Great Elm Capital Corp. - Quarter Report: 2021 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

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 November 1, 2021, the registrant had 26,905,668 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

Table of Contents

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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,” herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (our “Form 10-K”).

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”).

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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.

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

Overview

We are a BDC that seeks to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and income generating equity investments.  We invest in the debt of middle-market companies in the form of senior secured and unsecured notes as well as senior secured loans, junior loans and mezzanine debt.  We also make investments in preferred equity, investments in debt and equity securities of specialty finance businesses and other equity investments.

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 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, opportunities in the specialty finance sector, 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, 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 payment-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.  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.

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.

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.

Both observable and unobservable inputs are subject to some level of uncertainty and assumptions used bear the risk of change in the future.  We utilize the best information available to us, including the factors listed above, in preparing the fair valuations.  In determining the fair value of any individual investment, we may use multiple inputs or utilize more than one approach to calculate the fair value to assess the sensitivity to change and determine a reasonable range of fair value.  In addition, our valuation procedures include an assessment of the current valuation as compared to the previous valuation for each investment and where differences are material understanding the primary drivers of those changes, incorporating updates to our current valuation inputs and approaches as appropriate.

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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.

We assess the outstanding accrued income receivables for collectability at least quarterly, or more frequently if there is an event that indicates the underlying portfolio company may not be able to make the expected payments.  If it is determined that amounts are not likely to be paid we may establish a reserve against or reverse the income and put the investment on non-accrual status.

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 year ended December 31, 2020 and the nine months ended September 30, 2021:

Portfolio Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of the investment portfolio for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020.  Investments in short-term securities, including U.S. Treasury Bills and money market mutual funds, are excluded from the table below.

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Portfolio Classification

The following table shows the fair value of our portfolio of investments by industry as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (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—COVID 19”.

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2021, interest income includes non-cash PIK income of $1.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, interest income includes non-cash PIK income of $1.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

Interest income increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year due to increases in the interest-earning assets of the portfolio over the past year.  Exits from certain high yielding positions, including Commercial Barge Line Company (“Commercial Barge”) 1st lien secured loan and the restructuring of our investment in PFS Holdings Corp. (“PFS”) 1st lien secured loan due 2021 in 2020, and sharp decreases in the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) base rates since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic initially resulted in lower interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, which continued through the end of 2020 and into the first quarter of 2021.  However, the redeployment of proceeds from realized transactions and the deployment of capital from other capital raising activities into new investments has offset the impact of the items noted above through September 30, 2021.

Dividend income for the three months ended September 30, 2021 decreased as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year due to a lower current quarter distribution from our investment in Prestige Capital Finance, LLC (“Prestige”) and reductions in our holdings of Crestwood Equity Partners, LP (“Crestwood”).  Dividend income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 increased as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year due to investments made in dividend-yielding preferred equities, during 2020 and 2021.

The increase in other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year is primarily attributable to certain one-time commitment fees earned in the three months ended September 30, 2021 related to our investment in Greenway Health, LLC revolver for which we received $0.5 million in commitment fees.  In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we received PIK commitment and funding fees earned on our February 2021 investment in Avanti Communications Group, plc (“Avanti”) 1.125 lien senior secured notes.

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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. 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 decrease in our investment income.

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.

Total expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 increased as compared to total expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 primarily due to increases in management fees, professional services and interest expense.  The increases in management fees are primarily driven by increases in the fair value of the portfolio during through the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the corresponding periods in of 2020 when fair values were negatively impacted by the effects of COVID-19.  

Fees for professional services increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year due to certain one-time costs, including approximately $0.2 million in legal fees for compliance matters and claims related to certain investments incurred in the first half of 2021, that are not expected to recur in future periods.  In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2021, certain due from portfolio company balances were determined to be uncollectible and expensed.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, interest expense increased as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year as a result of the issuance of $57.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 5.875% notes due 2026 (the “GECCO Notes”) in June and July 2021 which was partially offset by the redemption of the 6.50% Notes due 2022 (the “GECCL Notes”) in July 2021.  The early redemption of the GECCL Notes also resulted in recognizing any unamortized debt issuance costs in full during the three months ended September 30, 2021.  

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Realized Gains (Losses)

During the three months ended September 30, 2021, net realized gains were primarily driven by realized gains of $1.4 million recognized on partial sale of our investments in Crestwood preferred equity and $0.4 million recognized on the early paydown on our investment in California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (“CPK”) 1st lien secured loan. These realized gains were partially offset by realized losses of $0.3 million on sales of our investments in Tru (UK) Asia Limited (“Tru Taj”) common stock and $0.1 million on the paydown of our investment in OPS Acquisitions Limited and Ocean Protection Services Limited (“OPS”) 1st lien secured loan.

