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EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14 - SLR Investment Corp.d249088dex312.htm
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EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14 - SLR Investment Corp.d249088dex311.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - SLR Investment Corp.d249088dex321.htm
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2011

 

¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number: 814-00754

 

 

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Maryland   26-1381340
(State or Incorporation)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

500 Park Avenue

New York, N.Y.

  10022
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(212) 993-1670

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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 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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x    Smaller Reporting Company   ¨

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

The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding as of October 31, 2011 was 36,554,099.


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         PAGE  
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
Item 1.   Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm      3   
  Financial Statements   
  Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31, 2010      4   
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 (unaudited) and September 30, 2010 (unaudited)      5   
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (unaudited) and the year ended December 31, 2010      6   
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (unaudited) and September 30, 2010 (unaudited)      7   
  Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of September 30, 2011 (unaudited)      8   
  Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2010      11   
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)      14   
Item 2.  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     27   
Item 3.  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     35   
Item 4.  

Controls and Procedures

     36   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.  

Legal Proceedings

     37   
Item 1A.  

Risk Factors

     37   
Item 2.  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     37   
Item 3.  

Defaults upon Senior Securities

     37   
Item 4.  

Removed and reserved

     37   
Item 5.  

Other Information

     37   
Item 6.  

Exhibits

     38   
 

Signatures

     40   

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Solar Capital Ltd.:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of Solar Capital Ltd. (the Company) as of September 30, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, changes in net assets for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011 and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial accounting and reporting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedule of investments, of Solar Capital Ltd. as of December 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2010 and we expressed an unqualified opinion on them in our report dated March 1, 2011.

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York

November 1, 2011

 

3


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

(in thousands, except shares)

 

     September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
     (unaudited)        

Assets

    

Investments at value:

    

Companies more than 25% owned (cost: $49,783 and $20,511, respectively)

   $ 53,152      $ 20,508   

Companies 5% to 25% owned (cost: $38,086 and $34,806, respectively)

     30,468        29,235   

Companies less than 5% owned (cost: $1,077,518 and $1,008,244 respectively)

     940,625        926,478   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments (cost: $1,165,387 and $1,063,561, respectively)

     1,024,245        976,221   

Cash and cash equivalents

     233,842        288,732   

Interest and dividends receivable

     10,859        5,592   

Deferred credit facility costs

     4,192        5,904   

Fee revenue receivable

     4,217        3,935   

Derivative assets (cost $2,938 and $0, respectively)

     4,733        604   

Receivable for investments sold

     3,225        10,560   

Deferred offering costs

     376        —     

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

     454        243   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,286,143        1,291,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

    

Credit facilities payable

     353,328        400,000   

Term Loan

     35,000        35,000   

Payable for investments purchased

     86,482        14,625   

Dividend payable

     21,901        —     

Due to Solar Capital Partners LLC:

    

Investment advisory and management fee payable

     5,236        4,892   

Performance-based incentive fee payable

     5,216        4,347   

Interest payable

     1,269        597   

Deferred fee revenue

     537        1,242   

Due to Solar Capital Management LLC

     795        773   

Derivative liabilities

     521        1,539   

Income taxes payable

     787        329   

Other accrued expenses and payables

     1,324        1,453   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     512,396        464,797   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

    

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share 36,501,373 and 36,383,158 shares issued and outstanding, respectively, 200,000,000 authorized

     365        364   

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     929,885        926,991   

Distributions in excess of net investment income

     (5,916     (1,545

Accumulated net realized losses

     (12,884     (10,541

Net unrealized depreciation

     (137,703     (88,275
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

   $ 773,747      $ 826,994   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number of shares outstanding

     36,501,373        36,383,158   

Net Asset Value Per Share

   $ 21.20      $ 22.73   

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except shares)

 

    Three months  ended
September 30, 2011
    Three months  ended
September 30, 2010
    Nine months  ended
September 30, 2011
    Nine months ended
September 30, 2010
 
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

INVESTMENT INCOME:

       

Interest and dividends:

       

Companies more than 25% owned

  $ 4,341      $ 300      $ 5,789      $ 300   

Companies 5% to 25% owned

    —          —          —          7,619   

Other interest and dividend income

    30,988        29,103        97,117        85,078   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest and dividends

    35,329        29,403        102,906        92,997   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

    35,329        29,403        102,906        92,997   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

       

Investment advisory and management fees

    5,236        4,607        15,319        13,404   

Performance-based incentive fee

    5,216        3,887        15,273        12,958   

Interest and other credit facility expenses

    2,242        3,943        6,174        10,540   

Administrative service fee

    357        387        1,074        1,098   

Other general and administrative expenses

    1,223        972        3,039        2,978   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    14,274        13,796        40,879        40,978   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income before income tax expense

    21,055        15,607        62,027        52,019   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

    344        56        798        191   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

    20,711        15,551        61,229        51,828   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, DERIVATIVES AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES:

       

Net realized gain (loss):

       

Investments:

       

Companies 5% to 25% owned

    784        —          784        16,397   

Companies less than 5% owned

    —          (24     5,106        (44,233
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain(loss) on investments

    784        (24     5,890        (27,836

Derivatives

    1,487        (8,832     (7,748     916   

Foreign currency exchange

    (34     —          (348     3,531   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) before income tax expense

    2,237        (8,856     (2,206     (23,389
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

    137        —          137        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss)

    2,100        (8,856     (2,343     (23,389
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gain (loss):

       

Investments:

       

Companies more than 25% owned

    269        1,000        3,372        1,000   

Companies 5% to 25% owned

    (1,357     (81     (2,047     (18,161

Companies less than 5% owned

    (77,516     14,023        (55,127     92,911   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    (78,604     14,942        (53,802     75,750   

Derivatives

    1,995        (669     2,209        (3,995

Foreign currency exchange

    1,854        41        2,165        (667
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)

    (74,755     14,314        (49,428     71,088   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, derivatives and foreign currencies

    (72,655     5,458        (51,771     47,699   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (51,944   $ 21,009      $ 9,458      $ 99,527   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share

  $ (1.42   $ 0.63      $ 0.26      $ 3.02   

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(in thousands, except shares)

 

     Nine months  ended
September 30, 2011
    Year ended
December 31, 2010
 
     (unaudited)        

Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 61,229      $ 69,212   

Net realized loss

     (2,343     (38,968

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)

     (49,428     111,641   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     9,458        141,885   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and distributions declared

     (65,600     (72,657
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital share transactions:

    

Proceeds from shares sold

     —          184,215   

Common stock offering costs

     —          (10,198

Senior notes issued in Solar Capital Merger

     —          (125,000

Reinvestment of dividends

     2,895        10,846   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

     2,895        59,863   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (53,247     129,091   

Net assets at beginning of period

     826,994        697,903   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets at end of period

   $ 773,747      $ 826,994   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands except shares)

 

     Nine months  ended
September 30, 2011
    Nine months  ended
September 30, 2010
 
     (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 9,458      $ 99,527   

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Net realized (gain) loss from investments

     (5,890     27,836   

Net realized (gain) loss from foreign currency exchange

     348        (3,536

Net change in unrealized (gain) loss on investments

     53,802        (75,750

Net change in (gain) loss on derivatives

     (2,209     3,995   

(Increase) decrease in operating assets:

    

Purchase of investment securities

     (338,251     (217,663

Proceeds from disposition of investment securities

     241,967        222,738   

Receivable for investments sold

     7,335        (10,204

Interest and dividends receivable

     (5,267     (1,861

Purchase of interest rate caps

     (2,938     —     

Deferred credit facility costs

     1,712        (4,026

Fee revenue receivable

     (282     1,251   

Deferred offering costs

     (376     1,478   

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

     (211     (309

Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:

    

Payable for investments purchased

     71,857        38,490   

Investment advisory and management fee payable

     344        (4,056

Performance-based incentive fee payable

     869        (4,630

Deferred fee revenue

     (705     (1,742

Due to Solar Capital Management LLC

     22        (185

Interest payable

     672        1,816   

Income taxes payable

     458        266   

Other accrued expenses and payables

     (129     (88
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     32,586        73,347   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Proceeds from shares sold

     —          116,198   

Common stock offering costs

     —          (10,047

Cash dividends and distributions paid

     (40,804     (101,219

Proceeds from borrowings on credit facilities

     1,103,669        429,000   

Repayments of borrowings on credit facilities

     (1,150,341     (178,579
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

     (87,476     255,353   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (54,890     328,700   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     288,732        5,675   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 233,842      $ 334,375   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 3,390      $ 1,773   

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 477      $ 18   

Non-cash financing activity:

    

Dividends payable

   $ 21,901      $ 19,901   

Reinvestment of dividends

   $ 2,895      $ 4,931   

Issuance of Senior Notes

   $ —        $ 125,000   

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

7


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Description(1)

  

Industry

   Interest(2)     Maturity      Par Amount/
Shares
     Cost      Fair
Value
 

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans- 36.95%

                

Asurion Corporation (18)

   Insurance      9.00     5/24/2019       $ 40,000       $ 39,807       $ 38,240   

Airvana Network Solutions Inc.

   Telecommunications      10.00     3/25/2015         11,490         11,275         11,490   

AviatorCap SII, LLC I (10)

   Aerospace & Defense      12.00     12/31/2014         3,868         3,813         3,674   

AviatorCap SII, LLC II (10)

   Aerospace & Defense      11.00     12/31/2014         5,995         5,995         5,696   

AviatorCap SII, LLC III (10)

   Aerospace & Defense      13.00     12/31/2014         10,223         9,927         9,711   

Direct Buy Inc. (18)

   Home, Office Furnishings & Durable Consumer Prds      12.00     2/1/2017         25,000         24,304         8,125   

Fulton Holding Corp (18)

   Retail Stores      13.76     5/28/2016         35,000         34,107         35,000   

Grakon, LLC

   Machinery      12.00     12/31/2015         9,524         7,607         9,048   

Good Sam Enterprise, LLC (7)

   Insurance      11.50     12/1/2016         5,000         4,700         4,675   

Isotoner Corporation

   Personal & Non durable Consumer Products      10.75     1/8/2018         39,000         37,862         37,050   

Interactive Health Solutions, Inc. (19)

   Healthcare, Education & Childcare      11.50     10/4/2016         20,250         19,794         19,794   

MYI Acquiror Corporation (8)

   Insurance      13.00     3/13/2017         31,500         30,870         30,870   

Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. - 2nd Lien (18)

   Grocery      10.00     4/16/2016         22,000         21,667         21,633   

Southern Auto Finance Company

   Banking      13.50     10/19/2017         25,000         24,438         24,438   

Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc.

   Retail Stores      11.00     5/1/2017         10,000         10,000         9,700   

Transplace, Inc.

   Personal Transportation      11.00     4/12/2017         20,000         19,500         19,500   

USAW 767 (10)

   Aerospace & Defense      14.50     12/31/2012         5,371         5,298         5,102   

ViaWest Inc (18)

   Personal, Food & Misc. Services      13.50     5/20/2016         33,130         32,356         31,142   

Vision Holding Corp. (18)

   Healthcare, Education & Childcare      12.00     11/23/2016         37,900         37,252         36,763   

VPSI, Inc. (17)

   Personal Transportation      12.00     12/23/2015         17,302         16,878         16,783   
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

           $ 407,553       $ 397,450       $ 378,434   
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subordinated Debt/Corporate Notes - 55.73%

                

Adams Outdoor Advertising

   Diversified / Conglomerate Service      18.00     12/8/2015       $ 42,500       $ 41,852       $ 41,225   

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.

   Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment      5.30     6/13/2012         26,779         26,696         21,423   

Crosman Corporation

   Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment      13.00     10/15/2016         15,141         14,717         14,384   

DSW Group, Inc.

