UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q
 


 

(Mark One)

 

 

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

   
  For the quarterly period ended September 30 , 2017 OR

 

 

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

   
  For the transition period from         to    

 

Commission File Number: 001-36802

JMP Group LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

 

47 -1 632931

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

     

 

600 Montgomery Street, Suite 1100, San Francisco, California 94111

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant ’s telephone number: (415) 835-8900

 


 

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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting 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

 

  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

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 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 Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No ☒

 

JMP Group LLC shares representing limited liability company interests outstanding as of November 6, 2017: 21,485,981.

 



 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     

 

 

Page

PART  I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

4

     

Item  1.

Financial Statements - JMP Group LLC

4

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition – September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

4

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)

6

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)

7

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)

8

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

10

Item  2.

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

42

Item  3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

69

Item  4.

Controls and Procedures

69

     

PART  II.

OTHER INFORMATION

69

     

Item  1.

Legal Proceedings

69

Item  1A.

Risk Factors

69

Item  2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

70

Item  3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

70

Item  4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

70

Item  5.

Other Information

70

Item  6.

Exhibits

70

   

SIGNATURES

71

   

EXHIBIT INDEX

72

 

-2-

 

 

  AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

JMP Group LLC is required to file current, annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). You may read and copy any document JMP Group LLC files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet website at http://www.sec.gov, from which interested persons can electronically access JMP Group LLC’s SEC filings.

 

JMP Group LLC provides its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed by or on behalf of directors, executive officers and certain large shareholders, and any amendments to those documents filed or furnished pursuant to the Exchange Act free of charge on the Investor Relations section of its website located at http://www.jmpg.com. These filings will become available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. From time to time JMP Group LLC may use its website as a channel of distribution of material company information.

 

JMP Group LLC also makes available, in the Investor Relations section of its website and will provide print copies to shareholders upon request, (i) its corporate governance guidelines, (ii) its code of business conduct and ethics, and (iii) the charters of the audit, compensation, and corporate governance and nominating committees of its board of directors. These documents, as well as the information on the website, are not intended to be part of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (the “Quarterly Report”) and inclusions of the internet address in this Quarterly Report. JMP Group LLC also uses the Investor Relations section of its website as a means of complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, you should monitor JMP Group LLC’s Investor Relations section of its website in addition to following JMP Group LLC’s press releases, SEC filings, and public conference calls and webcasts.

 

-3-

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM  1.

Financial Statements

 

JMP Group LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   

September 30, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 

Assets

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 87,493     $ 85,492  

Restricted cash and deposits (includes cash on deposit with clearing broker of $250 at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016)

    61,964       227,656  

Receivable from clearing broker

    20,384       6,586  

Investment banking fees receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $80 and zero at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively

    14,692       5,681  

Marketable securities owned, at fair value

    22,015       18,722  

Incentive fee receivable

    19       499  

Other investments (includes $20,191 and $21,459 measured at fair value at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)

    26,573       32,869  

Loans held for sale

    -       32,488  

Loans held for investment, net of allowance for loan lo sses of $2,151 and $443 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively

    18,747       1,930  

Loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued, net of allowance for loan losses of $6,596 and $6,540, respectively

    756,166       654,127  

Interest receivable

    2,051       3,429  

Cash collateral posted for total return swap

    -       25,000  

Fixed assets, net

    2,459       3,143  

Deferred tax assets

    12,287       7,942  

Other assets

    6,181       20,266  

Total assets

  $ 1,031,031     $ 1,125,830  
                 

Liabilities and Equity

               

Liabilities:

               

Marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value

  $ 21,001     $ 4,747  

Accrued compensation

    28,285       36,158  

Asset-backed securities issued (net of debt issuance costs of $3,251 and $3,271 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)

    737,780       825,854  

Interest payable

    7,557       6,317  

CLO V warehouse credit facility

    7,000       -  

Bond payable (net of debt issuance costs of $1,727 and $2,042 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)

    92,101       91,785  

Deferred tax liability

    2,393       3,872  

Other liabilities

    20,351       21,803  

Total liabilities

    916,468       990,536  
                 

Commitments and Contingencies (Footnote 13)

               

JMP Group LLC Shareholders' Equity

               

Common shares, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 22,780,052 shares issued at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016; 21,460,785 and 21,457,054 shares outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively

    23       23  

Additional paid-in capital

    137,430       135,945  

Treasury shares at cost, 1,319,267 and 1,322,998 shares at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively

    (7,605 )     (7,792 )

Accumulated deficit

    (29,138 )     (8,799 )

Total JMP Group LLC shareholders' equity

    100,710       119,377  

Nonredeemable Non-controlling Interest

    13,853       15,917  

Total equity

    114,563       135,294  

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 1,031,031     $ 1,125,830  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-4-

 

 

JMP Group LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) included in total assets and total liabilities above:

 

   

September 30, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
                 

Restricted cash

  $ 54,137     $ 225,777  

Loans held for sale

    -       32,488  

Loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued, net of allowance for loan losses

    756,166       654,127  

Interest receivable

    2,022       2,180  

Other assets

    90       178  

Total assets of consolidated VIEs

  $ 812,415     $ 914,750  
                 

Asset-backed securities issued

    737,780       825,854  

Interest payable

    6,020       4,580  

Other liabilities

    1,281       1,192  

Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs

  $ 745,081     $ 831,626  

 

The asset-backed securities issued (“ABS”) by the VIE are limited recourse obligations payable solely from cash flows of the loans collateralizing them and related collection and payment accounts pledged as security. Accordingly, only the assets of the VIE can be used to settle the obligations of the VIE.

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-5-

 

 

JMP Group LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 
                                 

Revenues

                               

Investment banking

  $ 22,085     $ 15,048     $ 54,813     $ 41,719  

Brokerage

    4,763       5,015       15,127       16,921  

Asset management fees

    4,014       4,044       14,078       18,958  

Principal transactions

    (1,392 )     2,764       (3,608 )     10,326  

Gain (loss) on sale and payoff of loans

    278       (52 )     1,208       (961 )

Net dividend income

    278       230       817       736  

Other income

    282       262       921       534  

Non-interest revenues

    30,308       27,311       83,356       88,233  
                                 

Interest income

    10,900       11,472       29,663       35,997  

Interest expense

    (8,811 )     (8,212 )     (24,649 )     (24,297 )

Net interest income

    2,089       3,260       5,014       11,700  
                                 

Gain (loss) repurchase/early retirement of debt

    -       -       (5,332 )     -  

Reversal (provision) for loan losses

    (368 )     104       (3,488 )     (980 )
                                 

Total net revenues

    32,029       30,675       79,550       98,953  
                                 

Non-interest expenses

                               

Compensation and benefits

    24,563       22,167       69,013       70,273  

Administration

    1,459       1,808       5,999       5,640  

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees

    740       734       2,288       2,308  

Travel and business development

    709       1,019       2,735       3,548  

Communications and technology

    1,046       1,033       3,150       3,093  

Occupancy

    1,117       987       3,339       2,853  

Professional fees

    1,094       1,119       3,109       3,245  

Depreciation

    277       312       891       968  

Other

    366       491       1,993       1,652  

Total non-interest expenses

    31,371       29,670       92,517       93,580  

Net income (loss) before income tax expense

    658       1,005       (12,967 )     5,373  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    1,113       (597 )     (169 )     (793 )

Net income (loss)

    (455 )     1,602       (12,798 )     6,166  

Less: Net income attributable to nonredeemable non-controlling interest

    780       941       1,712       4,029  

Net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ (1,235 )   $ 661     $ (14,510 )     2,137  
                                 

Net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC per common share:

                               

Basic

  $ (0.06 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.67 )   $ 0.10  

Diluted

  $ (0.06 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.67 )   $ 0.10  
                                 

Distributions declared per common share

  $ 0.090     $ 0.090     $ 0.270     $ 0.300  
                                 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

                               

Basic

    21,525       20,946       21,583       21,117  

Diluted

    21,525       21,901       21,583       21,796  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.  

 

-6-

 

 

JMP Group LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statement s of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

   

   

JMP Group LLC's Equity

                 
                           

Additional

           

Nonredeemable

         
   

Common Shares

   

Treasury

   

Paid-In

   

Accumulated

   

Non-controlling

         
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Shares

   

Capital

   

Deficit

   

Interest

   

Total Equity

 

Balance, December 31, 2016

    22,780       23       (7,792 )     135,945       (8,799 )     15,917       135,294  

Net income (loss)

    -       -       -       -       (14,510 )     1,712       (12,798 )

Additional paid-in capital - share-based compensation

    -       -       -       1,485       -       -       1,485  

Distributions and distribution equivalents declared on common shares and restricted share units

    -       -       -       -       (5,829 )     -       (5,829 )

Purchases of shares of common shares for treasury

    -               (1,967 )     -                       (1,967 )

Reissuance of shares of common shares from treasury

    -       -       2,154       -       -       -       2,154  

Distributions to non-controlling interest holders

    -       -       -       -       -       (3,868 )     (3,868 )

Capital contributions from non-controlling interest holders

    -       -       -       -       -       92       92  

Balance, September 30, 2017

    22,780       23       (7,605 )     137,430       (29,138 )     13,853       114,563  

 

 

   

JMP Group LLC's Equity

                 
                           

Additional

           

Nonredeemable

         
   

Common Shares

   

Treasury

   

Paid-In

   

Accumulated

   

Non-controlling

         
   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Shares

   

Capital

   

Deficit

   

Interest

   

Total Equity

 

Balance, December 31, 2015

    22,780     $ 23     $ (6,763 )   $ 135,003     $ (3,151 )   $ 27,782     $ 152,894  

Net income

    -       -       -       -       2,137       4,029       6,166  

Additonal paid-in capital - share-based compensation

    -       -       -       3,559       -       -       3,559  

Distributions and distribution equivalents declared on common shares and restricted share units

    -       -       -       -       (6,459 )     -       (6,459 )

Purchases of shares of common shares for treasury

    -               (4,192 )     -                       (4,192 )

Reissuance of shares of common shares from treasury

    -       -       260       -       -       -       260  

Purchase of subsidiary shares from non-controlling interest holders

    -       -       -       1,384       -       (9,595 )     (8,211 )

Distributions to non-controlling interest holders

    -       -       -       -       -       (5,948 )     (5,948 )

Balance, September 30, 2016

    22,780     $ 23     $ (10,695 )   $ 139,946     $ (7,473 )   $ 16,268     $ 138,069  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-7-

 

 

JMP Group LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

               

Net income (loss)

  $ (12,798 )   $ 6,166  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

               

Provision for doubtful accounts

    90       -  

Provision for loan losses

    3,488       980  

Accretion of deferred loan fees

    (1,734 )     (1,224 )

Amortization of liquidity discount, net

    -       (108 )

Amortization of debt issuance costs

    315       328  

Amortization of original issue discount, related to CLO II, CLO III, and CLO IV

    1,607       1,814  

Interest paid in kind

    -       (53 )

(Gain) loss on sale and payoff of loans

    (1,208 )     961  

Loss (gain) on repurchase/early retirement of debt

    5,542       (87 )

Change in other investments:

               

Loss from investments in equity method investees

    4,628       238  

Fair value on other equity investments

    (505 )     1,819  

Realized (gain) loss on other investments

    (26 )     (7,981 )

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets

    891       968  

Share-based compensation expense

    2,159       4,199  

Deferred income taxes

    (5,824 )     (12,245 )

Net change in operating assets and liabilities:

               

Decrease in interest receivable

    1,378       617  

(Increase) decrease in receivables

    (22,419 )     7,936  

(Increase) decrease in marketable securities

    (3,293 )     6,940  

Decrease in restricted cash (excluding restricted cash reserved for lending activities)

    (1,324 )     827  

Decrease in deposits and other assets

    6,538       8,709  

Increase in marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased

    16,254       (4,398 )

(Decrease) increase in interest payable

    1,240       584  

Decrease in accrued compensation and other liabilities

    (8,983 )     (11,898 )

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    (13,984 )     5,092  
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

               

Purchases of fixed assets

    (204 )     (325 )

Purchases of other investments

    (2,034 )     (6,103 )

Sales of other investments

    12,300       39,491  

Funding of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued

    (614,431 )     (185,586 )

Funding of loans held for sale

    (2,752 )     -  

Funding of loans held for investment

    (13,514 )     -  

Sale and payoff of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued

    477,210       279,415  

Sale of loans held for sale

    33,951       -  

Principal receipts on loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued

    29,339       51,975  

Repayments on loans held for investment

    975       52  

Repayments on loans held for sale

    1,784       -  

Net change in restricted cash reserved for lending activities

    167,016       (72,301 )

Net changes in cash collateral posted for derivative transactions

    25,000       (240 )

Net cash provided by investing activities

    114,640       106,378  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-8-

 

 

JMP Group LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

    

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

               

Proceeds from CLO V warehouse credit facility

    7,000       -  

Proceeds from asset-backed securities issued

    408,394       -  

Repurchase of bonds payable

    -       (385 )

Repayment of asset-backed securities issued

    (503,617 )     (74,592 )

Distributions and distribution equivalents paid on common shares and RSUs

    (5,838 )     (6,236 )

Proceeds from exercises of stock options

    1,149       -  

Purchase of common shares for treasury

    (1,660 )     (4,192 )

Capital contributions of nonredeemable non-controlling interest holders

    92       -  

Distributions to non-controlling interest shareholders

    (3,868 )     (5,948 )

Employee taxes paid on shares withheld for tax-withholding purposes

    (307 )     -  

Net cash used in financing activities

    (98,655 )     (91,353 )

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    2,001       20,117  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    85,492       68,551  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 87,493     $ 88,668  
                 
                 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

               

Reissuance of shares of common share from treasury related to vesting of restricted share units and exercises of share options

  $ 2,154     $ 260  

Distributions declared but not yet paid

  $ 644     $ 628  

Purchase of subsidiary shares not yet settled

  $ -     $ 8,211  

Restructuring of loans held for investment to equity securities

  $ 520     $ -  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.  

 

-9-

 

 

JMP G roup LLC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30 , 2017

(Unaudited)

 

1. Organization and Description of Business

 

JMP Group LLC, together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), is a diversified capital markets firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. The Company conducts its brokerage business through JMP Securities LLC (“JMP Securities”), its asset management business through Harvest Capital Strategies LLC (“HCS”), HCAP Advisors LLC (“HCAP Advisors”), JMP Asset Management LLC (“JMPAM”), and JMP Credit Advisors LLC (“JMPCA”), and certain principal investments through JMP Investment Holdings LLC (“JMP Investment Holdings”), JMP Realty Trust Inc., and JMPCA. The above entities, other than HCAP Advisors, are wholly-owned subsidiaries. JMP Securities is a U.S. registered broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”), and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). JMP Securities operates as an introducing broker and does not hold funds or securities for, or owe any money or securities to customers and does not carry accounts for customers. All customer transactions are cleared through another broker-dealer on a fully disclosed basis. HCS is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and provides investment management services for sophisticated investors in investment partnerships and other entities managed by HCS. HCAP Advisors provides investment advisory services to Harvest Capital Credit Corporation (“HCC”). JMPAM currently manages two fund strategies: one that invests in real estate and real estate-related enterprises and another that provides credit to small and midsized private companies. JMPCA is an asset management platform that underwrites and manages investments in senior secured debt. JMPCA currently manages two collateralized loan obligations (“CLO”) vehicles and one CLO warehouse. The Company completed a Reorganization Transaction in January 2015 pursuant to which JMP Group Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of JMP Group LLC (the “Reorganization Transaction”).

 

Recent Transactions

 

On June 29, 2017, entities sponsored by JMP Group LLC priced a $456.9 million CLO. The senior notes offered in this transaction (the “Secured Notes”) were issued by JMP Credit Advisors CLO IV Ltd. (“CLO IV”), a special purpose Cayman vehicle, and co-issued in part by JMP Credit Advisors CLO IV LLC, a special purpose Delaware vehicle, and were backed by a diversified portfolio of broadly syndicated leveraged loans. The Secured Notes were issued in multiple tranches and are rated by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. The Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, retained 100% of the senior and junior subordinated notes, which are not rated. The transaction closed on June 29, 2017. The Company manages CLO IV, and owns 100% of the subordinated notes.

 

Upon the closing of CLO IV, the Company performed a consolidation analysis to determine appropriate consolidation treatment. An entity is considered a VIE and, therefore, would be subject to the consolidation provisions of ASC 810-10-15 if, by design, equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. In the analysis, the Company determines if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE by performing a qualitative analysis of the VIE that includes a review of, among other factors, its capital structure, contractual terms, related party relationships, the Company’s fee arrangements and the design of the VIE. As of June 30, 2017, CLO IV was determined to be a VIE. The Company was identified as the primary beneficiary based on the ability to direct the activities of CLO IV through its subsidiary manager, JMPCA, and the 100% ownership of the subordinated notes. As a result, the Company consolidates the assets and liabilities of CLO IV, and the underlying loans owned by the CLO are shown on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition under loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued and the asset-backed securities issued to third parties are shown under asset-backed securities issued.

 

On July 31, 2017, the Company established, through its affiliate JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd. (“ CLO V”), a Cayman Islands vehicle (the “Borrower”), a $200 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) to finance the acquisition of a portfolio of assets, including certain debt obligations. JMPCA will act as collateral manager with duties including the selection of assets to be acquired by the Borrower. All borrowings under the Facility will be subject to the satisfaction of certain customary covenants, the accuracy of certain representations and warranties, concentration limitations and other restrictions. The Facility will be primarily secured by a portfolio of collateral that includes certain debt obligations that are eligible for acquisition by the Borrower. The Borrower is subject to mandatory prepayments under the Facility upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, the Borrower may make optional prepayments under the Facility. The Facility was established to fund the purchase of a diverse pool of loans. The Facility is structured to have a twelve month revolving period ending July 30, 2018, and a ten-month amortization period. The Facility will have a market standard advance rate and any outstanding balances will bear interest at standard market interest rates based on LIBOR.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  

 

Basis of Presentation

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “Annual Report”). The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year. In the opinion of management, all normal, recurring adjustments have been included for a fair statement of this interim financial information

 

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The consolidated accounts of the Company include the wholly-owned subsidiaries, JMP Securities, HCS, JMPCA, JMP Investment Holdings, JMPCA TRS, JMP Asset Management Inc., JMP Realty Trust Inc., and CLO IV, CLO V, and the partially-owned subsidiaries JMP C redit Advisors CLO I Ltd. (“CLO I”), JMP Credit Advisors CLO II Ltd. (“CLO II”), JMP Credit Advisors CLO III Ltd. (“CLO III”) and HCAP Advisors. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Non-controlling interest on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 relate to the interest of third parties in the partially-owned subsidiaries.

 

See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Company's Annual Report for the Company's significant accounting policies.

 

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncemen ts

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

 

ASU 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting (Topic 323) , was issued in March 2016. When an investment qualifies for the use of the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, the amendments eliminate the requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting. This standard was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2016-07 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718) , was issued in March 2016 as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. Areas for simplification in this update involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This standard was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

 

Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) 2014-09, ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-12 , Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , and ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Topic 606) , were issued in May 2014, August 2015, April 2016, May 2016 and March 2016, respectively, to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, and to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The standards allow either a full retrospective or modified approach at adoption and the Company has chosen modified adoption. They are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted on the original effective date, as stated by ASU 2014-09, annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The core principles of the provisions are that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The updates also clarify guidance relating to identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation. The Company is evaluating certain agreements to determine whether it acts as a principal and should present the related revenue gross of expenses. Any impact resulting from adoption could result in adjustments on investment banking and brokerage revenues, although no material change is expected. While the evaluation efforts over the revenue standard updates are not complete, the Company does not anticipate a significant impact on its financial statements.

 

ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10) , was issued in January 2016. The amendments address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. They require equity securities that are neither accounted by equity method nor consolidated to be measured at fair value with changes of fair values recognized as net income. Those equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair value may be measured at cost less impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. In addition, the amendments simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment at each reporting period. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , was issued in February 2016 to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing information about leasing arrangements. The standard requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from operational leases on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Upon adoption, the Company’s right-to-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities will be grossed up to reflect the present value of the lease payments.

 

ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326) , was issued in June 2016 to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This standard will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2019. The Company expects the adoption of ASU 2016-13 may result in an increase to the allowance for loan losses. The Company is still in the process of determining the magnitude of the impact.

 

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ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230) , was issued in August 2016 to address diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This standard addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies; distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendments in this standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments will be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues will be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 is expected to result in reclassifications within the Company’s statements of cash flows.

 

AS U 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) , was issued in October 2016 to improve the accounting for income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory and to reduce the complexity/cost in accounting standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board decided to recognize the income tax consequences to intra-entity transfers when the transfer occurs. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted and is applied modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings at the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard.

 

AS U 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) addresses the diversity that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash and transfers between cash and restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amendment applies to all entities that report restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents and present a statement of cash flows. The provisions of this update require the explanation of the changes during the period. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Additionally, early adoption is permitted with a retrospective transition method and all adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The adoption of this standard is expected to result in additional disclosures in the Company’s filings.

 

ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) , provides a more robust framework to clarify the definition of a business with the objective to determine when a set of assets and activities is a business. The provisions to this standard for public businesses are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and all other entities applied to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. This update is applied prospectively on or before the effective date with the possibility of early adoption. This Company will continue to monitor the impact on the business.

 

4 . Fair Value Measurement s

 

The following tables provide fair value information related to the Company ’s financial instruments at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 

   

September 30, 2017

 

(In thousands)

 

Carrying Value

   

Fair Value

 
           

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Assets:

                                       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 87,493     $ 87,493     $ -     $ -     $ 87,493  

Restricted cash and deposits

    61,964       61,964       -       -       61,964  

Marketable securities owned

    22,015       22,015       -       -       22,015  

Other investments

    12,475       -       11,956       519       12,475  

Other investments measured at net asset value (1)

    14,098       -       -       -       -  

Loans held for investment, net of allowance for loan losses

    18,747       -       13,626       3,619       17,245  

Loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued, net of allowance for loan losses

    756,166       -       755,435       478       755,913  

Total assets:

  $ 972,958     $ 171,472     $ 781,017     $ 4,616     $ 957,105  
                                         

Liabilities:

                                       

Marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased

  $ 21,001     $ 21,001     $ -     $ -     $ 21,001  

Asset-backed securities issued

    737,780       -       746,100       -       746,100  

Bond payable

    92,101       -       96,488       -       96,488  

CLO V warehouse credit facility

    7,000       -       7,000       -       7,000  

Total liabilities:

  $ 857,882     $ 21,001     $ 849,588     $ -     $ 870,589  

 

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December 31, 2016

 

(In thousands)

 

Carrying Value

   

Fair Value

 
           

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Assets:

                                       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 85,492     $ 85,492     $ -     $ -     $ 85,492  

Restricted cash and deposits

    227,656       227,656       -       -       227,656  

Marketable securities owned

    18,722       18,722       -       -       18,722  

Other investments

    13,697       -       13,697       -       13,697  

Other investments measured at net asset value (1)

    19,172       -       -       -       -  

Loans held for sale

    32,488       -       33,651               33,651  

Loans held for investment, net of allowance for loan losses

    1,930       -       -       1,824       1,824  

Loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued, net of allowance for loan losses

    654,127       -       685,392       -       685,392  

Cash collateral posted for total return swap

    25,000       25,000       -       -       25,000  

Total assets:

  $ 1,078,284     $ 356,870     $ 732,740     $ 1,824     $ 1,091,434  
                                         

Liabilities:

                                       

Marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased

  $ 4,747     $ 4,747     $ -     $ -     $ 4,747  

Asset-backed securities issued

    825,854       -       831,854       -       831,854  

Bond payable

    91,785       -       94,517       -       94,517  

Total liabilities:

  $ 922,386     $ 4,747     $ 926,371     $ -     $ 931,118  

 

 

(1)

In accordance with ASC 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.

 

Recurring Fair Value Measurement

 

The following tables provide information related to the Company ’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:  

 

(In thousands)

         

September 30, 2017

 
   

Carrying Value

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 
                                         

Marketable securities owned

    22,015     $ 22,015     $ -     $ -     $ 22,015  

Other investments:

                                       

Investments in hedge funds managed by HCS

    11,956       -       11,956       -       11,956  

Investments in private equity funds managed by HCS (1)

    5,503       -       -       -       -  

Investments in funds of funds managed by HCS (1)

    3       -       -       -       -  

Investments in funds of capital debt managed by the Company (1)

    239       -       -       -       -  

Total investment in funds managed by HCS

    17,701       -       11,956       -       11,956  

Limited partnership in investments in private equity/ real estate funds (1)

    3,547       -       -       -       -  

Total other investments

    21,248       -       11,956       -       11,956  

Total assets:

    43,263     $ 22,015     $ 11,956     $ -     $ 33,971  

Marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased

    21,001       21,001       -       -       21,001  

Total liabilities:

    21,001     $ 21,001     $ -     $ -     $ 21,001  

 

(In thousands)

         

December 31, 2016

 
   

Carrying Value

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 
                                         

Marketable securities owned

    18,722     $ 18,722     $ -     $ -     $ 18,722  

Other investments:

                                       

Investments in hedge funds managed by HCS

    12,444       -       12,444       -       12,444  

Investments in private equity funds managed by HCS (1)

    4,227       .       .       -       -  

Investments in funds of funds managed by HCS (1)

    5       -       -       -       -  

Total investment in funds managed by HCS

    16,676       -       12,444       -       12,444  

Limited partnership in investments in private equity/ real estate funds (1)

    3,530       -       -       -       -  

Total return swap

    1,253               1,253               1,253  

Total other investments

    21,459       -       13,697       -       13,697  

Total assets:

  $ 40,181     $ 18,722     $ 13,697     $ -     $ 32,419  

Marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased

    4,747       4,747       -       -       4,747  

Total liabilities:

  $ 4,747     $ 4,747     $ -     $ -     $ 4,747  

 

 

(1)

In accordance with ASC 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.

 

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Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy result from changes in the observability of fair value inputs used in determining fair values for different types of financial assets and are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period in which the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs.  

 

The Company ’s Level 2 assets held in other investments consist of investments in hedge funds managed by HCS. The carrying value of investment in hedge funds is calculated using the equity method and approximates fair value. Earnings or losses attributable to these investments are recorded in principal transactions. These assets are considered Level 2 as the underlying hedge funds are mainly invested in publicly traded stocks whose value is based on quoted market prices. The Company’s proportionate share of those investments is included in the tables above.

 

The investments in private equity funds managed by HCS and JMPAM are recognized using the fair value option. The Company uses the reported net asset value per share as a practical expedient to estimate the fair value of the funds. The risks associated with these investments are limited to the amounts of invested capital, remaining capital commitment and any management and incentive fees receivable. The Company uses the reported net asset value per share as a practical expedient to estimate the fair value of Harvest Growth Capital LLC (“HGC”) and HGC II (“HGC II”) and JMPRP.

 

The Company holds a limited partner investment in a private equity fund, managed by a third party. This fund aims to achieve medium to long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of technology companies that leverage the growth of Greater China. The Company also holds investments in real estate funds, which aim to generate revenue streams from investments in real estate joint ventures. The Company recognizes these investments using the fair value option. The primary reason for electing the fair value option was to measure gains on the same basis as the Company’s other equity securities, which are stated at fair value. The Company uses the reported net asset value per share as a practical expedient to estimate the fair value of the funds. The investments in private investment funds managed by third parties are generally not redeemable at the option of the Company.

 

As September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of the following investments was estimated using net asset value as a practical expedient:

 

   

 

   

 

   

Fair Value at

   

Unfunded Commitments

 

Dollars in thousands

 

Redemption Frequency

   

Redemption

Notice Period

   

September 30, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

   

September 30, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
                                                

Investments in Funds of Funds managed by HCS (1)

  N/A       N/A     $ 3     $ 5     $ -     $ -  

Limited partner investments in private equity/ real estate funds

 

Nonredeemable

      N/A     $ 3,547     $ 3,530     $ -     $ -  

Investment in private equity funds managed by HCS

 

Nonredeemable

      N/A     $ 5,503     $ 4,227     $ 1,085     $ 1,085  

Investments in funds of capital debt managed by the Company

 

Nonredeemable

      N/A     $ 239     $ -     $ 2,184     $ -  

 

(1) Investments in Funds of Funds managed by HCS began the process of liquidation on December 31, 2015.

 

Non - recurring Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company's assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis result from the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. As of December 31, 2016, the Company held loans held for sale of $32.5 million which were measured at the lower of cost or market. The Company held loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis of $2.5 and $34.4 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

Loans Held for Investment

 

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, loans held for investment included ten and four loans, respectively, outside of the CLO portfolios. Given the small size of this loan portfolio, the Company reviews credit quality of the loans within this portfolio segment on a loan by loan basis mainly focusing on the borrower’s financial position and results of operations as well as the current and expected future cash flows on the loans. In addition, as of September 30, 2017, the Company held $10.1 million loans held for investment in the CLO V warehouse portfolio.  The credit quality of the CLO V warehouse loans is evaluated in the same manner as the credit qualify of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued.  See Note 5.

 

Effective July 1, 2013, the Company a greed to lend a health sciences fund investment advising company up to $2.0 million, at an interest rate of 10% per year. The outstanding principal balance and all accrued and unpaid interest is due and payable on July 1, 2018. In 2016, the Company placed this loan on non-accrual status, and recorded a related reserve for $0.4 million. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying value of this loan was $0.3 million, net of a $2.0 million reserve, and $1.7 million, net of a $0.4 million reserve, respectively. The Company determined the fair value of loans held for investment to be $0.3 million and $1.6 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, using anticipated cash flows, discounted at an appropriate market credit adjusted interest rate.

 

As of September 30, 2017, the Company held $4.9 million of loans held for investment which were, previously held in the CLO II portfolio. The Company recorded a net reversal of provision for loan losses of $116 thousand at September 30, 2017 related to these loans. Such loans are identified as Level 2 assets. The valuations are received from a pricing service to which the Company subscribes. The pricing service’s analysis incorporates comparable loans traded in the marketplace, the obligor’s industry, future business prospects, capital structure, and expected credit losses. At September 30, 2017 the Company had two loans which were modified in a troubled debt restructuring. The principal balance of the loans was reduced from $2.6 million to $0.5 million, the maturity dates of the loans were extended from 2021 to 2022, and interest rates on the loans were increased by 1.30% and 3.10% percent. In addition, the Company received cash of $0.5 million and $0.5 million worth of equity shares in connection with the restructuring. The Company has no commitments to lend additional funds for the loans that were restructured.

 

On September 19, 2017, the Company made a loan to a registered investment adviser of $3.4 million, at an interest rate of 15% per year. As of September 30, 2017, the Company’s loan outstanding to this entity was $3.4 million. The Company determined the fair value of loans held for investment to be $3.4 million as of September 30, 2017, respectively, using anticipated cash flows, discounted at an appropriate market credit adjusted interest rate.

 

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Investments at Cost and other Equity Method Investments

 

On April 5, 2011, the Company made a $0.3 million commitment to invest in RiverBanc LLC (“RiverBanc”), which manages the assets of a commercial real estate investing platform in mezzanine debt and equity from multifamily properties and other residential real estate. The Company recognized its investment in RiverBanc using the equity method. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company recognized a $0.1 million gain, and received a distribution of $0.5 million. RiverBanc was sold in the second quarter of 2016, resulting in a $6.0 million gain to the Company.

 

On November 16, 2015, the Company made a $2.0 million commitment to a fund, which focuses on acquiring a portfolio of seasoned real estate equity investments. The Company recognizes its investment using the equity method. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized gains of zero and $0.3 million, and received distributions of $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively. On September 26, 2016, the Company sold the investment to JMPRP, resulting in a $0.1 million loss.

 

On December 2, 2015, the Company made a $12.8 million investment in a business, which acquires buildings and land for the purpose of holding, selling and managing the properties. The Company recognizes its investment using the equity method, with related gains recognized in principal transactions. In the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized losses of $2.6 million and $5.4 million, and received distributions of $0.4 million and $1.0 million. In the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized gains of $0.4 million and a loss of $0.8 million, and received distributions of $0.3 million and $0.6 million. In the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017, these losses incorporated depreciation and amortization expenses at this business of $2.6 million and $6.5 million. In the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, these losses incorporated depreciation and amortization expenses at this business of $0.7 million and $3.1 million. On September 26, 2016, the Company sold 21.6% of this investment to JMPRP, resulting in a $0.4 million gain. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying value of this investment was $4.5 million and $10.8 million, respectively.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

In the second quarter of 2015, JMPCA TRS entered into a TRS. The TRS effectively allows the Company to build up a portfolio of broadly syndicated loans with characteristics similar to the warehouse facility used to accumulate assets for CLO III.   The TRS differs from a traditional warehouse facility, in that the Company does not own or take title to the loans.  The TRS provides all the economic risks and rewards of owning the assets; however, they are only reference assets during the life of the investment. Under the TRS, JMPCA TRS pays interest on the value of the portfolio balance in exchange for any income or fees earned from a portfolio of syndicated loans held by the counter-party. The TRS had a tenor of 36 months with an 18 month revolving period and an 18 month amortization period. As of December 31, 2016, the TRS is held in Other Investments, with gains and losses recorded in Principal Transactions. In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a $1.3 million loss on the TRS. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized a $1.5 million and a $2.1 million gain on the TRS, respectively. The Company determined the fair value of the TRS to be $1.3 million asset as of December 31, 2016, respectively, using the market value of the loans as provided by our counterparty. In association with this agreement, the Company posted $25.0 million as cash collateral, in prior periods which was recorded in the line item cash collateral posted for total return swap. In the first quarter of 2017, the Company posted an additional $0.9 million. In association with CLO IV purchasing the TRS assets, in the second quarter, the TRS returned $23.5 million of the cash collateral. During the third quarter all of the remaining cash collateral was returned to the Company.

 

5 . Loans Collateralizing Asset-backed Securities Issued and Loans Held for Sale

 

Loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued and loans held for sale are commercial loans securitized and owned by the Company’s CLOs. The loans consist of those loans within the CLO securitization structure at the acquisition date of CLO I and loans purchased by the CLOs subsequent to the CLO I acquisition date. In the fourth quarter of 2016, CLO I initiated the liquidation process and sold the majority of its loan portfolio within that quarter. The remaining loans were reflected as loans held for sale as of December 31, 2016. The following table presents the components of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued and loans held for sale as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 

(In thousands)

 

Loans Collateralizing Asset-backed

Securities

   

Loans Held for Sale

 
   

September 30,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

   

September 30,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 

Outstanding principal

  $ 768,531     $ 667,237     $ -     $ 33,748  

Allowance for loan losses

    (6,596 )     (6,540 )     -       -  

Liquidity discount

    -       -       -       (772 )

Deferred loan fees, net

    (5,769 )     (6,570 )     -       (308 )

Valuation allowance

    N/A       N/A       -       (180 )

Total loans, net

  $ 756,166     $ 654,127     $ -     $ 32,488  

 

-15-

 

 

The table below summarizes the activity in the loan principal, allowance for loan losses, liquidity discount, deferred loan fees, and the carrying value for the loans as of and for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 
   

Principal

   

Allowance for Loan Losses

   

Liquidity Discount

   

Deferred Loan Fees

   

Carrying Value,
Net

 

Impaired Loans

                                       

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 3,827     $ (1,211 )   $ -     $ (121 )   $ 2,495  

Repayments

    (32 )     -       -       -       (32 )

Provision for loan losses

    -       (128 )     -       -       (128 )

Write-off / restructuring

    (1,405 )     950       -       106       (349 )

Transfers to/from non-impaired loans, net

    (969 )     -       -       -       (969 )

Balance at end of period

  $ 1,421     $ (389 )   $ -     $ (15 )   $ 1,017  
                                         

Non-impaired Loans

                                       

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 767,778     $ (6,451 )   $ -     $ (6,060 )   $ 755,267  

Purchases

    104,644       -               (633 )     104,011  

Repayments

    (8,516 )     -               -       (8,516 )

Accretion of discount

    -       -               428       428  

Provision for loan losses

    -       244               -       244  

Sales and payoff

    (97,765 )     -               511       (97,254 )

Transfers to/from impaired loans, net

    969       -               -       969  

Balance at end of period

  $ 767,110     $ (6,207 )   $ -     $ (5,754 )   $ 755,149  

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Principal

   

Allowance for Loan Losses

   

Liquidity Discount

   

Deferred Loan Fees

   

Carrying Value,
Net

 

Impaired Loans

                                       

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 3,198     $ (698 )   $ -     $ (249 )   $ 2,251  

Repayments

    (43 )     -       -       -       (43 )

Balance at end of period

  $ 3,155     $ (698 )   $ -     $ (249 )   $ 2,208  
                                         

Non-impaired Loans

                                       

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 915,616     $ (5,339 )   $ (847 )   $ (7,883 )   $ 901,547  

Purchases

    71,071       -       -       (644 )     70,427  

Repayments

    (14,610 )     -       -       195       (14,415 )

Accretion of discount

    -       -       37       409       446  

Reversal of provision for loan losses

    -       104       -       -       104  

Sales and payoff

    (137,008 )     -       -       385       (136,623 )

Balance at end of period

  $ 835,069     $ (5,235 )   $ (810 )   $ (7,538 )   $ 821,486  

 

-16-

 

 

The table below summarizes the activity in the loan principal, allowance for loan losses, liquidity discount, deferred loan fees, and the carrying value for the loans as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 
   

Principal

   

Allowance for Loan Losses

   

Liquidity Discount

   

Deferred Loan Fees

   

Carrying Value,
Net

 

Impaired Loans

                                       

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 3,113     $ (937 )   $ -     $ (249 )   $ 1,927  

Repayments

    (136 )     -       -       -       (136 )

Provision for loan losses

    -       (1,641 )     -       -       (1,641 )

Write-off / restructuring

    (1,405 )     950       -       106       (349 )

Transfers to/from non-impaired loans, net

    3,888       -       -       (30 )     3,858  

Transfers to loans held for investment

    (4,040 )     1,239       -       159       (2,642 )

Balance at end of period

  $ 1,420     $ (389 )   $ -     $ (14 )   $ 1,017  
                                         

Non-impaired Loans

                                       

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 664,124     $ (5,603 )   $ -     $ (6,323 )   $ 652,198  

Purchases

    618,944       -       -       (4,513 )     614,431  

Repayments

    (29,203 )     -       -       -       (29,203 )

Accretion of discount

    -       -       -       1,419       1,419  

Provision for loan losses

    -       (630 )     -       -       (630 )

Sales and payoff

    (479,733 )     -       -       3,551       (476,182 )

Transfers to/from non-impaired loans, net

    (3,888 )     -       -       29       (3,859 )

Transfers to loans held for investment

    (3,133 )     26       -       82       (3,025 )

Balance at end of period

  $ 767,111     $ (6,207 )   $ -     $ (5,755 )   $ 755,149  

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Principal

   

Allowance for Loan Losses

   

Liquidity Discount

   

Deferred Loan Fees

   

Carrying Value,
Net

 

Impaired Loans

                                       

Balance at beginning of period

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

Repayments

    (56 )     -       -       -       (56 )

Provision for loan losses

    -       (24 )     -       -       (24 )

Transfers to/from non-impaired loans, net

    3,211       (674 )     -       (249 )     2,288  

Balance at end of period

  $ 3,155     $ (698 )   $ -     $ (249 )   $ 2,208  
                                         

Non-impaired Loans

                                       

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 984,110     $ (5,396 )   $ (918 )   $ (8,132 )   $ 969,664  

Purchases

    188,488       -       -       (2,902 )     185,586  

Repayments

    (52,485 )     -       -       566       (51,919 )

Accretion of discount

    -       -       108       1,224       1,332  

Provision for loan losses

    -       (513 )     -       -       (513 )

Sales and payoff

    (281,833 )     -       -       1,457       (280,376 )

Transfers to/from non-impaired loans, net

    (3,211 )     674       -       249       (2,288 )

Balance at end of period

  $ 835,069     $ (5,235 )   $ (810 )   $ (7,538 )   $ 821,486  

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses for loans collateralizing asset-backed securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ (7,662 )   $ (6,037 )   $ (6,540 )     (5,397 )

Provision for loan losses:

                               

Specific reserve

    (128 )     -       (1,641 )     (698 )

General reserve

    244       104       (630 )     162  

Write-off / restructuring

    950       -       950       -  

Transfer to loans held for investment

    -       -       1,265       -  

Balance at end of period

  $ (6,596 )   $ (5,933 )   $ (6,596 )   $ (5,933 )

 

-17-

 

 

Impaired Loans, Non-Accru al, Past Due Loans and Restructured Loans

 

A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the original loan agreement, including scheduled principal and interest payments. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $4.2 million and $2.9 million of recorded investment amount of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued were individually evaluated for impairment. The remaining $751.9 million and $657.8 million of recorded investment amount of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued were collectively evaluated for impairment, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The entire $32.5 million of recorded investment amount of loans held for sale was individually evaluated for impairment at December 31, 2016.

 

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company classified all its loans as Cash Flow loans, as their funding decisions were all primarily driven by the cash flows of the borrower. The table below presents certain information pertaining to the loans on non-accrual status at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 

(In thousands)

 

Recorded

Investment

   

Unpaid Principal

Balance

   

Related

Allowance

   

Average

Recorded

Investment

   

Interest Income

Recognized

 

September 30, 2017

                                       

Impaired loans with an allowance recorded

  $ 4,221     $ 4,355     $ 1,172     $ 4,274     $ 95  

Impaired loans with no related allowance recorded

    -       -       -       -       -  
    $ 4,221     $ 4,355     $ 1,172     $ 4,274     $ 95  
                                         

December 31, 2016

                                       

Impaired loans with an allowance recorded

  $ 2,864     $ 3,211     $ 938     $ 2,913     $ 75  

Impaired loans with no related allowance recorded

    -       -       -       -       -  
    $ 2,864     $ 3,211     $ 938     $ 2,913     $ 75  

 

Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. No loans were past due at September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no loans which were modified in a troubled debt restructuring. At September 30, 2017 the Company had two loans which were modified in a troubled debt restructuring. The principal balance of the loans was reduced from $2.5 million to $0.5 million, the maturity dates of the loans were extended from 2021 to 2022, and interest rates on the loans were increased by 1.30% and 3.10% percent. In addition, the Company received cash of $0.4 million and $0.5 million worth of equity shares in connection with the restructuring. The Company has no commitments to lend additional funds for the loans that were restructured.

 

Credit Quality of Loans

 

The Company ’s management, at least on a quarterly basis, reviews each loan and evaluates the credit quality of the loan. The review primarily includes the following credit quality indicators with regard to each loan: 1) Moody’s rating, 2) current internal rating, 3) the trading price of the loan and 4) performance of the obligor. The tables below present, by credit quality indicator, the Company’s recorded investment in loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 

(In thousands

   

Cash Flow Loans

   

Loans Held for Sale - Cash Flow

 
     

September 30, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

   

September 30, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
                                   

Moody's rating:

                                 

Baa1 - Baa3

    $ 9,008     $ 12,145     $ -     $ 6,769  

Ba1 - Ba3

      123,893       137,717       -       13,957  

B1 - B3

      586,401       467,125       -       11,377  

Caa1 - Caa3

      43,461       37,913       -       565  

Ca

      -       2,903       -       -  

Not Rated

      -       2,864    

a

      -  

Total:

    $ 762,763     $ 660,667     $ -     $ 32,668  
                                   

Internal rating: (1)

                         
2     $ 658,312     $ 545,181     $ -     $ 27,109  
3       88,310       94,407       -       5,559  
4       14,734       18,215       -       -  
5       1,407       2,864       -       -  

Total:

    $ 762,763     $ 660,667     $ -     $ 32,668  
                                   

Performance:

                                 

Performing

    $ 761,356     $ 657,803     $ -     $ 32,668  

Non-Performing

      1,407       2,864       -       -  

Total:

    $ 762,763     $ 660,667     $ -     $ 32,668  

 

 

 

(1)

Loans with an internal rating of 4 or below are reviewed individually to identify loans to be designated for non-accrual status.

 

-18-

 

 

The Company determined the fair value of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities to be $755.4 million and $685.4 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively; primarily using the average market bid and ask quotation obtained from a loan pricing service. Such loans are identified as Level 2 assets. The valuations are received from a pricing service to which the Company subscribes. Significant declines in the performance of the obligor would result in decreases to the fair value measurement. The fair value of loans held for sale was determined to be $33.7 million as of December 31, 2016. The Company held no loans held for sale as of September 30, 2017.

 

6 . Debt

 

Bond Payable

 

In January 2013 , JMP Group Inc. raised approximately $46.0 million from the sale of 8.00% Senior Notes (the “2013 Senior Notes”). In January 2014, JMP Group Inc. raised an additional approximate amount of $48.3 million from the sale of 7.25% Senior Notes (the “2014 Senior Notes”). The 2013 Senior Notes will mature on January 15, 2023 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at JMP Group Inc.’s option on or after January 15, 2016, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes bear interest at a rate of 8.00% per year, payable quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year. The 2014 Senior Notes will mature on January 15, 2021, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the JMP Group Inc.’s option on or after January 15, 2017, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year, payable quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year, and began April 15, 2014.

 

The 2013 Senior Notes and 2014 Senior Notes (collectively, the “Senior Notes”) were issued pursuant to indentures with U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The indentures contain a minimum liquidity covenant that obligates JMP Group Inc. to maintain liquidity of at least an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate amount due on the next eight scheduled quarterly interest payments on the Senior Notes, or (ii) the aggregate amount due on all remaining scheduled quarterly interest payments on the Senior Notes until the maturity of the Senior Notes. The indenture also contains customary event of default and cure provisions. If an uncured default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Senior Notes may declare the Senior Notes immediately due and payable.

 

The Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations, must rank equally with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and are senior to any other indebtedness expressly made subordinate to the notes. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all of JMP Group Inc.’s existing and future secured indebtedness (to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness) and structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, including trade payables.

 

JMP Group Inc., as a wholly owned subsidiary of JMP Group LLC, is the primary obligor of the Senior Notes. In connection with the Reorganization Transaction, on January 1, 2015, JMP Group LLC and JMP Investment Holdings LLC became guarantors of JMP Group Inc. with respect to the Senior Notes.

 

In February 2016, the Company purchased $0.5 million face value of the Senior Notes for $0.4 million. This purchase resulted in a $0.1 million gain, which is recognized in Other Income.

 

The Company incurred no debt issuance costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Debt issuance costs are amortized over the estimated life of the bond. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company held $1.8 million and $2.0 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.

 

   

As of September 30, 2017

   

As of December 31, 2016

 
   

Principal

   

Unamortized

Discount and Debt

Issuance Costs

   

Principal

   

Unamortized

Discount and Debt

Issuance Costs

 
                                 

7.25% Senior Notes

  $ 47,922,500     $ 816,026     $ 47,922,500     $ 1,001,956  

8.00% Senior Notes

  $ 45,905,250     $ 911,199     $ 45,905,250     $ 1,040,347  

 

Note Payable and Lines of Credit

 

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company held revolving lines of credit related to JMP Holding LLC (formerly known as JMP Group LLC) and JMP Securities.

 

The Company ’s Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), dated as of August 3, 2006, was entered into by and between JMP Holding LLC and City National Bank (“CNB”), and was subsequently amended. The Credit Agreement and subsequent amendments provide a $25.0 million line of credit with a revolving period of one year through May 2, 2018. On such date, any outstanding amounts convert to a term loan. The term loan will be repaid in quarterly installments of 3.75% of funded debt for the first two years, 5.00% of funded debt for the next two years, and the remainder due at maturity. Proceeds for this line of credit will be used to make financial investments, for working capital purposes, for general corporate purposes, as well as a $5.0 million sublimit to issue letters of credit. The Company’s outstanding balance on this line of credit was zero as of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

JMP Securities holds a $20.0 million revolving line of credit with CNB to be used for regulatory capital purposes during its securities underwriting activities. The unused portion of the line bears interest at the rate of 0.25% per annum, paid monthly. On June 6, 2017, JMP Securities entered into an amendment to its Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to this Amendment, the $20.0 million line of credit was renewed for one year. On June 6, 2018, any existing outstanding amount will convert to a term loan maturing the following year. The remaining terms of this line of credit are consistent with those of the existing line of credit. There was no borrowing on this line of credit as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

-19-

 

 

The Credit Agreement contains financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on debt, liens and investments, as well as the maintenance of certain financial covenants. A violation of any one of these covenants could result in a default under the Credit Agreement, which would permit CNB to terminate the Company’s note and require the immediate repayment of any outstanding principal and interest. At both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the loan covenants. The revolving lines of credit are collateralized by a pledge of the Company’s assets, including its interests in each of JMP Securities and HCS.

 

CLO V Warehouse Credit Facility

 

On July 31, 2017, the Company established, through its affiliate JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd., a $200.0 million revolving credit facility with BNP Paribas to finance the acquisition of a portfolio of assets, including certain debt obligations. As of September 30, 2017, the balance of the credit facility was $7.0 million.

 

7 . Asset-backed Securities Issued

 

CLO I

 

On May  17, 2007, CLO I completed a $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes (the “Notes”) on-balance sheet debt securitization comprised of $455.0 million of secured debt and $45.0 million of unsecured, subordinated notes (“CLO equity”). The Notes would be repaid from the cash flows generated by the loan portfolio owned by CLO I. The Notes were issued in six separate classes as set forth in the table below. The Company owns approximately 94.0% of the unsecured subordinated notes and $13.8 million of Class C, D and E notes ($2.0 million of Class C, $4.1 million of Class D and $7.7 million of Class E notes). These unsecured subordinated notes and the Class C, D and E notes owned by the Company were eliminated upon consolidation of JMP Investment Holdings, and therefore, are not reflected on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

The reinvestment period for CLO I ended in May 2013 . Since this date, all scheduled principal payments from the borrowers have been applied to paying down the most senior (AAA) CLO notes. The Company was still permitted to reinvest some unscheduled principal payments, which includes most loan payoffs subject to certain provision.  In the fourth quarter in 2016, the Company made the decision to call the secured notes on CLO I in the first quarter of 2017 and began the process of liquidating the portfolio.

 

The below table list the notes outstanding as of December 31, 2016. There were no notes outstanding as of September 30, 2017.

 

(In millions)

 

As of December 31, 2016

   

Notes

Originally

Issued

   

Net Outstanding

Balance

   

Interest Rate

Spread to

LIBOR

 

Ratings

(Moody's
/S&P)

Class A Senior Secured Floating Rate Revolving Notes due 2021

  $ 72.2     $ 72.2     0.26% - 0.29%  

Aaa/AAA

Class B Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2021

    30.0       30.0       0.50%    

Aaa/AAA

Class C Senior Secured Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2021

    35.0       35.0       1.10%    

Aaa/AAA

Class D Secured Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2021

    34.0       34.0       2.40%    

Aa1/A+

Class E Secured Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2021

    30.0       30.0       5.00%    

Baa1/BB+

Total secured notes sold to investors

  $ 201.2     $ 201.2              

Unsecured subordinated notes due 2021

    45.0       45.0              

Total notes for the CLO I offering

  $ 246.2     $ 246.2              

Consolidation elimination

    N/A       (58.7 )            

Total asset-backed securities issued

    N/A     $ 187.5              

 

The secured notes and subordinated notes are limited recourse obligations payable solely from cash flows of the CLO I loan portfolio and related collection and payment accounts pledged as security. Payment on the Class  A-1 notes rank equal, or pari-passu, in right of payment with payments on the Class A-2 notes and payment on the Class A-1 and Class A-2 notes rank senior in right of payment to the other secured notes and the subordinated notes. Payment on the Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E notes generally rank subordinate in right of payment to any other class of notes which has an earlier alphabetical designation. The subordinated notes are subordinated in right of payment to all other classes of notes and do not accrue interest. Interest on the secured notes is payable quarterly at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus the applicable spread set forth in the table above. Payment of interest on the Class C, Class D and Class E notes was payable only to the extent proceeds are available under the applicable payment priority provisions. To the extent proceeds are not so available, interest on the Class C, Class D and Class E notes will be deferred. As of December 31, 2016, all interest on the secured notes was current. The secured notes are secured by the CLO loan portfolio and the funds on deposit in various related collection and payment accounts. The terms of the debt securitization subject the loans in the CLO loan portfolio to a number of collateral quality, portfolio profile, interest coverage and overcollateralization tests.

