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Risk Overview Q2, 2026
Risk Distribution
74% Finance & Corporate
13% Legal & Regulatory
5% Macro & Political
3% Tech & Innovation
3% Production
2% Ability to Sell
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Kayne Anderson BDC, Inc. Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q2, 2026
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 46 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 46 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
62
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
62
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
1Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Jun 2026
1Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Jun 2026
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 1
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 1
See the risk highlights of Kayne Anderson BDC, Inc. in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 62
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 46/62 (74%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights14 | 22.6%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
The Advisor's investment committee, the Advisor or its affiliates may, from time to time, possess material non-public information, limiting our investment discretion.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Our Board may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval, and we may temporarily deviate from our regular investment strategy.Our Board has the authority, except as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act, to modify or waive our investment objective and certain of our operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current investment objective, operating policies and strategies would have on our business, operating results and the price value of our common stock. Nevertheless, any such changes could adversely affect our business and impair our ability to make distributions.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
We incur significant costs as a result of being registered under the Exchange Act.We incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules implemented by the SEC.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Efforts to comply with the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will involve significant expenditures, and non-compliance will adversely affect us and the value of our shares of common stock.As a public entity, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. These requirements may place a strain on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting, which are discussed below.
We have implemented procedures, processes, policies and practices for the purpose of addressing such standards and requirements applicable to public companies. Our management will be required to report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will be required to review on an annual basis our internal control over financial reporting, and on a quarterly and annual basis to evaluate and disclose changes in our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, we expect to incur significant additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things, directors' and officers' liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, expenses associated with corporate governance requirements, transfer agent fees, additional administrative expenses payable to the Administrator to compensate them for hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses. This process will also result in a diversion of management's time and attention. We do not know when our evaluation, testing and remediation actions will be completed or its impact on our operations. In addition, we may be unable to ensure that the process is effective or that our internal control over financial reporting is or will be effective. In the event that we are unable to come into and maintain compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules, we and the value of our securities would be adversely affected.
Our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until the date we are no longer an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act. Because we do not currently have comprehensive documentation of our internal control and have not yet tested our internal control in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we cannot conclude, as required by Section 404, that we do not have a material weakness in our internal control or a combination of significant deficiencies that could result in the conclusion that we have a material weakness in our internal control. If we are not able to implement the applicable requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, our operations, financial reporting or financial results could be adversely affected. Matters impacting our internal controls may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC, and result in a breach of the covenants under the agreements governing any of our financing arrangements. There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in us and the reliability of our financial statements. Confidence in the reliability of our financial statements could also suffer if we or our independent registered public accounting firm were to report a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. This could materially adversely affect us.
Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Purchases of shares of our common stock by us under our open market repurchase program, including the Company Rule 10b5-1 Plan, may result in the price of shares of our common stock being higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market and are subject to our ability to finance such repurchases.On May 1, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an amendment to the Company 10b5-1 Plan to extend the expiration to May 24, 2026. Under the amended and restated plan (effective May 25, 2025), the Company may repurchase up to $100 million of our Common Stock, in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b-18 and Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, and will otherwise be subject to applicable law, including Regulation M, which may prohibit purchases under certain circumstances. These activities may have the effect of maintaining the market price of shares our Common Stock or retarding a decline in the market price of the shares of our Common Stock, and, as a result, the price of our shares of Common Stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market.
In addition, we may further borrow under credit facilities and/or issue senior unsecured notes in the future in order to finance repurchases of shares. We can offer no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining suitable debt investments to finance purchases under the Company 10b5-1 Plan. Whether purchases will be made under the Company 10b5-1 Plan and how much will be purchased at any time is uncertain, dependent on prevailing market prices, trading volumes and our ability to finance repurchases, all of which we cannot predict.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Because we generally do not hold controlling equity interests in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to exercise control over our portfolio companies or to prevent decisions by management of our portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments and there is no assurance that portfolio company management will be able to operate their companies in accordance with our expectations.To the extent that we do not hold controlling equity interests in portfolio companies, we will have a limited ability to protect our position in such portfolio companies. We may also co-invest with third parties through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities. Such investments may involve risks in connection with such third-party involvement, including the possibility that a third-party co-investor may have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with ours or may be in a position to take (or block) action in a manner contrary to our investment objective. In those circumstances where such third parties involve a management group, such third parties may receive compensation arrangements relating to such investments, including incentive compensation arrangements.
Furthermore, the day-to-day operations of each portfolio company in which we invest will be the responsibility of that portfolio company's management team. Although we will be responsible for monitoring the performance of each investment and generally intend to invest in portfolio companies operated by strong management, there can be no assurance that the existing management team, or any successor, will be able to operate any such portfolio company in accordance with our expectations. There can be no assurance that a portfolio company will be successful in retaining key members of its management team, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect on us. Although we generally intend to invest in companies with strong management, there can be no assurance that the existing management of such companies will continue to operate a company successfully.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
We cannot assure you that a market for our shares of common stock will continue, or that the market price of our shares of common stock will not decline. Our share of common stock price may be volatile and may fluctuate substantially.Our shares of common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "KBDC." We cannot assure you that a trading market will be sustained. In addition, we cannot predict the prices at which our shares of common stock will trade. Shares of companies offered in an initial public offering often trade at a discount to the initial offering price due to underwriting discounts and commissions and related offering expenses. Also, shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value and our shares may also be discounted in the market. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our shares of common stock will trade at, above or below net asset value. In addition, if our shares of common stock trade below its net asset value per share, we will generally not be able to sell additional shares of common stock to the public at its market price without first obtaining the approval of a majority of our stockholders (including a majority of our unaffiliated stockholders) and our independent directors for such issuance.
The market price and liquidity of the market for our shares of common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include:
- significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of BDCs or other companies in the sector in which we operate, which are not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;- changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs;- loss of RIC status;- changes in earnings or variations in operating results;- changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;- any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;- departure of key personnel from our Advisor;- operating performance of companies comparable to us;- general economic trends and other external factors; and - loss of a major funding source.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Sales of substantial amounts of our shares of common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our shares of common stock.Sales of substantial amounts of our shares of common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our shares of common stock. If this occurs, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities should we desire to do so. We cannot predict what effect, if any, future sales of securities, or the availability of securities for future sales, will have on the market price of our shares of common stock prevailing from time to time.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
Trading and liquidity in our shares may be limited and our shares may trade below our NAV.We cannot assure you that a public trading market can be sustained. Also, shares of closed-end investment companies and BDCs frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our shares of common stock will trade at, above or below NAV.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
Certain provisions of the DGCL, our certificate of incorporation, bylaws, and actions of our Board could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the value of common stock.The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the "DGCL"), contains provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of us or the removal of our directors. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that limit liability and provide for indemnification of our directors and officers. These provisions and others which we may adopt also may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management. We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, the application of which is subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. This section generally prohibits us from engaging in mergers and other business combinations with stockholders that beneficially own 15% or more of our voting stock, either individually or together with their affiliates, unless our directors or stockholders approve the business combination in the prescribed manner. Section 203 of the DGCL may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer.
We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our certificate of incorporation that classify our Board of Directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions of our certificate of incorporation authorizing our Board of Directors to classify or reclassify shares of our preferred stock in one or more classes or series, and to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock. These provisions, as well as other provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control in circumstances that could give our stockholders the opportunity to realize a premium of the NAV of our shares of common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11
Investing in our Common Stock may involve an above average degree of risk.The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk than alternative investment options and a higher risk of volatility or loss of principal. Our investments in portfolio companies involve higher levels of risk, and therefore, an investment in our shares may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance. In addition, our Common Stock is intended for long-term investors who can accept the risks of investing primarily in illiquid loans and other debt or debt-like instruments and should not be treated as a trading vehicle.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12
A stockholder's interest in us will be diluted if we issue additional shares, which could reduce the overall value of an investment in us.Our stockholders do not have preemptive rights to any shares of common stock we issue in the future. To the extent that we issue additional equity interests at or below NAV your percentage ownership interest in us may be diluted. In addition, depending upon the terms and pricing of any future and the value of our investments, you may also experience dilution in the book value and fair value of your shares of common stock.
