ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. In addition, some of the statements in this Annual Report (including in the following discussion) constitute forward- looking statements, which relate to future events or the future performance or financial condition ofAres Capital Corporation (the "Company," "Ares Capital ," "we," "us," or "our"). The forward-looking statements contained in this report involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements concerning:
•our, or our portfolio companies', future business, operations, operating results or prospects;
•the return or impact of current and future investments;
•the impact of global health crises, such as the current novel coronavirus
("COVID-19") pandemic, on our or our portfolio companies' business and the U.S.
and global economy;
•the impact of a protracted decline in the liquidity of credit markets on our business;
•the impact of the elimination of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and implementation of alternatives to LIBOR on our operating results;
•the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on our business;
•the impact of changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation thereof), including the tax laws, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, governing our operations or the operations of our portfolio companies or the operations of our competitors; •theMarch 2022 expiration of theSecurities and Exchange Commission's ("theSEC ") temporary no action position with respect to allowing co-investments with certain other funds managed by the investment adviser or its affiliates;
•the valuation of our investments in portfolio companies, particularly those having no liquid trading market;
•our ability to recover unrealized losses;
•market conditions and our ability to access alternative debt markets and additional debt and equity capital and our ability to manage our capital resources effectively;
•our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;
•the state of the general economy;
•the impact of supply chain constraints on our portfolio companies and the global economy;
•the elevating levels of inflation, and its impact on our portfolio companies and on the industries in which we invest;
•uncertainty surrounding global financial stability;
•the social, geopolitical, financial, trade and legal implications of Brexit;
•Middle East turmoil and the potential for volatility in energy prices and its impact on the industries in which we invest;
•the financial condition of our current and prospective portfolio companies and their ability to achieve their objectives;
•the impact of information technology system failures, data security breaches, data privacy compliance, network disruptions, and cybersecurity attacks;
64
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------•our ability to raise capital in the private and public debt markets;
•our ability to successfully complete and integrate any acquisitions;
•the outcome and impact of any litigation;
•the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;
•the timing, form and amount of any dividend distributions;
•the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies; and
•the ability of our investment adviser to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments.
We use words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "will," "should," "may" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. Our actual results and condition could differ materially from those implied or expressed in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors set forth in "Risk Factors" and the other information included in this Annual Report. We have based the forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on information available to us on the filing date of this Annual Report, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we have filed or in the future may file with theSEC , including annual reports on Form 10-K, registration statements on Form N-2, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.
OVERVIEW
We are a specialty finance company that is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company incorporated inMaryland . We have elected to be regulated as a business development company ("BDC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the "Investment Company Act").
We are externally managed by
Our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. We invest primarily in first lien senior secured loans (including "unitranche" loans, which are loans that combine both senior and subordinated debt, generally in a first lien position) and second lien senior secured loans. In addition to senior secured loans, we also invest in subordinated loans (sometimes referred to as mezzanine debt), which in some cases includes an equity component and preferred equity. To a lesser extent, we also make common equity investments, which have generally been non-control equity investments of less than$20 million (usually in conjunction with a concurrent debt investment). However, we may increase the size or change the nature of these investments. Since our initial public offering ("IPO") onOctober 8, 2004 throughDecember 31, 2021 , our exited investments resulted in an asset level realized gross internal rate of return to us of approximately 14% (based on original cash invested, net of syndications, of approximately$36.6 billion and total proceeds from such exited investments of approximately$46.9 billion ). Internal rate of return is the discount rate that makes the net present value of all cash flows related to a particular investment equal to zero. Internal rate of return is gross of expenses related to investments as these expenses are not allocable to specific investments. Investments are considered to be exited when the original investment objective has been achieved through the receipt of cash and/or non-cash consideration upon the repayment of a debt investment or sale of an investment or through the determination that no further consideration was collectible and, thus, a loss may have been realized. Approximately 57% of these exited investments resulted in an asset level realized gross internal rate of return to us of 10% or greater. 65 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additionally, since our IPO onOctober 8, 2004 throughDecember 31, 2021 , our realized gains have exceeded our realized losses by approximately$1.0 billion (excluding a one-time gain on the acquisition ofAllied Capital Corporation ("Allied Capital ") inApril 2010 (the "Allied Acquisition") and realized gains/losses from the extinguishment of debt and other transactions). For this same time period, our average annualized net realized gain rate was approximately 1.0% (excluding a one-time gain on the acquisition ofAllied Capital and realized gains/losses from the extinguishment of debt and other transactions). Net realized gain/loss rates for a particular period are the amount of net realized gains/losses during such period divided by the average quarterly investments at amortized cost in such period. Information included herein regarding internal rates of return, realized gains and losses and annualized net realized gain rates are historical results relating to our past performance and are not necessarily indicative of future results, the achievement of which cannot be assured. As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in "qualifying assets," including securities and indebtedness of privateU.S. companies and certain publicU.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents,U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. We also may invest up to 30% of our portfolio in non-qualifying assets, as permitted by the Investment Company Act. Specifically, as part of this 30% basket, we may invest in entities that are not considered "eligible portfolio companies" (as defined in the Investment Company Act), including companies located outside ofthe United States , entities that are operating pursuant to certain exceptions under the Investment Company Act, and publicly traded entities whose public equity market capitalization exceeds the levels provided for under the Investment Company Act. We have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. To qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to our stockholders generally at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. Pursuant to this election, we generally will not have to payU.S. federal corporate-level taxes on any income that we distribute to our stockholders provided that we satisfy those requirements. 66 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY
Our investment activity for the years ended
For the Years Ended December 31,
(dollar amounts in millions) 2021 2020
New investment commitments(1):
New portfolio companies $ 7,540 $ 3,070
Existing portfolio companies 8,033 3,633
Total new investment commitments(2) 15,573 6,703
Less:
Investment commitments exited(3) (11,195) (5,786) Net investment commitments$ 4,378 $ 917 Principal amount of investments funded: First lien senior secured loans(4)$ 8,835 $ 4,966 Second lien senior secured loans 2,497 819 Subordinated certificates of the SDLP(5) 232 308 Senior subordinated loans 445 269 Preferred equity 930 219 Other equity 949 160 Total$ 13,888 $ 6,741 Principal amount of investments sold or repaid: First lien senior secured loans(4)$ 6,503 $ 4,503 Second lien senior secured loans 2,318 903 Subordinated certificates of the SDLP(5) 368 94 Senior subordinated loans 442 142 Collateralized loan obligations - 39 Preferred equity 474 65 Other equity 148 112 Total$ 10,253 $ 5,858 Number of new investment commitments(6) 242 142 Average new investment commitment amount$ 64 $ 47 Weighted average term for new investment commitments (in months) 76 71 Percentage of new investment commitments at floating rates 86 % 93 % Percentage of new investment commitments at fixed rates 8 % 4 %
Weighted average yield of debt and other income producing securities(7): Funded during the period at amortized cost
7.8 % 7.8 %
Funded during the period at fair value(8) 7.9 % 7.9 %
Exited or repaid during the period at amortized cost 8.0 % 7.8 %
Exited or repaid during the period at fair value(8) 8.0 % 7.8 %
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)New investment commitments include new agreements to fund revolving loans or
delayed draw loans. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2021 , for more information on our commitments to fund
revolving loans or delayed draw loans.
(2)Includes both funded and unfunded commitments. Of these new investment
commitments, we funded
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(3)Includes both funded and unfunded commitments. For the years ended
(4)For the year ended
(5)See "Senior Direct Lending Program" below and Note 4 to our consolidated
financial statements for the year ended
(6)Number of new investment commitments represents each commitment to a particular portfolio company or a commitment to multiple companies as part of an individual transaction (e.g., the purchase of a portfolio of investments).
