Great Elm Capital Corp. - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

or

Commission File Number: 814-01211

Great Elm Capital Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 375-3006

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

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

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

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

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

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

As of May 7, 2020, the registrant had 10,062,682 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

Table of Contents

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (our “Form 10-K”).

The information contained herein may contain “forward-looking statements” based on our current expectations, assumptions and estimates about us and our industry.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.  Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “plan” and other similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.  In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Our actual results could differ materially from those we express in the forward-looking statements as a result of several factors more fully described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Form 10-K and in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”).  The forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made.  We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “GECC,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and words of similar import are to Great Elm Capital Corp. and/or its subsidiaries.  We reference materials on our website, www.greatelmcc.com, but nothing on our website shall be deemed incorporated by reference or otherwise contained in this report.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Some of the statements in this report (including in the following discussion) constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our future performance or financial conditions.  The forward-looking statements contained in this report involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements concerning:

We use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “plan” and similar words to identify forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements contained in this report involve risks and uncertainties.  Our actual results could differ materially from those implied or expressed in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors set forth under “Item 1A.  Risk Factors.”

We have based the forward-looking statements included in this report on information available to us on the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.  Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we have filed or in the future may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

The financial statements listed in the index to consolidated financial statements immediately following the signature page to this report are incorporated herein by reference.

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

Overview

We are a business development company (“BDC”) that seeks to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.  Our investment focus is on debt obligations of middle-market companies which are traded in the institutional credit markets. We invest primarily in the debt of middle-market companies as well as small businesses, generally in the form of senior secured and unsecured notes, as well as senior secured loans, junior loans and mezzanine debt.  We will from time to time make equity investments as part of restructuring credits and in rare instances reserve the right to make equity investments directly.

On September 27, 2016, we and Great Elm Capital Management, Inc.  (“GECM”), our external investment manager, entered into an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) and an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”), and we began to accrue obligations to GECM under those agreements.  The Investment Management Agreement renews for successive annual periods, subject to requisite Board and/or stockholder approvals.

We have elected to be treated as a Regulated Investment Company (“RIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  As a RIC, we will not be taxed on our income to the extent that we distribute such income each year and satisfy other applicable income tax requirements.  To qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and annually distribute to our stockholders generally at least 90% of our investment company taxable income on a timely basis.  If we qualify as a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate level taxes on any income that we distribute to our stockholders.

Investments

Our level of investment activity can and does vary substantially from period to period depending on many factors, including, among others, the amount of debt and equity capital available from other sources to middle-market companies, the level of merger and acquisition activity, pricing in the high yield and leveraged loan credit markets, our expectations of future investment opportunities, the general economic environment as well as the competitive environment for the types of investments we make.  As a BDC, our investments and the composition of our portfolio are required to comply with regulatory requirements.

Revenues

We generate revenue primarily from interest on the debt investments that we hold.  We may also generate revenue from dividends on the equity investments that we hold, capital gains on the disposition of investments, and lease, fee, and other income.  Our investments in fixed income instruments generally have an expected maturity of three to five years, although we have no lower or upper constraint on maturity.  Our debt investments generally pay interest quarterly or semi-annually.  Payments of principal of our debt investments may be amortized over the stated term of the investment, deferred for several years or due entirely at maturity.  In some cases, our debt investments and preferred stock investments may defer payments of cash interest or dividends or pay-in-kind (“PIK”).  In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of prepayment fees, commitment, origination, due diligence fees, end-of-term or exit fees, fees for providing significant managerial assistance, consulting fees and other investment-related income.

Expenses

Our primary operating expenses include the payment of a base management fee, administration fees (including the allocable portion of overhead under the Administration Agreement), and, depending on our operating results, an incentive fee.  The base management fee and incentive fee remunerates GECM for work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, closing and monitoring our investments.  The Administration Agreement provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses incurred for office space rental, office equipment and utilities allocable to us under the Administration Agreement, as well as certain costs and expenses incurred relating to non-investment advisory, administrative or operating services provided by GECM or its affiliates to us.  We also bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions.  In addition, our expenses include interest on our outstanding indebtedness.

