SURO CAPITAL CORP. - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________
FORM 10-Q
____________________________
(Mark One)
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED March 31, 2021
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 814-00852
__________________________
SuRo Capital Corp.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
____________________________
Maryland | 27-4443543 | ||||
(State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
One Sansome Street, Suite 730, San Francisco, CA | 94104 | ||||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||
(650) 235-4769 | |||||
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||||||||||||
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | SSSS | Nasdaq Capital Market |
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 periods as the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x 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 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, 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 o | Accelerated filer o | ||||
Non-accelerated filer x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company o | ||||
Emerging growth company o |
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES ¨ NO x
The issuer had 24,205,216 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding as of May 5, 2021.
SURO CAPITAL CORP.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | ||||||||
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||||||
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | ||||||||
i
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
Investments at fair value: | |||||||||||
Non-controlled/non-affiliate investments (cost of $100,717,361 and $105,339,169, respectively) | $ | 241,917,691 | $ | 249,804,803 | |||||||
Non-controlled/affiliate investments (cost of $54,365,665 and $53,865,346, respectively) | 32,510,562 | 30,165,773 | |||||||||
Controlled investments (cost of $7,661,412 and $7,161,412, respectively) | 1,414,198 | 809,198 | |||||||||
Total Portfolio Investments | 275,842,451 | 280,779,774 | |||||||||
Investments in U.S. Treasury bills (cost of $0 and $150,000,000, respectively) | — | 150,000,000 | |||||||||
Total Investments (cost of $162,744,438 and $316,365,927, respectively) | 275,842,451 | 430,779,774 | |||||||||
Cash | 165,699,565 | 45,793,724 | |||||||||
Escrow proceeds receivable | 852,307 | 852,462 | |||||||||
Interest and dividends receivable | 73,406 | 166,998 | |||||||||
Deferred financing costs | 285,814 | 297,196 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets(1) | 902,957 | 985,550 | |||||||||
Total Assets | 443,656,500 | 478,875,704 | |||||||||
LIABILITIES | |||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(1) | 1,616,579 | 762,312 | |||||||||
Accrued interest payable | — | 453,803 | |||||||||
Dividends payable | 6,078,300 | 4,395,229 | |||||||||
Payable for securities purchased | — | 134,250,000 | |||||||||
Income tax payable | — | 35,850 | |||||||||
4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due March 28, 2023(2) | — | 37,395,437 | |||||||||
Total Liabilities | 7,694,879 | 177,292,631 | |||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7 and 10) | |||||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 435,961,621 | $ | 301,583,073 | |||||||
NET ASSETS | |||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share (100,000,000 authorized; 24,205,216 and 19,914,023 issued and outstanding, respectively) | $ | 242,052 | $ | 199,140 | |||||||
Paid-in capital in excess of par | 259,168,303 | 221,802,592 | |||||||||
Accumulated net investment loss | (43,028,096) | (40,193,778) | |||||||||
Accumulated net realized gain on investments, net of distributions | 106,481,350 | 5,361,270 | |||||||||
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation of investments | 113,098,012 | 114,413,849 | |||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 435,961,621 | $ | 301,583,073 | |||||||
Net Asset Value Per Share | $ | 18.01 | $ | 15.14 |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
__________________________________________________
(1) This balance includes a right of use asset and corresponding operating lease liability, respectively. Refer to "Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies—Operating Leases and Related Deposits" for more detail.
(2) As of March 31, 2021, the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due March 28, 2023 had been fully converted into the Company's common stock or redeemed in cash by the Company. As of December 31, 2020, the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due March 28, 2023 (effective interest rate of 5.57%) had a face value $38,215,000. Refer to “Note 10—Debt Capital Activities” for a reconciliation of the carrying value to the face value.
1
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||||||||||||
Non-controlled/non-affiliate investments: | ||||||||||||||
Interest income | $ | 166,845 | $ | 155,085 | ||||||||||
Dividend income | 21,875 | 50,000 | ||||||||||||
Non-controlled/affiliate investments: | ||||||||||||||
Interest income | — | 20,428 | ||||||||||||
Dividend income | 102,632 | 26,250 | ||||||||||||
Total Investment Income | 291,352 | 251,763 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||
Compensation expense | 1,293,310 | 924,916 | ||||||||||||
Directors’ fees | 111,250 | 111,250 | ||||||||||||
Professional fees | 973,159 | 1,139,366 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 504,793 | 573,400 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 2,025 | 8,665 | ||||||||||||
Other expenses | 241,133 | 498,719 | ||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 3,125,670 | 3,256,316 | ||||||||||||
Net Investment Loss | (2,834,318) | (3,004,553) | ||||||||||||
Realized Gain on Investments: | ||||||||||||||
Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments | 112,152,518 | 6,978,240 | ||||||||||||
Net Realized Gain on Investments | 112,152,518 | 6,978,240 | ||||||||||||
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) of Investments: | ||||||||||||||
Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments | (3,265,307) | (17,544,822) | ||||||||||||
Non-controlled/affiliate investments | 1,844,470 | (10,075,414) | ||||||||||||
Controlled investments | 105,000 | (45,698) | ||||||||||||
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) of Investments | (1,315,837) | (27,665,934) | ||||||||||||
Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 108,002,363 | $ | (23,692,247) | ||||||||||
Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations per Common Share: | ||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 5.27 | $ | (1.36) | ||||||||||
Diluted(1) | $ | 4.50 | $ | (1.36) | ||||||||||
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding | ||||||||||||||
Basic | 20,486,621 | 17,440,994 | ||||||||||||
Diluted(1) | 24,123,339 | 17,440,994 | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, 0 and 3,917,792 potentially dilutive common shares were excluded from the weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted net increase in net assets resulting from operations per common share because the effect of these shares would have been anti-dilutive. Refer to “Note 6—Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations per Common Share—Basic and Diluted”.
2
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | |||||||||||
Net investment loss | $ | (2,834,318) | $ | (3,004,553) | |||||||
Net realized gains on investments | 112,152,518 | 6,978,240 | |||||||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments | (1,315,837) | (27,665,934) | |||||||||
Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 108,002,363 | (23,692,247) | |||||||||
Distributions | |||||||||||
Dividends declared | (11,032,436) | — | |||||||||
Total Distributions | (11,032,436) | — | |||||||||
Change in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Transactions | |||||||||||
Issuance of common stock from conversion of 4.75% Convertible Notes due 2023 | 37,259,819 | — | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 148,802 | — | |||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | — | (3,709,244) | |||||||||
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Transactions | 37,408,621 | (3,709,244) | |||||||||
Total Change in Net Assets | 134,378,548 | (27,401,491) | |||||||||
Net Assets at Beginning of Year | 301,583,073 | 199,917,289 | |||||||||
Net Assets at End of Period | $ | 435,961,621 | $ | 172,515,798 | |||||||
Capital Share Activity | |||||||||||
Shares outstanding at beginning of year | 19,914,023 | 17,564,244 | |||||||||
Issuance of common stock under restricted stock plan | 193,385 | — | |||||||||
Issuance of common stock from conversion of 4.75% Convertible Notes due 2023 | 4,097,808 | — | |||||||||
Shares repurchased | — | (689,928) | |||||||||
Shares Outstanding at End of Period | 24,205,216 | 16,874,316 |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||||||||
Net change in net assets resulting from operations | $ | 108,002,363 | $ | (23,692,247) | |||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net change in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
Net realized gain on investments | (112,152,518) | (6,978,240) | |||||||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments | 1,315,837 | 27,665,934 | |||||||||
Amortization of discount on 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 | 76,925 | 94,011 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 148,802 | — | |||||||||
Adjustments to escrow proceeds receivable | (144) | 189,546 | |||||||||
Forfeited interest on 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 | 102,911 | — | |||||||||
Purchases of investments in: | |||||||||||
Portfolio investments | (9,503,636) | — | |||||||||
U.S. Treasury bills | — | (50,000,556) | |||||||||
Proceeds from sales or maturity of investments in: | |||||||||||
Portfolio investments | 125,277,788 | 10,786,346 | |||||||||
U.S. Treasury bills | 150,000,000 | 50,000,000 | |||||||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 82,593 | 34,668 | |||||||||
Interest and dividends receivable | 93,592 | (169) | |||||||||
Escrow proceeds receivable | 155 | 57,928 | |||||||||
Payable for securities purchased | (134,250,000) | 354,599 | |||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 854,267 | 382,289 | |||||||||
Payable to executive officers | — | (1,368,316) | |||||||||
Income tax payable | (35,850) | — | |||||||||
Accrued interest payable | (453,803) | (475,000) | |||||||||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 129,559,282 | 7,050,793 | |||||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||||||
Repurchases of common stock | — | (3,709,244) | |||||||||
Dividends paid | (9,349,364) | (2,107,709) | |||||||||
Cash paid for fractional shares | (100) | — | |||||||||
Redemption of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 | (290,000) | — | |||||||||
Deferred offering costs | (13,977) | — | |||||||||
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | (9,653,441) | (5,816,953) | |||||||||
Total Increase in Cash Balance | 119,905,841 | 1,233,840 | |||||||||
Cash Balance at Beginning of Year | 45,793,724 | 44,861,263 | |||||||||
Cash Balance at End of Period | 165,699,565 | 46,095,103 | |||||||||
Supplemental Information: | |||||||||||
Interest paid | 794,206 | 956,190 | |||||||||
Taxes paid | 37,875 | 8,665 | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2021
Portfolio Investments* | Headquarters/ Industry | Date of Initial Investment | Shares/ Principal | Cost | Fair Value | % of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-CONTROLLED/NON-AFFILIATE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coursera, Inc.** | Mountain View, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares(3)(13) | Online Education | 6/9/2013 | 3,128,361 | $ | 17,359,536 | $ | 126,698,621 | 29.06 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Course Hero, Inc. | Redwood City, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 8% | Online Education | 9/18/2014 | 2,145,509 | 5,000,001 | 32,530,814 | 7.46 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nextdoor.com, Inc. | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | Social Networking | 9/27/2018 | 580,360 | 10,002,666 | 17,913,799 | 4.11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Blink Health, Inc. | New York, NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A | Pharmaceutical Technology | 10/27/2020 | 238,095 | 5,000,423 | 4,999,995 | 1.15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C | 10/27/2020 | 130,972 | 5,002,932 | 4,999,987 | 1.15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 10,003,355 | 9,999,982 | 2.30 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forge Global, Inc.(12) | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares, Class AA | Online Marketplace Finance | 7/20/2011 | 614,042 | 123,987 | 7,624,437 | 1.75 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Preferred shares | 7/19/2011 | 160,534 | 2,259,716 | 1,993,319 | 0.46 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Preferred warrants, Strike Price $12.42, Expiration Date 11/9/2025 | 7/19/2011 | 73,695 | — | 281,514 | 0.06 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2,383,703 | 9,899,270 | 2.27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shogun Enterprises, Inc. | Austin, TX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B-1 | Home Improvement Finance | 2/26/2021 | 436,844 | 3,501,657 | 3,499,994 | 0.80 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B-2 | 2/26/2021 | 301,750 | 3,501,661 | 3,499,998 | 0.80 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 7,003,318 | 6,999,992 | 1.61 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rent the Runway, Inc. | New York, NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series G | Subscription Fashion Rental | 6/17/2020 | 339,191 | 5,153,945 | 5,613,446 | 1.29 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Place for Rover Inc. (f/k/a DogVacay, Inc.) | Seattle, WA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | Peer-to-Peer Pet Services | 11/3/2014 | 707,990 | 2,506,119 | 5,416,128 | 1.24 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Enjoy Technology, Inc. | Menlo Park, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 6% | On-Demand Commerce | 7/29/2015 | 1,681,520 | 4,000,280 | 3,309,810 | 0.76 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 6% | 10/16/2014 | 879,198 | 1,002,440 | 824,979 | 0.19 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible Promissory Note 14% Due 1/30/2024*** | 11/30/2020 | $ | 521,112 | 524,057 | 521,112 | 0.12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 5,526,777 | 4,655,901 | 1.07 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue)(6) | Chicago, IL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A | Real Estate Platform | 12/23/2020 | 150,000 | 1,500,000 | 1,662,117 | 0.38 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Term loan 15%, Due 12/23/2023***(14) | 12/23/2020 | $ | 3,000,000 | 2,750,000 | 2,750,000 | 0.63 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 4,250,000 | 4,412,117 | 1.01 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a/ Lime) | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Preferred shares, Series 1-D | Micromobility | 1/25/2019 | 41,237,113 | 10,007,322 | 3,485,014 | 0.80 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Preferred Convertible Note 4% Due 5/11/2027*** | 5/11/2020 | $ | 506,339 | 506,339 | 506,339 | 0.12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Warrants, Strike Price $0.01, Expiration Date 5/11/2027 | 5/11/2020 | 2,032,967 | — | 101,648 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 10,513,661 | 4,093,001 | 0.94 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aventine Property Group, Inc.(11) | Chicago, IL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares***(15) | Cannabis REIT | 1/1/2021 | 312,500 | 2,580,750 | 3,874,427 | 0.89 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aspiration Partners, Inc. | Marina Del Rey, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A | Financial Services | 8/11/2015 | 540,270 | 1,001,815 | 3,288,548 | 0.75 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C-3 | 8/12/2019 | 24,912 | 281,190 | 169,599 | 0.04 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,283,005 | 3,458,147 | 0.79 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clever, Inc. | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 8% | Education Software | 12/5/2014 | 1,799,047 | 2,000,601 | 2,000,001 | 0.46 | % |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED) - continued
March 31, 2021
Portfolio Investments* | Headquarters/ Industry | Date of Initial Investment | Shares/ Principal | Cost | Fair Value | % of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Palantir Lending Trust SPV I **(10) | Palo Alto, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Participation in Underlying Collateral(3) | Data Analysis | 6/19/2020 | — | $ | — | $ | 1,619,463 | 0.37 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Streaming Solutions Inc. (d/b/a BettorView)(7) | Las Vegas, NV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Simple Agreement for Future Equity | Interactive Media & Services | 3/26/2021 | 1 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 0.23 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tynker (f/k/a Neuron Fuel, Inc.) | Mountain View, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 8% | Computer Software | 8/8/2012 | 534,162 | 309,310 | 791,361 | 0.18 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SP Holdings Group, Inc.(12) | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 6% | Online Marketplace Finance | 7/19/2011 | 1,771,653 | — | 385,714 | 0.09 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | 7/20/2011 | 770,934 | — | 55,507 | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | — | 441,221 | 0.10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Churchill Sponsor VII LLC | New York, NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common share units | Special Purpose Acquisition Company | 2/25/2021 | 292,100 | 205,820 | 205,820 | 0.05 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrant units | 2/25/2021 | 277,000 | 94,180 | 94,180 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 300,000 | 300,000 | 0.07 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Churchill Sponsor VI LLC | New York, NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common share units | Special Purpose Acquisition Company | 2/25/2021 | 195,000 | 134,297 | 134,297 | 0.03 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrant units | 2/25/2021 | 199,100 | 65,703 | 65,703 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 200,000 | 200,000 | 0.05 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fullbridge, Inc. | Cambridge, MA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | Business Education | 5/13/2012 | 517,917 | 6,150,506 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Promissory Note 1.47%, Due 11/9/2021(4) | 3/3/2016 | $ | 2,270,458 | 2,270,858 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 8,421,364 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.(11) | Chicago, IL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | Cannabis REIT | 9/11/2019 | 312,500 | 4,919,250 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kinetiq Holdings, LLC | Philadelphia, PA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares, Class A | Social Data Platform | 3/30/2012 | 112,374 | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Non-controlled/Non-affiliate | 100,717,361 | 241,917,691 | 55.50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-CONTROLLED/AFFILIATE(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ozy Media, Inc. | Mountain View, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C-2 6% | Digital Media Platform | 9/11/2019 | 683,482 | $ | 2,414,178 | $ | 2,165,294 | 0.50 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Warrants, Strike Price $0.01, Expiration Date 4/9/2028 | 4/9/2018 | 295,565 | 30,647 | 933,985 | 0.21 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 6% | 10/3/2014 | 922,509 | 4,999,999 | 3,350,952 | 0.77 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 6% | 12/11/2013 | 1,090,909 | 3,000,200 | 3,456,036 | 0.79 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series Seed 6% | 11/2/2012 | 500,000 | 500,000 | 1,584,017 | 0.36 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 10,945,024 | 11,490,284 | 2.63 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) | New York, NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares***(17) | Cannabis REIT | 8/12/2019 | 446,226 | 9,009,952 | 9,435,324 | 2.16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC(5) | Scottsdale, AZ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series D 8% | Interactive Learning | 11/26/2019 | 329,337 | 257,267 | 460,920 | 0.11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C 8% | 1/7/2014 | 2,779,134 | 4,000,787 | 4,995,472 | 1.15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 8% | 12/16/2011 | 3,279,629 | 2,019,687 | 2,828,566 | 0.65 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 8% | 2/25/2014 | 366,666 | 110,000 | 110,966 | 0.03 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 6,387,741 | 8,395,924 | 1.94 | % |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (UNAUDITED) - continued
March 31, 2021
Portfolio Investments* | Headquarters/ Industry | Date of Initial Investment | Shares/ Principal | Cost | Fair Value | % of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.) | San Mateo, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Security, Expiration Date 8/23/2024(9) | Global Innovation Platform | 8/23/2019 | 1 | $ | 8,555,124 | $ | 2,235,598 | 0.51 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible Promissory Note 8% Due 8/23/2024(4)(9) | 2/17/2016 | $ | 1,010,198 | 1,030,176 | 505,099 | 0.12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrants Series A-3, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 4/4/2021 | 4/4/2014 | 187,500 | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrants Series A-4, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 10/6/2021 | 10/6/2014 | 500,000 | — | 42,500 | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrants Series A-4, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 7/18/2021 | 7/8/2016 | 250,000 | 74,380 | 16,250 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrants Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 11/29/2021 | 11/29/2016 | 100,000 | 29,275 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 5/29/2022 | 5/29/2017 | 125,000 | 70,379 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2018 | 250,000 | 5,080 | 5,000 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 9,764,414 | 2,804,447 | 0.64 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CUX, Inc. (d/b/a CorpU) | Philadelphia, PA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note 4% Due 2/14/2023(4) | Corporate Education | 11/26/2014 | $ | 1,251,158 | 1,256,191 | 312,790 | 0.07 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible preferred shares, Series D 6% | 5/31/2013 | 169,033 | 778,607 | 71,793 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible preferred shares, Series C 8% | 3/29/2012 | 615,763 | 2,006,077 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 4,040,875 | 384,583 | 0.09 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maven Research, Inc. | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C 8% | Knowledge Networks | 7/2/2012 | 318,979 | 2,000,447 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 5% | 2/28/2012 | 49,505 | 217,206 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2,217,653 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Curious.com, Inc. | Menlo Park, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | Online Education | 11/22/2013 | 1,135,944 | 12,000,006 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Non-controlled/Affiliate | $ | 54,365,665 | $ | 32,510,562 | 7.46 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONTROLLED(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) | Cupertino, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Class A***(8) | Clean Technology | 4/15/2014 | 14,300,000 | $ | 7,151,412 | $ | 914,198 | 0.21 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | 4/15/2014 | 100,000 | 10,000 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 7,161,412 | 914,198 | 0.21 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC** | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Membership Interest in Lending SPV(16) | Mobile Finance Technology | 3/23/2021 | $ | 500,000 | 500,000 | 500,000 | 0.11 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Controlled | $ | 7,661,412 | $ | 1,414,198 | 0.32 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS | $ | 162,744,438 | $ | 275,842,451 | 63.29 | % |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
__________________________________________
* All portfolio investments are non-control/non-affiliated and non-income-producing, unless otherwise identified. Equity investments are subject to lock-up restrictions upon their initial public offering (“IPO”). Preferred dividends are generally only payable when declared and paid by the portfolio company's board of directors. The Company’s directors, officers, employees and staff, as applicable, may serve on the board of directors of the Company’s portfolio investments. (Refer to “Note 3—Related-Party Arrangements”). All portfolio investments are considered Level 3 and valued using significant unobservable inputs, unless otherwise noted. (Refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”). All of the Company's portfolio investments are restricted as to resale, unless otherwise noted, and were valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors. (Refer to "Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Investments at Fair Value").
7
** Indicates assets that SuRo Capital Corp. believes do not represent “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2021, 46.70% of its total investments are non-qualifying assets.
*** Investment is income-producing.
(1)“Affiliate Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Affiliated Companies” of SuRo Capital Corp., as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, a company is deemed to be an “Affiliate” of SuRo Capital Corp. if SuRo Capital Corp. owns 5% or more of the voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) of such company. For the Schedule of Investments In, and Advances To, Affiliates, as required by SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 12-14, refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”.
(2)“Control Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Controlled Companies” of SuRo Capital Corp., as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, under the 1940 Act, the Company would “Control” a portfolio company if the Company owned more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) and/or had the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. For the Schedule of Investments In, and Advances To, Affiliates, as required by SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 12-14, refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”.
(3)Denotes an investment considered Level 1 or Level 2 and valued using observable inputs. Refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”.
(4)As of March 31, 2021, the investments noted had been placed on non-accrual status.
(5)SuRo Capital Corp.’s investments in StormWind, LLC are held through SuRo Capital Corp.'s wholly owned subsidiary, GSVC SW Holdings, Inc.
(6)SuRo Capital Corp.’s investments in Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) are held through SuRo Capital Corp.'s wholly owned subsidiary, GSVC AV Holdings, Inc.
(7)SuRo Capital Corp.’s investments in Commercial Streaming Solutions Inc. (d/b/a BettorView) are held through SuRo Capital Corp.'s wholly owned subsidiary, SuRo Capital Sports, LLC ("SuRo Sports").