   Beverage, Food & Tobacco      15.00     4/24/2012         120,487         120,204         103,619   

Earthbound Farm (18)

   Farming & Agriculture      14.25     6/21/2017         58,947         57,677         56,000   

Fleetpride Corporation (18)

   Cargo Transport      11.50     10/1/2014         43,000         43,100         41,495   

Grakon Holdings LLC Sr

   Machinery      14.00     12/31/2015         1,535         1,534         1,304   

Grakon Holdings LLC Jr

   Machinery      12.00     12/31/2015         14,679         11,900         6,605   

Granite Global Solutions Corp. (3)(16)

   Insurance      13.50     5/31/2016         29,149         30,221         28,311   

Magnolia River, LLC

   Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming      14.00     4/28/2014         19,064         18,621         17,921   

Midcap Financial Intermediate Holdings, LLC (18)

   Banking      14.25     7/9/2015         75,000         73,452         72,750   

ProSieben Sat.1 Media AG (3)(6)

   Broadcasting & Entertainment      8.30     3/6/2017         21,867         20,259         9,444   

Richelieu Foods, Inc. (17)

   Beverage, Food & Tobacco      13.75     5/18/2016         22,500         21,943         21,150   

Rug Doctor L.P. (18)

   Personal, Food & Misc. Services      14.96     10/31/2014         50,844         49,348         42,201   

Seven Media Group Pty Limited (3)

   Broadcasting & Entertainment      11.55     12/29/2013         19,596         16,329         19,596   

Shoes For Crews, LLC (17)

   Textiles & Leather      13.75     7/23/2016         15,650         15,301         15,337   

Tri-Star Electronics International, Inc.

   Aerospace & Defense      15.25     8/2/2013         23,051         22,986         23,051   

Weetabix Group (3)(5)

   Beverage, Food & Tobacco      9.12     9/14/2016         16,052         18,585         11,718   

Weetabix Group (3)(5)

   Beverage, Food & Tobacco      10.03     5/3/2017         32,765         40,048         23,263   
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Subordinated Debt/Corporate Notes

           $ 648,606       $ 644,773       $ 570,797   
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

8


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Description(1)

  

Industry

   Interest(2)     Maturity      Par Amount/
Shares
     Cost      Fair
Value
 

Preferred Equity- 1.37%

                

SODO Corp. (10)(13)

   Aerospace & Defense      9.31     —           1,912       $ 1,968       $ 1,862   

SOCAY Corp. (10)(13)

   Aerospace & Defense      9.31     —           12,357         12,782         12,107   

Wyle Laboratories

   Aerospace & Defense      8.00     7/17/2015         387         39         45   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Preferred Equity

              $ 14,789       $ 14,014   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common Equity / Partnership Interests / Warrants - 5.96%

                

Ark Real Estate Partners LP (9)(11)(12)

   Buildings & Real Estate           38,085,500       $ 38,086       $ 30,468   

Direct Buy Inc.

   Home, Office Furnishings & Durable Consumer Prds           5,000,000         5,000         —     

Global Garden Products (3)(4)

   Farming & Agriculture           88,483         —           —     

Grakon, LLC

   Machinery           1,714,286         1,714         —     

Grakon, LLC Warrants

   Machinery           3,518,001         —           —     

Great American Group Inc. (14)

   Personal, Food & Misc. Services           572,800         2,681         57   

Great American Group Inc. (15)

   Personal, Food & Misc. Services           187,500         3         19   

National Specialty Alloys, LLC(10)

   Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals           1,000,000         10,000         15,000   

Nuveen Investments, Inc.

   Finance           3,486,444         30,875         5,230   

NXP Semiconductors Netherlands B.V.(3)

   Electronics           645,292         17,592         9,112   

Seven West Media Limited

   Broadcasting & Entertainment           437,687         2,424         1,114   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Common Equity/Partnerships Interests / Warrants

              $ 108,375       $ 61,000   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

              $ 1,165,387       $ 1,024,245   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) We generally acquire our investments in private transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Our investments are therefore generally subject to certain limitations on resale, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act.
(2) A majority of the variable rate debt investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to LIBOR or EURIBOR, and which reset daily, quarterly or semi-annually. For each debt investment we have provided the current interest rate in effect as of September 30, 2011.
(3) The following entities are domiciled outside the United States and the investments are denominated in either Euro, British Pounds, Canadian Dollars or Australian Dollars: Global Garden Products and Weetabix Group in the United Kingdom; ProSieben Sat.1 Media AG in Germany; Granite Global Solutions Corp. in Canada; and Seven Media Group Pty Limited in Australia. NXP Semiconductors Netherlands B.V. is domiciled in the Netherlands and is denominated in U.S. dollars. All other investments are domiciled in the United States.
(4) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in Global Garden Products are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l.
(5) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in Weetabix Group are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l.
(6) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in ProSieben Sat. 1 Media AG are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l.
(7) Includes an unfunded commitment of $1,000.
(8) Includes an unfunded commitment of $6,000.
(9) Solar Capital Ltd. has an unfunded commitment of $6,612.
(10) Denotes a Control Investment. “Control Investments” are defined in the 1940 Act as investments in those companies that the Company is deemed to “Control.” Generally, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Company is deemed to “Control” a company in which it has invested if it owns 25% or more of the voting securities of such company or has greater than 50% representation on its board.
(11) Denotes an Affiliate Investment. “Affiliate Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Affiliated Companies” of the Company, as defined in the 1940 Act, which are not “Control Investments.” The Company is deemed to be an “Affiliate” of a company in which it has invested if it owns 5% or more but less than 25% of the voting securities of such company.
(12) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in Ark Real Estate Partners LP are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary SLRC ADI Corp.
(13) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in SODO Corp. and SOCAY Corp. each include a one dollar investment in common shares.
(14) Founders Shares.
(15) Contingent Founders Shares.
(16) Includes an unfunded commitment of $15,600 Canadian Dollars or $15,821 U.S Dollars as of September 30, 2011.
(17) Indicates an investment held by Solar Capital Ltd. through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Funding II LLC. Such investments are pledged as collateral under the Senior Secured Loan Facility (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements) and are not generally available to the creditors of Solar Capital Ltd. Unless otherwise noted, as of September 30, 2011, all other investments were pledged as collateral for the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements).
(18) Indicates an investment partially held by Solar Capital Ltd. through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Funding II LLC. (See note 18 above for further explanation.) Par amounts held through Solar Capital Funding II LLC include: Asurion $14,224; Direct Buy $15,000; Fulton Holding Corp. $18,000; Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. $10,000; ViaWest Inc. $15,181; Vision Holding Corp $14,031; Earthbound $23,500; Fleetpride Corporation $23,500; Midcap Financial Intermediate Holdings, LLC $23,500; and Rug Doctor L.P. $9,479. Remaining par balances are held directly by Solar Capital Ltd.
(19) Includes an unfunded commitment of $1,250.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

9


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

September 30, 2011

(unaudited)

 

Industry Classification

   Percentage of Total
Investments (at fair
value) as of
September 30, 2011
 
     (unaudited)  

Beverage, Food & Tobacco

     16

Insurance

     10

Banking

     9

Personal, Food & Misc. Services

     7

Aerospace & Defense

     6

Healthcare, Education & Childcare

     6

Farming & Agriculture

     5

Retail Stores

     4

Cargo Transport

     4

Diversified / Conglomerate Service

     4

Personal & Non durable Consumer Products

     4

Personal Transportation

     4

Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment

     3

Buildings & Real Estate

     3

Broadcasting & Entertainment

     3

Grocery

     2

Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming

     2

Machinery

     2

Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals

     1

Textiles & Leather

     1

Telecommunications

     1

Electronics

     1

Home, Office Furnishings & Durable Consumer Prds

     1

Finance

     1
  

 

 

 
     100
  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

10


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2010

(in thousands, except shares)

 

Description(1)

  

Industry

   Interest(2)     Maturity      Par Amount/
Shares
     Cost      Fair
Value
 

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans—25.3%

                

Asurion Corporation(18)

   Insurance      6.76 %     7/3/2015       $ 49,310       $ 49,266       $ 46,609   

Classic Cruises Holdings(5)

   Leisure, Motion Pictures, Entertainment      10.11 %     1/31/2015         26,000         25,478         23,920   

Emdeon Business Services LLC

   Healthcare, Education, and Childcare      5.26 %     5/16/2014         15,000         15,087         14,850   

Fulton Holding Corp.(18)

   Retail Stores      13.82 %     5/28/2016         35,000         33,964         35,000   

Ram Energy Resources, Inc.

   Oil & Gas      12.75 %     11/29/2012         9,270         9,247         8,899   

Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc.—2nd

Lien(18)

   Grocery      10.00 %     4/16/2016         22,000         21,612         22,371   

USAW 767(10)

   Aerospace & Defense      14.50 %     12/31/2012         6,753         6,621         6,618   

ViaWest Inc(18)

   Personal, Food and Misc. Services      13.50 %     5/20/2016         32,757         31,863         31,774   

Vision Holding Corp.

   Healthcare, Education, and Childcare      12.00 %     11/23/2016         40,000         39,238         39,225   

VPSI, Inc.

   Personal Transportation      12.00 %     12/23/2015         18,333         17,877         17,875   
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

           $ 254,423       $ 250,253       $ 247,141   
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subordinated Debt/Corporate Notes—66.6%

                

Ares Capital Corporation(17)

   Finance      6.00 %     4/1/2012       $ 15,393       $ 12,046       $ 15,947   

Ares Capital Corporation(18)

   Finance      6.63 %     7/15/2011         14,500         12,552         14,784   

Adams Outdoor Advertising

   Diversified / Conglomerate Service      18.00 %     12/8/2015         42,500         41,784         41,775   

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.

   Leisure, Motion Pictures, Entertainment      5.30 %     6/13/2012         25,729         25,564         23,414   

Booz Allen

   Aerospace & Defense      13.00 %     7/31/2016         17,362         17,103         17,927   

Direct Buy Inc.(18)

   Home and Office Furnishing, Consumer Products      16.00 %     5/30/2013         38,100         37,724         34,614   

DS Waters

   Beverage, Food, and Tobacco      15.00 %     4/24/2012         107,759         107,158         100,216   

Earthbound(18)

   Farming & Agriculture      14.25 %     6/21/2017         58,947         57,475         58,358   

Fleetpride Corporation(18)

   Cargo Transport      11.50 %     10/1/2014         43,000         43,119         41,065   

Grakon, LLC(12)

   Machinery      14.00 %     6/19/2013         22,084         18,620         6,625   

Iglo Birds Eye Group Limited(3)(4)

   Beverage, Food, and Tobacco      11.79 %     11/3/2016         5,100         5,131         5,144   

Iglo Birds Eye Group Limited(3)(4)

   Beverage, Food, and Tobacco      11.33 %     11/3/2016         12,378         15,257         12,427   

Magnolia River, LLC

   Hotels, Motels, Inns & Gaming      14.00 %     4/28/2014         19,064         18,492         18,111   

Midcap Financial Intermediate Holdings, LLC(16)(18)

   Banking      14.25 %     7/9/2015         75,000         73,205         73,125   

ProSieben Sat.1 Media AG(3)(8)

   Broadcasting & Entertainment      8.14 %     3/6/2017         21,059         19,813         17,247   

Richelieu Foods, Inc.(17)

   Beverage, Food, and Tobacco      13.75 %     5/18/2016         22,500         21,901         21,881   

Rug Doctor L.P.(18)

   Personal, Food and Misc. Services      14.96 %     10/31/2014         49,715         47,828         47,229   

Seven Media Group Pty Limited(3)

   Broadcasting & Entertainment      11.18 %     12/29/2013         20,712         16,328         20,297   

Seven Media Group Pty Limited(3)

   Broadcasting & Entertainment      12.00 %     12/29/2013         8,794         6,212         8,003   

Shoes For Crews, LLC(17)

   Textiles and Leather      13.75 %     7/23/2016         15,650         15,249         15,650   

Tri-Star Electronics International, Inc.

