on the experience, diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the GSAM Credit Alternatives investment team. The GSAM Credit Alternatives investment team, together with other investment professionals that our Investment Adviser currently retains or may subsequently retain, identifies, evaluates, negotiates, structures, closes, monitors and manages our investments. Our future success will depend to a significant extent on the continued service and coordination of our Investment Adviser’s senior investment professionals. The departure of any of our Investment Adviser’s key personnel, including members of the Investment Committee, or of a significant number of the investment professionals of our Investment Adviser, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that our Investment Adviser will remain our investment adviser or that we will continue to have access to our Investment Adviser or its investment professionals. See “—Our Investment Adviser can resign on 60 days’ notice. We may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.”

Our Investment Adviser, its principals, investment professionals and employees and the members of its Investment Committee have certain conflicts of interest.

Our Investment Adviser, its principals, affiliates, investment professionals and employees, the members of its Investment Committee and our officers and directors serve or may serve now or in the future as investment advisers, officers, directors, principals of, or in other capacities with respect to, public or private entities (including other BDCs and other investment funds) that operate in the same or a related line of business as us. For example, we have the same management and Investment Committee team as GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II. Therefore, we expect these individuals may have obligations to investors in such other BDCs, the fulfillment of which might not be in our best interests or the best interests of our stockholders and we expect that investment opportunities will satisfy the investment criteria for both us and such other BDCs. In addition, GSAM and its affiliates also manage other Accounts, and expect to manage other vehicles in the future, that have investment mandates that are similar, in whole or in part, to ours and, accordingly, may invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by us. As a result, the Investment Adviser and/or its affiliates may face conflicts in allocating investment opportunities between us and such other entities. The fact that our investment advisory fees may be lower than those of certain other funds advised by GSAM could result in this conflict of interest affecting us adversely relative to such other funds.

Subject to applicable law, we may invest alongside Goldman Sachs and its Accounts. In certain circumstances, negotiated co-investments by us and other Accounts may be made only pursuant to an order from the SEC permitting us to do so. Together with our Investment Adviser, GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II, we applied for and received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits us to participate in negotiated co-investment transactions with certain affiliates (including GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II), each of whose investment adviser is GSAM, after the date of the exemptive order, subject to certain conditions, such as that co-investments be made in a manner consistent with our investment objectives, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions, as well as regulatory requirements and pursuant to the conditions required by the exemptive relief, and are allocated fairly among participants. As a result of such order, there could be significant overlap in our investment portfolio and the investment portfolios of GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II and/or other funds managed by our Investment Adviser. If we are unable to rely on our exemptive relief for a particular opportunity, when our Investment Adviser identifies certain investments, it will be required to determine which Accounts should make the investment at the potential exclusion of other Accounts. In such circumstances, the Investment Adviser will adhere to its investment allocation policy in order to determine the Account to which to allocate the opportunity. The policy provides that our Investment Adviser allocate opportunities through a rotation system or in such other manner as our Investment Adviser determines to be equitable. Accordingly, it is possible that we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by other Accounts. See “—Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.”

Goldman Sachs’ financial and other interests may incentivize Goldman Sachs to favor other Accounts.

Our Investment Adviser receives performance-based compensation in respect of its investment management activities on our behalf, which rewards our Investment Adviser for positive performance of our investment portfolio. As a result, our Investment Adviser may make investments for us that present a greater potential for return but also a greater risk of loss or that are more speculative than would be the case in the absence of performance-based compensation. In addition, our Investment Adviser may simultaneously manage other Accounts (including

 

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other BDCs (including GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II)) for which our Investment Adviser may be entitled to receive greater fees or other compensation (as a percentage of performance or otherwise) than it receives in respect of us. In addition, subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs may invest in other Accounts (including other business development companies (including GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II)), and such investments may constitute substantial percentages of such other Accounts’ outstanding equity interests. Therefore, our Investment Adviser may have an incentive to favor such other Accounts over us. To address these types of conflicts, our Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures under which investment opportunities will be allocated in a manner that it believes is consistent with its obligations as an Investment Adviser. However, the amount, timing, structuring or terms of an investment by us may differ from, and performance may be different than, the investments and performance of other Accounts.

Our financial condition and results of operations depend on our Investment Adviser’s ability to manage our future growth effectively.

Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our Investment Adviser’s ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of the structuring of our investment process and the ability of our Investment Adviser to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us. Our executive officers and the members of the Investment Committee have substantial responsibilities in connection with their roles at our Investment Adviser, with respect to GS PMMC, GS MMLC and other clients of our Investment Adviser, as well as responsibilities under the Investment Management Agreement. We may also be called upon to provide significant managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies. These demands on their time, which will increase as the number of investments grow, may distract them or slow the rate of investment. In order to grow, our Investment Adviser may need to hire, train, supervise, manage and retain new employees. However, we cannot assure you that they will be able to do so effectively. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to grow depends on our ability to raise additional capital.

We will need to periodically access the capital markets to raise cash to fund new investments. If we do not have adequate capital available for investment, our performance could be adversely affected. In addition, we have elected to be treated, and expect to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. To maintain our status as a RIC, among other requirements, we are required to timely distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction), which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, if any, for each taxable year. Consequently, such distributions will not be available to fund new investments. We expect to use debt financing and issue additional securities to fund our growth, if any. Unfavorable economic or capital market conditions may increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. An inability to successfully access the capital markets could limit our ability to grow our business and fully execute our business strategy and could decrease our earnings, if any. We may pursue growth through acquisitions or strategic investments in new businesses. Completion and timing of any such acquisitions or strategic investments may be subject to a number of contingencies and risks. There can be no assurance that the integration of an acquired business will be successful or that an acquired business will prove to be profitable or sustainable.

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to raise additional capital, and the ways in which we can do so. Raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage, and may result in dilution to our current stockholders. The Investment Company Act limits our ability to borrow amounts or issue debt securities or preferred stock, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” to amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined under the Investment Company Act, equals at least 150% immediately after such borrowing or issuance if certain requirements are met (except in connection with certain trading practices or investments), rather than 200%, as previously required and as described below. Consequently, if the value of our assets declines, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when this may be disadvantageous to us and, as a result, our stockholders. The Small Business Credit Availability Act modified the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act to reduce the required asset coverage ratio applicable to BDCs to 150%, subject to certain approval and disclosure requirements. Under the legislation, BDCs are able to increase their leverage capacity if stockholders approve a proposal to do so. At our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders held on June 15, 2018, our stockholders approved the proposal to apply the modified asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act to us. As a result of this approval, (1) we are now required to maintain asset coverage for our senior securities of 150% rather than 200% and (2) we and GSAM have reduced the Management Fee from 1.50% (0.375% per quarter) to 1.00% (0.25% per quarter) on the average value of our gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, but including assets purchased with borrowed amounts, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. Considerations and risks related to increased leverage include: (a) the potential for magnified gains and losses on amounts invested, (b) increased debt service costs, (c) the potential for increased Incentive Fees for GSAM and (d) fewer proceeds remaining for distributions for stockholders in the case of a liquidation event. On September 17, 2018, we entered into an amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility to, among other things, reduce the existing minimum asset coverage ratio covenant from 200% to 150%.

We are generally not able to issue and sell our common stock at a price per share below NAV per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current NAV per share of our common stock (i) with the consent of a majority of our common stockholders (and a majority of our common stockholders who are not affiliates of ours) and (ii) if, among other things, a majority of our Independent Directors and a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in the transaction determine that a sale is in the best interests of us and our stockholders. If our common stock trades at a discount to NAV, this restriction could adversely affect our ability to raise capital.

 

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We borrow money, which may magnify the potential for gain or loss and may increase the risk of investing in us.

As part of our business strategy, we may borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders or investors. Holders of these senior securities will have fixed-dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause NAV to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have if we did not employ leverage. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to make distributions to our common stockholders. In addition, we would have to service any additional debt that we incur, including interest expense on debt and dividends on preferred stock that we may issue, as well as the fees and costs related to the entry into or amendments to debt facilities. These expenses (which may be higher than the expenses on our current borrowings due to the rising interest rate environment) would decrease net investment income, and our ability to pay such expenses will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. Moreover, leverage will increase the Management Fee payable to our Investment Adviser, which is based on our gross assets, including those assets acquired through the use of leverage but excluding cash and cash equivalents. Additionally, we will be able to incur additional leverage if we are able to obtain exemptive relief from the SEC to exclude the debt of any SBIC subsidiary we may form in the future from the leverage requirements otherwise applicable to BDCs. We have not yet applied to the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) for approval to form a SBIC and have not yet applied for exemptive relief from the SEC. We can offer no assurances as to whether or when we will be able to form a SBIC subsidiary or obtain such exemptive relief.

In addition to having fixed-dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, any obligations to the lenders will be secured by a first priority security interest in our portfolio of investments and cash. In the case of a liquidation event, those lenders would receive proceeds to the extent of their security interest before any distributions are made to our stockholders. Furthermore, our Revolving Credit Facility imposes, and any credit agreement or other debt financing agreement into which we may enter may impose, financial and operating covenants that restrict our investment activities (including restrictions on industry concentrations), remedies on default and similar matters. In connection with borrowings, our lenders may also require us to pledge assets.

Lastly, we may be unable to obtain our desired leverage, which would, in turn, affect your return on investment.

At our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders held on May 20, 2019, our stockholders approved the proposal to apply the modified asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act to us. As a result of this approval, (1) we are now required to maintain asset coverage for our senior securities of 150% (if certain requirements are met) rather than 200% and (2) we and GSAM have reduced the Management Fee from 1.50% (0.375% per quarter) to 1.00% (0.25% per quarter) on the average value of our gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, but including assets purchased with borrowed amounts, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters.

The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns on our portfolio, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical, and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table below.

 

Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (Net of Expenses)

     (10.00 )%      (5.00 )%      0.00     5.00     10.00

Corresponding Return to Common Stockholder (1)

     (26.74 )%      (15.80 )%      (4.86 )%      6.08     17.01

 

(1)

Based on (i) $1,478.96 million in total assets including debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2019, (ii) $773.41 million in outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2019, (iii) $676.13 million in net assets as of December 31, 2019 and (iv) an annualized average interest rate on our indebtedness, as of December 31, 2019, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of financing costs), of 4.25%.

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities.

A number of entities, including GS PMMC, GS MMLC, and GS PMMC II, compete with us to make the types of investments that we make in middle-market companies. We compete with other BDCs, commercial and investment banks, commercial financing companies, CLOs, private funds, including hedge funds, and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity funds. Many of our competitors are more experienced, substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, certain of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the Investment Company Act imposes on us as a BDC and that the Code imposes on us as a RIC. Additionally, an investment opportunity may be appropriate for one or more of us and GS PMMC, GS MMLC, and GS PMMC II or any other investment fund managed by our affiliates and co-investment may not be possible. In these instances GSAM will adhere to its investment allocation policy in order to determine to which entity to allocate the opportunity. Also, as a result of this competition, we may not be able to secure attractive investment opportunities from time to time.

 

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We do not seek to compete primarily based on the interest rates we offer and GSAM believes that some of our competitors may make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates we offer. Rather, we compete with our competitors based on our reputation in the market, our existing investment platform, the seasoned investment professionals of our Investment Adviser, our experience and focus on middle-market companies, our disciplined investment philosophy, our extensive industry focus and relationships and our flexible transaction structuring. For a more detailed discussion of these competitive advantages, see “Item 1. Business—Competitive Advantages.”

We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. If we match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of credit loss. As a result of operating in such a competitive environment, we may make investments that are on less favorable terms than what we may have originally anticipated, which may impact our return on these investments. We cannot assure investors that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our Investment Adviser will be paid the Management Fee even if the value of your investment declines and our Investment Adviser’s Incentive Fee may create incentives for it to make certain kinds of investments.

The Management Fee is payable even in the event the value of your investment declines. The Management Fee is calculated as a percentage of the average value of our gross assets including borrowed funds (excluding cash or cash equivalents) at the end of the prior two completed calendar quarters. Accordingly, the Management Fee is payable regardless of whether the value of our gross assets and/or your investment has decreased during the then-current quarter and creates an incentive for the Investment Adviser to incur leverage.

In addition, the Incentive Fee payable by us to our Investment Adviser may create an incentive for our Investment Adviser to make investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such a compensation arrangement and also to incur leverage, which will tend to enhance returns where our portfolio has positive returns. Our Investment Adviser receives the Incentive Fee based, in part, upon capital gains realized on our investments. As a result, our Investment Adviser may have an incentive to invest more in companies whose securities are likely to yield capital gains, as compared to income-producing securities. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during cyclical economic downturns.

The Incentive Fee payable by us to our Investment Adviser also may create an incentive for our Investment Adviser to invest on our behalf in instruments that have a deferred interest feature. Under these investments, we accrue the interest over the life of the investment but do not receive the cash income from the investment until the end of the term. Our net investment income used to calculate the income portion of our Incentive Fee, however, includes accrued interest. Thus, a portion of this Incentive Fee is based on income that we have not yet received in cash. This risk could be increased because our Investment Adviser is not obligated to reimburse us for any Incentive Fees received even if we subsequently incur losses or never receive in cash the accrued income (including accrued income with respect to original issue discount (“OID”), PIK interest and zero coupon securities).

If we increase leverage, the management fees payable to our Investment Adviser will be higher than if we did not use leverage, irrespective of the return on the incremental assets. In addition, as leverage generally would magnify positive returns, if any, on our portfolio, as noted above, the use of leverage may cause our net investment income to exceed the quarterly hurdle rate for the Incentive Fee on income payable to our Investment Adviser at a lower average return on our portfolio.

The Incentive Fee based on income takes into account our past performance.

The Incentive Fee based on income will be determined and paid quarterly in arrears at the end of each calendar quarter by reference to our aggregate net investment income, as adjusted, from the calendar quarter then ending and the Trailing Twelve Quarters. The effect of calculating the Incentive Fee using reference to the Trailing Twelve Quarters is that, in certain limited circumstances, an Incentive Fee based on income will be payable to our Investment Adviser although our net income for such quarter did not exceed the hurdle rate or the Incentive Fee will be higher than it would have been if calculated based on our performance for the applicable quarter without taking into account the Trailing Twelve Quarters. For example, if we experience a net loss for any particular quarter, an Incentive Fee may still be paid to our Investment Adviser if such net loss is less than the net loss for the most recent quarter that preceded the Trailing Twelve Quarters. In such circumstances, our Investment Adviser would be entitled to an Incentive Fee whereas it would not have been entitled to an Incentive Fee if calculated solely on the basis of our performance for the applicable quarter.

We incur significant costs as a result of being a public company.

We incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These requirements may place a strain on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, which requires significant resources and management oversight. See “Item 1. Business—Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.” We are implementing additional procedures, processes, policies and practices for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. These activities may divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We have incurred, and expect to incur in the future, significant additional annual expenses related to these steps and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, additional administrative expenses payable to our administrator to compensate it for hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses associated with being a public company.

 

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Efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act involve significant expenditures, and noncompliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may adversely affect us and the market price of our securities.

We are subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the related rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC. Under current SEC rules, we are required to report on internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and regulations of the SEC thereunder, and our independent registered public accounting firm must audit this report. We are required to review on an annual basis our internal control over financial reporting, and on a quarterly and annual basis to evaluate and disclose changes in our internal control over financial reporting.

As a result, we incur additional expenses that may negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to make distributions. This process also may result in a diversion of management’s time and attention. We cannot be certain as to the timing of completion of any evaluation, testing and remediation actions or the impact of the same on our operations, and we may not be able to ensure that the process is effective or that our internal control over financial reporting is or will be effective in a timely manner. In the event that we are unable to maintain or achieve compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules, we and the market price of our common stock would be adversely affected.

Potential conflicts of interest with other businesses of Goldman Sachs could impact our investment returns.

There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could negatively impact our investment returns. A number of these potential conflicts of interest with affiliates of our Investment Adviser and Group Inc. are discussed in more detail elsewhere in this report.

Group Inc., including its affiliates and personnel, is a BHC and a worldwide, full-service investment banking, broker-dealer, asset management and financial services organization, and a major participant in global financial markets that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals. As such, it acts as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, financier, adviser, market maker, trader, prime broker, derivatives dealer, lender, counterparty, agent and principal. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs and its affiliates advise clients in all markets and transactions and purchase, sell and recommend a broad array of investments, including securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps, indices, baskets and other financial instruments and products for its own accounts or for the accounts of their customers, and have other direct and indirect interests, in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equity, bank loan and other markets in which we invest or may invest. Such additional businesses and interests will likely give rise to potential conflicts of interest and may restrict the way we operate our business. For example, (1) we may not be able to conduct transactions relating to investments in portfolio companies because our Investment Adviser is not permitted to obtain or use material nonpublic information in effecting purchases and sales in public securities transactions for us or (2) Goldman Sachs, the clients it advises, and its personnel may engage (or consider engaging) in commercial arrangements or transactions with us (subject to any limitations under the law), and/or may compete for commercial arrangements or transactions in the same types of companies, assets, securities or other assets or instruments as us. Transactions by, advice to and activities of such accounts (including potentially Goldman Sachs acting on a proprietary basis), may involve the same or related companies, securities or other assets or instruments as those in which we invest and may negatively affect us (including our ability to engage in a transaction or other activities) or the prices or terms at which our transactions or other activities may be effected. For example, Goldman Sachs may be engaged to provide advice to an account that is considering entering into a transaction with us, and Goldman Sachs may advise the account not to pursue the transaction with us, or otherwise in connection with a potential transaction provide advice to the account that would be adverse to us. See “Our Investment Adviser, its principals, investment professionals and employees and the members of its Investment Committee have certain conflicts of interest” and “Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.” In addition, GS & Co. may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, including the limitations set forth in Section 57(k) of the 1940 Act, receive compensation from us or from the borrowers if we make any investments based on opportunities that such employees or personnel of GS & Co. have referred to us. Such compensation might incentivize GS & Co. or its employees or personnel to refer opportunities or to recommend investments that might otherwise be unsuitable for us. Further, any such compensation paid by us, or paid by the borrower (to which we would otherwise have been entitled) in connection with such investments, may negatively impact our returns. Furthermore, Goldman Sachs is currently, and in the future expects to be, raising capital for new public and private investment vehicles that have, or when formed will have, the primary purpose of middle-market direct lending. These investment vehicles, as well as existing investment vehicles (including GS PMMC and GS MMLC), will compete with us for investments. Although our Investment Adviser and its affiliates will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities among their clients, including us, in a fair and equitable manner and consistent with applicable allocation procedures, it is expected that, in the future, we may not be given the opportunity to participate in investments made by other Accounts or that we may participate in such investments to a lesser extent due to participation by such other Accounts.

 

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In addition, Goldman Sachs or another investment account or vehicle managed or controlled by Goldman Sachs may hold securities, loans or other instruments of a portfolio company in a different class or a different part of the capital structure than securities, loans or other instruments of such portfolio company held by us. As a result, Goldman Sachs or such other investment account or vehicle may pursue or enforce rights or activities, or refrain from pursuing or enforcing rights or activities, on behalf of its own account, that could have an adverse effect on us. In addition, to the extent Goldman Sachs has invested in a portfolio company for its own account, Goldman Sachs may limit the transactions engaged in by us with respect to such portfolio company or issuer for reputational, legal, regulatory or other reasons.

Goldman Sachs has influence, and may continue to exert influence, over our management and affairs and over most votes requiring stockholder approval.

Group Inc. has owned a significant portion of our common stock since the inception of our operations. As of December 31, 2019, Group Inc. owned 16.06% of our outstanding common stock. GS & Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Group Inc., has acquired shares of our common stock pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, and may in the future acquire additional shares of our common stock in the open market, but GS & Co. will limit its collective ownership with Group Inc. to 19.9% of our outstanding common stock. Therefore, Group Inc. is able to exert, and may be able to continue to exert, influence over our management and policies and have significant voting influence on most votes requiring stockholder approval. This concentration of ownership may also have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change of control of us, could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of us and might ultimately affect the market price of our common stock. Our Investment Adviser has the authority to vote securities held by Group Inc., including on matters that may present a conflict of interest between our Investment Adviser and other stockholders.

Our Board of Directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval.

Our Board of Directors has the authority to modify or waive certain of our operating policies and strategies without prior notice (except as required by the Investment Company Act or other applicable laws) and without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, operating results and market price of our securities. Nevertheless, the effects may adversely affect our business and impact our ability to make distributions or make payments with respect to our indebtedness.

Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations or the operations of our portfolio companies, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations, or any failure by us or our portfolio companies to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our or our portfolio companies’ business practices, negatively impact our or our portfolio companies’ operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies.

We and our portfolio companies are subject to regulation at the local, state, federal and, in some cases, foreign levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, are likely to change from time to time, and new laws and regulations may be enacted. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations, changes in their interpretation, or newly enacted laws or regulations, or any failure by us or our portfolio companies to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our or our portfolio companies’ business practices, negatively impact our or our portfolio companies’ operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies. In addition to the legal, tax and regulatory changes that are expected to occur, there may be unanticipated changes and uncertainty regarding any such changes. The legal, tax and regulatory environment for BDCs, investment advisers and the instruments that they utilize (including derivative instruments) is continuously evolving. In addition, there is significant uncertainty regarding certain legislation and the regulations that have been adopted and future regulations that will need to be adopted pursuant to such legislation) and, consequently, the full impact that such legislation will ultimately have on us and the markets in which we trade and invest is not fully known. Such uncertainty and any resulting confusion may itself be detrimental to the efficient functioning of the markets and the success of certain investment strategies.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) impacts many aspects of the financial services industry. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have been implemented, while others will still require final rulemaking by regulatory authorities. While the full impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on us and our portfolio companies may not be known for an extended period of time, the Dodd-Frank Act, including current rules and regulations and proposed rules implementing its provisions and the interpretation of those rules, along with other legislative and regulatory proposals directed at the financial services industry that are proposed or pending in the U.S. Congress, may negatively impact the operations, cash flows or financial condition of us and our portfolio companies, impose additional costs on us and our portfolio companies, intensify the regulatory supervision of us and our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies.

Over the last several years, there also has been an increase in regulatory attention to the extension of credit outside of the traditional banking sector, raising the possibility that some portion of the non-bank financial sector will be subject to new regulation. While it cannot be known at this time whether any regulation will be implemented or what form it will take, increased regulation of non-bank credit extension could negatively impact our operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or otherwise adversely affect our business.

 

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On March 23, 2018, President Trump signed into law the Small Business Credit Availability Act, which modified the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act to reduce the required asset coverage ratio applicable to BDCs from 200% to 150%, subject to certain approval and disclosure requirements (including either stockholder approval or approval of both a majority of the directors who have no financial interest in the matter and a majority of the directors who are not “interested persons,” as defined in the Investment Company Act, of the BDC). On May 1, 2018, our Board of Directors approved the submission to stockholders of a proposal to approve the application of the modified asset coverage requirements at the Company’s 2018 annual meeting of stockholders. On June 15, 2018, our stockholders approved the application of the modified asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act to us. See “—Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.”

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could have a negative effect on us, our subsidiaries, our portfolio companies and the holders of our Securities.

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed H.R. 1 (the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”) into law. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act makes significant changes to the United States income tax rules applicable to both individuals and entities, including corporations. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes provisions that, among other things, reduce the U.S. corporate tax rate, introduce a capital investment deduction, limit the interest deduction, limit the use of net operating losses to offset future taxable income and make extensive changes to the U.S. international tax system. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is complex and far-reaching, and we cannot predict the impact its enactment will have on us, our subsidiaries, our portfolio companies and the holders of our securities.

Our Investment Adviser can resign on 60 days’ notice. We may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

Our Investment Adviser has the right, under the Investment Management Agreement, to resign at any time upon 60 days’ written notice, regardless of whether we have found a replacement. If our Investment Adviser resigns, we may not be able to find a new external investment adviser or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business and results of operations as well as our ability to pay distributions are likely to be adversely affected, and the market price of our securities may decline.

Our Investment Adviser’s responsibilities and its liability to us are limited under the Investment Management Agreement, which may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

Our Investment Adviser has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services described in the Investment Management Agreement, and it will not be responsible for any action of our Board of Directors in declining to follow our Investment Adviser’s advice or recommendations. Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, our Investment Adviser and its directors, members, stockholders, partners, officers, employees or controlling persons will not be liable to us for its acts under the Investment Management Agreement, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Investment Management Agreement. These protections may lead our Investment Adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account. See “Our Investment Adviser will be paid the Management Fee even if the value of your investment declines and our Investment Adviser’s Incentive Fee may create incentives for it to make certain kinds of investments.”

Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.

As a BDC, we are prohibited under the Investment Company Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of a majority of our Independent Directors who have no financial interest in the transaction, or in some cases, the prior approval of the SEC. For example, any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is deemed our affiliate for purposes of the Investment Company Act and, if this is the only reason such person is our affiliate, we are generally prohibited from buying any asset from or selling any asset (other than our capital stock) to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of such directors. The Investment Company Act also prohibits “joint” transactions with an affiliate, which could include joint investments in the same portfolio company, without approval of our Independent Directors or in some cases the prior approval of the SEC. Moreover, except in certain limited circumstances, we are prohibited from buying any asset from or selling any asset to a holder of more than 25% of our voting securities, absent prior approval of the SEC. The analysis of whether a particular transaction constitutes a joint transaction requires a review of the relevant facts and circumstances then existing.

In certain circumstances, negotiated co-investments may be made only pursuant to an order from the SEC permitting us to do so. On January 4, 2017, we received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits us to participate in negotiated co-investment transactions with certain affiliates (including GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II), each of whose investment adviser is GSAM, in a manner consistent with our investment objectives, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions, as well as regulatory requirements and pursuant to the conditions required by the exemptive relief. As a result of such order, there could be significant overlap in our investment portfolio and the investment portfolios of GS PMMC, GS MMLC, GS PMMC II and/or other funds managed by our Investment Adviser. Additionally, if our Investment Adviser forms other funds in the future, we may co-invest on a concurrent basis with such other affiliates, subject to compliance with the exemptive relief, applicable regulations and regulatory guidance, as well as applicable allocation procedures.

 

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We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.

We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including interest rates payable on debt investments we make, default rates on such investments, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in certain markets and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods or the full fiscal year.

We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates.

Our debt investments may be based on floating rates, such as LIBOR, the Euro Interbank Offered Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or the Prime Rate. General interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on our investments, the value of our securities and our rate of return on invested capital. Currently, most of our floating rate investments are linked to LIBOR and it is unclear how increased regulatory oversight the future of LIBOR may affect market liquidity and the value of the financial obligations to be held by or issued to us that are linked to LIBOR, or how such changes could affect our investments and transactions and financial condition or results of operations. Central banks and regulators in a number of major jurisdictions (for example, the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Switzerland and Japan) have convened working groups to find, and implement the transition to, suitable replacements for interbank offered rates (“IBORs”). The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced that it intends not to compel panel banks to contribute to LIBOR after 2021. The E.U. Benchmarks Regulation imposed conditions under which only compliant benchmarks may be used in new contracts after 2021. To identify a successor rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”), a U.S.-based group convened by the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was formed. The ARRC has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as its preferred alternative rate for LIBOR. SOFR is a measure of the cost of borrowing cash overnight, collateralized by the U.S. Treasury securities, and is based on directly observable U.S. Treasury-backed repurchase transactions. Although SOFR appears to be the preferred replacement rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR, at this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative reference rates or other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted in the United States, United Kingdom or elsewhere. The elimination of LIBOR or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR or alternative reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us. In addition, if LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate the credit agreements extending beyond 2021 with our portfolio companies that utilize LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate, in order to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established, which may have an adverse effect on our overall financial condition or results of operations. As such, some or all of these credit agreements may bear a lower interest rate, which would adversely impact our financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, if LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate certain terms of our Truist Revolving Credit Facility. If we are unable to do so, amounts drawn under the Truist Revolving Credit Facility may bear interest at a higher rate, which would increase the cost of our borrowings and, in turn, affect our results of operations.

Because we have borrowed money, and may issue preferred stock to finance investments, our net investment income depends, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds or pay distributions on preferred stock and the rate that our investments yield. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income.

A reduction in the interest rates on new investments relative to interest rates on current investments could also have an adverse impact on our net interest income. However, an increase in interest rates could decrease the value of any investments we hold which earn fixed interest rates, including subordinated loans, senior and junior secured and unsecured debt securities and loans and high yield bonds, and also could increase our interest expense, thereby decreasing our net income. Also, an increase in interest rates available to investors could make an investment in our common stock less attractive if we are not able to increase our dividend rate, which could reduce the value of our common stock.

In periods of rising interest rates, to the extent we borrow money subject to a floating interest rate, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income. Further, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance if such increases cause our borrowing costs to rise at a rate in excess of the rate that our investments yield. Further, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance if we hold investments with floating interest rates, subject to specified minimum interest rates (such as a LIBOR floor), while at the same time engaging in borrowings subject to floating interest rates not subject to such minimums. In such a scenario, rising interest rates may increase our interest expense, even though our interest income from investments is not increasing in a corresponding manner as a result of such minimum interest rates.

If general interest rates rise, there is a risk that the portfolio companies in which we hold floating rate securities will be unable to pay escalating interest amounts, which could result in a default under their loan documents with us. Rising interest rates could also cause portfolio companies to shift cash from other productive uses to the payment of interest, which may have a material adverse effect on their business and operations and could, over time, lead to increased defaults. In addition, rising interest rates may increase pressure on us to provide fixed rate loans to our portfolio companies, which could adversely affect our net investment income, as increases in our cost of borrowed funds would not be accompanied by increased interest income from such fixed-rate investments.

 

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A change in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to a change in the interest rate we receive on many of our debt investments. Accordingly, a change in the interest rate could make it easier for us to meet or exceed the performance threshold in the Investment Management Agreement and may result in a substantial increase in the amount of incentive fees payable to our Investment Adviser with respect to the portion of the Incentive Fee based on income.

The continued uncertainty related to the sustainability and pace of economic recovery in the U.S. and globally could have a negative impact on our business.

Our business is directly influenced by the economic cycle, and could be negatively impacted by a downturn in economic activity in the U.S. as well as globally. Fiscal and monetary actions taken by U.S. and non-U.S. government and regulatory authorities could have a material adverse impact on our business. To the extent uncertainty regarding the U.S. or global economy negatively impacts consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Moreover, Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates and the decision to end its quantitative easing policy, along with the general policies of the current Presidential administration, may also adversely affect the value, volatility and liquidity of dividend- and interest-paying securities. Market volatility, rising interest rates and/or a return to unfavorable economic conditions could adversely affect our business.

Our activities may be limited as a result of potentially being deemed to be controlled by a bank holding company.

Goldman Sachs is a BHC under the BHCA and therefore subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve. In addition, Goldman Sachs is a FHC under the BHCA, which is a status available to BHCs that meet certain criteria. FHCs may engage in a broader range of activities than BHCs that are not FHCs. However, the activities of FHCs and their affiliates remain subject to certain restrictions imposed by the BHCA and related regulations. Because Goldman Sachs may be deemed to “control” us within the meaning of the BHCA, these restrictions could apply to us as well. Accordingly, the BHCA and other applicable banking laws, rules, regulations and guidelines, and their interpretation and administration by the appropriate regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, may restrict our investments, transactions and operations and may restrict the transactions and relationships between our Investment Adviser, Goldman Sachs and their affiliates, on the one hand, and us on the other hand. For example, the BHCA regulations applicable to Goldman Sachs and us may, among other things, restrict our ability to make certain investments or the size of certain investments, impose a maximum holding period on some or all of our investments and restrict our and our Investment Adviser’s ability to participate in the management and operations of the companies in which we invest. In addition, certain BHCA regulations may require aggregation of the positions owned, held or controlled by related entities. Thus, in certain circumstances, positions held by Goldman Sachs and its affiliates (including our Investment Adviser) for client and proprietary accounts may need to be aggregated with positions held by us. In this case, where BHCA regulations impose a cap on the amount of a position that may be held, Goldman Sachs may utilize available capacity to make investments for its proprietary accounts or for the accounts of other clients, which may require us to limit and/or liquidate certain investments.

These restrictions may materially adversely affect us by, among other things, affecting our Investment Adviser’s ability to pursue certain strategies within our investment program or trade in certain securities. In addition, Goldman Sachs may cease in the future to qualify as an FHC, which may subject us to additional restrictions. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the bank regulatory requirements applicable to Goldman Sachs and us, or the interpretation thereof, will not change, or that any such change will not have a material adverse effect on us.

Goldman Sachs may in the future, in its sole discretion and without notice to investors, engage in activities impacting us and/or our Investment Adviser in order to comply with the BHCA or other legal requirements applicable to, or reduce or eliminate the impact or applicability of any bank regulations or other restrictions on, Goldman Sachs, us or other funds and accounts managed by our Investment Adviser and its affiliates. Goldman Sachs may seek to accomplish this result by causing GSAM to resign as our Investment Adviser, voting for changes to our Board of Directors, causing Goldman Sachs personnel to resign from our Board of Directors, reducing the amount of Goldman Sachs’ investment in us (if any), revoking our right to use the Goldman Sachs name or any combination of the foregoing, or by such other means as it determines in its sole discretion. Any replacement investment adviser appointed by us may be unaffiliated with Goldman Sachs.

 

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Recent Commodity Futures Trading Commission rules may have a negative impact on us and our Investment Adviser.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) and the SEC have issued final rules establishing that certain swap transactions are subject to CFTC regulation. Engaging in such swap or other commodity interest transactions such as futures contracts or options on futures contracts may cause us to fall within the definition of “commodity pool” under the Commodity Exchange Act and related CFTC regulations. Our Investment Adviser has claimed relief from CFTC registration and regulation as a commodity pool operator pursuant to CFTC Rule 4.5 with respect to our operations, with the result that we will be limited in our ability to use futures contracts or options on futures contracts or engage in swap transactions. Specifically, CFTC Rule 4.5 imposes strict limitations on using such derivatives other than for hedging purposes, whereby the use of derivatives not used solely for hedging purposes is generally limited to situations where (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish such positions does not exceed five percent of the liquidation value of our portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts it has entered into; or (ii) the aggregate net notional value of such derivatives does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of our portfolio. Moreover, we anticipate entering into transactions involving such derivatives to a very limited extent solely for hedging purposes or otherwise within the limitations of CFTC Rule 4.5.

We are dependent on information systems, and systems failures, as well as operating failures, could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.

Our business is dependent on our Investment Adviser’s and third parties’ communications and information systems. Any failure or interruption of those systems, including as a result of the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement or an agreement with any third-party service providers, could cause delays or other problems in our activities. Our financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control and adversely affect our business. There could be:

 

   

sudden electrical or telecommunications outages;

 

   

natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes;

 

   

disease pandemics;

 

   

events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and

 

   

cyber-attacks.

In addition to our dependence on information systems, poor operating performance by our service providers could adversely impact us.

These events, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our securities and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

Terrorist attacks, acts of war, global health emergencies or natural disasters may impact the businesses in which we invest and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Terrorist acts, acts of war, global health emergencies or natural disasters may disrupt our operations, as well as the operations of the businesses in which we invest. Such acts have created, and continue to create, economic and political uncertainties and have contributed to global economic instability. Future terrorist activities, military or security operations, global health emergencies or natural disasters could further weaken the domestic/global economies and create additional uncertainties, which may negatively impact the businesses in which we invest directly or indirectly and, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Losses from terrorist attacks, global health emergencies and natural disasters are generally uninsurable.

Cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information and/or damage to our business relationships, all of which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and operating results.

A cyber incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity or availability of our information resources. These incidents may be an intentional attack or an unintentional event and could involve a third party or our own personnel gaining unauthorized access to our information systems for purposes of obtaining ransom payments, misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. The result of these incidents may include disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for loss or misappropriation of data, stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to our reputation or business relationships. As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our information systems, both internal and those provided by Goldman Sachs and third-party service providers. Goldman Sachs and these third-party service providers have implemented processes, procedures and internal controls to help mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber intrusions, but these measures, as well as our increased awareness of the nature and extent of a risk of a cyber incident, do not guarantee that a cyber incident will not occur and/or that our financial results, operations or confidential information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident.

Our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited.

In November 2019, the SEC published a proposed rule regarding the ability of a BDC (or a registered investment company) to use derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions). If adopted as proposed, BDCs that use derivatives would be subject to a value-at-risk leverage limit, certain other derivatives risk management program and testing requirements and requirements related to board reporting. These new requirements would apply unless the BDC qualified as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the SEC’s proposal. A BDC that enters into reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions would need to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the BDC’s asset coverage ratio. Under the proposed rule, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. If the BDC cannot meet this test, it is required to treat unfunded commitments as a derivatives transaction subject to the requirements of the rule. Collectively, these proposed requirements, if adopted, may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts.

 

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The United Kingdom referendum decision to leave the European Union may create significant risks and uncertainty for global markets and our investments.

The decision made in the United Kingdom referendum in June 2016 to leave the European Union (commonly known as “Brexit”) has led to volatility in global financial markets, and in particular in the markets of the United Kingdom and across Europe, and may also lead to weakening in political, regulatory, consumer, corporate and financial confidence in the United Kingdom and Europe. The United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020, governed by transitional terms that will expire on December 31, 2020. During this transition phase, the United Kingdom and the EU will seek to negotiate and finalize a new, more permanent trade deal. Due to political uncertainty, it is not possible to anticipate whether the United Kingdom and the EU will be able to agree on and implement a new trade agreement or what the nature of such trade arrangement will be. In the absence of such an agreement there would be no transitional provisions the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union would be based on the World Trade Organization rules. The process for the United Kingdom to exit the European Union, and the longer term economic, legal, political, regulatory and social framework to be put in place between the United Kingdom and the European Union remain unclear and may lead to ongoing political and economic uncertainty and periods of exacerbated volatility in both the United Kingdom and in wider European markets for some time. The mid-to-long term uncertainty may have a negative effect on the performance of any investments located or with operations in the United Kingdom or Europe. Additionally, the decision made in the United Kingdom referendum may lead to a call for similar referenda in other European jurisdictions which may cause increased economic volatility and uncertainty in the European and global markets. This volatility and uncertainty may have an adverse effect on the economy generally and on the ability of us and our portfolio companies to execute our respective strategies and to receive attractive returns.

In particular, currency volatility may mean that the returns of us and our portfolio companies are adversely affected by market movements and may make it more difficult, or more expensive, for us to implement appropriate currency hedging. Fluctuations in the value of the British pound and/or the euro along with the potential downgrading of the United Kingdom’s sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on the performance of our portfolio companies located in the United Kingdom or Europe.

Certain investors are limited in their ability to make significant investments in us.

Private funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” either pursuant to Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act are restricted from acquiring directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock (measured at the time of the acquisition, including through conversion of convertible securities). Investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act and BDCs are also subject to this restriction as well as other limitations under the Investment Company Act that would restrict the amount that they are able to invest in our securities. As a result, certain investors may be precluded from acquiring additional shares, at a time that they might desire to do so.

Risks Relating to Our Portfolio Company Investments

Our investments are very risky and highly speculative.

We invest primarily through direct originations of secured debt, including first lien, unitranche, and last-out portions of such loans; second lien debt; unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt; and select equity investments. The securities in which we invest typically are not rated by any rating agency, and if they were rated, they would be below investment grade (rated lower than “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service and lower than “BBB-” by Fitch Ratings or S&P), which is an indication of having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Investments that are rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” “high yield bonds” or “leveraged loans.” Therefore, our investments may result in an above average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal. We also may invest in other assets, including U.S. government securities and structured securities. These investments entail additional risks that could adversely affect our investment returns.

Secured Debt. When we make a secured debt investment, we generally take a security interest in the available assets of the portfolio company, including the equity interests of any subsidiaries, which we expect to help mitigate the risk that we will not be repaid. However, there is a risk that the collateral securing our debt investment may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital. In some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors, such as trade creditors. In addition, deterioration in a portfolio company’s financial condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral for the debt investment. Consequently, the fact that our debt is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the debt investment’s terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the loan, in full or at all, should we enforce our remedies.

 

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Unsecured Debt, including Mezzanine Debt. Our unsecured debt investments, including mezzanine debt investments, generally will be subordinated to senior debt in the event of an insolvency. This may result in an above average amount of risk and loss of principal.

Equity Investments. When we invest in secured debt or unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt, we may acquire equity securities from the company in which we make the investment. In addition, we may invest in the equity securities of portfolio companies independent of any debt investment. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of such equity interests and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However, the equity interests we hold may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.

Investing in middle-market companies involves a number of significant risks.

Investing in middle-market companies involves a number of significant risks, including:

 

   

such companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their debt securities that we hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of us realizing any guarantees we may have obtained in connection with our investment;

 

   

such companies typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;

 

   

such companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on our portfolio company and, in turn, on us;

 

   

such companies generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position;

 

   

there is generally little public information about these companies, they and their financial information are not subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and other regulations that govern public companies and we may be unable to uncover all material information about these companies, which may prevent us from making a fully informed investment decision and cause us to lose money on our investments;

 

   

our executive officers, directors and Investment Adviser may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in the portfolio companies; and

 

   

such companies may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness, including any debt securities held by us, upon maturity.

Many of our portfolio securities do not have a readily available market price, and we value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by our Board of Directors, which valuation is inherently subjective and may not reflect what we may actually realize for the sale of the investment.

The majority of our investments are, and are expected to continue to be, in debt instruments that do not have readily ascertainable market prices. The fair value of assets that are not publicly traded or whose market prices are not readily available are determined in good faith under procedures adopted by our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors utilizes the services of independent third-party valuation firms (“Independent Valuation Advisors”) in determining the fair value of a portion of the securities in our portfolio as of each quarter end. Investment professionals from our Investment Adviser also prepare portfolio company valuations using sources and/or proprietary models depending on the availability of information on our assets and the type of asset being valued, all in accordance with our valuation policy. The participation of our Investment Adviser in our valuation process could result in a conflict of interest, since the Management Fee is based in part on our gross assets and also because our Investment Adviser is receiving a performance-based Incentive Fee.

Because fair valuations, and particularly fair valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and are often based to a large extent on estimates, comparisons and qualitative evaluations of private information, it may be more difficult for investors to value accurately our investments and could lead to undervaluation or overvaluation of our common stock. In addition, the valuation of these types of securities may result in substantial write-downs and earnings volatility.

Our NAV as of a particular date may be materially greater than or less than the value that would be realized if our assets were to be liquidated as of such date. For example, if we were required to sell a certain asset or all or a substantial portion of our assets on a particular date, the actual price that we would realize upon the disposition of such asset or assets could be materially less than the value of such asset or assets as reflected in our NAV. Volatile market conditions could also cause reduced liquidity in the market for certain assets, which could result in liquidation values that are materially less than the values of such assets as reflected in our NAV.

 

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The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.

Various restrictions render our investments relatively illiquid, which may adversely affect our business. As we generally make investments in private companies, substantially all of these investments are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or are otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. Our Investment Adviser is not permitted to obtain or use material non-public information in effecting purchases and sales in public securities transactions for us, which could create an additional limitation on the liquidity of our investments. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. Therefore, if we are required to or desire to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments or could be unable to dispose of our investments in a timely manner or at such times as we deem advisable.

Our portfolio may be focused in a limited number of portfolio companies, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies default on their obligations under any of their debt instruments or if there is a downturn in a particular industry.

We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, which means that we are not limited by the Investment Company Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer, excluding limitations on investments in certain other financial and investment companies. To the extent that we assume large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers or industries, our NAV may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the market’s assessment of the issuer. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company. In addition, the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment. Additionally, a downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could significantly affect our aggregate returns. Further, any industry in which we are meaningfully concentrated at any given time could be subject to significant risks that could adversely impact our aggregate returns. . For example, as of December 31, 2019, Health Care Providers & Services, together with Health Care Technology and Health Care Equipment & Supplies, represented 23.1% of our portfolio at fair value. Our investments in Health Care Providers & Services, Health Care Technology and Health Care Equipment & Supplies are subject to substantial risks, including, but not limited to, the risk that the laws and regulations governing the business of health care companies, and interpretations thereof, may change frequently. Current or future laws and regulations could force our portfolio companies engaged in health care, to change their policies related to how they operate, restrict revenue, change costs, change reserve levels and change business practices. In addition, as of December 31, 2019, Software represented 8.2% of our portfolio at fair value. Our investments in Software is subject to substantial risks, including, but not limited to, intense competition, changing technology, shifting user needs, frequent introductions of new products and services, competitors in different industries and ranging from large established companies to emerging startups, decreasing average selling prices of products and services resulting from rapid technological changes, and various legal and regulatory risks.

We may not be in a position to exercise control over our portfolio companies or to prevent decisions by management of our portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments.

We do not generally hold controlling equity positions in our portfolio companies. While we are obligated as a BDC to offer to make managerial assistance available to our portfolio companies, there can be no assurance that management personnel of our portfolio companies will accept or rely on such assistance. To the extent that we do not hold a controlling equity interest in a portfolio company, we are subject to the risk that such portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree, and the stockholders and management of such portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to our interests. Due to the lack of liquidity for the debt and equity investments that we typically hold in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of our investments.

In addition, we may not be in a position to control any portfolio company by investing in its debt securities. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions with which we disagree and the management of such company, as representatives of the holders of their common equity, may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests as debt investors.

We may be subject to risks associated with investments in real estate loans.

Our Investment Adviser, on our behalf, may periodically invest in loans related to real estate and real estate-related assets, and such investments will be subject to the risks inherent to investment in real estate-related assets generally. These risks include, but are not limited to, regional, national and international economic conditions, the supply and demand for properties, the financial resources of tenants, buyers and sellers of properties, changes in building, environmental, zoning and other laws and regulations, changes in real property tax rates, changes in interest rates and the availability of financing, which may render the sale or refinancing of properties difficult or impracticable, environmental liabilities, uninsured losses, acts of God, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, acts of war (declared and undeclared), strikes and other factors which are beyond the control of our Investment Adviser and us.

We may be subject to risks associated with investments in energy companies.

The energy industry has been in a period of disruption and volatility that has been characterized by fluctuations in oil and gas prices and production levels. This disruption and volatility has led to, and future disruptions and volatility may lead to, decreases in the credit quality and performance of our potential debt and equity investments in energy companies, which could, in turn, negatively impact the fair value of our investments in energy companies. Any prolonged decline in oil and gas prices or production levels could adversely impact the ability of our

 

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potential portfolio companies in the energy industry to satisfy financial or operating covenants that may be imposed by us and other lenders or to make payments to us as and when due, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, energy companies are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets in which they operate, which are impacted by numerous factors, including weather, use of renewable fuel sources, natural disasters, governmental regulation and general economic conditions, in addition to the effects of increasing regulation and general operational risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the performance and value of our energy-related investments as well as our cash flows from such investments.

Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio.

Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments, in order to:

 

   

increase or maintain in whole or in part our equity ownership percentage;

 

   

exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or

 

   

attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our investment.

We may elect not to make follow-on investments or may lack sufficient funds to make those investments.

We will have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. The failure to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and our initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful operation. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make a follow-on investment because we may not want to increase our concentration of risk, because we prefer other opportunities or because we are inhibited by compliance with BDC requirements, compliance with covenants contained in our Revolving Credit Facility or compliance with the requirements for maintenance of our RIC status.

Our portfolio companies may prepay loans, which may reduce stated yields in the future if the capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields.

Certain of the loans we make are prepayable at any time, with some prepayable at no premium to par. We cannot predict when such loans may be prepaid. Whether a loan is prepaid will depend both on the continued positive performance of the portfolio company and the existence of favorable financing market conditions that permit such company to replace existing financing with less expensive capital. In periods of rising interest rates, the risk of prepayment of floating rate loans may increase if other financing sources are available. As market conditions change frequently, it is unknown when, and if, this may be possible for each portfolio company. In the case of some of these loans, having the loan prepaid early may reduce the achievable yield for us in the future below the current yield disclosed for our portfolio if the capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields.

Investments in common and preferred equity securities, many of which are illiquid with no readily available market, involve a substantial degree of risk.

Although common stock has historically generated higher average total returns than fixed income securities over the long term, common stock also has experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. Our equity investments may fail to appreciate and may decline in value or become worthless, and our ability to recover our investment will depend on our portfolio company’s success. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including:

 

   

any equity investment we make in a portfolio company could be subject to further dilution as a result of the issuance of additional equity interests and to serious risks as a junior security that will be subordinate to all indebtedness (including trade creditors) or senior securities in the event that the issuer is unable to meet its obligations or becomes subject to a bankruptcy process;

 

   

to the extent that the portfolio company requires additional capital and is unable to obtain it, we may not recover our investment; and

 

   

in some cases, equity securities in which we invest will not pay current dividends, and our ability to realize a return on our investment, as well as to recover our investment, will be dependent on the success of the portfolio company.

Even if the portfolio company is successful, our ability to realize the value of our investment may be dependent on the occurrence of a liquidity event, such as a public offering or the sale of the portfolio company. It is likely to take a significant amount of time before a liquidity event occurs or we can otherwise sell our investment. In addition, the equity securities we receive or invest in may be subject to restrictions on resale during periods in which it could be advantageous to sell them.

There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including:

 

   

preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If we own a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, we may be required to report income for tax purposes before we receive such distributions;

 

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preferred securities are subordinated to debt in terms of priority to income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than debt;

 

   

preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stock or U.S. government securities; and

 

   

generally, preferred security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company, subject to limited exceptions.

Additionally, when we invest in debt securities, we may acquire warrants or other equity securities as well. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of such equity interests and realize gains upon our disposition of such interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.

We may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the equity securities of investment funds that are operating pursuant to certain exceptions to the Investment Company Act and, to the extent we so invest, will bear our ratable share of any such company’s expenses, including management and performance fees. We will also remain obligated to pay the Management Fee and Incentive Fee to our Investment Adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of such companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our common stockholders will bear his or her share of the Management Fee and Incentive Fee due to our Investment Adviser as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any such investment funds or advisers.

By originating loans to companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, we may be exposed to distressed lending risks.

As part of our lending activities, we may originate loans to companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation proceedings. Although the terms of such financing may result in significant financial returns to us, they involve a substantial degree of risk. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful financing to companies experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. There is no assurance that we will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing our loans or the prospects for a successful reorganization or similar action. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a company that we fund, we may lose all or part of the amounts advanced to the borrower or may be required to accept collateral with a value less than the amount of the loan advanced by us to the borrower.

We may be exposed to special risks associated with bankruptcy cases.

Many of the events within a bankruptcy case are adversarial and often beyond the control of the creditors. While creditors generally are afforded an opportunity to object to significant actions, there can be no assurance that a bankruptcy court would not approve actions that may be contrary to our interests. Furthermore, there are instances where creditors can lose their ranking and priority if they are considered to have taken over management of a borrower.

The reorganization of a company can involve substantial legal, professional and administrative costs to a lender and the borrower; it is subject to unpredictable and lengthy delays; and during the process a company’s competitive position may erode, key management may depart and a company may not be able to invest its capital adequately. In some cases, the debtor company may not be able to reorganize and may be required to liquidate assets. The debt of companies in financial reorganization will, in most cases, not pay current interest, may not accrue interest during reorganization and may be adversely affected by an erosion of the issuer’s fundamental value.

In addition, lenders can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them where they become too involved in the borrower’s business or exercise control over the borrower. For example, we could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, if, among other things, the borrower requests significant managerial assistance from us and we provide such assistance as contemplated by the Investment Company Act.

Declines in market prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets can result in significant net unrealized depreciation of our portfolio, which in turn would affect our results of operations.

As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by our Board of Directors. We may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of our investments: the enterprise value of a portfolio company (the entire value of the portfolio company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow (taking into consideration current market interest rates and credit spreads), the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to similar publicly traded securities and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). As a result, volatility in the capital markets can also adversely affect our investment valuations. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio can reduce our NAV by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer unrealized losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Economic recessions or downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.