(8)The SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) preferred shares held by SuRo Capital Corp. do not entitle SuRo Capital Corp. to a preferred dividend. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that SPBRX, INC. will pay distributions on a quarterly or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
(9)On August 23, 2019, SuRo Capital Corp. amended the structure of its investment in NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.). As part of the agreement, SuRo Capital Corp.’s equity holdings (warrants notwithstanding) were restructured into a derivative security. NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley,Inc.) has the right to call the position at any time over a five year period, while SuRo Capital Corp. can put the shares to NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.) at the end of the five year period.
(10)As of March 31, 2021, 712,290 unrestricted Class A common shares remain in Palantir Lending Trust SPV I. The realized gain from SuRo Capital Corp.'s investment in Palantir Lending Trust SPV I is generated by the proceeds from the sale of shares collateralizing the repaid promissory note to Palantir Lending Trust SPV I and attributable to the Equity Participation in Underlying Collateral.
(11)On January 1, 2021, Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. completed its spin off of 34.4% of its assets into Aventine Property Group, Inc.
(12)On November 9, 2020, SharesPost, Inc. completed its merger with Forge Global, Inc. As part of the merger, SuRo Capital Corp. received $0.7 million in Class AA Common shares and Junior Preferred shares currently being held in escrow. We expect to receive the proceeds held in escrow in 2021.
(13)On March 31, 2021, Coursera, Inc. went public via an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. As of March 31, 2021, all of SuRo Capital Corp.'s public shares of Coursera, Inc. common stock were subject to certain lock-up restrictions.
(14)As of March 31, 2021, approximately $0.4 million has been received from Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) related to the 15% term loan due December 23, 2023. Of the proceeds received, approximately $0.3 million repaid a portion of the outstanding principal and approximately $0.1 million was attributed to interest.
(15)During the three months ended March 31, 2021, Aventine Property Group, Inc. declared an aggregate of $21,875 in dividend distributions. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that Aventine Property Group, Inc. will pay distributions on a recurring or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
(16)As of March 31, 2021, $0.5 million of the $10.0 million capital commitment representing our Membership Interest in Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC had been called and funded.
8
(17)During the three months ended March 31, 2021, NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) declared an aggregate of approximately $0.1 million in dividend distributions. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) will pay distributions on a recurring or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
9
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 2020
Portfolio Investments* | Headquarters/ Industry | Date of Initial Investment | Shares/ Principal | Cost | Fair Value | % of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-CONTROLLED/NON-AFFILIATE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Palantir Technologies, Inc.** | Palo Alto, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares, Class A(3)(13) | Data Analysis | 5/7/2012 | 4,618,952 | $ | 12,875,126 | $ | 94,635,398 | 31.38 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coursera, Inc. | Mountain View, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series F 8% | Online Education | 7/15/2020 | 166,962 | 2,840,017 | 2,838,354 | 0.94 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 8% | 6/9/2013 | 2,961,399 | 14,519,519 | 50,343,783 | 16.69 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 17,359,536 | 53,182,137 | 17.63 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Course Hero, Inc. | Redwood City, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 8% | Online Education | 9/18/2014 | 2,145,509 | 5,000,001 | 35,079,072 | 11.63 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nextdoor.com, Inc. | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | Social Networking | 9/27/2018 | 580,360 | 10,002,666 | 12,832,208 | 4.25 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Blink Health, Inc. | New York, NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A | Pharmaceutical Technology | 10/27/2020 | 238,095 | 5,000,423 | 4,999,995 | 1.66 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C | 10/27/2020 | 130,972 | 5,002,932 | 4,999,987 | 1.66 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 10,003,355 | 9,999,982 | 3.32 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forge Global, Inc.(15) | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares, Class AA | Online Marketplace Finance | 7/20/2011 | 614,042 | 123,987 | 7,624,437 | 2.53 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Preferred shares | 7/19/2011 | 160,534 | 2,259,716 | 1,993,319 | 0.66 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Preferred warrants, Strike Price $12.42, Expiration Date 11/9/2025 | 7/19/2011 | 73,695 | — | 279,303 | 0.09 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2,383,703 | 9,897,059 | 3.28 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Enjoy Technology, Inc. | Menlo Park, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 6% | On-Demand Commerce | 7/29/2015 | 1,681,520 | 4,000,280 | 5,032,724 | 1.67 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 6% | 10/16/2014 | 879,198 | 1,002,440 | 1,536,980 | 0.51 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible Promissory Note 14% Due 1/30/2024*** | 11/30/2020 | $ | 521,112 | 524,057 | 521,112 | 0.17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 5,526,777 | 7,090,816 | 2.35 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rent the Runway, Inc. | New York, NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series G | Subscription Fashion Rental | 6/17/2020 | 339,191 | 5,153,945 | 5,000,001 | 1.66 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue)(16) | Chicago, IL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A | Real Estate Platform | 12/23/2020 | 150,000 | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 | 0.50 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Term loan 15%, Due 12/23/2023*** | 12/23/2020 | $ | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 | 0.99 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 4,500,000 | 4,500,000 | 1.49 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a/ Lime) | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Preferred shares, Series 1-D(11) | Micromobility | 1/25/2019 | 41,237,113 | 10,007,322 | 3,485,014 | 1.16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Junior Preferred Convertible Note 4% Due 5/11/2027*** | 5/11/2020 | $ | 506,339 | 506,339 | 506,339 | 0.17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Warrants, Strike Price $0.01, Expiration Date 5/11/2027(11) | 5/11/2020 | 2,032,967 | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 10,513,661 | 3,991,353 | 1.33 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aspiration Partners, Inc. | Marina Del Rey, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A | Financial Services | 8/11/2015 | 540,270 | 1,001,815 | 3,288,548 | 1.09 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C-3 (12) | 8/12/2019 | 24,912 | 281,190 | 169,599 | 0.06 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,283,005 | 3,458,147 | 1.15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. | Chicago, IL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares***(8) | Cannabis REIT | 9/11/2019 | 312,500 | 7,500,000 | 3,321,626 | 1.10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Palantir Lending Trust SPV I **(10) | Palo Alto, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Participation in Underlying Collateral | Data Analysis | 6/19/2020 | — | — | 2,550,764 | 0.85 | % |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
10
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - continued
December 31, 2020
Portfolio Investments* | Headquarters/ Industry | Date of Initial Investment | Shares/ Principal | Cost | Fair Value | % of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clever, Inc. | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 8% | Education Software | 12/5/2014 | 1,799,047 | $ | 2,000,601 | $ | 2,000,001 | 0.66 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Place for Rover Inc. (f/k/a DogVacay, Inc.) | Seattle, WA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | Peer-to-Peer Pet Services | 11/3/2014 | 707,991 | 2,506,119 | 1,474,878 | 0.49 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tynker (f/k/a Neuron Fuel, Inc.) | Mountain View, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 8% | Computer Software | 8/8/2012 | 534,162 | 309,310 | 791,361 | 0.26 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fullbridge, Inc. | Cambridge, MA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | Business Education | 5/13/2012 | 517,917 | 6,150,506 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Promissory Note 1.47%, Due 11/9/2021(4) | 3/3/2016 | $ | 2,270,458 | 2,270,858 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 8,421,364 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SP Holdings Group, Inc.(15) | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 6% | Online Marketplace Finance | 7/19/2011 | 1,771,653 | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | 7/20/2011 | 770,934 | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kinetiq Holdings, LLC(14) | Philadelphia, PA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares, Class A | Social Data Platform | 3/30/2012 | 112,374 | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Non-controlled/Non-affiliate | $ | 105,339,169 | $ | 249,804,803 | 82.83 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-CONTROLLED/AFFILIATE(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ozy Media, Inc. | Mountain View, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C-2 6% | Digital Media Platform | 9/11/2019 | 683,482 | $ | 2,414,178 | $ | 1,865,547 | 0.62 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Warrants, Strike Price $0.01, Expiration Date 4/9/2028 | 4/9/2018 | 295,565 | 30,647 | 762,558 | 0.25 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 6% | 10/3/2014 | 922,509 | 4,999,999 | 3,350,952 | 1.11 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 6% | 12/11/2013 | 1,090,909 | 3,000,200 | 2,824,679 | 0.94 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series Seed 6% | 11/2/2012 | 500,000 | 500,000 | 1,294,645 | 0.43 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 10,945,024 | 10,098,381 | 3.35 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp. | New York, NY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares***(9) | Cannabis REIT | 8/12/2019 | 422,586 | 8,509,633 | 8,937,690 | 2.96 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC(5) | Scottsdale, AZ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series D 8% | Interactive Learning | 11/26/2019 | 329,337 | 257,267 | 440,515 | 0.15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C 8% | 1/7/2014 | 2,779,134 | 4,000,787 | 4,804,218 | 1.59 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 8% | 12/16/2011 | 3,279,629 | 2,019,687 | 2,625,365 | 0.87 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series A 8% | 2/25/2014 | 366,666 | 110,000 | 88,248 | 0.03 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 6,387,741 | 7,958,346 | 2.64 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.) | San Mateo, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Security, Expiration Date 8/23/2024(7) | Global Innovation Platform | 8/23/2019 | 1 | 8,555,124 | 2,173,148 | 0.72 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible Promissory Note 8% Due 8/23/2024(4)(7) | 2/17/2016 | $ | 1,010,198 | 1,030,176 | 505,099 | 0.17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrants Series A-3, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 4/4/2021 | 4/4/2014 | 187,500 | — | 4,687 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrants Series A-4, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 10/6/2021 | 10/6/2014 | 500,000 | — | 65,000 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrants Series A-4, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 7/18/2021 | 7/8/2016 | 250,000 | 74,380 | 27,500 | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrants Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 11/29/2021 | 11/29/2016 | 100,000 | 29,275 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 5/29/2022 | 5/29/2017 | 125,000 | 70,379 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 12/31/2023 | 12/31/2018 | 250,000 | 5,080 | 9,250 | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 9,764,414 | 2,784,684 | 0.92 | % |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - continued
December 31, 2020
Portfolio Investments* | Headquarters/ Industry | Date of Initial Investment | Shares/ Principal | Cost | Fair Value | % of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CUX, Inc. (d/b/a CorpU) | Philadelphia, PA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note 4% Due 2/14/2023(4) | Corporate Education | 11/26/2014 | $ | 1,251,158 | $ | 1,256,191 | $ | 312,790 | 0.10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible preferred shares, Series D 6% | 5/31/2013 | 169,033 | 778,607 | 73,882 | 0.02 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible preferred shares, Series C 8% | 3/29/2012 | 615,763 | 2,006,077 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 4,040,875 | 386,672 | 0.12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maven Research, Inc. | San Francisco, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series C 8% | Knowledge Networks | 7/2/2012 | 318,979 | 2,000,447 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Series B 5% | 2/28/2012 | 49,505 | 217,206 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2,217,653 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Curious.com, Inc. | Menlo Park, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | Online Education | 11/22/2013 | 1,135,944 | 12,000,006 | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Non-controlled/Affiliate | $ | 53,865,346 | $ | 30,165,773 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONTROLLED(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) | Cupertino, CA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, Class A***(6) | Clean Technology | 4/15/2014 | 14,300,000 | $ | 7,151,412 | $ | 809,198 | 0.27 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares | 4/15/2014 | 100,000 | 10,000 | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 7,161,412 | 809,198 | 0.27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Controlled | $ | 7,161,412 | $ | 809,198 | 0.27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Portfolio Investments | $ | 166,365,927 | $ | 280,779,774 | 93.10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury bill, 0%, due 1/2/2021***(3) | 12/30/2020 | $ | 150,000,000 | 150,000,000 | 150,000,000 | 49.74 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS | $ | 316,365,927 | $ | 430,779,774 | 142.83 | % |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
__________________________________________
* All portfolio investments are non-control/non-affiliated and non-income-producing, unless otherwise identified. Equity investments are subject to lock-up restrictions upon their initial public offering (“IPO”). Preferred dividends are generally only payable when declared and paid by the portfolio company's board of directors. The Company’s directors, officers, employees and staff, as applicable, may serve on the board of directors of the Company’s portfolio investments. (Refer to “Note 3—Related-Party Arrangements”). All portfolio investments are considered Level 3 and valued using significant unobservable inputs, unless otherwise noted. (Refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”). All of the Company's portfolio investments are restricted as to resale, unless otherwise noted, and were valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors. (Refer to "Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Investments at Fair Value").
** Indicates assets that SuRo Capital Corp. believes do not represent “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Of the Company’s total investments as of December 31, 2020, 22.56% of its total investments are non-qualifying assets.
*** Investment is income-producing.
(1)“Affiliate Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Affiliated Companies” of SuRo Capital Corp., as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, a company is deemed to be an “Affiliate” of SuRo Capital Corp. if SuRo Capital Corp. owns 5% or more of the voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) of such company. For the Schedule of Investments In, and Advances To, Affiliates, as required by SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 12-14, refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”.
(2)“Control Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Controlled Companies” of SuRo Capital Corp., as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, under the 1940 Act, the Company would “Control” a portfolio company if the Company owned more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) and/or had the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. For the Schedule of Investments In, and Advances To, Affiliates, as required by SEC Regulation S-X, Rule 12-14, refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”.
12
(3)Denotes an investment considered Level 1 or Level 2 and valued using observable inputs. As of December 31, 2020, 1 portfolio investment held by SuRo Capital Corp. was considered Level 1 or Level 2. Refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”.
(4)As of December 31, 2020, the investments noted had been placed on non-accrual status.
(5)SuRo Capital Corp.’s investments in StormWind, LLC are held through SuRo Capital Corp.'s wholly owned subsidiary, GSVC SW Holdings, Inc.
(6)The SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) preferred shares held by SuRo Capital Corp. do not entitle SuRo Capital Corp. to a preferred dividend rate. During the year ended December 31, 2020, SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) declared, and SuRo Capital Corp. received, an aggregate of $450,000 in dividend distributions. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that SPBRX, INC. will pay distributions on a quarterly or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
(7)On August 23, 2019, SuRo Capital Corp. amended the structure of its investment in NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.). As part of the agreement, SuRo Capital Corp.’s equity holdings (warrants notwithstanding) were restructured into a derivative security. NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley,Inc.) has the right to call the position at any time over a five year period, while SuRo Capital Corp. can put the shares to NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.) at the end of the five year period.
(8)During the year ended December 31, 2020, Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust Inc. declared, and SuRo Capital Corp. received, an aggregate of $50,000 in dividend distributions. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust Inc. will pay distributions on a recurring or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
(9)During the year ended December 31, 2020, GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp. declared an aggregate of $317,617 in dividend distributions. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp. will pay distributions on a recurring or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
(10)On June 19, 2020, SuRo Capital Corp. extended a $6,900,000, non-recourse, collateralized loan to Palantir Lending Trust SPV I. The collateralized loan to Palantir Lending Trust SPV I matures on June 19, 2022 and includes a 15% interest rate. Through the collateralized loan, SuRo Capital Corp. participates in additional upside in a future Palantir Technologies, Inc. liquidity event by receiving a percentage of the share price appreciation as captured in the Equity Participation in Underlying Collateral security. As of December 31, 2020, $8,671,618 has been received from Palantir Lending Trust SPV I. Of the proceeds received, $6,900,000 fully repaid the outstanding principal, $782,125 was attributed to the accrued guaranteed interest, and $989,494 was generated by the Equity Participation in Underlying Collateral. As of December 31, 2020, the balance of the loan and all guaranteed interest has been fully repaid, and SuRo Capital Corp. retains the right to upside on 1,312,290 shares as captured in the Equity Participation in Underlying Collateral security.
(11)On May 11, 2020, SuRo Capital Corp. made a follow-on investment in a junior preferred convertible note to Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Lime) as part of a recapitalization of Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Lime), led by Uber Technologies, Inc. On May 11, 2020, SuRo Capital Corp.'s existing Series D Preferred shares were converted to Series 1-D Junior Preferred shares. As part of the transaction, SuRo Capital Corp. was issued, and received on August 24, 2020, 2,032,967 common warrants with a strike price of $0.01 and an expiration date of May 11, 2027.
(12)On June 6, 2020, the convertible note SuRo Capital Corp. had extended to Aspiration Partners, Inc. converted into Series C-3 Preferred shares at a 15% discount to Aspiration Partners, Inc.'s most recent financing round. SuRo Capital Corp. received 24,912 Series C-3 Preferred shares as a result of the conversion.
(13)On September 30, 2020, Palantir Technologies, Inc. went public via a modified direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Under the terms of the modified direct listing, as disclosed in Palantir Technologies, Inc.'s Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 Registration Statement, 20% of SuRo Capital Corp.'s Class A common shares in Palantir Technologies, Inc. held at the time of the direct public listing were considered unrestricted, while the remaining 80% were subject to sales restrictions and are not eligible for sale until the third business day following the filing of Palantir Technologies, Inc.'s fiscal year 2020 Form 10-K filing in 2021. As of December 31, 2020, SuRo Capital Corp. holds 4,618,952 public shares of Palantir Technologies, Inc. common stock, all of which are subject to certain lock-up restrictions.
(14)On July 29, 2020 SuRo Capital Corp. exited its investment in 4C Insights (f/k/a The Echo Systems Corp.). In connection with this exit, SuRo Capital Corp. received 112,374 Class A common shares in Kinetiq Holdings, LLC in addition to cash proceeds and amounts currently held in escrow.
(15)On November 9, 2020, SharesPost, Inc. completed its merger with Forge Global, Inc. As part of the merger, SuRo Capital Corp. received Class AA Common Shares, Junior Preferred Stock and Junior Warrants of Forge. In addition, as part of the merger, certain assets held by SharesPost, Inc. that were not acquired by Forge were spun-out into a new entity called SP Holdings Group, Inc. In addition to the shares received from Forge, SuRo Capital Corp. also received Series B Preferred Stock and Common Shares in SP Holdings Group, Inc.
(16)SuRo Capital Corp.’s investments in Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) are held through SuRo Capital Corp.'s wholly owned subsidiary, GSVC AV Holdings, Inc.
13
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
NOTE 1—NATURE OF OPERATIONS
SuRo Capital Corp. ("we", "us", "our", “Company” or “SuRo Capital”), formerly known as Sutter Rock Capital Corp. and as GSV Capital Corp. and formed in September 2010 as a Maryland corporation, is an internally-managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company. The Company has elected to be regulated as a business development company ("BDC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
On and effective March 12, 2019, our Board of Directors approved internalizing our operating structure ("Internalization") and we began operating as an internally-managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Prior to March 12, 2019, we were externally managed by our former investment adviser, GSV Asset Management, LLC (“GSV Asset Management”), pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), and our former administrator, GSV Capital Service Company, LLC (“GSV Capital Service Company”), provided the administrative services necessary for our operations pursuant to an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”). Refer to "Note 3 — Related-Party Arrangements" for further detail.
The Company’s date of inception was January 6, 2011, which is the date it commenced its development stage activities. The Company’s common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SSSS” (formerly "GSVC"). The Company began its investment operations during the second quarter of 2011.
The table below displays the Company’s subsidiaries as of March 31, 2021, which, other than GSV Capital Lending, LLC (“GCL”), are collectively referred to as the “Taxable Subsidiaries.” The Taxable Subsidiaries were formed to hold portfolio investments. The Taxable Subsidiaries, including their associated portfolio investments, are consolidated with the Company for accounting purposes, but have elected to be treated as separate entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for SuRo Capital Sports, LLC, which is subject to pass-through tax treatment. GCL was formed to originate portfolio loan investments within the state of California and is consolidated with the Company for accounting purposes. Refer to “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Basis of Consolidation” below for further detail.
Subsidiary | Jurisdiction of Incorporation | Formation Date | Percentage Owned | |||||||||||||||||
GCL | Delaware | April 13, 2012 | 100% | |||||||||||||||||
Subsidiaries below are referred to collectively, as the “Taxable Subsidiaries” | ||||||||||||||||||||
GSVC AE Holdings, Inc. (“GAE”) | Delaware | November 28, 2012 | 100% | |||||||||||||||||
GSVC AV Holdings, Inc. (“GAV”) | Delaware | November 28, 2012 | 100% | |||||||||||||||||
GSVC SW Holdings, Inc. (“GSW”) | Delaware | November 28, 2012 | 100% | |||||||||||||||||
GSVC SVDS Holdings, Inc. (“SVDS”) | Delaware | August 13, 2013 | 100% | |||||||||||||||||
SuRo Capital Sports, LLC ("SuRo Sports") | Delaware | March 19, 2021 | 100% |
The Company’s investment objective is to maximize its portfolio’s total return, principally by seeking capital gains on its equity and equity-related investments, and to a lesser extent, income from debt investments. The Company invests principally in the equity securities of what it believes to be rapidly growing venture-capital-backed emerging companies. The Company may acquire its investments in these portfolio companies through offerings of the prospective portfolio companies, transactions on secondary marketplaces for private companies, or negotiations with selling stockholders. In addition, the Company may invest in private credit and in founders equity, founders warrants, forward purchase agreements, and private investment in public equity transactions of special purpose acquisition companies. The Company may also invest on an opportunistic basis in select publicly traded equity securities or certain non-U.S. companies that otherwise meet its investment criteria, subject to any applicable limitations under the 1940 Act.
14
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
NOTE 2—SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Company is an investment company following the specialized accounting and reporting guidance specified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, all of which were of a normal recurring nature, were considered necessary for the fair presentation of consolidated financial statements for the interim period have been included.
