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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 814-01069

 

 

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   46-5327366

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA   02116
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (617) 936-2275

Not applicable

Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, If Changed Since Last Report.

 

 

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

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) 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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-Accelerated filer   x  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

The number of the Registrant’s common units outstanding at August 10, 2015 was 20,134,698.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2015

Table of Contents

 

   

INDEX

   PAGE
NO.
 

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     2   

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

     2   
 

Schedules of Investments as of June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2014

     2   
 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2014

     4   
 

Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

     5   
 

Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital for the six months ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) and May 13, 2014 (Inception) to June 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

     6   
 

Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) and May 13, 2014 (Inception) to June 30, 2014 (Unaudited)

     7   
 

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     8   

Item 2.

 

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

     21   

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     29   

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

     30   

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

     31   

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

     31   

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

     31   

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     31   

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     31   

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

     31   

Item 5.

 

Other Information

     31   

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

     32   

SIGNATURES

     33   

 

1


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

TCW Direct Lending LLC

Schedule of Investments

As of June 30, 2015

(Unaudited)

 

Industry

 

Issuer

  Acquisition
Date
 

Investment

  % of Net
Assets
    Par
Amount
    Maturity
Date
  Amortized
Cost
    Fair Value  
  Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments            

Diversified Consumer Services

               
  Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.   06/09/15   First Lien Term Loan - 6.50% (LIBOR + 5.25%, 1.25% Floor)     3.3     15,000,000      07/01/19   $ 14,926,131      $ 15,000,000   

Household Products

               
  Nice-Pak Products, Inc.   06/12/15   First Lien Term Loan - 7.00% (LIBOR + 6.00%, 1.00% Floor)     7.6     35,000,000      06/12/20     34,480,460        35,000,000   

Industrial - Conglomerate

               
  H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company (4)   06/30/15   First Lien Term Loan A -7.25% (LIBOR + 6.25%, 1.00% Floor)     31.6     145,000,000      06/30/20     142,826,191        145,000,000   

Metals and Mining

               
  Pace Industries, Inc.   06/30/15   First Lien Term Loan - 9.25% (LIBOR + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor)     23.9     110,000,000      06/30/20     108,350,903        110,000,000   

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods

               
  Frontier Spinning Mills, Inc. (4)   05/19/15   First Lien Term Loan B - 7.75% (LIBOR + 6.75%, 1.00% Floor)     3.3     14,930,769      04/30/20     14,784,742        14,930,769   

Road and Rail

               
  Total Military Management, Inc. (1)   04/14/15   First Lien Term Loan - 7.75% (LIBOR + 6.75%, 1.00% Floor)     25.8     118,500,000      10/14/20     116,056,901        118,500,000   
       

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Total Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments       95.5         431,425,328        438,430,769   
       

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Controlled/Affiliated Investments         Shares         Cost        

Investment Funds & Vehicles

  TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC (2)(3)   06/05/15   Preferred membership interests     30.8     140,515          140,515,000        141,442,397   
      Common membership interests     0.0     640          640,000        109,343   
       

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Total Controlled/Affiliated Investments     30.8         141,155,000        141,551,740   
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Cash Equivalents              
  Blackrock Liquidity Funds, Yield 0.01%     43.5       $ 200,000,000      $ 200,000,000   
       

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Total Investments - 169.8%         $ 772,580,328      $ 779,982,509   
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (69.8%)              (320,730,632 ) 
               

 

 

 
  Net Assets — 100.0%               $ 459,251,877   
               

 

 

 

 

(1)  Excluded from the investment above is a revolving credit facility commitment in an amount not to exceed $7,500,000, an interest rate of LIBOR plus 6.75%, LIBOR Floor 1.00%, and a maturity of April 14, 2020. This investment is accruing an unused commitment fee of 0.50% per annum. The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on this commitment is zero as of June 30, 2015.
(2)  The investment is not a qualifying asset as defined in Section 55(a) under the 1940 Act. A business development company may not acquire any asset other than qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the company’s total assets. On this basis, 84.7% of the Company’s total assets represented qualifying assets as of June 30, 2015.
(3)  As defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, the investment is deemed to be a “controlled affiliated person” of the Company because the Company owns, either directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such portfolio company.
(4)  In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this loan, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount on the “first out” tranche of the portfolio company’s first lien senior secured loans.

 

     LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate, generally 1-Month or 3-Month

 

Geographic Breakdown of Portfolio

     

Northeast

    31.0

South

    69.0
 

 

 

 

United States

    100.0

 

2


Table of Contents

TCW Direct Lending LLC

Schedule of Investments

As of December 31, 2014

 

Industry

 

Issuer

  Acquisition
Date
 

Investment

  % of Net
Assets
    Par
Amount
    Maturity
Date
    Amortized
Cost
    Fair Value  
  Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments            
Machinery                
  Motor Coach Industries International, Inc.   11/12/14   First Lien Term Loan A - 8.00% (LIBOR + 7.50%, 0.50% Floor)     80.5     51,923,077        09/26/19        50,913,802        51,923,077   
      First Lien Term Loan B - 8.00% (LIBOR + 7.50%, 0.50% Floor)     24.1     15,576,923        09/26/19        15,274,141        15,576,923   
       

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
          104.6         66,187,943        67,500,000   
       

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
Media                
  Angie’s List, Inc. (1)   11/12/14   First Lien Term Loan - 7.25% (LIBOR + 6.75%, 0.50% Floor)     69.7     45,000,000        09/26/19        44,125,295        45,000,000   
       

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Total Non-Controlled/Non-Affiliated Investments (174.3%)         $ 110,313,238      $ 112,500,000   
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (-74.3%)             (47,971,826 ) 
               

 

 

 
  Net Assets (100.0%)               $ 64,528,174   
               

 

 

 

 

(1)  Excluded from the investment above is a delayed draw term loan commitment in an amount not to exceed $18,750,000, an interest rate of LIBOR plus 6.75%, LIBOR Floor 0.50%, and a maturity of September 26, 2019. This investment is accruing an unused commitment fee of 0.75% per annum. The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on this commitment is zero as of December 31, 2014.

 

     LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate, generally 1-Month or 3-Month

 

Geographic Breakdown of Portfolio

      

Midwest

     100
  

 

 

 

United States

     100

 

3


Table of Contents

TCW Direct Lending LLC

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

 

     As of
June 30, 2015
(unaudited)
    As of
December 31, 2014
 

Assets

    

Investments, at fair value

    

Non controlled/non-affiliated investments (amortized cost of $431,425 and $110,313, respectively)

   $ 438,431      $ 112,500   

Controlled affiliated investments (cost of $141,155 and $0, respectively)

     141,552        —     

Cash and cash equivalents

     332,956        6,967   

Deferred financing costs

     3,704        4,457   

Capital call due from Members

     —          100   

Prepaid offering costs

     —          663   

Interest receivable

     1,918        629   

Receivable from Investment Adviser

     —          311   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 918,561      $ 125,627   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

    

Credit facility payable

   $ 435,000      $ 55,000   

Management fees payable

     23,636        3,493   

Initial organization expenses payable to affiliate

     —          682   

Offering costs payable to affiliate

     —          663   

Interest and credit facility expenses payable

     339        656   

Sub-administrator, transfer agent and custody fees payable

     139        79   

Insurance payable

     —          185   

Directors’ fees payable

     108        160   

Audit and tax service fees payable

     41        82   

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

     46        99   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 459,309      $ 61,099   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)

    

Members’ Capital

    

Preferred units: (no units issued and outstanding)

   $ —        $ —     

Common unitholders commitment: (20,134,698 and 8,240,510 units issued and outstanding, respectively)

     2,013,470        824,051   

Common unitholders undrawn commitment: (20,134,698 and 8,240,510 units issued and outstanding, respectively)

     (1,542,317     (758,200

Accumulated net realized gain

     2,124        129   

Accumulated net investment loss

     (21,428     (3,639

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     7,403        2,187   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Members’ Capital