In addition to the above items, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net realized losses were primarily driven by the paydown of our investment in OPS 1st lien secured loan and the sales of our investments in Boardriders, Inc. (“Boardriders”) 1st lien secured loan, and CPK common stock for which we recognized realized losses of $4.2 million, $2.9 million, and $1.6 million, respectively.  These realized losses were partially offset by realized gains of $3.9 million, $1.2 million, and $0.4 million on the partial sale of our investment in Crestwood preferred equity and paydowns on our investments in Subcom, LLC revolver and CPK 1st lien secured loan, respectively.

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, net realized losses were primarily driven by the realized losses of approximately $0.3 million on the APTIM Corp. 1^st lien bond (“APTIM”) during the quarter. Realized gains for the three months ended September 30, 2020 includes approximately $0.1 million in realized gain on repurchases of debt below par. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net realized losses on investments were primarily driven by the sales of Commercial Barge and Full House Resorts, Inc. (“Full House”) during the period, for which we recognized realized losses of $9.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Realized gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes approximately $1.2 million in realized gain on repurchases of debt below par.

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments

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During the three months ended September 30, 2021, net unrealized depreciation was largely driven by the net unrealized losses of $3.6 million and $1.4 million losses on our investments in Avanti 2nd lien secured bond and Tru Taj common stock, respectively, as a result of decreases in fair value.  These losses were offset by unrealized gains of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, recognized on our investments in Prestige common stock and Ruby Tuesday Operations, LLC warrants, respectively, as a result of increases in fair value as of September 30, 2021 as compared to June 30, 2021.  

In addition to the items noted for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, unrealized appreciation for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was largely driven by the paydown of our investment in OPS 1st lien secured loan, full sale of our investment in Boardriders 1st lien secured loan, and partial sale of our investment in CPK common stock, for which we relieved approximately $4.2 million, $3.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively, of previously recognized unrealized losses.  In addition, we recognized unrealized appreciation of approximately $4.2 million on the increase in the fair value of CPK common equity still held as of period end.  Unrealized depreciation for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, includes decreases in fair value of $5.4 million and $3.9 million on our investments in Avanti 2nd lien secured bonds and PFS common stock, respectively.  In addition, we recognized unrealized loss of $1.2 million on our investment in Subcom 1st lien secured revolver due to the termination of the revolver and reversal of previously recognized unrealized gains, as noted under the discussion of realized gains above.

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized unrealized appreciation of approximately $2.0 million on our investment in Prestige Capital Finance, LLC common equity and approximately $1.1 million on our investment in APTIM 1st lien bond. We recognized unrealized depreciation of approximately $1.2 million on our position in Boardriders.

During the nine months ended September 30, 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 $4.8 million on our investment in Avanti 2^nd lien secured bond, approximately $3.6 million on our investment in Boardriders 1^st lien loan and approximately $5.2 million and $3.3 million on our investment in CPK 1^st lien loan and 2^nd lien loan, respectively.

Unrealized appreciation for the nine months ended September 30, 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.

In the table above, the presentation of gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 has been updated consistent with the current year presentation which groups the funded and unfunded portion of revolvers together.

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—COVID 19”.

At September 30, 2021, we had approximately $20.6 million of cash and cash equivalents. At September 30, 2021, we had investments in 46 debt instruments across 40 companies, totaling approximately $185.7 million at fair value and 212 equity investments in 122 companies, totaling approximately $61.0 million at fair value.

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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 September 30, 2021, we had approximately $31.3 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 September 30, 2021 balance sheet to satisfy the unfunded commitments. In addition, we have the ability to draw on our revolving line of credit to manage cash flows.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash used for operating activities was approximately $73.1 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 used by purchases and proceeds from sales of investments was approximately $71.1 million, reflecting payments for additional investments of $164.8 million, offset by proceeds from principal repayments and sales of $93.7 million. Such amounts include draws and repayments on revolving credit facilities.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was $40.5 million consisting of $55.3 million in proceeds from the issuance of the GECCO Notes and $13.2 million in proceeds net of offering costs paid from the issuance of common stock offset by $7.2 million in distributions to stockholders. In addition, we repaid $30.3 million on the GECCL Notes in July 2021 and drew $10 million on our revolving credit facility in September 2021.

Contractual Obligations

A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations as of September 30, 2021 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 September 30, 2021.