The results of operations for the current interim period are not necessarily indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2021. The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes hereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Basis of Consolidation
Under Article 6 of Regulation S-X and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (“AICPA”) Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies, the Company is precluded from consolidating any entity other than another investment company, a controlled operating company that provides substantially all of its services and benefits to the Company, and certain entities established for tax purposes where the Company holds a 100% interest. Accordingly, the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include its accounts and the accounts of the Taxable Subsidiaries and GCL, its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make a number of significant estimates. These include estimates of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities and other estimates that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. It is likely that changes in these estimates will occur in the near term. The Company’s estimates are inherently subjective in nature and actual results could differ materially from such estimates.
Uncertainties and Risk Factors
The Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties in the nature of its operations, as well as vulnerability due to certain concentrations. Refer to "Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q for a detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the nature of the Company’s operations. Refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value” for an overview of the Company’s industry and geographic concentrations.
Investments at Fair Value
The Company applies fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP and the AICPA’s Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies. The Company values its assets on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if required under the 1940 Act.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value that includes a hierarchy used to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data at the measurement date for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model. The majority of the Company’s investments are Level 3 investments and are subject to a high degree of judgment and uncertainty in determining fair value.
When the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore, gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within the Level 3 table set forth in “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value” may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).
A review of 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 measurement period in which the reclassifications occur. Refer to “Levelling Policy” below for a detailed discussion of the levelling of the Company’s financial assets or liabilities and events that may cause a reclassification within the fair value hierarchy.
Securities for which market quotations are readily available on an exchange are valued at the most recently available closing price of such security as of the valuation date, unless there are legal or contractual restrictions on the sale or use of such security that under ASC 820-10-35 should be incorporated into the security’s fair value measurement as a characteristic of the security that would transfer to market participants who would buy the security. The Company may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of its investments from pricing services, brokers or dealers in order to value assets. When doing so, the Company determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. If determined to be adequate, the Company uses the quote obtained.
Securities for which reliable market quotations are not readily available or for which the pricing source does not provide a valuation or methodology, or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of management, our Board of Directors or the valuation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Valuation Committee”), does not reliably represent fair value, shall each be valued as follows:
1. The quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment;
2. Preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and discussed with senior management;
3. An independent third-party valuation firm is engaged by the Valuation Committee to conduct independent appraisals and review management’s preliminary valuations and make its own independent assessment, for all investments for which there are no readily available market quotations;
4. The Valuation Committee discusses the valuations and recommends to the Company’s Board of Directors a fair value for each investment in the portfolio based on the input of management and the independent third-party valuation firm; and
16
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
5. The Company’s Board of Directors then discusses the valuations recommended by the Valuation Committee and determines in good faith the fair value of each investment in the portfolio.
In making a good faith determination of the fair value of investments, the Company considers valuation methodologies consistent with industry practice. Valuation methods utilized include, but are not limited to the following: comparisons to prices from secondary market transactions; venture capital financings; public offerings; purchase or sales transactions; as well as analysis of financial ratios and valuation metrics of the portfolio companies that issued such private equity securities to peer companies that are public, analysis of the portfolio companies’ most recent financial statements and forecasts, and the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and other relevant factors. The Company assigns a weighting based upon the relevance of each method to determine the fair value of each investment.
For investments that are not publicly traded or that do not have readily available market quotations, the Valuation Committee generally engages an independent valuation firm to provide an independent valuation, which the Company’s Board of Directors considers, among other factors, in making its fair value determinations for these investments. For the current quarter and prior fiscal year, the Valuation Committee engaged an independent valuation firm to perform valuations of 100% of the Company’s investments for which there were no readily available market quotations.
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 Company’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been reported had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is reasonably possible that the difference could be material.
In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the realized gains or losses on investments to be different from the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation currently reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
Equity Investments
Equity investments for which market quotations are readily available in an active market are generally valued at the most recently available closing market prices and are classified as Level 1 assets. Equity investments with readily available market quotations that are subject to sales restrictions due to an initial public offering (“IPO”) by the portfolio company will be classified as Level 1. Any other equity investments with readily available market quotations that are subject to sales restrictions that would transfer to market participants who would buy the security may be valued at a discount for a lack of marketability (“DLOM”), to the most recently available closing market prices depending upon the nature of the sales restriction. These investments are generally classified as Level 2 assets. The DLOM used is generally based upon the market value of publicly traded put options with similar terms.
The fair values of the Company’s equity investments for which market quotations are not readily available are determined based on various factors and are classified as Level 3 assets. To determine the fair value of a portfolio company for which market quotations are not readily available, the Company may analyze the relevant portfolio company’s most recently available historical and projected financial results, public market comparables, and other factors. The Company may also consider other events, including the transaction in which the Company acquired its securities, subsequent equity sales by the portfolio company, and mergers or acquisitions affecting the portfolio company. In addition, the Company may consider the trends of the portfolio company’s basic financial metrics from the time of its original investment until the measurement date, with material improvement of these metrics indicating a possible increase in fair value, while material deterioration of these metrics may indicate a possible reduction in fair value.
In determining the value of equity or equity-linked securities (including warrants to purchase common or preferred stock) in a portfolio company, the Company considers the rights, preferences and limitations of such securities. In cases where a portfolio company’s capital structure includes multiple classes of preferred and common stock and equity-linked securities with different rights and preferences, the Company may use an option pricing model to allocate value to each equity-linked security, unless it believes a liquidity event such as an acquisition or a dissolution is imminent, or the portfolio company is unlikely to continue as a going concern. When equity-linked securities expire worthless, any cost associated with these positions is
17
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
recognized as a realized loss on investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In the event these securities are exercised into common or preferred stock, the cost associated with these securities is reassigned to the cost basis of the new common or preferred stock. These conversions are noted as non-cash operating items on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Debt Investments
Given the nature of the Company’s current debt investments (excluding U.S. Treasuries), principally convertible and promissory notes issued by venture-capital-backed portfolio companies, these investments are classified as Level 3 assets because there is no known or accessible market or market indexes for these investment securities to be traded or exchanged. The Company’s debt investments are valued at estimated fair value as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors.
Options
The Company’s Board of Directors will ascribe value to options based on fair value analyses that can include discounted cash flow analyses, option pricing models, comparable analyses and other techniques as deemed appropriate. These investments are classified as Level 3 assets because there is no known or accessible market or market indexes for these investment securities to be traded or exchanged. The Company’s options are valued at estimated fair value as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors.
Portfolio Company Investment Classification
The Company is a non-diversified company within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Company classifies its investments by level of control. As defined in the 1940 Act, control investments are those where there is the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company. Control is generally deemed to exist when a company or individual directly or indirectly owns beneficially more than 25% of the voting securities of an investee company. Affiliated investments and affiliated companies are defined by a lesser degree of influence and are deemed to exist when a company or individual directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds the power to vote 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a portfolio company. Refer to the Condensed Consolidated Schedules of Investments as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, for details regarding the nature and composition of the Company’s investment portfolio.
Levelling Policy
The portfolio companies in which the Company invests may offer their shares in IPOs. The Company’s shares in such portfolio companies are typically subject to lock-up agreements for 180 days following the IPO. Upon the IPO date, the Company transfers its investment from Level 3 to Level 1 due to the presence of an active market, or Level 2 if limited by the lock-up agreement. The Company prices the investment at the closing price on a public exchange as of the measurement date. In situations where there are lock-up restrictions, as well as legal or contractual restrictions on the sale or use of such security that under ASC 820-10-35 should be incorporated into the security’s fair value measurement as a characteristic of the security that would transfer to market participants who would buy the security, the Company will classify the investment as Level 2 subject to an appropriate DLOM to reflect the restrictions upon sale. The Company transfers investments between levels based on the fair value at the beginning of the measurement period in accordance with FASB ASC 820. For investments transferred out of Level 3 due to an IPO, the Company transfers these investments based on their fair value at the IPO date.
Securities Transactions
Securities transactions are accounted for on the date the transaction for the purchase or sale of the securities is entered into by the Company (i.e., trade date). Securities transactions outside conventional channels, such as private transactions, are recorded as of the date the Company obtains the right to demand the securities purchased or to collect the proceeds from a sale and incurs an obligation to pay for securities purchased or to deliver securities sold, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Valuation of Other Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of the Company’s other, non-investment financial instruments, consisting of cash, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
Cash
The Company places its cash with U.S. Bank, N.A., Bridge Bank (a subsidiary of Western Alliance Bank), and Silicon Valley Bank, and at times, cash held in these accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limit. The Company believes that U.S. Bank, N.A., Bridge Bank (a subsidiary of Western Alliance Bank), and Silicon Valley Bank are high-quality financial institutions and that the risk of loss associated with any uninsured balance is remote.
Escrow Proceeds Receivable
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of portfolio investments are held in escrow as a recourse for indemnity claims that may arise under the sale agreement. Amounts held in escrow are held at estimated realizable value and included in net realized gains (losses) on investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period in which they occurred and are adjusted as needed. Any remaining escrow proceeds balances from these transactions reasonably expected to be received are reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as escrow proceeds receivable. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had $852,307 and $852,462, respectively, in escrow proceeds receivable.
Deferred Financing Costs
The Company records origination costs related to lines of credit as deferred financing costs. These costs are deferred and amortized as part of interest expense using the straight-line method over the respective life of the line of credit. For modifications to a line of credit, any unamortized origination costs are expensed. Included within deferred financing costs are offering costs incurred relating to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form N-2. The Company defers these offering costs until capital is raised pursuant to the shelf registration statement or until the shelf registration statement expires. For equity capital raised, the offering costs reduce paid-in capital resulting from the offering. For debt capital raised, the associated offering costs are amortized over the life of the debt instrument. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had deferred financing costs of $285,814 and $297,196, respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
Deferred credit facility costs | $ | — | $ | 11,382 | |||||||
Deferred offering costs | 285,814 | 285,814 | |||||||||
Deferred Financing Costs | $ | 285,814 | $ | 297,196 |
Operating Leases & Related Deposits
The Company accounts for its operating leases as prescribed by ASC 842, Leases, which requires lessees to recognize a right of use asset on the balance sheet, representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a corresponding lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. The lease expense is presented as a single lease cost that is amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Non-lease components (maintenance, property tax, insurance and parking) are not included in the lease cost. On June 3, 2019, the Company entered a 5-year operating lease for primary office space for which the Company has recorded a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability for the operating lease obligation. These amounts have been discounted using the rate implicit in the lease. Refer to “Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies—Operating Leases and Related Deposits” for further detail.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Stock-based Compensation
Using the fair value recognition provisions as prescribed by ASC 718, Stock Compensation, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the appropriate service period. Determining the fair value of stock-based awards requires considerable judgment, including estimating the expected term of stock options and the expected volatility of our stock price. Differences between actual results and these estimates could have a material effect on our financial results. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. Refer to “Note 11—Stock-Based Compensation” for further detail.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes gains or losses on the sale of investments using the specific identification method. The Company recognizes interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, on an accrual basis. The Company recognizes dividend income on the ex-dividend date.
Investment Transaction Costs and Escrow Deposits
Commissions and other costs associated with an investment transaction, including legal expenses not reimbursed by the portfolio company, are included in the cost basis of purchases and deducted from the proceeds of sales. The Company makes certain acquisitions on secondary markets, which may involve making deposits to escrow accounts until certain conditions are met, including the underlying private company’s right of first refusal. If the underlying private company does not exercise or assign its right of first refusal and all other conditions are met, then the funds in the escrow account are delivered to the seller and the account is closed. Such transactions would be reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as escrow deposits. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had no material escrow deposits.
Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation of Investments
Unrealized appreciation or depreciation is calculated as the difference between the fair value of the investment and the cost basis of such investment.
U.S. Federal and State Income Taxes
The Company elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2014, has qualified to be treated as a RIC for subsequent taxable years and intends to continue to operate in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. To qualify for tax treatment as a RIC, 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”) including payment-in-kind interest income, as defined by the Code, and net tax-exempt interest income (which is the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) for each taxable year (the "Annual Distribution Requirement"). Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward into the next tax year ICTI in excess of current year dividend distributions. Any such carryforward ICTI must be distributed on or before December 31 of the subsequent tax year to which it was carried forward.
If the Company meets the Annual Distribution Requirement, but does not distribute (or is not deemed to have distributed) each calendar year a sum of (1) 98% of its net ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”), it generally will be required to pay an excise tax equal to 4% of the amount by which the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement exceeds the distributions for the year. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will exceed estimated current year dividend distributions from such taxable income, the Company will accrue excise taxes, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned using an annual effective excise tax rate. The annual effective excise tax rate is determined by dividing the estimated annual excise tax by the estimated annual taxable income.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
So long as the Company qualifies and maintains its tax treatment as a RIC, it generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal and state income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its stockholders as dividends. Rather, any tax liability related to income earned by the RIC will represent obligations of the Company’s investors and will not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Taxable Subsidiaries are taxable subsidiaries, regardless of whether the Company is a RIC. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated for income tax purposes and may generate income tax expenses as a result of their ownership of the portfolio companies. Such income tax expenses and deferred taxes, if any, will be reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
If it is not treated as a RIC, the Company will be taxed as a regular corporation (a “C corporation”) under Subchapter C of the Code for such taxable year. If the Company has previously qualified as a RIC but is subsequently unable to qualify for treatment as a RIC, and certain amelioration provisions are not applicable, the Company would be subject to tax on all of its taxable income (including its net capital gains) at regular corporate rates. The Company would not be able to deduct distributions to stockholders, nor would it be required to make distributions. Distributions, including distributions of net long-term capital gain, would generally be taxable to its stockholders as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, corporate stockholders would be eligible to claim a dividend received deduction with respect to such dividend; non-corporate stockholders would generally be able to treat such dividends as “qualified dividend income,” which is subject to reduced rates of U.S. federal income tax. Distributions in excess of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. In order to requalify as a RIC, in addition to the other requirements discussed above, the Company would be required to distribute all of its previously undistributed earnings attributable to the period it failed to qualify as a RIC by the end of the first year that it intends to requalify for tax treatment as a RIC. If the Company fails to requalify for tax treatment as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it may be subject to regular corporate tax on any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets (i.e., the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if the Company had been liquidated) that it elects to recognize on requalification or when recognized over the next five years. The Company was taxed as a C Corporation for its 2012 and 2013 taxable years. Refer to “Note 9—Income Taxes” for further details.
The Company elected to be treated as a RIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2014 in connection with the filing of its 2014 tax return. As a result, the Company was required to pay a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on the amount of the net built-in gains in its assets (the amount by which the net fair market value of the Company’s assets exceeds the net adjusted basis in its assets) either (1) as of the date it converted to a RIC (i.e., the beginning of the first taxable year that the Company qualifies as a RIC, which would be January 1, 2014), or (2) to the extent that the Company recognized such net built-in gains during the five-year recognition period beginning on the date of conversion. As of January 1, 2014, the Company had net unrealized built-in gains, but did not incur a built-in-gains tax for the 2014 tax year due to the fact that there were sufficient net capital loss carryforwards to completely offset recognized built-in gains as well as available net operating losses. The five-year recognition period ended on December 31, 2018.
Per Share Information
Net change in net assets resulting from operations per basic common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period presented. Diluted net change in net assets resulting from operations per common share is computed by dividing net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations for the period adjusted to include the pre-tax effects of interest incurred on potentially dilutive securities, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus any potentially dilutive shares outstanding during the period. The Company used the if-converted method in accordance with FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”) to determine the number of potentially dilutive shares outstanding. Refer to “Note 6—Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations per Common Share—Basic and Diluted” for further detail.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, Codification Improvements, which made various technical changes and corrections intended to provide clarifications to existing guidance, as well as simplifications to wording or structure of existing guidance. The Company adopted the modified disclosure requirements during the period ended March 31, 2021.
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. The Company believes that the impact of recently issued standards and any that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
NOTE 3—RELATED-PARTY ARRANGEMENTS
Internalization of Company’s Operating Structure
On and effective March 12, 2019 (the "Effective Date"), our Board of Directors approved internalizing our operating structure and we began operating as an internally managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Prior to the Effective Date, we were externally managed by our former investment adviser, GSV Asset Management, pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, and our former administrator, GSV Capital Service Company, provided the administrative services necessary for our operations pursuant to the Administration Agreement.
Termination of Investment Advisory Agreement
On and effective March 12, 2019, the Investment Advisory Agreement was terminated by mutual agreement of GSV Asset Management and us in connection with our Internalization.
Prior to our Internalization, GSV Asset Management served as our external investment adviser pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, we paid GSV Asset Management a fee for its services consisting of two components - a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base management fee was calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our gross assets (our total assets as reflected on our balance sheet with no deduction for liabilities). The incentive fee was determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), and equaled the lesser of (i) 20% of our realized capital gains during such calendar year, if any, calculated on an investment-by-investment basis, subject to a non-compounded preferred return, or “hurdle” of 8.00% per year, and a “catch-up” feature, and (ii) 20% of our realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid incentive fees. See “—Investment Advisory Agreement” below.
As the Investment Advisory Agreement has been terminated, there will be no base management fees or incentives fees payable to GSV Asset Management going forward.
Termination of Administration Agreement
On and effective March 12, 2019, the Administration Agreement was terminated by mutual agreement of GSV Capital Service Company and us in connection with our Internalization.
Prior to our Internalization, GSV Capital Service Company served as our external administrator and provided administrative services necessary for our operations, including but not limited to, furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with certain other administrative services, including, but not limited to, assisting us with determining and publishing our net asset value, overseeing the preparation and filing of our tax returns and the printing and dissemination of reports to our stockholders.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Under the Administration Agreement, we did not pay any fees to GSV Capital Service Company but reimbursed GSV Capital Service Company for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by GSV Capital Service Company in performing its services under the Administration Agreement, including, but not limited to, fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions and our allocable portion of rent and compensation of our President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and other staff providing administrative services. See “—Administration Agreement” below.
As the Administration Agreement has been terminated, there will be no costs incurred by GSV Capital Service Company going forward.
Consulting Agreement
On and effective March 12, 2019, we entered into a Consulting Agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with Michael T. Moe, the former Chairman of our Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of GSV Asset Management, for the purpose of assisting us with certain transition services following the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement and our Internalization. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Moe provided certain transition services to us related to our existing portfolio investments for which Mr. Moe previously had oversight in his role as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of GSV Asset Management. Such transition services included providing information to us regarding such portfolio companies, including as a member of a portfolio company’s board of directors, assisting with the transition of portfolio company board seats as requested by us, making appropriate introductions to representatives of portfolio companies, and providing other similar types of services that we may reasonably request.
The term of the Consulting Agreement commenced on March 12, 2019 and continued for eighteen months in accordance with its terms. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, we paid Mr. Moe a total amount equal to $1,250,000. On September 12, 2020, the Consulting Agreement expired in accordance with its terms and was not renewed or extended.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $0 and $208,333, respectively, of consulting expense related to the Consulting Agreement.
Amended and Restated Trademark License Agreement
On and effective March 12, 2019, we entered into an Amended and Restated Trademark License Agreement (the “Amended and Restated License Agreement”) with GSV Asset Management in connection with termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement. See “—Termination of Investment Advisory Agreement.”
GSV Asset Management is the owner of the trade name “GSV”, and other state or unregistered “GSV” marks, including the trading symbol “GSVC” (collectively, the “Licensed Marks”). Pursuant to the Amended and Restated License Agreement, GSV Asset Management granted us a non-transferable, non-sublicensable, and non-exclusive right and license to use the Licensed Marks, solely in connection with the operation of our existing business.
The term of the Amended and Restated License Agreement commenced on March 12, 2019 and continued for eighteen months in accordance with its terms. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated License Agreement, we paid GSV Asset Management a total amount equal to $1,250,000. On September 12, 2020, the Amended and Restated License Agreement expired in accordance with its terms and was not renewed or extended.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $0 and $208,333, respectively, of licensing expense related to the Amended and Restated License Agreement.
Investment Advisory Agreement
On March 12, 2019, in connection with the Company's Internalization, the Investment Advisory Agreement was terminated in accordance with its terms.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Prior to our Internalization on March 12, 2019, the Company had entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with GSV Asset Management. Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, GSV Asset Management was paid a quarterly management fee and an annual incentive fee. GSV Asset Management is controlled by Michael T. Moe, the former Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Moe, through his ownership interest in GSV Asset Management, was entitled to a portion of any profits earned by GSV Asset Management in performing its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement. Mr. Moe serves as the principal of GSV Asset Management and manages the business and internal affairs of GSV Asset Management. Mark Klein, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President, and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, or entities with which he is affiliated, received consulting fees from GSV Asset Management equal to a percentage of each of the base management fee and the incentive fee paid by the Company to GSV Asset Management pursuant to a consulting agreement with GSV Asset Management. As the Investment Advisory Agreement has been terminated, Mr. Klein no longer has a consulting agreement or any other affiliation with GSV Asset Management.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, there were no restrictions on the right of any manager, partner, officer or employee of GSV Asset Management to engage in any other business or to devote his or her time and attention in part to any other business, whether of a similar or dissimilar nature, or to receive any fees or compensation in connection therewith (including fees for serving as a director of, or providing consulting services to, one or more of the Company’s portfolio companies). GSV Asset Management had, however, adopted an internal policy whereby any fees or compensation received by a manager, partner, officer or employee of GSV Asset Management in exchange for serving as a director of, or providing consulting services to, any of the Company’s portfolio companies would be transferred to the Company, net of any personal taxes incurred, upon such receipt for the benefit of the Company and its stockholders.
Management Fees
Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, GSV Asset Management was paid a base management fee of 2.00% of gross assets, which is the Company’s total assets reflected on its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities (with no deduction for liabilities) reduced by any non-portfolio investments. During the month of January 2018, pursuant to a voluntary waiver by GSV Asset Management, the Company paid GSV Asset Management a base management fee of 1.75%, a 0.25% reduction from the 2.00% base management fee payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement. On February 2, 2018 GSV Asset Management voluntarily agreed to reduce fees payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Waiver Agreement”). Pursuant to the Waiver Agreement, effective February 1, 2018, the base management fee is reduced to 1.75% of the Company’s gross assets, as further described below. The waiver of a portion of the base management fee is not subject to recourse against or reimbursement by the Company.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not accrue or waive any management fees due to the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, effective March 12, 2019.