   $ 459,252      $ 64,528   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Members’ Capital

   $ 918,561      $ 125,627   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Unit (accrual base) (Note 9)

   $ 99.41      $ 99.84   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements

 

4


Table of Contents

TCW Direct Lending LLC

Statements of Operations (unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

 

     For the three
months ended
June 30, 2015
    For the six
months ended
June 30, 2015
 

Investment Income:

    

Interest income

   $ 4,397      $ 6,707   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

    

Management fees

     7,550        20,143   

Interest and credit facility expenses

     1,408        2,469   

Sub-administrator, transfer agent and custody fees

     135        266   

Insurance expense

     79        159   

Directors’ fees

     70        145   

Audit fees

     107        137   

Legal fees

     126        126   

Valuation fees

     34        45   

Tax service fees

     2        5   

Other expenses

     24        26   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     9,535        23,521   

Expense recaptured by the Investment Adviser

     —          312   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     9,535        23,833   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment loss

   $ (5,138   $ (17,126
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    

Net realized gain on investments

     1,987        1,995   

Net change in unrealized appreciation from non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

     4,941        4,819   

Net change in unrealized appreciation from controlled affiliated investments

     397        397   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

   $ 7,325      $ 7,211   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in Members’ Capital from operations

   $ 2,187      $ (9,915
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted:

    

Income (Loss) per unit

   $ 0.11      $ (0.52

See notes to financial statements

 

5


Table of Contents

TCW Direct Lending LLC

Statements of Changes in Members’ Capital (unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

 

     For the six
months ended
June 30, 2015
    For the period
May 13, 2014
(Inception) to
June 30, 2014
 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Members’ Capital Resulting from Operations

    

Net investment loss

   $ (17,126   $ —     

Net realized gain on investments

     1,995        —     

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     5,216        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Members’ Capital Resulting from Operations

     (9,915     —     

Increase (Decrease) in Members’ Capital Resulting from Capital Activity

    

Contributions

     405,302        1   

Offering costs

     (663     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Members’ Capital Resulting from Capital Activity

     404,639        1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Increase in Members’ Capital

     394,724        1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Members’ Capital, beginning of period

     64,528        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Members’ Capital, end of period

   $ 459,252      $ 1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated net investment loss

   $ (21,428   $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to financial statement

 

6


Table of Contents

TCW Direct Lending LLC

Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

 

     For the six
months ended
June 30, 2015
    For the period
May 13, 2014
(Inception) to
June 30, 2014
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

    

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

   $ (9,915   $ —     

Adjustments to reconcile the net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Purchases of investments

     (586,034     —     

Proceeds from sales and paydowns of investments

     126,043        —     

Net realized (gain) loss on investments

     (1,995     —     

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments

     (5,216     —     

Amortization of premium and accretion of discount, net

     (281     —     

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     783        —     

Increase (decrease) in operating assets and liabilities:

    

(Increase) decrease in prepaid offering costs

     663        —     

(Increase) decrease in interest receivable

     (1,289     —     

(Increase) decrease in receivable from Investment Adviser

     311        —     

Increase (decrease) in management fees payable

     20,143        —     

Increase (decrease) in initial organizational expense payable to affiliate

     (682     —     

Increase (decrease) in offering costs payable to affiliate

     (663     —     

Increase (decrease) in interest and credit facility expenses payable, net

     297        —     

Increase (decrease) in insurance payable

     (185     —     

Increase (decrease) in directors’ fees payable

     (52     —     

Increase (decrease) in audit and tax service fees payable

     (41     —     

Increase (decrease) in sub-administrator, transfer agent and custody fees payable

     60        —     

Increase (decrease) in other accrued expenses and liabilities

     (53     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

   $ (458,106   $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

    

Contributions from Members

     405,302        1   

Capital call due from Members, net

     100        —     

Offering costs paid

     (663     —     

Deferred financing costs paid

     (644     —     

Proceeds from credit facility

     429,000        —     

Repayments of credit facility

     (49,000     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

   $ 784,095      $ 1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash

   $ 325,989      $ 1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, beginning of period

   $ 6,967      $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, end of period

   $ 332,956      $ 1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental and non-cash financing activities

    

Interest expense paid

   $ 924      $ —     

In-kind transfer of investments

   $ 111,656      $ —     

See notes to financial statements

 

7


Table of Contents

TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(dollar amount in thousands, except for unit data)

June 30, 2015

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization: TCW Direct Lending LLC (the “Company” and “our”), was formed as a Delaware corporation on March 20, 2014 and converted to a Delaware limited liability company on April 1, 2014. We conducted a private offering of our limited liability company units (the “Common Units”) to investors in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company has engaged TCW Asset Management Company (“TAMCO”), an affiliate of The TCW Group, Inc. (“TCW”) to be its adviser (the “Adviser”). On May 13, 2014 (“Inception Date”), the Company sold and issued 10 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $1 to TAMCO.

The Company has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). We also intend to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the U.S Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for the first taxable year in which we anticipate having significant net taxable income, and expect to meet the minimum distribution and other requirements for RIC qualification. As a BDC and a RIC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements.

Capital Commitments: On September 19, 2014 (the “Initial Closing Date”), the Company began accepting subscription agreements from investors for the private sale of its Common Units. On March 19, 2015 the Company completed its final private placement of its Common Units and as of June 30, 2015, subscription agreements with commitments (“Commitments”) from investors totaling $2,013,470 for the purchase of Common Units were accepted. Each Common Unitholder is obligated to contribute capital equal to their Commitment and each Unit’s Commitment obligation is $100.00 per unit. The amount of capital that remains to be drawn down and contributed is referred to as an “Undrawn Commitment”.

As of June 30, 2015, aggregate Commitments, Undrawn Commitments and subscribed for Units of the Company follow:

 

     Commitments      Unfunded
Commitments
     % of
Commitments
Funded
    Units  

Common Unitholder

   $ 2,013,470       $ 1,542,317         23     20,134,698   

Recallable Amounts: A Common Unitholder may be required to re-contribute amounts previously distributed equal to:

 

  (a) 75% of the lesser of the principal amount or the cost portion of any Portfolio Investment that is fully repaid to or otherwise fully recouped by the Company in the form of cash proceeds, within one year of the Company’s investment, and

 

  (b) Distributions of amounts that were contributed in anticipation of a potential Portfolio Investment that the Company did not consummate within 90 days of the contribution date.

The amount recallable as of June 30, 2015 is zero.

Investments Transferred In-Kind:

In partial satisfaction of its capital commitment to TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC (“Strategic Ventures”), the Company transferred in-kind 100% of its investment interest in two loans with a fair market value of $111,656 to Strategic Ventures on June 3, 2015. Investments transferred include Motor Coach Industries International, Inc. term loan A and term loan B, outstanding par amount, on a combined basis of $66,656 and Angie’s List , Inc term loan, outstanding par amount of $45,000 and an unfunded delayed draw of $18,750.

 

8


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The amount realized on the investment and corresponding in-kind transfer of $111,656 recognized by the Company equaled the fair value of such investments on the date of transfer.

Loan Purchase Agreement (a Related Party Transaction): The Company entered into an agreement, dated September 25, 2014 to acquire loan assets for a purchase price equal to the principal amount of the loans funded by the seller (net of any original issue discount (“OID”) and closing fees), plus all accrued and unpaid interest on the loans as of November 12, 2014 (the “Transfer Date”). The seller of the loan assets was TCW DL Bridge, LLC (“TCW Bridge”), an affiliate of the Advisor. For the period during which TCW Bridge held the loans, TCW Bridge was entitled to retain all interest payments received on the loans, but paid all costs associated with holding the loans. There was no change in the value of loan assets from September 25, 2014 through the Transfer Date.

On November 12, 2014, the Company acquired the following loan assets from TCW Bridge.

 

Issuer

  

Investment

   Par
Amount
    Purchase
Price
    

Counterparty

Angie’s List, Inc.   