 

-20-

 

 

The activity in the note principal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 comprised the following:

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 
                                 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ -     $ 251,693     $ 187,417     $ 293,457  

Repayments

    -       (32,068 )     (187,417 )     (73,832 )

Asset-backed securities at end of period

  $ -     $ 219,625     $ -     $ 219,625  

 

CLO II

 

On April 3 0, 2013, CLO II completed a $343.8 million securitization with $320.0 million in aggregate principal amount of secured notes (the “Secured Notes”) and $23.8 million in unsecured subordinated notes (the “Subordinated Notes”). The Secured Notes were issued in multiple tranches and are rated by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services. The Secured Notes are repaid from the cash flows generated by the loan portfolio owned by CLO II. The Company initially owned approximately 72.8% of the Subordinated Notes. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company repurchased $6.0 million of the Subordinated Notes from a third party investor in CLO II, increasing the Company’s ownership from 72.8% to 98.0%. The Company repurchased $7.0 million of Class F notes in March 2017. The Subordinated Notes were eliminated upon consolidation, and therefore, are not reflected on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company, as majority owner of the subordinated notes, called the notes and began the process of liquidating the portfolio. The below table list the notes outstanding as of December 31, 2016. There were no notes outst anding as of September 30, 2017.

 

(In millions)

 

As of December 31, 2016

   

Notes

Originally

Issued

   

Outstanding

Principal

Balance

   

Issuance

Discount

   

Net

Outstanding

Balance

   

Interest Rate

Spread to

LIBOR

   

Ratings
(S&P)

Class X Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2016

  $ 3.8     $ -     $ -     $ -       1.00 %  

AAA

Class A Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2023

    217.6       217.6       (0.5 )     217.1       1.18 %  

AAA

Class B Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2023

    34.0       34.0       (0.2 )     33.8       1.75 %  

AA

Class C Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2023

    17.0       17.0       (0.4 )     16.6       2.75 %  

A

Class D Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2023

    18.7       18.7       (1.0 )     17.7       3.85 %  

BBB

Class E Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2023

    18.7       18.7       (1.6 )     17.1       5.25 %  

BB

Class F Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2023

    10.2       10.2       (1.2 )     9.0       5.75 %  

B

Total secured notes sold to investors

  $ 320.0     $ 316.2     $ (4.9 )   $ 311.3              

Unsecured subordinated notes due 2023

    23.8       23.8       (0.3 )     23.5              

Total notes for the CLO II offering

  $ 343.8     $ 340.0     $ (5.2 )   $ 334.8              

Consolidation elimination

    N/A       (23.8 )     0.3       (23.5 )            

Total CLO II asset-backed securities issued

    N/A     $ 316.2     $ (4.9 )   $ 311.3              

 

The Secured Notes and Subordinated Notes are limited recourse obligations payable solely from cash flows of the CLO II loan portfolio and related collection and payment accounts pledged as security. Payment on the Class X notes rank equal, or pari-passu, in right of payment with payments on the Class A notes and payment on the Class X and Class A notes rank senior in right of payment to the other Secured Notes and the Subordinated Notes. Payment on the Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E and Class F notes generally rank subordinate in right of payment to any other class of notes which has an earlier alphabetical designation. The Subordinated Notes are subordinated in right of payment to all other classes of notes and accrue interest. Interest on the Secured Notes is paid quarterly at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus the applicable spread set forth in the table above. Payment of interest on the Class C, Class D, Class E and Class F notes is payable only to the extent proceeds are available under the applicable payment priority provisions. To the extent proceeds are not so available, interest on the Class C, Class D, Class E and Class F notes will be deferred. The Secured Notes are secured by the CLO II loan portfolio and the funds on deposit in various related collection and payment accounts. The terms of the debt securitization subject the loans included in the CLO II loan portfolio to a number of collateral quality, portfolio profile, interest coverage and overcollateralization tests.

 

-21-

 

 

The CLO II notes recorded at fair value upon the issuance of CLO II in April 2013 include a discount to par value. As the Company called the notes in the second quarter of 2017 the remaining issuance discount of $4.6 million was amortized during the quarter in the gain (loss) repurchase/early retirement of debt line item. The activity in the note principal and issuance discount for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 comprised the following:

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

 
                                                 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 316,200     $ (5,446 )   $ 310,754  

Repayments

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Amortization of discount

    -       -       -       -       263       263  

Loss on early retirement of debt

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Balance at end of period

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 316,200     $ (5,183 )   $ 311,017  

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

 
                                                 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 316,200     $ (4,916 )   $ 311,284     $ 316,960     $ (5,960 )   $ 311,000  

Repayments

    (316,200 )     -       (316,200 )     (760 )     -       (760 )

Amortization of discount

    -       547       547       -       777       777  

Loss on early retirement of debt

    -       4,369       4,369       -       -       -  

Balance at end of period

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 316,200     $ (5,183 )   $ 311,017  

 

CLO III

 

On September 30, 2014, CLO III completed a $370.5 million securitization, comprised of $332.1 million aggregate principal amount of secured notes (the “Secured Notes”) and $38.4 million of unsecured subordinated notes (the “Subordinated Notes”). The Secured Notes offered in this transaction were issued in multiple tranches and are rated by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and, in respect of certain tranches, Fitch. 9The Secured Notes will be repaid from the cash flows generated by the loan portfolio owned by CLO III. The Company owned approximately 46.7% of the Subordinated Notes at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. These Subordinated Notes are eliminated upon consolidation, and therefore, are not reflected on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

(In millions)

 

As of September 30, 2017

   

Notes

Originally

Issued

   

Outstanding

Principal

Balance

   

Issuance

Discount

   

Net

Outstanding

Balance

   

Interest Rate

Spread to

LIBOR

 

Ratings
(Moody's/Fitch)

Class A Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2025

  $ 228.0     $ 228.0     $ (0.4 )   $ 227.6       1.24 %

Aaa/AAA

Class B Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    41.7       41.7       (0.5 )     41.2       1.80 %

Aa2/NR

Class C Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    22.5       22.5       (0.4 )     22.1       2.60 %

A2/NR

Class D Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    21.6       21.6       -       21.6       3.90 %

Baa3/NR

Class E Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    18.3       18.3       -       18.3       7.10 %

Ba3/NR

Total secured notes sold to investors

  $ 332.1     $ 332.1     $ (1.3 )   $ 330.8            

Unsecured subordinated notes due 2025

    38.4       38.4       (4.5 )     33.9            

Total notes for the CLO III offering

  $ 370.5     $ 370.5     $ (5.8 )   $ 364.7            

Consolidation elimination

    N/A       (38.4 )     4.5       (33.9 )          

Total CLO III asset-backed securities issued

    N/A     $ 332.1     $ (1.3 )   $ 330.8            

 

(In millions)

 

As of December 31, 2016

   

Notes

Originally

Issued

   

Outstanding

Principal

Balance

   

Issuance

Discount

   

Net

Outstanding

Balance

   

Interest Rate

Spread to

LIBOR

 

Ratings
(Moody's/Fitch)

Class A Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2025

  $ 228.0     $ 228.0     $ (0.5 )   $ 227.5       1.53 %

Aaa/AAA

Class B Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    41.7       41.7       (0.7 )     41.0       2.05 %

Aa2/NR

Class C Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    22.5       22.5       (0.5 )     22.0       2.90 %

A2/NR

Class D Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    21.6       21.6       -       21.6       5.10 %

Baa3/NR

Class E Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    18.3       18.3       -       18.3       7.35 %

Ba3/NR

Total secured notes sold to investors

  $ 332.1     $ 332.1     $ (1.7 )   $ 330.4            

Unsecured subordinated notes due 2025

    38.4       38.4       (4.5 )     33.9            

Total notes for the CLO III offering

  $ 370.5     $ 370.5     $ (6.2 )   $ 364.3            

Consolidation elimination

    N/A       (38.4 )     4.5       (33.9 )          

Total CLO III asset-backed securities issued

    N/A     $ 332.1     $ (1.7 )   $ 330.4            

 

-22-

 

 

The Secured Notes and Subordinated Notes are limited recourse obligations payable solely from cash flows of the CLO III loan portfolio and related collection and payment accounts pledged as security. Payment on the Class A notes rank senior in right of payment with payments on the Class B notes and payment on the Class A and Class B notes rank senior in right of payment to the other Secured Notes and the Subordinated Notes. Payment on the Class C, Class D and Class E notes generally rank subordinate in right of payment to any other class of notes which has an earlier alphabetical designation. The Subordinated Notes are subordinated in right of payment to all other classes of notes and accrue interest. Interest on the Secured Notes is paid quarterly at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus the applicable spread set forth in the table above. Payment of interest on the Class C, Class D and Class E notes is payable only to the extent proceeds are available under the applicable payment priority provisions. To the extent proceeds are not so available, interest on the Class C, Class D and Class E notes will be deferred. The Secured Notes are secured by the CLO III loan portfolio and the funds on deposit in various related collection and payment accounts. The terms of the debt securitization subject the loans included in the CLO III loan portfolio to a number of collateral quality, portfolio profile, interest coverage and overcollateralization tests.

 

The Notes were recorded at fair value upon the issuance of CLO III in September 2014, and include a discount to par value. The activity in the note principal and purchase discount for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 comprised the following:

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

 
                                                 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 332,100     $ (1,427 )   $ 330,673     $ 332,100     $ (1,923 )   $ 330,177  

Amortization of discount

    -       123       123       -       124       124  

Balance at end of period

  $ 332,100     $ (1,304 )   $ 330,796     $ 332,100     $ (1,799 )   $ 330,301  

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

 
                                                 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 332,100     $ (1,676 )   $ 330,424     $ 332,100     $ (2,165 )   $ 329,935  

Amortization of discount

    -       372       372       -       366       366  

Balance at end of period

  $ 332,100     $ (1,304 )   $ 330,796     $ 332,100     $ (1,799 )   $ 330,301  

 

 

CLO IV

 

On June 29, 2017, CLO IV completed a $456.9 million securitization, comprised of $414.0 million aggregate principal amount of secured notes (the “Secured Notes”) and $42.9 million of unsecured subordinated notes (the “Subordinated Notes”). The Secured Notes offered in this transaction were issued in multiple tranches and are rated by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and, in respect of certain tranches, Fitch. The Secured Notes will be repaid from the cash flows generated by the loan portfolio owned by CLO IV. The Company owned 100% of the Subordinated Notes at September 30, 2017. These Subordinated Notes are eliminated upon consolidation, and therefore, are not reflected on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial condition at September 30, 2017.

 

(In millions)

 

As of September 30, 2017

   

Notes

Originally

Issued

   

Outstanding

Principal

Balance

   

Issuance

Discount

   

Net

Outstanding

Balance

   

Interest Rate

Spread to

LIBOR

   

Ratings
(Moody's/Fitch)

Class A Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2025

  $ 285.8     $ 285.8     $ -     $ 285.8       1.37 %  

Aaa/AAA

Class B Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    54.0       54.0       (0.2 )     53.8       1.90 %  

Aa2/NR

Class C Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    27.0       27.0       (0.3 )     26.7       2.65 %  

A2/NR

Class D Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    24.8       24.8       (0.6 )     24.2       4.15 %  

Baa3/NR

Class E Senior Deferrable Floating Rate Notes due 2025

    22.4       22.4       (0.9 )     21.5       6.80 %  

Ba3/NR

Total secured notes sold to investors

  $ 414.0     $ 414.0     $ (2.0 )   $ 412.0              

Unsecured subordinated notes due 2025

    42.9       42.9       (3.8 )     39.1              

Total notes for the CLO IV offering

  $ 456.9     $ 456.9     $ (5.8 )   $ 451.1              

Consolidation elimination

    N/A       (42.9 )     3.8       (39.1 )            

Total CLO IV asset-backed securities issued

    N/A     $ 414.0     $ (2.0 )   $ 412.0              

 

 

The Secured Notes and Subordinated Notes are limited recourse obligations payable solely from cash flows of the CLO IV loan portfolio and related collection and payment accounts pledged as security. Payment on the Class A notes rank senior in right of payment with payments on the Class B notes and payment on the Class A and Class B notes rank senior in right of payment to the other Secured Notes and the Subordinated Notes. Payment on the Class C, Class D and Class E notes generally rank subordinate in right of payment to any other class of notes which has an earlier alphabetical designation. The Subordinated Notes are subordinated in right of payment to all other classes of notes and accrue interest. Interest on the Secured Notes is paid quarterly at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus the applicable spread set forth in the table above. Payment of interest on the Class C, Class D and Class E notes is payable only to the extent proceeds are available under the applicable payment priority provisions. To the extent proceeds are not so available, interest on the Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E notes will be deferred. The Secured Notes are secured by the CLO IV loan portfolio and the funds on deposit in various related collection and payment accounts. The terms of the debt securitization subject the loans included in the CLO IV loan portfolio to a number of collateral quality, portfolio profile, interest coverage and overcollateralization tests.

 

-23-

 

 

The Notes were recorded at fair value upon the issuance of CLO I V in June 2017, and include a discount to par value. The activity in the note principal and purchase discount for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 comprised the following:

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 
   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

   

Principal

   

Issuance Discount

   

Net

 
                                                 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 414,000     $ (1,990 )   $ 412,010     $ -     $ -     $ -  

CLO IV issuance

    -       -       -       414,000       (1,990 )     412,010  

Amortization of discount

    -       44       44       -       138       138  

Balance at end of period

  $ 414,000     $ (1,946 )   $ 412,054     $ 414,000     $ (1,852 )   $ 412,148  

 

 

Interest on Asset Backed Securities

 

Total interest expense related to the asset-backed securities issued for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $6.8 million and $18.9 million, which comprised of coupon interest of $6.4 million and $17.0 million, and issuance discount amortization of $0.5 million and $1.9 million. Total interest expense related to the asset-backed securities issued for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $6.4 million and $18.8 million, which comprised of coupon interest of $5.8 million and $17.0 million, and issuance discount amortization of $0.6 million and $1.8 million. As of September 30, 2017 and December 30, 2016, accrued interest payable on the Notes was $6.0 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

 

Fair Value of Asset Backed Securities

 

The Company determined the fair value of asset-backed securities issued to be $746.1 million and $831.9 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, based upon pricing from published market research for equivalent-rated CLO notes. Based on the fair value methodology, the Company has identified the asset-backed securities issued as Level 2 liabilities.

 

  8 . Share holders’ Equity

 

Share Repurchase Program

On February 13, 2017, with the previous authorization expired, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 shares through December 31, 2017. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased 235,612 and 362,694 of the Company’s shares, respectively, at an average price of $5.34 and $5.42 per share, respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.3M and $2.0 million on the open market, respectively.

 

The timing and amount of any future open market share repurchases will be determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions, the relative attractiveness of other capital deployment activities, regulatory considerations and other factors. Any open market share repurchase activities will be conducted in compliance with the safe harbor provisions of Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act, or in privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases of common shares may also be made under an effective Rule 10b5-1 plan which permits common shares to be repurchased when the Company may otherwise be prohibited from doing so under insider trading laws. This repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

 

9 . Share -Based Compensation

 

T he JMP Group LLC Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (“JMP Group Plan”) authorized the issuance of 4,000,000 common shares. This amount is increased by any shares JMP Group LLC purchases on the open market, or through any share repurchase or share exchange program, as well as any shares that may be returned to the JMP Group Plan or the JMP Group LLC 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (“JMP Group 2004 Plan”) as a result of forfeiture, termination or expiration of awards, not to exceed a maximum aggregate number of shares of 2,960,000 shares under the JMP Group 2004 Plan. The Company will issue shares upon exercises or vesting from authorized but unissued shares or from treasury shares.

 

-24-

 

 

Share Options

 

The following table summarizes the share option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30, 2017

 
   

Shares Subject

   

Weighted Average

 
   

to Option

   

Exercise Price

 
                 

Balance, beginning of year

    2,710,000     $ 6.53  

Exercised

    (195,000 )     6.24  

Balance, end of period

    2,515,000     $ 6.54  
                 

Options exercisable at end of period

    2,515,000     $ 6.54  

 

The following table summarizes the share options outstanding as well as share options vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2017:

       

September 30, 2017

 
       

Options Outstanding

   

Options Vested and Exercisable

 
                                                                     
               

Weighted

                           

Weighted

                 
               

Average

   

Weighted

                   

Average

   

Weighted

         

Range of

         

Remaining

   

Average

   

Aggregate

           

Remaining

   

Average

   

Aggregate

 

Exercise

 

Number

   

Contractual

   

Exercise

   

Intrinsic

   

Number

   

Contractual

   

Exercise

   

Intrinsic

 

Prices

 

Outstanding

   

Life in Years

   

Price

   

Value

   

Exercisable

   

Life in Years

   

Price

   

Value

 
                                                                     

$6.05

- $7.33     2,490,000       1.76     $ 6.54     $ -       2,490,000       1.76     $ 6.54       -  

 

The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense for share options over the vesting period using the straight-line method. The Company recognized compensation expense related to share options of zero and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company recognized compensation expense related to share options of $0.1 million and $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

As of September 30, 2017, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to share options.

 

The Company recognized current income tax benefits $24 thousand and $53 thousand from the exercise of share options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. There were no share options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. As a result, the Company did not recognize any current income tax benefits from the exercise of share options during these periods.

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model or other quantitative models to calculate the fair value of option awards.

 

Restricted Share Units and Restricted Shares

 

On February 7, 2017, the Company granted approximately 117,000 RSUs to certain employees of the Company as part of the 2016 deferred compensation program. 50% of these units will vest on December 1, 2017 and the remaining 50% will vest on December 1, 2018, subject to the grantees’ continued employment through such dates. In addition, the Company granted approximately 153,000 RSUs to certain employees for long-term incentive purposes. 50% of these units will vest on December 1, 2017, and the remaining 50% will vest on December 1, 2018. The vested shares will be restricted from sale or transfer until December 1, 2019. On March 16, 2017, approximately 58,000 RSUs were granted to Company’s independent directors. These RSUs have a requisite service period of one to three years.

 

The following table summarizes RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30, 2017

 
   

Restricted

   

Weighted Average

 
   

Share Units

   

Grant Date Fair Value

 
                 

Balance, beginning of year

    646,558     $ 5.14  

Granted

    389,915       5.89  

Vested

    (164,062 )     5.99  

Forfeited

    (31,071 )     4.10  

Balance, end of period

    841,340     $ 5.21  

 

-25-

 

 

The aggregate fair value of RSUs vested during both the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The aggregate fair value of RSUs vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $1.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the income tax benefits realized from the vested RSUs were $0.1 million and $51 thousand, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the income tax benefits realized from the vested RSUs were $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

 

The Company recognizes compensation expense for RSUs over the vesting period using the accelerated attribution method when they are subject to graded vesting and on a straight-line basis when they are subject to cliff vesting. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded compensation expenses of $0.8 million and $1.4 million for RSUs, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded compensation expenses of $2.4 million and $3.4 million for RSUs, respectively.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized income tax benefits of $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, related to the compensation expense recognized for RSUs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized income tax benefits of $0.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, related to the compensation expense recognized for RSUs. As of September 30, 2017, there was $0.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.78 years.

 

The Company pays cash distribution equivalents on certain unvested RSUs. Distribution equivalents paid on RSUs are generally charged to retained earnings. Distribution equivalents paid on RSUs expected to be forfeited are included in compensation expense. The Company accounts for the tax benefit related to distribution equivalents paid on RSUs as an increase in additional paid-in capital.

 

Share Appreciation Rights

 

The following table summarizes the SARs activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30, 2017

 
   

Share Appreciation

   

Weighted Average

 
   

Rights

   

Exercise Price

 
                 

Balance, beginning of year

    2,580,000     $ 7.33  

Forfeited

    (95,000 )     7.33  

Balance, end of period

    2,485,000     $ 7.33  

 

The following table summarizes the share options outstanding as well as share options vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2017:

 

       

September 30, 2017

 
       

Options Outstanding

 
                                     
               

Weighted

                 
               

Average

   

Weighted

         

Range of

         

Remaining

   

Average

   

Aggregate

 

Exercise

Prices

 

Number

   

Contractual

   

Exercise

   

Intrinsic

 
 

Outstanding

   

Life in Years

   

Price

   

Value

 
                                     

$7.33

- $7.33     2,485,000       2.25     $ 7.33     $ -  

 

The Company recognizes compensation expense for SARs over the vesting period, through monthly mark to market of adjustments to the liability award. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded SARs compensation benefit of $67 thousand and expense of $46 thousand, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded SARs compensation benefit of $0.3 million and expense of $0.2 million, respectively.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized income tax benefit of $0.1 million and income tax expense of $0.2 million, respectively, related to the compensation expense and reversal recognized for SARs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized income tax expense of $26 thousand and income tax benefit of $0.1 million, respectively, related to the compensation expense and reversal recognized for SARs. As of September 30, 2017, there was $40 thousand of unrecognized compensation expense related to SARs expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.25 years.

 

10 . Net Income (Loss) per Common Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per share for the Company is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of outstanding shares to reflect the potential dilutive impact as if all potentially dilutive share options or RSUs were exercised or converted under the treasury share method. However, for periods that the Company has a net loss, the effect of outstanding share options or RSUs is anti-dilutive and, accordingly, is excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share.

 

-26-

 

 

The computations of basic and diluted net income per share for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are shown in the tables below:  

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 
                                 

Numerator:

                               

Net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group, LLC

  $ (1,235 )   $ 661     $ (14,510 )   $ 2,137  
                                 

Denominator:

                               

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

    21,525       20,946       21,583       21,117  
                                 

Effect of potential dilutive securities:

                               

Restricted share units

    -       955       -       679  
                                 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    21,525       21,901       21,583       21,796  
                                 

Net income (loss) per share

                               

Basic

  $ (0.06 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.67 )   $ 0.10  

Diluted

  $ (0.06 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.67 )   $ 0.10  

 

In the table above, for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, unvested non-forfeitable RSUs that have distribution equivalent rights are treated as a separate class of securities in calculating net income per share. There was no impact of applying this methodology to the basic net income per share of zero for the quarter.

 

Share o ptions to purchase 2,501,141 and 2,667,283 shares of common shares for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were anti-dilutive and, therefore, were not included in the computation of diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding. Share options to purchase 2,572,012 and 2,720,985 shares of common shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were anti-dilutive and, therefore, were not included in the computation of diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding.

 

Restricted share units for 824,053 and zero shares of common shares for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were anti-dilutive and, therefore, were not included in the computation of diluted weighted-average common shares outstan ding. Restricted share units for 822,240 and 97,382 shares of common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were anti-dilutive and, therefore, were not included in the computation of diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding.

 

11 . Employee Benefits

 

All full-time employees of the Company are eligible to participate in the JMP Group 401(k) Plan after three months of employment. Participants may contribute up to the limits set by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The Company contributes a match of 100% of each participant’s contributions to the JMP Group 401(k) Plan up to a maximum of 3% of the participant’s compensation plus 50% of the participant’s elective deferrals between 3% and 5%. All participants are immediately vested 100% on matched contributions. The Company recorded JMP Group 401(k) Plan matching expense of $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company recorded JMP Group 401(k) Plan matching expense of $1.3 million and $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

12. Income Taxes

 

JMP Group LLC qualifies as a publicly traded partnership taxable as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes. The consolidated entities of the Company consist of wholly-owned corporate subsidiaries and entities treated as partnerships for U.S. income tax purposes. Income earned by the corporate subsidiaries is subject to U.S. federal and state income taxation. Income earned by the non-corporate subsidiaries is not subject to U.S. federal and state corporate income tax. These amounts are allocated to JMP Group LLCs partners.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded income tax expense of $1.1 million and income tax benefit of $0.6 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded income tax benefit of $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The effective tax rates were 8.1 % and 10.3 % for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective tax rates were 1.3 % and 14.8 % for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Company ’s effective tax rate used for the interim periods is based on the estimated full-year income tax rate. The effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the following: (i) a portion of the reported pre-tax income is attributable to non-controlling interests held in the Company’s consolidated entities by third parties, and (ii) a significant portion of pre-tax income/(loss) is from qualifying sources that are generated by certain flow through entities within the Company. These amounts are excluded from the computation of corporate income tax.

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, and are determined based upon the temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of the Company ’s assets and liabilities using the tax rates and laws in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

 

-27-

 

 

13 . Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company leases office space in California, I llinois, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and Florida under various operating leases. Occupancy expense for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The Company recorded sublease income of $54 thousand and $0.1 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Occupancy expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $3.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The Company recorded sublease income of $0.2 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The California, Illinois, Minnesota and New York leases included a period of free rent at the start of the lease. Rent expense is recognized over the entire lease period uniformly net of the free rent savings. The aggregate minimum future commitments of these leases are:

 

(In thousands)

 

Minimum Future Lease

 

Year Ending December 31,

    Commitments  

2017

  $ 1,183  

2018

    4,787  

2019

    3,984  

2020

    2,568  

2021

    2,553  

Thereafter

    10,020  

Total Lease Commitments

  $ 25,095  

 

In connection with its underwriting activities, JMP Securities enters into firm commitments for the purchase of securities in return for a fee. These commitments require JMP Securities to purchase securities at a specified price. Securities underwriting exposes JMP Securities to market and credit risk, primarily in the event that, for any reason, securities purchased by JMP Securities cannot be distributed at anticipated price levels. Settlement of transactions relating to such underwriting commitments, which were open at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, had no material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

The marketable securities owned and the restricted cash, as well as the cash held by the clearing broker, may be used to maintain margin requirements. The Company had $0.3 million of cash on deposit with JMP Securities’ clearing broker at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Furthermore, the marketable securities owned may be hypothecated or borrowed by the clearing broker.

 

Unfunded commitments are agreements to lend to a borrower, provided that all conditions have been met. The Company had unfunded commitments to lend $39.4 million as of September 30, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had sold unfunded commitments of $20.7 million that had not yet settled. The Company had sold unfunded commitments of $34.0 million as of December 31, 2016, related to commitments sold but not yet closed in CLO I. $2.9 million of the unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2016, relate to commitments traded but not yet closed in CLO II. $10.0 million and $7.8 million of the unfunded commitments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, relate to commitments traded but not yet closed in CLO III. $12.9 million of the unfunded commitments as of September 30, 2017 relate to commitments traded but not yet closed in CLO IV. $16.5 million of the unfunded commitments as of September 30, 2017 relate to commitments traded but not yet closed in CLO V. The Company determined the fair value of the unfunded commitments to be $41.8 million as of September 30, 2017, using the average market bid and ask quotation obtained from a loan pricing service. The Company determined the fair value of the sold unfunded commitments, not yet settled, to be $18.5 million as of December 31, 2016, using the average market bid and ask quotation obtained from a loan pricing service.

 

14 . Regulatory Requirements

 

JMP Securities is subject to the SEC ’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined, and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. JMP Securities had net capital of $21.1 million and $29.7 million, which were $19.8 million and $28.6 million in excess of the required net capital of $1.3 million and $1.1 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. JMP Securities’ ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital was 0.92 to 1 and 0.56 to 1 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

Since all customer transactions are cleared through another broker-dealer on a fully disclosed basis, JMP Securities is not required to maintain a separate bank account for the exclusive benefit of customers in accordance with Rule 15c3-3 under the Exchange Act.

 

15 . Related Party Transactions

 

The Company earns base management fees and incentive fees from serving as investment advisor for various entities, including corporations, partnerships limited liability companies, and offshore investment companies. The Company also owns an investment in most of such affiliated entities. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the aggregate fair value of the Company’s investments in the affiliated entities for which the Company serves as the investment advisor was $26.8 million and $27.8 million, respectively, which consisted of investments in hedge and other private funds of $16.6 million and $17.3 million, respectively, and an investment in HCC common stock of $10.2 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Base management fees earned from these affiliated entities were $3.9 million and $4.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Base management fees earned from these affiliated entities were $12.1 million and $12.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Also, the Company earned incentive fees of $0.1 million from these affiliated entities for the three months ended September 30, 2017. No incentive was earned for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The Company earned incentive fees of $2.0 million and $6.5 million, from these affiliated entities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had incentive fees receivable from these affiliated entities of $19 thousand and $0.5 million, respectively.

 

-28-

 

 

16 . Guarantees

 

JMP Securities has agreed to indemnify its clearing broker for losses that the clearing broker may sustain from the accounts of customers introduced by JMP Securities. Should a customer not fulfill its obligation on a transaction, JMP Securities may be required to buy or sell securities at prevailing market prices in the future on behalf of its customer. JMP Securities ’ obligation under the indemnification has no maximum amount. All unsettled trades at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 have subsequently settled with no resulting material liability to the Company. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no material loss due to counterparty failure, and has no obligations outstanding under the indemnification arrangement as of September 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

 

The Company is engaged in various investment banking and brokerage activities whose counterparties primarily include broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions. In the event counterparties do not fulfill their obligations, the Company may be exposed to risk. The risk of default depends on the creditworthiness of the counterparty or issuer of the instrument. It is the Company ’s policy to review, as necessary, the credit standing of each counterparty with which it conducts business.

 

17 . Litigation

 

The Company may be involved from to time in a number of judicial, regulatory, litigation and arbitration matters arising in connection with the business. The outcome of such matters the Company has been and/or currently is involved in cannot be determined at this time, and the results cannot be predicted with certainty. There can be no assurance that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations in any future period and a significant outcome could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

The Company reviews the need for any loss contingency reserves and establish reserves when, in the opinion of management, it is probable that a matter would result in liability and the amount of loss, if any, can be reasonably estimated. Generally, given the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of matters the Company is involved in, particularly cases in which claimants seek substantial or indeterminate damages, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to reasonably estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution. For these matters, no reserve is established until such time, other than for reasonably estimable legal fees and expenses. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, believes that the currently known actions or threats will not result in any material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

18 . Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk, Credit Risk or Market Risk

 

The majority of the Company ’s transactions, and consequently the concentration of its credit exposure, is with its clearing broker. The clearing broker is also a significant source of short-term financing for the Company, which is collateralized by cash and securities owned by the Company and held by the clearing broker. The Company’s securities owned may be pledged by the clearing broker. The receivable from the clearing broker represents amounts receivable in connection with the trading of proprietary positions.

 

The Company is also exposed to credit risk from other brokers, dealers and other financial institutions with which it transacts business. In the event that counterparties do not fulfill their obligations, the Company may be exposed to credit risk.

 

The Company ’s trading activities include providing securities brokerage services to institutional clients. To facilitate these customer transactions, the Company purchases proprietary securities positions (“long positions”) in equity securities. The Company also enters into transactions to sell securities not yet purchased (“short positions”), which are recorded as liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Company is exposed to market risk on these long and short securities positions as a result of decreases in market value of long positions and increases in market value of short positions. Short positions create a liability to purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices. Such transactions result in off-balance sheet market risk as the Company’s ultimate obligation to satisfy the sale of securities sold, but not yet purchased, may exceed the amount recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. To mitigate the risk of losses, these securities positions are marked to market daily and are monitored by management to assure compliance with limits established by the Company.

 

In connection with the CLOs, the Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include unfunded commitments to lend and standby letters of credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company.

 

Unfunded commitments are agreements to lend to a borrower, provided that all conditions have been met. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since certain commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each borrower ’s creditworthiness on a case by case basis.

 

-29-

 

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance by a borrower to a third party. The Company ’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on balance sheet instruments. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to borrowers. The Company had unfunded commitments to lend $39.4 million as of September 30, 2017. The Company had sold unfunded commitments of $20.7 million as of December 31, 2016 that had not yet settled. The Company had sold unfunded commitments of $34.0 million as of December 31, 2016, related to commitments sold but not yet closed in CLO I. $2.9 million of the unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2016, relate to commitments traded but not yet closed in CLO II. $10.0 million and $7.8 million of the unfunded commitments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, relate to commitments traded but not yet closed in CLO III. $12.9 million of the unfunded commitments as of September 30, 2017 relate to commitments traded but not yet closed in CLO IV. $16.5 million of the unfunded commitments as of September 30, 2017 relate to commitments traded but not yet closed in CLO V. The Company determined the fair value of the unfunded commitments to be $41.8 million as of September 30, 2017, using the average market bid and ask quotation obtained from a loan pricing service. The Company determined the fair value of the sold unfunded commitments, not yet settled, to be $18.5 million as of December 31, 2016, using the average market bid and ask quotation obtained from a loan pricing service.

 

19 . Business Segments

 

The Company’s business results are categorized into the following three business segments: Broker-Dealer, Asset Management, and Corporate. The Broker-Dealer segment includes a broad range of services, such as underwriting and acting as a placement agent for public and private capital markets raising transactions and financial advisory services in M&A, restructuring and other strategic transactions. The Broker-Dealer segment also includes institutional brokerage services and equity research services to our institutional investor clients. The Asset Management segment includes the management of a broad range of pooled investment vehicles, including the Company’s hedge funds, private equity funds, hedge funds of funds, and collateralized loan obligations. The Corporate segment includes income from the Company’s principal investments in public and private securities and investment funds managed by HCS, as well as any other net interest and income from investing activities. The Corporate segment also includes expenses related to JMP Group LLC, JMP Holding LLC and JMP Group Inc., and is mainly comprised of corporate overhead expenses and interest expense related to the Company’s bond issuance.

 

Management uses operating net income as a key metric when evaluating the performance of JMP Group’s core business strategy and ongoing operations. This measure adjusts the Company’s net income as follows: (i) reverses non-cash share-based compensation expense related to historical equity awards granted in prior periods, (ii) recognizes 100% of the cost of deferred compensation in the period for which such compensation was awarded, instead of recognizing such cost over the vesting period as required under GAAP, (iii) reverses amortization expense related to an intangible asset resulting from the repurchase of a portion of the equity of JMP Credit Advisors CLO III; (iv) reverses depreciation and amortization expense related to commercial real estate investments; (v) reverses net unrealized gains and losses on strategic equity investments and warrants, (vi) excludes general loan loss reserves on the CLOs, (vii) presents revenues and expenses on a basis that deconsolidates HCAP Advisors and the CLOs, (viii) reverses the one-time expense associated with the contribution of the remaining assets in JMP Credit Advisors CLO II to newly formed JMP Credit Advisors CLO IV, and (ix) the one-time transaction costs related to the refinancing of the debt issued by JMP Credit Advisors CLO III; and the resulting acceleration of the amortization of remaining capitalized issuance costs. These charges may otherwise obscure the Company’s operating income and complicate an assessment of the Company’s core business activities. The operating pre-tax net income facilitates a meaningful comparison of the Company’s results in a given period to those in prior and future periods.

 

The Company ’s segment information for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was prepared using the following methodology:

 

 

 

Revenues and expenses directly associated with each segment are included in determining segment operating income.

 

 

 

Revenues and expenses not directly associated with a specific segment are allocated based on the most relevant measures applicable, including revenues, headcount and other factors.

 

 

 

Each segment ’s operating expenses include: a) compensation and benefits expenses that are incurred directly in support of the segments and b) other operating expenses, which include expenses for premises and occupancy, professional fees, travel and entertainment, communications and information services, equipment and indirect support costs (including compensation and other operating expenses related thereto) for administrative services.

       

 

 

Assets directly associated with each segment are allocated to the respective segment. One exception i s depreciable assets, which are held at the Corporate segment. The associated depreciation is allocated to the related segment.

 

-30-

 

 

Segment Operating Results

 

Management believes that the following information provides a reasonable representation of each segment ’s contribution to revenues, income and assets:

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 

Broker-Dealer

                               

Non-interest revenues

  $ 26,848     $ 20,066     $ 69,944     $ 58,640  

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

  $ 26,848     $ 20,066     $ 69,944     $ 58,640  

Non-interest expenses

    22,215       19,332       63,234       57,637  

Segment operating pre-tax net income

  $ 4,633     $ 734     $ 6,710     $ 1,003  

Segment assets

  $ 81,880     $ 63,648     $ 81,880     $ 63,648  

Asset Management

                               

Non-interest revenues

  $ 4,798     $ 5,296     $ 14,965     $ 21,721  

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

  $ 4,798     $ 5,296     $ 14,965     $ 21,721  

Non-interest expenses

    4,948       5,176       15,346       20,473  

Segment operating pre-tax net income

  $ (150 )   $ 120     $ (381 )   $ 1,248  

Segment assets

  $ 19,424     $ 30,158     $ 19,424     $ 30,158  

Corporate

                               

Non-interest revenues

  $ 1,572     $ 3,635     $ 7,199     $ 12,728  

Net interest income

    1,145       2,057       2,100       6,431  

Provision for loan losses

    (593 )     17       (2,415 )     (795 )

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

  $ 2,124     $ 5,709     $ 6,884     $ 18,364  

Non-interest expenses

    3,706       4,308       12,624       14,857  

Segment operating pre-tax net income

  $ (1,582 )   $ 1,401     $ (5,740 )   $ 3,507  

Segment assets

  $ 1,252,859       1,410,152     $ 1,252,859     $ 1,410,152  

Eliminations

                               

Non-interest revenues

  $ (821 )   $ (1,422 )   $ (2,584 )   $ (4,057 )

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

  $ (821 )   $ (1,422 )   $ (2,584 )   $ (4,057 )

Non-interest expenses

    (821 )     (1,422 )     (2,584 )     (4,057 )

Segment operating pre-tax net loss

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

Segment assets

  $ (323,132 )   $ (336,979 )   $ (323,132 )   $ (336,979 )

Total Segments

                               

Non-interest revenues

  $ 32,397     $ 27,575     $ 89,524     $ 89,032  

Net interest income

    1,145       2,057       2,100       6,431  

Provision for loan losses

    (593 )     17       (2,415 )     (795 )

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

  $ 32,949     $ 29,649     $ 89,209     $ 94,668  

Non-interest expenses

    30,048       27,394       88,620       88,910  

Segment operating pre-tax net income

  $ 2,901     $ 2,255     $ 589     $ 5,758  

Total assets

  $ 1,031,031     $ 1,166,979     $ 1,031,031     $ 1,166,979  

 

-31-

 

 

The following tables reconcile the total segments to consolidated net income before income tax expense and total assets as of and for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 

(In thousands)

 

As of and Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

   

As of and Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Total Segments

   

Consolidation

Adjustments and

Reconciling Items

     

JMP

Consolidated

   

Total Segments

   

Consolidation

Adjustments and

Reconciling Items

     

JMP

Consolidated

 
                                                     
                                                     

Non-interest revenues

  $ 32,397     $ (2,089 )

(a)

  $ 30,308     $ 27,575     $ (264 )

(a)

  $ 27,311  

Net Interest Income

    1,145       944  

(b)

    2,089       2,057       1,203  

(b)

    3,260  

Gain (loss) repurchase/early retirement of debt

    -       -         -       -       -         -  

Provision for loan losses

    (593 )     225         (368 )     17       87         104  

Total net revenues after provision for  loan losses

  $ 32,949     $ (920 )     $ 32,029     $ 29,649     $ 1,026       $ 30,675  

Non-interest expenses

    30,048       1,323  

(c )

    31,371       27,394       2,276  

(c )

    29,670  

Noncontrolling interest

    -       780         780       -       941         941  

Operating pre-tax net income (loss)

  $ 2,901     $ (3,023 )

(d)

  $ (122 )   $ 2,255     $ (2,191 )

(d)

  $ 64  

Total assets

  $ 1,031,031     $ -       $ 1,031,031     $ 1,166,979     $ -       $ 1,166,979  

 

(In thousands)

 

As of and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

   

As of and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Total Segments

   

Consolidation

Adjustments and

Reconciling Items

     

JMP

Consolidated

   

Total Segments

   

Consolidation

Adjustments and

Reconciling Items

     

JMP

Consolidated

 
                                                     
                                                     

Non-interest revenues

  $ 89,524     $ (6,168 )

(a)

  $ 83,356     $ 89,032     $ (799 )

(a)

  $ 88,233  

Net Interest Income

    2,100       2,914  

(b)

    5,014       6,431       5,269  

(b)

    11,700  

Gain (loss) repurchase/early retirement of debt

    -       (5,332 )       (5,332 )     -       -         -  

Provision for loan losses

    (2,415 )     (1,073 )       (3,488 )     (795 )     (185 )       (980 )

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

  $ 89,209     $ (9,659 )     $ 79,550     $ 94,668     $ 4,285       $ 98,953  

Non-interest expenses

    88,620       3,897  

(c )

    92,517       88,910       4,670  

(c )

    93,580  

Noncontrolling interest

    -       1,712         1,712       -       4,029         4,029  

Operating pre-tax net income (loss)

  $ 589     $ (15,268 )

(d)

  $ (14,679 )   $ 5,758     $ (4,414 )

(d)

  $ 1,344  

Total assets

  $ 1,031,031     $ -       $ 1,031,031     $ 1,166,979     $ -       $ 1,166,979  

 

(a) Non-interest revenue adjustments is comprised of loan sale gains, mark-to-market gains/losses, strategic equity investments and warrants, and fund-related revenues recognized upon consolidation of certain Harvest Funds.

(b) The Net Interest Income adjustment is comprised of the non-cash net amortization of liquidity discounts at the CLOs, due to scheduled contractual repayments, and amortization expense related to an intangible asset.

(c) Non-interest expense adjustments relate to reversals of share-based compensation and exclusion of fund-related expenses recognized upon consolidation of certain Harvest Funds.

(d) Reconciling operating pre-tax net income to Cons olidated Net Income before income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following:

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 

Consolidated Net Income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ (1,235 )   $ 661     $ (14,510 )   $ 2,137  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    1,113       (597 )     (169 )     (793 )

Consolidated pre-tax net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ (122 )   $ 64     $ (14,679 )   $ 1,344  

Subtract (Add back)

                               

Share-based compensation expense

    (260 )     (583 )     (595 )     (1,283 )

Deferred compensation program accounting adjustment

    (436 )     (1,126 )     (1,268 )     (1,046 )

Net unrealized loss/ (gain) on strategic equity investments and warrants.

    191       (435 )     (297 )     329  

General loan loss reserve for the CLOs

    136       76       (697 )     109  

CLO refinancing and accelerated expenses

    (14 )     -       (300 )     -  

Depreciation of commercial real estate in underlying investments

    (2,571 )     (123 )     (6,472 )     (2,523 )

Amortization of intangible assets

    (69 )     -       (207 )     -  

Early debt retirement of CLO

    -       -       (5,432 )     -  

Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items

    (3,023 )     (2,191 )     (15,268 )     (4,414 )

Segment operating pre-tax net income (loss)

  $ 2,901     $ 2,255     $ 589     $ 5,758  

 

-32-

 

 

20 . Summarized Financial Information for Equity Method Investments

 

The tables below present summarized financial information of the hedge funds and private equity fund, which the Company accounts for under the equity method. The financial information below represents 100% of the net assets, net realized and unrealized gains (losses) and net investment income (loss) of such hedge funds as of the dates and for the periods indicated.

 

   

As of

 

(In thousands)

 

September 30, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
   

Net Assets

   

Net Assets

 

Harvest Small Cap Partners

  $ 293,412     $ 296,404  

Harvest Agriculture Select

    22,609       22,796  

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
   

Net Realized and

Unrealized Gains

(Losses)

   

Net Investment

Income (Loss)

   

Net Realized and

Unrealized Gains

(Losses)

   

Net Investment

Income (Loss)

 

Harvest Small Cap Partners

  $ 14,991     $ (4,228 )   $ 732     $ (4,868 )

Harvest Agriculture Select

    655       (42 )     300       (93 )

Harvest Technology Partners

    -       -       82       (52 )

Harvest Financial Partners

    -       -       795       (53 )

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
   

Net Realized and

Unrealized Gains

(Losses)

   

Net Investment

Income (Loss)

   

Net Realized and

Unrealized Gains

(Losses)

   

Net Investment

Income (Loss)

 

Harvest Small Cap Partners

  $ 2,037     $ (13,528 )   $ 32,417     $ (15,209 )

Harvest Agriculture Select

    1,492       (157 )     (66 )     (170 )

Harvest Technology Partners

    -       -       (87 )     (173 )

Harvest Financial Partners

    -       -       204       (228 )

 

2 1 . Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

 

JMP Group Inc., a 100% owned subsidiary of JMP Group LLC, is the primary obligor of the Company’s 8.00% Senior Notes due 2023 and the Company’s 7.25% Senior Notes due 2021. In conjunction with the Reorganization Transaction, on January 1, 2015, JMP Group LLC and JMP Investment Holdings LLC became guarantors of JMP Group Inc. with respect to the Senior Notes. The guarantee is full and unconditional. One of the non-guarantor subsidiaries, JMP Securities, is subject to certain regulations, which require the maintenance of minimum net capital. This requirement may limit the issuer’s access to this subsidiary’s assets.

 

-33-

 

 

The following condensed consolidating financial statements present the consolidated statements of financial condition, c ondensed consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of cash flows of JMP Group LLC (parent company and guarantor), JMP Group Inc. (issuer), JMP Investment Holdings LLC (guarantor subsidiary), and the elimination of entries necessary to consolidate or combine the issuer with the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries. These statements are presented in accordance with the disclosure requirements under SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10.