As the Investment Advisory Agreement has been terminated, there will be no base management fee payable to GSV Asset Management going forward.
Incentive Fees
Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, GSV Asset Management was paid an annual incentive fee equal to the lesser of (i) 20% of the Company’s realized capital gains during each calendar year, if any, calculated on an investment-by-investment basis, subject to a non-compounded preferred return, or “hurdle,” and a “catch-up” feature, and (ii) 20% of the Company’s realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid incentive fees. Effective February 1, 2018, the incentive fee paid by the Company to GSV Asset Management under the Investment Advisory Agreement was modified pursuant to the terms of the Waiver Agreement, as further described below.
The Company was required to accrue incentive fees for all periods as if the Company had fully liquidated its entire investment portfolio at the fair value stated on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2018 or prior to the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The accrual considered both the hypothetical liquidation of
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
the Company’s portfolio described previously, as well as the Company’s actual cumulative realized gains and losses since inception, as well any previously paid incentive fees.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not accrue any incentive fees due to the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, effective March 12, 2019.
Management and Incentive Fee Waiver Agreement
On February 2, 2018, GSV Asset Management voluntarily agreed to reduce the fees payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement pursuant to the Waiver Agreement. The Waiver Agreement was effective beginning February 1, 2018 and changed the fee structure set forth in the Investment Advisory Agreement by: (i) reducing the Company’s base management fee from 2.00% to 1.75%; and (ii) creating certain high-water marks that must be reached before any incentive fee is paid to GSV Asset Management.
Pursuant to the Waiver Agreement, in addition to the “hurdle” feature in the incentive fee, GSV Asset Management had agreed to additional conditions on its ability to receive an incentive fee. Specifically, the Waiver Agreement provided that an incentive fee earned by GSV Asset Management under the Investment Advisory Agreement would be payable to GSV Asset Management only if, at the time that such incentive fee becomes payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement, both the Company’s stock price and its last reported net asset value per share were equal to, or greater than, $12.55 (the “High-Water Mark”). The High-Water Mark was based upon the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of all the Company’s equity offerings since its initial public offering, less the dollar amount of all dividends paid by the Company since inception. Upon such time that the High-Water Mark was achieved, and GSV Asset Management was paid an incentive fee, a new High-Water Mark would have been established. Each new High-Water Mark would have been equal to the most recent High-Water Mark, plus 10%. Any High-Water Mark then in effect would have been adjusted to reflect any dividends paid by the Company or any stock split effected by the Company.
For the avoidance of doubt, after the effective date of the Waiver Agreement, under no circumstances would the aggregate fees earned by GSV Asset Management in any quarterly period have been higher than those aggregate fees that would have been earned prior to the effectiveness of the Waiver Agreement.
As of each of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were no receivables owed to the Company by GSV Asset Management. As the Investment Advisory Agreement has been terminated, there will be no receivables owed to the Company by GSV Asset Management going forward.
Administration Agreement
On March 12, 2019, in connection with the Company's Internalization, the Administration Agreement was terminated in accordance with its terms.
Prior to the Internalization, the Company had entered into the Administration Agreement with GSV Capital Service Company to provide administrative services, including furnishing the Company with office facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping, record keeping services, and other administrative services. The Company reimbursed GSV Capital Service Company an allocable portion of overhead and other expenses in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including a portion of the rent and the compensation of the Company’s President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and other staff providing administrative services. While there was no limit on the total amount of expenses the Company may have been required to reimburse to GSV Capital Service Company, GSV Capital Service Company would only charge the Company for the actual expenses GSV Capital Service Company incurred on the Company’s behalf, or the Company’s allocable portion thereof, without any profit to GSV Capital Service Company.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not incur any costs under the Administration Agreement due to the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, effective March 12, 2019. As the Administration Agreement has been terminated, there will be no costs incurred by GSV Capital Service Company on behalf of the Company going forward.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
License Agreement
On March 12, 2019, in connection with the Company's Internalization, as of the Effective Date, the Company entered into the Amended and Restated Trademark License Agreement to use the trade name “GSV”, and other state or unregistered “GSV” marks, including the trading symbol “GSVC.” for a period of up to eighteen months and a predetermined fee of $1,250,000. Other than with respect to this limited license, the Company has no legal right to the “GSV” name. On September 12, 2020, the Amended and Restated License Agreement expired in accordance with its terms and was not renewed or extended.
Prior to the Internalization on March 12, 2019, the Company entered into a license agreement with GSV Asset Management pursuant to which GSV Asset Management had agreed to grant the Company a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “GSV.” Under this agreement, the Company had the right to use the GSV name for so long as the Investment Advisory Agreement with GSV Asset Management is in effect.
Other Arrangements
The Company’s executive officers and directors serve or may serve as officers, directors, or managers of entities that operate in a line of business similar to the Company’s, including new entities that may be formed in the future. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the best interests of the Company or the Company’s stockholders.
The 1940 Act prohibits the Company from participating in certain negotiated co-investments with certain affiliates unless it receives an order from the SEC permitting it to do so. As a BDC, the Company is prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with certain of its affiliates without the prior approval of the Board of Directors, including its independent directors, and, in some cases, the SEC. The affiliates with which the Company may be prohibited from transacting include its officers, directors, and employees and any person controlling or under common control with the Company, subject to certain exceptions.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into transactions with portfolio companies that may be considered related-party transactions. To ensure that the Company does not engage in any prohibited transactions with any persons affiliated with the Company, the Company has implemented certain written policies and procedures whereby the Company’s executive officers screen each of the Company’s transactions for any possible affiliations between the proposed portfolio investment, the Company, companies controlled by the Company, and the Company’s executive officers and directors.
The Company’s investment in Churchill Sponsor VI LLC, the sponsor of Churchill Capital Corp VI, a special purpose acquisition company, constitutes a “remote-affiliate” transaction for purposes of the 1940 Act in light of the fact that Mark D. Klein, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President, has a non-controlling interest in the entity that controls Churchill Sponsor VI LLC, and is a non-controlling member of the board of directors of Churchill Capital Corp VI. The Company’s investment in Churchill Sponsor VII LLC, the sponsor of Churchill Capital Corp VII, a special purpose acquisition company, also constitutes a “remote-affiliate” transaction for purposes of the 1940 Act in light of the fact that Mr. Klein has a non-controlling interest in the entity that controls Churchill Sponsor VII LLC, and is a non-controlling member of the board of directors of Churchill Capital Corp VII. In addition, Keri Findley, a senior managing director of the Company, is a non-controlling member of the board of directors of Shogun Enterprises, Inc., one of the Company’s portfolio companies, and holds a minority equity interest in such portfolio company. Ms. Findley also is a non-controlling member of the board of directors of the investment manager to Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC, one of the Company’s portfolio companies, and holds a minority equity interest in such investment manager. As of March 31, 2021, the fair values of the Company’s investments in Churchill Sponsor VI LLC, Churchill Sponsor VII LLC, Shogun Enterprises, Inc., and Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC were $200,000, $300,000, $6,999,992, and $500,000, respectively.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
NOTE 4—INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE
Investment Portfolio Composition
The Company’s investments in portfolio companies consist primarily of equity securities (such as common stock, preferred stock and options to purchase common and preferred stock) and to a lesser extent, debt securities, issued by private and publicly traded companies. The Company may also, from time to time, invest in U.S. Treasury securities. Non-portfolio investments represent investments in U.S. Treasury securities. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had 64 positions in 32 portfolio companies. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 57 positions in 27 portfolio companies.
The following tables summarize the composition of the Company’s investment portfolio by security type at cost and fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost | Fair Value | Percentage of Net Assets | Cost | Fair Value | Percentage of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private Portfolio Companies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | $ | 78,979,160 | $ | 92,992,910 | 21.3 | % | $ | 89,335,378 | $ | 141,235,987 | 46.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | 48,143,353 | 45,159,739 | 10.4 | % | 46,802,917 | 34,190,839 | 11.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Investments | 8,337,621 | 4,595,340 | 1.1 | % | 8,587,621 | 4,845,340 | 1.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options | 9,924,768 | 4,776,378 | 1.0 | % | 8,764,885 | 5,872,210 | 1.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private Portfolio Companies | 145,384,902 | 147,524,367 | 33.8 | % | 153,490,801 | 186,144,376 | 61.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Publicly Traded Portfolio Companies | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | 17,359,536 | 126,698,621 | 29.1 | % | 12,875,126 | 94,635,398 | 31.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options | — | 1,619,463 | 0.4 | % | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Publicly Traded Portfolio Companies | 17,359,536 | 128,318,084 | 29.5 | % | 12,875,126 | 94,635,398 | 31.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Portfolio Investments | 162,744,438 | 275,842,451 | 63.3 | % | 166,365,927 | 280,779,774 | 93.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-Portfolio Investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury bill | — | — | — | % | 150,000,000 | 150,000,000 | 49.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Investments | $ | 162,744,438 | $ | 275,842,451 | 63.3 | % | $ | 316,365,927 | $ | 430,779,774 | 142.8 | % |
27
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
The geographic and industrial compositions of the Company’s portfolio at fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:
As of March 31, 2021 | As of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Percentage of Portfolio | Percentage of Net Assets | Fair Value | Percentage of Portfolio | Percentage of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geographic Region | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
West | $ | 234,622,580 | 85.1 | % | 53.9 | % | $ | 248,633,803 | 88.5 | % | 82.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Northeast | 25,933,335 | 9.4 | % | 5.9 | % | 24,324,345 | 8.7 | % | 8.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mid-west | 15,286,536 | 5.5 | % | 3.5 | % | 7,821,626 | 2.8 | % | 2.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 275,842,451 | 100.0 | % | 63.3 | % | $ | 280,779,774 | 100.0 | % | 93.1 | % |
As of March 31, 2021 | As of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Percentage of Portfolio | Percentage of Net Assets | Fair Value | Percentage of Portfolio | Percentage of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industry | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Education Technology | $ | 170,801,304 | 61.9 | % | 39.2 | % | $ | 99,397,589 | 35.4 | % | 33.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketplaces | 36,995,022 | 13.5 | % | 8.5 | % | 34,841,714 | 12.4 | % | 11.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial Technology | 35,108,381 | 12.7 | % | 8.0 | % | 25,614,522 | 9.1 | % | 8.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Social/Mobile | 30,404,083 | 11.0 | % | 7.0 | % | 22,930,589 | 8.2 | % | 7.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Big Data/Cloud | 1,619,463 | 0.6 | % | 0.4 | % | 97,186,162 | 34.6 | % | 32.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sustainability | 914,198 | 0.3 | % | 0.2 | % | 809,198 | 0.3 | % | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 275,842,451 | 100.0 | % | 63.3 | % | $ | 280,779,774 | 100.0 | % | 93.1 | % |
28
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
The table below details the composition of the Company’s industrial themes presented in the preceding tables:
Industry Theme | Industry | |||||||
Education Technology | Business Education | |||||||
Computer Software | ||||||||
Corporate Education | ||||||||
Education Software | ||||||||
Interactive Learning | ||||||||
Online Education | ||||||||
Big Data/Cloud | Data Analysis | |||||||
Marketplaces | Global Innovation Platform | |||||||
Knowledge Networks | ||||||||
Micromobility | ||||||||
On-Demand Commerce | ||||||||
Peer-to-Peer Pet Services | ||||||||
Pharmaceutical Technology | ||||||||
Real Estate Platform | ||||||||
Subscription Fashion Rental | ||||||||
Financial Technology | Cannabis REIT | |||||||
Home Improvement Finance | ||||||||
Mobile Finance Technology | ||||||||
Online Marketplace Finance | ||||||||
Special Purpose Acquisition Company | ||||||||
Social/Mobile | Digital Media Platform | |||||||
Interactive Media & Services | ||||||||
Social Data Platform | ||||||||
Social Networking | ||||||||
Sustainability | Clean Technology |
29
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Investment Valuation Inputs
The fair values of the Company’s investments disaggregated into the three levels of the fair value hierarchy based upon the lowest level of significant input used in the valuation as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are as follows:
As of March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Securities (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investments at Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Private Portfolio Companies | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 92,992,910 | $ | 92,992,910 | |||||||||||||||
Common Stock | — | — | 45,159,739 | 45,159,739 | |||||||||||||||||||
Debt Investments | — | — | 4,595,340 | 4,595,340 | |||||||||||||||||||
Options | — | — | 4,776,378 | 4,776,378 | |||||||||||||||||||
Private Portfolio Companies | — | — | 147,524,367 | 147,524,367 | |||||||||||||||||||
Publicly Traded Portfolio Companies | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | — | 126,698,621 | — | 126,698,621 | |||||||||||||||||||
Options | — | 1,619,463 | — | 1,619,463 | |||||||||||||||||||
Publicly Traded Portfolio Companies | — | 128,318,084 | — | 128,318,084 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Investments at Fair Value | $ | — | $ | 128,318,084 | $ | 147,524,367 | $ | 275,842,451 |
As of December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Securities (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investments at Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Private Portfolio Companies | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 141,235,987 | $ | 141,235,987 | |||||||||||||||
Common Stock | — | — | 34,190,839 | 34,190,839 | |||||||||||||||||||
Debt Investments | — | — | 4,845,340 | 4,845,340 | |||||||||||||||||||
Options | — | — | 5,872,210 | 5,872,210 | |||||||||||||||||||
Private Portfolio Companies | — | — | 186,144,376 | 186,144,376 | |||||||||||||||||||
Publicly Traded Portfolio Companies | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | — | 94,635,398 | — | 94,635,398 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Portfolio Investments | — | 94,635,398 | 186,144,376 | 280,779,774 | |||||||||||||||||||
Non-Portfolio Investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury bills | 150,000,000 | — | — | 150,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Investments at Fair Value | $ | 150,000,000 | $ | 94,635,398 | $ | 186,144,376 | $ | 430,779,774 |
30
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Significant Unobservable Inputs for Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
In accordance with FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, the tables below provide quantitative information about the Company’s fair value measurements of its Level 3 assets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. In addition to the techniques and inputs noted in the tables below, according to the Company’s valuation policy, the Company may also use other valuation techniques and methodologies when determining the Company’s fair value measurements. The tables below are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather provide information on the significant Level 3 inputs as they relate to the Company’s fair value measurements. To the extent an unobservable input is not reflected in the tables below, such input is deemed insignificant with respect to the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Significant changes in the inputs in isolation would result in a significant change in the fair value measurement, depending on the input and the materiality of the investment. Refer to “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Investments at Fair Value” for more detail.
As of March 31, 2021
Asset | Fair Value | Valuation Approach/ Technique(1) | Unobservable Inputs(2) | Range (Weighted Average)(3) | ||||||||||
Common stock in private companies | $45,159,739 | Market approach | AFFO(4) multiple | 27.09x (27.09x) | ||||||||||
Revenue multiples | 1.74x - 2.02x (0.00x) | |||||||||||||
Liquidation value | N/A | |||||||||||||
Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 12.0% (12.0%) | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock in private companies | $92,992,910 | Market approach | Revenue multiples | 1.17x - 4.46x (3.08x) | ||||||||||
Precedent transactions | N/A | |||||||||||||
Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 12.0% (12.0%) | ||||||||||||
PWERM(5) | Revenue multiples | 1.27x - 3.60x (1.92x) | ||||||||||||
Precedent transactions | N/A | |||||||||||||
Debt investments | $4,595,340 | Market approach | Revenue multiples | 1.74x - 2.02x (1.88x) | ||||||||||
PWERM(5) | Revenue multiples | N/A | ||||||||||||
Liquidation value | N/A | |||||||||||||
Options | $4,776,378 | Option pricing model | Term to expiration (Years) | 0.01 - 7.11 (4.50) | ||||||||||
Volatility | 34.9% - 55.0% (37.1%) | |||||||||||||
Discounted cash flow | Discount Rate | 12.0% (12.0%) |
________________________
(1) As of March 31, 2021, the Company used a hybrid market and income approach to value certain common and preferred stock investments as the Company felt this approach better reflected the fair value of these investments. By considering multiple valuation approaches (and consequently, multiple valuation techniques), the valuation approaches and techniques are not likely to change from one period of measurement to the next; however, the weighting of each in determining the final fair value of a Level 3 investment may change based on recent events or transactions. The hybrid approach may also consider certain risk weightings to account for the uncertainty of future events. Refer to “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Investments at Fair Value” for more detail.
(2) The Company considers all relevant information that can reasonably be obtained when determining the fair value of Level 3 investments. Due to any given portfolio company’s information rights, changes in capital structure, recent events, transactions, or liquidity events, the type and availability of unobservable inputs may change. Increases/(decreases) in revenue multiples, earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) multiples, time to expiration, and stock price/strike price would result in higher (lower) fair
31
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
values all else equal. Decreases (increases) in discount rates, volatility, and annual risk rates, would result in higher (lower) fair values all else equal. The market approach utilizes market value (revenue and EBIT) multiples of publicly traded comparable companies and available precedent sales transactions of comparable companies. The Company carefully considers numerous factors when selecting the appropriate companies whose multiples are used to value its portfolio companies. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type of organization, similarity to the business being valued, relevant risk factors, as well as size, profitability and growth expectations. In general, precedent transactions include recent rounds of financing, recent purchases made by the Company, and tender offers. Refer to “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Investments at Fair Value” for more detail.
(3) The weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.
(4) Adjusted Funds From Operations, or "AFFO"
(5) Probability-Weighted Expected Return Method, or "PWERM"
As of December 31, 2020
Asset | Fair Value | Valuation Approach/ Technique(1) | Unobservable Inputs(2) | Range (Weighted Average)(3) | ||||||||||
Common stock in private companies | $34,190,839 | Market approach | AFFO(4) multiple | 27.53x (27.53x) | ||||||||||
Revenue multiples | 2.12x -6.95x (6.39x) | |||||||||||||
Liquidation value | N/A | |||||||||||||
Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 12.0% (12.0%) | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock in private companies | $141,235,987 | Market approach | Revenue multiples | 1.03x - 4.35x (2.66x) | ||||||||||
Precedent transactions | N/A | |||||||||||||
Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 12.0% (12.0%) | ||||||||||||
PWERM(5) | Revenue multiples | 1.28x - 2.27x (2.06x) | ||||||||||||
Precedent transactions | N/A | |||||||||||||
Debt investments | $4,845,340 | Market approach | Revenue multiples | 2.12x - 4.35x (2.32x) | ||||||||||
PWERM(5) | Revenue multiples | N/A | ||||||||||||
Liquidation value | N/A | |||||||||||||
Options | $5,872,210 | Option pricing model | Term to expiration (Years) | 0.26 - 7.36 (4.51) | ||||||||||
Volatility | 34.9% - 56.3% (36.8%) | |||||||||||||
Discounted cash flow | Discount Rate | 12.0% (12.0%) |
________________________
(1) As of December 31, 2020, the Company used a hybrid market and income approach to value certain common and preferred stock investments as the Company felt this approach better reflected the fair value of these investments. By considering multiple valuation approaches (and consequently, multiple valuation techniques), the valuation approaches and techniques are not likely to change from one period of measurement to the next; however, the weighting of each in determining the final fair value of a Level 3 investment may change based on recent events or transactions. The hybrid approach may also consider certain risk weightings to account for the uncertainty of future events. Refer to “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Investments at Fair Value” for more detail.
(2) The Company considers all relevant information that can reasonably be obtained when determining the fair value of Level 3 investments. Due to any given portfolio company’s information rights, changes in capital structure, recent events, transactions, or liquidity events, the type and availability of unobservable inputs may change. Increases/(decreases) in revenue multiples, earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) multiples, time to expiration, and stock price/strike price would result in higher (lower) fair values all else equal. Decreases (increases) in discount rates, volatility, and annual risk rates, would result in higher (lower) fair values all else equal. The market approach utilizes market value (revenue and EBIT) multiples of publicly traded comparable companies and available precedent sales transactions of comparable companies. The Company carefully considers numerous factors
32
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
when selecting the appropriate companies whose multiples are used to value its portfolio companies. These factors include, but are not limited to, the type of organization, similarity to the business being valued, relevant risk factors, as well as size, profitability and growth expectations. In general, precedent transactions include recent rounds of financing, recent purchases made by the Company, and tender offers. Refer to “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Investments at Fair Value” for more detail.
(3) The weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.