Under the 1940 Act, we generally are prohibited from issuing or selling our shares of common stock at a price below NAV per share, which may be a disadvantage as compared with certain public companies. We may, however, sell our shares of common stock, or warrants, options, or rights to acquire our shares of common stock, at a price below the current NAV of our shares of common stock if our Board of Directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders, including a majority of those stockholders that are not affiliated with us, approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board of Directors, closely approximates the fair value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing our shares of common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our shares of common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease and you will experience dilution.
In addition, distributions declared in cash payable to stockholders that are participants in our DRIP will generally be automatically reinvested in our shares of common stock. As a result, stockholders that do not participate in our DRIP may experience dilution over time.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 13
Our stockholders may receive our shares of Common Stock as dividends, which could result in adverse tax consequences to them.In order to satisfy the annual distribution requirement applicable to RICs, we will have the ability to declare a large portion of a dividend in our shares of common stock instead of in cash. As long as a portion of such dividend is paid in cash (which portion may be as low as 20% of such dividend) and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a stockholder generally would be subject to tax on 100% of the fair market value of the dividend on the date the dividend is received by the stockholder in the same manner as a cash dividend, even though most of the dividend was paid in our shares of common stock. We currently do not intend to pay dividends in our shares of common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 14
We may in the future determine to issue preferred stock, which could adversely affect the value of shares of Common Stock.The issuance of preferred stock with dividend or conversion rights, liquidation preferences or other economic terms favorable to the holders of preferred stock could make an investment in shares of Common Stock less attractive. In addition, the dividends on any preferred stock we issue must be cumulative. Payment of dividends and repayment of the liquidation preference of preferred stock must take preference over any distributions or other payments to holders of Common Stock, and holders of preferred stock are not subject to any of our expenses or losses and are not entitled to participate in any income or appreciation in excess of their stated preference (other than convertible preferred stock that converts into shares of Common Stock). In addition, under the 1940 Act, preferred stock would constitute a "senior security" for purposes of the 150% asset coverage test. We do not currently anticipate issuing preferred stock.
Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 4.8%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income before, or without, receiving cash representing such income.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
The majority of our portfolio investments are recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our Advisor and, as a result, there may be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.The majority of our portfolio investments take the form of securities for which no market quotations are readily available. The fair value of securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable, and we value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith by our Advisor, including to reflect significant events affecting the value of our securities. As discussed in more detail under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Contractual Obligations – Investment Valuation," most, if not all, of our investments (other than cash and cash equivalents) are classified as Level 3 under ASC Topic 820. This means that our portfolio valuations are based on unobservable inputs and our own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability in question. Inputs into the determination of fair value of our portfolio investments require significant management judgment or estimation. Even if observable market data are available, such information may be the result of consensus pricing information or broker quotes, which may include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimers materially reduces the reliability of such information.
Our Level 3 investments will typically consist of instruments for which a liquid trading market does not exist. The fair value of these instruments may not be readily determinable. We will value these instruments in accordance with valuation procedures adopted by our Advisor. We intend to use the services of an independent valuation firm to review the fair value of certain instruments prepared by our Advisor. At least once annually, the valuation for each portfolio investment for which a market quote is not readily available will be reviewed by an independent valuation firm. The types of factors that the Advisor may consider in fair value pricing of our investments include, where relevant: the nature and realizable value of any collateral; the company's ability to make interest payments, amortization payments (if any) and other fixed charges; the company's historical and projected financial results; the markets in which the company does business; the estimated enterprise value of the company based on comparisons to publicly-traded securities, on discounted cash flows and other valuation methodologies; changes in the interest rate environments and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments may be made; and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of non-traded instruments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. The determination of fair value by our Advisor may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a liquid trading market for these instruments existed. Our NAV could be adversely affected if the determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such investments.
We adjust quarterly (or as otherwise may be required by the 1940 Act in connection with the issuance of our shares) the valuation of our portfolio to reflect our Advisor's determination of the fair value of each investment in our portfolio. Any changes in fair value are recorded in our consolidated statement of operations as net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
We have a limited operating history and may not replicate the historical results achieved by other entities managed by members of the Advisor's investment committee, the Advisor or its affiliates.We commenced operations in February 2021 with private investors as shareholders, and then we completed our IPO in 2024. We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objective, that we will not qualify or maintain our qualification to be treated as a RIC, and that the value of your investment could decline substantially.
The 1940 Act and the Code impose numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs and RICs that do not apply to certain other investment vehicles managed by our Advisor and its affiliates. BDCs are required, for example, to invest at least 70% of their total assets be "qualifying assets". Qualifying assets generally include securities of "eligible portfolio companies," cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt instruments maturing in one year or less from the time of investment. Under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, "eligible portfolio companies" include (1) private domestic operating companies, (2) public domestic operating companies whose securities are not listed on a national securities exchange (e.g., the New York Stock Exchange) or registered under the Exchange Act, and (3) public domestic operating companies having a market capitalization of less than $250 million. The Fund may also invest up to 30% of its portfolio in non-qualifying assets. Moreover, qualification for taxation as a RIC requires satisfaction of source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. We may offer, and provide upon request, significant managerial assistance to eligible portfolio companies. Offering and providing upon request significant managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby we, through our trustees, officers or employees, offer to provide and, if accepted, do so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of an issuer through monitoring of issuer operations, selective participation in board and management meetings, consulting with and advising an issuer's or other organizational or financial guidance. Our Advisor has a limited operating history under these conditions, which may hinder our ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and to achieve our investment objective.
Furthermore, our investments may differ from those of existing accounts that are or have been managed by members of the Advisor's investment committee, the Advisor or affiliates of the Advisor. We cannot assure you that we will replicate the historical results achieved for other KAPC funds managed by members of the Advisor's investment committee, and we caution you that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by them in prior periods. Additionally, all or a portion of the prior results may have been achieved in particular market conditions, which may never be repeated. Moreover, current or future market volatility and regulatory uncertainty may have an adverse impact on our future performance.
Debt & Financing24 | 38.7%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
The Advisor may frequently be required to make investment analyses and decisions on an expedited basis in order to take advantage of investment opportunities, and our Advisor may not have knowledge of all circumstances that could impact an investment by the Company.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could affect our investment returns, including conflicts related to obligations the Advisor's investment committee, the Advisor or its affiliates have to other clients and conflicts related to fees and expenses of such other clients, the valuation process for certain portfolio holdings of ours, other arrangements with the Advisor or its affiliates, and the Advisor's recommendations given to us may differ from those rendered to their other clients.As a result of our arrangements with the Advisor and its affiliates and the Advisor's investment committee, there may be times when the Advisor or such persons have interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict of interest.
In particular, the following conflicts of interest may arise, among others:
- the members of the Advisor's investment committee serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do or of accounts sponsored or managed by the Advisor or its affiliates;- the Advisor, its affiliates and its personnel may have obligations to other clients or investors in entities they manage, the fulfilment of which may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders;- our investment objective may overlap with the investment objectives of such affiliated accounts;- certain of the Advisor's other accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees, greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, or permit affiliates of the Advisor to receive origination and other transaction fees;- members of Kayne Anderson and its affiliates may serve on the boards of directors of and advise companies that may compete with our portfolio investments. Moreover, other funds, separate accounts and other vehicles managed by Kayne Anderson and its affiliates may pursue investment opportunities that may also be suitable for us; and - the participation of the Advisor's investment professionals in our valuation process could result in a conflict of interest as the Advisor's base management fee is based, in part, on our fair market value of investments including assets purchased with borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes, excluding cash, U.S. government securities and commercial paper instruments maturing within one year of purchase, and our incentive fees will be based, in part, on unrealized gains and losses.
