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PhenixFIN Corp - Quarter Report: 2022 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

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

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2022

 

or

 

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

 

For the transition period from            to              

 

Commission file number: 1-35040

  

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware   27-4576073
(State or Other Jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)   Identification No.)
     
445 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY   10022
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(212) 859-0390

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   PFX   The NASDAQ Global Market
6.125% Notes due 2023   PFXNL   The NASDAQ Global Market
5.25% Notes due 2028   PFXNZ   The NASDAQ Global Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes ☐ No ☒

 

The Registrant had 2,203,711 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of May 9, 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page 
PART I. Financial Information    
     
Item 1. Financial Statements    
     
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2022 (unaudited) and September 30, 2021   1
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)   2
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)   3
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (unaudited)   4
     
Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of March 31, 2022 (unaudited) and September 30, 2021   5
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)   19
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   48
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   65
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures   66
     
Part II. Other Information    
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings   67
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors   67
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   71
     
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities   71
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures   72
     
Item 5. Other Information   72
     
Item 6. Exhibits   73
     
SIGNATURES   75

 

i

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

   March 31,
2022
(Unaudited)
   September 30,
2021
 
Assets:        
Investments at fair value        
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (amortized cost of $148,021,351 and $92,214,167, respectively)  $137,952,546   $84,152,678 
Affiliated investments (amortized cost of $43,971,119 and $75,963,427, respectively)   16,668,073    57,595,245 
Controlled investments (amortized cost of $61,796,022 and $39,490,097, respectively)   34,184,230    9,891,860 
Total Investments at fair value   188,804,849    151,639,783 
Cash and cash equivalents   37,676,010    69,433,256 
Receivables:          
Fees receivable   -    1,872,700 
Interest receivable   717,504    371,576 
Paydown receivable   -    292,015 
Due from Affiliate   128,850    - 
Dividends receivable   269,330    81,211 
Prepaid share repurchases   480,254    - 
Other assets   1,013,641    1,401,746 
Total Assets  $229,090,438   $225,092,287 
           
Liabilities:          
Notes payable (net of debt issuance costs of $2,264,426 and $412,795, respectively)  $77,757,373   $77,434,005 
Interest and fees payable   503,125    - 
Due to affiliates   -    280,323 
Due to broker   10,375,632    1,586,000 
Administrator expenses payable (see Note 6)   72,818    67,920 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   448,635    1,416,524 
Deferred revenue   377,852    - 
Other liabilities   594,863    613,534 
Total Liabilities   90,130,298    81,398,306 
           
Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 8)          
           
Net Assets:          
Common Shares, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,723,709 shares issued;          
2,207,794 and 2,517,221 common shares outstanding, respectively   2,208    2,517 
Capital in excess of par value   676,357,446    688,866,642 
Total distributable earnings (loss)   (537,399,514)   (545,175,178)
Total Net Assets  $138,960,140   $143,693,981 
Total Liabilities and Net Assets  $229,090,438   $225,092,287 
           
Net Asset Value Per Common Share  $62.94   $57.08 

 

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

 

1

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

   For the Three Months Ended March 31   For the Six Months Ended March 31 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Interest Income:                
Interest from investments                
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments:                
Cash  $1,264,327   $1,534,904   $2,280,019   $3,206,717 
Payment in-kind   100,062    -    238,573    170,029 
Affiliated investments:                    
Cash   387,918    196,328    510,065    548,619 
Payment in-kind   92,733    -    189,761    - 
Controlled investments:                    
Cash   807,022    (1,190)   1,360,660    - 
Total interest income    2,652,062    1,730,042    4,579,078    3,925,365 
Dividend income   913,949    4,408,234    1,616,879    14,671,735 
Interest from cash and cash equivalents    6,031    506    8,770    1,446 
Fee income (see Note 9)    85,143    237,416    355,265    578,880 
Other income    -    78,204    230,434    78,204 
Total Investment Income    3,657,185    6,454,402    6,790,426    19,255,630 
                     
Expenses:                    
Base management fees (see Note 6)   -    -    -    1,146,403 
Interest and financing expenses   1,221,063    1,260,054    2,708,738    3,277,695 
General and administrative expenses   290,136    104,440    486,695    466,049 
Salaries and benefits   430,293    332,317    936,168    332,317 
Administrator expenses (see Note 6)   82,415    (44,618)   151,281    439,794 
Insurance expenses   155,450    474,468    314,354    959,480 
Directors fees   167,000    220,500    375,500    696,217 
Professional fees, net (see Note 8)   160,594    420,220    467,345    (79,077)
Total expenses   2,506,951    2,767,381    5,440,081    7,238,878 
Net Investment Income   1,150,234    3,687,021    1,350,345    12,016,752 
                     
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments                    
Net realized gains (losses):                    
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments   453,916    160,926    938,429    4,054,648 
Affiliated investments   -    -    14,737,897    (10,452,928)
Controlled investments   -    -    925    (40,147,570)
Total net realized gains (losses)   453,916    160,926    15,677,251    (46,545,850)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses):                    
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments   (2,139,279)   5,077,737    (2,007,316)   1,020,673 
Affiliated investments   1,538,979    (1,467,862)   (8,934,864)   (3,586,184)
Controlled investments   1,968,804    329,584    1,986,445    38,566,519 
Total net change in unrealized gains (losses)   1,368,504    3,939,459    (8,955,735)   36,001,008 
Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 5)   -    -    (296,197)   (122,355)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses)   1,822,420    4,100,385    6,425,319    (10,667,197)
                     
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations  $2,972,654   $7,787,406   $7,775,664   $1,349,555 
                     
Weighted Average Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share  $1.24   $2.87   $3.16   $0.50 
Weighted Average Basic and Diluted Net Investment Income (Loss) Per Common Share  $0.48   $1.36   $0.55   $4.42 
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic and Diluted (see Note 11)   2,397,911    2,716,627    2,458,222    2,720,226 

 

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

 

2

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

(Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Par Amount   Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
   Total
Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)
   Total Net
Assets
 
Balance at December 31, 2020   2,723,709   $2,724   $672,381,617   $(528,202,675)  $144,181,666 
                          
OPERATIONS                         
Net investment income (loss)   -    -    -    3,687,021    3,687,021 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments   -    -    -    160,926    160,926 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   -    -    -    3,939,459    3,939,459 
    -    -    -    7,787,406    7,787,406 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS                         
Repurchase of common shares   (19,773)   (20)   (791,927)   -    (791,947)
    (19,773)   (20)   (791,927)   -    (791,947)
                          
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   (19,773)   (20)   (791,927)   7,787,406    6,995,459 
                          
Balance at March 31, 2021   2,703,936   $2,704   $671,589,690   $(520,415,269)  $151,177,125 
                          
Balance at December 31, 2021   2,517,221   $2,517   $688,866,642   $(540,372,168)  $148,496,991 
                          
OPERATIONS                         
Net investment income (loss)   -    -    -    1,150,234    1,150,234 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments   -    -    -    453,916    453,916 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   -    -    -    1,368,504    1,368,504 
    -    -    -    2,972,654    2,972,654 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS                         
Repurchase of common shares   (309,427)   (309)   (12,509,196)   -    (12,509,505)
    (309,427)   (309)   (12,509,196)   -    (12,509,505)
                          
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   (309,427)   (309)   (12,509,196)   2,972,654    (9,536,851)
                          
Balance at March 31, 2022   2,207,794   $2,208   $676,357,446   $(537,399,514)  $138,960,140 
                          
Balance at September 30, 2020   2,723,709   $2,724   $672,381,617   $(521,764,824)  $150,619,517 
                          
OPERATIONS                         
Net investment income (loss)   -    -    -    12,016,752    12,016,752 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments   -    -    -    (46,545,850)   (46,545,850)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   -    -    -    36,001,008    36,001,008 
Net loss on extinguishment of debt   -    -    -    (122,355)   (122,355)
    -    -    -    1,349,555    1,349,555 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS                         
Repurchase of common shares   (19,773)   (20)   (791,927)   -    (791,947)
    (19,773)   (20)   (791,927)   -    (791,947)
                          
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   (19,773)   (20)   (791,927)   1,349,555    557,608 
                          
Balance at March 31, 2021   2,703,936   $2,704   $671,589,690   $(520,415,269)  $151,177,125 
                          
Balance at September 30, 2021   2,517,221   $2,517   $688,866,642   $(545,175,178)  $143,693,981 
OPERATIONS                         
Net investment income (loss)   -    -    -    1,350,345    1,350,345 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments   -    -    -    15,677,251    15,677,251 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   -    -    -    (8,955,735)   (8,955,735)
Net loss on extinguishment of debt   -    -    -    (296,197)   (296,197)
    -    -    -    7,775,664    7,775,664 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS                         
Repurchase of common shares   (309,427)   (309)   (12,509,196)   -    (12,509,505)
    (309,427)   (309)   (12,509,196)   -    (12,509,505)
                          
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   (309,427)   (309)   (12,509,196)   7,775,664    (4,733,841)
                          
Balance at March 31, 2022  2,207,794   $2,208   $676,357,446   $(537,399,514)  $138,960,140 

 

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

 

3

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

   For the Six Months Ended
March 31
 
   2022   2021 
         
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:        
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $7,775,664   $1,349,555 
Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Investment increases due to payment-in-kind interest   (428,334)   (170,029)
Net amortization of premium (discount) on investments   (71,905)   (2,114)
Amortization of debt issuance cost   163,208    68,025 
Net realized (gain) loss from investments   (15,677,251)   46,545,850 
Net unrealized (gains) losses on investments   8,955,735    (36,001,008)
Proceeds from sale and settlements of investments   89,812,369    74,912,948 
Purchases, originations and participations   (119,755,681)   (6,786,640)
Loss on extinguishment of debt   296,197    122,355 
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:          
Interest receivable   (345,928)   324,869 
Receivable for paydowns   292,015    - 
Fees receivable   1,872,700    12,500 
Dividends receivable   (188,119)   - 
Due from affiliate   (128,850)   - 
Other receivables   -    (398,551)
Other assets   388,105    882,835 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   (967,889)   (1,189,946)
Interest and fees payable   503,125    (801,805)
Management and incentive fees payable, net   -    (1,392,022)
Administrator expenses payable   4,898    (62,007)
Deferred revenue   377,852    20,441 
Due to affiliate   (280,323)   (53,083)
Due to broker   8,789,632    - 
Other liabilities   (18,671)   - 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   (18,631,451)   77,382,173 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
Debt issuance   57,500,000    - 
Paydowns on debt   (55,325,000)   (74,151,823)
Debt issuance costs paid   (2,311,036)   296,438 
Repurchase of common shares   (12,989,759)   (956,205)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (13,125,795)   (74,811,590)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (31,757,246)   2,570,583 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   69,433,256    56,522,148 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $37,676,010   $59,092,731 
           
Supplemental information:          
Interest paid during the period  $2,042,405   $4,079,500 

 

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

 

4

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

As of March 31, 2022

(Unaudited)

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                          
Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments:                   
                          
Altisource S.A.R.L.(11)  Services: Business  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (LIBOR + 4.00%, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  4/3/2024  $4,197,421   $3,815,309   $3,762,147    2.71%
             4,197,421    3,815,309    3,762,147    2.71%
                              
Be Green Packaging, LLC  Containers, Packaging & Glass  Equity - 417 Common Units      1    416,250    -    0.00%
             1    416,250    -    0.00%
                              
Boostability Seotowncenter, Inc.  Services: Business  Equity - 3,434,169.6 Common Units      833,152    66,475    -    0.00%
             833,152    66,475    -    0.00%
                              
Chimera Investment Corp.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 117,310 Class C Preferred Units(13)(15)      117,310    2,884,724    2,855,325    2.05%
             117,310    2,884,724    2,855,325    2.05%
                              
Cleaver-Brooks, Inc.  Manufacturing  7.875% Senior Secured Notes(14)  3/1/2023   9,427,000    9,386,296    9,073,488    6.53%
             9,427,000    9,386,296    9,073,488    6.53%
                              
Copper Property CTL Pass Through Trust  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity Certificates(14)      287,795    4,357,109    4,604,720    3.31%
             287,795    4,357,109    4,604,720    3.31%
                              
                              
CPI International, Inc.  Aerospace & Defense  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 7.25% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  7/28/2025   2,607,062    2,601,523    2,486,616    1.79%
             2,607,062    2,601,523    2,486,616    1.79%
                              
DataOnline Corp.  High Tech Industries  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.25% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  11/13/2025   4,887,500    4,887,500    4,887,500    3.52%
      Revolving Credit Facility (LIBOR + 6.25% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  11/13/2025   714,286    714,286    714,286    0.51%
             5,601,786    5,601,786    5,601,786    4.03%
                              
DirecTV Financing, LLC  Media: Broadcasting & Subscription  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 5.00%, 0.75% LIBOR Floor)(14)  8/2/2027   4,775,000    4,775,000    4,760,198    3.43%
             4,775,000    4,775,000    4,760,198    3.43%
                              
Dividend and Income Fund(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 97,483 Common Units(13)      97,483    1,429,545    1,397,906    1.01%
             97,483    1,429,545    1,397,906    1.01%

 

5

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                          
Dream Finders Homes, LLC(11)  Construction & Building  Preferred Equity (8.00% PIK)      5,103,173    5,103,173    4,835,257    3.48%
             5,103,173    5,103,173    4,835,257    3.48%
                              
First Brands Group, LLC  Automotive  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  3/30/2027   3,979,900    3,979,900    3,940,101    2.84%
             3,979,900    3,979,900    3,940,101    2.84%
                              
Footprint Acquisition, LLC  Services: Business  Equity - 150 Common Units      150    -    -    0.00%
             150    -    -    0.00%
                              
Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 529,914 Common Units(13)      529,914    8,754,386    7,408,198    5.33%
             529,914    8,754,386    7,408,198    5.33%
                              
Global Accessories Group, LLC  Consumer goods: Non-durable  Equity - 3.8% Membership Interest      380    151,337    -    0.00%
             380    151,337    -    0.00%
                              
Great AJAX Corp.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 254,922 Common Units(13)      254,922    3,333,786    2,990,235    2.15%
             254,922    3,333,786    2,990,235    2.15%
                              
Innovate Corp.(11)   Construction & Building  8.50% Senior Secured Notes(14)  2/1/2026   2,250,000    2,252,156    2,205,000    1.59%
             2,250,000    2,252,156    2,205,000    1.59%
                              
Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 205,000 Class C Preferred Units(13)(16)      205,000    5,035,506    4,942,550    3.56%
             205,000    5,035,506    4,942,550    3.56%
                              
JFL-NGS-WCS Partners, LLC  Construction & Building  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (LIBOR + 5.50%, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  11/12/2026   7,896,773    7,879,870    7,966,265    5.73%
      Equity - 10,000,000 Units      10,000,000    10,000,000    10,000,000    7.20%
             17,896,773    17,879,870    17,966,265    12.93%
                              
Lighting Science Group Corporation  Containers, Packaging & Glass  Warrants - 0.62% of Outstanding Equity      5,000,000    955,680    -    0.00%
             5,000,000    955,680    -    0.00%

 

6

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                          
Lucky Bucks, LLC  Consumer Discretionary  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 5.50%, 0.75% LIBOR Floor)  10/12/2027   7,406,250    7,267,910    7,332,188    5.28%
             7,406,250    7,267,910    7,332,188    5.28%
                              
McKissock Investment Holdings, LLC (dba Colibri)  Services: Business  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (SOFR + 5.00%, 0.75% CSA Floor)  3/10/2029   5,000,000    4,950,298    4,962,500    3.57%
             5,000,000    4,950,298    4,962,500    3.57%
                              
MFA Financial, Inc.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 97,426 Class C Preferred Units(13)(19)      97,426    2,318,487    2,220,339    1.60%
             97,426    2,318,487    2,220,339    1.60%
                              
New Residential Investment Corp.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 206,684 Class B Preferred Units(13)(17)      206,684    5,129,170    5,088,560    3.66%
             206,684    5,129,170    5,088,560    3.66%
                              
New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 165,000 Class E Preferred Units(13)(18)      165,000    4,102,076    4,162,950    3.00%
             165,000    4,102,076    4,162,950    3.00%
                              
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 81,500 Common Units(13)      81,500    5,364,478    4,335,800    3.12%
             81,500    5,364,478    4,335,800    3.12%
                              
Point.360  Services: Business  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.00% PIK)(10)  7/8/2020   2,777,366    2,103,712    -    0.00%
             2,777,366    2,103,712    -    0.00%
                              
Power Stop LLC  Automotive  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 4.75, 0.5% LIBOR Floor)  1/25/2029   5,000,000    4,951,556    4,950,000    3.56%
             5,000,000    4,951,556    4,950,000    3.56%
                              
Q Holding Company  Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 5.00, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  12/31/2023   4,987,212    4,906,170    4,825,128    3.47%
             4,987,212    4,906,170    4,825,128    3.47%
                              
Redwood Services Group, LLC(8)  Services: Business  Revolving Credit Facility (LIBOR + 6.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(12)  6/6/2024   175,000    175,000    175,000    0.13%
      Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(12)  6/6/2024   -    (33,184)   -    0.00%
             175,000    141,816    175,000    0.13%
                              
Secure Acquisition Inc. (dba Paragon Films)(8)  Packaging  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 5.00%, 0.50% LIBOR Floor)  12/16/2028   3,482,759    3,468,188    3,447,931    2.48%
      Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan (LIBOR + 5.00%, 0.50% LIBOR Floor)(12)  12/16/2028   -    (933)   -    0.00%
             3,482,759    3,467,255    3,447,931    2.48%

 

7

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                          
Sendero Drilling Company, LLC  Energy: Oil & Gas  Unsecured Debt (9.00% Cash)(10)  8/1/2022   191,250    182,081    -    0.00%
             191,250    182,081    -    0.00%
                              
SS Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising)(8)  Services: Consumer  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.50%, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  12/30/2026   6,666,667    6,569,903    6,683,333    4.81%
             6,666,667    6,569,903    6,683,333    4.81%
                              
SMART Financial Operations, LLC  Retail  Equity - 700,000 Class A Preferred Units      700,000    700,000    66,750    0.05%
             700,000    700,000    66,750    0.05%
                              
Stancor (dba Industrial Flow Solutions Holdings, LLC)  Services: Business  Equity - 320,960 Class A Units      320,960    308,667    233,366    0.17%
             320,960    308,667    233,366    0.17%
                              
Staples, Inc.  Services: Business  First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 4.50%, 0.0% LIBOR Floor)(14)  9/12/2024   3,750,000    3,665,625    3,637,500    2.62%
             3,750,000    3,665,625    3,637,500    2.62%
                              
Thryv Holdings, Inc.(11)  Services: Business  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (LIBOR + 8.50% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  3/1/2026   5,245,000    5,115,275    5,248,147    3.78%
             5,245,000    5,115,275    5,248,147    3.78%
                              
Velocity Pooling Vehicle, LLC  Automotive  Equity - 5,441 Class A Units      5,441    302,465    60,613    0.04%
      Warrants - 0.65% of Outstanding Equity  3/30/2028   6,506    361,667    72,477    0.05%
             11,947    664,132    133,090    0.09%
                              
Walker Edison Furniture Company LLC  Consumer goods: Durable  Equity - 13,044 Common Units      13,044    2,114,646    1,620,172    1.17%
             13,044    2,114,646    1,620,172    1.17%
                              
Watermill-QMC Midco, Inc.  Automotive  Equity - 1.3% Partnership Interest(9)      518,283    518,283    -    0.00%
             518,283    518,283    -    0.00%
                              
Wingman Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Crow Precision Components, LLC)  Aerospace & Defense  Equity - 350 Common Units      350    700,000    -    0.00%
             350    700,000    -    0.00%
                          
Subtotal Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments     $109,960,920   $148,021,351   $137,952,546    99.27%

 

 

8

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                              
Affiliated Investments:(6)                          
                              
1888 Industrial Services, LLC(8)  Energy: Oil & Gas  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan A (LIBOR + 5.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)  5/1/2023  $9,946,741   $9,473,067   $-    0.00%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan C (LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  5/1/2023   1,231,932    1,191,257    739,159    0.53%
      Revolving Credit Facility (LIBOR +5.00%, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(12)  5/1/2023   3,733,754    3,733,754    3,733,750    2.69%
      Equity - 21,562 Class A Units      21,562    -    -    0.00%
             14,933,989    14,398,078    4,472,909    3.22%
                              
Black Angus Steakhouses, LLC(8)  Hotel, Gaming & Leisure  Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan (LIBOR + 9.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  6/30/2022   758,929    758,929    758,929    0.55%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 9.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)  6/30/2022   8,412,596    7,767,533    1,884,421    1.36%
      Senior Secured First Lien Super Priority DDTL (LIBOR + 9.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(12)  6/30/2022   1,500,000    1,500,000    1,500,000    1.08%
      Equity - 17.92% Membership Interest      -    -    -    0.00%
             10,671,525    10,026,462    4,143,350    2.99%
                              
Kemmerer Operations, LLC(8)  Metals & Mining  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (15.00% PIK)  6/21/2023   2,464,476    2,464,476    2,449,689    1.76%
      Equity - 6.7797 Common Units      7    962,717    700,393    0.50%
             2,464,483    3,427,193    3,150,082    2.26%
                              
Path Medical, LLC  Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan A (LIBOR + 9.50% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)  10/11/2021   5,805,894    5,805,894    2,531,370    1.82%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (LIBOR + 13.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)  10/11/2021   7,646,823    6,483,741    -    0.00%
      Warrants - 7.68% of Outstanding Equity      123,867    499,751    -    0.00%
             13,576,584    12,789,386    2,531,370    1.82%
                              
US Multifamily, LLC  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 33,300 Preferred Units      33,300    3,330,000    2,370,362    1.71%
             33,300    3,330,000    2,370,362    1.71%
                              
Subtotal Affiliated Investments        $41,679,881   $43,971,119   $16,668,073    11.99%

 

9

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                              
Controlled Investments:(7)                       
                              
FlexFIN, LLC  Services: Business  Equity Interest     $25,305,000   $25,305,000   $25,305,000    18.21%
                              
NVTN LLC(8)  Hotel, Gaming & Leisure  Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan (LIBOR + 4.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)(12)  12/31/2024   6,565,875    6,565,875    6,454,256    4.65%
      Senior Secured First Lien Super Priority DDTL (LIBOR + 4.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)  12/31/2024   500,000    499,076    491,500    0.35%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (LIBOR + 9.25% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)  12/31/2024   14,963,195    12,305,095    1,933,474    1.39%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan C (LIBOR + 12.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)  12/31/2024   10,014,223    7,570,054    -    0.00%
      Equity - 787.4 Class A Units      9,550,922    9,550,922    -    0.00%
             41,594,215    36,491,022    8,879,230      
                              
Subtotal Control Investments     $66,899,215   $61,796,022   $34,184,230    24.60%
                              
   Total Investments, March 31, 2022     $218,540,016   $253,788,492   $188,804,849    135.86%

 

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

 

(1) All of our investments are domiciled in the United States. Certain investments also have international operations.
   