 

(In thousands)

 

As of September 30, 2017

 
   

Parent

Company

   

Subsidiary

Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiary

   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

JMP Group LLC

 

Assets

                                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 8,828     $ 1,759     $ 19,065     $ 57,841     $ -     $ 87,493  

Restricted cash and deposits

    -       1,471       -       60,493       -       61,964  

Receivable from clearing broker

    -       -       -       20,384       -       20,384  

Investment banking fees receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

    -       -       -       14,692       -       14,692  

Marketable securities owned, at fair value

    -       -       10,582       11,905       (472 )     22,015  

Incentive fee receivable

    -       -       -       19       -       19  

Other investments

    -       4,962       11,386       10,225       -       26,573  

Loans held for investment, net of allowance for loan losses

    -       -       4,905       13,842       -       18,747  

Loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued, net of allowance for loan losses

    -       -       -       756,166       -       756,166  

Interest receivable

    -       -       7       2,044       -       2,051  

Collateral posted for derivative transaction

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Fixed assets, net

    -       -       -       2,459       -       2,459  

Deferred tax assets

    -       12,287       -       -       -       12,287  

Other assets

    (4,558 )     137,579       (9,516 )     37,133       (154,457 )     6,181  

Investment in subsidiaries

    224,303       73,338       19,047       -       (316,688 )     -  

Total assets

  $ 228,573     $ 231,396     $ 55,476     $ 987,203     $ (471,617 )   $ 1,031,031  
                                                 

Liabilities and Equity

                                               

Liabilities:

                                               

Marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 21,001     $ -     $ 21,001  

Accrued compensation

    750       2,039       869       24,627       -       28,285  

Asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       737,780       -       737,780  

Interest payable

    -       1,506       -       6,051       -       7,557  

Note payable

    137,603       -       -       15,000       (152,603 )     -  

CLO V Warehouse Facility

    -       -       -       7,000       -       7,000  

Bond payable

    -       92,573       -       -       (472 )     92,101  

Deferred tax liability

    -       1,993       -       400       -       2,393  

Other liabilities

    1,406       20,944       -       (252 )     (1,747 )     20,351  

Total liabilities

  $ 139,759     $ 119,055     $ 869     $ 811,607     $ (154,822 )   $ 916,468  
                                                 

Total members' (deficit) equity

    88,814       112,341       40,036       176,526       (317,007 )     100,710  

Nonredeemable Non-controlling Interest

  $ -     $ -     $ 14,571     $ (930 )   $ 212     $ 13,853  

Total equity

  $ 88,814     $ 112,341     $ 54,607     $ 175,596     $ (316,795 )   $ 114,563  

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 228,573     $ 231,396     $ 55,476     $ 987,203     $ (471,617 )   $ 1,031,031  

 

-34-

 

 

   

As of December 31, 2016

 
   

Parent

Company

   

Subsidiary

Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiary

   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

JMP Group LLC

 

Assets

                                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 255     $ 1,763     $ 5,060     $ 78,414     $ -     $ 85,492  

Restricted cash and deposits

    -       1,471       -       226,185       -       227,656  

Receivable from clearing broker

    -       -       -       6,586       -       6,586  

Investment banking fees receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

    -       -       -       5,681       -       5,681  

Marketable securities owned, at fair value

    -       -       10,877       8,317       (472 )     18,722  

Incentive fee receivable

    -       -       -       499       -       499  

Other investments

    -       5,126       9,838       17,905       -       32,869  

Loans held for sale

            -       -       32,488       -       32,488  

Loans held for investment, net of allowance for loan losses

    -       -       -       1,930       -       1,930  

Loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued, net of allowance for loan losses

    -       -       -       654,127       -       654,127  

Interest receivable

    -       -       72       3,429       (72 )     3,429  

Collateral posted for derivative transaction

    -       -       -       25,000       -       25,000  

Fixed assets, net

    -       -       -       3,143       -       3,143  

Deferred tax assets

    -       7,942       -       -       -       7,942  

Other assets

    (1,045 )     141,905       (8,957 )     42,597       (154,234 )     20,266  

Investment in subsidiaries

    252,486       74,166       117,537       -       (444,189 )     -  

Total assets

  $ 251,696     $ 232,373     $ 134,427     $ 1,106,301     $ (598,967 )   $ 1,125,830  
                                                 

Liabilities and Equity

                                               

Liabilities:

                                               

Marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased, at fair value

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 4,747     $ -     $ 4,747  

Accrued compensation

    90       150       -       35,918       -       36,158  

Asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       825,854       -       825,854  

Interest payable

    -       1,506       -       4,811       -       6,317  

Note payable

    137,603       -       -       15,000       (152,603 )     -  

Bond payable

    -       92,258       -       -       (473 )     91,785  

Deferred tax liability

    -       3,232       -       640       -       3,872  

Other liabilities

    1,520       22,706       313       (1,142 )     (1,594 )     21,803  

Total liabilities

  $ 139,213     $ 119,852     $ 313     $ 885,828     $ (154,670 )   $ 990,536  
                                                 

Total members' (deficit) equity

    112,483       112,521       117,532       221,350       (444,509 )     119,377  

Nonredeemable Non-controlling Interest

  $ -     $ -     $ 16,582     $ (877 )   $ 212     $ 15,917  

Total equity

  $ 112,483     $ 112,521     $ 134,114     $ 220,473     $ (444,297 )   $ 135,294  

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 251,696     $ 232,373     $ 134,427     $ 1,106,301     $ (598,967 )   $ 1,125,830  

 

-35-

 

 

(In thousands)

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 
   

Parent

Company

   

Subsidiary

Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiary

   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

JMP Group LLC

 

Revenues

                                               

Investment banking

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 22,085     $ -     $ 22,085  

Brokerage

    -       -       -       4,763       -       4,763  

Asset management fees

    -       -       -       4,054       (40 )     4,014  

Principal transactions

    -       85       -       (1,477 )     -       (1,392 )

Loss on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans

    -       -       -       278       -       278  

Gain on repurchase of debt

    -       -       -       -       -          

Net dividend income

    -       2       -       276       -       278  

Other income

    -       -       -       282       -       282  

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

    731       2,077       3,489       -       (6,297 )     -  

Non-interest revenues

    731       2,164       3,489       30,261       (6,337 )     30,308  
                                                 

Interest income

    367       1,139       -       11,349       (1,955 )     10,900  

Interest expense

    (1,139 )     (2,274 )     (7 )     (7,410 )     2,019       (8,811 )

Net interest income

    (772 )     (1,135 )     (7 )     3,939       64       2,089  
                                                 

Reversal of provision for loan losses

    -       -       -       (368 )     -       (368 )
                                                 

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

    (41 )     1,029       3,482       33,832       (6,273 )     32,029  
                                                 

Non-interest expenses

                                               

Compensation and benefits

    498       1,455       -       22,610       -       24,563  

Administration

    145       102       -       1,252       (40 )     1,459  

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees

    -       -       -       740       -       740  

Travel and business development

    15       -       -       694       -       709  

Communications and technology

    -       3       -       1,043       -       1,046  

Occupancy

    -       -       -       1,117       -       1,117  

Professional fees

    536       55       -       503       -       1,094  

Depreciation

    -       -       -       277       -       277  

Other

    -       36       -       330       -       366  

Total non-interest expenses

    1,194       1,651       -       28,566       (40 )     31,371  

Net income (loss) before income tax expense

    (1,235 )     (622 )     3,482       5,266       (6,233 )     658  

Income tax benefit

    -       (493 )     -       1,606       -       1,113  

Net income (loss)

    (1,235 )     (129 )     3,482       3,660       (6,233 )     (455 )

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable non-controlling interest

    -       -       -       780       -       780  

Net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ (1,235 )   $ (129 )   $ 3,482     $ 2,880     $ (6,233 )   $ (1,235 )

 

-36-

 

 

(In thousands)

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Parent

Company

   

Subsidiary

Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiary

   

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

JMP Group

LLC

 

Revenues

                                               

Investment banking

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 15,048     $ -     $ 15,048  

Brokerage

    -       -       -       5,015       -       5,015  

Asset management fees

    -       -       -       4,127       (83 )     4,044  

Principal transactions

    -       (65 )     (95 )     2,924       -       2,764  

Loss on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans

    -       -       -       (52 )     -       (52 )

Gain on repurchase of debt

    -       -       239       (9 )     -       230  

Net dividend income

    -       -       -       262       -       262  

Other income

    2,552       (458 )     6,170       -       (8,264 )     -  

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

    2,552       (523 )     6,314       27,315       (8,347 )     27,311  

Non-interest revenues

                                               
                                                 

Interest income

    369       1,139       172       11,787       (1,995 )     11,472  

Interest expense

    (1,139 )     (2,270 )     -       (6,798 )     1,995       (8,212 )

Net interest income

    (770 )     (1,131 )     172       4,989       -       3,260  
                                                 

Gain (loss) repurchase/early retirement of debt

    -       -       -       104       -       104  

Provision for loan losses

    1,782       (1,654 )     6,486       32,408       (8,347 )     30,675  
                                                 

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

                                               
                                                 

Non-interest expenses

                                               

Compensation and benefits

    479       929       365       20,394       -       22,167  

Administration

    116       122       54       1,599       (83 )     1,808  

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees

    -       -       -       734       -       734  

Travel and business development

    19       -       -       1,000       -       1,019  

Communications and technology

    1       4       -       1,028       -       1,033  

Occupancy

    -       -       -       987       -       987  

Professional fees

    505       236       -       378       -       1,119  

Depreciation

    -       -       -       312       -       312  

Other

    -       10       -       481       -       491  

Total non-interest expenses

    1,120       1,301       419       26,913       (83 )     29,670  

Net income (loss) before income tax expense

    662       (2,955 )     6,067       5,495       (8,264 )     1,005  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    -       (236 )     -       (361 )     -       (597 )

Net income (loss)

    662       (2,719 )     6,067       5,856       (8,264 )     1,602  
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable non-controlling interest     -       -       796       145       -       941  

Net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ 662     $ (2,719 )   $ 5,271     $ 5,711     $ (8,264 )   $ 661  

 

-37-

 

 

(In thousands)

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 
   

Parent

Company

   

Subsidiary

Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiary

   

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

JMP Group

LLC

 

Revenues

                                               

Investment banking

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 54,813     $ -     $ 54,813  

Brokerage

    -       -       -       15,127       -       15,127  

Asset management fees

    -       -       -       14,197       (119 )     14,078  

Principal transactions

    -       (394 )     (72 )     (3,142 )     -       (3,608 )

Loss on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans

    -       -       -       1,208       -       1,208  

Net dividend income

    -       3       512       302       -       817  

Other income

    -       -       -       921       -       921  

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

    (8,738 )     2,805       (123 )     -       6,056       -  

Non-interest revenues

    (8,738 )     2,414       317       83,426       5,937       83,356  
                                                 

Interest income

    1,207       3,417       107       30,964       (6,032 )     29,663  

Interest expense

    (3,417 )     (6,820 )     (7 )     (20,501 )     6,096       (24,649 )

Net interest income

    (2,210 )     (3,403 )     100       10,463       64       5,014  
                                                 

Gain (loss) repurchase/early retirement of debt

    210       -       -       (5,542 )     -       (5,332 )

Provision for loan losses

    -       -       (20 )     (3,468 )     -       (3,488 )
                                                 

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

    (10,738 )     (989 )     397       84,879       6,001       79,550  
                                                 

Non-interest expenses

                                               

Compensation and benefits

    1,580       2,850       779       63,804       -       69,013  

Administration

    415       335       97       5,271       (119 )     5,999  

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees

    -       -       -       2,288       -       2,288  

Travel and business development

    103       -       -       2,632       -       2,735  

Communications and technology

    2       8       -       3,140       -       3,150  

Occupancy

    -       -       -       3,339       -       3,339  

Professional fees

    1,670       209       -       1,230       -       3,109  

Depreciation

    -       -       -       891       -       891  

Other

    -       53       138       1,802       -       1,993  

Total non-interest expenses

    3,770       3,455       1,014       84,397       (119 )     92,517  

Net income (loss) before income tax expense

    (14,508 )     (4,444 )     (617 )     482       6,120       (12,967 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

    -       (2,583 )     -       2,414       -       (169 )

Net income (loss)

    (14,508 )     (1,861 )     (617 )     (1,932 )     6,120       (12,798 )

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable non-controlling interest

    -       -       693       1,019       -       1,712  

Net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ (14,508 )   $ (1,861 )   $ (1,310 )   $ (2,951 )   $ 6,120     $ (14,510 )

 

-38-

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Parent

Company

   

Subsidiary

Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiary

   

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

JMP Group

LLC

 

Revenues

                                               

Investment banking

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 41,719     $ -     $ 41,719  

Brokerage

    -       -       -       16,921       -       16,921  

Asset management fees

    -       -       -       19,155       (197 )     18,958  

Principal transactions

    -       350       4,437       5,539       -       10,326  

Loss on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans

    -       -       -       (961 )     -       (961 )

Net dividend income

    -       -       717       19       -       736  

Other income

    -       -       87       447       -       534  

Equity earnings of subsidiaries

    7,986       45       14,634       -       (22,665 )     -  

Non-interest revenues

    7,986       395       19,875       82,839       (22,862 )     88,233  
                                                 

Interest income

    1,109       3,417       511       36,945       (5,985 )     35,997  

Interest expense

    (3,417 )     (6,828 )     -       (20,037 )     5,985       (24,297 )

Net interest income

    (2,308 )     (3,411 )     511       16,908       -       11,700  
                                                 

Provision for loan losses

    -       -       -       (980 )     -       (980 )
                                                 

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses

    5,678       (3,016 )     20,386       98,767       (22,862 )     98,953  
                                                 

Non-interest expenses

                                               

Compensation and benefits

  $ 1,526     $ 2,782     $ 2,792     $ 63,173     $ -     $ 70,273  

Administration

    363       373       191       3,795       918       5,640  

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees

    -       -       -       2,308       -       2,308  

Travel and business development

    114       -       -       3,434       -       3,548  

Communications and technology

    5       8       -       3,080       -       3,093  

Occupancy

    -       -       -       2,853       -       2,853  

Professional fees

    1,534       342       12       1,357       -       3,245  

Depreciation

    -       -       -       968       -       968  

Other

    -       10       -       2,755       (1,113 )     1,652  

Total non-interest expenses

    3,542       3,515       2,995       83,723       (195 )     93,580  

Net income (loss) before income tax expense

    2,136       (6,531 )     17,391       15,044       (22,667 )     5,373  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    -       (437 )     -       (356 )     -       (793 )

Net income (loss)

    2,136       (6,094 )     17,391       15,400       (22,667 )     6,166  

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to nonredeemable non-controlling interest

    -       -       3,311       718       -       4,029  

Net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ 2,136     $ (6,094 )   $ 14,080     $ 14,682     $ (22,667 )   $ 2,137  

 

-39-

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 
   

Parent

Company

   

Subsidiary

Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiary

   

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

JMP Group

LLC

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                                               

Net income (loss)

  $ (14,508 )   $ (1,861 )   $ (617 )   $ (1,932 )   $ 6,120     $ (12,798 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

                                               

Provision for doubtful accounts

    -       -       -       90       -       90  

Provision for loan losses

    -       -       116       3,372       -       3,488  

Accretion of deferred loan fees

    -       -       -       (1,734 )     -       (1,734 )

Amortization of debt issuance costs

    -       315       -       -       -       315  

Amortization of original issue discount, related to CLO II and CLO III

    -       -       -       1,607       -       1,607  

Loss (gain) on sale and payoff of loans

    -       -       -       (1,208 )     -       (1,208 )

Gain on repurchase of asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       5,542       -       5,542  

Change in other investments:

            -                                  

Income from investments in equity method investees

    -       -       -       4,628       -       4,628  

Fair value on other equity investments

    -       394       (650 )     (249 )     -       (505 )

Realized gain on other investments

    -       -       -       (26 )     -       (26 )

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets

    -       -       -       891       -       891  

Stock-based compensation expense

    2,159       -       -       -       -       2,159  

Deferred income taxes

    -       (5,584 )     -       (240 )     -       (5,824 )

Net change in operating assets and liabilities:

            -                                  

Decrease (increase) in interest receivable

    -       -       65       1,385       (72 )     1,378  

Increase in receivables

    -       -       -       (22,419 )     -       (22,419 )

Decrease (increase) in marketable securities

    -       -       295       (3,588 )     -       (3,293 )

Decrease in restricted cash (excluding restricted cash
reserved for lending activities)

    -       -       -       (1,324 )     -       (1,324 )

(Increase) decrease in deposits and other assets

    3,513       4,326       559       13,117       (14,977 )     6,538  

Decrease in marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased

    -       -       -       16,254       -       16,254  

Decrease in interest payable

    -       -       -       1,240       -       1,240  

Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation and other liabilities

    885       128       556       (10,399 )     (153 )     (8,983 )

Net cash used in operating activities

  $ (7,951 )   $ (2,282 )   $ 324     $ 5,007     $ (9,082 )   $ (13,984 )
                                                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                                               

Purchases of fixed assets

    -       -       -       (204 )     -       (204 )

Investment in subsidiary

    28,183       828       98,490       -       (127,501 )     -  

Purchases of other investments

    -       (844 )     (1,190 )     -       -       (2,034 )

Sales of other investments

    -       613       812       (4,327 )     15,202       12,300  

Funding of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       (614,431 )     -       (614,431 )

Funding of loans held for sale

    -       -       -       (2,752 )     -       (2,752 )

Funding of loans held for investment

    -       -       (6,151 )     (13,029 )     5,666       (13,514 )

Sale and payoff of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       482,876       (5,666 )     477,210  

Sales of loans held for sale

    -       -       -       33,951       -       33,951  

Principal receipts on loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       29,339       -       29,339  

Principal receipts on loans held for investment

    -       -       610       365       -       975  

Repayment of note receivable

    -       -       -       1,784       -       1,784  

Net change in restricted cash reserved for lending activities

    -       -       -       167,016       -       167,016  

Cash collateral posted for total return swap

    -       -       -       25,000       -       25,000  

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  $ 28,183     $ 597     $ 92,571     $ 105,588     $ (112,299 )   $ 114,640  
                                                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

                                               

Proceeds from CLO V facility

    -       -       -       7,000       -       7,000  

Proceeds from asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       408,394       -       408,394  

Repayment of asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       (503,617 )     -       (503,617 )

Distributions and dividend equivalents paid on common shares and RSUs

    (5,838 )     -       -       -       -       (5,838 )

Purchase of common shares for treasury

    (1,660 )     -       -       -       -       (1,660 )

Capital contributions of parent

    (5,003 )     1,681       (76,186 )     (41,873 )     121,381       -  

Capital contributions of nonredeemable non-controlling interest holders

    -       -       -       92       -       92  

Distributions to non-controlling interest shareholders

    -       -       (2,704 )     (1,164 )     -       (3,868 )

Proceeds from exercises of stock options

    1,149       -       -       -       -       1,149  

Employee Taxes Paid on Shares Withheld for Tax-withholding purposes

    (307 )     -       -       -       -       (307 )

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  $ (11,659 )   $ 1,681     $ (78,890 )   $ (131,168 )   $ 121,381     $ (98,655 )

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    8,573       (4 )     14,005       (20,573 )     -       2,001  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  $ 255     $ 1,763     $ 5,060     $ 78,414     $ -       85,492  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

    8,828       1,759       19,065       57,841       -       87,493  

 

-40-

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Parent

Company

   

Subsidiary

Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiary

   

Non-

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

JMP Group

LLC

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                                               

Net income (loss)

  $ 2,136     $ (6,094 )   $ 17,391     $ 15,400     $ (22,667 )   $ 6,166  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:

                                               

Provision for loan losses

    -       -       -       980       -       980  

Accretion of deferred loan fees

    -       -       -       (1,224 )     -       (1,224 )

Amortization of liquidity discount, net

    -       -       -       (108 )     -       (108 )

Amortization of debt issuance costs

    -       328       -       -       -       328  

Amortization of original issue discount, related to CLO II and CLO III

    -       -       -       1,814       -       1,814  

Interest paid in kind

    -       -       -       (53 )     -       (53 )

Loss (gain) on sale and payoff of loans

    -       -       -       961       -       961  

Gain on repurchase of asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       (87 )     -       -       (87 )

Change in other investments:

                                               

Income from investments in equity method investees

    -       -       -       238       -       238  

Fair value on other equity investments

    -       (351 )     298       1,872       -       1,819  

Incentive fees reinvested in general partnership interests

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Realized gain on other investments

    -       -       (4,425 )     (3,556 )     -       (7,981 )

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets

    -       -       -       968       -       968  

Stock-based compensation expense

    4,199       -       -       -       -       4,199  

Deferred income taxes

    -       (12,026 )     -       (219 )     -       (12,245 )

Net change in operating assets and liabilities:

                                               

(Increase) decrease in interest receivable

    -       -       (7 )     485       139       617  

Decrease (increase) in receivables

    -       -       -       7,985       (49 )     7,936  

(Increase) decrease in marketable securities

    -       -       (696 )     7,251       385       6,940  

Decrease in restricted cash (excluding restricted cash reserved for lending activities)

    -       40       -       787       -       827  

(Increase) decrease in deposits and other assets

    (945 )     15,057       12,396       (34,463 )     16,664       8,709  

Increase in marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased

    -       -       -       (4,398 )     -       (4,398 )

Increase (decrease) in interest payable

    -       -       -       650       (66 )     584  

Increase (decrease) in accrued compensation and other liabilities

    1,703       3,340       1,690       (17,266 )     (1,365 )     (11,898 )

Net cash used in operating activities

  $ 7,093     $ 294     $ 26,560     $ (21,896 )   $ (6,959 )   $ 5,092  
                                                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                                               

Purchases of fixed assets

    -       -       -       (325 )     -       (325 )

Investment in subsidiary

    3,573       (7,077 )     (9,649 )     6,581       6,572       -  

Purchases of other investments

    -       (3,642 )     (3,007 )     (1,527 )     2,073       (6,103 )

Sales of other investments

    -       2,179       21,752       17,956       (2,396 )     39,491  

Funding of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       (185,586 )     -       (185,586 )

Sale and payoff of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       279,415       -       279,415  

Principal receipts on loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       51,975       -       51,975  

Repayments on loans held for investment

    -       -       -       52       -       52  

Net change in restricted cash reserved for lending activities

    -       -       -       (72,301 )     -       (72,301 )

Cash collateral posted for total return swap

    -       -       -       (240 )     -       (240 )

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  $ 3,573     $ (8,540 )   $ 9,096     $ 96,000     $ 6,249     $ 106,378  
                                                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

                                               

Repayment of note payable

    -       -       -       15,000       (15,000 )     -  

Repurchase of bonds payable

    -       -       -       -       (385 )     (385 )

Repayment of asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       (74,592 )     -       (74,592 )

Distributions and dividend equivalents paid on common shares and RSUs

    (6,236 )     -       -       -       -       (6,236 )

Purchases of shares of common stock for treasury

    (4,192 )     -       -       -       -       (4,192 )

Capital contributions of parent

    -       3,578       (19,673 )     -       16,095       -  

Capital contributions of nonredeemable non-controlling interest holders

    -       -       (4,907 )     (1,041 )     -       (5,948 )

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  $ (10,428 )   $ 3,578     $ (24,580 )   $ (60,633 )   $ 710     $ (91,353 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    238       (4,668 )     11,076       13,471       -       20,117  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  $ 80       11,260       1,225       55,986       -       68,551  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

    318       6,592       12,301       69,457       -       88,668  

 

 

22 . Subsequent Events

 

On October 20, 2017, the Company’s board of directors declared cash distributions of $0.03 per share for the months of October, November, and December. The October distribution is payable on November 15, 2017, to shareholders of record as of October 31, 2017. The November distribution is payable on December 15, 2017, to shareholders of record as of November 30, 2017. The December distribution is payable on January 12, 2018, to shareholders of record as of December 29, 2017.  

 

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ITEM  2.

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following Management ’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read together with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report. For additional context with which to understand our financial condition and results of operations, see the MD&A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 contained in our Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”), as well as the consolidated financial statements and notes contained therein.

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward - Looking Statements

 

This MD&A and other sections of this Form 10-Q (the “Quarterly Report”) contain forward looking statements. We make forward-looking statements, as defined by the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and in some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “if,” “shall,” “may,” “might,” “will likely result,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “goal,” “objective,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative of these terms, and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, which are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events that we believe to be reasonable. There are or may be important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the historical or future results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report. In preparing this MD&A, we presume that readers have access to and have read the MD&A in our Annual Report, pursuant to Instruction 2 to paragraph (b) of Item 303 of Regulation S-K. We undertake no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of filing of this Quarterly Report to conform such forward-looking statements to actual results or revised expectations, except as otherwise required by law.

 

Overview

 

JMP Group LLC, together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”), is a diversified capital markets firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. We have a diversified business model with a focus on small and middle-market companies and provide:

 

 

 

investment banking services, including corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and other strategic advisory services, to corporate clients;

 

 

 

sales and trading and related securities brokerage services to institutional investors;

 

 

 

equity research coverage of four target industries;

 

 

 

asset management products and services to institutional investors, high net-worth individuals and for our own account; and

 

 

 

management of collateralized loan obligations and a specialty finance company.

 

Components of Revenues

 

We derive revenues primarily from: fees from our investment banking business, net commissions from our sales and trading business, management fees and incentive fees from our asset management business, and interest income earned on collateralized loan obligations we manage. We also generate revenues from principal transactions, interest, dividends and other income.

 

Investment Banking

 

We earn investment banking revenues from underwriting securities offerings, arranging private capital markets transactions and providing advisory services in mergers and acquisitions and other strategic transactions.

 

Underwriting Revenues

 

We earn revenues from securities offerings in which we act as an underwriter, such as initial public offerings and follow-on equity offerings. Underwriting revenues include management fees, underwriting fees, selling concessions and realized and unrealized net gains and losses on equity positions held in inventory for a period of time to facilitate the completion of certain underwritten offerings. We record underwriting revenues, net of related syndicate expenses, at the time an underwritten transaction is completed. In syndicated transactions, management estimates our share of transaction-related expenses incurred by the syndicate, and we recognize revenues net of such expense. On final settlement by the lead manager, typically 90 days from the trade date of the transaction, we adjust these amounts to reflect the actual transaction-related expenses and our resulting underwriting fee. We receive a higher proportion of total fees in underwritten transactions in which we act as a lead manager.

 

Strategic Advisory Revenues

 

Our strategic advisory revenues primarily consist of success fees received upon the closing of mergers and acquisitions but also include retainer fees received when we are first engaged to provide advisory services. We also earn fees for related advisory work and other services, such as fairness opinions and valuation analyses. These revenues may be earned for providing services to either the buyer or the seller involved in a transaction. We record strategic advisory revenues when the transactions or the services to be performed (or, if applicable, separate components thereof) are substantially completed, the fees are determinable and collection is reasonably assured.

 

-42-

 

 

Private Capital Markets and Other Revenues

 

We earn fees for private capital markets and other services in connection with transactions that are not underwritten, such as private placements of equity securities, private investments in public equity (“PIPE”) transactions and Rule 144A offerings. We record private placement revenues on the closing date of these transactions.

 

Since our investment banking revenues are generally recognized at the time of completion of a transaction or the services to be performed, these revenues typically vary between periods and may be affected considerably by the timing of the closing of significant transactions.

 

Brokerage Revenues

 

Our brokerage revenues include trading commissions paid by customers for purchases or sales of exchange-listed and over-the-counter (“OTC”) equity securities. Commissions are recognized on a trade date basis. Brokerage revenues also include net trading gains and losses that result from market-making activities and from our commitment of capital to facilitate customer transactions. Our brokerage revenues may vary between periods, in part depending on commission rates, trading volumes and our ability to deliver equity research and other value-added services to our clients. The ability to execute trades electronically, through the Internet and through other alternative trading systems, has increased pressure on trading commissions and spreads across our industry. We expect this trend toward alternative trading systems and the related pricing pressure in the brokerage business to continue. We are, to some extent, compensated through brokerage commissions for the equity research and other value-added services we deliver to our clients. These “soft dollar” practices have been the subject of discussion among regulators, the investment banking community and our sales and trading clients. In particular, commission sharing arrangements have been adopted by some large institutional investors. In these arrangements, an institutional investor concentrates its trading with fewer “execution” brokers and pays a fixed amount for execution, with a designated amount set aside for payments to other firms for research or other brokerage services. Accordingly, trading volume directed to us by investors that enter into such arrangements may be reduced, or eliminated, but we may be compensated for our research and sales efforts through allocations of the designated amounts. Depending on the extent to which we agree to this practice and depending on our ability to enter into arrangements on terms acceptable to us, this trend would likely impair the revenues and profitability of our brokerage business by negatively affecting both volumes and trading commissions.

 

Asset Management Fees

 

We earn a sset management fees for managing a family of investment partnerships, including hedge funds, hedge funds of funds and private equity funds, as well as a publicly traded specialty finance company, HCC. These fees include base management fees and incentive fees. Base management fees are generally determined by the fair value of the assets under management or the aggregate capital commitment and the fee schedule for each fund or account. Incentive fees are based upon the investment performance of the funds or accounts. For most of our funds, incentive fees equate to a percentage of the excess investment return above a specified high-water mark or hurdle rate over a defined period of time. For private equity funds, incentive fees equate to a percentage of the realized gain from the disposition of each portfolio investment in which each investor participates, which we earn after returning contributions by an investor for a portfolio investment. Generally, we do not earn management fees calculated on the basis of average assets under management (“AUM”).

 

As of September 30, 2017 the contractual base management fees earned from each of our investment funds or companies ranged between 1% and 2% of assets under management or were between 1% and 2% of aggregate committed capital. The contractual incentive fees were generally 20%, subject to high-water marks, for the hedge funds; 5% to 20%, subject to high-water marks or a performance hurdle rate, for the hedge funds of funds; and 20%, subject to high-water marks, for Harvest Growth Capital LLC (“HGC”) and Harvest Growth Capital II LLC (“HGC II”). Our asset management revenues are subject to fluctuations due to a variety of factors that are unpredictable, including the overall condition of the economy, the securities markets as a whole and our core sectors. These market and industry conditions can have a material effect on the inflows and outflows of assets under management and on the performance of our asset management funds. For example, a significant portion of the performance-based or incentive fee revenues that we recognize are based on the value of securities held in the funds we manage. The value of these securities includes unrealized gains or losses that may change from one period to another.

 

Asset management fees for the CLOs we manage currently consist only of senior and subordinated base management fees. We recognize base management fees for the CLOs on a monthly basis over the period during which the collateral management services are performed. The base management fees for the CLOs are calculated as a percentage of the average aggregate collateral balances for a specified period. As we have consolidated CLO I, CLO II, CLO III and CLO IV, the management fees earned at JMP Credit Advisors LLC (“JMPCA”) from the CLOs are eliminated on consolidation in accordance with GAAP. For both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the contractual senior and subordinated base management fees earned from CLO I and CLO II were 0.50% of the average aggregate collateral balance. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the contractual senior and subordinated base management fees earned from CLO III were 0.327% and 0.219%, respectively, of the average aggregate collateral balance. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the contractual base and subordinated fees earned from CLO IV, after securitization, were 0.50% of the average aggregate collateral balance.

 

The redemption provisions of our funds require at least 90 days ’ advance notice. The redemption provisions do not apply to the CLOs.

 

-43-

 

 

The following tables present certain information with respect to the investment funds managed by HCS, JMPAM, HCAP Advisors, JMP Capital I Managing Member, and CLOs and assets referenced by the TRS managed by JMPCA:

 

(In thousands)

 

Assets Under Management (1) at

   

Company's Share of
Assets Under Management at

 
   

September 30, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

   

September 30, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 

Funds Managed by HCS, JMPAM, HCAP Advisors and JMP Capital I Managing Member:

                               

Hedge Funds:

                               

Harvest Small Cap Partners

  $ 507,348     $ 509,833     $ 2,794     $ 3,416  

Harvest Agriculture Select (2)

    107,097       101,132       9,162       9,027  

Private Equity Funds:

                               

Harvest Growth Capital LLC (3)

    22,497       22,089       924       960  

Harvest Growth Capital LLC II (3)

    148,868       131,015       3,079       2,844  

Harvest Intrexon Enterprise Fund

    245,157       245,156       1,500       1,500  

JMP Realty Partners I

    22,025       16,981       2,180       1,681  

Other

    12,109       6,988       N/A       N/A  

Funds of Funds:

                               

JMP Masters Fund (4)

    2,880       4,010       3       5  

Loans:

                               

Harvest Capital Credit Corporation

    115,996       141,706       N/A       N/A  

JMP Capital I

    23,529       -       2,329       N/A  

HCS, JMPAM, HCAP Advisors and JMP Capital I Managing Members Totals

  $ 1,207,506     $ 1,178,910     $ 21,971     $ 19,433  
                                 

CLOs Managed by JMPCA:

                               

CLO I (3)

    -       223,914       N/A       N/A  

CLO II (3)

    -       332,233       N/A       N/A  

CLO III (3)

    361,153       361,722       N/A       N/A  

CLO IV (3)

    450,835       -       N/A       N/A  

CLO V (3)

    14,547       -       N/A       N/A  

Assets Referenced in TRS (5)

    -       155,177       N/A       N/A  

JMPCA Totals

  $ 826,535     $ 1,073,046     $ N/A     $ N/A  
                                 

JMP Group LLC Totals

  $ 2,034,041     $ 2,251,956     $ 21,971     $ 19,433  

 

 

(1)

For hedge funds, funds of funds, HGC, HGC II and Other, assets under management represent the net assets of such funds. For Harvest Intrexon Enterprise Fund (“HIEF”), JMP Realty Partners I and JMP Capital I, assets under management represent the commitment amount that is subject to the management fee calculation. For CLOs, assets under management represent the sum of the aggregate collateral balance and restricted cash to be reinvested in collateral, upon which management fees are earned.

(2)

Harvest Agriculture Select ( “HAS”) includes managed accounts in which the Company has neither equity investment nor control. These are included as they follow the respective funds' strategies and earn fees.

(3)

CLO I , CLO II and CLO III were consolidated in the Company’s Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2016. CLO III, CLO IV, and CLO V were consolidated in the Company’s Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2017.

( 4)

JMP Masters began the process of liquidation on December 31, 2015.

( 5)

Assets Referenced in TRS represent the fair value of the settled loans in the loan portfolio held by the counterparty.

 

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Funds Managed by HCS and JMPAM

         
   

Hedge Funds

   

Private Equity Funds

   

Funds of Funds

   

Total

 
                                 

AUM at December 31, 2016

  $ 610,965     $ 422,229     $ 4,010       1,037,204  

Contributions

    32,927       5,860       -       38,787  

Redemptions

    (34,165 )     -       -       (34,165 )

Distributions from realization event

    -       (14,223 )     (641 )     (14,864 )

Appreciation

    4,718       36,790       (489 )     41,019  

AUM at September 30, 2017

  $ 614,445     $ 450,656     $ 2,880       1,067,981  

 

   

Funds Managed by HCS and JMPAM

         

(In thousands)

 

Hedge Funds

   

Private Equity Funds

   

Funds of Funds

   

Total

 
                                 

AUM at December 31, 2015

  $ 631,964     $ 391,490     $ 5,110       1,028,564  

Contributions

    98,289       30,581       -       128,870  

Redemptions

    (96,305 )     -       (1,184 )     (97,489 )

Distributions from realization event

    -       (138 )     -       (138 )

Appreciation

    21,260       (1,429 )     76       19,907  

AUM at September 30, 2016

  $ 655,208     $ 420,504     $ 4,002       1,079,714  

 

AUM related to hedge funds, private equity funds and funds of funds increased $30.8 million, or 3.0%, from $1,037.2 million at December 31, 2016 to $1,068.0 million at September 30, 2017. This increase was primarily attributed to $5.9 million contributions and $36.8 million appreciation, in our private equity funds and $32.9 million capital contributions and $4.7 million appreciation in the hedge funds managed by HCS, partially offset by $34.2 million redemptions and $14.2 million distributions relating to one of the private equity funds.

 

AUM related to hedge funds, private equity funds and funds of funds increased $51.1 million, or 5.0%, from $1,028.6 million at December 31, 2015 to $1,079.7 million at September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily attributed to capital contributions of $128.9 million in the hedge funds and private equity funds managed by HCS and JMPAM and appreciation of $21.3 million in the funds managed by HCS and JMPAM, partially offset by redemptions of $96.3 million related to funds managed by HCS. The increase of capital contributions was driven by the launch of JMPRP in September 2016 and related capital commitments. The redemptions were driven by the closure of HFP in August 2016.

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Company's

Share of

Change in

Fair Value

   

Management

Fee

   

Incentive

Fee

   

Company's

Share of

C hange in

Fair Value

   

Management

Fee

   

Incentive

Fee

 

Hedge Funds:

                                               

Harvest Small Cap Partners

  $ 134     $ 1,850     $ 19     $ (88 )   $ 1,913     $ (135 )

Harvest Agriculture Select (1)

    256       246       54       102       317       1  

Harvest Technology Partners

    -       -       -       22       82       -  

Harvest Financial Partners

    -       -       -       278       20       6  

Private Equity Funds:

                                               

Harvest Growth Capital LLC

    (68 )     -       -       (70 )     -       -  

Harvest Growth Capital II LLC

    (63 )     135       -       49       246       -  

Harvest Intrexon Enterprise Fund

    -       613       -       (8 )     613       -  

JMP Realty Partners I

    (6 )     144       17       -       15       -  

Other

    -       3       -       -       2       -  

Funds of Funds:

                                               

JMP Masters Fund (2)

    -       8       -       13       9       -  

Loans:

                                               

Harvest Capital Credit Corporation

    N/A       643       -       N/A       725       149  

CLOs:

                                               

CLO I (3)

    N/A       -       -       N/A       383       -  

CLO II (3)

    N/A       -       -       N/A       424       -  

CLO III (3)

    N/A       303       -       N/A       303       -  

CLO IV (3)

    N/A       576       -       N/A       -       -  

CLO V (3)

    N/A       9       -       N/A       -       -  

Assets Referenced in TRS (4)

    N/A       -       -       N/A       63       75  

Totals

  $ 253     $ 4,530     $ 90     $ 298     $ 5,115     $ 96  

 

(1)

HAS include s managed accounts in which the Company has neither equity investment nor control. These are included with the funds, as they follow the respective strategies and earn fees.

(2)

JMP Masters began the process of liquidation on December 31, 2015.

( 3)

Revenues earned from CLO I , CLO II, CLO III, CLO IV and CLO V are consolidated and then eliminated in consolidation in the Company’s Statements of Operations, net of non-controlling interest.

( 4)

Revenues earned from Assets referenced in TRS are consolidated and then eliminated in consolidation in the Company’s Statements of Operations. All of the assets referenced in TRS were sold to CLO IV in the second quarter of 2017, and TRS completed its liquidation in the third quarter of 2017.

 

-45-

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Company's

Share of

Change in

Fair Value

   

Management

Fee

   

Incentive

Fee

   

Company's

Share of

Change in

Fair Value

   

Management

Fee

   

Incentive

F ee

 

Hedge Funds:

                                               

Harvest Small Cap Partners

  $ (82 )   $ 5,853     $ 1,651     $ 201     $ 5,601     $ 5,378  

Harvest Agriculture Select (1)

    580       705       65       (79 )     950       1  

Harvest Technology Partners

    1       -       -       (156 )     249       -  

Harvest Financial Partners

    -       -       -       (57 )     122       6  

Private Equity Funds:

                                               

Harvest Growth Capital LLC

    (6 )     -       -       (240 )     -       -  

Harvest Growth Capital II LLC

    607       452       -       49       738       -  

Harvest Intrexon Enterprise Fund

    (13 )     1,839       -       (23 )     1,870       -  

JMP Realty Partners I

    114       277       17       -       15       -  

Other

    -       13       -       -       2       -  

Funds of Funds:

                                               

JMP Masters Fund (2)

    4       25       -       24       30       -  

Loans:

                                               

Harvest Capital Credit Corporation

    N/A       2,018       260       N/A       2,206       1,275  

CLOs:

                                               

CLO I (3)

    N/A       179       -       N/A       1,223       -  

CLO II (3)

    N/A       734       -       N/A       1,254       -  

CLO III (3)

    N/A       898       -       N/A       705       -  

CLO IV (3)

    N/A       690       -       N/A       -       -  

CLO V (3)

    N/A       9       -       N/A       -       -  

Assets Referenced in TRS (4)

    N/A       88       -       N/A       188       75  

Totals

  $ 1,205     $ 13,780     $ 1,993     $ (281 )   $ 15,153     $ 6,735  

 

(1)

HAS include s managed accounts in which the Company has neither equity investment nor control. These are included with the funds, as they follow the respective strategies and earn fees.

(2)

JMP Masters began the process of liquidation on December 31, 2015.

( 3)

Revenues earned from CLO I , CLO II, CLO III, CLO IV and CLO V are consolidated and then eliminated in consolidation in the Company’s Statements of Operations, net of non-controlling interest.

( 4)

Revenues earned from Assets referenced in TRS are consolidated and then eliminated in consolidation in the Company’s Statements of Operations. All of the assets referenced in TRS were sold to CLO IV in the second quarter of 2017, and TRS completed its liquidation in the third quarter of 2017.

 

Principal Transactions

 

Principal transaction revenues include net realized and unrealized gains and losses resulting from our principal investments in equity and other securities for our own account as well as equity-linked warrants received from certain investment banking clients and limited partner investments in private funds managed by third parties. Principal transaction revenues also include earnings, or losses, attributable to interests in investment partnerships managed by our asset management subsidiaries, HCS and JMPAM, which are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In addition, our principal transaction revenues include unrealized gains or losses on an investment in an entity that acquires buildings and land for the purpose of holding, managing and selling the properties and also include unrealized gains or losses on the investments in private companies by JMP Holding LLC and JMP Capital LLC.

 

Gain on S ale and P ayoff of L oans

 

Gain on sale and payoff of loans consists of gains and losses from the sale and payoff of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities. Gains are recorded when the proceeds exceed the carrying value of the loan. Gain on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans also consists of the lower of cost or market adjustments arising from loans held for sale. Losses are recorded for a loan held for sale when the carrying value exceeds fair value.

 

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Net Dividend Income

 

Net dividend income includes dividends from our investments offset by dividend expense resulting from short positions in our principal investment portfolio.

 

Other Income

 

Other income includes revenues from equity method investments, revenues from fee-sharing arrangements with our funds, and fees earned to raise capital for third-party investment partnerships.

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income primarily consists of interest income earned on loans collateralizing asset -backed securities issued and loans held for investment. Interest income on loans is comprised of the stated coupon as a percentage of the face amount receivable as well as accretion of purchase discounts and deferred fees. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis, in accordance with the terms of the respective loans, unless such loans are placed on non-accrual status.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense primarily consists of interest expense related to asset-backed securities issued and notes payable, as well as the amortization of bond issuance costs. Interest expense on asset-backed securities is the stated coupon payable as a percentage of the principal amount in addition to amortization of the liquidity discount that was recorded at the acquisition date of CLO I. Interest expense is recorded on an accrual basis, in accordance with the terms of the respective asset-backed securities issued and notes payable.

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

Provision for loan losses includes the provision for losses recognized on our loan notes and non-revolving credit agreements at JMP Capital LLC and JMP Investment Holdings (collectively loans held for investment) and on loans collateralizing asset-backed securities (“ABS”) in order to record the loans held for investment and ABS at their estimated net realizable value. We maintain an allowance for loan losses that is intended to estimate loan losses inherent in JMP Capital LLC ’s loan portfolio. A provision for loan losses is charged to expense to establish the allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level, in the opinion of management, sufficient to offset estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. The appropriateness of the allowance and the allowance components are reviewed quarterly. Our estimate of each allowance component is based on observable information and on market and third-party data that we believe are reflective of the underlying loan losses being estimated. We employ internally developed and third-party estimation tools for measuring credit risk (loan ratings, probability of default, and exposure at default).

 

A specific reserve is provided for loans that are considered impaired. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We measure impairment of a loan based upon either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan ’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral securing the loan, if the loan is collateral-dependent, depending on the circumstances and our collection strategy. For those loans held by CLO I at the date of acquisition by JMP Credit, and deemed impaired at that date or a subsequent date, allowance for loan losses is calculated considering two additional factors. For loans deemed impaired at the date of acquisition, if there is a further decline in expected future cash flows, this reduction is recognized as a specific reserve in accordance with the guidance above. For those loans deemed impaired subsequent to the acquisition date, or for loans held at CLO II, CLO III, CLO IV or CLO V, if the net realizable value is lower than the current carrying value, the carrying value is reduced, and the difference is booked as a provision for loan losses. If the total discount from unpaid principal balance to carrying value is larger than the expected loss at the date of assessment, no provision for loan losses is recognized.

 

Loans which are deemed to be uncollectible are charged off, and the charged-off amount results in a reduced allowance.

 

Components of Expenses

 

We classify our expens es as compensation and benefits; administration; brokerage, clearing and exchange fees; travel and business development; communications and technology; occupancy; professional fees, depreciation, impairment loss on purchased management contract, and other. A significant portion of our expense base is variable, including compensation and benefits; brokerage, clearing and exchange fees; travel and business development; and communication and technology expenses.

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

Compensation and benefits is the largest component of our expenses and includes employees ’ base pay, performance bonuses, sales commissions, related payroll taxes, and medical and benefits expenses, as well as expenses for contractors, temporary employees and equity-based compensation. Our employees receive a substantial portion of their compensation in the form of an individual, performance-based bonus. As is the widespread practice in our industry, we pay bonuses on an annual basis, and for senior professionals these bonuses typically make up a large portion of their total compensation. A portion of the performance-based bonuses paid to certain senior professionals is paid in the form of deferred compensation. Bonus payments may have a greater impact on our cash position and liquidity in the periods in which they are paid than would otherwise be reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We accrue for the estimated amount of these bonus payments ratably over the applicable service period.

 

Compensation is accrued with specific ratios of total compensation and benefits to total revenues applied to specific revenue categories, with adjustments made if, in management ’s opinion, such adjustments are necessary and appropriate to maintain competitive compensation levels.

 

-47-

 

 

Administration

 

Administration expense primarily includes the cost of hosted conferences, non-capitalized systems and software expenditures, insurance, business tax (non-income), office supplies, recruiting , and regulatory fees.

 

Brokerage, Clearing and Exchange Fees

 

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees include the cost of floor and electronic brokerage and execution, securities clearance, and exchange fees. We clear our securities transactions through National Financial Services. Changes in brokerage, clearing and exchange fees fluctuate largely in line with the volume of our sales and trading activity.

 

Travel and Business Development

 

Travel and business development expense is net of expenses reimbursed by clients.

 

Communications and Technology

 

Communications and technology expense primarily relates to the cost of communication and connectivity, information processing and subscriptions to certain market data feeds and services.

 

Professional Fees

 

Professional fees primarily relate to legal and accounting professional services.

 

Other Expenses

 

Other operating expenses primarily consist of CLO administration expense .

 

Income Taxes

 

JMP Group LLC is a publicly traded partnership, taxed as a partnership, and not as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, so long as 90% or more of its gross income for each taxable year constitutes “qualifying income .”

 

The Company ’s effective tax rate is directly impacted by the proportion of income subject to tax compared to income not subject to tax. JMP Group Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. The remainder of the Company’s income is generally not subject to corporate-level taxation.

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, which are determined based upon the temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities using the tax rates and laws in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

The Company applies the accounting principles related to uncertainty in income taxes. Under the guidance, the Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain position only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable, based solely on its technical merits and consideration of the relevant taxing authorities ’ widely understood administrative practices and precedents. If this threshold is met, the Company measures the tax benefit as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

 

The Company ’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with the tax audits or unrecognized tax benefits, if any, is to record such items as a component of income tax.

 

Non - controlling Interest

 

Non-controlling interest for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 includes the interest of third parties in CLO I, CLO II, CLO III, and HCAP Advisors, partially-owned subsidiaries consolidated in our financial statements.

 

The Company currently manages several asset management funds, which are structured as limited partnerships, and is the general partner of each. T he Company assesses whether the partnerships meet the definition of a variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with ASC 810-10-15-14 and whether the Company qualifies as the primary beneficiary. Funds determined not to meet the definition of a VIE are considered voting interest entities, for which the rights of the limited partners are evaluated to determine if consolidation is necessary. Such guidance provides that the presumption that the general partner controls the limited partnership may be overcome if the limited partners have substantive kick-out rights. With exception of HGC and HGC II, the partnership agreements for these funds provide for the right of the limited partners to remove the general partners by a simple majority vote of the non-affiliated limited partners. Because of these substantive kick-out rights, the Company, as the general partner, does not control these funds and therefore does not consolidate them. The Company accounts for its investments in these non-consolidated funds under the equity method of accounting.

 

On August  6, 2010, the Company transferred 109 subordinated notes of CLO I to certain employees in exchange for their interests in JMP Credit Corporation. As a result of the aforementioned transfer, the Company owned approximately 94% of the subordinated notes of CLO I. CLO I initiated liquidation proceedings in the fourth quarter of 2016 and completed its liquidation in the first quarter of 2017.

 

On April 30, 2013, entities sponsored by the Company closed on a $343.8 million CLO. The senior notes offered in this transaction (the “Secured Notes”) were issued by CLO II, a special purpose Cayman vehicle, and co-issued in part by JMP Credit Advisors CLO II LLC, a special purpose Delaware vehicle, and were backed by a diversified portfolio of broadly syndicated leveraged loans. The Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, managed CLO II from issuance through its liquidation in the second quarter of 2017. From issuance through December 31, 2013, the Company owned $17.3 million, or 72.8%, of the subordinated notes of the issuer (the “Subordinated Notes”). In the first quarter of 2014, the Company repurchased $6.0 million of Subordinated Notes, increasing its ownership to 98.0%. In March 2017, the Company repurchased $7.0 million of Class F notes. CLO II began and completed its liquidation in the second quarter of 2017.

 

-48-

 

 

On September 30, 2014, the Company closed on a $370.5 million CLO. The proceeds from the close of the CLO were used to pay off and retire the warehouse facility that had previously funded the loan assets. A third party and employees of JMPCA purchased subordinated notes in CLO III, reducing the Company’s investment in the subordinated notes to $4.7 million, or 13.5%. The senior notes offered in this transaction were issued by CLO III and are backed primarily by a diversified portfolio of broadly syndicated leveraged loans. These senior notes were subject to a two-year non-call period. CLO III has a four-year reinvestment period, through October 17, 2018, that allows for the use of the proceeds from any principal repayments on, or any sales of, collateral assets towards the purchase of qualifying replacement assets, subject to certain conditions and limitations. The Company was identified as the primary beneficiary, based on the ability to direct activities of CLO III through its subsidiary manager, JMP Credit Advisors, and its equity ownership. On September 27, 2016, the Company repurchased $12.8 million face value of the unsecured subordinated notes from CLO III non-controlling interests, increasing the Company’s ownership of unsecured subordinated notes from 13.5% to 46.7%.

 

HCAP Advisors was formed on December 18, 2012. HCAP Advisors appointed JMP Group LLC as its Manager effective May 1, 2013 and began offering investment advisory services. The Company owns 51% equity interest in the entity.

 

-49-

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   

Three Month Change
from 2016 to 2017

   

Nine Month Change
from 2016 to 2017

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

    $    

%

    $    

%

 

Revenues

                                                               

Investment banking

  $ 22,085     $ 15,048     $ 54,813     $ 41,719     $ 7,037       46.8 %   $ 13,094       31.4 %

Brokerage

    4,763       5,015       15,127       16,921       (252 )     -5.0 %     (1,794 )     -10.6 %

Asset management fees

    4,014       4,044       14,078       18,958       (30 )     -0.7 %     (4,880 )     -25.7 %

Principal transactions

    (1,392 )     2,764       (3,608 )     10,326       (4,156 )     -150.4 %     (13,934 )     -134.9 %

Gain (loss) on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans

    278       (52 )     1,208       (961 )     330       634.6 %     2,169       225.7 %

Net dividend income

    278       230       817       736       48       20.9 %     81       11.0 %

Other income

    282       262       921       534       20       7.6 %     387       72.5 %

Non-interest revenues

    30,308       27,311       83,356       88,233       2,997       11.0 %     (4,877 )     -5.5 %
                                                                 

Interest income

    10,900       11,472       29,663       35,997       (572 )     -5.0 %     (6,334 )     -17.6 %

Interest expense

    (8,811 )     (8,212 )     (24,649 )     (24,297 )     (599 )     -7.3 %     (352 )     -1.4 %

Net interest income

    2,089       3,260       5,014       11,700       (1,171 )     -35.9 %     (6,686 )     -57.1 %
                                                                 

Gain (loss) repurchase/early retirement of debt

    -       -       (5,332 )     -       -       N/A       (5,332 )     N/A  

Provision for loan losses

    (368 )     104       (3,488 )     (980 )     (472 )     -453.8 %     (2,508 )     -255.9 %
                                                                 

Total net revenues

    32,029       30,675       79,550       98,953       1,354       4.4 %     (19,403 )     -19.6 %
                                                                 

Non-interest expenses

                                                               

Compensation and benefits

    24,563       22,167       69,013       70,273       2,396       10.8 %     (1,260 )     -1.8 %

Administration

    1,459       1,808       5,999       5,640       (349 )     -19.3 %     359       6.4 %

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees

    740       734       2,288       2,308       6       0.8 %     (20 )     -0.9 %

Travel and business development

    709       1,019       2,735       3,548       (310 )     -30.4 %     (813 )     -22.9 %

Communication and technology

    1,046       1,033       3,150       3,093       13       1.3 %     57       1.8 %

Professional fees

    1,094       1,119       3,109       3,245       (25 )     -2.2 %     (136 )     -4.2 %

Other

    1,760       1,790       6,223       5,473       (30 )     -1.7 %     750       13.7 %

Total non-interest expenses

    31,371       29,670       92,517       93,580       1,701       5.7 %     (1,063 )     -1.1 %

Income (loss) before income tax expense

    658       1,005       (12,967 )     5,373       (347 )     -34.5 %     (18,340 )     -341.3 %

Income tax expense (benefit)

    1,113       (597 )     (169 )     (793 )     1,710       286.4 %     624       78.7 %

Net income (loss)

    (455 )     1,602       (12,798 )     6,166       (2,057 )     -128.4 %     (18,964 )     -307.6 %

Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

    780       941       1,712       4,029       (161 )     -17.1 %     (2,317 )     -57.5 %

Net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ (1,235 )   $ 661     $ (14,510 )   $ 2,137     $ (1,896 )     -286.8 %   $ (16,647 )     -779.0 %

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30 , 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30 , 2016

 

Overview

 

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses increased $1.4 million, or 4.4%, from $30.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $32.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, primarily resulting from a $3.0 million increase in non-interest revenues, partially offset by a $1.2 million decline in net interest income.

 

Non-interest revenues increased $3.0 million, or 11.0%, from $27.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $30.3 million in the same period in 2017. This increase was driven by a $7.0 million increase in investment banking, partially offset by a $4.2 million decline in principal transactions.

 

Provision for loan losses increased $0.5 million from a reversal of $0.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $0.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Total non-interest expense s increased $1.7 million, or 5.7%, from $29.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $31.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a $2.4 million increase in compensation and benefits, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in administration and a $0.3 million decrease in travel and business development.

 

Net income attributable to JMP Group LLC decreased $1. 9 million from $0.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to a net loss of $1.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

-50-

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30 , 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30 , 2016

 

Overview

 

Total net revenues after provision for loan losses decreased $19.4 million, or 19.6%, from $99.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $79.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, resulting from a decline in non-interest revenues of $4.9 million, a $5.3 million loss on early retirement of debt, a decline in net interest income of $6.3 million, and an increase in provision for loan losses of $2.5 million.

 

Non-interest revenues decreased $4.9 million, or 5.5%, from $88.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $83.4  million in the same period in 2017. This decrease was primarily driven by a $1.8 million decline in brokerage, a $4.9 million decrease in asset management fees and a $13.9 million decrease in principal transactions, partially offset by a $13.1 million increase in investment banking and a $2.2 million gain on the sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans.

 

A loss o n the repurchase of debt of $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to the liquidation of CLO II in conjunction with the launch of CLO IV.

 

Provision for loan losses increased $2.5 million from $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Total non-interest expense s decreased $1.1 million, or 1.1%, from $93.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $92.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a $1.3 million decrease in compensation and benefits and a $0.8 million decrease in travel and business development, partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in administration and a $0.8 million increase in other.

 

Net income attributable to JMP Group LLC decreased $16. 6 million from $2.1 million after income tax benefit of $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to a net loss of $14.5 million loss after income tax benefit of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Operating Net Income (Non-GAAP Financial Measure)

 

Management uses Operating Net Income as a key, non-GAAP metric when evaluating the performance of JMP Group LLC’s core business strategy and ongoing operations, as management believes that this metric appropriately illustrates the operating results of JMP Group LLC’s core operations and business activities. Operating Net Income is derived from our segment reported results and is the measure of segment profitability on an after-tax basis used by management to evaluate our performance. This non-GAAP measure is presented to enhance investors’ overall understanding of the Company’s current financial performance. Additionally, management believes that Operating Net Income is a useful measure because it allows for a better evaluation of the performance of JMP Group LLC’s ongoing business and facilitates a meaningful comparison of the Company’s results in a given period to those in prior and future periods.

 

However, Operating Net Income should not be considered a substitute for results that are presented in a manner consistent with GAAP. A limitation of the non-GAAP financial measures presented is that, unless otherwise indicated, the adjustments concern gains, losses or expenses that JMP Group LLC generally expects to continue to recognize, and the adjustment of these items should not always be construed as an inference that these gains or expenses are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Therefore, management believes that both JMP Group LLC’s GAAP measures of its financial performance and the respective non-GAAP measures should be considered together. Operating Net Income may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure presented by other companies.

 

Operating Net Income is a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts the Company ’s GAAP net income as follows:

 

 

(i)

reverses non-cash share-based compensation expense recognized under GAAP related to equity awards granted in prior periods, as management generally evaluates performance by considering the full expense of equity awards in the period in which they are granted, even if the expense of such compensation will be recognized in future periods under GAAP;

 

 

(ii)

recognizes 100% of the cost of deferred compensation in the period for which such compensation was awarded, instead of recognizing such cost over the vesting period as required under GAAP, in order to match compensation expense with the actual period upon which the compensation was based;

 

 

(iii)

reverses amortization expense related to an intangible asset resulting from the repurchase of a portion of the equity of JMP Credit Advisors CLO III;

 

 

(iv)

reverses depreciation and amortization expense related to commercial real estate investments that is recognized by JMP Group as a result of equity method accounting;

 

 

(v)

reverses net unrealized gains and losses on strategic equity investments and warrants;

 

 

(vi)

presents revenues and expenses on a basis that deconsolidates HCAP Advisors and the CLOs;

 

-51-

 

 

 

(vii)

excludes general loan loss provisions recorded in connection with certain CLOs;

 

 

(viii)

reverses the one-time expense associated with the contribution of the remaining assets in JMP Credit Advisors CLO II to newly formed JMP Credit Advisors CLO IV and the resulting acceleration of the amortization of remaining capitalized issuance costs;

 

 

(ix)

reverses the one-time transaction costs related to the refinancing of the debt issued by JMP Credit Advisors CLO III;

 

 

(x)

assumes a combined federal, state and local income tax rate of 38% at the Company’s taxable direct subsidiary, while applying a tax rate of 0% to the Company’s other direct subsidiary, which is a “pass-through entity” for tax purposes.

 

Discussed below is our Operating Net Income by segment. This information is reflected in a manner utilized by management to assess the financial operations of the Company's various business lines.