Additionally, the incentive fee payable by us to the Advisor may create an incentive for the Advisor to cause us to realize capital gains or losses that may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. Under the incentive fee structure, the Advisor benefits when we recognize capital gains and, because the Advisor determines when an investment is sold, the Advisor controls the timing of the recognition of such capital gains. Our Board is charged with protecting our stockholders' interests by monitoring how the Advisor addresses these and other conflicts of interest associated with its management services and compensation.
The part of the incentive fees payable to Advisor that relates to our net investment income is computed and paid on income that may include interest income that has been accrued but not yet received in cash, such as market discount, debt instruments with paid-in-kind ("PIK") interest, preferred stock with PIK dividends, zero coupon securities, and other deferred interest instruments and may create an incentive for the Advisor to make investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangements. This fee structure may be considered to give rise to a conflict of interest for the Advisor to the extent that it may encourage the Advisor to favor debt financings that provide for deferred interest, rather than current cash payments of interest. Under these investments, we will accrue the interest over the life of the investment, but we will not receive the cash income from the investment until the end of the term. Our net investment income used to calculate the income portion of our investment fee, however, includes accrued interest. The Advisor may have an incentive to invest in deferred interest securities in circumstances where it would not have done so but for the opportunity to continue to earn the fees even when the issuers of the deferred interest securities would not be able to make actual cash payments to us on such securities. This risk could be increased because the Advisor is not obligated to reimburse us for any fees received even if we subsequently incur losses or never receive in cash the deferred income that was previously accrued.
The Advisor seeks to allocate investment opportunities among eligible accounts in a manner that is fair and equitable over time and consistent with its allocation policy. However, we can offer no assurance that such opportunities will be allocated to us fairly or equitably in the short term, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable to us.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Further downgrades of the U.S. credit rating, impending automatic spending cuts or government shutdowns could negatively impact our liquidity, financial condition and earnings.U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns or a recession in the United States. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling on multiple occasions, including, most recently, in July 2025, ratings agencies have lowered or threatened to lower the long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States.
The impact of the increased debt ceiling and/or downgrades to the U.S. government's sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness as well as potential government shutdowns and uncertainty surrounding transfers of power could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. Absent further quantitative easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve, these developments could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. In addition, disagreement over the federal budget has caused the U.S. federal government to shut down for periods of time. Continued adverse political and economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
We use leverage pursuant to borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes to finance our investments and changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income.We use leverage pursuant to borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes and intend to further borrow under credit facilities and/or issue senior unsecured notes in the future in order to finance our investments. As a result, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow under credit facilities and senior unsecured notes and the rate at which we invest these funds. In addition, we anticipate that many of our debt investments and borrowings under credit facilities will have floating interest rates that reset on a periodic basis, and many of our investments will be subject to interest rate floors. As a result, a significant change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. See "Risks Relating to Our Investments-We are subject to risks associated with the current interest rate environment, and rising interest rates could affect the value of our investments and make it more difficult for portfolio companies to make periodic payments on their loans."
In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds will increase because we expect that the interest rates on the majority of amounts we borrow will be floating, which could reduce our net investment income to the extent any of our debt investments have fixed interest rates. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and applicable commodities laws. These activities may limit our ability to benefit from lower interest rates with respect to hedged borrowings. Adverse developments resulting from changes in interest rates or hedging transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Risks Relating to Our Investments-We are subject to risks under hedging transactions and our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited."
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
We generally may make investments that could give rise to a conflict of interest and our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates will be restricted.We, along with our Advisor and certain of its affiliates, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us to invest alongside certain entities and accounts advised by the Advisor and its affiliates subject to certain conditions.
Pursuant to such exemptive relief, and subject to certain conditions, we are permitted to co-invest in the same security with our affiliates in a manner that is consistent with our investment objective, investment strategy, regulatory consideration and other relevant factors. If opportunities arise that would otherwise be appropriate for us and an affiliate to purchase different securities in the same issuer, our Advisor will need to decide which account will proceed with such investment. Our Advisor's investment allocation policy incorporates the conditions of exemptive relief to seek to ensure that investment opportunities are allocated in a manner that is fair and equitable. However, although the Advisor endeavors to fairly allocate investment opportunities in the long run, we can offer no assurance that investment opportunities will be allocated to us fairly or equitably in the short term.
We do not expect to invest in, or hold securities of, companies that are controlled by our affiliates' other clients. If our affiliates' other client or clients gain control over one of our portfolio companies, this may create conflicts of interest and subject us to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act. As a result of these conflicts and restrictions our Advisor may be unable to implement our investment strategies as effectively as it could have in the absence of such conflicts or restrictions. For example, as a result of a conflict or restriction, our Advisor may be unable to engage in certain transactions that it would otherwise pursue. In order to avoid these conflicts and restrictions, our Advisor may choose to exit these investments prematurely and, as a result, we may forgo positive returns associated with such investments. In addition, to the extent that another client holds a different class of securities than us as a result of such transactions, our interests may not be aligned. Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates may be restricted.
In situations where co-investment with affiliates' other clients is not permitted under the 1940 Act and related rules, existing or future staff guidance, or the terms and conditions of exemptive relief that have been granted to our Advisor and its affiliates by the SEC, our Advisor will need to decide which client or clients will proceed with the investment. Generally, we will not have an entitlement to make a co-investment in these circumstances and, to the extent that another client elects to proceed with the investment, we will not be permitted to participate. Moreover, except in certain circumstances, we will be unable to invest in any issuer in which an affiliate's other client holds a controlling interest. These restrictions may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.
We will be prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with certain affiliates of ours without the prior approval of a majority of our independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities will be our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act, and we will generally be prohibited from buying or selling any securities from or to such affiliate on a principal basis, absent the prior approval of our Board and, in some cases, the SEC. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain "joint" transactions with certain affiliates of ours, which in certain circumstances could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times to the extent the transaction involves a joint investment), without prior approval of our Board and, in some cases, the SEC. If a person acquires more than 25% of our voting securities, we will be prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such person or certain of that person's affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint transactions with such persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact business with our officers or directors or their affiliates.
The SEC has interpreted the BDC regulations governing transactions with affiliates to prohibit certain "joint transactions" involving entities that share a common investment advisor. As a result of these restrictions, we may be prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to any portfolio company that is controlled by a fund managed by the Advisor or their respective affiliates except under certain circumstances or without the prior approval of the SEC, which may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
We finance our investments with borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes, which will magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested. The use of leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique and increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on the Advisor's and our Board's assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us. For example, due to the interplay of the 1940 Act restrictions on principal and joint transactions and the U.S. risk retention rules adopted pursuant to Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank"), as a BDC we are currently unable to enter into any securitization transactions. We cannot assure you that the SEC or any other regulatory authority will modify such regulations or provide administrative guidance that would permit us to enter into securitizations, whether on a timely basis or at all. We may issue senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Lenders of these senior securities will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, and we would expect such lenders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default. We may pledge up to 100% of our assets and may grant a security interest in all of our assets under the terms of any debt instruments we may enter into with lenders. In addition, under the terms of our credit facilities or future credit facilities we enter into, we are likely to be required by its terms to use the net proceeds of any investments that we sell to repay a portion of the amount borrowed under such facility or instrument before applying such net proceeds to any other uses. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause our NAV to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged, thereby magnifying losses or eliminating our equity stake in a leveraged investment. Similarly, any decrease in our net investment income will cause our net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline would also negatively affect our ability to make distributions on our common stock or any outstanding preferred stock. Our ability to service our debt depends largely on our financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. Our common stockholders bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of our use of leverage, including interest expenses and any increase in the base management fee payable to the Advisor.
As a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which include our borrowings under our credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes and any preferred stock that we may issue in the future (although we do not anticipate issuing preferred stock in the next 12 months). The current asset coverage ratio applicable to the Company is 150%. If this ratio were to decline below the then applicable minimum asset coverage ratio, we would be unable to incur additional debt and could be required to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when it is disadvantageous to do so. This could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we may not be able to make distributions in amounts sufficient to maintain our status as a RIC, or at all.