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Revolver

On May 5, 2021, we entered into a Loan, Guarantee and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with City National Bank (“CNB”). The Loan Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving line of credit of up to $25 million (subject to a borrowing base as defined in the Loan Agreement).  We may request to increase the revolving line in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25 million, which increase is subject to the sole discretion of CNB. The maturity date of the revolving line is May 5, 2024.  Borrowings under the revolving line bear interest at a rate equal to (i) the LIBOR plus 3.50%, (ii) a base rate plus 2.00% or (iii) a combination thereof, as determined by us.  As of September 30, 2021, there were $10 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving line.

Borrowings under the revolving line are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of our assets, subject to certain specified exceptions.  We have made customary representations and warranties and are required to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar loan agreements.  In addition, the Loan Agreement contains financial covenants requiring (i) net assets of not less than $65 million, (ii) asset coverage equal to or greater than 160% and (iii) bank asset coverage equal to or greater than 300%, in each case tested as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Company.  Borrowings are also subject to the leverage restrictions contained in the Investment Company Act. In October 2021 the Loan Agreement was amended to require an asset coverage equal to or greater than 150%.

Notes Payable

On September 13, 2017, we issued $28.4 million in aggregate principal amount of the GECCL Notes.  On September 29, 2017, we issued an additional $4.3 million of the GECCL Notes upon full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

We redeemed all of the issued and outstanding GECCL Notes on July 23, 2021 at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from April 30, 2021 through, but excluding, the redemption date, July 23, 2021.

On January 11, 2018, we issued $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 issued an additional $1.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of the GECCM Notes upon partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.  The aggregate principal balance of the GECCM Notes outstanding as of September 30, 2021 is $45.6 million.

On June 18, 2019, we issued $42.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Notes due 2024 (the “GECCN Notes”), which included $2.5 million of GECCN Notes issued in connection with the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.  On July 5, 2019, we issued an additional $2.5 million of the GECCN Notes upon another partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.  The aggregate principal balance of the GECCN Notes outstanding as of September 30, 2021 is $42.8 million.

On June 23, 2021, we issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% notes due 2026 (the “GECCO Notes” and, together with the GECCM Notes and GECCN Notes, the “Notes”).  On July 9, 2021, we issued an additional $7.5 million of the GECCO Notes upon full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

The Notes are our unsecured obligations and rank equal with all of our outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness.  The unsecured notes are effectively subordinated, or junior in right of payment, to indebtedness under our Loan Agreement and any other 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 Notes on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.  The GECCM Notes, GECCM Notes and GECCO Notes will mature on January 31, 2025, June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2026, respectively.  The GECCM Notes and GECCN Notes are currently callable at the Company’s option and the GECCO Notes can be called on, or after, June 30, 2023.  Holders of the Notes do not have the option to have the Notes repaid prior to the stated maturity date.  The 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.  

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As of September 30, 2021, our asset coverage ratio was approximately 163.8%. Under the Investment Company Act, we are subject to a minimum asset coverage ratio of 150%.

Recent Developments

Our Board authorized the distribution for the quarter ending March 31, 2022 at $0.10 per share, with the record and payment dates to be set by the officers of GECC pursuant to authority granted by our Board.

Since September 30, 2021:

COVID-19

The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic has disrupted economic markets and the economic impact, duration and spread of COVID-19 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 the COVID-19 pandemic, which may in turn impact the valuation of our investments, results of our operations and cash flows.

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.

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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. Although vaccines are available in various locations where we and our investments operate, it is possible the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to disrupt operations. 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.

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 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, their financial condition and the results of operations and financial condition of our portfolio companies.

We are also subject to financial risks, including changes in market interest rates. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $103.9 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.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates.  As of September 30, 2021, 26 debt investments in our portfolio bore interest at a fixed rate, and the remaining 20 debt investments were at variable rates, representing approximately $156.0 million and $103.9 million in principal debt, respectively.  As of December 31, 2020, 10 debt investments in our portfolio bore interest at a fixed rate, and the remaining 20 debt investments were at variable rates, representing approximately $85.6 million and $105.0 million in principal debt, respectively.  The variable rates are based upon the LIBOR.

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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 September 30, 2021.  We have also assumed 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.

Although we believe that this analysis is indicative of our existing interest rate sensitivity at September 30, 2021, 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 (decrease) 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 September 30, 2021, 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 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 quarter ended September 30, 2021 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, our investment adviser or administrator 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. A description of our legal proceedings is included in Note 6 of the unaudited consolidated financial statements attached to this report.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes in risk factors in the period covered by this report.  See discussion of risk factors in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

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.

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