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Critical Accounting Policies

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

We value our portfolio investments at fair value based upon the principles and methods of valuation set forth in policies adopted by our board of directors (our “Board”).  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal (or most advantageous) market for the asset that (1) are independent of us; (2) are knowledgeable, having a reasonable understanding about the asset based on all available information (including information that might be obtained through due diligence efforts that are usual and customary); (3) are able to transact for the asset; and (4) are willing to transact for the asset (that is, they are motivated but not forced or otherwise compelled to do so).

Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations unless the quotations are deemed not to represent fair value.  We generally obtain market quotations from recognized exchanges, market quotation systems, independent pricing services or one or more broker-dealers or market makers.  However, short-term debt investments with remaining maturities within ninety days are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Debt and equity securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value, are valued at fair value using a valuation process consistent with our Board-approved policy.  Our Board approves in good faith the valuation of our portfolio as of the end of each quarter.  Due to the inherent uncertainty and subjectivity of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values that we may ultimately realize.  In addition, changes in the market environment and other events may impact the market quotations used to value some of our investments.

The valuation process approved by our Board with respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available or for which market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value is as follows:

Those investments for which market quotations are not readily available or for which market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value are valued utilizing a market approach, an income approach, or both approaches, as appropriate.  The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities (including a business).  The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a single present amount (discounted).  The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts.  In following these approaches, the types of factors that we may take into account in determining the fair value of our investments include, as relevant and among other factors: available current market data, including relevant and applicable market trading and transaction comparables; applicable market yields and multiples, security covenants, call protection provisions, information rights and the nature and realizable value of any collateral; the portfolio company’s ability to make payments, its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public, and merger and acquisition comparables; and enterprise values.

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We prefer the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in our valuation process.  Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset.  Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of us.  Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

Investments are classified in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) into three broad levels as follows:

All Level 3 investments that comprise more than 5% of the investments of the Company are valued by independent third parties.

Revenue Recognition

Interest and dividend income, including PIK income, is recorded on an accrual basis.  Origination, structuring, closing, commitment and other upfront fees, including original issue discounts (“OID”), earned with respect to capital commitments are generally amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the respective debt investment, as are end-of-term or exit fees receivable upon repayment of a debt investment if such fees are fixed in nature.  Other fees, including certain amendment fees, prepayment fees and commitment fees on broken deals, and end-of-term or exit fees that have a contingency feature or are variable in nature are recognized as earned.  Prepayment fees and similar income due upon the early repayment of a loan or debt security are recognized when earned and are included in interest income.

We may purchase debt investments at a discount to their face value.  Discounts on the acquisition of corporate debt instruments are generally amortized using the effective-interest or constant-yield method, unless there are material questions as to collectability.

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

We measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale of an investment and the amortized cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized.  Realized gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method.

Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the net change in portfolio investment fair values and portfolio investment cost bases during the reporting period, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized.

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Portfolio and Investment Activity

The following is a summary of our investment activity for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and the three months ended March 31, 2020:

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Portfolio Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of the investment portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019.  Investments in short-term securities, including U.S. Treasury Bills and money market mutual funds, are excluded from the table below.

Portfolio Classification

The following table shows the fair value of our portfolio of investments by industry as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):

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Results of Operations

This “—Results of Operations” discussion should be read in conjunction with the discussion of (“COVID-19”) under “—Recent Developments”.

Investment Income

Investment income consists of interest income, including net amortization of premium and accretion of discount on loans and debt securities, dividend income and other income, which primarily consists of amendment fees, commitment fees and funding fees on loans.  For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, interest income includes non-cash PIK income of $1.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, two investments, Davidzon Radio, Inc. and PFS Holdings Corp., were put on nonaccrual status resulting in lower interest income for the current period than if interest payments had continued per the terms of each respective loan.  Investments are expected to remain on non-accrual status absent an indication that interest payments will resume in the future.