(7)"Weighted average yield of debt and other income producing securities" is computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of original issue discount and market discount or premium earned on accruing debt and other income producing securities (including the annualized amount of the dividend received by us related to our equity investment in IHAM during the most recent quarter end, as applicable), divided by (b) the total accruing debt and other income producing securities at amortized cost or at fair value (including the amortized cost or fair value of our equity investment in IHAM as applicable), as applicable.
(8)Represents fair value for investments in the portfolio as of the most recent prior quarter end, if applicable.
As ofDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, our investments consisted of the following: As of December 31, 2021 2020 (in millions) Amortized Cost Fair Value(1) Amortized Cost Fair Value(1) First lien senior secured loans(2) $ 9,583 $
9,459 $ 7,224
4,614 4,524 4,386 4,171
Subordinated certificates of the SDLP(3) 987 987 1,123 1,123
Senior subordinated loans 912 906 1,005 951
Preferred equity 1,547 1,561 1,020 926
Other equity 2,167 2,572 1,156 1,357
Total $ 19,810 $ 20,009 $ 15,914 $ 15,515 _______________________________________________________________________________
(1)As ofDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, the fair value of certain of our investments was negatively impacted by the uncertainty surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, see "Results of Operations - Net Unrealized Gains/Losses." (2)First lien senior secured loans include certain loans that we classify as "unitranche" loans. The total amortized cost and fair value of the loans that we classified as "unitranche" loans were$5.2 billion and$5.2 billion , respectively, as ofDecember 31, 2021 , and$2.9 billion and$2.8 billion , respectively, as ofDecember 31, 2020 . (3)The proceeds from these certificates were applied to co-investments withVaragon Capital Partners ("Varagon") and its clients to fund first lien senior secured loans to 19 and 23 different borrowers as ofDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We have commitments to fund various revolving and delayed draw senior secured and subordinated loans, including commitments to fund which are at (or substantially at) our discretion. Our commitment to fund delayed draw loans is triggered upon the satisfaction of certain pre-negotiated terms and conditions. Generally, the most significant and uncertain term requires the borrower to satisfy a specific use of proceeds covenant. The use of proceeds covenant typically requires the borrower to use the additional loans for the specific purpose of a permitted acquisition or permitted investment, for example. In addition to the use of proceeds covenant, the borrower is generally required to satisfy additional negotiated covenants (including specified leverage levels). We are also party to subscription agreements to fund equity investments in private equity investment partnerships. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 for more information on our unfunded commitments, including commitments to issue letters of credit, related to certain of our portfolio companies. 68 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The weighted average yields at amortized cost and fair value of the following
portions of our portfolio as of
As of December 31,
2021 2020
Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
Debt and other income producing securities(1) 8.7 % 8.7 % 9.3 % 9.4 %
Total portfolio(2) 7.9 % 7.9 % 8.5 % 8.7 %
First lien senior secured loans(3) 7.2 % 7.3 % 7.7 % 8.0 %
Second lien senior secured loans(3) 8.6 % 8.8 % 8.7 % 9.1 %
Subordinated certificates of the SDLP(3)(5) 13.5 % 13.5 % 13.5 % 13.5 %
Senior subordinated loans(3) 10.2 % 10.3 % 9.0 % 9.5 %
Income producing equity securities(4) 12.0 % 10.8 % 13.4 % 12.2 %
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)"Weighted average yield on debt and other income producing securities" is
computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net
annual amortization of original issue discount and market discount or premium
earned on accruing debt and other income producing securities (including the
annualized amount of the dividend received by us related to our equity
investment in IHAM during the most recent quarter end), divided by (b) the total
accruing debt and other income producing securities at amortized cost or at fair
value (including the amortized cost or fair value of our equity investment in
IHAM as applicable), as applicable.
(2)"Weighted average yield on total portfolio" is computed as (a) the annual
stated interest rate or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of
original issue discount and market discount or premium earned on accruing debt
and other income producing securities (including the annualized amount of the
dividend received by us related to our equity investment in IHAM during the most
recent quarter end), divided by (b) total investments at amortized cost or at
fair value, as applicable.
(3)"Weighted average yields" are computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate
or yield earned plus the net annual amortization of original issue discount and
market discount or premium earned on the relevant accruing investments, divided
by (b) the total relevant investments at amortized cost or at fair value, as
applicable.
(4)"Weighted average yield on income producing equity securities" is computed as
(a) the yield earned on the relevant income producing equity securities
(including the annualized amount of the dividend received by us related to our
equity investment in IHAM during the most recent quarter end), divided by (b)
the total relevant income producing equity securities at amortized cost or fair
value (including amortized cost or fair value of our equity investment in IHAM),
as applicable.
(5)The proceeds from these certificates were applied to co-investments with Varagon and its clients to fund first lien senior secured loans.
Ares Capital Management employs an investment rating system to categorize our investments. In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, our investment adviser grades the credit risk of all investments on a scale of 1 to 4 no less frequently than quarterly. This system is intended primarily to reflect the underlying risk of a portfolio investment relative to our initial cost basis in respect of such portfolio investment (i.e., at the time of origination or acquisition), although it may also take into account under certain circumstances the performance of the portfolio company's business, the collateral coverage of the investment and other relevant factors. The grade of a portfolio investment may be reduced or increased over time. The following is a description of each investment grade: 69 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment grade Description
4 Involves the least amount of risk to our initial cost basis. The
trends and risk factors for thisinvestment since origination or
acquisition are generally favorable, which may include the
performance of the portfolio company or a potential exit.
3 Involves a level of risk to our initial cost basis that is similar to
the risk to our initial cost basis at the time of origination or
acquisition. This portfolio company is generally performing as
expected and the risk factors to ourability to ultimately recoup the
cost of our investment are neutral to favorable. All investments or
acquired investments in new portfolio companies are initially
assessed a grade of 3.
2 Indicates that the risk to our ability to recoup the initial cost
basis of such investment has increased materially since origination
or acquisition, including as a result of factors such as declining
performance and non-compliance withdebt covenants; however, payments
are generally not more than 120 days past due. For investments graded
2, our investment adviser enhances its level of scrutiny over the
monitoring of such portfolio company.
1 Indicates that the risk to our ability to recoup the initial cost
basis of such investment hassubstantially increased since
origination or acquisition, and the portfolio company likely has
materially declining performance. For debt investments with an
investment grade of 1, most or all of the debt covenants are out of
compliance and payments are substantially delinquent. For investments
graded 1, it is anticipated that we will not recoup our initial cost
basis and may realize a substantial loss of our initial cost basis
upon exit. For investments graded 1, our investment adviser enhances
its level of scrutiny over the monitoring of such portfolio company.
Set forth below is the grade distribution of our portfolio companies as of
As of December 31,
2021 2020
(dollar amounts in Number of Number of
millions) Fair Value % Companies % Fair Value % Companies %
Grade 4 $ 3,422 17.1 % 49 12.7 % $ 1,596 10.3 % 34 9.7 %
Grade 3 15,529 77.6 294 76.0 11,756 75.8 244 69.8
Grade 2 910 4.5 24 6.1 2,046 13.2 47 13.4
Grade 1 148 0.8 20 5.2 117 0.7 25 7.1
Total $ 20,009 100.0 % 387 100.0 % $ 15,515 100.0 % 350 100.0 %
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the weighted average grade of the investments
in our portfolio at fair value was 3.1 and 3.0, respectively. The increase in
the fair value of investments graded 4 was primarily due to recognition of
unrealized appreciation in certain of our equity investments. As of December 31,
2021 , investments graded 1 and 2 included certain of our portfolio investments
which had increased risk due to supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures
and the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing uncertainty surrounding its full
duration and impact. For more information, see "Results of Operations - Net
Unrealized Gains/Losses."