Term Loan

7.25% (LIBOR + 6.75%, 0.50% Floor, due 09/26/19)

   $ 60,000 (1)    $ 58,800       TCW Bridge
Motor Coach Industries International, Inc.   

Term Loan

8.00 % (LIBOR + 7.50%, 0.50% Floor, due 09/26/19)

   $ 100,000      $ 98,000       TCW Bridge
  

Term Loan

8.00% (LIBOR + 7.50%, 0.50% Floor, due 09/26/19)

   $ 30,000      $ 29,400       TCW Bridge

LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate, generally 1-Month or 3-Month

 

(1)  The Company had commitments of $18,750 to fund additional investments in the portfolio company pursuant to the Loan Purchase Agreement between TCW Bridge and the Company. The change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on this commitment was zero as of the Transfer Date.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q. The Company is an investment company following accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies (“ASC Topic 946” ). The unaudited financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not indicative of results to be expected for the full year.

Amounts as of December 31, 2014 included in the unaudited financial statements have been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date. Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements, including certain financial statement footnotes, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), is not required for interim reporting purposes and has been condensed or omitted herein. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements and notes related thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on March 30, 2015.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Investments: The Company measures the value of its investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“ASC Topic 820”), issued by FASB. Fair value is 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. Market participants are defined as buyers and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market (which may be a hypothetical market) that are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, the Company considers its principal market to be the market that has the greatest volume and level of activity.

 

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Transactions: The Company records investment transactions on the trade date. The Company considers trade date for investments not traded on a recognizable exchange, or traded in the over-the-counter markets, to be the date on which the Company receives legal or contractual title to the asset and bears the risk of loss.

Income Recognition: Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis unless doubtful of collection or the related investment is in default. Realized gains and losses on investments are recorded on a specific identification basis. The Company typically receives a fee in the form of a discount to the purchase price at the time it funds an investment in a loan. The discount is accreted to interest income over the life of the respective loan, as reported in the Statement of Operations, and reflected in the amortized cost basis of the investment. Discounts associated with a revolver are treated as a discount to the issuers’ term loan. In the event there is a fee associated with a delayed draw that remains unfunded, the Company will recognize the fee as fee income immediately. Ongoing facility, commitment or other additional fees including, prepayment fees, consent fees and forbearance fees are recognized immediately when earned as income.

Deferred Financing Costs: Deferred financing costs incurred by the Company in connection with the revolving credit facility, including arrangement fees, upfront fees and legal fees, are amortizing on a straight-line basis over the term of the revolving credit facility.

Organization and Offering Costs: Costs incurred to organize the Company are expensed as incurred. Offering costs totaling $663 were accumulated and charged directly to Members’ Capital at the end of the period during which Common Units were being offered (the “Closing Period”). However, the Company did not bear more than an amount equal to 10 basis points of the aggregate capital commitments to us through the Commitments of the Company for organization and offering expenses in connection with the offering of Common Units through the Closing Period.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of acquisition to be cash equivalents. At June 30, 2015 cash and cash equivalents is comprised of demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less, which approximate fair value.

Income Taxes: The Company was a C Corporation for the period-ended December 31, 2014, and has elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code for the taxable year ending December 31, 2015. So long as the Company maintains its status as a RIC, it generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its stockholders as dividends. Rather, any tax liability related to income earned and distributed by the Company represents obligations of the Company’s investors and will not be reflected in the financial statements of the Company.

The Company generated a net loss in 2014 for tax purposes.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: On February 18, 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ ASU”) 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”), which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. The FASB’s focus during deliberations was largely on the investment management industry. The key amendments that are going to have significant impact on Company’s consolidation conclusion include:

 

    Limited partnerships will be variable interest entities (VIEs), unless the limited partners have either substantive kick-out or participating rights. Although more partnerships will be VIEs, it is less likely that a general partner will consolidate a limited partnership.

 

    The ASU changes the effect that fees paid to a decision maker or service provider that have on the consolidation analysis. Specifically, it is less likely that the fees themselves will be considered a variable interest, that an entity will be a VIE, or that consolidation will result.

 

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    The deferral of ASU 2009-17 for investments in certain investment funds has been eliminated. Therefore, investment managers, general partners, and investors in these investment funds will need to perform a drastically different consolidation evaluation.

 

    For entities other than limited partnerships, the ASU clarifies how to determine whether the equity holders (as a group) have power over the entity (this will most likely result in a change to current practice). The clarification could affect whether the entity is a VIE.

ASU 2015-02 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. At this time, management is evaluating the ASU to determine whether it will impact the financial statement and whether to early adopt this ASU.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that all costs incurred to issue debt be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt. Prior to the issuance of this ASU, debt issuance costs were required to be presented in the balance sheet as an asset. Upon adoption, the standard requires prior period financial statements to be retrospectively adjusted. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted in certain circumstances. At this time, management is evaluating the ASU to determine whether it will impact the financial statement and whether to early adopt this ASU.

3. Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements

Investments at Fair Value: Investments held by the Company are valued at fair value. Fair value is generally determined on the basis of last reported sales prices or official closing prices on the primary exchange in which each security trades, or if no sales are reported, based on the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices obtained for debt investments from a quotation reporting system, established market makers or pricing service.

Investments for which market quotes are not readily available or market quotations are not considered reliable are valued at fair value by the Board of Directors based on similar instruments, internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Assets and liabilities are classified by the Company based on valuation inputs used to determine fair value into three levels.

Level 1 values are based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 values are based on significant observable market inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets and quoted prices in inactive markets or other market observable inputs.

Level 3 values are based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the assets.

Categorization within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

Level 1 Assets (Investments): The valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value are as follows:

Registered Investment Companies, (Level 1), include registered open-end investment companies that are valued based upon the reported net asset value of such investment.

Level 3 Assets (Investments): The following valuation techniques and significant inputs are used to determine fair value of investments in private debt and equity for which reliable market quotations are not available. Some of the inputs are independently observable however, a significant portion of the inputs and the internal assumptions applied are unobservable.

 

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Debt, (Level 3), include investments in privately originated senior secured debt. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs. A discounted cash flow approach incorporating a weighted average cost of capital is generally used to determine fair value. Valuation may also include a shadow rating method. Standard pricing inputs include but are not limited to the financial health of the issuer, place in the capital structure, value of other issuer debt, credit, industry, and market risk and events.

Pricing inputs and weightings applied to determine value require subjective determination. Accordingly, valuations do not necessarily represent the amounts that may eventually be realized form sales or other dispositions of investments.

Equity investments in affiliated investment fund (TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC), (Level 3) is valued based on the net asset value reported by the investment fund. Investments held by the affiliated fund include debt investments in privately originated senior secured debt. Such investments held by the affiliated fund are valued using the same methods, approach and standards applied above to debt investments held by the Company. The Company’s ability to withdrawal from the fund is subject to restrictions.

The following is a summary by major security type of the fair valuations according to inputs used in valuing investments listed in the Schedule of Investments as of June 30, 2015:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments

           

Debt

   $ —          —        $ 438,431       $ 438,431   

Investment Funds & Vehicles1

     —           —          141,552         141,552   

Cash equivalents

     200,000         —          —           200,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 200,000       $ —        $ 579,983       $ 779,983   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

1 Includes equity investments in the TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC

The following is a summary by major security type of the fair valuations according to inputs used in valuing investments listed in the Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investments

           

Debt

   $ —        $ —        $ 112,500       $ 112,500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ —        $ —        $ 112,500       $ 112,500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for total investments that use Level 3 inputs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015:

 

     Investment Funds & Vehicles      Debt      Total  

Balance, March 31, 2015

   $ —         $ 112,078       $ 112,078   

Purchases

     154,629         431,405         586,034   

Sales and paydowns of investments (1)

     (13,474      (112,147      (125,621

Amortization of discount/(premium)

     —           167         167   

Net realized gains (losses)

     —           1,987         1,987   

Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation)

     397         4,941         5,338   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2015

   $ 141,552       $ 438,431       $ 579,983   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     Investment Funds & Vehicles      Debt      Total  

Balance, December 31, 2014

   $ —         $ 112,500       $ 112,500   

Purchases

     154,629         431,405         586,034   

Sales and paydowns of investments (1)

     (13,474      (112,569      (126,043

Amortization of discount/(premium)

     —           281         281   

Net realized gains (losses)

     —           1,995         1,995   

Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation)

     397         4,819         5,216   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2015

   $ 141,552       $ 438,431       $ 579,983   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in investments held as of June 30, 2015

   $ 397       $ 7,006       $ 7,403   

 

(1)  Includes in-kind transfer of investments of $111,656.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are reported at the beginning of the reporting period in which they occur. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 the Company did not have any transfers between levels.