   Aerospace & Defense      15.25 %     8/2/2013         22,834         22,743         21,236   

Weetabix Group(3)(7)

   Beverage, Food, and Tobacco      10.53 %     9/14/2016         14,586         17,092         11,304   

Weetabix Group(3)(7)

   Beverage, Food, and Tobacco      10.03 %     5/7/2017         31,206         38,421         23,405   
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Subordinated Debt/Corporate Notes

           $ 703,972       $ 690,817       $ 649,784   
          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

11


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2010

(in thousands, except shares)

 

Description(1)

  

Industry

   Interest(2)     Maturity      Par Amount/
Shares
     Cost      Fair
Value
 

Preferred Equity—0.4%

                

SODO Corp.(10)(20)

   Aerospace & Defense      10.00 %     —           388       $ 390       $ 390   

SOCAY Corp.(10)(20)

   Aerospace & Defense      10.00 %     —           3,484         3,500         3,500   

Wyle Laboratories

   Aerospace & Defense      8.00 %     7/17/2015         387         39         44   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Preferred Equity

              $ 3,929       $ 3,934   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common Equity / Partnership Interests —7.7%

                

Ark Real Estate Partners LP(9)(11)(19)

   Real Estate           34,806,121       $ 34,806       $ 29,235   

Direct Buy Inc.

   Home and Office Furnishing, Consumer Products           5,000,000         5,000         2,500   

Global Garden Products(3)(6)

   Farming & Agriculture           88,483         —           —     

Grakon, LLC

   Machinery           1,714,286         1,714         —     

Great American Group Inc.(13)

  

Personal, Food and Misc.

Services

          572,800         2,681         281   

Great American Group Inc.(14)

   Personal, Food and Misc. Services           187,500         3         92   

National Specialty Alloys, LLC(10)

   Mining, Steel, Iron, and Nonprecious Metals           1,000,000         10,000         10,000   

Nuveen Investments, Inc.

   Finance           3,000,000         30,000         7,500   

NXP Semiconductors Netherlands B.V.(3)(15)

   Electronics           1,139,081         31,057         21,897   

Seven Media Group Pty Limited(3)

   Broadcasting & Entertainment           4,285,714         3,301         3,857   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Common Equity/Partnerships Interests

              $ 118,562       $ 75,362   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments

              $ 1,063,561       $ 976,221   
             

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) We generally acquire our investments in private transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Our investments are therefore generally subject to certain limitations on resale, and may be deemed to be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act.
(2) A majority of the variable rate debt investments bear interest at a rate that may be determined by reference to LIBOR or EURIBOR, and which reset daily, quarterly or semi-annually. For each debt investment we have provided the current interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2010.
(3) The following entities are domiciled outside the United States and the investments are denominated in either Euro, British Pounds or Australian Dollars: Iglo Birds Eye Group Limited, Global Garden Products and Weetabix Group in the United Kingdom; ProSieben Sat.1 Media AG in Germany; and Seven Media Group Pty Limited in Australia. NXP Semiconductors Netherlands B.V. is domiciled in the Netherlands and is denominated in U.S. dollars. All other investments are domiciled in the United States.
(4) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in Iglo Birds Eye Group Limited are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l.
(5) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in Classic Cruises Holdings are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l.
(6) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in Global Garden Products are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l.
(7) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in Weetabix Group are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l.
(8) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in ProSieben Sat. 1 Media AG are held through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l.
(9) Solar Capital Ltd. has an unfunded commitment of $9,946.
(10) Denotes a Control Investment. “Control Investments” are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) as investments in those companies that the Company is deemed to “Control.” Generally, under the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to “Control” a company in which it has invested if it owns 25% or more of the voting securities of such company or has greater than 50% representation on its board.
(11) Denotes an Affiliate Investment. “Affiliate Investments” are investments in those companies that are “Affiliated Companies” of the Company, as defined in the 1940 Act, which are not “Control Investments.” The Company is deemed to be an “Affiliate” of a company in which it has invested if it owns 5% or more but less than 25% of the voting securities of such company.
(12) Investment is on non-accrual status
(13) Founders Shares
(14) Contingent Founders Shares
(15) Administrative agent to NXP management equity plan
(16) Includes an unfunded par commitment of $15,000.
(17) Indicates an investment held by Solar Capital Ltd. through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Funding II LLC. Such investments are pledged as collateral under the Senior Secured Loan Facility (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements) and are not generally available to the creditors of Solar Capital Ltd. Unless otherwise noted, as of December 31, 2010, all other investments were pledged as collateral for the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements).
(18) Indicates an investment partially held by Solar Capital Ltd. through its wholly-owned subsidiary Solar Capital Funding II LLC. (See note 17 above for further explanation.) Par amounts held through Solar Capital Funding II LLC include: Asurion $14,224; Fulton Holding Corp. $18,000; Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. $10,000; ViaWest Inc. $15,054; Ares Capital Corporation $12,000; Direct Buy Inc. $15,000; Earthbound $23,500; Fleetpride Corporation $23,500; Midcap Financial Intermediate Holdings, LLC $23,500; and Rug Doctor L.P. $9,371. Remaining par balances are held directly by Solar Capital Ltd.
(19) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in Ark Real Estate Partners LP are held though it wholly-owned subsidiary SLRC ADI Corp.
(20) Solar Capital Ltd.’s investments in SODO Corp. and SOCAY Corp. each include a one dollar investment in common shares.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

12


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued)

December 31, 2010

 

Industry Classification

   Percentage of Total
Investments (at fair
value) as of
December 31, 2010
 

Beverage, Food, and Tobacco

     18

Personal, Food and Misc. Services

     8

Banking

     7

Farming & Agriculture

     6

Healthcare, Education, and Childcare

     5

Aerospace & Defense

     5

Broadcasting & Entertainment

     5

Leisure, Motion Pictures, Entertainment

     5

Insurance

     5

Diversified / Conglomerate Service

     4

Cargo Transport

     4

Finance

     4

Home and Office Furnishing, Consumer Products

     4

Retail Stores

     4

Real Estate

     3

Grocery

     2

Electronics

     2

Hotels, Motels, Inns & Gaming

     2

Personal Transportation

     2

Textiles and Leather

     2

Mining, Steel, Iron, and Nonprecious Metals

     1

Oil & Gas

     1

Machinery

     1
  

 

 

 
     100
  

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

13


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

Note 1. Organization

Solar Capital Ltd. (“Solar Capital”, the “Company” or “we”), a Maryland corporation formed in November 2007, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In addition, for tax purposes the Company has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

On February 9, 2010, Solar Capital Ltd. priced its initial public offering, selling 5.68 million shares, including the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a price of $18.50 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 600,000 shares through a private placement, also at $18.50 per share.

Immediately prior to the initial public offering, through a series of transactions Solar Capital Ltd. merged with Solar Capital LLC, leaving Solar Capital Ltd. as the surviving entity (the “Merger”). Solar Capital Ltd. issued an aggregate of approximately 26.65 million shares of common stock and $125 million in Senior Unsecured Notes to the existing Solar Capital LLC unit holders in connection with the Merger. Solar Capital Ltd. had no assets or operations prior to completion of the Merger and as a result, the historical books and records of Solar Capital LLC have become the books and records of the surviving entity.

Solar Capital LLC, a Maryland limited liability company, was formed in February 2007 and commenced operations on March 13, 2007 with initial capital of $1.2 billion of which 47.04% was funded by affiliated parties.

The Company’s investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. The Company invests primarily in middle-market companies in the form of mezzanine and senior secured loans, each of which may include an equity component, and, to a lesser extent, by making direct equity investments in such companies.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l., which was incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on April 26, 2007, and Solar Capital Funding II LLC (“SC Funding II”), a Delaware limited liability company formed on December 8, 2010. The consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments and reclassifications which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for the fair presentation of the results of the operations and financial condition for the periods presented. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Interim financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Articles 6 or 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals considered necessary for the fair presentation of financial statements for the interim period, have been included. The current period’s results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. As required by ASC 260-10, Earnings Per Share, the number of shares used to calculate weighted average shares for use in computations on a per share basis have been decreased retroactively by a factor of approximately 0.4022 for all periods prior to February 9, 2010. This factor represents the effective impact of the reduction in shares resulting from the Merger.

Investments – The Company applies fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP. The Company generally values its assets on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if required under the 1940 Act. Securities transactions are accounted for on trade date. Securities for which market quotations are readily available on an exchange are valued at such price as of the closing price on the valuation date. The Company may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of its investments from pricing services or 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 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 Solar Capital Partners LLC (the “Investment Adviser”) or the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), does not 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) Third-party valuation firms are engaged by, or on behalf of, the Board to conduct independent appraisals and review management’s preliminary valuations and make their own independent assessment, for all material assets; and

 

  4) The Board discusses valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in the portfolio in good faith based on the input of our investment adviser (note 4) and, where appropriate, the respective independent valuation firms.

Valuation methods, among other measures and as applicable, may include comparisons of financial ratios of the portfolio companies that issued such private equity securities to peer companies that are public, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and other relevant factors.

 

14


Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, the Company will consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the private equity valuation. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.

Investments of sufficient credit quality purchased within 60 days of maturity are valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which approximates fair value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include investments in money market accounts or investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Revenue Recognition – The Company’s revenue recognition policies are as follows:

Sales: Gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated by using the specific identification method.

Interest Income: Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. Origination, closing and/or commitment fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are accreted into interest income over the respective terms of the applicable loans. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, any prepayment penalties and unamortized loan origination, closing and commitment fees are recorded as part of interest income. The Company has loans in its portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provision. PIK interest is accrued at the contractual rates and added to the loan principal on the reset dates.

Non-accrual: Loans are placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current.

Fee Revenue Receivable – Fee revenue receivable consists of premium payments owed to the Company at the maturity of certain loans. The premium payments are recorded as a receivable at the inception of the loan and are accreted into interest income over the respective terms of the applicable loans.

Deferred Fee Revenue – Deferred fee revenue represents the unearned portion of premium payments owed to the Company at the maturity of certain loans.

U.S. Federal Income Taxes – The Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code and operates in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. In order to qualify as a RIC, among other things, the Company is required to timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. The Company, among other things, has made and intends to continue to make the requisite distributions to its stockholders, which will generally relieve the Company from U.S. federal income taxes.

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, we may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. For nine months ended September 30, 2011, there was $660 of U.S. Federal excise tax accrued.

Although we file federal and state tax returns, our major tax jurisdiction is federal. Our inception-to-date federal tax years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company is also subject to taxes in Luxembourg, through Solar Capital Luxembourg I S.a.r.l., a wholly-owned subsidiary. Under the laws of Luxembourg, the Company pays a corporate income tax and a municipal business tax on its subsidiary’s taxable income.

The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are reversed and recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes are included in income tax expense. Conclusions regarding tax positions are subject to review and may be adjusted at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. We did not have any uncertain tax positions that met the recognition or measurement criteria of ASC 740-10-25 nor did we have any unrecognized tax benefits as of the periods presented herein.

Capital Accounts – Certain capital accounts including undistributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gain or loss, net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, and paid in capital in excess of par, are adjusted, at least annually, for permanent differences between book and tax. In addition, the character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from GAAP.

Dividends – Dividends to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Quarterly dividend payments are determined by the Board and are generally based upon taxable earnings estimated by management. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually, although we may decide to retain such capital gains for investment. We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of any distributions we declare in cash on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, if our Board authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend, then our stockholders who have not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash dividend. While we generally use newly issued shares to implement the plan (especially if our shares are trading at a premium to net asset value), we may purchase shares in the open market in connection with our obligations under the plan. In particular, if our shares are trading at a significant enough discount to net asset value and we are otherwise permitted under applicable law to purchase such shares, we intend to purchase shares in the open market in connection with our obligations under our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Foreign Currency – The accounting records of the Company are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:

 

  (i) Market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities – at the current rates of exchange.

 

  (ii) Purchase and sales of investment securities, income and expenses – at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective date of such transactions.

The Company does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign currency rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Net realized foreign currency transactions gains or losses arise from sales of investment securities and maturities of forward currency contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement date on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the Company’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from the changes in the values of assets and liabilities, resulting from changes in the exchange rate.

The Company’s investments in foreign securities may involve certain risks such as foreign exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic risks, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investment. In addition, changes in the relationship of foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of these investments and therefore the earnings of the Company.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity – In accordance with GAAP, the Company recognizes derivatives as either assets or liabilities at their fair value on its Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. At this time, the Company does not document formal hedge relationships because the hedged items are recorded at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in current earnings. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivatives are also recorded in current earnings. Realized gains or losses from derivatives are recognized when contracts are settled. The Company primarily uses foreign exchange forward contracts to economically hedge its foreign currency risk. The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts is determined by recognizing the difference between the contract exchange rate and the current market exchange rate. These fair values are recognized as either derivative assets or derivative liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The Company may also borrow in foreign currencies on its multicurrency credit lines to reduce foreign currency exposure. Fluctuations in market values of assets and liabilities denominated in the same foreign currency offset in earnings providing a “natural” foreign currency hedge.