Debt & Financing - Risk 7
Provisions in our credit facilities and our senior unsecured notes contain various covenants, which, if not complied with, could accelerate our repayment obligations under such facilities, thereby materially and adversely affecting our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions.Our Credit Facilities (as defined herein) are backed by all or a portion of our loans and securities on which the lenders have a security interest. We may pledge up to 100% of our assets and may grant a security interest in all of our assets under the terms of any debt instrument we enter into with the lenders pursuant to our Credit Facilities. We expect that any security interests we grant will be set forth in a pledge and security agreement or other collateral arrangement and evidenced by the filing of financing statements by the agent for the lenders. In addition, we expect that the custodian for our securities serving as collateral for such loan would include in its electronic systems notices indicating the existence of such security interests and, following notice of occurrence of an event of default, if any, and during its continuance, will only accept transfer instructions with respect to any such securities from the lender or its designee. If we default under the terms of our Credit Facilities, the agent for the applicable lenders would be able to assume control of the timing of disposition of any or all of our assets securing such debt, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, any security interests and/or negative covenants contained in our Credit Facilities limit our ability to create liens on assets to secure additional debt and make it difficult for us to restructure or refinance indebtedness at or prior to maturity. If our borrowing base under a credit facility decreases, we may be required to secure additional assets in an amount sufficient to cure any borrowing base deficiency. In the event that all of our assets are secured at the time of such a borrowing base deficiency, we could be required to repay indebtedness under our Credit Facilities or make deposits to a collection account, either of which could have a material adverse impact on our ability to fund future investments and to make distributions. We have made customary representations and warranties and are required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements (including requirements relating to portfolio performance, required minimum portfolio yield and limitations on delinquencies and charge-offs) and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities.
Our 8.65% Series A Notes due June 2027 (the "Series A Notes") and 8.74% Series B Notes due June 2028 (the "Series B Notes") were issued under a note purchase agreement, dated June 29, 2023. In addition, our floating rate Series C Notes due June 2028 (the "Series C Notes"), 5.80% Series D Notes due June 2028 (the "Series D Notes") and 6.15% Series E Notes due October 2030 (the "Series E Notes") were issued under a note purchase agreement, dated September 9, 2025. Collectively, all of these "Notes" were used under two separate note purchase agreements (each a "Note Purchase Agreement" or, collectively, the "Note Purchase Agreements"). The Note Purchase Agreements contain certain representations and warranties, and various covenants and reporting requirements customary for agreements of this type, including, without limitation, information reporting, maintenance of our status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and certain restrictions with respect to transactions with affiliates, fundamental changes, changes of line of business and permitted liens. In addition, the Note Purchase Agreements contain the following financial covenants, which are measured as of each fiscal quarter-end: (a) maintaining a minimum shareholders' equity and (b) maintaining a minimum asset coverage ratio.
Our continued compliance with the covenants contained under the Credit Facilities and the Note Purchase Agreements depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control, and there can be no assurances that we will continue to comply with such covenants. Our failure to satisfy the respective covenants could result in foreclosure by the lenders under the applicable credit facility or governing instrument or acceleration by the applicable lenders or noteholders, which would accelerate our repayment obligations under the relevant agreement and thereby have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions to our stockholders. Because the Credit Facilities and the Note Purchase Agreements have, and any future credit facilities and documents governing the issuance of senior unsecured notes will likely have, customary cross-default provisions, if the indebtedness under the Credit Facilities or represented by the Series A Notes through Series E Notes or under any future credit facility or senior unsecured note, is accelerated, we may be unable to repay or finance the amounts due.
Debt & Financing - Risk 8
Adverse developments in the credit markets may impair our ability to enter into new credit facilities or our ability to issue senior unsecured notes.Following the passage of Dodd-Frank, many commercial banks and other financial institutions stopped lending or significantly curtailed their lending activity. In addition, in an effort to stem losses and reduce their exposure to segments of the economy deemed to be high risk, some financial institutions limited routine refinancing and loan modification transactions and even reviewed the terms of existing facilities to identify bases for accelerating the maturity of existing lending facilities. To the extent these circumstances arise again in the future, it may be difficult for us to finance the growth of our investments on acceptable economic terms, or at all, and one or more of our credit facilities could be accelerated by the lenders.
Turmoil such as that experienced by the U.S. and global financial markets as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and such as that which markets endured during the global financial crisis of 2008, illustrates the risk that the financial markets can experience uncertainty, volatility and instability, potentially for protracted periods of time. Lending and the global credit markets have experienced substantial volatility, disruption, liquidity shortages and to some extent financial instability. Global financial markets have experienced considerable and prolonged declines in the valuations of equity and debt securities and periodic acute contraction in the availability of credit. There can be no assurances that conditions in the global financial markets will not worsen and/or adversely affect one or more of our investments (including with respect to performing under or refinancing their existing obligations), our access to capital or leverage, our ability to effectively deploy our capital or realize investments on favorable terms or our overall performance.
The success of the our activities will be affected by the continued economic volatility as well as general economic and market conditions, such as interest rates, availability of credit, credit defaults, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, changes in applicable laws and regulations (including laws relating to taxation of the our investments), trade barriers, consumer spending patterns, currency exchange controls, continued technology disruption, tax reform or other significant policy changes as well as national and international political, environmental and socioeconomic circumstances (including wars, terrorist acts, security operations or public health considerations). In particular, conditions in the credit markets may have a significant impact on our business.
Debt & Financing - Risk 9
If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could fail to qualify as a BDC or be precluded from investing according to our current business strategy and such failure would decrease our operating flexibility.As a BDC, we may not acquire any assets other than "qualifying assets" unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets.
In the future, we believe that most of our investments will constitute qualifying assets. However, we may be precluded from investing in what we believe are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 1940 Act. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could violate the 1940 Act provisions applicable to BDCs. As a result of such violation, specific rules under the 1940 Act would significantly decrease our operating flexibility and could prevent us, for example, from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies (which could result in the dilution of our position) or could require us to dispose of investments at inappropriate times in order to come into compliance with the 1940 Act. If we need to dispose of such investments quickly, it could be difficult to dispose of such investments on favorable terms. We may not be able to find a buyer for such investments and, even if we do find a buyer, we may have to sell the investments at a substantial loss. Any such outcomes would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Debt & Financing - Risk 10
We are subject to risks associated with our investments in unitranche secured loans and securities, including the potential loss of all or part of such investments.We invest in unitranche secured loans, which are a combination of senior secured and junior secured debt in the same facility. Unitranche secured loans provide all of the debt needed to finance a leveraged buyout or other corporate transaction, both senior and junior, but generally in a first-lien position, while the borrower generally pays a blended, uniform interest rate rather than different rates for different tranches. Unitranche secured debt generally requires payments of both principal and interest throughout the life of the loan. Generally, we expect these securities to carry a blended yield that is between senior secured and junior debt interest rates. Unitranche secured loans provide a number of advantages for borrowers, including the following: simplified documentation, greater certainty of execution and reduced decision-making complexity throughout the life of the loan. In some cases, a portion of the total interest may accrue or be paid in kind. Because unitranche secured loans combine characteristics of senior and junior financing, unitranche secured loans have risks similar to the risks associated with senior secured and second-lien loans and junior debt in varying degrees according to the combination of loan characteristics of the unitranche secured loan.
Debt & Financing - Risk 11
Our investments in securities that are rated below investment grade (i.e. "junk bonds") may be risky and we could lose all or part of our investments.We invest in securities that are rated below investment grade by rating agencies or that would be rated below investment grade if they were rated. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as "junk," have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. They may also be difficult to value and illiquid. The major risks of below investment grade securities include:
Below investment grade securities may be issued by less creditworthy issuers. Issuers of below investment grade securities may have a larger amount of outstanding debt relative to their assets than issuers of investment grade securities. In the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, claims of other creditors may have priority over the claims of holders of below investment grade securities, leaving few or no assets available to repay holders of below investment grade securities.