As discussed under “—Recent Developments”, the full impact of COVID-19 on each of our portfolio companies is not known at this time.  Depending on the duration and extent of the disruption to the operations of our portfolio companies, we expect that certain portfolio companies may experience financial distress and may be unable to make future interest payments or dividend distributions resulting in decreased income to the Company.  In addition, the three months ended March 31, 2020 saw significant decreases in LIBOR, the primary base rate referenced in our floating rate debt investments.  If interest rates stay depressed or continue to decrease further and we are otherwise unable to offset these reductions by investing in other debt instruments with higher interest rates we will see further decreases in our investment income.

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Expenses

Expenses are largely comprised of advisory fees and administration fees paid to GECM and interest expense on our outstanding notes payable.  See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”  Advisory fees include management fees and incentive fees calculated in accordance with the Investment Management Agreement, and administration fees include direct costs reimbursable to GECM under the Administration Agreement and fees paid for sub-administration services.

Overall expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019 due to increased interest expense which was partially offset by a decrease in incentive fees.  The increase in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2019 is due to the issuance of $45.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% notes due 2024 (the “GECCN Notes”) in June and July 2019 which resulted in a weighted average outstanding debt balance of $124.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 as compared to only $79.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Incentive fees for the three months ended March 31, 2020 included a reversal of approximately $0.4 million in incentive fees accrued in prior periods.  This reversal was primarily attributable to the sale of Commercial Barge Line Company (“Commercial Barge”) in February 2020, for which the resulting proceeds did not fully cover the accreted cost of the investment.  Excluding the impact of the reversal, incentive fees would have been approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Realized Gains (Losses)

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During the three months ended March 31, 2020, net realized losses on investments were primarily driven by the sales of Commercial Barge and Full House Resorts, Inc. (“Full House”) during the quarter, for which we recognized realized losses of $9.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively.  Realized gains for the three months ended March 31, 2020 includes approximately $0.1 in realized gain on repurchases of debt below par.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, net realized gains were primarily driven by the sale of International Wire Group, Inc. which resulted in a realized gain of approximately $1.1 million.

Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, net unrealized depreciation was largely driven by decreases in portfolio company valuations as compared to the prior year end.  Most notably, we recognized unrealized depreciation of approximately $4.0 million on our investment in Avanti Communications Group, plc (“Avanti”) 2^nd lien secured bond, approximately $3.6 million on our investment in Tru (UK) Asia Limited (“Tru”) common equity and approximately $3.4 million and $2.6 million on our investment in California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (“CPK”) 1^st lien loan and 2^nd lien loan, respectively.  The Avanti, Tru and CPK investments are all level 3 investments for which the valuations include unobservable inputs such as discount rates and comparable company multiples which have experienced decreases as of March 31, 2020 as compared to December 31, 2019 due to general market volatility, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the three months ended March 31, 2020.  Additionally, we recognized unrealized losses of $2.3 million and $2.7 million on our investments in Finastra Group Holdings, Ltd. and ASP Chromaflo Technologies Corp., both of which were valued at March 31, 2020 based on active market prices.  

Unrealized appreciation for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to the sale of Commercial Barge in February 2020, for which we realized approximately $6.3 million of previously unrealized losses.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019 we had a net increase in unrealized appreciation which was largely driven by higher valuations of our portfolio investments as compared to the prior year end.  Most notably, we recognized unrealized appreciation of $3.1 million on our investment in Avanti and unrealized appreciation of $0.5 million on our investment in Finastra Group Holdings, Ltd.  In addition, the restructuring of our investment in Tru Taj, LLC (“Tru Taj”) and the subsequent valuation of the resulting common stock in TRU (UK) Asia Limited and TRU (UK) Asia Limited Liquidating Trust we received in such restructuring in exchange for Tru Taj debt securities, resulted in net unrealized appreciation of approximately $1.0 million.

As discussed under “—Recent Developments”, we cannot predict the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting impact to our individual portfolio companies or the broader market.  It is likely that any recovery may be slow and/or volatile.  The current unrealized depreciation on our portfolio may not be reversed in the short-term or at all and we may see further declines in fair value before the pandemic is over.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

This “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” discussion should be read in conjunction with the discussion of COVID-19 under “—Recent Developments”.