(4) Adjusted Funds From Operations, or "AFFO"
(5) Probability-Weighted Expected Return Method, or "PWERM"
The aggregate values of Level 3 assets and liabilities changed during the three months ended March 31, 2021 as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Preferred Stock | Debt Investments | Options | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 | $ | 34,190,839 | $ | 141,235,987 | $ | 4,845,340 | $ | 5,872,210 | $ | 186,144,376 | |||||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3(1) | — | (122,006,079) | — | (1,619,463) | (123,625,542) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases, capitalized fees, and interest | 1,340,435 | 7,003,318 | — | 1,159,883 | 9,503,636 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales/Maturity of investments | — | — | (250,000) | — | (250,000) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized gains | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in earnings | 9,628,465 | 66,759,684 | — | (636,252) | 75,751,897 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value as of March 31, 2021 | $ | 45,159,739 | $ | 92,992,910 | $ | 4,595,340 | $ | 4,776,378 | $ | 147,524,367 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) of Level 3 investments still held as of March 31, 2021 | $ | 9,628,465 | $ | (2,064,260) | $ | — | $ | 299,737 | $ | 7,863,942 |
________________________
(1) During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company’s portfolio investments had the following corporate actions which are reflected above:
Portfolio Company | Conversion from | Conversion to | ||||||||||||
Coursera, Inc. | Preferred shares, Series F 8% Preferred shares, Series B 8% | Public Common shares (Level 2) | ||||||||||||
The aggregate values of Level 3 assets and liabilities changed during the year ended December 31, 2020 as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Preferred Stock | Debt Investments | Options | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value as of December 31, 2019 | $ | 59,209,559 | $ | 125,448,358 | $ | 1,644,155 | $ | 5,283,506 | $ | 191,585,578 | |||||||||||||||||||
Transfers out of Level 3(1) | (57,736,900) | — | — | — | (57,736,900) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases, capitalized fees, and interest | 1,004,190 | 19,497,839 | 10,930,996 | — | 31,433,025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales/Maturity of investments | (807,953) | (10,876,624) | (6,899,999) | (989,494) | (19,574,070) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercises and conversions(1) | — | 281,190 | (281,190) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized gains | (628,452) | 6,875,639 | (602) | 989,494 | 7,236,079 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in earnings | 33,150,395 | 9,585 | (548,020) | 588,704 | 33,200,664 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 | $ | 34,190,839 | $ | 141,235,987 | $ | 4,845,340 | $ | 5,872,210 | $ | 186,144,376 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) of Level 3 investments still held as of December 31, 2020 | $ | 6,347,026 | $ | 10,825,549 | $ | (508,045) | $ | 588,704 | $ | 17,253,234 |
________________________
33
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(1) During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company’s portfolio investments had the following corporate actions which are reflected above:
Portfolio Company | Conversion from | Conversion to | ||||||||||||
Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a/ Lime) | Preferred shares, Series D | Junior Preferred shares, Series 1-D Common warrants, Strike price $0.01, Expiration Date 5/11/2027 | ||||||||||||
Aspiration Partners, Inc. | Convertible Promissory Note | Preferred shares, Series C-3 | ||||||||||||
Palantir Technologies, Inc. | Common shares, Class A | Public Common shares (Level 2) | ||||||||||||
SharesPost, Inc. | Preferred shares, Series B | Forge Global Inc. Junior Preferred shares SP Holdings Group, Inc. Preferred shares Series B | ||||||||||||
SharesPost, Inc | Common shares | Forge Global Inc. Common shares, Class AA Forge Junior Warrants, Strike price $12.42, Expiration Date 11/09/2025 SP Holdings Group, Inc. Common Shares | ||||||||||||
34
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Schedule of Investments In, and Advances to, Affiliates
Transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2021 involving the Company’s controlled investments and non-controlled/affiliate investments were as follows:
Type/Industry/Portfolio Company/Investment | Principal/ Quantity | Interest, Fees, or Dividends Credited in Income | Fair Value at December 31, 2020 | Purchases, Capitalized Fees, Interest and Amortization | Realized Gains/(Losses) | Unrealized Gains/(Losses) | Fair Value at March 31, 2021 | Percentage of Net Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONTROLLED INVESTMENTS*(2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clean Technology | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.)–Preferred shares, Class A***(4) | 14,300,000 | $ | — | $ | 809,198 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 105,000 | $ | 914,198 | 0.21 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Preferred Stock | — | 809,198 | — | — | 105,000 | 914,198 | 0.21 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clean Technology | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.)–Common shares | 100,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mobile Finance Technology | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC–Membership Interest in Lending SPV**(7) | $ | 500,000 | — | — | 500,000 | — | — | 500,000 | 0.11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Common Stock | — | — | 500,000 | — | — | 500,000 | 0.11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL CONTROLLED INVESTMENTS*(2) | $ | — | $ | 809,198 | $ | 500,000 | $ | — | $ | 105,000 | $ | 1,414,198 | 0.32 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-CONTROLLED/AFFILIATE INVESTMENTS*(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Education | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CUX, Inc. (d/b/a CorpU)–Senior Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note 4% Due 2/14/2023(3) | $ | 1,251,158 | $ | — | $ | 312,790 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 312,790 | 0.07 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Innovation Platform | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.) –Convertible Promissory Note 8% Due 8/23/2024(3)(6) | $ | 1,010,198 | — | 505,099 | — | — | — | 505,099 | 0.12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Debt Investments | — | 817,889 | — | — | — | 817,889 | 0.19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Education | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CUX, Inc. (d/b/a CorpU)–Convertible preferred shares, Series D 6% | 169,033 | — | 73,882 | — | — | (2,089) | 71,793 | 0.02 | % |
35
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Type/Industry/Portfolio Company/Investment | Principal/ Quantity | Interest, Fees, or Dividends Credited in Income | Fair Value at December 31, 2020 | Purchases, Capitalized Fees, Interest and Amortization | Realized Gains/(Losses) | Unrealized Gains/(Losses) | Fair Value at March 31, 2021 | Percentage of Net Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CUX, Inc. (d/b/a CorpU) -Convertible preferred shares, Series C 8% | 615,763 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Corporate Education | — | 73,882 | — | — | (2,089) | 71,793 | 0.02 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Knowledge Networks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maven Research, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series C | 318,979 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maven Research, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series B | 49,505 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Knowledge Networks | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Digital Media Platform | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series C-2 6% | 683,482 | — | 1,865,547 | — | — | 299,747 | 2,165,294 | 0.50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series B 6% | 922,509 | — | 3,350,952 | — | — | — | 3,350,952 | 0.77 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series A 6% | 1,090,909 | — | 2,824,679 | — | — | 631,357 | 3,456,036 | 0.79 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series Seed 6% | 500,000 | — | 1,294,645 | — | — | 289,372 | 1,584,017 | 0.36 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Digital Media Platform | — | 9,335,823 | — | — | 1,220,476 | 10,556,299 | 2.42 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Learning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC–Preferred shares, Series D 8%(5) | 329,337 | — | 440,515 | — | — | 20,405 | 460,920 | 0.11 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC–Preferred shares, Series C 8%(5) | 2,779,134 | — | 4,804,218 | — | — | 191,254 | 4,995,472 | 1.14 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC–Preferred shares, Series B 8%(5) | 3,279,629 | — | 2,625,365 | — | — | 203,201 | 2,828,566 | 0.64 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC–Preferred shares, Series A 8%(5) | 366,666 | — | 88,248 | — | — | 22,718 | 110,966 | 0.03 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Interactive Learning | — | 7,958,346 | — | — | 437,578 | 8,395,924 | 1.92 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Preferred Stock | — | 17,368,051 | — | — | 1,655,965 | 19,024,016 | 4.36 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Digital Media Platform | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Common Warrants, Strike Price $0.01, Expiration Date 4/9/2028 | 295,565 | — | 762,558 | — | — | 171,427 | 933,985 | 0.21 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Innovation Platform | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series A-3, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 4/4/2021 | 187,500 | — | 4,687 | — | — | (4,687) | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series A-4, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 10/6/2021 | 500,000 | — | 65,000 | — | — | (22,500) | 42,500 | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series A-4, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 7/18/2021 | 250,000 | — | 27,500 | — | — | (11,250) | 16,250 | — | % |
36
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Type/Industry/Portfolio Company/Investment | Principal/ Quantity | Interest, Fees, or Dividends Credited in Income | Fair Value at December 31, 2020 | Purchases, Capitalized Fees, Interest and Amortization | Realized Gains/(Losses) | Unrealized Gains/(Losses) | Fair Value at March 31, 2021 | Percentage of Net Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 11/29/2021 | 100,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 5/29/2022 | 125,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 12/31/2023 | 250,000 | — | 9,250 | — | — | (4,250) | 5,000 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Security, Expiration Date 8/23/2024(6) | 1 | — | 2,173,148 | — | — | 62,450 | 2,235,598 | 0.51 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Global Innovation Platform | — | 2,279,585 | — | — | 19,763 | 2,299,348 | 0.52 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Options | — | 3,042,143 | — | — | 191,190 | 3,233,333 | 0.73 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Online Education | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Curious.com, Inc.–Common shares | 1,135,944 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cannabis REIT | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.)–Common shares***(8) | 446,226 | 102,632 | 8,937,690 | 500,319 | — | (2,685) | 9,435,324 | 2.16 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Common Stock | 102,632 | 8,937,690 | 500,319 | — | (2,685) | 9,435,324 | 2.16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL NON-CONTROLLED/AFFILIATE INVESTMENTS*(1) | $ | 102,632 | $ | 30,165,773 | $ | 500,319 | $ | — | $ | 1,844,470 | $ | 32,510,562 | 7.46 | % |
____________________
* All portfolio investments are non-income-producing, unless otherwise identified. Equity investments are subject to lock-up restrictions upon their IPO. Preferred dividends are generally only payable when declared and paid by the portfolio company's board of directors. The Company’s directors, officers, employees and staff, as applicable, may serve on the board of directors of the Company’s portfolio investments. (Refer to “Note 3—Related-Party Arrangements”). All portfolio investments are considered Level 3 and valued using significant unobservable inputs, unless otherwise noted. (Refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”). All portfolio investments are considered Level 3 and valued using unobservable inputs, unless otherwise noted. All of the Company's portfolio investments are restricted as to resale, unless otherwise noted, and were valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors. (Refer to "Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Investments at Fair Value").
** Indicates assets that SuRo Capital Corp. believes do not represent “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Of the Company’s total investments as of March 31, 2021, 46.70% of its total investments are non-qualifying assets.
*** Investment is income-producing.
(1) “Affiliate Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Affiliated Companies” of SuRo Capital Corp., as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, a company is deemed to be an “Affiliate” of SuRo Capital Corp. if SuRo Capital Corp. owns 5% or more of the voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) of such company.
37
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(2) “Control Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Controlled Companies” of SuRo Capital Corp., as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, under the 1940 Act, the Company would “Control” a portfolio company if the Company owned more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) and/or had the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company.
(3) As of March 31, 2021, the investments noted had been placed on non-accrual status.
(4) The SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) preferred shares held by SuRo Capital Corp. do not entitle SuRo Capital Corp. to a preferred dividend rate. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that SPBRX, INC. will pay distributions on a quarterly or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
(5) SuRo Capital Corp.’s investments in StormWind, LLC are held through SuRo Capital Corp.'s wholly owned subsidiary, GSVC SW Holdings, Inc.
(6) On August 23, 2019, SuRo Capital Corp. amended the structure of its investment in NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.). As part of the agreement, SuRo Capital Corp.’s equity holdings (warrants notwithstanding) were restructured into a derivative security. NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley,Inc.) has the right to call the position at any time over a five year period, while SuRo Capital Corp. can put the shares to NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.) at the end of the five year period.
(7) As of March 31, 2021, $0.5 million of the $10.0 million capital commitment representing our Membership Interest in Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC had been called and funded.
(8) During the three months ended March 31, 2021, NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) declared an aggregate of approximately $0.1 million in dividend distributions. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) will pay distributions on a recurring or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
38
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Schedule of Investments In, and Advances to, Affiliates
Transactions during the year ended December 31, 2020 involving the Company’s controlled investments and non-controlled/affiliate investments were as follows:
Type/Industry/Portfolio Company/Investment | Principal/ Quantity | Interest, Fees, or Dividends Credited in Income | Fair Value at December 31, 2019 | Purchases, Capitalized Fees, Interest and Amortization | Realized Gains/(Losses) | Unrealized Gains/(Losses) | Fair Value at December 31, 2020 | Percentage of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONTROLLED INVESTMENTS*(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clean Technology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.)–Preferred shares, Class A***(4) | 14,300,000 | $ | 450,000 | $ | 775,198 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 34,000 | $ | 809,198 | 0.27 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Preferred Stock | 450,000 | 775,198 | — | — | 34,000 | 809,198 | 0.27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clean Technology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.)–Common shares | 100,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Common Stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL CONTROLLED INVESTMENTS*(2) | $ | 450,000 | $ | 775,198 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 34,000 | $ | 809,198 | 0.27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-CONTROLLED/AFFILIATE INVESTMENTS*(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Education | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CUX, Inc. (d/b/a CorpU)–Senior Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note 4% Due 2/14/2023(3) | $ | 1,251,158 | $ | — | $ | 312,789 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1 | $ | 312,790 | 0.10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Innovation Platform | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.) –Convertible Promissory Note 8% Due 8/23/2024(3)(6) | $ | 1,010,198 | (29,184) | 1,010,198 | — | — | (505,099) | 505,099 | 0.17 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Debt Investments | (29,184) | 1,322,987 | — | — | (505,098) | 817,889 | 0.27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Education | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CUX, Inc. (d/b/a CorpU)–Convertible preferred shares, Series D 6% | 169,033 | — | 34,980 | — | — | 38,902 | 73,882 | 0.02 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CUX, Inc. (d/b/a CorpU) -Convertible preferred shares, Series C 8% | 615,763 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Corporate Education | — | 34,980 | — | — | 38,902 | 73,882 | 0.02 | % |
39
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Type/Industry/Portfolio Company/Investment | Principal/ Quantity | Interest, Fees, or Dividends Credited in Income | Fair Value at December 31, 2019 | Purchases, Capitalized Fees, Interest and Amortization | Realized Gains/(Losses) | Unrealized Gains/(Losses) | Fair Value at December 31, 2020 | Percentage of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Knowledge Networks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maven Research, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series C | 318,979 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maven Research, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series B | 49,505 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Knowledge Networks | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Digital Media Platform | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series C-2 6% | 683,482 | — | 2,970,252 | — | — | (1,104,705) | 1,865,547 | 0.62 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series B 6% | 922,509 | — | 5,001,420 | — | — | (1,650,468) | 3,350,952 | 1.11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series A 6% | 1,090,909 | — | 4,528,107 | — | — | (1,703,428) | 2,824,679 | 0.94 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Preferred shares, Series Seed 6% | 500,000 | — | 2,002,143 | — | — | (707,498) | 1,294,645 | 0.43 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Digital Media Platform | — | 14,501,922 | — | — | (5,166,099) | 9,335,823 | 3.10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interactive Learning | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC–Preferred shares, Series D 8%(5) | 329,337 | — | 503,120 | — | — | (62,605) | 440,515 | 0.15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC–Preferred shares, Series C 8%(5) | 2,779,134 | — | 5,391,000 | — | — | (586,782) | 4,804,218 | 1.59 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC–Preferred shares, Series B 8%(5) | 3,279,629 | — | 3,248,804 | — | — | (623,439) | 2,625,365 | 0.87 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
StormWind, LLC–Preferred shares, Series A 8%(5) | 366,666 | — | 157,949 | — | — | (69,701) | 88,248 | 0.03 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Interactive Learning | — | 9,300,873 | — | — | (1,342,527) | 7,958,346 | 2.64 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Preferred Stock | — | 23,837,775 | — | — | (6,469,724) | 17,368,051 | 5.76 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Digital Media Platform | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OzyMedia, Inc.–Common Warrants, Strike Price $0.01, Expiration Date 4/9/2028 | 295,565 | — | 1,182,260 | — | — | (419,702) | 762,558 | 0.25 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global Innovation Platform | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series A-3, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 4/4/2021 | 187,500 | — | 20,625 | — | — | (15,938) | 4,687 | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series A-4, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 10/6/2021 | 500,000 | — | 135,000 | — | — | (70,000) | 65,000 | 0.02 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series A-4, Strike Price $1.33, Expiration Date 7/18/2021 | 250,000 | — | 62,500 | — | — | (35,000) | 27,500 | 0.01 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 11/29/2021 | 100,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % |
40
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Type/Industry/Portfolio Company/Investment | Principal/ Quantity | Interest, Fees, or Dividends Credited in Income | Fair Value at December 31, 2019 | Purchases, Capitalized Fees, Interest and Amortization | Realized Gains/(Losses) | Unrealized Gains/(Losses) | Fair Value at December 31, 2020 | Percentage of Net Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 5/29/2022 | 125,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.)–Preferred Warrant Series B, Strike Price $2.31, Expiration Date 12/31/2023 | 250,000 | — | 2,500 | — | — | 6,750 | 9,250 | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Security, Expiration Date 8/23/2024(6) | 1 | — | 3,880,621 | — | — | (1,707,473) | 2,173,148 | 0.72 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Global Innovation Platform | — | 4,101,246 | — | — | (1,821,661) | 2,279,585 | 0.75 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Options | — | 5,283,506 | — | — | (2,241,363) | 3,042,143 | 1.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Online Education | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Curious.com, Inc.–Common shares | 1,135,944 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cannabis REIT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp. -Common shares***(7) | 422,586 | 317,617 | 7,500,000 | 1,008,103 | — | 429,587 | 8,937,690 | 2.96 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Common Stock | 317,617 | 7,500,000 | 1,008,103 | — | 429,587 | 8,937,690 | 2.96 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL NON-CONTROLLED/AFFILIATE INVESTMENTS*(1) | $ | 288,433 | $ | 37,944,268 | $ | 1,008,103 | $ | — | $ | (8,786,598) | $ | 30,165,773 | 10.00 | % |
____________________
* All portfolio investments are non-income-producing, unless otherwise identified. Equity investments are subject to lock-up restrictions upon their IPO. Preferred dividends are generally only payable when declared and paid by the portfolio company's board of directors. The Company’s directors, officers, employees and staff, as applicable, may serve on the board of directors of the Company’s portfolio investments. (Refer to “Note 3—Related-Party Arrangements”). All portfolio investments are considered Level 3 and valued using significant unobservable inputs, unless otherwise noted. (Refer to “Note 4—Investments at Fair Value”). All portfolio investments are considered Level 3 and valued using unobservable inputs, unless otherwise noted. All of the Company's portfolio investments are restricted as to resale, unless otherwise noted, and were valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors. (Refer to "Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—Investments at Fair Value").
** Indicates assets that SuRo Capital Corp. believes do not represent “qualifying assets” under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). Of the Company’s total investments as of December 31, 2020, 22.56% of its total investments are non-qualifying assets.
*** Investment is income-producing.
(1) “Affiliate Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Affiliated Companies” of SuRo Capital Corp., as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, a company is deemed to be an “Affiliate” of SuRo Capital Corp. if SuRo Capital Corp. owns 5% or more of the voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) of such company.
(2) “Control Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Controlled Companies” of SuRo Capital Corp., as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, under the 1940 Act, the Company would “Control” a portfolio company if the Company owned more than 25% of its outstanding voting securities (i.e., securities with the right to elect directors) and/or had the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company.
41
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
(3) As of December 31, 2020, the investments noted had been placed on non-accrual status.
(4) The SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) preferred shares held by SuRo Capital Corp. do not entitle SuRo Capital Corp. to a preferred dividend rate. During the year ended December 31, 2020, SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) declared, and SuRo Capital Corp. received, an aggregate of $450,000 in dividend distributions. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that SPBRX, INC. will pay distributions on a quarterly or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
(5) SuRo Capital Corp.’s investments in StormWind, LLC are held through SuRo Capital Corp.'s wholly owned subsidiary, GSVC SW Holdings, Inc.
(6) On August 23, 2019, SuRo Capital Corp. amended the structure of its investment in NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.). As part of the agreement, SuRo Capital Corp.’s equity holdings (warrants notwithstanding) were restructured into a derivative security. NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley,Inc.) has the right to call the position at any time over a five year period, while SuRo Capital Corp. can put the shares to NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a OneValley, Inc.) at the end of the five year period.
(7) During the year ended December 31, 2020, GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp. declared an aggregate of $317,617 in dividend distributions. SuRo Capital Corp. does not anticipate that Green Acreage Real Estate Corp. will pay distributions on a recurring or regular basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions.
42
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
NOTE 5—COMMON STOCK
Share Repurchase Program
On August 8, 2017, the Company announced a $5.0 million discretionary open-market share repurchase program of shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of up to $5.0 million until the earlier of (i) August 6, 2018 or (ii) the repurchase of $5.0 million in aggregate amount of the Company’s common stock (the “Share Repurchase Program”). On November 7, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an extension of, and an increase in the amount of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) November 6, 2018 or (ii) the repurchase of $10.0 million in aggregate amount of the Company’s common stock. On May 3, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $5.0 million increase in the amount of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) November 6, 2018 or (ii) the repurchase of $15.0 million in aggregate amount of the Company’s common stock. On November 1, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a $5.0 million increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) October 31, 2019 or (ii) the repurchase of $20.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. On August 5, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized a $5.0 million increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) August 4, 2020 or (ii) the repurchase of $25.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. On March 9, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a $5.0 million increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) March 8, 2021 or (ii) the repurchase of $30.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. On October 28, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a $10.0 million increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) October 31, 2021 or (ii) the repurchase of $40.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock.
The timing and number of shares to be repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions and alternative investment opportunities. The Share Repurchase Program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason and does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares of its common stock. Under the Share Repurchase Program, we may repurchase our outstanding common stock in the open market provided that we comply with the prohibitions under our insider trading policies and procedures and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company did not repurchase shares of common stock under the Share Repurchase Program. As of March 31, 2021, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased by the Company under the Share Repurchase Program was approximately $9.6 million.
Amended and Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan
Refer to “Note 11—Stock-Based Compensation” for a description of the Company’s restricted shares of common stock granted to non-employee directors under the Amended & Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (as defined herein).
Conversion of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 the Company issued 4,097,808 shares of its common stock and cash for fractional shares upon the conversion of approximately $37.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023. The Company also redeemed approximately $0.3 million of aggregate principal amount for cash plus accrued and unpaid interest on March 29, 2021. Refer to “Note 10—Debt Capital Activities” for more detail regarding conversion terms.