Prices of below investment grade securities are subject to extreme price fluctuations. Adverse changes in an issuer's industry and general economic conditions may have a greater impact on the prices of below investment grade securities than on other higher-rated fixed-income securities.
Issuers of below investment grade securities may be unable to meet their interest or principal payment obligations because of an economic downturn, specific issuer developments, or the unavailability of additional financing.
Below investment grade securities frequently have redemption features that permit an issuer to repurchase the security from us before it matures. If the issuer redeems below investment grade securities, we may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields and may lose income.
Below investment grade securities may be less liquid than higher-rated fixed-income securities, even under normal economic conditions. There are fewer dealers in the below investment grade securities market, and there may be significant differences in the prices quoted by the dealers. Judgment may play a greater role in valuing these securities and we may be unable to sell these securities at an advantageous time or price.
We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting issuer.
Debt & Financing - Risk 12
Defaults by our portfolio companies, including defaults relating to collateral, will harm our operating results.A portfolio company's failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and foreclosure on its assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize such company's ability to meet its obligations under the debt securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. In addition, lenders in certain cases can be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by them when they become too involved in the borrower's business or exercise control over a borrower. It is possible that we could become subject to a lender's liability claim, including as a result of actions taken if we render managerial assistance to the borrower. Moreover, some of the loans in which we may invest may be "covenant-lite" loans. We use the term "covenant-lite" loans to refer generally to loans that do not have a complete set of financial maintenance covenants. Generally, "covenant-lite" loans provide borrower companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower's financial condition. Accordingly, to the extent we invest in "covenant-lite" loans, we may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants.
Certain debt investments that we make in portfolio companies will be secured on a second priority basis by the same collateral securing senior debt of such companies. The first priority liens on the collateral will secure the portfolio company's obligations under any outstanding senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under the agreements governing the debt. The holders of obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral will generally control the liquidation of and be entitled to receive proceeds from any realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from the sale or sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the debt obligations secured by the second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral. If such proceeds are not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the debt obligations secured by the second priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against the portfolio company's remaining assets, if any.
We may also make unsecured debt investments in portfolio companies in the form of borrowings under credit facilities or issuances of senior unsecured notes, meaning that such investments will not benefit from any interest in collateral of such companies. Liens on such portfolio companies' collateral, if any, will secure the portfolio company's obligations under its outstanding secured debt and may secure certain future debt that is permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under its secured debt agreements. The holders of obligations secured by such liens will generally control the liquidation of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of such collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of such collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of such collateral would be sufficient to satisfy our unsecured debt obligations after payment in full of all secured debt obligations. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay the outstanding secured debt obligations, then our unsecured claims would rank equally with the unpaid portion of such secured creditors' claims against the portfolio company's remaining assets, if any.
The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing any junior priority loans we make in our portfolio companies may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an intercreditor agreement, at any time that senior obligations are outstanding, we may forfeit certain rights with respect to the collateral to the holders of these senior obligations. These rights may include the right to commence enforcement proceedings against the collateral, the right to control the conduct of such enforcement proceedings, the right to approve amendments to collateral documents, the right to release liens on the collateral and the right to waive past defaults under collateral documents. We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if as a result our rights as junior lenders are adversely affected.
Debt & Financing - Risk 13
The lack of liquidity and price decline in our investments may adversely affect our business, including by reducing our NAV through increased net unrealized depreciation.We may invest in companies that are experiencing financial difficulties, which difficulties may never be overcome. Our investments will be illiquid in most cases, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to realize on such investments in a timely manner. A substantial portion of our investments in leveraged companies are and will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than more broadly traded public securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises.
As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by our Advisor. As part of the valuation process, we may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of our investments:
- the enterprise value of the portfolio company;- the nature and realizable value of any collateral;- the company's ability to make interest payments, amortization payments (if any) and other fixed charges;- call features, put features and other relevant terms of the debt security;- the company's historical and projected financial results;- the markets in which the portfolio company does business; and - changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments may be made in the future and other relevant factors.
In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have previously recorded our investments. We may also face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we, the Advisor or any of its affiliates have material nonpublic information regarding such portfolio company.
In addition, we generally expect to invest in securities, instruments and assets that are not, and are not expected to become, publicly traded. We will generally not be able to sell securities publicly unless the sale is registered under applicable securities laws, or unless an exemption from such registration requirements is available.
In certain cases, we may also be prohibited by contract from selling an investment for a period of time or otherwise be restricted from disposing of the investment. Furthermore, certain types of investments expected to be made may require a substantial length of time to realize a return or fully liquidate.
When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. We record decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments as unrealized depreciation. Declines in prices and liquidity in the corporate debt markets may result in significant net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio may reduce our NAV by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio. Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer additional unrealized losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Further, in connection with the disposition of an investment in a portfolio company, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company, or we may be responsible for the contents of disclosure documents under applicable securities laws. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment or underwriters to the extent that any such representations or disclosure documents turn out to be incorrect, inaccurate or misleading. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities, for which we may establish reserves or escrows. However, we can offer no assurance that we will adequately reserve for our contingent liabilities and that such liabilities will not have an adverse effect on us. Such contingent liabilities might ultimately have to be funded by proceeds, including the return of capital, from our other investments.
Debt & Financing - Risk 14
Our portfolio companies may prepay loans, which may reduce our yields if capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields.The loans in our investment portfolio may be prepaid at any time, generally with little advance notice. Whether a loan is prepaid will depend both on the continued positive performance of the portfolio company and the existence of favorable financing market conditions that allow such company the ability to replace existing financing with less expensive capital. Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic and other factors beyond our control. Therefore, the frequency at which prepayments (including voluntary prepayments by borrowers and liquidations due to defaults and insolvency) occur in respect of our investments can adversely impact us and prepayment rates cannot be predicted with certainty, making it impossible to insulate us from prepayment or other such risks. As market conditions change, we do not know when, and if, prepayment may be possible for each portfolio company. Early prepayments give rise to increased reinvestment risk, including, for example, that when the prevailing level of interest rates falls, we could be unable to reinvest cash in a new investment with an expected rate of return at least equal to that of the investment prepaid. In some cases, the prepayment of a loan may reduce our achievable yield if the capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 15
Our portfolio companies may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity.We have a maturity policy between three to six years for our debt investments. The portfolio companies in which we invest may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity. This risk and the risk of default are increased to the extent that the loan documents do not require the portfolio companies to pay down the outstanding principal of such debt prior to maturity. As a result, once our investments mature, we will need to seek new investments for such capital.
Any failure of one or more portfolio companies to repay or refinance its debt at or prior to maturity or the inability of one or more portfolio companies to make ongoing payments following an increase in contractual interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Debt & Financing - Risk 16
We are subject to risks under hedging transactions and our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited.Although we do not engage in hedging transactions as a principal investment strategy, we may engage in hedging transactions in the form of interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors, intended to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations to the limited extent such transactions are permitted under the 1940 Act and applicable commodities laws. Engaging in hedging transactions would entail additional risks to our stockholders.
In addition, we are subject to legislation that may limit our ability to enter into such transactions. For example, in August 2022, Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, regarding the ability of a BDC (or a registered investment company) to use derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions), became effective. Under the rule, BDCs that make significant use of derivatives are required to operate subject to a value-at-risk leverage limit, adopt a derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager, and comply with various testing and board reporting requirements. These requirements apply unless the BDC qualifies as a "limited derivatives user," as defined under the adopted rules. Under the rule, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has, among other things, a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. We intend to operate under the limited derivatives user exemption of Rule 18f-4 and have adopted written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage our derivatives risk pursuant to Rule 18f-4. Collectively, these requirements may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts. We qualify as a "limited derivatives user," and as a result the requirements applicable to us under Rule 18f-4 may limit our ability to use derivatives and enter into certain other financial contracts. However, if we fail to qualify as a limited derivatives user and become subject to the additional requirements under Rule 18f-4, compliance with such requirements may increase cost of doing business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Future legislation or rules may modify how we treat derivatives and other financial arrangements for purposes of our compliance with the leverage limitations of the 1940 Act and, therefore, may increase or decrease the amount of leverage currently available to us under the 1940 Act, which may be materially adverse to us and our stockholders.