At March 31, 2020, we had approximately $22.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, none of which was restricted in nature.

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At March 31, 2020, we had investments in 28 debt instruments across 24 companies, totaling approximately $146.7 million at fair value and seven equity investments in six companies, totaling approximately $18.8 million at fair value.

In the normal course of business, we may enter into investment agreements under which we commit to make an investment in a portfolio company at some future date or over a specified period of time.  As of March 31, 2020, we had approximately $21.9 million in unfunded loan commitments, subject to our approval in certain instances, to provide debt financing to certain of our portfolio companies.  We had sufficient cash and other liquid assets on our March 31, 2020 balance sheet to satisfy the unfunded commitments.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $21.4 million, reflecting the purchases and repayments of investments offset by net investment income, including non-cash income related to accretion of discount and PIK income and proceeds from sales of investments and principal payments received.  Net cash provided by purchases and proceeds from sales of investments was approximately $11.6 million, reflecting payments for additional investments of $12.1 million, offset by proceeds from principal repayments and sales of $23.7 million.  Such amounts include draws and repayments on revolving credit facilities.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, net cash used for financing activities was $3.1 million, which consisted of $3.0 million in distributions to investors and $0.1 million in repurchases of our debt.

Contractual Obligations

A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations as of March 31, 2020 is as follows:

We have certain contracts under which we have material future commitments.  Under the Investment Management Agreement, GECM provides investment advisory services to us.  For providing these services, we pay GECM a fee, consisting of two components: (1) a base management fee based on the average value of our total assets and (2) an incentive fee based on our performance.

We are also party to the Administration Agreement with GECM.  Under the Administration Agreement, GECM furnishes us with, or otherwise arranges for the provision of, office facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping, finance, accounting, compliance and record keeping services at such office facilities and other such services as our administrator.

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

Both the Investment Management Agreement and the Administration Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty upon no fewer than 60 days’ written notice to the other.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There were no off-balance sheet arrangements, including any risk management of commodity pricing or other hedging practices, as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

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Notes Payable

On September 13, 2017, we sold $28.4 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% notes due 2022 (the "GECCL Notes").  On September 29, 2017, we sold an additional $4.3 million of the GECCL Notes upon full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.  As a result of the issuance of these additional GECCL Notes, the aggregate principal balance of the GECCL Notes outstanding is $32.4 million.

The GECCL Notes are our unsecured obligations and rank equal with all of our outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness.  The GECCL Notes are effectively subordinated, or junior in right of payment, to any future secured indebtedness that we may incur and structurally subordinated to all future indebtedness and other obligations of our subsidiaries.  We pay interest on the GECCL Notes on January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31 of each year.  The GECCL Notes will mature on September 18, 2022 and can be called on, or after, September 18, 2019.  Holders of the GECCL Notes do not have the option to have the GECCL Notes repaid prior to the stated maturity date.  The GECCL Notes were issued in minimum denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof.

On January 11, 2018, we sold $43.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.75% notes due 2025 (the “GECCM Notes”).  On January 19, 2018 and February 9, 2018, we sold an additional $1.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of the GECCM Notes upon partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.  As a result of the issuance of these additional GECCM Notes, the aggregate principal balance of the GECCM Notes outstanding is $46.4 million.

The GECCM Notes are our unsecured obligations and rank equal with all of our outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness.  The GECCM Notes are effectively subordinated, or junior in right of payment, to any future secured indebtedness that we may incur and structurally subordinated to all future indebtedness and other obligations of our subsidiaries.  We pay interest on the GECCM Notes on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.  The GECCM Notes will mature on January 31, 2025 and can be called on, or after, January 31, 2021.  Holders of the GECCM Notes do not have the option to have the GECCM Notes repaid prior to the stated maturity date.  The GECCM Notes were issued in minimum denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof.

On June18, 2019, we sold $42.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the GECCN Notes, which included $2.5 million of GECCN Notes sold in connection with the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.  On July 5, 2019, we sold an additional $2.5 million of the GECCN Notes upon another partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.  As a result of the issuance of these additional GECCN Notes, the aggregate principal balance of the GECCN Notes outstanding is $45.0 million.