(2) Par amount includes accumulated payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, as applicable, and is net of repayments.

 

10

 

 

(3) Net unrealized depreciation for U.S. federal income tax purposes totaled $(64,898,500).
   
  The tax cost basis of investments is $253,703,349 as of March 31, 2022.
   
(4) Unless otherwise indicated, all securities are valued using significant unobservable inputs, which are categorized as Level 3 assets under the definition of ASC 820 fair value hierarchy (see Note 4).
   
(5) Percentage is based on net assets of $138,960,140 as of March 31, 2022.
   
(6) Affiliated Investments are defined by the 1940 Act as investments in companies in which the Company owns between 5% and 25% outstanding voting securities or is under common control with such portfolio company.
   
(7) Control Investments are defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as investments in companies in which the Company owns more than 25% of the voting securities or maintains greater than 50% of the board representation.
   
(8) The investment has an unfunded commitment as of March 31, 2022 (see Note 8), and fair value includes the value of any unfunded commitments.
   
(9) Represents 1.3% partnership interest in Watermill-QMC Partners, LP and Watermill-EMI Partners, LP.
   
(10) The investment was on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2022.
   
(11) The investment is not a qualifying asset as defined under Section 55(a) of 1940 Act, in a whole, or in part. As of March 31, 2022, 21.92% of the Company's portfolio investments were non-qualifying assets.
   
(12) This investment earns 0.50% commitment fee on all unused commitment as of March 31, 2022, and is recorded as a component of interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
   
(13) This investment represents a Level 1 security in the ASC 820 table as of March 31, 2022 (see Note 4).
   
(14) This investment represents a Level 2 security in the ASC 820 table as of March 31, 2022 (see Note 4).
   
(15) The interest rate on this loan is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 4.743% spread on 9/30/2025.
   
(16) The interest rate on this loan is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 5.29% spread on 9/27/2027.
   
(17) The interest rate on this loan is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 5.64% spread on 8/15/2024.
   
(18) The interest rate on this loan is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 6.429% spread on 1/15/2025.
   
(19) The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 5.345% spread on 3/31/2025.

 

11

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

September 30, 2021

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                          
Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments:                   
                          
Alpine SG, LLC (8)  High Tech Industries  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 5.75% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  11/16/2022  $4,715,808   $4,715,809   $4,715,809    3.29%
      Senior Secured Incremental First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 8.50% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  11/16/2022   472,087    472,087    472,087    0.33%
      Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan (LIBOR + 5.75% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  11/16/2022   2,277,293    2,277,293    2,277,293    1.58%
      Senior Secured Incremental First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.50% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  11/16/2022   4,174,037    4,107,317    4,174,037    2.90%
      Senior Secured Incremental First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.50% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  11/16/2022   2,999,802    2,946,540    2,999,802    2.09%
      Senior Secured Incremental First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.50% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  11/16/2022   1,000,000    982,916    1,000,000    0.70%
             15,639,027    15,501,962    15,639,028    10.89%
                              
Autosplice, Inc.  Automotive  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 8.00% Cash & 2.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  4/30/2022   11,826,036    11,826,036    11,826,036    8.23%
             11,826,036    11,826,036    11,826,036    8.23%
                              
Be Green Packaging, LLC  Containers, Packaging & Glass  Equity - 417 Common Units      1    416,250    -    0.00%
             1    416,250    -    0.00%
                              

Boostability Seotowncenter, Inc.

 

Services: Business

  Equity - 3,434,169.6 Common Units      

3,434,170

    

566,475

    -    0.00%
             

3,434,170

    

566,475

    -    0.00%
                              
Chimera Investment Corp.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 117,310 Class C Preferred Units(17)(20)      117,310    2,884,724    3,019,559    2.10%
             117,310    2,884,724    3,019,559    2.10%
                              
Cleaver-Brooks, Inc.  Manufacturing  7.875% Senior Secured Notes(18)  3/1/2023   9,364,000    9,306,052    9,270,360    6.45%
             9,364,000    9,306,052    9,270,360    6.45%
                              
CM Finance SPV, LLC  Energy: Oil & Gas  Unsecured Debt(10)      101,463    101,463    -    0.00%
             101,463    101,463    -    0.00%
                              
CPI International, Inc.  Aerospace & Defense  Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 7.25% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(13)  7/28/2025   2,607,062    2,599,906    2,489,744    1.73%
             2,607,062    2,599,906    2,489,744    1.73%
                              
DataOnline Corp.  High Tech Industries  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.25% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  11/13/2025   4,912,500    4,912,500    4,863,375    3.39%
      Revolving Credit Facility (LIBOR + 6.25% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)(16)  11/13/2025   714,286    714,286    707,143    0.49%
             5,626,786    5,626,786    5,570,518    3.88%

 

12

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                          
Dividend and Income Fund(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 87,483 Common Units(17)      87,483    1,281,845    1,275,502    0.89%
             87,483    1,281,845    1,275,502    0.89%
                              
Dream Finders Homes, LLC(11)  Construction & Building  Preferred Equity (8.00% PIK)      4,905,011    4,905,011    4,757,860    3.31%
             4,905,011    4,905,011    4,757,860    3.31%
                              
Footprint Acquisition, LLC  Services: Business  Preferred Equity (8.75% PIK)(10)      4,049,398    4,049,398    2,956,061    2.06%
      Equity - 150 Common Units      150    -    -    0.00%
             4,049,548    4,049,398    2,956,061    2.06%
                              
Global Accessories Group, LLC  Consumer goods: Non-durable  Equity - 3.8% Membership Interest      380    151,337    -    0.00%
             380    151,337    -    0.00%
                              
Great AJAX Corp.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 253,651 Common Units(17)      253,651    3,316,414    3,421,752    2.38%
             253,651    3,316,414    3,421,752    2.38%
                              
Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 205,000 Class C Preferred Units(17)(21)      205,000    5,035,506    5,217,250    3.63%
             205,000    5,035,506    5,217,250    3.63%
                              
Lighting Science Group Corporation  Containers, Packaging & Glass  Warrants - 0.62% of Outstanding Equity(18)      5,000,000    955,680    -    0.00%
             5,000,000    955,680    -    0.00%
                              
MFA Financial, Inc.  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 31,692 Class C Preferred Units(17)(24)      31,692    762,171    778,989    0.54%
             31,692    762,171    778,989    0.54%
                              
New Residential Investment Corp.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 206,684 Class B Preferred Units(17)(22)      206,684    5,129,170    5,206,370    3.62%
             206,684    5,129,170    5,206,370    3.62%
                              
New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.(11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Equity - 165,000 Class E Preferred Units(17)(23)      165,000    4,102,076    4,182,750    2.91%
             165,000    4,102,076    4,182,750    2.91%

 

13

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of 
Net Assets(5)
 
                          
Point.360  Services: Business  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.00% PIK)(10)(15)  7/8/2020   2,777,366    2,103,712    -    0.00%
             2,777,366    2,103,712    -    0.00%
                              
RateGain Technologies, Inc.  Hotel, Gaming & Leisure  Unsecured Debt (4.50% Cash)(12)  10/2/2023   532,671    532,671    -    0.00%
      Unsecured Debt (4.50% Cash)(12)  4/1/2024   704,762    704,762    -    0.00%
             1,237,433    1,237,433    -    0.00%
                              
Redwood Services Group, LLC(8)  Services: Business  Revolving Credit Facility (LIBOR + 6.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(13)(16)  6/6/2023   175,000    175,000    175,000    0.12%
             175,000    175,000    175,000    0.12%
                              
Sendero Drilling Company, LLC  Energy: Oil & Gas  Unsecured Debt (9.00% Cash)(10)  8/1/2022   233,750    222,544    -    0.00%
             233,750    222,544    -    0.00%
                              
SMART Financial Operations, LLC  Retail  Equity - 700,000 Class A Preferred Units      700,000    700,000    -    0.00%
             700,000    700,000    -    0.00%
                              
Stancor, Inc. (dba Industrial Flow Solutions Holdings, LLC)  Services: Business  Equity - 263,814.43 Class A Units      263,814    263,814    -    0.00%
             263,814    263,814    -    0.00%
                              
Thryv Holdings, Inc.(11)  Services: Business  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (LIBOR + 8.50% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(13)  3/1/2026   5,770,000    5,610,988    5,863,763    4.08%
             5,770,000    5,610,988    5,863,763    4.08%
                              
Velocity Pooling Vehicle, LLC  Automotive  Equity - 5,441 Class A Units      5,441    302,464    64,167    0.05%
      Warrants - 0.65% of Outstanding Equity  3/30/2028   6,506    361,667    76,727    0.05%
             11,947    664,131    140,894    0.10%
                              
Walker Edison Furniture Company LLC  Consumer goods: Durable  Equity - 10,244 Common Units      10,244    1,500,000    2,361,242    1.64%
             10,244    1,500,000    2,361,242    1.64%
                              
Watermill-QMC Midco, Inc.  Automotive  Equity - 1.3% Partnership Interest(9)      518,283    518,283    -    0.00%
             518,283    518,283    -    0.00%
                              
Wingman Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Crow Precision Components, LLC)  Aerospace & Defense  Equity - 350 Common Units      350    700,000    -    0.00%
             350    700,000    -    0.00%
                              
Subtotal Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments     $75,318,491   $92,214,167   $84,152,678    58.56%

  

14

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                              
Affiliated Investments:(6)                          
                              
1888 Industrial Services, LLC(8)  Energy: Oil & Gas  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan A (LIBOR + 5.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)(14)  9/30/2021(25)  $9,946,741   $9,473,066   $-    0.00%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (LIBOR + 8.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)(14)  9/30/2021(25)   25,937,520    19,468,870    -    0.00%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan C (LIBOR + 5.00%, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)  9/30/2021(25)   1,231,932    1,191,257    24,637    0.02%
      Revolving Credit Facility (LIBOR +5.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(14)(16)  9/30/2021(25)   3,554,069    3,554,069    3,554,069    2.47%
      Equity - 17,493.63 Class A Units      -    -    -    0.00%
             40,670,262    33,687,262    3,578,706    2.49%
                              
Black Angus Steakhouses, LLC(8)  Hotel, Gaming & Leisure  Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan (LIBOR + 9.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(13)  6/30/2022   758,929    758,929    758,929    0.53%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 9.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)(13)  6/30/2022   8,412,596    7,767,533    2,279,814    1.59%
      Senior Secured First Lien Super Priority DDTL (LIBOR + 9.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(13)(16)  6/30/2022   1,500,000    1,500,000    1,500,000    1.04%
             10,671,525    10,026,462    4,538,743    3.16%
                              
Caddo Investors Holdings 1 LLC(11)  Forest Products & Paper  Equity - 6.15% Membership Interest(19)      2,528,826    2,528,826    3,454,786    2.40%
             2,528,826    2,528,826    3,454,786    2.40%

 

15

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of 
Net Assets(5)
 
                          
Dynamic Energy Services International LLC  Energy: Oil & Gas  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (LIBOR + 13.50% PIK)(10)(15)  12/31/2021   12,109,957    7,328,568    -    0.00%
      Equity - 12,350,000 Class A Units      12,350,000    -    -    0.00%
             24,459,957    7,328,568    -    0.00%
                              
JFL-NGS Partners, LLC  Construction & Building  Equity - 57,300 Class B Units      57,300    57,300    26,862,813    18.69%
             57,300    57,300    26,862,813    18.69%
                              
JFL-WCS Partners, LLC  Environmental Industries  Equity - 129,588 Class B Units      129,588    129,588    8,099,949    5.64%
             129,588    129,588    8,099,949    5.64%
                              
Kemmerer Operations, LLC(8)  Metals & Mining  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (15.00% PIK)  6/21/2023   2,381,985    2,381,985    2,360,547    1.64%
      Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan (15.00% PIK)(16)  6/21/2023   163,915    163,915    162,441    0.11%
      Equity - 6.7797 Common Units      7    962,717    553,746    0.39%
             2,545,907    3,508,617    3,076,734    2.14%
                              
Path Medical, LLC  Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan A (LIBOR + 9.50% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)(13)  10/11/2021   5,805,894    5,805,894    2,249,835    1.57%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (LIBOR + 13.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)(13)  10/11/2021   7,646,823    6,483,741    -    0.00%
      Warrants - 7.68% of Outstanding Equity      123,867    499,751    -    0.00%
             13,576,584    12,789,386    2,249,835    1.57%
                              
URT Acquisition Holdings Corporation  Services: Business  Warrants      28,912    -    920,000    0.64%
             28,912    -    920,000    0.64%
                              
US Multifamily, LLC (11)  Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan (10.00% Cash)  12/31/2022   2,577,418    2,577,418    2,577,418    1.79%
      Equity - 33,300 Preferred Units      33,300    3,330,000    2,236,261    1.56%
             2,610,718    5,907,418    4,813,679    3.35%
                              
Subtotal Affiliated Investments        $97,279,579   $75,963,427   $57,595,245    40.08%

  

16

 

 

Company(1)  Industry  Type of Investment  Maturity  Par
Amount(2)
   Cost(3)   Fair
Value(4)
   % of
Net Assets(5)
 
                          
Controlled Investments:(7)                   
                          
FlexFIN, LLC  Services: Business  Equity Interest     $2,500,000   $2,500,000   $2,500,000    1.74%
             2,500,000    2,500,000    2,500,000    1.74%
                              
NVTN LLC(8)  Hotel, Gaming & Leisure  Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan (LIBOR + 4.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)(13)(16)  12/31/2024   6,565,875    6,565,875    6,414,860    4.47%
      Senior Secured First Lien Super Priority DDTL (LIBOR + 4.00% Cash, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(13)(16)  12/31/2024   1,000,000    998,150    977,000    0.68%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B (LIBOR + 9.25% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)(13)  12/31/2024   14,963,195    12,305,096    -    0.00%
      Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan C (LIBOR + 12.00% PIK, 1.00% LIBOR Floor)(10)(13)  12/31/2024   10,014,223    7,570,054    -    0.00%
      Equity - 787.4 Class A Units      9,550,922    9,550,922    -    0.00%
             42,094,215    36,990,097    7,391,860    5.15%
                              
Subtotal Control Investments     $44,594,215   $39,490,097   $9,891,860    6.89%
                              
   Total Investments, September 30, 2021     $217,192,285   $207,667,691   $151,639,783    105.53%

 

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

 

(1)

All of our investments are domiciled in the United States. Certain investments also have international operations.

 

(2) Par amount includes accumulated payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, as applicable, and is net of repayments.
   
(3) Net unrealized depreciation for U.S. federal income tax purposes totaled $55,318,330.
   
  The tax cost basis of investments is $206,958,113 as of September 30, 2021.
   
(4) Unless otherwise indicated, all securities are valued using significant unobservable inputs, which are categorized as Level 3 assets under the definition of ASC 820 fair value hierarchy (see Note 4).
   
(5) Percentage is based on net assets of $143,693,981 as of September 30, 2021.
   
(6) Affiliated Investments are defined by the 1940 Act as investments in companies in which the Company owns between 5% and 25% outstanding voting securities or is under common control with such portfolio company.
   
(7) Control Investments are defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as investments in companies in which the Company owns more than 25% of the voting securities or maintains greater than 50% of the board representation.

 

17

 

 

(8) The investment has an unfunded commitment as of September 30, 2021 (see Note 8), and fair value includes the value of any unfunded commitments.
   
(9) Represents 1.3% partnership interest in Watermill-QMC Partners, LP and Watermill-EMI Partners, LP.
   
(10) The investment was on non-accrual status as of September 30, 2021.
   
(11) The investment is not a qualifying asset as defined under Section 55(a) of 1940 Act, in a whole, or in part. As of September 30, 2021, 20.18% of the Company’s portfolio investments were non-qualifying assets.
   
(12) Security is non-income producing.
   
(13) The interest rate on these loans is subject to the greater of a London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) floor, or 1 month LIBOR plus a base rate. The 1 month LIBOR as of September 30, 2021 was 0.08%.
   
(14) The interest rate on these loans is subject to the greater of a LIBOR floor, or 3 month LIBOR plus a base rate. The 3 month LIBOR as of September 30, 2021 was 0.13 %.
   
(15) The interest rate on these loans is subject to 3 month LIBOR plus a base rate. The 3 month LIBOR as of September 30, 2021 was 0.13 %.
   
(16) This investment earns 0.50% commitment fee on all unused commitment as of September 30, 2021, and is recorded as a component of interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
   
(17) This investment represents a Level 1 security in the ASC 820 table as of September 30, 2021 (see Note 4).
   
(18) This investment represents a Level 2 security in the ASC 820 table as of September 30, 2021 (see Note 4).
   
(19) As a practical expedient, the Company uses net asset value (“NAV”) to determine the fair value of this investment.
   
(20) The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 4.743% spread on 9/30/2025.
   
(21) The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 5.29% spread on 9/27/2027.
   
(22) The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 5.64% spread on 8/15/2024.
   
(23) The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 6.429% spread on 1/15/2025.
   
(24) The interest rate on this preferred equity is fixed-to-floating and will shift to 3 month LIBOR plus a 5.345% spread on 3/31/2025.
   
(25) The maturity date was extended to May 1, 2023 subsequent to September 30, 2021. 

 

18

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 1. Organization

 

PhenixFIN Corporation (“PhenixFIN.” the “Company,” “we” and “us”) is an internally-managed non-diversified closed end management investment company incorporated in Delaware that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). We completed our initial public offering (“IPO”) and commenced operations on January 20, 2011. The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, to be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). On November 18, 2020, the board of directors of the Company approved the adoption of an internalized management structure, effective January 1, 2021. Until close of business on December 31, 2020 we were externally managed and advised by MCC Advisors LLC (“MCC Advisors”), pursuant to an investment management agreement. MCC Advisors is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medley LLC, which is controlled by Medley Management Inc., a publicly traded asset management firm (“MDLY”), which in turn is controlled by Medley Group LLC, an entity wholly owned by the senior professionals of Medley LLC. We use the term “Medley” to refer collectively to the activities and operations of Medley Capital LLC, Medley LLC, MDLY, Medley Group LLC, MCC Advisors, associated investment funds and their respective affiliates. Since January 1, 2021 the Company has been managed pursuant to an internalized management structure.

  

The Company has formed and expects to continue to form certain taxable subsidiaries (the “Taxable Subsidiaries”), which are taxed as corporations for federal income tax purposes. These Taxable Subsidiaries allow us to, among other things, hold equity securities of portfolio companies organized as pass-through entities while continuing to satisfy the requirements of a RIC under the Code.

 

The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation. The management team seeks to achieve this objective primarily through making loans, private equity or other investments in privately-held companies. The Company may also make debt, equity or other investments in publicly-traded companies. (These investments may also include investments in other BDCs, closed-end funds or REITs.) We may also pursue other strategic opportunities and invest in other assets or operate other businesses to achieve our investment objective, such as operating and managing an asset-based lending business. The portfolio generally consists of senior secured first lien term loans, senior secured second lien term loans, senior secured bonds, preferred equity and common equity. Occasionally, we will receive warrants or other equity participation features which we believe will have the potential to increase total investment returns. Our loan and other debt investments are primarily rated below investment grade or are unrated. Investments in below investment grade securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due.

 

Reverse Stock Split; Authorized Share Reduction

 

At the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 30, 2020 (the “Annual Meeting”), stockholders approved a proposal to grant discretionary authority to the Company’s board of directors to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) to effect a reverse stock split of its common stock, of 1-20 (the “Reverse Stock Split”) and with the Reverse Stock Split to be effective at such time and date, if at all, as determined by the board of directors, but not later than 60 days after stockholder approval thereof and, if and when the reverse stock split is effected, reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock by the approved reverse stock split ratio (the “Authorized Share Reduction”).

 

Following the 2020 Annual Meeting, on July 7, 2020, the board of directors determined that it was in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to implement the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Share Reduction. Accordingly, on July 13, 2020, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment (the “Certificate of Amendment”) to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Share Reduction.

 

19

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 1. Organization (continued)

 

Pursuant to the Certificate of Amendment, effective as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on July 24, 2020 (the “Effective Time”), each twenty (20) shares of common stock issued and outstanding, immediately prior to the Effective Time, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders thereof, were combined and converted into one (1) share of common stock. In connection with the Reverse Stock Split, the Certificate of Amendment provided for a reduction in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 100,000,000 to 5,000,000 shares of common stock. No fractional shares were issued as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, any stockholder who would have been entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split received cash payments in lieu of such fractional shares (without interest and subject to backup withholding and applicable withholding taxes).

 

On December 21, 2020, the Company announced that it completed the application process for and was authorized to transfer the listing of its shares of common stock to the NASDAQ Global Market. The listing and trading of the common stock on the NYSE ceased at the close of trading on December 31, 2020. Since January 4, 2021, the common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “PFX.”

  

Sale of MCC JV

 

On October 8, 2020, the Company, Great American Life Insurance Company (“GALIC”), MCC Senior Loan Strategy JV I LLC (the “MCC JV”), and an affiliate of Golub Capital LLC (“Golub”) entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement pursuant to which a fund affiliated with and managed by Golub concurrently purchased all of the Company’s interest in the MCC JV and all of GALIC’s interest in the MCC JV for a pre-adjusted gross purchase price of $156.4 million and an adjusted gross purchase price (which constitutes the aggregate consideration for the membership interests) of $145.3 million (giving effect to adjustments primarily for principal and interest payments from portfolio companies of MCC JV from July 1, 2020 through October 7, 2020), resulting in net proceeds (before transaction expenses) of $41.0 million and $6.6 million for the Company and GALIC, respectively.