Deferred Offering Costs – Offering costs consist of fees paid in relation to legal, accounting, regulatory and printing work completed in connection with offerings of our common stock.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported period. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ materially.

Receivable for Investments Sold – Receivable for investments sold represents funds that have not been received for investments that were sold.

Payable for Investments Purchased – Payable for investments purchased represents funds that have not been disbursed for investment purchases.

Deferred Credit Facility Costs – Deferred credit facility costs are being amortized over the life of the related credit facility.

Note 3. Investments

Investments consisted of the following as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 

      September 30, 2011
(unaudited)
     December 31, 2010  
     Cost      Fair Value      Cost      Fair Value  

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

   $ 397,450       $ 378,434       $ 250,253       $ 247,141   

Subordinated Debt/Corporate Notes

     644,773         570,797         690,817         649,784   

Preferred Equity

     14,789         14,014         3,929         3,934   

Common Equity/Partnership Interests/Warrants

     108,375         61,000         118,562         75,362   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,165,387       $ 1,024,245       $ 1,063,561       $ 976,221   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had no non-accrual investments. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had one non-accrual asset with a total market value of $6.6 million.

Note 4. Agreements

Solar Capital has an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with the Investment Adviser, under which the Investment Adviser manages the day-to-day

 

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SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

operations of, and provides investment advisory services to, Solar Capital. For providing these services, the Investment Adviser receives a fee from Solar Capital, consisting of two components—a base management fee and an incentive fee. The base management fee is determined by taking the average value of Solar Capital’s gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters calculated at an annual rate of 2.00%. The incentive fee has two parts, as follows: one part is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on Solar Capital’s pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus Solar Capital’s operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, any expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, and any interest expense and dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation. Pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of Solar Capital’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to the hurdle rate of 1.75% per quarter (7% annualized). Our net investment income used to calculate this part of the incentive fee is also included in the amount of our gross assets used to calculate the 2% base management fee. Solar Capital pays the Investment Adviser an incentive fee with respect to Solar Capital’s pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows: (1) no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which Solar Capital’s pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle rate; (2) 100% of Solar Capital’s pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter; and (3) 20% of the amount of Solar Capital’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter. These calculations are appropriately pro-rated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the relevant quarter. The second part of the incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, as of the termination date), commencing on February 12, 2007, and equals 20% of Solar Capital’s cumulative realized capital gains less cumulative realized capital losses, unrealized capital depreciation (unrealized depreciation on a gross investment-by-investment basis at the end of each calendar year) and all capital gains upon which prior performance-based capital gains incentive fee payments were previously made to the Investment Adviser. For financial statement purposes, the second part of the incentive fee is accrued based upon 20% of cumulative net realized and unrealized capital appreciation. As of September 30, 2011, there was no accrual.

Solar Capital has also entered into an Administration Agreement with Solar Capital Management, LLC (the “Administrator”) under which the Administrator provides administrative services for Solar Capital. For providing these services, facilities and personnel, Solar Capital reimburses the Administrator for Solar Capital’s allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent. The Administrator also provides, on Solar Capital’s behalf, managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which Solar Capital is required to provide such assistance.

Note 5. Derivatives

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk both as a lender and a borrower. The Company’s borrowing facilities and term loan bear interest at a floating rate, which means that rising interest rates would increase our cost of borrowing. To partially mitigate this risk, in 2011, the Company purchased two interest rate cap contracts, which effectively limit the interest rate payable on $150 million of Libor based borrowings. The Company had no interest rate derivatives prior to 2011. The following table highlights the outstanding interest rate caps:

 

September 30, 2011

(unaudited)

Index Rate

   Cap Rate     Notional
Amount
     Expiration      Cost      Fair Value      Unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation)
    Counterparty

3 Month Libor

     1.0   $ 100,000         1/13/2014       $ 1,950       $ 294       $ (1,656   Wells Fargo

3 Month Libor

     1.0     50,000         5/4/2014         988         211         (777   Wells Fargo
    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
     $ 150,000          $ 2,938       $ 505       $ (2,433  
    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

The Company is also exposed to foreign exchange risk through its investments denominated in foreign currencies. The Company mitigates this risk through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. As an investment company, all changes in the fair value of assets, including changes caused by foreign currency fluctuation, flow through current earnings. The forward contracts serve as an economic hedge with their realized and unrealized gains and losses also recorded in current earnings. During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, the Company entered into 11 foreign currency forward contracts with durations of 1 month or less and an average U.S. dollar value of $29,211. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company entered into 77 foreign currency forward contracts with durations of 1 month and an average U.S. dollar value of $28,181.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

As of September 30, 2011, there were five open forward foreign currency contracts denominated in Australian Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds, all of which terminate on October 11, 2011. As of December 31, 2010, there were three open forward foreign currency contracts denominated in Australian Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds, all of which terminated on January 7, 2011. There was no fixed collateral held by counterparties for the open contracts and no credit-related contingent features associated with any of the open forward contracts. The contract details are as follows:

 

     September 30, 2011    December 31, 2010
     (unaudited)                         

SOLD

   Foreign
Currency
     USD Value      Unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation)
   

Counterparty

   Foreign
Currency
     USD Value      Unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation)
   

Counterparty

AUD

     20,464       $ 21,676       $ 1,873     

SunTrust Bank

     30,639       $ 31,337       $ (1,348  

SunTrust Bank

EUR

     16,508         23,253         1,137     

SunTrust Bank

     18,307         24,464         (191  

SunTrust Bank

GBP

     32,224         51,468         1,218     

Wells Fargo

     37,942         59,155         604     

SunTrust Bank

     

 

 

    

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total Sold

      $ 96,397       $ 4,228            $ 114,956       $ (935  
     

 

 

    

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

   

BOUGHT

                                                 

EUR

     16,000         21,936         (500  

SunTrust Bank

          

GBP

     10,000         15,615         (21  

Wells Fargo

          
     

 

 

    

 

 

              

Total Bought

      $ 37,551       $ (521             
     

 

 

    

 

 

              

The Company had no derivatives designated as hedging instruments at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010.

The following tables show the fair value and effect of the derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

 

    

Derivative Assets

 
     September 30, 2011         
    

(unaudited)

    

December 31, 2010

 
    

Balance Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
    

Balance Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (a)

           

Foreign exchange contracts

   Derivative assets    $ 4,228       Derivative assets    $ 604   

Interest rate caps

   Derivative assets      505       Derivative assets      —     
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (a)

      $ 4,733          $ 604   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

      $ 4,733          $ 604   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
    

Derivative Liabilities

 
     September 30, 2011              
    

(unaudited)

    

December 31, 2010

 
    

Balance Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
    

Balance Sheet Location

   Fair
Value
 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (a)

           

Foreign exchange contracts

   Derivative liabilities    $ 521       Derivative liabilities    $ 1,539   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (a)

      $ 521          $ 1,539   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

      $ 521          $ 1,539   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 2 for additional information on the Company’s purpose for entering into derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and its overall risk management strategy.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

    

Derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments(a)

 

Location of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income on

Derivative

  Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on
Derivative
 
        Three months ended
September 30, 2011
(unaudited)
    Three months ended
September 30, 2010
(unaudited)
    Nine months ended
September 30, 2011
(unaudited)
    Nine months ended
September 30, 2010
(unaudited)
 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Realized gain (loss):

       
 

Derivatives

  $ 1,487      $ (8,832   $ (7,748   $ 916   

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Unrealized gain (loss):

       
 

Derivatives

    3,055        (669     4,642        (3,995

Interest rate caps

 

Unrealized gain (loss):

       
 

Derivatives

    (1,060     —          (2,433     —     
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    $ 3,482      $ (9,501   $ (5,539   $ (3,079
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 6. Borrowing Facilities, Senior Unsecured Notes, and Term Loan

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility — On January 11, 2008, Solar Capital LLC entered into a $200 million Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility (the “$355 million Credit Facility”) with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (“CGMI”), various lenders, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders. CGMI acted as the sole lead bookrunner and the sole lead arranger for the $355 million Credit Facility.

On February 12, 2010, Solar Capital Ltd. amended and restated the $355 million Credit Facility, extending the maturity to February 2013 and increasing the total commitments under this facility to $270 million. Per the amended agreement, borrowings bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus 3.25% or the alternate base rate plus 2.25%. The commitment fee on unused balances is 0.375%. The amendment also reduced the advance rates permitted on certain asset types and placed limitations on the secured borrowing amount. On May 26, 2010, the $355 million Credit Facility was amended to remove the limitations on the secured borrowing amount and increase the advance rates permitted on certain asset types. Total commitments under the $355 million Credit Facility have been increased to $355 million as a result of the addition of two new lenders on May 12, 2010 and June 23, 2010. The facility size may be increased up to $600 million with additional new lenders or the increase in commitments of current lenders. The $355 million Credit Facility contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, including the occurrence of a change of control. In addition, the $355 million Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants that among other things, requires the Company to maintain a minimum shareholders’ equity and a minimum debt to total assets ratio.

Term Loan — On September 2, 2010, Solar Capital Ltd. entered into a fully funded $35 million senior secured term loan (the “Term Loan”), which matures in September 2013, bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus 3.25%, and has terms substantially similar to the $355 million Credit Facility. The Term Loan contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, including the occurrence of a change of control. In addition, the Term Loan contains certain financial covenants that among other things, requires the Company to maintain a minimum shareholders’ equity and a minimum debt to total assets ratio.

Senior Secured Loan Facility — On December 17, 2010, Solar Capital Ltd. entered into a new $100 million Senior Secured Credit Facility (the “$100 million Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Securities LLC, as administrative agent. Solar Capital entered into (i) a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with SC Funding II, pursuant to which Solar Capital will sell to SC Funding II certain loans that it has originated or acquired, or will originate or acquire (the “Loans”) from time to time; (ii) a Loan and Servicing Agreement (the “Loan and Servicing Agreement” and, together with the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the “Agreements”) with SC Funding II as borrower; and (iii) various supporting documentation. The $100 million Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by SC Funding II. The $100 million Credit Facility II, among other things, matures on December 17, 2015 and bears interest based on LIBOR plus 3.00%. Under the Agreements, Solar Capital, and SC Funding II, as applicable, are required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Purchase and Sale Agreement includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

Senior Unsecured Notes — On February 9, 2010, in connection with the Merger, senior unsecured notes (the “Senior Unsecured Notes”) of Solar Capital Ltd. were issued to certain equity holders. The Senior Unsecured Notes were scheduled to mature in February 2014 and had a coupon of 8.75%, payable quarterly in cash beginning May 1, 2010. The Senior Unsecured Notes were redeemable at any time, in whole or in part, at a price of 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. Further, net cash proceeds from the issuance of any other senior notes had to be used either to redeem or make an offer to purchase the outstanding Senior Unsecured Notes at a price of 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The Senior Unsecured Notes subjected Solar Capital Ltd. to customary covenants, including, among other things, (i) a requirement to maintain an “asset coverage ratio” of at least 2.00 to 1.00; (ii) a requirement that in the event of a “change of control” (as defined in the agreement governing the Senior Unsecured Notes) Solar Capital Ltd. will be required to offer to repurchase the Senior Unsecured Notes at a price of 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase; and (iii) a restriction on incurring any debt on a junior lien basis, or any debt that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other debt unless it is also subordinated to the Senior Unsecured Notes on substantially identical terms. The agreement under which the Senior Unsecured Notes have been issued contained customary events of default. The Senior Unsecured Notes were repaid in full in December 2010 at par plus accrued interest.