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

(In thousands)

 

Broker-

Dealer

   

Asset

Management

   

Operating

Platforms

   

Corporate

   

Eliminations

   

Total Segments

 

Revenues

                                               

Investment banking

  $ 22,085     $ -     $ 22,085     $ -     $ -     $ 22,085  

Brokerage

    4,763       -       4,763       -       -       4,763  

Asset management related fees

    -       4,798       4,798       167       (821 )     4,144  

Principal transactions

    -       -       -       867       -       867  

Gain (loss) on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans

    -       -       -       260       -       260  

Gain on repurchase of asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Net dividend income

    -       -       -       278       -       278  

Net interest income

    -       -       -       1,145       -       1,145  

Provision for loan losses

    -       -       -       (593 )     -       (593 )

Adjusted net revenues

    26,848       4,798       31,646       2,124       (821 )     32,949  
                                                 

Non-interest expenses

                                               

Non-interest expenses

    22,215       4,948       27,163       3,706       (821 )     30,048  
                                                 

Operating pre-tax net income

    4,633       (150 )     4,483       (1,582 )     -       2,901  
                                                 

Income tax expense (assumed rate of 38% for Operating Platforms)

    1,761       (57 )     1,704       (1,094 )     -       610  
                                                 

Operating net income (loss)

  $ 2,872     $ (93 )   $ 2,779     $ (488 )   $ -     $ 2,291  

 

-52-

 

 

   

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

(In thousands)

 

Broker-

Dealer

   

Asset

Management

   

Operating

Platforms

   

Corporate

   

Elimin-

a tions

   

Total

Segments

 

Revenues

                                               

Investment banking

  $ 15,048     $ -     $ 15,048     $ -     $ -     $ 15,048  

Brokerage

    5,015       -       5,015       -       -       5,015  

Asset management related fees

    3       5,296       5,299       -       (1,422 )     3,877  

Principal transactions

    -       -       -       3,342       -       3,342  

Gain (loss) on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans

    -       -       -       32       -       32  

Net dividend income

    -       -       -       261       -       261  

Net interest income

    -       -       -       2,057       -       2,057  

Provision for loan losses

    -       -       -       17       -       17  

Adjusted net revenues

    20,066       5,296       25,362       5,709       (1,422 )     29,649  
                                                 

Non-interest expenses

                                               

Non-interest expenses

    19,332       5,176       24,508       4,308       (1,422 )     27,394  
                                                 

Operating pre-tax net income

    734       120       854       1,401       -       2,255  
                                                 

Income tax expense (assumed rate of 38% for Operating Platforms)

    279       46       325       (966 )     -       (641 )
                                                 

Operating net income (loss)

  $ 455     $ 74     $ 529     $ 2,367     $ -     $ 2,896  

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

(In thousands)

 

Broker-

Dealer

   

Asset

Management

   

Operating

Platforms

   

Corporate

   

Elimin-

ations

   

Total

Segments

 

Revenues

                                               

Investment banking

  $ 54,813     $ -     $ 54,813     $ -     $ -     $ 54,813  

Brokerage

    15,127       -       15,127       -       -       15,127  

Asset management related fees

    4       14,965       14,969       1,827       (2,584 )     14,212  

Principal transactions

    -       -       -       3,200       -       3,200  

Gain (loss) on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans

    -       -       -       1,143       -       1,143  

Gain on repurchase of asset-backed securities issued

    -       -       -       210       -       210  

Net dividend income

    -       -       -       819       -       819  

Net interest income

    -       -       -       2,100       -       2,100  

Provision for loan losses

    -       -       -       (2,415 )     -       (2,415 )

Adjusted net revenues

    69,944       14,965       84,909       6,884       (2,584 )     89,209  
                                                 

Non-interest expenses

                                               

Non-interest expenses

    63,234       15,346       78,580       12,624       (2,584 )     88,620  
                                                 

Less: Non-controlling interest

    -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                 

Operating pre-tax net income

    6,710       (381 )     6,329       (5,740 )     -       589  
                                                 

Income tax expense (assumed rate of 38% for Operating Platforms)

    2,551       (145 )     2,406       (2,584 )     -       (178 )
                                                 

Operating net income (loss)

  $ 4,159     $ (236 )   $ 3,923     $ (3,156 )   $ -     $ 767  

 

 

-53-

 

 

   

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

(In thousands)

 

Broker-

Dealer

   

Asset

Management

   

Operating

Platforms

   

Corporate

Costs

   

Elimin-

ations

   

Total

Segments

 

Revenues

                                               

Investment banking

  $ 41,719     $ -     $ 41,719     $ -     $ -     $ 41,719  

Brokerage

    16,921       -       16,921       -       -       16,921  

Asset management related fees

    -       21,721       21,721       123       (4,057 )     17,787  

Principal transactions

    -       -       -       12,412       -       12,412  

Gain on sale, payoff and mark-to-market of loans

    -       -       -       (635 )     -       (635 )

Net dividend income

    -       -       -       828       -       828  

Net interest (expense) income

    -       -       -       6,431       -       6,431  

Provision for loan losses

    -       -       -       (795 )     -       (795 )

Adjusted net revenues

    58,640       21,721       80,361       18,364       (4,057 )     94,668  
                                                 

Non-interest expenses

                                               

Non-interest expenses

    57,637       20,473       78,110       14,857       (4,057 )     88,910  
                                                 

Less: Non-controlling interest

    -       -       -       -       -       -  
                                                 

Operating pre-tax net income

    1,003       1,248       2,251       3,507       -       5,758  
                                                 

Income tax expense (assumed rate of 38% for Operating Platforms)

    383       473       856       (2,720 )     -       (1,864 )
                                                 

Adjusted operating net income

  $ 620     $ 775     $ 1,395     $ 6,227     $ -     $ 7,622  

 

The following table reconciles operating net income to Total Segments operating pre-tax net income, and also to consolidated pre-tax net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC and to consolidated net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 

Operating net income

  $ 2,291     $ 2,896     $ 767     $ 7,622  

Addback of Segment Income tax expense

    610       (641 )     (178 )     (1,864 )

Total Segments operating pre-tax net income

  $ 2,901     $ 2,255     $ 589     $ 5,758  

Subtract / (Add back)

                               

Share-based compensation expense

    260       583       595       1,283  

Deferred compensation program accounting adjustment

    436       1,126       1,268       1,046  

Net unrealized gain (loss) on strategic equity investments

    (191 )     435       297       (329 )

General loan loss reserve for the CLOs

    (136 )     (76 )     697       (109 )

CLO refinancing and accelerated expenses

    14       -       300       -  

Depreciation of commercial real estate in underlying investments

    2,571       123       6,472       2,523  

Amortization of intangible asset

    69       -       207       -  

Early debt retirement of CLO

    -       -       5,432       -  

Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items

    3,023       2,191       15,268       4,414  

Consolidated pre-tax net income (loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ (122 )   $ 64     $ (14,679 )   $ 1,344  
                                 

Income tax expense (benefit)

    1,113       (597 )     (169 )     (793 )

Consolidated Net Income (Loss) attributable to JMP Group LLC

  $ (1,235 )   $ 661     $ (14,510 )   $ 2,137  

 

Three M onths E nded September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

Revenues

 

Investment Banking

 

Investment banking revenues, earned in our Broker-Dealer segment, increased $7.0 million, or 46.8%, from $15.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $22.1 million for the same period in 2017. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, investment banking revenues increased from 49.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to 69.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. On an operating basis, investment banking revenues were 67.0% and 50.8% for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as a percentage of adjusted net revenues after provision for loan losses.

 

-54-

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   

Change from 2016 to 2017

 
   

2017

   

2016

                         
   

Count

   

Revenues

   

Count

   

Revenues

   

Count

    $    

%

 

Equity and debt origination

    22     $ 15,639       15     $ 8,098       7     $ 7,541       93.1 %

Advisory

    6       6,446       8       6,950       (2 )     (504 )     -7.3 %

Total transactions

    28     $ 22,085       23     $ 15,048       5     $ 7,037       46.8 %

 

The increase in revenues was driven not only by a 21.7% increase in the number of transactions executed but also by an increase in the average size of the fee paid per transaction. The number of transactions in which we acted as a bookrunning manager increased from three to six for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

Brokerage Revenues

 

Brokerage revenues earned in our Broker-Dealer segment were $4.8 million and $5.0 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Brokerage revenues decreased as a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, from 16.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to 14.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. On an operating basis, brokerage revenues were 14.5% and 16.9% for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as a percentage of adjusted net revenues after provision for loan losses.

 

Asset Management Fees

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

Base management fees:

               

Fees reported as asset management fees

  $ 3,941     $ 4,160  

Less: Non-controlling interest in HCAP Advisors

    (154 )     (355 )

Total base management fees

    3,787       3,805  
                 

Incentive fees:

               

Fees reported as asset management fees

  $ 73     $ (116 )

Less: Non-controlling interest in HCAP Advisors

    -       (73 )

Total incentive fees

    73       (189 )
                 

Other fee income:

               

Fundraising and other income:

  $ 284     $ 261  

Total other fee income

    284       261  
                 

Asset management related fees:

               

Fees reported as asset management fees

  $ 4,014     $ 4,044  

Fees reported as other income

    284       261  

Less: Non-controlling interest in HCAP Advisors

    (154 )     (428 )

Total Segment asset management related fee revenues

  $ 4,144     $ 3,877  
                 

Consolidation adjustment

    154       428  

Adjusted total asset management related fees:

  $ 4,298     $ 4,305  

 

Fees reported as asset management fees were $4.0 million and $4.0 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, asset management revenues decreased from 13.2% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to 12.5% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Fees reported as other income were $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, other income was 0.9% both for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Total segment asset management related fees include base management fees and incentive fees from our funds, HCC and our CLOs under management, as well as other income from fee-sharing arrangements with, and fees earned to raise capital for, third-party or equity-method investment partnerships or funds. Segment asset management related fees are a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts our total segment asset management related fees by reversing the elimination of those fees in the consolidation of HCAP Advisors. Segment asset management related fees are reconciled to the GAAP measure, total segment asset management fee revenues, in the table above.

 

Total segment asset management related fee revenue increased $0.2 million, from $3.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $4.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Total base management fees were $3.8 million both for the quarter ended September  30, 2016 and for the same period in 2017. Total incentive fees increased $0.2 million, from a cost of $0.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $0.1 million for the same period in 2017. On an operating basis, asset management related fee revenues were 12.6% and 13.6% for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as a percentage of adjusted net revenues after provision for loan losses.

 

-55-

 

 

Principal Transactions

 

Principal transaction revenues decreased $4.2 million, from $2.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to a loss of $1.4  million for the same period in 2017. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, principal transaction revenues were 9.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and negative 4.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Total segment principal transaction revenues decreased $2.5 million, from $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $0.9  million for the same period in 2017. Total segment principal transaction revenues are a non-GAAP financial measure that aggregates our segment reported principal transaction revenues across each segment. The principal transaction revenues for both 2017 and 2016 were based in our Corporate segment. Total segment principal transaction revenues are reconciled to the GAAP measure, total principal transaction revenues, in the table below.

 

   

Three Month Ended September 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

2017

   

2016

 
                 

Hedge fund investments

  $ 687     $ 939  

Investment in Harvest Capital Credit Corporation

    191       (435 )

Other principal investments

    (2,269 )     2,260  

Total principal transaction revenues

    (1,391 )     2,764  

Operating adjustment addbacks

               

Total operating adjustments

    2,258       578  

Total Segment principal transaction revenues

  $ 867     $ 3,342  

 

The decrease is primarily attributed to a $2.2 million decrease in unrealized gain and loss on the TRS as a result of its liquidation which was substantially completed in the second quarter of 2017. On an operating basis, as a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, principal transaction revenues decreased from 11.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to 2.6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Gain and Loss on Sale and Payoff of Loans

 

Gain on sale and payoff of loans increased from a loss of $0.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to a gain of $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Gain and loss on sale and payoff of loans was incurred in our Corporate segment. On a segment basis, gain on sale and payoff of loans increased from a $32 thousand gain for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to a $0.3 million gain for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Net Dividend Income

 

Net dividend income was $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net dividend income primarily related to dividends from our HCC investment.

 

-56-

 

 

Net Interest Income/Expense

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

CLO I loan contractual interest income

  $ -     $ 2,186  

CLO I ABS issued contractual interest expense

    -       (1,109 )

Net CLO I contractual interest

    -       1,077  
                 

CLO II loan contractual interest income

  $ -     $ 3,943  

CLO II ABS issued contractual interest expense

    -       (2,056 )

Net CLO II contractual interest

    -       1,887  
                 

CLO III loan contractual interest income

  $ 4,743     $ 4,562  

CLO III ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (2,975 )     (2,471 )

Net CLO III contractual interest

    1,768       2,091  
                 

CLO IV loan contractual interest income

  $ 5,861     $ -  

CLO IV ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (3,876 )     -  

Net CLO IV contractual interest

    1,985       -  
                 

CLO V loan contractual interest income

  $ 33     $ -  

CLO V warehouse credit facility contractual interest expense

    (7 )     -  

Net CLO IV contractual interest

    26       -  
                 

Bond Payable interest expense

    (1,900 )     (1,900 )

Less: Non-controlling interest in CLOs

    (944 )     (1,203 )

Other interest income

    210       105  

Total Segment net interest income

  $ 1,145     $ 2,057  
                 

Non-controlling interest in CLOs

    944       1,203  

Total net interest income (expense)

  $ 2,089     $ 3,260  

 

Net interest income decreased $1.2 million from $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $2.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was driven primarily by the closures of CLO I and CLO II in 2017, leading to a decline in net interest income that was only partially offset by net interest earned from newly launched CLO IV. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, net interest income was 10.6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and 6.5% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Total segment net interest income decreased from $2.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $1.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Net interest income is earned in our Corporate segment and reflects our portion of the net CLO contractual interest. Total segment net interest income is reconciled to the GAAP measure, total net interest expense, in the table above. As a percentage of total segment net revenues, net interest income was 3.5% and 6.9% for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth contractual interest income and expense related to CLO loans and ABS issued and their weighted average contractual interest rates:

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

 
   

Interest Income

(Expense)

   

Average CLO

Loan (CLO ABS

Issued) Balance

   

Weighted

Average

Contractual

Interest Rate

   

Weighted

Average

LIBOR

   

Spread to

Weighted

Average

LIBOR

 

CLO III loan contractual interest income

    4,743       349,038       5.07 %     1.28 %     3.79 %

CLO III ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (2,975 )     (332,100 )     3.18 %     1.28 %     1.90 %

CLO IV loan contractual interest income

    5,861       435,724       5.02 %     1.33 %     3.69 %

CLO IV ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (3,876 )     (424,718 )     3.40 %     1.33 %     2.07 %

CLO V loan contractual interest income

    33       2,424       4.88 %     1.24 %     3.64 %

CLO V warehouse credit facility contractual interest expense

    (7 )     (3,960 )     2.61 %     1.24 %     1.37 %

Net CLO contractual interest

  $ 3,779     $ N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

 

-57-

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

 
   

Interest Income

(Expense)

   

Average CLO

Loan (CLO ABS

Issued) Balance

   

Weighted

Average

Contractual

Interest Rate

   

Weighted

Average

LIBOR

   

Spread to

Weighted

Average

LIBOR

 

CLO I loan contractual interest income

  $ 2,186     $ 222,945       3.84 %     0.71 %     3.13 %

CLO I ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (1,109 )     (250,464 )     1.98 %     0.71 %     1.27 %

CLO II loan contractual interest income

    3,943       314,713       4.90 %     0.67 %     4.23 %

CLO II ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (2,056 )     (316,200 )     2.54 %     0.67 %     1.87 %

CLO III loan contractual interest income

    4,562       351,354       5.08 %     0.67 %     4.41 %

CLO III warehouse/ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (2,471 )     (332,100 )     2.91 %     0.67 %     2.24 %

Net CLO contractual interest

  $ 5,055     $ N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

(In thousands)

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
                 

CLO related provision

  $ 116     $ 104  

Non-CLO related provision

    (484 )     -  

Provision for Loan Losses

  $ (368 )   $ 104  
                 

Less: General reserves related to CLO II, CLO III and CLO IV, and non-controlling interest

    (225 )     (87 )

Segment Provision for Loan Losses

  $ (593 )   $ 17  

 

Provision for loan losses increased $0.5 million, from a loan loss reversal of $0.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to a loan loss provision of $0.4 million for the same period in 2017. The increase was due to specific reserves totaling $0.9 million related to two loans, partially offset by recoveries among our CLO portfolios and loans held for investment. As a percent of net revenues after provision for loan losses, the provision for loan losses was 0.3% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and negative 1.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Total segment provision for loan losses increased from a loan loss reversal of $17 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to a provision of $0.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Total segment provision for loan losses is a non-GAAP financial measure that aggregates our segment reported provision for loan losses across each segment. Our total segment provision for loan losses in 2017 and 2016 was solely recognized in our Corporate segment. As a percent of total segment adjusted net revenues, segment provision for loan losses were 1.8% and 0.1% for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Expenses

 

Non-Interest Expenses

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

Compensation and benefits, which includes employee payroll, taxes and benefits, performance-based cash bonus and commissions, as well as equity-based compensation to our employees and managing directors, increased $2.4 million, or 10.8%, from $22.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $24.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Employee payroll, taxes and benefits, and consultant fees were $11.1 million and $11.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Performance-based bonus and commission increased $3.3 million from $9.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $12.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Equity-based compensation was $0.9 million and $1.7 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The equity-based compensation included a $0.2 million decline in share options and share appreciation rights.

 

Compensation and benefits as a percentage of revenues increased from 72.3% of total net revenues after provision for loan losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to 76.7% for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Our segment reported compensation and benefits recognizes 100% of the cost of deferred compensation, including non-cash share-based compensation expense, in the period for which such compensation was awarded, instead of recognizing such cost over the vesting period as required under GAAP, in order to match compensation expense with the actual period upon which the compensation was based. The segment reported compensation and benefits increased $3.2 million from $20.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $23.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. As a percent of total segment net revenues, compensation and benefits were 71.3% and 68.4% for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

-58-

 

 

Administration

 

Administration expense was $1.5 million and $1.8 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, administration expense decreased from 5.9% for the quarter ended September  30, 2016 to 4.6% for the same period in 2017.

 

Brokerage, Clearing and Exchange Fees

 

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees were $0.7 million both for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 and for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, our brokerage, clearing and exchange fees decreased from 2.4% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to 2.3% for the same period in 2017.

 

Travel and Business Development

 

Travel and business development expenses decreased $0.3 million, from $1.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $0.7  million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, travel and business development expense was 2.2% and 3.3% for the quarters ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Communications and Technology

 

Communications and technology expenses were $1.0 million both for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 and for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, communications and technology expense decreased from 3.4% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to 3.3% for the same period in 2017.

 

Professional Fees

 

Professional fees were $1.1 million both for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 and for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, professional fees decreased from 3.6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to 3.4% for the same period in 2017.

 

Other Expenses

 

Other expenses were $1.8 million both for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 and for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, other expenses decreased from 5.8% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to 5.5% for the same period in 2017.

 

Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interest

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest decreased from $0.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 to $0.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Non-controlling interest for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 includes the interest of third parties in CLO I, CLO II, CLO III, and HCAP Advisors.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense was $1.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, while an income tax benefit of $0.6 million was recorded for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. For the purposes of calculating operating net income, an effective tax rate of 38% is assumed for our taxable direct subsidiary, based on our best estimation of the subsidiary’s average rate of taxation over the long term, while a rate of 0% is applied to our other direct subsidiary, which is a “pass-through entity” for tax purposes. Segment income tax benefit was $0.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, while segment income tax expense was $0.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

Revenues

 

Investment Banking

 

Investment banking revenues, earned in our Broker-Dealer segment, increased $13.1 million, or 31.4%, from $41.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $54.8 million for the same period in 2017. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, investment banking revenues increased from 42.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 68.9% for the same period in 2017. On an operating basis, investment banking revenues were 61.4% and 44.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as a percentage of adjusted net revenues after provision for loan losses.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   

Change from 2016 to 2017

 
   

2017

   

2016

                         
   

Count

   

Revenues

   

Count

   

Revenues

   

Count

    $    

%

 

Equity and debt origination

    82     $ 40,493       39     $ 17,636       43     $ 22,857       129.6 %

Advisory

    14       14,320       19       24,083       (5 )     (9,763 )     -40.5 %

Total cash flows

    96     $ 54,813       58     $ 41,719       38     $ 13,094       31.4 %

 

The increase in revenues was driven by a 65.5% increase in the number of transactions execu ted. The number of transactions in which we acted as a book running manager increased from three to 18 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

-59-

 

 

Brokerage Revenues

 

Brokerage revenues earned in our Broker-Dealer segment were $15.1 million and $16.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Brokerage revenues increased as a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, from 17.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 19.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. On an operating basis, brokerage revenues were 17.0% and 17.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as a percentage of adjusted net revenues after provision for loan losses.

 

Asset Management Fees

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

Base management fees:

               

Fees reported as asset management fees

  $ 12,084     $ 12,434  

Less: Non-controlling interest in HCAP Advisors

    (663 )     (1,081 )

Total base management fees

    11,421       11,353  
                 

Incentive fees:

               

Fees reported as asset management fees

  $ 1,993     $ 6,523  

Less: Non-controlling interest in HCAP Advisors

    (128 )     (623 )

Total incentive fees

    1,865       5,900  
                 

Other fee income:

               

Fundraising and other income:

  $ 926     $ 534  

Total other fee income

    926       534  
                 

Asset management related fees:

               

Fees reported as asset management fees

  $ 14,077     $ 18,957  

Fees reported as other income

    926       534  

Less: Non-controlling interest in HCAP Advisors

    (791 )     (1,704 )

Total Segment asset management related fee revenues

  $ 14,212     $ 17,787  
                 

Consolidation adjustment

    791       1,704  

Adjusted total asset management related fees:

  $ 15,003     $ 19,491  

 

Fees reported as asset management fees were $14.1 million and $19.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, asset management revenues decreased from 19.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 17.7% for the same period in 2017. Fees reported as other income were $0.9 million and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, other income increased from 0.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 1.2% for the same period in 2017.

 

Total segment asset management related fees include base management fees and incentive fees from our funds, HCC and our CLOs under management, as well as other income from fee-sharing arrangements with, and fees earned to raise capital for, third-party or equity-method investment partnerships or funds. Segment asset management related fees are a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts our total segment asset management related fees by reversing the elimination of those fees in the consolidation of HCAP Advisors. Segment asset management related fees are reconciled to the GAAP measure, total segment asset management fee revenues, in the table above.

 

Total segment asset management related fee revenue decreased $3.6 million, from $17.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $14.2 million for the same period in 2017 . Total base management fees were $11.4 million both for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and for the same period in 2017. Total incentive fees decreased $4.0 million, from $5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $1.9 million for the same period in 2017. On an operating basis, asset management related fee revenues were 15.9% and 20.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as a percentage of adjusted net revenues after provision for loan losses.

 

Principal Transactions

 

Principal transaction revenues decreased $13.9 million, from $10.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to a loss of $3.6 million for the same period in 2017. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, principal transaction revenues were 10.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and negative 4.5% for the same period in 2017.

 

Total segment principal transaction revenues decreased $9.2 million, from $12.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $3.2 million for the same period in 2017. Total segment principal transaction revenues are a non-GAAP financial measure that aggregates our segment reported principal transaction revenues across each segment. The principal transaction revenues for both 2016 and 2017 were based in our Corporate segment. Total segment principal transaction revenues are reconciled to the GAAP measure, total principal transaction revenues, in the table below.

 

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Nine Months Ended Setember 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

2017

   

2016

 
                 

Hedge fund investments

  $ 1,170     $ 73  

Investment in Harvest Capital Credit Corporation

    (297 )     314  

Other principal investments

    (4,479 )     9,938  

Total principal transaction revenues

    (3,606 )     10,325  

Operating adjustment addbacks

               

Total operating adjustments

    6,806       2,087  

Total Segment principal transaction revenues

  $ 3,200     $ 12,412  

 

The decrease is primarily attributed to a $6.0 million sale of our interest in Riverbanc in 2016 and a $4.4 million decrease in unrealized gain and loss on TRS as a result of its liquidation in 2017, partially offset by a 1.1 million increase in unrealized gain and loss on our hedge fund investments. On an operating basis, as a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, principal transaction revenues decreased from 13.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 2.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Gain and Loss on Sale and Payoff of Loans

 

Gain on sale and payoff of loans increased from a loss of $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to a gain of $1.2  million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Gain and loss on sale and payoff of loans was incurred in our Corporate segment. On a segment basis, gain on sale and payoff of loans was a $0.7 million loss and a $1.1 million gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

Net Dividend Income

 

Net dividend income was $0.8 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net dividend income primarily related to dividends from our HCC investment.

 

Net Interest Income/Expense

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

CLO I loan contractual interest income

  $ 480     $ 7,576  

CLO I ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (691 )     (3,285 )

Net CLO I contractual interest

    (211 )     4,291  
                 

CLO II loan contractual interest income

  $ 6,474     $ 12,145  

CLO II ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (4,807 )     (6,011 )

Net CLO II contractual interest

    1,667       6,134  
                 

CLO III loan contractual interest income

  $ 14,147     $ 13,741  

CLO III ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (8,687 )     (7,232 )

Net CLO III contractual interest

    5,460       6,509  
                 

CLO IV loan contractual interest income

  $ 8,035     $ -  

CLO IV ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (4,697 )     -  

Net CLO IV contractual interest

    3,338       -  
                 

CLO V loan contractual interest income

  $ 33     $ -  

CLO V warehouse credit facility contractual interest expense

    (7 )     -  

Net CLO V contractual interest

    26       -  
                 

Bond Payable interest expense

    (5,701 )     (5,714 )
                 

Less: Non-controlling interest in CLOs

    (2,914 )     (5,269 )
                 

Other interest income

    461       480  
                 

Total Segment net interest income

  $ 2,100     $ 6,431  
                 

Non-controlling interest in CLOs

    2,914       5,269  
                 

Total net interest income (expense)

  $ 5,014     $ 11,700  

 

Net interest income decreased $6.7 million from $11.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $5.0 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease was driven primarily by the closures of CLO I and CLO II in 2017, leading to a decline in net interest income that was only partially offset by net interest earned from newly launched CLO IV. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, net interest income was 11.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 6.3% for the same period in 2017.

 

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Total segment net interest income decreased $4.4 million from $6.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $2.1 million for the same period in 2017. Net interest income is earned in our Corporate segment and reflects our portion of the net CLO contractual interest. Total segment net interest income is reconciled to the GAAP measure, total net interest expense, in the table above. As a percentage of total segment net revenues, net interest income was 2.4% and 6.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth contractual interest income and expense related to CLO loans and ABS issued and their weighted average contractual interest rates:

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017

 
   

Interest Income

(Expense)

   

Average CLO

Loan (CLO ABS

Issued) Balance

   

Weighted

Average

Contractual

Interest Rate

   

Weighted

Average

LIBOR

   

Spread to

Weighted

Average

LIBOR

 

CLO I loan contractual interest income

  $ 480     $ 6,975       4.10 %     0.39 %     3.71 %

CLO I ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (691 )     (85,500 )     1.03 %     0.39 %     0.64 %

CLO II loan contractual interest income

    6,474       162,643       4.96 %     0.00 %     4.96 %

CLO II ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (4,807 )     (256,749 )     2.98 %     1.07 %     1.91 %

CLO III loan contractual interest income

    14,147       354,518       5.01 %     1.14 %     3.87 %

CLO III ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (8,687 )     (332,100 )     3.13 %     1.14 %     1.99 %

CLO IV loan contractual interest income

    8,035       195,459       4.96 %     1.33 %     3.64 %

CLO IV ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (4,697 )     (424,718 )     3.40 %     1.33 %     2.08 %

CLO V loan contractual interest income

    33       817       4.88 %     1.24 %     3.64 %

CLO V warehouse credit facility contractual interest expense

    (7 )     (3,960 )     2.61 %     1.24 %     1.38 %

Net CLO contractual interest

  $ 10,280     $ N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2016

 
   

Interest Income

(Expense)

   

Average CLO

Loan (CLO ABS

Issued) Balance

   

Weighted

Average

Contractual

Interest Rate

   

Weighted

Average

LIBOR

   

Spread to

Weighted

Average

LIBOR

 

CLO I loan contractual interest income

  $ 7,576     $ 261,856       3.80 %     0.60 %     3.20 %

CLO I ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (3,285 )     (277,848 )     1.78 %     0.60 %     1.18 %

CLO II loan contractual interest income

    12,145       320,382       4.98 %     0.62 %     4.36 %

CLO II ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (6,044 )     (316,365 )     2.49 %     0.62 %     1.87 %

CLO III loan contractual interest income

    13,741       351,848       5.13 %     0.62 %     4.51 %

CLO III ABS issued contractual interest expense

    (7,232 )     (332,100 )     2.86 %     0.62 %     2.24 %

Net CLO contractual interest

  $ 16,901     $ N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

 

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

(In thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
                 

CLO related provision

  $ (2,271 )   $ (537 )

Non-CLO related provision

    (1,217 )     (443 )

Provision for Loan Losses

  $ (3,488 )   $ (980 )
                 

Less: General reserves related to CLO II, CLO III and CLO IV, and non-controlling interest

    1,073       185  

Segment Provision for Loan Losses

  $ (2,415 )   $ (795 )

 

Provision for loan losses increased $2.5 million, from $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $3.5 million for the same period in 2017. Approximately $1.7 million of the increase related to specific reserves on loans held in our CLO portfolios and among our loans held for investment. As a percent of net revenues after provision for loan losses, the provision for loan losses was negative 4.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and negative 1.0% for the same period in 2016.

 

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Total segment provision for loan losses increased from $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Total segment provision for loan losses is a non-GAAP financial measure that aggregates our segment reported provision for loan losses across each segment. Our total segment provision for loan losses in 2017 and 2016 was solely recognized in our Corporate segment. As a percent of total segment adjusted net revenues, segment provision for loan losses were 2.7% and 0.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Expenses

 

Non-Interest Expenses

 

Compensation and Benefits

 

Compensation and benefits, which includes employee payroll, taxes and benefits, performance-based cash bonus and commissions, as well as equity-based compensation to our employees and managing directors, decreased $1.3 million, or 1.8%, from $70.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $69.0 million for the same period in 2017.

 

Employee payroll, taxes and benefits, and consultant fees were $34.5 million and $34.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Performance-based bonus and commission increased $1.0 million from $31.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $33.1 million for the same period in 2017.

 

Equity-based compensation was $2.2 million and $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The equity-based compensation included a $1.0 million decline in share options and share appreciation rights.

 

Compensation and benefits as a percentage of revenues increased from 71.0% of total net revenues after provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 86.8% for the same period in 2017.

 

Our segment reported compensation and benefits recognizes 100% of the cost of deferred compensation, including non-cash share-based compensation expense, in the period for which such compensation was awarded, instead of recognizing such cost over the vesting period as required under GAAP, in order to match compensation expense with the actual period upon which the compensation was based. The segment reported compensation and benefits decreased $0.7 million from $67.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $66.4 million for the same period in 2017. As a percent of total segment net revenues, compensation and benefits were 74.5% and 70.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Administration

 

Administration expense was $6.0 and $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, administration expense increased from 5.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 7.5% for the same period in 2017.

 

Brokerage, Clearing and Exchange Fees

 

Brokerage, clearing and exchange fees were $2.3 million both for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and for the same period in 2017. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, our brokerage, clearing and exchange fees increased from 2.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 2.9% for the same period in 2017.

 

Travel and Business Development

 

Travel and business development expenses decreased $0.8 million, from $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, travel and business development expense were 3.4% and 3.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Communications and Technology

 

Communications and technology expenses were $3.2 million and $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, communications and technology expense increased from 3.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 4.0% for the same period in 2017.

 

Professional Fees

 

Professional fees decreased $0.1 million from $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, professional fees increased from 3.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 3.9% for the same period in 2017.

 

Other Expenses

 

Other expenses increased $0.8 million from $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was attributable to a $0.5 million increase in occupancy costs. As a percentage of total net revenues after provision for loan losses, other expenses increased from 5.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to 7.8% for the same period in 2017.

 

Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interest

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest decreased from $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $1.7  million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Non-controlling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 includes the interest of third parties in CLO I, CLO II, CLO III, and HCAP Advisors.

 

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Provision for Income Taxes

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , income tax benefits of $1.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, were recorded. For the purposes of calculating operating net income, an effective tax rate of 38% is assumed for our taxable direct subsidiary, based on our best estimation of the subsidiary’s average rate of taxation over the long term, while a rate of 0% is applied to our other direct subsidiary, which is a “pass-through entity” for tax purposes. Segment income tax benefit decreased $1.7 million from $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $0.2 million for the same period in 2017.

 

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

In the section that follows, we discuss the significant changes in the components of our balance sheet, cash flows and capital resources and liquidity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to demonstrate where our capital is invested and the financial condition of the Company.

 

Overview

 

As of September 30, 2017, we had net liquid assets of $88.7 million consisting of cash and cash equivalents, proceeds from short sales on deposit, receivable from clearing broker, marketable securities owned, and general partner investments in hedge funds managed by HCS, net of marketable securities sold but not yet purchased, accrued compensation, deferred compensation paid in January 2014, and non-controlling interest. We have satisfied our capital and liquidity requirements primarily through the net proceeds from the initial public offering, the January 2013 issuance of the 2013 Senior Notes, the January 2014 issuance of the 2014 Senior Notes, and internally generated cash from operations. Most of our financial instruments, other than loans collateralizing asset-backed securities issued, loans held for investment and asset-backed securities issued, are recorded at fair value or amounts that approximate fair value.

 

Liquidity Considerations Related to CLOs

 

On April  7, 2009, we invested $4.0 million of cash and granted $3.0 million original par amount, with a $2.3 million estimated fair value, of contingent consideration (a zero coupon note) to acquire 100% of the membership interests and net assets of $7.5 million of CLO I. In December 2009, we repurchased the contingent consideration for $1.8 million. In the fourth quarter of 2016, CLO I initiated liquidation proceedings. In connection with this liquidation, the Company received a $29.0 million distribution in the first quarter of 2017 and the final distribution of $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2017.

 

Our maximum exposure to loss of capital on the CLOs is the $13.5 million investment related to CLO III and $39.0 million investment in CLO IV, plus any earnings retained in the CLOs since the acquisition or inception dates. However, for U.S. federal tax p urposes, the CLOs are treated as disregarded entities such that the taxable income earned in the CLO is taxable to us. If the CLOs are in violation of certain coverage tests, mainly any of their over-collateralization ratios, residual cash flows otherwise payable to us as owners of the subordinated notes would be required to be used to repay indebtedness senior to us in the securitization, or, for CLO III or CLO IV, potentially to buy additional collateral. This could require us to pay income tax on earnings prior to the residual cash flow distributions to us.

 

The CLOs must comply with certain asset coverage tests, such as tests that restrict the amount of discounted obligations and obligations rated “CCC” or lower it can hold. Defaulted obligations, discounted assets and assets rated “CCC” or lower in excess of applicable limits in the CLOs investment criteria are not given full par credit for purposes of calculation of the CLO over-collateralization (“OC”) tests. We were in compliance with all OC tests on the determination dates since February 2010. However, we have been in violation and may be in the future. If any of the CLOs were to violate any of the secured note OC tests, we would be required to pay down the most senior notes with the residual cash flows until the violation was cured. In the most extreme case, if a CLO were in violation of the most senior OC test, the Class A note holders would have the ability to declare an event of default and cause an acceleration of all principal and interest outstanding on the notes.

 

For financial reporting purposes, the loans and asset-backed securities of the CLOs are consolidated on our balance sheet. The loans are reported at their cost adjusted for credit reserves, purchase discounts and allowance for loan losses. The asset-backed securities are recorded net of liquidity discounts and original issue discounts. At September 30, 2017, we had $756.2 million of loans collateralizing asset-backed securities, net, $57.7 million of restricted cash and $2.0 million of interest receivable funded by $737.8 million of asset-backed securities issued, net, and interest payable of $6.0 million. These assets and liabilities represented 79.1% of total assets and 81.4% of total liabilities respectively, reported on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at September 30, 2017.

 

The tables below summarize the loans held by the CLOs grouped by range of outstanding balance, Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. rating category and industry as of September 30, 2017.  

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

As of September 30, 2017

 

Range of Outstanding Balance

 

Number of

Loans

 

Maturity Date

 

Total Principal

 

$0 - $500

    94  

11/2019 - 8/2024

  $ 39,705  

$500 - $2,000

    360  

12/2018 - 7/2025

    462,217  

$2,000 - $5,000

    95  

1/2019 - 6/2014

    252,217  

$5,000 - $10,000

    2  

6/2021 - 9/2023

    13,933  

Total

    551       $ 768,072  

 

 

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(Dollars in thousands)

 

As of September 30, 2017

 

Industry

 

Number of

Loans

   

Outstanding

Balance

   

% of Outstanding

Balance

 

Aerospace & Defense

    19     $ 24,162       3.1 %

Automotive

    26       32,774       4.3 %

Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate

    32       36,088       4.7 %

Beverage, Food & Tobacco

    27       36,926       4.8 %

Capital Equipment

    20       24,858       3.2 %

Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber

    20       19,522       2.5 %

Construction & Building

    19       27,712       3.6 %

Consumer Goods: Durable

    13       19,328       2.5 %

Consumer Goods: Non-durable

    14       22,722       3.0 %

Containers, Packaging & Glass

    18       21,350       2.8 %

Energy: Electricity

    5       10,997       1.4 %

Energy: Oil & Gas

    8       8,119       1.1 %

Environmental Industries

    8       13,953       1.8 %

Forest Products & Paper

    1       993       0.1 %

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

    40       55,609       7.2 %

High Tech Industries

    40       68,202       8.9 %

Hotel, Gaming & Leisure

    38       51,570       6.7 %

Media: Diversified & Production

    4       5,569       0.7 %

Media: Advertising, Printing, Publishing

    8       11,912       1.6 %

Media: Broadcasting & Subscription

    16       26,885       3.5 %

Metals & Mining

    7       10,459       1.4 %

Retail

    31       50,509       6.6 %

Services: Business

    52       82,880       10.8 %

Services: Consumer

    22       33,860       4.4 %

Telecommunications

    25       37,597       4.9 %

Transportation: Cargo

    14       20,270       2.6 %

Transportation: Consumer

    4       4,954       0.6 %

Utilities: Oil & Gas

    1       975       0.1 %

Utilities: Electric

    1       1,446       0.2 %

Wholesale

    4       5,870       0.8 %

Total

    537     $ 768071       100.0 %

 

Moody's Rating Category

 

Number of

Loans

   

Outstanding

Balance

   

% of Outstanding

Balance

 

B1

    109     $ 166,087       21.6 %

B2

    205       293,420       38.2 %

B3

    92       131,105       17.1 %

Ba1

    15       26,566       3.5 %

Ba2

    29       35,613       4.6 %

Ba3

    50       62,223       8.1 %

Baa3

    5       9,010       1.2 %

Caa1

    25       38,648       5.0 %

Caa2

    6       5,307       0.7 %

Caa3

    1       92       0.0 %

Total

    537     $ 768,071       100 %

 

Other Liquidity Considerations

 

As of September 30, 2017, our indebtedness consists of our bonds payable and our borrowings under the CLO V warehouse credit facility. We have no outstanding balances on our revolving lines of credit with City National Bank (“ CNB”), related to JMP Holding LLC or JMP Securities.

 

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In January 2013, we raised approximately $46.0 million from the sale of 8.00% Senior Notes (“2013 Senior Notes”). In January 2014, we raised an additional approximate $48.3 million from the sale of 7.25% Senior Notes (“2014 Senior Notes” and the 2013 Senior Notes together with the 2014 Senior Notes are the “Senior Notes”). The 2013 Senior Notes will mature on January 15, 2023 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after January 15, 2016, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. The 2013 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.00% per year, payable quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year. The 2014 Senior Notes will mature on January 15, 2021, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after January 15, 2017, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest. The 2014 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.25% per year, payable quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year. In February 2016, the Company purchased $0.5 million face value of the Senior Notes for $0.4 million.

 

In connection with the Reorganization Transaction, we entered into a Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 15, 2014 (the “Third Supplemental Indenture”), among the JMP Group Inc., JMP Group LLC and JMP Investment Holdings LLC, as guarantors (the “Guarantors”), and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The Third Supplemental Indenture became effective on January 1, 2015. Under the Third Supplemental Indenture, the Guarantors have jointly and severally provided a full and unconditional guarantee of the due and punctual payment of the principal and interest on the Senior Notes, and the due and punctual payment or performance of all other obligations of JMP Group Inc. under the Indenture, dated as of January 24, 2013, between JMP Group Inc. and the Trustee, as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 25, 2013, a Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2014 and the Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 15, 2014.

 

The Company ’s Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), dated as of August 3, 2006, was entered into by and between JMP Holding LLC and City National Bank (“CNB”), and was subsequently amended. The Credit Agreement and subsequent amendments provide a $25.0 million line of credit with a revolving period of one year through May 2, 2018. On such date, any outstanding amounts convert to a term loan. The term loan will be repaid in quarterly installments of 3.75% of funded debt for the first two years, 5.00% of funded debt for the next two years, and the remainder due at maturity. Proceeds for this line of credit will be used to make financial investments, for working capital purposes, for general corporate purposes, as well as a $5.0 million sublimit to issue letters of credit. The Company’s outstanding balance on this line of credit was zero as of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

The Credit Agreement for the term loan provides that the proceeds of the CNB Loans are subject to the following restrictions: (i) the initial term loan and up to $5.0 million of the revolving line of credit loans may not be used for any purpose other than to fund certain permitted investments and acquisitions and to fund JMP Holding LLC’s working capital needs in the ordinary course of its business; (ii) all other proceeds of the revolving line of credit may not be used for any purpose other than to make investments in HCS and by HCS to make investments in loans that are made to persons that are not affiliates of borrower; and (iii) the term loan may not be used for any purpose other than to make equity investments in CLOs and by CLOs to make certain permitted investments in collateralized loan obligations.

 

The Credit Agreement includes a minimum fixed charge applicable to us and our subsidiaries, a minimum net worth covenant applicable to us and our subsidiaries and a minimum liquidity covenant applicable to JMP Holding LLC and its subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2017, we were in compliance with all of these financial covenants. The Credit Agreement also includes an event of default for a “change of control” that tests, in part, the composition of our ownership and an event of default if two or more of the members of the Company’s Executive Committee fail to be involved actively on an ongoing basis in the management of JMP Holding LLC or any of its subsidiaries. The CNB Loans are guaranteed by HCS and secured by a lien on substantially all assets of JMP Holding LLC and HCS.

 

Separately, under a Revolving Note and Cash Subordination Agreement, JMP Securities holds a $20.0 million revolving line of credit with CNB to be used for regulatory capital purposes during its securities underwriting activities. The unused portion of the line bears interest at the rate of 0.25% per annum, paid monthly. On June 6, 2017, JMP Securities entered into an amendment to its Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to this Amendment, the $20.0 million line of credit was renewed for one year. On June 6, 2018, any existing outstanding amount will convert to a term loan maturing the following year. The remaining terms of this line of credit are consistent with those of the existing line of credit. There was no borrowing on this line of credit as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

The Credit Agreement contains financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on debt, liens and investments, as well as the maintenance of certain financial covenants. A violation of any one of these covenants could result in a default under the Credit Agreement, which would permit CNB to terminate the Company’s note and require the immediate repayment of any outstanding principal and interest. At both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the loan covenants. The revolving lines of credit are collateralized by a pledge of the Company’s assets, including its interests in each of JMP Securities and HCS.

 

On July 31, 2017, the Company established, through its affiliate CLO V, a $200.0 million revolving credit facility with BNP Paribas to finance the acquisition of a portfolio of assets, including certain debt obligations. As of September 30, 2017, the bala nce of the credit facility was $7.0 million.

 

The timing of bonus compensation payments to our employees may significantly affect our cash position and liquidity from period to period. While our employees and managing directors are generally paid semi-monthly during the year, bonus compensation, which makes up a larger portion of total compensation, is generally paid once a year during the first two months of the following year. In the first two months of 2017, we paid out $29.8 million of cash bonuses for 2016, excluding employer payroll tax expense.

 

-66-

 

 

The Company currently intends to continue to declare monthly cash distributions on all outstanding shares . The following table represents cash distributions made for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Date

Record

Date

 

Per Share

 

Declared

Date

Paid

 

Amount

 

1/19/2017

1/31/2017

2/15/2017

  $ 0.030  

1/19/2017

2/28/2017

3/15/2017

  $ 0.030  

1/19/2017

3/31/2017

4/14/2017

  $ 0.030  

4/19/2017

4/28/2017

5/15/2017

  $ 0.030  

4/19/2017

5/31/2017

6/15/2017

  $ 0.030  

4/19/2017

6/30/2017

7/14/2017

  $ 0.030  

7/20/2017

7/31/2017

8/15/2017

  $ 0.030  

7/20/2017

8/31/2017

9/15/2017

  $ 0.030  

7/20/2017

9/29/2017

10/13/2017

  $ 0.030  

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased 362,694 of the Company ’s shares at an average price of $5.42 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $2.0 million on the open market.

 

We had total restricted cash of $ 62.0 million comprised primarily of $57.7 million of restricted cash at JMP Investment Holdings on September 30, 2017. This balance was comprised of $11.0 million in interest received from loans in the CLOs, and $51.2 million in principal cash. The interest and fees will be restricted until the next payment date to note holders of the CLOs. The principal restricted cash will be used to buy additional loans or pay down the senior debt in the CLOs.

 

Because of the nature of our investment banking and sales and trading businesses, liquidity is important to us. Accordingly, we regularly monitor our liquidity position, including our cash and net capital positions. We believe that our available liquidity and current level of equity capital, combined with the funds anticipated to be provided by our operating activities, will be adequate to meet our liquidity and regulatory capital requirements for at least the next twelve months. If circumstances required it, we could improve our liquidity position by discontinuing repurchases of the Company’s common shares, halting cash distributions on our common shares and reducing cash bonus compensation paid.

 

JMP Securities, our wholly-owned subsidiary and a registered securities broker-dealer, is subject to the SEC ’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined, and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. JMP Securities had net capital of $21.1 million and $29.7 million, which were $19.8 million and $28.6 million in excess of the required net capital of $1.3 million and $1.1 million, at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. JMP Securities’ ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital was 0.92 to 1 and 0.56 to 1 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

A condensed table of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is presented below.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   

Change from 2016 to 2017

 
   

2017

   

2016

           

%

 

Cash flows used in operating activities

  $ (13,984 )   $ 5,092     $ (19,076 )     -374.6 %

Cash flows provided by investing activities

    114,640       106,378       8,262       7.8 %

Cash flows used in financing activities

    (98,655 )     (91,353 )     (7,302 )     -8.0 %

Total cash flows

  $ 2,001     $ 20,117     $ (18,116 )     -90.1 %

 

Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

 

Cash decreased by $ 2.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as a result of cash used in operating and financing activities, partially offset by cash provided by investing activities.

 

Our operating activities used $ 14.0 million of cash from the net loss of $12.8 million, adjusted for the cash used by operating assets and liabilities of $10.6 million, and provided by non-cash revenue and expense items of $9.4 million. The cash used by the change in operating assets and liabilities included an increase in receivables of $22.4 million, and decrease in accrued compensation and other liabilities of $9.0 million, partially offset by a, increase in marketable securities sold, but not yet purchased of $16.3 million and a decrease in deposits and other assets of $6.5 million. 

 

Our investing activities provided $ 114.6 million of cash primarily due to the sale and payoff of loans collateralizing ABS of $477.2 million, the net change in restricted cash reserved for lending activities of $167.0 million driven by the liquidation of CLO I and CLO II, and, partially offset by $614.4 million funding of loans collateralizing ABS related to the CLO IV issuance.

 

Our financing activities used $98.7 million of cash primarily due to $503.6 million repayment of ABS issued relating to the liquidation of CLO I and CLO II, partially offset by $408.4 million of proceeds from asset-backed securities issued and $7.0 million of proceed s from the Facility.

 

Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

 

Cash increased by $20.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as a result of cash provided by operating and investing activities, partially offset by cash used in financing activities.

 

-67-

 

 

Our operating activities provided $5.1 million of cash from the net income of $6.2 million, adjusted for the cash used by operating assets and liabilities of $9.3 million, and by non-cash revenue and expense items of $10.4 million. The cash used by the change in operating assets and liabilities included a decline of accrued compensation and other liabilities of $11.9 million, partially offset by a decline in receivables of $7.9 million and a $6.9 million decrease in marketable securities.

 

Our investing activities provided $106.4 million of cash primarily due to the sale and payoff of loans collateralizing ABS of $279.4 million, and principal receipts on loans collateralizing asset-backed securities of $52.0 million, partially offset by $185.6 million funding of loans collateralizing ABS and $72.3 million increase in restricted cash for lending activities due trades made at the CLOs but not yet settled.

 

Our financing activities used $91.4 million of cash primarily due to $74.6 million repayment of ABS issued, $6.2 million distributions and distribution equivalents paid on common shares and RSUs and $5.9 million distributions to non-controlling shareholders.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

As of September 30, 2017, our aggregate minimum future commitment on our leases was $25.1 million. See Note 13 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information. Our remaining contractual obligations have not materially changed from those reported in our Annual Report.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

In connection with the CLOs, the Company had standby letters of credit of $5.1 million and $1.0 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company had unfunded commitments to lend of $39.4 million as of September 30, 2017. The Company had sold unfunded commitments of $20.7 million as of December 31, 2016 that had not yet settled. Had the borrower drawn on these, the Company would have been obligated to fund them. The funds for the unfunded commitments to lend and the cash collateral supporting these standby letters of credit are included in restricted cash on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of September 30, 2017. The CLO-related commitments do not extend to JMP Group LLC. See Note 18 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information on the financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in connection with the CLOs.

 

Unfunded commitments are agreements to lend to a borrower, provided that all conditions have been met. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since certain commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each borrower ’s creditworthiness on a case by case basis.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance by a borrower to a third party. The Company ’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on balance sheet instruments. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to borrowers.

 

We had no other material off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2017. However, as described below under “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” through indemnification provisions in our clearing agreements with our clearing broker, customer activities may expose us to off-balance sheet credit risk, which we seek to mitigate through customer screening and collateral requirements.  

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The use of different estimates and assumptions could produce materially different results. For example, if factors such as those described under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report cause actual events to differ from the assumptions we used in applying the accounting policies, our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be adversely affected.

 

On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, particularly as they relate to accounting policies that we believe are most important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. We regard an accounting estimate or assumption to be most important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations where:

 

 

 

the nature of the estimate s or assumptions is material due to the level of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change; and

 

 

 

the impact of the estimate s or assumptions on our financial condition or operating performance is material.

 

Using the foregoing criteria, we consider the following to be our critical accounting policies:

 

 

Valuation of Financial Instruments

 

-68-

 

 

 

Asset Management Investment Partnerships

 

 

Loans Held for Sale

 

 

L oans Collateralizing Asset-backed Securities Issued

 

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

 

Asset-backed Securities Issued

 

 

Legal and Other Contingent Liabilities

 

 

Income Taxes

 

Our significant accounting policies are described further in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section and Note  2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report.

 

ITEM  3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM  4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (the principal executive officer) and the Chief Financial Officer (the principal financial officer), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART  II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM  1 .

Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved in a number of judicial, regulatory and arbitration matters arising in connection with our business. The outcome of matters we have been and currently are involved in cannot be determined at this time, and the results cannot be predicted with certainty. There can be no assurance that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any future period and a significant judgment could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We may in the future become involved in additional litigation in the ordinary course of our business, including litigation that could be material to our business. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, believes that the currently known actions or threats against us will not result in any material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

ITEM  1A.

Risk Factors

 

The risk factors included in our Annual Report continue to apply to us, and describe risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report. There have not been any material changes from the risk factors previously described in our Annual Report.

 

-69-

 

 

ITEM  2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of JMP Group LLC or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act), of our common shares during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

 

                   

Total Number of

Shares Purchased

as Part of Publicly

Announced Plans or

Programs

         
                       

Maximum Number of

Shares that May Yet Be

Purchased Under the

Plans or Programs (1)

 
   

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased

   

Average Price

Paid

Per Share

         
                 

Period

               
                                 

July 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017

    145,058     $ 5.32       145,058       780,410  

August 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017

    69,018     $ 5.38       69,018       711,392  

September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017

    21,536     $ 5.35       21,536       689,856  

Total

    235,612               235,612          

 

(1)

On February 13, 2017, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 shares through December 31, 2017.