 

COVID-19  Developments

 

The COVID-19 pandemic and variants thereof continue to have adverse consequences on the U.S. and global economies, as well as on the Company (including certain portfolio companies) in particular. The long-term impact of the pandemic on economies, markets, industries and individual portfolio companies, remains uncertain. The Company’s performance (including that of certain of its portfolio companies) has been negatively impacted during the pandemic. The longer-term impact of COVID-19 on the operations and the performance of the Company (including certain portfolio companies) is difficult to predict, but may continue to be adverse. The longer-term potential impact on such operations and performance could depend to a large extent on future developments and actions taken by authorities and other entities to mitigate COVID-19 (and any variants thereof) and its economic impact. The impacts, as well as the uncertainty over impacts to come, of COVID-19 (including any variants thereof) have adversely affected the performance of the Company (including certain portfolio companies) and may continue to do so in the future. Further, the potential exists for additional variants of COVID-19 to impede the global economic recovery and exacerbate geographic differences in the spread of, and response to, COVID-19.

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The Company is an investment company following the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification 946 (“ASC 946”), Financial Services – Investment Companies. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the consolidated accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries PhenixFIN Small Business Fund, LP (“PhenixFIN Small Business Fund”) and PhenixFIN SLF Funding I LLC (“PhenixFIN SLF”), and its wholly owned Taxable Subsidiaries. All references made to the “Company,” “we,” and “us” herein include PhenixFIN Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as stated otherwise. Additionally, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company and related financial information have been prepared pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-K and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments and reclassifications, which are of a normal recurring nature, that are necessary for the fair presentation of financial results as of and for the periods presented. Therefore, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2021. The current period’s results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022.

 

20

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents  

 

The Company considers cash equivalents to be highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents include deposits in a money market account. The Company deposits its cash in financial institutions and, at times, such balances may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, we had $37.7 million and $69.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, respectively.

 

Debt Issuance Costs

 

Debt issuance costs, incurred in connection with any credit facilities and unsecured notes (see Note 5) are deferred and amortized over the life of the respective credit facility or instrument.

 

Indemnification

 

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contractual agreements that provide general indemnifications against losses, costs, claims and liabilities arising from the performance of individual obligations under such agreements. The Company has had no material claims or payments pursuant to such agreements. The Company’s individual maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. However, based on management’s experience, the Company expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is recorded on an accrual basis. Dividend income, which represents dividends from equity investments and distributions from Taxable Subsidiaries, is recorded on the ex-dividend date and when the distribution is received, respectively.

 

The Company holds debt investments in its portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest provision. PIK interest, which represents contractually deferred interest added to the investment balance that is generally due at maturity, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. PIK interest is not accrued if the Company does not expect the issuer to be able to pay all principal and interest when due. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, the Company earned approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million in PIK interest, respectively. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 the Company earned approximately $0.0 million and $0.2 million in PIK interest, respectively.

 

Origination/closing, amendment and transaction break-up fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are recognized as income when we become entitled to such fees. Prepayment penalties received by the Company for debt instruments paid back to the Company prior to the maturity date are recorded as income upon repayment of debt. Administrative agent fees received by the Company are capitalized as deferred revenue and recorded as fee income when the services are rendered. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, fee income was approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively (see Note 9). For the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, fee income was approximately $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively (see Note 9).

 

21

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses on investments are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of investment, without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, $0.0 million and $(19.6) million, respectively, of the Company’s realized gains (losses) were related to certain non-cash restructuring transactions, which are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of net realized gains (losses) from investments.    There were no realized gains or losses related to non-cash restructuring transactions during the three and six months ended March 31, 2021. The Company reports changes in fair value of investments as a component of the net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Management reviews all loans that become 90 days or more past due on principal or interest or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected for possible placement on management’s designation of non-accrual status. Interest receivable is analyzed regularly and may be reserved against when deemed not collectible. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current, although we may make exceptions to this general rule if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. At March 31, 2022, certain investments in six portfolio companies held by the Company were on non-accrual status with a combined fair value of approximately $12.8 million, or 6.8% of the fair value of our portfolio.   At September 30, 2021, certain investments in nine portfolio companies held by the Company were on non-accrual status with a combined fair value of approximately $13.9 million, or 9.2% of the fair value of our portfolio.

 

Investment Classification

 

The Company classifies its investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, we would be deemed to “control” a portfolio company if we owned more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities and/or had the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. We refer to such investments in portfolio companies that we “control” as “Control Investments.” Under the 1940 Act, we would be deemed to be an “Affiliated Person” of a portfolio company if we own between 5% and 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or we are under common control with such portfolio company. We refer to such investments in Affiliated Persons as “Affiliated Investments.”

 

Valuation of Investments

 

The Company applies fair value accounting to all of its financial instruments in accordance with the 1940 Act and ASC Topic 820 - Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework used to measure fair value and requires disclosures for fair value measurements. In accordance with ASC 820, the Company has categorized its financial instruments carried at fair value, based on the priority of the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note 4. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of the market participant who holds the financial instrument rather than an entity specific measure. Therefore, when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that management believes market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument at the measurement date.

 

Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations, which are generally obtained from an independent pricing service or multiple broker-dealers or market makers. We weight the use of third-party broker quotations, if any, in determining fair value based on our understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote was an indicative price or binding offer. However, debt investments with remaining maturities within 60 days that are not credit impaired are valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which approximates fair value. Investments for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by the Company’s board of directors based upon input from management and third party valuation firms. Because these investments are illiquid and because there may not be any directly comparable companies whose financial instruments have observable market values, these loans are valued using a fundamental valuation methodology, consistent with traditional asset pricing standards, that is objective and consistently applied across all loans and through time.

  

22

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Investments in investment funds are valued at fair value. Fair values are generally determined utilizing the NAV supplied by, or on behalf of, management of each investment fund, which is net of management and incentive fees or allocations charged by the investment fund and is in accordance with the “practical expedient”, as defined by FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-12, Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share. NAVs received by, or on behalf of, management of each investment fund are based on the fair value of the investment funds’ underlying investments in accordance with policies established by management of each investment fund, as described in each of their financial statements and offering memorandum. If the Company is in the process of the sale of an investment fund, fair value will be determined by actual or estimated sale proceeds.

 

The methodologies utilized by the Company in estimating the fair value of its investments categorized as Level 3 generally fall into the following two categories:

 

  The “Market Approach” uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable (that is, similar) assets, liabilities, or a group of assets and liabilities, such as a business.

 

  The “Income Approach” converts future amounts (for example, cash flows or income and expenses) to a single current (that is, discounted) amount. When the Income Approach is used, the fair value measurement reflects current market expectations about those future amounts.

 

The Company has engaged third-party valuation firms (the “Valuation Firms”) to assist it and its board of directors in the valuation of its portfolio investments. The valuation reports generated by the Valuation Firms consider the evaluation of financing and sale transactions with third parties, expected cash flows and market-based information, including comparable transactions, performance multiples, and movement in yields of debt instruments, among other factors. The Company uses a market yield analysis under the Income Approach or an enterprise model of valuation under the Market Approach, or a combination thereof. In applying the market yield analysis, the value of the Company’s loans is determined based upon inputs such as the coupon rate, current market yield, interest rate spreads of similar securities, the stated value of the loan, and the length to maturity. In applying the enterprise model, the Company uses a waterfall analysis, which takes into account the specific capital structure of the borrower and the related seniority of the instruments within the borrower’s capital structure into consideration. To estimate the enterprise value of the portfolio company, we weigh some or all of the traditional market valuation methods and factors based on the individual circumstances of the portfolio company in order to estimate the enterprise value.

 

The methodologies and information that the Company utilizes when applying the Market Approach for performing investments include, among other things:

 

  valuations of comparable public companies (“Guideline Comparable Approach”);

 

  recent sales of private and public comparable companies (“Guideline Comparable Approach”);

 

  recent acquisition prices of the company, debt securities or equity securities (“Recent Arms-Length Transaction”);

 

  external valuations of the portfolio company, offers from third parties to buy the company (“Estimated Sales Proceeds Approach”);

 

  subsequent sales made by the company of its investments (“Expected Sales Proceeds Approach”); and

 

  estimating the value to potential buyers.

 

The methodologies and information that the Company utilizes when applying the Income Approach for performing investments include:

 

  discounting the forecasted cash flows of the portfolio company or securities (Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF”) Approach); and

 

  Black-Scholes model or simulation models or a combination thereof (Income Approach - Option Model) with respect to the valuation of warrants.

 

For non-performing investments, we may estimate the liquidation or collateral value of the portfolio company’s assets and liabilities using an expected recovery model (Market Approach - Expected Recovery Analysis or Estimated Liquidation Proceeds).

 

23

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

We undertake a multi-step valuation process each quarter when valuing investments for which market quotations are not readily available, as described below:

 

  our quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio investment being initially valued by one or more Valuation Firms;

 

  preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and discussed with senior management;

 

  the audit committee of the board of directors reviews the preliminary valuations with management and the Valuation Firms; and

 

  the board of directors discusses the valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in the Company’s portfolio in good faith based on the input of management, the respective Valuation Firms and the audit committee.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may differ from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material. In addition, changes in the market environment (including the impact of COVID-19 on financial markets), portfolio company performance, and other events may occur over the lives of the investments that may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be materially different than the valuations currently assigned.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amounts of certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying amounts and fair values of our long-term obligations are discussed in Note 5.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements  

 

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference rate reform (Topic 848)—Facilitation of the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting.” The amendments in this update provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to certain contracts and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform and became effective upon issuance for all entities. The Company has agreements that have LIBOR as a reference rate with certain portfolio companies and also with certain lenders. Many of these agreements include language for choosing an alternative successor rate if LIBOR reference is no longer considered to be appropriate. Contract modifications are required to be evaluated in determining whether the modifications result in the establishment of new contracts or the continuation of existing contracts. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, “Reference rate reform (Topic 848),” which expanded the scope of Topic 848. ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 are effective through December 31, 2022 when the Company plans to apply the amendments in this update to account for contract modifications due to changes in reference rates. The Company does not believe the adoption of ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

 

In May 2020, the SEC adopted rule amendments that impacted the requirement of investment companies, including BDCs, to disclose the financial statements of certain of their portfolio companies or certain acquired funds (the “Final Rules”). The Final Rules adopted a new definition of “significant subsidiary” set forth in Rule 1-02(w)(2) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act. Rules 3-09 and 4-08(g) of Regulation S-X require investment companies to include separate financial statements or summary financial information, respectively, in such investment company’s periodic reports for any portfolio company that meets the definition of “significant subsidiary.” The Final Rules adopt a new definition of “significant subsidiary” applicable only to investment companies that (i) modifies the investment test and the income test, and (ii) eliminates the asset test currently in the definition of “significant subsidiary” in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X. The new Rule 1-02(w)(2) of Regulation S-X is intended to more accurately capture those portfolio companies that are more likely to materially impact the financial condition of an investment company. The Final Rules became effective on January 1, 2021. The Company evaluated the impact of the Final Rules and determined its impact not to be material and began voluntary compliance with the Final Rules since the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

 

24

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Federal Income Taxes

 

The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to continue to qualify as a RIC and be eligible for tax treatment under Subchapter M of the Code, among other things, the Company is required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of the sum of investment company taxable income (“ICTI”), as defined by the Code, including PIK interest, and net tax exempt interest income (which is the excess of gross tax exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) for each taxable year. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year which generated such ICTI.

 

The Company is subject to a nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax of 4% on undistributed income if it does not distribute at least 98% of its ordinary income in any calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for each one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year and any income realized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which it did not pay federal income tax. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions for excise tax purposes, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. There was no provision for federal excise tax at March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.

 

The Company’s Taxable Subsidiaries accrue income taxes payable based on the applicable corporate rates on the unrealized gains generated by the investments held by the Taxable Subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, the Company did not record a deferred tax liability on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The change in provision for deferred taxes is included as a component of net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, the Company did not record a change in provision for deferred taxes on the unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on investments. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 the Company did not record a change in provision for deferred taxes on the unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on investments.

 

As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, the Company has a net deferred tax asset of $24.6 million and $22.2 million, respectively, consisting primarily of net operating losses offset by net unrealized gains on the investments held within its Taxable Subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, the Company booked a valuation allowance of $24.6 million and $22.2 million, respectively, against its net deferred tax asset.

 

ICTI generally differs from net investment income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses. The Company may be required to recognize ICTI in certain circumstances in which it does not receive cash. For example, if the Company holds debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount, the Company must include in ICTI each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Company in the same taxable year. The Company may also have to include in ICTI other amounts that it has not yet received in cash, such as 1) PIK interest income and 2) interest income from investments that have been classified as non-accrual for financial reporting purposes. Interest income on non-accrual investments is not recognized for financial reporting purposes, but generally is recognized in ICTI. Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in the Company’s ICTI for the year of accrual, the Company may be required to make a distribution to its stockholders in order to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements, even though the Company will not have received and may not ever receive any corresponding cash amount. ICTI also excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, as investment gains or losses are not included in taxable income until they are realized.

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in conformity with ASC Topic 740 - Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 provides guidelines for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in financial statements. ASC 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to meet a “more-likely-than-not” threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current period. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no material uncertain income tax positions at March 31, 2022. Although we file federal and state tax returns, our major tax jurisdiction is federal. The Company’s federal and state tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open, subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and applicable state tax authorities.

 

25

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Segments

 

The Company invests in various industries. The Company separately evaluates the performance of each of its investment relationships. However, because each of these investment relationships has similar business and economic characteristics, they have been aggregated into a single investment segment. All applicable segment disclosures are included in or can be derived from the Company’s financial statements. See Note 3 for further information.

 

Company Investment Risk, Concentration of Credit Risk, and Liquidity Risk

 

The Company has broad discretion in making investments. Investments generally consist of debt instruments that may be affected by business, financial market or legal uncertainties. Prices of investments may be volatile, and a variety of factors that are inherently difficult to predict, such as domestic or international economic and political developments, may significantly affect the results of the Company’s activities and the value of its investments. In addition, the value of the Company’s portfolio may fluctuate as the general level of interest rates fluctuate.

 

 The value of the Company’s investments in loans may be detrimentally affected to the extent, among other things, that a borrower defaults on its obligations, there is insufficient collateral and/or there are extensive legal and other costs incurred in collecting on a defaulted loan, observable secondary or primary market yields for similar instruments issued by comparable companies increase materially or risk premiums required in the market between smaller companies, such as our borrowers, and those for which market yields are observable increase materially.

 

The Company’s assets may, at any time, include securities and other financial instruments or obligations that are illiquid or thinly traded, making purchase or sale of such securities and financial instruments at desired prices or in desired quantities difficult. Furthermore, the sale of any such investments may be possible only at substantial discounts, and it may be extremely difficult to value any such investments accurately.

 

Company performance (including that of certain of its portfolio companies) has been and may continue to be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted economies and capital markets around the world in ways that may continue and may change in unforeseen ways for an indeterminate period. The pandemic has also adversely affected various businesses, including some in which we are invested. The COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate pre-existing business performance, political, social and economic risks affecting certain companies and countries generally. The impacts, as well as the uncertainty over impacts to come, of COVID-19 have adversely affected the performance of the Company (including certain portfolio companies) and may continue to do so in the future. Further, the potential exists for additional variants of COVID-19 to impede the global economic recovery and exacerbate geographic differences in the spread of, and response to, COVID-19.

 

26

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 3. Investments

 

The composition of our investments as of March 31, 2022 as a percentage of our total portfolio, at amortized cost and fair value were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   Amortized Cost   Percentage   Fair Value   Percentage 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans  $135,310    53.3%  $89,769    47.5%
Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans   2,602    1.0    2,487    1.3 
Senior Secured Notes   11,638    4.6    11,278    6.0 
Unsecured Debt   182    0.1    -    - 
Equity/Warrants   104,056    41.0    85,271    45.2 
Total Investments  $253,788    100.0%  $188,805    100.0%

 

The composition of our investments as of September 30, 2021 as a percentage of our total portfolio, at amortized cost and fair value were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   Amortized Cost   Percentage    Fair Value   Percentage 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans  $136,740    65.7%  $61,934    40.9%
Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans   2,600    1.3    2,490    1.6 
Senior Secured Notes   9,306    4.5    9,270    6.1 
Secured Debt   2,500    1.2    2,500    1.6 
Unsecured Debt   1,561    0.8    -    - 
Equity/Warrants   54,961    26.5    75,446    49.8 
Total Investments  $207,668    100.0%  $151,640    100.0%

 

In connection with certain of the Company’s investments, the Company receives warrants that are obtained for the objective of increasing the total investment returns and are not held for hedging purposes. At March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, the total fair value of warrants was $72.5 thousand and $996.7 thousand, respectively, and were included in investments at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, the Company did not acquire any warrants.   During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company did not acquire warrants in existing portfolio companies, and during the six months ended March 31, 2021, the Company acquired warrants in one existing portfolio company.

 

For each of the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, there was $4,250 of unrealized depreciation related to warrants, which was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, there was $28,186 and $38,255, respectively, of unrealized appreciation related to warrants, which was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments. The warrants are received in connection with individual investments and are not subject to master netting arrangements.

 

The following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value at March 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Fair Value   Percentage 
         
Services: Business  $43,324    22.9%
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate   42,377    22.5 
Construction & Building   25,007    13.2 
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure   13,023    6.9 
Automotive   9,023    4.8 
Manufacturing   9,073    4.8 
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals   7,356    3.9 
Consumer Discretionary   7,332    3.9 
Services: Consumer   6,683    3.5 
High Tech Industries   5,602    3.0 
Media: Broadcasting & Subscription   4,760    2.5 
Energy: Oil & Gas   4,473    2.4 
Packaging   3,448    1.8 
Metals & Mining   3,150    1.7 
Aerospace & Defense   2,487    1.3 
Consumer goods: Durable   1,620    0.9 
Retail   67    0.0 
Total  $188,805    100.0%

 

27

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 3. Investments (continued)

 

The following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value at September 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

 

    Fair Value     Percentage   
Construction & Building   $ 31,619       20.8 %
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate     27,916       18.4  
High Tech Industries     21,210       14.0  
Services: Business     12,415       8.2  
Automotive     11,967       7.9  
Hotel, Gaming & Leisure     11,931       7.9  
Manufacturing     9,270       6.1  
Environmental Industries     8,100       5.3  
Energy: Oil & Gas     3,579       2.4  
Forest Products & Paper     3,455       2.3  
Metals & Mining     3,077       2.0  
Aerospace & Defense     2,490       1.6  
Consumer goods: Durable     2,361       1.6  
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals     2,250       1.5  
Total   $ 151,640       100.0 %

 

The Company invests in portfolio companies principally located in North America. The geographic composition is determined by the location of the corporate headquarters of the portfolio company, which may not be indicative of the primary source of the portfolio company’s business.

 

The following table shows the portfolio composition by geographic location at fair value at March 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Fair Value   Percentage 
         
Northeast  $86,903    46.1%
Southeast   45,714    24.2 
West   24,984    13.2 
Midwest   21,961    11.6 
Southwest   5,248    2.8 
Mid-Atlantic   233    0.1 
Other(1)   3,762    2.0 
Total  $188,805    100.0%

 

(1)As of March 31, 2022, comprised of our investments in foreign investments.