The weighted average annualized interest cost for all outstanding borrowings for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was 3.56% and 8.32%, respectively, and 3.56% and 7.90% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These costs exclude commitment fees and the amortization of expenses related to the establishment of the $355 million Credit Facility, the $100 million Credit Facility, the Senior Unsecured Notes, and the Term Loan (collectively the “Credit Facilities.”) The average debt outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $147,465 and $141,054, respectively, and $127,327 and $136, 296 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The maximum amounts borrowed under the Credit Facilities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010 were $388,328, $435,356 and $435,000, respectively. There was $388,328

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

and $435,000 drawn on the Credit Facilities as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. At September 30, 2011, outstanding borrowings included 13,846 Canadian dollars, 16,000 Euro, and 10,000 British pounds. There were no foreign currency borrowings at December 31, 2010. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all financial and operational covenants required by the Credit Facilities.

Note 7. Fair Value

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:

GAAP fair value measurement guidance classifies the inputs used to measure these fair values into the following hierarchy:

Level 1. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company has the ability to access (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities, exchange-traded derivatives, and most U.S. Government and agency securities).

Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:

 

  a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

  b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (examples include corporate and municipal bonds, which trade infrequently);

 

  c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include most over-the-counter derivatives, including foreign exchange forward contracts); and

 

  d) Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability (examples include certain of our private debt and equity investments) and long-dated or complex derivatives (including certain equity and currency derivatives).

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 below may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Further, it should be noted that the following tables do not take into consideration the effect of offsetting Levels 1 and 2 financial instruments entered into by the Company that economically hedge certain exposures to the Level 3 positions.

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 quarter in which the reclassifications occur.

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

Fair Value Measurements

As of September 30, 2011

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

     —           42,915         335,519         378,434   

Subordinated Debt / Corporate Notes

     —           50,939         519,858         570,797   

Preferred Equity

     —           —           14,014         14,014   

Common Equity / Partnership Interests / Warrants

     10,302         —           50,698         61,000   

Derivative assets - interest rate cap

     —           505         —           505   

Derivative assets - forward contracts

     —           4,228         —           4,228   

Liabilities:

           

Derivative liabilities - forward contracts

     —           521         —           521   

 

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SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Fair Value Measurements

As of December 31, 2010

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

   $ —         $ 46,609       $ 200,532       $ 247,141   

Subordinated Debt / Corporate Notes

     —           83,476         566,308         649,784   

Preferred Equity

     —           —           3,934         3,934   

Common Equity / Partnership Interests / Warrants

     373         21,897         53,092         75,362   

Derivative assets - forward contracts

     —           604         —           604   

Liabilities:

           

Derivative liabilities - forward contracts

     —           1,539         —           1,539   

The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010, as well as the portion of gains or losses included in income attributable to unrealized gains or losses related to those assets and liabilities still held at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

The Company had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period. There were no investments transferred into or out of Level 3 during the first two quarters of 2011. During the third quarter of 2011, one investment with a market value of $41.1 million was transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 due to the availability of pricing sources. During the first and third quarters of 2011, one investment with a current market value of $9.1 million was transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 when its listed common stock became freely tradable as restrictions expired.

Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3 Inputs

As of September 30, 2011

 

    Bank Debt/
Senior Secured
Loans
    Subordinated Debt/
Corporate Notes
    Preferred Equity     Common Equity/
Partnership
Interests/
Warrants
 

Fair value, January 1, 2011

  $ 200,532      $ 566,308      $ 3,934      $ 53,092   

Total gains or losses included in earnings:

       

Net realized gain (loss)

    (87     3,135        —          (284

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)

    (16,970     (21,001     (779     (3,302

Purchase of investment securities

    214,199        59,563        10,859        4,209   

Proceeds from dispositions of investment securities

    (62,155     (47,082     —          (3,017

Transfers in/out of Level 3

    —          (41,065     —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value, September 30, 2011

  $ 335,519      $ 519,858      $ 14,014      $ 50,698   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held by the Company at the end of the period:

       

Net change in unrealized gain:

  $ (19,113   $ (34,315   $ (779 )      $ (2,745

 

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SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3 Inputs

As of December 31, 2010

 

    Bank Debt/
Senior Secured
Loans
    Subordinated Debt/
Corporate Notes
    Preferred Equity     Common Equity/
Partnership
Interests/
Warrants
 

Fair value, January 1, 2010

  $ 163,499      $ 576,031      $ 40      $ 55,121   

Total gains or losses included in earnings:

       

Net realized gain (loss)

    463        (54,012     —          15,316   

Net change in unrealized gain (loss)

    3,704        86,974        4        (4,006

Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net)

    84,566        315        3,890        (11,642

Transfers out of Level 3

    (51,700     (43,000     —          (1,697
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value, December 31, 2010

  $ 200,532      $ 566,308      $ 3,934      $ 53,092   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) for the period relating to those Level 3 assets that were still held by the Company at the end of the period:

       

Net change in unrealized gain:

  $ 5,522      $ 18,999      $ 4      $ 9,161   

During 2010, one asset with a fair value of $0.4 million was transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 when trading restrictions expired on a publicly traded equity investment. The Company had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period.

Note 9. Stockholders’ Equity

The table below illustrates the effect of certain transactions on our capital accounts through September 30, 2011:

 

                            Distributions                    
                            in Excess of                    
                      Paid in Capital     Net     Accumulated           Total  
    Common Stock     Partners’     in Excess     Investment     Net Realized     Net Unrealized     Stockholders  
    Shares     Par Amount     Capital     of Par     Income     Gain/(Loss)     Appreciation     Equity  

Balance at December 31, 2009

    —        $ —        $ 697,903      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 697,903   

Solar Capital Merger(1)

    26,647,312        266        (697,903     772,553        —          —          (199,916     (125,000

Issuances of common stock in IPO(2)

    6,280,945        63        —          106,088        —          —          —          106,151   

Issuances of common stock in private placement(3)

    2,965,000        30          67,836              67,866   

Reinvestment of dividends

    489,901        5        —          10,841        —          —          —          10,846   

Net increase in stockholders’ equity resulting from operations

    —          —          —          —          69,212        (38,968     111,641        141,885   

Dividends declared ($2.14 per share)

    —          —          —          —          (65,457     (7,200     —          (72,657

Permanent tax differences

    —          —          —          (30,327     (5,300     35,627        —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

    36,383,158      $ 364      $ —        $ 926,991      $ (1,545   $ (10,541   $ (88,275   $ 826,994   

Reinvestment of dividends

    118,215        1        —          2,894        —          —          —          2,895   

Net increase in stockholders’ equity resulting from operations

    —          —          —          —          61,229        (2,343     (49,428     9,458   

Dividends declared ($1.80 per share)

    —          —          —          —          (65,600     —          —          (65,600
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2011

    36,501,373      $ 365      $ —        $ 929,885      $ (5,916   $ (12,884   $ (137,703   $ 773,747   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Immediately prior to the initial public offering, through a series of transactions Solar Capital Ltd. merged with Solar Capital LLC, leaving Solar Capital Ltd. as the surviving entity. Solar Capital Ltd. issued an aggregate of approximately 26.65 million shares of common stock and $125 million in Senior Unsecured Notes to the existing Solar Capital LLC unit holders in connection with the Merger.
(2) On February 9, 2010 Solar Capital Ltd. priced its initial public offering, selling 5.68 million shares, including the underwriters’ overallotment, at a price of $18.50 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 600,000 shares through a private placement, also at $18.50 per share.
(3) On November 30, 2010 Solar Capital Ltd. priced a private offering, selling 2.85 million shares, at a price of $22.94 per share. Concurrent with this offering, management purchased an additional 115,000 shares, also at $22.94 per share.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Note 10. Earnings Per Share

The following information sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net increase in shareholders’ equity per share resulting from operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Three months  ended
September 30, 2011
(unaudited)
    Three months  ended
September 30, 2010
(unaudited)
     Nine months  ended
September 30, 2011
(unaudited)
     Nine months  ended
September 30, 2010
(unaudited)
 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:

   $ (51,944   $ 21,009       $ 9,458       $ 99,527   

Denominator for basic and diluted weighted average share:

     36,498,451        33,165,867         36,442,550         32,918,479   

Basic and diluted net increase in share holders’ equity resulting from operations per share:

   $ (1.42   $ 0.63       $ 0.26       $ 3.02   

As required by ASC 260-10, Earnings Per Share, the number of shares used to calculate weighted average shares for use in computations on a per share basis have been decreased retroactively by a factor of approximately 0.4022 for all periods prior to February 9, 2010. This factor represents the effective impact of the reduction in shares resulting from the Merger.

Note 11. Taxation

The Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code and operates in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. In order to qualify as a RIC, among other things, the Company is required to timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. Additionally, as a BDC, the Company must not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of its total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions). Qualifying assets include investments in “eligible portfolio companies.” The Company, among other things, has made and intends to continue to make the requisite distributions to its stockholders, which will generally relieve the Company from U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes, excluding excise taxes which may be imposed under the Code. However, the Company may be subject to withholding taxes imposed on investment income and/or gains recognized associated with certain securities of issuers not resident in the U.S.

Prior to the February 9, 2010, the Company was classified as a partnership for U.S. tax purposes, and therefore was generally not subject to federal and state income taxes. Each partner took into account separately on their tax return their share of the taxable income, gains, losses, deductions or credits for the partnership’s taxable year. Accordingly, no provisions were made in the accompanying financial statements for federal and state income tax. The Company was subject to New York City unincorporated business tax (UBT), which is imposed on the business income of every unincorporated business that is carried on in New York City. The UBT is imposed for each taxable year at a rate of approximately 4 percent of taxable income that is allocable to New York City.

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2011

(in thousands, except shares)

(unaudited)

 

Note 12. Financial Highlights

The following is a schedule of financial highlights for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

     Nine months ended     Nine months ended  
     September 30, 2011     September 30, 2010  

Per Share Data: (a)

    

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 22.73      $ 21.24   

Net investment income

     1.68        1.57   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (1.42     1.45   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     0.26        3.02   

Effect of dilution

     0.01        (0.32

Offering costs

     —          (0.31

Dividends to shareholders declared

     (1.80     (1.54
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 21.20      $ 22.09   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total return (b)

     (12.20 %)      24.82

Net assets, end of period

   $ 773,747      $ 732,597   

Per share market value at end of period

     20.13        21.45   

Shares outstanding end of period

     36,501,373        33,168,872   

Ratio to average net assets:

    

Expenses without incentive fees (c)

     4.28     5.21

Incentive fees

     1.85     1.79
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     6.13     7.00
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income (c)

     9.92     9.59

Net investment income without incentive fees (c)

     12.39     11.99

Portfolio turnover ratio

     24.56     20.91

 

 

(a) Calculated using the average shares outstanding method
(b) Total return is based on the change in market price per share during the period and takes into account dividends reinvested with the dividend reinvestment plan. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the public offering price is used as the beginning net asset value. Not annualized for periods less than one year.
(c) Annualized.

Note 13. Related Parties

From July 2006 through approximately the first quarter of 2009, Mr. Gross, the Company’s chairman and chief executive officer, was a partner in Magnetar Capital Partners LP. Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer together with Solar Capital Partners LLC’s other investment professionals, advised Magnetar Financial LLC (“Magnetar”) on certain investments which coincide with those of Solar Capital. Certain entities affiliated with Magnetar owned as of September 30, 2011 either directly or indirectly, approximately 7.3% of our outstanding equity. In addition Messrs. Gross, Spohler, and Radesca serve as chairman and chief executive officer, director and chief operating officer, and chief financial officer, respectively, of Solar Senior Capital Ltd.

Note 14. New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 was issued concurrently with International Financial Reporting Standards No. 13 (“IFRS 13”), Fair Value Measurements, to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements as is currently required under ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820). The new standards do not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provide guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or GAAP. For GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13. ASU 2011-04 eliminates the concepts of in-use and in-exchange when measuring fair value of all financial instruments. For Level 3 fair value measurements, the ASU requires that our disclosure include quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs, a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in the unobservable inputs and the interrelationship between inputs, and a description of our valuation process. Public companies are required to apply ASU 2011-04 prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Upon adoption of ASU 2011-04, it is not expected that it will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements and the Company is currently evaluating the impact on its disclosures.