Our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic downturns or recessions and may be unable to repay our loans during these periods. Therefore, during these periods our non-performing assets may increase and the value of our portfolio may decrease if we are required to write down the values of our investments. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.

A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on the portfolio company’s assets representing collateral for its obligations. This could trigger cross defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt that we hold and the value of any equity securities we own. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company.

Our portfolio companies may have incurred or issued, or may in the future incur or issue, debt or equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies, which could have an adverse effect on us in any liquidation of the portfolio company.

Our portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt, or issue other equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments. By their terms, such instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of dividends, interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of our investments. These debt instruments would usually prohibit the portfolio companies from paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event and during the continuance of a default under such debt. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of securities ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company typically are entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. After repaying such holders, the portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of securities ranking equally with our investments, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other security holders in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.

Additionally, certain loans that we make to portfolio companies may be secured on a second priority basis by the same collateral securing senior secured debt, which will be secured on a first priority basis. The first priority liens on the collateral will secure the portfolio company’s obligations under any outstanding senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under the agreements governing the loans. The holders of obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral will generally control the liquidation of and be entitled to receive proceeds from any realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from the sale or sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the first priority liens. If such proceeds are not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against the portfolio company’s remaining assets, if any.

The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing any junior priority loans we make to our portfolio companies may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an intercreditor agreement, at any time that senior obligations are outstanding, we may forfeit certain rights with respect to the collateral to the holders of the senior obligations. These rights may include the right to commence enforcement proceedings against the collateral, the right to control the conduct of such enforcement proceedings, the right to approve amendments to collateral documents, the right to release liens on the collateral and the right to waive past defaults under collateral documents. We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if our rights as junior lenders are adversely affected. In addition, a bankruptcy court may choose not to enforce an intercreditor agreement or other arrangement with creditors. Similar risks to the foregoing may apply where we hold the last-out piece of a unitranche loan.

We may also make unsecured loans to portfolio companies, meaning that such loans will not benefit from any interest in collateral of such companies. Liens on such portfolio companies’ collateral, if any, will secure the portfolio company’s obligations under its outstanding secured debt and may secure certain future debt that is permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under its secured loan agreements. The holders of obligations secured by such liens will generally control the liquidation of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of such collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of such collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of such collateral would be sufficient to satisfy our unsecured loan obligations after payment in full of all secured loan obligations. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay the outstanding secured loan obligations, then our unsecured claims would rank equally with the unpaid portion of such secured creditors’ claims against the portfolio company’s remaining assets, if any.

Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged.

Some of our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged, which may have adverse consequences to these companies and to us as an investor. These companies may be subject to restrictive financial and operating covenants and the leverage may impair these companies’ ability to finance their future operations and capital needs. As a result, these companies’ flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to take advantage of business opportunities may be limited. Further, a leveraged company’s income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money were not used.

 

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Our investments in non-U.S. companies may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.

Our investment strategy contemplates potential investments in securities of non-U.S. companies to the extent permissible under the Investment Company Act. Investing in non-U.S. companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of non-U.S. taxes (potentially at confiscatory levels), less liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. These risks are likely to be more pronounced for investments in companies located in emerging markets and particularly for middle-market companies in these economies.

Although most of our investments are denominated in U.S. dollars, our investments that are denominated in a non-U.S. currency will be subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to the U.S. dollar. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation and political developments. We may employ hedging techniques to minimize these risks, but we cannot assure you that such strategies will be effective or without risk to us.

We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.

Subject to applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act and applicable CFTC regulations, we may enter into hedging transactions in a manner consistent with SEC guidance, which may expose us to risks associated with such transactions. Such hedging may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Use of these hedging instruments may include counter-party credit risk.

Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, it may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price.

The success of any hedging transactions we may enter into will depend on our ability to correctly predict movements in currencies and interest rates. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce currency exchange rate and interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in currency exchange rates or interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged may vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to (or be able to) establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations. See also “—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates.”

We may form one or more CLOs, which may subject us to certain structured financing risks.

To the extent permissible under risk retention rules adopted pursuant to Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act and applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, to finance investments, we may securitize certain of our investments, including through the formation of one or more CLOs, while retaining all or most of the exposure to the performance of these investments. This would involve contributing a pool of assets to a special purpose entity, and selling debt interests in such entity on a non-recourse or limited-recourse basis to purchasers. Any interest in any such CLO held by us may be considered a “non-qualifying asset” for purposes of Section 55 of the Investment Company Act.

If we create a CLO, we will depend on distributions from the CLO’s assets out of its earnings and cash flows to enable us to make distributions to our stockholders. The ability of a CLO to make distributions will be subject to various limitations, including the terms and covenants of the debt it issues. For example, tests (based on interest coverage or other financial ratios or other criteria) may restrict our ability, as holder of a CLO’s equity interests, to receive cash flow from these investments. There is no assurance any such performance tests will be satisfied. Also, a CLO may take actions that delay distributions in order to preserve ratings and to keep the cost of present and future financings lower or the CLO may be obligated to retain cash or other assets to satisfy over-collateralization requirements commonly provided for holders of the CLO’s debt. As a result, there may be a lag, which could be significant, between the repayment or other realization on a loan or other assets in, and the distribution of cash out of, a CLO, or cash flow may be completely restricted for the life of the CLO. If we do not receive cash flow from any such CLO that is necessary to satisfy the annual distribution requirement for maintaining our RIC status, and we are unable to obtain cash from other sources necessary to satisfy this requirement, we could fail to maintain our status as a RIC, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.

 

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In addition, a decline in the credit quality of loans in a CLO due to poor operating results of the relevant borrower, declines in the value of loan collateral or increases in defaults, among other things, may force a CLO to sell certain assets at a loss, reducing their earnings and, in turn, cash potentially available for distribution to us for distribution to our stockholders.

To the extent that any losses are incurred by the CLO in respect of any collateral, such losses will be borne first by us as owner of equity interests. Finally, any equity interests that we retain in a CLO will not be secured by the assets of the CLO and we will rank behind all creditors of the CLO.

Risks Relating to Our Securities

Investing in our securities involves an above average degree of risk.

The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and aggressive, and therefore an investment in our securities may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.

The market price of our securities may fluctuate significantly.

The market price and liquidity of the market for our securities may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include:

 

   

significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of BDCs or other companies in our sector, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;

 

   

price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;

 

   

the inclusion or exclusion of our securities from certain indices;

 

   

changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs;

 

   

any loss of RIC or BDC status;

 

   

changes in earnings or perceived changes or variations in operating results;

 

   

changes or perceived changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;

 

   

changes in accounting guidelines governing valuation of our investments;

 

   

any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;

 

   

the inability of our Investment Adviser to employ additional experienced investment professionals or the departure of any of our Investment Adviser’s key personnel;

 

   

short-selling pressure with respect to shares of our common stock or BDCs generally;

 

   

future sales of our securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock or the conversion of such securities;

 

   

uncertainty surrounding the strength of the U.S. economic recovery;

 

   

concerns regarding European sovereign debt;

 

   

operating performance of companies comparable to us;

 

   

general economic trends and other external factors; and

 

   

loss of a major funding source.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. If our stock price fluctuates significantly, we may be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.

Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount to their NAV per share.

We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock will trade. Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount from their NAV and our common stock may also be discounted in the market. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV per share of common stock may decline. We cannot predict whether our common stock will trade at, above or below NAV. In addition, if our common stock trades below its NAV, we will generally not be able to sell additional shares of our common stock to the public at its market price without first obtaining the approval of a majority of our stockholders (including a majority of our unaffiliated stockholders) and our Independent Directors for such issuance.

 

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Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, the availability of such common stock for sale (including as a result of the conversion of our 4.50% Convertible Notes due 2022 (the “Convertible Notes”) into common stock) or the perception that such sales could occur could materially adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock. Both the sale of a substantial amount of our securities and the perception that such sales could occur could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities should we desire to do so. Additionally, as an owner of approximately 16.06% of our common stock as of December 31, 2019, Group Inc. is a significant stockholder that may decide to sell a substantial amount of its common stock, subject to applicable securities laws, and such a sale would exacerbate the effects described above.

Our stockholders may experience dilution upon the conversion of our Convertible Notes.

Our Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock beginning on October 1, 2021 or, under certain circumstances, earlier. Upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, we have the choice to pay or deliver, as the case may be, at our election, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. The initial conversion price of the Convertible Notes is $24.49, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. If we elect to deliver shares of common stock upon a conversion at the time our NAV per share exceeds the conversion price in effect at such time, our stockholders may incur dilution. In addition, our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of common stock upon our issuance of common stock in connection with the conversion of the Convertible Notes and any dividends paid on our common stock will also be paid on shares issued in connection with such conversion after such issuance.

Our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan.

We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan pursuant to which we reinvest all cash distributions declared by the Board of Directors on behalf of investors who do not elect to receive their distributions in cash. As a result, if the Board of Directors declares a cash distribution, then our stockholders who have not opted out of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distribution. See “Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Distributions” and “Item 1. Business—Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for a description of our distribution policy and obligations.

If, on the payment date for any distribution, the most recently computed NAV per share is equal to or less than the closing market price plus estimated per share fees (which include any applicable brokerage commissions the plan agent is required to pay), the plan agent will invest the distribution amount in newly issued shares on behalf of the participants. The number of newly issued shares to be credited to a participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the distribution by the most recently computed NAV per share provided that, if the NAV is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per share, the dollar amount of the distribution will be divided by 95% of the market price on the payment date. Accordingly, participants in the dividend reinvestment plan may receive a greater number shares of our common stock than the number of shares associated with the market price of our common stock, resulting in dilution for other stockholders. Stockholders that opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time. See “Item 1. Business—Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

Our stockholders that do not opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan should generally expect to have current tax liabilities without receiving cash to pay such liabilities.

Under our dividend reinvestment plan, if we declare a cash distribution, our stockholders who have not elected to “opt out” will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distributions. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of our common stock generally are subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash; however, since their distributions will be reinvested, those stockholders will not receive cash with which to pay any applicable taxes on such reinvested distributions. As a result, stockholders that have not opted out of our dividend reinvestment plan may have to use funds from other sources to pay any tax liabilities imposed upon them based on the value of the common stock received. See “Item 1. Business—Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

We may in the future determine to issue preferred stock, which could adversely affect the market value of our common stock.

The issuance of shares of preferred stock with dividend or conversion rights, liquidation preferences or other economic terms favorable to the holders of preferred stock could adversely affect the market price for our common stock by making an investment in the common stock less attractive. In addition, the dividends on any preferred stock we issue must be cumulative. Payment of dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of preferred stock must take preference over any distributions or other payments to our common stockholders, and holders of preferred stock are not subject to any of our expenses or losses and are not entitled to participate in any income or appreciation in excess of their stated preference (other than convertible preferred stock that converts into common stock). In addition, under the Investment Company Act, participating preferred stock and preferred stock constitutes a “senior security” for purposes of the 150% asset coverage test. See “—Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. These constraints may hinder our Investment Adviser’s ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.”

 

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Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), as well as other aspects of our structure, including the substantial ownership interest of Group Inc., could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as the DGCL, contain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us. Among other things, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws:

 

   

provide that our Board of Directors is classified, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our Board of Directors;

 

   

do not provide for cumulative voting;

 

   

provide that vacancies on our Board of Directors, including newly created directorships, may be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;

 

   

provide that our directors may be removed only for cause, and only by a supermajority vote of the stockholders entitled to elect such directors;

 

   

provide that stockholders may only take action at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and may not act by written consent;

 

   

restrict stockholders’ ability to call special meetings;

 

   

require a supermajority vote of stockholders to effect certain amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws; and

 

   

require stockholders to provide advance notice of new business proposals and director nominations under specific procedures.

We have provisions comparable to those of Section 203 of the DGCL (other than with respect to Group Inc. and its affiliates and certain of its or their direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party). These provisions generally prohibit us from engaging in mergers, business combinations and certain other types of transactions with “interested stockholders” (generally defined as persons or entities that beneficially own 15% or more of our voting stock), other than the exempt parties as described above, for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder unless, prior to such stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, our Board of Directors has approved the “business combination” that would otherwise be restricted or the transaction that resulted in the interested stockholder becoming an interested stockholder or the subsequent transaction with the interested stockholder has been approved by our Board of Directors and 662/3% of our outstanding voting stock (other than voting stock owned by the interested stockholder). Such provisions may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer.

These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change of control in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price for the common stock. In addition, certain aspects of our structure, including the substantial ownership interest of Group Inc., may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us.

We may not be able to pay you distributions on our common stock or preferred stock, our distributions to you may not grow over time and a portion of our distributions to you may be a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

We intend to pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. If we are unable to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, or if we violate certain covenants under our Revolving Credit Facility and other debt financing agreements, our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders could be limited. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, financial condition, maintenance of our RIC status, compliance with applicable BDC regulations, compliance with covenants under our Revolving Credit Facility and other debt financing agreements and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time.

The distributions we pay to our stockholders in a year may exceed our net ordinary income and capital gains for that year and, accordingly, a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes that would reduce a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock or preferred stock and correspondingly increase such stockholder’s gain, or reduce such stockholder’s loss, on disposition of such shares. Distributions in excess of a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock or preferred stock will generally constitute capital gains to such stockholder.

Stockholders who periodically receive the payment of a distribution from a RIC consisting of a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be under the impression that they are receiving a distribution of the RIC’s net ordinary income or capital gains when they are not. Accordingly, stockholders should read carefully any written disclosure accompanying a distribution from us and the information about the specific tax characteristics of our distributions provided to stockholders after the end of each calendar year, and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our net ordinary income or capital gains.

 

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The tax treatment of a non-U.S. stockholder in its jurisdiction of tax residence will depend entirely on the laws of such jurisdiction, and may vary considerably from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Depending on (i) the laws of such non-U.S. stockholder’s jurisdiction of tax residence, (ii) how we are treated in such jurisdiction, and (iii) our activities, an investment in us could result in such non-U.S. stockholder recognizing adverse tax consequences in its jurisdiction of tax residence, including with respect to any generally required or additional tax filings and/or additional disclosure required in such filings in relation to the treatment for tax purposes in the relevant jurisdiction of an interest in us and/or of distributions from us and any uncertainties arising in that respect (our not being established under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction), the possibility of taxable income significantly in excess of cash distributed to a non-U.S. stockholder, and possibly in excess of our actual economic income, the possibilities of losing deductions or the ability to utilize tax basis and of sums invested being returned in the form of taxable income or gains, and the possibility of being subject to tax at unfavorable tax rates. A non-U.S. stockholder may also be subject to restrictions on the use of its share of our deductions and losses in its jurisdiction of tax residence. Each prospective investor is urged to consult its own tax advisors with respect to the tax and tax filing consequences, if any, in its jurisdiction of tax residence of an investment in us, as well as any other jurisdiction in which such prospective investor is subject to taxation.

We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will include in our taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as OID or accruals on a contingent payment debt instrument, which may occur if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan, or possibly in other circumstances, or contracted PIK interest, which generally represents contractual interest added to the loan balance and due at the end of the loan term. Such OID, which could be significant relative to our overall investment assets, and increases in loan balances as a result of PIK interest will be included in our taxable income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in our taxable income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash. The credit risk associated with the collectability of deferred payments may be increased as and when a portfolio company increases the amount of interest on which it is deferring cash payment through deferred interest features. Our investments with a deferred interest feature may represent a higher credit risk than loans for which interest must be paid in full in cash on a regular basis. For example, even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual collection is scheduled to occur upon maturity of the obligation.

Because in certain cases we may recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty making distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to meet the annual distribution requirement necessary for us to maintain our status as a RIC. Accordingly, we may need to sell some of our assets at times and/or at prices that we would not consider advantageous, we may need to raise additional equity or debt capital or we may need to forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business (or be unable to take actions that are advantageous to our business) to enable us to make distributions to our stockholders that will be sufficient to enable us to meet the annual distribution requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources to meet the annual distribution requirement, we may fail to qualify for the U.S. federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (and any applicable U.S. state and local taxes).

Our stockholders may receive shares of our common stock or preferred stock as distributions, which could result in adverse tax consequences to them.

In order to satisfy the annual distribution requirement applicable to RICs, we will have the ability to declare a large portion of a distribution in shares of our common stock or preferred stock instead of in cash. We are not subject to restrictions on the circumstances in which we may declare a portion of a distribution in shares of our stock but would generally anticipate doing so only in unusual situations, such as, for example, if we do not have sufficient cash to meet our RIC distribution requirements under the Code. Generally, were we to declare such a distribution, we would allow stockholders to elect payment in cash and/or shares of our stock of equivalent value, with a percentage limitation on the portion of the total distribution available to be received in cash. Under published IRS guidance, the entire distribution will generally be treated as a taxable distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and count towards our RIC distribution requirements under the Code, if certain conditions are satisfied. Among other things, the aggregate amount of cash available to be distributed to all stockholders is required to be at least 20% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, the cash available for distribution is required to be allocated among the stockholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock) under a formula provided in the applicable IRS guidance. The number of shares of our stock distributed would thus depend on the applicable percentage limitation on cash available for distribution, the stockholders’ individual elections to receive cash or stock, and the value of the shares of our stock. Each stockholder generally would be treated as having received a taxable distribution (including for purposes of the withholding tax rules applicable to a Non-U.S. stockholder) on the date the distribution is received in an amount equal to the cash that such stockholder would have received if the entire distribution had been paid in cash, even if the stockholder received all or most of the distribution in shares of our common stock or preferred stock. We currently do not intend to pay distributions in shares of our common stock or preferred stock, but there can be no assurance that we will not do so in the future.

If we are not treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company,” as defined in the Code, U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates will be taxed as though they received a distribution of some of our expenses.

We expect to be treated as a “publicly offered regulated investment company” as a result of either (i) shares of our common stock being held by at least 500 persons at all times during a taxable year or (ii) shares of our common stock being treated as regularly traded on an established securities market. However, we cannot assure you that we will be treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for all years. If we are not treated as a publicly offered regulated investment company for any calendar year, each U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate will be treated as having received a dividend from us in the amount of such U.S. stockholder’s allocable share of the management and incentive fees paid to our Investment Adviser and certain of our other expenses for the calendar year, and these fees and

 

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expenses will be treated as miscellaneous itemized deductions of such U.S. stockholder. Miscellaneous itemized deductions of a U.S. stockholder that is an individual, trust or estate are disallowed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for tax years beginning before January 1, 2026 and thereafter generally are (i) deductible by such U.S. stockholders only to the extent that the aggregate of such U.S. stockholder’s miscellaneous itemized deductions exceeds 2% of such U.S. stockholder’s adjusted gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (ii) not deductible for purposes of the alternative minimum tax and (iii) are subject to the overall limitation on itemized deductions under the Code.

Non-U.S. stockholders may be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax on dividends we pay.

Distributions of our “investment company taxable income” to a non-U.S. stockholder that are not effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States will generally be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty) to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits.

Certain properly reported dividends are generally exempt from withholding of U.S. federal income tax where they are paid in respect of our (i) “qualified net interest income” (generally, our U.S.-source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which we or the non-U.S. stockholder are at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of our net short-term capital gain over our net long-term capital loss for such taxable year), and certain other requirements are satisfied.

NO ASSURANCE CAN BE GIVEN AS TO WHETHER ANY OF OUR DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS EXEMPTION FROM WITHHOLDING OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX. IN PARTICULAR, THIS EXEMPTION WILL NOT APPLY TO OUR DISTRIBUTIONS PAID IN RESPECT OF OUR NON-U.S. SOURCE INTEREST INCOME OR OUR DIVIDEND INCOME (OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF INCOME OTHER THAN GENERALLY OUR NON-CONTINGENT U.S. SOURCE INTEREST INCOME RECEIVED FROM UNRELATED OBLIGORS AND OUR QUALIFIED SHORT-TERM CAPITAL GAINS). IN THE CASE OF OUR COMMON STOCK OR PREFERRED STOCK HELD THROUGH AN INTERMEDIARY, THE INTERMEDIARY MAY WITHHOLD U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX EVEN IF WE REPORT THE PAYMENT AS QUALIFIED NET INTEREST INCOME OR QUALIFIED SHORT-TERM CAPITAL GAIN.

Purchases of our common stock pursuant to the Company’s 10b5-1 Plan (the “Company 10b5-1 Plan”) or otherwise may result in the price of our common stock being higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market.

We are authorized to purchase up to $25.00 million of shares of our common stock if the stock trades below the most recently announced NAV per share (including any updates, corrections or adjustments publicly announced by us to any previously announced NAV per share), subject to certain limitations, until March 18, 2019. Any such purchases will be conducted in accordance with applicable securities laws. Whether purchases will be made under the Company 10b5-1 Plan or otherwise and how much will be purchased at any time is uncertain, dependent on prevailing market prices and trading volumes, all of which we cannot predict. These activities may have the effect of maintaining the market price of our common stock or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock, and, as a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The Company 10b5-1 Plan was temporarily suspended on December 9, 2019 and remains suspended as of February 20, 2020.

Purchases of our common stock by us under the Company 10b5-1 Plan or otherwise may result in dilution to our NAV per share.

We are authorized to repurchase shares of common stock when the market price per share is below the most recently reported NAV per share (including any updates, corrections or adjustments publicly announced by us to any previously announced NAV per share), including under the Company 10b5-1 Plan. Because purchases may be made beginning at any price below our most recently reported NAV per share, if our NAV per share decreases after the date as of which NAV per share was last reported, such purchases may result in dilution to our NAV per share. This dilution would occur because we would repurchase shares at a price above the then-current NAV per share, which would cause a proportionately smaller increase in our stockholders’ interest in our earnings and assets and their voting interest in us than the decrease in our assets resulting from such repurchase. As a result of any such dilution, our market price per share may decline. The actual dilutive effect will depend on the number of shares of common stock that could be so repurchased, the price and the timing of any repurchases. The Company 10b5-1 Plan was temporarily suspended on December 9, 2019 and remains suspended as of February 20, 2020.

To the extent OID and PIK interest constitute a portion of our income, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with such income being required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash representing such income.

Our investments may include OID instruments and PIK, interest arrangements, which represents contractual interest added to a loan balance and due at the end of such loan’s term. To the extent OID or PIK interest constitute a portion of our income, we are exposed to typical risks associated with such income being required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash, including the following:

 

   

The higher interest rates of OID and PIK instruments reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with these instruments, and OID and PIK instruments generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans.

 

   

Even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual collection is supposed to occur at the maturity of the obligation.

 

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OID and PIK instruments may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require continuing judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. OID and PIK income may also create uncertainty about the source of our cash distributions.

 

   

For accounting purposes, any cash distributions to shareholders representing OID and PIK income are not treated as coming from paid-in capital, even if the cash to pay them comes from offering proceeds. As a result, despite the fact that a distribution representing OID and PIK income could be paid out of amounts invested by our stockholders, the Investment Company Act does not require that stockholders be given notice of this fact by reporting it as a return of capital.

Terms relating to redemption may materially adversely affect your return on any debt securities that we may issue.

If our noteholders’ debt securities are redeemable at our option, we may choose to redeem your debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on your debt securities. In addition, if our noteholders’ debt securities are subject to mandatory redemption, we may be required to redeem such debt securities also at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on such debt securities. In this circumstance, a noteholder may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as the debt securities being redeemed.

Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in our debt securities.

Our credit ratings are an assessment by third parties of our ability to pay our obligations. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of our debt securities. Our credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential impact of risks related to market conditions generally or other factors discussed above on the market value of or trading market for the publicly issued debt securities.

Holders of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of the board of directors and class voting rights on certain matters.

Holders of any preferred stock we might issue, voting separately as a single class, would have the right to elect two members of the board of directors at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears would have the right to elect a majority of the directors until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred stockholders have class voting rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock and preferred stock, both by the Investment Company Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies or the terms of our credit facilities, might impair our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. While we would intend to redeem our preferred stock to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain our qualification as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.

There is a risk that investors in our equity securities may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time and that investors in our debt securities may not receive all of the interest income to which they are entitled.

We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may in the future be limited in our ability to make distributions. Also, our Revolving Credit Facility may limit our ability to declare dividends if we default under certain provisions or fail to satisfy certain other conditions. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including possible loss of the tax benefits available to us as a RIC. In addition, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and tax rules, we include in income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as contractual PIK interest, which represents contractual interest added to the loan balance that becomes due at the end of the loan term, or the accrual of original issue or market discount. Since we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the requirement to distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income to obtain tax benefits as a RIC.

We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income for a calendar year unless we distribute in a timely manner 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 gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years. We will not be subject to excise taxes on amounts on which we are required to pay corporate income taxes (such as retained net capital gains).

Finally, if more stockholders opt to receive cash distributions rather than participate in our dividend reinvestment plan, we may be forced to liquidate some of our investments and raise cash in order to make cash distribution payments.

 

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If you do not fully exercise your subscription rights in any rights offering of our common stock, your interest in us may be diluted and, if the subscription price is less than our NAV per share, you may experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate NAV of your shares.

In the event we issue subscription rights to acquire shares of our common stock, stockholders who do not fully exercise their subscription rights should expect that they will, at the completion of the rights offering, own a smaller proportional interest in us than would be the case if they fully exercised their rights.

In addition, if the subscription price is less than the NAV per share of our common stock, a stockholder who does not fully exercise its subscription rights may experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate NAV of its shares as a result of the offering.

We would not be able to state the amount of any such dilution prior to knowing the results of the offering. Such dilution could be substantial.

Risks Relating to the Merger

Sales of shares of GS BDC Common Stock after the completion of the Merger may cause the market price of GS BDC Common Stock to decline.

Based on the number of outstanding shares of GS MMLC common stock (“GS MMLC Common Stock”) as of December 6, 2019, GS BDC would issue approximately 49.2 million shares of GS BDC common stock (“GS BDC Common Stock”) to the GS MMLC stockholders who acquire shares of GS BDC Common Stock in the Merger (each, an “Affected Stockholder”) pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Subject to compliance with the lock-up provisions of the amended and restated charter of GS BDC (the “Amended and Restated GS BDC Charter”), the Affected Stockholders may decide not to hold the shares of GS BDC Common Stock that they will receive pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Without the prior consent of the board of directors of GS BDC (the “GS BDC Board”):

 

 

for 90 days following the date of filing of the Amended and Restated GS BDC Charter (the “Filing Date”), an Affected Stockholder is not permitted to transfer (whether by sale, gift, merger, by operation of law or otherwise), assign, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or encumber any shares of GS BDC Common Stock acquired by the Affected Stockholder in connection with the Merger Agreement;

 

 

for 180 days following the Filing Date, an Affected Stockholder is not permitted to transfer (whether by sale, gift, merger, by operation of law or otherwise), assign, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or encumber two-thirds of the shares of GS BDC Common Stock acquired by the Affected Stockholder in connection with the Merger Agreement; and

 

 

for 270 days following the Filing Date, an Affected Stockholder is not permitted to transfer (whether by sale, gift, merger, by operation of law or otherwise), assign, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or encumber one-third of the shares of GS BDC Common Stock acquired by the Affected Stockholder in connection with the Merger Agreement.

Following the closing of the Merger and the expiration of applicable lock-up periods, subject to applicable securities laws, sales of substantial amounts of shares of GS BDC Common Stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for GS BDC Common Stock. If this occurs, it could impair GS BDC’s ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities should it desire to do so. GS BDC cannot predict what effect, if any, future sales of securities, or the availability of securities for future sales, will have on the market price of GS BDC Common Stock prevailing from time to time.

In addition, certain GS MMLC stockholders, such as funds with limitations on their permitted holdings of stock in individual issuers, may be required to sell the shares of GS BDC Common Stock that they receive pursuant to the Merger Agreement. In addition, GS BDC stockholders may decide not to hold their shares of GS BDC Common Stock after completion of the Merger. In each case, such sales of GS BDC Common Stock could have the effect of depressing the market price for GS BDC Common Stock and may take place promptly following the completion of the Merger and, to the extent applicable, the expiration of the relevant lock-up periods.

GS BDC stockholders will experience a reduction in percentage ownership and voting power in the combined company as a result of the Merger.

GS BDC stockholders will experience a substantial reduction in their percentage ownership interests and effective voting power in respect of the combined company relative to their percentage ownership interests in GS BDC prior to the Merger. Consequently, GS BDC stockholders should expect to exercise less influence over the management and policies of the combined company following the Merger than they currently exercise over the management and policies of GS BDC.

 

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If the Merger were consummated as of December 6, 2019, based on the pro forma number of shares of GS BDC Common Stock to be issued and outstanding on the Closing Date, GS BDC stockholders would own approximately 45.1% of the outstanding GS BDC Common Stock and GS MMLC stockholders would own approximately 54.9% of the outstanding GS BDC Common Stock. In addition, prior to completion of the Merger, subject to certain restrictions in the Merger Agreement, GS BDC and GS MMLC may each issue additional shares of GS BDC Common Stock and GS MMLC Common Stock, respectively, which would further reduce the percentage ownership of the combined company to be held by current GS BDC stockholders. After completion of the Merger, GS BDC may issue additional shares of GS BDC Common Stock at prices below GS BDC Common Stock’s then-current NAV per share, subject to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act, including stockholder approval of such issuance. The issuance or sale by GS BDC of shares of GS BDC Common Stock at a discount to NAV poses a risk of dilution to stockholders.

GS BDC may be unable to realize the benefits anticipated by the Merger, including estimated cost savings, or it may take longer than anticipated to achieve such benefits.

The realization of certain benefits anticipated as a result of the Merger will depend in part on the integration of GS MMLC’s investment portfolio with GS BDC’s and the integration of GS MMLC’s business with GS BDC’s. There can be no assurance that GS MMLC’s investment portfolio or business can be operated profitably or integrated successfully into GS BDC’s operations in a timely fashion or at all. The dedication of management resources to such integration may detract attention from the day-to-day business of the combined company and there can be no assurance that there will not be substantial costs associated with the transition process or there will not be other material adverse effects as a result of these integration efforts. Such effects, including, but not limited to, incurring unexpected costs or delays in connection with such integration and failure of GS MMLC’s investment portfolio to perform as expected, could have a material adverse effect on the financial results of the combined company.

GS BDC also expects to achieve certain cost savings from the Merger when the two companies have fully integrated their portfolios. It is possible that the estimates of the potential cost savings could ultimately be incorrect. The cost savings estimates also assume GS BDC will be able to combine the operations of GS BDC and GS MMLC in a manner that permits those cost savings to be fully realized. If the estimates turn out to be incorrect or if GS BDC is not able to successfully combine GS MMLC’s investment portfolio or business with the operations of GS BDC, the anticipated cost savings may not be fully realized or realized at all or may take longer to realize than expected.

The Merger may trigger certain “change of control” provisions and other restrictions in contracts of GS BDC, GS MMLC or their affiliates and the failure to obtain any required consents or waivers could adversely impact the combined company.

Certain agreements of GS BDC and GS MMLC or their affiliates, which may include agreements governing indebtedness of GS BDC or GS MMLC, will or may require the consent or waiver of one or more counterparties in connection with the Merger. The failure to obtain any such consent or waiver may permit such counterparties to terminate, or otherwise increase their rights or GS BDC’s or GS MMLC’s obligations under, any such agreement because the Merger or other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement may violate an anti-assignment, change of control or similar provision relating to any of such transactions. If this occurs, GS BDC may have to seek to replace that agreement with a new agreement or seek an amendment to such agreement. GS BDC cannot assure you that GS BDC will be able to replace or amend any such agreement on comparable terms or at all. If these types of provisions are triggered in agreements governing indebtedness of GS BDC or GS MMLC, the lender or holder of the debt instrument could accelerate repayment under such indebtedness and negatively affect GS BDC’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

If any such agreement is material, the failure to obtain consents, amendments or waivers under, or to replace on similar terms or at all, any of these agreements could adversely affect the financial performance or results of operations of the combined company following the Merger, including preventing GS BDC from operating a material part of GS MMLC’s business.

In addition, the consummation of the Merger may violate, conflict with, result in a breach of provisions of, or the loss of any benefit under, constitute a default (or an event that, with or without notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the termination, cancellation, acceleration or other change of any right or obligation (including any payment obligation) under, certain agreements of GS BDC or GS MMLC. Any such violation, conflict, breach, loss, default or other effect could, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, assets or business of the combined company following completion of the Merger.

 

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The opinion delivered to the GS BDC Special Committee from the financial advisor to the GS BDC Special Committee will not reflect changes in circumstances between signing the Merger Agreement and completion of the Merger.

The special committee of GS BDC (the “GS BDC Special Committee”) has not obtained an updated opinion as of the date of this report from the financial advisor to the GS BDC Special Committee, and does not anticipate obtaining an updated opinion prior to the closing date of the Merger. Changes in the operations and prospects of GS BDC, general market and economic conditions and other factors that may be beyond the control of GS BDC, and on which its financial advisor’s opinion was based, may significantly alter the value of GS MMLC or the price of shares of GS BDC Common Stock by the time the Merger is completed. The opinion does not speak as of the time the Merger will be completed or as of any date other than the date of such opinion. Because the GS BDC Special Committee does not anticipate asking its financial advisor to update its opinion, the opinion will not address the fairness from a financial point of view of the Exchange Ratio at the time the Merger is completed.

If the Merger does not close, GS BDC will not benefit from the expenses incurred in its pursuit.

The Merger may not be completed. If the Merger is not completed, GS BDC will have incurred substantial expenses for which no ultimate benefit will have been received. GS BDC has incurred out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the Merger for investment banking, legal and accounting fees and financial printing and other related charges, much of which will be incurred even if the Merger is not completed.

The termination of the Merger Agreement could negatively impact GS BDC.

If the Merger Agreement is terminated, there may be various consequences, including:

 

 

GS BDC’s business may have been adversely impacted by the failure to pursue other beneficial opportunities due to the focus of management on the Merger, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the Merger;

 

 

the market price of GS BDC Common Stock might decline to the extent that the market price prior to termination reflects a market assumption that the Merger will be completed; and

 

 

the payment of any termination fee, if required under the circumstances, could adversely affect the financial condition and liquidity of GS BDC.

Under certain circumstances, GS BDC is obligated to pay (or cause a third party to pay) to GS MMLC a termination fee upon termination of the Merger Agreement.

No assurance can be given that the Merger will be completed. The Merger Agreement provides for the payment, subject to applicable law, by GS BDC (or a third party), of a termination fee of $20.5 million to GS MMLC, if the Merger Agreement is terminated by GS BDC under certain circumstances, including if (i) the GS BDC Board has changed its recommendation in favor of the proposals for its respective stockholders set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus, and/or has approved an alternative takeover proposal; GS BDC fails to recommend that its stockholders vote in favor of the proposals for its stockholders set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus; a takeover proposal by a third party is announced and the GS BDC Board fails to reaffirm its recommendation that its stockholders vote in favor of the proposals for its stockholders set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus; or a tender or exchange offer for GS BDC Common Stock is initiated by a third party and the GS BDC Board does not recommend rejection of such tender or exchange offer; (ii) GS BDC materially breaches any of its obligations relating to the solicitation and administration of takeover proposals from third parties; or (iii) (1) the Merger is not completed by December 9, 2020, the GS BDC stockholders do not approve the applicable proposals set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus, at the respective special meeting, or GS BDC willfully or intentionally breaches its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements in the Merger Agreement, (2) an alternative takeover proposal of GS BDC is disclosed after the date of the Merger Agreement and (3) GS BDC enters into an agreement with respect to such takeover proposal within twelve (12) months after the Merger Agreement is terminated and such takeover is subsequently completed, subject to applicable law. GS MMLC will be the entity entitled to receive any termination fee under the Merger Agreement. The GS BDC Board has approved the amount of the termination fee which may be paid.

The Merger Agreement limits the ability of GS BDC to pursue alternatives to the Merger.

The Merger Agreement contains provisions that limit GS BDC’s ability to discuss, facilitate or commit to competing third party proposals to acquire all or a significant part of GS BDC. These provisions, which are typical for transactions of this type, include a termination fee of $27.8 million payable to GS MMLC, under certain circumstances, might discourage a potential competing acquiror that might have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of GS BDC from considering or proposing that acquisition even if it were prepared to pay consideration with a higher per share market price than that proposed in the Merger or might result in a potential competing acquiror proposing to pay a lower per share price to acquire GS BDC than it might otherwise have proposed to pay.

 

55


The Merger is subject to closing conditions, including stockholder approvals, that, if not satisfied or (to the extent legally allowed) waived, will result in the Merger not being completed, which may result in material adverse consequences to GS BDC’s business and operations.

The Merger is subject to closing conditions, including certain approvals of GS MMLC’s and GS BDC’s respective stockholders that, if not satisfied, will prevent the Merger from being completed. The closing condition that GS MMLC stockholders approve the Merger may not be waived under applicable law and must be satisfied for the Merger to be completed. GS MMLC currently expects that all directors and executive officers of GS MMLC will vote their shares of GS MMLC Common Stock in favor of the proposals presented at the GS MMLC Special Meeting. If GS MMLC stockholders do not approve the Merger and the Merger is not completed, the resulting failure of the Merger could have a material adverse impact on GS BDC’s business and operations. The closing condition that GS BDC stockholders approve the Merger, the Amended and Restated GS BDC Charter and the issuance of shares of GS BDC Common Stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement (the “Merger Stock Issuance”) may not be waived under applicable law and must be satisfied for the Merger to be completed. In addition, the closing of the Merger is conditioned upon approval of the New Investment Management Agreement by GS BDC stockholders. GS BDC currently expects that all directors and executive officers of GS BDC will vote their shares of GS BDC Common Stock in favor of the proposals presented at the GS BDC Special Meeting. If GS BDC stockholders do not approve each of the Merger , the Amended and Restated GS BDC Charter , the Merger Stock Issuance and the New Investment Management Agreement and the Merger is not completed, the resulting failure of the Merger could have a material adverse impact on GS BDC’s business and operations. In addition to the required approvals of GS BDC stockholders, the Merger is subject to a number of other conditions beyond GS BDC’s control that may prevent, delay or otherwise materially adversely affect its completion. GS BDC cannot predict whether and when these other conditions will be satisfied.

GS BDC will be subject to operational uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the Merger is pending.

Uncertainty about the effect of the Merger may have an adverse effect on GS BDC and, consequently, on the combined company following completion of the Merger. These uncertainties may cause those that deal with GS BDC to seek to change their existing business relationships with GS BDC. In addition, the Merger Agreement restricts GS BDC from taking actions that GS BDC might otherwise consider to be in its best interests. These restrictions may prevent GS BDC from pursuing certain business opportunities that may arise prior to the completion of the Merger.

GS BDC and GS MMLC may, to the extent legally allowed, waive one or more conditions to the Merger without resoliciting stockholder approval.

Certain conditions to GS BDC’s and GS MMLC’s obligations to complete the Merger may be waived, in whole or in part, to the extent legally allowed, either unilaterally or by agreement of GS BDC and GS MMLC. In the event that any such waiver does not require resolicitation of stockholders, the parties to the Merger Agreement will have the discretion to complete the Merger without seeking further stockholder approval. The conditions requiring the approval of GS BDC stockholders and GS MMLC stockholders, however, cannot be waived.

The shares of GS BDC Common Stock to be received by GS MMLC stockholders as a result of the Merger will have substantially the same rights associated with them as shares of GS MMLC Common Stock currently held by them except for the transfer restrictions imposed by the Amended and Restated GS BDC Charter.

The rights associated with GS BDC Common Stock to be received by the GS MMLC stockholders as a result of the Merger are substantially the same as the rights associated with the shares of GS MMLC Common Stock currently held by them except for the transfer restrictions imposed by the Amended and Restated GS BDC Charter. Under the Amended and Restated GS BDC Charter, transfer restrictions will be imposed on the Affected Stockholders such that, without the consent of the Board:

 

 

for 90 days following the Filing Date, an Affected Stockholder is not permitted to transfer (whether by sale, gift, merger, by operation of law or otherwise), assign, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or encumber any shares of GS BDC Common Stock acquired by the Affected Stockholder in connection with the Merger Agreement;

 

 

for 180 days following the Filing Date, an Affected Stockholder is not permitted to transfer (whether by sale, gift, merger, by operation of law or otherwise), assign, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or encumber two-thirds of the shares of GS BDC Common Stock acquired by the Affected Stockholder in connection with the Merger Agreement; and

 

 

for 270 days following the Filing Date, an Affected Stockholder is not permitted to transfer (whether by sale, gift, merger, by operation of law or otherwise), assign, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or encumber one-third of the shares of GS BDC Common Stock acquired by the Affected Stockholder in connection with the Merger Agreement.

 

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The market price of GS BDC Common Stock after the Merger may be affected by factors different from those affecting GS BDC Common Stock currently.

The businesses of GS BDC and GS MMLC differ in some respects and, accordingly, the results of operations of the combined company and the market price of GS BDC Common Stock after the Merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the independent results of operations of each of GS BDC and GS MMLC, such as a larger stockholder base.

Accordingly, the historical trading prices and financial results of GS BDC may not be indicative of these matters for the combined company following the Merger.

There are risks associated with any potential merger with or asset sale to another BDC, including the Merger.

GSAM recommended the Merger to the GS BDC Board and may in the future recommend to the GS BDC Board that GS BDC merge with or sell all or substantially all of its assets to one or more funds including a fund that could be managed by GSAM (including another BDC). GS BDC does not expect that GSAM would recommend any such merger or asset sale unless it determines that it would be in GS BDC’s best interests, with such determination dependent on factors it deems relevant, which may include historical and projected financial performance of GS BDC and any proposed merger partner, portfolio composition, potential synergies from the merger or asset sale, available alternative options and market conditions. In addition, no such merger or asset sale would be consummated absent the meeting of various conditions required by applicable law or contract, at such time, which may include approval of the board of directors and common equity holders of both funds. If GSAM is the investment adviser of both funds, as in the Merger, various conflicts of interest exist with respect to such transaction. Such conflicts of interest may potentially arise from, among other things, differences between the compensation payable to GSAM by GS BDC and by the entity resulting from such a merger or asset sale or efficiencies or other benefits to GSAM as a result of managing a single, larger fund instead of two separate funds.

ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

We maintain our principal executive office at 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282. We do not own any real estate.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under loans to or other contracts with our portfolio companies. We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against us.

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II.

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GSBD”. Our common stock has historically traded at prices both above and below our NAV per share. It is not possible to predict whether our common stock will trade at, above or below NAV in the future. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Securities.”

Holders

As of February 20, 2020, there were approximately 4 holders of record of our common stock (including Cede & Co.).

 

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Distributions

We intend to continue to pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. Future quarterly distributions, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. All future distributions will be subject to lawfully available funds therefor, and no assurance can be given that we will be able to declare such distributions in future periods.

In December 2019, our board of directors approved special distributions of $0.15 per share in total, and payable in three equal quarterly installments currently expected to begin at the end of 2020, subject to the timing of the closing of the Merger.

We have elected to be treated, and expect to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. To maintain our RIC status, we must, among other things, timely distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our investment company taxable income for each taxable year. We intend to timely distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our annual taxable income for each year, except that we may retain certain net capital gains (i.e., realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) for reinvestment and we may choose to carry forward taxable income for distribution in the following year and pay any applicable tax. We generally will be required to pay a U.S. federal excise tax if our distributions during a calendar year do not exceed the sum of (1) 98.0% of our net 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 for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any net ordinary income and capital gains in excess of capital losses for preceding years that were not distributed during such years. If we retain net capital gains, we may treat such amounts as deemed distributions to our stockholders. In that case, you will be treated as if you had received an actual distribution of the capital gains we retained and then you reinvested the net after-tax proceeds in our common stock. In general, you also will be eligible to claim a tax credit (or, in certain circumstances, obtain a tax refund) equal to your allocable share of the tax we paid on the capital gains deemed distributed to you. Stockholders should read carefully any written disclosure accompanying a distribution from us and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our net ordinary income or capital gains. The distributions we pay to our stockholders in a year may exceed our net ordinary income and capital gains for that year and, accordingly, a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The specific tax characteristics of our distributions will be reported to stockholders after the end of the calendar year. Please refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies—Distribution Policy” for further information regarding the tax treatment of our distributions and the tax consequences of our retention of net capital gains. See also “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Portfolio Company Investments—Risks Relating to Our Securities—We may not be able to pay you distributions on our common stock or preferred stock, our distributions to you may not grow over time and a portion of our distributions to you may be a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes.”

Unless our stockholders elect to receive their distributions in cash, we intend to make such distributions in additional shares of our common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan. 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; however, investors participating in our dividend reinvestment plan will not receive any corresponding cash with which to pay any such applicable taxes. If you hold shares of our common stock through a broker or financial intermediary, you may elect to receive distributions in cash by notifying your broker or financial intermediary of your election to receive distributions in cash in lieu of shares of our common stock. Any distributions reinvested through the issuance of shares through our dividend reinvestment plan will increase our assets on which the Management Fee and the Incentive Fee are determined and paid to the Investment Adviser. See “Item 1. Business—Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

The following tables summarize distributions declared during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

Date Declared

  

Record Date

  

Payment Date

   Amount Per
Share
 

February 20, 2019

   March 29, 2019    April 15, 2019    $ 0.45  

May 7, 2019

   June 28, 2019    July 15, 2019    $ 0.45  

July 30, 2019

   September 30, 2019    October 15, 2019    $ 0.45  

October 30, 2019

   December 31, 2019    January 15, 2020    $ 0.45  

 

Date Declared

  

Record Date

  

Payment Date

   Amount Per
Share
 

February 21, 2018

   March 30, 2018    April 16, 2018    $ 0.45  

May 1, 2018

   June 29, 2018    July 16, 2018    $ 0.45  

July 31, 2018

   September 28, 2018    October 15, 2018    $ 0.45  

October 30, 2018

   December 31, 2018    January 15, 2019    $ 0.45  

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we designated 93.96% and 100%, respectively, of our distributions from net investment income as interest-related dividends pursuant to Section 871(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. See “Item 1. Business—Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for a description of our distribution policy and obligations.

Issuer and Affiliate Purchases of Equity Securities

None.

Stock Performance Graph

This graph compares the stockholder return on our common stock from March 18, 2015 (the date our common stock commenced trading on the NYSE) to December 31, 2019 with that of the Standard & Poor’s BDC Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index. This graph assumes that on March 18, 2015, $100 was invested in our common stock, the Standard & Poor’s BDC Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500

 

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Stock Index. The graph also assumes the reinvestment of all cash dividends prior to any tax effect. The graph and other information furnished under this Part II Item 5 of this annual report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of, the Exchange Act. The stock price performance included in the below graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance.

 

LOGO

 

ITEM 6.    

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The table below sets forth our selected consolidated historical financial data for the periods indicated. The selected consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

The selected consolidated financial information and other data presented below should be read in conjunction with the information contained in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

 

     For the
Year
Ended

December 31,
2019
     For the
Year
Ended

December 31,
2018
     For the
Year
Ended

December 31,
2017
     For the
Year
Ended

December 31,
2016
     For the
Year
Ended

December 31,
2015
 

Consolidated statements of operations data (in thousands):

 

Total investment income

   $     147,261      $     146,731      $     136,781      $     125,108      $     118,436  

Net expenses

     65,723        62,313        55,236        47,844        43,338  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss) before income tax expense

     81,538        84,418        81,545        77,264        75,098  

Income tax expense, including excise tax

     1,819        1,582        1,552        1,037        518  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss) after income tax expense

     79,719        82,836        79,993        76,227        74,580  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (43,744      (28,436      (30,445      (35,575      (27,952

(Provision) benefit for taxes on realized gain/loss on investments

     121        (446                     

(Provision) benefit for taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     52        (276                     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations after income tax expense

   $ 36,148      $ 53,678      $ 49,548      $ 40,652      $ 46,628  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Per share data

              

Net investment income (basic and diluted)

   $ 1.98      $ 2.06      $ 2.07      $ 2.10      $ 2.14  

Earnings (basic and diluted)

   $ 0.90      $ 1.34      $ 1.28      $ 1.12      $ 1.34  

Distributions declared

   $ 1.80      $ 1.80      $ 1.80      $ 1.80      $ 1.80  

 

     As of
December 31,
2019
     As of
December 31,
2018
     As of
December 31,
2017
     As of
December 31,
2016
     As of
December 31,
2015
 

Consolidated statements of asset and liabilities data (in thousands):

 

Total assets

   $ 1,475,275      $ 1,396,976      $ 1,298,592      $ 1,190,533      $ 1,132,759  

Total investments, at fair value

     1,454,252        1,375,444        1,269,852        1,167,291        1,091,181  

Total liabilities

     799,150        687,084        572,762        525,396        444,109  

Total debt, net

     769,727        659,101        542,526        498,152        419,000  

Total net assets

     676,125        709,892        725,830        665,137        688,650  

Per share data

              

Net asset value

   $ 16.75      $ 17.65      $ 18.09      $ 18.31      $ 18.97  

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and other parts of this report contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. References to “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company,” mean Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. or Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, as the context may require. The terms “GSAM,” our “Adviser” or our “Investment Adviser” refer to Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership. The term “Group Inc.” refers to The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. “GS & Co.” refers to Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and its predecessors. The term “Goldman Sachs” refers to Group Inc., together with GS & Co., GSAM and its other subsidiaries and affiliates. The discussion and analysis contained in this section refers to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. Please see “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with this discussion and analysis. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to factors discussed under “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” appearing elsewhere in this report.

OVERVIEW

We are a specialty finance company focused on lending to middle-market companies. We are a closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). In addition, we have elected to be treated, and expect to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. From our formation in 2012 through December 31, 2019, we originated more than $3.69 billion in aggregate principal amount of debt and equity investments prior to any subsequent exits and repayments. We seek to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, capital appreciation primarily through direct originations of secured debt, including first lien, unitranche, including last-out portions of such loans, and second lien debt, and unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt, as well as through select equity investments.

“Unitranche” loans are first lien loans that may extend deeper in a company’s capital structure than traditional first lien debt and may provide for a waterfall of cash flow priority between different lenders in the unitranche loan. In a number of instances, we may find another lender to provide the “first-out” portion of such loan and retain the “last-out” portion of such loan, in which case, the “first-out” portion of the loan would generally receive priority with respect to payment of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder over the “last-out” portion that we would continue to hold. In exchange for the greater risk of loss, the “last-out” portion generally earns a higher interest rate than the “first-out” portion. We use the term “mezzanine” to refer to debt that ranks senior only to a borrower’s equity securities and ranks junior in right of payment to all of such borrower’s other indebtedness. We may make multiple investments in the same portfolio company.

We invest primarily in U.S. middle-market companies, which we believe are underserved by traditional providers of capital such as banks and the public debt markets. In this report, we generally use the term “middle market companies” to refer to companies with between $5 million and $200 million of annual earnings before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) excluding certain one-time, and non-recurring items that are outside the operations of these companies. However, we may from time to time invest in larger or smaller companies. We generate revenues primarily through receipt of interest income from the investments we hold. In addition, we may generate income from various loan origination and other fees, dividends on direct equity investments and capital gains on the sales of investments. Fees received from portfolio companies (directors’ fees, consulting fees, administrative fees, tax advisory fees and other similar compensation) are paid to us, unless, to the extent required by applicable law or exemptive relief therefrom, we only receive our allocable portion of such fees when invested in the same portfolio company as another client account managed by our Investment Adviser (including GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II, collectively with other client accounts managed by our Investment Adviser, the “Accounts”). The companies in which we invest use our capital for a variety of purposes, including to support organic growth, fund acquisitions, make capital investments or refinance indebtedness.

Our origination strategy focuses on leading the negotiation and structuring of the loans or securities in which we invest and holding the investments in our portfolio to maturity. In many cases, we are the sole investor in the loan or security in our portfolio. Where there are multiple investors, we generally seek to control or obtain significant influence over the rights of investors in the loan or security. We generally seek to make investments that have maturities between three and ten years and range in size between $10 million and $75 million, although we may make larger or smaller investments on occasion.