At-the-Market Offering
On July 29, 2020, the Company entered into an At-the-Market Sales Agreement, dated July 29, 2020 (the “Initial Sales Agreement”), with BTIG, LLC, JMP Securities LLC and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., Inc. (collectively, the “Agents”). Under
43
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
the Initial Sales Agreement, the Company may, but has no obligation to, issue and sell up to $50.0 million in aggregate amount of shares of its common stock (the “Shares”) from time to time through the Agents or to them as principal for their own account (the "ATM Program"). On September 23, 2020, the Company increased the maximum amount of Shares to be sold through the ATM Program to $150.0 million from $50.0 million. In connection with the upsize of the ATM Program to $150.0 million, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the At-the-Market Sales Agreement, dated September 23, 2020, with the Agents (the “Amendment No. 1 to the Sales Agreement,” and together with the Initial Sales Agreement, the “Sales Agreement”). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the ATM Program to make investments in portfolio companies in accordance with its investment objective and strategy and for general corporate purposes.
Sales of the Shares, if any, will be made by any method that is deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on the Nasdaq Capital Market or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at other negotiated prices. Actual sales in the ATM Program will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by the Company from time to time.
The Agents will receive a commission from the Company equal to up to 2.0% of the gross sales price of any Shares sold through the Agents under the Sales Agreement and reimbursement of certain expenses. The Sales Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements of the Company, conditions to closing, indemnification rights and obligations of the parties and termination provisions.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company did not issue or sell shares under the ATM Program. As of March 31, 2021, up to approximately $99.1 million in aggregate amount of the Shares remain available for sale under the ATM Program.
Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer
On October 21, 2019, the Company commenced a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer (the “Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer”) to purchase for cash up to $10.0 million in shares of its common stock from its stockholders at a price per share of not less than $6.00 and not greater than $8.00 in $0.10 increments, using available cash. Upon expiration of the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer on November 20, 2019, the Company repurchased 1,449,275 shares, representing 7.6% of its outstanding shares, at a price of $6.90 per share on a pro rata basis, excluding fees and expenses relating to the self-tender offer. The Company has determined that the proration factor for the tender offer was 78.1%.
44
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
NOTE 6—NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS PER COMMON SHARE—BASIC AND DILUTED
The following information sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net increase in net assets resulting from operations per common share, pursuant to ASC 260, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Earnings per common share–basic: | ||||||||||||||
Net change in net assets resulting from operations | $ | 108,002,363 | $ | (23,692,247) | ||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares–basic | 20,486,621 | 17,440,994 | ||||||||||||
Earnings per common share–basic | $ | 5.27 | $ | (1.36) | ||||||||||
Earnings per common share–diluted: | ||||||||||||||
Net change in net assets resulting from operations | $ | 108,002,363 | $ | (23,692,247) | ||||||||||
Adjustment for interest and amortization on 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023(1) | 501,065 | — | ||||||||||||
Net change in net assets resulting from operations, as adjusted | $ | 108,503,428 | $ | (23,692,247) | ||||||||||
Adjustment for dilutive effect of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023(1) | 3,636,717 | — | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding–diluted | 24,123,338 | 17,440,994 | ||||||||||||
Earnings per common share–diluted | $ | 4.50 | $ | (1.36) |
______________________
(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, 0 and 3,917,792 potentially dilutive common shares, respectively, were excluded from the weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted net change in net assets resulting from operations per common share because the effect of these shares would have been anti-dilutive.
NOTE 7—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into investment agreements under which it commits to make an investment in a portfolio company at some future date or over a specified period of time. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had $19,500,000 and $10,000,000, respectively, in non-binding investment agreements that required it to make a future investment in a portfolio company.
From time to time, the Company may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of its rights under contracts with its portfolio companies. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon its business, financial condition or results of operations. The Company is not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.
Operating Leases & Related Deposits
The Company currently has one operating lease for office space for which the Company has recorded a right-of-use asset and lease liability for the operating lease obligation. The lease commenced June 3, 2019 and expires July 31, 2024. The lease expense is presented as a single lease cost that is amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.
As of March 31, 2021, the Company booked a right of use asset and operating lease liability of $594,150 on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. As of December 31, 2020, the Company booked a right of use asset and operating lease liability of $633,736 on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a security deposit of $16,574 and $16,574, respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred $45,723 and $44,401 of operating lease expense, respectively. The amounts reflected on the Condensed
45
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities have been discounted using the rate implicit in the lease. As of March 31, 2021, the remaining lease term was 3.3 years and the discount rate was 3.00%.
The following table shows future minimum payments under the Company's operating lease as of March 31, 2021:
For the Years Ended December 31, | Amount | ||||
2021 | 135,623 | ||||
2022 | 185,194 | ||||
2023 | 190,750 | ||||
2024 | 113,604 | ||||
2025 | — | ||||
$ | 625,171 |
46
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
NOTE 8—FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Per Basic Share Data | ||||||||||||||
Net asset value at beginning of the year | $ | 15.14 | $ | 11.38 | ||||||||||
Net investment loss(1) | (0.14) | (0.17) | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain on investments(1) | 5.47 | 0.40 | ||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments(1) | (0.06) | (1.59) | ||||||||||||
Dividends declared | (0.50) | — | ||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock from conversion of 4.75% Convertible Notes due 2023(1) | (1.91) | — | ||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | — | 0.20 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation(1) | 0.01 | — | ||||||||||||
Net asset value at end of period | $ | 18.01 | $ | 10.22 | ||||||||||
Per share market value at end of period | $ | 13.55 | $ | 5.86 | ||||||||||
Total return based on market value(2) | 7.28 | % | (10.53) | % | ||||||||||
Total return based on net asset value(2) | 18.96 | % | (10.19) | % | ||||||||||
Shares outstanding at end of period | 24,205,216 | 16,874,316 | ||||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||
Net assets at end of period | $ | 435,961,621 | $ | 172,515,798 | ||||||||||
Average net assets | $ | 312,796,110 | $ | 198,994,124 | ||||||||||
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets(3) | 4.05 | % | 6.65 | % | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets(3) | (3.67) | % | (6.07) | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Ratio | 3.41 | % | — | % |
__________________
(1)Based on weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the relevant period.
(2)Total return based on market value is based on the change in market price per share between the opening and ending market values per share in the period. Total return based on net asset value is based upon the change in net asset value per share between the opening and ending net asset values per share.
(3)Financial highlights for periods of less than one year are annualized and the ratios of operating expenses to average net assets and net investment loss to average net assets are adjusted accordingly. Significant and material non-recurring expenses are not annualized. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company excluded $0 and $0 of non-recurring expenses, respectively. Because the ratios are calculated for the Company’s common stock taken as a whole, an individual investor’s ratios may vary from these ratios.
47
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
NOTE 9—INCOME TAXES
The Company elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2014, has qualified to be treated as a RIC for subsequent taxable years. The Company intends to continue to operate so as to qualify to be subject to tax treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and, as such, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of taxable income (including gains) distributed as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to stockholders. Taxable income includes the Company’s taxable interest, dividend and fee income, reduced by certain deductions, as well as taxable net realized investment gains. Taxable income generally differs from net income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses, and generally excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, as such gains or losses are not included in taxable income until they are realized.
To qualify and be subject to tax as a RIC, the Company is required to meet certain income and asset diversification tests in addition to distributing dividends of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code and determined without regard to any deduction for distributions paid, to its stockholders. The amount to be paid out as a distribution is determined by the Board of Directors each quarter and is based upon the annual earnings estimated by the management of the Company. To the extent that the Company’s earnings fall below the amount of dividend distributions declared, however, a portion of the total amount of the Company’s distributions for the fiscal year may be deemed a return of capital for tax purposes to the Company’s stockholders.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company declared distributions of $0.50 per share. The determination of the tax attributes of the Company’s distributions is made annually as of the end of the Company’s taxable year generally based upon its taxable income for the full taxable year and distributions paid for the full taxable year. As a result, a determination made on a by-dividend basis may not be representative of the actual tax attributes of the Company’s distributions for a full taxable year. If the Company had determined the tax attributes of our distributions taxable year-to-date as of March 31, 2021, 100% would be from net realized investment gains. However, there can be no certainty to stockholders that this determination is representative of what the actual tax attributes of the Company’s fiscal year of 2020 distributions to stockholders will be.
As a RIC, the Company will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless the Company makes distributions treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a timely manner to its stockholders in respect of each calendar year of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the 1-year period ending October 31 of each such calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years, but not distributed during such years and on which the Company paid no U.S. federal income tax. The Company will not be subject to this excise tax on any amount on which the Company incurred U.S. federal corporate income tax (such as the tax imposed on a RIC’s retained net capital gains).
Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a taxable year, the Company may choose to carry over taxable income in excess of current taxable year distributions from such taxable income into the next taxable year and incur a 4% excise tax on such taxable income, as required. The maximum amount of excess taxable income that may be carried over for distribution in the next taxable year under the Code is the total amount of distributions paid in the following taxable year, subject to certain declaration and payment guidelines. To the extent the Company chooses to carry over taxable income into the next taxable year, distributions declared and paid by the Company in a taxable year may differ from the Company’s taxable income for that taxable year as such distributions may include the distribution of current taxable year taxable income, the distribution of prior taxable year taxable income carried over into and distributed in the current taxable year, or returns of capital.
The Company has taxable subsidiaries which hold certain portfolio investments in an effort to limit potential legal liability and/or comply with source-income type requirements contained in the RIC tax provisions of the Code. These taxable subsidiaries are consolidated for U.S. GAAP and the portfolio investments held by the taxable subsidiaries are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and are recorded at fair value. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated with the Company for income tax purposes and may generate income tax expense, or benefit, and tax assets and liabilities as a
48
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
result of their ownership of certain portfolio investments. Any income generated by these taxable subsidiaries generally would be subject to tax at normal corporate tax rates based on its taxable income.
The Company intends to timely distribute to its stockholders substantially all of its annual taxable income for each year, except that it may retain certain net capital gains for reinvestment and, depending upon the level of taxable income earned in a year, may choose to carry forward taxable income for distribution in the following year and pay any applicable U.S. federal excise tax.
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $0 and $0, respectively. The Company is required to include net deferred tax provision/benefit in calculating its total expenses even though these net deferred taxes are not currently payable/receivable. Taxable income generally differs from net income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses, and generally excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, as such gains or losses are not included in taxable income until they are realized.
For U.S. federal and state income tax purposes, a portion of the Taxable Subsidiaries’ net operating loss carryforwards and basis differences may be subject to limitations on annual utilization in case of a change in ownership, as defined by federal and state law. The amount of such limitations, if any, has not been determined. Accordingly, the amount of such tax attributes available to offset future profits may be significantly less than the actual amounts of the tax attributes.
The Company and the Taxable Subsidiaries identified their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. federal and California and may be subject to the taxing authorities’ examination for the tax years 2017–2020 and 2016–2020, respectively. Further, the Company and the Taxable Subsidiaries accrue all interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as incurred. As of March 31, 2021, there were no material interest or penalties incurred related to uncertain tax positions.
NOTE 10—DEBT CAPITAL ACTIVITIES
4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023
On March 28, 2018, the Company issued $40.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes, which bore interest at a fixed rate of 4.75% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 31 and September 30 of each year, commencing on September 30, 2018. The 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 had a maturity date of March 28, 2023 (the "4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023"), unless previously repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms. The Company did not have the right to redeem the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 prior to March 27, 2021. On or after March 27, 2021, the Company could redeem the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 for cash, in whole or from time to time in part, at the Company’s option if (i) the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 15 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of any 20 consecutive trading days was greater than or equal to 150% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day, (ii) no public announcement of a pending, proposed or intended fundamental change had occurred which had not been abandoned, terminated or consummated, and (iii) no event of default under the indenture governing the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, and no event that with the passage of time or giving of notice would constitute an event of default under such indenture, had occurred or existed.
All of these conditions were met and on February 19, 2021, the Company caused notices to be issued to the holders of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 regarding the Company’s exercise of its option to redeem, in whole, the issued and outstanding 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, pursuant to the governing indenture. The Company established March 29, 2021 as the date on which all of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 would be redeemed (the “Redemption Date”), at 100% of their principal amount ($1,000 per convertible note), plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon from September 30, 2020, through, but excluding, the Redemption Date. Holders of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 had the option to surrender their 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 for conversion into shares of the Company’s common stock at the then existing conversion rate, in lieu of receiving cash, at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the Redemption Date.
49
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
On the Redemption Date, the Company redeemed $290,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount ($1,000 per convertible note), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. Due to the election of certain holders to surrender their 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 for conversion into shares of the Company’s common stock prior to the Redemption Date, the Company issued a total of 4,272,696 shares since the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 were initially issued. As result of such redemption and conversions, the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 were no longer outstanding as of the Redemption Date.
The initial conversion rate for the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 was 93.2836 shares of the Company’s common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, which represented an initial conversion price of approximately $10.72 per share. As a result of the Company’s Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer and cash dividends, the conversion rate for the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 had changed to 108.0505 shares of the Company’s common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, which represented a conversion price of approximately $9.25 per share.
The indenture governing the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 contained customary financial reporting requirements and contained certain restrictions on mergers, consolidations, and asset sales. The indenture also contained certain events of default, the occurrence of which could have caused the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 to become due and payable before their maturity or immediately.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 the Company issued 4,097,808 shares of its common stock and cash for fractional shares upon the conversion of $37,925,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023. The Company also redeemed $290,000 of aggregate principal amount for cash plus accrued and unpaid interest on March 29, 2021.
The table below shows a reconciliation from the aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 to the balance shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
Initial aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 | $ | 38,215,000 | $ | 40,000,000 | |||||||
Conversion of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 | (37,925,000) | (1,785,000) | |||||||||
Redemption of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 | (290,000) | — | |||||||||
Direct deduction of deferred debt issuance costs | — | (819,563) | |||||||||
4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 Payable | $ | — | $ | 37,395,437 |
The 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 were the Company’s general, unsecured, senior obligations and ranked senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness that was expressly subordinated in right of payment to the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, equal in right of payment to any existing and future unsecured indebtedness that was not so subordinated to the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, effectively junior to any future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and structurally junior to all future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by the Company’s subsidiaries.
In connection with the issuance of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, the Company was required under the terms of the Credit Facility (defined below) to deposit any proceeds from the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 offering into an account at Western Alliance Bank and was required to maintain at least $65.0 million (or such lesser amount to the extent such funds are used to repay or repurchase a portion of the outstanding 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 prior to their maturity and repayment in full) in an account at Western Alliance Bank until such time as the 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 were repaid in full. The 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 matured on September 15, 2018, at which time the Company repaid the remaining outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018, including accrued but unpaid interest. In addition, the Credit Facility matured on May 31, 2019. As a result, the company is no longer subject to such requirements.
50
SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Western Alliance Bank Credit Facility
The Credit Facility (defined below) matured on May 31, 2019 and was no longer outstanding as of such date. There were no borrowings by the Company from the Credit Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement, effective May 31, 2017 and amended on March 22, 2018 (the “Loan Agreement”), with Western Alliance Bank, pursuant to which Western Alliance Bank agreed to provide the Company with a $12.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”).
The Credit Facility matured on May 31, 2019 and bore interest at a per annum rate equal to the prime rate plus 3.50%. In addition, a facility fee of $60,000 was charged upon closing of the Credit Facility, and the Loan Agreement required payment of a fee for unused amounts during the revolving period in an amount equal to 0.50% per annum of the average unused portion of the Credit Facility payable quarterly in arrears.
Under the Loan Agreement, the Company made certain customary representations and warranties and was required to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, reporting requirements, and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities, including, without limitation, restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness (with unsecured longer-term indebtedness limited to $70.0 million in the aggregate), compliance with the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, a minimum net asset value requirement of at least the greater of $60.0 million or five times the amount of the Credit Facility, a limitation on the Company’s net asset value being reduced by more than 15% of its net asset value at December 31, 2016, and maintenance of RIC and BDC status. The Loan Agreement included usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature, including, without limitation, nonpayment, misrepresentation of representations and warranties in a material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default to certain other indebtedness, bankruptcy, the cessation of the Investment Advisory Agreement, and the occurrence of a material adverse effect.
The Credit Facility was secured by substantially all of the Company’s property and assets. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility, as the Credit Facility matured on May 31, 2019 and was no longer outstanding as of such date.
NOTE 11—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
2019 Equity Incentive Plan
On June 5, 2019, our Board of Directors adopted, and our stockholders approved, an equity-based incentive plan (the "2019 Equity Incentive Plan”), which authorized equity awards to be granted for up to 1,976,264 shares of our common stock. Under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, the exercise price of awards would be set on the grant date and could not be less than the fair market value per share on such date, however, that in the case of an incentive stock option granted to an employee who, at the time of the grant of such option, owned stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or the Company’s present or future parent or subsidiary corporations, as defined in Section 424(e) or (f) of the Code, or other Affiliates the employees of which were eligible to receive incentive stock options under the Code (the “10% Shareholders”), the exercise price per share would be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value per share on the date of grant. The fair market value would be the closing price of the shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the date of grant.
On July 17, 2019, stock options providing the right to purchase up to 1,165,000 shares were granted under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock at the grant date. These stock options had a vesting period of 3 years with 1/3 vesting immediately on the grant date, 1/3 vesting on July 17, 2020, and the remaining 1/3 vesting on July 17, 2021.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Cancellation of Stock Option Awards Under 2019 Equity Incentive Plan
On April 28, 2020, all stock option awards granted under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan were canceled for no payment pursuant to an option cancellation agreement (the "Option Cancellation Agreement"). As a result, there are no stock option awards outstanding under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan. In accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"), all unrecognized compensation cost related to still unvested shares was recognized as of the date of cancellation. For more information, including a description of the Option Cancellation Agreement, please refer to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2020. Such description of the Option Cancellation Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of such Option Cancellation Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on May 8, 2020.
The Company follows ASC 718 to account for stock options granted. Under ASC 718, compensation expense associated with stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the vesting period. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, forfeiture rate, and expected option life. The time-based options granted on July 17, 2019 were ascribed a weighted-average fair value of $2.57 per share. The fair value of options granted under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan was based upon a Black Scholes option pricing model using the assumptions in the following table:
Input Assumptions | As of July 17, 2019 Grant Date | |||||||
Term (years) | 5.55 | |||||||
Volatility | 39.47% | |||||||
Risk-free rate | 1.86% | |||||||
Dividend yield | —% |
Number of Shares | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value | |||||||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2019 | 1,155,000 | $ | 6.57 | $ | 2.57 | ||||||||||||
Cancelled | (1,155,000) | $ | 6.57 | $ | 2.57 | ||||||||||||
Outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | — |
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $0. As of March 31, 2021, there was $0 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as the options were cancelled effective April 28, 2020.
Amended and Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan
On June 19, 2020, our Board of Directors adopted, and our stockholders approved, an amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Amended & Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan”) under which the Company is authorized to grant equity awards for up to 1,627,967 shares of its common stock. In accordance with the exemptive relief granted to the Company by the SEC on June 16, 2020 with respect to the Amended & Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company is generally authorized to (i) issue restricted shares as part of the compensation package for certain of its employees, officers and all directors, including non-employee directors (collectively, the “Participants”), (ii) issue options to acquire shares of its common stock (“Options”) to certain employees, officers and employee directors as a part of such compensation packages, (iii) withhold shares of the Company’s common stock or purchase shares of common stock from the Participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations relating to the vesting of restricted shares or the exercise of Options granted to the certain Participants pursuant to the Amended & Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, and (iv) permit the Participants to pay the exercise price of Options granted to them with shares of the Company’s common stock.
Under the Amended & Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, each non-employee director will receive an annual grant of $50,000 worth of restricted shares of common stock (based on the closing stock price of the common stock on the grant date). Each grant of $50,000 in restricted shares will vest, in full, if the non-employee director is in continuous service as a director of
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
the Company through the anniversary of such grant (or, if earlier, the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders that is closest to the anniversary of such grant).
Other than such restricted shares granted to non-employee directors, the Company’s Compensation Committee may determine the time or times at which Options and restricted shares granted to other Participants will vest or become payable or exercisable, as applicable. The exercise price of each Option will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the option is granted. However, any optionee who owns more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of the Company’s outstanding common stock (a “10% Stockholder”), will not be eligible for the grant of an incentive stock option unless the exercise price of the incentive stock option is at least 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Generally, no Option will be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant. In the case of an Option granted to a 10% Stockholder, the term of an incentive stock option will be for no more than five years from the date of grant.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company granted 10,500 restricted shares to non-executive employees pursuant to the Amended & Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan. These restricted shares have a vesting period of 1 year. The Company also granted 182,885 restricted shares to the Company's officers pursuant to the Amended & Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan. These restricted shares have a vesting period of 3 years with 1/3 vesting on February 10, 2022, 1/3 vesting on February 10, 2023, and the remaining 1/3 vesting on February 10, 2024. The Company determined that the fair values, based on the grant date close price of such restricted shares granted under the Amended & Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were approximately $2,878,182 in the aggregate. As of March 31, 2021, there were approximately $2,929,380 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the restricted share grants. Compensation expense associated with the restricted shares is recognized on a quarterly basis over the respective vesting periods.
The following table summarizes the activities for the Company’s restricted share grants for the three months ended March 31, 2021 under the Amended & Restated 2019 Equity Incentive Plan:
Number of Restricted Shares | |||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020 | 21,760 | ||||
Granted | 193,385 | ||||
Exercised | — | ||||
Forfeited | — | ||||
Expired | — | ||||
Outstanding as of March 31, 2021 | 215,145 | ||||
Vested and Exercisable as of March 31, 2021 | — |
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
NOTE 12—SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Portfolio Activity
From April 1, 2021 through May 5, 2021, the Company exited or received proceeds from the following investments:
Portfolio Company | Transaction Date | Net Proceeds | Realized Gain | ||||||||||||||
Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue)(1) | 4/23/2021 | $ | 118,854 | $ | — | ||||||||||||
SP Holdings Group, Inc.(2) | 4/29/2021 | $ | 490,246 | $ | 490,246 | ||||||||||||
$ | 609,100 | $ | 490,246 |
_________________________________
(1)Subsequent to March 31, 2021, $118,854 has been received from Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) related to the 15% term loan due December 23, 2023. Of the proceeds received, $83,333 repaid a portion of the outstanding principal and $35,521 was attributed to interest.