 

The following table shows the portfolio composition by geographic location at fair value at September 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Fair Value   Percentage 
Northeast  $54,211    35.8%
West   44,030    29.0 
Southeast   28,887    19.0 
Southwest   17,418    11.5 
Midwest   7,094    4.7 
Total  $151,640    100.0%

 

28

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 3. Investments (continued)

 

Transactions With Affiliated/Controlled Companies

 

The Company had investments in portfolio companies designated as Affiliated Investments and Controlled Investments under the 1940 Act. Transactions with Affiliated Investments and Controlled Investments during the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

 

Name of Investment(3)(4)  Type of
Investment
  Fair Value at
September 30,
2021
   Purchases/(Sales) of or
Advances/(Distributions)
   Transfers In/(Out)
of Affiliates
   Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
   Realized
Gain/(Loss)
  

Fair

Value at
March 31,
2022

   Earned
Income
 
Affiliated Investments                            
1888 Industrial Services, LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B  $      -   $       -   $           -   $19,468,870   $(19,468,870)  $      -   $- 
   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan C   24,639    -    -    714,520    -    739,159    37,574 
   Revolving Credit Facility   3,554,069    179,685    -    (4)   -    3,733,750    112,567 
Black Angus Steakhouses,LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   758,929    -    -    -    -    758,929    38,368 
   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   2,279,814    -    -    (395,393)   -    1,884,421    - 
   Senior Secured First Lien Super Priority DDTL   1,500,000    -    -    -    -    1,500,000    75,833 
Caddo Investors Holdings 1 LLC  Equity   3,454,786    (3,448,219)   -    (925,960)   919,393    -    - 
Dynamic Energy Services International LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   -    (4,910,671)   -    7,328,568    (2,417,897)   -    12 
JFL-NGS Partners, LLC  Equity   26,862,813    (26,807,520)   -    (26,805,513)   26,750,220    -    - 
JFL-WCS Partners, LLC  Equity   8,099,949    (8,084,639)   -    (7,970,361)   7,955,051    -    - 
Kemmerer Operations, LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   2,360,547    82,491    -    6,651    -    2,449,689    183,128 
   Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   162,441    (163,915)   -    1,474    -    -    6,601 
   Equity   553,746    -    -    146,647    -    700,393    - 
Path Medical, LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan A   2,249,835    -    -    281,535    -    2,531,370    152,405 
URT Acquisition Holdings Corporation  Warrants   920,000    (1,000,000)   -    (920,000)   1,000,000    -    - 
US Multifamily, LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   2,577,416    (2,577,417)   -    1    -    -    93,338 
   Equity   2,236,261    -    -    134,101    -    2,370,362    - 
Total Affiliated Investments  $57,595,245  $(46,730,205)  $-  $(8,934,864)  $14,737,897   $16,668,073   $699,826 

 

29

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 3. Investments (continued)

 

Name of Investment(3)(4)  Type of
Investment
  Fair Value at
September 30,
2021
   Purchases/(Sales) of or
Advances/(Distributions)
   Transfers
In/(Out)
of Affiliates
   Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
   Realized
Gain/(Loss)
   Fair
Value at
March 31,
2022
   Earned
Income
 
Controlled Investments                                   
FlexFIN, LLC  Equity Interest  $2,500,000   $22,805,000   $-   $-   $-   $25,305,000   $1,191,213 
NVTN LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   6,414,860    -    -    39,396    -    6,454,256    - 
   Super Priority Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   977,000    (500,000)                -    13,575    925    491,500    169,447 
   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B   -    -    -    1,933,474    -    1,933,474    - 
Total Controlled Investments   $$9,891,860   $22,305,000   $-   $1,986,445   $925   $34,184,230   $1,360,660 

 

30

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 3. Investments (continued)

 

Name of Investment(3)  Type of
Investment
  Fair Value at
September 30,
2020
   Purchases/(Sales) of or
Advances/(Distributions)
   Transfers In/(Out)
of Affiliates
   Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
   Realized
Gain/(Loss)
   Fair
Value at
March 31,
2021
   Earned
Income
 
Affiliated Investments                            
1888 Industrial Services, LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan C  $1,166,763   $-   $-   $65,169   $-   $1,231,932   $56,464 
   Revolving Credit Facility   3,554,069    -    -    -    -    3,554,069    109,155 
Access Media Holdings, LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   1,110,563    (1,239,335)   -    7,335,821    (7,207,049)   -    - 
   Preferred Equity Series A   -    -    -    1,600,000    (1,600,000)   -    - 
   Preferred Equity Series AA   -    -    -    800,000    (800,000)   -    - 
   Preferred Equity Series AAA   -    -    -    971,200    (971,200)   -    - 
Black Angus Steakhouses,LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   758,929    -    -    -    -    758,929    38,368 
   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   5,047,557    -    -    (2,986,471)   -    2,061,086    - 
   Senior Secured First Lien Super Priority DDTL   -    1,500,000    -    -    -    1,500,000    49,012 
Caddo Investors Holdings 1 LLC  Equity   2,990,776    -    -    779,085    -    3,769,861    - 
Dynamic Energy Services International LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   905,116    -    -    (905,116)   -    -    - 
JFL-NGS Partners, LLC  Preferred Equity A-2   1,795,034    (2,110,987)   -    -    315,953    -    (16,377)
   Preferred Equity A-1   232,292    -    -    -    (232,292)   -    (2,119)
   Equity   38,780,067    -    -    (8,818,696)   -    29,961,371    - 
JFL-WCS Partners, LLC  Preferred Equity Class A   1,310,649    -    -    -    -    1,310,649    (53,623)
   Equity   4,535,580    -    -    4,501,073    -    9,036,653    - 
Kemmerer Operations, LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   2,051,705    -    -    -    -    2,051,705    (855)
   Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   515,699    (271,186)   -    -    -    244,513    (215)
   Equity   962,717    -    -    (761,837)   -    200,880    - 
Path Medical, LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan A   5,905,080    -    -    (761,755)   -    5,143,325    105,061 
   Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan B   6,794,514    -    -    (5,774,831)   -    1,019,683    3,027 
URT Acquisition Holdings Corporation  Unsecured Debt   2,567,929    (500,000)   -    (11,105)   41,660    2,098,484    67,497 
US Multifamily, LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   5,123,913    (2,546,496)   -    -    -    2,577,417    193,224 
   Equity   1,332,000    -    -    381,279    -    1,713,279    - 
Total Affiliated Investments  $87,440,952   $(5,168,004)  $-   $(3,586,184)  $(10,452,928)  $68,233,836   $548,619 

 

31

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 3. Investments (continued)

 

Name of Investment(3)  Type of
Investment
  Fair
Value at
September 30,
2020
   Purchases/(Sales) of or
Advances/(Distributions)
   Transfers In/(Out)
of Affiliates
   Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
   Realized
Gain/(Loss)
   Fair
Value at
March 31,
2021
   Earned
Income
 
Controlled Investments                            
MCC Senior Loan Strategy JV I  LLC(1)(2)  Equity  $41,018,500   $(39,739,930)  $            -   $38,869,000   $(40,147,570)  $     -   $         - 
NVTN LLC  Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   4,530,078    -    -    (84,981)   -    4,445,097    - 
   Super Priority Senior Secured First Lien Term Loan   2,000,000    500,000    -    (217,500)   -    2,282,500    - 
Total Controlled Investments  $47,548,578   $(39,239,930)  $-   $38,566,519   $(40,147,570)  $6,727,597   $- 

 

(1) The Company and GALIC were the members of MCC JV, a joint venture formed as a Delaware limited liability company that was not consolidated by either member for financial reporting purposes. The members of MCC JV made capital contributions as investments by MCC JV were completed, and all portfolio and other material decisions regarding MCC JV were submitted to MCC JV’s board of managers, which was comprised of an equal number of members appointed by each of the Company and GALIC. Approval of MCC JV’s board of managers required the unanimous approval of a quorum of the board of managers, with a quorum consisting of equal representation of members appointed by each of the Company and GALIC. Because management of MCC JV was shared equally between the Company and GALIC, the Company did not have operational control over MCC JV for purposes of the 1940 Act or otherwise. On October 8, 2020, the Company, GALIC, MCC JV, and an affiliate of Golub entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement pursuant to which a fund affiliated with and managed by Golub concurrently purchased all of the Company’s interest in MCC JV and all of GALIC’s interest in MCC JV.

 

(2) Amount of income earned represents distributions from MCC JV to the Company and is a component of dividend income, net of provisional taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

(3) The par amount and additional detail are shown in the consolidated schedule of investments.

 

(4) Securities with a zero value at the beginning and end of the period, and those that had no transaction activity were excluded from the roll forward.

 

Purchases/(sales) of or advances to/(distributions) from Affiliated Investments and Controlled Investments represent the proceeds from sales and settlements of investments, purchases, originations and participations, investment increases due to PIK interest as well as net amortization of premium/(discount) on investments and are included in the purchases and sales presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Transfers in/(out) of Affiliated Investments and Controlled Investments represent the fair value for the month an investment became or was removed as an Affiliated Investment or a Controlled Investment. Income received from Affiliated Investments and Controlled Investments is included in total investment income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

32

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 3. Investments (continued)

 

Unconsolidated Significant Subsidiaries

 

In accordance with the SEC’s Regulation S-X and GAAP, the Company evaluated and determined that it had one subsidiary, FlexFIN, LLC, that is deemed to be a “significant subsidiary” as of March 31, 2022 for which summarized financial information is presented below (dollars in thousands):

  

   March 31,
2022
(Unaudited)
   September 30,
2021
(Unaudited)
 
Balance Sheet        
Total Assets  $25,309   $2,500 
Total Liabilities   525    - 

 

   For the Three Months Ended March 31,   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 
   2022   2022 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
Income Statement        
Total Income  $792   $1,191 
Total Expenses   34    143 
Net Income   758    1,048 

 

33

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company follows ASC 820 for measuring the fair value of portfolio investments. Fair value is the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation models involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. The Company’s fair value analysis includes an analysis of the value of any unfunded loan commitments. Financial investments recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements are categorized for disclosure purposes based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. The valuation hierarchical levels are based upon the transparency of the inputs to the valuation of the investment as of the measurement date. Investments which are valued using NAV as a practical expedient are excluded from this hierarchy, and certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The three levels are defined below:

 

  Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

 

  Level 2 - Valuations based on inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable at the measurement date. This category includes quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets including actionable bids from third parties for privately held assets or liabilities, and observable inputs other than quoted prices such as yield curves and forward currency rates that are entered directly into valuation models to determine the value of derivatives or other assets or liabilities.

 

  Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and where there is little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. The inputs for the determination of fair value may require significant management judgment or estimation and are based upon management’s assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities. These investments include debt and equity investments in private companies or assets valued using the Market or Income Approach and may involve pricing models whose inputs require significant judgment or estimation because of the absence of any meaningful current market data for identical or similar investments. The inputs in these valuations may include, but are not limited to, capitalization and discount rates, beta and EBITDA multiples. The information may also include pricing information or broker quotes which include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimer would result in classification as Level 3 information, assuming no additional corroborating evidence.

 

In addition to using the above inputs in investment valuations, the Company continues to employ a valuation policy approved by the board of directors that is consistent with ASC 820 (see Note 2). Consistent with our valuation policy, we evaluate the source of inputs, including any markets in which our investments are trading, in determining fair value.

 

34

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

The following table presents the fair value measurements of our investments, by major class according to the fair value hierarchy, as of March 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Fair Value Hierarchy as of March 31, 2022 
Investments:  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans  $-   $17,409   $72,360   $89,769 
Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans   -    -    2,487    2,487 
Senior Secured Notes   -    11,278    -    11,278 
Equity/Warrants   35,402    4,605    45,264    85,271 
Total  $35,402   $33,292   $120,111   $188,805 

 

The following table presents the fair value measurements of our investments, by major class according to the fair value hierarchy, as of September 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Fair Value Hierarchy as of September 30, 2021 
Investments:  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans  $-   $-   $61,934   $61,934 
Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans   -    -    2,490    2,490 
Senior Secured Notes   -    9,270    -    9,270 
Secured Debt   -    -    2,500    2,500 
Equity/Warrants   23,102    -    48,889    71,991 
Total  $23,102   $9,270   $115,813    148,185 
Investments measured at net asset value(1)                  3,455 
Total Investments, at fair value                 $151,640 

 

(1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using NAV have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amount presented in the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for investments that use Level 3 inputs for the six months ended March 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):

 

  

Senior
Secured

First Lien
Term Loans
  

Senior
Secured

Second Lien
Term Loans
   Secured
Debt
   Unsecured
Debt
   Equities/
Warrants
   Total 
Balance as of September 30, 2021  $61,934   $2,490   $2,500   $-   $48,889   $115,813 
Purchases and other adjustments to cost   44,145    -    -    -    38,964    83,109 
Sales   (36,095)   -    -    (1,280)   (46,639)   (84,014)
Net realized gains/(losses) from investments   (21,744)   -    -    (99)   36,601    14,758 
Net unrealized gains/(losses)   29,368    (3)   (2,500)(1)   1,379    (32,551)(1)   (4,307)
Transfer in/(out)   (5,248)   -    -    -    -    (5,248)
Balance as of March 31, 2022  $72,360   $2,487   $-   $-   $45,264   $120,111 

 

(1)FlexFIN, LLC was reclassed as an Equity from Secured Debt during the quarter ended December 31, 2021.

  

35

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for investments that use Level 3 inputs for the six months ended March 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands ):

 

    Senior
Secured
First Lien
Term Loans
    Senior
Secured
Second Lien
Term Loans
    Unsecured
Debt
    MCC
Senior
Loan Strategy
JV I LLC
    Equities/
Warrants
    Total  
Balance as of September 30, 2020   $ 106,463     $ 13,927     $ 2,669     $ 41,019     $ 67,397     $ 231,475  
Purchases and other adjustments to cost     168       -       -       -       -       168  
Sales     6,589       (7,504 )     (661 )     (39,739 )     (1,941 )     (43,256 )
Net realized gains/(losses) from investments     (25,265 )     4       24       (40,148 )     (3,288 )     (68,673 )
Net unrealized gains/(losses)     (1,664 )     330       66       38,868       (839 )     36,761  
Balance as of March 31, 2021   $ 86,291     $ 6,757     $ 2,098     $ -     $ 61,329     $ 156,475  

 

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) for Level 3 investments for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 included in earnings related to investments still held as of March 31, 2022 and 2021 was approximately $2.4 million and $5.1 million, respectively.

 

Purchases and other adjustments to cost include purchases of new investments at cost, effects of refinancing/restructuring, accretion/amortization of income from discount/premium on debt securities, and PIK.

 

Sales represent net proceeds received from investments sold.

  

A review of the fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in/out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur. During the six months ended March 31, 2022, one of our investments transferred out of Level 3 and no investments transferred into Level 3.   During the six months ended March 31, 2021, none of our investments transferred in or out of Level 3.

 

The following table presents the quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements of our investments, as of March 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Fair
Value
   Valuation
Technique
  Unobservable
Input
  Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans  $27,017   Market Approach  Market Yield   7.00% - 17.75% (8.98%) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   8,258   Market Approach  EBITDA Multiple   2.30x - 23.90x (9.57x) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   8,879   Market Approach (Guideline Comparable)  Market Yield   5.25% - 6.25% (5.75%) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   7,966   Market Approach  Market Spread   0.05x - 0.06x (0.05x) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   13,236   Market Approach  Market Quotes   9.00x - 16.20x (12.13x) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   7,004   Market Approach  Revenue Multiple   0.25x - 0.45x (0.36x) 
Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans   2,487   Market Approach (Guideline Comparable)  EBITDA Multiple   9.25x - 10.25x (9.75x) 
Equity/Warrants   25,305   Cost Approach  Replacement Cost   N/A 
Equity/Warrants   4,835   Market Approach  Market Yield   7.00% - 17.75% (11.75%) 
Equity/Warrants   12,754   Market Approach  EBITDA Multiple   2.30x - 23.90x (19.56x) 
Equity/Warrants   2,370   Market Approach  Capitalization Rate   0.05x - 0.06x (0.05x) 
Total  $120,111            

 

36

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

The following table presents the quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements of our investments, as of September 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Fair
Value
   Valuation
Methodology
  Unobservable
Input
  Range
(Weighted Average)
 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans  $25,783   Market Approach  Market Yield   7.50% - 102.38% (32.78%) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   15,639   Market Approach  Arms Length Transaction   N/A 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   7,567   Market Approach (Guideline Comparable)  Market Yield   5.00% - 8.00% (5.55%) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   4,539   Market Approach  EBITDA Multiple   4.50x - 5.50x (5.00x) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   3,579   Enterprise Value Analysis  Revenue Multiple   0.40x - 0.50x (0.45x) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   2,577   Market Approach  Capitalization Rate   4.50% - 5.50% (5.00%) 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans   2,250   Market Approach  Revenue Multiple   0.25x - 0.40x (0.33x) 
                 
Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans   2,490   Market Approach (Guideline Comparable)  EBITDA Multiple   9.75x - 10.75x (10.25x) 
                 
Secured Debt   2,500   Cost Approach  Replacement Cost   N/A 
                 
Equity/Warrants   38,939   Market Approach  EBITDA Multiple   1.25x - 12.75x (12.31x) 
Equity/Warrants   4,758   Market Approach  Market Yield   10.50% - 12.00% (11.25%) 
Equity/Warrants   2,956   Market Approach  Revenue Multiple   0.11x - 0.30x (0.16x) 
Equity/Warrants   2,236   Market Approach  Capitalization Rate   4.50% - 5.50% (5.00%) 
Total  $115,813            

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s debt and derivative investments are market yields. Increases in market yields would result in lower fair value measurements.

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s equity/warrants investments are comparable company multiples of revenue or EBITDA for the latest twelve months (“LTM”), next twelve months (“NTM”) or a reasonable period a market participant would consider. Increases in EBITDA multiples in isolation would result in higher fair value measurement.

 

In September 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with Global Accessories Group, LLC (“Global Accessories”), in which the Company exchanged its full position in Lydell Jewelry Design Studio, LLC for a 3.8% membership interest in Global Accessories, which is included in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. As part of the agreement, the Company is entitled to contingent consideration in the form of cash payments (“Earnout”), as well as up to an additional 5% membership interest (“AMI”), provided Global Accessories achieves certain financial benchmarks through calendar year ended 2022. The Earnout and AMI were initially recorded with an aggregate fair value of $2.4 million on the transaction date using the Income Approach and were included on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities in other assets. The contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. Any changes in fair value will be recognized in earnings. As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, the Company deemed the contingent consideration to be uncollectible.

 

37

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 5. Borrowings 

 

As a BDC, we are generally only allowed to employ leverage to the extent that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after giving effect to such leverage. The amount of leverage that we employ at any time depends on our assessment of the market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.

 

However, in March 2018, the Small Business Credit Availability Act modified the 1940 Act by allowing a BDC to increase the maximum amount of leverage it may incur from 200% to 150%, if certain requirements under the 1940 Act are met. Under the 1940 Act, we are allowed to increase our leverage capacity if stockholders representing at least a majority of the votes cast, when a quorum is present, approve a proposal to do so. If we receive stockholder approval, we would be allowed to increase our leverage capacity on the first day after such approval. Alternatively, the 1940 Act allows the majority of our independent directors to approve an increase in our leverage capacity, and such approval would become effective after the one-year anniversary of such approval. In either case, we would be required to make certain disclosures on our website and in SEC filings regarding, among other things, the receipt of approval to increase our leverage, our leverage capacity and usage, and risks related to leverage.

 

As of March 31, 2022, the Company’s asset coverage was 278.7 % after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Company’s asset coverage was greater than 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement applicable presently to the Company under the 1940 Act.

 

As of September 30, 2021, the Company’s asset coverage was 285.6% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Company’s asset coverage was greater than 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement applicable presently to the Company under the 1940 Act.

 

The Company’s outstanding debt excluding debt issuance costs as of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   March 31, 2022   September 30, 2021 
   Aggregate
Principal
Available
   Principal
Amount
Outstanding
   Carrying
Value
   Fair Value   Aggregate  
Principal
Available
   Principal
Amount
Outstanding
   Carrying
Value
   Fair Value 
2023 Notes  $22,522   $22,522   $22,444   $22,720   $77,847   $77,847   $77,434   $79,092 
2028 Notes   57,500    57,500    55,313    57,615    -    -    -    - 
Total debt  $80,022   $80,022   $77,757   $80,335   $77,847   $77,847   $77,434   $79,092 

 

Unsecured Notes

 

2021 Notes

 

On December 17, 2015, the Company issued $70.8 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% unsecured notes that mature on January 30, 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). On January 14, 2016, the Company closed an additional $3.25 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes. The 2021 Notes bore interest at a rate of 6.50% per year, payable quarterly on January 30, April 30, July 30 and October 30 of each year, beginning January 30, 2016.

 

On October 21, 2020, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of the 2021 Notes regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem, in whole, the issued and outstanding 2021 Notes, pursuant to Section 1104 of the Indenture dated as of February 7, 2012, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and Section 101(h) of the Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 17, 2015. The Company redeemed $74,012,825 in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2021 Notes on November 20, 2020 (the “Redemption Date”). The 2021 Notes were redeemed at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per 2021 Note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from October 31, 2020, through, but excluding, the Redemption Date. The Company funded the redemption of the 2021 Notes with cash on hand.

 

38

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 5. Borrowings (continued)

 

2023 Notes

 

On March 18, 2013, the Company issued $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.125% unsecured notes that mature on March 30, 2023 (the “2023 Notes”). On March 26, 2013, the Company closed an additional $3.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes. As of March 30, 2016, the 2023 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option. The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per year, payable quarterly on March 30, June 30, September 30 and December 30 of each year, beginning June 30, 2013.

 

On December 12, 2016, the Company entered into an “At-The-Market” (“ATM”) debt distribution agreement with FBR Capital Markets & Co., through which the Company could offer for sale, from time to time, up to $40.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The Company sold 1,573,872 of the 2023 Notes at an average price of $25.03 per note, and raised $38.6 million in net proceeds, through the ATM debt distribution agreement.

 

On March 10, 2018, the Company redeemed $13.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. On December 31, 2018, the Company redeemed $12.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.3 million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.

 

On December 21, 2020, the Company announced that it completed the application process for and was authorized to transfer the listing of the 2023 Notes to the NASDAQ Global Market. The listing and trading of the 2023 Notes on the NYSE ceased at the close of trading on December 31, 2020. Effective January 4, 2021, the 2023 Notes began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “PFXNL.”

 

On November 15, 2021, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of the 2023 Notes regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem $55,325,000 in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2023 Notes on December 16, 2021. On December 16, 2021, the Company redeemed $55,325,000 in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2023 Notes. The redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.3 million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.

 

2028 Notes

 

On November 9, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement, by and between the Company and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., as representative of the several underwriters named in Exhibit A thereto, in connection with the issuance and sale (the “Offering”) of $57,500,000 (including the underwriters’ option to purchase up to $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount) in aggregate principal amount of its 5.25% Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes” and collectively with the 2023 Notes, the “Notes”). The Offering occurred on November 15, 2021, pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form N-2 previously filed with the SEC, as supplemented by a preliminary prospectus supplement dated November 8, 2021, the pricing term sheet dated November 9, 2021 and a final prospectus supplement dated November 9, 2021. Effective November 16, 2021, the 2028 Notes began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “PFXNZ.”

 

On November 15, 2021, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, entered into a Fourth Supplemental Indenture to its base Indenture, dated February 7, 2012, between the Company and the Trustee. The Fourth Supplemental Indenture relates to the Offering of the 2028 Notes.

 

Fair Value of Debt Obligations

 

The fair values of our debt obligations are determined in accordance with ASC 820, which defines fair value in terms of the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The fair value of the Notes, which are publicly traded, is based upon closing market quotes as of the measurement date. As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, the Notes would be deemed to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, as defined in Note 4.

 

39

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 5. Borrowings (continued)

 

In accordance with ASU 2015-03, the debt issuance costs related to the Notes are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a direct deduction from the face amount of the Notes. As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, debt issuance costs related to the Notes were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   March 31, 2022   September 30, 2021 
   2023 Notes   2028 Notes   Total   2023 Notes   Total 
Total debt issuance costs  $3,102   $2,311   $5,413   $3,102   $3,102 
Amortized debt issuance costs   3,025    124    3,149    2,689    2,689 
Unamortized debt issuance costs  $77   $2,187   $2,264   $413   $413 

 

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the components of interest expense, amortized debt issuance costs, weighted average stated interest rate and weighted average outstanding debt balance for the Notes were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   For the Three Months
Ended March 31
   For the Six Months
Ended  March 31
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
2021 Notes Interest  $-   $-   $-   $668 
2023 Notes Interest   345    1,192    1,060    2,385 
2028 Notes Interest   755    -    1,486    - 
Amortization of debt issuance costs   121    68    163    225 
Total  $1,221   $1,260   $2,709   $3,278 
Weighted average stated interest rate   6.2%   6.6%   6.0%   6.7%
Weighted average outstanding balance  $80,022   $77,847   $90,863   $98,292 

 

Note 6. Agreements

 

Investment Management Agreement

 

We had entered into an investment management agreement with MCC Advisors on January 11, 2011 (the “Investment Management Agreement”), which expired on December 31, 2020.