Level 3 Valuation and Quantitative Information: The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and quantitative information utilized in determining the fair value of the Level 3 investments as of June 30, 2015.

 

Investment

Type

   Fair Value at
June 30, 2015
     Valuation
Technique
   Unobservable
Input
   Range   Weighted
Average
    Impact to
Valuation from an
Increase in Input

Debt

   $ 438,431       Income method    Weighted average

cost of capital

   5.7% - 11.0%     9.5   Decrease
         Shadow rating

method

   B-to B+     N/A      Increase

Investment Funds & Vehicles

   $ 141,552       Net Asset Value    Net Asset Value    $141,552     N/A      Increase

Level 3 Valuation and Quantitative Information: The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and quantitative information utilized in determining the fair value of the Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2014.

 

Investment

Type

   Fair Value at
December 31, 2014
     Valuation
Technique
   Unobservable
Input
   Range   Weighted
Average
    Impact to
Valuation from an
Increase in Input

Debt

   $ 112,500       Income

method

   Weighted average

cost of capital

   7.8% - 10.1%     9.0   Decrease
         Shadow rating

method

   B to CCC+     NA      Increase

Valuation Process:

Oversight for determining fair value is the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Company (with input from the Adviser, the audit committee and an external, independent valuation firm retained by the Company). The Company and the Adviser value the investments at fair value on a quarterly basis and whenever required by the Company’s operating agreement. The Company has engaged an external, independent valuation firm to assist the Board in determining the fair market value of the Company’s investments for which market quotations are not readily available.

 

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The Adviser undertakes a multi-step valuation process for investments whose market prices are not otherwise readily available. The valuation process begins with each investment being preliminarily valued by the Adviser. The Company’s external, independent valuation firm also values the investments and provides a valuation range. Based on its own valuation and a review of the external, independent valuation firm’s range and related documentation, the Adviser formulates and documents valuation recommendations. The Adviser provides its valuation recommendation for each investment to the Company’s audit committee, based on / along with the independent valuation report. After the Company’s audit committee reviews the valuation recommendations, the Board of Directors discusses the portfolio company and investment valuations with the Adviser and determines the fair value of these investments in good faith.

The Adviser uses all relevant factors in determining fair value including, without limitation, any of the following factors as may be deemed relevant by the Board: current financial position and current and historical operating results of the issuer; sales prices of recent public or private transactions in the same or similar securities, including transactions on any securities exchange on which such securities are listed or in the over-the-counter market; general level of interest rates; recent trading volume of the security; restrictions on transfer including the Company’s right, if any, to require registration of its securities by the issuer under the securities laws; any liquidation preference or other special feature or term of the security; significant recent events affecting the Portfolio Company, including any pending private placement, public offering, merger, or acquisition; the price paid by the Company to acquire the asset; the percentage of the issuer’s outstanding securities that is owned by the Company and all other factors affecting value.

4. Agreements and Related Party Transactions

On September 15, 2014, the Company entered into an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, its registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Advisory Agreement was approved by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) at an in-person meeting. Unless earlier terminated, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect for a period of two years and will remain in effect from year to year thereafter if approved annually by (i) the vote of the Board, or by the vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, and (ii) the vote of a majority of the independent directors of the Board.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, and subject to the overall supervision of the Board, the Adviser will manage the Company’s day-to-day operations and provide investment advisory services to the Company. The Company will pay to the Adviser, quarterly in advance, a management fee (the “Management Fee”) calculated as follows: (i) for the period starting on the initial closing date and ending on the earlier of (A) the last day of the calendar quarter during which the Commitment Period (as defined below) ends or (B) the last day of the calendar quarter during which the Adviser or an affiliate thereof begins to accrue a management fee with respect to a successor fund, 0.375% (i.e., 1.50% per annum) of the aggregate commitments determined as of the end of the Closing Period, and (ii) for each calendar quarter thereafter during the term of the Company (but not beyond the tenth anniversary of the initial closing date), 0.1875% (i.e., 0.75% per annum) of the aggregate cost basis (whether acquired by the Company with contributions from members, other Company funds or borrowings) of all portfolio investments that have not been sold, distributed to the members, or written off for tax purposes (but reduced by any portion of such cost basis that has been written down to reflect a permanent impairment of value of any portfolio investment), determined in each case as of the first day of such calendar quarter. The Management Fee in respect of the Closing Period will be calculated as if all capital commitments of the Company were made on the initial closing date, regardless of when Common Units were actually funded. The actual payment of the Management Fee with respect to the Closing Period will not be made prior to the first day of the first full calendar quarter following the end of the Closing Period. The “Commitment Period” of the Company will begin on the initial closing date and end on the earlier of (a) three years from the initial closing date and (b) the date on which the undrawn Commitment of each Common Unit has been reduced to zero. While the Management Fee will accrue from the initial closing date, the Adviser intends to defer payment of such fees to the extent that such fees cannot be paid from interest and fee income generated by our investments.

 

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For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, Management Fees incurred amounted to $7,550 and $20,143 respectively, of which $23,636 remained payable at June 30, 2015 including $3,493 from 2014.

In addition, the Adviser will receive an incentive fee (the “Incentive Fee”) as follows:

(a) First, no Incentive Fee will be owed until the unitholders have collectively received cumulative distributions pursuant to this clause (a) equal to their aggregate capital contributions in respect of all Common Units;

(b) Second, no Incentive Fee will be owed until the unitholders have collectively received cumulative distributions equal to a 9% internal rate of return on their aggregate capital contributions in respect of all Common Units (the “Hurdle”);

(c) Third, the Adviser will be entitled to an Incentive Fee out of 100% of additional amounts otherwise distributable to unitholders until such time as the cumulative Incentive Fee paid to the Adviser is equal to 20% of the sum of (i) the amount by which the Hurdle exceeds the aggregate capital contributions of the unitholders in respect of all Common Units and (ii) the amount of Incentive Fee being paid to the Adviser pursuant to this clause (c); and

(d) Thereafter, the Adviser will be entitled to an Incentive Fee equal to 20% of additional amounts otherwise distributable to unitholders, with the remaining 80% distributed to the unitholders.

The Incentive Fee will be calculated on a cumulative basis and the amount of the Incentive Fee payable in connection with any distribution (or deemed distribution) will be determined and, if applicable, paid in accordance with the foregoing formula each time amounts are to be distributed to the unitholders.

If the Advisory Agreement terminates early for any reason other than (i) the Adviser voluntarily terminating the agreement or (ii) our terminating the agreement for cause (as set out in the Advisory Agreement), we will be required to pay the Adviser a final incentive fee payment (the “Final Incentive Fee Payment”). The Final Incentive Fee Payment will be calculated as of the date the Advisory Agreement is so terminated and will equal the amount of Incentive Fee that would be payable to the Adviser if (A) all our investments were liquidated for their current value (but without taking into account any unrealized appreciation of any portfolio investment), and any unamortized deferred portfolio investment-related fees would be deemed accelerated, (B) the proceeds from such liquidation were used to pay all our outstanding liabilities, and (C) the remainder were distributed to unitholders and paid as Incentive Fee in accordance with the “waterfall” (i.e., clauses (a) through (d)) described above for determining the amount of the Incentive Fee. We will make the Final Incentive Fee Payment in cash on or immediately following the date the Advisory Agreement is so terminated. The Adviser Return Obligation (defined below) will not apply in connection with a Final Incentive Fee Payment.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 no Incentive Fees were incurred.