(2)On November 9, 2020, SharesPost, Inc. completed its merger with Forge Global, Inc. As part of the merger, certain assets held by SharesPost, Inc. that were not acquired by Forge were spun-out into a new entity called SP Holdings Group, Inc.
From April 1, 2021 through May 5, 2021, the Company funded investments in an aggregate amount of $2,209,649 (not including capitalized transaction costs) as shown in the following table:
Portfolio Company | Investment | Transaction Date | Gross Payments | |||||||||||||||||
Colombier Sponsor LLC(1) | Common Share Units & Warrant Units | 4/1/2021 | $ | 2,209,649 | ||||||||||||||||
__________________
(1)Colombier Sponsor LLC is the sponsor of Colombier Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Two of the Company's investment professionals, Keri Findley and Claire Councill, are director nominees of the board of directors of Colombier Acquisition Corp.
The Company is frequently in negotiations with various private companies with respect to investments in such companies. Investments in private companies are generally subject to satisfaction of applicable closing conditions. In the case of secondary market transactions, such closing conditions may include approval of the issuer, waiver or failure to exercise rights of first refusal by the issuer and/or its stockholders and termination rights by the seller or the Company. Equity investments made through the secondary market may involve making deposits in escrow accounts until the applicable closing conditions are satisfied, at which time the escrow accounts will close and such equity investments will be effectuated.
Dividends
On May 4, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $2.50 per share payable on June 30, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 18, 2021. The ex-dividend date is May 17, 2021. The dividend will be paid in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock at the election of the stockholders, although the total amount of cash to be distributed to all stockholders will be limited to no more than 50% of the total dividend to be paid to all stockholders. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued to stockholders receiving all or a portion of the dividend in shares of common stock will be based on the volume weighted-average price per share of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on May 12, 13 and 14, 2021, less $2.50 to reflect the declared dividend.
This dividend is being made in accordance with certain applicable Treasury regulations and guidance issued by the IRS that allow a publicly traded RIC to satisfy its distribution requirements from a distribution paid partly in common stock provided certain requirements are satisfied. For additional information, please refer to "Certain Information Regarding the Dividends" in the Company's press release dated May 5, 2021 included as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 5, 2021.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Second Amended Employment Agreements
On April 26, 2021, the Company entered into a second amended and restated employment agreement with each of Mark D. Klein, the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President (the “Second Amended Klein Agreement”), and Allison Green, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary (the “Second Amended Green Agreement”), which extended the term of their prior employment agreements, each dated April 28, 2020, to December 31, 2024. For more information, including descriptions of such agreements, please refer to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021. Such descriptions of the Second Amended Klein Agreement and the Second Amended Green Agreement are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of such agreements filed as exhibits to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
COVID-19
The Company has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, its broader impact on the global economy and the more recent impacts on the U.S. economy. We have and continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our portfolio companies. We cannot predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its duration in the United States and worldwide, the effectiveness of governmental responses designed to mitigate strain to businesses and the economy and the magnitude of the economic impact of the outbreak. The COVID-19 pandemic and preventative measures taken to contain or mitigate its spread have caused, and are continuing to cause, business shutdowns, cancellations of events and travel, significant reductions in demand for certain goods and services, reductions in business activity and financial transactions, supply chain interruptions and overall economic and financial market instability both globally and in the United States. Such effects will likely continue for the duration of the pandemic, which is uncertain, and for some period thereafter. Our portfolio companies and, by extension, our operating results may be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and, depending on the duration and extent of the disruption to the operations of our portfolio companies, certain portfolio companies may experience financial distress and may possibly default on their financial obligations to us and their other capital providers. Some of our portfolio companies have significantly curtailed business operations, furloughed or laid off employees and terminated service providers, and deferred capital expenditures, which could impair their business on a permanent basis and additional portfolio companies may take similar actions. We continue to closely monitor our portfolio companies, which includes assessing each portfolio company’s operational and liquidity exposure and outlook; however, any of these developments would likely result in a decrease in the value of our investment in any such portfolio company. In addition, to the extent that the impact to our portfolio companies results in reduced interest payments or permanent impairments on our investments, we could see a decrease in our net investment income, which would increase the percentage of our cash flows dedicated to our debt obligations and could impact the amount of any future distributions to our stockholders.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we instituted a temporary work-from-home policy in March 2020, pursuant to which our employees have and continue to primarily work remotely without disruption to our operations. This policy will remain in effect until it is deemed safe to return to our office. As of May 5, 2021, there is no indication of a reportable subsequent event impacting the Company’s financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company continues to observe and respond to the evolving COVID-19 environment and its potential impact on areas across its business.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
NOTE 13—SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
Summarized Financial Information of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
In accordance with the SEC’s Regulation S-X and GAAP, the Company is not permitted to consolidate any subsidiary or other entity that is not an investment company, including those in which the Company has a controlling interest; however, the Company must disclose certain financial information related to any subsidiaries or other entities that are considered to be “significant subsidiaries” under the applicable rules of Regulation S-X. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had investments in at least one portfolio company considered to be a significant subsidiary under SEC Regulation S-X Rule 10-01(b)(1) and Regulation S-X Rule 4-08(g).
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 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 amended the definition of “significant subsidiary” in a manner that was intended to more accurately capture those portfolio companies that were more likely to materially impact the financial condition of an investment company.
As a result of the new definition of a “significant subsidiary” set forth in Rule 1-02(w)(2), the Company’s two “subsidiaries” as of March 31, 2021, SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) and Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC, do not meet the definition of a “significant subsidiary” as set forth in Rule 1-02(w)(2). For comparability purposes, the Company has omitted the previously disclosed summarized financial information of the Company’s significant subsidiaries for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as the Company’s significant subsidiaries would not have been considered significant subsidiaries under the Final Rules.
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SURO CAPITAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2021
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about us, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, statements as to:
•the effect and consequences of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) public health crisis on matters including global, U.S. and local economies, our business operations and continuity, potential disruption to our portfolio companies, tightened availability to capital and financing, the health and productivity of our employees, the ability of third-party providers to continue uninterrupted service, and the regulatory environment in which we operate;
• our future operating results;
• our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;
• the impact of investments that we expect to make;
• our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;
• the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
• the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;
• our expected financings and investments;
• the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and
• the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:
• an economic downturn could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;
• an economic downturn could disproportionately impact the market sectors in which a significant portion of our portfolio is concentrated, causing us to suffer losses in our portfolio;
• a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our investment activities;
• interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly because we use leverage as part of our investment strategy; and
• the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our annual report on Form 10-K, and in our other filings with the SEC.
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Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our annual report on Form 10-K, in the “Risk Factors” sections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. The following analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto contained elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Overview
We are an internally-managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company ("BDC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return, principally by seeking capital gains on our equity and equity-related investments, and to a lesser extent, income from debt investments. We invest principally in the equity securities of what we believe to be rapidly growing venture-capital-backed emerging companies. We acquire our investments through direct investments in prospective portfolio companies, secondary marketplaces for private companies and negotiations with selling stockholders. In addition, we may invest in private credit and in the founders equity, founders warrants, forward purchase agreements, and private investment in public equity ("PIPE") transactions of special purpose acquisition companies ("SPACs"). We may also invest on an opportunistic basis in select publicly traded equity securities or certain non-U.S. companies that otherwise meet our investment criteria, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. To the extent we make investments in private equity funds and hedge funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” under the 1940 Act by Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act, we will limit such investments to no more than 15% of our net assets.
In regard to the regulatory requirements for BDCs under the 1940 Act, some of these investments may not qualify as investments in “eligible portfolio companies,” and thus may not be considered “qualifying assets.” “Eligible portfolio companies” generally include U.S. companies that are not investment companies and that do not have securities listed on a national exchange. If at any time less than 70% of our gross assets are comprised of qualifying assets, including as a result of an increase in the value of any non-qualifying assets or decrease in the value of any qualifying assets, we would generally not be permitted to acquire any additional non-qualifying assets until such time as 70% of our then-current gross assets were comprised of qualifying assets. We would not be required, however, to dispose of any non-qualifying assets in such circumstances.
Our investment philosophy is based on a disciplined approach of identifying promising investments in high-growth, venture-backed companies across several key industry themes which may include, among others, social mobile, cloud computing and big data, internet commerce, financial technology, mobility, and enterprise software. Our investment decisions are based on a disciplined analysis of available information regarding each potential portfolio company’s business operations, focusing on the portfolio company’s growth potential, the quality of recurring revenues, and path to profitability, as well as an understanding of key market fundamentals. Venture capital funds or other institutional investors have invested in the vast majority of companies that we evaluate.
We seek to deploy capital primarily in the form of non-controlling equity and equity-related investments, including common stock, warrants, preferred stock and similar forms of senior equity, which may or may not be convertible into a portfolio company’s common equity, and convertible debt securities with a significant equity component. Typically, our preferred stock investments are non-income producing, have different voting rights than our common stock investments and are generally convertible into common stock at our discretion. As our investment strategy is primarily focused on equity positions, our investments generally do not produce current income and therefore we may be dependent on future capital raising to meet our operating needs if no other source of liquidity is available.
We seek to create a low-turnover portfolio that includes investments in companies representing a broad range of investment themes.
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Internalization of Operating Structure
On and effective March 12, 2019 (the "Effective Date"), our Board of Directors approved internalizing our operating structure ("Internalization") and we began operating as an internally managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Our Board of Directors approved the Internalization in order to better align the interests of the Company's stockholders with its management. As an internally managed BDC, the Company is managed by its employees, rather than the employees of an external investment adviser, thereby allowing for greater transparency to stockholders through robust disclosure regarding the Company's compensation structure. Prior to the Effective Date, we were externally managed by our former investment adviser, GSV Asset Management, LLC (“GSV Asset Management”), pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), and our former administrator, GSV Capital Service Company, LLC (“GSV Capital Service Company”), provided the administrative services necessary for our operations pursuant to an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”). In connection with our Internalization, the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement were terminated as of the Effective Date, in accordance with their respective terms. As a result, we no longer pay any fees or expenses under an investment advisory agreement or administration agreement, and instead pay the operating costs associated with employing investment management professionals including, without limitation, compensation expenses related to salaries, discretionary bonuses and restricted stock grants. See “Note 11—Stock-Based Compensation” in this Form 10-Q for more information.
Except as otherwise disclosed herein, this Form 10-Q discusses our business and operations as an internally-managed BDC during the period covered by this Form 10-Q.
Recent COVID-19 Developments
In March 2020, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Shortly thereafter, the President of the United States declared a National Emergency throughout the United States attributable to such pandemic. The pandemic has become increasingly widespread in the United States, including in the markets in which the Company primarily operates. As of the three months ended March 31, 2021, and subsequent to March 31, 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the U.S. and global economy.
We have and continue to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our portfolio companies. We cannot predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its duration in the United States and worldwide, the effectiveness of governmental responses designed to mitigate strain to businesses and the economy, and the magnitude of the economic impact of the outbreak, including with respect to the travel restrictions, business closures and other quarantine measures imposed on service providers and other individuals by various local, state, and federal governmental authorities, as well as non-U.S. governmental authorities. While several countries, as well as certain states, counties and cities in the United States, have relaxed initial public health restrictions with a view to partially or fully reopening their economies, many cities world-wide have since experienced a surge in the reported number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These increases have led to the re-introduction of restrictions and business shutdowns in certain states, counties and cities in the United States and globally and could continue to lead to the re-introduction of such restrictions and business shutdowns elsewhere. Additionally, as of March 2021, travelers from the United States are not allowed to visit Canada, Australia or the majority of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. These continued travel restrictions may prolong the global economic downturn. In addition, although the Federal Food and Drug Administration authorized vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna for emergency use starting in December 2020, it remains unclear how quickly the vaccines will be distributed nationwide and globally or when “herd immunity” will be achieved and the restrictions that were imposed to slow the spread of the virus will be lifted entirely. The delay in distributing the vaccines could lead people to continue to self-isolate and not participate in the economy at pre-pandemic levels for a prolonged period of time. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy and most other major global economies may continue to experience a recession, and we anticipate our business and operations could be materially adversely affected by a prolonged recession in the United States and other major markets. As such, we are unable to predict the duration of any business and supply-chain disruptions, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will negatively affect our portfolio companies’ operating results or the impact that such disruptions may have on our results of operations and financial condition. Though the magnitude of the impact remains to be seen, our portfolio companies and, by extension, our operating results may be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and, depending on the duration and extent of the disruption to the operations of our portfolio companies, certain portfolio companies may experience financial distress and may possibly default on their financial obligations to us and their other capital providers. Some of our portfolio companies have significantly curtailed business operations, furloughed or laid off employees and terminated service providers, and deferred capital expenditures, which could impair their business on a permanent basis and additional portfolio companies may take similar actions. We continue to closely monitor our portfolio companies, which includes assessing each portfolio company’s operational and liquidity exposure and outlook; however, any of these
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developments would likely result in a decrease in the value of our investment in any such portfolio company. In addition, to the extent that the impact to our portfolio companies results in reduced interest payments or permanent impairments on our investments, we could see a decrease in our net investment income, which would increase the percentage of our cash flows dedicated to our debt obligations and could impact the amount of any future distributions to our stockholders.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we instituted a temporary work-from-home policy in March 2020, pursuant to which our employees have and continue to primarily work remotely without disruption to our operations. This policy will remain in effect until it is deemed safe to return to our office. As of May 5, 2021, there is no indication of a reportable subsequent event impacting the Company’s financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company continues to observe and respond to the evolving COVID-19 environment and its potential impact on areas across its business.
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Portfolio and Investment Activity
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
The value of our investment portfolio will change over time due to changes in the fair value of our underlying investments, as well as changes in the composition of our portfolio resulting from purchases of new and follow-on investments and the sales of existing investments. The fair value, as of March 31, 2021, of all of our portfolio investments was $275,842,451.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we funded investments in an aggregate amount of $9,499,978 (not including capitalized transaction costs) as shown in the following table:
Portfolio Company | Investment | Transaction Date | Gross Payments | |||||||||||||||||
NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.)(1) | Common Shares | 2/12/2021 | $ | 499,986 | ||||||||||||||||
Churchill Sponsor VI LLC(2) | Common Share Units & Warrant Units | 2/25/2021 | 200,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Churchill Sponsor VII LLC(3) | Common Share Units & Warrant Units | 2/25/2021 | 300,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Shogun Enterprises, Inc.(4) | Preferred Shares, Series B-1 | 2/26/2021 | 3,499,994 | |||||||||||||||||
Shogun Enterprises, Inc.(4) | Preferred Shares, Series B-2 | 2/26/2021 | 3,499,998 | |||||||||||||||||
Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC(5) | Membership Interest in Lending SPV | 3/24/2021 | 500,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Commercial Streaming Solutions Inc. (d/b/a BettorView) | Simple Agreement for Future Equity ("SAFE") | 3/25/2021 | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 9,499,978 |
_________________________________
(1)As of March 18, 2021, GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp. completed its merger with NewLake Capital Partners, Inc., rebranding under the name NewLake Capital Partners, Inc.
(2)Churchill Sponsor VI LLC is the sponsor of Churchill Capital Corp VI, a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Our investment in Churchill Sponsor VI LLC constitutes a “remote-affiliate” transaction for purposes of the 1940 Act in light of the fact that Mark Klein, our Chairman, CEO and President, has a non-controlling interest in the entity that controls Churchill Sponsor VI LLC, and is a non-controlling board member of Churchill Capital Corp VI.
(3)Churchill Sponsor VII LLC is the sponsor of Churchill Capital Corp VII, a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Our investment in Churchill Sponsor VII LLC constitutes a “remote-affiliate” transaction for purposes of the 1940 Act in light of the fact that Mark Klein, our Chairman, CEO and President, has a non-controlling interest in the entity that controls Churchill Sponsor VII LLC, and is a non-controlling board member of Churchill Capital Corp VII.
(4)Keri Findley, a senior managing director of the Company, is a non-controlling member of the board of directors of Shogun Enterprises, Inc. and holds a minority equity interest in such company.
(5)As of March 31, 2021, $0.5 million of the $10.0 million capital commitment representing our Membership Interest in Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC had been called and funded. Keri Findley is a non-controlling member of the board of directors of the investment manager to Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC and holds a minority equity interest in such investment manager.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we capitalized fees of $3,658.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we exited or received proceeds from investments in an amount of $125,387,267, net of transaction costs, and realized a net gain on investments of $112,152,518 (including adjustments to amounts held in escrow receivable) as shown in following table:
Portfolio Company | Net Proceeds | Realized Gain(1) | ||||||||||||
Palantir Technologies, Inc.(2) | 123,419,184 | 110,544,068 | ||||||||||||
Palantir Lending Trust SPV I(3) | 1,608,604 | 1,608,604 | ||||||||||||
Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue)(4) | 359,479 | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 125,387,267 | $ | 112,152,672 |
_________________________________
(1)Realized gain does not include adjustments to amounts held in escrow receivable.
(2)As of March 4, 2021, all remaining shares of Palantir Technologies, Inc. held by us had been sold.
(3)The Palantir Lending Trust SPV I promissory note was initially collateralized with 2,260,000 Class A common shares of Palantir Technologies, Inc. to which SuRo Capital Corp. retains a beneficial equity upside interest. As of March 31, 2021, 712,290 Class A common shares remain in Palantir Lending Trust SPV I, none of which are subject to lock-up restrictions. The realized gain from SuRo Capital Corp.'s investment in Palantir Lending Trust SPV I is generated by the proceeds from the sale of a portion of the shares
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collateralizing the promissory note to Palantir Lending Trust SPV I and attributable to the Equity Participation in Underlying Collateral.
(4)As of March 31, 2021, approximately $0.4 million has been received from Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) related to the 15% term loan due December 23, 2023. Of the proceeds received, approximately $0.3 million repaid a portion of the outstanding principal and approximately $0.1 million was attributed to interest.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we did not write-off any investments.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are maintaining close communications with our portfolio companies to proactively assess and manage potential risks across our investment portfolio.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we did not fund any new investments.
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During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we did not capitalize any fees.
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we exited investments in an amount of $10,786,346, net of transaction costs, and realized a net gain on investments of approximately $6,978,240 (including U.S. Treasury investments and adjustments to amounts held in escrow receivable) as shown in following table:
Portfolio Investment | Transaction Date | Shares | Net Proceeds | Realized Gain(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Parchment, Inc. (2) | 1/31/2020 | 3,200,512 | $ | 10,786,346 | $ | 6,785,364 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 10,786,346 | $ | 6,785,364 |
_________________________________
(1)Realized gain does not include amounts held in escrow or any realized gain or loss incurred on the maturity of our U.S. Treasury investments.
(2)On January 31, 2020, Parchment, Inc. closed a merger with Credentials Solutions. As a result of the transaction, we received $10,786,346 in net proceeds and expect to receive approximately $110,000 in additional proceeds currently held in escrow.
During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we did not write-off any investments and our CUX, Inc. (d/b/a CorpU) Series D preferred warrants with a strike price of $4.59, expired on February 14, 2020.
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Results of Operations
Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Total Investment Income | $ | 291,352 | $ | 251,763 | ||||||||||
Interest income | 166,845 | 175,513 | ||||||||||||
Dividend income | 124,507 | 76,250 | ||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | $ | 3,125,670 | $ | 3,256,316 | ||||||||||
Compensation expense | 1,293,310 | 924,916 | ||||||||||||
Directors’ fees | 111,250 | 111,250 | ||||||||||||
Professional fees | 973,159 | 1,139,366 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 504,793 | 573,400 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 2,025 | 8,665 | ||||||||||||
Other expenses | 241,133 | 498,719 | ||||||||||||
Net Investment Loss | $ | (2,834,318) | $ | (3,004,553) | ||||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments | 112,152,518 | 6,978,240 | ||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments | (1,315,837) | (27,665,934) | ||||||||||||
Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 108,002,363 | $ | (23,692,247) |
Investment Income
Investment income increased to $291,352 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $251,763 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The net increase between periods was due to an increase in dividend income from NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.), Aventine Property Group, Inc. and interest income from the Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) term loan, Enjoy Technologies, Inc. convertible promissory note and Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a Lime) junior preferred convertible note. The increase was offset by a decrease in dividend income received from Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. during the three months ended March 31, 2021, relative to the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses decreased to $3,125,670 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $3,256,316 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease in operating expense was primarily due to the decrease in professional fees and other expenses. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2021, relative to the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Net Investment Loss
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized a net investment loss of $2,834,318, compared to a net investment loss of $3,004,553 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The change between periods resulted from the decrease in operating expenses and an increase in total investment income between periods during the three months ended March 31, 2021, relative to the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Net Realized Gain on Investments
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized a net realized gain on our investments of $112,152,518, compared to a net realized gain of $6,978,240 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The components of our net realized gains on portfolio investments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, excluding U.S. Treasury investments, are reflected in the tables above, under “—Portfolio and Investment Activity.”