 

Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, MCC Advisors:

 

  determined the composition of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes;

 

  identified, evaluated and negotiated the structure of the investments we made (including performing due diligence on our prospective portfolio companies); and

 

  executed, closed, monitored and administered the investments we made, including the exercise of any voting or consent rights.

 

MCC Advisors’ services under the Investment Management Agreement were not exclusive, and it was free to furnish similar services to other entities so long as its services to us were not impaired.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, we paid MCC Advisors a fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of a base management fee and a two-part incentive fee.

 

On December 3, 2015, MCC Advisors recommended and, in consultation with the Board, agreed to reduce fees under the Investment Management Agreement. Beginning January 1, 2016, the base management fee was reduced to 1.50% on gross assets above $1 billion. In addition, MCC Advisors reduced its incentive fee from 20% on pre-incentive fee net investment income over an 8% hurdle, to 17.5% on pre-incentive fee net investment income over a 6% hurdle. Moreover, the revised incentive fee includes a netting mechanism and is subject to a rolling three-year look back from January 1, 2016 forward. Under no circumstances would the new fee structure result in higher fees to MCC Advisors than fees under the prior investment management agreement.

 

The following discussion of our base management fee and two-part incentive fee reflect the terms of the fee waiver agreement executed by MCC Advisors on February 8, 2016 (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”). The terms of the Fee Waiver Agreement were effective as of January 1, 2016 and were a permanent reduction in the base management fee and incentive fee on net investment income payable to MCC Advisors for the investment advisory and management services it provided under the Investment Management Agreement. The Fee Waiver Agreement did not change the second component of the incentive fee, which was the incentive fee on capital gains.

 

40

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 6. Agreements (continued)

 

On January 15, 2020, the Company’s board of directors, including all of the independent directors, approved the renewal of the Investment Management Agreement through the later of April 1, 2020 or so long as the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 29, 2019 (the “Amended MCC Merger Agreement”), by and between the Company and Sierra (the “Amended MCC Merger Agreement”) was in effect, but no longer than a year; provided that, if the Amended MCC Merger Agreement was terminated by Sierra, then the termination of the Investment Management Agreement would be effective on the 30th day following receipt of Sierra’s notice of termination to the Company. On May 1, 2020, the Company received a notice of termination of the Amended MCC Merger Agreement from Sierra. Under the Amended MCC Merger Agreement, either party was permitted, subject to certain conditions, to terminate the Amended MCC Merger Agreement if the merger was not consummated by March 31, 2020. Sierra elected to do so on May 1, 2020. As result of the termination by Sierra of the Amended MCC Merger Agreement on May 1, 2020, the Investment Management Agreement would have been terminated effective as of May 31, 2020. On May 21, 2020, the Board, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Investment Management Agreement through the end of the then-current quarter, June 30, 2020. On June 12, 2020, the Board, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Investment Management Agreement through September 30, 2020. On September 29, 2020, the Board, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Investment Management Agreement through December 31, 2020. Mr. Brook Taube, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer through December 31, 2020 and one of our directors through January 21, 2021 and Mr. Seth Taube, one of our directors through January 21, 2021 are both affiliated with MCC Advisors and Medley.

 

On November 18, 2020, the Board approved the adoption of an internalized management structure effective January 1, 2021. The new management structure replaces the current Investment Management and Administration Agreements with MCC Advisors LLC, which expired on December 31, 2020. To lead the internalized management team, the Board approved the appointment of David Lorber, who had served as an independent director of the Company since April 2019, as interim Chief Executive Officer, and Ellida McMillan as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each effective January 1, 2021. In connection with his appointment, Mr. Lorber stepped down from the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, and the Special Committee of the Board.

 

Base Management Fee

 

Through December 31, 2020, for providing investment advisory and management services to us, MCC Advisors received a base management fee. The base management fee was calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% (0.4375% per quarter) of up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s gross assets and 1.50% (0.375% per quarter) of any amounts over $1.0 billion of the Company’s gross assets and was payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee was calculated based on the average value of the Company’s gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. Since January 1, 2021, the Company no longer incurs management fees under its current internalized structure. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company incurred $1.1 million in base management fees.

 

Incentive Fee

 

Through December 31, 2020, the incentive fee had two components, as follows:

 

Incentive Fee Based on Income

 

The first component of the incentive fee was payable quarterly in arrears and was based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income earned during the calendar quarter for which the incentive fee was being calculated. MCC Advisors was entitled to receive the incentive fee on net investment income from us if our Ordinary Income (as defined below) exceeded a quarterly “hurdle rate” of 1.5%. The hurdle amount was calculated after making appropriate adjustments to the Company’s net assets, as determined as of the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter, in order to account for any capital raising or other capital actions as a result of any issuances by the Company of its common stock (including issuances pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan), any repurchase by the Company of its own common stock, and any dividends paid by the Company, each as may have occurred during the relevant quarter.

 

The second component of the incentive fee was determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Management Agreement as of the termination date) and equaled 20.0% of our cumulative aggregate realized capital gains less cumulative realized capital losses, unrealized capital depreciation (unrealized depreciation on a gross investment-by-investment basis at the end of each calendar year) and all capital gains upon which prior performance-based capital gains incentive fee payments were previously made to the investment adviser.

 

41

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 6. Agreements (continued)

 

For the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not incur any incentive fees on net investment income because pre-incentive fee net investment income did not exceed the hurdle amount under the formula set forth in the Investment Management Agreement. The Investment Management Agreement terminated as of December 31, 2020, and the Company no longer incurs incentive fees under the Investment Management Agreement as a result.

 

Administration Agreement

 

On January 19, 2011, the Company entered into an administration agreement with MCC Advisors. Pursuant to the administration agreement, MCC Advisors furnished us with office facilities and equipment, clerical, bookkeeping, recordkeeping and other administrative services related to the operations of the Company. We reimbursed MCC Advisors for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by it performing its obligations under the administration agreement, including rent and our allocable portion of the cost of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs. From time to time, our administrator was able to pay amounts owed by us to third-party service providers and we would subsequently reimburse our administrator for such amounts paid on our behalf. In connection with the adoption by the board of directors of an internalized management structure, on November 19, 2020, the Company entered into a Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement and an Administration Servicing Agreement on customary terms with U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC d/b/a U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“U.S. Bancorp”). The administration agreement with MCC Advisors terminated by its terms on December 31, 2020. Effective January 1, 2021, US Bancorp serves as custodian and provides us with fund accounting and financial reporting services pursuant to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement and Administration Servicing Agreement. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, we incurred $0.1 million and $0.2 million in administrator expenses, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we applied $52,000 for administrative expenses due to U.S. Bancorp to an administrator expense that was over accrued. For the six months ended March 31, 2021, we recorded $0.4 million in administrator expenses.

 

As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, were included in “administrator expenses payable” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Expense Support Agreement

 

On June 12, 2020, the Company entered into an expense support agreement (the “Expense Support Agreement”) with MCC Advisors and Medley LLC, pursuant to which MCC Advisors and Medley LLC agreed (jointly and severally) to cap the management fee and all of the Company’s other operating expenses (except interest expenses, certain extraordinary strategic transaction expenses and other expenses approved by the Special Committee (as defined in Note 10)) at $667,000 per month (the “Cap”). Under the Expense Support Agreement, the Cap became effective on June 1, 2020. On September 29, 2020, the board of directors, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Expense Support Agreement through the end of quarter ending December 31, 2020. The Expense Support Agreement expired by its terms at the close of business on December 31, 2020, in connection with the adoption of the internalized management structure by the board of directors.

 

Note 7. Related Party Transactions

 

Due to Affiliate

 

Due to affiliate consists of certain general and administrative expenses paid by an affiliate on behalf of the Company.  

 

Due from Affiliate 

 

Due from affiliate consists of certain legal expenses paid by the Company on behalf of an affiliate.

 

42

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 8. Commitments

 

Insurance Reimbursements Related to Professional Fees

 

The Company has received insurance proceeds under its insurance policy primarily relating to the legal expenses associated with the dismissed stockholder class action, captioned as FrontFour Capital Group LLC, et al. v Brook Taube et al. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 the Company did not receive any insurance proceeds. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, the Company received $0.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of insurance proceeds. The reimbursements have been recorded as an offset or reduction in professional fees and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Unfunded commitments

 

As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, we had commitments under loan and financing agreements to fund up to $13.3 million to seven portfolio companies   and $4.9 million to six portfolio companies, respectively. These commitments are primarily composed of senior secured term loans and revolvers, and the determination of their fair value is included in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. The commitments are generally subject to the borrowers meeting certain criteria such as compliance with covenants and certain operational metrics. The terms of the borrowings and financings subject to commitment are comparable to the terms of other loan and equity securities in our portfolio. A summary of the composition of the unfunded commitments as of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 is shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):

 

   March 31,
2022
   September 30,
2021
 
Redwood Services Group, LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan  $5,000   $- 
SS Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising) - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   4,000    - 
Redwood Services Group, LLC - Revolving Credit Facility   1,575    1,575 
Kemmerer Operations, LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   908    908 
1888 Industrial Services, LLC - Revolving Credit Facility   899    1,078 
Secure Acquisition Inc. (dba Paragon Films) - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   517    - 
NVTN LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   220    220 
Black Angus Steakhouses, LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   167    167 
Alpine SG, LLC - Revolving Credit Facility   -    1,000 
Total unfunded commitments  $13,286   $4,948 

 

Lease obligations

 

Effective January 1, 2019, ASC 842 required that a lessee evaluate its leases to determine whether they should be classified as operating or financing leases. PhenixFIN identified one operating lease for its office space. The lease commenced September 1, 2021 and expires November 30, 2026.

 

Upon entering into the lease on September 1, 2021, PhenixFIN recorded a right-of-use asset and a lease liability as of that date.

 

As of March 31, 2022, the asset related to the operating lease was $0.6 million and is included in the Other assets balance on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The lease liability was $0.6 million and is included in the Other liabilities balance on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of March 31, 2022, the remaining lease term was five years and the implied borrowing rate was 5.25%.

 

The following table shows future minimum payments under PhenixFIN’s operating lease as of March 31, 2022:

 

For the Years Ended December 31,  Amount 
2022  $72,000 
2023   144,000 
2024   144,000 
2025   144,000 
2026   144,000 
Thereafter   24,000 
    672,000 
Difference between undiscounted and discounted cash flows   (77,137)
   $594,863 

 

43

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 9. Fee Income

 

Fee income consists of origination/closing fees, amendment fees, prepayment penalty and other miscellaneous fees which are non-recurring in nature as well as administrative agent fees, which are recurring in nature. The following tables summarizes the Company’s fee income for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):

 

   For the Three Months
Ended March 31
   For the Six Months
Ended March 31
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Administrative agent fee  $75   $23   $94   $327 
Prepayment fee   -    -    209    - 
Amendment fee   -    62    4    89 
Other fees   10    152    48    163 
Fee income  $85   $237   $355   $579 

  

Note 10. Directors Fees

 

During calendar year 2022, the Company’s independent directors each receive an annual fee of $100,000. In addition, the lead independent director receives an annual retainer of $30,000; the chair of the Audit Committee receives an annual retainer of $25,000, and each of its other members receives an annual retainer of $12,500; and the chairs of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and of the Compensation Committee each receive an annual retainer of $15,000 and each of the other members of these committees receive annual retainers of $8,000. The Company’s independent directors also receive a fee of $3,000 for each board meeting and $2,500 for each committee meeting that they attend. Prior to calendar year 2022, the Company’s independent directors each received an annual fee of $90,000. They also received $3,000, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each board meeting, and $2,500, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Transition Committee and Compensation Committee meeting. The chair of the Audit Committee received an annual fee of $25,000 and the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee received an annual fee of $10,000 for their additional services in these capacities. In addition, other members of the Audit Committee received an annual fee of $12,500, and other members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee received an annual fee of $6,000.

 

No board service compensation is paid to directors who are “interested persons” of the Company (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act). For the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, we accrued $0.2 million and $0.4 million for directors’ fees expense, respectively. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, we accrued $0.2 million and $0.7 million for directors’ fees expense, respectively.

  

Note 11. Earnings Per Share

 

In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 260 - Earnings per Share, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Other potentially dilutive common shares, and the related impact to earnings, are considered when calculating earnings per share on a diluted basis. The Company does not have any potentially dilutive common shares as of March 31, 2022.

 

The following information sets forth the computation of the weighted average basic and diluted net increase/(decrease) in net assets per share from operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

 

   For the Three Months
Ended March 31
   For the Six Months
Ended March 31
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Basic and diluted:                    
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $2,973   $7,787   $7,776   $1,350 
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - basic and diluted   2,397,911    2,716,627    2,458,222    2,720,226 
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock - basic and diluted  $1.24   $2.87   $3.16   $0.50 

 

44

 

 

PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 12. Financial Highlights

 

The following is a schedule of financial highlights for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:

 

   For the Six Months
Ended March 31
 
   2022   2021 
Per share data        
Net Asset Value per share at Beginning of Period  $57.08   $55.30 
           
Results of Operations:          
Net Investment Income/(Loss)(1)   0.55    4.42 
Net Realized Gain/(Loss) on Investments   6.38    (17.11)
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments   (3.65)   13.23 
Net loss on extinguishment of debt   (0.12)   (0.04)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations   3.16    0.50 
           
Capital Share Transactions          
Repurchase of common stock under stock repurchase program   2.70    0.11 
Net Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Capital Share Transactions   2.70    0.11 
Net Asset Value per share at End of Period  $62.94   $55.91 
           
Net Assets at End of Period  $138,960,140   $151,177,125 
Shares Outstanding at End of Period   2,207,794    2,703,936 
           
Per share market value at end of period  $40.90   $32.92 
Total return based on market value(2)   129.39%   84.63%
Total return based on net asset value(3)   (7.74)%   0.37%
Portfolio turnover rate(5)   104.76%   7.27%
           
Ratios:        
         
Ratio of net investment/(loss) income to average net assets after waivers, discounts and reimbursements(4)(5)   1.84%   16.08%
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets after waivers, discounts and reimbursements(4)(5)   7.42%   9.75%
           
Supplemental Data:          
Ratio of net operating expenses and credit facility related expenses to average net assets(4)(5)(9)   7.42%   9.75%
Percentage of non-recurring fee income(4)(6)   5.23%   3.01%
Average debt outstanding(7)  $90,862,684   $98,292,332 
Average debt outstanding per common share  $36.96   $36.13 
Asset coverage ratio per unit(8)  $2,787   $2,956 
Total Debt Outstanding(9)          
2023 Notes  $22,521,800   $77,295,658 
2028 Notes  $57,500,000   $- 
           
Average market value per unit:          
2023 Notes  $25.40   $24.54 
2028 Notes  $25.12   $- 

 

(1)Net investment income/(loss) excluding management and incentive fee waivers, discounts and reimbursements based on total weighted average common stock outstanding equals $0.55 and $4.42 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively.

 

(2)Total return is historical and assumes changes in share price, reinvestments of all dividends and distributions at prices obtained under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan, and no sales charge for the period. Calculation is not annualized.

 

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PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 12. Financial Highlights (continued)

 

(3)Total return is historical and assumes changes in NAV, reinvestments of all dividends and distributions at prices obtained under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan, and no sales charge for the period. Calculation is not annualized.

 

(4)Ratios are annualized during interim periods.

 

(5)For the six months ended March 31, 2022, prior to the effect of Expense Support Agreement, the ratio of net investment income/(loss), total expenses, and operating expenses and credit facility related expenses to average net assets is 1.84%, 7.42%, and 7.42%, respectively

 

(6)Represents the impact of the non-recurring fees as a percentage of total investment income.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2021, prior to the effect of Expense Support Agreement, the ratio of net investment income/(loss), total expenses, and operating expenses and credit facility related expenses to average net assets is 17.59%, 8.65%, and 10.67%, respectively.

 

(7)Based on daily weighted average carrying value of debt outstanding during the period.

 

(8)Asset coverage per unit is the ratio of the carrying value of our total consolidated assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. Asset coverage per unit is expressed in terms of dollar amounts per $1,000 of indebtedness.

 

As of March 31, 2022, the Company’s asset coverage was 278.7% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Company’s asset coverage was above 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement under the 1940 Act.

 

(9)Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at the end of the period excluding debt issuance costs.

 

Note 13. Dividends

 

Dividends and distributions to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount to be paid out as a dividend is determined by our board of directors.

 

We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a cash dividend or other distribution, each stockholder that has not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have its dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock rather than receiving cash dividends. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of common stock will be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash distributions.

 

The Company did not make any distributions during the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.

 

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PHENIXFIN CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2022

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 14. Share Transactions  

 

On January 11, 2021, the Company announced that its board of directors approved a share repurchase program.

 

On February 9, 2022, the Board of Directors approved the expansion of the amount authorized for repurchase under the Company’s share repurchase program from $15 million to $25 million.

 

The following table sets forth the number of shares of common stock repurchased by the Company at a weighted average price of $36.99 per share under its share repurchase program from February 10, 2021 through March 28, 2022:

 

Month Ended  Shares
Repurchased
   Repurchase
Price
Per Share
   Aggregate Consideration
for Repurchased
Shares
 
February 2021   13,082    $30.25 - $30.96    $397,384 
March 2021   12,241    $30.25 - $34.42     393,938 
April 2021   14,390    $33.11 - $34.89     491,469 
May 2021   25,075    $34.56 - $39.93     976,440 
August 2021   141,700    $41.03 - $42.28     5,944,212 
January 2022   7,312    $39.07 - $40.88     293,514 
February 2022   170,589    $39.53 - $41.00     6,908,864 
March 2022   131,526    $39.24 - $40.57     5,285,510 
Total   515,915        $20,691,331 

 

The Company funded additional share repurchases of 528 shares with a total cost of approximately $22,000 between March 29, 2022 and March 31, 2022 which had not settled as of March 31, 2022.

 

Note 15. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements included herein. Other than the items disclosed herein, there have been no subsequent events that occurred during such period that would require disclosure in this Form 10-Q or would be required to be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the six months ended March 31, 2022.

 

Under the share repurchase program, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 3,991 shares of common stock through May 6, 2022 with a total cost of approximately $158,000, of which 436 shares with a total cost of approximately $16,000 had not settled as of May 6, 2022.

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 

Except as otherwise specified, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company,” refer to PhenixFIN Corporation.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Some of the statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

  the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies;

 

  changes in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment or conditions affecting the financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in the value of our assets;

 

  the impact of increased competition;

 

  the impact of future acquisitions and divestitures;

 

  our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

 

  the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to us;

 

  our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

  any future financings by us;

 

  fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

  the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, our tax position;

 

  our ability to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments;

 

  our ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals;

 

  market conditions and our ability to access alternative debt markets and additional debt and equity capital;

 

  the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings;

 

  uncertainties associated with the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic and any variants thereof: including its impact on the global and U.S. capital markets and the global and U.S. economy; the length and duration of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States as well as worldwide and the magnitude of the economic impact of that outbreak; the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business prospects and the operational and financial performance of our portfolio companies, including our and their ability to achieve their respective objectives; and the effect of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on our ability to continue to effectively manage our business; and

 

  risks and uncertainties relating to the possibility that the Company may explore strategic alternatives, including, but are not limited to: the timing, benefits and outcome of any exploration of strategic alternatives by the Company; potential disruptions in the Company’s business and stock price as a result of our exploration of any strategic alternatives; the ability to realize anticipated efficiencies, or strategic or financial benefits; potential transaction costs and risks; and the risk that any exploration of strategic alternatives may have an adverse effect on our existing business arrangements or relationships, including our ability to retain or hire key personnel. There is no assurance that any exploration of strategic alternatives will result in a transaction or other strategic change or outcome.

 

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Such forward-looking statements may include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “trend,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “potential,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” or similar expressions. The forward looking statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q 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 as “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

 

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. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements, and future results could differ materially from historical performance. 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 (“SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, registration statements on Form N-2, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

 

COVID-19 Developments

 

COVID-19 and variants thereof have severely impacted global economic activity and caused significant volatility and negative pressure in financial markets. The global impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve and many countries, including the United States, have reacted at various stages of the pandemic by instituting quarantines, restricting travel, and temporarily closing or limiting capacity at many corporate offices, retail stores, restaurants, fitness clubs and manufacturing facilities and factories in affected jurisdictions. Such actions have created disruption in global supply chains and adversely impacted a number of industries. The outbreak has had and could continue to have an adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger a period of global economic slowdown.

 

We continue to closely monitor the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 on all aspects of our business, including how it will impact our portfolio companies, employees, due diligence and underwriting processes, and financial markets. Given the continuing development and fluidity of this situation, we cannot estimate the long-term impact of COVID-19 on our business, future results of operations, financial position or cash flows at this time. Further, the operational and financial performance of the portfolio companies in which we make investments may be significantly impacted by COVID-19, which may in turn impact the valuation of our investments. We believe our portfolio companies have taken actions to effectively and efficiently respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and related orders imposed by state and local governments, including developing liquidity plans supported by internal cash reserves, shareholder support, and, as appropriate, accessing their ability to participate in the government Paycheck Protection Program. The Company’s performance has been negatively impacted during the pandemic. The longer-term impact of COVID-19 on the operations and the performance of the Company (including certain portfolio companies) is difficult to predict, but may also be adverse. The longer-term potential impact on such operations and performance could depend to a large extent on future developments and actions taken by authorities and other entities to mitigate COVID-19 and its economic impact. The impacts, as well as the uncertainty over impacts to come, of COVID-19 have adversely affected the performance of the Company (including certain portfolio companies) and may continue to do so in the future. Furthermore, the impacts of a potential worsening of global economic conditions and the continued disruptions to and volatility in the financial markets remain unknown. COVID-19 presents material uncertainty and risks with respect to the underlying value of the Company’s portfolio companies, the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, such as the potential negative impact to financing arrangements, increased costs of operations, changes in law and/or regulation, and uncertainty regarding government and regulatory policy.