As of December 31, 2021 , loans on non-accrual status represented 0.8% and 0.5%
of the total investments at amortized cost and at fair value, respectively. As
of December 31, 2020 , loans on non-accrual status represented 3.3% and 2.0% of
the total investments at amortized cost and at fair value, respectively.
Senior Direct Lending Program
We have established a joint venture with Varagon to make certain first lien senior secured loans, including certain stretch senior and unitranche loans, primarily toU.S. middle-market companies. Varagon was formed in 2013 as a lending platform by American International Group, Inc. and other partners. The joint venture is called theSenior Direct Lending Program, LLC (d/b/a the "Senior Direct Lending Program" or the "SDLP"). InJuly 2016 , we and Varagon and its clients completed the initial funding of the SDLP. The SDLP may generally commit and hold individual loans of up to$350 million . The SDLP is capitalized as transactions are completed and all portfolio decisions and generally all other decisions in respect of the SDLP must be approved by an investment committee of the SDLP consisting of representatives of ours and Varagon (with approval from a representative of each required). 70 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We provide capital to the SDLP in the form of subordinated certificates (the "SDLP Certificates"), and Varagon and its clients provide capital to the SDLP in the form of senior notes, intermediate funding notes and SDLP Certificates. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , we and a client of Varagon owned 87.5% and 12.5%, respectively, of the outstanding SDLP Certificates. As ofDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, we and Varagon and its clients had agreed to make capital available to the SDLP of$6.2 billion and$6.2 billion , respectively, in the aggregate, of which$1.4 billion and$1.4 billion , respectively, is to be made available from us. This capital will only be committed to the SDLP upon approval of transactions by the investment committee of the SDLP. Below is a summary of the funded capital and unfunded capital commitments of the SDLP. As of December 31, (in millions) 2021 2020 Total capital funded to the SDLP(1)$ 4,168 $ 4,772 Total capital funded to the SDLP by the Company(1)$ 987 $ 1,123 Total unfunded capital commitments to the SDLP(2)$ 262 $ 152
Total unfunded capital commitments to the SDLP by the Company(2) $
62$ 37
___________________________________________________________________________
(1) At principal amount.
(2)These commitments to fund delayed draw loans have been approved by the investment committee of the SDLP and will be funded if and when conditions to funding such delayed draw loans are met.
The SDLP Certificates pay a coupon equal to LIBOR plus 8.0% and also entitle the holders thereof to receive a portion of the excess cash flow from the loan portfolio, after expenses, which may result in a return to the holders of the SDLP Certificates that is greater than the stated coupon. The SDLP Certificates are junior in right of payment to the senior notes and intermediate funding notes. The amortized cost and fair value of our SDLP Certificates were$1.0 billion and$1.0 billion , respectively, as ofDecember 31, 2021 and$1.1 billion and$1.1 billion , respectively, as ofDecember 31, 2020 . Our yield on our investment in the SDLP Certificates at amortized cost and fair value was 13.5% and 13.5%, respectively, as ofDecember 31, 2021 and 13.5% and 13.5%, respectively, as ofDecember 31, 2020 . For the years endedDecember 31, 2021 , 2020 and 2019, we earned interest income of$138 million ,$127 million and$122 million , respectively, from our investment in the SDLP Certificates. We are also entitled to certain fees in connection with the SDLP. For the years endedDecember 31, 2021 , 2020 and 2019, in connection with the SDLP, we earned capital structuring service and other fees totaling$22 million ,$23 million and$25 million , respectively. As ofDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, the SDLP portfolio was comprised entirely of first lien senior secured loans primarily toU.S. middle-market companies and were in industries similar to the companies in our portfolio. As ofDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, none of the loans were on non-accrual status. Below is a summary of the SDLP's portfolio as ofDecember 31, 2021 and 2020: As ofDecember 31 , (dollar amounts in millions) 2021
2020
Total first lien senior secured loans(1)(2)$ 4,194 $ 4,483 Weighted average yield on first lien senior secured loans(3) 6.7 % 6.9 % Largest loan to a single borrower(1)$ 342 $ 345 Total of five largest loans to borrowers(1)$ 1,540 $ 1,565 Number of borrowers in the SDLP 19
23
Commitments to fund delayed draw loans(4)$ 262
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)At principal amount.
(2)First lien senior secured loans include certain loans that the SDLP
classifies as "unitranche" loans. As of
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------(3) Computed as (a) the annual stated interest rate on accruing first lien senior secured loans, divided by (b) total first lien senior secured loans at principal amount.
(4)As discussed above, these commitments have been approved by the investment committee of the SDLP.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended
Operating results for the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, (in millions) 2021 2020 Total investment income$ 1,820 $ 1,511 Total expenses 1,050 698 Net investment income before income taxes 770 813 Income tax expense, including excise tax 29 19 Net investment income 741 794
Net realized gains (losses) on investments, foreign currency and other transactions
240 (166)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments, foreign currency and other transactions
586 (144)
Net increase in stockholders' equity resulting from operations $
1,567
Net income can vary substantially from period to period due to various factors,
including acquisitions, the level of new investment commitments, the recognition
of realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation. As a
result, comparisons of net increase in stockholders' equity resulting from
operations may not be meaningful.
Investment Income
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2021 2020
Interest income from investments $ 1,247 $ 1,159
Capital structuring service fees 306 149
Dividend income 222 149
Other income 45 54
Total investment income $ 1,820 $ 1,511
Interest income from investments for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased
from the comparable period in 2020 primarily as a result of the increase in the
average size of our portfolio. This increase in interest income from the
increase in the average size of our portfolio was partially offset against a
decrease in the weighted average yield of our portfolio. The decline in the
weighted average yield of our portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2021 , as
compared to the same period in 2020, was primarily due to the portfolio rotation
into lower yielding senior secured loans. The average size and weighted average
yield of our portfolio at amortized cost for the years ended December 31, 2021
and 2020 were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2021 2020
Average size of portfolio $ 17,053 $ 15,187
Weighted average yield on portfolio 8.5 % 8.6 %
Capital structuring service fees for the year ended
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2021 2020
New investment commitments $ 15,573 $ 6,703
Weighted average capital structuring service fee percentages 2.0 % 2.2 %
Dividend income for the years ended
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For the Years Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2021 2020
Dividend income received from IHAM $ 93 $ 74
Recurring dividends 110 73
Non-recurring dividends 19 2
Total dividend income $ 222 $ 149
Recurring dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased from
the comparable period in 2020 primarily due to an increase in yielding preferred
equity investments.