Pending Merger with GS MMLC: On December 9, 2019, we entered into the Merger Agreement with GS MMLC, a Delaware corporation, Evergreen Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and GSAM, a Delaware limited partnership and investment adviser to each of us and GS MMLC. The Merger Agreement provides that, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into GS MMLC, with GS MMLC continuing as the surviving company (the “First Merger”) and, immediately thereafter, GS MMLC will merge with and into us, with us continuing as the surviving company (the “Second Merger” and, together with the First Merger, the “Merger”). See Note 14 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further information.

For a discussion of the competitive landscape we face, please see “Item 1A. Risk Factors–Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure–We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities” and “Item 1. Business–Competitive Advantages.”

 

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KEY COMPONENTS OF OPERATIONS

Investments

Our level of investment activity can and does vary substantially from period to period depending on many factors, including the amount of debt and equity capital available to middle-market companies, the level of merger and acquisition activity for such companies, the general economic environment, the amount of capital we have available to us and the competitive environment for the type of investments we make.

As a BDC, we may not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified in the Investment Company Act, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions). Qualifying assets include investments in “eligible portfolio companies.” Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), “eligible portfolio companies” include certain companies that do not have any securities listed on a national securities exchange and public companies whose securities are listed on a national securities exchange but whose market capitalization is less than $250 million.

Revenues

We generate revenues in the form of interest income on debt investments and, to a lesser extent, capital gains and distributions, if any, on equity securities that we may acquire in portfolio companies. Some of our investments may provide for deferred interest payments or payment-in-kind (“PIK”) income. The principal amount of the debt investments and any accrued but unpaid interest generally becomes due at the maturity date.

We generate revenues primarily through receipt of interest income from the investments we hold. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring, syndication, exit fees or diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and consulting fees. Portfolio company fees (directors’ fees, consulting fees, administrative fees, tax advisory fees and other similar compensation) will be paid to us, unless, to the extent required by applicable law or exemptive relief, if any, therefrom, we receive our allocable portion of such fees when invested in the same portfolio company as other Accounts, which other Accounts could receive their allocable portion of such fee. We do not expect to receive material fee income as it is not our principal investment strategy. We record contractual prepayment premiums on loans and debt securities as interest income.

Dividend income on preferred equity investments is recorded on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income on common equity investments is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies and on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies. Interest and dividend income are presented net of withholding tax, if any.

Expenses

Our primary operating expenses include the payment of the Management Fee and the Incentive Fee to the Investment Adviser, legal and professional fees, interest and other debt expenses and other operating and overhead related expenses. The Management Fee and Incentive Fee compensate our Investment Adviser for its work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, closing and monitoring our investments. We bear all other expenses of our operations and transactions in accordance with our investment management agreement (as amended and restated as of June 15, 2018, the “Investment Management Agreement”) and administration agreement (“Administration Agreement”), including those relating to:

 

   

our operational and organizational expenses;

 

   

fees and expenses, including travel expenses, incurred by our Investment Adviser or payable to third parties related to our investments, including, among others, professional fees (including the fees and expenses of consultants and experts) and fees and expenses from evaluating, monitoring, researching and performing due diligence on investments and prospective investments;

 

   

interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments;

 

   

fees and expenses incurred by us in connection with membership in investment company organizations;

 

   

brokers’ commissions;

 

   

the expenses of and fees for registering or qualifying our shares for sale and of maintaining our registration and registering us as a broker or a dealer;

 

   

fees and expenses associated with calculating our net asset value (“NAV”) (including expenses of any independent valuation firm);

 

   

legal, auditing or accounting expenses;

 

   

taxes or governmental fees;

 

   

the fees and expenses of our administrator, transfer agent or sub-transfer agent;

 

61


   

the cost of preparing stock certificates or any other expenses, including clerical expenses of issue, redemption or repurchase of our shares;

 

   

the fees and expenses of our directors who are not affiliated with our Investment Adviser;

 

   

the cost of preparing and distributing reports, proxy statements and notices to our stockholders, the SEC and other regulatory authorities;

 

   

costs of holding stockholder meetings;

 

   

listing fees;

 

   

the fees or disbursements of custodians of our assets, including expenses incurred in the performance of any obligations enumerated by our certificate of incorporation or bylaws insofar as they govern agreements with any such custodian;

 

   

insurance premiums; and

 

   

costs incurred in connection with any claim, litigation, arbitration, mediation, government investigation or dispute in connection with our business and the amount of any judgment or settlement paid in connection therewith, or the enforcement of our rights against any person and indemnification or contribution expenses payable by us to any person and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of our business.

We expect our general and administrative expenses to be relatively stable or decline as a percentage of total assets during periods of asset growth and to increase during periods of asset declines. Costs relating to future offerings of securities would be incremental.

Leverage

Our senior secured revolving credit agreement (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Truist Bank (formerly known as SunTrust Bank), as administrative agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, and our 4.50% Convertible Notes due 2022 (the “Convertible Notes”) allow us to borrow money and lever our investment portfolio, subject to the limitations of the Investment Company Act, with the objective of increasing our yield. This is known as “leverage” and could increase or decrease returns to our stockholders. The use of leverage involves significant risks. On June 15, 2018, our stockholders approved the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act to us. As a result of this approval, we are now permitted to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least 150% after such borrowing (if certain requirements are met), rather than 200%, as previously required. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our asset coverage ratio based on the aggregate amount outstanding of our senior securities was 187% and 206%, respectively.

Certain trading practices and investments, such as reverse repurchase agreements, may be considered borrowings or involve leverage and thus may be subject to Investment Company Act restrictions. In accordance with applicable SEC staff guidance and interpretations, when we engage in such transactions, instead of maintaining an asset coverage ratio of at least 150% (if certain requirements are met), we may segregate or earmark liquid assets, or enter into an offsetting position, in an amount at least equal to our exposure, on a mark-to-market basis, to such transactions (as calculated pursuant to requirements of the SEC). Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with respect to securities lending will not be considered borrowings for these purposes. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered borrowings are not subject to the Investment Company Act’s asset coverage requirement, and we will not otherwise segregate or earmark liquid assets or enter into offsetting positions for such transactions. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our Investment Adviser’s and our board of directors’ (the “Board of Directors”) assessment of market conditions and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.

PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

Our portfolio (excluding our investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.) consisted of the following:

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
     Percentage
of Total
Portfolio at
Fair Value
    Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
     Percentage
of Total
Portfolio at
Fair Value
 
     (in millions)            (in millions)         

First Lien/Senior Secured Debt

   $ 1,094.89      $ 1,080.67        74.3   $ 738.63      $ 729.60        53.0

First Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

     35.31        35.28        2.4     114.00        106.88        7.8

Second Lien/Senior Secured Debt

     263.44        234.02        16.1     411.55        391.93        28.5

Unsecured Debt

     7.41        7.41        0.5     6.71        6.70        0.5

Preferred Stock

     41.66        48.76        3.4     16.85        21.53        1.6

Common Stock

     67.14        48.11        3.3     37.82        22.34        1.6

Investment Funds & Vehicles

                         100.00        96.46        7.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $     1,509.85      $     1,454.25            100.0   $     1,425.56      $     1,375.44            100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The weighted average yield by asset type of our total portfolio (excluding our investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.), at amortized cost and fair value, was as follows:

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
     Amortized
Cost
    Fair
Value
    Amortized
Cost
    Fair
Value
 

Weighted Average Yield(1)

        

First Lien/Senior Secured Debt(2)

     8.6     9.1         10.4         11.0

First Lien/Last-Out Unitranche(2) (3)

     10.0       10.0       6.0       6.5  

Second Lien/Senior Secured Debt(2)

     9.2       11.2       9.7       10.4  

Unsecured Debt(2)

     11.7       11.7       11.7       11.9  

Preferred Stock(4)

                        

Common Stock(4)

                        

Investment Funds & Vehicles

                 11.2 (5)      11.4 (5) 

Total Portfolio

     8.2     8.9     9.5     10.1

 

  (1)   

The weighted average yield of our portfolio does not represent the total return to our stockholders.

  (2)   

Computed based on (a) the annual actual interest rate or yield earned plus amortization of fees and discounts on the performing debt and other income producing investments as of the reporting date, divided by (b) the total investments (including investments on non-accrual and non-income producing investments) at amortized cost or fair value, respectively. This calculation excludes exit fees that are receivable upon repayment of certain loan investments.

  (3)   

The calculation includes incremental yield earned on the “last-out” portion of the unitranche loan investments.

  (4)   

Computed based on (a) the stated coupon rate, if any, for each income-producing investment, divided by (b) the total investments (including investments on non-accrual and non-income producing investments) at amortized cost or fair value, respectively.

  (5)   

Computed based on (a) the net investment income earned from the Senior Credit Fund, LLC (the “Senior Credit Fund”) for the respective trailing twelve months ended on the measurement date, which may include dividend income and loan origination and structuring fees, divided by (b) our average member’s equity at cost and fair value, adjusted for equity contributions.

As of December 31, 2019, the total portfolio weighted average yield measured at amortized cost and fair value was 8.2% and 8.9%, respectively, which decreased from 9.5% and 10.1%, respectively, at December 31, 2018. The decrease in weighted average yield at amortized cost and fair value was primarily driven by the decrease in LIBOR on our variable rate secured debt investments and the receipt of our pro rata portion of senior secured loans from the liquidation and dissolution of the Senior Credit Fund. As of December 31, 2019, the senior secured loans received had a weighted average yield at amortized cost and fair value of 7.6% and 10.6%, respectively. In addition, the increase in the first lien/last-out unitranche weighted average yield at amortized cost and fair value was primarily driven by the exit from our investments in NTS Communications, Inc.

The following table presents certain selected information regarding our investment portfolio (excluding our investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.)

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  

Number of portfolio companies(1)

     106        72  

Percentage of performing debt bearing a floating rate(2)

     99.4%        96.6%  

Percentage of performing debt bearing a fixed rate(2)(3)

     0.6%        3.4%  

Weighted average yield on debt and income producing investments, at amortized cost(4)

     9.0%        10.9%  

Weighted average yield on debt and income producing investments, at fair value(4)

     9.6%        11.3%  

Weighted average leverage (net debt/EBITDA)(5)

     5.7x        5.6x  

Weighted average interest coverage(5)

     2.4x        2.2x  

Median EBITDA(5)

   $     37.64 million      $     26.87 million  

 

  (1)   

As of December 31, 2018, includes the Senior Credit Fund as a single portfolio company. For details on the portfolio companies previously held within the Senior Credit Fund, refer to “Senior Credit Fund, LLC—Selected Financial Data.”

  (2)   

Measured on a fair value basis. Excludes investments, if any, placed on non-accrual.

  (3)   

Includes income producing preferred stock investments.

  (4)   

Computed based on (a) the annual actual interest rate or yield earned plus amortization of fees and discounts on the performing debt and other income producing investments as of the reporting date, divided by (b) the total performing debt and other income producing investments (excluding investments on non-accrual).

  (5)   

For a particular portfolio company, we calculate the level of contractual indebtedness net of cash (“net debt”) owed by the portfolio company and compare that amount to measures of cash flow available to service the net debt. To calculate net debt, we include debt that is both senior and pari passu to the tranche of debt owned by us but exclude debt that is legally and contractually subordinated in ranking to the debt owned by us. We believe this calculation method assists in describing the risk of our portfolio investments, as it takes into consideration contractual rights of repayment of the tranche of debt owned by us relative to other senior and junior creditors of a portfolio company. We typically calculate cash flow available for debt service at a portfolio company by taking EBITDA for the trailing twelve month period. Weighted average net debt to EBITDA is weighted based on the fair value of our debt investments and excluding investments where net debt to EBITDA may not be the appropriate measure of credit risk, such as cash collateralized loans and investments that are underwritten and covenanted based on recurring revenue. The weighted average net debt to EBITDA calculation for the Company as of December 31, 2018 includes its exposure to underlying debt investments in the Senior Credit Fund.

 

63


For a particular portfolio company, we also calculate the level of contractual interest expense owed by the portfolio company, and compare that amount to EBITDA (“interest coverage ratio”). We believe this calculation method assists in describing the risk of our portfolio investments, as it takes into consideration contractual interest obligations of the portfolio company. Weighted average interest coverage is weighted based on the fair value of our performing debt investments, including our exposure to underlying debt investments in the Senior Credit Fund and excluding investments where interest coverage may not be the appropriate measure of credit risk, such as cash collateralized loans and investments that are underwritten and covenanted based on recurring revenue.

Median EBITDA is based on our debt investments, including our exposure to underlying debt investments in the Senior Credit Fund (as of December 31, 2018) and excluding investments where net debt to EBITDA may not be the appropriate measure of credit risk, such as cash collateralized loans and investments that are underwritten and covenanted based on recurring revenue.

Portfolio company statistics are derived from the most recently available financial statements of each portfolio company as of the reported end date. Statistics of the portfolio companies have not been independently verified by us and may reflect a normalized or adjusted amount. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, investments where net debt to EBITDA may not be the appropriate measure of credit risk represented 25.1% and 18.3%, respectively, of total debt investments, including as of December 31, 2018, our investment in the Senior Credit Fund, at fair value. Portfolio company statistics are derived from the most recently available financial statements of each portfolio company as of the respective reported end date. Portfolio company statistics have not been independently verified by us and may reflect a normalized or adjusted amount.

Floating rates are primarily London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a spread.

Our Investment Adviser monitors our portfolio companies on an ongoing basis. It monitors the financial trends of each portfolio company to determine if it is meeting its respective business plan and to assess the appropriate course of action for each company. Our Investment Adviser has several methods of evaluating and monitoring the performance and fair value of our investments, which may include the following:

 

   

assessment of success in adhering to the portfolio company’s business plan and compliance with covenants;

 

   

periodic or regular contact with portfolio company management and, if appropriate, the financial or strategic sponsor to discuss financial position, requirements and accomplishments;

 

   

comparisons to our other portfolio companies in the industry, if any;

 

   

attendance at and participation in board meetings or presentations by portfolio companies; and

 

   

review of monthly and quarterly financial statements and financial projections of portfolio companies.

As part of the monitoring process, our Investment Adviser also employs an investment rating system to categorize our investments. In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, our Investment Adviser grades the credit risk of all investments on a scale of 1 to 4 no less frequently than quarterly. This system is intended primarily to reflect the underlying risk of a portfolio investment relative to our initial cost basis in respect of such portfolio investment (e.g., at the time of origination or acquisition), although it may also take into account under certain circumstances the performance of the portfolio company’s business, the collateral coverage of the investment and other relevant factors. The grading system is as follows:

 

   

investments with a grade of 1 involve the least amount of risk to our initial cost basis. The trends and risk factors for this investment since origination or acquisition are generally favorable, which may include the performance of the portfolio company or a potential exit;

 

   

investments with a grade of 2 involve a level of risk to our initial cost basis that is similar to the risk to our initial cost basis at the time of origination or acquisition. This portfolio company is generally performing as expected and the risk factors to our ability to ultimately recoup the cost of our investment are neutral to favorable. All investments or acquired investments in new portfolio companies are initially assessed a grade of 2;

 

   

investments with a grade of 3 indicate that the risk to our ability to recoup the initial cost basis of such investment has increased materially since origination or acquisition, including as a result of factors such as declining performance and non-compliance with debt covenants; however, payments are generally not more than 120 days past due; and

 

   

investments with a grade of 4 indicate that the risk to our ability to recoup the initial cost basis of such investment has substantially increased since origination or acquisition, and the portfolio company likely has materially declining performance. For debt investments with an investment grade of 4, in most cases, most or all of the debt covenants are out of compliance and payments are substantially delinquent. For investments graded 4, it is anticipated that we will not recoup our initial cost basis and may realize a substantial loss of our initial cost basis upon exit.

 

64


Our Investment Adviser grades the investments in our portfolio at least quarterly and it is possible that the grade of a portfolio investment may be reduced or increased over time. For investments graded 3 or 4, our Investment Adviser enhances its level of scrutiny over the monitoring of such portfolio company. The following table shows the composition of our portfolio on the 1 to 4 grading scale:

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  

Investment

Performance Rating

   Fair Value      Percentage
of Total
Portfolio
at Fair
Value
    Fair Value      Percentage
of Total
Portfolio
at Fair
Value
 
     (in
millions)
           (in
millions)
        

Grade 1

   $ 12.17        0.8   $ 87.76        6.4

Grade 2

     1,366.84        94.1       1,138.12        82.8  

Grade 3

     60.04        4.1       60.93        4.4  

Grade 4

     15.20        1.0       88.63        6.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $     1,454.25            100.0   $     1,375.44            100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The decrease in investments with a grade 1 investment performance rating as of December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 was primarily due to the repayment of investments with an aggregate fair value of $87.76 million, partially offset by investments with an aggregate fair value of $12.17 million being upgraded due to potential exits. The decrease in investments with a grade 4 investment performance rating as of December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 was primarily due to investments with an aggregate fair value of $39.58 million as of December 31, 2018 being exchanged for common and preferred equity as well as the exit of a portfolio company with a fair value of $49.05 million. The decrease was partially offset by two investments with an aggregate fair value of $15.2 million being downgraded from a grade 3 investment performance rating as a result of being placed on non-accrual status.

The following table shows the amortized cost of our performing and non-accrual investments:

 

     As of  
     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
     Amortized
Cost
     Percentage
of Total
Portfolio

at Amortized
Cost
    Amortized
Cost
     Percentage
of Total
Portfolio

at Amortized
Cost
 
     (in
millions)
           (in
millions)
        

Performing

   $ 1,480.08        98.0   $ 1,306.55        91.7

Non-accrual

     29.77        2.0       119.01        8.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

   $     1,509.85            100.0   $     1,425.56            100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investments are placed on non-accrual status when it is probable that principal, interest or dividends will not be collected according to the contractual terms. Accrued interest or dividends generally are reversed when an investment is placed on non-accrual status. Interest or dividend payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest or dividends are paid and, in management’s judgment, principal and interest or dividend payments are likely to remain current. We may make exceptions to this treatment if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.

 

65


The following table shows our investment activity by investment type:

 

     For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2019        2018  
     ($ in millions)  

New investments committed at cost:

       

Gross originations

   $ 605.08        $ 519.71  

Less: Syndications(1)

               
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net amount of new investments committed at cost:

   $ 605.08        $ 519.71  

Amount of investments committed at cost(2)(12):

       

First Lien/Senior Secured Debt

   $ 574.02        $ 392.87  

First Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

     0.61          25.67  

Second Lien/Senior Secured Debt

     11.45          82.49  

Unsecured Debt

              2.22  

Preferred Stock

     19.00          5.10  

Common Stock

              5.70  

Investment Funds & Vehicles

              5.66  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

   $ 605.08        $ 519.71  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Proceeds from investments sold or repaid(10)(12):

       

First Lien/Senior Secured Debt

   $ 437.90        $ 24.66  

First Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

     56.25          152.72  

Second Lien/Senior Secured Debt

     102.56          143.41  

Unsecured Debt

               

Preferred Stock

               

Common Stock

     2.50          2.15  

Investment Funds & Vehicles

               
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

   $     599.21        $     322.94  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in portfolio

   $ 5.87        $ 196.77  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Number of new portfolio companies with new investment commitments(3)

     30          24  

Total new investment commitment amount in new portfolio companies(3)

   $ 444.36        $ 366.63  

Average new investment commitment amount in new portfolio companies(3)

   $ 14.81        $ 15.28  

Number of existing portfolio companies with new investment commitments(3)

     22          21  

Total new investment commitment amount in existing portfolio companies(3)

   $ 160.72        $ 153.08  

Weighted average remaining term for new investment commitments (in years)(3)(4)

     5.0          5.1  

Percentage of new debt investment commitments at floating interest rates(3)(11)

     100.0%          99.7%  

Percentage of new debt investment commitments at fixed interest rates(3)(5)(11)

     –%          0.3%  

Weighted average yield on new debt and income producing investment commitments(2)(3)(6)

     8.9%          10.0%  

Weighted average yield on new investment commitments(2)(3)(7)

     8.7%          9.8%  

Weighted average yield on debt and income producing investments sold or paid down(8) (10)

     10.3%          10.9%  

Weighted average yield on investments sold or paid down(9)(10)

     9.4%          10.8%  

 

(1)   

Only includes syndications that occurred at the initial close of the investment.

(2)   

Net of capitalized fees, expenses and original issue discount (“OID”) that occurred at the initial close of the investment.

(3)   

May include positions originated during the period but not held at the reporting date.

(4)   

Calculated as of the end of the relevant period and the maturity date of the individual investments.

(5)   

May include preferred stock investments.

(6)  

Computed based on (a) the annual actual interest rate on new debt and income producing investment commitments divided by (b) the total new debt and income producing investment commitments. The calculation includes incremental yield earned on the “last-out” portion of the unitranche loan investments and excludes investments that are non-accrual. The annual actual interest rate used is as of the respective quarter end date when the investment activity occurred.

(7)  

Computed based on (a) the annual actual interest rate on new investment commitments divided by (b) the total new investment commitments (including investments on non-accrual and non-income producing investments). The calculation includes incremental yield earned on the “last-out” portion of the unitranche loan investments. The annual actual interest rate used is as of the respective quarter end date when the investment activity occurred.

(8)  

Computed based on (a) the annual actual interest rate on debt and income producing investments sold or paid down, divided by (b) the total debt and income producing investments sold or paid down. The calculation includes incremental yield earned on the “last-out” portion of the unitranche loan investments and excludes prepayment premiums earned on exited investments and investments that are on non-accrual.

(9)  

Computed based on (a) the annual actual interest rate on investments sold or paid down, divided by (b) the total investments sold or paid down (including investments on non-accrual and non-income producing investments). The calculation includes incremental yield earned on the “last-out” portion of the unitranche loan investments and excludes prepayment premiums earned on exited investments.

(10)   

Excludes unfunded commitments that may have expired or otherwise been terminated without receipt of cash proceeds or other consideration.

(11)   

Computed based on amount of investments committed at cost.

(12)   

In May 2019, the Senior Credit Fund ceased operations. In connection with this, we received our pro rata portion of senior secured loans of $215.10 million and $210.09 million at amortized cost and at fair value, respectively and assumed our pro rata portion of unfunded loan commitments totaling $5.66 million. The senior secured loans received consisted of 48 investments in 30 portfolio companies. As of December 31, 2019 the senior secured loans received had a weighted average yield at amortized cost and fair value of 7.6% and 10.6%, respectively. The impact of this transaction is excluded from the information presented in the table. For additional information see “Senior Credit Fund, LLC” below and Note 4 “Investments” in our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The comparison for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 can be found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018  
     (in millions)  

Total investment income

   $     147.26      $     146.73  

Net expenses

     65.72        62.31  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss) before taxes

     81.54        84.42  

Income tax expense, including excise tax

     (1.82      (1.58
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss) after taxes

     79.72        82.84  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (39.13      1.73  

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

     0.10        (0.18

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (5.48      (30.76

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency forward contracts and translations

     0.77        0.78  

Income tax (provision) benefit for realized and unrealized gains

     0.17        (0.73
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 36.15      $ 53.68  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations can vary from period to period as a result of various factors, including acquisitions, the level of new investment commitments, the recognition of realized gains and losses and changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on the investment portfolio.

Investment Income

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018  
     (in millions)  

Interest

   $ 136.58      $ 125.14  

Dividend income

     3.63        10.70  

Payment-in-kind

     4.47        8.79  

Other income

     2.58        2.10  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment income

   $     147.26      $     146.73  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest

Interest from investments, which includes prepayment premiums and accelerated accretion of upfront loan origination fees and unamortized discounts, increased from $125.14 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $136.58 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase is primarily due to an increase in recurring interest income due to an increase in the size of our portfolio and earning exit fees on certain investments. Included in interest for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is $1.92 million and $2.64 million, respectively, in prepayment premiums and $4.57 million and $3.27 million, respectively, in accelerated accretion of upfront loan origination fees and unamortized discounts, and $5.89 million and $1.30 million, respectively, for exit fees on investments. 

Dividend income

Dividend income decreased from $10.70 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $3.63 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was due to the effective liquidation and dissolution of the Senior Credit Fund in May 2019. For additional information see “Senior Credit Fund, LLC” below and Note 4 “Investments” in our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Payment-in-kind

Payment-in-kind (“PIK”) income from investments decreased from $8.79 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $4.47 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease is primarily driven by the full exit from our investments in NTS Communications, Inc. in August 2019, which was previously on non-accrual status.

 

67


Other income

Other income for the year December 31, 2019 remained relatively consistent as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

Expenses

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018  
     (in millions)  

Interest and other debt expenses

   $ 36.31      $ 26.23  

Management fees

     14.70        15.97  

Incentive fees

     9.22        13.99  

Professional fees

     2.95        3.08  

Administration, custodian and transfer agent fees

     0.97        0.94  

Directors’ fees

     0.46        0.46  

Other expenses

     1.50        1.64  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 66.11      $ 62.31  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Incentive fees waiver

     (0.39       
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net expenses

   $     65.72      $     62.31  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest and other debt expenses

Interest and other debt expenses increased from $26.23 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $36.31 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily driven by the increase in weighted average interest rate for the Revolving Credit Facility from 3.97% to 4.18% and the increase in average daily borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility from $416.12 to $611.50 million. In addition, costs associated with the Convertible Notes increased from $7.32 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $8.61 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Management Fees and Incentive Fees

Management fees decreased from $15.97 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $14.70 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily driven by the reduction in the Management Fee from an annual rate of 1.50% to an annual rate of 1.00% effective on June 15, 2018, partially offset by an increase in gross assets, excluding cash or cash equivalents. Incentive fees decreased from $13.99 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $9.22 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily driven by net capital losses on certain portfolio companies.

Professional fees and other general and administrative expenses

Professional fees and other general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 remained relatively consistent as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments

The realized gains and losses on fully exited and partially exited portfolio companies consisted of the following:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018  
     (in millions)  

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC

   $ (24.72    $  

Country Fresh Holdings, LLC

     (8.41       

Global Tel*Link Corporation

            0.24  

myON, LLC

            1.55  

NTS Communications, Inc.

     (7.22       

Other, net

     1.22        (0.06
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

   $ (39.13    $ 1.73  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, net realized losses were primarily driven by our investments in three portfolio companies. In February 2019, our first lien/last-out unitranche debt and second lien debt investment in ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC was exchanged for preferred and common equity, which resulted in a realized loss of $24.72 million. In addition, in April 2019, our second lien debt investment in Country Fresh Holdings, LLC was exchanged for common equity, which resulted in a realized loss of $8.41 million. Lastly, in August 2019, we fully exited our investments in NTS Communications, Inc., which resulted in a realized loss of $7.22 million.

 

68


In connection with the proceeds received from the exit of our equity investment in myON, LLC, we recorded an income tax provision on realized gains of $0.45 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Any changes in fair value are recorded as a change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments. For further details on the valuation process, refer to “Critical Accounting Policies—Valuation of Portfolio Investments.” Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments were as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018  

Unrealized appreciation

   $     47.35      $     9.08  

Unrealized depreciation

     (52.83      (39.84
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

   $ (5.48    $ (30.76
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments consisted of the following:

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 
Portfolio Company:    ($ in millions)  

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC

   $ 14.57  

NTS Communications, Inc.

            6.91  

CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. (dba Hunter Defense Technologies)

     4.70  

Iracore International Holdings, Inc.

     3.55  

Senior Credit Fund, LLC

     3.54  

Infinity Sales Group

     3.26  

Artesyn Embedded Technologies, Inc.

     1.60  

US Med Acquisition, Inc.

     1.47  

Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC

     1.43  

Country Fresh Holding Company Inc.

     1.19  

Spectrum Plastics Group, Inc.

     (1.14

Jill Acquisition LLC (dba J. Jill)

     (1.24

SMS Systems Maintenance Services, Inc.

     (1.65

Empirix, Inc.

     (1.99

GK Holdings, Inc. (dba Global Knowledge)

     (3.00

Other, net(1)

     (3.59

Bolttech Mannings, Inc.

     (4.84

MPI Products LLC

     (6.17

IHS Intermediate Inc. (dba Interactive Health Solutions)

     (6.87

Animal Supply Holdings, LLC

     (7.39

Zep Inc.

     (9.82
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (5.48
  

 

 

 

 

  (1)   

For the year ended December 31, 2019, other, net includes gross unrealized appreciation of $5.13 million and gross unrealized depreciation of $(8.72) million.

 

     For the Year Ended
December 31, 2018
 
Portfolio Company:    ($ in millions)  

CB-HDT Holdings, Inc.

   $        5.36  

Vexos, Inc.

     0.76  

Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC

     0.64  

Mervin Manufacturing, Inc.

     0.37  

Datto, Inc.

     0.35  

Zep Inc.

     (2.02

Bolttech Mannings, Inc.

     (2.35

NTS Communications, Inc.

     (2.44

Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd.

     (4.43

Other, net(1)

     (12.01

ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC

     (14.99
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (30.76
  

 

 

 

 

  (1)   

For the year ended December 31, 2018, other, net includes gross unrealized appreciation of $1.60 million and gross unrealized depreciation of $(13.61) million.

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in our investments for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily driven by the unrealized depreciation in Zep, Inc., Bolttech Mannings, Inc. and Animal Supply Holdings, LLC due to financial underperformance and the unrealized depreciation in IHS Intermediate Inc. (dba Interactive Health Solutions) and MPI Products LLC which were placed on non-accrual status due to their capital condition. The net change was offset by the reversal of unrealized depreciation in connection with the aforementioned exchange with ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC. and the full exit from our investments in NTS Communications, Inc. and the unrealized appreciation in CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. due to improved financial performance.

 

69


Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in our investments for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily driven by the unrealized depreciation in ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC due to financial underperformance, and the unrealized depreciation in Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd. due to its capital condition, which was partially offset by the unrealized appreciation in CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. due to improved financial performance.

SENIOR CREDIT FUND, LLC

Overview

The Senior Credit Fund, an unconsolidated Delaware limited liability company, was formed on May 7, 2014 and commenced operations on October 1, 2014. We invested together with Cal Regents through the Senior Credit Fund. The Senior Credit Fund’s principal purpose was to make investments, either directly or indirectly through its wholly owned subsidiary, Senior Credit Fund SPV I, LLC (“SPV I”), primarily in senior secured loans to middle-market companies. Each of us and Cal Regents were responsible for sourcing the Senior Credit Fund’s investments. Each of us and Cal Regents had a 50% economic ownership in the Senior Credit Fund and each had subscribed to and has fully contributed $100.00 million. On December 19, 2016, SPV I entered into an amended and restated credit facility (as amended, the “Asset Based Facility”), which consisted of a revolving credit facility (the “SPV I Revolving Credit Facility”), a term loan facility (the “SPV I Term Loan Facility”) and a Class B loan facility (the “SPV I Class B Facility”), with various lenders. For the Asset Based Facility, Natixis, New York Branch (“Natixis”) served as the facility agent, and State Street Bank and Trust Company served as the collateral agent. On February 27, 2019, the board of managers of the Senior Credit Fund authorized the liquidation and subsequent dissolution of the Senior Credit Fund and the pro-rata distribution of its assets and liabilities to the members of the Senior Credit Fund. On May 8, 2019, we and Cal Regents each contributed $125.56 million to the Senior Credit Fund, which was used by the Senior Credit Fund to repay in full all outstanding indebtedness, including all accrued and unpaid interest and fees, under the Asset Based Facility and to fund certain other related expenses that the Senior Credit Fund expects to incur in connection with its dissolution. The Asset Based Facility was then terminated and all liens securing the collateral under the Asset Based Facility were released and terminated.

Following the repayment and termination of the aforementioned Asset Based Facility, the Senior Credit Fund distributed to its members their pro rata share of the assets of the Senior Credit Fund. The pro rata portion of the assets received by us included senior secured loans of $215.10 million and $210.09 million at amortized cost and at fair value, respectively and cash of $9.82 million. In addition, we assumed the obligation to fund outstanding unfunded commitments of the Senior Credit Fund that totaled $5.66 million, representing its pro rata portion of all unfunded commitments of the Senior Credit Fund at such time. The pro rata portion of the assets received by us have been included in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. After the satisfaction of all remaining liabilities and the distribution of remaining assets, the Senior Credit Fund was terminated.

Below is certain summarized balance sheet information for the Senior Credit Fund as of December 31, 2018:

 

     December 31,
2018
 

Selected Balance Sheet Information

  

Total investments, at fair value

   $ 457.09  

Cash and other assets

     42.85  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 499.94  
  

 

 

 

Debt(1)

   $ 298.34  

Other liabilities

     8.69  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 307.03  
  

 

 

 

Members’ equity

   $ 192.91  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and members’ equity

   $     499.94  
  

 

 

 

 

  (1)   

Net of deferred financing costs for the SPV I Term Loan Facility (as defined below) as of December 31, 2018, which were in the amount of $2.16 million, respectively.

Below is certain summarized Statement of Operations information for the Senior Credit Fund:

 

     For the
Year Ended
December 31,
     For the
Year Ended
December 31,
     For the
Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2019*      2018      2017  

Selected Statements of Operations Information:

        

Total investment income

   $ 12.82      $ 39.13      $ 37.68  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expenses:

        

Interest and other debt expenses

   $ 10.57      $ 15.60      $ 13.45  

Excess loan origination and structuring fees

                   1.31  

Professional fees

     0.38        0.69        0.62  

Administration and custodian fees

     0.16        0.40        0.40  

Other expenses

            0.07        0.15  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $     11.11      $     16.76      $     15.93  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net income

   $ 1.71      $ 22.37      $ 21.75  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  *  

Senior Credit Fund ceased operations effective May 8, 2019.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The primary use of existing funds and any funds raised in the future is expected to be for our investments in portfolio companies, cash distributions to our stockholders or for other general corporate purposes, including paying for operating expenses or debt service to the extent we borrow or issue senior securities.

We expect to generate cash primarily from the net proceeds of any future offerings of securities, future borrowings and cash flows from operations. 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 otherwise determines that leveraging our portfolio would be in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders, we may enter into credit facilities in addition to our existing credit facilities as discussed below, or issue other senior securities. We would expect any such credit facilities may be secured by certain of our assets and may contain advance rates based upon pledged collateral. The pricing and other terms of any such facilities would depend upon market conditions when we enter into any such facilities as well as the performance of our business, among other factors. As a BDC, with certain limited exceptions, we are only permitted to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least 150% after such borrowing (if certain requirements are met). See “—Key Components of Operations—Leverage.” As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our asset coverage ratio based on the aggregate amount outstanding of our senior securities was 0% and 206%, respectively. We may also refinance or repay any of our indebtedness at any time based on our financial condition and market conditions.

We may enter into investment commitments through signed commitment letters which may ultimately become investment transactions in the future. We regularly evaluate and carefully consider our unfunded commitments using GSAM’s proprietary risk management framework for the purpose of planning our capital resources and ongoing liquidity, including our financial leverage.

As of December 31, 2019, we had cash of approximately $9.41 million, an increase of $3.30 million from December 31, 2018. Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $35.27 million, primarily driven by a decrease in net assets resulting from operations of $36.15 million, proceeds from sales and principal repayments of $579.01 million and cash used by other operating activities of $49.95 million, offset by purchases of investments of $700.38 million. Cash used by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was approximately $38.56 million, primarily driven by repayments on debt of $451.6 million, distributions paid of $69.85 million and other financing activities of $0.58 million, offset by borrowings on debt of $560.59 million.

As of December 31, 2018, we had cash of approximately $6.11 million, a decrease of $5.49 million from December 31, 2017. Cash used by operating activities for year ended December 31, 2018 was approximately $49.24 million, primarily driven by an increase in net assets resulting from operations of $53.68 million, proceeds from sales and principal repayments of $321.72 million, proceeds from other operating activities of $13.90 million and proceeds from net sale of investments in affiliated money market fund of $11.54 million, offset by purchases of investments of $450.08 million. Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 was approximately $43.75 million, primarily driven by repayments on debt of $365.75 million, distributions paid of $70.37 million and other financing activities of $4.05 million, offset by borrowings on debt of $483.92 million.

To the extent permissible under the risk retention rules and applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, we may raise capital by securitizing certain of our investments, including through the formation of one or more CLOs or asset based facilities, while retaining all or most of the exposure to the performance of these investments. This would involve contributing a pool of assets to a special purpose entity, and selling debt interests in such entity on a non-recourse or limited-recourse basis to purchasers. We may also pursue other forms of debt financing, including potentially from the Small Business Administration through a future small business investment company subsidiary (subject to regulatory approvals).

Equity Issuances

There were no sales of our common stock during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Common Stock Repurchase Plans

In February 2016, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $25.00 million of our common stock if the stock trades below the most recently announced NAV per share (including any updates, corrections or adjustments publicly announced by us to any previously announced NAV per share), from March 18, 2016 to March 18, 2017, subject to certain limitations. In February 2017, our Board of Directors renewed its authorization of the stock repurchase plan to extend the expiration to March 18, 2018, in February 2018, again renewed its authorization of the stock repurchase plan to extend the expiration to March 18, 2019 and, in February 2019, again renewed its authorization of the stock repurchase plan to extend the expiration to March 18, 2020.

 

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In connection with this authorization, we entered into a 10b5-1 plan (the “Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan”). The Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan initially took effect on March 18, 2016 (with any purchases to commence after the opening of NYSE trading on March 21, 2016), was subsequently renewed and expired on March 18, 2018. We entered into an agreement to renew the Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan on May 14, 2018, which was terminated on June 27, 2018 in connection with our offering of Convertible Notes described below in “—Convertible Notes.” On June 27, 2018, we entered into an agreement to renew the Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan with any purchases pursuant to the agreement to commence on September 25, 2018. The Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan expired on March 18, 2019.

In February 2019, our Board of Directors approved the “Company 10b5-1 Plan, which provides for us to repurchase of up to $25.00 million of shares of our common stock if the stock trades below the most recently announced net asset value per share, subject to limitations. Under the Company 10b5-1 Plan, no purchases will be made if such purchases would (i) cause the aggregate ownership of our outstanding stock by Group Inc. and GS & Co. to equal or exceed 25.0% (due to the reduction in outstanding shares of stock as a result of purchase) or (ii) cause our Debt/Equity Ratio to exceed the lower of (a) 1.40 or (b) the Maximum Debt/Equity Ratio. In the Company 10b5-1 Plan, “Debt/Equity Ratio” means the sum of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and the total notional value of the Purchaser’s unfunded commitments divided by 85% of total equity, as of the most recent reported financial statement end date, and “Maximum Debt/Equity Ratio” means the sum of debt on the balance sheet and committed uncalled debt divided by net assets, as of the most recent reported financial statement end date. The Company 10b5-1 Plan took effect on March 18, 2019, expires on March 18, 2020 and purchases thereunder will be conducted on a programmatic basis in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act and other applicable securities laws. The Company 10b5-1 Plan was temporarily suspended on December 9, 2019 and remains suspended as of February 20, 2020.

Repurchases of our common stock under the Company 10b5-1 Plan or otherwise may result in the price of our common stock being higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we did not repurchase any of our common stock pursuant to the Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan, the Company 10b5-1 Plan or otherwise.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

We adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of all cash distributions declared by the Board of Directors unless a stockholder elects to “opt out” of the plan. As a result, if the Board of Directors declares a cash distribution, then the stockholders who have not “opted out” of the dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock, rather than receiving the cash distribution. Due to regulatory considerations, Group Inc. has opted out of the dividend reinvestment plan, and GS & Co. has opted out of the dividend reinvestment plan in respect of any shares of our common stock acquired through the GS 10b5-1 Plan.

The following table summarizes shares distributed pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan to stockholders who had not opted out of the dividend reinvestment plan.

 

Date Declared

  

Record Date

       

Payment Date

        Shares  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

                          

October 30, 2018

   December 31, 2018       January 15, 2019         39,591  

February 20, 2019

   March 29, 2019       April 15, 2019         35,306  

May 7, 2019

   June 28, 2019       July 15, 2019         35,408  

July 30, 2019

   September 30, 2019       October 15, 2019         29,141  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

                          

October 31, 2017

   December 29, 2017       January 16, 2018         23,824  

February 21, 2018

   March 30, 2018       April 16, 2018         20,916  

May 1, 2018

   June 29, 2018       July 16, 2018         20,644  

August 1, 2018

   September 28, 2018       October 15, 2018         31,576  

Contractual Obligations

We have entered into certain contracts under which we have future commitments. Payments under the Investment Management Agreement, pursuant to which GSAM has agreed to serve as our Investment Adviser, are equal to (1) a percentage of value of our average gross assets and (2) a two-part Incentive Fee. Under the Administration Agreement, pursuant to which State Street Bank and Trust Company has agreed to furnish us with the administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations, we pay our administrator such fees as may be agreed between us and our administrator that we determine are commercially reasonable in our sole discretion. Either party or the stockholders, by a vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, may terminate the Investment Management Agreement without penalty on at least 60 days’ written notice to the other party. Either party may terminate the Administration Agreement without penalty upon at least 30 days’ written notice to the other party.

 

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The following table shows our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019:

 

     Payments Due by Period (in millions)  
     Total      Less Than
1 Year
     1 – 3 Years      3 – 5 Years      More Than
5 Years
 

Revolving Credit Facility

   $ 580.55      $      $      $     580.55      $     –  

Revolving Credit Facility

   33.75                33.75       

Convertible Notes

   $     155.00      $     –      $     155.00      $      $  

Euro (“€”)

Revolving Credit Facility

On September 19, 2013, we entered into the Revolving Credit Facility with various lenders. Truist Bank (formerly known as SunTrust Bank) serves as administrative agent and Bank of America N.A. serves as syndication agent. We amended and restated the Revolving Credit Facility on October 3, 2014, November 3, 2015, December 16, 2016, February 21, 2018 and September 17, 2018.

The aggregate committed borrowing amount under the Revolving Credit Facility is $795.00 million. The Revolving Credit Facility includes an uncommitted accordion feature that allows us, under certain circumstances, to increase the borrowing capacity of the Revolving Credit Facility up to $1,000.00 million.

Borrowings denominated in USD, including amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, bear interest (at our election) of either (i) LIBOR plus a margin of either 1.75% or 2.00%, subject to borrowing base conditions or (ii) an alternative base rate, which is the higher of the Prime Rate, Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or overnight LIBOR plus 1.00%, plus either 0.75% or 1.00%, subject to borrowing base conditions. Borrowings denominated in EUR bear interest (at our election) or EUR LIBOR plus a margin of either 1.75% or 2.00%, subject to borrowing base conditions. We may elect either the LIBOR, EUR LIBOR, or an alternative base rate at the time of borrowing, and borrowings may be converted from one rate to another at any time, subject to certain conditions. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. We pay a fee of 0.375% per annum on committed but undrawn amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility, payable quarterly in arrears. Any amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable, on February 21, 2023.

The Revolving Credit Facility may be guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries, including any that are formed or acquired by us in the future (collectively, the “Guarantors”). Proceeds from borrowings may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments.

Our obligations to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of our portfolio of investments and cash, with certain exceptions. The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain covenants, including: (i) maintaining a minimum shareholder’s equity of $500.00 million plus 25% of net proceeds of the sale of equity interests after February 21, 2018, (ii) maintaining a minimum asset coverage ratio of at least 150%, (iii) maintaining a minimum asset coverage ratio of 200% with respect to consolidated assets (with certain limitations on the contribution of equity in financing subsidiaries as specified therein) of us and our subsidiary guarantors to the secured debt of us and our subsidiary guarantors, (iv) maintaining a minimum Company net worth of at least $350.00 million, (v) maintaining a minimum liquidity test of at least 10% of the covered debt amount during any period when the adjusted covered debt balance is greater than 90% of the adjusted borrowing base, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, and (vi) complying with restrictions on industry concentrations in our investment portfolio. We are in compliance with these covenants.

The Revolving Credit Facility also includes customary representations and warranties, conditions precedent to funding of draws and events of default.

Convertible Notes

On October 3, 2016, we closed an offering of $115.00 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured Convertible Notes, which included $15.00 million aggregate principal amount issued pursuant to the initial purchasers’ exercise in full of an over-allotment option (the “Initial Convertible Notes”). The sale of the Initial Convertible Notes generated net proceeds of approximately $110.90 million. We used the net proceeds of the offering to pay down debt under the Revolving Credit Facility.

On July 2, 2018, we closed an offering of $40.00 million aggregate additional principal amount (the “Additional Convertible Notes” and, together with the Initial Convertible Notes, the “Convertible Notes”). The Additional Convertible Notes have identical terms, are fungible and are part of the Initial Convertible Notes. The sale of the Additional Convertible Notes generated net proceeds of approximately $38.57 million. We used the net proceeds of the offering to pay down debt under the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

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The Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture between us and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and/or its affiliates provide bank lending and distribution services to certain Goldman Sachs funds. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on April 1, 2017. The Convertible Notes will mature on April 1, 2022, unless repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. In certain circumstances, the Convertible Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, based on an initial conversion rate of 40.8397 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $24.49 per share of common stock, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments and the other terms of the indenture governing the Convertible Notes. The conversion price is approximately 10.0% above the $22.26 per share closing price of our common stock on September 27, 2016 and 16.7% above the $20.99 per share closing price of our common stock on June 26, 2018. We will not have the right to redeem the Convertible Notes prior to maturity.

Holders may convert their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding October 1, 2021 only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter, if the last reported sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after October 1, 2021, until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any of the foregoing circumstances.

The Convertible Notes are accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options. Upon conversion of any of the Convertible Notes, we intend to pay the outstanding principal amount in cash and, to the extent that the conversion value exceeds the principal amount, we have the option to pay the excess amount in cash or shares of our common stock (or a combination of cash and shares), subject to the requirements of the indenture governing the Convertible Notes. We have determined that the embedded conversion options in the Convertible Notes are not required to be separately accounted for as derivatives under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. At the time of issuance the values of the debt and equity components of the Initial Convertible Notes and Additional Convertible Notes were approximately 99.4% and 0.6%, and 97.9% and 2.1%, respectively.

The OID equal to the equity component of the Convertible Notes was recorded in “paid-in capital in excess of par” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. We record interest expense comprised of both stated interest and amortization of the OID. At the time of issuance, the equity component of the Initial Convertible Notes and the Additional Convertible Notes were $0.74 million and $0.84 million, respectively. Additionally, the issuance costs associated with the Convertible Notes were allocated to the debt and equity components in proportion to the allocation of the values at the time of issuance and accounted for as debt issuance costs and equity issuance costs, respectively.

HEDGING

Subject to applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act and applicable Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) regulations, we may enter into hedging transactions in a manner consistent with SEC guidance. To the extent that any of our loans are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, we may enter into currency hedging contracts to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. We may also enter into interest rate hedging agreements. Such hedging activities, which will be subject to compliance with applicable legal requirements, may include the use of futures, options, swaps and forward contracts. Costs incurred in entering into such contracts or in settling them, if any, will be borne by us. The Investment Adviser has claimed no-action relief from CFTC registration and regulation as a commodity pool operator pursuant to a CFTC Rule 4.5 with respect to our operations, with the result that we will be limited in our ability to use futures contracts or options on futures contracts or engage in swap transactions. Specifically, CFTC Rule 4.5 imposes strict limitations on using such derivatives other than for hedging purposes, whereby the use of derivatives not used solely for hedging purposes is generally limited to situations where (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish such positions does not exceed five percent of the liquidation value of our portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contracts it has entered into; or (ii) the aggregate net notional value of such derivatives does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of our portfolio. Moreover, we anticipate entering into transactions involving such derivatives to a very limited extent solely for hedging purposes or otherwise within the limitations of CFTC Rule 4.5.

 

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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We may become a party to investment commitments and to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of our business to fund investments and to meet the financial needs of our portfolio companies. These instruments may include commitments to extend credit and involve, to varying degrees, elements of liquidity and credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2019, we believed that we had adequate financial resources to satisfy our unfunded commitments. Our unfunded commitments to provide funds to portfolio companies were as follows:

 

     As of  
     December 31,
2019
     December 31,
2018
 
     (in millions)  

Unfunded Commitments

     

First Lien/Senior Secured Debt

   $ 84.84      $ 94.40  

Second Lien/Senior Secured Debt

     2.38        2.35  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $     87.22      $     96.75  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On February 10, 2020, we closed an offering of $360.00 million aggregate principal amount of 3.75% notes due 2025 (the “Notes”). The Notes will mature on February 10, 2025 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at our option at any time at par plus a “make-whole” premium, if applicable. We used the net proceeds of the offering to pay down debt under our Revolving Credit Facility.

On February 19, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly distribution of $0.45 per share payable on April 15, 2020 to holders of record as of March 31, 2020.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements 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 materially. In addition to the discussion below, our critical accounting policies are further described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

As a BDC, we conduct the valuation of our assets, pursuant to which our NAV is determined, consistent with GAAP and the Investment Company Act. Our Board of Directors, with the assistance of our Audit Committee, determines the fair value of our assets within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, on at least a quarterly basis, in accordance with the terms of Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC 820”).

ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. For some assets and liabilities, observable market transactions or market information might be available. For other assets and liabilities, observable market transactions and market information might not be available. However, the objective of a fair value measurement in both cases is the same—to estimate the price when an orderly transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions (that is, an exit price at the measurement date from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability).

ASC 820 establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which ranks the observability of inputs used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. The observability of inputs is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instruments and their specific characteristics. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices, or for which fair value can be measured from quoted prices in active markets, generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment applied in determining fair value. The levels used for classifying investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities.

The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurement is defined as follows:

Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical instruments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 include unrestricted securities, including equities and derivatives, listed in active markets.

Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The type of financial instruments in this category includes less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.

Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category include investments in privately held entities and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.

 

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In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given financial instrument 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 requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.

Currently, the majority of our investments fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. We do not expect that there will be readily available market values for most of the investments which are in our portfolio, and we value such investments at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of our Board of Directors using a documented valuation policy, described below, and a consistently applied valuation process. The factors that may be taken into account in pricing our investments at fair value include, as relevant, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, and the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to publicly traded securities and other relevant factors. Available current market data are considered such as applicable market yields and multiples of publicly traded securities, comparison of financial ratios of peer companies, and changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets that may affect the price at which similar investments would trade in their principal market, and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate or revise our valuation.

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or for which market quotations are deemed not reflective of the fair value, the valuation procedures adopted by our Board of Directors contemplates a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

 

  (1)

Our quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the investment professionals of our Investment Adviser responsible for the portfolio investment;

 

  (2)

Our Board of Directors also engages independent valuation firms (the “Independent Valuation Advisors”) to provide independent valuations of the investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or are readily available but deemed not reflective of the fair value of an investment. The Independent Valuation Advisors independently value such investments using quantitative and qualitative information provided by the investment professionals of the Investment Adviser as well as any market quotations obtained from independent pricing services, brokers, dealers or market dealers. The Independent Valuation Advisors also provide analyses to support their valuation methodology and calculations. The Independent Valuation Advisors provide an opinion on a final range of values on such investments to our Board of Directors or the Audit Committee. The Independent Valuation Advisors define fair value in accordance with ASC 820 and utilize valuation approaches including the market approach, the income approach or both. A portion of the portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis, and all investments in the portfolio for which market quotations are not readily available, or are readily available, but deemed not reflective of the fair value of an investment, are reviewed at least annually by an Independent Valuation Advisor;

 

  (3)

The Independent Valuation Advisors’ preliminary valuations are reviewed by our Investment Adviser and the Valuation Oversight Group (“VOG”), a team that is part of the Controllers Department within the Finance Division of Goldman Sachs. The Independent Valuation Advisors’ ranges are compared to our Investment Adviser’s valuations to ensure our Investment Adviser’s valuations are reasonable. VOG presents the valuations to the Private Investment Valuation and Side Pocket Working Group of the Investment Management Division Valuation Committee, which is comprised of representatives from GSAM who are independent of the investment making decision process;

 

  (4)

The Investment Management Division Valuation Committee ratifies fair valuations and makes recommendations to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors;

 

  (5)

The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors reviews valuation information provided by the Investment Management Division Valuation Committee, our Investment Adviser and the Independent Valuation Advisors. The Audit Committee then assesses such valuation recommendations; and

 

  (6)

Our Board of Directors discusses the valuations and, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, determines the fair value of our investments in good faith, based on the input of our Investment Adviser, the Independent Valuation Advisors and the Audit Committee.