 

 

ITEM  3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

ITEM  4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

  Not Applicable.

 

ITEM  5.

Other Information

 

  None.

 

ITEM  6.

Exhibits

 

See Exhibit  Index.

 

-70-

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

Date: November 9, 2017

 

 

JMP Group LLC

     
 

By:

 

/s/   J OSEPH A. J OLSON 

 

Name:

 

Joseph A. Jolson

 

Title:

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

     
 

By:

 

/s/   R AYMOND S. J ACKSON

 

Name:

 

Raymond S. Jackson

 

Title:

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

-71-

 

 

EXHIBIT  INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

   

10.18

 

Credit Agreement , dated as of July 31, 2017, among JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd., as Borrower, JMP Credit Advisors LLC, as Collateral Manager, and BNP Paribas, as Lender

     

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section  302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section  302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

     

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

     

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

     

101

 

The following materials from the Registrant ’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), include: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) related notes (furnished herewith).

 

-72-

Exhibit 10.18

 

CONFORMED COP Y



 

 

 

 

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

 

by a nd among

 

 

BNP PARIBAS ,
as a Lender,

 

 

the other Lenders party hereto,

 

 

JMP CREDIT ADVISORS CLO V LTD.,
as Borrower,

 

 

BNP PARIBAS ,
as Administrative Agent,

 

 

JMP CREDIT ADVISORS LLC ,
as Collateral Manager,

 

 

and

 

 

JMP INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LLC,
as Preferred Investor

 

 

 

 

As of [July 31], 2017

 

 



 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

SECTION 1.

Definitions and Rules of Constructio n

1

     

SECTION 2.

The REVOLVING Facilit y

28

     

SECTION 3.

Account s

35

     

SECTION 4.

Security Interes t

36

     

SECTION 5.

Dispositions of Portfolio Assets, REINVESTMENT OF PRINCIPAL COLLECTION S

42

     

SECTION 6.

OC Ratio Posting AND ADDitional issuance of preference share s

43

     

SECTION 7.

Conditions Precedent to Borrowin g

45

     

SECTION 8.

Representations and Warrantie s

46

     

SECTION 9.

Covenant s

48

     

SECTION 10.

ADMINISTRATIVE AGEN T

53

     

SECTION 11.

CALCULATION DISPUTE MECHANIS M

55

     

SECTION 12.

Assignment of Collateral Management Agreemen t

56

     

SECTION 13.

Miscellaneou s

57

 

 

-i-

 

 

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as o f [July 31], 2017 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, this “ Agreement ”), by and among BNP Paribas and each of the other lenders from time to time party hereto (the “ Lenders ”), JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd. (the “ Borrower ”), BNP Paribas, as administrative agent (the “ Administrative Agent ”), JMP Credit Advisors LLC (the “ Collateral Manager ”) and JMP Investment Holdings LLC (the “ Preferred Investor ”).

 

WITNESSETH :

 

WHEREAS, the parties hereto are entering into this Agreement in anticipation that the Borrower will issue (or co -issue) certain notes or similar securities (collectively, the “ CLO Securities ”) that will be secured principally by a portfolio of collateral that includes certain loans (each, an “ Asset ”) that are eligible for acquisition by the Borrower in accordance with the Underlying Instruments (as defined below); and

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower desires to acquire Assets in the manner described herein upon request of the Collateral Manager hereunder and, to that effect, the Borrower wishes to borrow from the Lenders, and the Lenders are willing to lend to the Borrower, funds to finance such acquisitions on the terms and subject to the conditions hereof; and

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower has appointed the Collateral Manager to act as Collateral Manager with respect to the Portfolio Assets, with duties including, but not limited to, the selection of the Assets to be acquired by the Borrower; and

 

WHEREAS, the Preferred Investor has the obligation to subscribe for the Preference Shares of the Borrower as described herein and in the Preference Share Subscription Agreement (as defined below);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1.

Definitions and Rules of Construction

 

(a)     As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

Account Control Agreement ” means the account control agreement dated on or about the date hereof among the Borrower, the Securities Intermediary and the Administrative Agent with respect to the Accounts.

 

Accounts ” means the Trust Account, the Collateral Account, the Collection Account, the Principal Collection Account, the Interest Collection Account, the Prepayment Reserve Account, the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account, the OC Ratio Posting Account and all other accounts of the Borrower established pursuant to this Agreement.

 

-1-

 

 

Acquisition Date ” means, with respect to any Portfolio Asset, the date on which the Borrower commits to acquire such Portfolio Asset.

 

Act ” has the meaning specified in Section 13(m) hereof.

 

Adjusted Administrative Agent Fee Amount ” has the meaning specified in the Fee Letter.

 

Administrative Agent ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereof.

 

Administrative Agent Fee ” has the meaning specified in Section 2(e) hereof.

 

Administrative Agent Fee Amount ” has the meaning specified in the Fee Letter.

 

Advance Rate ” has the meaning specified in the Fee Letter.

 

Affiliate ” or “ Affiliated ” means, with respect to a Person, (a) any other Person who, directly or indirectly, including through one or more intermediaries, is in control of, or controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person or (b) any other Person who is a director, officer, employee, managing member or general partner of (i) such Person or (ii) any such other Person described in clause (a) above. For the purposes of this definition, “ control ” of a Person shall mean the power, direct or indirect, (i) to vote more than 50% of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or (ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether by contract or otherwise. The Borrower shall be deemed to have no Affiliates.

 

Agent Indemnity Amount ” means any indemnity amount owing by the Borrower to the Custodian or the Securities Intermediary, as the case may be, under the Custody Agreement or the Account Control Agreement, as applicable.

 

Agented Asset ” means any Asset originated as part of a syndicated loan transaction that has one or more administrative, paying and/or collateral agents who receive payments and hold the collateral pledged by the related obligor on behalf of all lenders with respect to the related credit facility.

 

Aggregate C o llateral Adjusted Principal Amount ” means, as of any Business Day, the sum of the Collateral Adjusted Principal Amounts of each Traded Portfolio Asset less the sum of any Excess Concentrations.

 

Agreement ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereof.

 

Applicable Margin ” has the meaning specified in the Fee Letter.

 

Approval Request ” has the meaning specified in Section 2(b) hereof.

 

Asset ” has the meaning specified in the recitals hereto.

 

-2-

 

 

Assignment and Assumption ” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 1 3 ( c ) ), in the form of Annex F hereof.

 

Bail-In Action ” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.

 

Bail-In Legislation ” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

 

Bankruptcy Event ” means, with respect to any Person, the commencement by such Person of a voluntary case or other proceeding involving its liquidation, winding-up, bankruptcy or sequestration or otherwise seeking reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any Debtor Relief Law or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, or such Person shall consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in any involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally, or admit in writing its inability, to pay its debts as they become due, or shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the foregoing; or any involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against such Person involving its liquidation, winding-up, bankruptcy or sequestration or otherwise seeking reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under any Debtor Relief Law that is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained in each case within 60 days of the institution or presentation thereof; or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding or such Person becomes the subject of the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to a substantial part of its property.

 

Bond ” means any debt security or obligation (that is not a Qualified Loan).

 

Borrower Collateral ” has the meaning specified in Section 4(a) hereof.

 

Borrowing Base ” means, as of any Business Day, the sum (without duplication) of (a) the amounts in the Collection Account, the Principal Collection Account and the Interest Collection Account, (b) the amounts in the Trust Account, (c) the amounts in the Prepayment Reserve Account, (d) the product of (i)(A) at any time during the Initial Period, 1 and (B) at any time following the Initial Period, the Advance Rate and (ii) the Aggregate Collateral Adjusted Principal Amount, (e) the aggregate sale price (less any sale commissions or expenses) that is expected to be received by the Borrower in the reasonable determination of the Collateral Manager in respect of all Assets not yet settled for which the Borrower has entered into binding commitments to sell and (f) the balance on deposit in the OC Ratio Posting Account as of the close of business on such Business Day.

 

Borrowing Request ” has the meaning specified in Section 2(c) hereof.

 

-3-

 

 

Breakage Costs ” means, with respect to any Lender, the amount or amounts as shall compensate such Lender for any loss, costs or expenses which such Lender may sustain (as determined by such Lender in its reasonable discretion, absent manifest error) as a result of (x) Borrower's failure to borrow any Loan on the date requested, (y) any payment of principal on any Loan on a date other than the last day of the LIBOR Interest Period for such Loan (whether in whole or in part and whether through voluntary prepayment, acceleration or otherwise and including any repayment on the Maturity Date) or (z) Borrower’s failure to repay the principal amount of any Loan or any interest thereon on the Maturity Date, including but not limited to, in each case, any loss in liquidating or reemploying deposits from third parties or fees payable to terminate such deposits.

 

Bridge Loan ” means a loan which by its terms is required to be repaid within one year of the incurrence thereof with proceeds from additional borrowings or other refinancings.

 

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the laws of, or are in fact closed in, New York, New York or, with respect to any determination of LIBOR, London, England.

 

Calculation Dispute Mechanism ” has the meaning specified in Section   1 1 hereof.

 

CCC/Caa Obligation ” means an Asset (other than a Defaulted Obligation) with (a) an S&P Rating of “CCC+” or lower or (b) a Moody’s Rating of “Caa1” or lower; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, an Asset shall be a “CCC/Caa Obligation” as opposed to a Defaulted Obligation, if it has neither an S&P Rating nor a Moody’s Rating and it does not otherwise satisfy the requirements of the definition of Defaulted Obligation.

 

Change in Law ” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, or with respect to any Lender not a party hereto on the date hereof, after the date such Lender becomes a party hereto, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

 

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Collateral Manager: (a) any non-Affiliated “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) shall become, or obtain rights (whether by means of warrants, options or otherwise) to become, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of a percentage of the total voting power of all classes of Capital Stock of the Collateral Manager entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of 50% or more, or (b) none of JMP Group LLC or any Affiliated successor entity beneficially owns and directly or indirectly controls a majority of the equity interests of the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor. For purposes of the foregoing, “ Capital Stock ” means any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all similar ownership interests in a Person (other than a corporation), and any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase any of the foregoing.

 

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CLO Pricing Date ” means the date on which the CLO Securities are priced in connection with the Offering.

 

CLO Securities ” has the meaning specified in the recitals hereto.

 

C LO Takeout ” means the day on which the Borrower issues CLO Securities, in exchange for net proceeds of such issuance in an amount at least sufficient to repay all Termination Obligations and to pay for the redemption of the Preference Shares under the Transaction Documents.

 

CLO Takeout Fees ” means fees payable to BNP Paribas Securities Corp., as arranger, upon the occurrence of a CLO Takeout, as set forth in the Engagement Letter.

 

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Collateral Account ” has the meaning specified in Section 3 hereof.

 

Collateral Adjusted Principal Amount ” means (a) with respect to any Traded Portfolio Asset (other than Defaulted Obligations or Excess CCC/Caa Obligations) with a Purchase Price of 90% or greater, the Principal Balance of such Asset, (b) with respect to any Traded Portfolio Asset (other than Defaulted Obligations or Excess CCC/Caa Obligations) with a Purchase Price less than 90%, the Purchase Price of such Asset, (c) with respect to any Traded Portfolio Asset that is a Defaulted Obligation, the lowest of (i) 50% of the Principal Balance of such Asset, (ii) the S&P Recovery Amount for such Traded Portfolio Asset, (iii) the Moody’s Recovery Amount for such Traded Portfolio Asset and (iv) the Market Value of such Traded Portfolio Asset, (d) with respect to any Traded Portfolio Asset that is an Excess CCC/Caa Obligation, the lower of (i) 70% of the Principal Balance of such Traded Portfolio Asset and (ii) the Market Value of such Traded Portfolio Asset and (e) with respect to any Traded Portfolio Asset that is a Deferring Security or an Equity Security, $0.

 

Collateral Management Agreement ” means the collateral management agreement dated on or about the date hereof between the Borrower and the Collateral Manager.

 

Collateral Manager Default ” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(a)     any failure on the part of the Collateral Manager to duly observe or perform any of the covenants or agreements of the Collateral Manager set forth in any Transaction Document (including, without limitation, any delegation of the Collateral Manager’s duties not permitted by this Agreement) that has a Material Adverse Effect (as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) and the same is either incapable of being remedied or continues unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of the date on which (i) written notice of such failure shall have been delivered to the Collateral Manager and (ii) the Collateral Manager first became aware of such failure;

 

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(b)     the occurrence or existence of a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Collateral Manager;

 

(c)     the occurrence or existence of any change with respect to the Collateral Manager that has a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the marketability of the CLO Securities;

 

(d)     the occurrence or existence of any Change of Control with respect to the Collateral Manager;

 

(e)     any representation, warranty or certification made by the Collateral Manager in any Transaction Document or in any certificate delivered pursuant to any Transaction Document shall prove to have been materially incorrect, and that has a Material Adverse Effect (as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), when made and which continues to be unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of the date on which (i) written notice thereof shall have been given to the Collateral Manager and (ii) the Collateral Manager first became aware of such incorrect statement; provided that if such event cannot be remedied, such Collateral Manager Default shall occur immediately.

 

(f)     the rendering against the Collateral Manager of one or more final judgments, decrees or orders for the payment of money in excess of $1,000,000 (net of amounts covered by any insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage), individually or in the aggregate and the same shall not have been vacated, satisfied, discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days; or

 

(g)     (i) the occurrence of an act by the Collateral Manager that constitutes fraud or criminal activity in the performance of its obligations under any Transaction Document, (ii) the Collateral Manager being indicted for a felonious criminal offense or (iii) any officer or director of the Collateral Manager having responsibility for the performance by the Collateral Manager of its obligations under any Transaction Document being indicted for a felonious criminal offense materially related to the primary business of the Collateral Manager.

 

Collateral Principal Amount ” means, as of any Business Day, the sum of (a) the Principal Balance of each Traded Portfolio Asset (other than Defaulted Obligations) and (b) without duplication, the amounts on deposit in the Collection Account, Principal Collection Account, Interest Collection Account, Trust Account, OC Ratio Posting Account and Prepayment Reserve Account.

 

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Collateral Quality Test ” means a test in relation to a proposed purchase of an Asset that will be satisfied if, as of the related Acquisition Date, (a) the sum of the Principal Balances of the Traded Portfolio Assets is less than $50,000,000 or (b) in the aggregate, the Traded Portfolio Assets (after giving effect to the proposed purchase of such Asset) comply with all of the following tests or in relation to a proposed purchase of an Asset, if not in compliance prior to giving effect to such purchase, the relevant tests are maintained or improved after giving effect to such purchase:

 

 

(i)

the Minimum Floating Spread Test;

 

 

(ii)

the Minimum Weighted Average Coupon Test;

 

 

(iii)

the Moody ’s Maximum Rating Factor Test;

 

 

(iv)

the Moody ’s Minimum Weighted Average Recovery Rate Test; and

 

 

(v)

the Weighted Average Life Test.

 

Collection Account ” has the meaning specified in Section 3 .

 

Concentration Limitations ” means as of any Business Day, on or after the date hereof, a series of limitations that will be satisfied on such Business Day if, (a) the sum of the Principal Balances of the Traded Portfolio Assets is less than $50,000,000 or (b) in the aggregate, the Traded Portfolio Assets comply with all of the following requirements (or in relation to a proposed purchase of an Asset, if not in compliance, the relevant requirements are maintained or improved after giving effect to such purchase):

 

(i)     not less than 90% of the Collateral Principal Amount consists of Senior Secured Loans, cash and Eligible Investments;

 

(ii)     not more than 10% of the Collateral Principal Amount consists, in the aggregate, of Second Lien Loans;

 

(iii)     the Principal Balance of Traded Portfolio Assets consisting of obligations issued by a single obligor and its Affiliates is not more than 2% of the Target CLO Amount, except that, without duplication, obligations issued by up to 3 obligors and their respective Affiliates may each constitute up to 2.5% of the Target CLO Amount;

 

(iv)     the Principal Balance of Traded Portfolio Assets consisting of Assets that are issued by obligors that belong to any single S&P Industry Classification is not more than 10% of the Target CLO Amount, except that (x) the largest S&P Industry Classification may represent up to 15.0% of the Target CLO Amount; and (y) the second, third and fourth largest S&P Industry Classifications may each represent up to 12.0% of the Target CLO Amount;

 

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(v)     the Principal Balance of Traded Portfolio Assets consisting of Assets that are issued by obligors that belong to any single Moody’s Industry Classification is not more than 10% of the Target CLO Amount, except that (x) the largest Moody’s Industry Classification may represent up to 15.0% of the Target CLO Amount; and (y) the second, third and fourth largest Moody’s Industry Classifications may each represent up to 12.0% of the Target CLO Amount;

 

(vi)     not more than 5% of the Collateral Principal Amount consists of CCC/Caa Obligations;

 

(vii)     no Assets are Structured Finance Obligations;

 

(viii)     (a)  all of the Assets must be issued by Non-Emerging Market Obligors; and (b) no more than the percentage listed below of the Collateral Principal Amount may be issued by obligors Domiciled in the country or countries set forth opposite such percentage:

 

% Limit

 

Country or Countries

15 .0%

 

all countries (in the aggregate) other than the United States;

15.0%

 

Canada;

10.0 %

 

the United Kingdom;

10 .0%

 

all countries (in the aggregate) other than the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom;

15.0%

 

all Group I Countries in the aggregate;

10.0 %

 

any individual Group  I Country;

10 .0%

 

all Group  II Countries in the aggregate;

7.5 %

 

any individual Group  II Country;

7.5 %

 

all Group  III Countries in the aggregate;

5.0 %

 

any individual Group III Country;

3.0 %

 

all Group IV Countries in the aggregate;

3.0 %

 

any individual Group IV Country;

5.0 %

 

all Tax Jurisdictions in the aggregate;

3.0 %

 

any individual Tax Jurisdiction;

0.0%

 

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain in the aggregate; and

3.0 %

 

any individual country other than the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Portug al, Spain, any Group II Country, any Group III Country or any Group IV Country;

 

(ix)     not more than 40% of the Collateral Principal Amount consists of Cov-Li te Loans;

 

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(x)     the Principal Balance of Traded Portfolio Assets consisting of unfunded commitments under Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligations is not more than, in the aggregate, 5% of the Target CLO Amount; and

 

(xi)     not more than 2.5% of the Collateral Principal Amount consists, in aggregate, of Assets with a (a) Moody ’s Rating of at least “Caa1” or “Caa2” and (b) Moody’s Default Probability Rating of at least “B3”, in each case, as at the related Acquisition Date.

 

Conversion Date ” means the earlier to occur of (a) the date on which the Revolving Period ends, (b) the date on which an Event of Default occurs and (c) a Termination Date (as defined in the Engagement Letter) occurring under the Engagement Letter as a result of a Manager Termination Event (as defined in the Engagement Letter).

 

Cov-Lite Loan ” means a Qualified Loan that is not subject to financial covenants; provided that an Asset shall not constitute a “Cov-Lite Loan” if (a) the Underlying Instruments require the obligor thereunder to comply with one or more Maintenance Covenants (regardless of whether compliance with one or more Incurrence Covenants is otherwise required by the Underlying Instruments) or (b) the Underlying Instruments contain a cross-default provision to, or is pari passu with, another loan of the underlying obligor forming part of the same loan facility that requires the underlying obligor to comply with one or more financial covenants or Maintenance Covenants.

 

Credit Risk Obligation ” means any debt obligation that, in the Collateral Manager’s commercially reasonable business judgment, has significantly declined in credit quality and has a significant risk of becoming, with a lapse of time, a Defaulted Obligation.

 

Custodian ” means U.S. Bank National Association, as custodian under the Custody Agreement.

 

Custody Agreement ” means the custody agreement dated as of the date hereof between the Borrower, the Custodian and the Collateral Manager.

 

Debtor Relief Laws ” means the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief laws of the United States of America, the Cayman Islands or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

Default ” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

 

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Defaulted Obligation ” means any Asset with respect to which the following has occurred and is continuing:

 

(a)     a default as to the payment of principal and/or interest has occurred and is continuing with respect to such debt obligation pursuant to the related Underlying Instrument, (without regard to any grace period applicable thereto, or waiver or forbearance thereof, after the passage of five Business Days or seven calendar days, whichever is greater, but in no case beyond the passage of any grace period applicable thereto);

 

(b)     the Collateral Manager has received written notice, or an officer of the Collateral Manager has actual knowledge, that a default as to the payment of principal and/or interest has occurred and is continuing on another debt obligation of the same issuer which is senior or pari passu in right of payment to such debt obligation (without regard to any grace period applicable thereto, or waiver or forbearance thereof, after the passage of five Business Days or seven calendar days, whichever is greater, but in no case beyond the passage of any grace period applicable thereto); provided , that both debt obligations are full recourse obligations;

 

(c)     a Bankruptcy Event has occurred with respect to such issuer ;

 

(d)     such Asset has (x ) an S&P Rating of “CC” or below, (y) an S&P Rating of “D” or “SD” or (z) a Moody’s probability of default rating (as published by Moody’s) of “D” or “LD” or, in each case, had such ratings before they were withdrawn by S&P or Moody’s, as applicable;

 

(e)     such Asset is pari passu in right of payment as to the payment of principal and/or interest to another debt obligation of the same issuer which has (i) (x) an S&P Rating of “CC” or below or “D” or (y) an S&P Rating of “SD” or (ii) a Moody’s probability of default rating (as published by Moody’s) of “D” or “LD”, and in each case such other debt obligation remains outstanding ( provided , that both the Asset and such other debt obligation are full recourse obligations of the applicable issuer);

 

(f)     the Collateral Manager has received written notice, or an officer of the Collateral Manager has actual knowledge, that a default has occurred under the Underlying Instruments and any applicable grace period has expired such that the holders of such Asset may accelerate the repayment of such Asset (but only until such default is cured or waived) in the manner provided in the Underlying Instruments;

 

(g)     the Collateral Manager has in its reasonable commercial judgment otherwise declared such debt obligation to be a “Defaulted Obligation”;

 

(h)     such Asset is a participation interest with respect to which the selling institution has defaulted in the performance of any of its payment obligations under the participation interest (except to the extent such defaults were cured within the applicable grace period under the related Underlying Instruments); provided , that an Asset shall not be classified as a Defaulted Obligation pursuant to this clause (h) if such payment default has been cured through the payment of all past due interest and principal within five (5) Business Days of the occurrence of such payment default;

 

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(i)     such Asset is a participation interest in a loan that would, if such loan were an Asset, constitute a “Defaulted Obligation” (other than under this clause (i)) or with respect to which the selling institution has an S&P Rating of “CC” or below, “D” or “SD” or a Moody ’s probability of default rating (as published by Moody’s) of “D” or “LD” or had such rating before such rating was withdrawn;

 

(j)     a Distressed Exchange has occurred in connection with such Asset; or

 

(k)     such Asset is a Deferring Security.

 

Deferrable Security ” means an Asset (excluding a Partial Deferrable Security) which by its terms permits the deferral or capitalization of payment of accrued, unpaid interest.

 

Deferring Security ” means a Deferrable Security that is deferring the payment of interest due thereon and has been so deferring the payment of interest due thereon (i) with respect to Assets that have a Moody’s Rating of at least “Baa3,” for the shorter of two consecutive accrual periods or one year, and (ii) with respect to Assets that have a Moody’s Rating of “Ba1” or below, for the shorter of one accrual period or six consecutive months, which deferred capitalized interest has not, as of the date of determination, been paid in cash; provided , however , that such Deferrable Security will cease to be a Deferring Security at such time as it (a) ceases to defer or capitalize the payment of interest, (b) pays in cash all accrued and unpaid interest accrued since the time of purchase and (c) commences payment of all current interest in cash.

 

Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation ” means an Asset that (a) requires the Borrower to make one or more future advances to the borrower under the Underlying Instruments relating thereto, (b) specifies a maximum amount that can be borrowed on one or more fixed borrowing dates, and (c) does not permit the re borrowing of any amount previously repaid by the borrower thereunder; but any such Asset will be a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation only until all commitments by the Borrower to make advances to the borrower expire or are terminated or are reduced to zero.

 

Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account ” has the meaning specified in Section 3 hereof.

 

DIP Collateral Obligation ” means any interest in a loan or financing facility that has a public or private facility rating from Moody’s and S&P and is purchased directly or by way of assignment (a) which is an obligation of (i) a debtor in possession as described in §1107 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or (ii) a trustee if appointment of such trustee has been ordered pursuant to §1104 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (in either such case, a “ Debtor ”) organized under the laws of the United States or any state therein, or (b) on which the related obligor is required to pay interest on a current basis and, with respect to either clause (a) or (b) above, the terms of which have been approved by an order of the United States Bankruptcy Court, the United States District Court, or any other court of competent jurisdiction, the enforceability of which order is not subject to any pending contested matter or proceeding (as such terms are defined in the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure) and which order provides that: (i) (A) such DIP Collateral Obligation is fully secured by liens on the Debtor’s otherwise unencumbered assets pursuant to §364(c)(2) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or (B) such DIP Collateral Obligation is secured by liens of equal or senior priority on property of the Debtor’s estate that is otherwise subject to a lien pursuant to §364(d) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (ii) such DIP Collateral Obligation is fully secured based upon a current valuation or appraisal report. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such a loan will not be deemed to be a DIP Collateral Obligation following the emergence of the related debtor in possession from bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

 

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Dispute Time ” means, with respect to any Portfolio Asset, 5:00 p.m. New York time on the Business Day following the date on which the Collateral Manager receives a notice of valuation from the Administrative Agent with respect to such Portfolio Asset.

 

Disputed Asset ” has the meaning specified in Section 1 1 hereof.

 

Distressed Exchange ” means in connection with any Asset, a distressed exchange or other distressed debt restructuring has occurred, as reasonably determined by the Collateral Manager, pursuant to which the issuer or obligor of such Asset has issued to the holders of such Asset a new security or package of securities or obligations that, in the sole judgment of the Collateral Manager, amounts to a diminished financial obligation or has the purpose of helping the issuer of such Asset avoid default; provided that no Distressed Exchange shall be deemed to have occurred if the securities or obligations received by the Borrower in connection with such exchange or restructuring meet the Eligibility Requirements.

 

Dollar ” means the lawful currency of the United States of America.

 

Domicile ” or “ Domiciled ” means with respect to any issuer of, or obligor with respect to, an Asset:

 

(a)     except as provided in clause (b) below, its country of organization; or

 

(b)     if it is organized in a Tax Jurisdiction, each of such jurisdiction and the country in which, in the Collateral Manager ’s good faith estimate, a substantial portion of its operations are located or from which a substantial portion of its revenue is derived, in each case directly or through subsidiaries (which shall be any jurisdiction and country known at the time of designation by the Collateral Manager to be the source of the majority of revenues, if any, of such issuer or obligor).

 

EEA Financial Institution ” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

 

EEA Member Country ” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

 

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EEA Resolution Authority ” means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

 

Eligibility Requirements ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule C hereto.

 

Eligible Investments ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule G hereto.

 

Eligible Obligor ” means, on any date of determination, any obligor that:

 

(a)     is a business organization (and not a natural person) duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization;

 

(b)     is not a Governmental Authority;

 

(c)     is not controlled by the Borrower, the Collateral Manager or an Affiliate of any such Person; and

 

(d)     such obligor (x)  to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge is not the subject of or threatened with any proceeding which would result in, a Bankruptcy Event, as of the date on which such Portfolio Asset is committed to be purchased, and (y) in the Collateral Manager’s reasonable business judgment, is not in financial distress or experiencing a material adverse change in its condition, financial or otherwise.

 

Engagement Letter ” means the engagement letter dated as of July 31, 2017 between the Collateral Manager and BNP Paribas Securities Corp. relating to the CLO Securities.

 

Equity Security ” means any security or debt obligation which at the time of acquisition, conversion or exchange is not eligible for purchase by the Borrower as an Asset hereunder; it being understood that Equity Securities may not be purchased by the Borrower but may be received by the Borrower in exchange for an Asset or a portion thereof in connection with an insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, debt restructuring or workout of the issuer thereof.

 

ERISA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(iv) hereof.

 

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule ” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.

 

EU Securitization Regulation ” means the risk retention requirements imposed on European Economic Area credit institutions and investment firms in form similar to that certain proposed regulation published by the European Commission on September 30, 2015.

 

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Event of Default ” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(a)     t he Borrower fails to pay any principal of any Loan on the date payment of principal becomes due; provided that if such date is not the Maturity Date, if such failure results solely from an administrative error or omission by the Custodian, such failure continues for a period of three (3) Business Days after written notice thereof to the Custodian;

 

(b)     t he Borrower fails to pay any interest on any Loan, or other amounts due hereunder on the date payment becomes due; provided that if such date is not the Maturity Date, such failure must continue for five (5) Business Days after written notice thereof by the Administrative Agent to the Custodian, the Borrower and the Collateral Manager;

 

(c)     t he Borrower fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (other than those specified in another clause of this definition) contained herein or in any Transaction Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues uncured for 30 days after receipt by such party from the Administrative Agent of written notice of such failure provided that if such failure cannot be cured, such Event of Default shall occur immediately after receipt by the Borrower of such written notice from the Administrative Agent;

 

(d)     a ny representation or warranty of the Borrower, the Preferred Investor or the Collateral Manager herein is or shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made and is uncured for 30 days after receipt by such party from the Administrative Agent of written notice of such failure provided that if such failure cannot be cured, such Event of Default shall occur immediately after receipt by the Borrower of such written notice from the Administrative Agent;

 

(e)     t he occurrence of a Bankruptcy Event with respect to the Borrower or the Preferred Investor;

 

(f)     t he occurrence of an OC Ratio Breach and such OC Ratio Breach remains unremedied for a period of 10 consecutive Business Days without being cured;

 

(g)     o ne or more judgments or decrees shall be entered and outstanding against the Borrower involving in the aggregate a liability of $100,000 or more, and the same shall not have been vacated, satisfied, discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal for a period of 30 consecutive days;

 

(h)     t he Borrower shall have made payments to settle any litigation, claim or dispute totaling more than $100,000 in the aggregate;

 

(i)     t he occurrence of a Collateral Manager Default; or

 

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(j)     the Borrower shall fail to obtain a substantive non-consolidation opinion from reputable counsel within 60 days after the Administrative Agent (following consultation with counsel of national reputation) has notified the Borrower that, as a result of a Change in Law, it reasonably believes that the Borrower may no longer qualify as a bankruptcy remote entity with respect to the Preferred Investor or the Collateral Manager under customary criteria.

 

Excepted Property ” means the U.S.$250 proceeds of the issuance of the Borrower’s ordinary shares, a U.S.$250 transaction fee payable to the Borrower in connection with the Transaction Documents, the bank account in which such monies are held (which shall not be any of the Accounts) and all interest and other proceeds received in connection therewith.

 

Excess CCC/Caa Obligations ” means the amount equal to the excess of (a) the aggregate Principal Balance, calculated without duplication, of all CCC/Caa Obligations that are Traded Portfolio Assets over (b) an amount equal to 5.0% of the Collateral Principal Amount; provided that in determining which CCC/Caa Obligations shall be included in the Excess CCC/Caa Obligations, the CCC/Caa Obligations having the lowest Market Value shall be deemed to constitute the Excess CCC/Caa Obligations.

 

Excess Concentration ” means for each Concentration Limitation other than the limitation set forth in clause (vi) of the definition of Concentration Limitations, as of any Business Day, the sum of the portion (without duplication) of the Collateral Adjusted Principal Amount of each of the Traded Portfolio Assets that causes such Concentration Limitation to be exceeded.

 

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Excluded Taxes ” shall mean any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Lender or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Lender: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Lender being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Lender and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Lender having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced this Agreement or any Loan, or sold or assigned an interest in this Agreement or any Loan), (b) U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or obligation under this Agreement pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or obligation (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2(j), amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender's assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to the Administrative Agent’s or Lender’s failure to timely provide to Borrower (and to replace or update, as necessary) two complete and executed copies of the applicable IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI, W-8IMY (with all required attachments), or W-9, and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

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Expedited Borrowing Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c) hereof.

 

Fee Letter ” means the letter agreement dated on or about the date hereof among the Borrower, the Lender, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Manager and the Preferred Investor.

 

First-Lien Last-Out Loan ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule F hereto.

 

FATCA ” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of Code, any current or future regulations, published guidance or official interpretations thereof, any applicable agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any applicable intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such Sections of the Code, or any legislation, guidance notes, rules or official administrative practices adopted pursuant to any such intergovernmental agreement.

 

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles (as in effect in the United States).

 

Group I Country ” means the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (or such other countries as may be notified by Moody’s to the Collateral Manager from time to time).

 

Group I I Country ” means Germany, Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland (or such other countries as may be notified by Moody’s to the Collateral Manager from time to time).

 

Group I II Country ” means Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Norway (or such other countries as may be notified by Moody’s to the Collateral Manager from time to time).

 

Group IV Country ” means Greece, Italy, Portugal and Japan (or such other countries as may be notified by Moody’s to the Collateral Manager from time to time).

 

Governmental Authority ” means, with respect to any Person, any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any central bank (or similar monetary or regulatory authority) thereof, any body or entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government and any court or arbitrator having jurisdiction over such Person.

 

Incurrence Covenant ” means a covenant by any borrower to comply with one or more financial covenants only upon the occurrence of certain actions of the borrower, including a debt issuance, dividend payment, share purchase, merger, acquisition or divestiture.

 

Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 13 (e) hereof.

 

Independent Bid ” has the meaning specified in Section 1 1 hereof.

 

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Independent Dealer ” means each of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, UBS, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse, GE Capital, Jefferies, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scotiabank, Societe Generale, Wells Fargo, Antares, Capital One, Bank of Montreal or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing and any other dealer mutually agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Manager; provided that neither the Collateral Manager nor any of its Affiliates shall be considered an Independent Dealer, provided , further , that the Administrative Agent shall be permitted upon at least 15 Business Days’ prior written notice to advise the Collateral Manager that one or more dealers listed herein is no longer considered to be an Independent Dealer, if in the Administrative Agent’s commercially reasonable discretion such Independent Dealer has largely or entirely exited its loan trading business. For each Disputed Asset, the agent of such Asset shall also be considered an Independent Dealer with respect to such Asset.

 

Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amount ” means the amount each Lender has agreed to make available to make Loans in accordance herewith in a principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed with respect to each Lender the Dollar amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule B hereto or the amount set forth on the applicable Assignment and Assumption relating to such Lender, as applicable, as such amount may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to the Lenders pursuant to Section 13(c) .

 

Ineligible Asset ” means, on the earlier to occur of (i) the CLO Takeout and (ii) the date of the final offering memorandum with respect to the Offering, any Asset that does not satisfy the eligibility criteria set forth in the Borrower’s indenture (or similar agreement) governing the issuance of the CLO Securities expected to be dated as of the CLO Takeout.

 

Initial Period ” means the period commencing on the date hereof, and ending on (and excluding) the earliest of (i) the date on which the Preferred Investor has purchased Preference Shares in an amount of at least U.S.$7,500,000, (ii) the date on which an initial Loan is made to the Borrower and (iii) the Acquisition Date as of which the Borrower has purchased, or entered into commitments to purchase, Assets with aggregate Purchase Prices (to be added on a trailing basis from the date hereof) equal to at least U.S.$7,500,000.

 

Interest Accrual Period ” means each period from, and including, one Payment Date to, but excluding, the next following Payment Date, except that the initial Interest Accrual Period shall commence on, and include, the date of the first Loan under this Agreement.

 

Interest Collection Accou nt ” has the meaning specified in Section 3 hereof.

 

Interest Collections ” means, (i) all payments and collections owing to the Borrower in its capacity as lender and attributable to interest on any Asset or other Borrower Collateral, including scheduled payments of interest and payments of interest relating to principal prepayments, all guaranty payments attributable to interest and proceeds of any liquidations, sales, dispositions or securitizations attributable to interest on such Asset or other Borrower Collateral, all payments of principal on Eligible Investments purchased with or representing funds held in the Interest Collection Account or otherwise purchased with or representing Interest Collections, and all interest, earnings or income on Eligible Investments purchased with or representing funds held in any Account or otherwise purchased with Interest Collections, Principal Collections or Preference Share subscription proceeds, (ii) any commitment, delayed compensation, ticking, upfront, underwriting, prepayment, origination or amendment fees received in respect of any Asset, (iii) all amounts received in connection with any Asset due to any yield protection, increased cost, tax, expense indemnity or similar provision in the related underlying instruments of such Asset and (iv) any fees or other amounts not representing principal received in connection with the sale or other disposition of any Asset.

 

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Letter of Credit ” means a facility whereby (i) a fronting bank (“ LOC Agent Bank ”) issues or will issue a letter of credit (“ LC ”) for or on behalf of a borrower pursuant to an underlying instrument, (ii) in the event that the LC is drawn upon and the borrower does not reimburse the LOC Agent Bank, the lender/participant is obligated to fund its portion of the facility and (iii) the LOC Agent Bank passes on (in whole or in part) the fees it receives for providing the LC to the lender/participant.

 

LIBOR ” means, (A) with respect to a Loan, the rate per annum for the related LIBOR Interest Period (reset daily) determined by the Administrative Agent by dividing (the resulting quotient rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of 1% per annum) (i) the ICE Benchmark Administration LIBOR (“ IBA LIBOR ”), as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of IBA LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on the date that is two Business Days preceding (x) for the first LIBOR Interest Period, the date of the funding of such Loan and (y) for any subsequent LIBOR Interest Period, the last day of the immediately preceding LIBOR Interest Period by (ii) a number equal to 1.00 minus the LIBOR Reserve Percentage as of such effective date; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if LIBOR as determined with respect to a Loan under any method in this definition for any LIBOR Interest Period would be less than zero, then LIBOR as determined with respect to such Loan shall be deemed to be zero for all purposes of this Agreement; provided , further that LIBOR with respect to a Loan for any LIBOR Interest Period that is less than three months will equal the rate determined by interpolating linearly between one-month LIBOR and three-month LIBOR as determined pursuant to this definition and (B) with respect to the Effective Spread, as of any Measurement Date, the rate published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of IBA LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) for deposits with a term of three months at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time on such Measurement Date. If such rate specified in clause (i) of this definition is not available at such time for any reason, then such rate shall mean the rate of interest equal to the average of the rates per annum at which Dollar deposits in immediately available funds are offered to the Administrative Agent's LIBOR office in the London interbank market at or about 11:00 a.m. London time two Business Days prior to the beginning of such LIBOR Interest Period for delivery on the first day of such LIBOR Interest Period, and in an amount approximately equal to the amount of the Loan and for a period approximately equal to such LIBOR Interest Period. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Collateral Manager of “LIBOR” determined in accordance with the procedures described in the two preceding sentences.

 

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LIBOR Interest Period ” means, with respect to any Loan, the period beginning on (and including) the date on which such Loan is made or continued and shall end on (but exclude) the last Business Day of the month prior to the next Payment Date; provided that, if such LIBOR Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, such LIBOR Interest Period shall end on the next following Business Day (unless such next following Business Day is the first Business Day of a calendar month, in which case such LIBOR Interest Period shall end on the Business Day next preceding such numerically corresponding day). At the end of each LIBOR Interest Period, if such Loan is not repaid in full, the then outstanding principal amount of such Loan shall be continued for a new LIBOR Interest Period commencing at the end of the prior LIBOR Interest Period and ending on (but excluding) the last Business Day of the month prior to the next following Payment Date.

 

LIBOR Reserve Percentage ” means, as of any date of determination, the percentage in effect on such day under Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) as the maximum reserve requirement applicable with respect to "Eurocurrency Liabilities" (as such term is defined in Regulation D).

 

Loans ” has the meaning specified in Section 2(a) hereof.

 

Maintenance Covenant ” means a covenant by any borrower to comply with one or more financial covenants during each reporting period applicable to such Asset, whether or not such borrower has taken any specified action.

 

Market Value ” means with respect to any Portfolio Asset on any date of determination, an amount expressed in Dollars equal to the mark-to-market value (excluding accrued interest) (a) which, if such Portfolio Asset is not a CCC/Caa Obligation or a Defaulted Obligation and if three or more dealer bids are available from a Pricing Source selected by the Administrative Agent, shall be equal to the average of such dealer bids as calculated by the Administrative Agent, or (b) which, if either (i) such Portfolio Asset is a CCC/Caa Obligation or a Defaulted Obligation or (ii) such Portfolio Asset is not a CCC/Caa Obligation or a Defaulted Obligation and three or more dealer bids are not available from a Pricing Source, shall be as determined by the Administrative Agent in a commercially reasonable manner on such date or, (with respect to a Portfolio Asset that is not a CCC/Caa Obligation or a Defaulted Obligation only) if such a determination is not made on such date, the mark-to-market value (excluding accrued interest) most recently determined by the Administrative Agent in a commercially reasonable manner with respect to such Portfolio Asset; provided that in the event the Collateral Manager disagrees with any Market Value determination not determined using a Pricing Source, the Market Value shall be determined pursuant to the Calculation Dispute Mechanism; provided , further that any Market Value determination made using a Pricing Source shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error.

 

Material Adverse Effect ” means, with respect to any Person (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or condition (financial or otherwise) of such Person or such Person and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of such Person to perform its obligations under any Transaction Document; (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against such Person of any Transaction Document or (d) a material adverse effect upon the rights and the remedies of the Lender under any Transaction Document.

 

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Material Documents ” means, with respect to any Asset (a) a complete copy of the agreement specifying the terms, and governing the repayment, of such Asset, (b) the informational memorandum, offering memorandum or similar document, if any, relating to such Asset, (c) any available marketing materials with respect to such Asset, (d) any computational materials, stress runs, and cash flow analyses with respect to such Asset received by the Collateral Manager and (e) such other documents and materials with respect to such Asset as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.

 

Maturity Date ” means the earliest to occur of (a) the CLO Takeout, (b) the Outside Settlement Date, and (c) the date on which the Administrative Agent gives notice to the Borrower, the Collateral Manager and the Preferred Investor following the occurrence of and during the continuation of an Event of Default that the entire Outstanding Principal Amount of Loans shall be due and payable.

 

Maximum Facility Amount ” means (a) on the date hereof, U.S.$30,000,000, so long as Section 7(a)(i) and Section 7(a)(ii) are satisfied and (b) upon the purchase of additional Preference Shares, the lesser of (i) the product of (x) 4.00 and (y) the then funded Subscription Amount as of such date and (ii) U.S.$200,000,000 (which amount may be increased on or following the CLO Pricing Date subject to the consent of the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, credit approval from the Lenders and appropriate amendments to this Agreement necessary to reflect such increase).

 

Measurement Date ” means any day on which the Borrower purchases, or enters into a commitment to purchase, a Portfolio Asset, or the day on which a default of a Portfolio Asset occurs.

 

Minimum Floating Spread Test ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule F hereto.

 

Minimum Weighted Average Coupon Test ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule  F hereto.

 

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

Moody’s Industry Classification ” means the Moody’s Industry Classification Group List set forth in Schedule D-1 hereto.

 

Moody’s Maximum Rating Factor Test ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule F hereto.

 

Moody’s Minimum Weighted Average Recovery Rate Test ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule F hereto.

 

Mood y ’s Rating ” means with respect to any Portfolio Asset, the rating determined pursuant to Schedule E -1 hereto.

 

Moody’s Recovery Amount ” means, with respect to any Asset, the product of (x) the Principal Balance of such Asset and (y) the Moody’s Recovery Rate.

 

-20-

 

 

Moody’s Recovery Rat e ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule F hereto.

 

Non-Emerging Market Obligor ” means an obligor that is Domiciled in (x) any country that has a country ceiling for foreign currency bonds of at least “Aa2” by Moody’s and a foreign currency issuer credit rating of at least “AA” by S&P or (y) without duplication, the United States.

 

OC Ratio ” means, as of any Business Day, the percentage calculated by dividing the Borrowing Base by the sum (without duplication) of (x) the Outstanding Principal Amount of the Loans and (y) the aggregate Purchase Price of all Assets not yet settled for which the Borrower has entered into binding commitments to purchase.

 

OC Ratio Breach ” means, as of any Business Day, a failure of the OC Ratio to be equal to or greater than 1.

 

OC Ratio Posting Account ” has the meaning specified in Section 3 hereof.

 

OC Ratio Posting Excess ” has the meaning specified in Section 6(b) hereof.

 

OC Ratio Posting Payment ” has the meaning specified in Section 6(a) hereof.

 

Offering ” means the offering and sale by the Borrower of the CLO Securities expected to settle on the CLO Takeout.

 

Other Taxes ” has the meaning specified in Section 2(j) hereof.

 

Outside Settlement Date ” means the date occurring on the Business Day ten months after the Conversion Date.

 

Outstanding Principal Amount ” means, as of any date of determination, the total principal amount of Loans made hereunder minus the amount of all repayments and prepayments of the principal amount of Loans on or prior to such date.

 

Partial Deferrable Security ” means any Asset with respect to which under the related Underlying Instruments (i) a portion of the interest due thereon is required to be paid in cash on each payment date therefor and is not permitted to be deferred or capitalized (which portion shall at least be equal to LIBOR or the applicable index with respect to which interest on such Asset is calculated (or, in the case of a fixed rate Asset, at least equal to the forward swap rate for a designated maturity equal to the scheduled maturity of such Asset)) and (ii) the issuer thereof or obligor thereon may defer or capitalize the remaining portion of the interest due thereon.

 

Participant Register ” has the meaning specified in Section 13(c)(iii) hereof.

 

Payment Date ” means (i) the last Business Day of each of January, April, July and October, beginning in October 2017, and (ii) the Maturity Date.

 

-21-

 

 

Person ” means an individual, corporation (including a business trust or a limited liability company), partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust (including any beneficiary thereof), unincorporated association or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Portfolio Asset ” means each Asset acquired (or committed to be acquired) by the Borrower hereunder, in each case which shall satisfy the Eligibility Requirements as of the related Acquisition Date.

 

Portfolio Asset Buy Confirmation ” means with respect to any Portfolio Asset, documentation evidencing, in reasonable detail, the Borrower’s acquisition of such Portfolio Asset, and which shall identify at least the obligor, price and the Principal Balance of such Portfolio Asset.

 

Preference Share Subscription Agreement ” means a subscription agreement, substantially in the form of Annex D hereto, between the Borrower and the Preferred Investor, pursuant to which the Preferred Investor subscribes for the Preference Shares.

 

Preference Shares ” means the Preference Shares of the Borrower which, as a class, will have the rights and will be subject to the restrictions set forth in the memorandum and articles of association of the Borrower and which, following payment in full of all amounts due to the Lender hereunder, will be redeemed on the Redemption Date from amounts available for such purpose as provided in the Preference Share Subscription Agreement.

 

Prepayment Reserve Account ” has the meaning specified in Section 3 hereof.

 

Pricing Source ” means each of Loan Pricing Corporation, LoanX, Markit Partners or any other nationally recognized loan pricing service mutually agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Manager; provided that neither the Collateral Manager nor any of its Affiliates shall be a Pricing Source; provided , further , that the Administrative Agent shall have the ability upon at least 15 Business Days’ prior written notice to advise the Collateral Manager that one or more sources listed herein is no longer considered to be a Pricing Source, provided , further , that the Administrative Agent can only provide such notice if in its commercially reasonable discretion such Pricing Source has largely or entirely exited its loan pricing business.

 

Principal Balance ” means, with respect to any Asset as of any date of determination, the outstanding principal amount of such Asset (including the maximum outstanding unfunded commitment under such Asset) as of such date of determination.

 

Principal Collection Account ” has the meaning specified in Section 3 hereof.

 

Principal Collections ” means any and all amounts of collections received with respect to the Borrower Collateral other than Interest Collections, including (but not limited to) all collections attributable to principal on such Borrower Collateral. Net proceeds received by the Borrower from the sale of the CLO Securities will also constitute Principal Collections to the extent of outstanding Loans under the Transaction Documents.

 

-22-

 

 

Purchase Price ” means, with respect to each Portfolio Asset, the Dollar amount paid (or committed to be paid) by the Borrower to acquire such Asset (excluding purchased accrued interest and assuming that the Portfolio Asset was fully funded).

 

Qualified Loan ” means any loan made by a commercial bank, an investment bank, an investment fund or other financial institution; provided that any such loan is similar to those typically made to a commercial client or syndicated, sold or participated to a commercial bank or institutional loan investor or other financial institution in the ordinary course of business.

 

Redemption Date ” has the meaning specified in the Preference Share Subscription Agreement.

 

Reference Rate ” means BNP Paribas’ prime rate as announced in New York, New York, from time to time.

 

Register ” has the meaning specified in Section 13(c)(ii) hereof.

 

Registered ” means a debt obligation that was issued after July 18, 1984 and that is in registered form for purposes of the Code.

 

Reinvestment ” has the meaning specified in Section 5(d) hereof.

 

Related Parties ” has the meaning specified in Section 13(n) hereof.

 

Relevant Agents ” has the meaning specified in Section   13(g) hereof.

 

Resolution Time ” means 3:00 p.m. New York time on the second Business Day following the day a notice of dispute is sent to the Administrative Agent.

 

Resolution Value ” means, with respect to a Disputed Asset, a single Independent Bid obtained by a party that :

 

(i)     relates to the full par amount of such Disputed Asset;

 

(ii)     is notified to the other party, together with reasonable evidence of such bid, by the Resolution Time; and

 

(iii)    was firm and actionable for a period of at least 2 hours after the Resolution Time.

 

Revolving Period ” means the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on the date that falls 12 calendar months thereafter.

 

S&P ” means S&P Global Ratings, an S&P Global business, and any successor or successors thereto.

 

S&P Industry Classification ” means the S&P Industry Classifications set forth in Schedule  D -2 hereto.

 

-23-

 

 

S&P Rating ” means with respect to any Portfolio Asset, the rating determined pursuant to Schedule  E-2 hereto.

 

S&P Recovery Amount ” means, with respect to any Asset, the product of (x) the Principal Balance of such Asset and (y) the S&P Recovery Rate.

 

S&P Recovery Rat e ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule F hereto.

 

Sanctioned Country ” has the meaning specified in Section 8(a)(vi)(B) hereto.

 

Sanctioned Person ” has the meaning specified in Section 8(a)(vi)(B) hereto.

 

Sanctions ” has the meaning specified in Section 8(a)(vi)(B) hereto.

 

Scheduled Principal Payment Amount ” means, on each of (i) the day occurring five calendar months after the Conversion Date (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately following Business Day) and (ii) the Outside Settlement Date, an amount equal to (a) the Outstanding Principal Amount of the Loans on such date minus (b) the Scheduled Targeted Principal Balance for such date.

 

Scheduled Targeted Principal Balance ” means (a) on the day occurring five calendar months after the Conversion Date (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately following Business Day), 50% of the Outstanding Principal Amount of the Loans as of the Conversion Date and (b) on the Outside Settlement Date, zero.

 

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

-24-

 

 

Second Lien Loan ” means any assignment of or participation interest in or other interest in a Qualified Loan that (i) is not (and that by its terms is not permitted to become) subordinate in right of payment to any other obligation of the obligor of the loan other than a Senior Secured Loan with respect to the liquidation of such obligor or the collateral for such loan and (ii) is secured by a valid second priority perfected security interest or lien to or on specified collateral securing the obligor’s obligations under the loan, which security interest or lien is not subordinate to the security interest or lien securing any other debt for borrowed money other than a Senior Secured Loan on such specified collateral.

 

Secured Obligations ” has the meaning specified in Section 4(d) hereof.

 

Secured Parties ” means the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, each Indemnitee and their respective successors and assigns.

 

Securities Act ” has the meaning specified in Section 4(d)(i) hereof.

 

Securities Intermediary ” means U.S. Bank National Association, as securities intermediary, under the Account Control Agreement.

 

Senior Secured Loan ” means any assignment of, participation interest in or other interest in a Qualified Loan that (i) is secured by a first priority perfected security interest or lien on specified collateral (subject to customary exemptions for permitted liens, including, without limitation, any tax liens or as permitted in the last sentence of this definition), (ii) has the most senior pre-petition priority (including pari passu with other obligations of the obligor) in any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium or liquidation proceedings and (iii) by its terms is not permitted to become subordinate in right of payment to any other obligation of the obligor thereof (subject to customary exemptions for permitted liens, including, without limitation, any tax liens or as permitted in the last sentence of this definition). For the avoidance of doubt, a Senior Secured Loan (x) may be subject to permitted liens (including liens securing working capital facilities) entered into the ordinary course pursuant to the respective credit agreement with respect to such Asset and (y) may by its terms receive payments after proceeds are first applied to a working capital facility; provided , that any loan described in clause (i) above shall be a Senior Secured Loan only to the extent that any such working capital facility or other debt has a notional amount less than the sum of (A) the amount of the Senior Secured Loan subject to the lien hereof and (B) all other first-lien term and revolving loans extended to the applicable obligor (and for this purpose, any undrawn amounts under a delayed-draw term loan facility shall be deemed to have been fully drawn).