The GECCN Notes are our unsecured obligations and rank equal with all of our outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness.  The GECCN Notes are effectively subordinated, or junior in right of payment, to any future secured indebtedness that we may incur and structurally subordinated to all future indebtedness and other obligations of our subsidiaries.  We pay interest on the GECCN Notes on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year beginning September 30, 2019.  The GECCN Notes will mature on June 30, 2024 and can be called on, or after, June 30, 2021.  Holders of the GECCN Notes do not have the option to have the GECCN Notes repaid prior to the stated maturity date.  The GECCN Notes were issued in minimum denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof.

We may repurchase the Notes in accordance with the Investment Company Act and the rules promulgated thereunder.  During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we repurchased $0.2 million in principal amount of the GECCL Notes, less than $0.1 million in principal amount of the GECCM Notes and less than $0.1 million in principal amount of the GECCN Notes.

As of March 31, 2020, our asset coverage ratio was approximately 141.1%.  We are subject to a minimum asset coverage ratio of 150% (the “Minimum ACR”).  As of  a result of falling below the Minimum ACR, we will be subject to certain limitations on our ability to incur additional debt, make cash distributions on junior securities or repurchase junior securities, in each case, in accordance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and the indentures governing our outstanding notes, until such time we are above the Minimum ACR.

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Recent Developments

In April 2020:

COVID-19

The recent global outbreak of the COVID-19 has disrupted economic markets and the economic impact, duration and spread of the COVID-19 virus is uncertain at this time.  The operational and financial performance of some of the portfolio companies in which we make investments has been and may further be significantly impacted by COVID-19, which may in turn impact the valuation of our investments, results of our operations and cash flows.  For example, we do not currently meet the minimum asset coverage ratio of 150% due to the devaluation of the assets of our portfolio companies.  See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” above.

Our investment manager prioritizes the health and safety of employees and in early March 2020, GECM moved to a remote-working model for all employees.  In addition, the officers of GECC have maintained regular communications with key service providers, including the fund administration, legal and accounting professionals, noting that those firms have similarly moved to remote-working models to the extent possible.  Our employees and key service providers have been able to effectively transition to working remotely while maintaining a consistent level of capabilities and service, however, we will continue to monitor and make adjustments as necessary.

While we have been carefully monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business and the business of our portfolio companies, we have continued to fund our existing debt commitments. In addition, we have continued to make, and expect to continue to make, new investments.

We cannot predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its duration in the United States and worldwide and the magnitude of the economic impact of the outbreak, including with respect to the travel restrictions, business closures and other quarantine measures imposed on service providers and other individuals by various local, state, and federal governmental authorities, as well as non-U.S. governmental authorities. As such, we are unable to predict the duration of any business and supply-chain disruptions, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will negatively affect our portfolio companies’ operating results or the impact that such disruptions may have on our results of operations and financial condition. Our portfolio is diversified across multiple industries and the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will be dependent on the specific circumstances for each portfolio company.  For example, companies that derive revenues through in-person interactions with customers, such as restaurants and retail stores, have been and may be subject to reduced capacity or shutdowns based on local government advisories and regulations.  Other companies may be better able to adapt to the changing environment by moving their workforce to a remote-working model and leveraging technology solutions to interact with customers.

Depending on the duration and extent of the disruption to the operations of our portfolio companies, we expect that certain portfolio companies may experience financial distress and possibly default on their financial obligations to us and their other capital providers. We also expect that some of our portfolio companies may significantly curtail business operations, furlough or lay off employees and terminate service providers, and defer capital expenditures if subjected to prolonged and severe financial distress, which would likely impair their business on a permanent basis. These developments would likely result in a decrease in the value of our investment in any such portfolio company.

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The COVID-19 pandemic and the related disruption and financial distress experienced by our portfolio companies may have material adverse effects on our investment income, particularly our interest income, received from our investments. In connection with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may need to restructure our investments in some of our portfolio companies, which could result in reduced interest payments, an increase in the amount of PIK interest we receive, or result in permanent write-downs on our investments.