 

 

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Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income

We record our investment transactions on a trade date basis, which is the date when we assume the risks for gains and losses related to that instrument. Realized gains and losses are based on the specific identification method. Dividend income on common equity investments is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies or on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies. Interest income and dividend income are presented net of withholding tax, if any. Accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, which are included in interest income and expense, are recorded over the life of the underlying instrument using the effective interest method.

Fair value generally is based on quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative price sources. In the absence of quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative price sources, investments in securities are measured at fair value as determined by our Investment Adviser and/or by one or more independent third parties.

Due to the inherent uncertainties of valuation, certain estimated fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been realized had a ready market for these investments existed, and these differences could be material. For additional information, see Note 2 “Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Non-Accrual Status

Investments are placed on non-accrual status when it is probable that principal, interest or dividends will not be collected according to the contractual terms. Accrued interest or dividends generally are reversed when an investment is placed on non-accrual status. Interest or dividend payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest or dividends are paid and, in management’s judgment, principal and interest or dividend payments are likely to remain current. We may make exceptions to this treatment if the investment has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. As of December 31, 2019, we had certain investments held in three portfolio companies on non-accrual status, which represented 2.0% and 1.0% of the total investments (excluding our investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.) at amortized cost and at fair value, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, we had certain investments held in three portfolio companies on non-accrual status, which represented 8.3% and 7.0% of the total investments (excluding our investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.) at amortized cost and at fair value, respectively.

Distribution Policy

We intend to pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. Future quarterly distributions, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors. All distributions will be subject to lawfully available funds therefor, and no assurance can be given that we will be able to declare distributions in future periods.

We have elected to be treated, and expect to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. To maintain our tax treatment as a RIC, we must, among other things, timely distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our investment company taxable income for each taxable year. We intend to timely distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our annual taxable income for each year, except that we may retain certain net capital gains for reinvestment and carry forward taxable income for distribution in the following year and pay any applicable tax. The distributions we pay to our stockholders in a year may exceed our net ordinary income and capital gains for that year and, accordingly, a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The specific tax characteristics of our distributions will be reported to stockholders after the end of the calendar year. Stockholders should read carefully any written disclosure regarding a distribution from us and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our net ordinary income or capital gains.

We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if our Board of Directors declares a cash distribution, each stockholder that has not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have its distribution automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock rather than receiving the cash distribution. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of common stock will generally be subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash distributions; however, since their cash distributions will be reinvested, those stockholders will not receive cash with which to pay any applicable taxes. Due to regulatory considerations, Group Inc. has opted out of the dividend reinvestment plan, and GS & Co. has opted out of the dividend reinvestment plan in respect of any shares of our common stock acquired through the GS 10b5-1 Plan.

 

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Federal Income Taxes

As a RIC, we generally will not be required to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that we timely distribute to our stockholders as dividends. To maintain our RIC status, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our investment company taxable income for each year. Depending upon the level of taxable income earned in a year, we may choose to carry forward taxable income for distribution in the following year and pay any applicable tax. We generally will be required to pay a U.S. federal excise tax if our distributions during a calendar year do not exceed the sum of (1) 98% of our net 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 for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any net ordinary income and capital gains in excess of capital losses for preceding years that were not distributed during such years.

Because federal income tax regulations differ from GAAP, distributions in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the consolidated financial statements to reflect their tax character. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future. Differences in classification may also result from the treatment of short-term gains as ordinary income for tax purposes.

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to financial market risks, most significantly changes in interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity refers to the change in our earnings that may result from changes in the level of interest rates. Because we expect to fund a portion of our investments with borrowings, our net investment income is expected to be affected by the difference between the rate at which we invest and the rate at which we borrow. 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.

As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, on a fair value basis, approximately 0.6% and 3.4%, respectively, of our performing debt investments bore interest at a fixed rate (including income producing preferred stock investments), and approximately 99.4% and 96.6%, respectively, of our performing debt investments bore interest at a floating rate. Our borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate and the Convertible Notes bear interest at a fixed rate.

We regularly measure our exposure to interest rate risk. We assess interest rate risk and manage our interest rate exposure on an ongoing basis by comparing our interest rate sensitive assets to our interest rate sensitive liabilities.

Based on our December 31, 2019 balance sheet, the following table shows the annual impact on net income of base rate changes in interest rates (considering interest rate floors for variable rate instruments) assuming no changes in our investment and borrowing structure:

 

As of December 31, 2019

Basis Point Change

   Interest
Income
     Interest
Expense
     Net
Income
 
(in millions)                     

Up 300 basis points

   $ 36.22      $ (17.27    $ 18.95  

Up 200 basis points

     24.15        (11.51      12.64  

Up 100 basis points

     12.07        (5.76      6.31  

Up 75 basis points

     9.06        (4.32      4.74  

Up 50 basis points

     6.04        (2.88      3.16  

Up 25 basis points

     3.02        (1.44      1.58  

Down 25 basis points

     (3.02      1.44        (1.58

Down 50 basis points

     (6.01      2.88        (3.13

Down 75 basis points

     (8.98      4.32        (4.66

Down 100 basis points

     (10.13      5.76        (4.37

Down 200 basis points

     (10.99      10.14        (0.85

Down 300 basis points

     (10.99      10.14        (0.85

We may, in the future, hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options and forward contracts subject to the requirements of the Investment Company Act, applicable CFTC regulations and in a manner consistent with SEC guidance. While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in benefits of lower interest rates with respect to our portfolio of investments with fixed interest rates.

 

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ITEM 8 .    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

GOLDMAN SACHS BDC, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     80  

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December  31, 2019 and 2018

     82  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December  31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

     83  

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

     84  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December  31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

     85  

Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018

     86  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     97  

 

79


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedules of investments, of Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations, changes in its net assets and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 by correspondence with the custodian, agent banks, portfolio company investees, transfer agent, and brokers; when replies were not received, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

80


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Valuation of Certain Level 3 Debt Investments Developed Using Significant Unobservable Inputs Utilized in the Income Approach

As described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company held $1,341 million of total level 3 investments at fair value as of December 31, 2019, with debt investments representing approximately 93% of this total. For $1,041 million or 84% of those level 3 debt investments, the fair values were determined by management using the income approach. The significant unobservable inputs used in the income approach are the discount rate or market yield used to discount the estimated future cash flows expected to be received from the underlying investment. Included in the consideration and selection of discount rates or market yields is risk of default, rating of the investment, call provisions and comparable company investments.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of certain level 3 debt investments developed using significant unobservable inputs utilized in the income approach is a critical audit matter are that there was significant judgment and estimation by management to determine the fair value of these investments due to the development of the discount rate or market yield. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort to perform procedures and to evaluate the audit evidence obtained related to the valuation of certain level 3 debt investments. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the valuation of certain level 3 debt investments, including controls over the development of significant unobservable inputs used in the income approach, including the discount rate or market yield. These procedures also included, among others, either (i) testing management’s process for determining the fair value estimate, which included evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow technique; testing the completeness, accuracy, and relevance of the underlying data used in the technique; and evaluating the significant unobservable inputs used by management, including the discount rate or market yield, by considering the consistency of the unobservable inputs with external market and industry data and evidence obtained in other areas of the audit; or (ii) the involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in developing an independent fair value estimate range for certain level 3 debt investments and comparison of management’s estimate to the independently developed range of fair value estimates. Developing the independent range involved developing independent significant unobservable inputs for the discount rate or market yield in order to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s fair value estimate of these certain level 3 debt investments using a range of available market information.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 20, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies

in the following group of business development companies

since 2012 - Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.,

Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp.,

Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC, and

Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit II LLC

 

81


 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  

Assets

    

Investments, at fair value

    

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (cost of $1,338,268 and $1,155,641, respectively)

   $ 1,298,133     $ 1,129,036  

Non-controlled affiliated investments (cost of $83,460 and $143,700, respectively)

     82,580       126,089  

Controlled affiliated investments (cost of $88,119 and $126,217, respectively)

     73,539       120,319  

Cash

     9,409       6,113  

Receivable for investments sold

     93       47  

Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency forward contracts

     32       89  

Interest and dividends receivable from non-controlled/affiliated investments and non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

     5,702       6,969  

Dividend receivable from controlled affiliated investments

           2,550  

Deferred financing costs

     4,427       5,436  

Deferred offering costs

     276       165  

Other assets

     1,084       163  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,475,275     $ 1,396,976  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

    

Debt (net of debt issuance costs of $3,680 and $5,318, respectively)

   $ 769,727     $ 659,101  

Interest and other debt expenses payable

     2,304       2,428  

Management fees payable

     3,653       3,434  

Incentive fees payable

     1,850        

Distribution payable

     18,165       18,102  

Accrued offering costs

     28       2  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     3,423       4,017  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 799,150     $ 687,084  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

    

Net Assets

    

Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (1,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding)

   $     $  

Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (200,000,000 shares authorized, 40,367,071 and 40,227,625 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)

     40       40  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     778,132       802,216  

Distributable earnings

     (100,626     (90,943

Allocated income tax expense

     (1,421     (1,421
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS

   $ 676,125     $ 709,892  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

   $             1,475,275     $             1,396,976  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value per share

   $ 16.75     $ 17.65  

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

82


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019     2018     2017  

Investment Income:

      

From non-controlled/non-affiliated investments:

      

Interest income

   $ 133,550     $ 122,600     $ 113,402  

Payment-in-kind

     1,052       761        

Other income

     2,527       2,064       3,273  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income from non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

     137,129       125,425       116,675  

From non-controlled affiliated investments:

      

Payment-in-kind

     1,107       6,235       7,198  

Interest income

     2,766       2,545       1,861  

Dividend income

     178       148       27  

Other income

     49       37       25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income from non-controlled affiliated investments

     4,100       8,965       9,111  

From controlled affiliated investments:

      

Payment-in-kind

     2,311       1,791       37  

Interest income

     271              

Dividend income

     3,450       10,550       9,650  

Other income

                 1,308  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income from controlled affiliated investments

     6,032       12,341       10,995  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

   $ 147,261     $ 146,731     $ 136,781  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

      

Interest and other debt expenses

   $ 36,313     $ 26,232     $ 19,607  

Management fees

     14,696       15,971       17,828  

Incentive fees

     9,220       13,988       12,775  

Professional fees

     2,954       3,083       2,194  

Administration, custodian and transfer agent fees

     971       936       824  

Directors’ fees

     465       461       716  

Other expenses

     1,498       1,642       1,292  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 66,117     $ 62,313     $ 55,236  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incentive fees waiver

     (394            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

   $ 65,723     $ 62,313     $ 55,236  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INVESTMENT INCOME BEFORE TAXES

   $ 81,538     $ 84,418     $ 81,545  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense, including excise tax

   $ 1,819     $ 1,582     $ 1,552  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INVESTMENT INCOME AFTER TAXES

   $ 79,719     $ 82,836     $ 79,993  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions:

      

Net realized gain (loss) from:

      

Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

   $ (31,278   $ 1,722     $ (63,821

Non-controlled affiliated investments

     (7,226     9       (2,492

Controlled affiliated investments

     (629            

Foreign currency forward contracts

     151       7        

Foreign currency transactions

     (47     (189      

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from:

      

Non controlled/non-affiliated investments

     (13,530     (23,558     47,363  

Non-controlled affiliated investments

     16,731       (3,551     (8,448

Controlled affiliated investments

     (8,682     (3,653     (3,047

Foreign currency forward contracts

     (57     89        

Foreign currency translations

     823       688        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

   $ (43,744   $ (28,436   $ (30,445
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Provision) benefit for taxes on realized gain/loss on investments

     121       (446      

(Provision) benefit for taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     52       (276      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 36,148     $ 53,678     $ 49,548  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

                 40,313,662                   40,184,715                   38,633,652  

Net investment income per share (basic and diluted)

   $ 1.98     $ 2.06     $ 2.07  

Earnings per share (basic and diluted)

   $ 0.90     $ 1.34     $ 1.28  

 

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

83


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019     2018     2017  

Net assets at beginning of period

   $ 709,892     $ 725,830     $ 665,137  

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations:

      

Net investment income

   $ 79,719     $ 82,836     $ 79,993  

Net realized gain (loss)

     (39,029     1,549       (66,313

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (4,715     (29,985     35,868  

(Provision) benefit for taxes on realized gain/loss on investments

     121       (446      

(Provision) benefit for taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     52       (276      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 36,148     $ 53,678     $ 49,548  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to stockholders from:

      

Distributable earnings

   $ (72,574   $ (72,339   $ (70,504
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to stockholders

   $ (72,574   $ (72,339   $ (70,504
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital transactions:

      

Issuance of common stock

   $     $     $ 80,288  

Equity component of convertible notes

           799        

Reinvestment of stockholder distributions

     2,659       1,924       1,361  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital transactions

   $ 2,659     $ 2,723     $ 81,649  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

   $ (33,767   $ (15,938   $ 60,693  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets at end of period

   $             676,125     $             709,892     $         725,830  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions declared per share

   $ 1.80     $ 1.80     $ 1.80  

 

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

84


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019     2018     2017  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations:

   $ 36,148     $ 53,678     $ 49,548  

Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:

      

Purchases of investments

     (700,375     (450,078     (569,463

Payment-in-kind interest capitalized

     (4,321     (8,672     (7,188

Investments in affiliated money market fund, net

           11,539       (11,538

Proceeds from sales of investments and principal repayments

     579,005       321,717       464,259  

Dissolution of Senior Credit Fund, LLC

     9,822              

Net realized (gain) loss on investments

     39,140       (1,731     66,313  

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments

     5,481       30,762       (35,868

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on

foreign currency forward contracts and transactions

     47       (90      

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount, net

     (7,560     (9,129     (9,076

Amortization of deferred financing and debt issuance costs

     2,638       2,301       1,986  

Amortization of original issue discount on convertible notes

     424       267       117  

Increase (decrease) in operating assets and liabilities:

      

(Increase) decrease in receivable for investments sold

     (46     (47      

(Increase) decrease in interest and dividends receivable

     3,817       1,183       (936

(Increase) decrease in other income receivable

           1,308       904  

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (921     (161     74  

Increase (decrease) in interest and other debt expenses payable

     (45     661       179  

Increase (decrease) in management fees payable

     219       (1,213     241  

Increase (decrease) in incentive fees payable

     1,850       (3,180     1,706  

Increase (decrease) in directors’ fees payable

                 (8

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (594     1,644       (547
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities

   $ (35,271   $ (49,241   $ (49,297
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from issuance of common stock (net of underwriting costs)

   $     $     $ 81,571  

Offering costs paid

     (85     (177     (1,182

Distributions paid

     (69,852     (70,372     (67,433

Deferred financing and debt issuance costs paid

     (494     (3,873     (118

Borrowings on debt

     560,588       483,919                    516,850  

Repayments of debt

     (451,600     (365,750     (473,350
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   $ 38,557     $ 43,747     $ 56,338  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

     3,286       (5,494     7,041  

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     10       1        

Cash, beginning of period

     6,113       11,606       4,565  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, end of period

   $ 9,409     $ 6,113     $ 11,606  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental and non-cash financing activities

      

Interest expense paid

   $ 32,415     $ 22,120     $ 16,340  

Accrued but unpaid excise tax expense

   $ 1,979     $ 1,787     $ 1,515  

Accrued but unpaid deferred financing and debt issuance costs

   $     $ 79     $  

Accrued but unpaid offering costs

   $ 28     $ 2     $ 289  

Accrued but unpaid distributions

   $ 18,165     $ 18,102     $ 18,059  

Reinvestment of stockholder distributions

   $ 2,659     $ 1,924     $ 1,361  

Non-cash purchases of investments

   $ (287,664   $ (19,915   $  

Non-cash sales of investments

   $              297,442     $              19,915     $ 65,713  

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

85


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2019

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Investment *   Industry   Interest Rate (+)   Reference Rate and
Spread (+)
  Maturity     Par
Amount/Shares
(++)
    Cost     Fair
Value
 
  1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt – 159.83%# *

 

   
  3SI Security Systems, Inc.(1)   Commercial Services & Supplies   7.65%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/16/2023       $     14,773     $ 14,647     $ 14,626  
  A Place For Mom, Inc.   Diversified Consumer Services   5.55%   L + 3.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/10/2024       8,842       8,835       8,621  
  Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC^ (1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   8.75%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     06/13/2023       10,170       9,945       10,094  
  Acquia, Inc.(2)   Software   8.91%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/31/2025       12,364       12,122       12,117  
  Acquia, Inc.(2) (3)   Software     L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/31/2025       1,322       (26     (26
  Animal Supply Holdings, LLC^^ (1) (4)   Distributors   11.93%   L + 10.00% (incl. 2.50% PIK); 1.50% Floor     02/22/2022       3,879       3,845       3,821  
  Ansira Partners, Inc.   Professional Services   7.55%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     12/20/2022       4,578       4,552       4,441  
  Ansira Partners, Inc.(3)   Professional Services   7.51%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     12/20/2022       281       184       177  
  Apptio, Inc.(1) (2)   IT Services   8.96%   L + 7.25%; 1.00% Floor     01/10/2025       32,702       32,126       32,130  
  Apptio, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   IT Services     L + 7.25%; 1.00% Floor     01/10/2025       2,225       (37     (39
  Associations, Inc.(1) (2)   Real Estate Management & Development   9.09%   L + 7.00% (incl. 3.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor     07/30/2024       13,546       13,413       13,411  
  Associations, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Real Estate Management & Development   9.09%   L + 7.00% (incl. 3.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor     07/30/2024       2,981       2,040       2,039  
  Associations, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Real Estate Management & Development     L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor     07/30/2024       587       (6     (6
  ATX Networks Corp.   Communications Equipment   8.94%   L + 7.00% (incl. 1.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor     06/11/2021       7,285       7,263       6,702  
  ATX Networks Corp.   Communications Equipment   8.94%   L + 7.00% (incl. 1.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor     06/11/2021       463       458       426  
  Badger Sportswear, Inc.   Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods   6.80%   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     09/11/2023       7,150       7,091       6,793  
  Barbri, Inc.   Diversified Consumer Services   6.46%   L + 4.25%; 1.00% Floor     12/01/2023       6,243       6,222       6,118  
  BJH Holdings III Corp. (dba Jack’s Family Restaurants)(1) (2)   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure   7.55%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/19/2025       6,209       6,150       6,147  
  Brillio, LLC(1) (2)   IT Services   6.55%   L + 4.75%; 1.00% Floor     02/06/2025       4,497       4,458       4,452  
  Brillio, LLC(1) (2) (3)   IT Services     L + 4.75%; 1.00% Floor     02/06/2025       1,510             (15
  Bullhorn, Inc. (1) (2)   Professional Services   7.44%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     10/01/2025       10,995       10,835       10,830  
  Bullhorn, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Professional Services   7.46%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     10/01/2025       909       169       168  
  Bullhorn, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Professional Services     L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     10/01/2025       545       (8     (8
  Businessolver.com, Inc.(1) (2)   Health Care Technology   9.41%   L + 7.50%; 1.00% Floor     05/15/2023       12,549       12,367       12,329  
  Businessolver.com, Inc.(1) (2)   Health Care Technology   9.41%   L + 7.50%; 1.00% Floor     05/15/2023       1,882       1,853       1,849  
  Businessolver.com, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Technology   9.98%   L + 7.50%; 1.00% Floor     05/15/2023       1,569       606       600  
  CFS Management, LLC (dba Center for Sight Management)(1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   7.95%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     07/01/2024       4,797       4,752       4,749  
  CFS Management, LLC (dba Center for Sight Management)(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Providers & Services     L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     07/01/2024       1,418       (13     (14
  Chronicle Bidco Inc. (dba Lexitas)(2)   Professional Services   7.66%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     11/14/2025       7,000       6,862       6,860  
  Chronicle Bidco Inc. (dba Lexitas)(2) (3)   Professional Services     L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     11/14/2025       880       (17     (18
  Chronicle Bidco Inc. (dba Lexitas)(2) (3)   Professional Services     L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     11/14/2025       2,940       (29     (29
  Clarkson Eyecare, LLC (dba EyeCare Partners)(2)   Health Care Providers & Services   8.05%   L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     04/02/2021       7,471       7,351       7,322  
  Clarkson Eyecare, LLC (dba EyeCare Partners)(2)   Health Care Providers & Services   8.05%   L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     04/02/2021       4,943       4,862       4,844  
  Collaborative Imaging, LLC (dba Texas Radiology Associates)^^^ (1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   8.30%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     03/28/2025       8,900       8,793       8,744  
  Collaborative Imaging, LLC (dba Texas Radiology Associates)^^^ (1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   8.30%   L + 6.50%     03/28/2025       6,602       6,507       6,486  
  ConnectWise, LLC(2)   IT Services   7.94%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     02/28/2025       13,566       13,299       13,397  
  ConnectWise, LLC(2) (3)   IT Services     L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     02/28/2025       1,036       (20     (13
  Convene 237 Park Avenue, LLC (dba Convene)(1) (2)   Real Estate Management & Development   9.54%   L + 7.50%; 1.50% Floor     08/30/2024       21,200       20,799       20,776  
  Convene 237 Park Avenue, LLC (dba Convene)(1) (2) (3)   Real Estate Management & Development     L + 7.50%; 1.50% Floor     08/30/2024       6,220       (58     (124
  CorePower Yoga LLC(2)   Diversified Consumer Services   6.44%   L + 4.50%     05/14/2025       8,315       8,201       8,191  
  CorePower Yoga LLC(2) (3)   Diversified Consumer Services     L + 4.75%     05/14/2025       678       (9     (10
  CorePower Yoga LLC(2) (3)   Diversified Consumer Services     L + 4.50%     05/14/2025       1,807       (24     (27

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

86


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2019 (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Investment *   Industry   Interest Rate (+)   Reference Rate and
Spread (+)
  Maturity     Par
Amount/
Shares
(++)
    Cost     Fair
Value
 
  CST Buyer Company (dba Intoxalock)(2)   Diversified Consumer Services   7.55%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     10/03/2025       $     12,342     $ 12,188     $ 12,342  
  CST Buyer Company (dba Intoxalock)(2) (3)   Diversified Consumer Services     L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     10/03/2025       876       (11      
  DDS USA Holding, Inc.(1) (2)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   7.22%   L + 5.25%; 1.00% Floor     06/30/2022       3,805       3,791       3,786  
  DDS USA Holding, Inc.(1) (2)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   7.22%   L + 5.25%; 1.00% Floor     06/30/2022       3,599       3,586       3,581  
  DDS USA Holding, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   9.00%   P + 4.25%; 1.00% Floor     06/30/2022       1,079       104       102  
  Diligent Corporation(1) (2)   Professional Services   7.42%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       €     16,016       18,378       17,786  
  Diligent Corporation(1) (2)   Professional Services   7.58%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       3,831       3,797       3,792  
  Diligent Corporation(1) (2)   Professional Services   7.42%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       1,475       1,462       1,461  
  Diligent Corporation(1) (2) (3)   Professional Services   7.48%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       1,300       1,123       1,131  
  Diligent Corporation(1) (2)   Professional Services   7.56%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       507       502       501  
  Diligent Corporation(1) (2)   Professional Services   7.42%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       245       243       243  
  Diligent Corporation(1) (2) (3)   Professional Services     L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       4,268       (37     (43
  DiscoverOrg, LLC(2)   Software   6.30%   L + 4.50%     02/02/2026       16,079       15,934       16,119  
  DocuTAP, Inc.(1) (2)   Health Care Technology   7.30%   L + 5.50% 1.00% Floor     05/12/2025       24,093       23,543       24,093  
  E2open, LLC(1) (2)   Software   7.66%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     11/26/2024       16,259       16,109       16,097  
  Elemica Parent, Inc.(1) (2)   Chemicals   7.40%   L + 5.50%     09/18/2025       2,906       2,836       2,833  
  Elemica Parent, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Chemicals   7.40%   L + 5.50%     09/18/2025       380       118       118  
  Elemica Parent, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Chemicals     L + 5.50%     09/18/2025       560       (7     (14
  Empirix, Inc.(1) (2)   Diversified Telecommunication Services   8.20%   L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/25/2024       22,084       21,764       19,876  
  Empirix, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Diversified Telecommunication Services     L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/25/2023       1,300       (17     (130
  Eptam Plastics, Ltd.(2)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   7.30%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     12/06/2025       4,300       4,236       4,235  
  Eptam Plastics, Ltd.(2) (3)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   7.30%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     12/06/2025       915       215       215  
  Eptam Plastics, Ltd.(2) (3)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies     L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     12/06/2025       1,830       (14     (14
  Fenergo Finance 3
Limited(1) (2) (5)
  Diversified Financial Services   8.31%   L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/05/2024       €     17,800       20,391       19,816  
  Fenergo Finance 3
Limited(1) (2) (3) (5)
  Diversified Financial Services     L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/05/2024       1,182       (16     (9
  Fenergo Finance 3
Limited(1) (2) (3) (5)
  Diversified Financial Services     L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/05/2024       €       1,500       (24     (13
  FWR Holding Corporation (dba First Watch Restaurants)(1)   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure   7.29%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     08/21/2023       4,449       4,375       4,405  
  FWR Holding Corporation (dba First Watch Restaurants)(1)   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure   7.29%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     08/21/2023       889       875       880  
  FWR Holding Corporation (dba First Watch Restaurants)(1)   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure   7.29%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     08/21/2023       562       553       556  
  FWR Holding Corporation (dba First Watch Restaurants)(1) (3)   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure   7.29%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     08/21/2023       587       490       493  
  Gastro Health Holdco, LLC(1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   7.45%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/04/2024       12,630       12,422       12,440  
  Gastro Health Holdco, LLC(1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   7.43%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/04/2024       5,079       4,994       5,003  
  Gastro Health Holdco, LLC(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Providers & Services   7.40%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/04/2024       4,876       4,057       4,048  
  Gastro Health Holdco, LLC(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Providers & Services     L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/04/2023       2,000       (30     (30
  Gastro Health Holdco, LLC(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Providers & Services     L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/04/2024       5,100       (42     (77
  GH Holding Company (dba Grace Hill)(1)   Real Estate Management & Development   6.30%   L + 4.50%     02/28/2023       7,388       7,363       7,351  
  GI Revelation Acquisition LLC (dba Consilio)   IT Services   6.80%   L + 5.00%     04/16/2025       4,682       4,663       4,398  
  GK Holdings, Inc. (dba Global Knowledge)   IT Services   7.94%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     01/20/2021       8,550       8,537       6,412  
  GlobalTranz Enterprises, Inc.(2)   Road & Rail   6.79%   L + 5.00%     05/15/2026       7,681       7,538       6,990  
  GlobalTranz Enterprises, Inc.(2) (3)   Road & Rail     L + 5.00%     05/15/2026       1,992             (179
  Granicus, Inc.(2)   Software   6.69%   L + 4.75%; 1.00% Floor     09/07/2022       9,947       9,866       9,847  

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

87


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2019 (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Investment *   Industry   Interest Rate (+)   Reference Rate and
Spread (+)
  Maturity     Par
Amount/
Shares
(++)
    Cost     Fair
Value
 
  Halo Branded Solutions, Inc.   Commercial Services & Supplies   6.30%   L + 4.50%; 1.00% Floor     06/30/2025       $       8,491     $ 8,419     $ 8,278  
  HS4 AcquisitionCo, Inc. (dba HotSchedules & Fourth)(1) (2)   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure   8.71%   L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     07/09/2025       23,157       22,723       22,694  
  HS4 AcquisitionCo, Inc. (dba HotSchedules & Fourth)(1) (2) (3)   Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure   8.54%   L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     07/09/2025       1,883       248       245  
  Hygiena Borrower LLC   Life Sciences Tools & Services   5.94%   L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2022       12,521       12,432       12,271  
  Hygiena Borrower LLC(3)   Life Sciences Tools & Services     L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2022       715       (3     (14
  Hygiena Borrower LLC(3)   Life Sciences Tools & Services     L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2022       1,313       (11     (26
  iCIMS, Inc.(1) (2)   Software   8.29%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/12/2024       29,895       29,403       29,372  
  iCIMS, Inc.(1) (2)   Software   8.29%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/12/2024       5,506       5,405       5,409  
  iCIMS, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Software     L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/12/2024       1,868       (29     (33
  Infinity Sales Group(1)   Media   12.45%   L + 10.50%; 1.00% Floor     11/23/2022       25,579       25,579       27,625  
  Integral Ad Science, Inc.(1) (2)   Interactive Media & Services   9.05%   L + 7.25% (incl. 1.25% PIK); 1.00% Floor     07/19/2024       25,653       25,244       25,269  
  Integral Ad Science, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Interactive Media & Services     L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     07/19/2023       1,815       (26     (27
  Internet Truckstop Group, LLC (dba Truckstop)(1) (2)   Transportation Infrastructure   6.95%   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     04/02/2025       22,208       21,710       21,875  
  Internet Truckstop Group, LLC (dba Truckstop)(1) (2) (3)   Transportation Infrastructure     L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     04/02/2025       1,800       (39     (27
  Iracore International Holdings, Inc.^ (1)   Energy Equipment & Services   10.88%   L + 9.00%; 1.00% Floor     04/12/2021       2,917       2,917       2,917  
  Jill Acquisition LLC (dba J. Jill)   Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods   6.93%   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     05/08/2022       6,841       6,817       5,575  
  Kawa Solar Holdings Limited^ (1) (5) (6)   Construction & Engineering         05/26/2020       3,917       3,575       3,502  
  Kawa Solar Holdings Limited^ (1) (5) (6)   Construction & Engineering         05/26/2020       5,201       2,683        
  Lithium Technologies, Inc.(1) (2)   Interactive Media & Services   10.04%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/03/2022       38,966       38,373       38,381  
  Lithium Technologies, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Interactive Media & Services     L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/03/2022       2,684       (37     (40
  Mailgun Technologies, Inc.(1) (2)   Interactive Media & Services   6.95%   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     03/26/2025       15,896       15,607       15,618  
  Mailgun Technologies, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Interactive Media & Services     L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     03/26/2025       993             (17
  Mervin Manufacturing, Inc.(1)   Leisure Equipment & Products   9.30%   L + 7.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/30/2022       10,886       10,885       10,668  
  Midwest Transport, Inc.(1) (2)   Road & Rail   9.06%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/02/2023       11,906       11,812       11,787  
  MMIT Holdings, LLC (dba Managed Markets Insight & Technology)(1) (2)   Health Care Technology   7.43%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     11/15/2024       20,713       20,350       20,351  
  MMIT Holdings, LLC (dba Managed Markets Insight & Technology)(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Technology   7.44%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     11/15/2024       3,188       840       837  
  Netvoyage Corporation (dba
NetDocuments)(1) (2)
  Software   9.55%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     03/22/2024       3,990       3,913       3,940  
  Netvoyage Corporation (dba
NetDocuments)(1) (2)
  Software   9.55%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     03/22/2024       8,514       8,401       8,408  
  Netvoyage Corporation (dba
NetDocuments)(1) (2) (3)
  Software     L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     03/24/2022       654       (6     (8
  Output Services Group, Inc.   Diversified Consumer Services   6.30%   L + 4.50%; 1.00% Floor     03/27/2024       3,942       3,928       3,262  
  Output Services Group, Inc.(3)   Diversified Consumer Services     L + 4.25%; 1.00% Floor     03/27/2024       24             (4
  Pathway Vet Alliance LLC(1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   6.30%   L + 4.50%     12/20/2024       4,771       4,730       4,723  
  Pathway Vet Alliance LLC(1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   6.30%   L + 4.50%     12/20/2024       1,686       1,671       1,669  
  Pharmalogic Holdings Corp.(1)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   5.80%   L + 4.00%     06/11/2023       3,238       3,233       3,222  
  Pharmalogic Holdings Corp.(1)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   5.80%   L + 4.00%     06/11/2023       1,760       1,756       1,751  
  Pharmalogic Holdings Corp.(1)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   5.80%   L + 4.00%     06/11/2023       1,729       1,721       1,720  

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

88


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2019 (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Investment *   Industry   Interest Rate (+)   Reference Rate and
Spread (+)
  Maturity     Par
Amount/
Shares
(++)
    Cost     Fair
Value
 
  Pharmalogic Holdings Corp.(1)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   5.80%   L + 4.00%     06/11/2023       $          930     $ 928     $ 925  
  Picture Head Midco LLC(1) (2)   Entertainment   8.55%   L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/31/2023       18,437       18,140       18,160  
  PlanSource Holdings, Inc.(1) (2)   Health Care Technology   8.15%   L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     04/22/2025       22,780       22,366       22,324  
  PlanSource Holdings, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Technology     L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     04/22/2025       3,142       (56     (63
  Power Stop, LLC(2)   Auto Components   6.44%   L + 4.50%     10/19/2025       7,524       7,508       7,449  
  Premier Imaging, LLC (dba Lucid Health)(2)   Health Care Providers & Services   7.49%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     01/02/2025       11,771       11,596       11,594  
  Professional Physical Therapy(1)   Health Care Providers & Services   8.44%   L + 6.75% (incl. 0.75% PIK); 1.00% Floor     12/16/2022       5,826       5,121       4,952  
  PT Intermediate Holdings III, LLC (dba Parts Town)(2)   Trading Companies & Distributors   7.44%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     10/15/2025       11,760       11,702       11,701  
  Regulatory DataCorp, Inc.   Diversified Financial Services   6.44%   L + 4.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/21/2022       2,456       2,456       2,407  
  Riverpoint Medical, LLC(1) (2)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   6.97%   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     06/21/2025       8,998       8,956       8,908  
  Riverpoint Medical, LLC(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies     L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     06/21/2025       1,644       (7     (16
  Selectquote, Inc.(2)   Insurance   7.70%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     11/05/2024       10,700       10,492       10,486  
  SF Home Décor, LLC (dba SureFit Home
Décor)(1) (2)
  Household Products   11.70%   L + 9.75%; 1.00% Floor     07/13/2022       18,993       18,576       18,280  
  Shopatron, LLC (dba Kibo)(1) (2)   Internet & Catalog Retail   9.95%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     12/18/2020       6,011       5,909       5,921  
  Shopatron, LLC (dba Kibo)(1) (2) (4)   Internet & Catalog Retail   9.95%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     12/18/2020       1,853       1,834       1,825  
  SMS Systems Maintenance Services, Inc.   IT Services   6.80%   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/30/2023       7,275       7,252       5,602  
  SPay, Inc. (dba Stack Sports)(1) (2)   Interactive Media & Services   7.55%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/17/2024       10,332       10,170       9,996  
  SPay, Inc. (dba Stack Sports)(1) (2) (3)   Interactive Media & Services   7.52%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/17/2024       1,140       743       723  
  SPay, Inc. (dba Stack Sports)(1) (2)   Interactive Media & Services   7.76%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/17/2024       381       378       369  
  The Center for Orthopedic and Research Excellence, Inc. (dba HOPCo)(1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   7.31%   L + 5.25%; 1.00% Floor     08/15/2025       13,432       13,241       13,197  
  The Center for Orthopedic and Research Excellence, Inc. (dba HOPCo)(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Providers & Services   7.31%   L + 5.25%; 1.00% Floor     08/15/2025       1,857       67       60  
  The Center for Orthopedic and Research Excellence, Inc. (dba HOPCo)(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Providers & Services     L + 5.25%; 1.00% Floor     08/15/2025       4,643       (37     (81
  Tronair Parent Inc.   Air Freight & Logistics   6.66%   L + 4.75%; 1.00% Floor     09/08/2023       6,790       6,751       6,111  
  U.S. Acute Care Solutions, LLC   Health Care Providers & Services   6.80%   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor     05/17/2021       6,305       6,283       5,801  
  US Med Acquisition, Inc.(1)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   10.44%   L + 8.50%; 1.00% Floor     08/13/2021       29,644       29,445       29,051  
  Viant Medical Holdings, Inc.(2)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   8.16%   L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     07/02/2025       12,989       12,773       12,860  
  VRC Companies, LLC (dba Vital Records Control)(1)   Commercial Services & Supplies   8.30%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     03/31/2023       18,690       18,493       18,549  
  VRC Companies, LLC (dba Vital Records Control)(1) (3)   Commercial Services & Supplies   8.60%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     03/31/2022       882       479       481  
  WebPT, Inc.(1) (2)   Health Care Technology   8.66%   L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/28/2024       10,192       10,000       9,988  
  WebPT, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Technology     L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/28/2024       1,062       (20     (21
  WebPT, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Health Care Technology     L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/28/2024       1,274       (12     (26
  Wine.com, LLC(1) (2)   Beverages   8.93%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     11/14/2024       6,400       6,291       6,272  
  Wolfpack IP Co. (dba Lone Wolf
Technologies)(1) (2) (5)
  Real Estate Management & Development   8.29%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     06/13/2025       31,694       31,106       31,060  
  Wolfpack IP Co. (dba Lone Wolf
Technologies)(1) (2) (3) (5)
  Real Estate Management & Development     L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     06/13/2025       3,169       (58     (63
  WorkForce Software, LLC(1) (2)   Software   8.41%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     07/31/2025       8,735       8,570       8,560  
  WorkForce Software, LLC(1) (2) (3)   Software     L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     07/31/2025       771       (14     (15
  Wrike, Inc.(1) (2)   Professional Services   8.55%   L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     12/31/2024       22,704       22,289       22,250  
  Wrike, Inc.(1) (2) (3)   Professional Services     L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     12/31/2024       1,600       (27     (32
  Xactly Corporation(1) (2)   IT Services   9.05%   L + 7.25%; 1.00% Floor     07/29/2022       27,173       26,832       26,834  
  Xactly Corporation(1) (2) (3)   IT Services     L + 7.25%; 1.00% Floor     07/29/2022       1,697       (18     (21
  Yasso, Inc.(1) (2)   Food Products   9.55%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     03/23/2022       8,028       7,948       7,767  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total 1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

 

      1,094,885       1,080,670  
  1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche (7) – 5.22%

 

 
  Doxim, Inc.(1) (2)   Diversified Financial Services   7.94%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     02/28/2024       11,900       11,611       11,602  
  Doxim, Inc.(1) (2)   Diversified Financial Services   7.90%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     02/28/2024       624       609       609  
  RugsUSA, LLC(1) (2)   Household Products   8.45%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/30/2023       5,840       5,798       5,796  
  Smarsh, Inc.(1) (2)   Interactive Media & Services   9.68%   L + 7.88%; 1.00% Floor     03/31/2021       17,401       17,289       17,271  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total 1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

 

      35,307       35,278  

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

89


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2019 (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Investment *   Industry   Interest Rate (+)   Reference Rate and
Spread (+)
  Maturity     Par
Amount/
Shares
(++)
    Cost     Fair
Value
 
  2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt – 34.61%

 

 
  American Dental Partners,
Inc.(1) (2)
  Health Care Providers & Services   10.44%   L + 8.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/25/2023       $       5,738     $ 5,644     $ 5,637  
  Bolttech Mannings, Inc.^^ (1)   Commercial Services & Supplies   9.91%   L + 8.00% PIK     11/19/2021       23,453       23,453       22,515  
  DiscoverOrg, LLC(2)   Software   10.19%   L + 8.50%     02/01/2027       10,000       9,861       10,000  
  ERC Finance, LLC (dba Eating Recovery Center)(1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   10.02%   L + 8.22%; 1.00% Floor     09/22/2025       19,800       19,448       19,454  
  Genesis Acquisition Co. (dba ProCare Software)(1) (2)   Diversified Financial Services   9.60%   L + 7.50%     07/31/2025       7,000       6,851       6,825  
  Genesis Acquisition Co. (dba ProCare Software)(1) (2) (3)   Diversified Financial Services     L + 7.50%     07/31/2025       1,800       (18     (45
  GK Holdings, Inc. (dba Global Knowledge)   IT Services   12.19%   L + 10.25%; 1.00% Floor     01/20/2022       3,000       2,977       2,100  
  Hygiena Borrower LLC(1)   Life Sciences Tools & Services   9.69%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2023       1,860       1,832       1,827  
  Hygiena Borrower LLC(1) (3)   Life Sciences Tools & Services   9.69%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2023       680       91       85  
  ICP Industrial, Inc.(1) (2)   Chemicals   10.04%   L + 8.25%; 1.00% Floor     05/03/2024       20,400       20,026       19,992  
  IHS Intermediate Inc. (dba Interactive Health
Solutions)(1) (8)
  Health Care Providers & Services     L + 8.25%; 1.00% Floor     07/20/2022       10,000       9,902       2,500  
  Market Track, LLC(1) (2)   Internet & Catalog Retail   9.68%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/05/2025       22,200       21,695       21,368  
  MPI Products LLC(1) (4) (8)   Auto Components     L + 9.00%; 1.00% Floor     01/30/2020       20,000       19,090       12,700  
  National Spine and Pain Centers, LLC(1) (2)   Health Care Providers & Services   10.05%   L + 8.25%; 1.00% Floor     12/02/2024       19,100       18,678       18,384  
  Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation(2)   Road & Rail   9.80%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/12/2025       18,722       18,381       18,067  
  SMB Shipping Logistics, LLC (dba Worldwide Express)(1) (2)   Air Freight & Logistics   9.90%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     02/03/2025       41,667       41,107       40,937  
  Spectrum Plastics Group, Inc.(2)   Containers & Packaging   8.80%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     01/31/2026       6,248       6,222       4,925  
  YI, LLC (dba Young
Innovations)(1) (2)
  Health Care Equipment & Supplies   9.69%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     11/07/2025       15,235       14,868       14,854  
  Zep Inc.(2)   Chemicals   10.19%   L + 8.25%; 1.00% Floor     08/11/2025       23,800       23,332       11,900  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total 2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

 

      263,440       234,025  
  Unsecured Debt – 1.10%

 

 
  CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. (dba Hunter Defense Technologies)^ (1)   Aerospace & Defense   12.00% PIK       03/06/2021       4,417       4,417       4,417  
  CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. (dba Hunter Defense Technologies)^ (1)   Aerospace & Defense   12.00% PIK       03/06/2021       1,928       1,928       1,928  
  Conergy Asia & ME Pte.
LTD.^ (1) (5)
  Construction & Engineering   10.00%       05/26/2020       1,064       1,064       1,064  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total Unsecured Debt

 

      7,409       7,409  

 

     Investment *   Industry   Interest Rate   Par
Amount/Shares
(++)
    Cost     Fair
Value
 
  Preferred Stock – 7.21%

 

  Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC^ (1) (2) (6) (9)   Health Care Providers & Services     $     97,130     $ 3,200     $ 5,119  
  Animal Supply Holdings, LLC^^ (1) (6) (9)   Distributors     250,000       25,000       23,100  
  CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. (dba Hunter Defense
Technologies)^ (1) (6) (9)
  Aerospace & Defense     1,108,333       10,186       18,476  
  Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd.^ (1) (5) (6) (9)   Construction & Engineering     600,000       600        
  Kawa Solar Holdings Limited^ (1) (5) (8) (9)   Construction & Engineering   8.00%     63,260       778        
  Wine.com, LLC(1) (2) (6) (9)   Beverages     221,072       1,900       2,067  
         

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total Preferred Stock

          41,664       48,762  
  Common Stock – 7.12%          
  Animal Supply Holdings, LLC^^ (1) (6) (9)   Distributors     406,226       29,230       23,764  
  Bolttech Mannings, Inc.^^ (1) (6) (9)   Commercial Services & Supplies     8,000       6,591       339  
  CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. (dba Hunter Defense
Technologies)^ (1) (6) (9)
  Aerospace & Defense     453,383       2,393       7,427  
  Collaborative Imaging Holdco, LLC (dba Texas Radiology Associates) – Class B^^^ (1) (2) (9)   Health Care Providers & Services     8,464       1,141       1,617  
  Collaborative Imaging Holdco, LLC (dba Texas Radiology Associates) – Performance Units^^^ (1) (2) (5) (6) (9)   Health Care Providers & Services     7,988       159       464  
  Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd.^ (1) (5) (6) (9)   Construction & Engineering     2,000       4,700        
  Country Fresh Holding Company Inc.(1) (2) (6) (9)   Food Products     671       839       582  
  Elah Holdings, Inc.^ (1) (2) (6) (9)   Capital Markets     46,214       2,234       2,234  
  Iracore International Holdings, Inc.^ (1) (6) (9)   Energy Equipment & Services     28,898       7,003       7,967  
  Kawa Solar Holdings Limited^ (1) (5) (6) (9)   Construction & Engineering     1,399,556              
  National Spine and Pain Centers, LLC(1) (2) (6) (9)   Health Care Providers & Services     600       600       120  
  Prairie Provident Resources, Inc.^^^ (5) (6)   Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels     3,579,988       9,237       124  
  Wrike, Inc.(1) (2) (6) (9)   Professional Services     3,484,784       2,165       3,004  
  Yasso, Inc.(1) (2) (6) (9)   Food Products     850       850       466  
         

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total Common Stock

          67,142       48,108  
  TOTAL INVESTMENTS – 215.09%

 

  $  1,509,847     $  1,454,252  
         

 

 

   

 

 

 
  LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS – (115.09%)

 

  $ (778,127)  
           

 

 

 
  NET ASSETS – 100.00%

 

  $ 676,125  
           

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

90


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2019 (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

*  

Assets are pledged as collateral for the Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 6 “Debt”.

(+)  

Represents the actual interest rate for partially or fully funded debt in effect as of the reporting date. Variable rate loans bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to either LIBOR (“L”) or alternate base rate (commonly based on the Prime Rate (“P”)), at the borrower’s option, which reset periodically based on the terms of the credit agreement. L loans are typically indexed to 12 month, 6 month, 3 month, 2 month, 1 month or 1 week L rates. As of December 31, 2019, rates for the 12 month, 6 month, 3 month, 2 month, 1 month and 1 week L are 2.00%, 1.91%, 1.91%, 1.83%, 1.76% and 1.63%, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, P was 4.75%. For investments with multiple reference rates or alternate base rates, the interest rate shown is the weighted average interest rate in effect at December 31, 2019.

(++)  

The total par amount is presented for debt investments, while the number of shares or units owned is presented for equity investments. Par amount is denominated in U.S. Dollars (“$”) unless otherwise noted, Euro (“€”).

#  

Percentages are based on net assets.

^  

As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, the investment is deemed to be an “affiliated person” of the Company because the Company owns, either directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities. See Note 3 “Significant Agreements and Related Party Transactions”.

^^  

As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, the investment is deemed to be a “controlled affiliated person” of the Company because the Company owns, either directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such portfolio company. See Note 3 “Significant Agreements and Related Party Transactions”.

^^^  

The portfolio company is otherwise deemed to be an “affiliated person” of the Company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. See Note 3 “Significant Agreements and Related Party Transactions”.

(1)  

The fair value of the investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs. See Note 5 “Fair Value Measurement”.

(2)  

Represent co-investments made with the Company’s affiliates in accordance with the terms of the exemptive relief that the Company received from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. See Note 3 “Significant Agreements and Related Party Transactions”.

(3)  

Position or portion thereof is an unfunded loan commitment, and no interest is being earned on the unfunded portion. The unfunded loan commitment may be subject to a commitment termination date that may expire prior to the maturity date stated. The negative cost, if applicable, is the result of capitalized discount being greater than the principal amount outstanding on the loan. The negative fair value, if applicable, is the result of the capitalized discount on the loan. See Note 8 “Commitments and Contingencies”.

(4)  

The investment includes an exit fee that is receivable upon repayment of the loan. See Note 2 “Significant Accounting Policies”.

(5)  

The investment is not a qualifying asset under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company may not acquire any non-qualifying asset unless, at the time of acquisition, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets. As of December 31, 2019 the aggregate fair value of these securities is $55,945 or 3.79% of the Company’s total assets.

(6)  

Non-income producing security.

(7)  

In exchange for the greater risk of loss, the “last-out” portion of the Company’s unitranche loan investment generally earns a higher interest rate than the “first-out” portions. The “first-out” portion of the loan would generally receive priority with respect to payment of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder over the “last-out” portion that the Company would continue to hold.

(8)  

The investment is on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2019.