 

We have evaluated subsequent events from March 31, 2022 through the filing date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. However, as the discussion in this Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to the Company’s financial statements for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022, the analysis contained herein may not fully account for impacts relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. In that regard, for example, as of March 31, 2022, the Company valued its portfolio investments in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) based on the facts and circumstances known by the Company at that time, or reasonably expected to be known at that time. Due to the overall volatility that the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused during the months following our most recent valuation (as of March 31, 2022), any valuations conducted now or in the future in conformity with U.S. GAAP could result in a lower fair value of our portfolio. The longer-term impact of COVID-19 on the operations and the performance of the Company (including certain portfolio companies) is difficult to predict, but may also be adverse. The longer-term potential impact on such operations and performance could depend to a large extent on future developments and actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain COVID-19 and its economic impact. The impacts, as well as the uncertainty over impacts to come, of COVID-19 (including any variants thereof) have adversely affected the performance of the Company and may continue to do so in the future. Further, the potential exists for additional variants of COVID-19 to impede the global economic recovery and exacerbate geographic differences in the spread of, and response to, COVID-19.

 

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Overview

 

We are an internally-managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. In addition, we have elected, and intend to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. Through December 31, 2020, we were an externally managed company. On November 18, 2020, the board of directors of the Company approved the adoption of an internalized management structure, effective January 1, 2021. Since January 1, 2021, we have operated under such internalized management structure.

 

We commenced operations and completed our initial public offering on January 20, 2011. Under our internalized management structure, our activities are managed by our senior professionals and are supervised by our board of directors, of which a majority of the members are independent of us.

 

The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and capital appreciation. The management team seeks to achieve this objective primarily through making loans, private equity or other investments in privately-held companies. The Company may also make debt, equity or other investments in publicly-traded companies. (These investments may also include investments in other BDCs, closed-end funds or REITS.) We may also pursue other strategic opportunities and invest in other assets or operate other businesses to achieve our investment objective. The portfolio generally consists of senior secured first lien term loans, senior secured second lien term loans, senior secured bonds, preferred equity and common equity. Occasionally, we will receive warrants or other equity participation features which we believe will have the potential to increase total investment returns. Our loan and other debt investments are primarily rated below investment grade or are unrated. Investments in below investment grade securities are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due.

 

As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets,” including securities of private or thinly traded public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, we are only allowed to borrow money such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the 1940 Act, certain requirements are met) after such borrowing, with certain limited exceptions. To maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. In addition, to maintain our RIC tax treatment, we must timely distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, for the taxable year.

  

Reverse Stock Split; Authorized Share Reduction

 

At the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 30, 2020 (the “Annual Meeting”), stockholders approved a proposal to grant discretionary authority to the Company’s board of directors to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) to effect a reverse stock split of its common stock, of 1-20 (the “Reverse Stock Split”) and with the Reverse Stock Split to be effective at such time and date, if at all, as determined by the board of directors, but not later than 60 days after stockholder approval thereof and, if and when the reverse stock split is effected, reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock by the approved reverse stock split ratio (the “Authorized Share Reduction”).

 

Following the Annual Meeting, on July 7, 2020, the board of directors determined that it was in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to implement the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Share Reduction. Accordingly, on July 13, 2020, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment (the “Certificate of Amendment”) to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect the Reverse Stock Split and the Authorized Share Reduction.

 

Pursuant to the Certificate of Amendment, effective as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on July 24, 2020 (the “Effective Time”), each twenty (20) shares of common stock issued and outstanding, immediately prior to the Effective Time, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders thereof, were combined and converted into one (1) share of common stock. In connection with the Reverse Stock Split, the Certificate of Amendment provided for a reduction in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 100,000,000 to 5,000,000 shares of common stock. No fractional shares were issued as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, any stockholder who would have been entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split received cash payments in lieu of such fractional shares (without interest and subject to backup withholding and applicable withholding taxes).

 

On December 21, 2020, the Company announced that it completed the application process for and was authorized to transfer the listing of its shares of common stock to the NASDAQ Global Market. The listing and trading of the common stock on the NYSE ceased at the close of trading on December 31, 2020. Since January 4, 2021, the common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “PFX.”

 

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Revenues

 

We generate revenue in the form of interest income on the debt that we hold and capital gains, if any, on warrants or other equity interests that we may acquire in portfolio companies. We invest our assets primarily in privately held companies with enterprise or asset values between $25 million and $250 million and generally focus on investment sizes of $10 million to $50 million. We believe that pursuing opportunities of this size offers several benefits including reduced competition, a larger investment opportunity set and the ability to minimize the impact of financial intermediaries. We expect our debt investments to bear interest at either a fixed or floating rate. Interest on debt will be payable generally either monthly or quarterly. In some cases our debt investments may provide for a portion of the interest to be PIK. To the extent interest is PIK, it will be payable through the increase of the principal amount of the obligation by the amount of interest due on the then-outstanding aggregate principal amount of such obligation. The principal amount of the debt and any accrued but unpaid interest will generally become due at the maturity date. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, structuring or diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance or investment management services and possibly consulting fees. Any such fees will be generated in connection with our investments and recognized as earned.

 

Expenses

 

In periods prior to December 31, 2020, our primary operating expenses included management and incentive fees pursuant to the investment management agreement we had with MCC Advisors and overhead expenses, including our allocable portion of our administrator’s overhead under the administration agreement, which were paid during the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Our management and incentive fees compensated MCC Advisors for its work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, closing and monitoring our investments. On November 18, 2020, the board of directors adopted an internally managed structure, effective January 1, 2021, under which we bear all costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including those relating to:

 

  our organization and continued corporate existence;

 

  calculating our NAV (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firms);

 

  salaries, compensation and benefits for our employees and any consultants, including investment professionals;

 

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

 

  the costs of all offerings of common stock and other securities, if any;

 

  distributions on our shares;

 

  administration fees payable under our administration agreement with U.S. Bancorp;

 

  amounts payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making investments;

 

  transfer agent and custodial fees;

 

  registration fees and listing fees;

 

  U.S. federal, state and local taxes;

 

  independent director fees and expenses;

 

  costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents with the SEC or other regulators;

 

  the costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to our stockholders, including printing costs;

 

  our fidelity bond;

 

  directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums;

 

  indemnification payments;

 

  direct costs and expenses of administration, including audit and legal costs; and

 

  all other expenses reasonably incurred by us in connection with administering our business, such as rent for our office space.

 

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Expense Support Agreement

 

On June 12, 2020, the Company entered into an expense support agreement (the “Expense Support Agreement”) with MCC Advisors and Medley LLC, pursuant to which MCC Advisors and Medley LLC agreed (jointly and severally) to cap the management fee and all of the Company’s other operating expenses (except interest expenses, certain extraordinary strategic transaction expenses, and other expenses approved by the Special Committee of the Board (as described in Note 10)), at $667,000 per month (the “Cap”). Under the Expense Support Agreement, the Cap became effective on June 1, 2020 and was to expire on September 30, 2020. On September 29, 2020, the board of directors, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Expense Support Agreement through the end of quarter ending December 31, 2020. The Expense Support Agreement expired by its terms at the close of business on December 31, 2020, in connection with the adoption of the internalized management structure by the board of directors.

 

For the three months ended December 31, 2020, the total management fee and the other operating expenses subject to the Cap (as described above) were $2.5 million, which resulted in $0.3 million of expense support incurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 and due from MCC Advisors. The $0.3 million of expense support due was netted against Administrator expenses payable in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and paid during the quarter ended March 31, 2021. See “Note 6” for more information.

 

Portfolio and Investment Activity

 

As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, our portfolio had a fair market value of approximately $188.7 million and $151.6 million, respectively.

 

During the six months ended March 31, 2022, we received proceeds from sale and settlements of investments of $89.8 million including principal and dividend proceeds, net realized gains (losses) on investments of $15.7 million, and invested $119.8 million. Since our internalization on January 1, 2021, we have monetized 20 positions totaling $126.4 million and deployed capital into 25 investments, aggregating $155.5 million.

 

During the six months ended March 31, 2021, we received proceeds from sale and settlements of investments of $74.9 million, including principal and dividend proceeds, and realized net losses on investments of $46.5 million. We invested $6.8 million in one new portfolio company.

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of our average portfolio company:

 

   March 31, 2022   September 30, 2021 
   Amortized Cost   Fair Value   Amortized Cost   Fair Value 
Average portfolio company  $3,788   $3,631   $3,100   $2,263 
Largest portfolio company   25,305    25,305    19,469    26,863 

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments as of March 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Amortized Cost   Percentage   Fair Value   Percentage 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans  $135,310    53.3%  $89,769    47.5%
Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans   2,602    1.0    2,487    1.3 
Senior Secured Notes   11,638    4.6    11,278    6.0 
Unsecured Debt   182    0.1    -    - 
Equity/Warrants   104,056    41.0    85,271    45.2 
Total Investments  $253,788    100.0%  $188,805    100.0%

  

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments as of September 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

 

   Amortized
Cost
   Percentage   Fair Value   Percentage 
Senior Secured First Lien Term Loans  $136,740    65.7%  $61,934    40.9%
Senior Secured Second Lien Term Loans   2,600    1.3    2,490    1.6 
Senior Secured Notes   9,306    4.5    9,270    6.1 
Secured Debt   2,500    1.2    2,500    1.6 
Unsecured Debt   1,561    0.8    -    - 
Equity/Warrants   54,961    26.5    75,446    49.8 
Total Investments  $207,668    100.0%  $151,640    100.0%

 

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As of March 31, 2022, our income-bearing investment portfolio based upon cost represented 68.7% of our total portfolio of which 77.7% bore interest based on floating rates, such as the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”), while 22.3% bore interest at fixed rates. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had a weighted average yield to maturity of 8.32% on debt investments. This yield does not represent the total return to our stockholders.

 

We rate the risk profile of each of our investments based on the following categories:

 

Credit    
Rating   Definition
1   Investments that are performing above expectations.
     
2   Investments that are performing within expectations, with risks that are neutral or favorable compared to risks at the time of origination. All new loans are rated ’2’.
     
3   Investments that are performing below expectations and that require closer monitoring, but where no loss of interest, dividend or principal is expected. Companies rated ’3’ may be out of compliance with financial covenants, however, loan payments are generally not past due.
     
4   Investments that are performing below expectations and for which risk has increased materially since origination. Some loss of interest or dividend is expected but no loss of principal. In addition to the borrower being generally out of compliance with debt covenants, loan payments may be past due (but generally not more than 180 days past due).
     
5   Investments that are performing substantially below expectations and whose risks have increased substantially since origination. Most or all of the debt covenants are out of compliance and payments are substantially delinquent. Some loss of principal is expected.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has at times impacted our investment ratings, causing downgrades of certain portfolio companies. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we continue to maintain close communications with our portfolio companies to proactively assess and manage potential risks across our investment portfolio. We have also increased oversight and analysis of credits in vulnerable industries in an attempt to improve loan performance and reduce credit risk.

  

The following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment performance rating scale at fair value as of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

  

    March 31, 2022   September 30, 2021 
    Fair Value   Percentage   Fair Value   Percentage 
1   $-    0.0%  $-    0.0%
2    161,929    85.8%   121,508    80.1%
3    10,196    5.4%   13,416    8.8%
4    7,221    3.8%   9,925    6.6%
5    9,459    5.0%   6,791    4.5%
Total   $188,805    100.0%  $151,640    100.0%

 

Results of Operations

 

Operating results for three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

  

For the Three Months Ended

March 31

   For the Six Months Ended
March 31
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Total investment income  $3,657   $6,454   $6,790   $19,256 
Less: Total expenses   2,507    2,767    5,440    7,239 
Net investment income/(loss)   1,150    3,687    1,350    12,017 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments   454    161    15,677    (46,546)
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments   1,369    3,939    (8,956)   36,001 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   -    -    (296)   (122)
                    
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $2,973   $7,787   $7,775   $1,350 

 

Investment Income 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, investment income totaled $3.7 million, of which $2.7 million was attributable to portfolio interest, $0.9 million was attributable to dividend income, and $0.1 million was attributable to fee income. For the six months ended March 31, 2022, investment income totaled $6.8 million, of which $4.6 million was attributable to portfolio interest, $1.6 million was attributable to dividend income, $0.4 million was attributable to fee income, and $0.2 million was attributable to other income. Dividend income was received from 11 investments during the six months ended March 31, 2022.

 

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For the three months ended March 31, 2021, investment income totaled $6.4 million, of which $6.1 million was attributable to portfolio interest and dividend income, $0.2 million was attributable to fee income, and $0.1 million was attributable to other income. For the six months ended March 31, 2021, investment income totaled $19.3 million, of which $18.6 million was attributable to portfolio interest and dividend income, $0.6 million was attributable to fee income, and $0.1 million was attributable to other income. Dividend income was received primarily from one investment during the six months ended March 31, 2021.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Operating expenses for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   For the Three Months Ended
March 31
   For the Six Months Ended
March 31
 
   2022   2021   2022   2021 
Base management fees  $-   $-   $-   $1,146 
Interest and financing expenses   1,221    1,260    2,709    3,278 
General and administrative expenses   290    105    487    467 
Salaries and benefits   430    332    936    332 
Administrator expenses   82    (45)   151    440 
Insurance expenses   156    474    314    959 
Directors fees   167    221    376    696 
Professional fees, net   161    420    467    (79)
Total expenses  $2,507   $2,767   $5,440   $7,239 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, total operating expenses decreased by $0.3 million, or 9.4% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. For the six months ended March 31, 2022, total operating expenses before base management fees decreased by $0.7 million, or 10.7% compared to the six months ended March 31, 2021.

 

Effective beginning January 1, 2021, the Company did not incur any management or incentive fees, nor was it subject to expense support arrangements due to its transition to an internal management structure. As a result, there were no management or incentive fee waivers or expense support reimbursements for such period.

 

Interest and Financing Expenses

 

Interest and financing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were comparable to the three months ended March 31, 2021. Interest and financing expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2022 decreased by $0.6 million, or 17.4% compared to the six months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease in interest and financing expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2022 was primarily due to the partial repayment of the 2023 Notes on December 16, 2021 and the full repayment of the 2021 Notes on November 20, 2020, partially offset by an increase due to the issuance of the 2028 Notes which became effective on November 16, 2021.

 

Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees

 

No base management fees were incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Base management fees for the six months ended March 31, 2022 decreased by $1.1 million, or 100.0%, compared to the six months ended March 31, 2021. Since January 1, 2021, the Company no longer incurs management fees under its current internalized structure.

 

No incentive fees were paid for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 or the three and six months ended March 31, 2021. Since January 1, 2021, the Company no longer incurs incentive fees under its current internalized structure.

  

Professional Fees and General and Administrative Expenses

 

Professional fees and general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were comparable to the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

Professional fees and general and administrative expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2022 increased by $0.6 million, or 146.5%, compared to the six months ended March 31, 2021 primarily due to a decrease in the insurance proceeds received in 2021 which offset legal expenses.

 

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Net Realized Gains/Losses from Investments

 

We measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of an investment, without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recognized $0.5 million of realized gains on our portfolio investments. The realized gains were primarily due to the partial repayment of one investment. During the six months ended March 31, 2022, we recognized $15.7 million of realized gains on our portfolio investments. The realized gains were primarily due to the partial repayment of one investment and the restructuring of three investments.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized $0.2 million of realized gains on our portfolio investments. The realized gains were primarily due to the sale of one investment. During the six months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized $46.5 million of realized losses on our portfolio investments. The realized losses were primarily due to the sale of one investment.

 

Realized loss on extinguishment of debt

 

In the event that we modify or extinguish our debt prior to maturity, we account for it in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, in which we measure the difference between the reacquisition price of the debt and the net carrying amount of the debt, which includes any unamortized debt issuance costs.

 

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.0 and $0.3 million, which was due to the Company’s $55.3 million repayment of the 2023 Notes on December 16, 2021.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company did not recognize a net loss on extinguishment of debt. During the six months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recognized a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.1 million, which was due to the Company’s $74.0 million repayment of the 2021 Notes on November 20, 2020.

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments reflects the net change in the fair value of our investment portfolio.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we had $1.4 million of net unrealized appreciation on investments. The net unrealized appreciation resulted from the reversal of previously recorded unrealized depreciation due to the repayment of one investment and net mark-to-market adjustments on investments.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2022, we had $9.0 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments. The net unrealized depreciation resulted from the reversal of previously recorded net unrealized depreciation on nine investments that were realized, partially sold, or written-off during the year and net mark-to-market adjustments on investments.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we had $3.9 million of net unrealized appreciation on investments. The net unrealized appreciation comprised of $7.2 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments and $11.1 million of net unrealized appreciation that resulted from the reversal of previously recorded unrealized depreciation on investments that were realized, partially sold, or written-off during the year.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2021, we had $36.0 million of net unrealized appreciation on investments. The net unrealized appreciation comprised of $31.4 million of net unrealized depreciation on investments and $67.4 million of net unrealized appreciation that resulted from the reversal of previously recorded unrealized depreciation on investments that were realized, partially sold, or written-off during the year. 

 

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Provision for Deferred Taxes on Unrealized Depreciation on Investments

 

Certain consolidated subsidiaries of ours are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated with the Company for income tax purposes, but are consolidated for GAAP purposes, and may generate income tax liabilities or assets from temporary differences in the recognition of items for financial reporting and income tax purposes at the subsidiaries. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not record a change in provision for deferred taxes on the unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on investments.

 

Changes in Net Assets from Operations

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $3.0 million compared to a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Total Net Assets decreased from the last quarter due to share repurchases in the amount of $12.5 million. Based on 2,397,911 and 2,716,627 weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, our per share net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $1.24 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and $2.87 for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $7.8 million compared to a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of $1.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021. This increase takes into account increased net income and net capital appreciation for the period, each as described above. Based on 2,458,222 and 2,720,226 weighted average common shares outstanding for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, our per share net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $3.16 for the six months ended March 31, 2022 and an increase of $0.50 for the six months ended March 31, 2021.

 

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources 

 

As a RIC, we distribute substantially all of our net income to our stockholders and have an ongoing need to raise additional capital for investment purposes. To fund growth, we have a number of alternatives available to increase capital, including raising equity, increasing debt, and funding from operational cash flow.

 

Our liquidity and capital resources historically have been generated primarily from the net proceeds of public offerings of common stock, advances from the Revolving Credit Facility (which the Company voluntarily satisfied and terminated) and net proceeds from the issuance of notes as well as cash flows from operations. In the future, we may generate cash from future offerings of securities, future borrowings and cash flows from operations, including interest earned from the temporary investment of cash in U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. Our primary use of funds is investments in our targeted asset classes, cash distributions to our stockholders, and other general corporate purposes.

 

As of March 31, 2022, we had $37.7 million in cash and cash equivalents.

 

In order to maintain our RIC tax treatment under the Code, we intend to distribute to our stockholders substantially all of our taxable income, but we may also elect to periodically spill over certain excess undistributed taxable income from one tax year into the next tax year. In addition, as a BDC, for each taxable year we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which include borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the 1940 Act, certain requirements are met). This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow.

 

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On January 11, 2021, the Company announced that its board of directors approved a share repurchase program. On February 9, 2022, the Board of Directors approved the expansion of the amount authorized for repurchase under the Company’s share repurchase program from $15 million to $25 million. Under the share repurchase program, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 516,443 shares of common stock through March 31, 2022, or 19.0% of shares outstanding as of the program’s inception, with a total cost of approximately $20.7 million. Taking into account such prior repurchases, the total remaining amount authorized under the expanded share repurchase program at March 31, 2022 was approximately $4.3 million.

 

Unsecured Notes

 

2021 Notes

 

On December 17, 2015, the Company issued $70.8 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% unsecured notes that mature on January 30, 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). On January 14, 2016, the Company closed an additional $3.25 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes. The 2021 Notes bore interest at a rate of 6.50% per year, payable quarterly on January 30, April 30, July 30 and October 30 of each year, beginning January 30, 2016.

 

On October 21, 2020, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of the 2021 Notes regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem, in whole, the issued and outstanding 2021 Notes, pursuant to Section 1104 of the Indenture dated as of February 7, 2012, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and Section 101(h) of the Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 17, 2015. The Company redeemed $74,012,825 in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2021 Notes on November 20, 2020 (the “Redemption Date”). The 2021 Notes were redeemed at 100% of their principal amount ($25 per 2021 Note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from October 31, 2020, through, but excluding, the Redemption Date. The Company funded the redemption of the 2021 Notes with cash on hand.

 

2023 Notes

 

On March 18, 2013, the Company issued $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes. As of March 30, 2016, the 2023 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option. On March 26, 2013, the Company closed an additional $3.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes, pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional notes. The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per year, payable quarterly on March 30, June 30, September 30 and December 30 of each year, beginning June 30, 2013.

 

On December 12, 2016, the Company entered into an “At-The-Market” (“ATM”) debt distribution agreement with FBR Capital Markets & Co., through which the Company could offer for sale, from time to time, up to $40.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The Company sold 1,573,872 of the 2023 Notes at an average price of $25.03 per note, and raised $38.6 million in net proceeds, through the ATM debt distribution agreement.

 

On March 10, 2018, the Company redeemed $13.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.3 million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.

 

On December 31, 2018, the Company redeemed $12.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes. The redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.2 million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.

 

On December 21, 2020, the Company announced that it completed the application process for and was authorized to transfer the listing of the 2023 Notes to the NASDAQ Global Market. The listing and trading of the 2023 Notes on the NYSE ceased at the close of trading on December 31, 2020. Effective January 4, 2021, the 2023 Notes trade on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “PFXNL.”

 

On November 15, 2021, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of the 2023 Notes regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem $55,325,000 in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 2023 Notes on December 16, 2021. The redemption was accounted for as a debt extinguishment in accordance with ASC 470-50, Modifications and Extinguishments, which resulted in a realized loss of $0.3 million and was recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a loss on extinguishment of debt.