We have had a significant reduction in our net asset value as of March 31, 2020 as compared to our net asset value as of December 31, 2019. The decrease in net asset value as of March 31, 2020 was largely the result of decreases in the fair value of some of our portfolio company investments primarily due to the immediate adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing uncertainty surrounding its long-term impact, as well as the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market.

We are also subject to financial risks, including changes in market interest rates. As of March 31, 2020, approximately $158.3 million in principal amount of our debt investments bore interest at variable rates, which are generally based on LIBOR, and many of which are subject to certain floors. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks have reduced certain interest rates and LIBOR has decreased. A prolonged reduction in interest rates will reduce our gross investment income and could result in a decrease in our net investment income if such decreases in LIBOR are not offset by a corresponding increase in the spread over LIBOR that we earn on any portfolio investments or a decrease in our operating expenses. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for an analysis of the impact of hypothetical base rate changes in interest rates.

We will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and guidance from U.S. and international authorities, including federal, state and local public health authorities and may take additional actions based on their recommendations. In these circumstances, there may be developments outside our control requiring us to adjust our plan of operation. As such, given the dynamic nature of this situation, we cannot reasonably estimate the impacts of COVID-19 on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in the future. To the extent our portfolio companies are adversely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may have a material adverse impact on our future net investment income, the fair value of our portfolio investments, its financial condition and the results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates.  As of March 31, 2020, five debt investments in our portfolio bore interest at a fixed rate, and the remaining 23 debt investments were at variable rates, representing approximately $70.9 million and $158.3 million in principal debt, respectively.  As of December 31, 2019, five debt investments in our portfolio bore interest at a fixed rate, and the remaining 23 debt investments were at variable rates, representing approximately $71.9 million and $174.3 million in principal debt, respectively.  The variable rates are based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).

To illustrate the potential impact of a change in the underlying interest rate on our net investment income, we have assumed a 1%, 2%, and 3% increase and 1%, 2%, and 3% decrease in the underlying LIBOR, and no other change in our portfolio as of March 31, 2020.  We have also assumed that there are no outstanding floating rate borrowings by the Company.  See the following table for the effect the rate changes would have on net investment income.

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Although we believe that this analysis is indicative of our existing interest rate sensitivity at March 31, 2020, it does not adjust for changes in the credit quality, size and composition of our portfolio, and other business developments, including borrowing under a credit facility, that could affect the net increase in net assets resulting from operations.  Accordingly, no assurances can be given that actual results would not differ materially from the results under this hypothetical analysis.

We may in the future hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options and forward contracts.  While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to the investments in our portfolio with fixed interest rates.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2020, we, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).  Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provided reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  However, in evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended March 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we or GECM may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies.  There have been no material updates to the legal proceedings previously disclosed in our Form 10-K.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

In addition to the risk factors set forth below and other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Events outside of our control, including public health crises such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, may negatively affect our results of operations and financial performance.  If COVID-19 continues to spread in the United States, we expect to experience disruptions that could adversely impact our business. It is unknown how long these disruptions could continue, were they to occur.  The outbreak of COVID‑19 may also have a material adverse impact on the ability of our portfolio companies to fulfill their end customers’ orders due to supply chain delays, limited access to key commodities or technologies or other events that impact their manufacturers or their suppliers.  Such events have affected, and may in the future affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.  As the global outbreak of COVID-19 continues to rapidly evolve, the extent to which COVID-19 may impact our business will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.  The continuing spread of an infectious respiratory illness caused by COVID-19 has caused volatility, severe market dislocations and liquidity constraints in many markets, including investments the Company holds, and may adversely affect the Company’s investments and operations.  The outbreak was first detected in December 2019 and subsequently spread globally.  On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020 the United States declared a national emergency with respect to COVID-19.  The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted in travel restrictions and disruptions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, event and service cancellations or interruptions, disruptions to business operations (including staff reductions), supply chains and consumer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the economic environment.  These disruptions have led to instability in the market place, including stock market losses and overall volatility.  The impact of COVID-19, and other infectious illness outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, the financial performance of individual issuers, borrowers and sectors and the health of the markets generally in potentially significant and unforeseen ways. In addition, the impact of infectious illnesses, such as COVID-19, in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems.  This crisis or other public health crises may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally.