(9)  

Securities exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate fair value of these securities is $96,746 or 14.31% of the Company’s net assets. The acquisition dates of the restricted securities are as follows:

 

Investment    Acquisition Date      

Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC – Preferred Stock

     06/13/2018      

Animal Supply Holdings, LLC – Common Stock

     02/22/2019      

Animal Supply Holdings, LLC – Preferred Stock

     02/22/2019      

Bolttech Mannings, Inc. – Common Stock

     12/22/2017      

CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. (dba Hunter Defense Technologies) – Preferred Stock

     07/01/2016      

CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. (dba Hunter Defense Technologies) – Common Stock

     07/01/2016      

Collaborative Imaging Holdco, LLC (dba Texas Radiology Associates) – Class B – Common Stock

     03/30/2018      

Collaborative Imaging Holdco, LLC (dba Texas Radiology Associates) – Performance Units – Common Stock

     03/30/2018      

Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd. – Common Stock

     07/31/2017      

Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd. – Preferred Stock

     08/23/2017      

Country Fresh Holding Company Inc. – Common Stock

     04/29/2019      

Elah Holdings, Inc. – Common Stock

     05/09/2018      

Iracore International Holdings, Inc. – Common Stock

     04/13/2017      

Kawa Solar Holdings Limited – Common Stock

     08/17/2016      

Kawa Solar Holdings Limited – Preferred Stock

     10/25/2016      

National Spine and Pain Centers, LLC – Common Stock

     06/02/2017      

Wine.com, LLC – Preferred Stock

     11/14/2018      

Wrike, Inc. – Common Stock

     12/31/2018      

Yasso, Inc. – Common Stock

     03/23/2017      

PIK – Payment-In-Kind

  

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Foreign currency forward contracts

 

Counterparty    Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Settlement      Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

 

 

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 162        EUR 147        01/06/2020      $ (3)   

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 393        EUR 325        01/06/2020        29    

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 248        EUR 223        04/06/2020        (4)   

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 399        EUR 327        04/06/2020        30    

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 237        EUR 212        07/06/2020        (4)   

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 400        EUR 325        07/06/2020        31    

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 536        EUR 479        10/05/2020        (10)   

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 528        EUR 468        01/05/2021        (10)   

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 517        EUR 457        04/06/2021        (10)   

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 517        EUR 455        07/06/2021        (11)   

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 294        EUR 258        10/05/2021        (6)   

 

 
            $ 32    
           

 

 

 

 

Currency Abbreviations:

EUR – Euro

USD – U.S. Dollar

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

91


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2018

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Portfolio Company   Industry  

Interest

Rate (+)

 

Reference Rate

and Spread (+)

  Maturity    

Par

Amount
(++)

    Cost    

Fair

Value

 
  Investments at Fair Value – 193.75% #

 

  Corporate Debt (1) – 173.98%

 

  1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt – 102.78%

 

  Accuity Delivery Systems,
LLC^ (2) (3)
  Health Care Providers & Services   9.78%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     06/13/2023     $ 10,170     $ 9,892     $ 9,890  
  Apptio, Inc.(2) (4)   IT Services     L + 7.25%; 1.00% Floor     1/10/2025       26,696              
  Apptio, Inc.(2) (4)   IT Services     L + 7.25%; 1.00% Floor     1/10/2025       2,225              
  Artesyn Embedded Technologies, Inc.(5)   Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components   9.75%       10/15/2020       20,000       20,000       18,400  
  Associations, Inc.(2) (3)   Real Estate Management & Development   9.40%   L + 7.00% (incl. 3.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor     07/30/2024       11,788       11,650       11,671  
  Associations, Inc.(2) (3) (4)   Real Estate Management & Development   9.40%   L + 7.00% (incl. 3.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor     07/30/2024       2,938       1,012       1,017  
  Associations, Inc.(2) (3) (4) (6)   Real Estate Management & Development     L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor     07/30/2024       587       (7     (6
  Avenue Stores, LLC(3)   Specialty Retail   10.62%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     09/18/2020       30,300       29,874       29,467  
  Businessolver.com, Inc.(2) (3)   Health Care Technology   10.12%   L + 7.50%; 1.00% Floor     05/15/2023       12,549       12,323       12,298  
  Businessolver.com, Inc.(2) (3) (4)   Health Care Technology   12.00%   P + 6.50%; 2.00% Floor     05/15/2023       1,569       600       596  
  Businessolver.com, Inc.(2) (3) (4)   Health Care Technology   10.12%   L + 7.50%; 1.00% Floor     05/15/2023       1,882       450       433  
  Collaborative Imaging,
LLC^^^ (2) (3)
  Health Care Providers & Services   9.03%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     03/28/2025       8,900       8,777       8,722  
  Continuum Managed Services
LLC(2) (3)
  IT Services   8.53%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     06/08/2023       21,335       20,870       20,908  
  Continuum Managed Services
LLC(2) (3)
  IT Services   8.53%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     06/08/2023       6,140       6,017       6,017  
  Continuum Managed Services
LLC(2) (3)
  IT Services   8.53%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     06/08/2023       1,800       1,763       1,764  
  Continuum Managed Services
LLC(2) (3) (4) (6)
  IT Services     L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     06/08/2022       2,220       (42     (44
  Dade Paper & Bag, LLC(2) (3)   Distributors   10.02%   L + 7.50%; 1.00% Floor     06/10/2024       10,934       10,752       10,769  
  Dade Paper & Bag, LLC(2) (3)   Distributors   9.52%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     06/10/2024       1,395       1,382       1,342  
  Datto, Inc.(2)   IT Services   10.46%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     12/07/2022       37,027       36,429       36,749  
  Datto, Inc.(2) (4) (6)   IT Services     L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     12/07/2022       2,492       (39     (19
  DDS USA Holding, Inc.(2)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   8.57%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/30/2022       3,972       3,953       3,942  
  DDS USA Holding, Inc.(2)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   8.57%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/30/2022       3,843       3,825       3,815  
  DDS USA Holding, Inc.(2) (4) (6)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies     L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/30/2022       1,079       (5     (8
  Diligent Corporation(2) (3)   Professional Services   8.03%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022     16,179       18,496       18,305  
  Diligent Corporation(2) (3)   Professional Services   8.03%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       512       505       505  
  Diligent Corporation(2) (3) (4)   Professional Services   8.28%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       1,300       491       504  
  Diligent Corporation(2) (3) (4) (6)   Professional Services     L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       247       (3     (3
  Diligent Corporation(2) (3) (4) (6)   Professional Services     L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/14/2022       9,590       (120     (120
  Elemica, Inc.(3)   Software   9.52%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     07/07/2021       41,438       40,844       40,920  
  Elemica, Inc.(3) (4) (6)   Software     L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     07/07/2021       6,000       (80     (75
  Empirix, Inc.(2) (3)   Diversified Telecommunication Services   8.93%   L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/25/2024       22,300       21,924       21,910  
  Empirix, Inc.(2) (3) (4) (6)   Diversified Telecommunication Services     L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/25/2023       1,300       (22     (23
  Fenergo Finance 3 Limited(2) (3) (7)   Diversified Financial Services   9.13%   L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/05/2024     17,800       20,344       19,986  
  Fenergo Finance 3
Limited(2) (3) (4) (6) (7)
  Diversified Financial Services     L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/05/2024       1,182       (20     (24
  Fenergo Finance 3
Limited(2) (3) (4) (6) (7)
  Diversified Financial Services     L + 6.25%; 1.00% Floor     09/05/2024     1,500       (29     (59
  Gastro Health Holdco,
LLC(2) (3)
  Health Care Providers & Services   8.74%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     09/04/2024       10,200       10,005       9,996  
  Gastro Health Holdco,
LLC(2) (3) (4) (6)
  Health Care Providers & Services     L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     09/04/2023       2,000       (37     (40
  Gastro Health Holdco,
LLC(2) (3) (4) (6)
  Health Care Providers & Services     L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     09/04/2024       5,100       (60     (102
  Heligear Acquisition Co.(3) (5)   Aerospace & Defense   10.25%       10/15/2019       17,500       17,438       17,106  
  Hygiena Borrower LLC   Life Sciences Tools & Services   6.80%   L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2022       3,769       3,719       3,694  
  Hygiena Borrower LLC(4) (6)   Life Sciences Tools & Services     L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2022       380       (5     (8
  Hygiena Borrower LLC(4) (6)   Life Sciences Tools & Services     L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2022       571       (4     (11

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

92


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2018 (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Portfolio Company   Industry  

Interest

Rate (+)

 

Reference Rate

and Spread (+)

  Maturity    

Par

Amount
(++)

    Cost    

Fair

Value

 
  iCIMS, Inc.(2) (3)   Software   8.94%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/12/2024     $ 29,895     $ 29,321     $ 29,297  
  iCIMS, Inc.(2) (3) (4) (6)   Software     L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/12/2024       1,868       (35     (37
  Infinity Sales Group(3) (8)   Media   13.31%   L + 10.50%; 1.00% Floor     11/23/2020       29,529       30,739       29,529  
  Integral Ad Science,
Inc.(2) (3)
  Interactive Media & Services   9.78%   L + 7.25% (incl.1.25% PIK); 1.00% Floor     07/19/2024       23,733       23,289       23,258  
  Integral Ad Science,
Inc.(2) (3) (4) (6)
  Interactive Media & Services     L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     07/19/2023       1,815       (33     (36
  Iracore International Holdings,
Inc.^ (3)
  Energy Equipment & Services   11.63%   L + 9.00%; 1.00% Floor     04/12/2021       3,389       3,389       3,389  
  Kawa Solar Holdings
Limited^ (3) (7) (9)
  Construction & Engineering     L + 8.00% PIK     05/26/2020       8,460       8,150       8,066  
  Kawa Solar Holdings
Limited^ (3) (7) (10)
  Construction & Engineering         05/26/2020       5,201       2,683        
  Legacy Buyer Corp.(3)   Health Care Providers & Services   10.81%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/24/2019       22,841       22,746       22,841  
  Legacy Buyer Corp.(3) (4) (6)   Health Care Providers & Services     L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/24/2019       2,500       (10      
  Lithium Technologies, Inc.(2) (3)   Interactive Media & Services   10.39%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/03/2022       38,966       38,194       38,187  
  Lithium Technologies,
Inc.(2) (3) (4) (6)
  Interactive Media & Services     L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/03/2022       2,684       (50     (54
  Madison-Kipp Corporation(3)   Machinery   11.53%   L + 9.00%; 1.00% Floor     05/26/2020       29,879       29,677       29,805  
  Midwest Transport, Inc.(2)   Road & Rail   9.80%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/02/2023       12,541       12,421       12,416  
  MMIT Holdings, LLC(2)   Health Care Technology   8.02%   L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     11/15/2024       8,900       8,725       8,722  
  MMIT Holdings, LLC(2) (4) (6)   Health Care Technology     L + 5.50%; 1.00% Floor     11/15/2024       2,550       (50     (51
  Netvoyage
Corporation(2) (3)
  Software   11.53%   L + 9.00%; 1.00% Floor     03/24/2022       8,601       8,477       8,494  
  Netvoyage
Corporation(2) (3) (4) (6)
  Software     L + 9.00%; 1.00% Floor     03/24/2022       654       (8     (8
  Picture Head Midco LLC(2) (3)   Entertainment   9.27%   L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/31/2023       23,120       22,683       22,658  
  Picture Head Midco
LLC(2) (3) (4)
  Entertainment   9.27%   L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/31/2023       2,540       738       711  
  Picture Head Midco
LLC(2) (3) (4) (6)
  Entertainment     L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/31/2023       2,540       (47     (51
  Power Stop, LLC(2)   Auto Components   7.55%   L + 4.75%     10/19/2025       7,600       7,581       7,562  
  SF Home Décor, LLC(2) (3)   Household Products   12.31%   L + 9.50%; 1.00% Floor     07/13/2022       20,063       19,601       19,511  
  SPay, Inc.(2) (3)   Interactive Media & Services   8.22%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/17/2024       10,300       10,109       10,042  
  SPay, Inc.(2) (3) (4)   Interactive Media & Services   8.34%   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/17/2024       1,140       815       807  
  SPay, Inc.(2) (3) (4) (6)   Interactive Media & Services     L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/17/2024       5,720       (52     (143
  The Merit Distribution Group, LLC(3)   Distributors   14.06%   L + 11.25%; 0.50% Floor     04/08/2021       22,375       22,071       22,207  
  US Med Acquisition, Inc.(3)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   11.80%   L + 9.00%; 1.00% Floor     08/13/2021       29,954       29,643       27,782  
  Vexos, Inc.(3)   Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components   11.90%   L + 9.50%; 1.00% Floor     10/09/2019       36,235       36,089       35,872  
  VRC Companies, LLC(3) (4)   Commercial Services & Supplies   9.03%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     03/31/2023       3,683       2,776       2,774  
  VRC Companies, LLC(3) (4)   Commercial Services & Supplies   9.45%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     03/31/2022       175       88       88  
  Wine.com, LLC(2)   Beverages   9.86%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     11/14/2024       6,400       6,274       6,272  
  Wrike, Inc.(2)   Professional Services   9.28%   L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     12/31/2024       19,712       19,317       19,317  
  Wrike, Inc.(2) (4) (6)   Professional Services     L + 6.75%; 1.00% Floor     12/31/2024       1,600       (32     (32
  Xactly Corporation(2) (3)   IT Services   9.78%   L + 7.25%; 1.00% Floor     07/29/2022       22,860       22,504       22,517  
  Xactly Corporation(2) (3) (4) (6)   IT Services     L + 7.25%; 1.00% Floor     07/29/2022       1,697       (25     (25
  Yasso, Inc.(2) (3)   Food Products   10.27%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     03/23/2022       8,119       8,006       7,733  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total 1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

 

    738,626       729,604  
  1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche (11) – 15.05%

 

  ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC(3)   Distributors   10.03%   L + 7.50%; 1.00% Floor     12/15/2021       6,000       5,883       5,850  
  Intelligent Document Solutions, Inc.(2) (3)   Diversified Financial Services   8.80%   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor     02/28/2024       11,900       11,555       11,543  
  Mervin Manufacturing, Inc.(3)   Leisure Equipment & Products   9.94%   L + 7.50%     10/10/2019       11,165       11,120       10,746  
  NTS Communications,
Inc.^ (3) (9)
  Diversified Telecommunication Services     L + 9.00% PIK; 1.25% Floor     06/06/2019       58,747       55,968       49,054  

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

93


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2018 (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Portfolio Company   Industry  

Interest

Rate (+)

 

Reference Rate

and Spread (+)

  Maturity    

Par

Amount
(++)

    Cost    

Fair

Value

 
  NTS Communications, Inc.^ (3)   Diversified Telecommunication Services   11.81%   L + 9.00% PIK; 1.25% Floor     06/06/2019     $ 6,503     $ 6,309     $ 6,503  
  RugsUSA, LLC(2) (3)   Household Products   9.31%   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor     04/30/2023       5,840       5,788       5,781  
  Smarsh, Inc.(2) (3)   Interactive Media & Services   10.41%   L + 7.88%; 1.00% Floor     03/31/2021       17,578       17,381       17,402  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total 1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

 

    114,004       106,879  
  2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt – 55.21%

 

  American Dental Partners, Inc.(2) (3)   Health Care Providers & Services   11.30%   L + 8.50%; 1.00% Floor     09/25/2023       5,738       5,624       5,623  
  ASC Acquisition Holdings,
LLC(3) (9)
  Distributors     L + 17.00% (incl. 4.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor     12/15/2022       30,307       29,689       21,745  
  ASC Acquisition Holdings,
LLC (3) (9)
  Distributors     L + 17.00% (incl. 4.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor     12/15/2022       24,851       24,423       17,831  
  Bolttech Mannings, Inc.^^ (3)   Commercial Services & Supplies   10.74%   L + 8.00% PIK     11/19/2021       19,626       19,626       19,429  
  Country Fresh Holdings, LLC(2) (3)   Food Products   11.20%   L + 8.75%; 1.00% Floor     10/02/2023       9,400       9,246       7,802  
  DiscoverOrg, LLC(3)   Software   11.03%   L + 8.50%; 1.00% Floor     02/23/2024       59,500       58,540       59,054  
  DuBois Chemicals, Inc.(2)   Chemicals   10.52%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     03/15/2025       26,220       25,775       25,696  
  ERC Finance, LLC(2) (3)   Health Care Providers & Services   10.74%   L + 8.22%; 1.00% Floor     09/22/2025       19,800       19,404       19,404  
  Genesis Acquisition Co.(2) (3)   Diversified Financial Services   10.02%   L + 7.50%     07/31/2025       7,000       6,832       6,808  
  Genesis Acquisition Co.(2) (3) (4) (6)   Diversified Financial Services     L + 7.50%     07/31/2025       1,800       (21     (49
  Hygiena Borrower LLC(3)   Life Sciences Tools & Services   10.55%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2023       1,860       1,826       1,827  
  Hygiena Borrower LLC(3) (4)   Life Sciences Tools & Services   10.55%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     08/26/2023       680       90       85  
  ICP Industrial, Inc.(2) (3)   Chemicals   10.68%   L + 8.25%; 1.00% Floor     05/03/2024       20,400       19,960       19,941  
  IHS Intermediate Inc.(3)   Health Care Providers & Services   10.74%   L + 8.25%; 1.00% Floor     07/20/2022       10,000       9,880       9,350  
  Institutional Shareholder Services Inc.(2)   Diversified Financial Services   10.55%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     10/16/2025       5,100       5,077       4,998  
  Market Track, LLC(2) (3)   Internet Catalog & Retail   10.18%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     06/05/2025       22,200       21,628       21,090  
  MPI Products LLC(3)   Auto Components   11.71%   L + 9.00%; 1.00% Floor     01/30/2020       20,000       19,924       19,700  
  National Spine and Pain Centers, LLC(2) (3)   Health Care Providers & Services   10.77%   L + 8.25%; 1.00% Floor     12/02/2024       19,100       18,615       18,623  
  Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation(2)   Road & Rail   10.52%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     10/12/2025       18,722       18,339       18,207  
  P2 Upstream Acquisition Co.   Software   10.60%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     04/30/2021       3,500       3,486       3,325  
  SMB Shipping Logistics, LLC(2)   Air Freight & Logistics   10.86%   L + 8.00%; 1.00% Floor     02/03/2025       41,667       41,027       40,833  
  Spectrum Plastics Group, Inc.(2)   Containers & Packaging   9.52%   L + 7.00%; 1.00% Floor     01/31/2026       6,248       6,219       6,060  
  Viant Medical Holdings, Inc.(2)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   10.55%   L + 7.75%     07/02/2026       8,260       8,181       8,012  
  YI, LLC(2) (3)   Health Care Equipment & Supplies   10.55%   L + 7.75%; 1.00% Floor     11/07/2025       15,300       14,887       14,879  
  Zep Inc.(2)   Chemicals   11.05%   L + 8.25%; 1.00% Floor     08/11/2025       23,800       23,274       21,658  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total 2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

 

    411,551       391,931  
  Unsecured Debt – 0.94%

 

  CB-HDT Holdings, Inc.^ (3)   Aerospace & Defense   12.00% PIK       12/15/2019       3,931       3,931       3,922  
  CB-HDT Holdings, Inc.^ (3)   Aerospace & Defense   12.00% PIK       03/05/2021       1,716       1,716       1,711  
  Conergy Asia & ME Pte. LTD.^ (3) (7)   Construction & Engineering   10.00%       05/26/2020       1,064       1,064       1,064  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total Unsecured Debt

 

    6,711       6,697  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total Corporate Debt

 

    1,270,892       1,235,111  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

94


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2018 (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Portfolio Company   Industry   Coupon   Shares     Cost     Fair
Value
 
  Preferred Stock (1) – 3.03%

 

  Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC^ (2) (3) (5) (10)   Health Care Providers & Services     97,130     $ 3,200     $ 3,840  
  CB-HDT Holdings, Inc.^ (3) (5) (10)   Aerospace & Defense     1,108,333       10,186       15,794  
  Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd.^ (3) (5) (7) (10)   Construction & Engineering     600,000       600        
  Kawa Solar Holdings Limited^ (3) (5) (7) (9)   Construction & Engineering   8.00% PIK     58,430       778        
  NTS Communications, Inc.^ (3) (5) (10)   Diversified Telecommunication Services     263       187        
  Wine.com, LLC(2) (5) (10)   Beverages     221,072       1,900       1,900  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total Preferred Stock

      16,851       21,534  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Common Stock (1) – 3.15%

 

  Bolttech Mannings, Inc.^^ (3) (5) (10)   Commercial Services & Supplies     8,000       6,591       4,434  
  CB-HDT Holdings, Inc.^ (3) (5) (10)   Aerospace & Defense     453,383       2,393       5,427  
  Collaborative Imaging Holdco, LLC – Class B^^^ (2) (3) (5)   Health Care Providers & Services     8,464       1,141       1,330  
  Collaborative Imaging Holdco, LLC –
Class C^^^ (2) (3) (5) (7) (10)
  Health Care Providers & Services     7,988       159       221  
  Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd.^ (3) (5) (7) (10)   Construction & Engineering     2,000       4,700        
  Continuum Managed Services LLC – Class A(2) (3) (5) (10)   IT Services     733       732       842  
  Continuum Managed Services LLC – Class B(2) (3) (5) (10)   IT Services     496,698       7       268  
  Elah Holdings, Inc.^ (2) (3) (5) (10)   Capital Markets     46,214       2,234       2,234  
  Iracore International Holdings, Inc.^ (3) (5) (10)   Energy Equipment & Services     28,898       7,003       4,418  
  Kawa Solar Holdings Limited^ (3) (5) (7) (10)   Construction & Engineering     1,399,556              
  National Spine and Pain Centers, LLC(2) (3) (5) (10)   Health Care Providers & Services     600       600       318  
  NTS Communications, Inc.^ (3) (5) (10)   Diversified Telecommunication Services     595,215       3        
  Prairie Provident Resources, Inc.^^^ (7) (10)   Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels     3,579,988       9,237       504  
  Wrike, Inc.(2) (5) (10)   Professional Services     348,478       2,165       2,165  
  Yasso, Inc.(2) (3) (5) (10)   Food Products     850       850       182  
       

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total Common Stock

 

    37,815       22,343  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Portfolio Company             LLC Interest     Cost     Fair
Value
 
  Investment Funds & Vehicles (1) – 13.59%

 

  Senior Credit Fund, LLC^^ (7)   $ 100,000     $ 100,000     $ 96,456  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
 

Total Investment Funds & Vehicles

 

    100,000       96,456  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  TOTAL INVESTMENTS – 193.75%

 

  $ 1,425,558     $ 1,375,444  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS – (93.75%)

 

  $ (665,552
       

 

 

 
  NET ASSETS – 100.00%       $ 709,892  
       

 

 

 

 

(+)   

The Consolidated Schedule of Investments discloses the actual interest rate for partially or fully funded debt in effect as of the reporting date. Variable rate loans bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to either LIBOR (“L”) or alternate base rate (commonly based on the Prime Rate (“P”)), at the borrower’s option, which reset periodically based on the terms of the credit agreement. L loans are typically indexed to 12 month, 6 month, 3 month, 2 month, 1 month or 1 week L rates. As of December 31, 2018, rates for the 12 month, 6 month, 3 month, 2 month, 1 month and 1 week L are 3.01%, 2.88%, 2.81%, 2.61%, 2.50% and 2.41%, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, P was 5.50%. For investments with multiple reference rates or alternate base rates, the interest rate shown is the weighted average interest rate in effect at December 31, 2018.

(++)   

Par amount is denominated in U.S. Dollars (“$”) unless otherwise noted, Euro (“€”).

#  

Percentages are based on net assets.

^   

As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, the investment is deemed to be an “affiliated person” of the Company because the Company owns, either directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities. See Note 3 “Significant Agreements and Related Party Transactions”.

^^   

As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, the investment is deemed to be a “controlled affiliated person” of the Company because the Company owns, either directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such portfolio company. See Note 3 “Significant Agreements and Related Party Transactions”.

^^^   

The portfolio company is otherwise deemed to be an “affiliated person” of the Company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. See Note 3 “Significant Agreements and Related Party Transactions”.

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

95


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2018 (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

(1)   

Assets are pledged as collateral for the Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 6 “Debt”.

(2)   

Represent co-investments made with the Company’s affiliates in accordance with the terms of the exemptive relief that the Company received from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. See Note 3 “Significant Agreements and Related Party Transactions”.

(3)   

The fair value of the investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs. See Note 5 “Fair Value Measurement”.

(4)   

Position or portion thereof is an unfunded loan commitment, and no interest is being earned on the unfunded portion. The unfunded loan commitment may be subject to a commitment termination date that may expire prior to the maturity date stated. See Note 8 “Commitments and Contingencies”.

(5)   

Securities exempt from registration under the Securities Act, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act. As of December 31, 2018, the aggregate fair value of these securities is $78,879 or 11.11% of the Company’s net assets. The acquisition dates of the restricted securities are as follows:

 

Investment    Acquisition Date      

Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC – Preferred Stock

     06/13/2018      

Artesyn Embedded Technologies, Inc. – 1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

     09/26/2013      

Bolttech Mannings, Inc. – Common Stock

     12/22/2017      

CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. – Preferred Stock

     07/01/2016      

CB-HDT Holdings, Inc. – Common Stock

     07/01/2016      

Collaborative Imaging Holdco, LLC – Class B – Common Stock

     03/30/2018      

Collaborative Imaging Holdco, LLC – Class C – Common Stock

     03/30/2018      

Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd. – Common Stock

     07/31/2017      

Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd. – Preferred Stock

     08/23/2017      

Continuum Managed Services LLC – Class A – Common Stock

     06/08/2017      

Continuum Managed Services LLC – Class B – Common Stock

     06/08/2017      

Elah Holdings, Inc. – Common Stock

     05/09/2018      

Heligear Acquisition Co. – 1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

     09/30/2014      

Iracore International Holdings, Inc. – Common Stock

     04/13/2017      

Kawa Solar Holdings Limited – Common Stock

     08/17/2016      

Kawa Solar Holdings Limited – Preferred Stock

     10/25/2016      

NTS Communications, Inc. – Preferred Stock

     07/22/2016      

NTS Communications, Inc. – Common Stock

     07/22/2016      

National Spine and Pain Centers, LLC – Common Stock

     06/02/2017      

Wine.com, LLC – Preferred Stock

     11/14/2018      

Wrike, Inc. – Common Stock

     12/31/2018      

Yasso, Inc. – Common Stock

     03/23/2017      

 

(6)   

The negative cost is the result of the capitalized discount being greater than the principal amount outstanding on the loan. The negative fair value is the result of the capitalized discount on the loan.

(7)   

The investment is not a qualifying asset under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company may not acquire any non-qualifying asset unless, at the time of acquisition, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets. As of December 31, 2018 the aggregate fair value of these securities is $126,214 or 9.03% of the Company’s total assets.

(8)   

The investment includes an exit fee that is receivable upon repayment of the loan. See Note 2 “Significant Accounting Policies”.

(9)   

The investment is on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2018.

(10)   

Non-income producing security.

(11)   

In exchange for the greater risk of loss, the “last-out” portion of the Company’s unitranche loan investment generally earns a higher interest rate than the “first-out” portions. The “first-out” portion of the loan would generally receive priority with respect to payment of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder over the “last-out” portion that the Company would continue to hold.

PIK – Payment-In-Kind

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

        
Foreign currency forward contracts                          
Counterparty    Currency Purchased      Currency Sold      Settlement     

Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 352        EUR 300        01/04/2019      $ 8  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 288        EUR 245        02/05/2019        6  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 355        EUR 301        04/03/2019        8  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 309        EUR 260        05/06/2019        7  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 375        EUR 315        07/03/2019        8  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 311        EUR 260        08/05/2019        7  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 394        EUR 329        10/04/2019        9  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 324        EUR 269        11/05/2019        7  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 393        EUR 325        01/06/2020        9  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 399        EUR 327        04/06/2020        10  

Bank of America, N.A.

     USD 400        EUR 325        07/06/2020        10  
           

 

 

 
            $ 89  
           

 

 

 

Currency Abbreviations:

EUR – Euro

USD – U.S. Dollar

 

 

The accompanying notes are part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

96


Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. (the “Company,” which term refers to either Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. or Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, as the context may require) was initially established as Goldman Sachs Liberty Harbor Capital, LLC, a single member Delaware limited liability company (“SMLLC”), on September 26, 2012 and commenced operations on November 15, 2012 with The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (“Group Inc.”) as its sole member. On March 29, 2013, the Company elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Effective April 1, 2013, the Company converted from a SMLLC to a Delaware corporation. In addition, the Company has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2013.

The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, capital appreciation primarily through direct originations of secured debt, including first lien debt, unitranche, including last-out portions of such loans, and second lien debt, and unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt, as well as through select equity investments.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”), a Delaware limited partnership and an affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (including its predecessors, “GS & Co.”), is the investment adviser (the “Investment Adviser”) of the Company. The term “Goldman Sachs” refers to Group Inc., together with GS & Co., GSAM and its other subsidiaries.

On March 23, 2015, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) and the Company’s common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “GSBD”.

The Company has formed wholly owned subsidiaries, which are structured as Delaware limited liability companies, to hold certain equity or equity-like investments in portfolio companies and to effect the Merger (as defined below).

The Merger

On December 9, 2019, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp. (“GS MMLC”), a Delaware corporation, Evergreen Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and GSAM, a Delaware limited partnership and investment adviser to each of the Company and GS MMLC. The Merger Agreement provides that, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into GS MMLC, with GS MMLC continuing as the surviving company (the “First Merger”) and, immediately thereafter, GS MMLC will merge with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving company (the “Second Merger” and, together with the First Merger, the “Merger”).

In the First Merger, each share of GS MMLC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger (other than certain excluded shares as described in the Merger Agreement) will be converted into 0.9939 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Exchange Ratio”). The Exchange Ratio will only be adjusted if, between the date of the Merger Agreement and the effective time of the First Merger, (i) either the Company or GS MMLC declares or pays an extraordinary dividend, or (ii) the respective outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock or GS MMLC common stock shall have been increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities, in each case, as a result of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, combination or exchange of shares, or if a stock dividend or dividend payable in any other securities shall be declared with a record date within such period, other than shares issued pursuant to the Company’s distribution reinvestment plan, as permitted by the Merger Agreement. Any holder of GS MMLC common stock converted pursuant to the First Merger that would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of the Company’s common stock will receive cash in lieu thereof.

The Merger Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants, including, among others, covenants relating to the operation of each of the Company’s and GS MMLC’s businesses during the period prior to the closing of the Merger. The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement.

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The Company’s functional currency is U.S. dollars (“USD”) and these consolidated financial statements have been prepared in that currency. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to Regulation S-X. This requires the Company to make certain estimates and assumptions that may affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These consolidated financial statements reflect normal and recurring adjustments that in the opinion of the Company are necessary for the fair statement of the results for the periods presented. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions included in the consolidated financial statements.

 

97


Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassification has no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the consolidated results of operations as previously reported.

As an investment company, the Company applies the accounting and reporting guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies (“ASC 946”) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

Basis of Consolidation

As provided under ASC 946, the Company will not consolidate its investment in a company other than an investment company subsidiary or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. Accordingly, the Company consolidated the financial position and results of operations of its wholly owned subsidiaries, BDC Blocker I, LLC (formerly known as My-On BDC Blocker, LLC), GSBD Blocker II, LLC and GSBD Wine I, LLC. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company did not consolidate its previous equity interest in Senior Credit Fund, LLC (the “Senior Credit Fund”). For further description of the Company’s previous investment in the Senior Credit Fund, see Note 4 “Investments”.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records its investment transactions on a trade date basis, which is the date when the Company assumes the risks for gains and losses related to that instrument. Realized gains and losses are based on the specific identification method.

Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums to par value on investments purchased are accreted and amortized, respectively, into interest income over the life of the respective investment using the effective interest method. Loan origination fees, original issue discount (“OID”) and market discounts or premiums are capitalized and amortized into interest income using the effective interest method or straight-line method, as applicable. Exit fees that are receivable upon repayment of a loan or debt security are amortized into interest income over the life of the respective investment. Upon prepayment of a loan or debt security, any prepayment premiums, unamortized upfront loan origination fees and unamortized discounts are recorded as interest income, for which the Company has earned the following:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018      2017  

Prepayment premiums

   $     1,925      $     2,643      $     2,538  

Accelerated amortization of upfront loan origination fees and unamortized discounts

   $ 4,573      $ 3,265      $ 4,531  

Fees received from portfolio companies (directors’ fees, consulting fees, administrative fees, tax advisory fees and other similar compensation) are paid to the Company, unless, to the extent required by applicable law or exemptive relief, if any, therefrom, the Company only receives its allocable portion of such fees when invested in the same portfolio company as another account managed by the Investment Adviser.

Dividend income on preferred equity investments is recorded on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are payable by the portfolio company and are expected to be collected. Dividend income on common equity investments is recorded on the record date for private portfolio companies and on the ex-dividend date for publicly traded portfolio companies. Interest and dividend income are presented net of withholding tax, if any.

Certain investments may have contractual payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest or dividends. PIK represents accrued interest or accumulated dividends that are added to the principal amount or shares (if equity) of the investment on the respective interest or dividend payment dates rather than being paid in cash and generally becomes due at maturity or upon the investment being called by the issuer. PIK is recorded as interest or dividend income, as applicable. If at any point the Company believes PIK is not expected to be realized, the investment generating PIK will be placed on non-accrual status. When a PIK investment is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued, uncapitalized interest or dividends are generally reversed through interest or dividend income, respectively.

Certain structuring fees, amendment fees, syndication fees and commitment fees are recorded as other income when earned. Administrative agent fees received by the Company are recorded as other income when the services are rendered over time.

 

98


Non-Accrual Investments

Investments are placed on non-accrual status when it is probable that principal, interest or dividends will not be collected according to the contractual terms. Accrued interest or dividends generally are reversed when an investment is placed on non-accrual status. Interest or dividend payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest or dividends are paid and, in management’s judgment, principal and interest or dividend payments are likely to remain current. The Company may make exceptions to this treatment if an investment has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had certain investments held in three portfolio companies on non-accrual status, which represented 2.0% and 1.0% of the total investments (excluding an investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.) at amortized cost and at fair value, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had certain investments held in three portfolio companies on non-accrual status, which represented 8.3% and 7.0% of the total investments (excluding an investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.) at amortized cost and at fair value, respectively.

Investments

The Company carries its investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), issued by the FASB, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is generally based on quoted market prices provided by independent pricing services, broker or dealer quotations or alternative price sources. In the absence of quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations or alternative price sources, investments are measured at fair value as determined by the board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.

Due to the inherent uncertainties of valuation, certain estimated fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been realized had a ready market for these investments existed, and these differences could be material. See Note 5 “Fair Value Measurement”.

The Company generally invests in illiquid securities, including debt and equity investments, of middle-market companies. The Board of Directors has delegated to the Investment Adviser day-to-day responsibility for implementing and maintaining internal controls and procedures related to the valuation of the Company’s portfolio investments. Under valuation procedures adopted by the Board of Directors, market quotations are generally used to assess the value of the investments for which market quotations are readily available. The Investment Adviser obtains these market quotations from independent pricing services or at the bid prices obtained from at least two brokers or dealers, if available; otherwise from a principal market maker or a primary market dealer. To assess the continuing appropriateness of pricing sources and methodologies, the Investment Adviser regularly performs price verification procedures and issues challenges as necessary to independent pricing services or brokers, and any differences are reviewed in accordance with the valuation procedures. If the Board of Directors or Investment Adviser has a bona fide reason to believe any such market quotation does not reflect the fair value of an investment, it may independently value such investment in accordance with valuation procedures for investments for which market quotations are not readily available.

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or for which market quotations are deemed not reflective of the fair value, the valuation procedures adopted by the Board of Directors contemplate a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

 

  (1)

The quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the investment professionals of the Investment Adviser responsible for the portfolio investment;

 

  (2)

The Board of Directors also engages independent valuation firms (the “Independent Valuation Advisors”) to provide independent valuations of the investments for which market quotations are not readily available, or are readily available but deemed not reflective of the fair value of an investment. The Independent Valuation Advisors independently value such investments using quantitative and qualitative information provided by the investment professionals of the Investment Adviser and the portfolio companies as well as any market quotations obtained from independent pricing services, brokers, dealers or market dealers. The Independent Valuation Advisors also provide analyses to support their valuation methodology and calculations. The Independent Valuation Advisors provide an opinion on a final range of values on such investments to the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee. The Independent Valuation Advisors define fair value in accordance with ASC 820 and utilize valuation approaches including the market approach, the income approach or both. A portion of the portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis, and all investments in the portfolio for which market quotations are not readily available, or are readily available, but deemed not reflective of the fair value of an investment, are reviewed at least annually by an Independent Valuation Advisor;

 

  (3)

The Independent Valuation Advisors’ preliminary valuations are reviewed by the Investment Adviser and the Valuation Oversight Group (“VOG”), a team that is part of the Controllers Department within the Finance Division of Goldman Sachs. The Independent Valuation Advisors’ valuation ranges are compared to the Investment Adviser’s valuations to ensure the Investment Adviser’s valuations are reasonable. VOG presents the valuations to the Private Investment Valuation and Side Pocket Working Group of the Investment Management Division Valuation Committee, which is comprised of representatives from GSAM who are independent of the investment decision making process;

 

  (4)

The Investment Management Division Valuation Committee ratifies fair valuations and makes recommendations to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors;

 

  (5)

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews valuation information provided by the Investment Management Division Valuation Committee, the Investment Adviser and the Independent Valuation Advisors. The Audit Committee then assesses such valuation recommendations; and

 

99


  (6)

The Board of Directors discusses the valuations and, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, determines the fair value of the investments in good faith, based on the inputs of the Investment Adviser, the Independent Valuation Advisors and the Audit Committee.

Money Market Funds

Investments in money market funds are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) per share. See Note 3 “Significant Agreements and Related Party Transactions.”

Cash

Cash consists of deposits held at a custodian bank. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company held an aggregate cash balance of $9,409 and $6,113, respectively. Foreign currency of $1,003 and $257 (acquisition cost of $991 and $255) is included in cash as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into USD on the following basis: (i) investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into USD based upon currency exchange rates effective on the last business day of the period; and (ii) purchases and sales of investments, borrowings and repayments of such borrowings, income, and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into USD based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates.

The Company does not isolate the portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included within the net realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments. Fluctuations arising from the translation of non-investment assets and liabilities are included with the net change in unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translations on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign security and currency translations may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies and U.S. government securities. 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.

Derivatives

The Company may enter into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies. In a foreign currency forward contract, the Company agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of one currency for another, at a pre-determined price at a future date. Forward foreign currency contracts are marked-to-market at the applicable forward rate. Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency forward contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities by counterparty on a net basis, not taking into account collateral posted which is recorded separately, if applicable. Notional amounts of foreign currency forward contract assets and liabilities are presented separately on the Consolidated Schedules of Investments. Purchases and settlements of foreign currency forward contracts having the same settlement date and counterparty are generally settled net and any realized gains or losses are recognized on the settlement date.

The Company does not utilize hedge accounting and as such, the Company recognizes its derivatives at fair value with changes in the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency forward contracts recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes tax positions in its consolidated financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. A position that meets this standard is measured at the largest amount of benefit that will more likely than not be realized upon settlement. The Company reports any interest expense related to income tax matters in income tax expense, and any income tax penalties under expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company’s tax positions have been reviewed based on applicable statutes of limitation for tax assessments, which may vary by jurisdiction, and based on such review, the Company has concluded that no additional provision for income tax is required in the consolidated financial statements. The Company is subject to potential examination by certain taxing authorities in various jurisdictions. The Company’s tax positions are subject to ongoing interpretation of laws and regulations by taxing authorities.

The Company has elected to be treated as a RIC commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2013. So long as the Company maintains its status as a RIC, it will generally not be required to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its stockholders as dividends. As a result, any U.S. federal income tax liability related to income earned and distributed by the Company represents obligations of the Company’s stockholders and will not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

To maintain its tax treatment as a RIC, the Company must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its stockholders for each taxable year at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, its net ordinary income plus the excess of its realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction). In order for the Company not to be subject to U.S. federal excise taxes, it must distribute annually an amount at least equal to

 

100


the sum of (i) 98% of its net ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (ii) 98.2% of its capital gains in excess of capital losses for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (iii) any net ordinary income and capital gains in excess of capital losses for preceding years that were not distributed during such years. The Company, at its discretion, may carry forward taxable income in excess of calendar year dividends and pay a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on this income. If the Company chooses to do so, this generally would increase expenses and reduce the amount available to be distributed to stockholders. The Company will accrue excise tax on estimated undistributed taxable income as required. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 the Company accrued excise taxes of $1,815, $1,589 and $1,552, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, $1,979 of accrued excise taxes remained payable.

Certain of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal and state corporate-level income taxes. Income tax expense, if any, is included under the income category for which it applies in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Distributions

Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from those amounts determined in accordance with GAAP. The Company may pay distributions in excess of its taxable net investment income. This excess would be a tax-free return of capital in the period and reduce the stockholder’s tax basis in its shares. These book/tax differences are either temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent they are charged or credited to paid-in capital in excess of par, accumulated undistributed net investment income or accumulated net realized gain (loss), as appropriate, in the period that the differences arise. Temporary and permanent differences are primarily attributable to differences in the tax treatment of certain loans and the tax characterization of income and non-deductible expenses. These differences are generally determined in conjunction with the preparation of the Company’s annual RIC tax return. Distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount to be paid out as a distribution is determined by the Board of Directors each quarter and is generally based upon the earnings estimated by the Investment Adviser. The Company may pay distributions to its stockholders in a year in excess of its net ordinary income and capital gains for that year and, accordingly, a portion of such distributions may constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company intends to timely distribute to its stockholders substantially all of its annual taxable income for each year, except that the Company may retain certain net capital gains for reinvestment and may carry forward taxable income for distribution in the following year and pay any applicable tax. The specific tax characteristics of the Company’s distributions will be reported to stockholders after the end of the calendar year. All distributions will be subject to available funds, and no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to declare such distributions in future periods.

The Company has adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of all cash distributions declared by the Board of Directors unless a stockholder elects to “opt out” of the plan. As a result, if the Board of Directors declares a cash distribution, then the stockholders who have not “opted out” of the dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock, rather than receiving the cash distribution. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of common stock will generally be subject to the same U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash distributions and, for this purpose, stockholders receiving distributions in the form of stock will generally be treated as receiving distributions equal to the fair market value of the stock received through the plan; however, since their cash distributions will be reinvested, those stockholders will not receive cash with which to pay any applicable taxes. Due to regulatory considerations, Group Inc. has opted out of the dividend reinvestment plan, and GS & Co. has opted out of the dividend reinvestment plan in respect of shares of the Company’s common stock acquired through its 10b5-1 plan.

Deferred Financing and Debt Issuance Costs

Deferred financing and debt issuance costs consist of fees and expenses paid in connection with the closing of and amendments to the Company’s senior secured revolving credit agreement (as amended, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Truist Bank (formerly known as SunTrust Bank), as administrative agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, and the offering of the Company’s 4.50% Convertible Notes due 2022 (the “Convertible Notes”). These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the respective term of the Revolving Credit Facility and Convertible Notes. Deferred financing costs related to the Revolving Credit Facility are presented separately as an asset on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Deferred debt issuance costs related to the Convertible Notes are presented net against the outstanding debt balance on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Deferred Offering Costs

The Company records expenses related to registration statement filings and applicable offering costs as deferred offering costs. To the extent such expenses relate to equity offerings, these expenses are charged as a reduction of paid-in-capital upon each such offering.

 

3.

SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Investment Management Agreement

The Company has entered into an investment management agreement (as amended and restated as of June 15, 2018, the “Investment Management Agreement”) with the Investment Adviser, pursuant to which the Investment Adviser manages the Company’s investment program and related activities.

 

101


Management Fee

The Company pays the Investment Adviser a management fee (the “Management Fee”), accrued and payable quarterly in arrears. The Management Fee (i) was calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% (0.375% per quarter) (the “Original Rate”) through June 14, 2018 and (ii) an annual rate of 1.00% (0.25% per quarter) (the “New Rate”) thereafter, in each case, of the average value of the Company’s gross assets (excluding cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed amounts) at the end of each of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. The Management Fee for any partial quarter (including any quarter during which both the Original Rate and the New Rate were in effect) will be appropriately prorated based on the actual number of days elapsed relative to the total number of days in such calendar quarter.

For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Management Fees amounted to $14,696, $15,971 and $17,828, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, $3,653 remained payable.

Incentive Fee

The incentive fee (the “Incentive Fee”) consists of two components that are determined independent of each other, with the result that one component may be payable even if the other is not. Effective as of January 1, 2015, the Incentive Fee is calculated as follows:

A portion of the Incentive Fee is based on income and a portion is based on capital gains, each as described below. The Investment Adviser is entitled to receive the Incentive Fee based on income if Ordinary Income (as defined below) exceeds a quarterly “hurdle rate” of 1.75%. For this purpose, the hurdle is computed by reference to the Company’s NAV and does not take into account changes in the market price of the Company’s common stock.

The Incentive Fee based on income is determined and paid quarterly in arrears at the end of each calendar quarter by reference to the Company’s aggregate net investment income, as adjusted as described below, from the calendar quarter then ending and the eleven preceding calendar quarters (or if shorter, the number of quarters that have occurred since January 1, 2015) (such period the “Trailing Twelve Quarters”). The Incentive Fee based on capital gains is determined and paid annually in arrears at the end of each calendar year by reference to an “Annual Period,” which means the period beginning on January 1 of each calendar year and ending on December 31 of such calendar year or, in the case of the first and last year, the appropriate portion thereof.

The hurdle amount for the Incentive Fee based on income is determined on a quarterly basis and is equal to 1.75% multiplied by the Company’s NAV at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. The hurdle amount is calculated after making appropriate adjustments for subscriptions (which includes all of the Company’s issuances of shares of its common stock, including issuances pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan) and distributions that occurred during the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. The Incentive Fee for any partial period will be appropriately prorated.

i. Quarterly Incentive Fee Based on Income

For the portion of the Incentive Fee based on income, the Company pays the Investment Adviser a quarterly Incentive Fee based on the amount by which (A) aggregate net investment income (“Ordinary Income”) in respect of the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters exceeds (B) the hurdle amount for such Trailing Twelve Quarters. The amount of the excess of (A) over (B) described in this paragraph for such Trailing Twelve Quarters is referred to as the “Excess Income Amount”. Ordinary Income is net of all fees and expenses, including the Management Fee but excluding any Incentive Fee.

The Incentive Fee based on income for each quarter is determined as follows:

 

   

No Incentive Fee based on income is payable to the Investment Adviser for any calendar quarter for which there is no Excess Income Amount;

 

   

100% of the Ordinary Income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle amount, but is less than or equal to an amount, referred to as the “Catch-up Amount,” determined as the sum of 2.1875% multiplied by the Company’s NAV at the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter comprising the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters is included in the calculation of the Incentive Fee based on income; and

 

   

20% of the Ordinary Income that exceeds the Catch-up Amount is included in the calculation of the Incentive Fee based on income.

The amount of the Incentive Fee based on income that is paid to the Investment Adviser for a particular quarter equals the excess of the Incentive Fee so calculated minus the aggregate Incentive Fees based on income that were paid in respect of the first eleven calendar quarters (or the portion thereof) included in the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters but not in excess of the Incentive Fee Cap (as described below).

The Incentive Fee based on income that is paid to the Investment Adviser for a particular quarter is subject to a cap (the “Incentive Fee Cap”). The Incentive Fee Cap for any quarter is an amount equal to (a) 20% of the Cumulative Net Return (as defined below) during the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters minus (b) the aggregate Incentive Fees based on income that were paid in respect of the first eleven calendar quarters (or the portion thereof) included in the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters.

“Cumulative Net Return” means (x) the Ordinary Income in respect of the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters minus (y) any Net Capital Loss, if any, in respect of the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap is zero or a negative value, the Company pays no Incentive Fee based on income to the Investment Adviser for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter is a positive value but is less than the Incentive Fee based on income that is payable to the Investment Adviser for such quarter (before giving

 

102


effect to the Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, the Company pays an Incentive Fee based on income to the Investment Adviser equal to the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter. If, in any quarter, the Incentive Fee Cap for such quarter is equal to or greater than the Incentive Fee based on income that is payable to the Investment Adviser for such quarter (before giving effect to the Incentive Fee Cap) calculated as described above, the Company pays an Incentive Fee based on income to the Investment Adviser equal to the Incentive Fee calculated as described above for such quarter without regard to the Incentive Fee Cap.

“Net Capital Loss” in respect of a particular period means the difference, if positive, between (i) aggregate capital losses, whether realized or unrealized, in such period and (ii) aggregate capital gains, whether realized or unrealized, in such period.

ii. Annual Incentive Fee Based on Capital Gains

The portion of the Incentive Fee based on capital gains is calculated on an annual basis. For each Annual Period, the Company pays the Investment Adviser an amount equal to (A) 20% of the difference, if positive, of the sum of the Company’s aggregate realized capital gains, if any, computed net of the Company’s aggregate realized capital losses, if any, and the Company’s aggregate unrealized capital depreciation, in each case from April 1, 2013 until the end of such Annual Period minus (B) the cumulative amount of Incentive Fees based on capital gains previously paid to the Investment Adviser from April 1, 2013. For the avoidance of doubt, unrealized capital appreciation is excluded from the calculation in clause (A) above.

The Company accrues, but does not pay, a portion of the Incentive Fee based on capital gains with respect to net unrealized appreciation. Under GAAP, the Company is required to accrue an Incentive Fee based on capital gains that includes net realized capital gains and losses and net unrealized capital appreciation and depreciation on investments held at the end of each period. In calculating the accrual for the Incentive Fee based on capital gains, the Company considers the cumulative aggregate unrealized capital appreciation in the calculation, since an Incentive Fee based on capital gains would be payable if such unrealized capital appreciation were realized, even though such unrealized capital appreciation is not permitted to be considered in calculating the fee payable under the Investment Management Agreement. This accrual is calculated using the aggregate cumulative realized capital gains and losses and aggregate cumulative unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. If such amount is positive at the end of a period, then the Company records a capital gains incentive fee equal to 20% of such amount, minus the aggregate amount of actual Incentive Fees based on capital gains paid in all prior periods. If such amount is negative, then there is no accrual for such period. There can be no assurance that such unrealized capital appreciation will be realized in the future.

For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 the Company incurred Incentive Fees based on income of $9,220, $13,988 and $12,775, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, $1,850 remained payable. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 the Company did not accrue or pay any Incentive Fees based on capital gains.

In connection with the Merger, GSAM has agreed to waive a portion of its Incentive Fee based on income for the next five quarters, commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2019 and through and including the quarter ending December 31, 2020, otherwise payable by the Company under the Investment Management Agreement and the proposed New Investment Management Agreement by and between the Company and GSAM, as applicable, for each such quarter in an amount sufficient to ensure that the Company’s net investment income per weighted share outstanding for such quarter is at least $0.48 per share. For the year ended December 31, 2019, GSAM agreed to waive $394 of the Incentive Fees.

Administration and Custodian Fees

The Company has entered into an administration agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Administrator”) under which the Administrator provides various accounting and administrative services to the Company. The Company pays the Administrator fees for its services as it determines to be commercially reasonable in its sole discretion. The Company also reimburses the Administrator for all reasonable expenses. To the extent that the Administrator outsources any of its functions, the Administrator pays any compensation associated with such functions. The Administrator also serves as the Company’s custodian (the “Custodian”).

For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred expenses for services provided by the Administrator and the Custodian of $957, $920 and $803, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, $160 remained payable.

Transfer Agent Fees

The Company has entered into a transfer agency and services agreement pursuant to which Computershare Trust Company, N.A. serves as the Company’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”), dividend agent and registrar. From the IPO to May 1, 2016, State Street Bank and Trust Company served as the Transfer Agent and dividend agent. Prior to the IPO, GS & Co. was the Transfer Agent. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company incurred expenses for services provided by the Transfer Agent of $14, $16 and $21, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, $3 remained payable.

Common Stock Repurchase Plans

In February 2016, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $25,000 of the Company’s common stock if the stock trades below the most recently announced NAV per share (including any updates, corrections or adjustments publicly announced by the Company to any previously announced NAV per share), from March 18, 2016 to March 18, 2017, subject to certain limitations. In February 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors renewed its authorization of the stock repurchase plan to extend the expiration to March 18, 2018, in February 2018, again renewed its authorization of the stock repurchase plan to extend the expiration to March 18, 2019 and, in February 2019, again renewed its authorization of the stock repurchase plan to extend the expiration to March 18, 2020.

 

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In connection with this authorization, the Company entered into a 10b5-1 plan (the “Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan”). The Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan initially took effect on March 18, 2016 (with any purchases to commence after the opening of NYSE trading on March 21, 2016), was subsequently renewed and expired on March 18, 2018. The Company entered into an agreement to renew the Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan on May 14, 2018, which was terminated on June 27, 2018 in connection with the Company’s offering of Convertible Notes. See Notes 6 “Debt”. On June 27, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to renew the Company 10b5-1 Plan with any purchases pursuant to the agreement to commence on September 25, 2018. The Initial Company 10b5-1 Plan expired on March 18, 2019.

In February 2019, our Board of Directors approved the “Company 10b5-1 Plan”, which provides for us to repurchase up to $25,000 of shares of our common stock if the stock trades below the most recently announced net asset value per share, subject to limitations. Under the Company 10b5-1 Plan, no purchases will be made if such purchases would (i) cause the aggregate ownership of our outstanding stock by Group Inc. and GS & Co. to equal or exceed 25.0% (due to the reduction in outstanding shares of stock as a result of purchase) or (ii) cause our Debt/Equity Ratio to exceed the lower of (a) 1.40 or (b) the Maximum Debt/Equity Ratio. In the Company 10b5-1 Plan, “Debt/Equity Ratio” means the sum of debt on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and the total notional value of the Purchaser’s unfunded commitments divided by 85% of total equity, as of the most recent reported financial statement end date, and “Maximum Debt/Equity Ratio” means the sum of debt on the balance sheet and committed uncalled debt divided by net assets, as of the most recent reported financial statement end date. The Company 10b5-1 Plan took effect on March 18, 2019, expires on March 18, 2020 and purchases thereunder will be conducted on a programmatic basis in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act and other applicable securities laws. The Company 10b5-1 Plan was temporarily suspended on December 9, 2019 and remains suspended as of December 31, 2019.

The Company’s repurchase of its common stock under the New Company 10b5-1 Plan or otherwise may result in the price of the Company’s common stock being higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not repurchase any of its common stock pursuant to the Company 10b5-1 Plan, the New Company 10b5-1 Plan or otherwise.

Affiliates

As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, Group Inc. owned 16.06% and 16.12%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. The table below presents the Company’s affiliated investments:

 

      Beginning
Fair Value
Balance
    

Gross

Additions(3)

    

Gross

Reductions(4)

   

Net Realized

Gain(Loss)

   

Net Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Ending Fair
Value

Balance

    

Dividend,

Interest, PIK
and Other

Income

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

                 

Controlled Affiliates

                 

Animal Supply Holdings LLC

   $      $ 58,075      $     $     $ (7,390   $ 50,685      $ 337  

Bolttech Mannings, Inc.