 

Senior Unsecured Loan ” means any assignment of or participation interest in or other interest in an unsecured Qualified Loan that is not subordinated to any other unsecured indebtedness of the obligor.

 

Step-Down Obligation ” means an obligation which by the terms of the related Underlying Instruments provides for a decrease in the per annum interest rate on such obligation (other than by reason of any change in the applicable index or benchmark rate used to determine such interest rate) or in the spread over the applicable index or benchmark rate, solely as a function of the passage of time; provided that an obligation providing for payment of a constant rate of interest, or a constant spread over a floating rate index or benchmark, as the case may be, at all times after the date of its acquisition by the Borrower shall not constitute a Step-Down Obligation at and following such time.

 

Step-Up Obligation ” means any obligation which provides for an increase, in the case of an obligation which bears interest at a fixed rate, in the per annum interest rate on such obligation or, in the case of an obligation which bears interest at a floating rate, in the spread over that applicable index or benchmark rate, solely as a function of the passage of time; provided that an obligation providing for payment of a constant rate of interest, or a constant spread over a floating rate index or benchmark, as the case may be, at all times after the date of its acquisition by the Borrower shall not constitute a Step-Up Obligation at and following such time.

 

Structured Finance Obligation ” means, any obligation of a special purpose vehicle secured directly by, referenced to, or representing ownership of, and the payments of which are principally dependent upon, a pool of receivables or other assets; provided that, for purposes of this definition, any financial guarantee insurance policy or other guarantee or “wrap” of such special purpose vehicle’s obligation to make payments shall be disregarded.

 

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Subordinated Management Fee ” means the fee payable to the Collateral Manager on the final Payment Date, after all Termination Obligations have been paid in full, pursuant to Section 3(c ) of this Agreement, in an amount equal to 0.50% per annum of the average of (x) the Collateral Principal Amount as of the first day and (y) the Collateral Principal Amount as of the last day, in each case, of each calendar month during each Interest Accrual Period, which amount shall accrue on each Payment Date until the Maturity Date.

 

Subscription Amount ” means the total cash proceeds from the issuance and sale of Preference Shares to the Preferred Investor.

 

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares or securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.

 

Synthetic Security ” means a security or swap transaction (excluding, for purposes of this Agreement, a participation interest) that has payments associated with either payments of interest and/or principal on a reference obligation or the credit performance of a reference obligation.

 

Target CLO Amount ” means $400,000,000.

 

Target Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 2(h)(ii)(B ) hereof.

 

Tax Jurisdiction ” means the Bahamas, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, the Netherlands Antilles, Singapore, the Jersey Islands or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

Tax Subsidiary ” means a special purpose, wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is organized to reduce the risk that the Borrower may be treated as engaged in a trade or business in the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis.

 

Taxes ” has the meaning specified in Section 2(j) hereof.

 

Termination Obligations ” means, the sum of accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans to (but excluding) the date of payment, the Outstanding Principal Amount of all Loans, the CLO Takeout Fees (if applicable), and all other amounts (including without limitation fees, expenses and indemnities) payable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder.

 

Traded Portfolio Asset ” means each Portfolio Asset, but excluding any Portfolio Assets not yet settled for which the Borrower has entered a binding commitment to sell.

 

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the promissory note(s) (if any), the Account Control Agreement, the Preference Share Subscription Agreement, the Engagement Letter, the Collateral Management Agreement, the Custody Agreement, the Fee Letter and any other agreements pursuant to which the Accounts are established and maintained and any other documentation required to be executed and delivered by the Borrower from time to time pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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Trust Account ” has the meaning specified in Section 3 hereof.

 

UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in each applicable jurisdiction.

 

U.S. Bankruptcy Code ” means the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended from time to time.

 

Underlying Instruments ” means with respect to an Asset, the trust deed, indenture, credit agreement or other agreement pursuant to which an Asset has been issued or created and each other agreement that governs the terms of or secures the obligations represented by such Asset or of which holders of such Asset are the beneficiaries.

 

Weighted Average Life Test ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule F hereto.

 

Write-Down and Conversion Powers ” means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

 

Zero-Coupon Security ” means any obligation that at the time of purchase does not by its terms provide for the payment of cash interest; provided that if, at any time after such purchase such obligation provides for the payment of cash interest, it will cease to be a Zero-Coupon Security.

 

(b)     For purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(i)     the terms defined in this Agreement include the plural as well as the singular, and the use of any gender herein shall be deemed to include the other gender;

 

(ii)     references herein to “Sections,” subsections, clauses and other subdivisions without reference to a document are to designated Sections and other subdivisions of this Agreement;

 

(iii)     the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision;

 

(iv)     the term “include” or “including” shall mean without limitation by reason of enumeration;

 

(v)     the Section and subsection titles and headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will be disregarded in and have no effect on any interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement ;

 

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(vi)     reference to any agreement, instrument or document means such agreement, instrument, or document as it may be amended or otherwise modified form time to time, and including all schedules and exhibits thereto; and

 

(vii)     reference to any rule, statute or law means such rule, statute, or law as it may be amended, supplemented, replaced or superseded from time to time .

 

SECTION 2.

The REVOLVING Facility

 

(a)      The Maximum Facility Amount . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Lenders agree to make available to the Borrower a revolving credit facility providing for loans (“ Loans ”) in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the lesser of (A) the Maximum Facility Amount as of the funding date of such Loan and (B) the Borrowing Base as of the funding date of such Loan (calculated after giving effect to the deposit or investment of the proceeds on such funding date), which Loans shall be used by the Borrower to acquire Assets. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Loans until the Conversion Date.

 

(b)      Requests for Asset Approval . The Collateral Manager, on behalf of the Borrower, shall provide to the Administrative Agent (with a copy to the Borrower) a notice by electronic mail in the form of Annex A with respect to each Asset proposed to be purchased with, if applicable, funds held in the Trust Account or the proceeds of a Loan or Principal Collections pursuant to Section 5( d ) (together with any attachments required in connection therewith, an “ Approval Request ”), together with copies of any Material Documents related to such Asset requested by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall have the right, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, to approve or reject any Approval Request and to request additional information regarding any proposed Asset. If the Administrative Agent receives an Approval Request by 11:00 a.m. New York City time on any Business Day, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Collateral Manager and the Borrower in writing (including via electronic mail) whether it has approved or rejected such Approval Request by 3:00 p.m. New York City time on the second Business Day thereafter (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that any Approval Request received by the Administrative Agent after 11:00 a.m. New York City time on any Business Day shall be deemed to have been received on the following Business Day); provided that if the Administrative Agent does not notify the Collateral Manager and the Borrower whether it has approved or rejected such Approval Request by 3:00 p.m. New York City time on the second Business Day after receipt, such Approval Request shall be deemed to be rejected. No later than 4:30 p.m. New York City time on the same Business Day that the Collateral Manager and Borrower receive an approved Approval Request from the Administrative Agent (or reconfirmation of an approved Approval Request in accordance with the proviso to this sentence), the Collateral Manager, on behalf of the Borrower, shall provide by electronic mail to the Administrative Agent (with a copy to the Borrower and the Custodian) a copy of the Portfolio Asset Buy Confirmation; provided that if the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower (x) does not enter into a commitment to purchase a Portfolio Asset on the same Business Day as the approval of the related Approval Request is first received from the Administrative Agent and (y) still wishes to purchase such Portfolio Asset, the Collateral Manager, by 11:00 a.m. New York City time on the next Business Day, shall request the Administrative Agent to reconfirm to the Collateral Manager and the Borrower that the related approved Approval Request shall remain valid until 4:30 p.m. New York City time on such Business Day. The Administrative Agent shall have the right, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, to approve or reject any such request.

 

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(c)      Borrowings . If, prior to the Conversion Date, the Collateral Manager wishes to purchase an Asset on behalf of the Borrower for which the Approval Request has been approved pursuant to Section 2(b) and funds in the Trust Account are insufficient to provide for such purchase, the Collateral Manager shall request a Loan for such purpose by, no later than 3 p.m., New York City time, on the second Business Day preceding the proposed date of such Loan, providing to the Administrative Agent (with a copy to the Borrower) an irrevocable notice (which may be signed by the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) by electronic mail or facsimile transmission substantially in the form of Annex B hereto (together with any attachments required in connection therewith, a “ Borrowing Request ”). The Administrative Agent shall notify, as soon as reasonably practical but in no event later than 5:00 p.m. New York City time two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed date of the Loan, the Lenders each time it receives a Borrowing Request. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Lenders, each Loan shall be in a minimum principal amount of U.S.$1,000,000 and shall be in an amount (not less than zero) equal to (i) the Purchase Price of the Asset, together with any purchased accrued interest with respect thereto (as specified in the Approval Request) minus (ii) the sum of (A) the balance (if any) in the Trust Account and (B) any proceeds expected to be received by the Borrower in connection with the issuance and sale of any Preference Shares required or expected to be issued pursuant to Section 6 (c) in connection with the purchase of such Asset. To the extent that more than one Lender is a party hereto, each Loan shall consist of loans made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amounts. Each Lender at its option may make any Loan or portion of a Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan and may at any time cause any Loan to be transferred to any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender. Upon satisfaction of the conditions to borrowing set forth in this Section 2 , the Lenders shall advance the applicable principal amount of each Loan on the date specified in the related Borrowing Request and the proceeds thereof shall be paid into the Trust Account or otherwise at the direction of the Borrower (or the Collateral Manager on its behalf) as set forth in the Borrowing Request for application toward the acquisition cost of the related Asset. The Lenders shall not fund any Loans to the Borrower if a Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, the Collateral Manager, on behalf of the Borrower, may deliver a Borrowing Request to the Administrative Agent on the first or second Business Day prior to the proposed date of the funding of a Loan (an “ Expedited Borrowing Request ”). Upon receipt of an Expedited Borrowing Request, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders of such Loan, and the Lenders shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make such Loan on the proposed funding date set forth in the Expedited Borrowing Request subject to the terms and conditions for borrowings set forth in this Agreement, except that such Loan may be advanced at a rate per annum equal to the Reference Rate plus the Applicable Margin and shall be automatically refinanced within three (3) Business Days of the funding of such Loan with a LIBOR-based Loan; provided , that if the Lenders are unable to make a Loan pursuant to an Expedited Borrowing Request due to the occurrence of a force majeure, or any other unexpected and unforeseen event, including, without limitation, market disruptions, the Lenders shall make such Loan subject to the terms and conditions for borrowings set forth in this Agreement as soon as they are reasonably able to do so.

 

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(d)      Interest . Loans (other than as set forth in the next two succeeding provisos) shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus the Applicable Margin until repaid; provided that (x) Loans made pursuant to an Expedited Borrowing Request that have not been refinanced with a LIBOR-based Loan and (y) any Loan with respect to which LIBOR cannot be determined, shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Reference Rate plus the Applicable Margin; provided , further that upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Loans shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR or the Reference Rate, as applicable, plus the Applicable Margin plus 2.00%. Interest shall be calculated daily on the basis of a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan through but excluding the date of payment.

 

The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders all accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and, if applicable, any related Breakage Costs, on the Maturity Date; provided that the Borrower shall partially or fully pay accrued and unpaid interest for the related Interest Accrual Period on each Payment Date (if any) to the extent of Interest Collections and Principal Collections available for such payment pursuant to this Agreement (and any unpaid interest shall remain outstanding). Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts shall be payable on demand.

 

In no case shall interest payable hereunder exceed the amount that the Lender may charge or collect under applicable law.

 

(e)      Administrative Agent Fee . The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent a fee (the “ Administrative Agent Fee ”) equal to the Administrative Agent Fee Amount; provided that if an Event of Default or a Collateral Manager Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent Fee shall be equal to the Adjusted Administrative Agent Fee Amount. The Administrative Agent Fee with respect to a period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed.

 

The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent all accrued and unpaid Administrative Agent Fee s on the Maturity Date; provided that the Borrower shall partially or fully pay the accrued and unpaid Administrative Agent Fee for the related Interest Accrual Period on each Payment Date (if any) to the extent of Interest Collections available for such payment pursuant to this Agreement (and any unpaid Administrative Agent Fee shall remain outstanding). Fees paid in accordance with provisions hereof shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

 

(f)      Evidence of Loans . The Loans and all payments thereon shall be evidenced by the Administrative Agent’s loan accounts and records; provided that upon the request of any Lender, the Loans may be evidenced by a promissory note in the form of Annex C hereto in addition to such loan accounts and records. Such loan accounts, records and promissory note shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Loans and payments thereon. Any failure to record any Loan or payment thereon or any error in doing so shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower to pay any amount owing with respect to the Loans.

 

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(g)      Repayment of Principal on the Maturity Date . The entire Outstanding Principal Amount of Loans shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date, and on the Maturity Date the Borrower shall pay such amount to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders, without notice of default, presentment or demand for payment, protest or notice of nonpayment or dishonor, or other notices or demands of any kind or character, all of which are hereby expressly waived.

 

(h)      Prepayments .

 

(i)      Optional Prepayments . The Borrower may, upon three Business Days’ notice to the Administrative Agent, prepay one or more outstanding Loans in whole, or in part, on any Business Day, together with accrued and unpaid interest in respect of such Loans through (but excluding) the date of such prepayment and, if applicable, any related Breakage Costs. Such prepayment may be made with the proceeds of a sale or liquidation of a Portfolio Asset in accordance with the Transaction Documents or out of funds available in the Principal Collection Account or Trust Account on the date of such prepayment (including through the issuance of additional Preference Shares).

 

(ii)      Mandatory Prepayments . (A) In connection with any sale or disposition of a Portfolio Asset pursuant to Section 5 , unless the Administrative Agent has agreed in writing that such proceeds may be used in connection with a Reinvestment pursuant to Section 5( d ) , the Borrower shall, upon three (3) Business Days’ notice to the Administrative Agent, use such sale or disposition proceeds to prepay one or more outstanding Loans in whole, or in part, on any Business Day, together with accrued and unpaid interest in respect of such Loans through (but excluding) the date of such prepayment and, if applicable, any related Breakage Costs; provided , that instead of prepaying a Loan immediately with such proceeds the Borrower may deposit the proceeds into the Prepayment Reserve Account and effect such prepayment on or before the end of the applicable Interest Accrual Period.

 

(B)     On or before each of (1) the day that is five calendar months after the Conversion Date (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately following Business Day) and (2) the Outside Settlement Date (each, a “ Target Date ”), the Borrower shall prepay one or more outstanding Loans in whole, or in part, together with accrued and unpaid interest in respect of such Loans through (but excluding) the date of such prepayment and, if applicable, any related Breakage Costs on any one or more Business Days prior to each Target Date in an amount equal to or greater than, in the aggregate, the Scheduled Principal Payment Amount for the related Target Date, such that the Outstanding Principal Amount of the Loans as of such Target Date shall be no greater than the Scheduled Targeted Principal Balance for such date.

 

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(i)      Payments in General . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder shall be made in Dollars in immediately available funds to the account or accounts designated in writing to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent and from time to time for such purpose not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date specified herein. All payments to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder shall be made in full without deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or set-off.

 

For purposes hereof, the initial wiring instructions for payments to the Administrative Agent hereunder shall be:

 

BNP PARIBAS, NEW YORK
Attention: Loan Servicing
ABA: 026 007 689
Account #: 10313000103
Reference: Loan Servicing Clearing Account – JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd.

 

(j)      Taxes . (i) Except as required by law, all payments to the Lenders under this Agreement (including, for purposes of this Section 2(j) and Section 13(p) the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such, and in each case, any successor, assignee, or participant) hereunder shall be made free and clear of, and exempt from, and without any deduction or withholding for or on account of, any present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, assessments, fees or charges of any nature now or hereafter imposed by any jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) and all interest, penalties or additions to tax with respect thereto (“ Taxes ”). If any Taxes are required to be withheld or deducted from any payment by the Borrower on account of any Loan, the Borrower agrees to (i) notify the Administrative Agent of such requirement to withhold or deduct, (ii) withhold or deduct and pay to the relevant taxing authority the full amount of such Taxes required to be withheld or deducted, (iii) in the case of Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, to pay the Lenders such additional amounts as will result in receipt by the Lenders of such amounts as would have been received by the Lenders had no deduction or withholding been made for or on account of any such Taxes (other than Excluded Taxes), and (iv) promptly furnish to the Lenders copies of tax receipts evidencing such payment by such Borrower or such other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. In addition, the Borrower hereby agrees to pay any stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar taxes, charges or levies that arise from the execution, delivery, enforcement or registration of, any performance, receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (collectively, “ Other Taxes ”), except any such Taxes that are imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment at the Borrower’s request). The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each of the Lenders (including its direct or indirect beneficial owners), and reimburse each of the Lenders upon its written request, for the amount of any Taxes (other than Excluded Taxes) imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Loan, and Other Taxes, and the full amount of Taxes (other than Excluded Taxes) imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2(j) (without duplication of any additional amounts already paid pursuant to this Section 2(j) ), and any reasonable documented expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, regardless of whether the non-Excluded Taxes, Other Taxes, or other reasonable documented expenses for which indemnity is sought have been correctly or legally asserted.

 

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(ii)      Each party's obligations under this Section 2(j) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Transaction Document.

 

(k)      Reporting . The Borrower (or the Collateral Manager on its behalf) shall provide daily reports (on each Business Day) regarding the Portfolio Assets and the Borrower Collateral to the Administrative Agent in such form and substance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

 

(l)      Payment Date Distributions . On each Payment Date and subject to the terms of Section 2(d) , Section 2 (e) , Section 2 (g) , Section 2(h) , Section 13(d) and Section 13 (p) , the Borrower shall apply amounts available in the Interest Collection Account as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to such Payment Date (and to the extent such amounts are insufficient, amounts available in the Principal Collection Account as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to such Payment Date), to make the following payments:

 

(i)       first , to pay (x) any accrued and unpaid fees and expenses of the Borrower then due and payable in accordance with Section 13(d) (excluding any Agent Indemnity Amount) and (y) any Taxes and Other Taxes (including any liability (including penalties, additions to Tax, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto) then due and payable by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2(j) ;

 

(ii)       second , to pay the Administrative Agent Fee then due and payable in accordance with Section 2( e ) ;

 

(iii)       third , to pay any interest due and payable on the Loans in accordance with Section 2(d) ;

 

(iv)       fourth , to (x) first , repay the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans in connection with (1) an optional prepayment in accordance with Section 2( h ) (i) , (2) after the Conversion Date, a mandatory prepayment in accordance with Section 2(h) (ii) or (3) the Maturity Date, in accordance with Section 2(g) and then (y) second , if applicable, pay any related Breakage Costs and then (z) third , if applicable, pay any increased costs payable in accordance with Section 13(p) ;

 

(v)       fifth , to pay any Agent Indemnity Amount;

 

(vi)       sixt h , if so directed by the Collateral Manager, to make any other payments, distributions or applications permitted under this Agreement (other than the payment set forth in paragraph (vii) below), including, without limitation, to make a Reinvestment from Principal Collections as set forth in Section 5(d) ; and

 

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(vi i)      s even th , on the final Payment Date, if the Termination Obligations have been paid in full, to pay the Subordinated Management Fee then due and payable in accordance with Section 3(c) .

 

All amounts remaining in the Interest Collection Account and the Principal Collection Account on the final Payment Date, after application thereof in accordance with clauses (i) through (vii) above and following the payment of the Termination Obligations in full, shall be applied for distribution to the Preferred Investor in accordance with Section 7(c) of the Preference Share Subscription Agreement.

 

(m)      Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligations . On the date that any Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation is acquired by the Borrower, the acquisition of which was approved by the Administrative Agent and the terms of which require additional payments to be made by the Borrower after the acquisition thereof, (i) the Borrower shall transfer from the Trust Account into the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account, an amount up to the aggregate amount of all additional payments required to potentially be made by the Borrower, to the extent such funds are available, and (ii) the Lenders shall make a Loan in accordance with Section 2(c) to be deposited into the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account in an amount equal to the difference between (x) the aggregate amount of all additional payments to potentially be made by the Borrower after the acquisition of such Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation and (y) the amount transferred into the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account pursuant to clause (i). Any amount loaned by the Lenders and deposited into the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account shall be deemed to be a Loan on the date of deposit. All amounts in the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account will be invested in Eligible Investments. On the date that any additional payment is required to be made by the Borrower in connection with a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation, amounts will be withdrawn from the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account by the Borrower without further consent of the Administrative Agent and applied to make such additional payment. In the event that any Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation is sold by the Borrower or the amount of potential additional payments in respect of a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation is irrevocably reduced, an amount equal to the amount of the applicable reduction in the Borrower's potential additional payment obligations with respect to such Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation will be transferred from the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account to the Principal Collection Account and treated as a prepayment of the applicable Asset. If, at any time, the Administrative Agent determines, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, that a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation is no longer eligible to collateralize the CLO Securities, the Borrower shall liquidate such Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation, subject to the conditions set forth in Sections 5(a) and (b), in a timely fashion, in accordance with the standard of care applicable to such transactions under the Collateral Management Agreement, so as to minimize the number of additional payments the Borrower may be required to make with respect to such Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation following the Administrative Agent’s determination of the Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation’s ineligibility.

 

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SECTION 3.

Accounts

 

(a)     On or before the date of the first Loan, the Borrower shall establish at the Custodian (i)  a securities account (the “ Collateral Account ”) to which all Portfolio Assets will be credited, (ii) a securities account (the “ Collection Account ”) into which all proceeds received in connection with the Portfolio Assets (including any repayments or prepayments of principal and amounts received in connection with any sale, termination or other dispositions thereof) will be deposited, (iii) a securities account, which shall be a subaccount of the Collection Account, into which all interest proceeds from the Portfolio Assets and other Interest Collections will be deposited (the “ Interest Collection Account ”), (iv) a securities account, which shall be a subaccount of the Collection Account, into which all principal proceeds received in connection with the Portfolio Assets (including any repayments or prepayments of principal and amounts received in connection with any sale, termination or other dispositions thereof up to the outstanding principal amount thereof) and other Principal Collections will be deposited (the “ Principal Collection Account ”), (v) a securities account (the “ Trust Account ”) into which all cash received by the Borrower from the issuance of Preference Shares, all Loan proceeds and any amounts transferred from the Principal Collection Account (with the consent of the Lender) or will be deposited, (vi) a securities account (the “ Prepayment Reserve Account ”) into which funds received by the Borrower in connection with any sale or disposition of a Portfolio Asset shall be deposited to the extent the Borrower elects to deposit such funds in accordance with Section 2(h)(ii)(A) , (vii) a securities account (the “ Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account ”) into which funds related to Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligations will be deposited pursuant to Section 2(m ) and (viii) a securities account (the “ OC Ratio Posting Account ”) into which funds related to OC Ratio Posting Payments shall be deposited pursuant to Section 6. The Accounts shall be maintained in accordance with the Account Control Agreement.

 

(b)     The only permitted withdrawal from or application of assets credited to the Collateral Account shall be to deliver such assets in connection with a sale, termination, repayment or other disposition of such asset against payment or exchange. Any cash payment received in connection with any such disposition shall be deposited into the Collection Account or paid to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders as provided herein, and any non-cash asset received in exchange shall be credited to the Collateral Account promptly.

 

(c)     The Borrower (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) shall instruct each obligor under the Portfolio Assets (or, with respect to any Agented Asset, the paying agent) to deliver all proceeds in respect of the Borrower Collateral to the Collection Account. The Borrower shall (or shall cause the Collateral Manager to), on a daily basis (on each Business Day), identify collections received in the Collection Account on the second prior Business Day in connection with the Portfolio Assets as either Principal Collections or Interest Collections and notify in writing to the Custodian of such determination. The Borrower (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) shall cause all Principal Collections received on behalf of the Portfolio Assets in the Collection Account to be promptly (but in any event no later than one Business Day following receipt thereof) transferred by the Custodian to the Principal Collection Account. The Borrower (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) shall cause all Interest Collections received on behalf of the Portfolio Assets in the Collection Account to be promptly (but in any event no later than one Business Day following receipt thereof) transferred by the Custodian to the Interest Collection Account. The only permitted withdrawal from or application of funds on deposit in the Collection Account, Principal Collection Account or Interest Collection Account shall be to make payments expressly provided for in this Agreement or to transfer funds to the Trust Account in connection with a Reinvestment pursuant to Section 5(d) . Without limiting the foregoing, (x) if the Termination Obligations have been paid in full, on the final Payment Date, the Borrower shall, in accordance with the priority of payments set forth in Section 2(l) , apply amounts in the Interest Collection Account (and to the extent such amounts are insufficient, amounts in the Principal Collection Account) for the payment of the Subordinated Management Fee to the Collateral Manager; provided , however if such amounts are insufficient no further payment shall be made of the Subordinated Management Fee after the final Payment Date and (y) the Borrower shall apply amounts available in the Interest Collection Account and the Principal Collection Account on each Payment Date pursuant to Section 2(l) .

 

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(d)     The only permitted withdrawals from or application of funds on deposit in the Trust Account shall be to either (i) make prepayments on outstanding Loans in accordance with Section 2(h) or other payments expressly provided for in this Agreement, (ii) purchase Assets or (iii) deposit funds in the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account pursuant to Section 2( m ) .

 

(e)     The only permitted withdrawals from or application of funds on deposit in the Prepayment Reserve Account shall be by the Borrower to make mandatory prepayments pursuant to Section 2(h)(ii)(A) at or before the end of the applicable Interest Accrual Period.

 

(f)     The only permitted withdrawals from or application of funds on deposit in the Delayed Drawdown Reserve Account shall be to either (i) make additional payments with respect to a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation pursuant to Section 2(m) or (ii) deposit in the Principal Collection Account pursuant to Section 2(m) as a result of a sale of a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation, or an irrevocable reduction of the Borrower's additional payment obligations under a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation pursuant to the related Underlying Instrument.

 

(g)     The only permitted withdrawals from or application of funds on deposit in the OC Ratio Posting Account shall be either (i) to deposit such funds in the Trust Account upon an Event of Default or (ii) to make a payment to the Preferred Investor or the Collateral Manager, as applicable, in accordance with Section 6(b) hereof.

 

SECTION 4.

Security Interest

 

(a)      Grant . As collateral security for the prompt payment in full and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, by liquidation or otherwise) of the Borrower’s obligations to the Secured Parties hereunder (together, the “ Secured Obligations ”), the Borrower hereby pledges to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties and grants to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties a first priority continuing security interest in, lien on and right of set-off against, all of the Borrower’s right, title and interest in, to and under each Portfolio Asset, all Underlying Instruments with respect to the Portfolio Assets, the Borrower’s rights under each Transaction Document to which it is a party, each Account and all assets credited to and funds on deposit in each Account and all proceeds of the foregoing, in each case whether now owned or hereafter acquired and whether now existing or hereafter coming into existence, other than Excepted Property (collectively, the “ Borrower Collateral ”).

 

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(b)      Perfection, Etc. The Borrower shall:

 

(i)     deliver to the Custodian any and all securities and instruments evidencing or otherwise relating to Borrower Collateral, endorsed and/or accompanied by such instruments of assignment and transfer in such form and substance as the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties may reasonably request, including by taking all steps reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and necessary to ensure that all Portfolio Assets that are securities are credited to the Collateral Account by the Custodian and held in accordance with the Account Control Agreement and all other Portfolio Assets held by the Custodian are otherwise marked to reflect the pledge and security interest provided for in this Agreement; provided that, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, promptly upon request of the Borrower or the Collateral Manager, make appropriate arrangements for making any securities or instrument pledged by the Borrower available to the Borrower or the Collateral Manager for purposes of presentation, collection or renewal (any such arrangement to be effected, to the extent deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent, against trust receipt or like document);

 

(ii)     give, execute, deliver, file and/or record any financing statement, notice, instrument, document, agreement or other papers , in each case requested by the Administrative Agent, that may be necessary or desirable (in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent) to create, preserve, perfect or validate the security interest granted hereunder or to enable the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties to exercise and enforce its rights hereunder with respect to such pledge and security interest;

 

(iii)     permit the Administrative Agent or any Lender or its agents or representatives to visit the offices of the Borrower during normal office hours and upon reasonable notice to examine and make copies of all documents, books, records and other information concerning the Borrower Collateral and promptly furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent or any Lender any information which the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request concerning the Borrower Collateral; and

 

(iv)     preserve and protect the Secured Parties’ first priority security interest in Borrower Collateral, and take or cause any action requested by the Administrative Agent and necessary to preserve, defend, protect or perfect the Secured Parties’ first priority security interest.

 

(c)      Remedies . During the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties may exercise, in addition to all other rights and remedies granted in this Agreement, and in any other Transaction Document, all rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC and such additional rights and remedies to which a secured party is entitled at law or in equity.

 

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Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent, without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law referred to below or otherwise required hereby) to or upon the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, the Preferred Investor or any other Person (all and each of which demands, presentments, protests, advertisements and notices, or other defenses, are hereby waived to the extent permitted under applicable law except as otherwise provided herein), may in such circumstances forthwith collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon the Borrower Collateral, or any part thereof, and/or may forthwith sell, assign, give option or options to purchase or otherwise dispose of and deliver the Borrower Collateral or any part thereof (or contract to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, in the over the counter market, at any exchange, broker’s board or office of the Administrative Agent or elsewhere upon such terms and conditions as it may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best in its sole discretion, for cash or on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk. The Administrative Agent shall have the right, without notice or publication, to adjourn any public or private sale or cause the same to be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for such sale, and any such sale may be made at any time or place to which the same may be adjourned without further notice. The Administrative Agent shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the whole or any part of the Borrower Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption of the Borrower, which right or equity of redemption is hereby waived or released. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor waive all claims, damages and demands it may acquire against the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties arising out of the exercise by the Administrative Agent of any of its rights hereunder, except for any claims, damages and demands it may have against the Administrative Agent arising from the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Administrative Agent or its affiliates, or any agents or employees of the foregoing.

 

The Administrative Agent may, in its discretion during the continuance of an Event of Default, send notification forms giving the obligors and/or agents on Portfolio Assets notice of the Administrative Agent’s interest in the Borrower Collateral on behalf of the Secured Parties and the obligation to make payments as directed by the Administrative Agent.

 

The rights, powers, privileges and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties under this Agreement are cumulative and shall be in addition to all rights, powers, privileges and remedies available to the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties at law or in equity or under any other Transaction Document. All such rights, powers and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised successively or concurrently without impairing the rights of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties hereunder.

 

All rights of action and of asserting claims under the Transaction Documents, may be enforced by the Administrative Agent without the possession of any notes or the production thereof in any trial or other proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or proceedings instituted by the Administrative Agent shall be brought in its own name as Administrative Agent and any recovery of judgment, subject to the payment of the reasonable expenses, disbursements and compensation of the Administrative Agent, each predecessor Administrative Agent and their respective agents and attorneys, shall be for the ratable benefit of the holders of any notes and other Secured Parties.

 

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In any proceedings brought by the Administrative Agent to enforce the liens under the Transaction Documents, the Administrative Agent shall be held to represent all of the Secured Parties, and it shall not be necessary to make any Secured Party a party to any such proceedings.

 

(d)      Sales .

 

(i)     Each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor recognizes that the Administrative Agent may be unable to effect a public sale of any or all of the Borrower Collateral, by reason of certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and applicable state securities laws or otherwise, and may be compelled to resort to one or more private sales thereof to a restricted group of purchasers which will be obliged to agree, among other things, to acquire such securities for their own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor acknowledges and agrees that any such private sale may result in prices and other terms less favorable to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties than if such sale were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agree that any such private sale shall not be deemed to have been made in a commercially unreasonable manner solely by virtue of being a private sale. The Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to delay a sale of any of the Borrower Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit Borrower to register such securities for public sale under the Securities Act, or under applicable state securities laws, even if the Borrower would agree to do so.

 

(ii)     Each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor further shall use commercially reasonable efforts to do or cause to be done all such other acts as may be reasonably necessary to make any sale or sales of all or any portion of the Borrower Collateral pursuant to this Section 4(d) valid and binding and in compliance with any and all other requirements of applicable law.

 

(iii)     Each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor further agrees that a breach of any of their agreements contained in this Section 4(d) will cause irreparable injury to the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, that the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breach and, as a consequence, that each and every agreement contained in this Section 4(d) shall be specifically enforceable against the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor, and each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor hereby waives and agrees not to assert any defenses against an action for specific performance of such covenants except for a defense that no Event of Default has occurred under the Agreement or any defense relating to the Administrative Agent’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.

 

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(iv)     Section  9-610 of the UCC states that the Secured Parties are able to purchase the Borrower Collateral only if the Borrower Collateral is sold at a public sale. The Administrative Agent has advised the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor that SEC staff personnel have issued various No Action Letters describing procedures which, in the view of the SEC staff, permit a foreclosure sale of securities to occur in a manner that is public for purposes of Article 9 of the UCC, yet not public for purposes of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The UCC permits the Borrower to agree on the standards for determining whether the Secured Party has complied with its obligations under Article 9 of the UCC. Pursuant to the UCC, each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor hereby specifically agrees (x) that it shall not raise any objection to any Secured Party’s purchase of the Borrower Collateral (through bidding on the obligations or otherwise) and (y) that a foreclosure sale conducted in conformity with the principles set forth in the No Action Letters promulgated by the SEC staff (1) shall be considered to be a “public” sale for purposes of the UCC, (2) shall be considered commercially reasonable notwithstanding that the Secured Party has not registered or sought to register the Borrower Collateral under the Securities Act, even if the Borrower agrees to pay all costs of the registration process, and (3) shall be considered to be commercially reasonable notwithstanding that the Secured Party purchases the Borrower Collateral at such a sale.

 

(v)     Each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor agrees that the Administrative Agent shall not have any general duty or obligation to make any effort to obtain or pay any particular price for any Borrower Collateral sold by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, among other things, accept the first bid received, or decide to approach or not to approach any potential purchasers. Each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor hereby agrees that the Administrative Agent shall have the right to conduct, and shall not incur any liability as a result of, the sale of any Borrower Collateral, or any part thereof, at any sale conducted in a commercially reasonable manner, it being agreed by the parties hereto that some or all of the Borrower Collateral is or may be of one or more types that threaten to decline speedily in value. The Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor hereby waive any claims against the Administrative Agent arising by reason of the fact that the price at which any of the Borrower Collateral may have been sold at a private sale was less than the price that might have been obtained at a public sale or was less than the aggregate amount of the Borrower’s obligations under the Agreement, even if the Administrative Agent accepts the first bid received and does not offer any Borrower Collateral to more than one bidder; provided that the Administrative Agent has acted in a commercially reasonable manner in conducting such private sale. Without in any way limiting the Administrative Agent’s right to conduct a foreclosure sale in any manner which is considered commercially reasonable, each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor hereby agrees that any foreclosure sale conducted in accordance with the following provisions (including, without limitation, Section 4(d)(vi) below) shall be considered a commercially reasonable sale, and each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor hereby irrevocably waives any right to contest any such sale conducted in accordance with the following provisions:

 

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(1)     the Administrative Agent conducts such foreclosure sale in the State of New York;

 

(2)     such foreclosure sale is conducted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York; and

 

(3)     not more than thirty days before, and not less than three Business Days in advance of such foreclosure sale, the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor at the address set forth herein of the time and place of such foreclosure sale.

 

(vi)     Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary, (i) the Administrative Agent shall give not less than two (2) Business Days prior written notice to the Collateral Manager of any proposed private sale, transfer or other disposition of any Borrower Collateral, (ii) the Collateral Manager and/or the Preferred Investor may, but is not required to, offer to buy any item of Borrower Collateral following receipt of the notice described in clause (i) provided that the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to reject such offer in its sole discretion and, notwithstanding the delivery of such notice or the receipt of such offer, shall remain entitled to engage other potential buyers and continue with any proposed private sale, transfer or other disposition described in such notice or to refrain from selling any such item of Borrower Collateral, in each case, its sole discretion, and (iii), to the extent any Borrower Collateral is to be disposed of in a public sale, the Collateral Manager and the Preferred Investor (and any Affiliate or designee thereof) shall be entitled, subject to and in accordance with any rules of such public sale established by the Administrative Agent including any standard and customary eligibility requirements for bidders in such public sale, to bid on each such item of Borrower Collateral being sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to all other participants in such auction.

 

(e)      No Other Liens . Except as expressly permitted hereunder and under the Account Control Agreement, the Borrower will not sell, assign, pledge, grant any security interest in, exchange, transfer, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of or grant any option with respect to such Borrower Collateral, or agree to do any of the foregoing, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

 

(f)      Power of Attorney . The Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take any action and execute any instruments with respect to the Borrower Collateral that the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or advisable in connection with the following, each subject to the terms of this Agreement: (i) the Borrower’s grant of a security interest in the Borrower Collateral to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties and any rights and remedies that the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties may exercise in respect thereof upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, (ii) the filing of one or more financing or continuation statements with respect to the Borrower Collateral, (iii) the sale, termination or other disposition of any Portfolio Asset at the direction of the Administrative Agent during the continuance of an Event of Default or on or after the Maturity Date or (iv) accomplishing any other purposes of this Agreement and the exercise of any remedies hereunder by the Administrative Agent. The Borrower agrees that the powers granted by this paragraph are coupled with an interest, discretionary in nature and exercisable at the sole option of the Administrative Agent. This power of attorney shall be binding upon, and enforceable against, all beneficiaries, successors, assigns, transferees and legal representatives of the Borrower.

 

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(g)      Termination of Security Interest . The security interest granted to secure the obligations of the Borrower hereunder shall be terminated and released and all rights in the Borrower Collateral will revert to the Borrower on the date all of the Termination Obligations have been paid in full to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. In connection with such termination and release, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall execute and deliver such documents, instruments and certificates as the Borrower shall reasonably require at the Borrower’s expense.

 

(h)      Right of Set -Off . The Administrative Agent and the Lenders are authorized to set-off any and all amounts due to it hereunder against any amounts payable to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or their Affiliates, whether or not such amounts have matured.

 

SECTION 5.

Dispositions of Portfolio Assets , REINVESTMENT OF PRINCIPAL COLLECTIONS

 

(a)      Sale or Disposition of Portfolio Assets Prior to the Conversion Date . At any time prior to the Conversion Date, the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower may arrange for the sale or disposition of any Portfolio Asset, subject to the following conditions:

 

(i)     both prior to and immediately after giving effect to such sale or disposition, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(ii)     the proceeds from such sale or disposition (after taking into account all costs and expenses associated with such sale or disposition) are at least equal to the Purchase Price of such Portfolio Asset; provided that the Borrower may sell or dispose of a Portfolio Asset if the proceeds from such sale or disposition are less than the Purchase Price of such Portfolio Asset if (A) (1) after such sale or disposition the OC Ratio is maintained or improved or (2) if such sale or disposition does not maintain or improve the OC Ratio, the Administrative Agent has confirmed in writing that an OC Ratio Breach will not occur as a result of such sale or disposition, such confirmation not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, or (B) the Collateral Manager and the Administrative Agent have agreed in writing to permit such proposed sale or disposition .

 

(b)      Sale or Disposition of Portfolio Assets On and After the Conversion Date . On and after the Conversion Date, the Collateral Manager may, only with the prior written approval of the Administrative Agent, arrange for the sale or disposition of all or a portion of the Portfolio Assets; provided , however , that the prior written approval of the Administrative Agent shall not be required so long as the proceeds of such sale or disposition, together with the funds on deposit in the Accounts (including funds invested or held in Eligible Investments), are equal to or greater than 105% of the Termination Obligations.

 

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(c)     T he Collateral Manager (on behalf of the Borrower) shall sell, arrange to sell or otherwise dispose of all Portfolio Assets that are Ineligible Assets no later than the CLO Takeout, subject to Sections 5(a) and (b) .

 

(d)      Reinvestment of Principal Collections . At any time prior to the Conversion Date (but not on or after the Conversion Date), the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower may, with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, instruct the Custodian to withdraw Principal Collections from the Principal Collection Account and deposit such Principal Collections into the Trust Account for the purpose of acquiring additional Assets (each such reinvestment of Principal Collections, a “ Reinvestment ”), subject in each case to the following conditions:

 

(i)     the Collateral Manager shall have delivered and the Administrative Agent shall have approved an Approval Request with respect to the Assets acquired pursuant to the Reinvestment pursuant to the terms of Section 2(b) ; and

 

(ii)     the Collateral Manager shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate certifying that the conditions set forth in Sections 7(b)(vi) through (x) shall be satisfied as of the date of such Reinvestment.

 

SECTION 6.

OC Ratio Posting AND ADDitional issuance of preference shares

 

(a)     If an OC Ratio Breach has occurred, within 10 Business Days of the occurrence of such OC Ratio Breach, the Preferred Investor or the Collateral Manager (or such other Person designated by the Preferred Investor or the Collateral Manager and approved in writing by the Administrative Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld)) may, but shall not be required to, make a cash payment into the OC Ratio Posting Account in an amount (which shall be in increments of U.S.$ 1,000,000) that would cause such OC Ratio Breach to be cured after giving effect to such payment into the OC Ratio Posting Account (any such payment, an “ OC Ratio Posting Payment ”); provided that in the event an additional preferred investor becomes a party hereto, any OC Ratio Posting Payments made by the Preferred Investor and such additional preferred investor shall be made pro rata based on the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Preference Shares held by the Preferred Investor and each such other preferred investor; provided , further , that any preferred investor that is a party hereto may choose to contribute funds on behalf of a preferred investor that has not contributed within the same 10 Business Day timeframe.

 

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(b)     On any Business Day after the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor (or its designee) has made an OC Ratio Posting Payment into the OC Ratio Posting Account in accordance with clause (a) above and amounts remain on deposit in the OC Ratio Posting Account, the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor, as applicable, may request that the Borrower (after consultation with the Administrative Agent) determine the maximum amount of cash necessary to be on deposit in the OC Ratio Posting Account in order to cure the related OC Ratio Breach. If the Borrower determines for a period of not less than 10 consecutive Business Days (or such shorter period as the Administrative Agent may agree in its sole discretion) that the amount of cash on deposit in the OC Ratio Posting Account exceeds the greater of (i) the amount necessary to maintain an OC Ratio of at least 103.50% and (ii) the amount necessary to maintain OC Ratio Posting Payments of at least $1,000,000 above the amount necessary to cure the related OC Ratio Breach (such excess, the “ OC Ratio Posting Excess ”), then the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor, as applicable, may request in writing that the Custodian at the direction of the Borrower cause the payment of all or a portion of the OC Ratio Posting Excess to the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor, as applicable, who made the related OC Ratio Posting Payment. The Custodian at the direction of the Borrower shall cause such the OC Ratio Posting Excess (or portion thereof) to be paid to the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor, as applicable, within two Business Days of receiving such request from the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor, as applicable.

 

(c)     In addition to the Preference Shares issued and sold the Preferred Investor on the date of this Agreement pursuant to the Preference Share Subscription Agreement, on or before the Conversion Date, the Borrower (at the direction of the Collateral Manager) may from time to time issue and sell additional Preference Shares to the Preferred Investor (or such other Person designated by the Collateral Manager and approved in writing by the Administrative Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld)) in an amount not less than U.S.$ 1,000,000. Notwithstanding the amount of Preference Shares that may issued and sold to the Preferred Investor pursuant to this Section 6(c) , each Lender shall only originate Loans up to their respective Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amount.

 

(d)     The proceeds of any sale of additional Preference Shares pursuant to Section 6(c) shall be deposited in the Trust Account.

 

(e)     Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any issuance and sale of additional Preference Shares pursuant to Section 6(c) shall not be permitted without the prior written approval of the Administrative Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

(f)     Upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default that has not been waived or cured in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, all funds on deposit in the OC Ratio Posting Account shall be transferred to the Trust Account, to be disbursed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Prior to being distributed in accordance with the Preference Share Subscription Agreement, any funds remaining on deposit in the Trust Account following the payment of the Termination Obligations in full in an amount up the aggregate OC Ratio Posting Payments made by the Preferred Investors shall be paid to the Preferred Investors on a pro rata basis according to the amount of OC Ratio Posting Payments made by each such Preferred Investor.

 

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SECTION 7.

Conditions Precedent to Borrowing

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the obligation of the Lender s to make any Loan to the Borrower is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)      Conditions to Initial Borrowing :

 

(i)     the Borrower shall have entered into the Preference Share Subscription Agreement; and

 

(ii)     the Borrower shall have issued and sold Preference Shares to the Preferred Investor and deposited the cash proceeds of such sale into the Trust Account in an amount not less than U.S.$7,500,000.

 

(b)      Conditions to Each Borrowing :

 

(i)     subject to Section 2(b) , the Administrative Agent must have received and approved an Approval Request for the Asset the Borrower intends to purchase with the proceeds of the Loan;

 

(ii)     the Collateral Manager, on behalf of the Borrower, must furnish the Administrative Agent with a Borrowing Request with respect to the Loan and a Portfolio Asset Buy Confirmation with respect to the Asset the Borrower intends to purchase with the proceeds of the Loan;

 

(iii)     the Preferred Investor (or such other party permitted to purchase Preference Shares pursuant to Section 6(c) ) must have purchased and paid for Preference Shares the Borrower issued pursuant to Section 6(c) (if any) and deposited the proceeds of such sale into the Trust Account;

 

(iv)     the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor (or such other Person designated by the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor and approved by the Administrative Agent), as applicable, agreeing to make an OC Ratio Posting Payment pursuant to Section 6 shall have made such OC Ratio Posting Payment pursuant to Section 6 and deposited such payment into the OC Ratio Posting Account;

 

(v)     all proceeds of any issuance and sale of Preference Shares shall have been applied to the purchase of Assets or the prepayment of Loans or will be applied to the purchase of Assets prior to or simultaneously with the purchase of the Asset with the proceeds of the Loan;

 

(vi)     the sum of (A)  the amount of the proposed Loan and (B) the Outstanding Principal Amount of all other Loans would not exceed the Maximum Facility Amount;

 

(vii)     the Collateral Quality Test is satisfied as of the related Acquisition Date;

 

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(viii)    the Concentration Limitations are satisfied as of the related Acquisition Date;

 

(ix)     each representation and warranty set forth in Section 8 below shall be true and correct in all respects as if made on the date of such borrowing;

 

(x)      no Default shall have occurred and be continuin g on the date of such borrowing; and

 

(xi)     the Asset specified in such Approv al Request will satisfy the Eligibility Requirements as of its Acquisition Date.

 

SECTION 8.

Representations and Warranties

 

(a)     Each of the Borrower, the Preferred Investor and the Collateral Manager (severally but not jointly) represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

(i)      Existence and Authority; Qualification; Compliance with Laws . It (A) is duly incorporated or organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, as the case may be, with full power and authority to own its assets and to conduct its business and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, (B) is duly qualified and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, and (C) is in compliance with all laws.

 

(ii)      Authorization; Enforceable Obligations . Its execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and this Agreement is and such other Transaction Documents, when executed, will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganization or other laws of general application relating to or affecting the rights of creditors and to general principles of equity.

 

(iii)      No Conflict . Its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party are not in contravention of any applicable law or of the terms of its organizational documents and will not result in the breach of or constitute a default under, or result in the creation of a lien under any indenture, agreement or undertaking to which it is a party or by which it or its property may be bound or affected.

 

(iv)      No Consent . No consent, approval, exemption, authorization or other action by, or notice to, or (except for filing of financing statements to perfect the security interest hereunder in certain collateral) filings or registration with, any Governmental Authority or any Person or entity is required (other than previously obtained) for the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, such party of its obligations hereunder or any other Transaction Document or for the validity or the exercise by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent or any Lender of the rights and remedies provided hereunder or thereunder.

 

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(v)      No Default . Neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under or with respect to the Transaction Documents or any other contractual obligation.

 

(vi)      Anti-Bribery, Anti-Corruption and Anti-Money Laundering Laws; Sanctions. With respect to it, its Subsidiaries, their respective directors and officers, and, to its best knowledge, their respective agents and employees, its Affiliates and its Affiliates' respective directors, officers, agents and employees:

 

( A)     none of the foregoing Persons has engaged in any activity or conduct which would violate any applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption or anti-money laundering laws, regulations or rules in any applicable jurisdiction, and it and its Affiliates have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violation; or

 

( B)     none of the foregoing Persons is, or is owned or controlled by Persons that are: (1) the target of any economic or trade sanctions or restrictive measures enacted, administered, imposed or enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, the French Republic, Her Majesty's Treasury and/or any other relevant sanctions authority applicable to it (collectively, “ Sanctions ”; any such Person, a “ Sanctioned Person ”) or (2) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions broadly prohibiting dealings with such government, country, or territory (a “ Sanctioned Country ”), including Cuba, Iran, Burma, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.

 

(b)     The Borrower further represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and each Lender that:

 

(i)      Financial Condition . As of the date of this Agreement, it (i) has not incurred any material liability or contingent obligation except under the Transaction Documents and as may be satisfied or terminated as of the date hereof and (ii) has no Subsidiaries (other than Tax Subsidiaries). The Borrower has issued no shares or other equity interests other than its ordinary shares and the Preference Shares. All payments that the Borrower may make in respect of debt other than Loans hereunder are expressly subordinated to the Loans hereunder.

 

(ii)      Security . It is the sole owner of and has full power, authority and legal right to pledge and transfer all assets pledged by it hereunder free and clear of, and such pledge and transfer will not create, any lien thereon (other than the lien created by this Agreement), and upon the execution and delivery of the Account Control Agreement and filing of a financing statement under the UCC with the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia with respect thereto naming the Borrower as debtor and the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties as secured party, the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties will have a first priority perfected security interest in such assets. The Borrower acquired ownership of such assets for value in good faith without notice of any adverse claim and has not assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered any interest in such assets other than hereunder.

 

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(iii)      Name; Location . Its full and correct legal name as of the date hereof is as set forth in the preamble hereof. It is an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Its location (as defined in Section 9-307 of the UCC) and registered office is: c/o Estera Trust (Cayman) Limited, Clifton House, 75 Fort Street, PO Box 1350, Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands.

 

(iv)      No Plan Assets . The assets of the Borrower do not and will not constitute the assets of (A) an employee benefit plan as defined in and subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”), (B) a plan as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Code, (C) a plan that is not subject to ERISA or the Code but is subject to any law, rule or restriction substantially similar to Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or (D) a person or entity deemed to hold the assets of any such employee benefit plan or plan described in (A), (B) or (C) hereof.

 

(v)      Taxes .

 

(A)      The Borrower is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

(B)      The Borrower has timely filed, or caused to be timely filed, all U.S. federal and other material Tax returns and Tax information returns that are required by law to have been filed, all such Tax returns are true and correct in all material respects, and the Borrower has timely paid all U.S. federal and other material Taxes thereby shown to be owing or required to be withheld, and all other material taxes (whether or not thereby shown to be owing or required to be withheld), except any such Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.

 

SECTION 9.

Covenants

 

So long as principal of and interest on any Loan, or any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Transaction Document remains unpaid or unsatisfied:

 

(a)      Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower , the Collateral Manager and the Preferred Investor . Each of the Borrower and the Collateral Manager and, solely with respect to clause (vi) below, the Preferred Investor shall:

 

(i)     c omply with all terms and conditions of each Transaction Document to which it is a party and, upon obtaining knowledge thereof, promptly notify each other party to this Agreement of (A) any Default, (B) any occurrence that has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to it and (C) any Asset becoming an Ineligible Asset or otherwise failing to satisfy the Eligibility Requirements;

 

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(ii)     preserve and maintain all of its rights, privileges, and franchises necessary in the conduct of its business;

 

(iii)     comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of governmental authorities if failure to do so would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(iv)     pay and discharge when due all taxes, assessments, and governmental charges or levies imposed on it or on its income or profits or any of its property, except for any such tax, assessment, charge, or levy the payment of which is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and against which adequate reserves are being maintained;

 

(v)     subject to any confidentiality obligations, furnish to the Administrative Agent promptly, from time to time, such information, documents, records or reports respecting the Borrower Collateral or the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request in order to protect the interests of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties under or as contemplated by this Agreement; provided that if any of the foregoing is subject to any confidentiality obligation, the Collateral Manager (on behalf of the Borrower) at the request of the Administrative Agent shall use reasonable efforts to obtain approval to furnish to the Administrative Agent such information, documents, records or reports; and

 

(vi)     subject to any confidentiality obligations, provide the Administrative Agent with all information reasonably available to the Borrower or the Preferred Investor, as the case may be, and reasonably required by the Administrative Agent to carry out its obligations under applicable anti-money laundering laws, rules, regulations and orders of jurisdictions and the Administrative Agent's anti-money laundering policies and procedures; provided that if any of the foregoing is subject to any confidentiality obligation, the Collateral Manager (on behalf of the Borrower) at the request of the Administrative Agent shall use reasonable efforts to obtain approval to furnish to the Administrative Agent such information.