Administration Agreement: On September 15, 2014, the Company entered into the Administration Agreement with the Adviser under which the Adviser (or one or more delegated service providers) will oversee the maintenance of our financial records and otherwise assist on the Company’s compliance with regulations applicable to a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, prepare reports to our unitholders, monitor the payment of our expenses and the performance of other administrative or professional service providers, and generally provide us with administrative and back office support. The Company will reimburse the Administrator for expenses incurred by it on behalf of the Company in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. Amounts paid pursuant to the Administration Agreement are subject to the annual cap on Company Expenses (as defined below), as described more fully below.

 

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The Company, and indirectly the unitholders, will bear (including by reimbursing the Adviser or Administrator) all other costs and expenses of its operations, administration and transactions, including, without limitation, organizational and offering expenses, management fees, costs of reporting required under applicable securities laws, legal fees of the Company’s counsel and accounting fees. However, the Company will not bear (a) more than an amount equal to 10 basis points of the aggregate capital commitments of the Company for organization and offering expenses in connection with the offering of Common Units through the Closing Period and (b) more than an amount equal to 12.5 basis points of the aggregate Commitments of the Company per annum (pro-rated for partial years) for its costs and expenses other than ordinary operating expenses (“Company Expenses”), including amounts paid to the Administrator under the Administration Agreement and reimbursement of expenses to the Adviser. All expenses that the Company will not bear will be borne by the Adviser or its affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the cap on Company Expenses does not apply to payments of the Management Fee, Incentive Fee, organizational and offering expenses (which are subject to the separate cap), amounts payable in connection with the Company’s borrowings (including interest, bank fees, legal fees and other transactional expenses related to any borrowing or borrowing facility and similar costs), costs and expenses relating to the liquidation of the Company, taxes, or extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses and indemnification payments).

Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC

On June 5, 2015, the Company, together with an affiliate of Security Benefit Corporation and accounts managed by Oak Hill Advisors, L.P., entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “Agreement”) to become members of TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC (“TCW Strategic Ventures”). TCW Strategic Ventures will focus primarily on making senior secured floating rate loans to middle-market borrowers. The Agreement is effective June 5, 2015.

The Company’s capital commitment is $400,000, representing approximately 80% of the preferred and common equity ownership of TCW Strategic Ventures, with the third-party investors representing the remaining capital commitments and preferred and common equity ownership. A portion of the Company’s capital commitment was satisfied by the contribution of two loans to TCW Strategic Ventures. TCW Strategic Ventures also entered into a $500,000 revolving credit facility to finance a portion of certain eligible investments on June 5, 2015. TCW Strategic Ventures is managed by a management committee comprised of two members, one appointed by the Company and one appointed by Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. All decisions of the management committee require unanimous approval of its members. Neither the Company, nor the Adviser will receive management fees from this entity. Although the Company owns more than 25% of the voting securities of TCW Strategic Ventures, the Company does not believe that it has control over TCW Strategic Ventures (other than for purposes of the Investment Company Act).

The Company’s investments in affiliated investments for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were as follows:

 

     Fair Value as of
December 31,
2014
     Purchases      Sales     Change in
Unrealized Gains
(Losses)
     Fair Value as of
June 30, 2015
     Dividend Income  

Controlled Affiliates

                

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC

   $ —         $ 154,629       $ (13,474   $ 397       $ 141,552       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Controlled Affiliates

   $ —         $ 154,629       $ (13,474   $ 397       $ 141,552       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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5. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company had the following unfunded commitments and unrealized gain/(loss) as of June 30, 2015 by investment type:

 

Unfunded Commitments

   Amount      Unrealized
gain/(loss)
 

Total Military Management, Inc. (commitment expiration April 2020)

   $ 7,500       $ 0   

The Company’s total capital commitment to its underlying investment in TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC is $401,600. As of June 30, 2015, the Company’s unfunded commitment to Strategic Ventures is $260,445.

The Company had the following unfunded commitments and unrealized gain/(loss) as of December 31, 2014 by investment type:

 

Unfunded Commitments

   Amount      Unrealized
gain/(loss)
 

Angie’s List, Inc. (commitment expiration September 2017)

   $ 18,750       $ 0   

From time to time, the Company may become a party to certain legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of its business. At June 30, 2015, management is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts which provide a variety of representations and warranties, and that provide general indemnifications. Such contracts include those with certain service providers, brokers and trading counterparties. Any exposure to the Company under these arrangements is unknown as it would involve future claims that may be made against the Company; however, based on the Company’s experience, the risk of loss is remote and no such claims are expected to occur. As such, the Company has not accrued any liability in connection with such indemnifications.

6. Members’ Capital

As of the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company sold and issued 11,894,188 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $100 per unit. The activity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

    

For the three months ended

June 30, 2015

 

Units at beginning of period

     20,134,698   
  

 

 

 

Units issued and committed

     0   
  

 

 

 

Units issued and committed at end of period

     20,134,698   
  

 

 

 

 

     For the six months ended
June 30,2015
 

Units at beginning of period

     8,240,510   

Units issued and committed

     11,894,188   
  

 

 

 

Units issued and committed at end of period

     20,134,698   
  

 

 

 

 

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As of December 31, 2014, the Company sold and issued 8,240,510 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $100 per unit. The Company has issued and committed units as follows:

 

     For the period from
May 13, 2014 (Inception) to
December 31, 2014
 

Units at beginning of period

     10   

Units issued and committed

     8,240,500   
  

 

 

 

Units issued and committed at end of period

     8,240,510   
  

 

 

 

7. Credit Facility

On November 12, 2014, the Company entered into a new senior secured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, as borrower, and Natixis, New York Branch, as administrative agent and committed lender (“Natixis”).

The Credit Agreement provides for up to $750,000 of total lender commitments, with an initial commitment of $250,000 which may be periodically increased in amounts designated by the Company, up to an aggregate amount of $750,000. The maturity date of the Credit Agreement is November 12, 2017, unless such date is extended at the Company’s option no more than 2 times for a term of up to twelve 12 months per such extension. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (which will never be less than the adjusted eurodollar rate plus 1.00%) plus 0.70% or (b) adjusted eurodollar rate calculated in a customary manner plus 1.70%.

Also on November 12, 2014, the Company consummated two loan purchases pursuant to the Loan Sale Agreement between the Company and TCW Bridge. The revolving credit facility for TCW Bridge with Natixis has been repaid in full from the proceeds of those loan sales and the revolving credit facility for TCW Bridge has been terminated.

As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the commitment amounts were $500,000 and $500,000, respectively and the amounts outstanding under the credit facility were $435,000 and $55,000, respectively. The carrying amount of the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility, which is categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximates its fair value. Valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value include Company details, credit, market and liquidity risk and events, financial health of the Company, place in the capital structure, interest rate and terms and condition. The Company incurred $4,695 in connection with obtaining the Credit Facility, which the Company has recorded as deferred financing costs on its statement of asset and liabilities and is amortizing these fees over the life of the Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $3,704 and $4,457, respectively, of such prepaid deferred financing costs had yet to be amortized.

The summary information regarding the Credit Facility for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows:

 

     For the three
months ended
June 30,
2015
    For the six
months ended
June 30,
2015
    For the
Period Ended
December 31,
2014 (1)
 

Borrowing interest expense

   $ 681      $ 944      $ 334   

Unused fees

     317        705        72   

Administrative fees

     18        37        19   

Amortization of financing costs

     392        783        209   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,408      $ 2,469      $ 634   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average interest rate

     1.89     1.88     1.86

Average outstanding balance

   $ 142,527      $ 99,613      $ 62,880   

 

(1)  For the period from September 19, 2014 (Initial Closing Date) to December 31, 2014.