 

2028 Notes

 

On November 9, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement, by and between the Company and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., as representative of the several underwriters named in Exhibit A thereto, in connection with the issuance and sale (the “Offering”) of $57,500,000 (including the underwriters’ option to purchase up to $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount) in aggregate principal amount of its 5.25% Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”). The Offering occurred on November 15, 2021, pursuant to the Company’s effective shelf registration statement on Form N-2 previously filed with the SEC, as supplemented by a preliminary prospectus supplement dated November 8, 2021, the pricing term sheet dated November 9, 2021 and a final prospectus supplement dated November 9, 2021. Effective November 16, 2021, the 2028 Notes began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the trading symbol “PFXNZ.”

 

On November 15, 2021, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee entered into a Fourth Supplemental Indenture to its base Indenture, dated February 7, 2012, between the Company and the Trustee. The Fourth Supplemental Indenture relates to the Offering of the 2028 Notes.

 

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Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, we had commitments under loan and financing agreements to fund up to $13.3 million to seven portfolio companies   and $4.9 million to six portfolio companies, respectively. These commitments are primarily composed of senior secured term loans and revolvers, and the determination of their fair value is included in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. The commitments are generally subject to the borrowers meeting certain criteria such as compliance with covenants and certain operational metrics. The terms of the borrowings and financings subject to commitment are comparable to the terms of other loan and equity securities in our portfolio. A summary of the composition of the unfunded commitments as of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 is shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):

 

   March 31,
2022
   September 30,
2021
 
Redwood Services Group, LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan  $5,000   $- 
SS Acquisition, LLC (dba Soccer Shots Franchising) - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   4,000    - 
Redwood Services Group, LLC - Revolving Credit Facility   1,575    1,575 
Kemmerer Operations, LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   908    908 
1888 Industrial Services, LLC - Revolving Credit Facility   899    1,078 
Secure Acquisition Inc. (dba Paragon Films) - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   517    - 
NVTN LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   220    220 
Black Angus Steakhouses, LLC - Senior Secured First Lien Delayed Draw Term Loan   167    167 
Alpine SG, LLC - Revolving Credit Facility   -    1,000 
Total unfunded commitments  $13,286   $4,948 

 

We entered into an investment management agreement with MCC Advisors on January 11, 2011 (the “Investment Management Agreement”) in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Investment Management Agreement became effective upon the pricing of our initial public offering. Under the Investment Management Agreement, MCC Advisors agreed to provide us with investment advisory and management services. For these services, we agreed to pay a base management fee equal to a percentage of our gross assets and an incentive fee based on our performance.

 

We also entered into an administration agreement with MCC Advisors as our administrator. The administration agreement became effective upon the pricing of our initial public offering. Under the administration agreement, MCC Advisors agreed to furnish us with office facilities and equipment, provide us clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities and provide us with other administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. MCC Advisors also provided on our behalf significant managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which we are required to provide such assistance while the Investment Management Agreement and administration agreement were in effect.

 

The Investment Management Agreement and administration agreement expired at the close of business on December 31, 2020, in connection with the Company’s adoption of an internalized management structure.

 

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The following table shows our payment obligations for repayment of debt and other contractual obligations at March 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):

  

   Payments Due by Period 
   2022   2023   2024   2025   2026   Thereafter   Total 
2023 Notes  $-   $22,521,800   $-   $-   $-   $-   $22,521,800 
2028 Notes   -    -    -    -    -    57,500,000    57,500,000 
Operating Lease Obligation (1)   72,000    144,000    144,000    144,000    144,000    24,000    672,000 
Total contractual obligations  $72,000   $22,665,800   $144,000   $144,000   $144,000   $57,524,000   $80,693,800 

 

(1)Operating Lease Obligation means a rent payment obligation under a lease classified as an operating lease and disclosed pursuant to ASC 842, as may be modified or supplemented.

 

On March 27, 2015, the Company and Great American Life Insurance Company (“GALIC”) entered into a limited liability company operating agreement to co-manage MCC Senior Loan Strategy JV I LLC (“MCC JV”). The Company and GALIC had committed to provide $100 million of equity to MCC JV, with the Company providing $87.5 million and GALIC providing $12.5 million.

 

MCC JV commenced operations on July 15, 2015. On August 4, 2015, MCC JV entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “JV Facility”) led by Credit Suisse, AG with commitments of $100 million. On March 30, 2017, the Company amended the JV Facility previously administered by CS and facilitated the assignment of all rights and obligations of CS under the JV Facility to Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, (“DB”) and increased the total loan commitments to $200 million. The JV Facility bears interest at a rate of LIBOR (with no minimum + 2.75% per annum. On March 29, 2019, the JV Facility reinvestment period was extended to June 28, 2019 from March 30, 2019. On June 28, 2019, the JV Facility reinvestment period was extended to October 28, 2019. On October 28, 2019, the JV Facility reinvestment period was further extended from October 28, 2019 to March 31, 2020, the maturity date was extended to March 31, 2023 and the interest rate was modified from bearing an interest rate of LIBOR (with no minimum) + 2.50% per annum to LIBOR (with no minimum) + 2.75% per annum.

 

The Company has determined that MCC JV is an investment company under ASC 946, however in accordance with such guidance, the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than a wholly owned investment company subsidiary or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. Accordingly, the Company does not consolidate its interest in MCC JV.

 

On October 8, 2020, the Company, GALIC, MCC JV, and an affiliate of Golub entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement pursuant to which a fund affiliated with and managed by Golub concurrently purchased all of the Company’s interest in the MCC JV and all of GALIC’s interest in the MCC JV for a pre-adjusted gross purchase price of $156.4 million and an adjusted gross purchase price (which constitutes the aggregate consideration for the membership interests) of $145.3 million (giving effect to adjustments primarily for principal and interest payments from portfolio companies of MCC JV from July 1, 2020 through October 7, 2020), resulting in net proceeds (before transaction expenses) of $41.0 million and $6.6 million for MCC and GALIC, respectively, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, including the representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities contained therein. In connection with the closing of the transaction on October 8, 2020, MCC JV repaid in full all outstanding borrowings under, and terminated, its senior secured revolving credit facility, dated as of August 4, 2015, as amended, administered by Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch.

 

Distributions

 

We have elected, and intend to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, in any taxable year with respect to which we timely distribute at least 90 percent of the sum of our (i) investment company taxable income (which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) net tax exempt interest income (which is the excess of our gross tax exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions), we (but not our stockholders) generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders. We intend to distribute annually all or substantially all of such income, but we may also elect to periodically spill over certain excess undistributed taxable income from one tax year to the next tax year. To the extent that we retain our net capital gains or any investment company taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax. We may choose to retain our net capital gains or any investment company taxable income, and pay the associated federal corporate income tax or excise tax, described below.

 

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Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax payable by us. To avoid this tax, we must distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) during each calendar year an amount equal to the sum of:

 

1)at least 98.0% of our ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year;

 

2)at least 98.2% of the amount by which our capital gains exceed our capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period ending on October 31st of the calendar year; and

 

3)income realized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which we did not pay federal income tax.

 

While we intend to distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% U.S. federal excise tax, sufficient amounts of our taxable income and capital gains may not be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the tax. In that event, we will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.

 

We intend to pay quarterly dividends 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 pay a specified level of dividends or year-to-year increases in dividends. In addition, the inability to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC could limit our ability to pay dividends. All dividends will be paid at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC tax treatment, compliance with applicable BDC regulations and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will pay dividends to our stockholders in the future.

 

To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for a taxable year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a return of capital to our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.

 

We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a cash dividend or other distribution, each stockholder that has not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock rather than receiving cash dividends. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of shares of common stock will be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as if they received cash distributions.

 

There were no dividend distributions during the six months ended March 31, 2022.

  

Related Party Transactions

 

Concurrent with the pricing of our IPO, we entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:

 

  We entered into the Investment Management Agreement with MCC Advisors, which expired December 31, 2020. Mr. Brook Taube, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer through December 31, 2020 and director through January 21, 2021 and Mr. Seth Taube, director through January 21, 2021, are both affiliated with MCC Advisors and Medley.

 

  Through December 31, 2020, MCC Advisors provided us with the office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct day-to-day operations pursuant to our administration agreement. We reimbursed MCC Advisors for the allocable portion (subject to the review and approval of our board of directors) of overhead and other expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the cost of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs.

 

On June 12, 2020, the Company entered into the Expense Support Agreement with MCC Advisors and Medley LLC, pursuant to which MCC Advisors and Medley LLC agreed (jointly and severally) to cap the management fee and all of the Company’s other operating expenses (except interest expenses, certain extraordinary strategic transaction and expenses, and other expenses approved by the Special Committee) at $667,000 per month (the “Cap”). Under the Expense Support Agreement, the Cap became effective on June 1, 2020 and was to expire on September 30, 2020. On September 29, 2020, the board of directors, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Expense Support Agreement through the end of quarter ending December 31, 2020. The Expense Support Agreement expired by its terms at the close of business on December 31, 2020, in connection with the adoption of the internalized management structure by the board of directors.

 

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In addition, we have adopted a formal business code of conduct and ethics that governs the conduct of our CEO, CFO, chief accounting officer (which role is currently fulfilled by our CFO) and controller (Covered Officers). Our officers and directors also remain subject to the duties imposed by both the 1940 Act and the Delaware General Corporation Law. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires that all Covered Officers promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between an individual’s personal and professional relationships. Pursuant to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, each Covered Officer must disclose to the Company’s CCO any conflicts of interest, or actions or relationships that might give rise to a conflict. Any approvals or waivers under our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics must be considered by the disinterested directors.

 

Investment Management Agreement

 

We entered into an investment management agreement with MCC Advisors on January 11, 2011 (the “Investment Management Agreement”), which expired December 31, 2020.

 

Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, MCC Advisors:

 

  determined the composition of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes;

 

  identified, evaluated and negotiated the structure of the investments we made (including performing due diligence on our prospective portfolio companies); and

 

  executed, closed, monitored and administered the investments we made, including the exercise of any voting or consent rights.

 

MCC Advisors’ services under the Investment Management Agreement were not exclusive, and it was free to furnish similar services to other entities so long as its services to us were not impaired.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, we paid MCC Advisors a fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of a base management fee and a two-part incentive fee.

 

On December 3, 2015, MCC Advisors recommended and, in consultation with the Board, agreed to reduce fees under the Investment Management Agreement. Beginning January 1, 2016, the base management fee was reduced to 1.50% on gross assets above $1 billion. In addition, MCC Advisors reduced its incentive fee from 20% on pre-incentive fee net investment income over an 8% hurdle, to 17.5% on pre-incentive fee net investment income over a 6% hurdle. Moreover, the revised incentive fee includes a netting mechanism and is subject to a rolling three-year look back from January 1, 2016 forward. Under no circumstances would the new fee structure result in higher fees to MCC Advisors than fees under the prior investment management agreement.

 

The following discussion of our base management fee and two-part incentive fee reflect the terms of the fee waiver agreement executed by MCC Advisors on February 8, 2016 (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”). The terms of the Fee Waiver Agreement were effective as of January 1, 2016, and were a permanent reduction in the base management fee and incentive fee on net investment income payable to MCC Advisors for the investment advisory and management services it provided under the Investment Management Agreement. The Fee Waiver Agreement did not change the second component of the incentive fee, which was the incentive fee on capital gains.

 

On January 15, 2020, the Company’s board of directors, including all of the independent directors, approved the renewal of the Investment Management Agreement through the later of April 1, 2020 or so long as the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 29, 2019 (the “Amended MCC Merger Agreement”), by and between the Company and Sierra (the “Amended MCC Merger Agreement”) was in effect, but no longer than a year; provided that, if the Amended MCC Merger Agreement is terminated by Sierra, then the termination of the Investment Management Agreement would be effective on the 30th day following receipt of Sierra’s notice of termination to the Company. On May 1, 2020, the Company received a notice of termination of the Amended MCC Merger Agreement from Sierra. Under the Amended MCC Merger Agreement, either party was permitted, subject to certain conditions, to terminate the Amended MCC Merger Agreement if the merger was not consummated by March 31, 2020. Sierra elected to do so on May 1, 2020. As result of the termination by Sierra of the Amended MCC Merger Agreement on May 1, 2020, the Investment Management Agreement would have been terminated effective as of May 31, 2020. On May 21, 2020, the Board, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Investment Management Agreement through the end of the then-current quarter, June 30, 2020. On June 12, 2020, the Board, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Investment Management Agreement through September 30, 2020. On September 29, 2020, the Board, including all of the independent directors, extended the term of the Investment Management Agreement through December 31, 2020. Mr. Brook Taube, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer through December 31, 2020 and director through January 21, 2021 and Mr. Seth Taube, director through January 21, 2021 are affiliated with MCC Advisors and Medley.

 

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On November 18, 2020, the Board approved the adoption of an internalized management structure effective January 1, 2021. The new management structure replaces the current Investment Management and Administration Agreements with MCC Advisors LLC, which expired on December 31, 2020. To lead the internalized management team, the Board approved the appointment of David Lorber, who had served as an independent director of the Company since April 2019, as interim Chief Executive Officer, and Ellida McMillan as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each effective January 1, 2021. In connection with his appointment, Mr. Lorber stepped down from the Compensation Committee of the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, and the Special Committee of the Board.

 

Base Management Fee

 

Through December 31, 2020, for providing investment advisory and management services to us, MCC Advisors received a base management fee. The base management fee was calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% (0.4375% per quarter) of up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s gross assets and 1.50% (0.375% per quarter) of any amounts over $1.0 billion of the Company’s gross assets and was payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee was to be calculated based on the average value of the Company’s gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters and was to be appropriately pro-rated for any partial quarter.

 

Incentive Fee

 

Through December 31, 2020, the incentive fee had two components, as follows:

 

Incentive Fee Based on Income

 

The first component of the incentive fee was payable quarterly in arrears and was based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income earned during the calendar quarter for which the incentive fee was being calculated. MCC Advisors was entitled to receive the incentive fee on net investment income from us if our Ordinary Income (as defined below) exceeded a quarterly “hurdle rate” of 1.5%. The hurdle amount was calculated after making appropriate adjustments to the Company’s net assets, as determined as of the beginning of each applicable calendar quarter, in order to account for any capital raising or other capital actions as a result of any issuances by the Company of its common stock (including issuances pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan), any repurchase by the Company of its own common stock, and any dividends paid by the Company, each as may have occurred during the relevant quarter.

 

The second component of the incentive fee was determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Management Agreement as of the termination date) and equaled 20.0% of our cumulative aggregate realized capital gains less cumulative realized capital losses, unrealized capital depreciation (unrealized depreciation on a gross investment-by-investment basis at the end of each calendar year) and all capital gains upon which prior performance-based capital gains incentive fee payments were previously made to the investment adviser.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following items as critical accounting policies.

 

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Valuation of Portfolio Investments

 

The Company follows ASC 820 for measuring the fair value of portfolio investments. Fair value is the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation models involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. The Company’s fair value analysis includes an analysis of the value of any unfunded loan commitments. Financial investments recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements are categorized for disclosure purposes based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. The valuation hierarchical levels are based upon the transparency of the inputs to the valuation of the investment as of the measurement date. Investments which are valued using NAV as a practical expedient are excluded from this hierarchy, and certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The three levels are defined below:

 

  Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

 

  Level 2 - Valuations based on inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable at the measurement date. This category includes quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets including actionable bids from third parties for privately held assets or liabilities, and observable inputs other than quoted prices such as yield curves and forward currency rates that are entered directly into valuation models to determine the value of derivatives or other assets or liabilities.

 

  Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and where there is little, if any, market activity at the measurement date. The inputs for the determination of fair value may require significant management judgment or estimation and are based upon management’s assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities. These investments include debt and equity investments in private companies or assets valued using the Market or Income Approach and may involve pricing models whose inputs require significant judgment or estimation because of the absence of any meaningful current market data for identical or similar investments. The inputs in these valuations may include, but are not limited to, capitalization and discount rates, beta and EBITDA multiples. The information may also include pricing information or broker quotes which include a disclaimer that the broker would not be held to such a price in an actual transaction. The non-binding nature of consensus pricing and/or quotes accompanied by disclaimer would result in classification as Level 3 information, assuming no additional corroborating evidence.

 

We value investments for which market quotations are readily available at their market quotations, which are generally obtained from an independent pricing service or multiple broker-dealers or market makers. We weight the use of third-party broker quotes, if any, in determining fair value based on our understanding of the level of actual transactions used by the broker to develop the quote and whether the quote was an indicative price or binding offer. However, a readily available market value is not expected to exist for many of the investments in our portfolio, and we value these portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors under our valuation policy and process. We may seek pricing information with respect to certain of our investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value such investments.

 

Valuation methods may include comparisons of financial ratios of the portfolio companies that issued such private equity securities to peer companies that are public, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we will consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the private equity valuation. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.

 

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Our board of directors is ultimately and solely responsible for determining the fair value of the investments in our portfolio that are not publicly traded, whose market prices are not readily available on a quarterly basis or any other situation where portfolio investments require a fair value determination.

 

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, our board of directors undertake a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

 

  Our quarterly valuation process generally begins with each investment being initially valued by a Valuation Firm.

 

  Preliminary valuation conclusions will then be documented and discussed with senior management.

 

  The audit committee of the board of directors reviews the preliminary valuations with management and the Valuation Firms.

 

  The board of directors discusses the valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in the Company’s portfolio in good faith based on the input of management, the respective Valuation Firms and the audit committee.

 

In following these approaches, the types of factors that are taken into account in fair value pricing investments include 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; the nature and realizable value of any collateral; the portfolio company’s ability to make payments; the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flows; the markets in which the portfolio company does business; comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public; comparable merger and acquisition transactions; and the principal market and enterprise values.

 

Determination of fair values involves subjective judgments and estimates made by management. The notes to our financial statements refer to the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Our revenue recognition policies are as follows:

 

Investments and Related Investment Income We account for investment transactions on a trade-date basis and interest income, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is recorded on an accrual basis. For investments with contractual PIK interest, which represents contractual interest accrued and added to the principal balance that generally becomes due at maturity, we will not accrue PIK interest if the portfolio company valuation indicates that the PIK interest is not collectible. Origination, closing and/or commitment fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are recognized as income when the investment transaction closes. Other fees are capitalized as deferred revenue and recorded into income over the respective period. Prepayment penalties received by the Company for debt instruments paid back to the Company prior to the maturity date are recorded as income upon receipt. Realized gains or losses on investments are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the amortized cost basis of investment, without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. We report changes in the fair value of investments that are measured at fair value as a component of the net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

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Non-accrual We place loans on non-accrual status when principal and interest payments are past due by 90 days or more, or when there is reasonable doubt that we will collect principal or interest. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in our management’s judgment, are likely to remain current. At March 31, 2022, certain investments in six portfolio companies held by the Company were on non-accrual status with a combined fair value of approximately $12.8 million, or 6.8% of the fair value of our portfolio.   At September 30, 2021, certain investments in nine portfolio companies held by the Company were on non-accrual status with a combined fair value of approximately $13.9 million, or 9.2% of the fair value of our portfolio.

  

Federal Income Taxes

 

The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and it intends to operate in a manner so as to maintain its RIC tax treatment. To do so, among other things, the Company is required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements and must timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of the sum of investment company taxable income (“ICTI”) including PIK, as defined by the Code, and net tax exempt interest income (which is the excess of our gross tax exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) for each taxable year. The Company will be subject to a nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax of 4% on undistributed income if it does not distribute at least 98% of its net ordinary income for any calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for each one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year and any income realized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which it did not pay federal income tax. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions for excise tax purposes, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year which generated such ICTI.

 

Because federal income tax requirements differ from GAAP, distributions in accordance with tax requirements may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the consolidated financial statements to reflect their tax character. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future. Differences in classification may also result from the treatment of short-term gains as ordinary income for tax purposes.

 

Recent Developments 

 

Under the share repurchase program, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 3,991 shares of common stock through May 6, 2022 with a total cost of approximately $158,000, of which 436 shares with a total cost of approximately $16,000 had not settled as of May 6, 2022.

 

On May 9, 2022, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company adopted the PhenixFIN 2022 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (the “CIP”), pursuant to the recommendation by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”). See Part II, Item 5 (Other Information) of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for more information.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates may affect both our cost of funding and our interest income from portfolio investments and cash and cash equivalents. Our investment income will be affected by changes in various interest rates, including LIBOR, to the extent our debt investments include floating interest rates. In the future, we expect other loans in our portfolio will have floating interest rates. In addition, U.S. and global capital markets and credit markets have experienced a higher level of stress due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in an increase in the level of volatility across such markets. We may hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options and forward contracts subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. For six months ended March 31, 2022, we did not engage in hedging activities.

 

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As of March 31, 2022, 70.4%   of our income-bearing investment portfolio bore interest based on floating rates based upon fair value. 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 or similar reference rates are not offset by a corresponding increase in the spread over LIBOR or similar reference rates that we earn on any portfolio investments, a decrease in our operating expenses, including with respect to any income incentive fee, or a decrease in the interest rate of our floating interest rate liabilities tied to LIBOR or similar reference rates. In contrast, a rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to any variable rate investments we hold and to declines in the value of any fixed rate investments we hold. In addition, a rise in interest rates may increase the likelihood that a portfolio company defaults on a loan. However, many of our variable rate investments provide for an interest rate floor, which may prevent our interest income from increasing until benchmark interest rates increase beyond a threshold amount. The composition of our floating rate debt investments by cash interest rate LIBOR floor as of March 31, 2022 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   March 31, 2022 
LIBOR Floor  Fair
Value
   % of
Floating Rate
Portfolio
 
Under 1%  $29,090                       32.3%
1% to under 2%   57,078    63.6 
2% to under 3%   -    - 
No Floor   3,638    4.1 
Total  $89,806    100.0%

 

Based on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2022, the following table (dollars in thousands) shows the approximate increase/(decrease) in components of net assets resulting from operations of hypothetical LIBOR base rate changes in interest rates, assuming no changes in our investment and capital structure.