 

(b)      Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower .

 

(i)     The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Loans solely to acquire Assets that meet the Eligibility Requirements as directed by the Collateral Manager, and shall not use such proceeds or the proceeds of any Preference Shares or the OC Ratio Posting Payments, directly or indirectly, immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose.

 

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(ii)     The Borrower shall ensure that all corporate or other formalities regarding its existence (including, to the extent required by applicable law, holding regular board of directors ’ and shareholders’ or other similar meetings) are followed and shall conduct business in its name. The Borrower shall keep separate books and records, maintain separate financial statements and maintain accounts that are separate from any other entity. The Borrower shall hold itself out as a separate entity and correct any known misunderstanding regarding its separate identity. The Borrower shall not take any action, or conduct its affairs in a manner, that is likely to result in its separate existence being ignored or in its assets and liabilities being substantively consolidated with any other Person in a bankruptcy, reorganization, examinership or other insolvency proceeding. Without limiting the foregoing, (i) the Borrower shall not have any Subsidiaries (other than any Tax Subsidiary or the co-issuer), (ii) the Borrower shall not commingle its assets with the assets of any of its Affiliates, or of any other Person, and (iii) the Borrower shall not have any employees other than its directors in their additional capacities as officers of the Borrower.

 

(iii)     The Borrower shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell any Assets that the Borrower acquires which did not satisfy the Eligibility Requirements on the Acquisition Date thereof, in a commercially expeditious manner.

 

(iv)     The Borrower shall provide (A) prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of any proposed (x) material modification of any of the terms of any Portfolio Asset or (y) Distressed Exchange of any Portfolio Asset and (B) written notice of the consummation of any event described in (A) , in each case, no later than three (3) Business Days following the date on which it receives notice of the same and at least one (1) Business Day prior to the date on which the Borrower or the Collateral Manager responds to the same.

 

(v)     The Borrower shall use best efforts to comply with any requirements necessary to establish and maintain its status as a "reporting Model 1 FFI" within the meaning of Treasury Regulations section 1.1471-1(b)(114), and to otherwise ensure that payments to it are not subject to withholding under FATCA .

 

(c)       Negative Covenants of the Borrower . The Borrower shall not, during the term of this Agreement:

 

(i)       organize, create or acquire any Subsidiary (other than Tax Subsidiaries or the co-issuer);

 

(ii)     prior to the CLO Takeout, engage in any business or activity other than the transactions expressly contemplated herein and such other activities that are necessary, suitable or convenient to accomplish the foregoing and the Offering or are incidental thereto or connected therewith;

 

(iii)     merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into any Person or dispose of substantially all of its assets;

 

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(iv)     permit its memorandum and articles of association or other constitutive documents to be amended without the prior written consent of the Collateral Manager and the Administrative Agent;

 

(v)     issue share capital (other than its ordinary shares already issued and Preference Shares issued pursuant to the Preference Share Subscription Agreement and in accordance with this Agreement) or incur indebtedness of any kind other than Loans hereunder without the consent of the Administrative Agent other than as necessary to accomplish the Offering or any other transaction that will result in a repayment in full of the Termination Obligations;

 

(vi)     change its location (as defined in Section  9-307 of the UCC) or change its name from the name listed in the preamble hereto without the written consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided , however that the Administrative Agent may withhold or delay its consent if such change is in contravention of the Administrative Agent’s then current written policies regarding transactions similar to those contemplated by the Transaction Documents and such withholding or delay shall be deemed reasonable for all purposes hereunder; or

 

(vii)     permit the CLO Takeout to occur unless the net proceeds expected to be received from the issuance of the CLO Securities will be sufficient to pay the Termination Obligations in full to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

 

(d)      Tax Covenants of the Borrower .

 

(i)      The Borrower will be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and will take no action inconsistent with such treatment unless required by law.

 

(ii)      The Borrower will timely file, or cause to be timely filed, all U.S. federal and other material Tax returns and Tax information returns that are required by law to be filed, all such Tax returns are true and correct in all material respects, and the Borrower has timely paid all U.S. federal and other material Taxes thereby shown to be owing or required to be withheld, and all other material taxes (whether or not thereby shown to be owing or required to be withheld), except any such Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP; provided that the Borrower shall not file, or cause to be filed, any income or franchise tax return in the United States or any state of the United States on the basis that it is engaged in a trade or business in the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless it shall have obtained written advice of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP or Ashurst LLP, or a written opinion of other nationally recognized U.S. tax counsel experienced in such matters, prior to such filing to the effect that, under the laws of such jurisdiction, the Borrower is required to file such income or franchise tax return

 

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(e)      Tax Covenants of the Borrower and the Collateral Manager . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Borrower and the Collateral Manager shall not, and each shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that any Person acting on its behalf does not, acquire or own any asset, conduct any activity or take any action unless the acquisition or ownership of such asset, the conduct of such activity or the taking of such action, as the case may be, would not cause the Borrower to be engaged, or deemed to be engaged, in a trade or business within the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise to be subject to tax on a net basis in any jurisdiction. In furtherance and not in limitation of the immediately preceding sentence, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) the Borrower and the Collateral Manager shall comply with all of the provisions set forth in Annex E hereto unless, with respect to a particular transaction, the Borrower and the Collateral Manager shall have received an opinion or written advice of Ashurst LLP, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP or an opinion of other tax counsel of nationally recognized standing in the United States experienced in such matters to the effect that the Borrower’s and Collateral Manager’s contemplated activities will not cause the Borrower to be engaged, or deemed to be engaged, in a trade or business within the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise to be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis and (ii) compliance with clause (i) above shall satisfy the Borrower's and the Collateral Manager's obligations under this Section 9(e) , except to the extent that there has been a change in law after the date hereof that the Borrower or the Collateral Manager actually knows (acting in good faith) could reasonably be expected to cause the Borrower to be engaged, or deemed to be engaged, in a trade or business within the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise to be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis notwithstanding compliance with clause (i).

 

(f)      Anti-Bribery, Anti-Corruption and Anti-Money Laundering Laws; Sanctions . Each of the Borrower, the Preferred Investor and the Collateral Manager shall:

 

(i)      maintain and ensure that is Affiliates maintain policies and procedures designed to prevent violation of any applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption or anti-money laundering laws, regulations or rules in any applicable jurisdiction.

 

(ii)      not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of any Loan, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, (A) to fund any activities or business of or with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is, a Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Country, as applicable, or (B) in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person (including any Person participating in the Loan hereunder, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor, lender, hedge provider, facility or security agent or otherwise).

 

(g)      Risk Retention . At any time while this Agreement is in force and at the request of the Administrative Agent, the parties hereto hereby agree to enter into any additional agreements or amendments that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines are necessary to permit the parties hereto to comply with the credit risk retention requirements of Section 15G of the Exchange Act, as added by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the EU Securitization Regulation.

 

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SECTION 10.

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

The Lenders hereby irrevocably appoint BNP Paribas , as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents, and authorize the Administrative Agent to take such action, or exercise such powers and perform such duties, as are expressly delegated to it hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, and BNP Paribas, hereby accepts such appointment. The Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver copies of any notice, certificate, report or other documents received by it in its capacity as Administrative Agent to the Lenders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein or therein, or any fiduciary relationship with the Lenders, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, or otherwise exist against or in respect of the Administrative Agent.

 

The Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties by or through its subsidiaries, affiliates, agents or attorneys in fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys in fact selected by it with reasonable care.

 

Neither the Administrative Agent (acting in such capacity) nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be (a ) liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken by it or any of them as Administrative Agent under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents or any delegate under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents (except for its, their or such Person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct), or (b) responsible to any Person for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties of any Person (other than itself) contained in the Transaction Documents or any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received under or in connection with, the Transaction Documents, or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of the Transaction Documents or any other document furnished in connection therewith or herewith, or for any failure of any Person (other than itself or its directors, officers, agents or employees) to perform its obligations under any Transaction Document, or for the satisfaction of any condition specified in a Transaction Document. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall not be under any obligation to any Person to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements or covenants contained in, or conditions of, the Transaction Documents, or to inspect the properties, books or other records of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager or the Custodian.

 

The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, any communication (written or verbal) or any document believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person(s) and upon advice of legal counsel (including any Lender ’s counsel), independent accountants and other experts selected by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents or any other document furnished in connection herewith or therewith in accordance with a request of a Lender, and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Lenders.

 

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The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any breach of this Agreement or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless the Administrative Agent has received notice from the Collateral Manager, the Custodian, the Borrower or a Lender referring to this Agreement and describing such event. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such event as shall be reasonably directed in writing by a Lender; provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such event as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders.

 

The Lenders expressly acknowledge that neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys in fact or affiliates has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by the Administrative Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager or the Custodian, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders. Each Lender represents to the Administrative Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, operations, property, financial and other conditions and creditworthiness of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager or the Custodian and the Assets, and made its own decision to extend Loans hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under any of the Transaction Documents, and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, or the Custodian and the Assets. Except as expressly provided herein, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the Borrower Collateral or the business, operations, property, prospects, financial and other conditions or creditworthiness of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, the Custodian or any of the Lenders which may come into the possession of the Administrative Agent.

 

In no event shall the Administrative Agent be liable for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever, including, but not limited to, lost profits, even if the Administrative Agent has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. In no event shall the Administrative Agent be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder because of circumstances beyond its control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, flood, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, fire, riot, embargo, government action, including any laws, ordinances, regulations, or the like which delay, restrict or prohibit the providing of the services contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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Each Lender agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and its officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower under the Transaction Documents) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent or the affected Person in connection with any investigative or judicial proceeding commenced or threatened, whether or not the Administrative Agent or such affected Person shall be designated a party thereto) that may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent or such affected Person as a result of, or arising out of, or in any way related to or by reason of, any of the transactions contemplated hereunder or under the Transaction Documents or any other document furnished in connection herewith or therewith (but excluding any such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or such affected Person).

 

If the Administrative Agent resigns as Administrative Agent under this Agreement, then the Administrative Agent may appoint a successor agent (with the prior written consent of the Borrower and the Collateral Manager, if such successor agent is not an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent), whereupon such successor agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of the Administrative Agent, and the term “Administrative Agent” shall mean such successor agent, effective upon its acceptance of such appointment, and the former Administrative Agent’s rights, powers and duties as Administrative Agent shall be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such former Administrative Agent or any party to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent may resign upon ten (10) days’ notice to the Lenders (with a copy to the Borrower, the Collateral Manager and the Custodian). Such resignation will become effective upon a successor administrative agent succeeding to the Administrative Agent’s rights, powers and duties; provided that if a successor Administrative Agent is not appointed within ten (10) days of the Administrative Agent giving notice of its resignation, it may petition a court for its removal. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation, the provisions of this Agreement in respect of the Administrative Agent shall continue to inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent under this Agreement.

 

The Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower, the Custodian or the Collateral Manager as though the Administrative Agent were not the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 11.

CALCULATION DISPUTE MECHANISM

 

If at any time the Collateral Manager disputes the Market Value ascribed to one or more Assets that was determined by the Administrative Agent using a Pricing Source (each such Asset, a “ Disputed Asset ”), the Collateral Manager shall notify the Administrative Agent of such dispute at or before the Dispute Time. Upon receipt of such notification, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Manager shall consult with each other in an attempt to resolve such dispute in a timely and reasonable manner. If such consultation does not resolve the dispute within one (1) Business Day of the Administrative Agent’s receipt of notice of such dispute, the following mechanism (the “ Calculation Dispute Mechanism ”) shall apply:

 

(a)     The Collateral Manager and the Administrative Agent shall seek bid quotations from two or more Independent Dealers (each, an “ Independent Bid ”) for each Disputed Asset.

 

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(b)     For each Disputed Asset for which there are three or more Resolution Values at the Resolution Time, the Market Value shall be calculated as follows:

 

(i)     If the average of such Resolution Values is more than 5% higher or lower than the Administrative Agent’s original valuation, the Market Value shall be recalculated based on the average of the Resolution Values and the Administrative Agent’s original valuation; provided that, in the event the Administrative Agent’s original valuation is the lowest of all Resolution Values obtained, then both the highest Resolution Value and the Administrative Agent’s original valuation shall be disregarded for purposes of calculating such average.

 

(ii)     If the average of such Resolution Values is less than 5% higher or lower than the Administrative Agent’s original valuation, the Market Value shall be the Administrative Agent’s original valuation.

 

(c)     For each Disputed Asset for which there are two Resolution Values at the Resolution Time, the Market Value shall be calculated as follows:

 

(i)     If the lower of such Resolution Values is more than 5% higher or lower than the Administrative Agent’s original valuation, the Market Value shall be recalculated as the lower of the two Resolution Values.

 

(ii)     If the lower of such Resolution Values is less than 5% higher or lower than the Administrative Agent’s original valuation, the Market Value shall be the Administrative Agent’s original valuation.

 

(d)     For each Disputed Asset for which there is one or no Resolution Value at the Resolution Time, the Market Value shall be the Administrative Agent’s original valuation.

 

SECTION 12.

Assignment of Collateral Management Agreement

 

The Borrower and the Collateral Manager hereby agree and consent:

 

(a)     to the assignment by the Borrower of all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral Management Agreement to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and the performance by the Collateral Manager on the Borrower’s behalf of any provisions of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents expressly applicable to the Collateral Manager herein or therein, subject to the terms of the Collateral Management Agreement;

 

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(b)     that all of the representations, covenants and agreements made by the Collateral Manager in the Collateral Management Agreement are also for the benefit of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties;

 

(c)     to deliver to the Administrative Agent copies of all notices, statements, communications and instruments delivered or required to be delivered to the Borrower pursuant to the Collateral Management Agreement;

 

(d)     to the Administrative Agent being empowered to enforce the Collateral Management Agreement on behalf of the Borrower and/or the Secured Parties as if the Administrative Agent were directly a party to the Collateral Management Agreement and the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties (and the Secured Parties to the extent any thereof is indemnified by the Collateral Manager thereunder) constituting express third party beneficiaries of the Collateral Management Agreement; and

 

(e)     that if (i) a Collateral Manager Default occurs and is continuing or (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent or the Lenders have exercised any rights, including without limitation, accelerating the Maturity Date, then the Administrative Agent may elect to replace the Collateral Manager with any entity (including the Administrative Agent).

 

SECTION 13.

Miscellaneous

 

(a)      Amendments . No amendment of any provision of this Agreement or of any other Transaction Document shall be effective unless such amendment shall be in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of each party hereto, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the resignation, replacement or removal of any party hereto in accordance with, and subject to the terms of, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, an amendment to this Agreement and any other Transaction Document entered into to provide for the appointment of a successor to such party shall not require the consent of such resigned, replaced or removed party. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or of any other Transaction Document and no consent by the Administrative Agent to any departure therefrom by the Borrower shall be effective unless such waiver or consent shall be in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of the Administrative Agent and any such waiver or consent shall then be effective only for the period and on the conditions and for the specific instance specified in such writing. No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other rights, power or privilege.

 

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(b)      Notices . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, notices and other communications to each party hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service or mailed to the address provided in Schedule  A hereto (or at such other address as may be provided from time to time in writing by such party to the other parties hereto). Notice delivered by hand, overnight courier service or mail shall be effective upon receipt. In addition, delivery by electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be permitted written notice hereunder that shall be effective immediately upon dispatch. Any notice or other communication permitted to be given, made or confirmed by telephone hereunder shall be given, made or confirmed by means of a telephone call to the intended recipient at the number specified in writing by such Person for such purpose, it being understood and agreed that a voicemail message shall in no event be effective as a notice, communication or confirmation hereunder. The effectiveness of any notice or other communication to be provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be determined without regard to the delivery to or receipt by any other persons required to be copied as provided in Schedule  A hereto.

 

The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic notices of borrowings) purportedly given by or on behalf of any other party even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower and each party giving such notice shall indemnify each Indemnitee (as defined below) from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of such party. The Administrative Agent may record all telephonic notices to and other communications with the Administrative Agent, and each party hereby consents to such recording.

 

(c)      Successors; Assignment . (i) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Except as expressly permitted hereunder, none of the Borrower, the Preferred Investor or the Collateral Manager may assign their rights or obligations hereunder. The Collateral Manager may at any time assign all or parts of its rights or obligations hereunder to an Affiliate so long as (i) such Affiliate employs the then current employees of the Collateral Manager engaged in the management of the Assets such that such employees remain responsible for the management of the Assets and (ii) no Change of Control would occur. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may at any time (i) assign all or any part of its rights and obligations hereunder (including, in the case of a Lender, all or a portion of its Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amount and the Loans at the time owing to it) to any other Person with the consent of the Borrower and the Preferred Investor, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, provided that no such consent shall be required if (A) the assignment is to an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent, to a different domestic or foreign branch of a Lender or if the Maturity Date has occurred or (B) the Lenders reasonably believe that the assignment shall mitigate any costs or losses incurred due to a Change in Law, and (ii) grant to any other Person participating interests in all or part of its rights and obligations hereunder without notice to any party; provided , that (i) such granting Lender's obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any related promissory note for all purposes of this Agreement, (iv) the Borrower and the Collateral Manager shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with the Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, and (v) no participant shall have any right to approve any amendment, supplement, restatement, other modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or any consent to any departure by the Borrower or the Collateral Manager therefrom. The Borrower and the Preferred Investor each agree to execute any documents reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in connection with any such assignment effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided that no such documents may contain terms that adversely affect the rights or interests of the Borrower, Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor. With respect to an assignment by a Lender, such Lender and its assignee shall execute an Assignment and Assumption. All information provided by or on behalf of any party to a Lender or its Affiliates may be furnished by such Lender to its Affiliates and to any actual or proposed assignee or participant. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank.

 

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(ii)     The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any assignee of an interest in a promissory note evidencing the Loans), and the Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amounts of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Collateral Manager and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(iii)     Each Lender that sells a participating interest in all or part of its rights and obligations hereunder (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any participating interest in any rights under any promissory note evidencing the Loans) shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Transaction Documents (the “ Participant Register ”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any participant or any information relating to a participant's interest in any Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amounts, Loans, or other obligations under any Transaction Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amount, Loan, or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

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(d)      Fees and Expenses . The Borrower shall pay promptly and upon demand from funds on deposit in the Accounts that are available therefor in accordance with this Agreement (including Section 2(l) ) (i) to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on demand, all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and legal fees (excluding any allocated costs for in-house legal services), including any reasonable costs associated with any audit of the Borrower requested by any Lender, incurred by such party or its Affiliates in connection with this Agreement, or any instruments or agreements executed in connection herewith or therewith; provided that so long as BNP Paribas or any affiliate or branch thereof is a Lender, the reasonable expenses and fees of any affiliate or branch of BNP Paribas acting as Lender shall be paid, (ii) any annual governmental fees of the Borrower, (iii) the fees, expenses and any Agent Indemnity Amount of the Custodian and the Securities Intermediary under the Account Control Agreement and the Custody Agreement and (iv) any other expenses of the Borrower that the Collateral Manager has approved (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any fees or expenses payable to the Collateral Manager) including, but not limited to, assignment fees, legal fees, restructuring fees and outside advisor fees incurred in relation to the Assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) Administrative Agent agrees to advise the Collateral Manager periodically of expenses incurred as of when invoices are submitted to the Administrative Agent; (ii) the Borrower shall not be responsible for any out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in connection with documenting the Transaction Documents that exceed $50,000, (x) if incurred prior to the occurrence of a Default, without the Administrative Agent obtaining the Collateral Manager’s prior written consent and (y) if incurred after a Default, without prior written notice from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower, setting forth in reasonable detail such out-of-pocket costs and expenses, and (iii) all of the costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to this Section 13(d) shall be directly related to the Transaction Documents.

 

(e)      Indemnity . The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless the Collateral Manager, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Preferred Investor, their respective Affiliates, and their respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors (collectively the “ Indemnitees ”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements of any outside counsel for any Indemnitee), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrower, the Preferred Investor, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or the Collateral Manager (as applicable) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder, or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or Preference Share or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, or (iii) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by a party hereto (other than the Administrative Agent, Lenders or the Preferred Investor), and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no party shall assert, and all parties hereby waive, any claim against any Indemnitee and the Borrower, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Preference Share or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except for any damages due to such use as a result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnitee. The agreements in this subsection shall survive the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other obligations and liabilities of the parties under the Transaction Documents. All amounts due under this subsection shall be payable within ten Business Days after demand therefor to the extent that funds in the Accounts are available for such payment in accordance with this Agreement. This Section 13(e) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenditures arising from any non-Tax claim.

 

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(f)      Subordination . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, each party on behalf of itself and its Affiliates agrees for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that any obligations of the Borrower to pay any amounts to such party shall be subordinate and junior to the obligations of the Borrower to pay amounts to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder, and on and after the Maturity Date, all amounts owing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder shall be paid in full in cash or, to the extent the Administrative Agent and the Lenders consent, other than in cash before any payment or distribution is made to any other party.

 

(g)      Limited Recourse; Non -Petition; Recourse . The Collateral Manager, the Preferred Investor, the Administrative Agent and each Lender acknowledge that the Borrower is a special purpose entity and that none of the directors, officers, incorporators, shareholders, partners, agents or employees (collectively, the “ Relevant Agents ”) of the Borrower (including, without limitation, the Preferred Investor and any Affiliate thereof) shall be personally liable for any of the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement, it being understood and agreed that the Collateral Manager is not a Relevant Agent of the Borrower. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the CLO Takeout does not occur, the Borrower’s sole source of funds for payment of all amounts due hereunder shall be the Borrower Collateral, and, upon application of the proceeds of the Borrower Collateral and its reduction to zero in accordance with the terms and under the circumstances described herein, all obligations of and all claims against the Borrower under this Agreement, any promissory note or under any other Transaction Document shall extinguish and shall not thereafter revive.

 

Each party (other than the Borrower) agrees not to cause the filing of a petition for the winding up of the Borrower for the non -payment of any amounts provided in this Agreement until at least one year (or, if longer, the applicable preference period then in effect) plus one day, after the payment in full of amounts owing to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder and, if the CLO Takeout shall have occurred, under any CLO Securities.

 

Except as expressly provided herein, there shall be no recourse for the payment of any amount owing by the Borrower hereunder against any other party hereto or any officer, director, employee, shareholder, incorporator or other Affiliate of such Person or any entity controlling such Person.

 

-61-

 

 

The terms of this Section   13 (g) shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

(h)     Adequacy of Monetary Damages Against the Lender s . Each of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager, and the Preferred Investor hereby acknowledges and agrees that (i) any and all claims, damages and demands against the Administrative Agent or the Lenders arising out of, or in connection with, the exercise by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders of any of the Administrative Agent’s or any of the Lenders’ rights or remedies pursuant to this Agreement can be sufficiently and adequately remedied by monetary damages, (ii) no irreparable injury will be caused to the Borrower, the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor as a result of, or in connection with, any such claims, damages or demands, and (iii) no equitable or injunctive relief shall be sought by the Borrower, the Collateral Manager or the Preferred Investor as a result of, or in connection with, any such claims, damages or demands.

 

(i)      Validity; Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (i) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

(j)      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts (including by facsimile transmission and electronic mail), and each counterpart, when so executed, shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

(k)      Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Service of Process; Venue, etc . THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS, AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT (WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT AND EACH STATE COURT IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY OF THE TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT. EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES OF SUCH PROCESS TO SUCH PERSON AT ITS ADDRESS SET FORTH IN SCHEDULE  A HERETO. EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT AND ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.

 

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(l)      Waiver of Trial by Jury . EACH PARTY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

 

(m)      USA Patriot Act Notice . The Administrative Agent hereby notifies each other party hereto that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub.L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “ Act ”), the Administrative Agent may be required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such party, which information includes the name and address of such party and other information that will allow the Administrative Agent to identify such party in accordance with the Act.

 

(n)      Confidentiality . The parties hereto agree to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates, directors, officers, members, principals and employees, and to its agents, counsel and other advisors that have a need for such information relative to this facility (collectively, the “ Related Parties ”) (it being understood that, in each case, the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential and the disclosing party shall be responsible for any breach by its related Person under this Section 13(n) ); (b) to the extent required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners); (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; (d) to any other party hereto; (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Transaction Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder; (f)  solely with respect to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, to (i) any assignee of or participant in, or any prospective assignee of or participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement, or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to the Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder; or (iii) any rating agency; (g) in summary form in the offering memorandum for the CLO Securities or (h) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section by such party, or (y) becomes available to such party or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than a party to this Agreement.  For purposes of this Section, “ Information ” means all information received from a party to this Agreement, the terms and substance of this Agreement and each other Transaction Document and any term sheet.

 

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(o)      Nonreliance . Each party acknowledges to each of the others that it is a sophisticated buyer or seller (as the case may be) with respect to the transactions described in this Agreement, and has adequate information concerning the business and financial condition of the obligors on the Portfolio Assets to make an informed decision regarding the acquisition and disposition of the Portfolio Assets. Each party hereby agrees that it has independently, and without reliance on any other, and based on such information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis and decision to enter into the transactions described in this Agreement; provided that the Borrower and the Lenders are relying on the Collateral Manager to select Assets in accordance with the standard of care set forth in the Collateral Management Agreement and to determine that such Assets, on the date of such selection and at the time of their acquisition by the Borrower, satisfy the Eligibility Requirements and are eligible for acquisition by the Borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Underlying Instrument pursuant to which such Assets were issued. From time to time upon the Collateral Manager’s reasonable request therefor, the Borrower shall provide to the Collateral Manager customary information regarding its status for purposes of confirming such eligibility.

 

(p)      Increased Costs . The Borrower shall reimburse or compensate the Lenders, upon demand to the extent that funds in the Accounts are available for such payment in accordance with this Agreement, for all costs incurred, losses suffered or payments (made by the Lenders which are applied or reasonably allocated by the Lenders to the transactions contemplated herein (all as determined by the Lenders in its reasonable discretion) by reason of (A) any and all future reserve, deposit, capital adequacy or similar requirements against (or against any class of or change in or in the amount of) assets, liabilities or commitments of, or extensions of credit by, the Lenders; and compliance by the Lenders with any directive, or requirements from any regulatory authority, whether or not having the force of law, or (B) any Tax (other than any Excluded Tax), increased Tax (other than any Excluded Tax), or change in the basis or rate of taxation (other than any Excluded Tax) of payments, of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or Loan, that in each of the foregoing cases in this Section 13(p) results or arises from any Change in Law.

 

(q)      Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Transaction Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any EEA Financial Institution arising under any Transaction Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

 

(i)      the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and

 

(ii)      the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including , if applicable:

 

(A)      a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

 

(B)      a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; or

 

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(C)      the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.

 

(r)      Final Agreement . THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

 

(s)      Survival . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower herein and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loans, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid. The provisions of Sections 2(j) , 13(d) , 13(e) , 13(f) , 13(g) , 13(k) , 13(l) , 13(n) , 13(p) , 13(q) and this Section 13 ( s ) shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of any commitment to fund Loans or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

 

 

BNP PARIBAS ,

 

 

 

as Lender

 

       
       

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/: Adnan A. Zuberi 

 

 

 

Name: Adnan A. Zuberi
Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

 

 

       
  By: /s/: Patrick McKee   
    Name: Patrick McKee
Title: Managing Director
 
       
       
 

EXECUTED as a DEED by

 
     
  J MP CREDIT ADVISORS CLO V LTD.,  
    as Borrower  
       
       
  By: /s/: Nicholas Swartz   
    Name: Nicholas Swartz
Title: Director
 
       
       
  JMP CREDIT ADVISORS LLC ,  
    as Collateral Manager  
       
       
  By: /s/: Renee Lefebvre  
    Name: Renee Lefebvre
Title: CAO, Managing Director
 

 

Credit Agreement

-66-

 

 

 

JMP INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LLC,

 

    as Preferred Investor  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Raymond Jackson  

 

 

 

Name: Raymond Jackson
Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

       
  BNP PARIBAS ,  
    as Administrative Agent  
       
       
  By: s/: Adnan A. Zuberi   
    Name: Adnan A. Zuberi
Title: Managing Director
 
       
       
  By: /s/: Patrick McKee   
    Name: Patrick McKee
Title: Managing Director
 

 

Credit Agreement

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Schedule A

 

ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES

 

Lender :

BNP Paribas
Loan Servicing
525 Washington Blvd -8th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07310
Attention: NYLS FIG Support
Facsimile no.: 201-850-4014
E-mail: nyls.fig.support@us.bnpparibas.com

 

 

Borrower :

JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd.

c/o Estera Trust (Cayman) Limited

Clifton House, 75 Fort Street

PO Box 1350

Grand Cayman KY1-1108

Cayman Islands

Tel: 345 640 0540

Fax: 345 949 4901

Email: sf@estera.com

 

With a copy to:

 

Ray Jackson

JMP Group, JMP Securities LLC & Harvest Capital Strategies LLC

Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director

600 Montgomery Street, Suite 1100

San Francisco, California 94111

Telephone: (415) 835-3979
Facsimile: (415) 835-8986
Email: rjackson@jmpg.com

 

Preferred Investor :

JMP Investment Holdings LLC
3440 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 350

Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
Attention: Renee Lefebvre
Fax: (678) 366-0363
E-mail: clo@jmpcredit.com

 

Sch. A-1

 

 

With a copy to:

 

Ray Jackson

JMP Group, JMP Securities LLC & Harvest Capital Strategies LLC

Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director

600 Montgomery Street, Suite 1100

San Francisco, California 94111

Telephone: (415) 835-3979
Facsimile: (415) 835-8986
Email: rjackson@jmpg.com

 

Collateral Manager :

JMP Credit Advisors LLC
3440 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 350

Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
Attention: Renee Lefebvre
Fax: (678) 366-0363
E-mail: clo@jmpcredit.com

 

With a copy to:

 

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

575 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attention: Stanford A. Renas

Fax: (212) 940-8776

 

With a copy to:

 

Ray Jackson

JMP Group, JMP Securities LLC & Harvest Capital Strategies LLC

Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director

600 Montgomery Street, Suite 1100

San Francisco, California 94111

Telephone: (415) 835-3979
Facsimile: (415) 835-8986
Email: rjackson@jmpg.com

 

Sch. A-2

 

 

Administrative Agent :

BNP Paribas
Solutions Portfolio Management
787 7th Avenue
New York, New York 10019
Telephone No.: 917-472-4841
Facsimile No.: 212-841-2140
E-mail: BNPP.JMP.ACQUISITION@us.bnpparibas.com
Attention: Mary D. Dierdorff

 

Custodian :

 

U.S. Bank National Association
Global Corporate Trust Services
190 S. LaSalle St., 8 th Floor

Chicago, IL 60603
Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services -JMP Credit Advisors CLO V

E-mail: JMPCreditAdvisorsCLOV@usbank.com
Telephone: 312-332-7384

 

Sch. A-3

 

 

Schedule B

 

 

INDIVIDUAL LENDER MAXIMUM FUNDING AMOUNT S

 

Lender

Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amount

BNP Paribas

(a) O n the date hereof, U.S.$30,000,000, so long as Section 7(a)(i) and Section 7(a)(ii) are satisfied and (b) upon the purchase of additional Preference Shares, the lesser of (i) the product of (x) 4.00 and (y) the then funded Subscription Amount as of such date and (ii) U.S.$200,000,000

 

 

Sch. B-1

 

 

Schedule  C

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

 

Eligibility Requirements ” means, with respect to each Portfolio Asset at the time of the commitment to purchase by the Borrower, the following requirements:

 

(a)     such Portfolio Asset is U.S. Dollar denominated and is not convertible by (i) the Borrower or (ii) the obligor of such Portfolio Asset into, nor payable in, any other currency, with any payments under such Portfolio Asset to be made only in U.S. Dollars;

 

(b)     such Portfolio Asset is a Senior Secured Loan or a Second Lien Loan;

 

(c)     such Portfolio A sset is not a (i) Bridge Loan, (ii) Credit Risk Obligation, (iii) Defaulted Obligation, (iv) Deferrable Security, (v) DIP Collateral Obligation, (vi) Letter of Credit, (vii) Step-Up Obligation, (viii) Step-Down Obligation, (ix) Structured Finance Obligation, (x) Synthetic Security, (xi) Zero-Coupon Security or (xii) a Bond;

 

(d)     such Portfolio Asset is not a (i) lease, (ii) preferred equity instrument or (iii) structurally subordinated holding company loan;

 

(e)     such Portfolio Asset has (i) a n S&P Rating of at least “B-” or (ii) either (A) a Moody’s Rating of at least “Caa2” and a Moody’s Default Probability Rating of at least “B3” or (B) a Moody’s Rating of at least “B3”; provided that if such Portfolio Asset has both an S&P Rating and a Moody’s Rating, such Portfolio Asset must have (x) an S&P Rating of at least “B-” and (y) either (A) a Moody’s Rating of at least “Caa2” and a Moody’s Default Probability Rating of at least “B3” or (B) a Moody’s Rating of at least “B3”;

 

(f)     such Portfolio Asset is not a debt obligation whose repayment is subject to substantial non-credit related risk as determined by the Collateral Manager;

 

(g)     other than a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation, such Portfolio Asset does not require the Borrower to make one or more future advances to the obligor under the Underlying Instruments relating thereto;

 

(h)     such Portfolio Asset does not have an “f,” “r,” “p,” “pi,” “q”, “sf” or “t” subscript assigned by S&P;

 

(i)     the acquisition of such Portfolio Asset will not cause the Borrower or the pool of Assets to be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

 

Sch. C-1

 

 

(j)     such Portfolio Asset is not subject to a tender offer, voluntary redemption, exchange offer, conversion or other similar action for a price less than its par amount plus all accrued and unpaid interest;

 

(k)     such Portfolio Asset is not issued pursuant to an Underlying Instrument governing the issuance of indebtedness having an aggregate principal amount (whether drawn or undrawn) of less than U.S.$ 150,000,000;

 

(l)      such Portfolio Asset has an original term to maturity no later than 8 years and 6 months from the end of the Revolving Period;

 

(m)     as of the related Acquisition Date, such Portfolio Asset is not delinquent in payment of either principal or interest;

 

(n)     such Portfolio Asset provides for (i) periodic payments of accrued and unpaid interest in cash on a current basis no less frequently than semi-annually and (ii) the full amount of principal payable in cash no later than its stated maturity;

 

(o)     such Portfolio Asset (i) is not an Equity Security and (ii) does not provide for the conversion or exchange into an Equity Security at any time on or after the date it is included as part of the Assets;

 

(p)     such Portfolio Asset is not subject to a material modification and such Portfolio Asset is not a loan or extension of credit by the Borrower to the obligor for the purpose of (i) making any past due principal, interest or other payments due on such Portfolio Asset or (ii) preventing such Portfolio Asset or any other loan to the related obligor from becoming past due;

 

(q)     the obligor with respect to such Portfolio Asset is an Eligible Obligor;

 

(r)     such Portfolio Asset does not constitute Margin Stock (as defined in Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System);

 

(s)     such Portfolio Asset and the Underlying Instruments related thereto are capable of being sold legally and beneficially or assigned to or participated in by the Borrower and neither such sale, assignment or participation of such Portfolio Asset to the Borrower, nor the granting of a security interest hereunder by the Borrower in respect of such Portfolio Asset, violates, conflicts with or contravenes any applicable law, or any contractual or other restriction, limitation or encumbrance;

 

(t)     such Portf olio Asset is Registered;

 

(u)     such Portfolio Asset has payments that do not and will not subject the Borrower to withholding tax (other than any withholding or other similar taxes on commitment fees or similar fees or fees that by their nature are commitment fees or similar fees) or other similar tax unless the related obligor is required to make “gross-up” payments that ensure that the net amount actually received by the Borrower will equal the full amount that the Borrower would have received had no such taxes been imposed;

 

Sch. C-2

 

 

(v)     the acquisition of such Portfolio Asset will not cause the Borrower to violate the provisions set forth in Annex E hereto; and

 

(w)     such Portfolio Asset satisfies such other eligibility requirements as may be mutually agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower prior to the applicable time of commitment to purchase by the Borrower;

 

provided that the parties hereto may agree in writing to specifically waive any of the requirements set forth above with respect to any single Asset (it being understood that no party hereto shall be required to provide any such waiver), and upon such waiver, such waived requirements shall be deemed not to be part of the Eligibility Requirements with respect to such Asset.

 

Sch. C-3

 

 

Schedule  D-1

 

Moody ’s Industry Classification Group List

 

 

CORP - Aerospace & Defense

1

CORP – Automotive

2

CORP - Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate

3

CORP - Beverage, Food & Tobacco

4

CORP - Capital Equipment

5

CORP - Chemicals, Plastics, & Rubber

6

CORP - Construction & Building

7

CORP - Consumer goods: Durable

8

CORP - Consumer goods: Non-durable

9

CORP - Containers, Packaging & Glass

10

CORP - Energy: Electricity

11

CORP - Energy: Oil & Gas

12

CORP - Environmental Industries

13

CORP - Forest Products & Paper

14

CORP - Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

15

CORP - High Tech Industries

16

CORP - Hotel, Gaming & Leisure

17

CORP - Media: Advertising, Printing & Publishing

18

CORP - Media: Broadcasting & Subscription

19

CORP - Media: Diversified & Production

20

CORP - Metals & Mining

21

CORP - Retail

22

CORP - Services: Business

23

CORP - Services: Consumer

24

CORP - Sovereign & Public Finance

25

CORP - Telecommunications

26

CORP - Transportation: Cargo

27

CORP - Transportation: Consumer

28

CORP - Utilities: Electric

29

CORP - Utilities: Oil & Gas

30

CORP - Utilities: Water

31

CORP - Wholesale

32

 

Sch. D-1-1

 

 

Schedule  D-2

 

S&P Industry Classifications

Asset Type
Code


Description

Geographic

Scope

1020000

Energy Equipment and Services

G

1030000

Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels

G

2020000

Chemicals

G

2030000

Construction Materials

L

2040000

Containers and Packaging

R

2050000

Metals and Mining

G

2060000

Paper and Forest Products

G

3020000

Aerospace and Defense

R

3030000

Building Products

L

3040000

Construction and Engineering

L

3050000

Electrical Equipment

G

3060000

Industrial Conglomerates

G

3070000

Machinery

R

3080000

Trading Companies and Distributors

G

3110000

Commercial Services and Supplies

R

3210000

Air Freight and Logistics

G

3220000

Airlines

G

3230000

Marine

G

3240000

Road and Rail

R

3250000

Transportation Infrastructure

G

4011000

Auto Components

G

4020000

Automobiles

G

4110000

Household Durables

L

4120000

Leisure Products

L

4130000

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods

R

4210000

Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure

R

4310000

Media

R

4410000

Distributors

G

4420000

Internet and Catalog Retail

R

4430000

Multiline Retail

L

4440000

Specialty Retail

L

5020000

Food and Staples Retailing

L

5110000

Beverages

R

5120000

Food Products

R

5130000

Tobacco

R

5210000

Household Products

L

5220000

Personal Products

L

6020000

Healthcare Equipment and Supplies

R

6030000

Healthcare Providers and Services

R

6110000

Biotechnology

R

6120000

Pharmaceuticals

G

7011000

Banks

G

7020000

Thrifts and Mortgage Finance

R

7110000

Diversified Financial Services

G

7120000

Consumer Finance

R

 

Sch. D-2-1

 

 

Asset Type
Code

Description

Geographic

Scope

7130000

Capital Markets

G

7210000

Insurance

G

7310000

Real Estate Management and Development

L

7311000

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

R

8020000

Internet Software and Services

G

8030000

IT Services

G

8040000

Software

G

8110000

Communications Equipment

G

8120000

Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals

G

8130000

Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components

G

8210000

Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment

G

9020000

Diversified Telecommunication Services

G

9030000

Wireless Telecommunication Services

G

9520000

Electric Utilities

R

9530000

Gas Utilities

R

9540000

Multi-Utilities

R

9550000

Water Utilities

R

9551701

Diversified Consumer Services

L

9551702

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers

R

9551727

Life Sciences Tools and Services

R

9551729

Health Care Technology

R

9612010

Professional Services

R

1000-1099

Reserved

L

 

Sch. D-2-2

 

 

Schedule E-1

 

MOODY ’S RATING DEFINITIONS

 

Assigned Moody’s Rating ” means the monitored publicly available rating, the private rating (so long as such private rating has been issued or provided by Moody’s within the previous 15 months) or the credit estimate (so long as such credit estimate has been issued or provided by Moody’s within the previous 15 months) expressly assigned to a debt obligation (or facility) by Moody’s; provided that, in the case of a private rating or credit estimate assigned to an obligation by Moody’s more than 13 months earlier, the Assigned Moody’s Rating of such obligation shall be one subcategory lower than such private rating or credit estimate, as applicable.

 

CFR ” means with respect to an issuer or obligor of a Portfolio Asset, (a) if such issuer or obligor has a corporate family rating by Moody’s, then such corporate family rating, or (b) if such issuer or obligor does not have a corporate family rating by Moody’s but any entity in the corporate family of such issuer or obligor does have a corporate family rating, then such corporate family rating.

 

Moody’s Default Probability Rating ” means, with respect to any Portfolio Asset, as of any date of determination, the rating determined in accordance with the following methodology:

 

(i)     If the obligor of such Portfolio Asset has a CFR, then such CFR;

 

(ii)     If not determined pursuant to clause (i) above, if such Portfolio Asset has an Assigned Moody’s Rating, then (x) in the case of a Moody’s Senior Secured Loan or participation interest in a Moody’s Senior Secured Loan with respect to which the Assigned Moody’s Rating is the monitored publicly available rating thereof, the Moody’s rating that is one subcategory lower than such monitored publicly available rating, and (y) in all other cases, such Assigned Moody’s Rating;

 

(iii)     If not determined pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, (A) if the obligor of such Portfolio Asset has one or more senior unsecured obligations with an Assigned Moody’s Rating, then the Assigned Moody’s Rating on any such obligation as selected by the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion or, if no such rating is available, (B) if the obligor of such Portfolio Asset has one or more senior secured obligations with an Assigned Moody’s Rating, then the Moody’s rating that is one subcategory lower than the Assigned Moody’s Rating on any such obligation as selected by the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion; and

 

(iv)     If not determined pursuant to clause (i) through (iii) above, the Moody ’s Derived Rating;

 

provided that, for purposes of calculating a Moody’s Weighted Average Rating Factor, each applicable rating, at the time of calculation, on credit watch by Moody’s with positive or negative implication will be treated as having been upgraded or downgraded by one rating subcategory, as the case may be.

 

Sch. E-1-1

 

 

Moody’s Derived Rating ” means, with respect to a Portfolio Asset whose Moody’s Rating or Moody’s Default Probability Rating cannot otherwise be determined pursuant to the definitions thereof, such Moody’s Rating or Moody’s Default Probability Rating as determined in the manner set forth below:

 

(i)     B y using any one of the methods provided below:

 

(A)     if such Portfolio Asset has a public and monitored rating by S&P, pursuant to the table below:

 

Type of Portfolio Asset

 

Rating by S&P

(Public and

Monitored)

 

Portfolio Asset Rated

by S&P

 

Number of

Subcategories

Relative to

Moody ’s

Equivalent of

Rating by

S&P

Not Structured Finance Obligation

 

>BBB-

 

Not a loan or participation interest in loan

 

-1

             

Not Structured Finance Obligation

 

<BB+

 

Not a loan or participation interest in loan

 

-2

             

Not Structured Finance Obligation

     

Loan or participation interest in loan

 

-2

 

(B)     if such Portfolio Asset is not rated by S&P but another security or obligation of the obligor has a public and monitored rating by S&P (a “ parallel security ”), then the rating of such parallel security will at the election of the Collateral Manager be determined in accordance with the table set forth in subclause (i)(A) above, and the Moody’s Rating or Moody’s Default Probability Rating of such Portfolio Asset will be determined in accordance with the methodology set forth in the table below (for such purposes treating the parallel security as if it were rated by Moody’s at the rating determined pursuant to this subclause (i)(B)):

 

Obligation Category of Rated

Obligation

 

Rating of Rated

Obligation

 

Number of Subcategories

Relative to Rated Obligation

Rating

Senior secured obligation

 

greater than or equal to B2

 

-1

Senior secured obligation

 

less than B2

 

-2

Subordinated obligation

 

greater than or equal to B3

 

+1

Subordinated obligation

 

less than B3

 

0

 

Sch. E-1-2

 

 

and

 

(ii)     If not determined pursuant to clause  (i) above, then “Caa3”.

 

For purposes of calculating a Moody ’s Derived Rating, each applicable rating on credit watch by Moody’s that is on (x) positive watch will be treated as having been upgraded by one rating subcategory and (y) negative watch will be treated as having been downgraded by one rating subcategory.

 

Moody's Non-Senior Secured Loan ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule F hereto.

 

Moody’s Rating ” means, with respect to any Portfolio Asset, as of any date of determination, the rating determined in accordance with the following methodology:

 

(i)     With respect to a Moody ’s Senior Secured Loan, the rating thereof determined as follows:

 

(a)     With respect to a Portfolio Asset that has an Assigned Moody’s Rating, such Assigned Moody’s Rating.

 

(b)     If not determined pursuant to clause (a) above, if the obligor of such Portfolio Asset has a CFR, then the Moody’s rating that is one subcategory higher than such CFR.

 

(c)     If not determined pursuant to clause (a) or (b) above, if the obligor of such Portfolio Asset has one or more senior unsecured obligations with an Assigned Moody’s Rating, then the Moody’s rating that is two subcategories higher than the Assigned Moody’s Rating on any such senior unsecured obligation, as selected by the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion.

 

(d)     If not determined pursuant to clause (a), (b) or (c) above, the Moody ’s Derived Rating.

 

(ii)     With respect to a Moody ’s Non-Senior Secured Loan, the rating thereof determined as follows,

 

(a)     With respect to a Portfolio Asset that has an Assigned Moody ’s Rating, such Assigned Moody’s Rating.

 

(b)     If not determined pursuant to clause (a) above, if the obligor of such Portfolio Asset has one or more senior unsecured obligations with an Assigned Moody ’s Rating, then the Assigned Moody’s Rating on any such obligation, as selected by the Collateral Manager in its sole discretion.

 

Sch. E-1-3

 

 

(c)     If not determined pursuant to clause (a) or (b) above, if the obligor of such Portfolio Asset has a CFR, then the Moody ’s rating that is one subcategory lower than such CFR.

 

(d)     If not determined pursuant to clause (a) , (b) or (c) above, if another obligation of the related obligor that is subordinate in right of payment to such Portfolio Asset has an Assigned Moody’s Rating, then the Moody’s rating that is one subcategory higher than the Assigned Moody’s Rating on such obligation.

 

(e)     If not determined pursuant to clause (a), (b), (c) or (d) above, the Moody ’s Derived Rating.

 

For purposes of calculating a Moody ’s Rating, each applicable rating on credit watch by Moody’s that is on (x) positive watch will be treated as having been upgraded by one rating subcategory and (y) negative watch will be treated as having been downgraded by one rating subcategory.

 

Moody’s Senior Secured Loan ” means:

 

(a)     a loan that:

 

(i)      is not (and cannot by its terms become) subordinate in right of payment to any other debt obligation of the obligor of the loan;

 

(ii)      (x) is secured by a valid first priority perfected security interest or lien in, to or on specified collateral securing the obligor’s obligations under the loan and (y) such specified collateral does not consist entirely of equity securities or common stock; provided that any loan that would be considered a Moody’s Senior Secured Loan but for clause (y) above shall be considered a Moody’s Senior Secured Loan if it is a loan made to a parent entity and as to which the Collateral Manager determines in good faith that the value of the common stock of the subsidiary (or other equity interests in the subsidiary) securing such loan at or about the time of acquisition of such loan by the Borrower has a value that is at least equal to the outstanding principal balance of such loan and the outstanding principal balances of any other obligations of such parent entity that are pari passu with such loan, which value may include, among other things, the enterprise value of such subsidiary of such parent entity; and

 

(iii)      the value of the collateral securing the loan together with other attributes of the obligor (including, without limitation, its general financial condition, ability to generate cash flow available for debt service and other demands for that cash flow) is adequate (in the commercially reasonable judgment of the Collateral Manager) to repay the loan in accordance with its terms and to repay all other loans of equal seniority secured by a first lien or security interest in the same collateral; or

 

Sch. E-1-4

 

 

(b)     a loan that:

 

(i)      is not (and cannot by its terms become) subordinate in right of payment to any other debt obligation of the obligor of the loan, except that such loan can be subordinate with respect to the liquidation of such obligor or the collateral for such loan;

 

(ii)      with respect to such liquidation, is secured by a valid perfected security interest or lien that is not a first priority in, to or on specified collateral securing the obligor’s obligations under the loan;

 

(iii)      the value of the collateral securing the loan together with other attributes of the obligor (including, without limitation, its general financial condition, ability to generate cash flow available for debt service and other demands for that cash flow) is adequate (in the commercially reasonable judgment of the Collateral Manager) to repay the loan in accordance with its terms and to repay all other loans of equal or higher seniority secured in the same collateral; and

 

(iv)      (x) has a Moody’s facility rating and the obligor of such loan has a Moody’s corporate family rating and (y) such Moody’s facility rating is not lower than such Moody’s corporate family rating; and

 

(c)     the loan is not:

 

(i)      a DIP Collateral Obligation; or

 

(ii)      a loan for which the security interest or lien (or the validity or effectiveness thereof) in substantially all of its collateral attaches, becomes effective, or otherwise “springs” into existence after the origination thereof.

 

Sch. E-1-5

 

 

Schedule E-2

 

S&P RATING DEFINITION

 

S&P Rating ” means, with respect to any Portfolio Asset, as of any date of determination, the rating determined in accordance with the following methodology:

 

(i)      with respect to a Portfolio Asset (a) if there is an issuer credit rating of the issuer of such Portfolio Asset by S&P as published by S&P, or the guarantor which unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees such Portfolio Asset then the S&P Rating will be such rating (regardless of whether there is a published rating by S&P on the Portfolio Assets of such issuer held by the Borrower) or (b) if there is no issuer credit rating of the issuer by S&P but (1) if there is a senior secured rating on any obligation or security of the issuer, then the S&P Rating of such Portfolio Asset will be one subcategory below such rating; (2) if there is a senior unsecured rating on any obligation or security of the issuer, the S&P Rating of such Portfolio Asset will equal such rating; and (3) if there is a subordinated rating on any obligation or security of the issuer, then the S&P Rating of such Portfolio Asset will be one subcategory above such rating if such rating is higher than “BB+,” and will be two subcategories above such rating if such rating is “BB+” or lower; or

 

(ii)      if there is not a rating by S&P on the issuer or on an obligation of the issuer, and an obligation of the issuer is publicly rated by Moody’s, then the S&P Rating will be determined in accordance with the methodologies for establishing the Moody’s Rating set forth above except that the S&P Rating of such obligation will be (1) one subcategory below the S&P equivalent of the Moody’s Rating if such Moody’s Rating is “Baa3” or higher and (2) two subcategories below the S&P equivalent of the Moody’s Rating if such Moody’s Rating is “Ba1” or lower; provided that the aggregate principal balance of the Portfolio Assets that may have an S&P Rating derived from a Moody’s Rating as set forth in this clause (ii) shall not exceed 10% of the Target CLO Amount;

 

provided , that for purposes of the determination of the S&P Rating, (x) if the applicable rating assigned by S&P to an obligor or its obligations is on “credit watch positive” by S&P, such rating will be treated as being one subcategory above such assigned rating, (y) if the applicable rating assigned by S&P to an obligor or its obligations is on “credit watch negative” by S&P, such rating will be treated as being one subcategory below such assigned rating and (z) any reference to the S&P rating in this definition will mean the public S&P rating and will not include any private or confidential S&P rating unless (a) the obligor and any other relevant party has provided written consent to S&P for the use of such rating; and (b) such rating is subject to continuous monitoring by S&P.