 

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8. Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The Company intends to elect to be treated as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code. So long as the Company maintains its status as a RIC, it will generally not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income or excise taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its common unitholders as dividends. As a result, any tax liability related to income earned and distributed by the Company represents obligations of the Company’s common unitholders and will not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The company was a C corporation (“C-Corp”) and filed or will file a tax return 1120 for 2014. The Company anticipates converting from a C-Corp to a RIC in 2015. There were no earnings and profits for 2014. Expected activity is interest income and amortized OID (less) organization and offering costs, management fees, interest expense and fund expenses resulting in a net loss for tax purposes in 2014. Built-in gains by a C-Corp transferred to a RIC are subject to tax. The company does not anticipate a tax on its built-in gains due its current net operating losses.

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” to be 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.

As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s aggregate investment unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on cost were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Tax cost

   $ 572,583       $ 110,313   

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 7,402       $ 2,187   

Gross unrealized depreciation

   $ —         $ —    

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

   $ 7,402       $ 2,187   

The significant components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Deferred income tax assets:

     

Net operating loss

   $ 1,080       $ 1,080   

Deferred organization costs

     219         219   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subtotal deferred income tax assets

     1,299         1,299   

Less: Valuation allowance

     (490      (490
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred income tax assets

     809         809   

Deferred tax liability - unrealized appreciation

     (809      (809
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets - net

   $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The current and non-current portion of the deferred tax assets are $51 and $1,248 respectively for June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The deferred tax liabilities are all classified as non-current.

The Company has a net operation loss (“NOL”) carryforward of $1,080 which will expire over the next 20 years. The Company does not plan on being able to utilize this NOL carryforward and has recorded a corresponding valuation allowance.

 

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9. Financial Highlights

Selected data for a unit outstanding throughout the six months ended June 30, 2015 is below. The accrual base Net Asset Value is calculated by subtracting the per unit loss from investment operations from the beginning Net Asset Value per unit and reflects all units issued and outstanding.

 

     For the six
months ended
June 30,
2015
 

Net Asset Value Per Unit (accrual base), Beginning of Period

   $ 99.84   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Common Unitholder NAV from Prior Year(1)

     0.09   
  

 

 

 

Income from Investment Operations:

  

Net investment loss(2)

     (0.88

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     0.36   
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.52

Less Distributions:

  

From net investment income

     —    

From net realized gains

     —    
  

 

 

 

Total distributions

     —    
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Unit (accrual base), End of Period

   $ 99.41   

Common Unitholder IRR (3)

     N/A   
  

 

 

 

Common Unitholder Total Return (4)

     -7.1
  

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

  

Members’ Capital, end of period

   $ 459,252   

Units outstanding, end of period

     20,134,698   

Ratios based on average net assets of Members’ Capital:

  

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets

     14.87

Expenses recaptured by Investment Adviser

     .20
  

 

 

 

Ratio of net expenses to average net assets

     15.07

Ratio of financing costs to average net assets

     1.56

Ratio of net investment income (loss) before expense recapture to average net assets

     (10.63 )% 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     (10.83 )% 

Credit facility payable

     435,000   

Asset coverage ratio

     2.1   

Portfolio turnover rate

     64

 

(1)  Net increase in Common Unitholder NAV from prior year is a one-time adjustment to account for the increase in the Common Units issued from January 1, 2015 through the final closing date of March 19, 2015.
(2)  Per unit data was calculated using the number of common units issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2015.
(3)  IRR is not meaningful for this period. The Company will provide in future periods.
(4)  The Total Return for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was calculated by taking the net loss of the Company for the period divided by the weighted average capital contributions from the members during the period. The return is net of management fees and expenses.

10. Subsequent Events

The Company evaluates the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued. On July 1, 2015 the Company modified the revolving credit facility with Natixis with a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement that increased the commitment amount from $500,000 to the full commitment amount of $750,000.

 

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

The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion also should be read in conjunction with the “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements” set forth on page 3 of this quarterly report. All dollar amounts are presented in thousands.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about us, our prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and are difficult to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation:

 

    An economic downturn could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;

 

    a contraction of available credit could impair our lending and investment activities;

 

    interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

    our future operating results;

 

    our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

 

    our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

    the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

    competition with other entities and our affiliates for investment opportunities;

 

    an inability to replicate the historical success of any previously launched fund managed by the direct lending team of our investment adviser, TCW Asset Management Company (the “Adviser”);

 

    the speculative and illiquid nature of our investments;

 

    the use of borrowed money to finance a significant portion of our investments;

 

    the adequacy of our financing sources and working capital;

 

    the costs associated with being a public entity;

 

    the loss of key personnel;

 

    the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies;

 

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

 

    the ability of The TCW Group, Inc. to attract and retain highly talented professionals that can provide services to the Adviser in its capacity as our investment adviser and administrator;

 

    our ability to qualify and maintain our qualification as a regulated investment company, or “RIC,” under Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the “Code,” and as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

 

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    the effect of legal, tax and regulatory changes; and

 

    the other risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on March 27, 2015 and in this report.

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, some of those assumptions are based on the work of third parties and any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate; as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could prove to be inaccurate. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this report should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or any other information contained herein, except as required by applicable law. The safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the 1934 Act, which preclude civil liability for certain forward-looking statements, do not apply to the forward-looking statements in this report because we are an investment company.

Overview

We were formed on April 1, 2014 as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware. We have filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We also intend to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC for the first taxable year in which it anticipates to have significant net taxable income, and expects to meet the minimum distribution and other requirements for RIC qualification and anticipate this will be 2015. As such, we will be required to comply with various regulatory requirements, such as the requirement to invest at least 70% of our assets in “qualifying assets,” source of income limitations, asset diversification requirements, and the requirement to distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income and tax-exempt interest.

Each investor was required to enter into a subscription agreement in connection with its Commitment (a “Subscription Agreement”). Under the terms of the subscription agreements, the Company may generally draw down all or any portion of the undrawn commitment with respect to each Common Unit upon at least ten business days’ prior written notice to the Unitholders. Investors have entered into subscription agreements for 20,134,698 Common Units of the Company issued and outstanding representing a total of $2,013,470 of committed capital.

Revenues

We generate revenues in the form of interest income and capital appreciation by providing private capital to middle market companies operating in a broad range of industries primarily in the United States. We do not expect the Direct Lending Team to originate investments for us with PIK interest features, although, we may have investments with payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest features in limited circumstances involving debt restructurings or work-outs of current investments. Our highly negotiated private investments may include senior secured loans, unsecured senior loans, subordinated and mezzanine loans, convertible securities, equity securities, and equity-linked securities such as options and warrants. However, our investment bias will be towards adjustable-rate, senior secured loans. We do not anticipate a secondary market developing for our private investments.

We are primarily focused on investing in senior secured debt obligations, although there may be occasions where the investment may be unsecured. We may also consider an equity investment as the primary security, in combination with a debt obligation, or as a part of total return strategy. Our investments are mostly in corporations, partnerships or other business entities. Additionally, in certain circumstances, we may co-invest with other investors and/or strategic partners through indirect investments in portfolio companies through a joint venture vehicle, partnership or other special purpose vehicle (each, an “Investment Vehicle”). While we invest primarily in U.S. companies, there may be certain instances where we will invest in companies domiciled elsewhere.

Expenses

We do not currently have any employees and do not expect to have any employees. Services necessary for our business are provided through the Administration Agreement and the Advisory Agreement.