 

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares)

Schedule 12-14

 

              Nine months  ended
September 30, 2011
       

Portfolio Company

 

Investment

  As of September 30, 2011
Number of
Shares/Principal Amount
    Amount of dividends
and interest
included in income
    Amount of equity in
net profit and loss
    As of
September 30,
2011
Fair Value
 

Investments Owned Greater than 25%

         

AviatorCap SII, LLC I

 

Senior Debt

    3,868      $ 160      $ —        $ 3,674   

AviatorCap SII, LLC II

 

Senior Debt

    5,995        69        —          5,696   

AviatorCap SII, LLC III

 

Senior Debt

    10,223        264        —          9,711   

USAW 767

 

Senior Debt

    5,371        656        —          5,102   

SODO Corp.

 

Preferred Equity/Common        

    1,912        54        —          1,862   

SOCAY Corp.

 

Preferred Equity/Common

    12,357        409        —          12,107   

National Specialty Alloys, LLC

 

Equity

    1,000,000        4,102        —          15,000   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments Owned Greater than 25%

      $ 5,714      $ —        $ 53,152   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments Owned Greater than 5% and Less than 25%

         

Ark Real Estate Partners LP

 

Equity

    38,085,500        —          —          30,468   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments Owned Greater than 5% and Less than 25%

      $ —        $ —        $ 30,468   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table below represents the balance at the beginning of the year, December 31, 2010 and any gross additions and reductions and net unrealized gain (loss) made to such investments as well as the ending fair value as of September 30, 2011.

Gross additions represent increases in the investment from additional investments, payments in kind of interest or dividends.

Gross reductions represent decreases in the investment from sales of investments or repayments.

 

     Beginning
Fair Value
December 31,
2010
     Gross
additions
     Gross
reductions
     Change in
Unrealized
Gain
(Loss)
    Fair Value
as of
September 30,
2011
 

AviatorCap SII, LLC I

   $ —         $ 4,037       $ 228       $ (135   $ 3,674   

AviatorCap SII, LLC II

     —           6,070         74         (300     5,696   

AviatorCap SII, LLC III

     —           9,927         —           (216     9,711   

USAW 767

     6,618         45         1,382         (179     5,102   

SODO Corp.

     390         1,577         —           (105     1,862   

SOCAY Corp.

     3,500         9,283         —           (676     12,107   

National Specialty Alloys, LLC

     10,000         —           —           5,000        15,000   

Ark Real Estate Partners LP

     29,235         3,333         53         (2,047     30,468   

 

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Table of Contents

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares)

Schedule 12-14

 

              Year ended
December 31, 2010
    As of  

Portfolio Company

 

Investment

  As of December 31, 2010
Number of
Shares/Principal Amount
    Amount of dividends
and interest
included in income
    Amount of equity in
net profit and loss
    December 31,
2010
Fair Value
 

Investments Owned Greater than 25%

         

USAW 767

 

Senior Debt

  $ 6,753      $ 52      $ —        $ 6,618   

SODO Corp.

 

Preferred Equity/Common        

    388        2        —          390   

SOCAY Corp.

 

Preferred Equity/Common        

    3,484        16        —          3,500   

National Specialty Alloys, LLC

 

Equity

    1,000,000        600        —          10,000   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments Owned Greater than 25%

      $ 670      $ —        $ 20,508   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments Owned Greater than 5% and Less than 25%

         

National Interest Security Corp.

 

Senior Debt

  $ —        $ 3,544      $ —        $ —     

National Interest Security Corp.

 

Subordinated

  $ —          4,075        —          —     

Ark Real Estate Partners LP

 

Equity

    34,806,121        —          —          29,235   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investments Owned Greater than 5% and Less than 25%

      $ 7,619      $ —        $ 29,235   
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table below represents the balance at the beginning of the year, December 31, 2009 and any gross additions and reductions and net unrealized gain (loss) made to such investments as well as the ending fair value as of December 31, 2010.

Gross additions represent increases in the investment from additional investments, payments in kind of interest or dividends.

Gross reductions represent decreases in the investment from sales of investments or repayments.

 

     Beginning
Fair Value
December 31,
2009
     Gross
additions
     Gross
reductions
     Change in
Unrealized
Gain
(Loss)
    Fair Value
as of
December 31,
2010
 

USAW 767

   $ —         $ 7,297       $ 676       $ (3   $ 6,618   

SODO Corp.

     —           390         —           —          390   

SOCAY Corp.

     —           3,500         —           —          3,500   

National Specialty Alloys, LLC

     9,000         —           —           1,000        10,000   

National Interest Security Corp.

     26,152         —           24,740         (1,412     —     

National Interest Security Corp.

     31,303         —           30,230         (1,073     —     

National Interest Security Corp.

     16,293         —           2,126         (14,167     —     

Ark Real Estate Partners LP

     19,675         6,800         —           2,760        29,235   

 

26


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

The following analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.

Overview

Solar Capital Ltd. (“Solar”, the “Company” or “we”), a Maryland corporation formed in November 2007, is a closed-end, externally managed, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In addition, for tax purposes we have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

In February 2010, we completed our initial public offering and a concurrent private offering of shares to management. Prior to our initial public offering, Solar Capital LLC merged with and into Solar Capital Ltd. (the “Merger”), leaving Solar Capital Ltd. as the surviving entity. Solar Capital Ltd. issued shares of common stock and $125 million in senior unsecured notes to the existing Solar Capital LLC unit holders in connection with the Merger. The senior unsecured notes that were issued in connection with the Merger were repaid in December 2010. Prior to the Merger, Solar Capital Ltd. had no assets or operations and as a result, the books and records of Solar Capital LLC have become the historical books and records of the Company.

Our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. We invest primarily in leveraged middle market companies in the form of senior secured loans, mezzanine loans and equity securities. From time to time, we may also invest in public companies that are thinly traded. Our business model is focused primarily on the direct origination of investments through portfolio companies or their financial sponsors. Our investments generally range between $20 million and $100 million each, although we expect that this investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. We are managed by Solar Capital Partners, LLC (“Solar Capital Partners”). Solar Capital Management, LLC (“Solar Capital Management”) provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate. In addition, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in other types of investments, which we refer to as opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus but are intended to enhance our overall returns. These investments may include, but are not limited to, direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States.

As of September 30, 2011, our long term investments totaled $1,024.2 million and our net asset value was $773.7 million. Our portfolio was comprised of debt and equity investments in 41 portfolio companies and our income producing assets, which represented 92.7% of our total portfolio, had a weighted average annualized yield on a fair value basis of approximately 14.6%.

During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we originated approximately $70.3 million of investments in 4 new portfolio companies and approximately $27.1 million was invested in 3 existing portfolio companies. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, we had approximately $4.9 million in debt repayments in existing portfolio companies and no sales of securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we originated approximately $247.1 million of investments in 11 new portfolio companies and approximately $73.1 million was invested in 6 existing portfolio companies. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we had approximately $215.8 million in debt repayments and approximately $29.4 million in sales of securities of three portfolio companies.

Recent Developments

Dividend

On November 1, 2011, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share payable on December 29, 2011 to holders of record as of December 15, 2011. We expect the dividend to be paid from taxable earnings with specific tax characteristics reported to stockholders after the end of the calendar year.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

We conduct the valuation of our assets, pursuant to which our net asset value is determined, at all times consistent with GAAP, and the 1940 Act. Our valuation procedures are set forth in more detail below:

Securities for which market quotations are readily available on an exchange are valued at the closing price on the valuation date. We may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of our investments from pricing services or brokers or dealers in order to value assets. When doing so, we determine whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. If determined adequate, we use 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 our investment adviser or board of directors, does not represent fair value, shall be valued as follows: (i) each portfolio company or investment is initially valued by the investment professinals responsible for the portfolio investment; (ii) preliminary valuation conclusions are documented and discussed with our senior management; (iii) independent third-party valuation firms engaged by, or on behalf of, the board of directors will conduct independent appraisals and review management’s preliminary valuations and make their own assessment for all material assets; (iv) the board of directors will discuss valuations and determine the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith based on the input of the investment adviser and, where appropriate, the respective third-party valuation firms.

The recommendation of fair value will generally be based on the following factors, as relevant:

 

   

the nature and realizable value of any collateral;

 

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the portfolio company’s ability to make payments;

 

   

the portfolio company’s earnings and discounted cash flow;

 

   

the markets in which the issuer does business; and

 

   

comparisons to publicly traded securities.

Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which a pricing source is not sufficient may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

private placements and restricted securities that do not have an active trading market;

 

   

securities whose trading has been suspended or for which market quotes are no longer available;

 

   

debt securities that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market;

 

   

securities whose prices are stale;

 

   

securities affected by significant events; and

 

   

securities that the investment adviser believes were priced incorrectly.

Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates. Accordingly, the notes to our financial statements express the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any change in such valuations, on our financial statements.

GAAP fair value measurement guidance classifies the inputs used to measure these fair values into the following hierarchy:

Level 1. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that the Company has the ability to access (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities and exchange-traded derivatives).

Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:

a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (examples include corporate and municipal bonds, which trade infrequently);

c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include most over-the-counter derivatives, including foreign exchange forward contracts); and

d) Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability (examples include certain of our private debt and equity investments) and long-dated or complex derivatives (including certain equity and currency derivatives).

Fair Value Measurements

As of September 30, 2011

($ in thousands)

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

     —           42,915         335,519         378,434   

Subordinated Debt / Corporate Notes

     —           50,939         519,858         570,797   

Preferred Equity

     —           —           14,014         14,014   

Common Equity / Partnership Interests / Warrants

     10,302         —           50,698         61,000   

Derivative assets - interest rate cap

     —           505         —           505   

Derivative assets - forward contracts

     —           4,228         —           4,228   

Liabilities:

           

Derivative liabilities - forward contracts

     —           521         —           521   

At September 30, 2011, the fair value of investments classified as Level 3 was $920.1 million or 71.5% of total assets. There were no investments transferred into or out of Level 3 during the first two quarters of 2011. During the third quarter of 2011 one investment with a market value of $41.1 million was transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 due to the availability of pricing sources. During the first and third quarters of 2011, one investment with a current market value of $9.1 million was transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 when its listed common stock became freely tradable as restrictions expired.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue recognition policies are as follows:

Sales: Gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated by using the specific identification method.

 

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Interest Income: Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis. Origination, closing and/or commitment fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are accreted into interest income over the respective terms of the applicable loans. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, any prepayment penalties and unamortized loan origination, closing and commitment fees are recorded as part of interest income. We have loans in our portfolio that contain a PIK provision. PIK interest is accrued at the contractual rates and added to the loan principal on the reset dates.

Non-accrual: Loans are placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected. Accrued interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment about ultimate collectability of principal. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current.

Payment-in-Kind Interest

We have investments in our portfolio which contain a PIK interest provision. Over time, PIK interest increases the principal balance of the investment, but is recorded as interest income. For us to maintain our status as a RIC, substantially all of this income must be paid out to stockholders in the form of dividends, even though we have not currently collected cash with respect to the PIK interest.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-4, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). ASU 2011-04 was issued concurrently with International Financial Reporting Standards No. 13 (“IFRS 13”), Fair Value Measurements, to provide largely identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements as is currently required under ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820). The new standards do not extend the use of fair value but, rather, provide guidance about how fair value should be applied where it already is required or permitted under IFRS or GAAP. For GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13. ASU 2011-04 eliminates the concepts of in-use and in-exchange when measuring fair value of all financial instruments. For Level 3 fair value measurements, the ASU requires that our disclosure include quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs, a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in the unobservable inputs and the interrelationship between inputs, and a description of our valuation process. Public companies are required to apply ASU 2011-04 prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Upon adoption of ASU 2011-04, it is not expected that it will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements and the Company is currently evaluating the impact on its disclosures.

Portfolio Investments

The total fair value of our investments was approximately $1,024.2 million and $976.2 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we originated approximately $97.3 million of new investments in 4 new and 3 existing portfolio companies. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we originated approximately $74.3 million of investments in 1 new and 3 existing portfolio companies. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we originated approximately $320.2 million of investments in 11 new and 6 existing portfolio companies. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we originated approximately $178.9 million of investments in 5 new and 1 existing portfolio companies.