 

Change in Interest Rates  Increase
(Decrease)
Interest
Income(1)(2)
   (Increase)
Decrease
Interest
Expense
   Increase
(Decrease)
in Net
Investment
Income
   Increase
(Decrease)
in Net
Investment
Income per
Share
 
  ($ in thousands)
Down 100 basis points  $(138)  $   -   $(138)  $(0.06)
Down 50 basis points   (108)   -    (108)   (0.04)
Down 25 basis points   (74)   -    (74)   (0.03)
Up 25 basis points   315    -    315    0.13 
Up 50 basis points   674    -    674    0.27 
Up 100 basis points   1,393    -    1,393    0.57 
Up 200 basis points   2,830    -    2,830    1.15 
Up 300 basis points   4,267    -    4,267    1.74 
Up 400 basis points   5,705    -    5,705    2.32 

 

(1)Assumes no defaults or prepayments by portfolio companies during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
(2)Investments are assuming the March 31, 2022 ending 3 month LIBOR of 0.96%.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2022. The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2022, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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PART II

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings, lawsuits and claims incidental to the conduct of our business. Our businesses are also subject to extensive regulation, which may result in regulatory proceedings against us. Except as described below, we are not currently party to any material legal proceedings.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors  

 

In addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the “Risk Factors” discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, filed with the SEC on December 20, 2021, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. Other than the items disclosed below, there have been no material changes during the six months ended March 31, 2022 to the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K. Additional risks or uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

Risks Related to our Business

 

We may not be able to pay you distributions and our distributions may not grow over time.

 

When possible, we may pay quarterly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to pay a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. Our ability to pay distributions might be adversely affected by, among other things, the impact of one or more of the risk factors described herein. In addition, the inability to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC could limit our ability to pay distributions. As of March 31, 2022, the Company’s asset coverage was 278.7% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Company’s asset coverage is above 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement under the 1940 Act. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC tax treatment, compliance with applicable BDC regulations, and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will pay distributions to our stockholders in the future.

 

Risks Related to our Operations as a BDC and RIC

 

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital which could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may only issue senior securities up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act permits us to issue senior securities only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150% if, pursuant to the 1940 Act, certain requirements are met) after such issuance or incurrence.

 

As of March 31, 2022, the Company’s asset coverage was 278.7% after giving effect to leverage and therefore the Company’s asset coverage is above 200%, the minimum asset coverage requirement under the 1940 Act.

  

Risks Relating to an Investment in our Securities

 

The indentures under which the 2023 Notes and 2028 Notes are issued place restrictions on our and/or our subsidiaries’ activities.

 

The terms of the indentures under which the 2023 Notes and 2028 Notes were issued place restrictions on our and/or our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things issue securities or otherwise incur additional indebtedness or other obligations, including (1) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be equal in right of payment to the 2023 Notes and 2028 Notes, (2) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be secured and therefore rank effectively senior in right of payment to the 2023 Notes and 2028 Notes to the extent of the values of the assets securing such debt, (3) indebtedness of ours that is guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries and which therefore is structurally senior to the 2023 Notes or 2028 Notes and  (4) securities, indebtedness or obligations issued or incurred by our subsidiaries that would be senior to our equity interests in our subsidiaries and therefore rank structurally senior to the 2023 Notes with respect to the assets of our subsidiaries, in each case other than an incurrence of indebtedness or other obligation that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act, or any successor provisions and, with respect to the 2028 Notes, except as would cause our asset coverage to be below 200% as a result of such borrowings and/or issuances, whether or not we continue to be subject to the regulations of the 1940 Act. These provisions generally prohibit us from making additional borrowings, including through the issuance of additional debt or the sale of additional debt securities, unless our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowings. As of March 31, 2022, the Company’s asset coverage was 278.7% after giving effect to leverage. These provisions generally prohibit us from declaring any cash dividend or distribution upon any class of our capital stock or purchasing any such capital stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is below 200% at the time of the declaration of the dividend or distribution or the purchase and after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase.

 

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Certain Risks in the Current Environment

 

We are currently operating in a period of capital markets disruptions and economic uncertainty. Such market conditions may materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets, which may have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and operations.

 

From time to time, capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. The U.S. capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption following the global outbreak of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) that began in December 2019. Some economists and major investment banks have expressed concern that the continued spread of the COVID-19 globally could lead to a world-wide economic downturn. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy, as well as most other major economies, may continue to experience a recession, and we anticipate our businesses would be materially and adversely affected by a prolonged recession in the United States and other major markets. 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. The COVID-19 outbreak continues to have, and any future outbreaks could have, an adverse impact on the ability of lenders to originate loans, the volume and type of loans originated, the ability of borrowers to make payments and the volume and type of amendments and waivers granted to borrowers and remedial actions taken in the event of a borrower default, each of which could negatively impact the amount and quality of loans available for investment by the Company and returns to the Company, among other things. With respect to the U.S. credit markets, the COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in, and until fully resolved is likely to continue to result in, the following among other things: (i) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit and other financing instruments; (ii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments and waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by such borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing at the maturity dates of their loans; (iii) greater volatility in pricing and spreads and difficulty in valuing loans during periods of increased volatility; and rapidly evolving proposals and/or actions by state and federal governments to address problems being experienced by the markets and by businesses and the economy in general which will not necessarily adequately address the problems facing the loan market and businesses. These and future market disruptions and/or illiquidity could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could 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. We may have to access, if available, alternative markets for debt and equity capital, and a severe disruption in the global financial markets, deterioration in credit and financing conditions or uncertainty regarding U.S. government spending and deficit levels or other global economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

For example, between 2008 and 2009, the U.S. and global capital markets were unstable as evidenced by periodic disruptions in liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market and the failure of major financial institutions. Despite actions of the U.S. federal government and foreign governments, these events contributed to worsening general economic conditions that materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular.

 

Equity capital may be difficult to raise during periods of adverse or volatile market conditions because, subject to some limited exceptions, as a BDC, we are generally not able to issue additional shares of our common stock at a price less than NAV without first obtaining approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. Volatility and dislocation in the capital markets can also create a challenging environment in which to raise or access debt capital. The current market and future market conditions similar to those experienced from 2008 through 2009 for any substantial length of time could make it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance our existing indebtedness or obtain new indebtedness with similar terms and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. The debt capital that will be available to us in the future, if at all, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms and conditions than what we currently experience, including being at a higher cost in a rising interest rate environment. If any of these conditions appear, they may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. These events could limit our investment originations, limit our ability to increase returns to equity holders through the effective use of leverage, and negatively impact our operating results.

 

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In addition, significant changes or volatility in the capital markets may also have a negative effect on the valuations of our investments. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). Significant changes in the capital markets may also affect the pace of our investment activity and the potential for liquidity events involving our investments. Thus, the illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell our investments to access capital if required, and as a result, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments if we were required to sell them for liquidity purposes. An inability to raise or access capital could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Governmental authorities worldwide have taken increased measures to stabilize the markets and support economic growth. The success of these measures is unknown and they may not be sufficient to address the market dislocations or avert severe and prolonged reductions in economic activity.

 

We also face an increased risk of investor, creditor or portfolio company disputes, litigation and governmental and regulatory scrutiny as a result of the effects of COVID-19 on economic and market conditions.

  

Events outside of our control, including terrorist attacks, acts of war, natural disasters or public health crises, could negatively affect our portfolio companies and our results of our operations.

 

Periods of market volatility have occurred and could continue to occur in response to pandemics or other events outside of our control, including terrorist attacks, acts of war, natural disasters, public health crises or similar events. These types of events have adversely affected and could continue to adversely affect operating results for us and for our portfolio companies.

 

COVID-19 and variants thereof continue to adversely impact global commercial activity and has contributed to significant volatility in financial markets. Local, state and federal and numerous non-U.S. governmental authorities have imposed travel and hospitality restrictions and bans, business closures or limited business operations and other quarantine measures on businesses and individuals. We cannot predict the full impact of COVID-19, including the duration and the impact of the closures and restrictions described above. As a result, we are unable to predict the duration of these business and supply-chain disruptions, the extent to which COVID-19 will negatively affect our portfolio companies’ operating results or the impact that such disruptions may have on our results of operations and financial condition. With respect to loans to portfolio companies, the Company will be impacted if, among other things, (i) amendments and waivers are granted (or are required to be granted) to borrowers permitting deferral of loan payments or allowing for PIK interest payments, (ii) borrowers default on their loans, are unable to refinance their loans at maturity, or go out of business, or (iii) the value of loans held by the Company decreases as a result of such events and the uncertainty they cause. Portfolio companies may also be more likely to seek to draw on unfunded commitments we have made, and the risk of being unable to fund such commitments is heightened during such periods. Depending on the duration and extent of the disruption to the business operations of our portfolio companies, we expect some portfolio companies, particularly those in vulnerable industries, such as travel and hospitality, to experience financial distress and possibly to default on their financial obligations to us and/or their other capital providers. In addition, if such portfolio companies are subjected to prolonged and severe financial distress, we expect some of them to substantially curtail their operations, defer capital expenditures and lay off workers. These developments would be likely to permanently impair their businesses and result in a reduction in the value of our investments in them.

 

The Company will also be negatively affected if the operations and effectiveness of our portfolio companies (or any of the key personnel or service providers of the foregoing) are compromised or if necessary or beneficial systems and processes are disrupted as a result of stay-at-home orders or other related interruptions to business operations.

 

In February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. The extent and duration of Russian military action in the Ukraine, resulting sanctions and resulting future market disruptions, including declines in stock markets in Russia and elsewhere and the value of the ruble against the U.S. dollar, are impossible to predict, but have been and could continue to be significant. Any such disruptions caused by Russian military or other actions (including cyberattacks and espionage) or resulting from actual or threatened responses to such actions have caused and could continue to cause disruptions to portfolio companies located in Europe or that have substantial business relationships with European or Russian companies. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict, but have been and could continue to be substantial. Any such market disruptions could affect our portfolio companies’ operations and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We may be subject to risks associated with significant investments in one or more economic sectors and/or industries, including the banking, finance, insurance and real estate sector and business services sector, which includes our investment in an asset based lending business.

 

At times, the Company may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business within one or more economic sectors and/or industries, including the banking, finance, insurance and real estate sector and the business services sector, which includes our investment in an asset based lending business. Companies in the same sector or industry may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory, political or market events or conditions, which may make the Company more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that sector or industry than companies that invest more broadly. Generally, the more broadly the Company invests, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risks of loss and volatility.

  

The Company presently has significant exposure to the Services: Business sector (its investments in such sector comprises 22.9% of total investments at fair value as of March 31, 2022), which subjects the Company to the particular risks of such sector to a greater degree than others not similarly concentrated. Companies in this sector are subject to certain risks, including the risk of regulatory change, decreased liquidity in credit markets and unstable interest rates. Such companies may have concentrated portfolios, such as a high level of loans to one or more industries or sectors, which makes them vulnerable to economic conditions that affect such industries or sectors. Performance of such companies may be affected by competitive pressures and exposure to investments, agreements and counterparties, including credit products that, under certain circumstances, may lead to losses (e.g., subprime loans).These companies may be subject to extensive governmental regulation that may limit the amount and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they may charge. In addition, profitability of such companies is largely dependent upon the availability and the cost of capital. In addition, the risks associated with investments in the real estate industry may subject the Company to risks similar to those of direct investments in real estate and the real estate industry in general. These include risks related to general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of financing and changes in interest rates or property values. The value of such investments may be affected by, among other factors, changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the issuer, changes in the prospect for earnings and/or cash flow growth of the investment, defaults by borrowers or tenants, market saturation, decreases in market rates for rents, and other economic, political, or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry.

 

The Company presently has significant exposure to an asset based lending business (its investments in such business comprise 13.4% of total investments at fair value as of March 31, 2022), which subjects the Company to the particular risks of such business to a greater degree than others not similarly concentrated. The Company’s affiliate’s asset based lending activity within the gemstone and jewelry industry is exposed to factors that can impact price of gemstones and jewelry, including supply and demand of gemstones; political, economic, and global financial events; movement of the U.S. dollar versus other currencies; and the activity of large speculators and other participants. The gemstones and jewelry industry is exposed to the risk of loss as a result of fraud in its various forms. A significant decline in market prices of gemstones could result in reduced collateral value and losses, i.e., a lower balance of asset-based loans outstanding for the Company’s affiliate.

 

The interest rates of some of our loans to our portfolio companies may be priced using a spread over LIBOR, which is scheduled to be phased out.

 

Many financial instruments have historically used and continue to use a floating rate based on LIBOR, which is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. For several years, LIBOR has been the subject of national and international regulatory scrutiny. The FCA and the ICE Benchmark Administration have announced that most LIBOR settings will no longer be published after December 31, 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will cease publication after June 30, 2023. Regulators continue to emphasize the importance of LIBOR transition planning. As an alternative to LIBOR, for example, the U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, is considering replacing U.S.-dollar LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), an index calculated by short-term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities. Abandonment of or modifications to LIBOR could have adverse impacts on newly issued financial instruments and our existing financial instruments which reference LIBOR. While some instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative rate setting methodology, not all instruments may have such provisions and there is significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies. Abandonment of or modifications to LIBOR could lead to significant short-term and long-term uncertainty and market instability. In the event of changes to or cessation of LIBOR, we and our portfolio companies may need to amend or restructure our existing LIBOR-based debt instruments and any related hedging arrangements, which may be difficult, costly and time consuming. In addition, from time to time we invest in floating rate loans and investment securities whose interest rates are indexed to LIBOR. Uncertainty as to the nature of alternative reference rates and as to potential changes or other reforms to LIBOR, or any changes announced with respect to such reforms, may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in the reported LIBOR rates and the value of LIBOR-based loans and securities, including those of other issuers we or our funds currently own or may in the future own. It remains uncertain how such changes would be implemented and the effects such changes would have on us, issuers of instruments in which we invest and financial markets generally.

 

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The expected discontinuation of LIBOR could have an impact on our business. We may experience operational challenges for the transition away from LIBOR including, but not limited to, amending existing loan agreements with borrowers on investments that may have not been modified with fallback language and adding effective fallback language to new agreements in the event that LIBOR is discontinued before maturity. There may be additional risks to our current processes and information systems that will need to be identified and evaluated by us. Due to the uncertainty of the replacement for LIBOR, the potential effect of any such event on our cost of capital and net investment income cannot yet be determined. In addition, the cessation of LIBOR could:

 

  Adversely impact the pricing, liquidity, value of, return on and trading for a broad array of financial products, including any LIBOR-linked securities, loans and derivatives that are included in our assets and liabilities;

 

  Require changes to documentation that governs or references LIBOR or LIBOR-based products, including, for example, pursuant to renegotiations of existing documentation to modify the terms of outstanding investments;

 

  Result in inquiries or other actions from regulators in respect of our preparation and readiness for the replacement of LIBOR with one or more alternative reference rates;

 

  Result in disputes, litigation or other actions with portfolio companies, or other counterparties, regarding the interpretation and enforceability of provisions in our LIBOR-based investments, such as fallback language or other related provisions, including, in the case of fallbacks to the alternative reference rates, any economic, legal, operational or other impact resulting from the fundamental differences between LIBOR and the various alternative reference rates;

 

  Require the transition and/or development of appropriate systems and analytics to effectively transition our risk management processes from LIBOR-based products to those based on one or more alternative reference rates, which may prove challenging given the limited history of the proposed alternative reference rates; and

 

  Cause us to incur additional costs in relation to any of the above factors.

 

There is no guarantee that a transition from LIBOR to an alternative will not result in financial market disruptions, significant increases in benchmark rates, or borrowing costs to borrowers, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, result of operations, financial condition, and unit price.

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

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Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

On May 9, 2022, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company adopted the PhenixFIN 2022 Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (the “CIP”), pursuant to the recommendation by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”). The CIP provides for performance-based cash awards to key employees of the Company, as approved by the Committee, based on the achievement of pre-established financial goals for the approved performance period. The performance goals may be expressed as one or a combination of net asset value of the Company, net asset value per share of the Company’s common stock, changes in the market price of shares of the Company’s common stock, individual performance metrics and/or such other goals and objectives the Committee considers relevant in connection with accomplishing the purposes of the CIP. A form of Award Agreement to be used under the CIP was also approved.

 

In connection with the approval of the CIP, the Committee approved awards for the executive officers named in the table below for the three year performance period commencing on January 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2024. Each participant is eligible to receive an amount of cash equal to 0%-200% of the target award set forth in the table below (“Target Performance Award”), based on the achievement of net asset value (“NAV”) and NAV per share goals (weighted at 30% and 70%, respectively) (the “Performance Goals”). Performance is applied separately for each Performance Goal.

 

No payment is made with respect to a Performance Goal if a threshold level of performance is not achieved. Each Performance Goal is subject to (i) a threshold level of performance at which 50% of the Target Performance Award attributable to that Performance Goal may be paid and below which no payment is made pursuant to an Award, (ii) a target level of performance at which 100% of the Target Performance Award attributable to that Performance Goal may be paid and (iii) a maximum level of performance, at which 200% of the Target Performance Award attributable to that Performance Goal may be paid, in each case subject to such other terms and conditions of an Award. Between threshold, target and maximum performance levels for each Performance Goal, the portion of that Award attributed to the Performance Goal shall be interpolated in a linear progression.

 

The Target Performance Award for each executive officer is set forth in the table below:

 

Name and Title  Dollar Value of Target Award 
David Lorber, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer  $890,000 
Ellida McMillan, Chief Financial Officer  $380,000 

 

Generally, the participant needs to remain employed through the last day of the performance period (i.e., December 31, 2024 for the current awards), in order to receive payment with respect to their Award.

 

If the participant experiences a termination of employment due to death or disability during the performance period, then the participant will be paid their Award based on actual performance through the date of death or disability. If the participant is terminated by the Company for cause (as defined in the CIP) or voluntarily resigns prior to payment of the Award, even if following the last day of the performance period, the participant is no longer eligible to receive payment with respect to the Award.

 

In addition, if the Company undergoes a change in control (as defined in the CIP) during the performance period and (i) the award is not assumed by the successor to the Company, (ii) the participant is terminated other than for Cause following the closing of the change in control or (iii) the participant is not offered employment immediately following the change in control at no less than the same base salary and incentive opportunity as in effect at the time of the change in control, then the Target Performance Award will be paid out on the consummation of such change in control (or in the event of the foregoing clause (ii), termination of employment, if later) as if Target Performance was achieved (regardless of actual performance).

 

For so long as the Company remains a “business development company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), in no event shall the aggregate amount of all Awards payable for any Plan Year (as defined in the CIP) be greater than the maximum percentage of the Company’s “net income after taxes” permitted to be paid as profit sharing under the 1940 Act or other applicable law. For these purposes, the Company has interpreted, consistent with industry practice, “net income” to mean the Company’s net investment income plus its net realized gains and “net realized gains” to mean realized gains minus realized losses.

 

The foregoing description of the CIP and Award Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the CIP and the Award Agreement, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.9 and 10.10 and are incorporated by reference herein. 

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

3.1   Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.A.3 to the Registrant’s Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010).
     
3.2   Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2020).
     
3.3   Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 28, 2020).
     
3.4   Form of Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.B.3 to the Registrant’s Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010).
     
3.5   Amendment No. 1 to Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 7, 2019).
     
3.6   Amendment No. 2 to Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 28, 2020).
     
3.7   Amendment No. 3 to the Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 16, 2021.)
     
4.1   Form of Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.D to the Registrant’s Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010).
     
4.2   Indenture, dated February 7, 2012, between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.D.2 to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-179237), filed on February 13, 2012).
     
4.3   First Supplemental Indenture, dated March 21, 2012, between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.D.4 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-179237), filed on March 21, 2012).
     
4.4   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated March 18, 2013, between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.D.4 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-179237), filed on March 15, 2013).
     
4.5   Third Supplemental Indenture, dated December 17, 2015, between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.D.6 to the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-187324), filed December 17, 2015).

 

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4.6   Description of PhenixFIN Corporation’s securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-258913), filed on October 15, 2021.
     
10.1   Form of Custody Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.J.1 to the Registrant’s Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010).
     
10.2   Form of Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.E to the Registrant’s Pre-effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-166491), filed on November 23, 2010).
     
10.3   Settlement Term Sheet, dated April 15, 2019 (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 17, 2019).
     
10.4   Stipulation of Settlement, dated July 29, 2019, by and among Medley Capital Corporation, Brook Taube, Seth Taube, Jeff Tonkel, Mark Lerdal, Karin Hirtler-Garvey, John E. Mack, Arthur S. Ainsberg, Medley Management Inc., MCC Advisors LLC, Medley LLC and Medley Group LLC, on the one hand, and FrontFour Capital Group LLC and FrontFour Master Fund, Ltd., on behalf of themselves and a class of similarly situated stockholders of Medley Capital Corporation, on the other hand, in connection with the action styled In re Medley Capital Corporation Stockholder Litigation, Cons. C.A. No. 2019-0100-KSJM (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 2, 2019).
     
10.5   Governance Agreement, dated July 29, 2019, by and among, Medley Capital Corporation, on the one hand, and FrontFour Capital Group LLC, FrontFour Master Fund, Ltd., FrontFour Capital Corp., FrontFour Opportunity Fund, David A. Lorber, Stephen E. Loukas and Zachary R. George, on the other hand (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 2, 2019).
     
10.6   Standstill Agreement, dated as of August 19, 2020, by and between the Medley Capital Corporation and Howard Amster and the other persons and entities identified therein (Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 21, 2020).
     
10.7   Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement, dated November 19, 2020, by and between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 11, 2020).
     
10.8   Administration Servicing Agreement, dated November 19, 2020, by and between Medley Capital Corporation and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 11, 2020).
     
10.9   PhenixFIN Long Term Cash Incentive Plan*
     
10.10   Form of Award Agreement*
     
14.1   Code of Ethics & Insider Trading Policy of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.R to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-258913), filed on August 19, 2021.
     
21.1   List of Subsidiaries (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 10, 2022).
     
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
     
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
     
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

* Filed herewith.

 

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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.

 

Dated: May 9, 2022  
  PhenixFIN Corporation
     
  By /s/ David Lorber
    David Lorber
    Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)
     
  By /s/ Ellida McMillan
    Ellida McMillan
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer )

 

 

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