     23,863        3,827                    (4,836     22,854        2,245  

Senior Credit Fund, LLC(1)

     96,456        125,555        (224,926     (629     3,544              3,450  

 

 

Total Controlled Affiliates

   $ 120,319      $ 187,457      $ (224,926   $ (629   $ (8,682   $ 73,539      $ 6,032  

 

 

Non-Controlled Affiliates

                 

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Government Fund(2)

   $      $ 332,086      $ (332,086   $     $     $      $ 70  

Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC

     13,730        53                    1,430       15,213        1,039  

CB-HDT Holdings, Inc.

     26,854        698                    4,696       32,248        698  

Collaborative Imaging, LLC (dba Texas Radiology Associates)

     10,273        6,523                    515       17,311        1,060  

Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd

     1,064                                 1,064        106  

Elah Holdings, Inc.

     2,234                                 2,234         

Iracore International Holdings, Ltd

     7,807               (472           3,549       10,884        393  

Kawa Solar Holdings Limited

     8,066               (4,575           11       3,502         

NTS Communications, Inc.

     55,557        576        (55,817     (7,226     6,910              734  

Prairie Provident Resources, Inc.

     504                           (380     124         

 

 

Total Non-Controlled Affiliates

   $ 126,089      $ 339,936      $ (392,950   $ (7,226   $     16,731     $ 82,580      $ 4,100  

 

 

Total Affiliates

   $     246,408      $     527,393      $     (617,876   $ (7,855   $ 8,049     $     156,119      $     10,132  

 

 

 

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      Beginning
Fair Value
Balance
    

Gross

Additions(3)

    

Gross

Reductions(4)

   

Net Realized

Gain(Loss)

    

Net Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   

Ending Fair
Value

Balance

    

Dividend,

Interest, PIK
and Other

Income

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

                  

Controlled Affiliates

                  

Bolttech Mannings, Inc.

   $ 20,569      $ 5,648      $     $      $ (2,354   $ 23,863      $ 1,791  

Senior Credit Fund, LLC(1)

     92,097        5,658                     (1,299     96,456        10,550  

 

 

Total Controlled Affiliates

   $ 112,666      $ 11,306      $     $      $ (3,653   $ 120,319      $ 12,341  

 

 

Non-Controlled Affiliates

                  

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Government Fund(2)

   $ 11,539      $ 243,137      $ (254,676   $      $     $      $ 53  

Accuity Delivery Systems, LLC

            13,092                     638       13,730        568  

CB-HDT Holdings, Inc.

     19,345        2,148                     5,361       26,854        589  

Collaborative Imaging Holdco, LLC

            10,077                     196       10,273        703  

Conergy Asia Holdings, Ltd

     4,832        664                     (4,432     1,064        68  

Elah Holdings, Inc.

            2,234                           2,234         

Iracore International Holdings, Ltd

     9,602                            (1,795     7,807        380  

Kawa Solar Holdings Limited

     8,918        153        (664     9        (350     8,066        151  

NTS Communications, Inc.

     51,538        6,459                     (2,440     55,557        6,453  

Prairie Provident Resources, Inc.

     1,233                            (729     504         

 

 

Total Non-Controlled Affiliates

   $ 107,007      $ 277,964      $ (255,340   $ 9      $ (3,551   $     126,089      $ 8,965  

 

 

Total Affiliates

   $     219,673      $     289,270      $     (255,340   $     9      $     (7,204   $ 246,408      $     21,306  

 

 

 

(1)  

Together with Cal Regents, the Company previously invested through the Senior Credit Fund. Although the Company owns more than 25% of the voting securities of the Senior Credit Fund, the Company does not believe that it had control over the Senior Credit Fund (other than for purposes of the Investment Company Act). See Note 4 “Investments”.

(2)  

Fund advised by an affiliate of Goldman Sachs.

(3)   

Gross additions may include increases in the cost basis of investments resulting from new portfolio investments, PIK interest or dividends, the accretion of discounts, the exchange of one or more existing securities for one or more new securities and the movement of an existing portfolio company into this category from a different category.

(4)   

Gross reductions may include decreases in the cost basis of investments resulting from principal collections related to investment repayments or sales, the exchange of one or more existing securities for one or more new securities and the movement of an existing portfolio company out of this category into a different category.

Unconsolidated Significant Subsidiaries

In accordance with Rules 3-09 and 4-08(g) of Regulation S-X (“Rule 3-09” and “Rule 4-08(g),” respectively), the Company must determine which of its unconsolidated controlled affiliated investments are considered significant subsidiaries, if any. In evaluating these investments, there are three tests utilized to determine if any of the controlled affiliated investments are considered significant subsidiaries: the investment test, the asset test, and the income test. Rule 3-09 requires separate audited financial statements of an unconsolidated majority-owned subsidiary in an annual report if any of the three tests exceeds 20%. Rule 4-08(g) requires summarized financial information in an annual report if any of the three tests exceeds 10% and summarized financial information in a quarterly report if any of the three tests exceeds 20%.

As of December 31, 2019 and for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company’s investment in Animal Supply Holdings LLC and Bolttech Mannings, Inc. exceeded the 10% threshold in at least one of the tests under Rule 4-08(g). Included below are the summarized financial information for the aforementioned investments.

 

      As of
December 31, 2019
     As of
December 31, 2018
 

Selected Balance Sheet Information

     

Current assets

   $ 139,837      $ 170,452  

Non-current assets

   $ 162,564      $ 170,075  

Current liabilities

   $ 68,677      $ 91,540  

Non-current liabilities

   $     183,080      $     297,467  

 

      For the Year Ended
December 31, 2019
     For the Year Ended
December 31, 2018
    For the Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 

Selected Income Statement Information

       

Revenues

   $ 744,558      $ 918,064     $ 944,442  

Gross profit

   $ 149,993      $     173,573     $     186,557  

Net income (loss)

   $ 86,847      $ (88,109   $ 24,474  

Due to Affiliates

The Investment Adviser pays certain general and administrative expenses, including legal expenses, on behalf of the Company in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were $234 and $282, respectively, included within Accrued expenses and other liabilities paid by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates on behalf of the Company.

Co-investment Activity

In certain circumstances, negotiated co-investments by the Company and other funds managed by the Investment Adviser may be made only pursuant to an order from the SEC permitting the Company to do so. On January 4, 2017, the SEC granted exemptive relief (“Exemptive Relief”) that permits the Company to co invest with Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit LLC (“GS PMMC”), GS MMLC, Goldman Sachs Private Middle Market Credit II LLC (“GS PMMC II”) and certain other funds that may be managed by GSAM, including the GSAM Credit Alternatives Team, after the date of the exemptive order, subject to certain conditions including that co-investments are made in a manner consistent with the Company’s investment objectives, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions, as well as regulatory requirements and pursuant to the conditions required by the Exemptive Relief, and are allocated fairly among participants. The GSAM Credit Alternatives Team is comprised of investment professionals dedicated to the Company’s investment strategy and other funds that share a similar investment strategy with the Company, who are responsible for identifying investment opportunities, conducting research and due diligence on prospective investments, negotiating and structuring the Company’s investments and monitoring and servicing the Company’s investments, together with investment professionals who are primarily focused on investment strategies in syndicated, liquid credit. Under the terms of the Exemptive Relief, a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the Investment Company Act) of the Company’s independent directors must make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the proposed transaction are reasonable and fair to the Company and the Company’s stockholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of the Company or its stockholders on the part of any person concerned, and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of the Company’s stockholders and is consistent with the then-current investment objectives and strategies of the Company. As a result of the Exemptive Relief, there could be significant overlap in the Company’s investment portfolio and the investment portfolios of GS PMMC, GS MMLC, GS PMMC II and/or other funds established by the GSAM Credit Alternatives Team that could avail themselves of the Exemptive Relief.

 

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4.

INVESTMENTS

As of the dates indicated, the Company’s investments (excluding an investment in a money market fund, if any, managed by an affiliate of Group Inc.) consisted of the following:

 

     December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Investment Type    Cost      Fair Value      Cost      Fair Value  

1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

   $ 1,094,885      $ 1,080,670      $ 738,626      $ 729,604  

1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

     35,307        35,278        114,004        106,879  

2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

     263,440        234,025        411,551        391,931  

Unsecured Debt

     7,409        7,409        6,711        6,697  

Preferred Stock

     41,664        48,762        16,851        21,534  

Common Stock

     67,142        48,108        37,815        22,343  

Investment Funds & Vehicles(1)

                   100,000        96,456  

 

 

Total Investments

   $     1,509,847      $     1,454,252      $     1,425,558      $     1,375,444  

 

 

 

(1)   

Includes equity investment in the Senior Credit Fund as of December 31, 2018.

As of the dates indicated, the industry composition of the Company’s portfolio at fair value and net assets was as follows:

 

     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
Industry    Fair Value     Net Assets     Fair Value     Net Assets  

Health Care Providers & Services

     10.9     23.5     8.0     15.5

Software

     8.2       17.7       10.2       19.9  

Interactive Media & Services

     7.4       15.9       6.5       12.6  

IT Services

     6.5       14.1       6.5       12.5  

Health Care Technology

     6.3       13.6       1.6       3.1  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     5.9       12.6       4.3       8.2  

Real Estate Management & Development

     5.1       11.0       0.9       1.8  

Professional Services

     5.0       10.7       3.0       5.7  

Commercial Services & Supplies

     4.5       9.6       2.0       3.8  

Distributors

     3.5       7.5       5.8       11.2  

Air Freight & Logistics

     3.2       7.0       3.0       5.8  

Diversified Financial Services

     2.8       6.1       3.1       6.1  

Diversified Consumer Services

     2.6       5.7              

Road & Rail

     2.5       5.4       2.2       4.3  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     2.4       5.2              

Chemicals

     2.4       5.2       4.9       9.5  

Aerospace & Defense

     2.2       4.8       3.2       6.2  

Internet & Catalog Retail

     2.0       4.3       1.5       3.0  

Media

     1.9       4.1       2.1       4.2  

Household Products

     1.7       3.6       1.8       3.6  

Transportation Infrastructure

     1.5       3.2              

Auto Components

     1.4       3.0       2.0       3.8  

Diversified Telecommunication Services

     1.4       2.9       5.6       10.9  

Entertainment

     1.3       2.7       1.7       3.3  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

     1.0       2.1       0.4       0.8  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     0.9       1.8              

Trading Companies & Distributors

     0.8       1.7              

Energy Equipment & Services

     0.8       1.6       0.6       1.1  

Leisure Equipment & Products

     0.7       1.6       0.8       1.5  

Insurance

     0.7       1.6              

Food Products

     0.6       1.3       1.1       2.2  

Beverages

     0.6       1.2       0.6       1.2  

Communications Equipment

     0.5       1.1              

Containers & Packaging

     0.3       0.7       0.4       0.9  

Construction & Engineering

     0.3       0.7       0.7       1.3  

Capital Markets

     0.2       0.3       0.2       0.3  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     0.0       0.0              

Investment Funds & Vehicles

                 7.0       13.6  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

                 4.0       7.6  

Machinery

                 2.2       4.2  

Specialty Retail

                 2.1       4.1  

 

 

Total

     100.0     215.1     100.0     193.8

 

 

As of the dates indicated, the geographic composition of the Company’s portfolio at fair value was as follows:

 

Geographic    December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  

United States

     95.7     97.9

Canada

     2.6        

Ireland

     1.4       1.4  

Germany

     0.2       0.6  

Singapore

     0.1       0.1  

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0

 

 

 

106


Senior Credit Fund, LLC

The Senior Credit Fund, an unconsolidated Delaware limited liability company, was formed on May 7, 2014 and commenced operations on October 1, 2014. The Company invested together with Cal Regents through the Senior Credit Fund. The Senior Credit Fund’s principal purpose was to make investments, either directly or indirectly through its wholly owned subsidiary, Senior Credit Fund SPV I, LLC (“SPV I”), primarily in senior secured loans to middle-market companies. Each of the Company and Cal Regents were responsible for sourcing the Senior Credit Fund’s investments. Each of the Company and Cal Regents had a 50% economic ownership in the Senior Credit Fund and each had subscribed to and has fully contributed $100,000. On December 19, 2016, SPV I entered into an amended and restated credit facility (as amended, the “Asset Based Facility”), which consisted of a revolving credit facility (the “SPV I Revolving Credit Facility”), a term loan facility (the “SPV I Term Loan Facility”) and a Class B loan facility (the “SPV I Class B Facility”), with various lenders. For the Asset Based Facility, Natixis, New York Branch (“Natixis”) served as the facility agent, and State Street Bank and Trust Company served as the collateral agent. On February 27, 2019, the board of managers of the Senior Credit Fund authorized the liquidation and subsequent dissolution of the Senior Credit Fund and the pro-rata distribution of its assets and liabilities to the members of the Senior Credit Fund. On May 8, 2019, the Company and Cal Regents each contributed $125,555 to the Senior Credit Fund, which was used by the Senior Credit Fund to repay in full all outstanding indebtedness, including all accrued and unpaid interest and fees, under the Asset Based Facility and to fund certain other related expenses that the Senior Credit Fund expects to incur in connection with its dissolution. The Asset Based Facility was then terminated and all liens securing the collateral under the Asset Based Facility were released and terminated.

Following the repayment and termination of the aforementioned Asset Based Facility, the Senior Credit Fund distributed to its members their pro rata share of the assets of the Senior Credit Fund. The pro rata portion of the assets received by the Company included senior secured loans of $215,103 and $210,088 at amortized cost and at fair value, respectively and cash of $9,822. In addition, the Company assumed the obligation to fund outstanding unfunded commitments of the Senior Credit Fund that totaled $5,664, representing its pro rata portion of all unfunded commitments of the Senior Credit Fund at such time. The pro rata portion of the assets received by the Company have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. After the satisfaction of all remaining liabilities and the distribution of remaining assets, the Senior Credit Fund was terminated.

 

107


Senior Credit Fund Portfolio as of December 31, 2018

 

 

Portfolio Company    Industry   

Interest

Rate (+)

   

Reference Rate and

Spread (+)

  Maturity  

Par

Amount

    Cost    

Fair

Value

 

1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

 

3SI Security Systems, Inc.    Commercial Services & Supplies      8.54   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor   06/16/2023   $ 29,849     $ 29,533     $ 29,550  
A Place For Mom, Inc.    Diversified Consumer Services      6.27   L + 3.75%; 1.00% Floor   08/10/2024     17,865       17,849       17,865  
AMCP Clean Acquisition Company, LLC    Commercial Services & Supplies      7.05   L + 4.25%   06/16/2025     8,827       8,785       8,705  
AMCP Clean Acquisition Company, LLC(1)    Commercial Services & Supplies      6.93   L + 4.25%   06/16/2025     2,129       826       804  
Ansira Partners, Inc.    Media      8.27   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor   12/20/2022     9,249       9,182       9,203  
Ansira Partners, Inc.(1)    Media      8.27   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor   12/20/2022     566       136       138  
ATX Networks Corp.    Communications Equipment      9.80   L + 7.00% (Incl. 1.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor   06/11/2021     14,976       14,903       14,078  
ATX Networks Corp.    Communications Equipment      9.80   L + 7.00% (Incl. 1.00% PIK); 1.00% Floor   06/11/2021     952       936       895  
Badger Sportswear, Inc.    Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods      7.02   L + 4.50%; 1.00% Floor   09/11/2023     14,660       14,555       14,367  
Barbri, Inc.    Media      6.60   L + 4.25%; 1.00% Floor   12/01/2023     12,486       12,434       12,174  
CST Buyer Company    Diversified Consumer Services      7.52   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor   03/01/2023     18,671       18,290       18,438  
CST Buyer Company(1) (2)    Diversified Consumer Services      L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor   03/01/2023     1,800       (35     (22
DBRS Limited    Capital Markets      7.96   L + 5.25%; 1.00% Floor   03/04/2022     11,550       11,490       11,377  
DiscoverOrg, LLC(3)    Software      7.03   L + 4.50%; 1.00% Floor   08/25/2023     7,900       7,868       7,861  
Drilling Info Holdings, Inc.    Oil & Gas      6.77   L + 4.25%   07/30/2025     17,001       16,920       16,895  
Drilling Info Holdings, Inc.(1) (2)    Oil & Gas      L + 4.25%   07/30/2025     1,460       (7     (9
FWR Holding Corporation    Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure      8.26   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor   08/21/2023     8,989       8,806       8,809  
FWR Holding Corporation    Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure      8.26   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor   08/21/2023     1,791       1,756       1,755  
FWR Holding Corporation    Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure      8.26   L + 5.75%; 1.00% Floor   08/21/2023     1,135       1,113       1,113  
FWR Holding Corporation(1)    Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure      10.25   P + 4.75%; 2.00% Floor   08/21/2023     1,175       417       417  
GH Holding Company    Real Estate Management & Development      7.02   L + 4.50%   02/28/2023     14,888       14,824       14,813  
GI Revelation Acquisition LLC    Internet Software & Services      7.52   L + 5.00%   04/16/2025     9,459       9,415       9,281  
GK Holdings, Inc.    IT Services      8.80   L + 6.00%; 1.00% Floor   01/20/2021     17,280       17,232       15,725  
GlobalTranz Enterprises, Inc.    Road & Rail      6.77   L + 4.25%   06/29/2025     21,945       21,840       21,835  
GlobalTranz Enterprises, Inc.(1) (2)    Road & Rail      L + 4.25%   06/29/2025     4,000             (20
Halo Branded Solutions, Inc.    Commercial Services & Supplies      7.02   L + 4.50%; 1.00% Floor   06/30/2025     10,503       10,403       10,188  
Halo Branded Solutions, Inc.    Commercial Services & Supplies      7.02   L + 4.50%; 1.00% Floor   06/30/2025     4,423       4,380       4,290  
HC Group Holdings III, Inc.    Health Care Providers & Services      6.27   L + 3.75%   04/07/2022     8,708       8,684       8,599  
Hygiena Borrower LLC(3)    Life Sciences Tools & Services      6.80   L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor   08/26/2022     17,762       17,623       17,406  
Hygiena Borrower LLC(1) (2) (3)    Life Sciences Tools & Services      L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor   08/26/2022     288       (2     (6
Hygiena Borrower LLC(1) (2) (3)    Life Sciences Tools & Services      L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor   08/26/2022     1,867       (20     (37

 

108


Portfolio Company    Industry   

Interest

Rate (+)

   

Reference Rate and

Spread (+)

  Maturity  

Par

Amount

    Cost    

Fair

Value

 
Jill Acquisition LLC    Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods      7.53   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor   05/08/2022   $ 13,839     $ 13,774     $ 13,620  
Lattice Semiconductor Corporation    Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment      6.63   L + 4.25%; 1.00% Floor   03/10/2021     9,212       9,122       9,212  
Output Services Group, Inc.    Diversified Consumer Services      6.77   L + 4.25%; 1.00% Floor   03/27/2024     6,978       6,951       6,751  
Output Services Group, Inc.(1) (2)    Diversified Consumer Services      L + 4.25%; 1.00% Floor   03/27/2024     1,026             (33
Pharmalogic Holdings Corp.    Health Care Equipment & Supplies      6.52   L + 4.00%   06/11/2023     6,542       6,528       6,526  
Pharmalogic Holdings Corp.    Health Care Equipment & Supplies      6.52   L + 4.00%   06/11/2023     1,878       1,874       1,874  
Pharmalogic Holdings Corp.(1) (2)    Health Care Equipment & Supplies      L + 4.00%   06/11/2023     3,537       (8     (9
Professional Physical Therapy(4)    Health Care Providers & Services      L + 7.50% PIK; 1.00% Floor   12/16/2022     11,265       10,283       9,350  
Regulatory DataCorp, Inc.    Diversified Financial Services      7.02   L + 4.50%; 1.00% Floor   09/21/2022     4,962       4,962       4,863  
SciQuest, Inc.    Internet Software & Services      6.53   L + 4.00%; 1.00% Floor   12/28/2024     19,850       19,763       19,453  
SMS Systems Maintenance Services, Inc.    IT Services      7.52   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor   10/30/2023     14,700       14,644       10,924  
Stackpath, LLC    Internet Software & Services      7.59   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor   02/03/2023     16,703       16,580       16,034  
Tronair Parent Inc.    Air Freight & Logistics      7.56   L + 4.75%; 1.00% Floor   09/08/2023     13,685       13,589       13,138  
U.S. Acute Care Solutions, LLC    Health Care Providers & Services      7.52   L + 5.00%; 1.00% Floor   05/14/2021     12,740       12,665       12,676  
VRC Companies, LLC(3)    Commercial Services & Supplies      9.02   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor   03/31/2023     27,361       26,966       27,087  
VRC Companies, LLC(1) (3)    Commercial Services & Supplies      9.45   L + 6.50%; 1.00% Floor   03/31/2022     1,412       699       706  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total 1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

             438,528       428,659  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche (5)

               
ASC Acquisition Holdings, LLC(3)    Distributors      10.03   L + 7.50%; 1.00% Floor   12/15/2021     8,063       8,010       7,861  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total 1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

             8,010       7,861  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

               
DiscoverOrg, LLC(3)    Software      11.03   L + 8.50%; 1.00% Floor   02/23/2024     10,500       10,370       10,421  
GK Holdings, Inc.    IT Services      13.05   L + 10.25%; 1.00% Floor   01/20/2022     6,000       5,935       4,860  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total 2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

             16,305       15,281  
          

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Debt

             462,843       451,801  
          

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Yield         Shares     Cost     Fair
Value
 

Investments in Affiliated Money Market Fund

          

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Government Fund – Institutional Shares^^^

     2.34 %(6)        5,292,068     $ 5,292     $ 5,292  
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments in Affiliated Money Market Fund

           5,292       5,292  
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS

         $ 468,135     $ 457,093  
           

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

^^^   

While representing less than 5% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities, the portfolio company is otherwise deemed to be an “affiliated person” of the Company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

(+)   

The terms in the Schedule above disclose the actual interest rate for partially or fully funded debt in effect as of the reporting date. Variable rate loans bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to either LIBOR (“L”) or alternate base rate (commonly based on the Prime Rate (“P”)), at the borrower’s option, which reset periodically based on the terms of the credit agreement. L loans are typically indexed to 12 month, 6 month, 3 month, 2 month, 1 month or 1 week L rates. As of December 31, 2018, rates for the 12 month, 6 month, 3 month, 2 month, 1 month and 1 week L are 3.01%, 2.88%, 2.81%, 2.61%, 2.50% and 2.41%, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, P was 5.50%. For investments with multiple reference rates or alternate base rates, the interest rate shown is the weighted average interest rate in effect at December 31, 2018.

(1)   

Position or portion thereof is an unfunded loan commitment, and no interest is being earned on the unfunded portion. The unfunded loan commitment may be subject to a commitment termination date that may expire prior to the maturity date stated.

(2)   

The negative cost is the result of the capitalized discount being greater than the principal amount outstanding on the loan. The negative fair value is the result of the capitalized discount on the loan.

(3)   

The Company also holds a portion of senior secured debt in this portfolio company.

(4)   

The investment is on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2018.

(5)   

In exchange for the greater risk of loss, the “last-out” portion of the Company’s unitranche loan investment generally earns a higher interest rate than the “first-out” portions. The “first-out” portion of the loan would generally receive priority with respect to payment of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder over the “last-out” portion that the Company would continue to hold.

(6)   

The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of December 31, 2018.

PIK – Payment-In-Kind

 

109


Below is selected balance sheet information for the Senior Credit Fund as of December 31, 2018:

 

      As of
December 31, 2018
 

Selected Balance Sheet Information

  

Total investments, at fair value

   $ 457,093  

Cash and other assets

     42,847  

 

 

Total assets

   $ 499,940  

 

 

Debt (1)

   $ 298,339  

Other liabilities

     8,689  

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 307,028  

 

 

Members’ equity

     192,912  

 

 

Total liabilities and members’ equity

   $     499,940  

 

 

 

  (1)  

Net of deferred financing costs for the SPV I Term Loan Facility, which were in the amount of $2,161 as of December 31, 2018.

Below is selected statements of operations information for the Senior Credit Fund for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

 

      For the Year Ended
December 31, 2019*
     For the Year Ended
December 31, 2018
     For the Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 

Selected Statements of Operations Information:

 

     

Total investment income

   $ 12,819      $ 39,129      $ 37,681  

 

 

Expenses:

        

Interest and other debt expenses

   $ 10,566      $ 15,599      $ 13,452  

Excess loan origination and structuring fees

                   1,308  

Professional fees

     378        694        625  

Administration and custodian fees

     156        396        400  

Other expenses

     8        67        150  

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 11,108      $ 16,756      $ 15,935  

 

 

Total net income

   $ 1,711      $ 22,373      $ 21,746  

 

 

 

  *  

Senior Credit Fund ceased operations effective May 8, 2019

 

5.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price).

The fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The levels used for classifying investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Basis of Fair Value Measurement

Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical instruments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 include unrestricted securities, including equities and derivatives, listed in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in this category include less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.

Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category include investments in privately held entities and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Note 2 “Significant Accounting Policies” should be read in conjunction with the information outlined below.

 

110


The table below presents the valuation techniques and the nature of significant inputs generally used in determining the fair value of Level 2 Instruments.

 

Level 2 Instruments    Valuation Techniques and Significant Inputs
Equity and Fixed Income   

The types of instruments that trade in markets that are not considered to be active but are valued based on quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency include commercial paper, most government agency obligations, most corporate debt securities, certain mortgage-backed securities, certain bank loans, less liquid publicly listed equities, certain state and municipal obligations, certain money market instruments and certain loan commitments.

 

Valuations of Level 2 Equity and Fixed Income instruments can be verified to quoted prices, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Consideration is given to the nature of the quotations (e.g. indicative or firm) and the relationship of recent market activity to the prices provided from alternative pricing sources.

Derivative Contracts   

OTC derivatives (both centrally cleared and bilateral) are valued using market transactions and other market evidence whenever possible, including market-based inputs to models, calibration to market-clearing transactions, broker or dealer quotations, or other alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Where models are used, the selection of a particular model to value an OTC derivative depends upon the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the instrument, as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. The Company generally uses similar models to value similar instruments. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, voluntary and involuntary prepayment rates, loss severity rates and correlations of such inputs. For OTC derivatives that trade in liquid markets, model inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. OTC derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy when significant inputs are corroborated by market evidence.

The table below presents the valuation techniques and the nature of significant inputs generally used in determining the fair value of Level 3 Instruments.

 

Level 3 Instruments    Valuation Techniques and Significant Inputs

Bank Loans, Corporate Debt, and Other Debt

Obligations

  

Valuations are generally based on discounted cash flow techniques, for which the significant inputs are the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, market yields and recovery assumptions. The significant inputs are generally determined based on relative value analyses, which incorporate comparisons both to credit default swaps that reference the same underlying credit risk and to other debt instruments for the same issuer for which observable prices or broker quotes are available. Other valuation methodologies are used as appropriate including market comparables, transactions in similar instruments and recovery/liquidation analysis.

Level 3 Instruments    Valuation Techniques and Significant Inputs
Equity   

Recent third-party investments or pending transactions are considered to be the best evidence for any change in fair value. When these are not available, the following valuation methodologies are used, as appropriate and available:

•  Transactions in similar instruments;

•  Discounted cash flow techniques;

•  Third party appraisals; and

•  Industry multiples and public comparables.

Evidence includes recent or pending reorganizations (for example, merger proposals, tender offers and debt restructurings) and significant changes in financial metrics, including:

•  Current financial performance as compared to projected performance;

•  Capitalization rates and multiples; and

•  Market yields implied by transactions of similar or related assets.

 

111


The tables below present the ranges of significant unobservable inputs used to value the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. These ranges represent the significant unobservable inputs that were used in the valuation of each type of instrument, but they do not represent a range of values for any one instrument. For example, the lowest yield in 1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt is appropriate for valuing that specific debt investment, but may not be appropriate for valuing any other debt investments in this asset class. Accordingly, the ranges of inputs presented below do not represent uncertainty in, or possible ranges of, fair value measurements of the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities.

 

Level 3 Instruments  

Level 3 Assets as of

December 31, 2019(1)

  Significant Unobservable
Inputs by Valuation
Techniques(2)
 

  Range(3) of Significant  
Unobservable

Inputs (Weighted
Average(4)) as of

December 31, 2019

Bank Loans, Corporate Debt, and Other Debt Obligations  

1st Lien/Senior Secured

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
 

$831,066

 

•  Discount Rate

  5.8% – 14.6% (8.9%)
     

Collateral analysis:

   
     

•  Recovery Rate

  89.4%
 

1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
 

$35,278

 

•  Discount Rate

  8.5% – 10.1% (9.7%)
 

2nd Lien/Senior Secured

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
 

$187,033

 

•  Discount Rate

  9.9% – 11.7% (10.6%)
     

Comparable multiples:

   
     

•  EV/EBITDA(5)

  11.0x – 18.9x (7.8x)
     

Collateral analysis:

   
       

•  Recovery Rate

  16.1% – 63.5% (59.3%)
   

Unsecured Debt

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
   

$7,409

 

•  Discount Rate

  11.9% – 12.0% (11.9%)
     

Collateral analysis:

   
       

•  Recovery Rate

  100.0%
Equity  

Preferred Stock

 

Comparable multiples:

   
   

$48,762

 

•  EV/Revenue

  1.0x – 3.2x (1.3x)
     

Comparable multiples:

   
       

•  EV/EBITDA(5)

  7.0x – 19.0x (8.8x)
   

Common Stock

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
   

$47,984

 

•  Discount Rate

  13.9% – 31.0% (23.8%)
     

Comparable multiples:

   
     

•  EV/Revenue

  0.6x – 9.7x (9.0x)
     

Comparable multiples:

   
       

•  EV/EBITDA(5)

  4.3x – 12.7x (7.4x)
(1)   

Included within Level 3 Assets of $1,340,553 is an amount of $183,021 for which the Investment Adviser did not develop the unobservable inputs (examples include single source broker quotations, third party pricing, and prior transactions). The income approach was used in the determination of fair value for $1,041,020 or 83.7% of Level 3 bank loans, corporate debt, and other debt obligations.

(2)   

The fair value of any one instrument may be determined using multiple valuation techniques. For example, market comparable and discounted cash flows may be used together to determine fair value. Therefore, the Level 3 balance encompasses both of these techniques.

(3)   

The range for an asset category consisting of a single investment represents the relevant market data considered in determining the fair value of the investment.

(4)   

Weighted average for an asset category consisting of multiple investments is calculated by weighting the significant unobservable input by the relative fair value of the investment. Weighted average for an asset category consisting of a single investment represents the significant unobservable input used in the fair value of the investment.

(5)   

Enterprise value of portfolio company as a multiple of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).

 

112


Level 3 Instruments  

Level 3 Assets as of

December 31, 2018(1)

 

Significant Unobservable

Inputs by Valuation

Techniques(2)

 

Range(3) of Significant

Unobservable

Inputs (Weighted

Average(4)) as of

December 31, 2018

Bank Loans, Corporate Debt, and Other Debt Obligations  

1st Lien/Senior Secured

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
 

$608,844

 

•  Discount Rate

  8.4% – 24.5% (11.6%)
   

Collateral analysis:

   
     

•  Recovery Rate

  95.3%
 

1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
 

$106,879

 

•  Discount Rate

  9.3% – 16.1% (11.8%)
   

Collateral analysis:

   
     

•  Recovery Rate

  83.5% – 100.0% (85.4%)
 

2nd Lien/Senior Secured

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
 

$263,142

 

•  Discount Rate

  10.7% – 16.5% (11.6%)
     

Comparable multiples:

   
     

•  EV/EBITDA(5)

  7.0x – 17.5x (8.3x)
     

Collateral analysis:

   
       

•  Recovery Rate

  71.8%
   

Unsecured Debt

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
   

$6,697

 

•  Discount Rate

  12.1% – 12.3% (12.2%)
     

Collateral analysis:

   
       

•  Recovery Rate

  100.0%
Equity  

Preferred Stock

 

Comparable multiples:

   
   

$19,634

 

•  EV/EBITDA(5)

  6.8x – 18.9x (9.1x)
   

Common Stock

 

Discounted cash flows:

   
   

$19,674

 

•  Discount Rate

  14.6% – 31.0% (24.4%)
     

Comparable multiples:

   
     

•  EV/Revenue

  0.4x – 1.6x (0.6x)
     

Comparable multiples:

   
       

•  EV/EBITDA(5)

  5.5x – 13.0x (6.9x)

 

(1)   

Included within Level 3 Assets of $1,216,894 is an amount of $192,024 for which the Investment Adviser did not develop the unobservable inputs (examples include single source broker quotations, third party pricing, and prior transactions).

(2)   

The fair value of any one instrument may be determined using multiple valuation techniques. For example, market comparable and discounted cash flows may be used together to determine fair value. Therefore, the Level 3 balance encompasses both of these techniques.

(3)   

The range for an asset category consisting of a single investment represents the relevant market data considered in determining the fair value of the investment.

(4)   

Weighted average for an asset category consisting of multiple investments is calculated by weighting the significant unobservable input by the relative fair value of the investment. Weighted average for an asset category consisting of a single investment represents the significant unobservable input used in the fair value of the investment.

(5)   

Enterprise value of portfolio company as a multiple of EBITDA.

As noted above, the income and market approaches were used in the determination of fair value of certain Level 3 assets as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The significant unobservable inputs used in the income approach are the discount rate or market yield used to discount the estimated future cash flows expected to be received from the underlying investment, which include both future principal and interest payments. An increase in the discount rate or market yield would result in a decrease in the fair value. Included in the consideration and selection of discount rates or market yields is risk of default, rating of the investment, call provisions and comparable company investments. The significant unobservable inputs used in the market approach are based on market comparable transactions and market multiples of publicly traded comparable companies. Increases or decreases in market comparable transactions or market multiples would result in an increase or decrease, respectively, in the fair value.

 

113


As of the dates indicated, the following is a summary of the Company’s assets categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

 

     December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
Assets    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

   $      $ 80,583      $ 1,000,087      $ 1,080,670      $      $ 18,400      $ 711,204      $ 729,604  

1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

                   35,278        35,278                      106,879        106,879  

2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

            32,992        201,033        234,025               43,190        348,741        391,931  

Unsecured Debt

                   7,409        7,409                      6,697        6,697  

Preferred Stock

                   48,762        48,762                      21,534        21,534  

Common Stock

     124               47,984        48,108               504        21,839        22,343  

 

 

Subtotal

   $ 124      $ 113,575      $ 1,340,553      $ 1,454,252      $      $ 62,094      $ 1,216,894      $ 1,278,988  

 

 

Investments measured at NAV(1)

                          96,456  

 

 

Total assets

   $ 124      $ 113,575      $ 1,340,553      $ 1,454,252      $      $ 62,094      $ 1,216,894      $ 1,375,444  

 

 

Foreign currency forward contracts (asset) (2)

   $     –      $     32      $      –      $     32      $     –      $     89      $      –      $     89  

 

 

 

(1)   

Includes equity investment in the Senior Credit Fund.

(2)  

Amounts disclosed represent the unrealized appreciation on the foreign currency forward contracts.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are reported at the beginning of the reporting period in which they occur. For the year ended December 31, 2019, transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 were primarily due to increased price transparency. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, transfers from Level 2 to Level 3 were primarily due to decreased price transparency.

The below table presents a summary of changes in fair value of Level 3 assets by investment type.

 

     Beginning
Balance
    Purchases(1)    

Net

Realized

Gain

(Loss)

   

Net Change in

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)(2)

   

Sales and

Settlements(1)

   

Net

Amortization

of

Premium/

Discount

   

Transfers

In

   

Transfers

Out

    Ending
Balance
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
for assets still
held
 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

                   

1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

  $ 711,204     $ 638,487     $ 168     $ (3,071   $ (343,954   $ 4,815     $     $ (7,562   $ 1,000,087     $ (2,859

1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

    106,879       1,015       (6,923     7,095       (73,157     369                   35,278       (31

2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

    348,741       5,852       (33,167     (8,717     (129,214     1,940       21,658       (6,060     201,033       (24,762

Unsecured Debt

    6,697       698             14                               7,409       14  

Preferred Stock

    21,534       25,000       (187     2,415                               48,762       2,228  

Common Stock

    21,839       30,070       1,760       (3,182     (2,503                       47,984       (2,815

 

 

Total assets

  $     1,216,894     $     701,122     $     (38,349   $     (5,446   $     (548,828   $     7,124     $     21,658     $     (13,622   $     1,340,553     $     (28,225

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

                   

1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

  $ 387,473     $ 347,195     $ (10   $ (2,216   $ (24,800   $ 3,562     $     $     $ 711,204     $ (2,216

1st Lien/Last-Out Unitranche

    273,965       32,302             (2,204     (199,848     2,664                   106,879       (2,114

2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

    374,915       103,342             (18,487     (118,934     2,792       5,113             348,741       (18,466

Unsecured Debt

    3,900       2,811             (14                             6,697       (14

Preferred Stock

    12,836       5,100             3,598                               21,534       3,598  

Common Stock

    22,606       5,698       1,550       (5,865     (2,150                       21,839       (5,865

 

 

Total assets

  $     1,075,695     $     496,448     $     1,540     $     (25,188   $     (345,732   $     9,018     $     5,113     $     –     $     1,216,894     $     (25,077

 

 

 

(1)   

Purchases may include PIK and securities received in corporate actions and restructurings. Sales and Settlements may include securities delivered in corporate actions and restructuring of investments.

(2)   

Transfers in were primarily due to decreased price transparency.

(3)   

Transfers out were primarily due to increased price transparency.

Debt Not Carried at Fair Value

The fair value of the Revolving Credit Facility, which would be categorized as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, approximates its carrying value. The fair value of the Company’s Convertible Notes, which would be categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $160,689 and $151,125, respectively, based on broker quotes received by the Company.

 

114


6.

DEBT

On June 15, 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act to the Company. As a result of this approval, the Company is now permitted to borrow amounts such that its asset coverage ratio, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least 150% after such borrowing (if certain requirements are met), rather than 200%, as previously required. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s asset coverage ratio based on the aggregate amount outstanding of senior securities was 187% and 206%, respectively.

As of the dates indicated, the Company’s outstanding debt was as follows:

 

     December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  
     

Aggregate

Borrowing

Amount

Committed

    

Amount

Available

    

Carrying

Value(4)

    

Aggregate

Borrowing

Amount

Committed

    

Amount

Available

    

Carrying

Value(4)

 

Revolving Credit Facility(1)(2)

   $ 795,000      $ 177,039      $ 618,407      $ 695,000      $ 186,049      $ 509,419  

Convertible Notes(3)

     155,000               151,320        155,000               149,682  

 

 

Total Debt

   $     950,000      $     177,039      $     769,727      $     850,000      $     186,049      $     659,101  

 

 

 

(1)   

Provides, under certain circumstances, a total borrowing capacity of $1,000,000.

(2)   

The Company may borrow amounts in USD or certain other permitted currencies. Debt outstanding denominated in currencies other than USD have been converted to USD using the applicable foreign currency exchange rate as of the applicable reporting date. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding borrowings denominated in USD of $580,550 and in Euros (EUR) of EUR 33,750. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding borrowings denominated in USD of $470,750 and in Euros (EUR) of EUR 33,750.

(3)   

The carrying value of the Company’s Convertible Notes is presented net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,648 and OID net of accretion of $1,032 as of December 31, 2019, and net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $3,862 and OID net of accretion of $1,456 as of December 31, 2018.

(4)  

Debt outstanding denominated in currencies other than USD have been converted to USD using the applicable foreign currency exchange rate as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

The combined weighted average interest rate of the aggregate borrowings outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 was 4.25% and 4.10% respectively.

Revolving Credit Facility

On September 19, 2013, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Facility with various lenders. Truist Bank (formerly known as SunTrust Bank) serves as administrative agent and Bank of America, N.A. serves as syndication agent under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company has amended and restated the Revolving Credit Facility on October 3, 2014, November 3, 2015, December 16, 2016, February 21, 2018 and September 17, 2018.

The aggregate committed borrowing amount under the Revolving Credit Facility is $795,000. The Revolving Credit Facility includes an uncommitted accordion feature that allows the Company, under certain circumstances, to increase the borrowing capacity of the Revolving Credit Facility up to $1,000,000.

Borrowings denominated in USD, including amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, bear interest (at the Company’s election) of either (i) LIBOR plus a margin of either 1.75% or 2.00%, subject to borrowing base conditions or (ii) an alternative base rate, which is the higher of the Prime Rate, Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or overnight LIBOR plus 1.00%, plus either 0.75% or 1.00%, subject to borrowing base conditions. Borrowings denominated in EUR bear interest (at the company’s election) of EUR LIBOR plus a margin of either 1.75% or 2.00%, subject to borrowing base conditions. The Company may elect either the LIBOR, EUR LIBOR, or an alternative base rate at the time of borrowing, and borrowings may be converted from one rate to another at any time, subject to certain conditions. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. The Company pays a fee of 0.375% per annum on committed but undrawn amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility, payable quarterly in arrears. Any amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable, on February 21, 2023.

The Revolving Credit Facility may be guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, including any that are formed or acquired by the Company in the future (collectively, the “Guarantors”). Proceeds from borrowings may be used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of portfolio investments.

The Company’s obligations to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s portfolio of investments and cash, with certain exceptions. The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain covenants, including: (i) maintaining a minimum stockholder’s equity of $500,000 plus 25% of net proceeds of the sale of equity interests after February 21, 2018, (ii) maintaining a minimum asset coverage ratio of at least 150%, (iii) maintaining a minimum asset coverage ratio of 200% with respect to the consolidated assets (with certain limitations on the contribution of equity in financing subsidiaries as specified therein) of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors to the secured debt of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors, (iv) maintaining a minimum Company net worth of at least $350,000, (v) maintaining a minimum liquidity test of at least 10% of the covered debt amount during any period when the adjusted covered debt balance is greater than 90% of the adjusted borrowing base, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, and (vi) complying with restrictions on industry concentrations in the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company is in compliance with these covenants.

 

115


Costs of $12,093 were incurred in connection with obtaining and amending the Revolving Credit Facility, which have been recorded as deferred financing costs on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and are being amortized over the life of the Revolving Credit Facility using the straight-line method. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, deferred financing costs were $4,427 and $5,436, respectively.

The below table presents the summary information of the Revolving Credit Facility.

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018      2017  

 

 

Borrowing interest expense

   $ 25,586      $ 16,523      $ 11,340  

Facility fees

     690        1,071        989  

Amortization of financing costs

     1,424        1,318        1,235  

 

 

Total

   $ 27,700      $ 18,912      $ 13,564  

 

 

Weighted average interest rate

     4.18%        3.97%        3.14%  

Average outstanding balance

   $     611,498      $     416,119      $     360,981  

 

 

Convertible Notes

On October 3, 2016, the Company closed an offering of $115,000 aggregate principal amount of unsecured Convertible Notes, which includes $15,000 aggregate principal amount issued pursuant to the initial purchasers’ exercise in full of an over-allotment option (the “Initial Convertible Notes”). The sale of the Initial Convertible Notes generated net proceeds of approximately $110,900. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to pay down debt under the Revolving Credit Facility.

On July 2, 2018, the Company closed an additional offering of $40,000 aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes (the “Additional Convertible Notes” and together with Initial Convertible Notes, the “Convertible Notes”). The Additional Convertible Notes have identical terms, are fungible with and are part of the Initial Convertible Notes. The sale of the Additional Convertible Notes generated net proceeds of approximately $38,569. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to pay down debt under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and/or its affiliates provide bank lending and distribution services to certain Goldman Sachs funds. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on April 1, 2017. The Convertible Notes will mature on April 1, 2022, unless repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. In certain circumstances, the Convertible Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of the Company’s common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock, based on an initial conversion rate of 40.8397 shares of the Company’s common stock per one thousand dollars principal amount of Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $24.49 per share of common stock, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments and the other terms of the indenture governing the Convertible Notes. The conversion price is approximately 10.0% above the $22.26 per share closing price of the Company’s common stock on September 27, 2016 and 16.7% above the $20.99 per share closing price of our common stock on June 26, 2018. The Company will not have the right to redeem the Convertible Notes prior to maturity.

Holders may convert their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding October 1, 2021 only under the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; (2) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per one thousand dollars principal amount of notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after October 1, 2021, until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their notes at any time, regardless of the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any of the foregoing circumstances.

The Convertible Notes are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options. Upon conversion of any of the Convertible Notes, the Company intends to pay the outstanding principal amount in cash and, to the extent that the conversion value exceeds the principal amount, has the option to pay the excess amount in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock (or a combination of cash and shares), subject to the requirements of the indenture governing the Convertible Notes. The Company has determined that the embedded conversion options in the Convertible Notes are not required to be separately accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. At the time of issuance the values of the debt and equity components of the Initial Convertible Notes and Additional Convertible Notes were approximately 99.4% and 0.6%, and 97.9% and 2.1%, respectively.

The OID equal to the equity component of the Convertible Notes was recorded in “paid-in capital in excess of par” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The Company records interest expense comprised of both stated interest and amortization of the OID. At the time of issuance, the equity components of the Initial Convertible Notes and the Additional Convertible Notes were $743 and $836, respectively. Additionally, the issuance costs associated with the Convertible Notes were allocated to the debt and equity components in proportion to the allocation of the values at the time of issuance and accounted for as debt issuance costs and equity issuance costs, respectively.

 

116


As of the dates indicated, the below table presents the components of the carrying value of the Convertible Notes:

 

     December 31, 2019      December 31, 2018  

 

 

Principal amount of debt

   $     155,000      $     155,000  

OID, net of accretion

     1,032        1,456  

Unamortized debt issuance costs

     2,648        3,862  

 

 

Carrying value

   $ 151,320      $ 149,682  

 

 

Stated interest rate

     4.50%        4.50%  

Effective interest rate (stated interest rate plus accretion of OID)

     4.77%        4.76%  

 

 

The below table presents the components of interest and other debt expenses related to the Convertible Notes:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2019      2018      2017  

 

 

Borrowing interest expense

   $ 6,975      $ 6,070      $ 5,175  

Accretion of OID

     424        267        117  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     1,214        983        751  

 

 

Total

   $     8,613      $     7,320      $     6,043  

 

 

 

7.

DERIVATIVES

The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts from time to time to help mitigate the impact that an adverse change in foreign exchange rates would have on the value of the Company’s investments denominated in foreign currencies.

In order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Company mitigate its counterparty risk, the Company may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or a similar agreement with its derivative counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Company and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign currency forward contracts, and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting) or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.

For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Company and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is included in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as due to/due from broker. The Company minimizes counterparty credit risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that they believe to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company’s average USD notional exposure to foreign currency forward contracts was $2,930. For the period from August 8, 2018 to December 31, 2018, the Company’s average USD notional exposure to foreign currency forward contracts was $3,215.

As of the dates indicated, the table below sets forth the Company’s net exposure to foreign currency forward contracts by counterparty that are subject to ISDA Master Agreements or similar agreements.

 

     Presented on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition  
     

Gross Amount of

Assets

    

Gross Amount of

(Liabilities)

    

Net Amount of Assets or

(Liabilities)

    

Collateral (Received)

Pledged (1)

     Net Amounts (2)  

December 31, 2019

              

 

 

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 32      $      $ 32      $      $ 32  

 

 

December 31, 2018

              

 

 

Bank of America, N.A.

   $     89      $     –      $     89      $     –      $     89  

 

 

 

(1)   

Amount excludes excess cash collateral paid.

(2)   

Net amount represents the net amount due (to) from counterparty in the event of a default based on the contractual setoff rights under the agreement. Net amount excludes any over-collateralized amounts.

The effect of transactions in derivative instruments to the Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018  

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts

   $ 151     $ 7  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currency forward contracts

     (57     89  

 

 

Total net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts

   $     94     $     96  

 

 

 

117


The Company did not hold any derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

8.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

The Company may enter into investment commitments through signed commitment letters which in certain circumstances may be disclosed by the Company. In many circumstances, borrower acceptance and final terms are subject to transaction-related contingencies. These are disclosed as commitments upon execution of a final agreement. As of December 31, 2019, the Company believed that it had adequate financial resources to satisfy its unfunded commitments. As of the dates indicated, the Company had the following unfunded commitments by investment types:

 

            Unfunded Commitment(2)      Fair Value(3)  
     

Commitment

Expiration

Date(1)

     December 31,
2019
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2019
    December 31,
2018
 

1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

             

Output Services Group, Inc.

     3/27/2020      $ 24      $      $ (4   $  

Gastro Health Holdco, LLC

     4/13/2020        754               (11      

Ansira Partners, Inc.

     4/16/2020        96               (3      

GlobalTranz Enterprises, Inc.

     5/15/2020        1,992               (179      

Hygiena Borrower LLC

     6/29/2020        715        567        (14     (11)  

Convene 237 Park Avenue, LLC (dba Convene)

     8/30/2020        6,220               (124      

Diligent Corporation

     12/19/2020        4,268        9,590        (43     (120)  

Brillio, LLC

     2/6/2021        1,510               (15      

CorePower Yoga LLC

     5/14/2021        1,807               (27      

CFS Management, LLC (dba Center for Sight Management)

     7/1/2021        1,418               (14      

Associations, Inc.

     7/30/2021        912        1,892        (9     (19)  

The Center for Orthopedic and Research Excellence, Inc. (dba HOPCo)

     8/15/2021        4,643               (81      

WebPT, Inc.

     8/28/2021        1,274               (26      

Gastro Health Holdco, LLC

     9/13/2021        5,100               (77      

Elemica Parent, Inc.

     9/18/2021        560               (14      

Bullhorn, Inc.

     10/1/2021        727               (11      

Chronicle Bidco Inc. (dba Lexitas)

     11/14/2021        2,940               (29      

Eptam Plastics, Ltd.

     12/6/2021        1,830               (14      

Netvoyage Corporation (dba NetDocuments)

     3/24/2022        654        654        (8     (8)  

VRC Companies, LLC (dba Vital Records Control)

     3/31/2022        394        86        (3     (1)  

Diligent Corporation

     4/14/2022        156        780        (2     (10)  

DDS USA Holding, Inc.

     6/30/2022        971        1,079        (5     (8)  

Xactly Corporation

     7/29/2022        1,697        1,697        (21     (25)  

Hygiena Borrower LLC

     8/26/2022        1,313        380        (26     (8)  

Lithium Technologies, Inc.

     10/3/2022        2,684        2,684        (40     (54)  

Businessolver.com, Inc.

     5/15/2023        941        941        (16     (19)  

Integral Ad Science, Inc.

     7/19/2023        1,815        1,815        (27     (36)  

FWR Holding Corporation (dba First Watch Restaurants)

     8/21/2023        88               (1      

Gastro Health Holdco, LLC

     9/4/2023        2,000        2,000        (30     (40)  

Empirix, Inc.

     9/25/2023        1,300        1,300        (130     (23)  

SPay, Inc. (dba Stack Sports)

     6/17/2024        380        304        (12     (8)  

Associations, Inc.

     7/30/2024        587        587        (6     (6)  

WebPT, Inc.

     8/28/2024        1,062               (21      

Fenergo Finance 3 Limited

     9/5/2024        1,683        1,744        (13     (59)  

Fenergo Finance 3 Limited

     9/5/2024        1,182        1,182        (9     (24)  

iCIMS, Inc.

     9/12/2024        1,868        1,868        (33     (37)  

MMIT Holdings, LLC (dba Managed Markets Insight & Technology)

     11/15/2024        2,295        2,550        (40     (51)  

Wrike, Inc.

     12/31/2024        1,600        1,600        (32     (32)  

Apptio, Inc.

     1/10/2025        2,225        2,180        (39      

ConnectWise, LLC

     2/28/2025        1,036               (13      

Mailgun Technologies, Inc.

     3/26/2025        993               (17      

Internet Truckstop Group, LLC (dba Truckstop)

     4/2/2025        1,800               (27      

PlanSource Holdings, Inc.