The foregoing could lead to a significant economic downturn or recession, increased market volatility, a greater number of market closures, higher default rates and adverse effects on the values and liquidity of securities or other assets.  Such impacts, which may vary across asset classes, may adversely affect the performance of the Company’s investments, the Company and your investment in the Company.  In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in the Company being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or to accurately price their investments.

The Company and the investment manager have taken steps reasonably designed to ensure that they maintain normal business operations, and that the Company, its portfolio and assets are protected.  However, in the event of a pandemic or an outbreak, such as COVID-19, there can be no assurance that the Company, the Investment Advisor and service providers, or the Company’s portfolio companies, will be able to maintain normal business operations for an extended period of time or will not lose the services of key personnel on a temporary or long-term basis due to illness or other reasons.  A pandemic or disease could also impair the information technology and other operational systems upon which the investment manager relies and could otherwise disrupt the ability of the Company’s service providers to perform essential tasks.

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Governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, have in the past responded to major economic disruptions with changes to fiscal and monetary policy, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions, new monetary programs and dramatically lower interest rates.  Certain of those policy changes, such as the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020, are being implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Such policy changes may adversely affect the value, volatility and liquidity of dividend and interest paying securities.  The effect of recent efforts undertaken by the U.S. Federal Reserve to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the reduction of the federal funds target rate, and other monetary and fiscal actions that may be taken by the U.S. federal government to stimulate the U.S. economy, are not yet fully known.  The duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and its full impacts are unknown, resulting in a high degree of uncertainty for potentially extended periods of time.

We are currently operating in a period of capital markets disruption and economic uncertainty.  The U.S. capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption following the global outbreak of COVID-19 that began in December 2019. Some economists and major investment banks have expressed concern that the continued spread of the virus globally could lead to a world-wide economic downturn. Disruptions in the capital markets have increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. These and future market disruptions and/or illiquidity would be expected to have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Unfavorable economic conditions also would be expected to increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events have limited and could continue to limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and have a material negative impact on our operating results and the fair values of our debt and equity investments.

If the current period of capital market disruption and instability continues for an extended period of time, there is a risk that our stockholders may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time.  We intend to make distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in distributions. Our ability to pay distributions might be adversely affected by the impact of one or more of the risk factors described in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q or incorporated herein by reference, including the COVID-19 pandemic described above. For example, if the temporary closure of many corporate offices, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities and factories in the jurisdictions, including the United States, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic were to continue for an extended period of time it could result in reduced cash flows to us from our existing portfolio companies, which could reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make cash distributions.  Further, if we invest a greater amount of assets in equity securities that do not pay current dividends, it could reduce the amount available for distribution.  The above referenced restrictions on distributions may also inhibit our ability to make required interest payments to holders of our debt, which may cause a default under the terms of our debt agreements. Such a default could materially increase our cost of raising capital, as well as cause us to incur penalties under the terms of our debt agreements.

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

Not applicable.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information.

Not applicable.

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Item 6.  Exhibits.

Unless otherwise indicated, all references are to exhibits to the applicable filing by Great Elm Capital Corp. (the “Registrant”) under File No.  814-01211 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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SIGNATURES

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

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GREAT ELM CAPITAL CORP.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F-1

GREAT ELM CAPITAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (unaudited)

Dollar amounts in thousands (except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

F-2

GREAT ELM CAPITAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

Dollar amounts in thousands (except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

F-3

GREAT ELM CAPITAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (unaudited)

Dollar amounts in thousands

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

F-4

GREAT ELM CAPITAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

Dollar amounts in thousands

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

F-5

GREAT ELM CAPITAL CORP.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (unaudited)

March 31, 2020

Dollar amounts in thousands