Operating Expenses
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2021 2020
Interest and credit facility fees $ 372 $ 317
Base management fees 253 217
Income based fees 225 184
Capital gains incentive fees(1) 161 (58)
Administrative fees 15
13
Other general and administrative 24 25 Total expenses $ 1,050$ 698
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)Calculated in accordance with
Interest and credit facility fees for the years ended
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2021 2020
Stated interest expense $ 308 $ 274
Credit facility fees 33 13
Amortization of debt issuance costs 29 23
Net accretion of discount on notes payable 2 7
Total interest and credit facility fees $
372
Stated interest expense for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 increased from the comparable period in 2020 primarily due to the increase in the average principal amount of debt outstanding. The decrease in our weighted average stated interest rate for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 from the comparable period in 2020 was primarily due to the issuance of lower cost unsecured notes as well as the decline in LIBOR, which lowered the stated interest rate on our revolving credit facilities. Average debt outstanding and weighted average stated interest rate on our debt outstanding for the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, (in millions) 2021 2020 Average debt outstanding$ 9,411 $ 7,781 Weighted average stated interest rate on debt 3.3 % 3.5 %
Credit facility fees for the year ended
74
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Base management fees for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased from the
comparable period in 2020 primarily due to the increase in the average size of
our portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the comparable
period in 2020.
Income based fees for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased from the
comparable period in 2020 primarily due to the pre-incentive fee net investment
income, as defined in the investment advisory and management agreement, for the
year ended December 31, 2021 being higher than in the comparable period in 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2021 , the capital gains incentive fee calculated
in accordance with GAAP was $161 million . For the year ended December 31, 2020 ,
the reduction in the capital gains incentive fee calculated in accordance with
GAAP was $58 million . The capital gains incentive fee accrual for the year ended
December 31, 2021 changed from the comparable period in 2020 primarily due to
net gains on investments, foreign currency, other transactions and the
extinguishment of debt of $826 million compared to net losses of $310 million
for the year ended December 31, 2020 . The capital gains incentive fee accrued
under GAAP includes an accrual related to unrealized capital appreciation,
whereas the capital gains incentive fee actually payable under our investment
advisory and management agreement does not. There can be no assurance that such
unrealized capital appreciation will be realized in the future. The accrual for
any capital gains incentive fee under GAAP in a given period may result in an
additional expense if such cumulative amount is greater than in the prior period
or a reduction of previously recorded expense if such cumulative amount is less
than in the prior period. If such cumulative amount is negative, then there is
no accrual. As of December 31, 2021 , there was $161 million of capital gains
incentive fees accrued in accordance with GAAP. As of December 31, 2021 , the
capital gains incentive fee actually payable under our investment advisory and
management agreement was $26 million . See Note 3 to our consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 , for more information on the
base management fees, income based fees and capital gains incentive fees.
Cash payment of any income based fees and capital gains incentive fees otherwise
earned by our investment adviser is deferred if during the most recent four full
calendar quarter period ending on or prior to the date such payment is to be
made the sum of (a) the aggregate distributions to our stockholders and (b) the
change in net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before
taking into account any income based fees and capital gains incentive fees
payable during the period) is less than 7.0% of our net assets (defined as total
assets less indebtedness) at the beginning of such period. These calculations
will be adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases. Any income based fees
and capital gains incentive fees deferred for payment are carried over for
payment in subsequent calculation periods to the extent such fees are payable
under the terms of the investment advisory and management agreement. As of
December 31, 2020 , income based fees payable of $140 million in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet included $83 million earned by our investment adviser
that were previously deferred. These deferred income based fees were paid in the
first quarter of 2021 pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory
management agreement.
Administrative fees represent fees paid to Ares Operations for our allocable
portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Ares Operations in performing
its obligations under the administration agreement, including our allocable
portion of the compensation, rent and other expenses of certain of our corporate
officers and their respective staffs. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 , for more information on the
administrative fees.
Other general and administrative expenses include, among other costs, professional fees, insurance, fees and expenses related to evaluating and making investments in portfolio companies and independent directors' fees.
Income Tax Expense, Including Excise Tax
We have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. To qualify as a RIC, we must (among other requirements) meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. We have made and intend to continue to make the requisite distributions to our stockholders which will generally relieve us fromU.S. federal corporate-level income taxes. Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, we may choose to carry forward such taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions from such current year taxable income into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that we determine that our estimated current year taxable income will be in excess of estimated dividend distributions for the current year from such income, we accrue excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as such taxable income is earned. For the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded a net expense of$24 million and$17 million , respectively, forU.S. federal excise tax. 75 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Certain of our consolidated subsidiaries are subject toU.S. federal and state income taxes. For the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded a net tax expense of$6 million and$2 million , respectively, for these subsidiaries. The income tax expense for our taxable consolidated subsidiaries will vary depending on the level of realized gains from the exits of investments held by such taxable subsidiaries during the respective periods.
Net Realized Gains/Losses
The net realized gains (losses) from the sales, repayments or exits of
investments during the years ended
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2021 2020
Sales, repayments or exits of investments(1) $ 10,473 $ 5,586
Net realized gains (losses) on investments:
Gross realized gains $ 442 $ 122
Gross realized losses (184) (270)
Total net realized gains (losses) on investments $
258
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)Includes$2.4 billion and$940 million of loans sold to IHAM and certain vehicles managed by IHAM during the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Net realized losses of$7 million and$21 million , respectively, were recorded on these transactions with IHAM during the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 for more information on IHAM and its managed vehicles. The net realized gains on investments during the year endedDecember 31, 2021 consisted of the following: (in millions) Net Realized Gains Portfolio Company (Losses) SVP-Singer Holdings Inc. and SVP-Singer Holdings LP $ 110 Blue Angel Buyer 1, LLC and Blue Angel Holdco, LLC 46 GB Auto Service, Inc. and GB Auto Service Holdings, LLC 32 RMCF III CIV XXIX, L.P 30 Evolent Health LLC and Evolent Health, Inc. 21 BW Landco LLC 21Mavis Tire Express Services Topco Corp. ,Metis HoldCo, Inc. , and Metis TopCo, LP 18 ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. 17 PERC Holdings 1 LLC 11
11
(12)QC Supply, LLC (21)
(21)
Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. and GFRC Holdings LLC (24)
ADF Capital, Inc., ADF Restaurant Group, LLC , and ARG Restaurant Holdings,
Inc. (57)
Other, net 76
Total $ 258
During the year ended
During the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , we redeemed the entire$230 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the unsecured notes that were scheduled to mature onApril 15, 2047 (the "2047 Notes") in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the 2047 Notes. The 2047 Notes were redeemed at par plus accrued and unpaid interest for a total redemption price of approximately$233 million , which resulted in a realized loss on the extinguishment of debt of$43 76 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
million. The
The net realized losses on investments during the year endedDecember 31, 2020 consisted of the following: (in millions) Net Realized Portfolio Company Gains (Losses) Dynatrace, Inc. $ 29 UL Holding Co., LLC 20 PERC Holdings 1 LLC 16 Nodality, Inc. (12) Centric Brands Inc. (22) Production Resource Group, L.L.C. (65) VPROP Operating, LLC and Vista Proppants and Logistics, LLC (103) Other, net (11) Total $ (148)
During the year ended
Net Unrealized Gains/Losses
We value our portfolio investments quarterly and the changes in value are
recorded as unrealized gains or losses in our consolidated statement of
operations. Net unrealized gains and losses on investments for the years ended
For the Years Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2021 2020
Unrealized appreciation $ 660 $ 388
Unrealized depreciation (344) (620)
Net unrealized depreciation reversed related to net realized gains or losses(1)
286 88
Total net unrealized gains (losses) on investments $
602