In each such case, we generally would seek to hedge against fluctuations of the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions would not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of the positions declined. However, such hedging could establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions could also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions increased. Moreover, it might not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that was so generally anticipated that we would not be able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Use of a hedging transaction could involve counterparty credit risk.
The success of any hedging transactions we may enter into will depend on our ability to correctly predict movements in interest rates. Therefore, while we may enter into hedging transactions to seek to reduce interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in interest rates could result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged could vary. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we might not seek to (or be able to) establish a perfect correlation between the hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation could prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. Our ability to engage in hedging transactions may also be adversely affected by rules adopted by the CFTC.
Debt & Financing - Risk 17
We may not realize gains from our equity investments.When we invest in loans, we may acquire warrants or other equity securities of portfolio companies as well. We may also invest in equity securities directly. To the extent we hold equity investments, we will seek to dispose of them and realize gains upon our disposition of them. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and may decline in value. As a result, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.
To the extent that we borrow under credit facilities and issue senior unsecured notes, the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested in us will be magnified and may increase the risk of investing in us. Borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes may also adversely affect the return on our assets, reduce cash available to service our debt or for distribution to our stockholders, and result in losses.
The use of leverage in the form of borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes increases the volatility of investments by magnifying the potential for gain or loss on invested equity capital. Since we use leverage in the form of borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes to partially finance our investments, you will experience increased risks of investing in our securities. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging will cause NAV to decline more sharply than it otherwise would if we had not borrowed under the credit facilities and issued senior unsecured notes. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have if we had not borrowed under the credit facilities and issued senior unsecured notes. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to service our debt or make distributions to our stockholders. In addition, our stockholders will bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of our use of leverage, including interest expenses and any increase in the management or incentive fees payable to our Advisor.
The amount of borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes depends on our Advisor's and our Board's assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes. We can offer no assurance that leveraged financing will be available to us on favorable terms or at all. However, to the extent that we use leverage to finance our assets, our financing costs will reduce cash available for servicing our debt or distributions to stockholders. Moreover, we may not be able to meet our financing obligations and, to the extent that we cannot, we risk the loss of some or all of our assets to liquidation or sale to satisfy the obligations. In such an event, we may be forced to sell assets at significantly depressed prices due to market conditions or otherwise, which may result in losses.
Debt & Financing - Risk 18
We are subject to risks associated with our investment and trading of liquid credit (i.e., broadly syndicated loans).From time to time, we may invest in liquid credit (i.e., broadly syndicated loans) that may be traded in public or institutional financial markets for which there is a more active market than some of our other investments. These investments may expose us to various risks, including with respect to liquidity, price volatility, interest rate risk, ability to restructure in the event of distress, credit risks and less protective issuing documentation, than is the case with the loans to middle market companies that comprise nearly all of our debt investments. Certain of these instruments may be fixed rate assets, thereby exposing us to interest rate risk in the valuation of such investments. Additionally, the financial markets in which these assets may be traded are subject to significant volatility (including due to macroeconomic conditions), which may impact the value of such investments and our ability to sell such instruments without incurring losses. The foregoing may result in volatility in the valuation of our liquid credit investments, which would, in turn, impact our NAV. Similarly, a sudden and significant increase in market interest rates may increase the risk of payment defaults and cause a decline in the value of these investments and in our NAV. We may sell our liquid credit investments from time to time in order to generate proceeds for use in our investment program, and we may suffer losses in connection with any such sales, due to the foregoing factors. We may not realize gains from our liquid credit investments and any gains that we realize may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience.
Debt & Financing - Risk 19
Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies and such portfolio companies may not generate sufficient cash flow to service their debt obligations to us.We may invest a portion of our capital in second lien and subordinated loans issued by our portfolio companies. Our portfolio companies may have, or be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, the debt securities in which we invest. Such subordinated investments are subject to greater risk of default than senior obligations as a result of adverse changes in the financial condition of the obligor or in general economic conditions. If we make a subordinated investment in a portfolio company, the portfolio company may be highly leveraged, and its relatively high debt-to-equity ratio may create increased risks that its operations might not generate sufficient cash flow to service all of its debt obligations. By their terms, such debt instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of the securities in which we invest. These debt instruments would usually prohibit the portfolio companies from paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event of and during the continuance of a default under such debt. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of securities ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. After repaying senior creditors, the portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us where we are junior creditor. In the case of debt ranking equally with debt securities in which we invest, we would have to share any distributions on an equal and ratable basis with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.
Additionally, certain loans that we make to portfolio companies may be secured on a second priority basis by the same collateral securing senior secured debt of such companies. The first priority liens on the collateral will secure the portfolio company's obligations under any outstanding senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under the agreements governing the loans. The holders of obligations secured by first priority liens on the collateral will generally control the liquidation of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the loan obligations secured by the second priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against the portfolio company's remaining assets, if any.
We may make unsecured loans to portfolio companies, meaning that such loans will not benefit from any interest in collateral of such companies. Liens on a portfolio company's collateral, if any, will secure the portfolio company's obligations under its outstanding secured debt and may secure certain future debt that is permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under its secured loan agreements. The holders of obligations secured by such liens will generally control the liquidation of, and be entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of such collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of such collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of such collateral would be sufficient to satisfy our unsecured loan obligations after payment in full of all loans secured by collateral. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay the outstanding secured loan obligations, then our unsecured claims would rank equally with the unpaid portion of such secured creditors' claims against the portfolio company's remaining assets, if any.
The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing any junior priority loans we make to our portfolio companies may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under a typical intercreditor agreement, at any time that obligations that have the benefit of the first priority liens are outstanding, any of the following actions that may be taken in respect of the collateral will be at the direction of the holders of the obligations secured by the first priority liens:
- the ability to cause the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral;- the ability to control the conduct of such proceedings;- the approval of amendments to collateral documents;- releases of liens on the collateral; and - waivers of past defaults under collateral documents.
We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if our rights as junior lenders are adversely affected.
Debt & Financing - Risk 20
The disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.A significant portion of our investments will involve private securities. In connection with the disposition of an investment in private securities, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations turn out to be inaccurate or with respect to potential liabilities. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities that ultimately result in funding obligations that we must satisfy through our return of distributions previously made to us.
Debt & Financing - Risk 21
Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or if there is a downturn in a particular industry.Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries. As a result, the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly and adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment. Additionally, while we are not targeting any specific industries, our investments may be concentrated in relatively few industries. For example, although we may classify the industries of our portfolio companies by end-market (such as health market or business services) and not by the products or services (such as software) directed to those end-markets, some of our portfolio companies may principally provide software products or services, which exposes us to downturns in that sector. As a result, a downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could also significantly impact the aggregate returns we realize.
Debt & Financing - Risk 22
We are subject to risks associated with the current interest rate environment, and rising interest rates could affect the value of our investments and make it more difficult for portfolio companies to make periodic payments on their loans.Interest rate risk refers to the risk of market changes in interest rates. Interest rate changes affect the value of debt. In general, rising interest rates will negatively impact the price of fixed rate debt, and falling interest rates will have a positive effect on price. Adjustable-rate debt also reacts to interest rate changes in a similar manner, although generally to a lesser degree. Interest rate sensitivity is generally larger and less predictable in debt with uncertain payment or prepayment schedules. Further, rising interest rates make it more difficult for borrowers to repay debt, which could increase the risk of payment defaults. Any failure of one or more portfolio companies to repay or refinance its debt at or prior to maturity or the inability of one or more portfolio companies to make ongoing payments following an increase in contractual interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
During any period of higher-than-normal levels of inflation, such as the current inflationary environment, interest rates typically increase. Higher interest rates will increase the cost of our borrowings and may reduce returns to stockholders (including resulting in lower dividend payments by us). Further, in response to rising risk-free interest rates, market participants could require higher rates of interest on the types of loans and credit investments that we own, which would decrease the value of those investments.