 

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We will bear (including by reimbursing the Adviser or Administrator) all costs and expenses of our operations, administration and transactions, including, without limitation, organizational and offering expenses, management fees, costs of reporting required under applicable securities laws, legal fees of our counsel and accounting fees. However, we will not bear (a) more than an amount equal to 10 basis points of the aggregate Commitments for organization and offering expenses in connection with the offering of Common Units through the Closing Period and (b) more than an amount equal to 12.5 basis points of the aggregate Commitments per annum (pro-rated for partial years) for our Operating Expenses, including amounts paid to the Administrator under the Administration Agreement and reimbursement of expenses to the Adviser and its affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the cap on Operating Expenses does not apply to payments of the Management Fee, Incentive Fee, organizational and offering expenses (which are subject to the separate cap described above), amounts payable in connection with our borrowings (including interest, bank fees, legal fees and other transactional expenses related to any borrowing or borrowing facility and similar costs), costs and expenses relating to our liquidation of the Company, taxes, or extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses and indemnification payments to either the Adviser or the Administrator). All expenses that we will not bear will be borne by the Adviser or its affiliates.

Operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were as follows:

 

     For the three
months
ended June
30, 2015
(unaudited)
     For the six months
ended June 30,
2015 (unaudited)
 

Expenses

     

Management fees

   $ 7,550       $ 20,143   

Interest and credit facility expenses

     1,408         2,469   

Sub-administrator, transfer agent and custody fees

     135         266   

Insurance expense

     79         159   

Directors’ fees

     70         145   

Audit fees

     107         137   

Legal fees

     126         126   

Valuation fees

     34         45   

Tax service fees

     2         5   

Other expenses

     23         25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 9,534       $ 23,520   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expense recaptured by the Investment Adviser

     0         312   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Expenses

   $ 9,534       $ 23,832   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our total operating expenses were $9,534 for the three months ended June 30, 2015. Our operating expenses include management fees attributed to the Adviser of $7,550 for the three months ended June, 30 2015. Interest and credit facility fees of $1,408 were recorded related to the Natixis Credit Agreement for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The Interest and credit facility expense for the three months ended June 30, 2015 includes $392 of amortization of the deferred financing fees related to obtaining the Credit Agreement.

Our total operating expenses were $23,520 for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Our operating expenses include management fees attributed to the Adviser of $20,143. Interest and credit facility fees of $2,469 were recorded related to the Natixis Credit Agreement and includes $783 of amortization of the deferred financing fees related to obtaining the Credit Agreement. Net expenses include an expense recapture by the Investment Adviser of $312 related to the expense limitation on organization expenses as outlined in the Advisory Agreement.

Net Investment Loss

Our net investment loss for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $5,137. The loss is attributable to the commencement of investment operations, and ongoing costs in the period.

 

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Our net investment loss totaled $17,125 for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The loss is attributable to the commencement of investment operations, and ongoing costs in the period.

Net Realized Gain on Investments

Our net realized gain on investments for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $1,987. The gain was primarily related to the transfer of investments (see Investment Activity) to TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC and corresponding realization of origination fees from the investments transferred.

Our net realized gain on investments for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $1,995. The gain was primarily related to the transfer of investments (see Investment Activity) to TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC and corresponding realization of origination fees from the investments transferred.

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (depreciation) on investments

For the three months ended June 30, 2015, our net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments totaled $5,337 and resulted from investments originated in 2014 and 2015.

Our net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $5,215 and resulted from investments originated in 2014 and 2015.

Net Increase (Decrease) in Members’ Capital from Operations

Our net increase in Members’ Capital from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $2,187. This resulted from the loan originated in the quarter and further commencement of investment operations.

For the six months ended June 30, 2015 our net decrease in Members’ Capital from operations was $9,915 resulting from the commencement of investment operations, management fees charged on new commitments and ongoing costs in the period.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

We generate cash from (1) drawing down capital in respect of Units, (2) cash flows from investments and operations and (3) borrowings from banks or other lenders.

Our primary use of cash is for (1) investments in portfolio companies and other investments to comply with certain portfolio diversification requirements, (2) the cost of operations (including expenses, the Management Fee, the Incentive Fee, and any indemnification obligations), (3) debt service of any borrowings and (4) cash distributions to the Unitholders.

As of June 30, 2015, aggregate Commitment, Undrawn Commitments and subscribed for Units of the Company are as follows:

 

     Commitments      Undrawn
Commitments
     % of
Commitments
Funded
    Units  

Common Unitholder

   $  2,013,470       $ 1,542,317         23     20,134,698   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Natixis Credit Agreement

On November 12, 2014, the Company entered into a new senior secured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, as borrower, and Natixis, New York Branch, as administrative agent and committed lender (“Natixis”).

 

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The Credit Agreement provides for up to $750,000 of total lender commitments, with an initial commitment of $250,000 which may be periodically increased in amounts designated by the Company, up to an aggregate amount of $750,000. The maturity date of the Credit Agreement is November 12, 2017, unless such date is extended at the Company’s option no more than 2 times for a term of up to twelve 12 months per such extension. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (which will never be less than the adjusted eurodollar rate plus 1.00%) plus 0.70% or (b) adjusted eurodollar rate calculated in a customary manner plus 1.70%.

Also on November 12, 2014, the Company consummated two loan purchases pursuant to the Loan Sale Agreement between the Company and TCW Bridge. The revolving credit facility for TCW Bridge with Natixis has been repaid in full from the proceeds of those loan sales and the revolving credit facility for TCW Bridge has been terminated.

As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the commitment amounts were $500,000 and $500,000, respectively and the amounts outstanding under the credit facility were $435,000 and $55,000, respectively. The carrying amount of the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility, which is categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, approximates its fair value. Valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value include Company details, credit, market and liquidity risk and events, financial health of the Company, place in the capital structure, interest rate and terms and condition. The Company incurred $4,695 in connection with obtaining the Credit Facility, which the Company has recorded as deferred financing costs on its statement of asset and liabilities and is amortizing these fees over the life of the Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $3,704 and $4,457, respectively, of such prepaid deferred financing costs had yet to be amortized.

Investment Activity

Based on fair value as of June 30, 2015, our non-controlled/non-affiliated portfolio consisted of 100.0% of first-lien investments. We had investments in six portfolio companies and one investment fund with an aggregate fair values of $579,983 and $112,500 as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 respectively.

For the three months ended June 30, 2015 we originated six new loans with an aggregate fair value of $438,431and transferred two loans to TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC (described below).

The table below describes investments by industry classification and enumerates the percentage, by fair value, of the total non-controlled/non-affiliated investments assets in industries as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

     June 30, 2015     December 31, 2014  

Diversified Consumer Services

     8.0     0.0

Household Products

     33.1     0.0

Industrial - Conglomerate

     0.0     0.0

Machinery

     3.4     60.0

Media

     27.0     40.0

Metals and Mining

     0.0     0.0

Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods

     25.1     0.0

Road and Rail

     3.4     0.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest from investments was $4,397 and $6,707 three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Our operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015were as follows:

 

     For the three
months ended
June 30, 2015
(unaudited)
     For the six months
ended June 30,
2015 (unaudited)
 

Total investment income

   $ 4,397       $ 6,707   

Net Expenses

     9,535         23,833   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net investment loss

     (5,138      (17,126

Net realized gain on investments

     1,987         1,995   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from non-controlled/non-affiliated investments

     4,941         4,819   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from controlled affiliated investments

     397         397   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets from operations

   $ 2,187       $ (9,915
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The investment income of $4,397and $6,707 is interest income from our investments earned for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 respectively.

Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC

On June 5, 2015, the Company, together with an affiliate of Security Benefit Corporation and accounts managed by Oak Hill Advisors, L.P., entered into an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “Agreement”) to become members of TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC (“TCW Strategic Ventures”). TCW Strategic Ventures will focus primarily on making senior secured floating rate loans to middle-market borrowers. The Agreement is effective June 5, 2015.