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Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) of Investments
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we had a net change in unrealized depreciation of $1,315,837. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we had a net change in unrealized depreciation of $27,665,934. The following tables summarize, by portfolio company, the significant changes in unrealized appreciation and/or depreciation of our investment portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Portfolio Company | Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | Portfolio Company | Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
Coursera, Inc. | $ | 73,516,484 | Coursera, Inc. | $ | 1,137,694 | |||||||||||||||
Nextdoor.com, Inc. | 5,081,591 | Course Hero, Inc. | (1,038,511) | |||||||||||||||||
A Place for Rover Inc. (f/k/a DogVacay, Inc.) | 3,941,249 | Palantir Technologies, Inc. | (1,039,264) | |||||||||||||||||
Ozy Media, Inc. | 1,391,903 | NestGSV, Inc. (d/b/a GSV Labs, Inc.) | (2,494,963) | |||||||||||||||||
Aventine Property Group, Inc.(1) | 1,293,674 | SharesPost, Inc. | (2,549,092) | |||||||||||||||||
Enjoy Technology, Inc. | (2,434,915) | Ozy Media, Inc. | (6,349,135) | |||||||||||||||||
Course Hero, Inc. | (2,548,258) | Parchment, Inc.(1) | (6,895,603) | |||||||||||||||||
Palantir Technologies, Inc.(1) | (81,760,272) | Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a/ Lime) | (6,451,613) | |||||||||||||||||
Other(2) | 202,707 | Other(2) | (1,985,447) | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | (1,315,837) | Total | $ | (27,665,934) |
_______________________
(1)The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) reflected for these investments resulted from the full or partial sale, repayment, capital transaction (merger), or write-off of the investment, which resulted in the reversal of previously accrued unrealized appreciation/(depreciation), as applicable.
(2)“Other” represents investments (including U.S. Treasury bills) for which individual change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) was less than $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Recent Developments
Portfolio Activity
Please refer to “Note 12—Subsequent Events” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021 for details regarding activity in our investment portfolio from April 1, 2021 through May 5, 2021.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are maintaining close communications with our portfolio companies to proactively assess and manage potential risks across our investment portfolio.
We are frequently in negotiations with various private companies with respect to investments in such companies. Investments in private companies are generally subject to satisfaction of applicable closing conditions. In the case of secondary market transactions, such closing conditions may include approval of the issuer, waiver or failure to exercise rights of first refusal by the issuer and/or its stockholders and termination rights by the seller or us. Equity investments made through the secondary market may involve making deposits in escrow accounts until the applicable closing conditions are satisfied, at which time the escrow accounts will close and such equity investments will be effectuated.
Dividends
On May 4, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $2.50 per share payable on June 30, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 18, 2021. The ex-dividend date is May 17, 2021. The dividend will be paid in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock at the election of the stockholders, although the total amount of cash to be distributed to all stockholders will be limited to no more than 50% of the total dividend to be paid to all stockholders. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued to stockholders receiving all or a portion of the dividend in shares of common stock will be based on the volume weighted-average price per share of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on May 12, 13 and 14, 2021, less $2.50 to reflect the declared dividend.
This dividend is being made in accordance with certain applicable Treasury regulations and guidance issued by the IRS that allow a publicly traded RIC to satisfy its distribution requirements from a distribution paid partly in common stock provided certain requirements are satisfied. For additional information, please refer to "Certain Information Regarding the Dividends" in
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the Company's press release dated May 5, 2021 included as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 5, 2021.
COVID-19
The Company has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, its broader impact on the global economy and the more recent impacts on the U.S. economy. Subsequent to March 31, 2021, the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the related effect on the U.S. and global economies, may have adverse consequences for the business operations of some of the Company’s portfolio companies and, as a result, may have adverse effects on the Company’s operations. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, remain uncertain. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Company invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Company’s investments and negatively impact the Company’s performance.
As of May 5, 2021, there is no indication of a reportable subsequent event impacting the Company’s financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company continues to observe and respond to the evolving COVID-19 environment and its potential impact on areas across its business.
Second Amended Employment Agreements
On April 26, 2021, the Company entered into a second amended and restated employment agreement with each of Mark D. Klein, the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President (the “Second Amended Klein Agreement”), and Allison Green, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary (the “Second Amended Green Agreement”), which extended the term of their prior employment agreements, each dated April 28, 2020, to December 31, 2024. For more information, including descriptions of such agreements, please refer to the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021. Such descriptions of the Second Amended Klein Agreement and the Second Amended Green Agreement are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of such agreements filed as exhibits to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity and capital resources are generated primarily from the sales of our investments and the net proceeds from public offerings of our equity and debt securities, including pursuant to our continuous at-the-market offering of shares of our common stock as discussed below under "At-the-Market Offering". On March 28, 2018, we issued $40.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, as discussed further below and in “Note 10—Debt Capital Activities” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021.
Our primary uses of cash are to make investments, pay our operating expenses, and make distributions to our stockholders. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, our operating expenses were $3,125,670. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, our operating expenses were $3,256,316.
Cash Reserves and Liquid Securities | March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 165,699,565 | $ | 45,793,724 | ||||||||||
Securities of publicly traded portfolio companies: | ||||||||||||||
Unrestricted securities(1) | — | — | ||||||||||||
Subject to other sales restrictions(2) | 126,698,621 | 94,635,398 | ||||||||||||
Securities of publicly traded portfolio companies | 126,698,621 | 94,635,398 | ||||||||||||
Total Cash Reserves and Liquid Securities | $ | 292,398,186 | $ | 140,429,122 |
_______________________
(1)"Unrestricted securities" represents common stock of our publicly traded companies that are not subject to any restrictions upon sale. We may incur losses if we liquidate these positions to pay operating expenses or fund new investments. As of March 31, 2021, this balance was $0 as we were not holding any publicly traded portfolio companies that were not subject to other sales restrictions. As of December 31, 2020, this balance was $0 as we were not holding any publicly traded portfolio companies.
(2)As of March 31, 2021, this balance represents our shares of common stock in Coursera, Inc. that were subject to certain lock-up restrictions. As of December 31, 2020, this balance represented our shares of common stock in Palantir Technologies, Inc. that were subject to certain lock-up restrictions.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, cash increased to $165,699,565 from $45,793,724 at the beginning of the year. The increase in cash was primarily due to proceeds from the sale of our investment in Palantir Technologies, Inc. and
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Palantir Lending Trust SPV I, offset by cash used to purchase investments, pay dividends, redeem convertible notes, and cash used for our operating expenses.
Currently, we believe we have ample liquidity to support our near-term capital requirements. As the impact of the COVID-19 continues to unfold and consistent with past and current practices, we will continue to evaluate our overall liquidity position and take proactive steps to maintain the appropriate liquidity position based upon the current circumstances.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations as of March 31, 2021 is as follows:
Payments Due By Period ( in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | Less than 1 year | 1–3 years | 3–5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease liability | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share Repurchase Program
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we did not repurchase shares of our common stock pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program. As of March 31, 2021, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased under the Share Repurchase Program was approximately $9.6 million.
Under the Share Repurchase Program, we may repurchase our outstanding common stock in the open market provided that we comply with the prohibitions under our insider trading policies and procedures and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. For more information on the Share Repurchase Program, see “Note 5—Common Stock”.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of March 31, 2021, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, including any risk management of commodity pricing or other hedging practices. However, we may employ hedging and other risk management techniques in the future.
Equity Issuances & Debt Capital Activities
At-the-Market Offering
On July 29, 2020, the Company entered into an At-the-Market Sales Agreement, dated July 29, 2020 (the "Initial Sales Agreement"), with BTIG, LLC, JMP Securities LLC, and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., Inc. (collectively, the "Agents"). Under the Initial Sales Agreement, the Company may, but has no obligation to, issue and sell up to $50.0 million in aggregate amount of shares of its common stock (the "Shares") from time to time through the Agents or to them as principal for their own account (the "ATM Program"). On September 23, 2020, the Company increased the maximum amount of Shares to be sold through the ATM Program to $150.0 million from $50.0 million. In connection with the upsize of the ATM Program to $150.0 million, the Company entered into the Amendment No. 1 to the At-the-Market Sales Agreement, dated September 23, 2020, with the Agents. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the ATM Program to make investments in portfolio companies in accordance with its investment objective and strategy and for general corporate purposes.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company did not issue or sell any shares under the ATM Program. As of March 31, 2021, up to $99.1 million in aggregate amount of the Shares remain available for sale under the ATM Program. Refer to “Note 5—Common Stock” to our consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021 for more information regarding the ATM Program.
4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023
On March 28, 2018, we issued $40.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, which bore interest at a fixed rate of 4.75% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 31 and September 30 of each year, commencing on September 30, 2018. We received approximately $38.2 million in proceeds from the offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. The 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 had a maturity date of March 28, 2023, unless previously repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms. We did not have the right to redeem the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 prior to March 27, 2021.
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On March 29, 2021, the Company redeemed $0.3 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount ($1,000 per convertible note), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, which amounted to approximately $0.8 million. As a result of this redemption and prior conversions of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 into shares of our common stock by the holders thereof, the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 were no longer outstanding as of March 29, 2021.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 the Company issued 4,097,808 shares of its common stock and cash for fractional shares upon the conversion of approximately $37.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023. The Company also redeemed approximately $0.3 million of aggregate principal amount for cash plus accrued and unpaid interest on March 29, 2021.
Refer to “Note 10—Debt Capital Activities” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021 for more information regarding the 4.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023.
Distributions
The timing and amount of our distributions, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors and will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. The following table lists the distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared since our formation through March 31, 2021. The table is divided by fiscal year according to record date:
Date Declared | Record Date | Payment Date | Amount per Share | |||||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2015: | ||||||||||||||||||||
November 4, 2015(1) | November 16, 2015 | December 31, 2015 | $ | 2.76 | ||||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2016: | ||||||||||||||||||||
August 3, 2016(2) | August 16, 2016 | August 24, 2016 | 0.04 | |||||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2019: | ||||||||||||||||||||
November 5, 2019(3) | December 2, 2019 | December 12, 2019 | 0.20 | |||||||||||||||||
December 20, 2019(4) | December 31, 2019 | January 15, 2020 | 0.12 | |||||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2020: | ||||||||||||||||||||
July 29, 2020(5) | August 11, 2020 | August 25, 2020 | 0.15 | |||||||||||||||||
September 28, 2020(6) | October 5, 2020 | October 20, 2020 | 0.25 | |||||||||||||||||
October 28, 2020(7) | November 10, 2020 | November 30, 2020 | 0.25 | |||||||||||||||||
December 16, 2020(8) | December 30, 2020 | January 15, 2021 | 0.22 | |||||||||||||||||
Fiscal 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||
January 26, 2021(9) | February 5, 2021 | February 19, 2021 | 0.25 | |||||||||||||||||
March 8, 2021(10) | March 30, 2021 | April 15, 2021 | 0.25 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4.49 |
___________________
(1) The distribution was paid in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of stockholders, although the total amount of cash distributed to all stockholders was limited to approximately 50% of the total distribution to be paid to all stockholders. As a result of stockholder elections, the distribution consisted of 2,860,903 shares of common stock issued in lieu of cash, or approximately 14.8% of our outstanding shares prior to the distribution, as well as cash of $26,358,885. The number of shares of common stock comprising the stock portion was calculated based on a price of $9.425 per share, which equaled the average of the volume weighted-average trading price per share of our common stock on December 28, 29 and 30, 2015. None of the $2.76 per share distribution represented a return of capital.
(2) Of the total distribution of $887,240 on August 24, 2016, $820,753 represented a distribution from realized gains, and $66,487 represented a return of capital.
(3) All of the $3,512,849 distribution paid on December 12, 2019 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital.
(4) All of the $2,107,709 distribution paid on January 15, 2020 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital.
(5) All of the $2,516,452 distribution paid on August 25, 2020 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital.
(6) All of the $5,071,326 distribution paid on October 20, 2020 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital.
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(7) All of the $4,978,504 distribution paid on November 30, 2020 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital.
(8) All of the $4,381,084 distribution paid on January 15, 2021 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital.
(9) All of the $4,981,131 distribution paid on February 19, 2021 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital.
(10) All of the $6,051,304 distribution paid on April 15, 2021 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital.
We intend to focus on making capital gains-based investments from which we will derive primarily capital gains. As a consequence, we do not anticipate that we will pay distributions on a quarterly basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions, and we expect that our distributions, if any, will be much less consistent than the distributions of other BDCs that primarily make debt investments. If there are earnings or realized capital gains to be distributed, we intend to declare and pay a distribution at least annually. The amount of realized capital gains available for distribution to stockholders will be impacted by our tax status.
Our current intention is to make any future distributions out of assets legally available therefrom in the form of additional shares of our common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan, except in the case of stockholders who elect to receive dividends and/or long-term capital gains distributions in cash. Under the dividend reinvestment plan, if a stockholder owns shares of common stock registered in its own name, the stockholder will have all cash distributions (net of any applicable withholding) automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock unless the stockholder opts out of our dividend reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to our dividend paying agent prior to the record date of the next dividend or distribution. Any distributions reinvested under the plan will nevertheless be treated as received by the U.S. stockholder for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although no cash distribution has been made. As a result, if a stockholder does not elect to opt out of the dividend reinvestment plan, it will be required to pay applicable federal, state and local taxes on any reinvested dividends even though such stockholder will not receive a corresponding cash distribution. Stockholders that hold shares in the name of a broker or financial intermediary should contact the broker or financial intermediary regarding any election to receive distributions in cash.
So long as we qualify and maintain our tax treatment as a RIC, we generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal and state income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute at least annually to our stockholders as dividends. Rather, any tax liability related to income earned by the RIC will represent obligations of our investors and will not be reflected in our consolidated financial statements. See “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies—U.S. Federal and State Income Taxes” and “Note 9—Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021 for more information. The Taxable Subsidiaries included in our consolidated financial statements are taxable subsidiaries, regardless of whether we are taxed as a RIC. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated for income tax purposes and may generate income tax expenses as a result of their ownership of the portfolio companies. Such income tax expenses and deferred taxes, if any, will be reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies and practices are the policies that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. These include estimates of the fair value of our Level 3 investments and other estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. It is likely that changes in these estimates will occur in the near term. Our estimates are inherently subjective in nature and actual results could differ materially from such estimates. See “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021 for further detail regarding our critical accounting policies and recently issued or adopted accounting pronouncements.
Related-Party Transactions
See “Note 3—Related-Party Arrangements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2021 for more information.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk
Our equity investments are primarily in growth companies that in many cases have short operating histories and are generally illiquid. In addition to the risk that these companies may fail to achieve their objectives, the price we may receive for these companies in private transactions may be significantly impacted by periods of disruption and instability in the capital markets. While these periods of disruption generally have little actual impact on the operating results of our equity investments, these events may significantly impact the prices that market participants will pay for our equity investments in private transactions. This may have a significant impact on the valuation of our equity investments.
Valuation Risk
Our investments may not have a readily available market price, and we value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors in accordance with our valuation policy. There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. 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 fluctuate from period to period. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and it is possible that the difference could be material. In addition, if we were required to liquidate a portfolio investment in a forced or liquidation sale, we may realize amounts that are different from the amounts presented and such differences could be material.
Interest Rate Risk
We are subject to financial market risks, which could include, to the extent we utilize leverage with variable rate structures, changes in interest rates. As we invest primarily in equity rather than debt instruments, we would not expect fluctuations in interest rates to directly impact the return on our portfolio investments, although any significant change in market interest rates could potentially have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the portfolio companies in which we invest.
As of March 31, 2021, all of our debt investments and outstanding borrowings bore fixed rates of interest.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of March 31, 2021, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provided reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our periodic SEC filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. However, in evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of such possible controls and procedures.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, are any material legal proceedings threatened against us. From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies. Furthermore, third parties may seek to impose liability on us in connection with the activities of our portfolio companies. Our business is also subject to extensive regulation, which may result in regulatory proceedings against us. While the outcome of any future legal or regulatory proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that any such future proceedings will have a material effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investing in our securities involves a number of significant risks. In addition to the other information contained in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 12, 2021, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. Although the risks described below and in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 represent the principal risks associated with an investment in us, they are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, might materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. Other than as described below, during the three months ended March 31, 2021, there have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of Part I of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates.
Because we may borrow money to make investments, our net investment income may depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. A reduction in the interest rates on new investments relative to interest rates on current investments could have an adverse impact on our net investment income. However, an increase in interest rates could decrease the value of any investments we hold which earn fixed interest rates and also could increase our interest expense, thereby decreasing our net income. Also, an increase in interest rates available to investors could make an investment in our common stock less attractive if we are not able to increase our distribution rate, which could reduce the value of our common stock. Further, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance if such increases cause our borrowing costs to rise at a rate in excess of the rate that our investments yield.
In periods of rising interest rates, to the extent we borrow money subject to a floating interest rate, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income. Further, rising interest rates could also adversely affect our performance if we hold investments with floating interest rates, subject to specified minimum interest rates (such as a LIBOR floor), while at the same time engaging in borrowings subject to floating interest rates not subject to such minimums. In such a scenario, rising interest rates may increase our interest expense, even though our interest income from investments is not increasing in a corresponding manner as a result of such minimum interest rates.
If general interest rates rise, there is a risk that the portfolio companies in which we may hold floating rate securities will be unable to pay escalating interest amounts, which could result in a default under their loan documents with us (if any). Rising interest rates could also cause portfolio companies to shift cash from other productive uses to the payment of interest, which may have a material adverse effect on their business and operations and could, over time, lead to increased defaults. In addition, rising interest rates may increase pressure on us to provide fixed rate loans to our portfolio companies, which could adversely affect our net investment income, as increases in our cost of borrowed funds would not be accompanied by increased interest income from such fixed-rate investments.
On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA"), which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. On November 30, 2020, ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), the administrator of LIBOR, with the support of the United States Federal Reserve and the FCA, announced plans to consult on ceasing publication of USD LIBOR on December 31, 2021 for only the one week and two month USD LIBOR tenors, and on June 30, 2023 for all other USD LIBOR tenors, which the FCA subsequently confirmed on March 5, 2021. The United States Federal Reserve concurrently issued a statement advising banks to stop new USD LIBOR issuances by the end of 2021. Such announcements indicate that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. It
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appears highly likely that LIBOR will be discontinued or modified by 2021. 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 a new index calculated by short term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities called the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The first publication of SOFR was released in April 2018. Whether or not SOFR attains market traction as a LIBOR replacement remains a question and the future of LIBOR at this time is uncertain. Although SOFR appears to be the preferred replacement rate for U.S. dollar LIBOR at this time, it is not possible to predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative reference rates or any other reforms to LIBOR that may be enacted. The elimination of LIBOR or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us or on our overall financial condition or results of operations. In addition, if LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate credit agreements extending beyond 2021 with our portfolio companies that utilize LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate, in order to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established, which may have an adverse effect on our overall financial condition or results of operations. Following the replacement of LIBOR, some or all of these credit agreements may bear interest a lower interest rate, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. Moreover, if LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate certain terms of our credit facilities, if any. If we are unable to do so, amounts drawn under our credit facilities (if any) may bear interest at a higher rate, which would increase the cost of our borrowings and, in turn, affect our results of operations.
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
We did not sell any equity securities during the period covered in this report that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities(1)
Information relating to the Company’s purchases of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased(2) | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Share Repurchase Program | ||||||||||||||||||||||
January 1 through January 31, 2021 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 9,617,312 | ||||||||||||||||||||
February 1 through February 28, 2021 | — | — | — | 9,617,312 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
March 1 through March 31, 2021 | 16,610 | 11.91 | — | 9,617,312 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 16,610 | — |
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we did not repurchase shares of our common stock pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program.
_______________________
(1)On August 8, 2017, we announced the $5.0 million discretionary open-market Share Repurchase Program under which our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of shares of our common stock in the open market until the earlier of (i) August 6, 2018 or (ii) the repurchase of $5.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. On November 7, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized an extension of, and an increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under, the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) November 6, 2018 or (ii) the repurchase of $10.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. On May 3, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $5.0 million increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) November 6, 2018 or (ii) the repurchase of $15.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. On November 1, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $5.0 million increase in the amount of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) October 31, 2019 or (ii) the repurchase of $20.0 million in aggregate amount of the Company’s common stock. On August 5, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized a $5.0 million increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) August 4, 2020 or (ii) the repurchase of $25.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. On March 9, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a $5.0 million increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) March 8, 2021 or (ii) the repurchase of $30.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. On October 28, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a $10.0 million increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under the discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) October 31, 2021 or (ii) the repurchase of $40.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. The timing and number of shares to be repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions and alternative investment opportunities. The Share Repurchase Program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason and does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares of our common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 1,655,848 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program. As of March 31, 2021, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased by the Company under the Share Repurchase Program was approximately $9.6 million.
(2)Includes purchases of our common stock made on the open market by or on behalf of any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 10b-18(a)(3), of the Company.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
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Item 5. Other Information
Not applicable.
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Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or hereby incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed with the SEC:
3.1 | |||||
3.2 | |||||
3.3 | |||||
3.4 | |||||
3.5 | |||||
10.1 | |||||
10.2 | |||||
31.1 | |||||
31.2 | |||||
32.1 | |||||
32.2 | |||||
__________________
(1) Previously filed in connection with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-171578), filed on March 30, 2011, and incorporated by reference herein.
(2) Previously filed in connection with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00852), filed on June 1, 2011, and incorporated by reference herein.
(3) Previously filed in connection with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00852) filed on August 1, 2019, and incorporated by reference herein.
(4) Previously filed in connection with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 814-00852) filed on June 16, 2020, and incorporated by reference herein.
* 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.
SURO CAPITAL CORP. | |||||||||||
Date: | May 6, 2021 | By: | /s/ Mark D. Klein | ||||||||
Mark D. Klein | |||||||||||
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | |||||||||||
(Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||||
Date: | May 6, 2021 | By: | /s/ Allison Green | ||||||||
Allison Green | |||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Treasurer, and Corporate Secretary | |||||||||||
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |||||||||||
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