     4/22/2025        3,142               (63      

CorePower Yoga LLC

     5/14/2025        678               (10      

Wolfpack IP Co. (dba Lone Wolf Technologies)

     6/13/2025        3,169               (63      

Riverpoint Medical, LLC

     6/21/2025        1,644               (16      

 

118


            Unfunded Commitment(2)      Fair Value(3)  
     

Commitment

Expiration

Date(1)

     December 31,
2019
     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2019
    December 31,
2018
 

HS4 AcquisitionCo, Inc. (dba HotSchedules & Fourth)

     7/9/2025        1,600               (32      

WorkForce Software, LLC

     7/31/2025        771               (15      

The Center for Orthopedic and Research Excellence, Inc. (dba HOPCo)

     8/15/2025        1,764               (31      

Elemica Parent, Inc.

     9/18/2025        253               (6      

Bullhorn, Inc.

     10/1/2025        545               (8      

CST Buyer Company (dba Intoxalock)

     10/3/2025        876                      

Acquia, Inc.

     10/31/2025        1,322               (26      

Chronicle Bidco Inc. (dba Lexitas)

     11/14/2025        880               (18      

Eptam Plastics, Ltd.

     12/6/2025        686               (10      

Legacy Buyer Corp.

     10/24/2019               2,500               

Businessolver.com, Inc.

     5/15/2020               1,398              (28)  

SPay, Inc. (dba Stack Sports)

     6/15/2020               5,663              (143)  

Gastro Health Holdco, LLC

     9/4/2020               5,062              (102)  

Elemica, Inc.

     7/7/2021               6,000              (75)  

Continuum Managed Services LLC

     6/8/2022               2,220              (44)  

Datto, Inc.

     12/7/2022               2,492              (19)  

Picture Head Midco LLC

     8/31/2023               1,760              (36)  

VRC Companies, LLC (dba Vital Records Control)

     9/27/2019               872              (9)  

Picture Head Midco LLC

     3/31/2019               2,540              (51)  

Diligent Corporation

     8/3/2020               247              (3)  

Apptio, Inc.

     1/10/2025               26,162               

 

 

Total 1st Lien/Senior Secured Debt

      $ 84,844      $ 94,396      $ (1,564   $ (1,109

 

 

2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

             

Hygiena Borrower LLC

     6/29/2020      $ 583      $ 577      $ (10   $ (10)  

Genesis Acquisition Co. (dba ProCare Software)

     7/31/2020        1,800        1,777        (45     (49)  

 

 

Total 2nd Lien/Senior Secured Debt

      $ 2,383      $ 2,354      $ (55   $ (59

 

 

Total

      $ 87,227      $ 96,750      $ (1,619   $ (1,168)  

 

 

 

(1)   

Commitments are generally subject to borrowers meeting certain criteria such as compliance with covenants and certain operational metrics. These amounts may remain outstanding until the commitment period of an applicable loan expires, which may be shorter than its maturity.

(2)   

Unfunded commitments denominated in currencies other than USD have been converted to USD using the applicable foreign currency exchange rate as of the applicable reporting date.

(3)   

The fair value is reflected as investments, at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts that provide a variety of general indemnifications. Any exposure to the Company under these arrangements could involve future claims that may be made against the Company. Currently, no such claims exist or are expected to arise and, accordingly, the Company has not accrued any liability in connection with such indemnifications.

 

9.

NET ASSETS

Equity Issuances

There were no sales of the Company’s common stock during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

On May 24, 2017, the Company completed a follow-on offering under its shelf registration statement, issuing 3,250,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $22.50 per share. Net of offering and underwriting costs, the Company received cash proceeds of $69,648.

On May 26, 2017, the Company sold an additional 487,500 shares of its common stock pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of the option to purchase additional shares the Company granted in connection with the aforementioned offering. Net of underwriting costs, the Company received additional cash proceeds of $10,640.

Distributions

The following table reflects the distributions declared on shares of the Company’s common stock:

 

Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount Per Share

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

   
February 20, 2019   March 29, 2019   April 15, 2019   $0.45
May 7, 2019   June 28, 2019   July 15, 2019   $0.45
July 30, 2019   September 30, 2019   October 15, 2019   $0.45
October 30, 2019   December 31, 2019   January 15, 2020   $0.45

 

119


Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Amount Per Share

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

   
February 21, 2018   March 30, 2018   April 16, 2018   $0.45
May 1, 2018   June 29, 2018   July 16, 2018   $0.45
July 31, 2018   September 28, 2018   October 15, 2018   $0.45
October 30, 2018   December 31, 2018   January 15, 2019   $0.45

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017

   
February 22, 2017   March 31, 2017   April 17, 2017   $0.45
May 1, 2017   June 30, 2017   July 17, 2017   $0.45
August 1, 2017   September 29, 2017   October 16, 2017   $0.45
October 31, 2017   December 29, 2017   January 16, 2018   $0.45

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Concurrent with the IPO, the Company adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of all cash distributions declared by the Board of Directors, unless a stockholder elects to “opt out” of the plan. As a result, if the Board of Directors declares a cash distribution, then the stockholders who have not “opted out” of the dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock, rather than receiving the cash distribution.

The following table summarizes shares distributed pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan to stockholders who had not opted out of the dividend reinvestment plan:

 

Date Declared   Record Date   Payment Date   Shares

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

   
October 30, 2018   December 31, 2018   January 15, 2019   39,591
February 20, 2019   March 29, 2019   April 15, 2019   35,306
May 7, 2019   June 28, 2019   July 15, 2019   35,408
July 30, 2019   September 30, 2019   October 15, 2019   29,141

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018

   
October 31, 2017   December 29, 2017   January 16, 2018   23,824
February 21, 2018   March 30, 2018   April 16, 2018   20,916
May 1, 2018   June 29, 2018   July 16, 2018   20,644
August 1, 2018   September 28, 2018   October 15, 2018   31,576

For the Year Ended December 31, 2017

   
November 1, 2016   December 31, 2016   January 17, 2017   11,124
February 22, 2017   March 31, 2017   April 17, 2017   11,202
May 1, 2017   June 30, 2017   July 17, 2017   18,417
August 1, 2017   September 29, 2017   October 16, 2017   20,760

 

10.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following information sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
      2019      2018      2017  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 36,148      $ 53,678      $ 49,548  

Weighted average shares outstanding

         40,313,662            40,184,715            38,633,652  

Basic and diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.90      $ 1.34      $ 1.28  

For the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per common share, the average closing price of the Company’s common stock for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was less than the conversion price for the Convertible Notes outstanding as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Therefore, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, diluted earnings per share equal basic earnings per share because the underlying shares for the intrinsic value of the embedded options in the Convertible Notes were not dilutive.

 

120


11.

TAX INFORMATION

The tax character of distributions during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
      2019      2018      2017  

Distributions paid from:

        

Ordinary Income

   $ 72,574      $ 72,339      $ 70,504  

Net Long-Term Capital Gains

          $      $  

 

 

Total Taxable Distributions

   $     72,574      $     72,339      $     70,504  

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the components of Accumulated Earnings (Losses) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

      December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  

Undistributed Ordinary Income—net

   $ 46,658     $     42,231     $     33,790  

Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains

   $     $     $  

 

 

Total Undistributed Earnings

   $ 46,658     $ 42,231     $ 33,790  

 

 

Capital Loss Carryforward:

      

Perpetual Long-Term

   $ (89,051   $ (78,249   $ (56,664

Perpetual Short-Term

   $     $ (1,503   $  

 

 

Total capital loss carryforwards

   $ (89,051   $ (79,752   $ (56,664

Timing Differences (Late year Ordinary Loss Deferral)

   $ (62   $ (227   $ (25,328

Unrealized Earnings (Losses)—net

   $ (58,171   $ (53,195   $ (24,521

 

 

Total Accumulated Earnings (Losses)—net

   $ (100,626   $ (90,943   $ (72,723

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the Company’s aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

      December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  

Tax cost

   $ 1,426,453     $ 1,429,140     $ 1,294,373  

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 24,149     $ 12,268     $ 6,787  

Gross unrealized depreciation

   $ (82,320   $ (65,463   $ (31,308

 

 

Net unrealized investment appreciation (depreciation) on investments

   $ (58,171   $ (53,195   $ (24,521

 

 

The difference between GAAP-basis and tax basis unrealized gains (losses) is attributable primarily to net mark to market gains (losses) on foreign currency contracts, and differences in the tax treatment of underlying fund investments.

In order to present certain components of the Company’s capital accounts on a tax-basis, certain reclassifications have been recorded to the Company’s accounts. These reclassifications have no impact on the net asset value of the Company and result primarily from certain non-deductible expenses, and differences in the tax treatment of underlying fund investments. For the year ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company reclassified $(26,743), $(443) and $(1,556), respectively, from total distributable earnings to paid-in capital in excess of par.

The following reconciles net increase in net assets resulting from operations to taxable income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
      2019     2018     2017  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $     36,148     $     53,678     $     49,548  

Adjustments:

      

Net unrealized loss (gain) on investments and foreign currency forward contracts and translations

     4,663       30,260       (35,868

Income not currently taxable

     24,380       (2,986     (1,461

Income for tax but not book

     (18            

Expenses not currently deductible

     1,694       2,058       1,552  

Realized gain(loss) differences

     (79,361     (83,109     5,060  

 

 

Taxable income net of capital loss carryforward

   $ (12,494   $ (99   $ 18,831  

Capital loss carryforward

     89,051       79,752       56,664  

 

 

Taxable income (1)

   $ 76,557     $ 79,653     $ 75,495  

 

 

 

(1)

Taxable income is an estimate and is not fully determined until the Company’s tax return is filed.

 

121


ASC Topic 740, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”) provides guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax position. ASC 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Based on its analysis of its tax position for all open tax years (the current and prior years, as applicable), the Company has concluded that it does not have any uncertain tax positions that met the recognition or measurement criteria of ASC 740. Such open tax years remain subject to examination and adjustment by tax authorities.

 

12.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Below presents the schedule of financial highlights of the Company:

 

      Year Ended
December 31,
2019
    Year Ended
December 31,
2018
    Year Ended
December 31,
2017
    Year Ended
December 31,
2016
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015
 

Per Share Data:(1)

          

NAV, beginning of year

   $ 17.65     $ 18.09     $ 18.31     $ 18.97     $ 19.56  

Net investment income (loss)

     1.98       2.06       2.07       2.10       2.14  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) (2)

     (1.08     (0.70     (0.80     (0.98     (0.84

Income tax provision, realized and unrealized gains

           (0.02                  

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     0.90       1.34       1.27       1.12       1.30  

 

 

Issuance of common stock, net of underwriting and offering costs

                 0.31             (0.09

Equity component of convertible notes

           0.02             0.02        

Distributions declared from net investment income(3)

     (1.80     (1.80     (1.80     (1.80     (1.76

Distributions declared from net realized gains(3)

                             (0.04

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (0.90     (0.44     (0.22     (0.66     (0.59

 

 

NAV, end of year

   $ 16.75     $ 17.65     $ 18.09     $ 18.31     $ 18.97  

 

 

Market price, end of year

   $ 21.28     $ 18.38     $ 22.18     $ 23.52     $ 19.00  

Shares outstanding, end of year

     40,367,071       40,227,625       40,130,665       36,331,662       36,306,882  

Weighted average shares outstanding

     40,313,662       40,184,715       38,633,652       36,317,131       34,782,967  

Total return based on NAV(4)

     4.08%       6.96%       7.17%       5.42%       6.07%  

Total return based on market value(5)

     26.98%       (9.16)%       2.30%       35.20%       3.90%  

Ratio/Supplemental Data (all amounts in thousands

except ratios):

          

Net assets, end of year

   $ 676,125     $ 709,892     $ 725,830     $ 665,137     $ 688,650  

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     9.77%       8.81%       8.07%       7.25%       6.51%  

Ratio of expenses (without incentive fees and interest

and other debt expenses) to average net assets

     3.24%       3.26%       3.47%       3.58%       3.17%  

Ratio of interest and other debt expenses to average net

assets

     5.25%       3.62%       2.79%       2.12%       1.59%  

Ratio of incentive fees to average net assets

     1.28%       1.93%       1.81%       1.55%       1.75%  

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets

     9.82%       8.81%       8.07%       7.25%       6.51%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     11.53%       11.42%       11.36%       11.30%       11.06%  

Average debt outstanding

   $ 766,498     $ 551,174     $ 475,981     $ 464,440     $ 358,444  

Average debt per share(6)

   $ 19.01     $ 13.72     $ 12.32     $ 12.79     $ 10.31  

Portfolio turnover

     45%       26%       45%       17%       13%  

 

(1)   

The per share data was derived by using the weighted average shares outstanding during the applicable period, except for distributions declared, which reflects the actual amount of distributions declared per share for the applicable period.

(2)   

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the amount shown may not correspond with the aggregate amount paid for the period as it includes the effect of the timing of the distribution.

(3)   

The per share data for distributions declared reflects the actual amount of distributions declared per share for the applicable year.

(4)   

Total return based on NAV is calculated as the change in NAV per share during the respective periods, assuming dividends and distributions, if any, are reinvested in accordance with the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan.

(5)   

Total return based on market value is calculated as the change in market value per share during the respective periods, assuming dividends and distributions, if any, are reinvested in accordance with the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan.

(6)   

Average debt per share is calculated as average debt outstanding divided by the weighted average shares outstanding during the applicable period.

 

122


13.

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

The following are the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The following information reflects all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.

 

     Quarter Ended  
     December 31, 2019     September 30, 2019     June 30, 2019     March 31, 2019  

Investment income

   $ 35,467     $ 36,856     $ 38,401     $ 36,537  

Total expenses

     16,017       17,425       18,862       13,813  
  

 

 

 

Incentive fee waiver

     (394                  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss) before taxes

     19,844       19,431       19,539       22,724  

Income tax expense, including excise tax

     469       459       452       439  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss) after taxes

     19,375       18,972       19,087       22,285  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (10,472     (10,072     (2,926     (20,274

(Provision) benefit for taxes on realized gain/loss on investments

                 121        

(Provision) benefit for taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

                 (152     204  
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations after tax

   $ 8,903     $ 8,900     $ 16,130     $ 2,215  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income per share (basic and diluted)

   $ 0.48     $ 0.47     $ 0.47     $ 0.55  
  

 

 

 

Earnings per share (basic and diluted)

   $ 0.22     $ 0.22     $ 0.40     $ 0.06  
  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

         40,362,637       40,332,542       40,297,090       40,261,057  
  

 

 

 

 

     Quarter Ended  
     December 31, 2018     September 30, 2018     June 30, 2018     March 31, 2018  

Investment income

   $ 35,969     $ 37,983     $ 37,238     $ 35,541  

Total expenses

     13,032       15,989       16,771       16,521  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss) before taxes

     22,937       21,994       20,467       19,020  

Income tax expense, including excise tax

     565       428       304       285  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss) after taxes

     22,372       21,566       20,163       18,735  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (23,501     (2,401     (2,697     163  

Income tax provision, realized gain

                 1       (447

Income tax provision, unrealized gain

     (130     (146            
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations after tax

   $ (1,259   $ 19,019     $ 17,467     $ 18,451  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income per share (basic and diluted)

   $ 0.56     $ 0.54     $ 0.50     $ 0.47  
  

 

 

 

Earnings per share (basic and diluted)

   $ (0.03   $ 0.47     $ 0.43     $ 0.46  
  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

     40,222,820       40,192,683       40,171,957       40,150,518  
  

 

 

 

 

14.

PENDING MERGER WITH GS MMLC

On December 9, 2019, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with GS MMLC, Merger Sub, and the Investment Adviser. The Merger Agreement provides that, subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into GS MMLC, with GS MMLC continuing as the surviving company and, immediately thereafter, GS MMLC will merge with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving company. The parties to the Merger Agreement intend the Merger to be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

Pursuant to the Merger, each share of GS MMLC common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will be converted into 0.9939 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Exchange Ratio”) in connection with the closing of the Merger (other than certain excluded shares as described in the Merger Agreement). The Exchange Ratio will only be adjusted if, between the date of the Merger Agreement and the effective time, (i) either GS MMLC or the Company declares or pays an extraordinary dividend, or (ii) the respective outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock or GS MMLC common stock will have been increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or securities, as a result of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, combination or exchange of shares, or if a stock dividend or dividend payable in any other securities will be declared with a record date within such period, other than shares issued pursuant to the Company’s distribution reinvestment plan, as permitted by the Merger Agreement. No fractional shares of the Company’s common stock will be issued, and holders of GS MMLC common stock will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares.

Consummation of the Merger, which is currently anticipated to occur during the first half of calendar year 2020, is subject to certain closing conditions, including (a) the Company’s stockholder approval of each of the Merger, the Amended and Restated GSBD charter, the Merger Stock Issuance and the New Investment Management Agreement (b) GS MMLC stockholder approval of each of the Merger and the New Investment Management Agreement and certain other closing conditions.

 

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The Merger Agreement also contains certain termination rights in favor of the Company and GS MMLC, including if the Merger is not completed on or before December 9, 2020 or if the requisite approvals of the Company’s stockholders or GS MMLC’s stockholders are not obtained. The Merger Agreement also provides that, upon the termination of the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to pay GS MMLC, or GS MMLC may be required to pay the Company, a termination fee of $20.5 million and $27.8 million, respectively.

The Merger is expected to be accounted for as an asset acquisition of GS MMLC by the Company in accordance with the asset acquisition method of accounting as detailed in ASC 805-50, Business Combinations—Related Issues, with the fair value of total consideration paid in conjunction with the Mergers allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values as of the date of the Mergers. Generally, under asset acquisition accounting, acquiring assets in groups not only requires ascertaining the cost of the asset (or net assets), but also allocating that cost to the individual assets (or individual assets and liabilities) that make up the group. The cost of the group of assets acquired in an asset acquisition is allocated to the individual assets acquired or liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values of net identifiable assets acquired other than certain “non-qualifying” assets (for example cash) and does not give rise to goodwill. The final allocation of the purchase price will be determined after the Merger is completed and after completion of a final analysis to determine the estimated relative fair values of GS MMLC’s assets and liabilities.

 

15.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events after the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities date have been evaluated through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued. Other than the items discussed below, the Company has concluded that there is no impact requiring adjustment or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

On February 10, 2020, the Company closed an offering of $360,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.75% notes due 2025 (the “Notes”). The Notes will mature on February 10, 2025 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company’s option at any time at par plus a “make-whole” premium, if applicable. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to pay down debt under our Revolving Credit Facility.

On February 19, 2020 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly distribution of $0.45 per share payable on April 15, 2020 to holders of record as of March 31, 2020.

 

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Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. — Tax Information (unaudited)

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company designated 93.96% of its distributions from net investment income as interest-related dividends pursuant to Section 871(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.

ITEM 9.     CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2019. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 has been audited to by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

ITEM 9B.     OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

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PART III.

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of five directors, four of whom are Independent Directors. “Independent Directors” are directors who (1) are not deemed to be “interested persons,” of the Company (as defined in the Investment Company Act), (2) meet the definition of “independent directors” under the corporate governance standards of the New York Stock Exchange and (3) meet the independence requirements of Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act. The Board of Directors elects our officers, who serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The responsibilities of the Board of Directors include quarterly valuation of our assets, corporate governance activities, oversight of our financing arrangements and oversight of our investment activities.

The Board of Directors’ role in our management is one of oversight. Oversight of our investment activities extends to oversight of the risk management processes employed by our Investment Adviser as part of its day-to-day management of our investment activities. The Board of Directors reviews risk management processes at both regular and special Board meetings throughout the year, consulting with appropriate representatives of our Investment Adviser as necessary and periodically requesting the production of risk management reports or presentations. The goal of the Board of Directors’ risk oversight function is to ensure that the risks associated with our investment activities are accurately identified, thoroughly investigated and responsibly addressed. The Board’s oversight function cannot, however, eliminate all risks or ensure that particular events do not adversely affect the value of the Investments. The Board of Directors also has primary responsibility for the valuation of our assets.

The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee, Compliance Committee and Contract Review Committee. The scope of each committee’s responsibilities is discussed in greater detail below.

Jaime Ardila, an Independent Director, serves as Chair (“Chair”) of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interests of Shareholders for Mr. Ardila to lead the Board of Directors because of his broad corporate background and experience with financial and investment matters, as described below. The Chair will generally act as a liaison between our management, officers and attorneys between meetings of the Board of Directors and preside over all executive sessions of the Independent Directors without management. The Board of Directors believes that its leadership structure is appropriate because the structure allocates areas of responsibility among the individual directors and the committees in a manner that enhances effective oversight. The Board of Directors also believes that its size creates an efficient corporate governance structure that provides opportunity for direct communication and interaction between management and the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors and Executive Officers

The current directors were appointed to their positions in April 2016, except for Susan McGee, who was appointed to the Board of Directors in June 2018, and each director will hold office until his or her death, resignation, removal or disqualification. In addition, our Board of Directors has adopted polices which provide that (a) no director shall hold office for more than 15 years and (b) a director shall retire as of December 31st of the calendar year in which he or she reaches his or her 74th birthday, unless a waiver of such requirement has been adopted by a majority of the other directors. These policies may be changed by the directors without a Shareholder vote.

 

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Directors

Information regarding the members of the Board of Directors is as follows:

 

Name and Age (1)   Term of Office  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  Other Directorships

Independent Directors

Jaime Ardila (64)  

Chairman of the Board of Directors since January 2017; Director since

April 2016

 

Mr. Ardila is retired. He is Director, Accenture plc (2013–Present) and Director, Nexa Resources (2019–Present); and formerly was director of Ecopetrol (2016–2019); and held senior management positions with General Motors Company (an automobile manufacturer) (1984–1996 and 1998–2016), most recently as Executive Vice President, and President of General Motors’ South America region (2010–2016).

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors—the Company, GS PMMC, and GS PMMC II.

  Accenture plc (a management consulting services company); Nexa Resources (an oil and gas company)
Ross J. Kari (61)   Director since April 2016  

Mr. Kari is retired. He is Director, Summit Bank (2014-Present). Formerly, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (2009–2013); and was a Member of the Board of Directors of KKR Financial Holdings, LLC (2007–2014).

 

Director—the Company, GS PMMC, and GS PMMC II.

  None
Ann B. Lane (65)   Director since April 2016  

Ms. Lane is retired. Formerly, she was Director, Dealertrack Technologies, Inc. (an automotive software solutions and services company) (2007–2015); and Managing Director, Co–Head of Syndicated & Leveraged Finance and Head of Loan Syndications Capital Markets, JPMorgan Chase & Co. (a financial services company) (2000–2005).

 

Director—the Company, GS PMMC, and GS PMMC II.

  None
Susan B. McGee (60)   Director since June 2018  

Ms. McGee is retired. She formerly held senior management positions with U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (an investment management firm), including Chief Compliance Officer (2016–2018), President (1998–2018) and General Counsel (1997–2018). She was also formerly Vice President of the U.S. Global Investors Funds (2016–2018). She currently serves as a member of the Asset Management Advisory Committee (2019-Present).

 

Director—the Company, GS PMMC, and GS PMMC II.

  None

Interested Directors*

 

Katherine (“Kaysie”) P.

Uniacke (59)

  Director since April 2016  

Chair of the Board—Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (2013–Present); Director—Goldman Sachs Dublin and Luxembourg family of funds (2013–Present); Advisory Director—Goldman Sachs (2013–Present); Global Chief Operating Officer—GSAM (2007–2012); Partner, Goldman Sachs (2002–2012); and Managing Director—Goldman Sachs (1997–2002).

 

Director—the Company, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II, and GS MMLC. Chair of the Board—GS MMLC.

  None

 

*

Ms. Uniacke is considered to be an “Interested Director” because she holds positions with Goldman Sachs and owns securities issued by Group Inc. Ms. Uniacke holds comparable positions with certain other companies of which Goldman Sachs, GSAM or an affiliate thereof is the investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor.

 

(1)

Each director may be contacted by writing the director, c/o Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282.

 

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Executive Officers

Information regarding our executive officers who are not directors is as follows:

 

Name

   Age       

Position(s)

Brendan McGovern

     48        Chief Executive Officer and President

Jon Yoder

     46        Chief Operating Officer

Jonathan Lamm

     45        Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Julien Yoo

     48        Chief Compliance Officer

David Yu

     38        Executive Vice President and Head of Research

Carmine Rossetti

     41        Principal Accounting Officer

Jordan Walter

     39        Executive Vice President

Michael Mastropaolo

     40        Executive Vice President

The address for each director and executive officer is c/o Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next election of officers or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.

Biographical Information

Directors

Independent Directors:

Jaime Ardila. Mr. Ardila is retired. Mr. Ardila has served on the Board of Directors of the Company since February 2019 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since January 2018. He also serves as a member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GS PMMC and GS PMMC II. Mr. Ardila is a member of the Board of Directors of Accenture plc, a management consulting services company, where he serves as Chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee, and as a member of the Board of Directors of Nexa Resources S.A., an oil and gas company. Previously, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Ecopetrol, an integrated oil company, where he served as Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Business Committee and the Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee, from 2016 to 2019. Mr. Ardila also worked for 29 years at General Motors Company, an automobile manufacturer, where he held several senior management positions, most recently as Executive Vice President of the company and President of General Motors’ South America region. Mr. Ardila joined General Motors in 1984. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Ardila served as the managing director, Colombian Operations, of N M Rothschild & Sons Ltd, before rejoining General Motors in 1998. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Ardila is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Ross J. Kari. Mr. Kari is retired. Mr. Kari has served on the Board of Directors of the Company since April 2016. He also serves on the Board of Directors of GS PMMC and GS PMMC II. Previously, Mr. Kari was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), where he worked for four years. Previously, he held senior management positions at SAFECO Corporation, a personal insurance company, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and Wells Fargo & Company, where he began his career and worked for 19 years. Mr. Kari also serves as a Director and a member of the Audit Committee and ALCO Chairman of Summit Bank. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Kari is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Ann B. Lane. Ms. Lane is retired. Ms. Lane has served on the Board of Directors of the Company since April 2016. She also serves on the Board of Directors of GS PMMC and GS PMMC II. Ms. Lane was a Director of Dealertrack Technologies,Inc., an automotive software solutions and services company, from 2007 to 2015. Previously, she worked for five years at JPMorgan Chase & Co., a financial services company, as a Managing Director and Co-Head of Syndicated & Leveraged Finance and Head of Loan Syndications Capital Markets. Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase & Co., Ms. Lane held several senior management positions at Citigroup, Inc., a financial services company, where she worked for 18 years. Based on the foregoing, Ms. Lane is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Susan B. McGee. Ms. McGee is retired. Ms. McGee has served on the Board of Directors of the Company since June 2018. She also serves on the Board of Directors of GS PMMC and GS PMMC II. Ms. McGee worked for 26 years at U.S. Global Investors, Inc., an investment management firm, until June 2018, during which time she held several senior management positions, including President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. She has also been involved in the governance of the U.S. Global Investors Funds, serving as Vice President until June 2018. In addition, Ms. McGee serves on the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute and as Chairperson of the Investment Company Institute Small Funds Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Sports Foundation, a not-for-profit organization. Ms. McGee also serves as a member of the Asset Management Advisory Committee (2019–present). Based on the foregoing, Ms. McGee is experienced with financial and investment matters.

 

128


Interested Directors:

Kaysie Uniacke. Ms. Uniacke is the chair of the board of Goldman Sachs Asset Management International; serves on the boards of the Goldman Sachs Luxembourg, and the Dublin family of funds, several GSAM-managed pooled vehicles organized in the Cayman Islands, and GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and GS MMLC; and is an advisory director to Group Inc. Previously, she was global chief operating officer of GSAM’s portfolio management business until 2012 and served on the Investment Management Division Client and Business Standards Committee. Prior to this, she was president of Goldman Sachs Trust, the GS mutual fund family, and was head of the Fiduciary Management business within Global Manager Strategies, responsible for business development and client service globally. Earlier in her career, Ms. Uniacke managed GSAM’s U.S. and Canadian Distribution groups. In that capacity, she was responsible for overseeing all North American institutional and third-party sales channels, marketing and client service functions, for which client assets exceeded $200 billion. Before that, Ms. Uniacke was head of GSAM’s Global Cash Services business, where she was responsible for overseeing the management of assets exceeding $100 billion. Ms. Uniacke worked at Goldman Sachs from 1983 to 2012 where she was named managing director in 1997 and partner in 2002. Ms. Uniacke serves on the board of Person-to-Person, a non-profit organization that supports the working poor in lower Fairfield County, CT. Based on the foregoing, Ms. Uniacke is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Executive Officers who are not Directors:

Brendan McGovern. Mr. McGovern has served as our chief executive officer and president since April 2016. Mr. McGovern heads GSAM’s Private Credit Group, is chief executive officer and president of GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and GS MMLC and also serves as co-head and senior portfolio manager of the GSAM Credit Alternatives portfolio management team. He is also the Chair and a voting member of the Private Credit Group’s Investment Committee, which is responsible for evaluating and approving all of the Company’s investments. Mr. McGovern joined the firm in 2006. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. McGovern served as a managing director in the Global Investment Group at Amaranth Advisors, where he co-headed the fund’s private placement efforts for both debt and equity linked products in the United States. He is also on the board of directors for the Oxalosis and Hyperoxaluria Foundation.

Jon Yoder. Mr. Yoder has served as our chief operating officer since April 2016. Mr. Yoder is chief operating officer of GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and GS MMLC and a member of GSAM’s Private Credit Group with a focus on sourcing, structuring and executing privately negotiated debt financings. He is also a voting member of the Private Credit Group’s Investment Committee, which is responsible for evaluating and approving all of the Company’s investments. Mr. Yoder joined the firm in 2005. Prior to joining the firm, he was a member of the mergers and acquisitions and private equity groups at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP.

Jonathan Lamm. Mr. Lamm has served as our chief financial officer and treasurer since April 2016. Mr. Lamm is also chief financial officer and treasurer of GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and GS MMLC and chief operating officer of the GSAM Credit Alternatives portfolio management team, responsible for the operations of the business, including business financials, infrastructure support, and IT project management, as well as the continuous improvement of the control environment. Mr. Lamm is secretary and a non-voting member of the Private Credit Group’s Investment Committee, which is responsible for evaluating and approving all of the Company’s investments. He joined the firm in 1999. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Lamm worked in the securities audit practice at Deloitte & Touche, LLP.

Julien Yoo. Ms. Yoo is the chief compliance officer of the Company and has served in such capacity since June 2019. Ms. Yoo is the Managing Director of GSAM Compliance, Head of the U.S. Regulatory Committee Compliance team within GSAM Compliance, and Chief Compliance Officer of Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, Goldman Sachs Trust II, Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund, Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust, Goldman Sachs Credit Income Fund and Goldman Sachs Real Estate Diversified Income Fund, GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and GS MMLC. Ms. Yoo joined Goldman Sachs in 2013. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Ms. Yoo was a Vice President in the legal department of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, she was an associate at Shearman & Sterling, LLP and at Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP.

David Yu. Mr. Yu has served as an executive vice president and Head of Research of the Company since April 2016. Mr. Yu is executive vice president of GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and GS MMLC and a member of the GSAM Private Credit Group with a focus on sourcing, structuring and executing privately negotiated debt financings and serves as its Head of Research. Mr. Yu is a voting member of the Private Credit Group’s Investment Committee, which is responsible for evaluating and approving all of the Company’s investments. Mr. Yu joined the firm in 2006. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Yu was an associate in the Global Investments Group at Amaranth Advisors, where he similarly worked with public and private issuers to structure and execute debt and equity financings. Prior to joining Amaranth, he worked in the Leveraged Finance and Sponsor Coverage Group at CIBC World Markets.

 

129


Carmine Rossetti. Mr. Rossetti has served as our principal accounting officer since May 2017. Mr. Rossetti is principal accounting officer of GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and GS MMLC and head of the GSAM Hedge Fund and BDC Fund Controller teams. Mr. Rossetti is responsible for fund accounting and financial reporting oversight as well as the continuous improvement of the control environment. Mr. Rossetti joined Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC in 2004. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, he worked in the audit practice at Ernst & Young LLP.

Jordan Walter. Mr. Walter was appointed as an executive vice president of the Company in February 2018. Mr. Walter is executive vice president of GS PMMC, PMMC II and GS MMLC and a member of the GSAM Credit Alternatives team with a focus on sourcing, structuring and executing privately negotiated debt financings. He is also a voting member of the Private Credit Group’s Investment Committee, which is responsible for evaluating and approving all of the Company’s investments. Mr. Walter joined Goldman Sachs in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Walter was a vice president at MCG Capital where he originated and managed middle market debt and equity investments. Prior to joining MCG Capital, Mr. Walter was in the Financial Management Program at GS Capital.

Michael Mastropaolo. Mr. Mastropaolo has served as an executive vice president of the Company since January 2019. Mr. Mastropaolo is also an executive vice president of GS PMMC, GS PMMC II and GS MMLC and a member of the GSAM Credit Alternatives team with a focus on sourcing, structuring and executing privately negotiated debt financings. He is also a voting member of the Private Credit Group’s Investment Committee, which is responsible for evaluating and approving all of the Company’s investments. Mr. Mastropaolo joined the firm in 2016. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Mastropaolo was a Director at Golub Capital where he originated and managed middle market debt and equity investments. Mr. Mastropaolo has been investing in middle market credit for his entire career which started at General Electric in the Investment Analyst training program at GE Capital.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Audit Committee

The members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Ardila, Mr. Kari and Ms. Lane, each of whom is an Independent Director. Mr. Kari is Chair of the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors and the Audit Committee have determined that Mr. Kari is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing matters relating to the appointment and activities of our auditors, audit plans and procedures, various accounting and financial reporting issues and changes in accounting policies, and reviewing the results and scope of the audit and other services provided by our independent public accountants. The Audit Committee is also responsible for aiding the Board of Directors in fair value pricing debt and equity securities that are not publicly traded or for which current market values are not readily available.

The Audit Committee held six formal meetings in 2019.

Governance and Nominating Committee

The members of the Governance and Nominating Committee are Mr. Ardila, Mr. Kari and Ms. Lane, each of whom is an Independent Director. Mr. Ardila serves as the Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying, researching and nominating Independent Directors for selection by the Board (and election by the Preferred Shareholders, if applicable), when necessary, selecting nominees to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors developing and recommending to the Board of Directors a set of corporate governance principles and overseeing the evaluation of the Board of Directors and our management.

All candidates nominated for an Independent Director position must meet applicable independence requirements and have the capacity to address financial and legal issues and exercise reasonable business judgment. The Governance and Nominating Committee considers a variety of criteria in evaluating candidates (including candidates nominated by a Shareholder), including (1) experience in business, financial or investment matters or in other fields of endeavor; (2) financial literacy and/or whether he or she is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K; (3) reputation; (4) ability to attend scheduled Board of Directors and committee meetings; (5) general availability to attend to Board of Directors business on short notice; (6) actual or potential business, family or other conflicts bearing on either the candidate’s independence or the business of the Company; (7) length of potential service; (8) commitment to the representation of the interests of the Company and the Shareholders; (9) commitment to maintaining and improving his or her skills and education; (10) experience in corporate governance and best business practices; and (11) the diversity that he or she would bring to the Board of Directors’ composition.

 

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The Governance and Nominating Committee held three formal meetings in 2019.

Compliance Committee

The members of the Compliance Committee are Mr. Ardila, Mr. Kari and Ms. Lane, each of whom is an Independent Director. Mr. Ardila serves as Chair of the Compliance Committee. The Compliance Committee is responsible for overseeing our compliance processes, and insofar as they relate to services provided to the Company, the compliance processes of our Investment Adviser, the Placement Agents, the Administrator and the transfer agent, except that compliance processes relating to the accounting and financial reporting processes and certain related matters are overseen by the Audit Committee. In addition, the Compliance Committee provides assistance to the full Board of Directors with respect to compliance matters.

The Compliance Committee held five formal meetings in 2019.

Contract Review Committee

The members of the Contract Review Committee are Mr. Ardila, Mr. Kari and Ms. Lane, each of whom is an Independent Director. Mr. Ardila serves as Chair of the Contract Review Committee. The Contract Review Committee is responsible for overseeing the processes of the Board of Directors for reviewing and monitoring performance under the Investment Advisory Agreement and our placement agency (if any) and certain other agreements with our Investment Adviser and its affiliates. The Contract Review Committee also provides appropriate assistance to the Board of Directors in connection with the Board of Directors’ approval, oversight and review of our other service providers, including its custodian/accounting agent, transfer agents, printing firms and professional firms (other than the Company’s independent auditor, which is the responsibility of the Audit Committee).

The Contract Review Committee had two formal meetings in 2019.

Code of Ethics

We have a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Our Code of Ethics is discussed under “Business—Code of Ethics” and a copy of our Code of Ethics is filed as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 10-K.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which applies to, among others, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. We intend to disclose any material amendment to or waivers of required provisions of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on a current report on Form 8-K. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics can be accessed via our website (https://www.goldmansachsbdc.com).

Director Charter

We have adopted a Director Charter which applies to, among other things, the authority and duties of our directors, composition of our Board of Directors and the election and role of the Chairman of our Board of Directors.

 

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ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Compensation of Executive Officers

None of our executive officers are currently compensated by us. We do not currently have any employees. Our day-to-day operations are managed by the Investment Adviser.

Compensation of Directors

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, each Independent Director was compensated with an $100,000 annual fee for his or her services as a director. In addition, the Chair earned an annual fee of $36,000 and the director designated as “audit committee financial expert” received an additional $12,000 for their additional services in such capacities. The Independent Directors are also reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings.

In addition, we purchase liability insurance on behalf of our directors. We may also pay the incidental costs of a director to attend training or other types of conferences relating to the BDC industry.

 

     Total Compensation
From the Company
for Fiscal Year
2019 (4)
     Total Compensation
From the Goldman Sachs
Fund Complex
for Fiscal Year 2019
 

Interested Director

     

Kaysie Uniacke (1)

             

Independent Directors

     

Jaime Ardila (2)

   $ 136,000      $ 254,583  

Ross Kari (3)

   $ 112,000      $ 214,583  

Ann B. Lane

   $ 100,000      $ 194,583  

Susan B. McGee

   $     100,000      $     194,583  

 

 
(1)  

Kaysie Uniacke is an interested director and, as such, does not receive compensation from the Company or the Goldman Sachs Fund Complex for her service as director or trustee.

 

(2)   

Includes compensation as Chair of the Board.

 

(3)   

Includes compensation as audit committee financial expert.

 

(4)   

The Company does not have a profit-sharing plan, and directors do not receive any pension or retirement benefits from the Company.

No Compensation will be paid to directors who are “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act.

 

132


ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth, as of February 20, 2020, certain ownership information with respect to our Shares for those persons who directly or indirectly own, control or hold with the power to vote, five percent or more of our outstanding Shares and all executive officers and directors, on an individual and group basis. Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that each beneficial owner set forth in the table has sole voting and investment power over such Shares.

 

Name and Address

   Type of Ownership (3)      Number of Shares Owned      Percentage  

Beneficial owners of 5% or more

        

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (1)

     Beneficial        6,483,653        16.1

Interested Director

        

Kaysie Uniacke

     Beneficial        10,000        *  

Independent Directors

        

Jaime Ardila

     Beneficial        13.850        *  

Ross Kari

     Beneficial        5,000        *  

Ann B. Lane

     Beneficial        6,890        *  

Susan B. McGee

                    

Executive Officers

        

Brendan McGovern

     Beneficial        35,000        *  

Jon Yoder

     Beneficial        5,000        *  

Jonathan Lamm

     Beneficial        5,000        *  

Julien Yoo

                    

Caroline Kraus

                    

David Yu

     Beneficial        8,000        *  

Jordan Walter

                    

Carmine Rossetti

                    

Michael Mastropaolo

                    

All executive officers and directors as a group (14 persons) (2)

     Beneficial        88,740        *  

 

 
*

Amount rounds to less than 1%.

 

(1) 

Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2018. The address of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (“Group Inc.”), a Delaware corporation, is 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282. The shares of the Company’s common stock shown in the above table as being owned by Group Inc. include 652,354 shares held directly by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (“Goldman Sachs”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Group Inc. Group Inc. disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of its pecuniary interest therein. Each of Group Inc. and Goldman Sachs has indicated that it intends to vote the Company’s shares over which it has voting discretion in the same manner and proportion as shares of the Company over which Group Inc. or Goldman Sachs does not have voting discretion.

 

(2) 

The business address for each of the Company’s executive officers and directors is c/o Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P., 200 West Street New York, New York 10282.

 

(3) 

Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

(a)

Transactions with Related Persons; Review, Approval or Ratification of Transaction with Related Persons

Investment Management and Advisory Agreement

GSAM serves as our investment adviser. Our Investment Adviser has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is a subsidiary of Group Inc., a bank holding company. GS & Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Group Inc., acted as our placement agent in connection with the offering of Shares to U.S. persons and Goldman Sachs International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Group Inc., acted as our placement agent in connection with the offering of Shares to non-U.S. persons.

Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors, the Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Company’s portfolio transactions and is responsible for the Company’s business affairs and other administrative matters.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid GSAM a total of $21.46 million in fees pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement.

License Agreement

The Company has entered into the License Agreement with GS & Co. pursuant to which it has been granted a personal, non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free right and license to use the “Goldman Sachs” name. Under the License Agreement, the Company does not have the right to use the Goldman Sachs name if GSAM or another affiliate of Goldman Sachs is not the Company’s investment adviser or if the Company’s continued use of such license results in a violation of applicable law, results in a regulatory burden or has adverse regulatory consequences. Other than with respect to this limited license, the Company has no legal right to the “Goldman Sachs” name.

 

133


Co-Investment Opportunities

The Company may co-invest, on a concurrent basis with other funds managed by GSAM and its affiliates, but not if such co-investment is impermissible under existing regulatory guidance, applicable regulations or GSAM’s allocation procedures. Certain types of negotiated co-investments by us and other funds managed by GSAM and its affiliates may be made only pursuant to an order from the SEC permitting us to do so. In January 2017, we received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits us to participate in negotiated co-investment transactions with certain affiliates (including GS PMMC, GS MMLC and GS PMMC II), each of whose investment adviser is GSAM, in a manner consistent with our investment objectives, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions, as well as regulatory requirements and pursuant to the conditions required by the exemptive relief.

Related Party Transaction Review Policy

The Audit Committee will conduct quarterly reviews of any potential related party transactions brought to its attention and, during these reviews, it will consider any conflicts of interest brought to its attention pursuant to the Company’s Code of Ethics. Each of the Company’s directors and executive officers is instructed and periodically reminded to inform GSAM Compliance of any potential related party transactions. In addition, each such director and executive officer completes a questionnaire on an annual basis designed to elicit information about any potential related party transactions.

Director Independence

For information regarding the independence of our directors, see “Item 10. Directors Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.”

ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Audit Fees

The aggregate audit fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $845,000 and $808,500, respectively.

Fees included in the audit fees category are those associated with the annual audits of financial statements, review of the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

Audit-Related Fees

The aggregate audit-related fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $33,500 and $0, respectively.

Audit-related fees are for any services rendered to the Company that are reasonably related to the performance of the audits or reviews of the Company’s consolidated financial statements (but not reported as audit fees above). These services include attestation services that are not required by statute or regulation and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.

The aggregate audit-related fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to GSAM, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, GSAM, that provides ongoing services to the Company, for engagements directly related to the Company’s operations and financial reporting, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $1,200,400 and $1,133,433, respectively. These amounts represent fees PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP billed to GSAM for services related to the SSAE 18 report.

Tax Fees

The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for services rendered to the Company for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $0 and $58,750, respectively.

Fees included in the tax fees category comprise all services performed by professional staff in the independent registered public accountant’s tax division except those services related to the audits. This category comprises fees for tax compliance services provided in connection with the preparation and review of the Company’s tax returns.

No tax fees were billed by the Company’s independent registered public accountant to GSAM, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, GSAM, that provides ongoing services to the Company, for engagements directly related to the Company’s operations and financial reporting, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

134


All Other Fees

No fees were billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for products and services provided to the Company, other than the services reported in “Audit Fees” and “Tax Fees” above, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Other than services reported under “Audit-Related Fees,” no other fees were billed by the Company’s independent registered public accountant to GSAM, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, GSAM, that provides ongoing services to the Company, for engagements directly related to the Company’s operations and financial reporting, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Aggregate Non-Audit Fees

No non-audit fees were billed to the Company’s investment adviser and service affiliates by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for non-audit services for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. This includes any non-audit services required to be pre-approved or non-audit services that did not require pre-approval since they did not directly relate to the Company’s operations or financial reporting.

Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services Provided to the Company

The Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy (the “Policy”) adopted by the Audit Committee sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services performed by an independent auditor for the Company may be pre-approved. Services may be pre-approved specifically by the Audit Committee as a whole or, in certain circumstances, by the Audit Committee Chairman or the person designated as the audit committee financial expert. In addition, subject to specified cost limitations, certain services may be pre-approved under the provisions of the Policy. The Policy provides that the Audit Committee will consider whether the services provided by an independent auditor are consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence. The Policy provides for periodic review and pre-approval by the Audit Committee of the services that may be provided by the independent auditor.

De Minimis Waiver. The pre-approval requirements of the Policy may be waived with respect to the provision of non-audit services that are permissible for an independent auditor to perform, provided (1) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than five percent of the total amount of revenues subject to pre-approval that was paid to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; (2) such services were not recognized by the Company at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (3) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit by the Audit Committee or by one or more members of the Audit Committee to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated by the Audit Committee, pursuant to the pre-approval provisions of the Policy.

Pre-Approval of Non-Audit Services Provided to GSAM. The Policy provides that, in addition to requiring pre-approval of audit and non-audit services provided to the Company, the Audit Committee will pre-approve those non-audit services provided to the Company’s investment adviser (and entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provide ongoing services to the Company) where the engagement relates directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Company.

The Audit Committee has considered these fees and the nature of the services rendered, and has concluded that they are compatible with maintaining the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The Audit Committee did not approve any of the audit-related, tax, or other non-audit fees described above pursuant to the “de minimis exceptions” set forth in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) and Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP did not provide any audit-related services, tax services or other non-audit services to GSAM or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with GSAM that provides ongoing services to the Company that the Audit Committee was required to approve pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X. The Audit Committee considered whether the provision of non-audit services rendered to GSAM and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with GSAM that provides ongoing services to the Company that were not pre-approved by the Audit Committee because the engagement did not relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Company is compatible with maintaining PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s independence.

 

135


PART IV.

ITEM 15.     EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

  (1)

Financial Statements—Financial statements are included in Item 8. See the Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 90 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

  (2)

Financial Statement Schedules—None. We have omitted financial statements schedules because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

  (3)

Exhibits—The following is a list of all exhibits filed as a part of this annual report on Form 10-K, including those incorporated by reference.

 

136


Exhibit No

  

Description of Exhibits

2.1   

Agreement and Plan of Merger, by and among Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc., Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp., Evergreen Merger Sub Inc., and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., dated as of December 9, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00098), filed on December 9, 2019).

3.1   

Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) to pre-effective Amendment No. 7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (file no. 333-187642), filed on March 3, 2015).

3.2   

Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b) to pre-effective Amendment No. 7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (file no. 333-187642), filed on March 3, 2015).

4.1   

Indenture, dated October 3, 2016, between Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (file no. 814-00998), filed on October 3, 2016).

4.2   

Form of 4.50% Convertible Note Due 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (file no. 814-00998), filed on October 3, 2016).

4.3*   

Description of Securities.

10.1   

Administration Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2013, between the Company and the Adviser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(3) to pre-effective Amendment No. 7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (file no. 333-187642), filed on March 3, 2015).

10.2   

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 19, 2013 among the Company, as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, and SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(5) to pre-effective Amendment No. 8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (file no. 333-187642), filed on March 10, 2015).

10.3   

First Omnibus Amendment to Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement and Guarantee and Security Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2014 among the Company, as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, and SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (file no. 001-35851), filed on May 14, 2015).

10.4   

Joinder Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2015, by HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Assuming Lender, in favor of the Company as Borrower, and SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent under the Revolving Credit Facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (file no. 001-35851), filed on May 14, 2015).

10.5   

Joinder Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2015, by CIT Finance LLC, as Assuming Lender, in favor of the Company as Borrower, and Sun Trust Bank, as administrative agent under the Revolving Credit Facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (file no. 001-35851), filed on May 14, 2015).

10.6   

Second Amendment to Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November 4, 2015, among Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc., as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent, and, solely with respect to Section 5.9, DDDS BL, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00998), filed on November 5, 2015).

10.7   

Third Amendment to Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2016, among Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc., as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, and SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (file no. 814-00998), filed on December 21, 2016).

10.8   

Fourth Amendment to Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of February 21, 2018, among Goldman Sachs BDC. Inc., as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, and SunTrust Bank as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (file no. 814-00998), filed on February 22, 2018).

 

136


Exhibit No

  

Description of Exhibits

10.9   

Fifth Amendment to Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2018, among Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc., as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (file no. 814-00998), filed on September 17, 2018).

10.10   

Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2015, between the Company and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g) to pre-effective Amendment No. 7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (file no. 333-187642), filed on March 3, 2015).

10.11   

Second Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2018, between Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (file no. 814-00998), filed on June 15, 2018).

10.12   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan, amended as of May 2, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (file no. 814-00998), filed on May 9, 2016).

10.13   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan, amended as of August 2, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (file no. 814-00998), filed on August 4, 2016).

10.14   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan, amended as of August 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (file no. 814-00998), filed on August 3, 2017).

10.15   

Custody Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2013, between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (j) to pre-effective Amendment No. 8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (file no. 333-187642), filed on March 10, 2015).

10.16   

Transfer Agency and Services Agreement, effective as of May 2, 2016, by and between the Company, Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (file no. 814-00998), filed on May 9, 2016).

10.17   

License Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2013, between the Registrant and the Goldman, Sachs & Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(4) to pre-effective Amendment No. 7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (file no. 333-187642), filed on March 3, 2015).

10.18   

Joinder Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2019, by MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Assuming Lender, in favor of the Company as Borrower, and SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent under the Revolving Credit Facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (file no. 814-00998), filed on February 28, 2019).

14.1*   

Code of Ethics of the Registrant

14.2*   

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

24*   

Power of attorney (included on the signature page hereto).

31.1*   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*   

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1*   

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and 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.

 

137


ITEM 16.    FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

 

138


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

 

Date: February 20, 2020     GOLDMAN SACHS BDC, INC.
      /s/ Brendan McGovern
      Name: Brendan McGovern
      Title: Chief Executive Officer and President

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Brendan McGovern, Jonathan Lamm and Caroline Kraus, and each of them, such person’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and revocation, for such person and in such person’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign one or more Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, and any and all amendments thereto, and to file same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents and each of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 20, 2020.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/ Brendan McGovern

Brendan McGovern

   Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Jonathan Lamm

Jonathan Lamm

   Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Carmine Rossetti

Carmine Rossetti

   Principal Accounting Officer

/s/ Jaime Ardila

Jaime Ardila

   Chairman of the Board of Directors

/s/ Ross J. Kari

Ross J. Kari

   Director

/s/ Ann B. Lane

Ann B. Lane

   Director

/s/ Susan B. McGee

Susan B. McGee

   Director

/s/ Katherine Uniacke

Katherine Uniacke

   Director

 

139

Exhibit 4.3

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the annual report on Form 10-K to which this Description of Securities is an exhibit.

Capital Stock

As of February 20, 2020, Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.’s (“GSBD’s”) authorized stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (of which 40,401,637 shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2019), and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (of which no shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2019). GSBD’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GSBD.” There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase GSBD’s stock. Under Delaware law, GSBD’s stockholders will generally not be personally liable for its debts or obligations.