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)The net unrealized depreciation reversed related to net realized gains or losses represents the unrealized appreciation or depreciation recorded on the related asset at the end of the prior period. During the year endedDecember 31, 2020 , our operating results were negatively impacted by the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused severe disruptions in the global economy and negatively impacted the fair value and performance of certain portfolio companies in our investment portfolio. For the year endedDecember 31, 2020 , the net unrealized losses recorded on investments were primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including from business shutdowns, government restrictions and/or possible additional liquidity needs of certain of our portfolio companies. For the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , the net unrealized gains on investments were primarily due to the reversal of net unrealized depreciation recorded during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as values recovered in 2021, as well as an increase in the fair value of certain of our portfolio company investments. For additional information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on our business and our operating results, see "Risk Factors-The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe disruptions in the global economy, which has had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our portfolio companies and our business and operations." 77 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The changes in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments
during the year ended
Net Unrealized
(in millions) Appreciation
Portfolio Company (Depreciation)
Ivy Hill Asset Management, L.P. $ 67
Athenahealth, Inc. , VVC Holding Corp. , Virence Intermediate Holding Corp. , and
Virence Holdings LLC 35
OTG Management, LLC 28
Instituto de Banca y Comercio, Inc. & Leeds IV Advisors, Inc. 24
Sundance Group Holdings, Inc. 21
20
ADG, LLC and RC IV GEDC Investor LLC 19
CoreLogic, Inc. and T-VIII Celestial Co-Invest LP 18
High Street Buyer, Inc. and High Street Holdco LLC 17
15
15
Centric Brands LLC and Centric Brands GP LLC 14
Primrose Holding Corporation 13
Alcami Corporation and ACM Holdings I, LLC 11
11
Navisun LLC and Navisun Holdings LLC 11
Visual Edge Technology, Inc. (12)
(14) Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, LLC (14) Implus Footcare, LLC (20) Elemica Parent, Inc. & EZ Elemica Holdings, Inc. (20) HAI Acquisition Corporation and Aloha Topco, LLC (20) Redwood Services, LLC and Redwood Services Holdco, LLC (25) Laboratories Bidco LLC and Laboratories Topco LLC (31)Pegasus Global Enterprise Holdings, LLC ,Mekone Blocker Acquisition, Inc. and Mekone Parent, LLC (35) Other, net 168 Total $ 316
During the year ended
78
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The changes in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments
during the year ended
Net Unrealized
(in millions) Appreciation
Portfolio Company (Depreciation)
SVP-Singer Holdings Inc. and SVP-Singer Holdings LP $ 102
Blue Angel Buyer 1, LLC and Blue Angel Holdco, LLC 18
Evolent Health LLC and Evolent Health, Inc. 16
Absolute Dental Group LLC and Absolute Dental Equity, LLC 11
BW Landco LLC 11
Ivy Hill Asset Management, L.P. 11
OUTFRONT Media Inc. 11
Alcami Corporation and ACM Holdings I, LLC (13)
Implus Footcare, LLC (14)
Varsity Brands Holding Co., Inc. (15)
Centric Brands LLC and Centric Brands GP LLC (18)
Cipriani USA, Inc. (18)
Sundance Energy, Inc. (22)
Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. (24)
Microstar Logistics LLC (27)
Teligent, Inc. (30)
(35)
OTG Management, LLC (111)
Other, net (85)
Total $ (232)
During the year ended
For the years ended
The comparison of the fiscal years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019 can be found in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2020 located within Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our liquidity and capital resources are generated primarily from the net proceeds of public offerings of equity and debt securities, advances from the Revolving Credit Facility, the Revolving Funding Facility, the SMBC Funding Facility and the BNP Funding Facility (each as defined below, and together, the "Facilities"), net proceeds from the issuance of other securities, including unsecured notes, as well as cash flows from operations. In accordance with the Investment Company Act, we are allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage calculated pursuant to the Investment Company Act, is at least 150% after such borrowings (i.e., we are able to borrow up totwo dollars for every dollar we have in assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities issued by us). As ofDecember 31, 2021 , we had$372 million in cash and cash equivalents and$11.1 billion in total aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding ($11.0 billion at carrying value) and our asset coverage was 179%. Subject to borrowing base and other restrictions, we had approximately$4.1 billion available for additional borrowings under the Facilities as ofDecember 31, 2021 . We may from time to time seek to retire or repurchase our common stock through cash purchases, as well as retire, cancel or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The amounts involved may be material. In addition, we may from time to time enter into 79 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- additional debt facilities, increase the size of existing facilities or issue additional debt securities, including secured debt, unsecured debt and/or debt securities convertible into common stock. Any such purchases or exchanges of common stock or outstanding debt, or incurrence or issuance of additional debt would be subject to prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual and regulatory restrictions and other factors. Equity Capital Activities
As of
We may from time to time issue and sell shares of our common stock through
public or "at the market" offerings. In connection with the issuance of our
common stock, we issued and sold the following shares of common stock during the
year ended
(in millions, except per Underwriting Average Offering share amount) Number of Fees/Offering Price Per Issuances of Common Stock Shares Issued Gross Proceeds Expenses Net Proceeds Share(1) Public offerings 26.5$ 513.8 $ 19.0$ 494.8 $ 19.39 (2) "At the market" offerings 16.4$ 329.3 $ 5.2$ 324.1 $ 20.07 Total 42.9$ 843.1 $ 24.2$ 818.9
________________________________________
(1) Represents the gross offering price per share before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.
(2) 14.0 million shares and 12.5 million shares were sold to the underwriters for a price of$17.85 per share and$19.67 per share, respectively, which the underwriters were then permitted to sell at variable prices to the public. See "Recent Developments," as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 for a subsequent event relating to our public offerings. "At the Market" Offerings We have entered into equity distribution agreements with several banks (the "Equity Distribution Agreements"). The Equity Distribution Agreements provide that we may from time to time issue and sell, by means of "at the market" offerings, up to$500 million shares of our common stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Distribution Agreements, sales of common stock, if any, may be made in transactions that are deemed to be "at the market" offerings as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Under the currently effective Equity Distribution Agreements, common stock with an aggregate offering amount of$366 million remained available for issuance as ofDecember 31, 2021 . Stock Repurchase Program We are authorized under our stock repurchase program to purchase up to$500 million in the aggregate of our outstanding common stock in the open market at certain thresholds below our net asset value per share, in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The timing, manner, price and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by us, in our sole discretion, based upon an evaluation of economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal and regulatory requirements and other factors. The stock repurchase program does not require us to repurchase any specific number of shares of common stock or any shares of common stock at all. Consequently, we cannot assure stockholders that any specific number of shares of common stock, if any, will be repurchased under the stock repurchase program. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , the expiration date of the stock repurchase program isFebruary 15, 2022 . The program may be suspended, extended, modified or discontinued at any time. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , there was$500 million available for additional repurchases under the program. During the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock in the open market under the stock repurchase program. During the year endedDecember 31, 2020 , we repurchased a total of 8.5 million shares of our common stock in the open market under the stock repurchase program for$100 million . The shares were repurchased at an average price of$11.83 per share, including commissions paid. 80 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See "Recent Developments," as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial
statements for the year ended
Debt Capital Activities
Our debt obligations consisted of the following as ofDecember 31, 2021 and 2020: As of December 31, 2021 2020 Total Total Aggregate Aggregate Principal Principal Amount Amount Available/ Principal Amount Carrying Available/ Principal Amount Carrying (in millions) Outstanding(1) Outstanding Value Outstanding(1) Outstanding Value Revolving Credit Facility $ 4,232 (2)$ 1,507 $ 1,507 $ 3,617 (2)$ 1,180 $ 1,180 Revolving Funding Facility 1,525 762 762 1,525 1,028 1,028 SMBC Funding Facility 800 (3) 401 401 725 (3) 453 453 BNP Funding Facility 300 - - 300 150 150 2022 Convertible Notes 388 388 388 (4) 388 388 383 (4) 2024 Convertible Notes 403 403 395 (4) 403 403 392 (4) 2022 Notes - - - (4) 600 600 598 (4) 2023 Notes 750 750 748 (4) 750 750 747 (4) 2024 Notes 900 900 897 (4) 900 900 896 (4) March 2025 Notes 600 600 596 (4) 600 600 595 (4) July 2025 Notes 1,250 1,250 1,260 (4) 750 750 742 (4) January 2026 Notes 1,150 1,150 1,143 (4) 1,150 1,150 1,141 (4) July 2026 Notes 1,000 1,000 988 (4) - - - 2028 Notes 1,250 1,250 1,246 (5) - - - 2031 Notes 700 700 689 (4) - - - 2047 Notes - - - (5) 230 230 186 (5) Total$ 15,248 $ 11,061 $ 11,020 $ 11,938 $ 8,582 $ 8,491
________________________________________
(1)Represents the total aggregate amount committed or outstanding, as applicable, under such instrument. Borrowings under the committed Revolving Credit Facility, Revolving Funding Facility, SMBC Funding Facility and BNP Funding Facility (each as defined below) are subject to borrowing base and other restrictions.