In an effort to control inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (the "Fed") has sharply raised interest rates in recent years. Other central banks globally have implemented similar rate increases. A wide variety of factors can cause interest rates to rise (e.g., central bank monetary policies, inflation rates, or general economic conditions). Although recently both the Fed and other central banks globally have begun lowering rates, there is no certainty that further reductions will occur. There is no assurance that the actions being taken by the Fed will improve the outlook for long-term inflation or whether they might result in a recession. A recession could lead to declined employment, global demand destruction and/or business failures, which may result in a decline in the value of our portfolio. In addition, increased interest rates could increase our cost of borrowing and reduce the return on leverage to common stockholders.
Debt & Financing - Risk 23
Our business is dependent on bank relationships and recent strain on the banking system may adversely impact us.The financial markets recently have encountered volatility associated with concerns about the balance sheets of banks, especially small and regional banks, which may have significant losses associated with investments that make it difficult to fund demands to withdraw deposits and other liquidity needs. Although the federal government has announced measures to assist these banks and protect depositors, some banks have already been impacted and others may be materially and adversely impacted. Our business is dependent on bank relationships and we are proactively monitoring the financial health of such bank relationships. Continued strain on the banking system may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. To the extent that our portfolio companies work with banks that are negatively impacted by the foregoing, such portfolio companies' ability to access their own cash, cash equivalents and investments may be threatened. In addition, such affected portfolio companies may not be able to enter into new banking arrangements or credit facilities or receive the benefits of their existing banking arrangements or facilities. Any such developments could harm our business, financial condition, and operating results, and prevent us from fully implementing our investment plan. Continued strain on the banking system may adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 24
Limitations of investment due diligence expose us to investment risk.Our due diligence may not reveal all of a portfolio company's liabilities and may not reveal other weaknesses in its business. We can offer no assurance that our due diligence processes will uncover all relevant facts that would be material to an investment decision. Before making an investment in, or a loan to, a company, the Advisor will assess the strength and skills of a company's management and other factors that it believes are material to the performance of the investment.
In making the assessment and otherwise conducting customary due diligence, the Advisor will rely on the resources available to it and, in some cases, an investigation by third parties. This process is particularly important and highly subjective with respect to newly organized entities because there may be little or no information publicly available about those entities.
We may make investments in, or loans to, companies that are not subject to public company reporting requirements including requirements regarding preparation of financial statements, and our portfolio companies may utilize divergent reporting standards that may make it difficult for the Advisor to accurately assess the prior performance of a portfolio company. We will, therefore, depend upon the compliance by investment companies with their contractual reporting obligations. As a result, the evaluation of potential investments and our ability to perform due diligence on and effectively monitor investments may be impeded, and we may not realize the returns which we expect on any particular investment. In the event of fraud by any company in which we invest or with respect to which we make a loan, we may suffer a partial or total loss of the amounts invested in that company.
Corporate Activity and Growth5 | 8.1%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
We invest in highly leveraged companies, which could cause us to lose all or a part of our investment in those companies.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio.Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as "follow-on" investments, in seeking to:
- increase or maintain in whole or in part our position as a creditor or equity ownership percentage in a portfolio company;- exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or - preserve or enhance the value of our investment.
We have discretion to make follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. Failure on our part to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and our initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful portfolio company. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make a follow-on investment because we may not want to increase our level of risk, because we prefer other opportunities or because of regulatory or other considerations. Our ability to make follow-on investments may also be limited by the Advisor's allocation policy.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Our investments in portfolio companies may expose us to environmental risks.We may invest in companies engaged in the ownership (direct or indirect), operation, management or development of real properties that may contain hazardous or toxic substances, and, therefore, may be potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other costs, including governmental fines and liabilities for injuries to persons and property. The existence of any such material environmental liability could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flow and share price of any such portfolio company. As a result, our investment performance could suffer substantially.
There can be no guarantee that all costs and risks regarding compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be identified. New and more stringent environmental and health and safety laws, regulations and permit requirements or stricter interpretations of current laws or regulations could impose substantial additional costs on portfolio investment or potential investments. Compliance with such current or future environmental requirements does not ensure that the operations of the portfolio investments will not cause injury to the environment or to people under all circumstances or that the portfolio investments will not be required to incur additional unforeseen environmental expenditures. Moreover, failure to comply with any such requirements could have a material adverse effect on an investment, and we can offer no assurance that the portfolio investments will at all times comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and permit requirements.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows depend on our ability to manage our business and future growth effectively.Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our ability to manage and grow our business, which depends, in turn, on the Advisor's ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment selection criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of the Advisor's structuring of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us and our access to financing on acceptable terms. The management team of the Advisor has substantial responsibilities under our Investment Advisor Agreement. We can offer no assurance that any current or future employees of the Advisor will contribute effectively to the work of, or remain associated with, the Advisor. We caution you that the principals of our Advisor or Administrator may also be called upon to provide and currently do provide managerial assistance to portfolio companies and other investment vehicles, including other BDCs, which are managed by affiliates of the Advisor. Such demands on their time may distract them or slow our rate of investment. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5
The Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement were not negotiated on an arm's-length basis and may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party.The Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement were negotiated between related parties. Consequently, their terms, including fees payable to the Advisor, may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. For example, certain accounts managed by the Advisor have lower management, incentive or other fees than those charged under the Investment Advisory Agreement and/or a reduced ability to recover expenses and overhead than may be recovered by the Administrator under the Administration Agreement. In addition, we may choose not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, our rights and remedies under these agreements because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with the Advisor, the Administrator and their respective affiliates. Any such decision, however, would breach our fiduciary obligations to our stockholders.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 8/62 (13%)Below Sector Average
Regulation5 | 8.1%
Regulation - Risk 1
New or modified laws or regulations governing our operations and government intervention in the credit markets generally may adversely affect our business.Regulation - Risk 2
Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital exposes us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.We intend to further borrow under credit facilities and/or issue senior unsecured notes and, may issue preferred stock in the future (although we do not anticipate issuing preferred stock in the next 12 months), which we refer to collectively as "senior securities," up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are currently permitted to issue "senior securities," including borrowing money from banks or other financial institutions, only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% of gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. As defined in the 1940 Act, a 150% asset coverage means that for every $100 of net assets we hold, we can raise $200 from borrowing and issuing senior securities. If we fail to comply with certain disclosure requirements, our asset coverage ratio under the 1940 Act would be 200%, which would decrease the amount of leverage we are able to incur.
Nevertheless, if the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this ratio. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to holders of our shares of common stock. If we issue senior securities, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. In addition, if the value of our assets decreases, leverage will cause our net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have without leverage or with lower leverage. Similarly, any decrease in our revenue would cause its net income to decline more sharply than it would have if we had not borrowed or had borrowed less under the credit facilities.
In the absence of an event of default, no person or entity from which we borrow money has a veto right or voting power over our ability to set policy, make investment decisions or adopt investment strategies. If we issue preferred stock, which is another form of leverage, the preferred stock would rank "senior" to common stock in our capital structure, preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders, and the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our common stockholders. Holders of our common stock will directly or indirectly bear all of the costs associated with offering and servicing any preferred stock that we issue. In addition, any interests of preferred stockholders may not necessarily align with the interests of holders of our shares of common stock, and the rights of holders of shares of preferred stock to receive distributions would be senior to those of holders of shares of common stock. We do not, however, anticipate issuing preferred stock in the next 12 months.