In certain instances, we receive payments on our debt investments based on scheduled amortization of the outstanding balances. In addition, we may receive repayments of certain debt investments prior to their scheduled maturity date. The frequency or volume of these repayments may fluctuate significantly from period to period. Our portfolio activity also reflects sales of securities. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, we had approximately $4.9 million in debt repayments from existing portfolio companies and had no sales of securities. For the three months ended September 30, 2010, we had approximately $6.6 million in debt repayments from existing portfolio companies and sold securities in one portfolio company for approximately $2.9 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we had approximately $215.8 million in debt repayments and had approximately $29.4 million in sales of securities in 3 portfolio companies. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we had approximately $187.4 million in debt repayments and approximately $23.5 million in sales of securities in four portfolio companies.

At September 30, 2011, we had investments in debt and preferred securities of 34 portfolio companies, totaling approximately $963.2 million, and equity investments in nine portfolio companies, totaling approximately $61.0 million. At December 31, 2010, we had investments in debt and preferred securities of 30 portfolio companies, totaling approximately $900.9 million, and equity investments in nine portfolio companies, totaling approximately $75.4 million.

The following table shows the fair value of our portfolio of investments by asset class as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 

     September 30, 2011                

(in thousands)

   (unaudited)      December 31, 2010  
     Cost      Fair Value      Cost      Fair Value  

Bank Debt/Senior Secured Loans

   $ 397,450       $ 378,434       $ 250,253       $ 247,141   

Subordinated Debt/Corporate Notes

     644,773         570,797         690,817         649,784   

Preferred Equity

     14,789         14,014         3,929         3,934   

Common Equity/Partnership Interests/Warrants

     108,375         61,000         118,562         75,362   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,165,387       $ 1,024,245       $ 1,063,561       $ 976,221   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2011, the weighted average yield on income producing investments in our portfolio was approximately 14.6%, compared to 14.3% at December 31, 2010. The increase in yield during the first nine months of 2010 was primarily due to a decrease in fair value of portfolio assets during the third quarter of 2011. As of September 30, 2011, there were no investments on non-accrual status compared to one asset on non-accrual status with a market value of $6.6 million at December 31, 2010.

 

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Results of Operations for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2011 compared to the Quarter Ended September 30, 2010

Revenue

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
        
     (unaudited)         
     2011      2010      % Change  
     (in thousands)         

Investment income

   $ 35,329       $ 29,403         20

Investment income was higher during the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to higher interest and dividend income on a larger average portfolio balance.

Expenses

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
        
     (unaudited)         
     2011      2010      % Change  
     (in thousands)         

Investment advisory and management fees

   $ 5,236       $ 4,607         14

Performance-based incentive fee

     5,216         3,887         34

Interest and other credit facility expenses

     2,242         3,943         (43 %) 

Administrative service fee

     357         387         (8 %) 

Other general and administrative expenses

     1,223         972         26
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses

   $ 14,274       $ 13,796         3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Both performance-based incentive fee, which is calculated as a percentage of net investment income above certain hurdle rates, and investment advisory and management fees, which are calculated based on average gross assets, were higher during the third quarter of 2011 due to higher investment income earned on larger average gross assets. Interest and other credit facility expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2011 were lower than the comparable period in 2010 primarily due to lower borrowing rates in 2011 after the repayment of higher priced fixed rate notes in late 2010.

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses

 

     For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     (unaudited)  
     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

   $ 647      $ (24

Net realized gain (loss) on derivatives

     1,487        (8,832

Net realized loss on foreign currency exchange

     (34     —     

Net unrealized (loss) gain on investments

     (78,604     14,942   

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

     1,995        (669

Net unrealized gain on foreign currency exchange

     1,854        41   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total realized and unrealized (loss) gain

   $ (72,655   $ 5,458   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the third quarter of 2011, there was a total realized and unrealized loss of $72.7 million compared to a gain of $5.5 million for the same period in 2010. The combined net loss during the third quarter of 2011 was primarily due to the increase in unrealized depreciation caused by recent technical market factors. We analyze this section on a combined basis because offsets may exist in the individual line items due to foreign exchange fluctuations and movements from unrealized to realized, which may have impacted income in prior periods.

Our investments denominated in Euro, British Pounds, Canadian dollars, and Australian dollars are converted into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date, and as such, we are exposed to movements in exchange rates. To limit our exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts or borrow in foreign currencies under our multi-currency revolving credit facility.

 

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Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

Revenue

 

     For the Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
        
     (unaudited)         
     2011      2010      % Change  
     (in thousands)         

Investment income

   $ 102,906       $ 92,997         11

Investment income was higher during the first nine months of 2011 primarily due to due to higher interest income on a larger average portfolio balance partially offset by higher transaction related income during 2010 primarily resulting from the early repayment of assets.

Expenses

 

     For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
        
     (unaudited)         
     2011      2010      % Change  
     (in thousands)         

Investment advisory and management fees

   $ 15,319       $ 13,404         14

Performance-based incentive fee

     15,273         12,958         18

Interest and other credit facility expenses

     6,174         10,540         (41 %) 

Administrative service fee

     1,074         1,098         (2 %) 

Other general and administrative expenses

     3,039         2,978         2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses

   $ 40,879       $ 40,978         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Both performance-based incentive fee, which is calculated as a percentage of net investment income above certain hurdle rates, and investment advisory and management fees, which are calculated based on average gross assets, were higher during the first nine months of 2011 due to higher investment income earned on larger average gross assets. Interest and other credit facility expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were lower than the comparable period in 2010 primarily due to lower borrowing rates in 2011 after the repayment of higher priced fixed rate notes in late 2010.

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses

 

     For the Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
     (unaudited)  
     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

   $ 5,753      $ (27,836

Net realized (loss) gain on derivatives

     (7,748     916   

Net realized (loss) gain on foreign currency exchange

     (348     3,531   

Net unrealized (loss) gain on investments

     (53,802     75,750   

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

     2,209        (3,995

Net unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange

     2,165        (667
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total realized and unrealized (loss) gain

   $ (51,771   $ 47,699   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total realized and unrealized loss was $51.8 million for the first nine months of 2011 compared to a gain of $47.7 million for the same period in 2010. The combined net loss during the first nine months of 2011 was primarily due to portfolio depreciation, which took place primarily during the third quarter. The net gain for the first nine months of 2010, which took place largely during the first quarter, was primarily due to certain asset valuations that were recovering from technical recession lows. We analyze this section on a combined basis because offsets may exist in the individual line items due to foreign exchange fluctuations and movements from unrealized to realized, which may have impacted income in prior periods.

Our investments denominated in Euro, British Pounds, Canadian dollars, and Australian dollars are converted into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date, and as such, we are exposed to movements in exchange rates. To limit our exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts or borrow in foreign currencies under our multi-currency revolving credit facility.

 

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To partially mitigate this risk of rising interest rates on our floating rate debt exposure, we purchased two interest rate derivative contracts during 2011, which effectively cap the London Interbank Borrowing Rate (LIBOR) at 1.00% on $100 million of notional amount through January 2014 and $50 million of notional amount through May 2014. The interest rate caps were purchased for $2.94 million and were valued at $0.51 million on September 30, 2011.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s liquidity and capital resources are generated and generally available through its multicurrency $355 million senior secured revolving credit facility maturing in February 2013 (“$355 million Credit Facility”), $100 million senior secured revolving credit facility maturing in December 2015 (“$100 million Credit Facility”), $35 million term loan maturing in September 2013, cash flows from operations, investment sales, repayments of senior and subordinated loans, income earned on investments and cash equivalents, and, we expect, through periodic follow-on equity and/or debt offerings. We may from time to time issue such securities in either public or private offerings. The issuance of debt or equity securities will depend on future market conditions, funding needs and other factors and there can be no assurance that any such issuance will occur or be successful.

The primary use of existing funds and any funds raised in the future is expected to be for repayment of indebtedness, investments in portfolio companies, cash distributions to our shareholders or for other general corporate purposes.

At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $233.8 and $288.7 million, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was approximately $32.6 million and $73.3 million, respectively. We expect that all current liquidity needs will be met with cash flows from operations and other activities.

Credit Facilities. On February 12, 2010, Solar Capital Ltd. amended and restated Solar Capital LLC’s credit facility, extending the maturity to February 2013 and increasing the total commitments under this facility to $270 million. Per the amended agreement, borrowings bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus 3.25% or the alternate base rate plus 2.25%. The commitment fee on unused balances is 0.375%. The amendment also reduced the advance rates permitted on certain asset types and placed limitations on the secured borrowing amount. On May 26, 2010, the $355 million Credit Facility was amended to remove the limitations on the secured borrowing and increase the advance rates permitted on certain asset types. Total commitments under this facility have been increased to $355 million as a result of the addition of two new lenders on May 12, 2010 and June 23, 2010. The facility size may be increased up to $600 million with additional new lenders or the increase in commitments of current lenders. The $355 million Credit Facility contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, including the occurrence of a change of control. In addition, the $355 million Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants that among other things, require the Company to maintain a minimum shareholder’s equity and a minimum debt to total assets ratio.

On December 17, 2010, we established the $100 million Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC acting as administrative agent. In connection with the $100 million Credit Facility, our wholly owned financing subsidiary, Solar Capital Funding II, LLC (“SC Funding II”), as borrower, entered into a Loan and Servicing Agreement whereby we transferred certain loans we originated or acquired or will originate or acquire from time to time to SC Funding II via a Purchase and Sale Agreement. The $100 million Credit Facility, among other things, matures on December 17, 2015 and generally bears interest based on LIBOR plus 3.00%. The $100 million Credit Facility is secured by all of the assets held by SC Funding II. Under the $100 million Credit Facility, Solar Capital and SC Funding II, as applicable, have made certain customary representations and warranties, and are required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The $100 million Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for credit facilities of this nature.

Term Loan. On September 2, 2010, Solar Capital Ltd. entered into the fully funded $35 million Term Loan, which matures in September 2013, bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus 3.25%, and has terms substantially similar to the $355 million Credit Facility.

Certain covenants may restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.

Contractual Obligations

A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations as of September 30, 2011 is as follows:

 

     Payments Due by Period  
     (unaudited)  

(in millions)

   Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      3-5 Years      More Than
5 Years
 

Senior secured revolving credit facilities(1)

   $ 353.3       $ —         $ 253.3      $ 100.0       $ —     

Term loan

   $ 35.0       $ —         $ 35.0      $ —         $ —     

 

(1) As of September 30, 2011, we had $101.7 million of unused borrowing capacity under our credit facilities.

We have certain commitments pursuant to our Investment Advisory and Management Agreement entered into with Solar Capital Partners. We have agreed to pay a fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of two components—a base management fee and an incentive fee. Payments under the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement are equal to (1) a percentage of the value of our average gross assets and (2) a two-part incentive fee. We have also entered into an Administration Agreement with Solar Capital Management to serve as our administrator. Payments under the Administration Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable portion of Solar Capital Management’s overhead in performing its obligation under the agreement, including rent, fees, and other expenses inclusive of our allocable portion of the compensation of our chief financial officer and any administrative staff.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of our business, we trade various financial instruments and may enter into various investment activities with off-balance sheet risk, which include forward foreign currency contracts. Generally, these financial instruments represent future commitments to purchase or sell other financial instruments at specific terms at future dates. These financial instruments contain varying degrees of off-balance sheet risk whereby changes in the market value or our satisfaction of the obligations may exceed the amount recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

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Borrowings

We had borrowings of $353.3 million and $400.0 million outstanding, under our Credit Facilities on September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Our $35.0 million Term Loan was outstanding on September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

Distributions and Dividends

The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared on our common stock since our initial public offering:

 

Date Declared

   Record Date    Payment Date    Amount  

Fiscal 2011

        

November 1, 2011

   December 15, 2011    December 29, 2011    $ 0.60   

August 2, 2011

   September 20, 2011    October 4, 2011      0.60   

May 2, 2011

   June 17, 2011    July 5, 2011      0.60   

March 1, 2011

   March 17, 2011    April 4, 2011      0.60   
        

 

 

 

Total 2011

         $ 2.40   
        

 

 

 

Fiscal 2010

        

November 2, 2010

   December 17, 2010    December 30, 2010    $ 0.60   

August 3, 2010

   September 17, 2010    October 4, 2010      0.60   

May 4, 2010

   June 17, 2010    July 2, 2010      0.60   

January 26, 2010

   March 18, 2010    April 1, 2010      0.34
        

 

 

 

Total 2010

         $ 2.14   
        

 

 

 

 

* Partial period dividend of $0.60 per share prorated for the number of days that remained in the quarter after our initial public offering

Tax characteristics of all dividends will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099 after the end of the calendar year. Future quarterly dividends, if any, will be determined by our board of directors.