(2)Provides for a feature that allows us, under certain circumstances, to
increase the size of the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) to a
maximum of
(3)Provides for a feature that allows ACJB (as defined below), under certain circumstances, to increase the size of the SMBC Funding Facility (as defined below) to a maximum of$1.0 billion . (4)Represents the aggregate principal amount outstanding, less unamortized debt issuance costs and the net unaccreted/amortized discount or premium recorded upon issuance. InDecember 2021 , the 2022 Notes were redeemed at par plus accrued and unpaid interest for a total redemption price of approximately$609 million . See "Recent Developments," as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 for subsequent events relating to the 2022 Convertible Notes. (5)Represents the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2047 Notes, less the unaccreted purchased discount recorded in connection with the Allied Acquisition. InMarch 2021 , the 2047 Notes were redeemed at par plus accrued and unpaid interest for a total redemption price of approximately$233 million , which resulted in a realized loss on the extinguishment of debt of$43 million . 81 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The weighted average stated interest rate and weighted average maturity, both on aggregate principal amount outstanding, of all our debt outstanding as ofDecember 31, 2021 were 3.1% and 4.2 years, respectively, and as ofDecember 31, 2020 were 3.4% and 4.2 years, respectively. The ratio of total principal amount of debt outstanding to stockholders' equity as ofDecember 31, 2021 was 1.26:1.00 compared to 1.20:1.00 as ofDecember 31, 2020 . Revolving Credit Facility We are party to a senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended and restated, the "Revolving Credit Facility"), that allows us to borrow up to$4.2 billion at any one time outstanding. The Revolving Credit Facility consists of a$874 million term loan tranche and a$3.4 billion revolving tranche. For$824 million of the term loan tranche, the stated maturity date isMarch 31, 2026 . For the remaining$50 million of the term loan tranche, the stated maturity date isMarch 30, 2025 . For$3.2 billion of the revolving tranche, the end of the revolving period and the stated maturity date areMarch 31, 2025 andMarch 31, 2026 , respectively. For the remaining$150 million of the revolving tranche, the end of the revolving period and the stated maturity date areMarch 30, 2024 andMarch 30, 2025 , respectively. The Revolving Credit Facility also provides for a feature that allows us, under certain circumstances, to increase the overall size of the Revolving Credit Facility to a maximum of$5.9 billion . The interest rate charged on the Revolving Credit Facility is based on LIBOR (or an alternative rate of interest for certain loans, commitments and/or other extensions of credit denominated in Sterling, Canadian Dollars, Euros and certain other foreign currencies) plus an applicable spread of either 1.75% or 1.875% or an "alternate base rate" (as defined in the agreements governing the Revolving Credit Facility) plus an applicable spread of either 0.75% or 0.875%, in each case, determined monthly based on the total amount of the borrowing base relative to the sum of (i) the greater of (a) the aggregate amount of revolving exposure and term loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and (b) 85% of the total commitments of the Revolving Credit Facility (or, if higher, the total revolving exposure) plus (ii) other debt, if any, secured by the same collateral as the Revolving Credit Facility. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , the interest rate in effect was LIBOR plus 1.75%. We are also required to pay a letter of credit fee of either 2.00% or 2.125% per annum on letters of credit issued, determined monthly based on the total amount of the borrowing base relative to the total commitments of the Revolving Credit Facility and other debt, if any, secured by the same collateral as the Revolving Credit Facility. Additionally, we are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.375% per annum on any unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , there was$1.5 billion outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and we were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility.
Revolving Funding Facility
We and our consolidated subsidiary,Ares Capital CP Funding LLC ("Ares Capital CP"), are party to a revolving funding facility (as amended, the "Revolving Funding Facility"), that allows Ares Capital CP to borrow up to$1.5 billion at any one time outstanding. The Revolving Funding Facility is secured by all of the assets held by, and the membership interest in, Ares Capital CP. The end of the reinvestment period and the stated maturity date for the Revolving Funding Facility areDecember 29, 2024 andDecember 29, 2026 , respectively. The interest rate charged on the Revolving Funding Facility is based on LIBOR plus 1.90% per annum or a "base rate" (as defined in the agreements governing the Revolving Funding Facility) plus 1.00% per annum. Ares Capital CP is also required to pay a commitment fee of between 0.50% and 1.25% per annum depending on the size of the unused portion of the Revolving Funding Facility. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , there was$762 million outstanding under the Revolving Funding Facility and we and Ares Capital CP were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the Revolving Funding Facility.
SMBC Funding Facility
We and our consolidated subsidiary,Ares Capital JB Funding LLC ("ACJB"), are party to a revolving funding facility (as amended, the "SMBC Funding Facility"), with ACJB, as the borrower, andSumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation , as the administrative agent and collateral agent, that allows ACJB to borrow up to$800 million at any one time outstanding. The SMBC Funding Facility also provides for a feature that allows ACJB, subject to receiving certain consents, to increase the overall size of the SMBC Funding Facility to$1.0 billion . The SMBC Funding Facility is secured by all of the assets held by ACJB. The end of the reinvestment period and the stated maturity date for the SMBC Funding Facility areMay 28, 2024 andMay 28, 2026 , respectively. The reinvestment period and the stated maturity date are both subject to two one-year extensions by mutual agreement. The interest rate charged on the SMBC Funding Facility is based on an applicable spread of either 1.75% or 2.00% over LIBOR or 0.75% or 1.00% over a "base rate" (as defined in the agreements governing the SMBC Funding Facility), in each case, determined monthly based on the amount of the average borrowings outstanding under the SMBC Funding Facility. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , the interest rate in effect was LIBOR plus 1.75%. ACJB is also required to pay a 82 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- commitment fee of between 0.50% and 1.00% per annum depending on the size of the unused portion of the SMBC Funding Facility. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , there was$401 million outstanding under the SMBC Funding Facility and we and ACJB were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the SMBC Funding Facility.