The Company’s capital commitment is $400,000, representing approximately 80% of the preferred and common equity ownership of TCW Strategic Ventures, with the third-party investors representing the remaining capital commitments and preferred and common equity ownership. A portion of the Company’s capital commitment was satisfied by the contribution of two loans to TCW Strategic Ventures. TCW Strategic Ventures also entered into a $500,000 revolving credit facility to finance a portion of certain eligible investments on June 5, 2015. TCW Strategic Ventures is managed by a management committee comprised of two members, one appointed by the Company and one appointed by Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. All decisions of the management committee require unanimous approval of its members. Neither the Company, nor the Adviser will receive management fees from this entity. Although the Company owns more than 25% of the voting securities of TCW Strategic Ventures, the Company does not believe that it has control over TCW Strategic Ventures (other than for purposes of the Investment Company Act).

The Company’s investments in affiliated investments for the six months ended June 30, 2015 were as follows:

 

     Fair Value as of
December 31,
2014
     Purchases      Sales     Change in
Unrealized Gains
(Losses)
     Fair Value as of
June 30, 2015
     Dividend Income  

Controlled Affiliates

                

TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC

   $ —         $ 154,629       $ (13,474   $ 397       $ 141,552       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Controlled Affiliates

   $ —         $ 154,629       $ (13,474   $ 397       $ 141,552       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ.

In addition to the discussion below, our critical accounting policies are further described in Note 2 to the financial statements. We consider these accounting policies to be deemed critical because they involve management judgments and assumptions, require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain and because they are important for understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. These judgments will affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. With different estimates or assumptions, materially different amounts could be reported in our financial statements. The critical accounting policies should be read in connection with our risk factors as disclosed in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.”

Investments at Fair Value

Our investments held for which market quotes are readily available are valued at fair value. Fair value is generally determined on the basis of last reported sales prices or official closing prices on the primary exchange in which each security trades, or if no sales are reported, based on the mean of the latest quoted bid and asked prices obtained for debt investments from a quotation reporting system, established market makers or pricing service.

Investments which we hold for which market quotes are not readily available or market quotations are not considered reliable are valued at fair value by our Board of Directors based on similar instruments, internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs.

Fair Value Hierarchy: Assets and liabilities are classified us based on valuation inputs used to determine fair value into three levels.

Level 1 values are based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 values are based on significant observable market inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets and quoted prices in inactive markets or other market observable inputs.

Level 3 values are based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect our determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the assets.

Categorization within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

Level 1 Assets (Investments): The valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value are as follows:

Registered Investment Companies, (Level 1), include registered open-end investment companies that are valued based upon the reported net asset value of such investment.

 

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Level 3 Assets (Investments): The following valuation techniques and significant inputs are used to determine fair value of investments in private debt and equity for which reliable market quotations are not available. Some of the inputs are independently observable however, a significant portion of the inputs and the internal assumptions applied are unobservable.

Debt, (Level 3), include investments in privately originated senior secured debt. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the best available pricing inputs. A discounted cash flow approach is generally used to determine fair value. Standard pricing inputs include but are not limited to the financial health of the issuer, place in the capital structure, value of other issuer debt; credit, industry, and market risk and events.

Pricing inputs and weightings applied to determine value require subjective determination. Accordingly, valuations do not necessarily represent the amounts that may eventually be realized form sales or other dispositions of investments.

Equity investments in affiliated investment fund (TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC), (Level 3) is valued based on the net asset value reported by the investment fund. Investments held by the affiliated fund include debt investments in privately originated senior secured debt. Such investments held by the affiliated fund are valued using the same methods, approach and standards applied above to debt investments held by the Company. The Company’s ability to withdrawal from the fund is subject to restrictions.

Income Recognition

Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis unless doubtful of collection or the related investment is in default. Realized gains and losses on investments are recorded on a specific identification basis. We typically receive a fee in the form of a discount to the purchase price at the time it funds an investment in a loan. The discount is accreted to interest income over the life of the respective loan, as reported in the Statement of Operations, and reflected in the amortized cost basis of the investment. Discounts associated with a revolver are treated as a discount to the issuers’ term loan. In the event, there is a fee associated with a delayed draw that remains unfunded; we will recognize the fee as fee income immediately. Ongoing facility, commitment or other additional fees including, prepayment fees, consent fees and forbearance fees are recognized immediately when earned as income.

Income Taxes

We intend to elect to be treated as a RIC under the Code for the taxable year ending December 31, 2015. So long as we maintain our status as a RIC, we generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that is distributes at least annually to our Unitholders as dividends. Rather, any tax liability related to income earned and distributed by us represents obligations of our investors and will not be reflected in the financial statements.

 

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Contractual Obligations

A summary of our contractual payment obligations as of June 30, 2015 is as follows:

 

     Total Facility
Commitment
     Borrowings
Outstanding
     Amount
Available
 

Revolving Credit Agreement (1)

   $ 500,000       $ 435,000       $ 65,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Debt Obligations

   $ 500,000       $ 435,000       $ 65,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The amount available considers any limitations related to the debt facility borrowing. The facility has the ability to be increased up to $750,000 based on certain criteria.

The Company had the following unfunded commitments and unrealized gain/(loss) as of June 30, 2015 by investment type:

 

Unfunded Commitments

   Amount      Unrealized
gain/(loss)
 

Total Military Management, Inc. (commitment expiration April 2020)

   $ 7,500       $ 0   

Recent Developments

On July 1, 2015 the Company modified the revolving credit facility with Natixis with a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement that increased the commitment amount from $500,000 to the full commitment amount of $750,000.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. At June 30, 2015, 100.0% of our debt investments bore interest based on floating rates, such as LIBOR, EURIBOR, the Federal Funds Rate or the Prime Rate. The interest rates on such investments generally reset by reference to the current market index after one to six months. At June 30, 2015, the percentage of our floating rate debt investments that bore interest based on an interest rate floor was 100.0%. Floating rate investments subject to a floor generally reset by reference to the current market index after one to six months only if the index exceeds the floor.

Interest rate sensitivity refers to the change in earnings that may result from changes in the level of interest rates. Because we fund a portion of our investments with borrowings, our net investment income is affected by the difference between the rate at which we invest and the rate at which we borrow. As a result, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. We assess our portfolio companies periodically to determine whether such companies will be able to continue making interest payments in the event that interest rates increase. There can be no assurances that the portfolio companies will be able to meet their contractual obligations at any or all levels of increases in interest rates.

Based on our June 30, 2015 balance sheet, the following table shows the annual impact on net income (excluding the related incentive compensation impact) of base rate changes in interest rates (considering interest rate floors for variable rate instruments) assuming no changes in our investment and borrowing structure:

 

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Basis Point Change   

Interest

Income

    

Interest

Expense

     Net Income  

Up 300 basis points

   $ 17,538       $ 13,231       $ 4,307   

Up 200 basis points

     10,770         8,820         1,949   

Up 100 basis points

     3,574         4,410         (837

Down 100+ basis points

     0         0         0   

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against us. From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under loans to or other 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 financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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

Sales of unregistered securities

On September 19, 2014, the Company began accepting subscription agreements from investors for the private sale of its Common Units. The Company has continued to enter into subscription agreements since that date through the final closing date of March 19, 2015. Under the terms of the subscription agreements, the Company may generally draw down all or any portion of the undrawn commitment with respect to each Common Unit upon at least ten business days’ prior written notice to the unitholders. The issuance of the Common Units pursuant to these subscription agreements and any draw by the Company under the related commitments is expected to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof, and Rule 506(c) of Regulation D thereunder.

Issuer purchases of equity securities

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits.

 

(a) Exhibits

 

  3.1    Certificate of Formation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to a registration on Form 10 filed on April 18, 2014)
  3.4    Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated September 19, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to a filing on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2014)
10.1    Final Form of Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to a filing on Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2015)
31.1*    Certification of President Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2*    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32.1*    Certification of President Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)
32.2*    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)
99.1*    Financial Statements of TCW Direct Lending Strategic Ventures LLC from June 5, 2015 (Inception) to June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

* Filed herewith

 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    TCW DIRECT LENDING LLC
Date: August 10, 2015     By:  

/s/ Richard T. Miller

      Richard T. Miller
      President
Date: August 10, 2015     By:  

/s/ James G. Krause

      James G. Krause
      Chief Financial Officer

 

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