 

Sch. E-2-1

 

 

Schedule F

 

COLLATERAL QUALITY TEST DEFINITIONS

 

Average Life ” means, on any date of determination with respect to any Asset, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products of (a) the number of years (rounded to the nearest one hundredth thereof) from such date of determination to the respective dates of each successive scheduled distribution of principal of such Asset and (b) the respective amounts of principal of such scheduled distributions by (ii) the sum of all successive scheduled distributions of principal on such Asset.

 

Effective Spread ” means, with respect to any floating rate Asset, the current per annum rate at which it pays interest minus LIBOR or, if such floating rate Asset bears interest based on a floating rate index other than a London interbank offered rate-based index, the Effective Spread will be the then-current base rate applicable to such floating rate Asset plus the rate at which such floating rate Asset pays interest in excess of such base rate minus three-month LIBOR; provided , that the Effective Spread of any floating rate Asset will (i) be deemed to be zero, to the extent that the Borrower or the Collateral Manager has actual knowledge that no payment of cash interest on such floating rate Asset will be made by the obligor thereof during the applicable due period, and (ii) not include any non-cash interest.

 

Excess Weighted Average Fixed Coupon ” means, as of any Measurement Date, a percentage equal to the product obtained by multiplying (a) the greater of zero and the excess, if any, of the Weighted Average Fixed Coupon over the Minimum Fixed Coupon by (b) the number obtained by dividing the aggregate principal balance of all fixed rate Portfolio Assets (excluding any Defaulted Obligation and, to the extent of any non-cash interest, any Deferrable Security or any Partial Deferrable Security) by the aggregate principal balance of all floating rate Portfolio Assets (excluding any Defaulted Obligation and, to the extent of any non-cash interest, any Deferrable Security or any Partial Deferrable Security).

 

Excess Weighted Average Floating Spread ” means, as of any Measurement Date, a percentage equal to the product obtained by multiplying (a) the greater of zero and the excess, if any, of the Weighted Average Floating Spread over the Minimum Floating Spread by (b) the number obtained by dividing the aggregate principal balance of all floating rate Traded Portfolio Assets (excluding any Defaulted Obligation and, to the extent of any non-cash interest, any Deferrable Security or Partial Deferrable Security) by the aggregate principal balance of all fixed rate Traded Portfolio Assets (excluding any Defaulted Obligation and, to the extent of any non-cash interest, any Deferrable Security or any Partial Deferrable Security).

 

First - Lien Last - Out Loan ” means any assignment of, participation interest in or other interest in an Asset that (a) is secured by a first priority perfected security interest or lien in, to or on specified collateral (subject to customary exemptions for permitted liens, including, without limitation, any tax liens) securing the obligor’s obligations under the Asset and (b) may by its terms become subordinate in right of payment to any other obligation of the obligor of the Asset solely upon the occurrence of a default or event of default by the obligor of the Asset.

 

Sch. F-1

 

 

LIBOR Floor Obligation ” means a floating rate Traded Portfolio Asset (a) for which its Underlying Instruments allow an interest rate option based on the London interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars, (b) that provides that such rate is calculated (in effect) as the greater of (i) a specified “floor” rate per annum and (ii) the London interbank offered rate for such floating rate Traded Portfolio Asset’s applicable interest period and (c) that, as of any date of determination, bears interest at its “floor” rate because the London interbank offered rate for the applicable interest period is less than such "floor" rate.

 

Minimum Fixed Coupon ” means 7.5%.

 

Minimum Floating Spread ” means 3.15% .

 

Minimum Floating Spread Test ” means a test that is satisfied on any date of determination if the Weighted Average Floating Spread equals or exceeds the Minimum Floating Spread.

 

Minimum Weighted Average Coupon Test ” means a test that is satisfied on any date of determination if the Weighted Average Fixed Coupon equals or exceeds the Minimum Fixed Coupon.

 

Moody’s Adjusted Weighted Average Rating Factor ” means as of any date of determination, a number equal to the Moody’s Weighted Average Rating Factor determined in the following manner: for purposes of determining a Moody’s Default Probability Rating in connection with determining the Moody’s Weighted Average Rating Factor for purposes of this definition, the last paragraph of the definition of “Moody’s Default Probability Rating,” shall be disregarded, and instead each applicable rating on review by Moody’s for possible upgrade or downgrade that is on (a) review for possible upgrade will be treated as having been upgraded by one rating subcategory, (b) review for possible downgrade will be treated as having been downgraded by two rating subcategories and (c) negative outlook will be treated as having been downgraded by one rating subcategory.

 

Moody’s Default Probability Rating ” means with respect to any Asset, the rating determined pursuant to Schedule E-1 hereto.

 

Moody’s Maximum Rating Factor Test ” means a test that will be satisfied on any date of determination if the Moody’s Adjusted Weighted Average Rating Factor of the Assets is less than or equal to 2800.

 

Moody’s Minimum Weighted Average Recovery Rate Test ” means the test that will be satisfied on any date of determination if the Moody’s Weighted Average Recovery Rate equals or exceeds 44.0%.

 

Moody’s Non-Senior Secured Loan ” means any assignment of or participation interest in or other interest in a loan that is not a Moody’s Senior Secured Loan.

 

Moody’s Rating ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule E-1 hereto.

 

Sch. F-2

 

 

Moody’s Rating Factor ” means for each Traded Portfolio Asset, the number set forth in the table below opposite the Moody’s Default Probability Rating of such Portfolio Asset.

 

Moody ’s Default

Probability Rating

 

Moody ’s Rating Factor

 

Moody ’s Default

Probability Rating

 

Moody ’s Rating Factor

Aaa

 

1

 

Ba1

 

940

Aa1

 

10

 

Ba2

 

1,350

Aa2

 

20

 

Ba3

 

1,766

Aa3

 

40

 

B1

 

2,220

A1

 

70

 

B2

 

2,720

A2

 

120

 

B3

 

3,490

A3

 

180

 

Caa1

 

4,770

Baa1

 

260

 

Caa2

 

6,500

Baa2

 

360

 

Caa3

 

8,070

Baa3

 

610

 

Ca or lower

 

10,000

 

Moody’s Recovery Rate ” means, with respect to any Asset, as of any date of determination, the recovery rate determined in accordance with the following, in the following order of priority:

 

(i)     if the Asset has been specifically assigned a recovery rate by Moody ’s (for example, in connection with the assignment by Moody’s of an estimated rating), such recovery rate;

 

(ii)     if the preceding clause does not apply to the Asset, the rate determined pursuant to the table below based on the number of rating subcategories difference between the Asset ’s Moody’s Rating and its Moody’s Default Probability Rating (for purposes of clarification, if the Moody’s Rating is higher than the Moody’s Default Probability Rating, the rating subcategories difference will be positive and if it is lower, negative):

 

Number of Moody ’s Ratings

Subcategories Difference
Between the Moody’s
Rating and the Moody’s
Default Probability Rating

 

Moody ’s Senior Secured

Loans

 

Moody ’s Second 
Lien Loans

 

Portfolio Assets

Not Included in Another

Column in this Table

+2 or more

 

60.0%

 

55%

 

45%

+1

 

50.0%

 

45%

 

35%

0

 

45.0%

 

35%

 

30%

- 1

 

40.0%

 

25%

 

25%

- 2

 

30.0%

 

15%

 

15%

- 3 or less

 

20.0%

 

5%

 

5%

 

Moody’s Second Lien Loan ” means a loan that (x) is not a Moody’s Senior Secured Loan and (y) has a Moody’s facility rating and the obligor of such loan has a Moody’s corporate family rating.

 

Moody’s Senior Secured Loan ” has the meaning set forth on Schedule E-1 hereto.

 

Sch. F-3

 

 

Moody’s Weighted Average Rating Factor ” means the number (rounded up to the nearest whole number) determined by summing the products obtained by multiplying the Principal Balance of each Traded Portfolio Asset (excluding any Defaulted Obligation) by its Moody’s Rating Factor, dividing such sum by the aggregate of the outstanding Principal Balance of all such Traded Portfolio Assets and then rounding the result up to the nearest whole number.

 

Moody’s Weighted Average Recovery Rate ” means as of any date of determination, the number, expressed as a percentage, obtained by summing the product of the Moody’s Recovery Rate on such date of each Traded Portfolio Asset (excluding any Defaulted Obligation) and the Principal Balance of such Traded Portfolio Asset, dividing such sum by the aggregate Principal Balance of all such Assets and rounding up to the first decimal place.

 

S&P Recovery Rat e ” means, with respect to any Asset, the recovery rate determined in the manner set forth below:

 

(a)      If an Asset has an S&P Asset Specific Recovery Rating, the S&P Recovery Rate for such Asset shall be the applicable percentage set forth in Table 1 below, based on such S&P Asset Specific Recovery Rating:

 

Table 1: S&P Recovery Rates For Assets With S&P Asset Specific Recovery Ratings

Asset Specific Recovery Ratings

Recovery Range from S&P published reports*

(%)

1+

100

75

1

90-100

65

2

80-90

60

2

70-80

50

3

60-70

40

3

50-60

30

4

40-50

27

4

30-40

20

5

20-30

15

5

10-20

5

6

0-10

2

* If a recovery range is not available from S&P's published reports for a given Asset with an S&P Asset Specific Recovery Rating of '2' through '5', the lower range for the applicable recovery rating shall be assumed.

 

Sch. F-4

 

 

(b)      If an Asset is senior unsecured debt or subordinate debt and does not have an S&P Asset Specific Recovery Rating but the same issuer has other debt obligations that rank senior, the S&P Recovery Rate for such Asset shall be the applicable percentage set forth in Tables 2 and 3 below:

Table 2: Recovery Rates for Senior Unsecured Assets Junior to Assets with Recovery Ratings

Senior Asset Recovery Rate

(%)

 

Group 1

   

1+

18

 

1

18

 

2

18

 

3

12

 

4

5

 

5

2

 

6

--

 

Group 2

   

1+

16

 

1

16

 

2

16

 

3

10

 

4

5

 

5

2

 

6

--

 

Group 3

   

1+

13

 

1

13

 

2

13

 

3

8

 

4

5

 

5

2

 

6

--

 

 

F-5

 

 

Table 3: Recovery Rates for Subordinated Assets Junior to Assets with Recovery Ratings

Senior Asset Recovery Rate

S&P Recovery
Rate

Group 1

 

1+

8

1

8

2

8

3

5

4

2

5

--

6

--

 

(c)      In all other cases, as applicable, the S&P Recovery Rate for such Asset shall be the applicable percentage set forth in Table 4 below:

 

Table 4: Tiered Corporate Recovery Rates (By Asset Class)

 

S&P Recovery Rate  

Senior secured first - lien (%)*

 

Group 1

50

Group 2

45

Group 3

39

Group 4

17

S enior secured cov-lite loans/ s enior

secured bonds (%)

 

Group 1

41

Group 2

37

Group 3

32

Group 4

17

Mezzanine/s econd - lien/ First - Lien Last - Out Loans / senior unsecured loans /senior unsecured bonds (%)**

 

Group 1

18

Group 2

16

Group 3

13

Group 4

10

Subordinated loans /subordinated bonds (%)

 

Group 1

8

Group 2

10

Group 3

9

Group 4

5

 

Sch. F-6

 

 

Group 1 : Hong Kong, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, U.K., Ireland, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand

Group 2 : Belgium, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Luxembourg, South Africa, Switzerland, C anada, Israel, Japan and the U nited States

Group 3 : France, Italy, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain, Turkey and United Arab Emirates

Group 4 : Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and others not included in Group 1, Group 2 or Group 3

 

*

Solely for the purpose of determining the S&P Recovery Rate for such loan, no loan shall constitute a “Senior Secured Loan” unless such loan (a) is secured by a valid first priority security interest in collateral, (b) in the Collateral Manager’s commercially reasonable judgment (with such determination being made in good faith by the Collateral Manager at the time of such loan’s purchase and based upon information reasonably available to the Collateral Manager at such time and without any requirement of additional investigation beyond the Collateral Manager’s customary credit review procedures), is secured by specified collateral that has a value not less than an amount equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate principal balance of all loans senior or pari passu to such loans and (ii) the outstanding principal balance of such loan, which value may be derived from, among other things, the enterprise value (including, but not comprised primarily of, equity and goodwill) of the issuer of such loan and (c) is not subordinate to any other obligation; provided that if the value of such loan is primarily derived from the enterprise value of the issuer of such loan, such loan shall have either (1) the S&P Recovery Rate specified for Senior Unsecured Loans in the table above, or (2) the S&P Recovery Rate determined by S&P on a case by case basis.

 

**

Solely for the purpose of determining the S&P Recovery Rate for such loan, the aggregate principal balance of all First-Lien Last-Out Loans and Second Lien Loans that, in the aggregate, represent up to 15% of the Collateral Principal Amount shall have the S&P Recovery Rate specified for First-Lien Last-Out Loans and Second Lien Loans in the table above and the aggregate principal balance of all First-Lien Last-Out Loans and Second Lien Loans in excess of 15% of the Collateral Principal Amount shall have the S&P Recovery Rate specified for subordinated loans in the table above.

 

Weighted Average Fixed Coupon ” means, as of any Measurement Date, an amount equal to (I) the number, expressed as a percentage, obtained by dividing:

 

(a)     the sum of , in the case of each fixed rate Portfolio Asset (excluding any Deferrable Security and any Partial Deferrable Security to the extent of any non-cash interest), the stated annual interest coupon on such Asset times the Principal Balance of such Portfolio Asset; by

 

(b)     an amount equal to the lesser of (i)  the product of (A) the Target CLO Amount and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the aggregate Principal Balance of fixed rate Portfolio Assets and the denominator of which is equal to the aggregate Principal Balance of all Portfolio Assets as of such Measurement Date, in each case excluding any Deferrable Security or Partial Deferrable Security to the extent of any non-cash interest and (ii) the aggregate Principal Balance of the fixed rate Portfolio Assets as of such Measurement Date (excluding any Deferrable Security or Partial Deferrable Security to the extent of any non-cash interest);

 

Sch. F-7

 

 

plus (II)  to the extent that the amount obtained in clause (I) is insufficient to satisfy the Minimum Weighted Average Coupon Test, the Excess Weighted Average Floating Spread (if any); provided that in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), in calculating the Weighted Average Fixed Coupon in respect of any Step-Down Obligation, the coupon of such Portfolio Asset shall be the lowest permissible coupon pursuant to the Underlying Instruments of the obligor of such Step-Down Obligation.

 

Weighted Average Floating Spread ” means, as of any Measurement Date, a fraction (expressed as a percentage) obtained by (i) (x) multiplying the Principal Balance of each floating rate Traded Portfolio Asset (excluding the unfunded portion of any Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation) held by the Borrower as of such Measurement Date by its Effective Spread and (y) multiplying the unfunded portion of each Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation held by the Borrower as of such Measurement Date by the related commitment fee, (ii) summing the amounts determined pursuant to clause (i), (iii) dividing the sum determined pursuant to clause (ii) by the aggregate Principal Balance of all floating rate Traded Portfolio Assets, and (iv) if the result obtained in clause (iii) is less than the minimum percentage necessary to pass the Minimum Floating Spread Test, adding to such sum the amount of the Excess Weighted Average Fixed Coupon, if any, as of such Measurement Date; provided that Defaulted Obligations shall not be included in the calculation of the Weighted Average Floating Spread; provided , further , that in calculating the Weighted Average Floating Spread in respect of any Step Down Obligation, the Effective Spread of such Traded Portfolio Asset shall be the lowest permissible spread pursuant to the Underlying Instruments of the obligor of such Step-Down Obligation; and provided , further , that, for the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this definition, the Effective Spread of each LIBOR Floor Obligation will be calculated to include the excess (if any) payable currently in cash of (1) the specified “floor” rate of such LIBOR Floor Obligation over (2) the applicable London interbank offered rate then in effect with respect to such the LIBOR Floor Obligation.

 

Weighted Average Life ” means, on any Measurement Date with respect to any Traded Portfolio Asset (other than any Defaulted Obligation), the number obtained by (i) summing the products obtained by multiplying (a) the Average Life at such time of each such Traded Portfolio Asset by (b) the outstanding Principal Balance of such Traded Portfolio Asset and (ii) dividing such sum by the aggregate Principal Balance at such time of all Traded Portfolio Assets (excluding any Defaulted Obligation).

 

Weighted Average Life Test ” means a test that will be satisfied on any date of determination if the Weighted Average Life of the Traded Portfolio Assets as of such date is less than or equal to (i) 8 minus (ii) the product of (A) 0.25 and (B) the number of full quarters elapsed since the date of the Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, quarter shall mean 0.25 of a year).

 

Sch. F-8

 

 

Schedule G

 

ELIGIBLE INVESTMENTS

 

Eligible Investment s ” means any investment that at the time of its acquisition is one or more of the following:

 

(a)      United States government and agency obligations, maturing within 30 days;

 

(b)      commercial paper, maturing within 30 days, having a rating assigned to such commercial paper by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services or Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (or, if neither such organization shall rate such commercial paper at such time, by any nationally recognized rating organization in the United States of America) equal to the highest ratings assigned by such organization, it being understood that as of the date hereof such rating by S&P is “A-1+” and such rating by Moody’s is “P-1”;

 

(c)      interest bearing deposits in United States dollars in United States or Canadian banks with an unrestricted surplus of at least U.S.$250,000,000 and assigned a credit rating by S&P of a least “A” and a Moody's. rating of at least “A2”, maturing within 30 days; and

 

(d)      money market funds (including funds of the bank serving as Custodian or its affiliates) or United States government securities funds designed to maintain a fixed share price and high liquidity, in each case domiciled outside of the United States and having a rating assigned to such fund equal to the highest rating assigned by S&P or Moody's, it being understood that as of the date hereof such rating by S&P is “AAAm” and such rating by Moody’s is “Aaa-mf”.

 

Sch. G-1

 

 

Annex A

 

FORM OF APPROVAL REQUEST FOR ASSET PURCHASE

 

Obligor Name

 

Global Amount of Credit Agreement

 

Estimated Date of Credit Agreement

 

Pricing Date – Date of submission

 
   

Estimated Trade Date

 

Estimated Settlement Date

 
   

Upfront Fee (if any)

 

Assignment Fee (if any)

 
   

Moody ’s Industry Classification

 

Moody ’s Family/Facility Rating

 

S&P Family/Facility Rating

 

S&P Industry Classification

 
   

Intended Hold Amount (par value)

 

Facility Type (Moody ’s Classification)

 

Facility Tranche (A, B, etc….)

 

Price (Offered)

 

LIBOR Spread / Floor  / Fixed Rate (as applicable)

 

Facility Tenor

 

Total Amount of all Senior Credit Facilities

 

Total Tranche Amount (Currently)

 

Original Par Amount (for Secondary)

 

Undrawn Commitment (if any)

 

Commitment Fee (if any)

 

Primary or Secondary Purchase?

 
   

Seller Closing Contact

 

Name

 

Institution

 

Telephone

 

Fax

 

Email

 
   

Agent Bank

 

Name

 

Institution

 

Telephone

 

Fax

 

Email

 
   

If Not Already Provided

 

Bank Book/Lender Presentation/Credit Information Memo (Attachment)  

 

Credit Agreement (Attachment)

 

Borrower Financial Information (Attachment)

 

 

Annex A-1

 

 

 

JMP CREDIT ADVISORS LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: 

 

 

 

Title: 

 

 

 

 

Annex A-2

 

 

Annex B

 

FORM OF BORROWING REQUEST

 

[Letterhead of Collateral Manager]
[Date]

 

BNP Paribas


 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of [July 31], 2017, among BNP Paribas, as Lender, the other Lenders party thereto, JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd., as Borrower, JMP Investment Holdings LLC, as the Preferred Investor, JMP Credit Advisors LLC, as Collateral Manager, BNP Paribas as Administrative Agent (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to such terms in the Agreement.

 

Pursuant to Section  2(c) of the Agreement and the approval by you of the Approval Request dated [_______, 20__] (a copy of which is attached hereto), we hereby request that you make a Loan to the Borrower in the amount of

 

U.S.$______________________________ on ____________________, 20__

 

to be applied toward the acquisition cost of the Asset referred to in the attached Approval Request. We further request that you pay the proceeds of such Loan to:

 

[Insert payment instructions.]

 

in payment of the acquisition cost of such Asset.

 

[This Borrowing Request is an Expedited Borrowing Request and we acknowledge that three (3) Business Days after the funding of this Loan, this Loan will be refinanced.] 1

 

As of the date hereof, we certify that: (i ) the Borrowing Base in U.S.$___________, (ii) giving pro forma effect to the Loan, the Borrowing Base will be U.S.$_________ and (iii) as of its Acquisition Date, such Asset will satisfy the Eligibility Requirements.

 

On behalf of the Borrower, we represent and warrant that the conditions set forth in Section  7 of the Agreement have been satisfied.

 


1  Applicable to Expedited Borrowing Request only.

 

Annex B-1

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

     
  JMP CREDIT ADVISORS LLC  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name: 

 

 

 

Title: 

 

 

 

Annex B-2

 

 

Annex C

 

FORM OF PROMISSORY NOTE

 

Up to U.S.$ [●]     [DATE]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd., an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to the order of BNP PARIBAS (the “ Lender ”) the principal sum of [●] million Dollars (U.S.$ [●]) or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of [July 31], 2017 (such agreement, as it may be amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, being hereinafter called the “ Agreement ”), among the Borrower, the Preferred Investor, the Collateral Manager, the Administrative Agent and the Lender, on the Maturity Date. The Borrower further promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of the Loans evidenced hereby from time to time at the rates, on the dates, and otherwise as provided in the Agreement.

 

The loan account records maintained by the Administrative Agent shall at all times be conclusive evidence, absent manifest error, as to the amount of the Loans and payments thereon; provided that any failure to record any Loan or payment thereon or any error in doing so shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower to pay any amount owing with respect to the Loans.

 

This promissory note is the promissory note referred to in, and is entitled to the benefits of, the Agreement, which Agreement, among other things, contains provisions for acceleration of the maturity of the Loans evidenced hereby upon the happening of certain stated events and also for prepayments on account of principal of the Loans prior to the maturity thereof upon the terms and conditions therein specified.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the CLO Takeout does not occur, the Borrower’s sole source of funds for payment of all amounts due hereunder shall be the Borrower Collateral, and, upon application of the proceeds of the Borrower Collateral and its reduction to zero in accordance with the terms and under the circumstances described in the Agreement, all claims against the Borrower under the Agreement, any promissory note or under any other Transaction Document shall extinguish and no recourse shall be had against the Borrower for any shortfall still owing by the Borrower.

 

Annex C-1

 

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Agreement are used herein with their defined meanings therein. This promissory note, and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related hereto (whether in contact, tort or otherwise) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

 

JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

Name  

 

 

 

Title 

 

 

 

 

Annex C-2

 

 

Annex D

 

PREFERENCE SHARE SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

 

 

Annex D-1

 

 

Annex E

 

TAX GUIDELINES

 

The purpose of requirements in this Annex is to minimize the risk that activities conducted by the Borrower will cause the Borrower to be engaged in a trade or business in the United States for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

Accordingly, in identifying and acquiring Assets, the Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) will conduct its activities only in accordance with the Indenture and this Annex. References to the Collateral Manager encompass any officers, employees or other agents of the Collateral Manager acting in furtherance of, or otherwise in connection with the Collateral Manager's responsibilities under the Collateral Management Agreement.

 

Terms used in this Annex and not otherwise defined have the meanings given them in the Credit Agreement .

 

Section 1.      General Restrictions on Negotiation with Borrowers/Issuers and Participation in Primary Market for Debt Obligations .

 

(a)      Pre-Issuance and Pre-Funding Commitments . The Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) will not enter into any binding agreement, arrangement, understanding or commitment (any such binding agreement, arrangement, understanding or commitment, a " Commitment ") to purchase any Portfolio Asset earlier than forty-eight (48) hours after the later of (i) the legal closing and issuance of the Portfolio Asset, (ii) the funding of the Portfolio Asset, and (iii) the most recent date on which any of the principal terms of the Portfolio Assets were modified in a material fashion, except as otherwise expressly permitted in Section 2 or Section 3 of this Annex. An agreement, arrangement, understanding or commitment is not considered binding for this purpose if it is not legally binding or if the Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) would not be commercially compel led to purchase the Portfolio Asset on terms comparable to those discussed based solely on the existence of such agreement, arrangement, understanding or commitment (any such agreement, arrangement, understanding or commitment, a " Non-Binding Indication ").

 

(b)      Communications and Negotiations with Issuers of Portfolio Assets . The Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) will not (i) participate, directly or indirectly, in negotiating or structuring the terms of any Portfolio Asset nor (ii) except to the limited extent expressly permitted by Sections 2 or 3 of this Annex, have any discussions with a Portfolio Asset's obligor, issuer or borrower prior to the completion of the legal closing and issuance of such Portfolio Asset.

 

(c)       Fees . The Borrower will not earn, nor will the Borrower (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) enter into a Commitment to acquire a Portfolio Asset on terms that enable the Borrower to earn, any fee, commission or other compensation for services, however denominated, associated with the negotiation, structuring, marketing, underwriting, or placement of a Portfolio Asset. A fee for services does not include any discount or fee attributable to the use of or time value of money, for standing ready to advance funds or, subject to compliance with Section 4, for agreeing to changes in the terms of a Portfolio Asset after its legal closing (such as customary commitment fees, amendment fees, waiver fees and prepayment fees) .

 

Annex E-1

 

 

(d)       Portfolio Assets Purchased from the Collateral Manager and Affiliates . The Borrower may not purchase any Portfolio Asset if the Collateral Manager acted as an underwriter, placement agent, arranger, negotiator or structurer in connection with the negotiation, structuring, marketing, underwriting, placement, issuance or origination of such Portfolio Asset. The Borrower also may not purchase a Portfolio Asset if a person that is affiliated with, controlled by or managed by the Collateral Manager (a " CM Affiliate ") acted as an underwriter, placement agent, arranger, negotiator or structurer in connection with the negotiation, structuring, marketing, underwriting, placement, issuance or origination of a Portfolio Asset unless the Portfolio Asset is either a Seasoned Portfolio Asset or an Armslength Portfolio Asset.

 

For purposes of this Annex:

 

" Armslength Portfolio Asset " means a Portfolio Asset as to which a CM Affiliate acted as an underwriter, placement agent, arranger, negotiator or structurer in connection with the negotiation, structuring, marketing, underwriting, placement, issuance or origination of such Portfolio Asset if (i) such CM Affiliate is an Armslength CM Affiliate, (ii) the purchase price for the Portfolio Asset is comparable to the price at which the Portfolio Asset is contemporaneously sold to third parties and (iii) as of the date of acquisition, the outstanding principal amount and committed exposure with respect to all such Armslength Portfolio Assets does not exceed 5% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount and committed exposure of all Portfolio Assets held by the Borrower.

 

" Armslength CM Affiliate " means a CM Affiliate if (i) such CM Affiliate is regularly engaged in a substantial and established business relating to the origination of such Portfolio Assets in the ordinary course primarily for sale or syndication to unrelated third parties, (ii) the sale of Portfolio Assets to the Borrower or other funds or accounts managed by the Collateral Manager or other CM Affiliates represents an immaterial portion of that business, (iii) no officers, employees or other personnel of the Collateral Manager are also employees of, or otherwise involved in the loan origination business of such CM Affiliate, and (iv) no officers, employees or other personnel of such CM Affiliate involved in loan origination also perform any services for the Collateral Manager in connection with activities of Collateral Manager pursuant to its responsibilities under the Collateral Management Agreement.

 

Annex E-2

 

 

" Seasoned Portfolio Asset " means a Portfolio Asset as to which a CM Affiliate acted as an underwriter, placement agent, arranger, negotiator or structurer in connection with the negotiation, structuring, marketing, underwriting, placement, issuance or origination of a Portfolio Asset if (i) the Portfolio Asset was not originated in contemplation of its acquisition by the Borrower, (ii) such CM Affiliate could have purchased and held the Portfolio Asset for its own account for an indefinite period without being subject to any requirement to hedge its position in the Portfolio Asset or reasonably could have expected to sell any portion of the Portfolio Asset it was unable to retain to persons or entities other than the Borrower, (iii) such CM Affiliate does not regularly sell Portfolio Assets to the Borrower, (iv) the Portfolio Asset has been outstanding for at least 90 days prior to any Commitment or Non-Binding Indication by the Borrower (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) to acquire the Portfolio Asset, (v) the purchase price for the Portfolio Asset is comparable to the price at which the Portfolio Asset is contemporaneously sold to third parties and (vi) the Borrower does not acquire more than 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the Portfolio Asset.

 

(e)       Equity Restrictions . The Borrower will not purchase any Portfolio Asset that for United States federal income tax purposes is:

 

(i)      an equity interest in a "partnership,"

 

(ii)     a residual interest in a "REMIC" (as such term is defined in the Code),

 

(iii)    an ownership interest in a "FASIT" (as such term is defined in the Code), or

 

(iv)   a United States real property interest (as such term is defined in the Code), including an equity interest in a United States real property holding corporation,

 

unless, in any such case, the Borrower or the Collateral Manager has obtained an opinion of tax counsel of nationally recognized standing in the United Sta tes experienced in such matters to the effect that ownership of such asset will not cause the Borrower to be deemed to be engaged in United States trade or business for United States federal income tax purposes or otherwise to be subject to United States federal income tax on a net income basis, or such Portfolio Asset is issued pursuant to a registration statement, prospectus or offering memorandum that contains disclosure to the same effect on which it would be reasonable for the Collateral Manager to rely.

 

Section 2.      Additional Requirements for Loans .

 

The Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) will not make any Commitment to purchase a loan of the type customarily made by banks or which is made by a group that is expected to include bank l enders, or a participation or subparticipation in such a loan (a " Loan ") from any person earlier than forty-eight (48) hours after the later of (i) the legal closing and issuance of the Loan, (ii) the funding of the Loan, and (iii) the most recent date on which any of the principal terms of the Loan were modified in a material fashion, except pursuant to a forward sale agreement at an agreed price (a " Forward Purchase Commitment ") and only if the further requirements set forth in clauses 2(a) and (b) below are satisfied:

 

(a)       Broadly Syndicated Loans (whether underwritten on a “Firm Commitment” or on a “Best Efforts” basis) . In order for a Forward Purchase Commitment to be described in this Section 2(a), the Loan must (x) be marketed and sold pursuant to a “customary underwriting,” (y) be acquired in a “permissible manner” by the Borrower, and (z) constitute a “broadly syndicated loan,” each as described below.

 

Annex E-3

 

 

(i)      Customary Underwriting . To constitute a “customary underwriting,” the Collateral Manager must reasonably believe that the underwriting of the Loan includes the following features:

 

(A)     A bank or a syndicate of banks (the “agent bank”) negotiates the terms of the Loan.

 

(B)     The agent bank helps the obligor compile a “confidential information memorandum,” “bank book” or similar written document to be used in soliciting Loan sales that describes the material terms of the Loan and of the obligor (a “Bank Book”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Bank Book, once originally provided and disseminated, may be updated to reflect changes to material terms through supplements or through data postings on Bloomberg, Intralinks, Fintrac or similar media.

 

(C)     The agent bank markets or seeks buyers for the Loan from a wide (although potentially targeted) group.

 

(D)     The agent bank effectuates its underwriting process through soliciting indications of interest or orders, making loan allocations or similar procedures.

 

(E)     The agent bank is paid or compensated in respect of its underwriting services by the obligor.

 

(F)     The agent bank is free to sell or allocate such Loan to the highest bidder (or to allocate the Loan based on other criteria determined in its sole discretion), even after (x) a “soft circling” process has occurred, (y) indications of interest have been provided and (z) preliminary allocations have been communicated to investors. For the avoidance of doubt, the agent bank is free to make any such sale or allocation in its own discretion notwithstanding the existence of a Forward Purchase Commitment that would obligate the Borrower (or the Collateral Manager) to acquire or purchase such Loan.

 

(ii)      Permissible Manner of Loan Acquisition . For a Loan that has been marketed and sold pursuant to a customary underwriting as described under Section 2(a)(i) to be acquired in a “permissible manner” by the Borrower, the following criteria must be satisfied:

 

(A)      None of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager (whether acting on the Borrower’s behalf or otherwise) or any CM Affiliates shall participate in the negotiation of the terms of the Loan.

 

(B)     The Collateral Manager is not an affiliate of and does not control the obligor, and does not advise it on other matters. No CM Affiliate is an affiliate of or controls the obligor, or advises it on other matters.

 

(C).     The Forward Purchase Commitment is entered into (x) after receipt of the Bank Book (including any supplements thereto, other than supplements that do not affect the material terms of the Loan) and (y) after the material terms of such Loan (other than interest rate and pricing) have been fully negotiated, it being understood that the interest rate and pricing of the Loan may not be finalized until just prior to the legal closing.

 

Annex E-4

 

 

(D)     The Collateral Manager has no reason to believe that the Loan would not be executed on the same terms regardless of whether the Forward Purchase Commitment was made.

 

(E)     The Forward Purchase Commitment is provided pursuant to typical allocation procedures and made using standard Bank Book forms.

 

(F)     The Forward Purchase Commitment relates to a purchase of less than 5% of the face amount of the respective tranche of which the Loan forms a part.

 

(G)     The Borrower, together with any related or commonly managed or advised parties, purchases less than 15% of the face amount of the respective tranche of which the Loan forms a part.

 

(H)     Each Forward Purchase Commitment is independent and there is no ongoing understanding or arrangement by which the Borrower has agreed to provide funds to the agent bank or obligor, although the Borrower may purchase different tranches of Loans offered contemporaneously.

 

(iii)      Broadly Syndicated Loan . For purposes of this Section 2(a), a “broadly syndicated Loan” means a Loan that satisfies the following criteria:

 

(A)     The aggregate size of the loan facility (including undrawn commitments) is at least $100 million.

 

(B)     The Borrower and the Collateral Manager reasonably believe that the agent bank is acting in the ordinary course of its trade or business of originating and syndicating Loans.

 

(C)     The Loan is considered by the market to be a broadly syndicated Loan offered to typical institutional non-bank investors.

 

(b)       Loans Not Described in Section 2(a) (including Non-Broadly Syndicated Loans that are underwritten on a “Firm Commitment” basis) . For a Forward Purchase Commitment to be described in this Section 2(b), the following criteria must be satisfied.

 

(A)     A Forward Purchase Commitment with any person (such person, a " Counterparty ") with respect to a Loan may only be made after such Counterparty has itself made a legally binding commitment to make or purchase the Loan to the obligor or another seller thereof (in each case, subject to customary terms and conditions), at a time when all material terms of such Loan (other than interest rate and pricing) have been fully negotiated (it being understood that interest rate and pricing of the Loan may not be finalized until just prior to execution of and closing), and such Counterparty’s legally binding commitment is not conditioned upon any Commitment by the Borrower (or any other assignee).

 

Annex E-5

 

 

(B)      The Counterparty may not be the Collateral Manager, nor any CM Affiliate that is not an Armslength CM Affiliate.

 

(C)      None of the Borrower, the Collateral Manager or any CM Affiliate that is not an Armslength CM Affiliate may have participated in negotiating or structuring the material terms of the Loan.

 

(D)      The Borrower's obligation to purchase the Loan under the Forward Purchase Commitment must be subject to the condition that no material adverse change has occurred in the obligor 's financial condition or the relevant market on or before the purchase date and may be subject to the condition that the final legal documentation is satisfactory; but in all other respects, the Forward Purchase Commitment may only be conditional to the extent the related Counterparty's own commitment in the origination process and funding of the Loan is delayed, reduced or eliminated. In the event of any such delayed, reduced or eliminated funding, the Borrower may not receive any premium, fee, or other compensation in connection with having entered into the Forward Purchase Commitment, other than commitment fees or fees in the nature of commitment fees that are customarily paid in connection with such delays, reductions or eliminations of funding of Loans of the type permitted to be purchased by the Borrower.

 

(E)      The Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) may not enter into any Forward Purchase Commitment if it knows or has reason to expect that the Counterparty will hold itself out as the Borrower's agent in making or committing to make the subject Loan. For this purpose, although not required, the Borrower (or Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) may rely upon an undertaking by the Counterparty that it will not disclose the Borrower's identity to the obligor in respect of the Portfolio Asset prior to the assignment of the Loan pursuant to settlement of the Forward Purchase Commitment.

 

(F)      The Borrower may have no contractual relationship with the obligor in respect of a Loan that is the subject of a Forward Purchase Commitment until the Borrower actually closes the assignment of the Loan pursuant to the Forward Purchase Commitment. On the legal closing date of the Loan, the documents relating to the Loan will not list the Borrower as a "lender" or otherwise as a party to the Loan.

 

(G)      The Borrower cannot enter into a Forward Purchase Commitment that upon settlement thereof would cause the Borrower to own more than 20% of the aggregate principal amount of all Loans and advances issued (or if not yet fully drawn, to be issued) under the related credit agreement, determined as of the date of the agreement.

 

Annex E-6

 

 

(c)       Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligations and Revolving Collateral Obligations . The Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on its behalf) may, to the extent otherwise permitted by the Credit Agreement, acquire a Loan that is a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation or Revolving Collateral Obligation. However, in addition to the other requirements of the Indenture and this Annex, all of the terms of any advance required to be made by the Borrower under any Loan that is a Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation or a Revolving Collateral Obligation must be fixed as of the date the Borrower purchases the obligation (or be determinable under an objective formula that is fixed as of that date), and the Borrower may not have any discretion as to whether to make advances under such Delayed Drawdown Collateral Obligation or Revolving Collateral Obligation. For this purpose, a condition to advancing funds that requires a determination based on objective factors that there has been no material adverse change in the condition of the borrower does not constitute the exercise of discretion for this purpose.

 

(d)       Letters of Credit . The Borrower may acquire an LOC Asset only if, in addition to satisfying any other applicable requirements of the Indenture and this Annex, the requirements of this paragraph (c) are satisfied. " LOC Asset " means either (i) a synthetic letter of credit facility pursuant to which the risk of reimbursement under the letter of credit is borne by "synthetic lenders" and cash collateralized by deposits made by the synthetic lenders into an account maintained by the letter of credit issuer and the synthetic lenders are entitled to receive amounts from the account party (or account party affiliates) or the letter of credit issuing institution that reflects fees payable by or on behalf of the account party in respect of the agreement to issue letters of credit (a " Synthetic Letter of Credit ") or (ii) any tranche of a revolving credit facility that may be drawn solely to fund letter of credit reimbursements or related items.

 

Unless it has obtained written advice of tax counsel that doing so will not cause the Borrower to be treated as engaged in a United States trade or business, neither the Borrower nor the Collateral Manager (or any other party acting on behalf of the Borrower) shall purchase an LOC Asset unless:

 

(i)      the LOC Asset is part of a credit facility that includes other tranches that are not LOC Assets and the maximum amount (including for this purpose both the committed and funded amount) of the LOC Asset does not exceed 20% of the aggregate amount (including for this purpose both the committed and funded amount) of such facility;

 

(ii)      the LOC Asset and other portions of such facility are being offered as part of a package and the Borrower acquires (with the intention to hold) other tranches of the facility that are not LOC Assets having an aggregate maximum committed and/or funded amount at least equal to the maximum committed and/or funded amount of the LOC Asset acquired by the Borrower (it being understood that this is not intended to prevent the Borrower from disposing of such other portion separately if based on a change in circumstances not reasonably anticipated at the time of purchase it is commercially advantageous to do so);

 

Annex E-7

 

 

(iii)      all LOC Assets and revolving credit facilities purchased by the Company (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) together do not exceed 15% of the Aggregate Principal Amount of the aggregate Assets to be purchased by the Borrower; and

 

(iv)      in the case of a Synthetic Letter of Credit, the Borrower does not hold more than ten of such obligations or securities at any time).

 

Section 3. Participation in Primary Offerings of Debt Securities other than Loans .

 

The Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) will not make any Commitment to purchase a debt security (other than a Loan which must satisfy the requirements of Section 2) from any person earlier than forty-eight (48) hours after the later of (i) the legal closing and issuance of the debt security, (ii) the funding of the debt security, and (iii) the most recent date on which any of the principal terms of the debt security were modified in a material fashion, unless the further requirements set forth either in clauses 3(a) or (b) are satisfied:

 

(a)      the debt security was issued pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act in a firm commitment underwriting for which neither the Collateral Manager nor any CM Affiliate served as underwriter; or

 

(b)      the debt security is a privately placed security, is a security eligible for resale under Rule 144A or Regulation S or was issued pursuant to an effective registration statement in a best efforts underwriting under the Securities Act, and

 

(i)      the debt security is originally issued pursuant to an offering memorandum, private placement memorandum or similar offering document;

 

(ii)      the Borrower, the Collateral Manager and CM Affiliates and accounts and funds managed or controlled by the Collateral Manager or any CM Affiliate either (1) did not at original issuance acquire in the aggregate 50% or more of the aggregate principal amount of such class of securities or (2) did not at original issuance (i) acquire 25% or more of the aggregate principal amount of all classes of securities offered by the issuer of the debt security in the offering and any related offering and (ii) did not acquire, in the aggregate, more than 50% of the controlling classes of the issuer’s securities; and

 

(iii)      the Borrower, the Collateral Manager and any CM Affiliate (unless such CM Affiliate that is an Armslength CM Affiliate) did not participate directly or indirectly in negotiating or structuring the terms of the debt security, except for the purposes of (1) commenting on offering documents to an unrelated underwriter or placement agent where the ability to comment on such documents was generally available to investors and any comments relating to the material commercial terms of the debt security addressed only errors or ambiguities in those terms or (2) due diligence of the kind customarily performed by investors in securities consisting of examining the credit quality of an issuer, analyzing the collateral quality, structure and credit enhancement with respect to a debt security, evaluating the competence of a manager or servicer, and other similar matters.

 

Annex E-8

 

 

Section 4.       Work-out Obligations; Post-closing Amendments and Modifications .

 

(a)     The Borrower may not acquire any Portfolio Asset that, as of the date of its acquisition, is a Potential Workout Obligation (other than DIP Collateral Obligations which are otherwise permitted to be acquired pursuant to the Credit Agreement) unless it has obtained advice of counsel that such acquisition, taking into account reasonably foreseeable activities of the Borrower that would be required in connection with working out such obligation, will not cause the Borrower to be engaged in a United States trade or business for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

" Potential Workout Obligation " means any debt instrument (including an interest in a Loan) if it is reasonably foreseeable, as of the date of its acquisition by the Borrower and based on facts specific to such obligation or the circumstances of the obligor thereof, that such obligation will within 1 year from that date become a Workout Obligation.

 

" Workout Obligation " means any Portfolio Asset as to which (a) the obligor is in bankruptcy or is insolvent, (b) any event of default has occurred and has not been cured, (c) the obligor has failed to pay when due (taking into account applicable grace period) any amount payable which failure has not been cured or (d) the obligor is known to be engaged or has indicated that it intends to engage in negotiations with creditors to restructure the obligation on terms less favorable to creditors, including by reduction in the principal amount or interest payable under the obligation, a postponement of payment, a change in ranking in priority of payments or any other composition of payment.

 

(b)      The Borrower may consent or otherwise act with respect to amendments, supplements or other modifications of the terms of any Portfolio Asset requiring consent or action after the date on which any such investment is acquired by the Borrower if:

 

(i)      such amendment, supplement or modification would not constitute a Significant Modification (as defined below),

 

(ii)       the Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on its behalf) does not seek the amendment or participate, directly or indirectly, in negotiating or structuring the terms of the amendment, does not advance or commit to advance additional funds that it is not already obligated to advance under the Portfolio Asset prior to such amendment, and in the reasonable judgment of the Collateral Manager, because of the materially adverse financial condition of the obligor, it cannot protect the value of the Borrower’s pre-existing investment in the Portfolio Assets without agreeing to the amendment,

 

Annex E-9

 

 

(iii)      the Borrower (and the Collateral Manager on its behalf) does not seek the amendment or participate, directly or indirectly, in negotiating or structuring the terms of the amendment and the Borrower does not advance or commit to advance additional funds that are not already obligated to advance under the Portfolio Asset prior to such amendment and either (x) the Borrower owns less than 5% of the Portfolio Asset and the Collateral Manager reasonably determines that the Borrower's consent or failure to consent will not affect the approval of amendments because of the size of the Borrower's position and consents only to avoid forfeiting any consent fee or (y) in the case of an amendment (such as a "flex pricing" amendment) which requires unanimous consent because it involves a change in the yield, there is no meaningful increase in the amount the borrower may borrow or draw from lenders in the aggregate and amendments are limited to changing financial and accounting covenants incident to allowing such additional borrowing and adjusting the yield, or

 

(iv)      otherwise, if it has received advice of counsel that its involvement in such amendment, supplement or modification will not cause the Borrower to be treated as engaged in a trade or business within the United States.

 

" Significant Modification " means any amendment, supplement or other modification that involves (a) a change in the stated maturity or a change in the timing of any material payment of any Portfolio Asset (including material deferral of an interest payment), that would materially alter the weighted average life of the Portfolio Asset, (b) any change (whether positive or negative) in the yield on the Portfolio Asset immediately prior to the modification that is in excess of the greater of (i) 25 basis points or (ii) 5 percent of such unmodified yield, (c) any change involving a material new extension of credit or commitment to extend credit, (d) a change in the obligor in respect of any Portfolio Asset or (e) a material change in the collateral or security for any Portfolio Asset, including the addition or deletion of a co-obligor or guarantor that results in a material change in payment expectations.

 

(c)      The Borrower shall not, with respect to any Portfolio Asset that becomes a Workout Obligation after its acquisition by the Borrower, participate in an official committee or substantially similar body in connection with a bankruptcy, reorganization, restructuring or similar proceeding nor exercise rights of foreclosure or similar judicial remedies unless, in each case, the Borrower (or the Collateral Manager on behalf of the Borrower) has first obtained advice of counsel that its contemplated activities on the Borrower's behalf will not cause the Borrower to be treated as engaged in a United States trade or business for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

Section 5.       Acting on Own Account .

 

The Borrower shall buy and sell Portfolio Assets only for its own account and will not buy or sell Portfolio Assets for or on behalf of another person. The Borrower shall not hold any Portfolio Asset as nominee for another person. The Borrower shall buy and hold Portfolio Assets solely for investment with the expectation of realizing a profit from income earned on the Portfolio Assets and/or any rise in their value during the interval of time between purchase and sale.

 

Annex E-10

 

 

Section 6.       General Restrictions .

 

The Borrower (and the Collateral Manager to the extent it is acting in such capacity on behalf of the Borrower ) will not:

 

(a)      act as, hold itself out as or represent to others that it is an underwriter, placement agent, arranger, negotiator or structurer with respect to any Portfolio Asset or otherwise;

 

(b)      act as, hold itself out as or represent to others that it is a dealer, middleman, market marker, retailer or wholesaler in any Portfolio Asset, security or hedging or derivative instruments, or hold as inventory for purposes of resale to customers, any securities or assets owned by the Borrower;

 

(c)      perform services, or hold itself out as willing to perform services, for any person or have or seek customers;

 

(d)      register as a broker-dealer under the laws of any country or political subdivision thereof;

 

(e)      register as, or become subject to regulatory supervision or other legal requirements under the laws of any country or political subdivision thereof as, a bank, insurance company or finance company;

 

(f)      treat the Borrower as a bank, insurance company, or finance company for purposes of (i) any tax, securities law or other filing or submission made to any governmental authority, (ii) any application made to a rating agency or (iii) qualification for any exemption from tax, securities law or any other legal requirements or hold itself out to the public as a bank, insurance company or finance company;

 

(g)      hold itself out to the public, through advertising or otherwise, as originating Loans;

 

(h)      buy any security in order to earn a dealer spread or dealer mark-up over its cost;

 

(i)      directly or indirectly fund the origination, underwriting or placement of a Portfolio Asset; or

 

(j)      hold a controlling block of any Portfolio Asset.

 

Section 7.       General Anti-Avoidance Provision

 

The Borrower shall not form any person or avail itself of any person (whether or not an affiliate) for the purpose of avoiding the provisions of this Annex with respect to the acquisition of Portfolio Assets; provided , however , that the sale to the Borrower of a Portfolio Asset from an affiliate will not be considered to violate this requirement merely because the affiliate acting in its own capacity had previously acquired and funded such Portfolio Asset. Notwithstanding the above, this section shall not apply to the formation or ownership by the Borrower of a Borrower Subsidiary otherwise permitted by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

Annex E-11

 

 

Annex F

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of [July 31], 2017 (as amended and in effect on the date hereof, the “ Credit Agreement ”), between JMP Credit Advisors CLO V Ltd. (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders party thereto, JMP Credit Advisors LLC, as Collateral Manager, BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent and JMP Investment Holdings LLC, as Preferred Investor. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings.

 

The Assignor named on the reverse hereof hereby sells and assigns, without recourse, to the Assignee named on the reverse hereof, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes, without recourse, from the Assignor, effective as of the Assignment Date set forth on the reverse hereof, the interests set forth on the reverse hereof (the “ Assigned Interest ”) in the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, the interests set forth on the reverse hereof in the Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amount of the Assignor on the Assignment Date and Loans owing to the Assignor which are outstanding on the Assignment Date, but excluding accrued interest and fees to and excluding the Assignment Date. The Assignee hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Credit Agreement. From and after the Assignment Date (i) the Assignee shall be a party to and be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement.

 

Each of the Borrower and the Collateral Manager is an express third-party beneficiary of this Assignment and Assumption, with full rights as if it were a party hereto. This Assignment and Assumption and any claim controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Assignment and Assumption (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

Date of Assignment:

 

Legal Name of Assignor:

 

Legal Name of Assignee:

 

Assignee ’s Address for Notices:

 

Effective Date of Assignment
(“ Assignment Date ”):

 

Annex F-1

 

 

Facility

 

Principal Amount

Assigned

   

Percentage Assigned of Facility/ Individual

Lender Maximum Funding Amount
(set forth, to at least 8 decimals,
as a percentage of the Facility
and the Individual Lender Maximum

Funding Amount)

 

Individual Lender Maximum Funding Amount Assigned:

  $           %

 

The terms set forth above and on the reverse side hereof are hereby agreed to:

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR], as Assignor

 

 

 

By:                                                                                                         
Name:
Title:

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE], as Assignee

 

 

 

By:                                                                                               
Name:
Title:

 

 

The undersigned hereby consent to the within assignment: 1

 

 

[● ]

 

By:                                                                                              
Name:
Title:

 

 

 


1 Consents to be included to the extent required by Section 13(c) of the Credit Agreement.

 

Annex F-2

Exhibit 31.1

 

JMP GROUP LLC

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REQUIRED BY RULE 13A-14(A) OR RULE 15D-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION  302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002.

 

I, Joseph A. Jolson, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report for the period ended September 30, 2017 on Form 10-Q of JMP Group LLC;

 

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:  November 9, 2017

 
   

/s/ Joseph A. Jolson

 

Joseph A. Jolson

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

JMP GROUP LLC

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER REQUIRED BY RULE 13A-14(A) OR RULE 15D-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION  302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002.

 

I, Raymond S. Jackson, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report for the period ended September 30, 2017 on Form 10-Q of JMP Group LLC;

 

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:  November 9, 2017

 
   

/s/ Raymond S. Jackson

 

Raymond S. Jackson

 

Chief  Financial Officer

 

(Principal  Financial Officer)

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

JMP GROUP LLC

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE 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 periodic report of JMP Group LLC (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Joseph A. Jolson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof, solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

 

(1)

the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section  13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

 

 

(2)

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.

 

     
   

Date: November 9, 2017

 

/s/ Joseph A. Jolson

 

 

Joseph A. Jolson

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

This certification accompanies this Report on Form 10-Q pursuant to Section  906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

JMP GROUP LLC

 

CERTIFICATION OF 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 periodic report of JMP Group LLC (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), I, Raymond S. Jackson, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify as of the date hereof, solely for purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

 

(1)

the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section  13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

 

 

(2)

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated.

 

     
   

Date: November 9, 2017

 

/s/ Raymond S. Jackson

 

 

Raymond S. Jackson

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

This certification accompanies this Report on Form 10-Q pursuant to Section  906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.