BNP Funding Facility
We and our consolidated subsidiary,ARCC FB Funding LLC ("AFB"), are party to a revolving funding facility (as amended, the "BNP Funding Facility") with AFB, as the borrower, andBNP Paribas , as the administrative agent and lender, that allows AFB to borrow up to$300 million at any one time outstanding. The BNP Funding Facility is secured by all of the assets held by AFB. The end of the reinvestment period and the stated maturity date for the BNP Funding Facility areJune 11, 2023 andJune 11, 2025 , respectively. The reinvestment period and the stated maturity date are both subject to a one-year extension by mutual agreement. The interest rate charged on the BNP Funding Facility is based on three month LIBOR, or a "base rate" (as defined in the agreements governing the BNP Funding Facility) plus a margin of (i) 1.80% during the reinvestment period and (ii) 2.30% following the reinvestment period. Beginning onDecember 11, 2020 , AFB is required to pay a commitment fee of between 0.00% and 1.25% per annum depending on the size of the unused portion of the BNP Funding Facility. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , there were no amounts outstanding under the BNP Funding Facility and we and AFB were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the BNP Funding Facility.
Convertible Unsecured Notes
We have issued$388 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible notes that mature onFebruary 1, 2022 (the "2022 Convertible Notes") and$403 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible notes that mature onMarch 1, 2024 (the "2024 Convertible Notes" and together with the 2022 Convertible Notes, the "Convertible Unsecured Notes"). The Convertible Unsecured Notes mature upon their respective maturity dates unless previously converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms. We do not have the right to redeem the Convertible Unsecured Notes prior to maturity. The 2022 Convertible Notes and the 2024 Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.75% and 4.625%, respectively, per annum, payable semi-annually. In certain circumstances, assuming the respective conversion date below has not already passed, the Convertible Unsecured Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election, at their respective conversion rates (listed below as ofDecember 31, 2021 ) subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments and the requirements of their respective indenture (the "Convertible Unsecured Notes Indentures"). To the extent the 2022 Convertible Notes are converted, we have elected to settle in cash for all conversion dates afterAugust 1, 2021 . Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding their respective conversion date (listed below), holders may convert their Convertible Unsecured Notes only under certain circumstances set forth in the Convertible Unsecured Notes Indentures. On or after their respective conversion dates until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date for the 2022 Convertible Notes and the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date for the 2024 Convertible Notes, holders may convert their Convertible Unsecured Notes at any time. In addition, if we engage in certain corporate events as described in their respective Convertible Unsecured Notes Indenture, holders of the Convertible Unsecured Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or part of the Convertible Unsecured Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Unsecured Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest through, but excluding, the required repurchase date.
Certain key terms related to the convertible features for each of the
Convertible Unsecured Notes as of
2022 2024
Convertible Notes Convertible Notes
Conversion premium 15.0 % 15.0 %
Closing stock price at issuance $ 16.86 $ 17.29
Closing stock price date January 23, 2017 March 5, 2019
Conversion price(1) $ 18.99 $ 19.88
Conversion rate (shares per one thousand dollar
principal amount)(1) 52.6455 50.2930
Conversion dates August 1, 2021 December 1, 2023
________________________________________
(1)Represents conversion price and conversion rate, as applicable, as of
83
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See "Recent Developments," as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial
statements for the year ended
Unsecured Notes
We issued certain unsecured notes (each issuance of which is referred to herein using the "defined term" set forth under the "Unsecured Notes" column of the table below and collectively referred to as the "Unsecured Notes"), that pay interest semi-annually and all principal amounts are due upon maturity. Each of the Unsecured Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at the Company's option at a redemption price equal to par plus a "make whole" premium, if applicable, as determined pursuant to the indentures governing each of the Unsecured Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Certain key terms related to the features for the Unsecured Notes as ofDecember 31, 2021 are listed below. Aggregate (dollar amounts in millions) Principal Amount Unsecured Notes Issued Interest Rate Original Issuance Date Maturity Date 2023 Notes $ 750 3.500% August 10, 2017 February 10, 2023 2024 Notes $ 900 4.200% June 10, 2019 June 10, 2024 March 2025 Notes $ 600 4.250% January 11, 2018 March 1, 2025 July 2025 Notes$ 1,250 3.250% January 15, 2020 July 15, 2025 January 2026 Notes$ 1,150 3.875% July 15, 2020 January 15, 2026 July 2026 Notes$ 1,000 2.150% January 13, 2021 July 15, 2026 2028 Notes$ 1,250 2.875% June 10, 2021 June 15, 2028 2031 Notes $ 700 3.200% November 4, 2021 November 15, 2031 See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 for more information on our debt obligations. See "Recent Developments," as well as Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 for a subsequent event relating to an additional issuance of unsecured notes. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , we were in compliance in all material respects with the terms of the Convertible Unsecured Notes Indentures and the indentures governing the Unsecured Notes. The Convertible Unsecured Notes and the Unsecured Notes are our senior unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Unsecured Notes and the Unsecured Notes; equal in right of payment to our existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not expressly subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness (including existing unsecured indebtedness that we later secure) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by our subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities. 84 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
InJanuary 2022 , we issued$500 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes, which bear interest at a rate of 2.875% per annum and mature onJune 15, 2027 (the ''2027 Notes''). The 2027 Notes pay interest semi-annually and all principal is due upon maturity. The 2027 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at our option at the redemption price determined pursuant to the indenture governing the 2027 Notes, and any accrued and unpaid interest. The 2027 Notes were issued at a discount to the principal amount.
In
InJanuary 2022 , we completed a public equity offering pursuant to which we sold 11.2 million shares of common stock at a price of$21.06 per share to the participating underwriters, with net proceeds totaling$235.5 million , after giving effect to estimated offering expenses. InFebruary 2022 , our board of directors authorized an amendment to our existing stock repurchase program to extend the expiration date of the program fromFebruary 15, 2022 toFebruary 15, 2023 . Under the stock repurchase program, we may repurchase up to$500 million in the aggregate of our outstanding common stock in the open market at a price per share that meets certain thresholds below our net asset value per share, in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. The timing, manner, price and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by us, in our discretion, based upon the evaluation of economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal and regulatory requirements and other factors. FromJanuary 1, 2022 throughFebruary 2, 2022 , we made new investment commitments of approximately$607 million , including$179 million of new investment commitments to IHAM, of which$385 million were funded. Of these new commitments, 68% were in first lien senior secured loans, 31% were in other equity and 1% were in preferred equity. Of the approximately$607 million of new investment commitments, 68% were floating rate, 2% were non-income producing, 1% were fixed rate and the remaining 29% was our equity investment in IHAM which generally pays a quarterly dividend. The weighted average yield of debt and other income producing securities funded during the period at amortized cost was 9.6% and the weighted average yield on total investments funded during the period at amortized cost was 9.3%. We may seek to sell all or a portion of these new investment commitments, although there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. FromJanuary 1, 2022 throughFebruary 2, 2022 , we exited approximately$956 million of investment commitments, including$529 million of loans sold to IHAM or certain vehicles managed by IHAM. Of the total investment commitments exited, 89% were first lien senior secured loans, 8% were second lien senior secured loans, 2% were preferred equity and 1% were subordinated certificates of the SDLP. Of the approximately$956 million of exited investment commitments, 88% were floating rate, 11% were fixed rate and 1% were non-income producing. The weighted average yield of debt and other income producing securities exited or repaid during the period at amortized cost was 7.3% and the weighted average yield on total investments exited or repaid during the period at amortized cost was 7.2%. Of the approximately$956 million of investment commitments exited fromJanuary 1, 2022 throughFebruary 2, 2022 , we recognized total net realized gains of approximately$20 million , including approximately$2 million of realized losses recognized from the sale of loans to IHAM or certain vehicles managed by IHAM. In addition, as ofFebruary 2, 2022 , we had an investment backlog and pipeline of approximately$1.2 billion and$125 million , respectively. Investment backlog includes transactions approved by our investment adviser's investment committee and/or for which a formal mandate, letter of intent or a signed commitment have been issued, and therefore we believe are likely to close. Investment pipeline includes transactions where due diligence and analysis are in process, but no formal mandate, letter of intent or signed commitment have been issued. The consummation of any of the investments in this backlog and pipeline depends upon, among other things, one or more of the following: satisfactory completion of our due diligence investigation of the prospective portfolio company, our acceptance of the terms and structure of such investment and the execution and delivery of satisfactory transaction documentation. In addition, we may sell all or a portion of these investments and certain of these investments may result in the repayment of existing investments. We cannot assure you that we will make any of these investments or that we will sell all or any portion of these investments.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets, and
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any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual
results to differ. Our critical accounting estimates, including those relating
to the valuation of our investment portfolio, are described below. The critical
accounting estimates should be read in conjunction with our risk factors as
disclosed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors." See Note 2 to our consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 for more information on our
critical accounting policies.