A. Common Stock

All shares of GSBD’s common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, dividends and other distributions and voting and, when they are issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be made or paid to the holders of GSBD’s common stock if, as and when declared by the board of directors (the “GSBD Board”) out of funds legally available therefor, subject to the rights of holders of shares of any series of its preferred stock then outstanding. Shares of GSBD’s common stock have no exchange, conversion or redemption rights. Shares of GSBD’s common stock are subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in GSBD’s certificate of incorporation, as described more fully below, as well as any restrictions on transfer arising under federal and state securities laws or by contract. Following the time at which the transfer restrictions contained in GSBD’s certificate of incorporation terminate, shares of GSBD’s common stock will be freely transferable, except when their transfer is restricted by federal and state securities laws or by contract. In the event of GSBD’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each share of its common stock would be entitled to share ratably in all of its assets that are legally available for distribution after GSBD pays all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of holders of shares of any series of GSBD’s preferred stock then outstanding. Each share of GSBD’s common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders generally, including the election of directors elected by a vote of stockholders generally. Except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, including GSBD’s preferred stock, as more fully described below, the holders of GSBD’s common stock possess exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of the GSBD Board, which means that holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of its capital stock entitled to vote in the election of such directors are entitled to elect that number of nominees equal to the number of directors to be elected by such holders, and holders of less than a majority of such shares will be unable to elect one or more specific directors for any available directorship. In addition, holders of GSBD’s common stock may participate in its dividend reinvestment plan.

On December 9, 2019, GSBD entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp. (“MMLC”), Evergreen Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and GSBD’s wholly owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), and Goldman Sachs Asset Management LP. The Merger Agreement provides that, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into MMLC, with MMLC continuing as the surviving company and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GSBD (the “First Merger”) and, immediately thereafter, MMLC will merge with and into GSBD, with GSBD continuing as the surviving company (the “Second Merger” and, together with the First Merger, the “Mergers” or the “Merger”). It is a condition to the closing of the Merger that GSBD stockholders approve a proposed amended and restated certificate of incorporation of GSBD to be approved by GSBD’s stockholders, that would restrict stockholders that acquire shares of GSBD’s common stock pursuant to the Merger from transferring such shares for certain periods of time (the “GSBD Charter Amendment Proposal”).

Assuming approval of the GSBD Charter Amendment Proposal, the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of GSBD (the “Amended and Restated GSBD Charter”) will provide that following the closing of the Merger (the “Closing”), without the prior consent of the GSBD Board, MMLC stockholders who acquire shares of GSBD common stock in the Merger (each, an “Affected Stockholder”) will not be able to transfer or sell:


   

any shares of GSBD common stock acquired by such Affected Stockholder in the Merger for 90 days following the date of the filing of the Amended and Restated GSBD Charter (the “Filing Date”);

 

   

two-thirds of the shares of GSBD common stock acquired by such Affected Stockholder in the Merger for 180 days following the Filing Date; and

 

   

one-third of the shares of GSBD common stock acquired by such Affected Stockholder in the Merger for 270 days following the Filing Date.

Any purported transfer by an Affected Stockholder in violation of these transfer restrictions under the Amended and Restated GSBD Charter (the “Transfer Restrictions”) would have no force or effect. The Transfer Restrictions under the Amended and Restated GSBD Charter will apply only to the Affected Stockholders, and will not apply to shares of GSBD common stock acquired by any other stockholder, whether prior to or following the Closing.

B. Preferred Stock

GSBD’s certificate of incorporation authorizes the GSBD Board to create and issue one or more series of preferred stock to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Prior to the issuance of shares of each series of preferred stock, the GSBD Board will be required by Delaware law and by GSBD’s certificate of incorporation to establish the voting powers (full or limited, or no voting powers), and the designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of each series of GSBD’s preferred stock. Thus, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the GSBD Board could authorize the issuance of shares of a series of GSBD’s preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of its common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.

Any issuance of preferred stock must comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires, among other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and before any dividend or other distribution is made with respect to GSBD’s common stock and before any purchase of common stock is made, such preferred stock together with all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 66 2/3% of GSBD’s total assets after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, and (2) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class voting separately to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if dividends on such preferred stock are in arrears by two full years or more. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of preferred stock (as determined in accordance with the 1940 Act), including any outstanding perpetual preferred stock, voting together as a separate class. For example, the vote of such holders of preferred stock would be required to approve a proposal involving a plan of reorganization adversely affecting such securities.

Provisions of the DGCL and GSBD’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Limitation on Liability of Directors; Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses

The indemnification of GSBD’s officers and directors is governed by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) and GSBD’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws. Section 145(a) of the DGCL empowers GSBD to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of GSBD) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of GSBD, or is or was serving at the request of GSBD as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if (1) such person acted in good faith, (2) in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of GSBD and (3) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.


Section 145(b) of the DGCL empowers GSBD to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of GSBD to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of GSBD, or is or was serving at the request of GSBD as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of GSBD, and except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable to GSBD unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court deems proper.

Section 145(c) of the DGCL provides that to the extent that a present or former director or officer of GSBD has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding.

Section 145(d) of the DGCL provides that in all cases in which indemnification is permitted under subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 (unless ordered by a court), it will be made by GSBD only if it is consistent with the 1940 Act and as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person to be indemnified has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in those subsections. Such determination must be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (4) by the stockholders.

Section 145(e) authorizes GSBD to pay expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director of GSBD in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to whom the advancement will be made to repay the advanced amounts if it is ultimately determined that he or she was not entitled to be indemnified by GSBD as authorized by Section 145. Section 145(e) also provides that such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents of GSBD, or persons serving at the request of GSBD as directors, officers, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as GSBD deems appropriate.

Section 145(f) provides that indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of such Section are not to be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

Section 145(g) authorizes GSBD to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of its current and former directors, officers, employees and agents (and on behalf of any person who is or was serving at the request of GSBD as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, regardless of whether GSBD would have the power to indemnify such persons against such liability under Section 145.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL allows GSBD to provide in its certificate of incorporation a provision that limits or eliminates the personal liability of a director of GSBD to GSBD or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision may not limit or eliminate the liability of a director (1) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to GSBD or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the


DGCL, relating to unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemption of stock or (4) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. GSBD’s certificate of incorporation will provide that its directors will not be liable to GSBD or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the current DGCL or as the DGCL may hereafter be amended.

GSBD’s certificate of incorporation requires GSBD to indemnify to the full extent permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL all persons whom it may indemnify under that section. GSBD’s certificate of incorporation also provides that expenses incurred by its officers or directors in defending any action, suit or proceeding for which they may be entitled to indemnification under its certificate of incorporation shall be paid in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding. However, any indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses made pursuant to such provisions of its certificate of incorporation will be subject to the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. In addition, GSBD’s bylaws provide that, except for certain proceedings initiated by its directors or officers, GSBD must indemnify, and advance expenses to, its current and former directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, but provide that any indemnification or reimbursement of expenses thereunder is subject to the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Law

The DGCL contains, and GSBD’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws also contain, provisions that could make it more difficult for a potential acquirer to acquire GSBD by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of GSBD to negotiate first with the GSBD Board. These measures may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of GSBD’s stockholders. GSBD believes, however, that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms.

GSBD has elected in its certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, an antitakeover law. However, GSBD’s certificate of incorporation contains provisions that, at any point in time in which GSBD’s common stock is registered under Section 12(b) or Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, have the same effect as Section 203, except that it exempts Group Inc. and its affiliates, and certain of its or their respective direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party, from the effect of those provisions. In general, these provisions will prohibit GSBD from engaging in any “business combination” with any “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

   

prior to such time, the GSBD Board approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

 

   

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of GSBD outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers of GSBD; or

 

   

at or subsequent the such time the business combination is approved by the GSBD Board and authorized at a meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

These provisions define “business combination” to include the following:

 

   

any merger or consolidation involving GSBD or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of GSBD with the interested stockholder;

 

   

any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of such corporation, to or with the interested stockholder, of 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of GSBD or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of GSBD; subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by GSBD or by any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of GSBD of any stock of GSBD or of such subsidiary to the interested stockholder;


   

any transaction involving GSBD or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of GSBD that has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series (or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series) of GSBD or of any such subsidiary owned by the interested stockholder, except as to immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the interested stockholder; or

 

   

the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of GSBD), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through GSBD or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary.

In general, these provisions define an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person that is the beneficial owner of 15% or more of GSBD’s outstanding voting stock or is an affiliate or associate of GSBD and was the beneficial owner of 15% or more of its outstanding voting stock at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the relevant date, and the affiliates or associates of any such entity or person, but Group Inc. and its affiliates and certain of its or their respective direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party are excluded from the definition of interested stockholder.

These provisions could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire GSBD.

Election of Directors

GSBD’s bylaws provide that, unless otherwise provided in its certificate of incorporation (including with respect to the special rights of holders of one or more series of its preferred stock to elect directors), its directors are elected by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote thereon present in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors. Under GSBD’s certificate of incorporation, the GSBD Board has the power to amend its bylaws, including the provisions specifying the vote required to elect directors. Under Section 216 of the DGCL, however, a bylaw amendment adopted by stockholders which specifies the votes that shall be necessary for the election of directors shall not be further amended or repealed by the GSBD Board.

Classified Board of Directors

Under GSBD’s certificate of incorporation, subject to the special right of the holders of one or more series of preferred stock to elect additional preferred directors, its directors are divided into three classes of directors, serving staggered three-year terms, with the term of office of directors in only one of the three classes expiring each year. As a result, one-third of such directors will then be elected each year. A classified board may render a change in control of GSBD or removal of GSBD’s incumbent management more difficult. GSBD believes, however, that the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified board will help to ensure the continuity and stability of its management and policies.

Number of Directors; Removal; Vacancies

GSBD’s certificate of incorporation provides that, subject to any rights of holders of one or more series of preferred stock to elect additional preferred directors, the total number of directors is fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by the GSBD Board. Under the DGCL, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise (which GSBD’s certificate of incorporation does not), directors on a classified board may be removed only for cause. GSBD’s certificate of incorporation provides that its directors are divided into classes serving staggered three-year terms and such directors may only be removed for cause, and only upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. Under its certificate of incorporation, subject to the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and the rights of the holders of one or more series of preferred stock, any vacancy on the GSBD Board resulting from the death, resignation, retirement, removal or disqualification of a director or other cause, or any vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors, may be filled only by vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director; provided that when the holders of any class or series of GSBD’s stock are entitled under the certificate of incorporation to elect directors, vacancies in directorships elected by such class, classes or series may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors so elected. Any such limitations on the ability of GSBD’s stockholders to remove directors and fill vacancies could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, control of GSBD.


Action by Stockholders

GSBD’s certificate of incorporation provides that GSBD’s stockholders are only able to take action at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not take action by written consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting. This may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.

Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals

GSBD’s bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the GSBD Board and the proposal of other business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) by or at the direction of the GSBD Board (or a duly authorized committee thereof), (2) pursuant to GSBD’s notice of meeting or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the bylaws. For any nomination or business proposal to be properly brought by a stockholder for a meeting, such stockholder will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide GSBD with certain information. Generally, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received at GSBD’s principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. GSBD’s bylaws specify requirements as to the form and content of any such stockholder’s notice. GSBD’s bylaws also allow the presiding officer at a meeting of the stockholders to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings which may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the rules and regulations are not followed. GSBD’s bylaws further provide that nominations of persons for election to the GSBD Board at a special meeting may be made only by or at the direction of the GSBD Board, and provided that the GSBD Board has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.

The purpose of requiring stockholders to give GSBD advance notice of nominations and other business is to afford the GSBD Board a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by the GSBD Board, to inform stockholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although GSBD’s bylaws do not give the GSBD Board any power to disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals recommending certain action that are made in compliance with applicable advance notice procedures, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to GSBD and GSBD’s stockholders.

Stockholder Meetings

GSBD’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders at an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders may only be taken if it is properly brought before such meeting. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the GSBD Board, or by a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to the secretary of the stockholder’s intention to bring such business before the meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying until the next stockholder meeting stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of GSBD’s outstanding voting securities.

Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders

GSBD’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by the GSBD Board, the chairman of the GSBD Board and GSBD’s chief executive officer, and not by any other person.


Amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Section 242 of the DGCL generally provides any amendment to the certificate of incorporation must be approved and declared advisable by the GSBD Board and adopted by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon, and by a majority of the outstanding stock of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class. Section 109 of the DGCL provides that, after a corporation has received payment for its capital stock, the power to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws shall be in the stockholders entitled to vote, but any corporation may, in its certificate of incorporation, confer the power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws upon the directors. GSBD’s certificate of incorporation provides the GSBD Board with such power. The DGCL provides that the certificate of incorporation may contain provisions requiring for any corporate action the vote of a larger portion of the stock or of any class or series thereof than is required by the DGCL. GSBD’s certificate of incorporation provides that the following provisions, among others, may be amended by GSBD’s stockholders only by a vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of its capital stock entitled to vote thereon:

 

   

the provisions regarding the classification of the GSBD Board;

 

   

the provisions specifying the percentage of votes required to remove directors for cause;

 

   

the provisions limiting stockholder action by written consent;

 

   

the provisions regarding the calling of special meetings;

 

   

the provisions regarding the number of directors and filling vacancies on the GSBD Board and newly created directorships;

 

   

the provision requiring a supermajority vote to amend GSBD’s bylaws;

 

   

the limitation of directors’ personal liability to GSBD or GSBD’s stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director;

 

   

the provisions regarding indemnification and advancement of expenses under GSBD’s certificate of incorporation;

 

   

the provision regarding restrictions on business combinations with interested stockholders; and

 

   

the amendment provision requiring that the above provisions be amended only with a two-thirds supermajority vote.

GSBD’s bylaws generally are able to be amended by approval of (i) a majority of the total number of authorized directors or (ii) the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of its capital stock entitled to vote thereon.

In connection with the consummation of the Merger, GSBD’s certificate of incorporation is expected to be amended in the event that GSBD’s stockholders approve the GSBD Charter Amendment Proposal.

Conflict with 1940 Act

GSBD’s bylaws provide that, if and to the extent that any provision of the DGCL or any provision of GSBD’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws conflicts with any provision of the 1940 Act, the applicable provision of the 1940 Act will control.

Exhibit 14.1

CODE OF ETHICS

 

For: GSAM – GST – GSVIT – GST II – GSAM BDCs – Closed-End Funds – ETF Trust

Effective Date: February 22, 2019

Revision History

While affirming their confidence in the integrity and good faith of all of its officers and trustees,1 Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, Goldman Sachs Trust II, Goldman Sachs ETF Trust (together, the “Trusts”), Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. and other business development companies advised by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (together, the “GSAM BDCs”), and the Goldman Sachs Closed-End Funds (the “Closed-End Funds” and together with the Trusts and GSAM BDCs, the “Registrants”) recognize that the knowledge of present or future portfolio transactions and, in certain instances, the power to influence portfolio transactions which may be possessed by certain of its officers and trustees could place such individuals, if they engage in personal securities transactions, in a position where their personal interest may conflict with that of the Registrants. In view of the foregoing and of the provisions of Rule 17j-1(b)(1) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), the Registrants have adopted this Code of Ethics to specify and prohibit certain types of personal securities transactions deemed to create conflicts of interest and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures.

This Code is divided into five parts. The first part contains provisions applicable to Access Persons (as defined below) of the Registrants who are also Access Persons of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (“GS&Co.”), Goldman Sachs International (“GSI”), Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) or Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (“GSAMI”) or GS Investment Strategies, LLC (“GSIS”) or Goldman Sachs Hedge Fund Strategies LLC (“HFS”) (each of GSAM,GSAMI, GSIS, HFS or their advisory affiliates, each referred to herein as anAdviser” and together, as the “Advisers”); the second contains certain general provisions; the third pertains to trustees who are not “interested persons” of an Adviser or the Registrants; the fourth pertains to “interested trustees” who are Access Persons of one of the Registrants but not Access Persons of an Adviser; and the fifth contains record-keeping and other provisions. Each Adviser imposes stringent reporting requirements and restrictions on the personal securities transactions of its Access Persons. The Registrants have determined that the high standards of ethics in the area of personal investing which have been established by each Adviser may, without change, be appropriately applied by the Registrants to those Access Persons of the Registrants who are also Access Persons of the Advisers. Such persons may have frequent opportunities for knowledge of

 

1 

For purposes of this Code, “board of trustees” shall refer to any Board of Trustees, Board of Directors or Board of Managers of a Registrant, as applicable. Furthermore, “trustee” shall refer to director, trustee or manager, as applicable.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 1            


and, in some cases, influence over, Registrant portfolio transactions. In the experience of the Registrants, interested trustees who are not Access Persons of an Adviser and trustees who are not “interested persons” have comparatively less current knowledge and considerably less influence over specific purchases and sales of securities by the Registrants. Therefore, this Code contains separate provisions applicable to such trustees.

Definitions.

As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

  (1)

“Access Person” with respect to the Registrants means any trustee and officer of a Registrant. “Access Person” with respect to GS&Co. and GSI means (because GS&Co. or GSI serve as distributor or placement agent, as applicable, of Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Trust II, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, and privately traded GSAM BDCs and unlisted Closed-End Funds and is primarily engaged in a business other than advising registered investment companies or other advisory clients) only those directors, officers and general partners of GS&Co. and GSI who, in the ordinary course of business, make, participate in or obtain information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities (as defined below) by Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Trust II, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, or privately traded GSAM BDCs and unlisted Closed-End Funds or whose functions or duties in the ordinary course of business relate to the making of any recommendations to any such Registrant regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities. “Access Person” with respect to GSAM, GSAMI, GSIS and HFS means any director, officer, general partner or Advisory Person of GSAM, GSAMI, GSIS and HFS.

 

  (2)

“Advisory Person” means: (i) any employee of GSAM, GSAMI, GSIS, HFS or their affiliates, (and any director, officer, general partner or employee of any company in a control relationship to a Registrant, GSAM, GSAMI, GSIS, HFS or their advisory affiliates) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding, the purchase or sale of a Covered Security by the Registrant, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and (ii) any natural person in a control relationship to a Registrant, GSAM, GSAMI, GSIS, HFS or their affiliates who obtains information concerning recommendations made on behalf of the Registrant with regard to the purchase or sale of a Covered Security.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 2            


  (3)

“Automatic Investment Plan” means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.

 

  (4)

“Beneficial ownership” of a security shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

  (5)

“Control” has the same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act. Section 2(a)(9) generally provides that “control” means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company.

 

  (6)

“Covered Security” has the meaning set forth in the Advisers’ Code of Ethics for the Access Persons covered by that Code of Ethics. Otherwise, “Covered Security” means a security as defined in Section 2(a) (36) of the Investment Company Act, except that it does not include:

(i) direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (ii) banker’s acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments (any instrument having a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and that is in one of the two highest rating categories of a nationally recognized statistical rating organization), including repurchase agreements; (iii) shares of registered open-end investment companies; and (iv)qualified tuition programs established pursuant to Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“529 Plans”), including interests in pre-paid tuition 529 plans and college savings 529 plans.

 

 

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  (7)

“Disinterested Trustee” means a trustee of a Registrant who is not an “interested person” of the Registrant within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act.

 

  (8)

“Purchase or sale of a Covered Security” includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a Covered Security or any security that is exchangeable for or convertible into another security.

 

  (9)

“Review Officer” means the officer of a Registrant or an Adviser designated from time to time to receive and review reports of purchases and sales by Access Persons. The term “Alternative Review Officer” means the officer of the Registrant or an Adviser designated from time to time to receive and review reports of purchases and sales by the Review Officer, and who shall act in all respects in the manner prescribed herein for the Review Officer. It is recognized that a different Review Officer and Alternative Review Officer may be designated with respect to a Registrant and each of the Advisers.

 

  (10)

A security is “being considered for purchase or sale” by a Registrant when a recommendation to purchase or sell a security has been made and communicated and, with respect to the person making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation.

 

  (11)

A security is “held or to be acquired” if within the most recent 15 days it (i) is or has been held by a Registrant, or (ii) is being or has been considered by an Adviser for purchase by the Registrant, and (iii) includes any option to purchase or sell and any security convertible into or exchangeable for a security described in (i) or (ii).

 

I.

RULES APPLICABLE TO ACCESS PERSONS OF A REGISTRANT WHO ARE ALSO ACCESS PERSONS OF THE ADVISERS

 

  A.

Incorporation of Code of Ethics of the Advisers, GS&Co. and GSI

 

  (1)

The provisions of the Code of Ethics of the Advisers, GS&Co. and GSI are hereby incorporated herein by reference as the Registrants’ Code of Ethics applicable to Access Persons of the Registrants who are also Access Persons of any of the Advisers or of GS&Co. or GSI, as applicable, except as provided in Section I-B hereof.

 

 

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  (2)

A violation of the Code of Ethics of the Advisers, GS&Co. and GSI shall constitute a violation of this Code.

 

  B.

Reports.

 

  (1)

Access Persons of the Advisers, GS& Co. and GSI shall file the initial holdings report, annual holdings report and quarterly transaction reports required under the Code of Ethics of the Advisers, GS&Co. and GSI with the Review Officer, and the Review Officer shall submit his or her initial holdings report, annual holdings report and quarterly transaction reports with respect to his or her personal securities holdings and transactions to the Alternative Review Officer.

 

  (2)

With respect to Access Persons of the Advisers, GS&Co. and GSI to the extent provided in the Code of Ethics of the Advisers, GS&Co. and GSI, quarterly transaction reports shall be deemed made with respect to any account where such persons have made provision for transmittal of daily trading information regarding the account to be delivered to the designated Review Officer for his or her review.

 

  (3)

A report filed with the Review Officer (or, in the case of a report of the Review Officer, with the Alternative Review Officer) shall be deemed to be filed with the Registrants.

 

II.

GENERAL

 

  A.

Legal Requirements. Section 17(j) of the Investment Company Act provides, among other things, that it is unlawful for any affiliated person of a Registrant, including, among others, interested and Disinterested Trustees, to engage in any act, practice or course of business in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by such affiliated person of any security held or to be acquired by a Registrant in contravention of such rules and regulations as the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) may adopt to define and prescribe means reasonably

 

 

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  necessary to prevent such acts, practices or courses of business as are fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative. Pursuant to Section 17(j), the Commission has adopted Rule 17j-1 which provides, among other things, that it is unlawful for any affiliated person of a Registrant in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by such person of a Covered Security held or to be acquired by the Registrant:

 

  (1)

To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Registrant;

 

  (2)

To make any untrue statement of a material fact to the Registrant or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statement made to the Registrant, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

 

  (3)

To engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the Registrant; or

 

  (4)

To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the Registrant.

 

  B.

Statement of Policy. It is the policy of each Registrant that no Access Person shall engage in any act, practice or course of conduct that would violate the provisions of Rule 17j-1. The fundamental position of each Registrant is, and has been, that each Access Person shall place at all times the interests of the Registrant and its shareholders first in conducting personal securities transactions. Accordingly, personal securities transactions by Access Persons of the Registrant must be conducted in a manner consistent with this Code and so as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an Access Person’s position of trust and responsibility. Further, Access Persons should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions with or relationship to each relevant Registrant.

Without limiting in any manner the fiduciary duty owed by Access Persons to each relevant Registrant or the provisions of this Code, it should be noted that each Registrant considers it proper that purchases and sales be made by its Access Persons in the marketplace of securities owned by the Registrant; provided, however, that such personal securities transactions comply with the spirit of, and the specific restrictions and limitations set forth in, this Code. In making personal investment decisions with respect to any security, extreme care must be exercised by Access Persons to ensure that the prohibitions of this Code are not violated. It bears emphasis that technical compliance with the procedures, prohibitions and limitations of this Code will not automatically insulate from scrutiny personal securities transactions which show a pattern of abuse by an Access Person of his or her fiduciary duty to one or more Registrants.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 6            


  C.

Exempted Transactions.

The Statement of Policy set forth above shall be deemed not to be violated by and the prohibitions of Section III-A or IV-A of this Code shall not apply to:

 

  (1)

Purchases or sales of securities effected for, or held in, any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control;

 

  (2)

Purchases or sales of securities which are not eligible for purchase or sale by the Registrant;

 

  (3)

Purchases or sales of securities which are non-volitional on the part of either the Access Person or the Registrant;

 

  (4)

Purchases or sales of securities which are part of an Automatic Investment Plan provided that no adjustment is made by the Access Person to the rate at which securities are purchased or sold, as the case may be, under such a plan during any period in which the security is being considered for purchase or sale by the Registrant;

 

  (5)

Purchases of securities effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired;

 

  (6)

Tenders of securities pursuant to tender offers which are expressly conditioned on the tender offer’s acquisition of all of the securities of the same class;

 

  (7)

Purchases or sales of publicly-traded shares of companies that have a market capitalization in excess of $5 billion;

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 7            


  (8)

Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) signature approved de minimis per day purchases or sales ($50,000 or less) of publicly traded shares of companies that have a 10-day average daily trading volume of at least $1 million, subject to the following additional parameters:

 

  (a)

Access Persons must submit a current (same day) printout of a Yahoo Finance, Bridge or Bloomberg (or similar service) screen with the minimum 10-day average daily trading volume information indicated;

 

  (b)

No Access Person (together with related accounts) may own more than 12 of 1% of the outstanding securities of an issuer;

 

  (c)

Multiple trades of up to $50,000 on different days are permitted so long as each day the trade is approved; and

 

  (d)

A security purchased pursuant to this exemption must be held for a minimum of 360 days prior to sale unless it appears on the Adviser’s “$5 billion” Self Pre-Clearance Securities List or normal pre-clearance pursuant to Article VI of the Adviser’s Code of Ethics is obtained, in which case the security must be held for at least 30 days prior to sale.

 

  (9)

Purchases or sales of securities with respect to which neither an Access Person, nor any member of his or her immediate family as defined in Rule 16a-1(c) under the Exchange Act, has any direct or indirect influence, control or prior knowledge, which purchases or sales are effected for, or held in, a “blind account.” For this purpose, a “blind account” is an account over which an investment adviser exercises full investment discretion (subject to account guidelines) and does not consult with or seek the approval of the Access Person, or any member of his or her immediate family, with respect to such purchases and sales.

 

  (10)

Other purchases or sales which only remotely potentially impact the interest of the Registrant because the securities transaction involves a small number of shares of an issuer with a large market capitalization and high average daily trading volume or would otherwise be very unlikely to affect a highly institutional market; and

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 8            


  (11)

Purchases or sales of securities previously approved by an individual appointed from time to time by the President for this purpose, which approval shall be confirmed in writing and shall be based upon a determination that such transaction did not violate the purpose or spirit of this Code.

 

III.

RULES APPLICABLE TO DISINTERESTED TRUSTEES

 

  A.

Prohibited Purchases and Sales. While the scope of actions which may violate the Statement of Policy set forth in Section II-B cannot be exactly defined, such actions would always include at least the following prohibited activities. No Disinterested Trustee shall purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any Covered Security in which he or she has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership if such trustee, at the time of the transaction, knows or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a trustee of a Registrant, should have known that:

 

  (1)

during the 15-day period immediately preceding or after the date of the contemplated transaction by the trustee, the Covered Security was or will be considered for purchase or sale by the Registrant;

 

  (2)

during the 15-day period immediately preceding or after the date of the contemplated transaction by the trustee, the Covered Security was or will be purchased or sold by the Registrant; or

 

  (3)

with respect to the GSAM BDCs, during the 6 month period immediately preceding or after the date of the contemplated transaction by the trustee, the Covered Security will be considered for purchase or matured, was repaid, or disposed of by the Registrant.

provided that, because monitoring the publication of the portfolio holdings of series of Goldman Sachs ETF Trust is not construed to be within the ordinary course of fulfilling the duties of a trustee, the publication or availability of such portfolio holdings shall not be construed to impart actual or constructive knowledge of such series’ portfolio transactions on a trustee.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 9            


  B.

Reporting

 

  (1)

Every Disinterested Trustee shall file with the Review Officer or his or her designee a report containing the information described below in Section III-B(2) of this Code with respect to transactions in any Covered Security in which such Disinterested Trustee has, or by reason of such transaction acquires or disposes of, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, whether or not one of the exemptions listed in Section II-C applies; provided, however, that a Disinterested Trustee shall not be required to file a report: (a) unless such trustee, at the time of the transaction, knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a trustee of a Registrant, should have known that, during the 15-day period immediately preceding or after the date of the transaction by the Trustee: (i) such Covered Security was or would be purchased or sold by the Registrant; or (ii) such Covered Security was being considered for purchase or sale by the Registrant or an Adviser for a portfolio of the Registrant (see proviso in Section III-A regarding publication of portfolio holdings of series of Goldman Sachs ETF Trust); (b) unless, with respect to Disinterested Trustees of a GSAM BDC, such trustee, at the time of the transaction, knew or in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a trustee of the relevant Registrant, should have known, that during the 6-month period immediately preceding or after the date of the transaction by the Trustee (i) such Covered Security was or would be purchased, was held, matured, was repaid or disposed of by the Registrant; or (c) with respect to transactions effected for any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Disinterested Trustee may, at his or her option, report the information described in Section III-B(2) with respect to any one or more transactions in any Covered Security in which such person has, or by reason of the transaction acquires or disposes of, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership.

 

  (2)

Quarterly Transaction and New Account Reports. Every report shall be made not later than 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report related was effected, and shall contain the following information:

 

  (a)

The date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the class and number of shares, and the principal amount of each Covered Security involved;

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 10            


  (b)

The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);

 

  (c)

The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected;

 

  (d)

The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected;

 

  (e)

The date that the report is submitted; and

 

  (f)

With respect to any account established by a Disinterested Trustee in which any securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Disinterested Trustee or Director:

 

  (i)

The name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Disinterested Trustee established the account;

 

  (ii)

The date the account was established; and

 

  (iii)

The date that the report was submitted by the Disinterested Trustee.

 

  (3)

Every report concerning a purchase or sale prohibited under Section III-A hereof with respect to which the reporting person relies upon one of the exemptions provided in Section II-C shall contain a brief statement of the exemption relied upon and the circumstances of the transaction.

 

  (4)

Any such report may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that (a) he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Covered Security to which the report relates (a “Subject Security”) or (b) he or she knew or should have known that, within the 15-day

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 11            


  period described in Section III-B(1) above, a Subject Security was or would be purchased or sold, or considered for purchase or sale, by the Registrant or with respect to Disinterested Trustees of a GSAM BDC, he or she knew or should have known that, within the 6-month period described in Section III-B(1), a Subject Security will be purchased, held or has matured or was repaid or disposed of by the Registrant.

 

IV.

RULES APPLICABLE TO INTERESTED TRUSTEES WHO ARE NOT ACCESS PERSONS OF THE ADVISERS

 

  A.

Prohibited Purchases and Sales.

While the scope of actions which may violate the Statement of Policy set forth in Section II-B cannot be exactly defined, such actions would always include at least the following prohibited activities.

 

  (1)

No interested trustee who is not an Access Person of an Adviser (“Section IV Reporting Person”) shall purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any Covered Security in which he or she has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership and which to his or her actual knowledge at the time of such purchase or sale the Covered Security:

 

  (a)

is being considered for purchase or sale by the Registrant; or

 

  (b)

is being purchased or sold by an investment company, a Registrant; or

 

  (C)

with respect to the GSAM BDCs, during the 6-month period immediately preceding the date of the contemplated transaction by the trustee, the Covered Security matured, was repaid, or disposed of by the Registrant.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 12            


  (2)

No Section IV Reporting Person shall reveal to any other person (except in the normal course of his or her duties on behalf of a Registrant) any information regarding securities transactions by an investment company or consideration by an investment company or the Adviser of any such securities transaction.

 

  (3)

No Section IV Reporting Person shall engage in, or permit anyone within his or her control to engage in, any act, practice or course of conduct which would operate as a fraud or deceit upon, or constitute a manipulative practice with respect to a Registrant or any issuer of any Covered Security owned by an investment company.

 

  B.

Reporting.

 

  (1)

Every Section IV Reporting Person shall report to the Review Officer the information (a) described in Section IV-B(3) of this Code with respect to transactions in any Covered Security in which such Section IV Reporting Person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires or disposes of, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Covered Security or (b) described in Section IV-B(4) and IV-B(5) of this Code with respect to securities holdings beneficially owned by each Section IV Reporting Person.

 

  (2)

Notwithstanding Section IV-B(1) of this Code, Section IV Reporting Persons need not make a quarterly transaction report where the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade confirmations or account statements received by a Registrant or an Adviser in the time period prescribed in Section IV-B(3).

 

  (3)

Quarterly Transaction Reports. Unless quarterly transaction reports are deemed to have been made under Section IV-B(2) of this Code, every quarterly transaction report shall be made not later than 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected, and shall contain the following information:

 

  (a)

The date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the class and number of shares, and the principal amount of each Covered Security involved;

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 13            


  (b)

The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);

 

  (c)

The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected;

 

  (d)

The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected;

 

  (e)

The date that the report was submitted by a Section IV Reporting Person; and

 

  (f)

With respect to any account established by the Section IV Reporting Person in which any securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Section IV Reporting Person:

 

  (i)

The name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Section IV Reporting Person established the account;

 

  (ii)

The date the account was established; and

 

  (iii)

The date that the report was submitted by the Section IV Reporting Person.

 

  (4)

Initial Holdings Reports. No later than 10 days after becoming a Section IV Reporting Person, each Section IV Reporting Person must submit a report containing the following information (which information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before becoming a Section IV Reporting Person):

 

  (a)

The title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Section IV Reporting Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership when the person became a Section IV Reporting Person;

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 14            


  (b)

The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Section IV Reporting Person maintained an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Section IV Reporting Person as of the date the person became a Section IV Reporting Person; and

 

  (c)

The date that the report is submitted by the Section IV Reporting Person.

 

  (5)

Annual Holdings Reports. Between January 1st and January 30th of each calendar year, every Section IV Reporting Person shall submit the following information (which information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted):

 

  (a)

The title, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Section IV Reporting Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;

 

  (b)

The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Section IV Reporting Person maintains an account in which any Covered Securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Section IV Reporting Person; and

 

  (c)

The date that the report is submitted by the Section IV Reporting Person.

 

  (6)

These reporting requirements shall apply whether or not one of the exemptions listed in Section II-C applies except that an Section IV Reporting Person shall not be required to make a report with respect to securities transactions effected for, and any Covered Securities held in, any account over which such Section IV Reporting Person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control. Every report concerning a securities transaction with respect to which the reporting person relies upon one of the exemptions provided in Section II-C shall contain a brief statement of the exemption relied upon and the circumstances of the transaction.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 15            


  (7)

Any such report may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that (a) he or she has or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Covered Security to which the report relates (a “Subject Security”) or (b) he or she knew or should have known that the Subject Security was being purchased or sold, or considered for purchase or sale, by an investment company on the same day.

 

V.

MISCELLANEOUS

 

  A.

Approval of Code of Ethics and Amendments to the Code of Ethics. The board of trustees, including a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, shall approve this Code of Ethics, and any material amendments to this Code of Ethics on behalf of the Registrant that it oversees. Such approval must be based on a determination that this Code of Ethics contains provisions reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons of the relevant Registrant from engaging in any conduct prohibited under this Code of Ethics and under Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act. Before approving any material amendments to this Code, each board must receive certification from the relevant Registrant that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating this Code.

 

  B.

Annual Certification of Compliance. Each Access Person shall certify to the Review Officer annually that he or she (i) has read and understands this Code of Ethics and any procedures that are adopted by the Registrants related to this Code and recognizes that he or she is subject thereto, (ii) has complied with the requirements of this Code of Ethics and such procedures and (iii) has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions and beneficial holdings in Covered Securities required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of this Code of Ethics and any related procedures.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 16            


  C.

Review of Reports.

 

  (1)

The Review Officer or his or her designee shall compare the reported personal securities transactions of each Access Person with completed and contemplated portfolio transactions of the Registrants to determine whether any transactions that violate this Code may have occurred (a “Reviewable Transaction”). In the case of reports of personal securities transactions of the Review Officer, the Alternative Review Officer shall perform such comparison. Before making any determination that a violation has been committed by any Access Person, the Review Officer (or Alternative Review Officer, as the case may be) shall provide such Access Person an opportunity to supply additional explanatory material for the purposes of demonstrating that such transactions did not violate this Code.

 

  (2)

With respect to Disinterested Trustees, if the Review Officer determines that a Reviewable Transaction may have occurred, he or she shall submit the report and pertinent information concerning completed or contemplated portfolio transactions of the Registrant to counsel for the Disinterested Trustees. Such counsel shall determine whether a violation of this Code may have occurred, taking into account all the exemptions provided under Section II-C. Before making any determination that a violation has been committed by a Disinterested Trustee, such counsel shall give the Disinterested Trustee an opportunity to supply additional information regarding the transaction in question.

 

  (3)

With respect to Access Persons who are not Disinterested Trustees, if the Review Officer determines that a Reviewable Transaction may have occurred, he or she shall submit his or her written determination, together with the confidential quarterly report and any additional explanatory material provided by the Access Person, to the President of each Registrant (or any Vice President of such Registrant if the actions of the President are at issue), who shall make an independent determination of whether a violation of this Code has occurred.

 

  D.

Board Reports. On an annual basis, the Review Officer shall prepare for the board of trustees and the board of trustees shall consider:

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 17            


  (1)

A report which describes any issues arising under this Code or any related procedures adopted by the Registrants, including without limitation information about material violations of this Code or any related procedures and sanctions imposed in response to material violations. An Alternative Review Officer shall prepare reports with respect to compliance by the Review Officer.

 

  (2)

A report identifying any recommended changes to existing restrictions or procedures based upon the Registrant’s experience under this Code, evolving industry practices and developments in applicable laws or regulations; and

 

  (3)

A report certifying to the board of trustees that the Registrant has adopted procedures that are reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating this Code of Ethics.

 

  E.

Sanctions.

 

  (1)

With respect to Disinterested Trustees, if counsel for the Disinterested Trustees determines that a violation of this Code has occurred, counsel shall so advise the President of each relevant Registrant and a committee consisting of the Disinterested Trustees, other than the Disinterested Trustee whose transaction is under consideration, and shall provide the committee with the report, the record of pertinent actual or contemplated portfolio transactions of the Registrant and any additional material supplied by such Disinterested Trustee. The committee, at its option, shall either impose such sanction(s) as it deems appropriate or refer the matter to the board of trustees, which shall impose sanction(s) the board deems appropriate.

 

  (2)

With respect to Access Persons who are not Disinterested Trustees, if the President (or a Vice President, as the case may be) finds that a violation of this Code has occurred, he or she shall impose such sanctions as he or she deems appropriate and shall report the violation and the sanction(s) imposed to the board of trustees of the relevant Registrant.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 18            


  (3)

Sanctions for violation of this Code include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: removal or suspension from office, termination of employment, a letter of censure and/or restitution to each effected Registrant of an amount equal to the advantage that the offending person gained by reason of such violation. In addition, as part of any sanction, the Access Person may be required to reverse the trade(s) at issue and forfeit any profit or absorb any loss from the trade. It is noted that violations of this Code by an Access Person may also result in criminal prosecution or civil action.

 

  F.

Amendments to Code of Ethics of the Advisers, GS&Co. and GSI Any material amendment to the Code of Ethics of the Advisers, GS&Co. and GSI shall be deemed an amendment to Section I-A of this Code and must be approved by the board of trustees of each Registrant2 no later than six months after the adoption of the material change. Before approving any material amendments to the Code of Ethics of the Advisers and GS&Co., the board must receive a certification from the Advisers and GS&Co. that they have adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code of Ethics of the Advisers and GS&Co.

 

  G.

Records. Each Registrant shall maintain records in the manner and to the extent set forth below, which records may be maintained electronically or on microfilm or similar medium under the conditions described in Rule 31a-2(f)(1) and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act and shall be available for examination by representatives of the Commission.

 

  (1)

A copy of this Code and any other code which is, or at any time within the past five years has been, in effect shall be preserved for a period of not less than five years in an easily accessible place;

 

 

2 

Board approval of material amendments to a principal underwriter’s Code of Ethics is required by Rule 17j-1(c)(1) under the Investment Company Act. However, because the Closed-End Funds and GSAM BDCs do not have continuous relationships with a principal underwriter or placement agent, as applicable, the boards of those Registrants are only required to approve material amendments to such person’s Code of Ethics made during the existence of a principal underwriting or placement agency relationship. GS&Co. (which serves as placement agent for unlisted Closed-End Funds and privately traded GSAM BDCs and from time to time serves as principal underwriter to certain listed Closed-End Funds and publicly traded GSAM BDCs) and GSI (which serves as placement agent for the privately traded GSAM BDCs) and the Advisers (one or more of which advise each of the Closed-End Funds and GSAM BDCs) are subject to the same Code of Ethics. Accordingly, in practice, the boards of the Closed-End Funds and GSAM BDCs will nevertheless review and approve material amendments to the Code of Ethics of GS&Co. and GSI, on an ongoing basis (as provided in Section V.F.) in fulfilling their responsibility to review and approve material amendments to the Code of Ethics of the Advisers. GS&Co. does not serve as principal underwriter to Goldman Sachs ETF Trust.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 19            


  (2)

A record of any violation of this Code and of any action taken as a result of such violation shall be preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years following the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurs;

 

  (3)

A copy of each initial holdings report, annual holdings report and quarterly transaction report made by an Access Person pursuant to this Code (including any information provided under Section IV-B(2)) shall be preserved for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal year in which it is made, the first two years in an easily accessible place;

 

  (4)

A list of all persons who are, or within the past five years have been, required to make initial holdings, annual holdings or quarterly transaction reports pursuant to this Code shall be maintained in an easily accessible place;

 

  (5)

A list of all persons, currently or within the past five years who are or were responsible for reviewing initial holdings, annual holdings or quarterly transaction reports shall be maintained in an easily accessible place; and

 

  (6)

A copy of each report required by Section V-D of this Code must be maintained for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which it was made, the first two years in an easily accessible plan.

 

  H.

Confidentiality. All reports of securities transactions, holdings reports and any other information filed with a Registrant pursuant to this Code shall be treated as confidential, except that reports of securities transactions hereunder will be made available to the Commission or any other regulatory or self-regulatory organization to the extent required by law or regulation or to the extent the Registrant considers necessary or advisable in cooperating with an investigation or inquiry by the Commission or any other regulatory or self-regulatory organization.

 

  I.

Interpretation of Provisions. The board of trustees may from time to time adopt such interpretations of this Code as it deems appropriate.

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 20            


  J.

Exceptions to the Code. Although exceptions to this Code will rarely, if ever, be granted, a designated officer of a Registrant, after consultation with the Review Officer, may make exceptions on a case by case basis, from any of the provisions of this Code upon a determination that the conduct at issue involves a negligible opportunity for abuse or otherwise merits an exception from this Code. All such exceptions must be received in writing by the person requesting the exception before becoming effective. The Review Officer shall report any exception to the board of trustees of the Registrant at the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

 

  K.

Identification of Access Persons. The Review Officer shall identify all persons who are considered to be “Access Persons” and shall inform such persons of their respective duties and provide them with copies of this Code and any related procedures adopted by the Registrants.

Revision History

 

   

February 22, 2019 (Added reference to Goldman Sachs International as a placement agent and Hedge Fund Strategies LLC as an adviser)

 

   

December 11, 2017 (Addition of GST, GSVIT, Goldman Sachs Private Markets Fund 2018 LLC, Goldman Sachs Private Markets Fund 2018 (A) LLC, Goldman Sachs Private Markets Fund 2018 (B) LLC, and GSAM BDCs, clarification of certain defined terms, board approval requirements, and exempted transactions)

 

   

April 28, 2017 (GS&Co. Legal name change)

 

   

April 16, 2015 (Addition of Goldman Sachs ETF Trust)

 

   

August 14, 2014 (Addition of Goldman Sachs MLP and Energy Renaissance Fund)

 

   

October 17, 2013 (Addition of Goldman Sachs MLP Income Opportunities Fund)

 

   

April 16, 2013 (Initial Approval)

 

 

February 22, 2019    Page 21            

Exhibit 14.2

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

 

For: GSAM - BDCs 1

Effective Date: April 10, 2019

Revision History

Preamble

Pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has adopted rules requiring annual disclosure of an investment company’s code of ethics applicable to its principal executive, principal financial and principal accounting officers (the “Covered Officers”). Pursuant to Section 303A.10 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, the New York Stock Exchange, LLC (the “NYSE”) requires that a listed company adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees (collectively with the Covered Officers, the “Covered Persons”). Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. and other business development companies advised by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (together, the “GSAM BDCs”) has adopted this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) pursuant to these rules.

1. Covered Persons/Purpose of Code

This Code applies to the Covered Persons of the Company for the purpose of promoting:

 

   

honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

 

   

full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the SEC and the NYSE and in other public communications made by the Company;

 

   

compliance with applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations;

 

   

the prompt internal reporting of violations of this Code to an appropriate person or persons identified herein; and

 

   

accountability for adherence to this Code.

Each Covered Person owes a duty to the Company to adhere to a high standard of business ethics, and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest. Each Covered Person should encourage his or her colleagues who provide services to the Company, whether directly or indirectly, to do the same.

2. Covered Persons Should Handle Ethically Actual and Apparent Conflicts of Interest

A “conflict of interest” occurs when a Covered Person’s private interest interferes with the interests of, or his or her service to, the Company. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Person, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position with the Company.

 

 

1 

BDC is defined as the Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. and all other business development companies advised by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

 

 

April 10, 2019    Page 1            


Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

Certain conflicts of interest covered by this Code arise out of the relationships between Covered Persons and the Company and already are subject to conflict of interest provisions in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”). For example, Covered Persons may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with the Company. The compliance programs and procedures of the Company and its investment adviser and distributor (as applicable) are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions. This Code does not, and is not intended to, repeat or replace these programs and procedures.

Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between the Company and its investment adviser and distributor (as applicable), of which the Covered Persons are also officers or employees. As a result, this Code recognizes that the Covered Persons will, in the normal course of their duties, be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions which will have different effects on the investment adviser, the distributor (as applicable) and the Company. The participation of the Covered Persons in such activities is inherent in these contractual relationships and is consistent with the performance by the Covered Persons of their duties as officers of the Company and, if addressed in conformity with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act, will be deemed to have been handled ethically.

Other conflicts of interest are covered by this Code, even if such conflicts of interest are not subject to provisions in the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act. Covered Persons should keep in mind that the following list of prohibitions does not cover every possible situation. The overarching principle – that the personal interest of a Covered Person should not be placed improperly before the interest of the Company – should be the guiding principle in all circumstances.

Each Covered Person must:

 

   

not use his or her personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions or financial reporting by the Company whereby the Covered Person would benefit personally to the detriment of the Company;

 

   

not cause the Company to take action, or fail to take action, for the individual personal benefit of the Covered Person rather than the benefit of the Company; and

 

   

not use material non-public knowledge of portfolio transactions made or contemplated for the Company to profit personally or cause others to profit, by the market effect of such transactions.

In addition, each Covered Officer must:

 

   

report at least annually his or her affiliations and other relationships as requested in the Company’s annual Directors and Officers Questionnaire.

There are some conflict of interest situations that should be discussed with the Secretary of the Company if material. Examples of these include:

 

   

any outside business activity that detracts from the ability of a Covered Person to devote appropriate time and attention to his or her responsibilities as a Covered Person of the Company;

 

 

April 10, 2019    Page 2            


Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

   

the receipt of any non-nominal gifts related to the business of the Company that may be inconsistent with any policy on gifts established by the Company’s investment adviser and distributor (as applicable) from time to time; and

 

   

a direct or indirect personal financial interest in commissions, transaction charges or spreads paid by the Company for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest arising from the Covered Person’s employment, such as compensation or equity ownership.

3. Fair Dealing

Each Covered Person must endeavor to deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers and business partners, and any other companies or individuals with whom the Company does business or comes into contact, including fellow Covered Persons and the Company’s competitors. Each Covered Person must not take unfair advantage of these or other parties by means of:

 

   

manipulation;

 

   

concealment;

 

   

abuse of privileged information;

 

   

misrepresentation of material facts; or

 

   

any other unfair-dealing practice.

4. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets

The Company’s assets are to be used only for legitimate business purposes. Each Covered Person should protect the Company’s assets and ensure that they are used efficiently.

5. Corporate Opportunities

Each Covered Person has a duty to advance the legitimate interests of the Company when the Opportunity presents itself. Therefore, each Covered person may not:

 

   

take for himself or herself personally opportunities, including investment opportunities, discovered through the use of his or her position with the Company or its investment adviser, or through the use of either’s property or information;

 

   

use the Company’s or its investment adviser’s property, information or position for his or her personal gain or the gain of a family member; or

 

   

compete, or prepare to compete, with the Company or its investment adviser.

6. Disclosure

Each Covered Person:

 

   

must familiarize himself or herself with the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company and its disclosure controls and procedures;

 

   

must not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the Company to others, whether within or outside the Company, including to the Company’s directors and auditors, and to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations;

 

 

April 10, 2019    Page 3            


Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

   

should, to the extent appropriate within his area of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the Company and its investment adviser and distributor and take other appropriate steps with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate and timely disclosure in the reports and documents the Company files with, or submits to, the SEC and that are signed or certified by him or her; and

 

   

must cooperate with the Company’s independent accountants, regulatory agencies and internal auditors in their review or inspection of the Company and its operations.

7. Compliance

It is the responsibility of each Covered Person to otherwise promote adherence with the standards and restrictions imposed by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

8. Reporting and Accountability

Each Covered Person must:

 

   

upon adoption of this Code, affirm in writing that he or she has received and read this Code, and understands it;

 

   

annually thereafter affirm that he or she has complied with the requirements of this Code;

 

   

not retaliate against any person for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith; and

 

   

notify the Secretary of the Company promptly if he or she knows of any violation of this Code. Failure to do so is itself a violation of this Code; and

 

   

Report promptly any changes in his or her affiliations.

The Secretary of the Company is responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented under it and has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation.

9. Investigations and Enforcements

The Company will follow these procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code:

 

   

the Secretary of the Company will take all appropriate action to investigate any violations and potential violations reported to him or her;

 

   

violations will be reported to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) after such investigation;

 

   

if the Board determines that a violation has occurred, it will consider appropriate action, which may, without limitation, include review of, and appropriate modifications to, applicable policies and procedures; notification to appropriate personnel of the investment adviser, distributor or their respective boards; or recommendation of the dismissal of the Covered Person;

 

   

the Board will be responsible for granting waivers, as appropriate; and

 

   

any changes to or waivers of this Code will, to the extent required, be disclosed as provided by SEC rules.

 

 

April 10, 2019    Page 4            


Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

10. Other Policies and Procedures

The Company’s and its investment adviser’s and distributor’s (as applicable) codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act are separate requirements applying to the Covered Persons and others, and are not part of this Code.

11. Amendments

This Code may not be amended except in written form, which is specifically approved or ratified by the Board.

12. Confidentiality

Covered Persons must not disclose confidential information regarding the Company, its investment adviser or their affiliates, unless such disclosure is authorized or required by law. Confidential information includes all non-public information that may be harmful to, or useful to the competitors of, the Company, its investment adviser or their affiliates. Also, all reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to this Code will be considered confidential and will be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law or this Code, such matters will not be disclosed to anyone other than the Board, the Company’s investment adviser and distributor (as applicable), and their respective counsel.

13 . Internal Use

This Code is intended solely for the internal use by the Company. This Code is a statement of certain fundamental principles, policies and procedures that govern the Covered Persons in the conduct of the Company’s business. It is not intended to and does not create any rights in any employee, investor, supplier, competitor, shareholder or any other person.

Revision History

 

   

April 10, 2019 (revised for formatting)

 

   

April 11, 2016 (revised to apply to all GSAM BDCs)

 

   

March 17, 2015 (Adopted)

 

 

April 10, 2019    Page 5            

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Brendan McGovern, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 20, 2020

 

/s/ Brendan McGovern

Brendan McGovern

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Jonathan Lamm, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc.;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  (c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 20, 2020

 

/s/ Jonathan Lamm

Jonathan Lamm

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to

18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. (the “Company”) for the annual period ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Brendan McGovern, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Jonathan Lamm, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: February 20, 2020

 

/s/ Brendan McGovern

Brendan McGovern

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 20, 2020

 

/s/ Jonathan Lamm

Jonathan Lamm

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)