We are not generally able to issue and sell our shares of common stock at a price below NAV per share. We may, however, sell our shares of common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our shares of common stock, at a price below the then-current NAV per share of our common stock if our Board determines that such sale is in the best interests of us and our stockholders, and if our stockholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease, and holders of our common stock might experience dilution.
Regulation - Risk 3
We are a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we are not limited with respect to the proportion of our assets that may be invested in securities of a single issuer.We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, which means that we are not limited by the 1940 Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer. To the extent that we assume large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, our NAV may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the market's assessment of the issuer. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company. Beyond our asset diversification requirements as a RIC under the Code, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and our investments could be concentrated in relatively few portfolio companies.
Regulation - Risk 4
Added
.In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors described below and in Part I, “
Regulation - Risk 5
We may be subject to risks that may arise in connection with the rules under ERISA related to investment by ERISA Plans.We intend to operate so that we will be an appropriate investment for employee benefit plans subject to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). We will use reasonable efforts to conduct our affairs so that our assets will not be deemed to be "plan assets" for purposes of ERISA. Accordingly, there may be constraints on our ability to make or dispose of investments at optimal times (or to make certain investments at all).
Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 3.2%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We are subject to risks related to corporate responsibility.Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
The Advisor's and Administrator's liability is limited, and we have agreed to indemnify each against certain liabilities, which may lead them to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor does not assume any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under that agreement, and it is not responsible for any action of our Board in following or declining to follow the Advisor's advice or recommendations. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor, its officers, members, personnel and any person controlling or controlled by the Advisor are not liable to us, any subsidiary of ours, our directors, our stockholders or any subsidiary's stockholders or partners for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, except those resulting from acts constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the Advisor's duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify the Advisor and each of its officers, directors, members, managers and employees from and against any claims or liabilities, including reasonable legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred, arising out of or in connection with our business and operations or any action taken or omitted on our behalf pursuant to authority granted by the Investment Advisory Agreement, except where attributable to willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person's duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. Similarly, the Administrator and certain specified parties providing administrative services pursuant to the relevant agreement are not liable to us or our stockholders for, and we have agreed to indemnify them for, any claims or losses arising out of the good faith performance of their duties or obligations, except where attributable to willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the Administrator's duties. These protections may lead the Advisor or the Administrator to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 1.6%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to continue to qualify as a RIC.Macro & Political
Total Risks: 3/62 (5%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment2 | 3.2%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Global economic, political and market conditions, including uncertainty about the financial stability of the United States, could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Political, social and economic uncertainty creates and exacerbates risks.Social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) will occur that create uncertainty and have significant impacts on issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets, to which companies and their investments are exposed. As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that once had only local impact are now more likely to have regional or even global effects. Events that occur in one country, region or financial market will, more frequently, adversely impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets, including in established markets such as the U.S. Such risks include the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia that began in February 2022, heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, the recent outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, or the effect on world leaders and governments of global health pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts can be exacerbated by failures of governments and societies to adequately respond to an emerging event or threat. We do not currently have portfolio investments with direct exposure to the Middle East, China, Taiwan, Russia or Ukraine, but because of the increasing interconnectedness of global economies and financial markets, events in these regions could negatively affect the value of our investments.
Uncertainty can result in or coincide with, among other things: increased volatility in the financial markets for securities, derivatives, loans, credit and currency; a decrease in the reliability of market prices and difficulty in valuing assets (including portfolio company assets); greater fluctuations in spreads on debt investments and currency exchange rates; increased risk of default (by both government and private obligors and issuers); further social, economic, and political instability; nationalization of private enterprise; greater governmental involvement in the economy or in social factors that impact the economy; changes to governmental regulation and supervision of the loan, securities, derivatives and currency markets and market participants and decreased or revised monitoring of such markets by governments or self-regulatory organizations and reduced enforcement of regulations; limitations on the activities of investors in such markets; controls or restrictions on foreign investment, capital controls and limitations on repatriation of invested capital; the significant loss of liquidity and the inability to purchase, sell and otherwise fund investments or settle transactions (including, but not limited to, a market freeze); unavailability of currency hedging techniques; substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation, which can last many years and have substantial negative effects on credit and securities markets as well as the economy as a whole; recessions; and difficulties in obtaining and/or enforcing legal judgments.
For example, the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies. With respect to the U.S. credit markets (in particular for middle market loans), this outbreak resulted in the following among other things: (i) significant disruption to the businesses of many middle market loan borrowers including supply chains, demand and practical aspects of their operations, as well as lay-offs of employees; (ii) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit; (iii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments and waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by such borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing at the maturity dates of their loans; (iv) volatility and disruption of these markets including greater volatility in pricing and spreads and difficulty in valuing loans during periods of increased volatility, and liquidity issues; and (v) rapidly evolving proposals and/or actions by state and federal governments to address problems experienced by the markets and by businesses and the economy in general which were not necessarily adequate to address the problems faced by the loan market and middle market businesses. Although many of these conditions have resolved, similar consequences could occur in the future as a result of new variants of the virus or other infectious diseases. Any future outbreaks of infectious diseases could have an adverse impact on the markets and the economy in general, which could have a material adverse impact on, among other things, the ability of lenders to originate loans, the volume and type of loans originated, and the volume and type of amendments and waivers granted to borrowers and remedial actions taken in the event of a borrower default, each of which could negatively impact the amount and quality of loans available for investment by us and returns to us, among other things. It is impossible to determine the scope of any future outbreaks, how long any such outbreak, market disruption or uncertainties may last, the effect any governmental actions will have or the full potential impact on us and our portfolio companies in which we invest.
A pandemic or global health crisis can be expected to also pose enhanced operational risks. For example, the employees of our Advisor could become sick or otherwise unable to perform their duties for an extended period and extended public health restrictions and remote working arrangements can be expected to impact employee morale, integration of new employees and preservation of Kayne Anderson's culture. Remote working environments could also be less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts. Moreover, our third-party service providers could be impacted by an inability to perform due to pandemic-related restrictions or by failures of, or attacks on, their technology platforms.
Although it is impossible to predict the precise nature and consequences of these events, or of any political or policy decisions and regulatory changes occasioned by emerging events or uncertainty on applicable laws or regulations that impact us and our targeted investments, it is clear that these types of events are impacting and will, for at least some time, continue to impact us and our targeted investments and, in certain instances, the impact will be adverse and profound.
If public health uncertainties and market disruptions continue for an extended period of time, loan delinquencies, loan non-accruals, problem assets, and bankruptcies may increase. In addition, collateral for our loans may decline in value, which could cause loan losses to increase and the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors could decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us. An increase in loan delinquencies and non-accruals or a decrease in loan collateral and guarantor net worth could result in increased costs and reduced income which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We will also be negatively affected if the operations and effectiveness of us or a portfolio company (or any of the key personnel or service providers of the foregoing) is compromised or if necessary or beneficial systems and processes are disrupted.
Capital Markets1 | 1.6%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
During extended periods of capital market disruption and instability, there is a risk that you may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time and a portion of our distributions may be a return of capital.Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 2/62 (3%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets1 | 1.6%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
There may be trademark risk, as we do not own the Kayne Anderson name.Cyber Security1 | 1.6%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
We are highly dependent on information systems, and cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents may adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies, which may, in turn, negatively affect the value of our shares of common stock and our ability to pay distributions.Production
Total Risks: 2/62 (3%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel2 | 3.2%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
We depend upon our Advisor and Administrator for our success and upon their access to the investment professionals and partners of Kayne Anderson and its affiliates. Any inability of the Advisor or the Administrator to maintain or develop these relationships, or the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
The Advisor can resign on 60 days' notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.The Advisor has the right to resign under the Investment Advisory Agreement at any time upon not less than 60 days' written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If the Advisor resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment advisor or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows as well as our ability to pay distributions are likely to be adversely affected and the value of our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by the Advisor and its affiliates. Even if we are able to retain comparable management, whether internal or external, the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 1/62 (2%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 1.6%
Competition - Risk 1
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, which could reduce returns and result in losses.See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.