Investments
Investment transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized, and include investments charged off during the period, net of recoveries. Unrealized gains or losses primarily reflect the change in investment values, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized gains or losses when gains or losses are realized. Investments for which market quotations are readily available are typically valued at such market quotations. In order to validate market quotations, we look at a number of factors to determine if the quotations are representative of fair value, including the source and nature of the quotations. Debt and equity securities that are not publicly traded or whose market prices are not readily available (i.e., substantially all of our investments) are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors, based on, among other things, the input of our investment adviser, audit committee and independent thirdparty valuation firms that have been engaged at the direction of our board of directors to assist in the valuation of each portfolio investment without a readily available market quotation at least once during a trailing 12month period (with certain de minimis exceptions) and under a valuation policy and a consistently applied valuation process. The valuation process is conducted at the end of each fiscal quarter, and a portion of our investment portfolio at fair value is subject to review by an independent third-party valuation firm each quarter. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm obtains an understanding of, and performs select procedures relating to, our investment valuation process within the context of performing the integrated audit. As part of the valuation process, we may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of our investments: the enterprise value of a portfolio company (the entire value of the portfolio company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company's ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company's securities to any similar publicly traded securities, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets, which may affect the price at which similar investments would trade in their principal markets and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. Because there is not a readily available market value for most of the investments in our portfolio, we value substantially all of our portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors, as described herein. 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. Additionally, the fair value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values that we may ultimately realize. Further, such investments are generally subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise are less liquid than publicly traded securities. If we were required to liquidate a portfolio investment in a forced or liquidation sale, we could realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded it.
In addition, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different than the unrealized gains or losses reflected in the valuations currently assigned.
Our board of directors undertakes a multistep valuation process each quarter, as described below:
•Our quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment in conjunction with our portfolio management team.
•Preliminary valuations are reviewed and discussed with our investment adviser's
management and investment professionals, and then valuation recommendations are
presented to our board of directors.
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•The audit committee of our board of directors reviews these valuations, as well
as the input of third parties, including independent thirdparty valuation firms
who have reviewed a portion of the investments in our portfolio at fair value.
•Our board of directors discusses valuations and ultimately determines the fair
value of each investment in our portfolio without a readily available market
quotation in good faith based on, among other things, the input of our
investment adviser, audit committee and, where applicable, independent
thirdparty valuation firms.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We follow ASC 825-10, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities ("ASC 825-10"), which provides companies the option to
report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. ASC 825-10 also
establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate
comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for
similar types of assets and liabilities and to more easily understand the effect
of the company's choice to use fair value on its earnings. ASC 825-10 also
requires entities to display the fair value of the selected assets and
liabilities on the face of the balance sheet. We have not elected the ASC 825-10
option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. With
the exception of the line items entitled "other assets" and "debt," which are
reported at amortized cost, the carrying value of all other assets and
liabilities approximate fair value.
We also follow ASC 820-10, which expands the application of fair value
accounting. ASC 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosure of fair value
measurements. ASC 820-10 determines fair value to be the price that would be
received for an investment in a current sale, which assumes an orderly
transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820-10
requires us to assume that the portfolio investment is sold in its principal
market to market participants or, in the absence of a principal market, the most
advantageous market, which may be a hypothetical market. Market participants are
defined as buyers and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market that
are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact. In accordance
with ASC 820-10, we have considered its principal market as the market in which
we exit our portfolio investments with the greatest volume and level of
activity. ASC 820-10 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on
whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable.
In accordance with ASC 820-10, these inputs are summarized in the three broad
levels listed below:
•Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.
•Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
•Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
In addition to using the above inputs in investment valuations, we continue to
employ the net asset valuation policy approved by our board of directors that is
consistent with ASC 820-10. Consistent with our valuation policy, we evaluate
the source of inputs, including any markets in which our investments are trading
(or any markets in which securities with similar attributes are trading), in
determining fair value. Our valuation policy considers the fact that because
there is not a readily available market value for most of the investments in our
portfolio, the fair value of the investments must typically be determined using
unobservable inputs.
Our portfolio investments (other than as described below in the following
paragraph) are typically valued using two different valuation techniques. The
first valuation technique is an analysis of the enterprise value ("EV") of the
portfolio company. Enterprise value means the entire value of the portfolio
company to a market participant, including the sum of the values of debt and
equity securities used to capitalize the enterprise at a point in time. The
primary method for determining EV uses a multiple analysis whereby appropriate
multiples are applied to the portfolio company's EBITDA (generally defined as
net income before net interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and
amortization). EBITDA multiples are typically determined based upon review of
market comparable transactions and publicly traded comparable companies, if any.
We may also employ other valuation multiples to determine EV, such as revenues
or, in the case of certain portfolio companies in the power generation industry,
kilowatt capacity. The second method for determining EV uses a discounted cash
flow analysis whereby future expected cash flows of the portfolio company are
discounted to determine a present value using estimated discount rates
(typically a weighted average cost of capital based on costs of debt and equity
consistent with current market conditions). The EV analysis is performed to
determine the value of equity investments, the value of debt investments in
portfolio companies where we have control or could gain control through an
option or warrant security, and to determine if
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there is credit impairment for debt investments. If debt investments are credit
impaired, an EV analysis may be used to value such debt investments; however, in
addition to the methods outlined above, other methods such as a liquidation or
wind-down analysis may be utilized to estimate enterprise value. The second
valuation technique is a yield analysis, which is typically performed for
non-credit impaired debt investments in portfolio companies where we do not own
a controlling equity position. To determine fair value using a yield analysis, a
current price is imputed for the investment based upon an assessment of the
expected market yield for a similarly structured investment with a similar level
of risk. In the yield analysis, we consider the current contractual interest
rate, the maturity and other terms of the investment relative to the risk of the
company and the specific investment. A key determinant of risk, among other
things, is the leverage through the investment relative to the enterprise value
of the portfolio company. As debt investments held by us are substantially
illiquid with no active transaction market, we depend on primary market data,
including newly funded transactions, as well as secondary market data with
respect to high yield debt instruments and syndicated loans, as inputs in
determining the appropriate market yield, as applicable.
For other portfolio investments such as investments in the SDLP Certificates,
discounted cash flow analysis is the primary technique utilized to determine
fair value. Expected future cash flows associated with the investment are
discounted to determine a present value using a discount rate that reflects
estimated market return requirements.
The SEC recently adopted new Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. This establishes
requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940
Act. We will comply with the new rule's valuation requirements on or before the
SEC's compliance date in 2022.
See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended
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