We have elected to be taxed as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To maintain our RIC status, we must distribute at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, out of the assets legally available for distribution. In addition, although we currently intend to distribute net realized capital gains (net long-term capital gains in excess of short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually, out of the assets legally available for such distributions, we may in the future decide to retain such capital gains for investment.

We maintain an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a dividend, then stockholders’ cash dividends will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless they specifically “opt out” of the dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash dividends.

Related Parties

We have entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:

 

   

We have entered into an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with Solar Capital Partners. Mr. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, is the managing member and a senior investment professional of, and has financial and controlling interests in, Solar Capital Partners. In addition, Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer is a partner and a senior investment professional of, and has financial interests in, Solar Capital Partners.

 

   

Solar Capital Management provides us with the office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct day-to-day operations pursuant to our Administration Agreement. We reimburse Solar Capital Management for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and the compensation of our chief compliance officer, our chief financial officer and any administrative support staff. Solar Capital Partners, our investment adviser, is the sole member of and controls Solar Capital Management.

 

   

We have entered into a license agreement with Solar Capital Partners, pursuant to which Solar Capital Partners has granted us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “Solar Capital.”

 

   

From July 2006 through approximately the first quarter of 2009, Mr. Gross, the Company’s chairman and chief executive officer, was a partner in Magnetar Capital Partners LP. Mr. Spohler, our chief operating officer together with Solar Capital Partners LLC’s other investment professionals, advised Magnetar Financial LLC (“Magnetar”) on certain investments which coincide with those of Solar Capital. Certain entities affiliated with Magnetar owned as of September 30, 2011, either directly or indirectly, approximately 7.3% of our outstanding equity.

Solar Capital Partners and its affiliates may also manage other funds in the future that may have investment mandates that are similar, in whole and in part, with ours. Solar Capital Partners and its affiliates may determine that an investment is appropriate for us and for one or more of those other funds. For example, Solar Capital Partners presently serves as investment adviser to Solar Senior Capital Ltd., a closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company, which focuses on investing primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien debt instruments. In addition, Michael S. Gross, our chairman and chief executive officer, Bruce Spohler, our chief operating officer, and Nicholas Radesca, our chief financial officer, serve in similar capacities for Solar Senior Capital Ltd. Solar Capital Partners and its affiliates may determine that an investment is appropriate for us and for one or more of

 

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those other funds. In such event, depending on the availability of such investment and other appropriate factors, Solar Capital Partners or its affiliates may determine that we should invest side-by-side with one or more other funds. Any such investments will be made only to the extent permitted by applicable law and interpretive positions of the SEC and its staff, and consistent with Solar Capital Partners’ allocation procedures.

In addition, we have adopted a formal code of ethics that governs the conduct of our officers and directors. Our officers and directors also remain subject to the duties imposed by both the 1940 Act and the Maryland General Corporation Law.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, certain of the loans in our portfolio had floating interest rates and our senior secured revolving credit facilities and Term Loan also bear floating rate interest. Interest rates on these loans are typically based on floating LIBOR and reset to current market rates every one to six months. A change in interest rates would not have a material effect on our net investment income. However, we may hedge against interest rate fluctuations from time-to-time by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options, swaps, caps and forward contracts subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of higher interest rates with respect to our portfolio of investments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we purchased two 1.00% LIBOR caps on a total of $150 million of notional for 3 years. If during the three year contract period LIBOR exceeds 1.00%, we will receive payments from the counterparty equal to the difference between LIBOR and 1.00% on $150 million. The cost of the caps was $2.9 million.

The following table quantifies the potential changes in interest income net of interest expense should interest rates increase by 100 or 200 basis points or decrease by 25 basis points. Investment income is calculated as revenue from loans and other lending investments held at September 30, 2011. Interest expense is calculated separately for each of our borrowings. For our floating rate $35 million Term Loan we use the balance and interest rate as of September 30, 2011 and adjust the interest rate based on the hypothetical changes below. For our floating rate credit facility we use the average balance for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as it fluctuates with our periodic cash requirements and we calculate interest expense using the interest rate as of September 30, 2011 adjusted for the hypothetical changes in rates below. The base interest rate case assumes the rates on our portfolio investments remain as they were on September 30, 2011. All of the hypothetical calculations are based on a model of our portfolio for the twelve months subsequent to September 30, 2011 and assume no change to any input other than the underlying base interest rates.

Actual results could differ significantly from those estimated in the table.

 

Change in Interest Rates

   Estimated
Percentage
Change in Interest
Income Net of
Interest Expense
 

-25 Basis Points

     0.08

Base Interest Rate

     0.00

+100 Basis Points

     (0.03 %) 

+200 Basis Points

     0.92

We have exposure to foreign currencies (Euro, British Pounds, Canadian dollars, and Australian dollars) through various investments. These investments are converted into U.S. dollars at the balance sheet date, exposing us to movements in exchange rates. To limit our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts or borrow in those currencies under our multi-currency revolving credit facility. Our foreign currency exchange contracts are short term contracts that are continuously rolled forward to hedge the longer term portfolio investments. The table below presents our exchange rate sensitive assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2011:

 

      Australian
Dollar
     Euro     British
Pound
    Canadian
Dollar
 

Portfolio Investments (Long)

         

Par Amount, Fair Value for Equity (in Currency)

   $ 22.1       16.0      £ 30.8      $ 30.5   

Par Amount, Fair Value for Equity ($ in millions)

   $ 21.7       $ 23.3      $ 49.5      $ 30.2   

Fair Value ($ in millions)

   $ 21.7       $ 18.9      $ 40.0      $ 28.4   

Forward Contracts (Short)

         

Notional Amount (in Currency)

   $ 20.5       16.5      £ 32.2      $ —     

Weighted Average Exchange Rate

     1.059         1.340        1.559        —     

Contract Amount ($ in millions)

   $ 21.7       $ 23.3      $ 51.5      $ —     

Fair Value ($ in millions)

   $ 1.9       $ 1.1      $ 1.2      $ —     

Forward Contracts (Long)

         

Notional Amount (in Currency)

   $ —         16.0      £ 10.0      $ —     

Weighted Average Exchange Rate

     —           1.371        1.562        —     

Contract Amount ($ in millions)

   $ —         $ 21.9      $ 15.6      $ —     

Fair Value ($ in millions)

   $ —         $ (0.5   $ (0.0   $ —     

Credit Facilities (Short)

         

Par Amount (in Currency)

   $ —         16.0      £ 10.0      $ 13.8   

Par Amount ($ in millions)

   $ —         $ 21.4      $ 15.6      $ 13.2   

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2011 (the end of the period covered by this report), we, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, our management, including 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. However, in evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of such possible controls and procedures.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

Management has not identified any change in the Company’s internal control over financing reporting that occurred during the third quarter of 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We, Solar Capital Management, LLC and Solar Capital Partners, LLC are not currently subject to any material pending legal proceedings threatened against us. From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of our business including the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and uncertainty about the financial stability of several countries in the European Union (EU) could have a significant adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Due to the current federal budget deficit concerns, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) downgraded the federal government’s credit rating from AAA to AA+ for the first time in history on August 5, 2011. This downgrade could lead to subsequent downgrades by S&P, as well as to downgrades by the other two major credit rating agencies, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings. These developments, and the government’s credit concerns in general, could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact both the perception of credit risk associated with our debt portfolio and our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. In addition, a decreased credit rating could create broader financial turmoil and uncertainty, which may weigh heavily on our stock price and our financial performance.

In 2010, a financial crisis emerged in Europe, triggered by high budget deficits and rising direct and contingent sovereign debt in Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, which created concerns about the ability of these EU “peripheral nations” to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations. Despite assistance packages to Greece, Ireland and Portugal, the creation of a joint EU-IMF European Financial Stability Facility in May 2010, and a recently announced plan to expand financial assistance to Greece, uncertainty over the outcome of the EU governments’ financial support programs and worries about sovereign finances persist. Risks and ongoing concerns about the debt crisis in Europe could have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, sovereign and non-sovereign debt in these countries and the financial condition of European financial institutions. Market and economic disruptions have affected, and may continue to affect, consumer confidence levels and spending, personal bankruptcy rates, levels of incurrence and default on consumer debt and home prices, among other factors. There can be no assurance that the market disruptions in Europe, including the increased cost of funding for certain governments and financial institutions, will not spread, nor can there be any assurance that future assistance packages will be available or, even if provided, will be sufficient to stabilize the affected countries and markets in Europe or elsewhere. To the extent uncertainty regarding the economic recovery continues to negatively impact consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, our business and results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected.

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. The risks described above and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. There have been no other material changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to the risk factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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

While we did not engage in unregistered sales of equity securities during the three months ended September 30, 2011, we issued a total of 53,755 shares of common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan. This issuance was not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The aggregate valuation price of the shares of common stock issued under the dividend reinvestment plan was approximately $1.3 million.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or hereby incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed with the SEC:

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  3.1    Articles of Amendment and Restatement**
  3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws**
  4.1    Form of Common Stock Certificate****
10.1    Dividend Reinvestment Plan**
10.2    Form of Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement by and between the Registrant, the Lenders and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent****
10.3    Form of Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement by and between the Registrant and ING Capital LLC, as lender and administrative agent, dated as of September 2, 2010*****
10.4    Form of Loan and Servicing Agreement by and among the Registrant, Solar Capital Funding II LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as administrative agent, Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as account bank and collateral custodian*******
10.5    Investment Advisory and Management Agreement by and between Registrant and Solar Capital Partners, LLC*
10.6    Form of Custodian Agreement****
10.7    Administration Agreement by and between Registrant and Solar Capital Management, LLC*
10.8    Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Registrant and each of its directors**
10.9    Registration Rights Agreement by and between Registrant, Solar Cayman Limited, Solar Offshore Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and purchasers in the initial private placement*
10.10    First Amendment to the Registration Rights Agreement by and between Registrant, Solar Cayman Limited, Solar Offshore Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and purchasers in the initial private placement**
10.11    Registration Rights Agreement by and between Registrant, Magnetar Capital Fund, LP and Solar Offshore Limited*
10.12    Trademark License Agreement by and between Registrant and Solar Capital Partners, LLC**
10.13    Form of Share Purchase Agreement by and between Registrant and Solar Capital Investors II, LLC****
10.14    Form of Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Registrant and Solar Capital LLC****
10.15    Form of Registration Rights Agreement******
10.16    Form of Subscription Agreement******
10.17    Form of Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between the Registrant and Solar Capital Funding II LLC*******
11    Computation of Per Share Earnings (included in the notes to the audited financial statements contained in this report).
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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* Previously filed in connection with Solar Capital Ltd.’s registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-148734) filed on January 18, 2008.
** Previously filed in connection with Solar Capital Ltd.’s registration statement on Form N-2 Pre-Effective Amendment No. 7 (File No. 333-148734) filed on January 7, 2010.
*** Previously filed in connection with Solar Capital Ltd.’s registration statement on Form N-2 Pre-Effective Amendment No. 8 (File No. 333-148734) filed on January 27, 2010.
**** Previously filed in connection with Solar Capital Ltd.’s registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-148734) filed on February 9, 2010.
***** Previously filed in connection with Solar Capital Ltd.’s report on Form 8-K filed on September 7, 2010.
****** Previously filed in connection with Solar Capital Ltd.’s report on Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2010.
******* Previously filed in connection with Solar Capital Ltd.’s report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2010.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on November 1, 2011.

 

SOLAR CAPITAL LTD.
By:  

/S/ MICHAEL S. GROSS

  Michael S. Gross
  Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
By:  

/S/ NICHOLAS RADESCA

  Nicholas Radesca
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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